By 2050, there could be 10 billion humans living on Earth. It's a prediction Chris Packham, who's dedicated his life to championing the natural world, is gravely concerned about.

We're all aware of the climate and environment emergency, suggests the Southampton-born broadcaster (58), and there are plenty of conversations about biodiversity loss taking place.

But the massive threat posed by human population growth is the "elephant in the room".

So, he decided to make a documentary for BBC Two, titled Chris Packham: 7.7 Billion People & Counting.

"If people watch this and they don't think, then we are doomed," muses Packham. "We did everything we could to make this a programme which would prick up people's ears."

Packham travels around the globe in the one-off film to see the impact that our rapidly growing population is having.

He visits Brazil, investigating how Sao Paulo is a mega-city on the verge of running out of water.

"The human species is not particularly good at change, but we've reached a point in our history when, confronted with a number of serious problems, people are still putting their heads in the sand. My duty is to pull people's heads out of the sand," he says.

"There's an ongoing raft of programmes that are trying to generate awareness, but I think what is missing is the urgency that is required and the one that is lagging is the conversation about population growth.

"Unfortunately, when it comes to addressing these issues, the finger is often pointed at sub-Saharan Africa, because that is where the human population is growing most rapidly.

"We were very keen to address the fact that you can't point the finger at large families with poor black children as being the problem. Actually, at this point, we (in the UK) are the problem."

In exploring how the world can re-balance its consumption to accommodate the needs of more than two billion more people, Packham even analyses his own lifestyle choices.

"One of the crucial points in the film is where I honestly, and embarrassingly, point out that I've got 10 hoovering devices. That is exactly the root of the problem: I've got 10 hoovers and the cost of producing those and the batteries in them and replacing them - that's the damage we are doing," he says.

A particularly memorable segment of the documentary sees him interview a couple going through IVF treatment.

Did that meeting have any impact on him, considering his decision not to be a father?

"Not personally; I'm 58," says the presenter, who's stepdad to 24-year-old Megan (her mum is a former girlfriend; he's now in a relationship with Charlotte Corney, owner of Isle of Wight Zoo).

"Would it have made a difference when I was 25, when I might have been thinking about that? Maybe.

"But moving forward - and certainly when I met Megan - I was faced with another question of investing a considerable amount of time and money into another organism.

"Are they going to have a secure future? What is the future going to be like for them? Do they have the potential to be happy, comfortable and healthy?

"I've always been worried about that. And I think that's because I've been drawing my fear from the declines that I've been seeing in the environment and the natural world."

However, he adds candidly, witnessing the couple's drive and profound desire to go through the birth process was "actually quite awesome".

"It was alien to me, but nevertheless awesome. And I genuinely hope that they succeed, because it was something that they wanted so badly," he adds.

When he was in his 40s, Packham was diagnosed with Asperger's, a lifelong disability that affects how a person makes sense of the world.

The condition, which is a form of autism, wasn't really an issue when filming this most recent show, he reflects.

"It's something I can almost invariably cope with. If you're going to go into a situation that you know is not your comfort zone, then you can prepare yourself," he says.

"What was an issue was this programme was bound to expose me to the worst excesses of the things that I fear most. I'm a pragmatist. I have to remain in a position where I'm not going to give up. Because I'm determined to make a last stand, if that's what it comes to, for our environment. Not being overwhelmed by pessimism is something I have to constantly guard against."

Chris Packham: 7.7 Billion People & Counting, BBC Two, Tuesday, 9pm
Heather Heyer's mum holds a picture of her daughter and her mother: AP

The mother of a civil rights activist who died while demonstrating against the 2017 neo-nazi rally in Charlottesville, Virginia has a message for those planning to attend a major guns rights demonstration in the state on Monday: To anybody planning violence: stay the hell away from Richmond.

Susan Bro, co-founder and president of the social justice foundation named after her daughter Heather Heyer, spoke to The Independent on Friday after the FBI arrested multiple suspected neo-Nazis who had reportedly discussed opening fire at the demonstrations next week.

Ms Bro said she was concerned about an incitement of violence ahead of the annual Lobby Day demonstrations at the Virginia capitol.

I just think everyone needs to take a moment and breathe," she said, "but I think were past that point.

The guns rights rally was expected to draw thousands of Second Amendment activists and counter-protestors to the state after the Virginia General Assembly passed a series of sweeping gun control measures earlier this week. Many have said the incendiary comments leading up to the event have featured echoes of the contentious rhetoric seen before the Charlottesville rallies three years prior, including Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, who declared a state of emergency on Wednesday.

Ms Bro describes herself as a gun owner who believes in common sense gun laws and noted that she did not support several of the measures the newly-elected Democratic majority passed in Virginia's General Assembly.

Some bills are extreme measures, and I have seen those backed off from, she added. You also have to think about enforceability: you have to think, are you really going to be able to enforce these things?

In declaring a state of emergency, Mr Northam said his administration received credible intelligence from our law enforcement agencies of threats of violence surrounding the demonstration.

This includes extremist rhetoric similar to what has been seen before major incidents, such as Charlottesville in 2017, he added.

Story continues

Ms Bro also noted she has recently heard extremely violent rhetoric and added that she was glad to see that [Governor] Northam has taken some precautions.

The violence is not okay, and extreme measures are not okay either, she said.

Lobby Day is organised each year by the Virginia Citizens Defence League and includes both outdoor demonstrations near the grounds of the capitol, as well as actual lobbying events with state lawmakers, according to Philip Van Cleave, the president of the guns rights group.

Mr Van Cleave said the governor was poking gun owners with his declaration of a state of emergency, which temporarily bans firearms on Capitol grounds.

He also predicted the demonstrations could bring upwards of 100,000 people to Richmond  some of whom he said would be riled up by the recent gun control measures and state of emergency.

I cant tell if its stupid or malicious, he told The Independent of the governors temporary ban on firearms on capitol grounds. This isnt about statues. Its about an enumerated civil right.

The men arrested ahead of the rally included 27-year-old Patrik Jordan Mathews, a former combat engineer in the Canadian Army who was removed from his post when his associations to white supremacist groups first emerged. He later entered the US illegally and began serving as a lead recruiter for the neo-Nazi group called the Base.

Other suspected neo-Nazis who were arrested ahead of the demonstrations included 33-year-old Brian M Lemley Jr, a former cavalry soldier in the US army, and 19-year-old William G Bilbrough. The New York Times reported the men were planning to attend the rally with firearms while possibly anticipating a race war to ensue. Three additional suspects linked to the Base were arrested in Georgia this week and charged with plotting a murder.

The Virginia governor noted in his emergency declaration that he also received evidence of militia groups and hate groups from out of state who were planning to come to the Capitol and disrupt our democratic process with acts of violence. It was not clear whether the arrests were associated with the evidence Mr Northam cited when declaring a state of emergency.

Mr Van Cleave pushed back against those statements, saying his organisation has been working with police and has no control over other groups attending the Lobby Day demonstrations.

What a joke, those are groups that want to stop this, theyre going for Hail Marys because they see the power in it, he said, adding: Our organisation is a slice of America: weve got everything, we have no litmus test regardless of any beliefs.

Read more

Fears of Charlottesville repeat as neo-nazis arrested before gun rally
Gavin Sykes, 42, was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison (Picture: Police)

A man who sexually abused a seven-year-old girl after abducting her from a park in West Yorkshire has been jailed.

Gavin Sykes, 42, was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison at Leeds Crown Court on Friday after admitting abducting a child and being found guilty of two counts of sexual assault.

He was also convicted of committing an offence with the intent to commit a sexual offence.

Police said the girl would have come to further harm had on duty officers not been able to deploy so rapidly.

They received a report at 7.47pm on June 20, 2019, reporting the potential abduction from Woodlands Avenue, in Holmfirth, and immediately responded.

The suspects Toyota Celia car was located 15 minutes later and stopped.

Sykes was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court (Picture: Getty)

The victim was rescued by officers and Sykes was arrested.

He was then charged and appeared before magistrates two days later.

Police Constable Danni Nugent of the Kirklees District Safeguarding Unit, said: Sykes is clearly an extremely dangerous individual and we are pleased to see him receive a lengthy custodial sentence for what was a dreadful offence.

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He lured his young victim into his vehicle and it is fortunate the act was witnessed and quickly reported, prompting an immediate police response.

We strongly believe the victim would have come to further harm had on duty officers not been able to deploy so rapidly and locate his car when they did.

She added: This incident has clearly been very harrowing for the victim and her family and we hope that seeing this man jailed will be of some measure of comfort for them.
Rock band Sum 41 have cancelled their intimate gig in Paris after an 'explosive device was detonated just outside of the venue door.'

The Canadian musicians, who are currently on an European tour, were due to perform at venue Le Etoiles in the French city on Saturday night.

Ahead of the show, they explained on Twitter that there weren't any injuries but couldn't 'guarantee the safety of the fans' so had to cancel their appearance.

Cancelled: Sum 41 announced on Twitter that they have cancelled their gig in Paris after an 'explosive device was detonated just outside of the venue door'

Writing in a now deleted tweet, they said: 'During load in for tonight's performance in Paris, an explosive device was detonated just outside of the venue door.

Band, crew, the fans in line are all safe, there were no injuries. Due to the intimate nature of our 'Personal Space' performances, we are unable to guarantee the safety of the fans in attendance.

'We are deeply saddened to announce that tonight's show has been canceled. More information to follow.'

When asked about the 'explosion', venue Les Etoiles exclusively told MailOnline: 'There were firecrackers in the street during the strikes. Absolutely no other problems. The group didn't want to take any risks.'

No injuries: The band said none of their crew or fans waiting outside had been hurt in a now deleted tweet

More to follow: They later shared a shorter tweet revealing the show was cancelled but didn't include the information about the 'explosive device'

Venue: Les Etoiles exclusively told MailOnline the incident was caused by 'firecrackers in the street' but that the band 'didn't want to take any risks'

However a shorter version of Sum 41's tweet, announcing the cancellation of the gig but not explaining why, was later posted.

Vincent Le Gall, the manager of the venue, told Franceinfo that 'yellow vests' blew up an agricultural bomb, a firecracker' in the street.

He added: 'We talked for three hours with them, but they did not want to do the concert.'

Fans took to social media to express their sadness at the concert's cancellation, but also say they were glad nobody was harmed.

One wrote 'hope you are alright' and another agreed adding 'very glad you are all uninjured'.

Another added in frustration: 'It was just a firecracker, I still do not understand the situation.'

Rockers: Sum 41 are currently on an European tour with a gig in London on Monday before heading onto Amsterdam (pictured is Deryck Whibley performing in Paris on Friday)

Worried: Fans took to Twitter to express their concern and say they were thankful for the band not being injured in the incident

Safe: Another fan commented on Sum 41's tweet after the shocking news

Sum 41 was formed in 1996 under the name Kaspir and included members Deryck Whiblet Dave Baksh Tom Thacker and Jason 'Cone' McCaslin.

Since then the rockers have released hit tracks including In Too Deep, Fat Lip and Pieces.

The band are next expected to perform on Monday in London before heading onto Amsterdam and Dusseldorf.

MailOnline has contacted the band and Prefecture de Police for comment.
Mumbai: Renowned choreographer Ganesh Acharya on Friday dismissed allegations levelled against him by veteran choreographer Saroj Khan, who accused Acharya of exploiting his dancers and using his position to malign the Cine Dancers Association (CDA).

"Saroj ji is speaking wrong. When the CDA was closed why did not she came to help us to open it. Five coordinators were appointed for CDA by taking Rs 15 lakh from them. 217 masters have signed a letter that they do not need coordinators. Do the Federation people know dancing. Do they know who is a good dancer," said Acharaya while speaking to ANI.

"Saroj ji should come forward to help dancers. There is a need of re-election for the CDA," he said. Khan, who represents the CDA and has been working with it over a decade, has accused Acharya of forming a new organisation and badmouthing CDA. She also alleged that Acharya has been stealing its dancers by promising them more money.

Responding to this, Acharya said: "The CDA was shut down six months ago following a legal dispute that began in 2018. However, Deric Biswas, Zahid Shaikh, Al Fahim Surani and Ravi Kanwar reopened it without showing any court orders to do so and filled up the posts without elections. Now, they are pressuring dancers to join the association again."

"I have been standing with dancers. I am emotionally attached to them. This is their problem and that is why they are speaking against me," he said. Acharya and his father were associated with the CDA.

"The members of All India Film Television Events Dancers Association (AIFTEDA) would also like to return to CDA, only after a fair election and wages assured to them," he said. Acharya`s supporters said that he never differentiated among dancers. "If there is a need of 50 dancers he takes 100 dancers so that more people can earn. He stands by us in our every problem. Even he stood by those who are criticising him now," a dancer said. This dispute comes after Acharya accused the CDA of paying dancers less than the mandated rates. On December 26, 2019, the AIFTEDA was formed, allegedly by miffed former members of the CDA.
Data Security

Districts Hit with Malware over Winter Break

Schools districts in both Washington state and Michigan suffered malware attacks during the winter break.

The Issaquah School District discovered its problem on Sunday, Dec. 22 and immediately turned off websites, email and other programs that were hosted in the district's own data center. Those services run from off-site (Skyward and MySchoolBucks.com) were not affected, according to local reporting. About a week later "most" of the programs had been restored.

"IT has been working around the clock to assess and restore system functionality carefully and methodically," the district stated on its website on Jan. 4. "Internet and email have been restored for the most part, although we do expect some systems to remain offline for a few weeks into the new year." As of Jan. 7, however, the district was still preventing personal computing devices from connecting to the network.

In Michigan, Richmond Community Schools was hit specifically with ransomware on Dec. 27. On its Facebook page, the district said that several servers had been hit, affecting "critical operating systems in the district, including but not limited to heating, telephones, copiers, and classroom technology."

According local reporting, hackers demanded payment of $10,000 in bitcoin and the school was forced to extend it holiday break for an additional two days, as administrators dealt with a "building problem" tied to the attack.

The school chose not to pay the ransom and told local media that it had reported the break-in to state and federal law enforcement. It also assured the community that "no student or staff information has been compromised."
Cafe-hopping in Kandy From a cafe tucked away in an alley to one that resembles a garage, Tera Jayewardene finds little foody gems with distinct vibes View(s): View(s):

Surrounded by hills on every side lies Kandy, a city known for its historical importance and scenic beauty. For the growing number of foodies among us, its good news that Kandys cafe scene too has been growing rapidly and this week we feature three interesting theme cafes we came across on a recent visit to the hill capital.

Cafe Banana Chill

Cafe Banana Chill is one of Kandys hidden gems. Located at 5, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy, it is owned by Viraj Livera, who started off his journey as a bartender learning to make drinks by watching YouTube tutorials. Viraj launched this cafe as a vegetarian and vegan restaurant with his focus on plant- based food, more than a year ago.

Small and unpretentious, the Cafe Banana Chill logos bright yellow glimmers in the sunlight catching the eye of passers-by. Inside in keeping with the banana theme, the walls are bright yellow, with messages written all over it with black sharpies. The murals on either side are of an elephant and a girl.

After three months in Sri Lanka, the best breakfast we had! We loved it, thank you:), one person wrote on the wall. It makes an interesting read with writings in many different languages, like this message in German, Das Beste Avo toast auf dieses welt, meaning the best avocado toast in the world, signed Carl and Tim from Germany.

Among Cafe Bananas variety of tasty vegan food, the Avocado Toast made with mushrooms, tomatoes, avocado, lettuce, cucumber, sesame, corn, and bell pepper stands out. The Avo Coffee is something really special, with a message written on the wall explaining it best: I never knew I needed Avo Coffee, until I came here! The avocado taste is subtle, and the drink is made with both coconut and regular milk on request. In addition to these two dishes, there is the chia pudding, mushroom toast, virgin mojitos, vegan sausages, and much more.

Cafe Secret Alley

In a hidden alley lies the aptly named Cafe Secret Alley (pictured on our Magazine cover) at 10/1/1/1 Kotugodalla Street, Kandy. Up a flight of stairs you enter the restaurant that is a haven of healthy food. Run by Dilshan ArtyRanaweera, in partnership with Niranjula Lanka Gunasekara , the cafe prioritizes fresh and healthy food.

It was really hard to get people here at the beginning, its really inside and nobody knew the place. So I started drawing things because most of the days I was alone, I would go down and draw things so that it would draw attention to the cafe, Dilshan explains how the art factor became part of the cafe. The cafe wasnt systematically planned out but grew organically. Much of the artwork seen in the cafe comes from foreign visitors  a mosaic of a flower has a message in the centre that reads, We return to each other in waves, that is how water loves. Each table has a pineapple on it, and the bowls are made of coconut shells, adding to the healthy aesthetic.

With one of their specialties being their smoothie bowls, this is a must order if you pop in. The Sunshine Bliss, for instance, combines mango, coconut milk, dates, bananas and apples together into an ultimate healthy combo. The Bliss bowl is the healthy lunch meal, with three veggies, tofu, grains, greens, with tomato salsa and rice. This is a vegetarian meal served in a single bowl consisting of small portions of several foods served cold. Depending on the availability of greens the contents change but the bountiful amount of greens stays consistent along with pumpkin, cabbage, red cabbage, tomato salsa, tofu, carrots, chickpeas and soy sauce.

The Secret Iced Latte made with coffee, cinnamon and coconut milk is one of their specialties. The vegan drink starts off with the coconut milk hitting your taste buds and then, the coconut and later the cinnamon.

The produce is fresh, and everything is healthy making the cafe a favourite with tourists, and health fanatics.

The Garage Cafe

The Garage Cafe is a popular hangout spot in Kandy, with its colour cone lighting, graffiti walls, chalkboard menus, barrel tables and chairs, and affordable prices. Lively and bustling, it serves different kinds of food from waffles and burgers to submarines. Dulangi Wickramasinghe, the owner, who moved the cafe over to No. 195 Peradeniya Rd, Kandy nine months ago, says she gets a lot of support from her family. Her brother Heshan helps out with the cafe during his free time.

The whole family is involved in the cafe, and it is with their dedicated support that Dulangi is able to manage it with her regular job as an Assistant HR Manager at a garment factory.

When I was schooling in Kandy I used to be in a hostel so we had less money and we used to go to nearby cafes and be like oh we cant go in because its so expensive. This inspired us to do something less pricey, she says. Thus the priority became to make the cafe as affordable as possible.

My dad owns a tyre shop in Nuwara Eliya and that was also an inspiration for the cafe, Heshan adds. You can really feel the atmosphere at the garage cafe it is full of locals, coming and spending their free time there.

Heshan speaks of people who come thinking it is a garage  for indeed the cafe pulls off the vibe of being a garage with the graffiti, tyres and tin barrels used as tables blending so perfectly that people may just get confused. Upstairs a mural of Marvel and DC superheroes, conjures up a completely different aesthetic.

So affordable and so good was the food! One of the best dishes is the spicy Kottu with cream cheese which is priced at just Rs 300. The creamy hot chocolate with marshmallows, we found was far superior to most hot chocolate drinks in Colombo. The chicken burger and oreo shake also makes a fantastic combo and their Belgian waffle with real strawberries and chocolate was also superb.
The impeachment trial of US President Donald Trump officially kicked off in the Republican-majority Senate with the reading of the two articles of impeachment the Democrat-majority House of Representatives approved last month.

New Delhi, Jan 18 (IANS) As the Senate formally began its impeachment trial of US President Donald Trump, the President responded with a tweet to claim "I JUST GOT IMPEACHED FOR MAKING A PERFECT PHONE CALL."

So obviously, his tweet went viral, thus, leading to some hilarious jokes, memes and really good sarcasm on Twitter.

A user wrote: "Nice nice i just ate a big sandwich."

"It wasn't a "PERFECT" phone call and the majority of Americans support impeachment of Trump...I stand with impeachment!...Who's with me?" asked one user.

"The only perfect phone call is one you don't make" wrote another.

A Tweeple remarked, "You're IMPEACHED because you're a low down, dirty, treasonous, conniving, conman, who used tax payer dollars to bribe a foreign government."

A post read, "This is the biggest sham impeachment in the history of our country, shameful!"

Substantial trial proceedings, however, will not begin until January 21

saurav/rt
BJP workers have sent over 42 thousand postcards, collected from residents of the Vadodara district, to show their support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Centres move on the amended Citizenship Act.

The BJP workers on Friday took out a rally to the local post office before sending the postcards in a lot to the Prime Minister.

Ranjanaben Bhatt, Lok Sabha MP, who led the march on Friday said that this was a gesture by the Vadodara residents to thank and appreciate the work done by PM Modi.

Our workers went ahead and met the people and asked them to fill out postcards in support of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). But in most of the cases, the people themselves handed over the postcards showing their support to the CAA and PM Modi. Today, we have posted 42,000 postcards and there are some 20,000-25,000 more people who will do so on a later date, Ranjanaben Bhatt told ANI here.

The people of Vadodara are with Narendra Modiji, and this is their way of showing their support, she added.

The CAA grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.




Haiti - Taiwan : President Moise inaugurates a modern seed center in Morne Casse





Friday, January 17, President Jovenel Moise inaugurated a modern seed center at Morne Casse in the commune of Ferrier (northeast) funded by Taiwan (Republic of China). The ceremony was attended by agronomist Joseph C. Angrand, Minister of Agriculture, Taiwanese Ambassador Bang-Zyh Liu and several regional executives and members of farmers' associations.



This Center, which is equipped with automatic equipment for drying seeds at temperature controlled by computers and a laboratory to test the quality of seeds, is part of a project of 3 Rice seed conditioning centers which are planned in the South, Artibonite and the Northeast "One of the priority objectives of my Administration through these modern seed centers is to create conditions favorable to the increase in national rice production to meet the needs of the population and farmers' associations," said the Head of State.



According to Ambassador Liu, the annual production capacity of the Ferrier Center will be 5,000 tonnes of rice from 2021. President Moise reiterated his commitments to farmers in these departments, which he strongly encourages to organize into cooperatives to better serve their common interests stating "We will continue to strengthen the irrigation and cleaning of canals, create adequate agricultural infrastructure and facilitate the obtaining of agricultural credits to develop your businesses."



After highlighting the potential of well-maintained irrigated land and the importance of strengthening this sector, in particular through the establishment of the National Bank for Agricultural Development (BNDA), which will open on May 1, 2020 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29740-haiti-news-zapping.html , the Head of State has once again promised the formation of a Government which will respond to the urgent problems of the populations.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29621-haiti-taiwan-financial-support-for-food-self-sufficiency-in-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29385-haiti-artibonite-moise-launches-a-credit-program-for-agricultural-cooperatives.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26606-haiti-taiwan-$22-million-for-increased-rice-seed-production.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-24709-icihaiti-agriculture-a-taiwanese-delegation-in-the-northeast.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-24673-icihaiti-agriculture-inauguration-of-a-laboratory-for-the-benefit-of-the-sns.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Women continue to hold a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the Register of Citizens (NRC) at the Ghanta Ghar here even as women continue to protest at Delhi's Shaheen Bagh.

Women here are protesting and singing the Anthem, holding the tricolour flags in their hands. The number of women joining the agitation here is continuously increasing.

Earlier on Friday, hundreds of women staged a sit-in protest in Prayagraj, to express their discontent over the CAA, NRC and Population Register (NPR).

The district administration had also filed an FIR against some of the protesters in a bid to remove them from the area. However, the protesters continued to occupy the space.

To spread the message of brotherhood and patriotism, the protestors, mostly Muslim women had decked the venue with a collage of Ram Prasad Bismil and Ashfaq Ullah Khan, who have sacrificed their lives for the Indian independence movement, along with the Indian tricolour flag.

Protests broke out in different parts of the country against and in support of CAA which grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and who came to 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.)
One person was killed and another was injured Saturday in an early morning shooting on a highway in Lodi, authorities said.

New Jersey State Troopers responded to a report of a shooting on Interstate 80 West at 12:16 a.m., State Police officials said on their Twitter account. One person died and another person was injured, but no additional details on the circumstances or the condition of the injured victim were released.

The shooting occurred right near the entrance to Exit 63, near the former site of National Wholesale Liquidators.

When contacted, the State Police did not have additional information on the shooting. Lodi Police declined to comment, referring questions back to the State Police.

Troopers responded at 12:16 a.m. to the report of a shooting on I-80 WB, MP 64.4 in Lodi, Bergen County. One confirmed fatality and one additional injured victim. There is no further information available at the moment.  NJSP - State Police (@NJSP) January 18, 2020

Rodrigo Torrejon may be reached at rtorrejon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rodrigotorrejon.

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She is awaiting the arrival of 'Dinky' - her first child.

And Lydia Bright gave fans a glimpse of her baby shower and birthday celebrations on Saturday as she enjoyed a relaxing lodge break at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales.

Joined by her pregnant BFF Lucy Mecklenburgh, 28, and other TOWIE pals, the television personality, 29, took to Instagram to share a slew of snaps from the resort, which has housed big names such as the Obamas.

Welcome to Lydia's baby shower! Lydia Bright gave fans a glimpse of her baby shower on Saturday as she enjoyed a relaxing lodge break at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales

Lydia, who is due to give birth next month, pulled out all the stops for her lavish baby shower as she headed to the luxury resort with her mum Debbie, sisters Georgia and Roma Bright and former TOWIE star Amber Dowding.

The baby-shower weekend kicked off with welcome drinks and a plush dinner prepared by chef Carl, with Lydia sharing photos of the numerous bottles of alcohol-free Champagne and gold leaf desserts.

And the glamorous mum-to-be enjoyed a host of luxuries during their stay at the lodges; including an indoor sauna and an outdoor hot tub with incredible views of the Welsh countryside.

Breathtaking views: Joined by her pregnant BFF Lucy Mecklenburgh, 28, and other TOWIE pals, the television personality, 29, took to Instagram to share a slew of snaps from the resort which has housed such big names as the Obamas

Making memories: The reality star couldn't resist posing outside the rural lodge in her 'mummy to be' dressing gown and wrote: 'Every girls dream. 15 of my nearest and dearest away to celebrate my birthday and baby shower'

Cheers! Lydia was ready to pop the alcohol-free Champagne as the party gathered at the lodge

Stunning: The glamorous mum-to-be enjoyed a host of luxuries during their stay at the lodges; including an indoor sauna and an outdoor hot tub with incredible views of the Welsh countryside

Weekend break: Lydia shared a glimpse of the interior of the cosy lodge and it didn't take long for Lucy to feel at home

Oh, baby! Lydia was welcomed with pink balloons and a giant placard which read 'Welcome to Lydia's Baby Shower'

Wow: The family could relax in style at the lodge, which came complete with wood furnishings and a purple kitchen suite

It didn't take long for the party to slip into the personalised silk pyjamas. Lydia's were embellished with her unborn daughter's nickname Dinky.

The reality star couldn't resist posing outside the rural lodge in her 'mummy to be' dressing gown and wrote: 'Every girls dream 15 of my nearest and dearest away to celebrate my birthday and baby shower @thecelticmanor Feeling like the luckiest girl in the world.'

During the weekend, therapists from the resort's spa were on hand to deliver pampering treatments.

The party was also treated to deluxe wellness picnic hampers, a private dinner at Pad restaurant and an indulgent afternoon tea to celebrate the baby shower in style.

Scrumptious: The baby-shower weekend kicked off with welcome drinks and a plush dinner prepared by chef Carl

Here we go! Lydia's mum Debbie and sisters Georgia and Roma headed to Wales for the celebrations, with the family sharing a snap at the train station

Celebrations: When Lydia asked if the girls were excited, the party raised their hands in the air and cheered

Rest and relaxation: Heavily pregnant Lydia stayed in the lodge's bedroom suite which had a huge kingsize bed

Luxurious: Lydia and the girls were gifted personalised silk pyjamas and a range of spa products. The TV star's were embellished with her unborn daughter's nickname Dinky and mummy-to-be

Lydia is a regular guest at the resort, having attended the prestigious Polo at the Manor event at Celtic Manor for the last five years.

The resort is no stranger to celebrity guests. In 2014, Barack Obama stayed in one of the lodges for the NATO summit and last year the resort hosted sisters Sam and Billie Faiers for filming of The Mummy Diaries.

Lydia revealed she was expecting back in August, and her due date is the same week as her best friend Lucy's.

The reality star revealed she and her best friend Lucy discovered they were pregnant on the same day in The Brights podcast.

Lydia said: 'I'll never forget the day we both found out we were pregnant.

Off to the spa! During the weekend, therapists from the resort's spa were on hand to deliver pampering treatments for the guests

Dreamy: The girls could relax in the hotel's pool which comes complete with a midnight blue sky

'Basically, we were both due to start filming on Celebrity Hunted, I thought it would be a good idea to do a pregnancy test a couple of days before because I was off birth control and it came back positive to my shock.

'Because I fell pregnant very quickly, I gave Lucy a call, and she guessed that I was pregnant.

'So she ran out and got a pregnancy test and called me 6 hours later and said she was pregnant as well. I mean, it's crazy. You couldn't write it.'

Raring to go: The girls appeared in high spirits as they headed to Wales for the weekend of celebrations

Pregnant: Lucy, who is expecting a baby boy next month, looked in need of some pamper treatment as she arrived at the resort

Trip to remember: Lydia posed with sisters Georgia and Roma before the family headed to Wales

Former TOWIE star Lydia split from the baby's father, Lee Cronin - but has previously said he still goes to every scan with her.

The couple had been together for two years before calling time on the relationship.

During a previous Instagram Q&A she was asked if Lee is an 'active part' of her unborn daughter's life. She said: 'Our baby was very much planned and we are both very excited for her arrival.'
RuPauls DragCon UK organisers have insisted problems will be ironed out following a flood of complaints from visitors.

US star RuPaul opened what was billed as the worlds largest celebration of drag culture.

But some fans tweeted their frustration following long waits to get into Olympia London.

Visitor @GraceAnatomyUK wrote: RuPaulsDragCon is a total shambles. Weve been queueing for two hours, havent moved for one hour, no updates, no nothing!

Okay, @RuPaulsDragCon is a total shambles. We've been queueing for two hours, haven't moved for one hour, no updates, no nothing! Cold, hungry, feet hurt, need the loo. And we paid a fortune for the tickets! #dragcon #dragconuk  Grace Anatomy (@GraceAnatomyUK) January 18, 2020

Cold, hungry, feet hurt, need the loo. And we paid a fortune for the tickets!

Liv Woodward wrote: This is far too overpacked. How are you meant to move in that?!

@101Gothgirl wrote: This is what happens when drag goes mainstream. This is also what happens when you oversell tickets for the sake of money vs the integrity of your fans.

This is far too overpacked. How are you meant to move in that?! #DragConUK pic.twitter.com/d7dyA9zYVc  liv woodward (@livwoodward) January 18, 2020

Event organisers World Of Wonder said in a statement that problems would be fixed for Sundays event.

Video of the Day

They offered refunds to anyone who was not able to get in.

Health and Safety officers had advised us to temporarily halt the queue entrances today for an hour due to clogging of the aisles and from there on out  we got everyone in as fast as possible under H&Ss watch, they said.

@RuPaul @RuPaulsDragCon So weve been told that nobody has been let in for 2 hours because the venue is at maximum capacity!! Weve been told no refunds, doesnt look like well get let in today!  Wheres our #RUfund ? #dragconuk  Beth (@bethanjane22) January 18, 2020

We have met with the venue, security and H&S for tomorrows event and are confident that the same issues wont arise.

Thank you and we appreciate you. If your ticket wasnt scanned and you would like to return you are welcome to use your ticket to come tomorrow.

If you cant make tomorrow, refunds will be honoured  please email help@rupaulsdragcon.com for further assistance.

People are getting impatient at #DragCon #RuPaul #dragconuk we want a refund if dont let us in!! pic.twitter.com/BlUX3q6POH  Fran Castano (@Franfrinmusic) January 18, 2020

Organisers billed the event as the very best in drag fashion, queer and pop culture and LGBTQ+ art.

RuPaul, who has been on BBC Three on RuPauls Drag Race UK, cut the ribbon to mark the start of the convention.
In the last year , the tech giant Google launched its new feature of enabling all 7+ Android devices to be used as two-factor authentication (2FA) while signing into Gmail, Drive or any other first-party services of the Tech Company and this year Google just revealed a new update which enables iPhones to be used as built-in phone security keys for a variety of Google apps.Nowadays, majority of the people rely on two-factor authentication of codes sent via SMS but despite that, it is also widely regarded as an insecure way of 2FA as phone number can be accessed easily so usually safer alternatives recommended for multi-step verification includes plugging physical keys into the phone or computers of the users.To ease the users, Google just launched a new solution regarding two-factor authentication which is that the users can use their phone hardware to easily verify that theyre the one logging in.If you take a look at the Google Prompt and built-in phone security key youll realize that even though they both pretty much share the same UI but they still differ from each other.The push-based Google Prompt approach is found in the Google Search app and Gmail whereas the built-in phone security key approach is found to be pretty similar to physical USB-C/Lightning Key in terms of being more secured towards phishing attempts.For the phone security key, the user needs within the specified Bluetooth range of the device that wants to log-in whereas the login prompt cant be sent over with an internet connection so easily.Recently this week, Google also launched another update in its Google Smart Lock app for iOS which includes enabling iPhone users to set up their phones built-in security keys storing Touch IDM Face ID and other cryptographic data with the Secure Enclave found on the A-Series chips of Apple.Whenever an iPhone user will enter its Google Account username and password theyll be directed towards open Smart Lock app on their nearby phones to confirm the login attempt and it also provides the user with the option to cancel the attempt by clicking on the button No, its not me.This built-in security feature will only work if the user is signing-in to Google with Google Chrome app with enabled Bluetooth on the Desktop computer and phone as well for the confirmation of request and verification of the devices communicating locally.After installing the update on the device, iPhone users will be directed towards the option to select an account to set up the built-in security key of the phone and previously, the Smart Lock app was only used to allow Bluetooth security keys along with generating one-time security codes but a version of 1.6 Google pretty much refreshed the app to make it easier to use for its users.Google is one of the largest tech giants with billions of active users and the platform always attempts to provide its users with as many unique services as possible and we are really looking forward to more new services in the coming months.Read next: Google Is Now Able To Do More Accurate Rain "Nowcasting" With Machine Learning
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 04:42:13|Editor: yan

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KHARTOUM, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Tripartite Committee for Monitoring Cessation of Hostilities in Sudan's South Kordofan and Blue Nile on Saturday held its first meeting at South Sudan's Capital Juba, said Sudan's Sovereign Council in a statement.

The meeting has brought together officials from South Sudan as mediators, and representatives of the Sudanese government and Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM)/northern sector.

"The tripartite committee for monitoring the cessation of hostilities reviewed the humanitarian situation in the two areas during its first meeting ... besides the arrangements relating to the committee's work," Diu Matuk, a member of South Sudan's mediation team, was quoted in the statement as saying.

The committee would soon move to Khartoum and establish headquarters in South Kordofan's Kadugli city and Blue Nile's Damazin city, he added.

Matuk urged the international community and all the Sudanese people to support the committee in helping the needy in the two areas.

On Dec. 17, 2019, the Sudanese government and the SPLM/northern sector signed a framework agreement to address the humanitarian issues in South Kordofan and Blue Nile areas.
Days after being dropped from the Aam Aadmi Partys (AAP) Delhi Assembly candidates list, Dwarka MLA Adarsh Shastri on Saturday formally joined the Congress party. As he made his entry into the grand old party, Shastri alleged that the AAP had taken money to give ticket to another candidate. Shastri, along with a large number of followers, joined the party in the presence Delhi Congress chief Subhash Chopra and Delhi party in-charge PC Chacko.

We are welcoming our son back into the party. He left a high-paying job and came to politics, and this shows his dedication and desire to work for the people, Chopra said.

The AAP did not respond to the allegations despite calls and text messages.

I dont have a problem if you (the AAP) do not give me a ticket. Give it to a party worker who has worked for the party, Shastri said.

Shastri also said that AAP chief Kejriwal always refrained from commenting on important issues, and his silence on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), violence against students at the Jamia Millia Islamia and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) was baffling
Two people were seriously injured on Friday night when a shipping container in their backyard south of Wollongong exploded.

Emergency services were called to the Oak Flats home at 7pm on Friday where a 46-year-old woman and a 47-year-old man had been badly burned. The woman, who was opening the container door when the explosion occurred, was flung back five metres by the force of the blast.

A policeman rescues a dog from the Oak Flats property. Credit:Nine News

"Firefighters were initially faced with a large amount of destruction in a residential house," NSW Fire and Rescue Inspector Chad Wallace told Nine News.

"Their intentions were also to support NSW Ambulance to render emergency first aid to ... a couple that were burned as the result of a flash-type explosion from that rear shed."
LNA's Haftar Thanks Putin for Russia's Efforts Toward Peace in Libya in Personal Letter

Sputnik News

15:29 17.01.2020(updated 16:10 17.01.2020)

Earlier in the day, the Kremlin press service announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the international conference on Libya in Berlin that is to be held this Sunday.

The Kremlin press service said Friday that Libyan National Army (LNA) head, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, had thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin in a personal letter for the efforts toward resolving the Libyan crisis.

"I thank you and express my full support for the Russian initiative to hold peace talks in Moscow, which should lead to peace in Libya. I confirm that we are ready to accept your invitation to visit the Russian Federation to continue the dialogue that has begun. Accept from us deep appreciation and respect," the letter quoted by the Kremlin says.

Speaking further, the LNA commander expressed full support for peace talks in Moscow and confirmed his readiness to come to Russia to continue the dialogue.

"I thank you and express my full support for the Russian initiative to hold peace talks in Moscow, which should lead to peace in Libya. I confirm that we are ready to accept your invitation to visit the Russian Federation to continue the dialogue that has begun. Accept from us deep appreciation and respect," the letter quoted by the Kremlin says.

Earlier this day, a diplomatic source told reporters that Haftar was eager to sign a deal with Fayez Sarraj, the head of the Government of National Accord (GNA), at the upcoming Berlin conference on Libya if certain conditions are met.

Last Monday, Haftar met with Fayez Sarraj in Moscow for talks mediated by Russia and Turkey.

Next day, however, it was announced that the general had left Moscow without signing a ceasefire deal. Following the failed talks, Germany said that it would host Libya peace conference in Berlin on Sunday.

Besides the heads of the conflicting sides, Germany has invited representatives of Russia, the US, the UK, France, China, Turkey and the UAE.

A Sputnik

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While the latter may never see the Indian market, the fifth-generation City (seventh; if we consider the earlier hatchbacks) is expected to launch in the country by the second half of the year. Test mules of the same were spied multiple times on public roads and we have shared quite a few in the recent past as well.

Now, thanks to automotive enthusiast, Dheeraj Gupta, we bring you yet another set of pictures of the upcoming Honda City in its test mule avatar; this time from Delhi. Conveniently enough, the test mule was spied beside the current-generation Honda City, in its pre-facelift format.

The 2020 Honda City test mule wore TN plates and heavy camouflage. Even still, we are able to make out most of its design characteristics, such as the full-LED headlamps and tail lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, etc. Interestingly, the Thailand-spec model debuted with 15-inch wheels.

The car is slightly bigger than its predecessor with dimensions at 4553x1748x1467mm (LWH), in comparison to the current 4440x1695x1495mm. However, the wheelbase has gone down by 11mm from 2600mm. The 2020 Honda City (Thailand-spec) is also a bit on the heavier side.

Coming to the engine department, the all-new Honda City is expected to make its way to the Indian market with a 1.5-litre i-VTEC mild-hybrid petrol unit, boasting of class-leading fuel-efficiency (23+ km/l) and more power than the current 1.5-litre BS4-compliant i-VTEC units 119bhp. Recent reports confirm that the company will not be updating the current 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine to BS6 emission standards. However, given the immense demand for diesel sedans in that category, Honda Car India will most likely introduce an all-new diesel mill in the 2020 City.

On the contrary, the Thai-spec Honda City made its debut with a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine that makes around 120bhp and 173Nm of torque. The engine solely comes mated to a 7-step CVT.

The Honda City is easily the most popular and arguably the best offering from the Japanese automotive brand in India. The City has been on the Indian market right from the late 90s and was often stereotyped as the go-to sedan for the upper-middle-class, even though the car is finding a lot of buyers regardless of any background in recent times. With the launch of the 2020 model, major names such as the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Hyundai Verna will have a tough rival to compete with.
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Tom Cruise in Rome: 40 days of open-air film sets and car chases in the city centre.

Hollywood film star Tom Cruise and his film crew are to take over some of central Rome's most prized locations for the filming of a major new movie this spring.

The film, with the provisional title of Lybra, will be filmed over a period of 40 days, starting around mid-March.

The action is due to take place on open-air sets in Piazza Navona, Piazza Venezia, in the cobblestoned streets of the Monti quarter and perhaps also in Piazza di Spagna.

Special effects scenes and car chases are expected to be filmed around central Rome, with the city receiving a handsome fee of 200,000 a day for the use of public land.

Tom Cruise in Rome

This will be the third significant return to Rome for Cruise who filmed scenes for Mission Impossible 3 in the capital in 2005, returning a year later to marry actress Katie Holmes in a sumptuous wedding ceremony at the Odescalchi Castle in Bracciano.

When Cruise arrived in Rome to film the third installment of Mission Impossible he and his entourage stayed in the Hotel Hassler, above the Spanish Steps. Cruise made headlines in Rome at the time for filming the unforgettable speedboat chase on the Tiber, which he did - as usual - without stunt doubles.

There is mystery surrounding the "Lybra" film project, which coincides with the announcement of the cast of the seventh edition of Mission Impossible, which will star Rebecca Ferguson and Hayley Atwell alongside Cruise. The speculation is that Lybra is in fact Mission Impossible 7.

The movie will be the latest in a string of international productions filmed in Rome in recent years, such as Zoolander 2, To Rome with Love by Woody Allen and of course, the James Bond movie Spectre with Daniel Craig in 2014.

Movies filmed in Rome during the previous decade include Angels and Demons with Tom Hanks, The Talented Mr Ripley with Matt Damon, Eat Pray Love with Julia Roberts, and Gangs of New York with Leonardo DiCaprio in 2000.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 06:42:20|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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LISBON, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Actors perform dragon and lion dance in a parade held on Saturday in one of the main boulevards of the Portuguese capital to greet the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival, a celebration also known as the Chinese Lunar New Year.

The upcoming Chinese Year of the Rat will start on Jan. 25, 2020. The event is celebrated all over the world by the Chinese community.

For the Chinese community living in Lisbon, this is one of the most awaited events of the year, which also brings the opportunity to show to the Portuguese people and to all international community living in the country their traditions by promoting the richness of the Chinese culture.

Organized by the Chinese Embassy in Portugal together with the Luso-Chinese Association of Traders and Industrialists and Lisbon's City Council, Lisbon's Chinese Spring Festival combined food, music and traditional dance performances.

Food stalls mounted in one of the sides of the Alameda D. Afonso Henriques, Lisbon, sold to the curious public some of China's delicacies like the bread dumplings, the spring rolls, Chinese noodles, and tea. At the other side of the square, Chinese cultural associations showcased photography and painting.

On stage, among the few Chinese cultural groups, established in Lisbon, two dance groups traveled from China to participate in celebrations -- one from Shaanxi Province, the other from the Choi Nong Chi Tai school in Macau. They brought folk dances and traditional songs alluding to the new year.

From the Minho region, north Portugal, a folk group performed traditional dances known has "rancho folcolorico", making this an engaging event promoting intercultural dialogue between the two countries.
"Berth pangs" seem to be continuing for Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa with no clarity yet on the much awaited Ministry expansion fromBJP national President Amit Shah during his visit to Karnataka on Saturday, party sources said.

The Chief Minister, who was anxiously waiting for the BJP high command's nod to expand his ministry, amid intense lobbying by the aspirants, was keen on getting approval for it during the visit.

With Yediyurappa travelling to Davos to attend the World Economic Forum meet on Sunday- till January 24, the expansion exercise is likely to take place only after his return.

Yediyurappa may travel to New Delhi on his return from Davos to seek approval for the Ministry expansion exercise from the high command, sources said, adding that J P Nadda may be taking over BJP National President soon.

Senior party leaders said the issue of cabinet expansion did not formally come up for discussion and that Shah is said to have advised the Chief Minister to come to Delhi after his return from Davos.

Hirekerur MLA B C Patil, one among the Ministerial aspirants said he and some other legislators met Shah in Hubballi, but there was no discussion on cabinet expansion.

Shah was in the state on Saturday to address a public meeting on the Citizenship Amendment Act as part of BJP's nationwide 'Jan Jagran Abhiyan'in Hubballi.

He also attended couple of events in Bengaluru earlier in the day.

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 some 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.

Also, disqualified legislators, who lost on a BJP ticket during the bypoll, openly expressing their ministerial aspirations, has added to the Chief Minister's worry.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Honor 9X launched in India last week starting Rs 13,999, marking Honors re-entry into the India market after being out of action for most of 2019. The Honor 9X is also the last Honor smartphone to come loaded with Googles suite of apps ever since the United States administration imposed a trade ban imposed on Huawei. Interestingly, the Honor 9X lands quite a few months after it started selling in China, and there was some apprehension that the smartphone wouldnt be able to keep up with the current bestsellers. That the performance wont be good enough to bring back the momentum Honor was enjoying in India before the whole trade-ban debacle.

Yet, the Honor 9X comes with quite a few features that are still as relevant as before. The 48MP triple camera setup, at least on paper, seems like a good option in the mid-range segment, while the pop-up selfie camera allows the 6.59-inch LCD display to stretch all the way to its edges. The camera and the form factor of the Honor 9X are still the de facto trend in the mid-range and high-end segments, although the new breed of budget smartphones of 2020 should bring something new.

While the features are still relevant enough on paper, its the performance of the Honor 9X that should really be the concern. Can the Kirin 710 still hold up against the likes of the MediaTek Helio G90T or the Snapdragon 712? Weirdly enough, we noticed the Honor 9X comes with the Kirin 710F and not the Kirin 710 we saw in the Honor 8X and the Honor 10 Lite before. Has anything changed? We spoke to folks at Honor and they said there really isnt any major difference between the two chips that are worth talking about.

Is the Kirin 710F an upgrade over the Kirin 710?

The Kirin 710F and Kirin 710 are identical in the way they perform. There isnt any change in the core clock speeds, or the GPU clock speed or even the cache memory. Instead, the Honor official said the new chip has some minor architectural changes due to which HiSilicon, the silicon manufacturer for Huawei, had to file for a new model number. Specifically, the Kirin 710F is the same chipset as the Kirin 710, but it implements a Flip Chip package, a method of chip manufacturing that allows room for more transistors without increasing the actual size of the chip. Despite that, the number of transistors on the 710F are the same as the Kirin 710, so if you were hoping for a performance boost in the Honor 9X because of a new CPU, thats not happening.

To recall, the Kirin 710 and the Kirin 710F rock four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.2GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.7GHz. Both SoCs have the same Mali-G51 MP4 GPU, and the same amount of system cache.

Instead, Honor opened up a lot of bottlenecks that held back the Honor 8X and the Honor 10 Lite last year. The Honor 9X come with LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.1 storage. These are two major upgrades over the previous Honor smartphones, something that should go a long way in improving app loading times, and make using the phone generally faster. Indeed, we did see a big jump in benchmark numbers as compared to the Honor 8X. Interestingly, the benchmark results of the Honor 9X were quite close to the present competition. You can see the results of the three major benchmarks right below yourself 

What do the benchmarks say?

On AnTuTu, the Honor 9X is far higher than the previous Honor 8X (despite sporting the same SoC) and while the Note 8 Pro proves to be no match for it, its actually quite close to the Snapdragon 712-powered Realme XT.

Geekbench numbers are even more interesting. The Honor 9X manages to keep up with all the phones in its competition bracket, in both single-core and mult-core performance. Thats quite something from a chipset thats now more than a year old.

However, 3DMark Slingshot scores, which indicates GPU performance, still lags far behind. It proved to be even lower than the Honor 8X from last year, and we noticed a wide gap between GPUs on the Redmi Note 8 Pro and the Realme XT. We are presuming this is without GPU Turbo 3.0 turned on.

Now, this is just a synthetic measure of performance for the Honor 9X, and on the three major benchmark apps, the Honor 9X doesnt lag behind by as much as I thought it would. The wide difference in numbers between the Honor 8X and the Honor 9X could be attributed to the faster RAM and storage modules, along with some more optimisations that Honor must have put in place.

We will continue testing the Honor 9X for more insights. Do stay tuned to Digit.in for the full review.
Speaking at the meeting, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen congratulated Vietnam on achievements in socio-economic development in recent years. The Cambodian PM also sent New Year greetings to all Vietnamese.

In his speech delivered at the event, Ambassador Vu Quang Minh said in 2019, both Vietnam and Cambodia witnessed important socio-economic achievements.

The year also marked records made in the development of Vietnam-Cambodia comprehensive cooperation, he stressed, noting that bilateral trade hit some US$5.26 billion, up 11.9% annually.

The Vietnamese community in Cambodia has made significant efforts to overcome difficulties, improve their living standards and legal status, and contribute to socio-economic growth in their second home country, the diplomat noted.
By Online Desk

Nirbhaya's mother Asha Devi has lashed out at senior advocate Indira Jaising for suggesting that she 'forgive' her daughter's rapists.



Asha Devi questioned Indira Jaising's suggestion to pardon the four men on death row who were convicted for the 2012 gang rape of her daughter and stated, "The whole country wants the convicts to be executed. Just because of people like her, justice is not done to rape victims."

Asha Devi on senior lawyer Indira Jaising's statement 'follow Sonia Gandhi's example and forgive convicts': Who is Indira Jaising to give me such a suggestion?Whole country wants the convicts to be executed. Just because of people like her, justice is not done with rape victims. pic.twitter.com/k3DfgRQio3  ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2020

Nirbhaya's mother said she couldn't believe 'how Indira Jaising even dared to suggest such a thing.'



Asha Devi further added that she met Jaising many times over the years in the Supreme Court but 'not once she asked for my wellbeing and today she is speaking for convicts. Such people earn a livelihood by supporting rapists, hence rape incidents don't stop.'



On Friday, the advocate took to Twitter to make the request shortly after Asha Devi expressed her disappointment over the postponement of the execution dates of the four convicts from January 26 to February 1.



Indira Jaising's tweet 'urged' Asha Devi to 'follow the example of Sonia Gandhi' who forgave former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's assassinator Nalini.



Nalini was arrested and convicted for her role in the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.

The death-row convicts are set to be hanged on February 1 at 6.00 am.

Four convicts, Vinay, Akshay, Pawan and Mukesh, were convicted and sentenced to death for raping Nirbhaya in a moving bus in New Delhi on the night of December 16-17, 2012.



The gruesome case brought the issue of women's safety and rape laws of the country to the forefront.



(With inputs from ANI)
Colorado Springs City Council deadlocked Monday over the appointment of Stephannie Fortune to fill Councilman Richard Skorman's seat on the board. Who among the 7 finalists should be appointed?

You voted:
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Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. 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(0x7f0482039f10)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f04824ffad8)', '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(0x7f0482039f10)') 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(0x7f04824ffad8)') 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(0x7f0482049500)') 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(0x7f04824ffad8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f04824ffad8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f0481b66ec0)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f0482398ea0)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f0482398ea0)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
Country

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Number of displaced residents rises to 162,000 as experts say steady steam emission and tremors indicate rising magma.

The number of residents displaced by an erupting volcano in the northern Philippines has risen to 162,000, as state scientists continue to warn that the threat of a hazardous explosive eruption remained, despite an apparent lull in activity on the surface.

The number of evacuees rose as police stepped up patrols to clear towns located within a 14km (8.69 mile) radius danger zone around Taal volcano in Batangas province, 66km (41 miles) south of Manila.

Among those displaced were about 5,000 people who live on Volcano Island  a popular tourist destination renowned for its stunning view of the volcanos crater lake and lush hills teeming with trees and birds.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Saturday that steady steam emission and infrequent weak explosions were monitored in the past 24 hours at Taal volcano, which is located in the middle of a lake.

The explosions generated white to dirty white ash plumes 50 metres to 600 metres tall, it added.





Phivolcs chief Renato Solidum said continuing earthquakes were also monitored at Taal volcano, indicating that magma was continuing to rise to the top.

What we see on the surface is different from what is happening underneath, Solidum told a press conference.

We still see magma rising and that can result in more dangerous activity of the volcano.

Alert level four remains because there is still threat of a hazardous explosive eruption, he added.

Phivolcs earlier reported more signs of unrest at the volcano, including a new fissure on the slope of the volcano, the widening of road cracks in nearby towns, and receding shoreline around Taal Lake.

Taal volcano, the second-most active volcano in the Philippines, has erupted 33 times since 1572. Its last eruption was in October 1977, but it showed signs of unrest between 2008 and 2011, as well as in 2019.

The Southeast Asian archipelago lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the string of faults around the ocean basin where much of the worlds earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.
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The four death row convicts in the 2012 Delhi gang rape have been pulling all stops to delay the inevitable- their death sentence. From challenging their 2013 death sentences in High Court and Supreme Court to filing review and curative petitions and mercy plea.

For the past nearly seven years the four convicts have been making a mockery of the Indian judicial system. Now, even after a second death warrant was issued for them, they are not done yet. Pawan Gupta, one of the four convicts has filed a fresh petition in the Supreme Court claiming that he was a juvenile at the time of the crime.

"Gupta was a juvenile at the time of the crime and the Delhi High Court had ignored this fact during the proceeding," the convict's lawyer AP Singh told ANI. In his plea, Gupta claimed he was a minor, "an innocent boy" at the time of the crime and should be punished under laws for juveniles.

Gupta had made the same claim in the Delhi High Court last year, but it was dismissed. The HC had dismissed the case and had slapped a fine of Rs 25,000 fine on his counsel for wasting the courts time and using delaying tactics. The court asked the Bar Council of Delhi to take action against the lawyer for filing the affidavit.

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court led by Justice R Banumathi has agreed to hear the case on Monday.

Gupta is trying to use a loophole in the law under which javelins will be given a lesser sentence, even for heinous crimes, like one of the six people who were originally arrested for the crime.

It was only after outrage over the juvenile criminal who got away with a lesser punishment, while his four accomplices were sentenced to death the Juvenile Justice Act was amended to try those who are below the age of 18 as adults based on the nature of the crime.

Vinay Sharma, Mukesh Singh, Akshay Kumar Singh, and Pawan Gupta were arrested along with one Ram Singh and a juvenile in 2012 December for the horrific gang rape of a 23-year-old paramedical student on a moving bus in Delhi. While Ram Singh was found dead in his jail cell, in an apparent suicide during the trial, the juvenile was released in December 2015.

As of now, the four men are to be hanged at Delhi's Tihar Jail on February 1.
New Delhi:

Karnataka Postal Circle Recruitment Notification 2020 is released for various posts such as Junior Accountant, Postal Assistant, Sorting Assistant and Postman. All eligible and interested candidates need to apply through the prescribed format latest by February 26, 2020. Candidates must ensure to go through the official notification and eligibility criteria carefully before applying for the respective post. Candidates need to visit the official website of Karnataka Postal Circle, i.e. karnatakapost.gov.in to check the official notification.

Karnataka Postal Circle Recruitment Notification

Candidates can also click on the below mentioned direct link to check and download the Karnataka Post Circle Recruitment Notification. The application process has already started and the last date to send the application is February 26, 2020. Out of the total vacancies, 27 are for Postman, 11 are for Postal Assistant, 4 for Sorting Assistant and 2 vacancies are for Junior Accountant.

In order to apply for the Junior Accountant post, candidates need to have Graduation Degree from a recognized university. For the post of Sorting Assistant, candidates need to have passed class 12 examination from recognized board. For the Postman post, candidates must have passed class 12 exam from a recognized board.

Candidates in the age group of 18 to 27 years are eligible to apply for the respective posts. Age relaxation as given as per government norms. The application fee is Rs 200 for general and OBC candidates. Candidates belonging to SC, ST and Ex-Serviceman Category are exempted from application fee payment.

All eligible and interested candidates need to fill the application form for the respective posts in the prescribed format and send the application form along-with the required documents to the Assistant Director, Chief Postmaster General Karnataka Circle Bengaluru-560001 latest by February 26, 2020.

Candidates can click on the below mentioned direct link to check the download the Karnataka Postal Circle Recruitment Notification.

Karnataka Postal Circle Recruitment Official Notification Direct Link
Leslie Anne Miller, chair of the board of Trustees for the Philadelphia Museum of Art, left, and Timothy Rub, director and CEO, watch as second grade students from Bache-Martin School in Fairmount are the first to enter the north entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art during a ceremony marking the reopening of the museum's vaulted walkway entrance, which has been closed for decades, on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019. Read more

Philadelphia Museum of Art board chair Leslie Anne Miller will take the reins of a cultural assessment of the museums workplace in the wake of a New York Times report detailing claims by several women regarding the behavior of former Art Museum manager Joshua R. Helmer.

The museum is bringing in an independent third party to understand what brought us here and most importantly what we need to change to be sure it never happens again, Miller said in an email to museum staff Friday evening. This will entail soliciting feedback from you through individual interviews, focus groups or other methodologies.

To ensure transparency and objectivity, I have agreed to lead this process, her note said.

In a separate email sent a few minutes later, museum director and CEO Timothy Rub said he was working with Miller who is engaging our Board of Trustees in understanding and remedying the issues and concerns you are bringing forward. Nothing is more important to all of us than ensuring that the museum is a safe, welcoming, productive place, free from misconduct of any kind, where all voices are heard, and where there is no fear of coming forward to report any type of concern."

Millers message said the process ahead includes selecting the independent third party, developing the approach and protocol, reviewing existing policies and procedures, and ensuring tangible, actionable and transparent results and recommended next steps.

It was not clear whether this work is intended to address workplace issues broadly, or specifically investigate the allegations in the Times article plus any other claims of incidents that may have happened in the past at the museum  or both.

Asked Friday night to clarify, Miller said: I cant comment on that.

An Art Museum spokesperson has failed during the last several days to respond to the question of whether an outside firm would investigate claims surrounding Helmer and any other claims anyone may have to bring forth from the past.

The New York Times Jan. 10 article alleged that Helmer  who worked for several years as the Art Museums assistant director for interpretation  engaged in relationships with subordinate Art Museum female staffers while dangling professional opportunities.

He has not responded to the allegations. Helmer declined to talk with the Times about his relationships, and put down the allegations against him as typical office politics. You make enemies, he told the newspaper.

Helmer left the museum in 2018, and then took the top job at the Erie Art Museum  a post from which he was separated Monday, a few days after the Times story appeared, and a change.org petition had gathered about 3,000 signatures. An Erie museum spokesperson on Friday said she did not have current contact information for Helmer.

On Saturday, the Erie museums board of directors released a statement announcing that board member Diana Denniston will oversee operations there as the museum seeks a new executive director. The statement said the museum is bringing in unspecified outside resources to address any concerns among staff members and that the board hopes to expand to at least 10 members to add more voices. It has seven now, down from the 21 listed on its federal tax form filed in June 2018.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art has struggled to ease internal anger since the public airing of alleged bad behavior within its normally cloistered walls.

When staffers donned We Believe Women buttons in support of several women who had detailed their experiences with Helmer, the Art Museum initially told some staff to remove them, but, after protest, reversed the directive.

An online statement calling for greater accountability from the museum is now up to about 400 signatures from current and former Art Museum employees  as well as former interns. (The museums 2018 annual report lists about 520 employees.)

On Wednesday, Mayor Jim Kenney, who holds an ex officio position on the Philadelphia Museum of Art board, called on the museum to revamp its personnel policy. Philadelphias mayor occupies a board spot by virtue of the fact that the city owns the buildings in which the museum operates.

Rub has been meeting with employees in individual departments at the Art Museum in the last few days to hear concerns and questions, he wrote in his note. The email also said he had asked Miller to lead the process, which could begin as soon as next week.

I expect that it will take some time and be a difficult experience, Rubs note said, but it is absolutely necessary for us to do so. It will also need to yield tangible and actionable results. Your input and guidance will be invaluable throughout.
Hit by a prolonged trade war with the USA, Chinas economy logged a 29-year low economic growth of 6.1% in 2019, prompting many to draw a comparison between the globes second-largest economy and India, which has also been slowing down and is estimated to grow at only 5% this financial year.

Can there be a comparison between the Indian economy and the Chinese economy, which is nearly five times larger than that of Indias and whose GDP per capita at around $10,000 is about four times bigger than that of Indias?

Yes, said N R Bhanumurthy, a senior professor at National Institute of Public Finance and Policy to DH, as the trade dependence of the two large market economies are high and uncertain global scenario has hit their investment.

Also read  China's economy slumps to 6.1 per cent in 2019; lowest in 29 years

Often referred to as the worlds factory, given its huge manufacturing and export base, Chinas trade surplus with the USA shrunk in 2019 after a spate tariff was imposed on Chinese goods by Washington.

But, a silver lining on the dark cloud of the slowing economy was that Chinas per capita consumer spending increased 5.5% year-on-year in 2019.

Indias household spending, in contrast, has shrunk to a four-decade low of Rs 1,446 in the year gone by, from Rs 1,501 in 2011-12. The estimate is that it is going to slow down further in 2019-20.

Chinas slowdown has the potential to impact the worlds economic growth in a big way. With a 15.5% share in the global economy, Chinas staggering demand for commodities can upset the countries dependent on commodity exports.

For India, however, the impact of Chinas slowdown, will not be felt much, as India is by and large a domestically driven economy, according to Madan Sabnavis, chief economist of CARE Ratings.

Official data suggests that Chinas share in Indias global import is a little over 16%, while the share of US, Japan, Korea in Indias imports is above 20%.

But Bhanumurthy says that one common thread between India and China seems to be the problem in their banking sector.

China has one of the worlds least regulated shadow banking and many economists have forecast that the next financial crisis could emanate from there. India too has a similar problem.
In another shocking case of crime against women from Uttar Pradesh, a 40-year-old Kanpur woman was beaten to death allegedly by men who were facing trial for molesting her 13-year-old daughter in 2018

A 40-year-old Kanpur woman was beaten to death allegedly by men who were facing trial for molesting her 13-year-old daughter in 2018.

OP Singh, UP DGP confirmed to CNN-New18, that 11 people were accused of attacking the women and so far 8 of them have been arrested. The clarification came after initial reports suggested that only four were involved in the assault that led to the woman's death, and left one other injured.

The woman, also a witness in the molestation case, was hospitalized after the accused men stormed into her house on 9 January and attacked her with sharp-edged weapons. The woman and her sister were injured and admitted to a hospital on the same night.

NDTV reported that the woman passed away at the Lala Lajpat Rai hospital (locally still known by its colonial name, Hallett Hospital) one week after the assault, on Friday.

According to New18, the deceased woman had filed a complaint against one Mahfooz for allegedly molesting her daughter two years ago at a tannery in the Chakeri area, following which the man along with five others was booked under section 354 of the IPC (sexual assault of children) and sent to jail.

At least six accused - Abid, Mintu, Mahboob, Chaand Babu, Jameel and Firoz  barged into the woman's house demanding that the family withdraws the molestation case, NDTV reported.

"The incident took place in Chakeri area. The accused in the molestation case of 2018 was out on bail. There was a dispute between the accused and the victim's family while the accused were drinking liquor. The accused along with other people attacked the two witnesses of the molestation case," Kanpur SSP Anant Dev Tiwari told ANI.

The SSP said, "In the attack, a woman was seriously injured and was admitted to the hospital. After spending over a week in the hospital, she succumbed to her injuries on Friday." Further investigation is underway, he added.

A journalist with The Hindu newspaper tweeted a video, which shows four men beating up two women. The video, which appears to be shot from a terrace, shows a group of three-four men beating up some people, and a woman in a red kurta is seeing lying, motionless on the floor as one of the men stomps her. Firstpost could not independently verify the video, but Uttar Pradesh Police did acknowledge it with a response and said the matter was under investigation.

A group of five men accused of molesting a young girl, who are currently out on bail, attacked the victim's mother after she refused to withdraw the case in Kanpur. The mother succumbed to injuries at the hospital. @myogiadityanath where is law and order in the state. @Uppolice pic.twitter.com/9FVO7TvCMX  Saurabh Trivedi (@saurabh3vedi) January 17, 2020

This is not the first brutal attack where molestation or rape accused have tried to intimidate and silence the survivors and their families. Just last month, an 18-year-old rape survivor was set ablaze in a village in Uttar Pradeshs Fatehpur by the accused rapists. A similar incident was reported from Uttar Pradesh's Unnao, where another woman was burnt to death by her alleged rapists while she was on her way to a court in Raebareli. The victim had suffered 90 percent burns and was referred to Delhi after a brief treatment at Civil Hospital in Lucknow.

With inputs from agencies
Ashleigh Barty won her first career title at home on Saturday with a 6-2, 7-5 defeat of Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska at the ATP-WTA Adelaide International.

The world number one is assured of holding the top ranking as the Australian Open begins on Monday in Melbourne.

Barty claimed victory after 87 minutes at Memorial Drive as Yastremska sent a return long over the baseline. She was presented the carved wood trophy by an Aboriginal elder who blessed it before it was handed over.

"It's nice to get the ball rolling this week, I can't wait to get starred in Melbourne next week," the top seed said.

The last Australian woman to win a home title was Jarmila Wolfe in 2011 at Hobart. Barty called her victory "a great start to the year".

"I feel like we had a great tussle out there, I was finally able to bring it across the line. I've enjoyed the time here, I really tried to bring my best this week," she said.

"I love playing at home in Australia. This is the payoff for the preseason work we did. It's about coming out here and enjoying the competition."



The men's final features Russian third seed Andrey Rublev -- title winner last weekend in Doha -- facing South African qualifier Lloyd Harris.

Barty won the opening set against her 19-year-old opponent, losing just two points on serve and breaking three times.

After starting the second set with a break, the Australian momentarily lost her edge, dropping serve for two all.

Barty kept up the pressure on 24th-ranked Yastremska, earning three break points in the 11th game.

One was enough as Yastremska put a backhand wide. A game later, Barty earned three match points and took the title from a concluding error from her opponent.

Barty's victory was her second in the series after beating the teenager on the way to the Miami title last March.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Tubbercurry based family have raised over 8,000 for Crumlin Hospital following a fundraiser they organised after their newborn son received treatment at the hospital.

Declan and Sharon Hannon, along with their son Mattie were excitedly awaiting the arrival of the newest addition to the family. On November 1st, 2018, Sharon went for a routine scan when she got the news that all may not be well.

She said: "November 1st, 2018 is a date etched into the memory banks forever. We went in excitedly for our 20 week scan to find out the sex of our precious little baby. The sonographer happily chatted away and was describing all she was scanning followed by a pause. It's instant you know something is not as it should and you pray you're wrong. 'Maybe lie on your side' she said - she was trying to find something that wasn't there and so our journey began."

A week later and the Hannons were sat in a cardiac clinic in The Coombe, Dublin with other parents in the same boat.

Sharon added: "It was a grim waiting room. There was no excitement just terrified couples. This all meant a new consultant for us, new cardiologist, new terminology.

"It was all a blur. The months passed by and numerous scans and appointments later we were ready to welcome this precious little boy with a congenital heart defect."

Billy was born on February 26th 2019 in the Coombe. Minutes after he was born, he was whisked away to Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin. There, he was looked after by what the family described as "the most amazing group of people ever." Declan followed his son to the hospital, while Sharon was able to visit the next day. Little Billy was doing extremely well when he arrived and didn't need any intervention or assistance.

The team in Crumlin took numerous scans of Billy's heart and confirmed the diagnosis that was suspected prenatally. Billy was monitored very closely over the coming day, diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta, otherwise known as a narrowing of the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the lower part of the body.

The newborn had two VSDs, which are holes in the wall separating the ventricles of the heart. Both of these holes miraculously closed prior to birth.

After a couple of days, the cardiologists stopped the drug Prostin to assess the narrowing of the aorta, and Billy proved to be doing very well.

A meeting took place on the Thursday morning to discuss BIlly's potential surgery on the Friday, and it was the same day that Sharon was discharged from the Coombe.

Her arrival was greeted with much joy, as just before she arrived, Declan was told by the surgeons that little Billy may avoid surgery altogether.

Following the decision to take Billy off Prostin, the narrowing wasn't as bad as initially feared, and daily heart scans and blood pressure monitoring in the lower limbs were carried out.

The Hannons were then told that Billy would not need surgery. The news was so unexpected that the newborn's cot was not yet taken down from the attic. His parents, granny and grandaunt all almost collapsed when they got the news. He was discharged two days later. He is assessed every six months and it is hoped that he can be fully discharged by the time he turns two.

Sharon and Declan stayed in parent's accommodation in the hospital, where there was a little welcome pack with a note that said 'miracles happen every day at Crumlin'. They know now that this is true.

The Hannons said they are truly blessed, and thanked everyone who supported their fundraiser.

"We want to say a huge thank you to all supported our fundraiser September last in Cloonacool Village. We have presented the amazing 8086.40 to Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin and they couldn't be happier. The difference this will make to help a sick child on their journey is so rewarding.

"To everyone that donated or helped in any way we cannot thank you enough, it was an amazing day with an overwhelming sense of community surrounded by the best family and friends we could ever asked for. Thank you all."
Policing is thirsty work.

At least it appears to be the case for this police K9 who was caught on camera using the same water fountain in the police station as used by his human counterparts.

The dog, called Arko, was filmed taking a drink from the fountain in the break room of his precinct just before a busy shift in Rome, New York.

Arko clearly understands the importance of staying hydrated while on the job, but with no sign of a dog bowl on this occasion, it seemed his only choice was to use the same tap as everybody else.

A police dog in New York was seen drinking from the water fountain

Arko is a K9 for the Rome Police Department and helped himself to some water from a drinking fountain in the locker room

The police pet pulled himself up to the fountain and began slobbering his tongue around facet until every last drop had been lapped up.

But while the video appeared to amuse some viewers, it also drew comments of revulsion at seeing 'man's best friend' treated as an equal when it comes to refreshment.

'Disgusting!' one user wrote on the video that was posted to Instagram.

'A dogs mouth is cleaner than a humans,' argued another.

'I have ocd where's the dog bowl? Oh my God that's why I don't drink water like that in public!' said another echoing the thoughts of countless others.

Arko is pictured with his partner in combating crime, Officer Alexandra Carletta

Arko looks up to his human officer, Officer Alexandra Carletta, who takes him on patrol

But one response really managed to sum up the entire issue from both sides: 'I love dogs but....this is another good reason for me not to drink from public water fountains....'

When Arko is not tackling his thirst, he can usually be seen patrolling the streets of Rome with his partner Officer Alexandra Carletta.

The pair were named 'Officers of the month' last February after the pair managed to foil a burglary.

Arko is well liked around the police precinct and celebrated his third birthday last April
Why have you killed my father and my uncles and my grandfather? Where is the justice?
New Delhi [India], Jan 18 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat on Saturday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here and discussed the upcoming maha Kumbh mela in Haridwar in 2021.



The Chief Minister said works worth more than Rs 1,000 crore would be carried out for successful conduct of mela.

He said around 15 crore devotees are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh.

The Chief Minister sought financial support from the Centre to develop facilities and infrastructure. Rawat said that around eight crore people had come for the event in 2010.

During the meeting, Rawat also informed the Prime Minister about works being carried out at Kedarnath. He urged the Prime Minister to launch 'wellness summit' in April 2020.

He said work of 305 wellness centres in the state has been completed and all 462 wellness centres will be completed by March 2020. (ANI)


Malappuram, Jan 18 : A 47-year-old man was arrested by the Kerala police on Saturday for allegedly raping his four minor daughters.

The man, a daily labourer, is a liquor addict and lives in Valanchery near here with his family.

He has four daughters aged 17, 15, 13 and 10, who are now being medically examined to confirm the sexual assault. Thereafter, they will be presented before a magistrate to record their statements.

It was the 10-year-old girl who first disclosed the matter to her teacher and soon the school authorities took all the four sisters for counselling, where they made further disclosures.

The school authorities then informed the police which later arrested the accused.
Cotonou, Benin (PANA) - The Beninese government has decided to enlarge its special economic zone to carry out the flagship projects of its program, official sources told PANA here Saturday
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he would not like to see his country return to the Soviet practice of having lifelong rulers who died without a clear succession procedure.



Speaking to a group of World War II veterans in St. Petersburg on January 18, Putin was asked if it would be desirable to remove the term limit for presidents.



"It would be very worrying to return to the situation we had in the mid-1980s when state leaders stayed in power, one by one, until the end of their days and left office without ensuring the necessary conditions for a transition of power," Putin said. "I think it would be better not to return to that situation."



Putin, who has held power in Russia either as president or prime minister since 2000, is currently serving his fourth term as president. Russia is in the midst of a fevered discussion of what will happen when his current term ends in 2024 because he is not eligible to run again under the current constitution, which limits presidents to two consecutive terms.



In his state-of-the-nation address on January 15, Putin, 67, proposed a raft of constitutional changes that, if adopted, could offer him various strategies for retaining power after his term ends, including by heading an enhanced State Council.

Putin also told the veterans that Russia plans to open an archival center devoted to the history of World War II.



"We will put a sock in the rotten mouths that some people abroad keep opening to achieve immediate political goals," he said. "We will shut them up with true, basic information."



"We will put a sock in the mouths of all those who are trying to twist history, to misrepresent it, to belittle the role of our fathers and grandfathers, of our heroes who fell dead defending their motherland and actually the whole world from the brown plague," he said, referring to the danger of fascism.



"We will shut those rotten mouths forever with those documents in order to teach them a lesson," he concluded.



Russia has been locked in a war of words in recent weeks with Poland over the history of the war, including Soviet actions under the 1939 Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and the Soviet occupation of Poland and much of Central Europe after the war.



"We respect soldiers' blood sacrifice in the fight vs. Nazism," Poland's Foreign Ministry posted on Twitter on January 18. "But in '45 Stalin's regime brought [Poland] terror, atrocities, and economic exploitation."



The ministry also said that "unless [Russia] accepts its own difficult history, Europe would be under threat. Whitewashing Soviet crimes of the past is a threat for today."
She's spent the first weeks of 2020 reporting on the devastating Australian bushfires on 10 News First.

And Georgia Love got some well deserved rest and relaxation at the spa with fiance Lee Elliott last week.

The 31-year-old took to Instagram on Friday to share a smiling selfie in the treatment room at the Crown spa in Perth.

'Treatment yo self!' Former Bachelorette Georgia Love (right) and Lee Elliott (left) enjoyed a date night at the spa in Perth on Friday, sharing a snap of the evening to Instagram

'Treatment yo self!' Georgia captioned the post, a play on 'treat yourself' and reference to the relaxing therapies she no doubt tried.

She continued with the hashtags: #lesssparmorespa, #imassageyouaquestion and #coupleswhomassagetogether.

The loved-up pair donned matching white bathrobes, seemingly ready for a couple's treatment.

In the field: The former Bachelorette delivered a report on 10 News First about the devastating Australian bushfires

The team: The 31-year-old journalist posed for a photo in front of a shed that had burned down

It comes after the anchorwoman delivered ongoing reports on 10 News First about the devastating Australian bushfires.

Since her stint as The Bachelorette, Georgia has found a niche for herself at Channel 10 as a Jack of all trades.

She bounces between appearances on 10 News First and morning show Studio 10 and has worked for Channel 10's various news programs since November 2017.

Professional: Georgia has worked for Channel 10's various news programs since November 2017. Before that, she worked as a reporter for Tasmania's WIN News

She also has a thriving social media career, boasting 230,00 followers on Instagram and endorsement deals with brands like Palmer's Australia.

She was previously a reporter for Tasmania's WIN News, before reaching a national audience on The Bachelorette in 2016.

She met her now-fiance, mechanical plumber Lee Elliott, on the dating show.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday warned Europe it could face new threats from terrorist organisations if Libya's UN-recognised government in Tripoli were to fall. In the article, published on the Politico news website on the eve of a Libya peace conference in Berlin, Erdogan said the EU's failure to adequately support the Government of National Accord (GNA) would be "a betrayal of its own core values, including democracy and human rights". The GNA led by Fayez al-Sarraj has been under attack since April from strongman Khalifa Haftar's forces based in the east of the country, with fighting killing more than 280 civilians and 2,000 fighters. "Europe will encounter a fresh set of problems and threats if Libya's legitimate government were to fall," Erdogan wrote. "Terrorist organisations such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda, which suffered a military defeat in Syria and Iraq, will find a fertile ground to get back on their feet." In a joint initiative, Turkey and Russia have brokered a ceasefire but Haftar walked away from talks in Moscow this week aimed at finalising the truce agreement. A furious Erdogan has accused Haftar of fleeing Moscow and said he would "teach (him) a lesson" if he resumed fighting. Erdogan's government backs Sarraj and the Turkish parliament earlier this month approved the deployment of troops to Libya after the signing of controversial security and maritime deals between Tripoli and Ankara. "To leave Libya at the mercy of a warlord would be a mistake of historic proportions," Erdogan said, in a veiled reference to Haftar. On Twitter, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu lashed out at Greece for hosting Haftar ahead of the Berlin conference, saying the move would "sabotage" peace efforts. Haftar flew to Athens on Thursday for a surprise visit as Greece seeks to build ties with the Libyan commander after Ankara's growing partnership with the Tripoli government. - 'Litmus test' - World powers are trying to mediate a lasting ceasefire at the international conference in Berlin on Sunday which the warring parties are expected to attend. "We hope what comes out of Berlin is renewed demonstration of international unity in supporting the intra-Libyan political process, ending foreign interference, leading to full respect of the UN arms embargo," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a press briefing on Friday. The conference will aim to agree six points -- including a permanent ceasefire, implementation of a much-violated UN arms embargo and a return to political efforts for peace. Erdogan, who is also due to attend the Berlin talks, wrote in Politico that the Libyan civil war served as a "litmus test" for the EU to show whether its leaders would abdicate their responsibilities and watch the crisis uphold from the sidelines. "The EU needs to show the world that it is a relevant actor in the international arena," he said. "The upcoming peace conference in Berlin is a very significant step toward that goal. European leaders, however, ought to talk a little less and focus on taking concrete steps." Erdogan discussed the Libya crisis with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a phone call on Saturday, his office said. An interim truce that came into force in Libya last Sunday has mostly held, despite accusations of violations from Haftar's forces and the rival GNA. The fighting has spurred a growing exodus of migrants and refugees, many embarking on rickety boats from Libya towards Europe. Turkey and Russia have brokered an interim ceasefire for Libya Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the EU needs to show it is a 'relevant actor in the international arena' Both Libya's UN-recognised Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj and strongman Khalifa Haftar are expecte to attend the Berlin conference
The actor, 41, was labelled a white privileged male after he said accusations of racism were getting "boring" during a discussion about media coverage of the Duchess of Sussex.

His comments were condemned by a group from the acting union Equity on Friday, who called his words disgraceful playing to the gallery and dubbed him a disgrace to our industry.

The Lewis star offered his controversial analysis during a televised debate about the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs decision to step back from royal life.

Laurence Fox said it was racist to call him a white privileged male / BBC

Discussing Meghans treatment by sections of the British press and public, academic Rachel Boyle said: Lets be really clear about what this is, lets call it by its name  its racism. Shes a black woman and she has been torn to pieces.

The Lewis star responded: Its not racism. Were the most tolerant, lovely country in Europe. Its so easy to just throw your charge of racism at everybody and its starting to get boring now.

Ms Boyle replied: What worries me about your comment is you are a white privileged male.

Rolling his eyes, the Rada graduate, who attended one of the countrys most exclusive private schools, retorted: I cant help what I am, I was born like this, its an immutable characteristic, so to call me a white privileged male is to be racist  youre being racist.

Responding to the exchange, Equitys minority ethnic committee tweeted that it was extremely disturbed that the actor had been given a platform to berate and bully women of colour attempting to discuss issues of race and gender discrimination.

The posts went on to describe Mr Fox as a disgrace to our industry and said he had occupied a highly advantaged position while seeming to damn any recognition of that privilege as the very racism he claims is exaggerated when people of colour try to discuss it.

It then condemned him for disgraceful playing to the gallery, a populist tirade, with women of colour being used as cannon fodder, The Stage reported.

We call on all Equity members to unequivocally denounce Laurence Fox and his comments, the Twitter comments continued.

The union later removed the posts from Twitter, explaining: These tweets were sent out by two committee members without consultation with the committee as a whole or Equity staff.

Equity has asked for the tweets to be taken down while a more considered response to the issue is discussed.

The considered retraction came as Mr Fox continued furious debate online, later tweeting that he had spoken truth to nonsense and citing Martin Luther Kings famous I have a dream speech.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character, he quoted.

He captioned the excerpt with his own words, writing: This is the position I took last night and I live by in life. If you can improve on it, Im all ears.

Or you can keep screeching Racist! at me and I can carry on having a jolly good giggle at your expense.

The tide is turning.

Mr Fox later added: "To be clear, I am in no way having the best day of my life ever drinking all these leftist tears.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday wished actor Shabana Azmi a quick recovery after she met with an accident.

"The of @AzmiShabana ji's injury in an accident is distressing. I pray for her quick recovery," he wrote on Twitter.

The actor and another person were injured in an accident on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway in Maharashtra's Raigad district on Saturday.

Azmi was rushed to MGM Hospital in Navi Mumbai and was said to be out of danger. Her husband and lyricist Javed Akhtar, who was travelling with her, escaped unhurt.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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The safety guidelines for this technology were written in 1996 and apply to 2G, not the proposed 5G," Paige Glendinning, who is one of the founders of the Hinsdale group, told the audience during the community meeting Jan. 15. We know nothing about the safety of this new technology.
The House Intelligence Committee released materials Friday provided by Lev Parnas, who investigators say acted as a "direct channel" between President Trump's attorney Rudy Giuliani and individuals close to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Driving the news: The new materials detail conversations between Parnas and one of House Intelligence Ranking Member Devin Nunes' aides and highlight surveillance efforts against Marie Yovanovitch, former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine. Nunes was one of the top investigators in Trump's impeachment probe.

Parnas did the following, according to documents he provided to the House committee:

Kept hand-written notes outlining the alleged pre-condition of a now-infamous July 25 phone call between President Trump and Zelensky: that Zelensky publicly announce an investigation into Joe Biden, Trump's political rival in the 2020 election.

the alleged pre-condition of a now-infamous July 25 phone call between President Trump and Zelensky: that Zelensky publicly announce an investigation into Joe Biden, Trump's political rival in the 2020 election. Arranged interviews with Nunes aide Derek Harvey and Ukrainian officials, including Yuri Lutsenko, the country's prosecutor general.

and Ukrainian officials, including Yuri Lutsenko, the country's prosecutor general. Shared pictures and articles of Yovanovitch with GOP congressional candidate and Trump donor Robert Hyde, who texted back: "Can't believe Trum[p] hasn't fired this [b**ch]. I'll get right on that."

with GOP congressional candidate and Trump donor Robert Hyde, who texted back: "Can't believe Trum[p] hasn't fired this [b**ch]. I'll get right on that." Received text messages from Hyde suggesting that the congressional candidate had Yovanovitch under physical surveillance in Kyiv. They are willing to help if we/you would like a price," Hyde texted.

suggesting that the congressional candidate had Yovanovitch under physical surveillance in Kyiv. They are willing to help if we/you would like a price," Hyde texted. Appeared to receive screenshots of Hyde's conversation with a Belgian country-code number. "Nothing has changed she is still not moving they check today again. It's confirmed we have a person inside," the contact texted Hyde in a string, after sharing a picture of Yovanovitch and a tweet referencing her.

What's next: Democrats hope these materials will be submitted for the record during the Senate impeachment trial.

Between the lines, as reported earlier this week: Parnas is not an especially reliable narrator; he's been indicted on federal campaign-finance charges (and maintains his innocence).

This is all about credibility. Parnas has now gone public with numerous eye-popping documents. But is that reason enough for Americans to take him at his word? Will Ukrainian officials confirm Parnas claims that aren't supported by documentary evidence? Or will people have to decide for themselves whether or not to take them at face value?

Go deeper: Lev Parnas: "Trump knew exactly what was going on" in Ukraine
As the Long Beach Unified School District commits to keeping classes in-person, the city a new testing site opens for LBUSD employees and students only. The city is also ramping up its own testing efforts with a new 3,000-person per day testing site.
The mother of the December 2012 Delhi gang-rape and murder victim has hit out at senior lawyer Indira Jaising for asking her to forgive the four men, who are on death row for committing the brutal crime against her daughter.

The mother was reacting to Indira Jaisings tweet on Friday.

Who is Indira Jaising to give me such a suggestion? The whole country wants the convicts to be executed. Just because of people like her, justice is not done with rape victims, she was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

I cant believe how Indira Jaising even dared to suggest such this. I met her many times over the years in the Supreme Court, not once did she ask for my wellbeing and today she is speaking for convicts. Such people earn a livelihood by supporting rapists, hence rape incidents dont stop, she said.

Jaising had tweeted the request soon after the mother had said she felt betrayed after a court in Delhi deferred the date of the execution of the four convicts from January 22 to February 1.

Watch | Who is she to question me?: Delhi gang rape victims mother on Jaisings pardon urge

While I fully identify with the pain of Asha Devi I urge her to follow the example of Sonia Gandhi who forgave Nalini and said she didnt not want the death penalty for her . We are with you but against death penalty. https://t.co/VkWNIbiaJp  Indira Jaising (@IJaising) January 17, 2020

While I fully identify with the pain of Asha Devi I urge her to follow the example of Sonia Gandhi who forgave Nalini and said she didnt not want the death penalty for her. We are with you but against the death penalty (sic), Jaising had tweeted.

The lawyer was referring to Nalini, who was arrested and convicted for her role in the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 allegedly by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

The 23-year-old womans mother broke down on Friday after the court set the new date for hanging the four convicts.

Humein bas tareekh pe tareekh mil rahi hai (We are only getting date after date) I do not know what to feel anymore. We are only being given dates and pushed from one courtroom to the other, she had said.

The four convicts  Mukesh Singh, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta and Vinay Sharma  were among the six men who brutally gang-raped the paramedical student on a moving bus on December 16, 2012, and pushed her out of the vehicle.

She later succumbed to her injuries at a Singapore hospital on December 29.

Mukesh Singh, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta and Vinay Sharma were convicted and sentenced to death for the crime.

One of the convicts was a juvenile and let off after serving three years in a reform home and the other allegedly committed suicide in jail.
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Bengaluru, Jan 18 : Biopharmaceutical company Biocon on Saturday said that its Chairperson and Managing Director Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has been awarded the -- 'Order of Australia' -- Australia's highest civilian honour.

Accordidng to the company, the award has been conferred to her for significant service to advancing Australia's bilateral relationship with India, particularly in promoting commercial and educational links.

Honorary appointments in the 'Order of Australia' are made to foreign nationals who have made an outstanding contribution to Australia or humanity at large.

Mazumdar-Shaw is the fourth Indian citizen to be awarded Australia's highest civilian honour.

This follows the conferment of batsman Sachin Tendulkar in 2012, former Attorney General of India, Soli Jehangir Sorabjee in 2006 and Mother Teresa in 1982.

Mazumdar-Shaw is considered to be one of the pioneers of India's biotech industry.
Mikhail Mishustin has been ratified as next Prime Minister of Russia by MPs, after the cabinet resigned on Wednesday. Vladimir Putin had earlier proposed Mishustin, formerly head of the Federal Tax Service, as a candidate.

In an overwhelming vote on Thursday, 383 lawmakers supported Mishustin's candidacy. Not a single MP cast their vote against the Prime Minister, but 41 MPs  members of Russia's Communist Party  chose to abstain, RIA Novosti reported.

Later in the day, Vladimir Putin signed a presidential decree appointing Mishustin Prime Minister. He will now have to suggest his picks for ministers and deputy Prime Ministers, as set out in the Constitution.

The Prime Minister didnt go into detail about this. I think that an understanding [of who to propose] will arise in the coming days, we consulted with all the factions today, he revealed. The list of future ministers will be pitched to the President in the near future.

Mishustin has already promised a major cabinet reshuffle, meaning that some fresh faces could emerge as new ministers. The incoming government must hold personal responsibility for the decisions they take to help economy grow, Mishustin told MPs ahead of the confirmation vote.

The first thing to do is to seriously engage in institutional and management reform, and, of course, bring in the most advanced information technologies.

To Mishustin, there are enough resources out there to achieve goals set by the President: "We have a fairly stable [economic] situation ... we do have inflation but I think it will not exceed 4 percent, this is obvious."

The 53-year-old politician has worked in government since 1998 and has been described as a low-profile technocrat who managed to propel Russia's tax service to remarkable efficiency.Mishustin was suggested by President Putin as a replacement of the long-time premier Dmitry Medvedev, who has been offered a position of deputy chief of Russia's Security Council.
HYDERABAD: All India Forward Bloc and Bahujan Samaj Party are acquiring prominence in the state as parties of the rebels. They have become the go to parties for whoever is denied ticket by their parties in any election. In the ongoing municipal elections too, several TRS rebels are contesting under the banner of Forward Bloc.

Present TRS minister A. Indrakaran Reddy, who was denied the party ticket by Congress in the 2014 Assembly elections, contested as a BSP candidate from Nirmal constituency and got elected. His close friend and present TRS MLA Koneti Konappa was also denied a ticket in 2014. He contested as

BSP candidate from Sirpur Kagaznagar assembly constituency and won. Later both Mr Indrakaran Reddy and Mr Konappa joined in TRS. In 2018 assembly elections, both were elected as TRS candidates.

In the 2018 Assembly elections, TRS leader Korukanti Chandra was denied the ruling party ticket. He contested as Forward Bloc candidate from Ramagundam assembly constituency and got elected. He was later admitted into the TRS.

In the 2004 Assembly elections, Congress leader and former minister D.K. Aruna did not get the Congress ticket from Gadwal assembly constituency. In the alliance that the Congress then formed with TRS, Gadwal seat had gone to TRS. Aruna contested as Samajwadi Party candidate and won. She later joined Congress and became a minister in Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy cabinet. Congress leaders P. Sashidhar Reddy from Medak Assembly constituency and Kammireddy Ramulu from Metpally assembly constituency contested as Janata Party candidates in 2004 and got elected.

In the current municipal elections, Forward Bloc has become the main alternative party for rebels. In Kollapur municipality, there are TRS rebels in each of the 20 wards. They have all filed nominations as candidates of Forward Bloc. In other municipalities and municipal corporations too, TRS rebel

candidates are contesting as Forward Bloc nominees.

Asked why rebels prefer to contest from Forward Bloc or BSP than as independents, a senior political leader said, If they contest as independent candidates, they may not get a familiar election symbol. As a result, voters may get confused. Election symbols of Forward Bloc (lion) and BSP (elephant) are very familiar and voters recognise them easily.

The leader disclosed that sometimes, the rebels have to contribute to the party fund before they can get their B forms, thereby getting a prominent election symbol.
A 44-year-old Indonesian woman was apprehended in Uttar Pradesh's Maharajganj district for trying to enter Nepal on a fake visa, a police official said on Friday. The Indonesian national, Rohana Emam Sabri, was on way to Nepal from Chennai when she was held by the Immigration department in Sonauli on Thursday evening, Station House Officer (SHO) Nirbhai Singh said. A case has been registered against Sabri under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Foreigner's Act, he said.
January 13, 2020 Mary Plumb , 928-608-6202

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area will join national parks across the country in waiving entrance fees on five days in 2020:

Monday, January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Saturday, April 18: Start of National Park Week and National Junior Ranger Day

Tuesday, August 25: National Park Service birthday

Saturday, September 26: National Public Lands Day

Wednesday, November 11: Veterans Day



The free entrance day on January 20 is also a federal holiday that honors Martin Luther King Jr. and is the 25th anniversary of the national day of service that celebrates his life and legacy. For more information: https://www.nationalservice. gov/serve-your-community/mlk- day-service



The fee waiver includes entrance fees only. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included. Park entrance fees at Glen Canyon are usually $30 for one private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers.



While Lake Powell is one of the largest and most scenic man-made lakes in North America, it is only 13 percent of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The recreation area stretches from Lees Ferry in Arizona to the Orange Cliffs of southern Utah, encompassing scenic vistas, geologic wonders, proposed wilderness areas, and a vast panorama of human history.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-16 21:34:42|Editor: huaxia

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File photo shows soldiers march during a military activity at Butaleja Boma ground in Butaleja district, eastern Uganda, Feb. 15, 2018. (Xinhua/Daniel Edyegu)

The Ugandan military said that they are recalling about 2,700 veterans to back-up the soldiers deployed on an African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia.

KAMPALA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Ugandan military on Wednesday said it is recalling about 2,700 veterans to back-up the soldiers deployed on an African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia.

Lt. Gen. Charles Otema, commander of the Reserve Force of the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF), said in a statement issued here that everything is set for the recall which starts on Monday next week.

"The mobilized veterans will form Uganda Battle Group 31 and 32 to augment UPDF operations under African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM)," Otema said.

He said the recall only targets retired veterans from the rank of Major and below.

"They should be aged 55 years and below, with no criminal record. The candidates will be screened for physical, medical and mental fitness," he added.

This is not the first time reservists are being called up to serve in Somalia. In 2012 veterans formed a battle group that helped capture the northern axis of Mogadishu, according to Otema.

Uganda provides the bulk of the AMISOM troops. 
Sanctions, Scarcity, and the Depressing Reality of Iranian Healthcare

01/18/20

By Younes Mahmoudieh

When I visited Iran this summer, severe panic attacks, depression, and anxiety-longstanding byproducts of post-traumatic stress disorder-caused me to seek out a trauma therapist. After weeks of contacting Iranian pharmacies, hospitals, charities, and relief organizations, my prescriptions for Zoloft, Xanax, Ativan, and Clonazepam remained unfilled. Since the United States exited the Iranian nuclear deal (JCPOA) and imposed new sanctions, this kind of shortage has become commonplace.



"Death of 60 Thalassemia patients due to medicine shortage"

(Source: Iranian daily Besharate No, Decermber 12, 1919)

Each pharmacist I sought out in Tehran bluntly told me there was no chance I could find antidepressants like Pfizer's Zoloft. Even smugglers recommended by my physician claimed it was impossible to supply. Tehran is a city of eight million people, yet there was no access to this medication, which is readily available in the United States. Meanwhile, my condition worsened. I lost thirty-two pounds in three weeks and could barely get out of bed. I felt like I was dying. Returning to the United States saved my life.

Exporters of humanitarian supplies and banks overseeing humanitarian transactions have been punished with sanctions or are unwilling to support the trade of these vital goods. The United States Treasury Department has prosecuted medical companies in the past for selling even small quantities of medical supplies to Iran, and routinely threatens to exclude banks from the U.S. financial system that finance such transactions-hence my trouble finding Zoloft. Pharmaceuticals are a recognized humanitarian good under international law, and American sanctions have severely reduced their export to Iran. The State Department has called this claim a myth, but recent reports and my own experience prove otherwise.

Fear of reprisal by the U.S. government has proven effective in limiting Iran's access to humanitarian trade. From September 2018 to June 2019, imports of medical supplies fell 60 percent to about $67 million. U.S. Special Representative for Iran, Brian Hook, insists that American sanctions do not target access to medicine; however, pharmaceutical exports from the United States to Iran have fallen around sixty-seven percent. The recent sanctions have also made it difficult for European countries to export medicine to Iran. French and Swiss pharmaceutical exports have fallen twenty-five percent and thirty percent, respectively. The Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis warned that sanctions had "severely affected, if not fully ceased" access to life-saving medicine in Iran. This was announced in 2013, even before Trump administration sanctions were imposed and worsened the crisis.



"Contradictory statements by Americans about sanction on food & medicine"

(Iranian daily Sobh Eqtesad, October 30, 2019)

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in October of last year that American sanctions illegally targeted humanitarian trade by making it "'difficult if not impossible for Iran, Iranian nationals, and companies to engage in international financial transactions to purchase such goods." The court ordered that the United States remove any impediments to the free exportation of medicines and medical devices. The United States, however, rejected the ruling, withdrew from the optional protocol of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and terminated its 1955 Treaty of Amenity with Iran. No longer bound by the ICJ, the Trump administration has continued a policy of harsh sanctions. As a result, lifesaving medicine in Iran has become expensive and scarce. From March 2018 to March 2019, the cost of health and medical services in Iran has risen by nineteen percent. The Iranian government has repeatedly labeled American policy as "economic terrorism." Global powers such as the European Union, Russia, and China have also joined together to condemn American sanctions against Iran.

Sanctions rarely affect the regimes or governments they claim to target; it is ordinary people who experience the bulk of the pain, pressure, and suffering imposed by this draconian form of foreign policy. The Lancet, the world's leading clinical oncology periodical, recently announced that sanctions against Iran cause a scarcity of vital drugs and a drastic increase in oncology drug prices (due to the plummeting value of the Iranian rial by fifty to seventy percent). The authors of the report noted that "chemotherapy drugs such as asparaginase, the leukemia treatment mercaptopurine, and even the basic painkiller paracetamol [ran] out of stock [last year], threatening the treatment of thousands of children." Access to these medications has been significantly obstructed as a result of U.S. sanctions against Iran.

There is, however, a slim silver lining to this disheartening situation. In response to the current crisis, Iran's domestic pharmaceutical industry has made important strides towards self-sufficiency. Almost ninety-seven percent of the country's needed pharmaceutical doses are now provided by about a hundred local pharmaceutical companies. Iran has become a world leader in the production of generic drugs. Still, specialized medicine such as chemotherapy drugs can only be imported and remain inaccessible for average Iranians. Thirty-nine percent of the country's "needs by value" still comes from abroad. Many Iranians still cannot access the medicine they need, especially cancer patients. Even the active ingredients necessary to make domestically produced medicine for conditions such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and multiple sclerosis cannot be found.

The United States should return to the humanitarian standard of the International Court of Justice and cooperate with allies to prevent harmful trade policies. America's citizens must pressure their lawmakers for new policies; the international community must condemn the inhumane policies now in place.

The wellbeing of the Iranian people is at stake.



About the author: Younes Mahmoudieh is a researcher on Iran-West relations at UCLA under the guidance of Ambassador Hossein Mousavian. His articles have appeared extensively in Iranian media sources as well, including, but not limited to, Hamshahri Newspaper, Eghtesad News, Payvand News, Gooya News, and Khabaronline. His research, "The Nuclear Deal: A Crossroad or Deadlock in Relations with Iran," was recently published by the International Studies Journal.

Note: This article was originally published by Georgetown Journal of Foreign Affairs, Georgetown University
The US Navy is expected to honor a World War II hero when a new aircraft carrier is named for Mess Attendant 2nd Class Doris Miller.

The announcement is expected to be made at Pearl Harbor Monday, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Friday.

Miller was the first African American to receive the Navy Cross for valor.

Miller was recognized for manning a machine gun on the USS West Virginia and returning fire against Japanese planes during the December 7 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.

The attack on the Pearl Harbor naval base in Honolulu, Hawaii, was a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service on the US

The destroyer USS Shaw explodes after being hit by bombs during the Japanese attack on December 7 1941

USS Miller, a destroyer escort, was previously named in his honor.

'I think that Doris Miller is an American hero simply because of what he represents as a young man going beyond the call of whats expected,' said Doreen Ravenscroft, a team leader for the Doris Miller Memorial.

An African American was not allowed to man a gun in the Navy in 1941, Ravenscroft said.

'Without him really knowing, he actually was a part of the Civil Rights movement because he changed the thinking in the Navy,' Ravenscroft said.

The US Navy is expected to honor Mess Attendant 2nd Class Doris Miller (pictured), naming a new aircraft carrier after him

Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, the commander in chief of the Pacific Fleet (left) presents the Navy Cross to Miller (right) in Pearl Harbor in May 1942. Miller was the first African American to receive the Navy Cross for valor

American hero: Miller is credited for going 'beyond the call of what's expected'. An African American was not allowed to man a gun in the Navy in 1941 so Miller had received no training when he manned the machine gun to defend troops during the Pearl Harbor attack

Two of Millers nieces are expected to be at Pearl Harbor for the announcement on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The $13billion aircraft carrier will be the fourth of the new Gerald R. Ford-class supercarriers, and is scheduled to launch in 2027, and enter service in 2030.

The carriers are the largest world, and will eventually replace the existing Nimitz-class.

Two of the class have already been built - the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS John F. Kennedy, while a third - the USS Enterprise - is under construction and scheduled to be launched in 2025.

The USS Doris Miller will be the fourth of the Gerald Ford-class supercarriers, after the USS Gerald R. Ford (pictured), the USS John F. Kennedy and the USS Enterprise

Naming the newest addition after a sailor is uncommon, with the more recent carriers typically honoring former US presidents, such as aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (pictured)

Naming the newest addition after a sailor is uncommon, with the more recent carriers typically honoring former US presidents. Meanwhile, the Enterprise will be the ninth US Navy ship to bear the name.

During the attack on Pearl Harbor Miller, then 22, was collecting laundry when the alarm sounded.

His normal battle station in an antiaircraft battery magazine was destroyed by a torpedo. He went on deck and carried wounded soldiers to safety before receiving orders to aid the mortally wounded captain on the bridge.

'He subsequently manned a 50-cal. Browning anti-aircraft machine gun until he ran out of ammunition and was ordered to abandon ship,' the Navy said, noting Miller was not trained to operate the gun.

Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, the commander in chief of the Pacific Fleet, presented the Navy Cross to Miller in Pearl Harbor in May 1942.

Miller died while serving on a ship that was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in November 1943.

Aerial image of Pearl Harbor taken from a Japanese plane during the attack. Miller, then 22, was collecting laundry when the attack alarm sounded. His normal battle station was destroyed by a torpedo so he went on deck and carried wounded soldiers to safety before manning a machine gun

Sailors among the wreckage of the 1941 attack. More than 2,300 US troops died that day, with eight US Navy battleships being damaged
In what is perhaps the biggest tech story of the week, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 7. The operating system was one of Microsofts best and marked an all-time high for both the company and the PC. Windows 7 could also be seen as the last truly PC-only OS. While Windows 7 users can still use their computers with Windows 7, they wont receive any updates or technical assistance from Microsoft. Market analysts also cited the end of support for Windows 7 as one of the driving factors behind the growth of the global PC market for the first time in since 2011.

Jeff Bezos arrived in India for Amazons Smbhav summit. The summit was attended by hundred global leaders and industry experts, over 3,000 SMBs, entrepreneurs and startups and more than 70 business and tech partners. Bezos also pledged an investment of $1 billion into helping digitise micro and small businesses across the countrys cities, villages and towns. Amazon also plans to create a million new jobs in the country by 2025 with its continued investments in technology and infrastructure. However, the e-retail tycoon faced criticism from several small business owners amidst claims that the companys business practices are predatory and anti-competitive. The Competition Commission of India, the countrys antitrust regulator, has already said that it would investigate Amazon and competitor Flipkart for discounts given to preferred sellers.

From the Samsung Galaxy S10 to the Google Pixel 3XL, repairing flagships phones is a nightmare. However, iFixit's new teardown guides claim that the Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL are much easier to fix with the overlapping thin ribbon cables, which could break if you arent careful, being the painstaking part of the process. iFixit gave both the Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL a 6/10 repairability score with the phones earning praise for their modular design and standard screws. iFixit released a detailed text guide for the Pixel 3a, while the Pixel 3a XL has a video. Comparably the regular Pixel 3 earned a score of 4/10 while the Pixel 3 XL scored 3/10.

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey recently shared his unconventional eating habits and in an interview with the Wired. In the interview, Dorsey said that he eats seven meals a week, which only includes dinner. Last year, he revealed his food chart for dinner that included lots of greens, chicken, fish or steak along with mixed berries or dark chocolate for dessert. Dorsey also takes walks to the office, meditates for two hours a day and consumes a lot of vitamin C daily.

While the wait for Poco F2 smartphone continues, Xiaomi dropped major news about the brand. The company officially announced that Poco would spinoff as an independent brand, much-like Realme and Oppo. The Poco brand will operate independently of Xiaomi with its own marketing strategy. The announcement also inadvertently confirms the launch of the Poco F2, we expect mid-2020, as no smartphone brand can operate without a phone.


On January 19, The New York Times will endorse a candidate seeking the presidential nomination of the Democratic Party.

The Democratic nominee is expected to face U.S. President Donald Trump, the likely nominee of the Republican Party, in national elections this November.

The Times is one of most famous newspapers in the United States. It has been publishing endorsements of presidential candidates for around 150 years.

But this year, there will be something different. The endorsement process will take place in a very public way. Readers will have a chance to see and even hear how the papers editorial team decided on which candidate to support.

Today, we will explore how and why U.S. newspapers endorse political candidates. We will also show you how endorsements are changing in the modern media landscape.

Endorsements

Newspaper endorsements are specific declarations or statements of support for a political candidate. This candidate could be seeking the presidency or any number of local political offices.

American newspapers have been endorsing U.S. presidential candidates for a long time. The New York Times, for example, has been endorsing presidential candidates since 1860. So says Kathleen Kingsbury, a deputy Editorial Page editor at The Times.

Endorsements appear in the editorial section, which gives opinions. The editorial section is separate from the news section.

Process

Newspapers come to their endorsement decisions in different ways, notes Danny Funt in the Columbia Journalism Review.

For example, the policies of The Tennessean newspaper, in Nashville, Tennessee, are set by the papers editorial board. For an endorsement, Funt explains, five board members must reach a consensus decision.

Another paper, The Idaho Statesman, has a board that consists of an editor, publisher, and five unpaid community volunteers.

Some readers might imagine a staff meeting where everyone on staff casts a vote, Funt writes. In reality, he adds, we endorse may reflect the opinion of the publisher alone, the opinion editor alone, a board of a few people, or a board of 16, as at The New York Times.

Public and private

To make its endorsement decisions, The Times has historically done off-the-record interviews with candidates. In other words, its editorial team met with candidates and asked them questions. The questions and answers were not released to the public.

This year will be the first time that The New York Times publishes written transcripts and videos of the interviews. Kathleen Kingsbury wrote on Twitter that the idea is to make the endorsement process more open.

But not everyone thinks this change is a good idea. Alex Tabarrok is an economist and a professor at George Mason University in Virginia. He notes that private, off-the-record discussions can be very valuable.

A credible off-the-record system leaks a bit of honesty into the public domain and thus improves information overall, he wrote in the popular economics blog Marginal Revolution. He added, Indeed, what possible value-added can the NYTimes make with a transparent, public process? Everything that will be said, has been said.



Do presidential endorsements matter?

Newspaper endorsements have been a subject of debate for some time.

Before the 2012 elections, for example, 17 large U.S. newspapers chose not to endorse a presidential candidate, according to National Public Radio (NPR).

David Haynes told NPR that endorsements tend to undermine this whole idea of independence, and it really undermines this idea of being an honest broker of opinion. At the time, Haynes was the editorial page editor at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

The 2016 election seemed to settle the question about whether newspaper endorsements influence American public opinion in presidential elections.

In October 2016, media company Politico noted as of this writing, Clinton has more than 200 endorsements from daily and weekly newspapers in the United States. By comparison, Politico reported, Trump had only six endorsements.

Trump won the presidency the following month.

Yet many U.S. newspapers are expected to endorse presidential candidates this year. Their reasoning often goes beyond the idea of simply changing public opinion.

Chicago Tribune editorial page editor John McCormick noted that swaying votes is only one reason for endorsing, and arguably not the most important.

He added that endorsements, explain to the world what that publication is, what it advocates, how it thinks, what principles it holds dear.

Im John Russell.

John Russell wrote this report for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

endorse  v. to publicly or officially say that you support or approve of (someone or something)

landscape  n. the qualities of a given situation or activity; a picture representing an area

section  n. a part of piece of something; a group within something larger

board  n. a committee; a group of people serving on the decision-making body of an organization

consensus  n. an idea or opinion that is shared by all the people in a group

reflect  v. to represent something

transparent  adj. honest and open; not secretive

credible  adj. able to be believed; reasonable to trust or believe

undermine  v. to lessen the effectiveness of something

sway  v. to influence; to cause to move back and forth

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Bolstered by their merger with the country's oldest club Mohun Bagan, ATK returned to winning ways in style, blanking leaders FC Goa 2-0 in a one-sided Indian Super League fixture here on Saturday.

The high-voltage clash at the Salt Lake Stadium gained momentum only in the second-half when Pritam Kotal's rising header from a set piece opened it up for the hosts, smarting from their first loss at home to Kerala Blasters in the last round.

ATK's Fijian captain Roy Krishna latched onto a free-kick on the right-hand side inside the box and chipped the ball into the centre from the byline. An unmarked Kotal got in between the Goa centre-backs and nodded the ball into the net to give them the lead.

The last season's runners-up, who had won the opening leg 2-1, tried their best to attack but ATK were solid in their defence and did not let the visiting team to squeeze one into the net.

With two minutes left in regulation time, Jayesh Rane redeemed himself for missing a sitter when he slided in the ball to seal the issue for ATK, as the home side jumped past Goa to occupy the top spot on goal difference.

Just moments earlier, Kotal had squandered a big opportunity in front of an open net.

It was Roy Krishna's low cross from the right but the Indian forward blasted the ball over the bar from close-range.

But there was action replay six minutes later with Roy Krishna once again setting up for Rane to make amends.

Both teams have 24 points from 13 matches as the race for the top spot intensified with seven games left.

The group toppers will make the AFC Champions League and ATK, who will merge with Mohun Bagan in June, will look to make the most of it.

There were early threats at both ends with Javier Hernandez sending a strike wide after holding off his marker using his strength.

At the other end, Manvir Singh cut in from the right flank and sent his effort inches wide of the frame.

Goa asked questions after dealing with the early pressure from ATK.

Ferran Corominas went down inside the box after his excellent run was halted by Sumit Rathi with a sliding challenge but the referee shrugged away appeals for a penalty.

Goa custodian Mohamad Nawaz played his part in keeping the scoreline intact with a good save to stop Hernandez' long-range free-kick midway through the first half.

Jobby Justin's close-range header from the resulting corner was also safely collected by the relieved custodian.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Conspiracies surrounding Mr. Sanderss political fortunes have been a particular fixation for Mr. Trump, dating back four years. During the 2016 campaign, Mr. Trump circulated the false and unsourced claim that an analysis  he did not say who wrote it or where it was published  concluded that Mr. Sanders would have won the Democratic nomination if not for superdelegates, the party leaders and officials who were not bound to vote for the winner of their states primaries or caucuses.

At the time, Mr. Trump and his advisers realized the potential political benefit in lobbing these kinds of accusations. Their campaign, which relied heavily on depressing Democratic turnout as a way to win battleground states like Florida and Michigan, stood to gain by fanning the flames of the rivalry between Mr. Sanders and Hillary Clinton and dredging up the bitterness that many Sanders supporters felt over their loss.

Even after winning the election, Mr. Trump continued to claim that Mrs. Clinton had somehow robbed Mr. Sanders of victory. When Donna Brazile, the former Democratic National Committee chairwoman, released a memoir in 2017, Mr. Trump inaccurately said the book showed that Mrs. Clinton bought the DNC & then stole the Democratic Primary from Mr. Sanders.

In an interview, Mr. Fleischer said he had not seen the idea about the timing of the impeachment trial anywhere else and had not consulted with anyone when he first pitched it on Twitter. I just do my best to realistically assess whats happening in Washington, he said. Mr. Fleischer said he believed that Ms. Pelosi does not think Mr. Sanders can beat Mr. Trump in November, and that she has one big thing on her mind: thats winning the White House.

He said his tweet took off because if it has merit, it starts to gather momentum.

If it has no merit, its just another tweet, he added.

Republican staff members on Capitol Hill said the theory gained traction because of a broader narrative  pushed by Mr. Sanderss own supporters  that Mr. Sanders was generally getting a raw deal from the mainstream news media and other candidates in the race.

In a statement on Friday, in response to a question from The New York Times about the presidents conspiracy tweet, Mr. Sanders denounced the theories. Lets be clear about who is rigging what: It is Donald Trumps action to use the power of the federal government for his own political benefit that is the cause of the impeachment trial, he said. His transparent attempts to divide Democrats will not work, and we are going to unite to sweep him out of the White House in November.
Meghan Markle has garnered much support, as well as criticism for her and Prince Harry's decision to take a step back from the royal family.

And the former Suits star has recently received praise from one of the most outspoken actresses in Hollywood.

Tiffany Haddish gave a shout-out to Markle last week on Watch What Happens Live with her Like a Boss co-star Salma Hayek.

California girls: Tiffany Haddish gave a shout-out to Markle last week on Watch What Happens Live: 'That's how we do it in South Central LA, baby! She come from them Baldwin Hills!'

Hayek said of Markle, whom she previously worked with on a special issue of British Vogue: 'She's really gorgeously humble and caring.'

Haddish then chimed in: 'That's how we do it in South Central LA, baby! She come from them Baldwin Hills!'

The subject of the Duchess of Sussex came up when Hayek was asked by a caller about Meghan and Harry's decision to resign from the royal family.

She reluctantly answered: 'I think they're wonderful, and whatever the decision is, we have to respect it.'

Never be royals: It was announced Saturday that Harry and Meghan will no longer be referred to as their 'royal highnesses' in their decision to step back as working members of the royal family

Same titles: They will retain their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but they will not formally represent the queen

Payback: The couple will also no longer receive money from the Sovereign Grant, and they will repay UK taxpayers the 2.4million ($3.1million), which was used to furnish their home Frogmore House, Buckingham Palace

It was most recently announced in a statement on Saturday that Harry and Meghan will no longer be referred to as their 'royal highnesses' in their decision to step back from the royal family.

They will retain their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but they will not formally represent the queen.

The couple will also no longer receive money from the Sovereign Grant, and they will repay UK taxpayers the 2.4million ($3.1million), which was used to furnish their home Frogmore House, Buckingham Palace.

They will keep the house as their official UK residence, but they will now pay rent for the property, which is on the grounds of Windsor Castle.

It comes after their announcement earlier this month that they plan to step back as working members of the royal family and split their time between the UK and North America.
Proper structures must be instituted to ...
China Tianchen Engineering Corporation (TCC) has completed construction of a 230-megawatt thermal power plant in Gardabani in the southeastern part of Georgia.

Georgian Economy Minister Natia Turnava has hailed the completion of the project as "very important for the state energy security."

"Today, we've opened a 230-megawatt thermal power plant. Our main objective is economic growth, for which energy efficiency and energy source are critically important," Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia said Friday at an official completion ceremony of the Gardabani Thermal Power Plant II.

He spoke highly of the high-quality and efficient construction work by the project contractor, China Tianchen Engineering Corporation, saying their work will contribute to the sustained development of the energy sector in Georgia.

Givi Bakhtadze, general director of the Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation, told local media that the thermal power plant will make a significant contribution to the country's energy security and significantly reduce imports of electricity into the country.

He added that the Chinese-built project has employed 450 local citizens in the construction of the thermal power plant, while a total of 200 permanent jobs will be created at the plant.

According to TCC, the total cost of the plant was 160 million U.S. dollars. Upon completion, the plant will add 11 percent more electricity to Georgia's state grid, which will better ensure sustainability and energy security of the country.
A move by Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF) to choke off oil exports from its territory threatens to throttle much of the country's oil production, the national corporation said Saturday, escalating tensions ahead of an international peace summit to end the civil war.

Powerful tribal groups loyal to Gen. Khalifa Hafter, whose forces control eastern Libya and much of the south, seized several large export terminals Friday along the eastern coast as well as southern oil fields in a challenge to the rival U.N.-backed government based in Tripoli, which collects revenues from oil production.

The critical oil industry is dominated by the National Oil Corporation, which declared that the suspension of exports would prevent the company from fulfilling contracts with international oil companies.

It warned the closure of eastern port terminals under LAAF's control would cut crude oil production by 800,000 barrels a day and estimated the country would lose $55 million in daily revenues.

The Libyan Arab Armed Forces and oil field guards have ordered five subsidiaries of the national oil company to halt exports from key oil fields and port terminals.

In a press conference, the LAAF described efforts to cripple oil production as a "major step for the Libyan people."

"The Libyan people are the ones who shut down oil ports and fields and are preventing oil exports," said spokesman Ahmed al-Mosmari, adding that it sent a "message of rejection" to militia groups defending Tripoli against a months-long siege by LAAF.

The U.N. mission in Libya expressed "deep concern" over the efforts to disrupt oil production, warning of "devastating consequences." Its statement urged Libyans to "exercise maximum restraint" as international negotiations seek a resolution to the crisis.

The National Oil Corporation condemned the unrest, describing oil as the "lifeblood of the Libyan economy" and the country's only source of revenue.

"Oil facilities belong to the Libyan people and should not be used as a card for political bargaining," the chairman of the corporation, Mustafa Sanalla, said.

Tribal groups protested at the facilities, claiming the Tripoli-based government, which controls Libya's Central Bank, has used oil revenues to pay Syrian and Turkish mercenaries. They demanded that Arab countries take a "strong and clear position" in support of the eastern government and against "terrorist" militias.

The National Oil Corporation has asked the bank for greater transparency over the years, but did not comment on the allegations of corruption.

In its campaign against LAAF, which are backed by Egypt, Russia and the United Arab Emirates, the embattled U.N.-backed government has turned to Turkey for troops and weapons.

Turkey's escalating involvement in the oil-rich country, including through maritime and military agreements with the Tripoli government, has rattled eastern Mediterranean countries that see Turkey as a threat to their gas and drilling rights in the region.

The warring parties and their various international backers will convene Sunday in Berlin. The summit aims to find a political solution to the conflict and halt intensifying foreign interference in the country.

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Former chief of Hindu Yuva Vahini (HYV) Sunil Singh, who was once considered close to Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, joined the Samajwadi Party with hundreds of his supporters in Lucknow on Saturday in the presence of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and the partys patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Singh who was ousted from the HYV ahead of the 2017 Assembly elections, had become increasingly bitter after parting ways with his ex-boss Adityanath. At his induction function, he merged his Hindu Yuva Vahini (Bharat) that he had floated, into the Samajwadi Party and lashed out at Adityanath.

The BJP and Yogi Adityanath misled and deceived the youth by saffron flags and saffron robes, he said.

Sunil Singh had once likened his relationship with Adityanath to that Ram and Hanumans. On Saturday he replaced Adityanath with Akhilesh Yadav in that relationship with a dramatic announcement, Akhilesh Yadav ji you pick up the grand bow to annihilate the BJP government and I will be with you like Hanuman.

Ahead of the 2017 UP Assembly elections, Sunil wanted a BJP ticket to contest the polls from one of the Gorakhpur seats. But the BJP denied him a ticket. The relationship soured between Yogi and Sunil over the issue and he turned a rebel. Eventually, Yogi expelled him from HYV which he had founded in 2002 to promote Hindutva and nationalism..

Sunil Singh allegedly threatened some leaders of the HYV over which he the police booked him under National Security Act (NSA) in 2018 and he spent some time in jail. Sunil Singh is from Gorakhpur. Sunil eventually floated a parallel Hindu Yuva Vahini (Bharat).

On Saturday, Singh pledged to make Akhilesh the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh in 2022.

I welcome Sunil Singh into the party. And I hope my neighbour (Yogi Adityanath) has heard what Sunil Singh just said in a loud voice. (Samajwadi Party office is in the neighbourhood of CMs residence), Akhilesh said.

The SP chief claimed that the countdown to Adityanaths exit has begun and that his time was running out.

The government had sent him (Sunil Singh) to jail. Now the Hindu Vahini people will send him (Yogi) back to where he came from, he said.

Now I have more time. He has less. His time is running out. And more and more people are waiting to join Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh claimed.

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Boriss Brexit and the British royal family rumbles show there are difficult negotiations ahead in the UK for more than one of its institutions. Photo: REUTERS/Damir Sagolj/File Photo

Royals apart: Meghan and Harry have said they are stepping back from front-line royal duties and claim they want to be financially independent. Photo: Getty Images

This handout photo released on January 15, 2020 by the Canadian non-profit organisation Justice for Girls shows Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (3rd R) posing during a visit to the organisation in Vancouver on January 14, 2020

Britain's Duke and Duchess of Sussex are to no longer use their HRH titles and will repay 2.4 (2.8) million of the UK taxpayers money spent on renovating their Berkshire home, the couple have announced.

The couple will become known as Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, from the spring. Although they will not use their HRH titles, they will still retain them.

The announcement marks the conclusion of talks about their future with senior members of the family and royal aides.

A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said: "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are grateful to Her Majesty and the Royal Family for their ongoing support as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

"As agreed in this new arrangement, they understand that they are required to step back from royal duties, including official military appointments."

The will no longer receive public funds for royal duties, but with the Queen's blessing, they will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations.

"While they can no longer formally represent the Queen, the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty.

"The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family.

"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have shared their wish to repay Sovereign Grant expenditure for the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage, which will remain their UK family home.

"Buckingham Palace does not comment on the details of security arrangements. There are well established independent processes to determine the need for publicly funded security."

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The new model will take effect in the Spring of 2020, the spokesperson concluded.

Harry, who was born a prince of Wales, remains a prince.

The Queen said in a statement: Following many months of conversations and more recent discussions, I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family. Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family.

"I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life."

The Queen continued to thank the couple for "all their dedicated work across this country, the Commonwealth and beyond" and said she was "particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family."

"It is my whole family's hope that today's agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life."

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The news comes after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their intention to move away from their roles as senior members of the British royal family.

The couple announced in a statement they are working towards becoming "financially independent" and create a new role away from public life.

"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 said.

"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."

The couple said they will split their time between the UK and North America, fresh from a six-week trip to Canada. They said the decision was made in order to raise their baby son Archie "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."

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Queen Elizabeth previously said that the British royal family are "entirely supportive of Harry and Meghans desire to create a new life as a young family".

The Queen was joined by the Prince Charles and Prince William last week 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.

"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," the monarch said.

She continued to say: "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."
Ryanair reported strong performance during the Christmas and New Year period. Photo: PA

Ryanair (RYA.L) on Friday said that full-year profits would come in higher than expected, largely due to a bumper Christmas and New Year period and strong forward bookings.

In an unscheduled trading update, the low-cost airline said that it had more close-in bookings than it expected, meaning that customers chose to book closer to the time of departure. It also said that yields were better than expected.

Forward bookings for the January to April period are also 1% ahead of this time in 2019, Ryanair said.

The company said that it therefore thought it was appropriate to raise its full-year guidance, with after-tax profits now expected to come in between 950m (808m, $1.05bn) and 1.05bn.

Ryanair had previously guided a range of between 800m and 900m.

Even then, it warned that Laudamotion, its Austrian subsidiary, continues to underperform.

It said average fares over the Christmas period were lower than expected, despite strong traffic growth and high load factors.

Ryanair said this was a direct result of intense competition with Lufthansa subsidiaries in both Germany and Austria who are engaged in below-cost selling.

While the airline said that Laudamotion would carry 6.5 million passengers in the year to the end of March 2020, average fares would be 15 below budget.

The subsidiary will therefore lose around 90m, up from 80m, Ryanair said.

Shares in Ryanair climbed by more than 7% on Friday following the trading update.

Ryanair CEO Michael OLeary has long warned that European airlines will not be able to engage in below-cost selling for much longer, and has predicted that Ryanair would benefit from a wave of EU airline failures.

Ryanair competitors, he has previously noted, have been losing money heroically even as they battle rising costs and overcapacity in the airline market.

In May, he said that both Norwegian Airlines and Thomas Cook were two obvious ones hanging on by their fingernails.

Thomas Cook collapsed in September, primarily because of a mounting 1.7bn debt pile and a weak bookings market.
Delhi ministers Imran Hussain and Gopal Rai, sitting MLA Somnath Bharti and several other AAP leaders filed their nomination papers on Saturday for the upcoming Assembly polls.

Delhi Social Welfare Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam and Raghav Chadha, who unsuccessfully fought the Lok Sabha elections last year, filed their nominations from Seemapuri and Rajinder Nagar seats respectively.

Hussain filed his papers from Ballimaran while Rai filed his nomination from Babarpur.

Senior AAP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, his fellow MLAs Nitin Tyagi and Kailash Gahlot, and Atishi have already filed their nominations.

A total of 141 fresh nominations were filed on Saturday by 94 candidates belonging to the AAP, the Bahujan Samaj Party, and smaller parties like the Rashtriya Manch Party and Asankhya Samaj Party, among others.

With this, the total number of nominations for the upcoming elections has gone up to 214 received from 153 candidates, a senior official of the Delhi CEO office said.

Before filing his nomination, Rajendra Pal Gautam took out a rally from E-Pocket Shriram Sweet GTB Enclave to near Jagat Puri Extension.

"In the last five years, the Delhi government has delivered several developmental works in the fields of education, health, electricity, water, transport and others. In the coming five years, we will complete all pending projects and will also launch several new ones, under Arvind Kejriwal's leadership," he said.

Chadha filed his nomination papers in presence of his mother and other family members.

"Today I filed my nomination as a candidate from my birthplace Rajinder Nagar Constituency, with the blessings of my mother, family and loved ones.

"Serving the people of my constituency would be like serving my extended family. I am truly grateful to our beloved CM Arvind Kejriwal and the people of Rajinder Nagar for giving me an opportunity to serve the people and the place that made me who I am today," he said.

The last date for submission of nomination papers is January 21 and scrutiny will take place the next day. The last date of withdrawal of candidature is January 24. Polling will be held on February 8 and the results declared on February 11.

According to the final electoral roll, over 1.46 crore people are eligible to exercise their franchise.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A huge lorry inched noisily past the cafe window yesterday, just as I was burning my tongue for the second time on what used to be known a white coffee but no doubt has a faux exotic moniker these days. Anyway, said vehicle happened to be transporting Malaga's city centre Christmas tree back to wherever it came from.

Were I a photographer or even if I'd had a camera on me, or , in fact, if I had the slightest idea how to work the one on my phone and had had that about my person rather than in my house where it belongs, I'd have taken a snap.

There happened to be an old woman shuffling across the captivating scene with an empty shopping trolley and an even emptier gaze. It would have been a clumsily cliched 'when the party's over' kind of photo, admittedly, but at least it wouldn't have been one of what I was eating which, these days, is quite a novelty in itself, I'm sure you'll agree.

Ah yes, the very last gasp of the yuletide season which, if I recall, began some time just after the ice age. Even by Spanish standards, that was a very long festive period indeed.

I love these fleeting in-between times; the vacant days that ghost along imperceptibly, except for the occasional keening cry of a chap who's just received his Christmas spendathon credit card bill.

This is where the beauty lies - in the spaces interwoven among the holidays and the revelry and the pomp and the celebration, all of which are good, of course, but don't hold quite the same melancholy magic as the greys of January.

If anyone ever conducted a survey on the subject, I'm sure we'd discover that most great art is created in these pining hours, where nothing is really happening but everything we hold to be true whispers gently at our shoulder, for good or for bad. No one ever wrote a great song on Christmas Day, I'll bet; but on a wet Wednesday in January? No doubt.

Soon, it'll inevitably be time for more celebrations of some kind but, in the meantime, let's raise a glass to these, the inbetween days, which smoke gently rather than sparkle but appear no less beautiful for that - and I make that assertion from the perspective of a man with a lightly burnt tongue.
San Francisco Pride members are looking to ban the Alameda County Sheriffs Office from marching in their annual parade, in a move attributed to the departments enforcement of an eviction order against Moms 4 Housing last week.

The LGBTQ groups amendment for the Sheriffs Office, which passed Wednesday evening, is in addition to resolutions to exclude tech giants Google and YouTube from the festivities. The East Bay deputies were singled out as the only law enforcement members who were unwelcome to march in the June parade, though members said discussions about other agencies are ongoing.

In a Thursday tweet announcing the resolution, SF Pride member Laurence Berland said he is absolutely infuriated by how the deputies used militarized force to remove a group of homeless mothers from a West Oakland house. A judge ruled that the women had to leave the home, which they had moved into without permission from the owner, Wedgewood Properties of Southern California.

The eviction resulted in the arrests of three mothers and one supporter who had refused to leave. The eviction became a flash point in a larger housing crisis discussion, in a city that saw a 47% increase in homelessness in just two years.

The housing crisis is affecting people of color, LGBTQ and youth, Berland told The Chronicle Friday. I thought it was important to show solidarity with the Moms 4 Housing group ... even as we were taking action on other important issues.

Fred Lopez, interim executive director for San Francisco Pride, said no ban is in place, and that Wednesday nights vote represented the wishes of just seven of Prides 326 members.

One small group raised concerns about the Alameda County Sheriffs Office, Lopez said. As we get ready to celebrate our 50th parade, our goal remains the same as it was for our first  to be inclusive and reflect the diversity of our communities.

Lopez said Prides legal team is reviewing the implications of the vote, and the Board of Directors will meet Feb. 5 to discuss the next steps.

Sgt. Ray Kelly, a spokesman for the Alameda County Sheriffs Office, said it is unfortunate that the members made the decision based on media reporting of the eviction and without having all the facts.

The Pride Parade is about inclusivity, and a lot of members of our agency are part of the LGBTQ+ community, he said. Its important that the relationship between law enforcement and that community stays strong.

Kelly said he hopes members of the Sheriffs Office have a chance to speak to the Board of Directors before it makes a decision.

The resolution noted that the prohibition doesnt apply to individual deputies who wish to march as private citizens, so long as they do not visibly identify as deputies of the Alameda County Sheriffs Office while doing so.

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.

Berland and resolution co-author Tyler Breisacher said the resolution can be revoked only by a majority vote of San Francisco Pride membership. Such a reversal, they said, will be taken if and when they feel that the Alameda County Sheriffs Office has shown a willingness to change, and a dedication to the mission of San Francisco Pride.

Law enforcements relationship with the LGBTQ community has long been fraught. On Sept. 14, 1961, police officers raided a San Francisco gay club called the Tay-Bush Inn, arresting 103 people and citing them as visitors to a disorderly house.

Relations have dramatically improved in the half century since the raid. San Francisco police have marched in the parade for decades, Lopez said, and were one of the first departments to do so in uniform.

Last year, San Francisco police introduced a rainbow-striped pride patch to help raise money for homeless youth, many of whom are LGBTQ.

Hostilities among the groups flared last year, though, when demonstrators protesting police and corporate presence at the event stalled the parade for nearly an hour, resulting in two arrests.

Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meganrcassidy
Until recently, Hoan Ton-Thats greatest hit was an app that let people put Donald Trumps distinctive yellow hair on their own photos.

Then Ton-That did something momentous: He invented a tool that could end your ability to walk down the street anonymously and provided it to hundreds of law enforcement agencies.

His tiny company, Clearview AI, devised a groundbreaking facial recognition app. You take a picture of a person, upload it and get to see public photos of that person along with links to where those photos appeared. The system  whose backbone is a database of more than 3 billion images that Clearview claims to have scraped from Facebook, YouTube, Venmo and millions of other websites  goes far beyond anything ever constructed by the U.S. government or Silicon Valley giants.

Federal and state law enforcement officers said that while they had only limited knowledge of how Clearview works and who is behind it, they had used its app to help solve shoplifting, identity theft, credit card fraud, murder and child sexual exploitation cases.

Until now, technology that readily identifies everyone based on their faces has been taboo because of its radical erosion of privacy.

But without public scrutiny, more than 600 law enforcement agencies have started using Clearview in the past year, according to the company, which declined to provide a list. The computer code underlying its app, analyzed by The New York Times, includes programming language to pair it with augmented reality glasses; users would potentially be able to identify every person they saw.

Clearview has also licensed the app to at least a handful of companies for security purposes.

The weaponization possibilities of this are endless, said Eric Goldman, co-director of the High Tech Law Institute at Santa Clara University. Imagine a rogue law enforcement officer who wants to stalk potential romantic partners, or a foreign government using this to dig up secrets about people to blackmail them or throw them in jail.

Clearview has shrouded itself in secrecy, avoiding debate about its boundary-pushing technology. When I began looking into the company in November, its website was a bare page showing a nonexistent Manhattan address as its place of business. The companys one employee listed on LinkedIn, a sales manager named John Good, turned out to be Ton-That, using a fake name. For a month, people affiliated with the company would not return my emails or phone calls.

While the company was dodging me, it was also monitoring me. At my request, a number of police officers had run my photo through the Clearview app. They soon received phone calls from company representatives asking if they were talking to the media  a sign that Clearview has the ability and, in this case, the appetite to monitor whom law enforcement is searching for.

Facial recognition technology has always been controversial. Clearviews app carries extra risks because law enforcement agencies are uploading sensitive photos to the servers of a company whose ability to protect its data is untested.

The company eventually started answering my questions, saying that its earlier silence was typical of an early-stage startup in stealth mode. Ton-That acknowledged designing a prototype for use with augmented reality glasses but said the company had no plans to release it. And he said my photo had rung alarm bells because the app flags possible anomalous search behavior in order to prevent users from conducting what it deemed inappropriate searches.

In addition to Ton-That, Clearview was founded by Richard Schwartz  who was an aide to Rudy Giuliani when he was mayor of New York  and backed financially by Peter Thiel, a venture capitalist behind Facebook and Palantir.

Another early investor is a small firm called Kirenaga Partners. Its founder, David Scalzo, dismissed concerns about Clearview making the internet searchable by face, saying its a valuable crime-solving tool.

Ive come to the conclusion that because information constantly increases, theres never going to be privacy, Scalzo said. Laws have to determine whats legal, but you cant ban technology.

Addicted to AI

Ton-That, 31, grew up a long way from Silicon Valley, in his native Australia. In 2007, he dropped out of college and moved to San Francisco. The iPhone had just arrived, and his goal was to get in early on what he expected would be a vibrant market for social media apps.

In 2015, he spun up Trump Hair, which added Trumps distinctive coif to people in a photo, and a photo-sharing program. Both fizzled.

Ton-That moved to New York in 2016. He started reading academic papers on artificial intelligence, image recognition and machine learning.

Schwartz and Ton-That met in 2016 at a book event at the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank. Schwartz, now 61, had amassed an impressive Rolodex working for Giuliani in the 1990s. The two soon decided to go into the facial recognition business together: Ton-That would build the app, and Schwartz would use his contacts to drum up commercial interest.

Police departments have had access to facial recognition tools for almost 20 years, but they have historically been limited to searching government-provided images, such as mug shots and drivers license photos.

Ton-That wanted to go way beyond that. He began in 2016 by recruiting a couple of engineers. One helped design a program that can automatically collect images of peoples faces from across the internet, such as employment sites and social networks. Representatives of those companies said their policies prohibit such scraping.

Another engineer was hired to perfect a facial recognition algorithm that was derived from academic papers. The result: a system that uses what Ton-That described as a state-of-the-art neural net to convert all the images into mathematical formulas, or vectors, based on facial geometry  like how far apart a persons eyes are. Clearview created a vast directory that clustered all the photos with similar vectors into neighborhoods. When a user uploads a photo of a face into Clearviews system, it converts the face into a vector and then shows all the scraped photos stored in that vectors neighborhood  along with the links to the sites from which those images came.

Clearview remains tiny, having raised $7 million from investors, according to Pitchbook, a website that tracks investments in startups. The company declined to confirm the amount.

Going Viral With Law Enforcement

In February, the Indiana State Police started experimenting with Clearview. They solved a case within 20 minutes of using the app. Two men had gotten into a fight in a park, and it ended when one shot the other in the stomach. A bystander recorded the crime on a phone, so police had a still of the gunmans face to run through Clearviews app.

They immediately got a match: The man appeared in a video that someone had posted on social media, and his name was included in a caption on the video. He did not have a drivers license and hadnt been arrested as an adult, so he wasnt in government databases, said Chuck Cohen, an Indiana State Police captain at the time.

The man was arrested and charged; Cohen said he probably wouldnt have been identified without the ability to search social media for his face. The Indiana State Police became Clearviews first paying customer, according to the company. (Police declined to comment beyond saying that they tested Clearviews app.)

The companys most effective sales technique was offering 30-day free trials to officers. Ton-That finally had his viral hit.

Federal law enforcement, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, are trying it, as are Canadian law enforcement authorities, according to the company and government officials.

Ton-That said the tool does not always work. Most of the photos in Clearviews database are taken at eye level. Much of the material that police upload is from surveillance cameras mounted on ceilings or high on walls.

Despite that, the company said, its tool finds matches up to 75% of the time.

One reason that Clearview is catching on is that its service is unique. Thats because Facebook and other social media sites prohibit people from scraping users images; Clearview is violating the sites terms of service.

Some law enforcement officials said they didnt realize the photos they uploaded were being sent to and stored on Clearviews servers. Clearview tries to preempt concerns with an FAQ document given to would-be clients that says its customer support employees wont look at the photos that police upload.

Clearview also hired Paul Clement, a U.S. solicitor general under President George W. Bush, to assuage concerns about the apps legality.

In an August memo that Clearview provided to potential customers, including the Atlanta Police Department and the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office in Florida, Clement said law enforcement agencies do not violate the federal Constitution or relevant existing state biometric and privacy laws when using Clearview for its intended purpose.

Clement, now a partner at Kirkland & Ellis, wrote that authorities dont have to tell defendants that they were identified via Clearview as long as it isnt the sole basis for getting a warrant to arrest them. Clement did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

The memo appeared to be effective; the Atlanta police and Pinellas County Sheriffs Office soon started using Clearview.

Woodrow Hartzog, a professor of law and computer science at Northeastern University in Boston, sees Clearview as the latest proof that facial recognition should be banned in the United States.

Weve relied on industry efforts to self-police and not embrace such a risky technology, but now those dams are breaking because there is so much money on the table, Hartzog said. I dont see a future where we harness the benefits of face recognition technology without the crippling abuse of the surveillance that comes with it. The only way to stop it is to ban it.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
Trumps response related to Khameneis words "The villainous US govt repeatedly says that they are standing by the Iranian ppl. They lie."

Politico

Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei "should be very careful with his words." This is stated on Twitter by US President Donald Trump.



"The so-called Supreme Leader of Iran, who has not been so Supreme lately, had some nasty things to say about the United States and Europe. Their economy is crashing, and their people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words!" wrote Trump.



Trumps response related to Khameneis words "The villainous US govt repeatedly says that they are standing by the Iranian ppl. They lie. If you are standing by the Iranian ppl, it is only to stab them in the heart with your venomous daggers. ", which were heard during his recent sermon.

Related: U.S. Senate opens trial over Trump's impeachment

Earrlier Donald Trump appealed to the Iranian government and urged him not to kill a people who love America, but to respect. The leader of the United States wrote about this on his Twitter page.

"The noble people of Iran who love America deserve a government that is more interested in helping them realize their dreams than in killing them for demanding respect," - Trump wrote.

He called on Irans leaders to abandon terror and make Iran great again

As we reported, 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.

"This issue will certainly be pursued at the Human Rights Headquarters in cooperation with the foreign ministry and other bodies and we should make the US president account for his deeds as the prime suspect and he should face complaint," Iran's Judiciary Chief Seyed Ebrahim Rayeesi stated.
Australia has been ravaged by the worst bush fire it has seen in history. More than 15 million acres have been destroyed, over 1 billion animals and at least 25 people have been killed in this calamity.

Conscience stricken by this, Juhi Chawla's son Arjun, who is just 16 years old, has donated 300 pounds (around Rs. 28,000) from his own pocket money for the Australian fire relief fund. Before that he asked his mother what she is doing to help those suffering from the disaster.

Speaking about her son's gesture, IANS quoted Juhi as saying, "I recall he had mentioned to me that 500 million animals have been killed in the Australian bushfires and he asked me 'what are you doing about it?' I said I'm helping plant trees in our country in the Cauvery Calling project."

Cauvery Calling is a river revitalization project which aims at planting 242 crore trees in the Cauvery river basin. Juhi has been donating trees on behalf of fellow Bollywood celebrities on their birthdays and other special occasions.

Juhi continued, "That was it. A day later he said 'I've sent 300 pounds from my pocket money. I hope it goes to the right place'. I am really happy and grateful to God. I feel so good knowing his heart is in the right place."

Arjun is studying in a boarding school in the United Kingdom.

Many other Bollywood celebrities have also raised alarm about the Australian bush fires. Parineeti Chopra, Alia Bhatt, Dia Mirza, Kunal Khemu, Diana Penty and others took to their social media platforms to express concern over the fires, urging people to take climate change seriously.

ALSO READ: Parineeti Chopra Raises Alarm Over Australia's Ravaging Bushfires, Says 'This Is On Us'

ALSO READ: Akshay Kumar Is OVERWHELMED By Juhi Chawla's Gesture On His Birthday; Calls It 'The Best Gift'


technology startup CollegeDekho has witnessed a strong outcome for its academic year ending October 30, 2019, registering a 3X increase in revenue over the previous year.

With the commitment to impact the student's academic journey and change the way they choose their courses, colleges, and careers, CollegeDekho's AI-powered Chatbot has been instrumental in revolutionizing student's college search process, providing them with relevant information in a single click. The Chatbot witnesses 5K - 7K conversions in a day, thereby leading to a surge in student queries on the platform.

The linear availability of information through various resources like news, articles, exams, courses, careers etc has seen a surge in traffic by 200-300 per cent across the website across various streams like engineering, management, law, design, medical, hotel management etc.

Besides this, CollegeDekho accredits its success story to its comprehensive 360-degree student counselling process for higher education, further building on a sustained sequential growth since inception in 2015.

CollegeDekho has processed over 20,000 admissions worth over Rs 1000 crores. With just ten colleges in its ambit in 2015, CollegeDekho now works with more than 400 colleges and universities.

CollegeDekho ended the academic year on a high note, bolstered by growth in student registrations and college partnerships. With its aim of institutionalizing student counselling in India, the company continues to increase its student base, now counting over 1.3 million students counselled across geographies.

The growth in revenue was fuelled by deeper penetration and significant growth in the number of students registered on the platform. This, in turn, was driven by a significant expansion of the company's pioneering 'School Connect' program, through which CollegeDekho offers free career counselling to high school students PAN India.

Till date, 30K plus students have been counselled from Assam, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Delhi NCR, Telangana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu etc.

Furthermore, the recent acquisition of Scholarship Facilitation Services (SFS) to step up the 'Study Abroad' has also contributed to its growth and expansion in the US, UK, European markets increasing CollegeDekho's value share in the market.

With the aim to provide customised counselling to its users, CollegeDekho increased its counselling base by bringing onboard, experts and academicians from the sector. Executive appointments over the last year have expanded the leadership team in support of the company's next chapter of innovation and growth.

Highlights and performance parameters

* Free counselling sessions to school students in Xth, XIth & XIIth classes in government schools across India through their 'School Connect' program

* Premium Counselling Services with their ACCESS programme.

* Partnerships with 400 plus educational institutes pan-India, and more than 35,000 colleges on their platform

* Current employee strength of 650 personnel, which they plan to grow beyond 1,000 by March 2020

"Both our domestic and international businesses have continued to grow healthily, reflected in the numbers for the year. We continue to focus on our next phase of growth, while keeping a sharp eye on profitability," said Ruchir Arora, Co-founder and CEO, CollegeDekho.

"Our strategy will keep value delivered to our key stakeholders and the student community at the centre of everything we do," he further added.

Founded by Ruchir Arora, Saurabh Jain, Rohit Saha, and Rajiv Singh, CollegeDekho provides an open platform that facilitates interactions between students and colleges. It provides information about colleges, courses, careers, entrance exam details, admission notifications, changes in exam patterns, scholarships, and other related topics.

It supports students in selecting relevant career study options based on their strengths and guides them through self-discovery and college selection process.

CollegeDekho recently raised USD eight million in its Series-B funding, led by existing investors GirnarSoft, London-based man capital, and others.

The funds are being used for expansion, research, product development, and technology. As a part of their growth strategy, in the month of July CollegeDekho acquired Delhi-based students' guidance for overseas admissions - Scholarship Facilitation Services Pvt. Ltd. (SFS) - for an undisclosed amount.

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.)
The worlds shortest man has died at the age of 27.

Khagendra Thapa Magar, from Nepal, measured 67.08cm (2ft 2.41in) and was recognised as the worlds shortest man who could walk by Guinness World Records (GWR).

Magar had been suffering from heart problems, asthma and pneumonia, friends told GWR.

He was admitted to hospital in Nepal on Thursday and died on Friday.

GWR recognises two categories for people of short stature: mobile and non-mobile. Magars height made him the shortest mobile man on the planet, at 7cm taller than Philipino Junrey Balawing, who measures 59.93cm (1ft 11.5in) and who is unable to walk or stand unaided due to the medical condition osteogenesis imperfecta.

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

Magar was born in the Baglung district of Nepal on 14 October 1992, and was confirmed to be the shortest male teenager in early 2010.

He was officially measured at Fewa City Hospital on his 18th birthday in 2010, when he became the worlds shortest mobile man.

His father remembered: He was so tiny when he was born that he could fit in the palm of your hand, and it was very hard to bathe him because he was so small.

As Magar became famous he was appointed as a Nepalese goodwill ambassador for tourism.

GWR documented a day in his life in December 2018, showing him spending time at his familys shop, playing the guitar and travelling around his home town on a motorbike with his brother.

 World's shortest married couple get verified by the Guiness Book of World Records

Were terribly sad to hear the news from Nepal that Khagendra is no longer with us, Craig Gelnday, GWRs editor in chief, said.

His bright smile was so infectious that he melted the hearts of anyone who met him.

As many people of short stature experience, life can be challenging when you weigh just 6kg and you dont fit into a world built for the average person.

But Khagendra certainly didnt let his small size stop him from getting the most out of life. Its been an honour to know him and his family, and a privilege to share his story with the world.

The record for worlds shortest living mobile man has reverted back to Edward Hernandez, who measures 70.21cm (2ft 3.46in).
China called on India to give consideration to request of UNSC members

After a recently-held United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting to review the situation in India-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, China has called on India to "give serious consideration and positive response to the request of UNSC members" on the issue.



The remarks were made on Friday during a press conference by the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Geng Shuang.



Shuang was asked what China's position on the situation in the occupied valley is, especially, in the backdrop of reports that many of the UNSC members had viewed the forum as an inappropriate place to take up the issue.



According to the officially released comments, the Chinese foreign minister said that at Pakistan's request, the UNSC members heard a briefing by the UN secretariat on the issue on January 15. He rubbished claims that the issue did not get much support from members of the UNSC.

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"Members of the Security Council are concerned about the current situation in Kashmir, and call for observance of the UN Charter and international law, and peaceful resolution of disputes through political dialogue. They believe relevant parties should remain restrained and deescalate the tension," said Shuang.



"I shall stress that the India and Pakistan issue has all along been on the agenda of the UNSC, and the Security Council should continue to pay attention to Kashmir in light of new developments," he added.



The Chinese foreign minister said that the UNSC review will aid in easing the situation in the region "and properly resolve the issue".



He expressed China's resolve to continue to play "a constructive role in upholding regional peace and stability".



When pressed to comment on India's assertion that no one had shared China's views during the meeting, Shuang said: "We are aware of India's position, but what I talked about just now is China's position. As a matter of fact, China and India stay in touch on this issue."



Commenting on the massive number of Indian troops deployed in the region and the ongoing curfew, the Chinese official said that China has urged both India and Pakistan "to exercise restraint, step up dialogue and enhance mutual trust to deescalate the situation as soon as possible".



"At the same time, as a responsible major country, China has been in close communication with both India and Pakistan and stands ready to play a constructive role."



Regarding India's announcement that it would invite Prime Minister Imran Khan to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to be held in New Delhi later this year, Shuang said that China is hopeful both sides "will have close communication, coordination and cooperation under the SCO framework to contribute to the grouping's healthy development and greater role in regional affairs".
Recently, on January 14, I had reported on the sale of disputed Aravalli land in Faridabad. The story is peppered with terms such as gair mumkin pahar, shamlat deh, kanal and jamabandi, which are part of an age-old lexicon related to land use, revenue, and land tenure systems dating back to the pre-Independence era. They have been in use for centuries, but, until recently, were unfamiliar to me.

Instead, having grown up in Mumbai, I was familiar with a different kind of officialese, centered around modern real estate. From an early age, I knew about floor area ratio, mortgages and amortisation, and about Maharashtras notorious rent control system. But the language of land tenure itself wasnt something I ever came into contact with, perhaps because land itself is such a scarce commodity in Indias financial capital.

In 2017, as a student in Chennai, I was introduced to the word poramboke, a category for land owned by the government, but which does not typically generate any revenue. The word has acquired a pejorative meaning in Tamil as a wasteland, and is even used in a derogatory sense for people who are considered worthless. However, poramboke lands are far from worthless. They perform important ecological functions and are free to be used by all and sundry. Poramboke lands have been encroached on heavily by real estate in recent years.

In 2018, when covering a story of encroachments on Gurugrams Ghata lake bed, I came across the word shamlat, which refers to common village lands in Haryana. Similar to Chennais poramboke areas, they are equally susceptible to threats from real estate, while holding immense ecological worth. It was the same pattern of urbanisation I had seen in the South, and I have tried, since then to familiarise myself with the terms of regional land use and tenure.

One of the first words I became introduced to while reporting on the Aravallis was gair mumkin pahar, which is a land use category, denoting hilly areas where agriculture is not possible. Similarly, the word bhood denotes another land use category, referring to the sandy foothills of the Aravallis that serve as important groundwater recharge zones. Yet another interesting word is banjar kadim (or old fallow), denoting agricultural land which has not been sown in at least four years.

Then there are terms like shamlat deh, panchayat deh, and malkan, which denote revenue categories. Panchayat and shamlat both denote common lands, while the latter implies private ownership. In land records, one also finds words like mushtil, khasra and khewat, which are suffixed with numerals. Laid out on a map, these numerals (akin to GPS coordinates) denote the exact geographic location of a particular parcel of land. Other words like bigha, gaj, kanal, and marla indicate size. One kanal is equal to 0.125 acres, for example.

The meanings of these words were taught to me, not by brokers or property lawyers, but locals from Aravalli villages where land is becoming a more contentious commodity by the day. More than anything, though, I love the sound of these words as they roll off the tongue. Here are a few I have learned:

1) Jamabandi: Refers to comprehensive land records in Haryana, Punjab and other northern states. A jamabandi contains the name of the landowners, the area of land, the shares of each owner, and other rights that they may exercise over the land.

2) Chakbandi: Refers to the process of land consolidation, used to maintain agricultural productivity by pooling together smaller fragments of agricultural land and affirming their private ownership.

3) Shajra: Refers to the map of a village which is carved into smaller, individual plots, each of which is assigned a unique number.

4) Bhood: A land-use category referring to the sandy foothills of the Aravalli range.

5) Gair mumkin pahar: A land-use category denoting hilly areas where agriculture is not possible.

6) Banjar kadim: Translates to old fallow and refers to land that was once agricultural but is now barren.

7) Girdawari: An exercise conducted by the revenue department twice a year to maintain a record of land under cultivation, which takes into account the crops, source of irrigation, rate of revenue and so on.

8) Khasra: A plot number assigned to a specific parcel of land.
The five hopefuls to lead the post-election revival of Britain's battered Labour party Saturday condemned its struggles with anti-Semitism and vowed to expose the frailties of Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Their first joint appearance before Labour members in Liverpool comes with the 120-year-old party reeling from its worst election defeat since 1935.

The successor to veteran socialist Jeremy Corbyn will be charged with fighting Johnson's efforts to reshape Britain's economy after he takes it out of the European Union on January 31.

Finance minister Sajid Javid gave an early taste Saturday of the disruptions potentially facing UK companies when the Brexit transition period expires at the end of 2020.

"There will not be (economic) alignment. We will not be a rule-taker," Javid said in an interview with the Financial Times.

"We will not be in the (European) single market and we will not be in the customs union."



The post-Brexit difficulties some economists predict will test the unity of Johnson's majority in parliament and give Labour an issue to rally around ahead of the next scheduled election in 2024.

The candidates -- one man and four women -- on stage in Liverpool attempted to launch their leadership bids by confronting anti-Semitism scandals that hounded the party during Corbyn's rule.

"Jewish people were scared of Labour winning the election. That's deeply serious," centrist candidate Jess Phillips said.

Frontrunner Kier Starmer said it was "quite possible to be critical of Israeli policies without being anti-Semitic.

"If you are anti-Semitic you shouldn't be in the Labour party, it's as simple as that."



And local MP Lisa Nandy -- a longshot who impressed London pundits in her first round of TV interviews -- said she was "ashamed of where our party ended up".

"We gave the green light to anti-Semites," said Nandy. "Never again do I want to be door knocking with members of the party and be called racist".

Labour's sharp shift to the left during Corbyn's four-year rule saw it sign up in December to what was officially dubbed "the most radical (election platform) in modern times".

The party was also injected with a new wave of members who embraced socialism and rejected the more moderate "New Labour" approach of former prime minister Tony Blair.

This new membership ultimately decided to take no stance on Brexit at all -- a position aimed at appeasing both the eurosceptic trade unions and EU-backing voters around London.

Post-election studies showed voters pinning Labour's loss on its indecision over Brexit and seeming inability to confront anti-Semitism.

Some also called promises such as free broadband internet simply too good to be true.

Yet Starmer served as a senior member of Corbyn's shadow cabinet and delivered a keynote address at the party last conference in September.

"Don't trash the last Labour government and don't trash the last four years," he said Saturday.

Second-favourite Rebecca Long-Bailey has been branded a "continuity Corbyn" candidate by the media and is backed by the party's hard left.

She conceded that "we didn't get our messaging right" and "were not dealing with (anti-Semitism) effectively".

But both she and Starmer called for party unity and castigated the last nine years of Conservative rule.

"You can really see when a government has washed its hands of the people," said Long-Bailey.

Labour's foreign policy spokeswoman Emily Thornberry -- a veteran politician who is seen as a longshot -- said Johnson had a lax grasp of policies and should be "held to account".

"I am a girly swot, I would quote things at him. He would look confused," she said of her debates with Johnson when he was foreign secretary in 2016-2018.

Phillips adopted the same line of attack.

"I have managed to take on Boris Johnson from the back benches and have silenced him," said Phillips.

"Johnson would be terrified at facing me.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 18 : A survey conducted in Kerala by Animal Husbandry and Dairying has revealed that the consumption of beef has marginally reduced, while the consumption of pork has gone up for the fiscal 2018-19, over 2017-18.

While in 2017-18 2.57 lakh tonnes of meat was consumed (1.59 lakh tonnes of cow meat and 0.98 lakhs of buffalo meat), during 2018-19 it stood at 2.49 lakh tonnes (1.52 lakh tonnes of cow meat and 0.97 lakh tonnes of buffalo meat).

Likewise, the consumption of pork went up from 6,880 tonnes in 2017-18 to 7,110 tonnes in 2018-19.

Early this week, a row had broken out after Twitter handle, @Kerala Tourism posted a photo of a popular local delicacy called "Beef Ularthiyathu" on their website, along with a link to the recipe.

Soon thereafter came numerous posts slamming Kerala Tourism forcing Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran to say that this is nothing but a needless controversy taken forward by communal fanatics and that in Kerala no one links food with religion.

All forms of meat (beef, mutton and chicken) in the state are sold openly in markets and in select shops.
EDITORS NOTE: On March 10, NJ Cannabis Insider hosts its first semi-annual, daylong industry conference, featuring leaders in the medical marijuana, hemp and legal cannabis industries. Early-bird tickets are now available.

By Matthew M. Collins

New Jersey employers its time to sit up and take notice of how medical marijuana may affect your human resource policies in the wake of a recent disability discrimination lawsuit against Amazon. The case has relevant employment law lessons for employers of all sizes ranging from companies with one employee to large corporate entities.

The suit was filed in October 2019 in Middlesex County by a former Amazon employee working at its Edison warehouse who was terminated for testing positive for marijuana in July 2018. (The case was moved to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey on November 8.) The employee was lawfully registered with the states medical marijuana program. Following the positive test result, the employee advised Amazon of his status in the program. Like many other New Jersey residents, he was using the substance to treat a medical disability  in his case, an anxiety and panic disorder. Based on this disability, the employee submitted paperwork to Amazon requesting a reasonable accommodation for his use of medical marijuana.

However, at the time of the employees request for an accommodation 16 months ago, an employers legal obligation in this situation was not crystal clear, and remains so today. In July 2018, New Jerseys disability discrimination laws did not seem to obligate an employer to provide accommodations for an employees use of medical marijuana. Given that interpretation, Amazon terminated the employee. This occurred despite the employee providing the requested documentation to Amazon.

Less than a year later  in March 2019  the New Jersey Appellate Division ruled that an employer may have an obligation to reasonably accommodate an employee using medical marijuana. Again, the law on this issue is not completely clear but puts Amazon in an interesting legal predicament: its 2018 termination decision will now be judged in accordance with a legal precedent set in 2019. Further muddying the legal waters -- an Appellate Divisions March 2019 decision has been appealed to the New Jersey Supreme Court, which has not yet ruled on the appeal.

One thing is indeed clear, and a matter that all New Jersey employees are wise to heed regardless of the courts decision: Employers must comply with the requirements of the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act. The act, signed into law in July 2019, was crafted to dramatically reform New Jerseys Medicinal Marijuana Program and to expand patient access to medical marijuana. It also prohibits employers from taking adverse employment actions against employees solely based on their status as medical marijuana patients. These employment protections for medical marijuana users are separate and apart from any protections afforded by the disability discrimination laws raised in the Amazon lawsuit.

As more people turn to medical marijuana to treat a wide variety of physical and emotional conditions, it is important to understand that they are protected against adverse actions by their employer. Additionally, employers must follow very specific procedures if an applicant or employee tests positive for marijuana. The Honig Act provides meaningful protections for employees who are lawfully taking medical marijuana. Those protections are currently in effect and likely will require employers in New Jersey to modify their existing policies and practices regarding medical marijuana usage.

Given that the legal landscape surrounding the issue of medical marijuana use by employees is shifting quickly, New Jersey employers should stay abreast of these changes, be aware of the current status of the law, and seek proper legal advice regarding matters related to employees or applicants who test positive for marijuana.

Matthew M. Collins is an attorney with Brach Eichler LLC in Roseland and chairman of their Labor and Employment Practice.

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NEW DELHI: The External Affairs Ministry summoned a senior Pakistan High Commission official on Friday and lodged a strong protest over recent abduction of three minor girls from the Hindu minority. Sources on Friday said that the Pakistani official was summoned in connection with the recent abduction of two minor girls - Shanti and Sarmi Meghwal - on January 14 and another girl - Mehak - was abducted on January 15.

The Pakistani official was informed of Indias serious concerns about such incidents, sources said.

The development came against the backdrop of bilateral relations being at the lowest point in recent years following tensions over Kashmir and other issues.

According to reports, two minor girls, Shanti Meghwad and Sarmi Meghwa, from the Hindu minority group were abducted on January 14.

They belong to Umar village in Tharparkar district of Pakistans southern Sindh province, which has a large Hindu population.

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In another incident, a minor Hindu girl named Mehak was abducted from Jacobabad district of Sindh on January 15.

Pakistan has been informed about the grave concerns expressed by various quarters of Indian civil society at such shocking and deplorable incidents involving minor girls from the minority Hindu community, the sources said.

India has lodged several protests with Pakistan in recent months over the alleged abduction and forcible marriage of women from the Hindu minority.
Last week, I wrote about animal survival in the Whitewater Valley, but did not mention survival of a tree that towers more than 40 feet above Highway 74 near the former site of Beaver, an extinct town I also recently wrote about.

This particular cottonwood has a pretty interesting survival story of its own, in part because its still standing. Cottonwood trees typically have relatively short lifespans, especially compared to hardwood trees like oak, maple, walnut or basswood, with two large ones Ive seen over the past two years "biting the dust" to wind and internal rot in Silver Lake Park.

The other reason the Whitewater cottonwoods lifespan might have been shortened, were it not on state land, is that it is loaded with knobby outgrowths, or protrusions, called burls. Although this cottonwood tree would have very little value for harvesting for lumber, or even firewood, the burls it harbors are prized by woodturners who turn them into ornate bowls, if theyre not rotted too badly. Some burls are also used for pieces of furniture, unique clocks, or even interior trim pieces on cars.

Burls can be found as outgrowths on many varieties of trees, with their exact origin often being hard to determine. Around here, large burls may be a few feet in diameter, while some on coastal Redwoods and Sequoias may be over 20 feet. Regardless of size, scientists are in general agreement that burls are caused by some sort of trauma to a tree. This could possibly come from insect or fungus infestations, or physical damage such as broken-off branches or "frost splits" in the wood due to freezing sap.

Interestingly, one site I found indicated that most burls are actually formed underground on roots, which I suspect would lend itself more to insect or fungus infestations, since physical damage would be less likely. Wherever the damage, the tree will usually try to grow over the problem, creating unusual growths that, once cut open, may reveal colorful, swirling and interesting patterns of wood grain.

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Researching burls, I found a DNR Forestry site that listed wood products provided by dozens of individuals and companies throughout Minnesota, but only about a dozen listed burls, and none of them from south of the Twin Cities. So, I contacted DNR forester Valiree Green, based in the Caledonia office, someone her peers said was their "burl expert."

Valiree told me there are many trees of different species in Southeast Minnesota that produce burls, especially cherry, but very little market for them. As a turner herself, she said one of her favorites was turning a piece of ironwood that ended up "looking almost like a pink pearl." She noted "a number of people up north harvest black ash burls, with a lot of burls there also harvested at ground level from birch trees."

Farther away, I was able to speak with Pete Hilgers from Kretz Lumber in Antigo, Wis., after seeing burls for sale pictured on their website. Pete told me the pictured 3-4-feet-diameter burls, larger than most around here, came from large walnut tree roots on the West Coast. Pete cuts them into veneers to be sold for luxury auto interior trim, something Ive never seen.

To get the local "skivvy" on burls, I went to see my friend Jim Hair, who is a woodturner and has done some of his turning on burls. Jim said working with a burl is "kind of like opening a present." Although Jim donates many of his bowls for charitable causes, he showed me one of his bowls turned from a piece of cherry burl that he said his wife, Renee, "will not let me give away."

Turners like Jim never know for sure if a burl they acquire will be a "winner," as internal rot may render burls useless. But, once turned, they are unique artistic art pieces that can decorate a table or other suitable location. So keep your eyes open for these unique growths, and try to envision the beauty hidden under their bark, or maybe even get into "turning" to find out yourself.
Thousands of protesters took to Melbournes streets for the second time in as many weeks demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Scott Morrison and immediate action on climate change.

As 15 bushfires continued to burn in Victoria, the crowd marched from the steps of the State Library, through the streets of the city, chanting "System change on climate change, shut the mines down" and "ScoMo ... we deserve a future too".

Thousands marched through the city streets demanding action on climate change. Credit:Chris Hopkins

Organisers estimated about 2000 people took to the streets.

Uni Students for Climate Justice co-convener Beth Jackson said their message was simple.
Elaine Harper, principal of Red Bank High School, is the new executive director of the North River Learning Community in Hamilton County Schools. Ms. Harper moves into the position formerly held by Dr. Neelie Parker, who took over as chief schools officer for Hamilton County Schools in December. The North River Learning Community includes Hixson High, Sale Creek Middle/High, Sequoyah High, Soddy Daisy High, Hixson Middle, Loftis Middle, Soddy Daisy Middle, Soddy Elementary, Daisy Elementary, Hixson Elementary, Allen Elementary, Big Ridge Elementary, DuPont Elementary, McConnell Elementary, Middle Valley Elementary, and North Hamilton County Elementary.

I am excited about the opportunity to serve the outstanding group of schools in the North River Learning Community, said Ms. Harper. I believe strongly in the power of community to strengthen our schools and the North River is that belief in action. I look forward to working alongside the amazing school leaders in North River to continue the academic progress of the last two years.



Ms. Harper has distinguished herself in Hamilton County Schools as principal of Red Bank High School since 2016. In her first year, she established Hamilton Countys first Community School at Red Bank High through a partnership with Northside Neighborhood House. She was also instrumental in the development of The Red Bank Way, a focus on project-based learning and technology integration throughout the Red Bank feeder pattern of schools at Red Bank Elementary and Red Bank Middle. In 2019 Ms. Harper launched the BlueCross Technology Academy, a Red Bank High School, a Future Ready Institute focused on engineering and computer science. She also served at Red Bank as an assistant principal and taught in the classroom at the school. Ms. Harper taught AP Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Chemistry, Teaching Academy courses, and ACT Prep classes.



We focused on providing engaging project-based instruction and learning at Red Bank High that captures the interest of students and helps them to be more successful in school and after graduation, said Ms. Harper. With the project-based approach, Red Bank High has experienced success with an improved graduation rate, higher ACT scores, and the school achieved Level 5 status, the highest level of TVAAS growth.



Ms. Harper is a product of Hamilton County and the public school system. She graduated from Hixson High School, attended Ganns Middle Valley and Hixson Jr. High. After graduation, she attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she received her bachelors degree in Chemistry in August of 1995 and a masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction in May of 2007. She received an Education Specialist Degree in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Technological University in May of 2012.



After working as a professional chemist, her career in education began in 2000 as a chemistry teacher at the 21st Century Academy. While teaching at 21st Century Academy in 2005, Ms. Harper was accepted into the Leadership Fellows Program with the Public Education Foundation of Chattanooga to train as an instructional leader. She was in the classroom until 2012 when she started her administrative career as an assistant principal at Dalewood Middle School.



During the 2014-2015 school year, Harper was accepted into the Principals Leadership Academy, a joint venture between Hamilton County Schools, the Public Education Foundation of Chattanooga, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce. She has served as a mentor principal in the Rock Point Learning Community since 2018.



In large school systems, a sense of community can often get lost in the hustle and bustle of the day-to-day operation of schools. Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson introduced the concept of placing schools in Hamilton County Schools into learning communities across the system to encourage more cooperation between schools and build stronger relationships with neighborhoods around the schools. Hamilton County Schools reorganized academic and support services around the new learning communities to serve schools and the community better. The learning communities are Harrison Bay, North River, Missionary Ridge, the Opportunity Zone, and Rock Point.



The learning communities and the focused leadership serving the schools foster a renewed spirit of cooperation between schools and engage the community to benefit the children, said Dr. Johnson. Great teachers and great leaders are a focus for a successful school district and a vital part of the recent success of Hamilton County Schools. I look forward to Elaine Harper continuing the tradition of strong leadership in North River that has maximized educational opportunities for children in the communitys schools.

Wendell Weathers, assistant principal at Red Bank High, will be the interim principal at the school while the district searches for a new principal for Red Bank High.
President Trump has boasted how military officials counted down the seconds to the deadly drone strike that killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.

Speaking at a GOP fundraising dinner at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Friday evening, Trump recounted in great detail the moments leading up to the US attack, which triggered tensions between the two countries and led to retaliatory strikes from Iran.

US military officials counted down the seconds to the attack on the Iranian military commander, saying they have 'one minute to live', the president recalled.

''They're together sir. Sir, they have two minutes and 11 seconds.' No emotion. '2 minutes and 11 seconds to live, sir. They're in the car, they're in an armored vehicle. Sir, they have approximately one minute to live, sir. 30 seconds. 10, 9, 8 ...',' Trump said in an audio obtained by CNN.

President Trump (pictured) has boasted about how military officials counted down the seconds to the deadly drone strike that killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, according to audio obtained by CNN

'Then all of a sudden, boom,' he went on.

''They're gone, sir. Cutting off.',' Trump said the official added.

'I said, where is this guy? That was the last I heard from him.'

Trump also gloated that Soleimani 'was supposed to be invincible'.

In the address at his Mar-a-Lago estate, the president also appeared to contradict his previous reasons for taking out the Iranian general.

He said Soleimani was a 'noted terrorist' who 'was down on our list' and was 'saying bad things about our country'.

'How much of this shit do we have to listen to?' Trump asked. 'How much are we going to listen to?'

A burning vehicle at the Baghdad International Airport following the US drone strike in Baghdad, Iraq. US military officials counted down to the moment the Iranian military commander was taken out, saying they have 'one minute to live', the president recalled

'Sir, they have approximately one minute to live, sir. 30 seconds. 10, 9, 8 ... Then all of a sudden, boom. They're gone, sir. Cutting off': Trump retold the countdown to the strike

The hand and ring (pictured) of the Major General Haj Qassem Soleimani, who Trump described as a 'noted terrorist' who 'was down on our list' in the address on Friday

There was no mention of Soleimani posing an 'imminent threat' - the unsupported justification for the drone strike given in the immediate aftermath.

This latest discrepancy comes as Trump's administration has shifted its position multiple times over the decision behind the attack.

Trump recently claimed Soleimani was planning to target four US embassies.

This was almost immediately rebuffed by Representative Justin Amash who said this 'seems to be totally made up'.

In his address on Friday, the president also incorrectly said that Soleimani was meeting 'the head of Hezbollah', the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group.

Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, also killed in the strike, was actually the head of different group Kata'ib Hezbollah.

Trump also boasted that the strike took out 'two for the price of one'.

Previous claims that Soleimani posed an 'imminent threat' to the US were notably absent from the US president's speech

Trump also incorrectly said that Soleimani (pictured) was meeting 'the head of Hezbollah', the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group. Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, also killed in the strike, was actually the head of different group Kata'ib Hezbollah

Trump's retelling of the attack provided the most detailed account to date of the lead-up to the strike.

Mounting tensions between the US and Iran reached a tipping point earlier this month, when Washington killed Soleimani on January 3.

Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles at US targets in Iraq on January 8, resulting in no US deaths.

Iran's air defenses caused a catastrophe on their own soil during the strike, when a surface-to-air missile battery shot down a civilian passenger airliner mostly full of Iranian citizens.

It took days for Iran to admit its mistake, leading to an intense backlash and protests from Iranians furious at their government for initially claiming that an engine malfunction had brought down the jet.

The president's Mar-a-Lago South Florida estate where he held the GOP fundraising dinner on Friday evening and recounted in great detail the moments leading up to the US attack

At the Mar-a-Lago on Friday, Trump also recounted the Baghdad raid that killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

'He was screaming, going crazy,' Trump said.

He then joked that the dog Conan that assisted in the raid 'got more credit than I did'.

Trump's latest comments came as he entered into a Twitter spat with the Ayatollah of Iran on Friday, blasting the country's 'supreme leader' in both English and Persian.

'The noble people of Iranwho love Americadeserve a government that's more interested in helping them achieve their dreams than killing them for demanding respect,' Trump tweeted.

'Instead of leading Iran toward ruin, its leaders should abandon terror and Make Iran Great Again!' he continued in a pair of tweets written in English and Persian.

Trump's remarks were in direct response to a tweet in English from Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, which blasted the 'villainous' US government.

President Donald Trump also engaged in a Twitter feud with the Ayatollah of Iran, blasting the country's 'supreme leader' in both English and Persian

Ayatollah Khamenei led Friday prayers in Tehran on Friday for the first time in eight years

Trump repeated the same tweet in Persian in a direct appeal to the Iranian people

After Trump tweeted in Persian and English supporting the protesters, Khamenei launched a tweetstorm of his own, furiously blasting the American president.

'The villainous US govt repeatedly says that they are standing by the Iranian ppl. They lie,' wrote Khamenei.

'If you are standing by the Iranian ppl, it is only to stab them in the heart with your venomous daggers. Of course, you have so far failed to do so, & you will certainly continue to fail,' he said.

Kahmenei's furious tweet storm also took aim at U.S. allies France and Germany, as well as the 'vicious' UK government.

'The threat of the French & German govts & the vicious British govt to send Iran's case to the Security Council proved once again that they are the footmen of the US,' he wrote.

Trump responded: 'The so-called 'Supreme Leader' of Iran, who has not been so Supreme lately, had some nasty things to say about the United States and Europe. Their economy is crashing, and their people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words!'

On Friday, Khamenei threw his support behind Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards in a rare sermon, after their belated admission that they had accidentally downed an airliner triggered days of street protests.

In his first Friday prayers sermon for eight years, Khamenei also told worshippers chanting 'Death to America' that the elite Guards could take their fight beyond Iran's borders after the U.S. killing of a top Iranian commander.

Khamenei's address came amid a deepening crisis for Iran as it grapples with unrest at home and rising pressure from abroad.
One of NatGeo WILDs most successful reality programs, The Incredible Dr. Pol established a new normal for veterinarian Dr. Jan Pol, his family, and staff.

Left to right: Charles Pol, Diane Pol, and Dr. Jan Pol | Jason Kempin/Getty Images

At the time of the series launch in 2011, Dr. Pol was 69 years of age and had been running his animal clinic with his wife, Diane, since 1981. Now at 77, the vet, if anything, seems as fit and excited to be in his business as ever.

With the success of The Incredible Dr. Pol, the Netherlands-born vet has expanded his practice to bring on more veterinarians and just recently launched his own line of domestic pet food.

Which brings us to the brainchild of it all  Dr. Pols very own son, Charles, a producer on the show. Find out how a suggestion by Charles got it all moving into motion.

Charles great idea

As the story goes, Dr. Pol and his staff were taking care of business at their clinic in Michigan when Charles, while working at Nickelodeon at the time, was thunderstruck with an idea.

Enjoyed #sinterklaas eve while passing down traditions Wishing everyone a Happy Sinterklaas Day! #DrPol pic.twitter.com/0KCP7zkgqX  Dr. Pol (@DrPol) December 6, 2019

Dr. Pol explained to Tribune News Service in 2018, [Charles] went to film school in Miami and then went to Hollywood. He said, Were here in Hollywood. Lets make movies! But the writers strike was there, and filmmakers were a dime a dozen, and he was here for about eight to ten years.

Then he had a friend at Nickelodeon and Charles said, If you want to make a reality show, you should make one with my dad. Hes a veterinarian. He does large animals. Hes in the Midwest, and theres been nothing like that on TV. And hes a CHARACTER,  Dr. Pol recalled, laughing.

NatGeo WILD said yes

So the three guys came with a cameraman, so you do it for your son. Who cares? Dr. Pol continued in his conversation with Tribune. So one week filming they made a four-minute DVD and took it to all the networks.

Most of the networks werent interested. Nat Geo Wild was a new channel, why not? So they came out with a crew of ten, made four episodes and started broadcasting it, and the rest is history, grins Pol.

The shows co-executive producer Jonathan Schroder told NatGeo WILD, I knew this guy is the kind of guy you can base a television series off of: Loud. Easy with a laugh, easy with a smile, Schroder said. I had more doubts about our ability to keep up with Dr. Pol, and to capture the story because I knew we had the talent.

Charles Pols net worth

Dr. Pols son, Charles net worth is $2 million, according to CelebTattler. He was recently married in January of last year to Beth Oakes, and they had their first child in October of last year.

Thanks for tuning in with us tonight. #HappilyEverPol #SomethingPolSomethingNew Tune in next week for another all new episode of #DrPol #DogPhotobomb pic.twitter.com/ln7XiWwbtm  Charles Pol (@ChuckPol) January 20, 2019

My dad is a role model, says Charles. He grew up on a poor farm in the middle of a different country. He worked hard and he built  a veterinary empire here in the middle of Michigan through nothing but his blood, sweat, and tears.

Clearly, the apple doesnt fall far from the tree, and it shows in the success of The Incredible Dr. Pol, now in its sixteenth season on NatGeo WILD.

Read more: The Incredible Dr. Pol: Dr. Emily Gets Brutally Honest About Being a Woman in the Veterinary Field
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 04:22:11|Editor: yan

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ANKARA, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Turkey Deng Li on Saturday sent his message of greetings on the occasion of the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year also known as the Spring Festival.

In his speech given at the Spring Festival reception held in the capital Ankara, the Chinese ambassador wished a farewell for everyone to the pains and difficulties of 2019, expressing hope for well-being and blessings in 2020.

Mentioning that last year witnessed the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Deng hailed the great development China has achieved over the last 70 years.

In 2020, China will finish the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and eradicate absolute poverty, he said.

The path of development of China will never be easy, but we have courage for tomorrow and confidence in our country as we are under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and with the favorable systems, Deng noted.

The reception gathered hundreds of guests from Chinese enterprises in Turkey, press, Chinese students in Turkey and others.

According to the Chinese lunar year, 2020 will be the Year of the Rat which falls on Jan. 25.
Gwyneth Paltrow is the founder and CEO of luxury lifestyle brand Goop. It's website is full of expensive, unconventional wellness products for sale, such as a $500 infrared sauna blanket and a $84 crystal-infused water bottle. But when it comes to Paltrow's own routine, her favorite wellness practice is surprisingly simple and cheap: walking.

"I started walking about a year and a half ago, and I make sure to walk every day," Paltrow tells Julia Boorstin in an interview with CNBC Make It. Sometimes Paltrow walks with her husband, Brad Falchuk, her kids, Apple, 15, and Moses, 13  or her rescue dog. Other times she prefers going out alone.

Walking is Paltrow's "time to let the brain disengage from input, while having fresh air and moving the body," she says. "It's also, from a research perspective, turning out to be one of the healthiest things we can do is just walk."

(Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren is also a fan: She walks 6.6 miles each day and says it helps her relax and feel grounded while campaigning.)

In 2017, Goop reported that Paltrow swears by "earthing" or walking barefoot in nature. "They say that we've lost touch with sort of being barefoot in the earth and that there's some type of electromagnetic thing that we're missing," Paltrow told ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in June 2017.

While the research on earthing is hazy, lots of studies suggest that walking in nature has legitimate benefits.

Studies show that walking can boost creative output by up to 60%, as well as improve your mood and decrease feelings of boredom. A 2015 study from Stanford University found that taking a 90-minute walk in nature improves cognitive functioning and decreases anxiety.

Walking counts as a low-impact form of cardio exercise, and it may help lower your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, according to the National Institutes of Health. Walking briskly for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, is enough to meet the federal exercise guidelines for adults.

In addition to walking, Paltrow's workout routine also includes exercising daily with celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson. "I've been a Tracy Anderson fanatic for over a decade, I'm an investor in her company, so yeah, I go every morning," she told Women's Health magazine in March 2017.

Although many of the wellness practices that Goop preaches are expensive, "the true tenets of wellness are all free," Paltrow told the New York Times in March 2019. "Being in nature, meditating, eating whole foods. If you told our grandparents that eating whole, natural foods was elitist, they would have thought you were crazy."

Like this story? Like CNBC Make It on Facebook.

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SriLankan to take off on new biz plan By Sunimalee Dias View(s): View(s):

SriLankan Airlines will not be searching for a new partner to carry out its operations, a top official at the airline said on Tuesday.

Newly-appointed Chairman Ashok Pathirage said that they were not looking at a new partner to take on the airline but was focusing on the existing operations of the carrier.

He noted that they were currently in the process of drawing up a business plan to ensure the carriers operations were carried out.

High on the list of priorities for the carrier at present is to go ahead with the existing work being carried out where the airline is looking at restructuring itself.

The airline is yet to hold its first board meeting and the carrier has just received the new appointments to its board the previous week.

Brandix Group CEO Ashroff Omar, Dilmah Group Director Malik Fernando and lawyers Manohara De Silva PC and Samantha Ratwatte PC and the Asia-Pacific node for Boston Consulting Groups shipping, transportation and logistics sectors Sanjaya Mohottala who is also a core member and Southeast Asia node for the Corporate Development and Principal Investors and Private Equity practices were appointed to the airlines board.

The previously appointed restructuring committee had been looking at options of debt restructuring and raising capital in a bid to overcome its losses accrued since Emirates pulled out as its managing shareholder.
New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation for the launch of its first satellite in the year 2020, saying it will help in enhancing DTH services, ATM and stock exchange connectivity. Congratulations to our @isro team for the first satellite launch of 2020.

GSAT-30, with its unique configuration will provide DTH Television services, connectivity to ATMs, stock exchanges and e-Governance. Wish many more successful missions to ISRO in the year, the Prime Ministers Office said in a tweet quoting Modi.

Indias high power communication satellite GSAT-30, aimed at providing high-quality television, telecommunications and broadcasting services was launched successfully by Ariane space rocket from French Guiana in the early hours of Friday.

For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Photo: BC SPCA BC SPCA asks for public to support inclusion of animals in Emergency Management Legislation.

In the wake of Australias devastating fires, BC SPCA is urging British Columbians to support the inclusion of animals in the provinces Emergency Management Legislation.

Updates to the legislation are open for public input until Jan. 31.

BC SPCA chief prevention and enforcement officer Marcie Moriarty says they have witnessed the danger of natural disasters first-hand in British Columbia in recent years, and watched on with horror as Australia battles with out-of-control fires.

The devastating reports from Australia, where more than a billion animals are estimated to have died as a result of bushfires, are a somber reminder that both humans and animals are extremely vulnerable during a disaster.

"Currently B.C. does not require local authorities to include domestic animals in emergency planning, response or emergency support services. This has serious consequences for both animals and humans, including loss of animal life, increased likelihood of pet owners failing to evacuate if there are no options for their pet, pet owners returning to evacuated areas to try to save their pets and increased risk for emergency responders entering hazardous area to rescue animals left behind."

Moriarty says trying to re-home or save pets during natural disasters can be very stressful for owners.

For many of us, pets are members of our families and when a natural disaster strikes and people are evacuated it is extremely stressful for them to consider leaving their animals behind or having to struggle to find resources to help care for them while the family is temporarily homeless.

To add your name, visit spca.bc.ca/bcemergencylegislation.
The Prohibition era is now fully embedded in American mythology. Just hear the word, and a visual pops into your head, almost unbiddensecret entrances to dimly lit speakeasies, flappers and jazz, a sense of forbidden revelry.

The reality was a good deal less glamorous; for every bacchanal in a sultry Manhattan club, there were countless more illicit alcohol poisonings, corrupt cops, and gang shootings. And the alcohol you could get was likely to be sub-standard at best.

"The majority of speakeasies would have been filled with people hiding, doing something illegaldrinking poorly made drinks made with whatever booze they could get their hands on," says Gareth Evans, global brand ambassador for Absolut Elyx.

ullstein bild Dtl./Getty Images

It wasn't the best time to sip a cocktail. And yet Prohibition has had an indelible impact on how Americans drink, even a century down the roadfrom introducing new spirits to bringing women into drinking life. On the hundredth anniversary of the enactment of Prohibition, here's a look at its impact on how we drink today.

What Prohibition Did (and Didn't) Mean

As of midnight on January 17, 1920, it became illegal to buy or sell wine, beer, and spirits (with limited exceptions). It was not illegal to drink alcohol. So the last days before Prohibition were a scramble to purchase every bottle in sight. The well-to-do had the means, connections, and physical space to buy up entire shops' worth of wine or Scotch; the less well-off made their own way.

It's abundantly clear that Prohibition did not shut down drinking in America. Just the legal aspect. "From the very beginning, those who wanted to drink inevitably found a way," writes Daniel Okrent in Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition. Some methods were above-board, somewhat: Whiskey could be prescribed by a doctor for "medicinal purposes," for instance. But laws were openly flouted from day one. European spirits ferried from offshore; whisky smuggled down from Canada or rum from the Caribbean; "gin" created from industrial alcohol, diluted and flavored with juniper oil as a poor facsimile; moonshine distilled illegally in Southern backwoods operations.

Story continues

Quipped newsman Malcolm Bingay, as cited in Last Call, "It was impossible to get a drink in Detroit, unless you walked at least ten feet and told the busy bartender what you wanted in a voice loud enough for him to hear above the uproar."

What We Lost

So it wasn't hard to get a drink in Prohibition-era America. But as the entire alcohol trade moved underground, it was virtually impossible to have any guarantee of quality. "Speakeasy liquor could have been anything from single-malt Scotch smuggled in by way of Nassau to diluted embalming fluid," writes Okrent.

Thousands of family-run distilleries, many of them prominent names with long histories, went out of business. Bars all over the country closed their doors. And whereas pre-Prohibition America enjoyed a golden age of the cocktailan enormous number of the drinks we understand as "classics" emerged from late-19th century American establishments, whether public bars or private clubsa sophisticated cocktail culture all but collapsed.

If you can't guarantee a spirit, after all, you can't guarantee the quality of a drink. An Old Fashioned with rotgut whiskey is appalling; a martini with "gin" of unknown provenance is, too.

So while many European distilleries and wineries have centuries of history, few American spirits brands truly have roots pre-Prohibition. (The ones that do often sold whiskey for medicinal purposes.) Prohibition led to consolidation; only a handful breweries survived, setting the stage for a few major players still dominating the beer market today.

And beer, at least, fully survived Prohibition; no cider producers could claim the same. From the earliest settlers of America straight through 1920, hard cider was an enormously popular drinkparticularly in the Northeast, given the ready supply of fruitconsumed as eagerly as lagers and ales. After Prohibition, it was all but forgotten; only in recent years has it begun to make a resurgence, though it's unlikely to ever regain its early dominance.

And a great deal of institutional knowledge was lost. "Prohibition did a lot of damage to the idea of bartending as a career, as it made the job seem seedy and unseemly," says Gareth Evans. "The hangover (pun definitely intended) from the temperance movement still exists to this day."

New Spirits on the Scene

And yet, an era defined by banning alcohol led to developments in the drinking world, too. "During Prohibition, alcohol that could be smuggled over the nation's borders grew more populartequila from the south and Canadian whisky from the north," says Camper English, cocktail and spirits writer who wrote about several "upsides" of Prohibition on his site Alcademics.

Even after Prohibition was repealed, those effects lingered. "Canadian whisky surged in popularity," says Gareth Evans. "After repeal, consumers rushed to buy alcohol again, but America's favorite spiritwhiskeyneeds to be aged. There wasn't enough stock to satisfy demand. So thirsty Americans turned their eyes North."

Produced throughout the Caribbean, rum became another attractive option. "Rum was extremely popular during Prohibition, especially in New York," says Kenneth McCoy, Partner at The Rum House. And while in the Northeast, rum was smuggled into the city, Americans closer to the Caribbean (or those of ample means) went right to the source.

"Prohibition drove many wealthy Americans to Cuba and other tropical ports in search of rum-based cocktails," says Camper English. Spirits brands were savvy enough to encourage this kind of booze tourism through marketingand a little glad-handing.

"Bacardi recognized an opportunity to bring Americans to its home of Cuba to teach them about rum and cocktail culture," according to Rachel Dorion, a fifth-generation member of the Bacardi family. "The company responded with postcardsthe 1920s version of a social media campaignto put the tropical paradise of rum on the map." Bacardi sent bartender Pappy Valiente to the airport to actually greet incoming guests with a daiquiri in-hand.

Thus cocktails like the daiquiri and the mojito, still popular today, became familiar through Prohibition; Bacardi itself, now the best-selling rum in the United States, did too.

And the accelerated production of rum during Prohibition led to a cocktail movement that's still popular todaytiki culture. "Rum-centric tiki bars first opened right after Prohibition in the 1930s, but really took off after WWII ended in the 1940s," explains Camper English.

"In this tumultuous era of uneven supply, a lot of rum sat around aging in casks." And with delicious aged rum so plentiful, enterprising bar owners found a way to use it. "When Trader Vic created the Mai Tai in 1944, it was first made with 17-year-old rum from Jamaica. Blended rum from multiple islands became one of the signatures of tiki drinks."

Cocktails and Traditions

In the United States, the 1920s were hardly a golden era of cocktails. But they did set off a diaspora of bartending talent, and beyond the shores, American bartenders continued to be inventive.

"The main drinks to come out of Prohibition weren't actually from the US, but rather from elsewhere as an indirect result," explains Gareth Evans. "The top American bartenders could obviously not get work anymore at home, so they moved to the big bars of Paris, London, and closer to homein Cuba." The Mary Pickforda lesser-known classic of rum, pineapple, grenadine, and maraschino, named for a silent film star of the dayis among them.

And while mixers were certainly in use before Prohibition, they became far more popular in that erathe better to disguise questionable liquor with, of course. Faux-gin tasted better with tonic than in a martini; bootleg whiskey was more palatable with ginger ale than with soda. And Coca-Cola made out like gangbusters, selling both to the teetotalers and the imbibers desperate to mask the taste of what they drank.

Enter the Women

Prohibition didn't just change what Americans drank; it changed who drank together. Given that speakeasies were places with few rules, women enjoyed them just as men did.

"The old American saloons were typically for men onlyand part of the Prohibition movement wasn't completely anti-alcohol, but rather anti-saloon," says Camper English. "Whereas speakeasies open during Prohibition, as well as home cocktail parties, were often open to both men and women. Post-prohibition, things stayed that way, in the new supper clubs and cocktail bars."

Speakeasy Culture Today

By wiping out entire industriesaboveground industries, at leastProhibition caused untold damage to American spirits, bars, and cocktail culture. In many ways, it ushered in a dark age of drinking. Only in the last decade-plus have classic cocktails truly come back into fashion.

And while many of these bars looked to the pre-Prohibition era for cocktail inspiration, they adopted the speakeasy aesthetic for the bars themselves. Trailblazing craft cocktail bars like Milk & Honey and, later, PDT were all about the dim lighting and unmarked entrancesand more than a decade later, bars around the world have taken up the style.

"The idea of the speakeasy is alive and well all over the world, mainly because every single one of us loves to be invited to the exclusive parties no one else can get into," says Gareth Evans.

"There's a lot to be said about taking someone for a drink, knocking on an unmarked door, and being ushered into a dark room for delicious drinks. It reintroduced spirit-forward, moody brown drinks to the world, and encouraged bartenders to look to the past to learn more about their craft, which can never be a bad thing in my book."

Marissa Mazzotta, head bartender at The Shanty in Brooklyn, agrees. "The speakeasy idea became cool and sexy; to be at a speakeasy was to be in the know. And the rise of the speakeasy culture in the 2000's helped change the idea of a bartender as just someone slinging beers and shots," she says, "to an actual craft to be respected."

Prohibition was, ultimately, a policy failure and a short-lived social experiment. It all but destroyed a cocktail culture that preceded it. But a great deal emerged from this short time, too -- from mixers and rum drinks to modern-day "speakeasies" and the very notion of women drinking in them. A time of alleged abstention left a century-long impact on the way we drink today.
According to the German Chancellor, the next task is to increase investment in Ukrainian Gas Transportation System in order to improve its competitiveness

Open source

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky discussed arrangements on gas transit through Ukraine to Europe during a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. This was reported by the Presidents press service.

Zelensky said that he was pleased with the compromise reached and new contracting, and thanked Germany for its mediation.

Angela Merkel, for her part, noted that the next task is to increase investment in Ukrainian Gas Transportation System in order to improve its competitiveness.

During the telephone conversation, Zelensky reportedly called on the German Federal Republic to politically assist in the process of investigating the UIA plane crash in Iran.

As we reported earlier, 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.

According to Ukraine's PM, national interests were protected, and this should be a factor in reducing the price of gas in the market.
The Uyghur head of a successful real estate firm in northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and two of his brothers have been confirmed jailed on charges including extremism, along with at least 20 of his employees, according to official sources.



Ekber Imin, the 51-year-old head of the Guzel Makan (Beautiful Land) Real Estate firm, as well as several other companies, in the seat of the XUARs Hotan (in Chinese, Hetian) prefecture went missing in mid-2018, a Uyghur source living in exile in Turkey told RFAs Uyghur Service, speaking on condition of anonymity out of fear of reprisal.



The source said that Imin, who was also known as Ekber Dalu, first became wealthy working in the jade trade and had been targeted by authorities after he amassed more than 1 million yuan (U.S. $146,000).



While investigating the whereabouts of Imin, RFA learned from publicly available records that Guzel Makan, which also had dealings with foreign entities, was established in 2007 and had total combined assets of 13.3 million yuan (U.S. $1.9 million).



RFA recently called the Hotan City Public Security Bureau and spoke with a staff member who said they were not familiar with this situation, when asked about Imins disappearance.



An employee with the citys Tax Bureau told RFA that she was unable to answer questions like this when asked whether Guzel Makan was still operating, due to an order issued by the Public Security Bureau, and referred further inquiries to her superiors.



However, a third source, who used to work with a Hotan prefectural legal and political bureau, told RFA in an interview that Imin owned some 30 16-story apartment buildings in Hotan city which together are known as the Baht (Happiness) Apartment Complex, and cited a colleage as saying that he had been imprisoned for reasons that were not immediately clear.



It was about two years ago that they said hed been taken, said the source, who also declined to provide his name, adding that, Where he is, where hes gone, whats happened to himI know nothing.



We heard 25 years, the former legal worker said, referring to the length of Imins sentence.



When asked whether the nature of Imins business had led to his imprisonment, the former legal worker said he was unsure, but that he heard that the company had foreign ties.



Everyone, young and old, knows about [his sentence], he said.



RFA also spoke with a police officer in Hotan city who said he had heard from members of his social circle that Imin was detained, but was unsure when.



They detained him when he was going through a [border] checkpoint, he said, without specifying which one. The XUAR shares borders with Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and the region of Jammu and Kashmir, which is the subject of a territorial dispute between India, Pakistan, and China.



The police officer said he believed Imin had been sentenced for life, but admitted that he did not know for sure.



Brothers and staffers



However, a police officer at Hotans Ilchi Market told RFA that not only Imin, but his brothersMemetturdi Imin, 56, and Memetjan Imin, 48were jailed along with at least 20 of Imins employees.



The police officer said that one of the crimes Imin was convicted for was propagating extremist ideology by incorporating ethnic and religious elements into building designs.



I am aware that drivers and staffers of Ekber Imin and his brothers were sentenced, but I dont know the exact number, he said, adding that some of them are serving sentences in a prison run by the Bingtuana name used to refer to the quasi-military Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC).



Ekber and his brothers were sentenced for five different reasons. One was providing so-called cover for a criminal. Memetturdi Imin provided housing to a [camp] detainee who had been released. He was arrested for that reason.



Other sources also confirmed that Imins brothers and staffers had also been either sentenced or sent to camps.



There were two people from our township who had worked at Ekber Imins company and I attended their court hearing, a ruling Communist Party secretary from Hotan citys Ilchi township told RFA, without providing a date for the proceedings.



There were two sessions. One was related to Ekber Imins case. In that case, more than 30 were sentenced.



A businessman from Hotan city who is familiar with the Imins told RFA he knew that Imins two brothers had each been sentenced to 20 years in prison, but I dont know about the names and number of their partners who were jailed.



Another businessman from Hotan prefecture said that seven people, including Ekber Imin, his brothers, and business partners, were sentenced in the last months of 2018.



They are serving their sentences in a prison in Aksu (Akesu) prefecture, he added.



Recent sentences



Last month, sources told RFA that one of the wealthiest Uyghurs in Hotan prefecture had been confirmed jailed for life after his whereabouts were unknown for more than three years, and that dozens of his relatives and employees had also been sentenced to prison.



Eli Abdulla, the CEO of Xinjiang Yu Cheng (Jade City) Real Estate Development Ltd.a company based in the XUAR capital Urumqi that deals in real estate, development, and rentals, as well as the sale of construction materials, chemicals, electronics, and mechanical equipmentwent missing in mid-2016, and was believed to have been arrested by authorities and sentenced a year later.



His situation could not be confirmed amid an information clampdown in the XUAR, where authorities are believed to have detained some 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities accused of harboring strong religious views and politically incorrect ideas in a vast network of internment camps since April 2017. Camp incarcerations are largely extra-judicial decisions.



In September 2018, multiple reports from official media said that Chinas central government had ordered local authorities to investigate the finances of all owners of private companies throughout the XUAR, at the same time that internment camps were being built in the region.



According to the directive, the reports said, private business owners were required to fill out declaration forms at the time that provided detailed financial information about their assets and submit them to relevant government departments, where they were subjected to strict review.



Reported by Shohret Hoshur. Translated by Alim Seytoff, Mamatjan Juma, and Elise Anderson. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
SPRINGFIELD  Gerena School which has been plagued with flooding, mold and infrastructure issues for more than two decades will once again be the citys top priority project for statements of interest being submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA).

Gerena School has been citys priority project for the past two years with $15 million going toward repairs or renovations. Any money awarded this year will go toward installing an HVAC infrastructure system, completing the build-out of classrooms, and supplementing recent projects and investments made to the facility from a new roof, upgraded boiler, floor remediation in Tunnels A & C, new tunnel pumps and motors, a new indoor playground, and upgrades to safety entrances from the tunnels to the school.

This is a positive step forward in completing the long-awaited repairs to the Main Street Entrance to this community school. We will continue to work with Massachusetts Department of Transportation in expediting this project," said Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno.

Daniel Warwick, superintendent of Springfield Public Schools said he has worked with Patrick Sullivan, Springfields executive director of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management, to fix some of the major issues at the school.

We developed a school maintenance plan over fourteen years ago to initiate appropriate maintenance for the facility and the results today are indicative of the successful efforts at Gerena School. This statement of interest is the final chapter in the renovation of the school, he said.

The Department of Transportation has also awarded the Birnie Avenue Tunnel Project a project number. The city has long been working with residents to obtain funds for repairs to Interstate 91 over Birnie Avenue, which is considered a major means of resolving long-term water leakage issues in the schools pedestrian tunnel. The membrane of the bridge, which is atop the tunnel, has failed, causing water to penetrate into the tunnel.

The assignment of a project number is a key step in moving forward to the construction phase. I look forward to working the mayor and Mass DOT in developing the timeline and moving forward to bid the Birnie Avenue repair project," said Chris Cignoli, director of the Department of Public Works.

Zulmalee Rivera-Delgado is an organizer with Neighbor to Neighbor of Massachusetts, a resident of the citys North End and a longtime community organizer who has shed light on the problems at the school.

Were really excited to see this. This process is long overdue. Thanks to the continued effort from many this is a step closer to providing our families with a safe and healthy passage. We continue to support Gerenas progress until it becomes a safe haven for the community it serves, she said.

Like Rivera-Delgado Springfield School Committee member Maria Perez and Ward 1 City Councilor Adam Gomez have been very vocal over the years about the need for improvements at the school.

The funding to date has made a dramatic change at this building and the community relies on this facility to ensure safe passage from the Brightwood and North End neighborhoods. I am confident that with the mayors continued direction and his request to Mass DOT to expedite the Birnie Avenue project, we will be celebrating a groundbreaking for these repairs in the near future, Perez said.

Gomez said the city council recently approved increases in Chapter 90 fund allocations which will include funds for Gerena School.

I remain optimistic. Since before I was elected I have been waiting for confirmation that this project is actually going to happen. The community was promised results, archived over eight years with four school committee members, two state representatives, two ward councilors, and an entire community fighting for Gerena, Gomez said. Becoming the top priority doesnt mean the work will be fast tracked. We want a legitimate plan with dates of when construction on the project will begin."
The CEO of Western Montana Mental Health has accused Lewis and Clark County of misrepresenting the circumstances surrounding the organization's recent departure from Helena, referring to some unspecified claims as "libelous."

In an email sent to the Independent Record, county officials and others Thursday evening, the Missoula-based organization's CEO Levi Anderson wrote that representatives from Western and the county met in July 2019 to discuss a plan to enhance services in Helena by bringing new programs to Lewis and Clark County.

At the time, the county had contracts with Western to operate Our Place drop-in center and to provide a jail-based therapist position and a Crisis Response Team at the Lewis and Clark County Detention Center. Western was also operating the Journey Home in a building it leased from the county.

"During this discussion, I personally communicated that fragmentation in the system of care creates an unsustainable environment and one in which Western could not operate," Anderson wrote.

According to Anderson, the county notified Western in November that its contracts for the therapist position and Crisis Response Team would not be renewed after they expired at the end of the year. That prompted the therapist working in the jail to resign from Western, which left the jail without a therapist for a month.

While the county has been planning to replace Western's therapist with new county positions, county officials said they did not cancel the contract for the Crisis Response Team. They said they were simply issuing a new request for proposals as required by state law and informed Western that the organization was welcome to bid on the contract again.

"Prior to Western's decision to leave, the county very much hoped Western would respond to the RFP and ultimately be successful," county officials said in a written response. "The county also wanted to take this opportunity to establish clearer expectations for service."

Western intended to continue providing services at the jail through an equitable transition, Anderson wrote, but the county did not receive any responses to its initial request for proposals.

"The expectation that Western continue to provide services indefinitely until the County went through a second RFP process and identified a suitable provider is unrealistic," he wrote.

According to county officials, Western announced in November that it would end all Helena services in 90 days and assist with the transition to new providers. The organization then announced in December that it intended to leave the community at the end of the month, county officials said.

Western ceased operations at Our Place in December and closed the Journey Home in January.

"Western agreed they would stay 90 days and help with the transition at the Journey Home and the Our Place drop-in center and they did not," the county said in its response. "This has nothing to do with the timing for release of a RFP for crisis response team services."

The county had an agreement with Western to continue running Our Place through June 30, 2020.

"Given that the County chose to disengage with Western as a provider for multiple services, we did not feel that it was appropriate to maintain such a limited scope of service," Anderson wrote.

County officials reiterated that they had no intention of disengaging with Western for any services other than the therapist position.

"This is not disengaging in multiple services. Only two positions that Western had difficulty staffing and which are unique to the jail operations, were moved under county employ," the county said in its response. "The county assumed Western would submit a proposal for the CRT and would continue to provide service at Journey Home and the Drop-In Center (and expand other services if they chose to). The county did not ask Western to leave, Western chose to leave our community and to leave in the manner they did."

County Commissioner Andy Hunthausen has said that county officials were surprised by Western's abrupt exit. Anderson wrote that Hunthausen is an active member of Western's board of directors, so "commentary related to 'surprise' surrounding the actions of Western are disingenuous at best."

Anderson also wrote that the county had not paid invoices for services rendered as far back as April 2019. County officials said they would check their records and rectify any problems as soon as possible, if any errors are found.

"This situation is a byproduct of the county making decisions about community care in a vacuum; being driven by ignorance and arrogance. The County designed a plan to internalize clinical functions that they could not execute and have chosen to use Western Montana Mental Health Center as a scapegoat," Anderson wrote.

"County personnel have no understanding of clinical programming requirements, nor how to best deliver behavioral health programming to the citizens of Lewis & Clark County," Anderson continued. "Yet this ignorance did not stop them from terminating agreements with the only provider in the state licensed to operate the level of care delivered at Journey Home. This ignorance did not prevent them from terminating a relationship with an organization that willfully responded to support the needs of a community that lied outside of our traditional service area. But this ignorance does continue to fuel a flawed decision-making process that, ultimately, is resulting in compromised care for our most vulnerable population."

County officials strongly disputed this statement, noting that the county will have two licensed therapists and a case manager working in the jail to identify, treat and refer those with behavioral health issues.

"It will serve our community well for us all to turn our focus to the future and continuing to develop and establish comprehensive behavioral health services for the most vulnerable citizens in Helena and Lewis and Clark County," the county said in its response.

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She rang in her 30th birthday last month.

And on Friday Katherine Schwarzenegger was in full big sister mode as she spent the afternoon with her younger sibling Christina, 28.

The sisters got into some retail therapy and grabbed coffee as they journeyed through Brentwood neighborhood.

Sister sister: On Friday Katherine Schwarzenegger was in full big sister mode as she spent the afternoon with her little sister Christina, 28

Author Katherine look ultra-chic in a denim Madewell jumpsuit she paired with white booties.

She kept her short brown hair down in wavy style, with oval shaped black sunglasses pushing some pieces back.

Carrying a black crossbody bag on her shoulder she also carried a brown paper shopping bag.

Fashion forward: Author Katherine look ultra-chic in a denim Madewell jumpsuit she paired with white booties

Meanwhile, Christina opted for a simple all black attire.

She teamed black leggings with a black sweater and matching booties.

Carrying a coffee and her cellphone in her hand, she matched her sister with a black bag on her arm.

Contrast: Meanwhile, Christina opted for a simple all black attire

Katherine tied the knot with Chris Pratt in June, one year after going public with their romance.

The daughter of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver is set to release her fourth book, The Gift of Forgiveness in March. She recently revealed she recorded the audio book version, last week.

Writing: 'I am SO excited for you guys to hear and read this book!'

Author times four: The daughter of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver is set to release her forth book, The Gift of Forgiveness in March. She recently revealed she recorded the audio book version, last week

In order: Katherine is the oldest child, followed by Christina, Patrick and Christopher

Meanwhile, Pratt has been busy of late pulling double duty as star and executive producer of the sci-fi action movie The Tomorrow War.

The film is currently shooting in Atlanta, Georgia.

Originally called Ghost Draft, The Tomorrow War is about people recruited from the past to fight a future war against alien invaders.

Pratt stars as one of these soldiers and it turns out that the fate of humanity relies on his ability to confront and correct his past.
A 55-year-old cement trader was shot dead by unidentified people in Phugana police station area here.

Police said the incident occurred on Friday evening when Rafe Khan was returning on his bike to his village Jogiya Kheda from Neem Kheda village. The assailants, who were in a car, intercepted him and fired shots at him after which he died.

Following the incident, irate locals protested over the murder and blocked the road at Jogiya Kheda, police said, adding that they rushed to the spot and sent the body for post mortem examination.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The proposed legislation was never meant to be taken seriously, said John Rodgers, a Vermont state senator and a fierce gun rights advocate.

In light of the dangerous and life-threatening consequences of cellphone use by young people, it is clear that persons under 21 years of age are not developmentally mature enough to safely possess them, Mr. Rodgers wrote in a bill this month proposing to outlaw the use of cellphones by anyone under 21.

It was in part, he said, a rebuke of a law Vermont passed in 2018 that banned the sale of firearms to most people under 21, and an attempt to show the absurdity of allowing 18-year-olds to go to war but forbidding them from enjoying the constitutional rights and vices afforded to older Americans.

Mr. Rodgers, who said his family had been hunting the woods of the Northeast Kingdom since the 1800s, was quickly bombarded with angry tweets, emails and calls to his home that accused him of trying to create a nanny state. His critics missed the point, he said.
Information reaching YEN.com.gh indicates that work to restore data connectivity by MTN Ghana is 50 percent complete.

After complaints from MTN customers over their inability to access various data services since Thursday, the telecom firm says customers can now experience appreciable speed levels with picture, video and general downloads as well as WhatsApp and International Outgoing calls.

In the statement below, MTN Ghana confirms that significant progress has been achieved in restoring the mobile data connectivity issues.

READ ALSO: Afia Schwar drop hot info; accuses to blogger of stealing his bestfreind's girlfriend (video)

MTN ASSURES CUSTOMERS THAT CONNECTIVITY ISSUES IN GHANA ARE BEING RESOLVED.

MTN Ghana confirms that significant progress has been achieved in restoring the mobile data connectivity issues. The restoration has commenced and so far we have attained 50% resolution.

You can now experience appreciable speed levels with picture, video and general downloads as well as WhatsApp and International Outgoing calls. Updates will be shared as more progress is made.

Connectivity was interrupted over the last two days as a result of a double undersea fibre optic cable cut in Europe which affected six Operators in six West African Countries and beyond. This situation affected our internet services, due specifically to issues with the West Africa Cable System (WACS).

MTN is committed to providing you with the best experience and wishes to thank you, our loyal and valued customers, for your patience during this difficult period. We will continue to work tirelessly on fully resolving the mobile data connectivity issues in the shortest possible time.

We thank all our cherished customers for their patience during this period.

Thank you.

READ ALSO: Election promises: Every Ghanaian child from 1-18 years to get GH200 monthly allowance - Akpaloo

Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh earlier reported that MTN has been hit with a massive network challenge which has resulted in subscribers being unable to access the internet and make international calls.

The problem which started on Thursday, January 16, 2020, saw many Ghanaians complaining on social media.

While some complained of not being able to purchase data using MTN Mobile Money, others said their MTN internet can only access YouTube and WhatsApp.

It has been 24 hours and the network problem still persists. The telecommunication company has issued a statement, apologizing to subscribers and has promised to fix the challenge as soon as possible.

READ ALSO: Keche and wife openly 'chop' love after social media trolls on their wedding day

Have national and human interest issues to discuss?

Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition?

Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page

Source: YEN.com.gh
Starr, Dershowitz headline Trump impeachment defense team



Washington, Jan 17 (AFP) Jan 17, 2020



President Donald Trump named a legal team of nine to defend him in his impeachment trial starting in earnest next Tuesday in the Senate -- headlined by Bill Clinton prosecutor Ken Starr and celebrity lawyer Alan Dershowitz.

Here is the full line up:



- Lead lawyer: Pat Cipollone -



In a White House of colorful characters, Trump's official counsel Pat Cipollone, 53, flies under the radar, rarely speaking to the media. As the president's stealth weapon, though, he has already left a devastating mark.

It was Cipollone who sent a letter in October to the Democratic leadership in the House of Representatives, bluntly telling them the administration was refusing to cooperate with the impeachment investigation.

The whole thing was "partisan and unconstitutional" and as a result Trump and his entire staff "cannot participate," Cipollone said.

Trump is now relying on the fervent Catholic, who has 10 children, to save his presidency.

Trump's summary of the man: "He's the strong, silent type."



- Impeachment veteran: Ken Starr -



Starr, 73, has more impeachment experience than almost anyone: as a special prosecutor he led the investigation that saw Bill Clinton impeached and tried in 1998-99.

Despite his own years-long, constantly mutating probe of Clinton that finally caught the former president in a lie over sex, Starr was a strong critic of the Russia collusion investigation into Trump by special counsel Robert Mueller.

He called the House Democrats' probe into the Ukraine affair that brought about Trump's impeachment a "coup d'etat".



- Star power: Alan Dershowitz -



One of America's most storied lawyers, the 81-year-old Harvard Law School professor has spent a lifetime taking on the most indefensible, high-profile cases -- and often winning.

He defended kidnapped heiress Patty Hearst, boxer Mike Tyson, and accused murderers O.J. Simpson and Claus von Bulow.

The Bulow case made him internationally famous after his book on it became an Academy Award-winning movie, "Reversal of Fortune."

Dershowitz, who publicly opposed Clinton's impeachment, shrugs off the ignominy of past clients, saying he is standing up for individual rights under the law.

But last year, during the prosecution of his friend and former client Jeffrey Epstein -- who later killed himself in jail -- Dershowitz himself was accused of being a witness and participant in Epstein's sex crimes. The lawyer denies the allegations.



- Personal lawyer: Jay Sekulow -



Trump's 63-year-old personal lawyer made his name leading the American Center for Law & Justice to promote conservative Christian ideals. Raised Jewish, he converted to syncretic Messianic Judaism -- a movement that combines Christianity with elements of Judaism.

Sekulow made a fortune from televised evangelism, and won several Supreme Court cases on religious freedom, allying himself with other key supporters of Trump from the conservative legal community.

He has proven a shrewd and telegenic defender of Trump, helping fortify the president's connection to his voter base in regular broadcasts on Christian-focused airwaves.



- Florida ally: Pam Bondi -



The twice-divorced 54-year-old lawyer is a regular at Trump's Palm Beach Mar-a-Lago resort and, as a former Florida attorney general, has pursued Trump policies from challenging Obamacare to investigating unsupported claims of widespread "voter fraud" by Democrats.

In 2013, the Trump Foundation donated $25,000 toward her re-election, and weeks later she declined to have Florida join a multimillion dollar fraud lawsuit against his Trump University. Both denied the two actions were linked.

While still attorney general in 2018, she hosted a program on Fox News. Last November she joined the White House communications team to help prepare for the president's expected impeachment.

Four others will be on the team: Trump's longtime personal lawyer Jane Raskin; Robert Ray who succeeded Starr as special prosecutor; and Michael Purpura and Patrick Philbin, both Justice Department veterans now in the White House counsel's office.
For nearly four years, West Texas has been my home, giving me more than I would have ever even imagined when I moved out this way at 18 years old.

I remember driving westbound on Interstate 20, taking a right on US-84 and heading to an unfamiliar place that would later become my favorite place. Most of you wouldnt say Lubbock is West Texas, but humor me, please, because its far more west than the Metroplex.

My mother sat in the passenger seat, giving me advice and laughing at the memories we shared. I remember that she told me Id make the very best friends and meet my soulmate in Lubbock. She insisted she knew me well enough to know I wouldnt ever want to leave. I refused to accept that and assured her I was only there to get my degree, and Id be back home in Fort Worth when I was finished.

Many of you can guess how this turned out.

I got my degree, like I said I would, but I also made the very best friends and met my soulmate  now my husband and the father of my daughter, who is expected in May.

What surprised me most, however, was that she was spot-on when telling me I wouldnt want to leave. One of the biggest reasons I moved to Midland was so I could stay nearby; Lubbock had truly become my home.

By the end of the week, I will be back in the Metroplex, so I can raise my little one around her family. Im sad to be leaving Lubbock, my safe place, even further behind.

But looking back, in the little more than a year Ive spent here, Midland has given me even more than Lubbock did, and now, I dont want to leave this city behind, either.

Opportunity met me here in this city. I began my first real job here, less than a month after graduating. I got married here. I became a mama-to-be here.

As a journalist, the Midland Reporter-Telegram served me as much professionally, as the city of Midland did socially. This newsroom has helped me to become a journalist who can achieve anything she believes she can. Ive been equipped to report on anything imaginable  and to do so with strength.

I had, unfortunately, covered a major tragedy in the first six months of my career; I covered a strenuous bond election that made national news; I was published in the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News, two of the biggest newspapers in the state, at age 22.

Ive met journalists from CNN, the New York Times, National Geographic and Bloomberg; I spoke with senators, representatives and Gov. Greg Abbott, and I can share a really embarrassing story about the time I met George P. Bush at Brew St. on Garfield. I was able to network with the most impressive people, and my talents were sculpted and sharpened here.

West Texas has given me everything I am proud of: my college degree; my wonderful group of friends; my loving husband; my (already active) baby girl; my drive and ethics; and my most beloved experiences.

For that, I say: Farewell, West Texas. You will be missed.
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OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reviving his practice of holding periodic cabinet retreats outside the nation's capital  an exercise in regional outreach that his office maintains is worth the added cost of ferrying ministers around the country.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/1/2020 (724 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds a press conference at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reviving his practice of holding periodic cabinet retreats outside the nation's capital  an exercise in regional outreach that his office maintains is worth the added cost of ferrying ministers around the country.

Beginning Sunday, he and his 36 ministers will be holed up in Winnipeg for three days to discuss priorities and plot how to bring them to fruition in a House of Commons where the Liberals hold only a minority of seats.

That is to be followed by a three-day caucus retreat with Liberal MPs in Ottawa, in preparation for the resumption of Parliament on Jan. 27  its first extended sitting since the Liberals were reduced to a minority in the October election.

The choice of Winnipeg is a nod to the East-West divide exposed in the election. The Liberals were shut out entirely in Alberta and Saskatchewan, where voters were irate over environmental policies they believe have gutted the energy industry.

Manitoba, where the Liberals lost three of six seats, is somewhat friendlier territory. The province's premier, Brian Pallister, has signalled a willingness to try to bridge the divide between the federal government and his fellow conservative Prairie premiers.

Trudeau is to meet separately with Pallister while he's in town, as well as with Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman.

"Canadians sent us a clear message that they want a government that finds common ground and supports everyone is different regions," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement when asked why the retreat is being held outside Ottawa and in Winnipeg in particular.

"We are also committed to listening to and working closely with Canadians in the Prairies to address their specific concerns."

During his first mandate, Trudeau held eight cabinet retreats outside Ottawa, including two in Alberta.

Conservative MP Candice Bergen, who represents a Manitoba riding, dismissed the Winnipeg retreat as a show of listening to westerners without actually changing any of the "failed policies," like the federal carbon tax, that Prairie voters rejected.

"If this is to be a sincere effort, the Trudeau Liberals should meet directly with Manitobans to understand how their policies are making life more difficult," she said in a statement.

Among the issues ministers are expected to discuss during the Winnipeg retreat is what the government calls "the challenges of an uncertain world"  a timely topic as the country tries to come to grips with Iran's admission that it accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet last week. The crash killed all 176 people on board, including 57 Canadian citizens and 29 permanent residents.

The retreat will focus primarily on more prosaic matters: the state of the economy, the upcoming budget and how to deliver on campaign promises to bolster the middle class, fight climate change, strengthen gun control and achieve reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

And there'll be a session on how to get it done in a minority Parliament.

On helping the middle class, ministers will get some expert advice from economists Armine Yalnizyan and Kevin Milligan and Canada's chief statistician, Anil Arora.

On climate change, they'll hear from economist Andrew Leach and climate scientist Katherine Hayhoe, the duo who last fall graded the major parties' campaign plans to cut carbon emissions. (They gave the Liberals a B for ambition and an A for feasibility).

Of particular interest to the West, they'll also get an update on the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion from Bill Downe, the chair of Trans Mountain Corp. and former CEO of BMO Financial Group, and Linda Coady, a former Enbridge executive who heads a committee advising the government on consultations with Indigenous communities that want a financial stake in the project.

The Trudeau government bought the pipeline for $4.5 billion after Kinder Morgan decided to scrap plans to twin the pipeline due to political uncertainty and legal hurdles. The government cleared one of those hurdles Thursday when the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that British Columbia cannot regulate what flows through the pipeline, which is to carry diluted bitumen from Alberta's oil sands to the B.C. coast for export overseas.

There will also be a panel on regional economic development, where the speakers are all familiar with western Canada: Lloyd Axworthy, the former Liberal cabinet minister from Winnipeg, Jay Grewal, the CEO of Manitoba Hydro, and Chris Simair, who runs a Calgary-based non-profit aimed at helping startups in the Prairies.

Starting Wednesday, Trudeau and his minister will hole up again for three days in Ottawa with Liberal MPs.

Caucus chair Francis Scarpaleggia noted in an interview that this will be the "first real working session" of caucus since the election.

Since most Liberal MPs have never experienced a minority Parliament before, he expects the retreat will focus heavily on the challenges that will bring, with insights shared from veterans like himself who've been there before.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 18, 2020.
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This show  in which politigeek Chas Licciardello and journalist and specialist in US politics John Barron discuss all things US  launched in 2012 to cover the second presidential campaign of Barack Obama. What quaint times they seem now. This time around theyre not just looking at the second presidential campaign of Donald Trump but corruption, impeachment, war crimes, and what on earth the Prez might say in his upcoming State of the Union address. If anyone can make sense of it all, these guys can.

Bull. Credit:Jojo Whilden

BULL


Toyota Motor Corp. has poured more money into yet another North American plant to boost production of the SUVs and trucks U.S. customers increasingly seek instead of sedans. The Japanese automaker said Friday it has spent $700 million and hired 150 new workers at its plant in Princeton, Indiana, mostly to increase output of its Highlander sport utility vehicle. The outlay is part of a $1.3 billion injection into the factory and a broader pledge by Toyota to invest $13 billion at its U.S. facilities through 2021, about half of which the company will detail into next year. The ...
Express News Service By

NEW DELHI: A court here on Saturday asked the Delhi police to verify if Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad, who has been accused of inciting people during an anti-CAA protest at Jama Masjid here on December 20, has an office in Delhi where he holds weekly meetings.

The Additional Sessions Judge Kamini Lau directed police to verify from the Election Commission whether Azads office in Delhi is an office of a political party and asked them to file a report by January 21.



ALSO READ | Strengthening movement against CAA, NRC primary concern, not elections: Chandrashekhar Azad



The court had restrained Azad from visiting Delhi for four weeks and directed him to not hold any dharna till the elections in the national capital, while granting him bail in a case related to violent protests at Daryaganj. The court was hearing a plea filed by Azad seeking modification of the conditions imposed on him in his bail order.

The plea, filed through advocates Mehmood Pracha and O P Bharti, has claimed that the restrictions on Azad tantamount to violation of his fundamental rights to take active participation in awareness camps and to advise and lead the poor, weak and downtrodden sections of society and minorities.



ALSO READ | Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad moves court seeking modification of bail conditions

The plea said, adding that he holds weekly meeting of the society Bhim Army Ekta Mission, of which he is the founder, at his local address in Delhi.

It further said Azad used to travel throughout the country for the cause and due to the restrictions, it would be next to impossible for him to personally appear and report his presence before the Station House Officer of Fatehpur Police Station in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, every Saturday. The plea said he is even unable to visit his own house for months together due to his campaigns.



(With PTI inputs)
There are exciting times ahead for Dundalk Men's Shed with the news that they are to take part in the Abbey Theatre's 55 for community theatre project in March and staging their musical production 'Everyman' during the Drogheda Arts Festival in May.

The Seatown-based Shed, the first of Community Shed in Louth, is one of five community projects who will receive five days' worth of space, technical assistance and 5,000 to help in the development of a theatre piece.

Paul Hayes, director of An Tain Arts Centre, will once again work with the group as director along with writer Colm Maher towards the creation of a new devised theatrical piece. They will continue their exploration into themes of loss, love and what it means to be an older man living in a border town in an ever-changing Ireland.

The group will be based in the Abbey Theatre from March 9 - 13th, during which time they will devise a new piece which will be performed before an invited audience on Friday March 13.

'We are all very excited about this,' says Paul, noting that it marks three and a half years of collaborating with the group.

Previously, they made a film, What of It, with filmographer Steven Larkin, facilitator Pamela Whitaker, poet Jinx Lennon and graffiti artist Omin. Their song cycle, Everyman, which was created with director Paul Hayes and musicians Zoe Conway, John McIntyre and Sophie Coyle, was premiered in An Tain Arts Centre last year. They will stage it on May 1 in The Barbican Arts Centre.
A court in New Delhi on January 18 asked the Delhi police to verify if Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad, who has been accused of inciting people during an anti-CAA protest at Jama Masjid on December 20, has an office in Delhi where he holds weekly meetings. The court had restrained Azad from visiting Delhi for four weeks and directed him to not hold any dharna till the elections in the national capital, while granting him bail in a case related to violent protests at Daryaganj.

The Additional Sessions Judge Kamini Lau directed the police to verify from the Election Commission whether Azad's office in Delhi is an office of a political party and asked them to submit a report by January 21.

The court was hearing a plea filed by Azad seeking modification of the conditions imposed on him in his bail order.

The plea, filed through advocates Mehmood Pracha and O P Bharti, has claimed that the restrictions on Azad tantamount to violation of his fundamental rights to take active participation in awareness camps and to advise and lead the poor, weak and downtrodden sections of society and minorities.

The Bhim Army chief is a leader of the oppressed and depressed sections of society including minorities and was working for their social and political awareness, the plea said, adding that he holds weekly meeting of the society 'Bhim Army Ekta Mission', of which he is the founder, at his local address in Delhi.

It further said Azad used to travel throughout the country for the cause and due to the restrictions it would be next to impossible for him to personally appear and report his presence before the Station House Officer of Fatehpur Police Station in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, every Saturday.

The plea said he is even unable to visit his own house for months together due to his campaigns.

It said that since he was under medical treatment at AIIMS in New Delhi, in case of emergency it would not be appropriate for him to seek permission of the DCP of Crime Branch, Delhi, every time and would pose a risk to his life.

The court, while granting him bail, had earlier also said that before going to Saharanpur if Azad wants to go anywhere, including Jama Masjid, in Delhi till 24 hours, police will escort him there. Special circumstances call for special conditions, the judge had said. During the verdict pronouncement, the lawyer appearing for Azad had said the Bhim Army chief faces threat in Uttar Pradesh.

The court had further asked him to meet the SHO of Fatehpur police station every Saturday for next four weeks and thereafter on the last Saturday of every month.

Since he was undergoing treatment at AIIMS for polycythemia, a blood disorder, he is to inform the DCP Crime Branch in Delhi of his schedule and would be escorted.

Azad's outfit had called for a protest march from Jama Masjid to Jantar Mantar against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on December 20, without police permission. Other 15 people arrested in the case were granted bail by the court on January 9.
In this April 10 2017, file photo, Chinese President Xi Jinping, center, accompanied by Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi, left, attends a meeting with Myanmar's President Htin Kyaw at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. AP



By Amanda Price



As children, many of us feared the dark. In our innocent imaginations, the dark was where you might be snatched away, or set upon by ominous creatures.



As adults, most of us learn that such fears are unwarranted. The darkness is simply an absence of light, there are no monsters under the bed, and malevolent forces are not lurking behind shadows waiting to snatch us away.



That is of course, unless they are.



In the People's Republic of China (PRC), being snatched away by malevolent forces is not merely the stuff of childish nightmares. It is a very real and conceivable danger; a man-made plague from which no one is immune, even the plague-makers themselves.



For those who run afoul of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the assurance of safety is a luxury that neither money, vows of loyalty, nor proof of innocence can guarantee.



Systematically, men, women, children and minorities groups are surreptitiously moved from daylight to darkness, belying China's well-polished veneer of civility.



An accurate number of those abducted is almost impossible to determine, because China's manipulation of information can even make figures disappear. The U.N. Council for Human Rights, however, estimates that under Xi Jinping's leadership, thousands upon thousands of individuals and groups have dropped off the radar.



Despite Xi's mild-mannered appearance, under his now indefinite reign, levels of tolerance have shrunk to zero.



But it is not all doom and ultimate gloom for everyone  some abductions are merely a show of might.



Milder "threats to national security" are often merely ushered out of the Party room, stripped of their "get out of jail free" card and, sometimes, most of their personal wealth as well.



But these are the lucky ones.



The more serious threats disappear and then reappear months, or years later, often transformed into penitent, Party-devoted alter egos of their former selves  a little more fragile, but at least alive.



The truly despicable disappear as if they never existed in the first place. If they refuse to recant, they continue to be tortured and eventually disappear forever.



But when it comes to China's abduction policy, there is no discrimination and holding a foreign passport is no guarantee of safety.



Canadian consultants, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor were last seen in 2018. They are not prisoners but hostages, taken in retaliation for Canada's arrest of Huawei CFO Meng Wangzhou. Kovrig and Spavor are imprisoned in China's notorious gulags for the crime of being Canadian. The two men suffer conditions equal to torture, while Meng is out on bail living in her $15 million home.



Canadian citizen and billionaire Xiao Jianhua was abducted from his apartment in January 2017. Security footage showed him slumped in a wheelchair while mysterious men wheeled him out of the foyer. He has not been seen since.



Taiwanese professor and democracy advocate Shih Cheng-ping disappeared in July 2018. Although unrepresented, he was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in jail on "national security" charges. He is one of several Taiwanese citizens who have been secretly abducted and jailed over the past three years.



American businesswoman Sandy Phan-Gillis was forcibly taken in 2015 and held without charges for almost two years. She was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in jail on the trumped-up charge of "espionage", but was later deported to the U.S.



Tibetan child Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was abducted with his family shortly after Chinese authorities discovered that the Dalai Lama had identified him as the "11th Panchen Lama." He was six years old when abducted. Human Rights Watch called him "the youngest political prisoner in the world." Anti-Buddhist Beijing replaced the child with its own candidate. Gedhun Choekyi Nyima has not been seen for more than 24 years.



Swedish citizen and publisher Gui Minhai was famously kidnapped twice by Chinese police and remains imprisoned for criticizing the Chinese regime



But unquestionably, the risk of abduction for Chinese nationals is far greater.



Lawyers say it is unlikely we will ever see Meng Hongwei, the former Interpol Chief, again. Meng disappeared on Sept. 25, 2018, sending his wife an emoji of a dagger as his only message. On the basis of scant evidence, he was eventually charged with taking bribes, and even made a public confession of crimes his wife claimed were "invented by the government."



France has granted Meng's wife asylum, convinced that she and her sons would be in danger if they remained in China. The CCP, unsurprisingly, was "outraged by France's interference."



During the 2015 "709 Crackdown" on human rights lawyers and activists, at least 250 individuals were directly targeted. This number does not include their relatives who were also threatened and persecuted.



With methodical precision, Xi set about decimating the ranks of anyone who dared to defend victims of abuse. Abductions, illegal detentions, intimidation, torture and threats, even to the safety of children, were all part and parcel of Xi's plan to make the issue of human rights disappear.



A young student leader of a Marxist organization, Yue Xin, was forced into a black car during a labor rights protest in Shenzhen in August 2018. More than 50 students were arrested that day for advocating for freedom and transparency. Yue, 22, is still missing.



According to Reporters without Borders, in 2018 more than 60 journalists and correspondents were estimated to be behind bars in mainland China, including award-winning photo-journalist Lu Guang.



Dr. Ezra Mingi Jin disappeared after refusing to allow face detection cameras to be attached to his pulpit. For protecting his parishioners, he is held captive and likely to be tortured until he relents.



Pastor Wang Yi has not been seen for more than a year, although his captors have announced that he is alive and will be held indefinitely as a consequence of his "subversive activities."



Yi's real crime was that he had openly spoken about the need to separate church and state, an egregious crime under Chairman Xi's rule.



Xi preaches a communist gospel, stating at the 2015 meeting of the Central United Front Work Department, "The core socialist values and Chinese culture will reintegrate various religions [by] interpreting religious thought, doctrine and teaching in a way that conforms with the needs of the progress of the time."



One such progressive move is the disappearance of the Ten Commandments from state-sanctioned churches  in particular, the commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me."



Appearing in place of these tenets of faith are ironically, religious-sounding quotes by Xi on the need to demonstrate supreme devotion to communist values  and of course to "the thinking of Grandfather Xi."



And Grandfather Xi's thoughts are infallible.



Human Rights Watch reported that, of citizens and officials who have disappeared or been targeted as "threats to national security", a staggering 100 per cent are found guilty. Some may be fortunate enough to have their charges downgraded, but guilty they shall be nonetheless.



Even entire ethnic groups can be found guilty. The case of approximately a million Uyghurs disappearing into "re-education camps" made world news. The CCP claims the inmates were "willing participants" in their forced indoctrination.



China has announced that Uyghurs have now being assimilated into communist society, but human rights activists and journalists have claimed that thousands of men, women and children disappeared well before making "the happy transition."



China, however, knows better than to kill everyone it imprisons, and so some re-emerge extolling the virtues of the Party, many are monitored by the MSS, China's own knock-off version of the Gestapo. Others remain trapped in China's archipelago of detention centers.



Perhaps Xi thinks this strategy helps him look less like Stalin, perhaps it is to showcase what the CCP is capable of, or perhaps it is simply part of the CCP's strategies to keep us looking in the opposite direction.



Whatever the motivation, China's long list of 'the disappeared' undermines its self-assured indestructible image.



Instead, it reveals a deep-seated insecurity and fear that one day its cover may be blown. One day people may see through the smokescreen of job creation, prosperity and economic success, and realize that the CCP is really is made up of no more than a highly sophisticated gang of thugs, who will erase anyone at the click of Xi's fingers.



And fear of being exposed is what makes China dangerous.



The Chinese Communist Party has become the master of deflection, using smoke and mirror tricks to keep us from seeing it as it really is.



The CCP and its secret police are villainous creatures lurking in shadows. People are being snatched away and nightmares are coming true.



If no one stops the monsters, then the monsters will not stop  therein lies the choice we all must make.



A Chinese-born human rights activist and academic from Australia put it this way: "If we choose not to oppose China's policy of kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, torture and murder, both on Chinese and foreign soil, then we choose for it to continue. There is no middle ground."



Unsurprisingly, the academic has disappeared.





Amanda Price is the former Director of Hillcrest College's International Student Department. She has a background in science, history and literature and has been consulting on Asian affairs for more than 10 years. Her special interest is world history and she is the founder of Griffith University's History Readers. She writes full time and can be reached at amanda-price@bigpond.com


US warship sails Taiwan Strait after new China trade pact, Taiwan election

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2020 8:23 AM

The US Navy has declared transit of another one of its warships through the Taiwan Strait, even after a new US-China trade pact and the re-election of Taiwan's anti-China president, in a move likely to irk Beijing.

The passage on Thursday of the USS Shiloh guided-missile cruiser through the narrow waterway, separating the island from the Chinese mainland, was first announced by the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense and then confirmed by the US Seventh Fleet as a "routine" transit.

"The ship's transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," fleet spokesman Lieutenant Joe Keiley declared, insisting that "the US Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows."

The development came a day after US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping sealed a "phase one" trade deal as part of a broader bid to reduce trade tensions that have stirred up global markets for more than a year.

The deal, however, is unlikely to resolve persisting and much wider strategic tensions between the US and an increasingly powerful China.

There has been no immediate reaction from Beijing on the latest passage of the US warship through the Taiwan Strait. While China says it does not oppose "normal passage" of foreign vessels through the strait, it has censured trips aimed at sending a geopolitical signal.

The passage came five days after the island's President Tsai Ing-wen  who seeks greater US military support to counter any threat from mainland China -- won a landslide re-election victory. During her first term, Tsai has courted greater American military backing to defy Beijing's long-standing policy of regarding Taiwan as part of its territory.

In her first interview since re-election Tsai further insisted that Taiwan is already independent, saying: "We don't have a need to declare ourselves an independent state. We are an independent country already and we call ourselves the Republic of China, Taiwan."

"Invading Taiwan is something that is going to be very costly for China," added Tsai, who has come under growing criticism for being needlessly antagonistic toward Beijing.

She, however, claimed that she had resisted pressure from within her own party to be even more forceful on the issue of secession.

"There are so many pressures here that we should go further," Tsai claimed.

China, however, warned against any move by Tsai after her re-election to push the island closer towards secession, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasizing earlier this week that "splitting the country is doomed to leave a name that will stink for eternity."

China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman, Ma Xiaoguang, further stated on Wednesday that Beijing would continue to insist on the so-called "'92 Consensus" that acknowledges both the self-governing island and the mainland as part of a single Chinese nation.

"We do not insert ourselves into or critique Taiwan's elections. This round of Taiwan's local elections cannot change the status of Taiwan as a part of China," Ma added.

Still, what is agitating China most is Tsai's close relationship with Washington which, Beijing says, is sowing rising discord between the mainland and the island.

China also reacted angrily after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo followed by top diplomats from Britain and Japan congratulated Tsai on her re-election.

"China expresses its strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to [the congratulatory messages] and has made solemn representations to the countries concerned," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.

Last month, Taiwanese officials said they planned to invite US military experts to visit and provide advice on bolstering the island's defenses.

Like most countries, the United States has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but provides the island with weapons and is its most important arms supplier.

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New Delhi:

What will you gain by going against Dalits? asked Home Minister Amit Shah launching a scathing attack against those who are opposing the Citizenship Amendment act. While addressing a rally in Karnatakas Hubballi Amit Shah said, I want to ask those opposing Citizenship Amendment Act, what will you gain by going against dalits who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan? Those who are opposing CAA are anti-dalits.

During his rally, Shah also challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to prove that the Citizenship Amendment Act would take away citizenship from Indian Muslims, as he advised him to read the act completely. I challenge Rahul Gandhi...read the CAA completely, if you find anything that takes away citizenship of Indian Muslims....our Pralhad Joshi (Parliamentary Affairs Minister) is ready to debate with you, Shah said.

Also Read: Denial Of CAA Implementation By States Would Be Unconstitutional: Congress Leader Kapil Sibal

Addressing a public meeting here on the CAA as part of BJPs nationwide Jan Jagran Abhiyan, he accused the Congress of dividing the country on the basis of religion.

The BJP national president also accused the Congress, the Communist party, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the JDS, BSP, and SP of indulging in vote bank politicson CAA. Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, Union minister Pralhad Joshi and several BJP leaders attended the rally.

Gandhi, Nehru, Manmohan favoured helping persecuted minorities in neighbouring countries: Nadda

BJP working president J P Nadda on Saturday accused the Opposition of misleading people on the CAA and said Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Manmohan Singh supported the idea of helping religious minorities facing persecution in neighbouring countries.

Addressing a group of minority refugees from Pakistan at the party headquarters here, he alleged that the Opposition is spreading misinformation that crores of refugees would enter India due to the enactment of the law and it will become difficult to handle them. The law is for those who have come to India, with December 31, 2014, as the cut-off date, he said.

Nadda said people are also being misled that they would lose their citizenship after the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) is enacted. The law gives and does not take away citizenship, he said.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Mumbai, Jan 18 : The "Bigg Boss 13" game is changing in the last stage of the controversial reality show with enemies becoming friends and friends turning into lovers.

"Bigg Boss 13" has become the most successful season in the history of the reality show, wherein stars ditch their phones, and get locked inside the "Bigg Boss" house.

There have been big fights, housemates have used explicit language and there have been many explosive outbursts, often resulting in physical altercation. In fact, it is also a season wherein maximum tasks were suspended or terminated.

As the show nears its finale, the contestants are seen changing their strategies and game plans.

Not so long ago, Sidharth Shukla got a reputation as the "angry young man" in the "Bigg Boss" house due to his outbursts and fights. Now, a different and entertaining side of the actor is coming out, which is being appreciated by the audience.

There's also a love story in Sidharth's "Bigg Boss" journey. He is making news for his bond with contestant Shehnaz Gill.

Shehnaz started off as an entertainer of the show, and later started to become a reflection of an obsessive lover. She brought forward myriad hues of her personality ranging from an emotional person to being possessive about people close to her. At the moment, she is revelling in the attention she gets from Sidharth, and has professed her love for him openly.

Rashami Desai's stint on "Bigg Boss" season 13 has brought her personal life out in the open -- from her struggle during her bankruptcy days, her role as a landlord, her love story with Arhaan Khan, her issues with her family to her troubled relationship with Sidharth.

Initially described as a confused player, Rashami has found her ground in the show, and is getting stronger day by day. In fact, she is hanging out with Sidharth. They have finally buried the hatchet. After having been in the spotlight for their heated arguments in the "Bigg Boss" house, things seemed to have taken a new turn and #SidRa fans are thrilled with their new bonding.

Rashami's niece and nephew have been instrumental in initiating a patch-up between the actress and Sidharth. The little ones made the two contestants "hug" out their differences. Now, she is showing her emotional side, wisdom when she suggests to Shehnaz to go slow in love matters and also opened up about her own struggle.

Paras Chhabra entered the show as a 'sanskari playboy', but is now loyal to Mahira Sharma. They are "more than friends". He is seen often standing up for her.

Jammu-born model Asim Riaz has turned out to be the ultimate poster boy on season 13 of "Bigg Boss". Asim started his journey on the show as the "vanilla" boy, flaunting his perfectly chiselled body and rapping skills, before gradually morphing into the angry young lad of "Bigg Boss" with his constant verbal spats with the other housemates.

Now, he is showing his witty side through his one-liners, and his bond with close friend Rashami. There's a love angle in his story as well.

Recently, actor Parag Tyagi told Asim that former housemate Himanshi Khurana split with her fiance for him. Now, several reports suggest that Himanshi will be entering the show once again for a special segment, hinting that the audience might see more of this love story in the coming days.

There have also been reports that the show, hosted by superstar Salman Khan, has got another extension. The grand finale was supposed to be held on February 16, but now it will be held on February 28.
By UNI

KANPUR: Two accused, who were out on bail in connection with molesting a girl in 2018, were arrested on Saturday for beating victim's mother to death in this district of Uttar Pradesh. The woman in her forties, died at a hospital here on Friday night, a week after she was attacked by the accused.

Her sister, who was also assaulted by the same men, continue to be in a serious condition. Acting swiftly, police arrested Parvej and Mohammad Abid after a brief encounter. Both the criminals sustained bullet injury in their leg.

According to information, the woman had filed a complaint against one Mahfooz for allegedly molesting her daughter two years ago at a tannery under Chakeri police station, following which the man along with five others was booked under section 354 of the IPC (sexual assault of children) and sent to jail.

Around two weeks ago, the accused got bail and on January 9, they attacked the complainant mother and her sister. "A complaint has been filed against Mahfooz, Jameek, Pintoo, Babu, Wakil and Firoz for attacking the women and her sister on January 9," Chakeri SHO Virendra Bahadur said. The men allegedly beat up the two with stones and sticks.

Some reports said that a video clip has also surfaced where the men can be seen storming into the house and one of them, in a white kurta and trousers, has been caught on camera hitting a woman's face with his feet. "A clash broke out between accused and teen's family while the men were drinking," said SSP Anant Deo .

He added that the woman and her sister were key witness in the molestation case. A local report also suggested that woman's sister was a BJP leader.

The family members of the woman have alleged that the accused were putting pressure on her to withdraw the case, and had also threatened her of dire consequences. "The four accused have been arrested by the police, while two, who are on the run, will be nabbed soon. We will ensure strict action against the culprits," Deo further said.
China will smash its record for space launches in 2020.

The country is going to send more than 60 spacecraft into orbit via over 40 launches this year, according to a plan released Friday in Beijing.

"This year will continue to see intensive launches," said Shang Zhi, director of the Space Department of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), at a press conference, where a blue book setting out China's space achievements and future missions was released.

According to Shang, there are three major missions, mainly focusing on the completion of the BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System, the lunar exploration and the network of Gaofen observation satellites.

Two geostationary orbit BeiDou satellites will be sent into space in the first half of 2020. The Chang'e-5 lunar probe, which is expected to bring moon samples back to Earth, and China's first Mars probe are also planned to be launched this year.

In addition, three new types of carrier rockets, which are the Long March-5B, Long March-7A and Long March-8, will make their maiden flights in 2020.

As a new generation of carrier rocket, the Long March-5B has the largest carrying capacity to low-Earth orbit. It will carry the core capsule and experiment capsules of China's space station.

The Long March 7A represents the new generation of Chinas medium-sized high-orbit rocket. The Long March-8 rocket will increase Chinas lift capacity for launches to sun-synchronous orbits and meet the growing needs of commercial launches.

The Long March-5 rockets will be launched three times in 2020, carrying a new generation of manned spacecraft, a Mars probe and a Chang'e-5 probe into space.

The CASC will also send a number of satellites for China's civil space infrastructure system and plan a series of commercial launches this year, according to the blue book.

China completed 34 space launches in 2019, ranking first in the world.
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The impeachment trial of U.S. President Donald Trump began Thursday with a series of ceremonial procedures that set the stage for opening arguments early next week. For just the third time in U.S. history, senators will sit in judgment of an American president and hear evidence that will lead them to decide whether he should be removed from office. As VOA's congressional correspondent Katherine Gypson reports, the trial is getting under way as Democrats argue new evidence proves the president's guilt in trying to leverage U.S. aid to Ukraine for his own political benefit.
Babu Owino, an Embakasi East Member of Parliament has been arrested by police over the shooting incident that took place in a club at Kilimani on Thursday.

Babu Owino reportedly shot DJ Evolve at B-Club, located in Kilimani, on Thursday night. The reason for his actions are yet to be ascertained.

Read Also: BREAKING: Shooter opens fire at a school, kills 1 and injures 7

DJ Evolve has since been admitted to Nairobi Hospitals Intensive Care Unit and is reported to be in critical condition.

Owino who is a controversial legislator is not new to drama, as from his days as a student leader at the University of Nairobi, Mr Owino has been in polices bad books.

He was arrested by Flying Squad officers outside Parliament Buildings in 2018 for allegedly assaulting a parking attendant in Westlands.

Last week, he was again involved in a Twitter war with Woman Rep Esther Passaris after he threatened to shave Kandara MP Alice Wahome for disrespecting President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

He was also recently summoned over allegations that he threatened IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati with removal from office.
When Steve Porter moved into his Bannatyne Avenue loft in the Exchange District about 17 years ago, he had three neighbours.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 17/1/2020 (724 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When Steve Porter moved into his Bannatyne Avenue loft in the Exchange District about 17 years ago, he had three neighbours.

Today, he estimates there are 16 residential units in his building.

AHEAD BY (ALMOST) A QUARTER-CENTURY text click to read more Close The last Strategic Action Plan compiled for the Exchange District was in 1996, almost 25 years ago. It was created by the Exchange District Business Improvement Zone, with input from other partners and community members. There were four goals and eight action strategies laid out. click to read more The last Strategic Action Plan compiled for the Exchange District was in 1996, almost 25 years ago. It was created by the Exchange District Business Improvement Zone, with input from other partners and community members. There were four goals and eight action strategies laid out. GOALS 1. To preserve the architectural character of the district. 2. To enhance the district's vibrancy and sustainability by increasing the number of people in the Exchange. 3. To maintain the Exchange as the focus of artistic and cultural activity in the province. 4. To develop a sense of community within the district. ACTION STRATEGIES 1. Encourage the conversion of older buildings into residential apartments. 2. Address issues of safety, access and convenience. 3. Dedicate a specific theatre-cultural precinct within the Exchange and encourage expanded activities. 4. Improve the physical and administrative infrastructure needed to support temporary festivals, special events and film production. 5. Improve access to the riverbank, expand Stephen Juba Park, and add recreational facilities. 6. Establish a civic campus within the Exchange. 7. Identify and support an artists quarter within the Exchange. 8. Improve linkages between the Exchange District and the downtown, The Forks, St. Boniface and Point Douglas.  source: Exchange District Strategic Action Plan, 1996 Close

The Exchange District  Winnipegs only neighbourhood deemed a national historic site (in 1997)  has had its residential growth balloon at rates far greater than the citys. Its commercial and educational developments continue to soar.

But it comes with growing pains. A slew of changes made to the area in 2018, such as the installation of active transportation lanes and implementation of higher street parking rates, irked business owners, who are now petitioning city hall.

Safety concerns, particularly related to a notorious Bannatyne nightclub, have been paramount.

Still, Porter said seeing the Exchange develop from "uni-culture" to "mixed-use" has been exciting.

Steve Porter, who moved to the Exchange District 17 years ago, has witnessed a massive growth in population during that time. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press)

Theres been the arrival of Red River Colleges downtown campus, Skip the Dishes first headquarters and many other tech companies, such as video game developer Ubisoft, joining Innovation Alley.

The Exchange is teeming with people who are working, living and playing in an area historically reserved for commerce.

"Weve reached a tipping point," Porter said. "And we now have to learn how to live together."

For the first time, the Exchange can really be called a neighbourhood, said Jino Distasio, a University of Winnipeg geography professor.

He remembers shopping in the area with his dad in the 1970s and 80s; picking up a custom suit for Sunday school or buying bulk cleaning supplies in the pre-Costco era. He would visit as an urban planning student in the 90s to seek inspiration before exams.

There werent people living in the Exchange until around the late 1980s, when Ashdown Warehouse opened east of Main Street, Distasio said.

The Artspace building underwent major renovations around 1985, to become the shared, six-storey studio space it is now.

Distasio said tensions between residential and commercial needs started percolating then, but are now coming in hot.

"Weve turned a page somehow, but were not quite ready to face the consequences of that page turning," he said.

"So, to me, in the Exchange District, its a good thing that we have this tension. Its a good thing that business owners and others are expressing their desire to be a part of the planning process for the long term."

Seventy-nine Exchange business owners recently signed a petition calling on the mayor and city to make immediate improvements.

"We seem to be in a post-planning era, where there is little evidence that any of the interventions of the last two years are aligned with any of the existing evidence-based plans governing the downtown or Winnipegs Heritage District," the petition reads.

"The impressive, 50-year history of integrated planning in the Exchange District has waned in the last decade, creating major uncertainty about where the district is headed."

The business owners want to see parking rates rolled back to 2017 levels; $2 per hour from the current $3.50. The move is being considered by the municipal budget working group.

They also want to see a commitment to developing a long-term vision for the Exchange, a neighbourhood that hasnt had its strategic plan updated since 1996.

Obby Khan, owner of Shawarma Khan on McDermot Avenue, believes the city will heed business owners demands to reduce hourly parking rates. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press)

Ibrahim (Obby) Khan, a former Winnipeg Blue Bombers lineman, now owns three Shawarma Khan restaurants in the city, including his flagship on McDermot Avenue, in the Exchange. He is the muscle behind the business owners charge.

A self-described "eternal optimist," Khan believes the city will fulfil their requests.

"This whole movement was started to say the Exchange is awesome. Its always been awesome," he said. "We just need the city to realize that again and take away the harm that (its has) done to us."

Khan said his flagships sales have dropped almost 20 per cent in the past two years  over the same time period Exchange parking rates went up.

He is adamant there needs to be a full-scale study and overhaul of city parking rates, which peak in the Exchange and peter out in the suburbs. (The parking authority is currently conducting such analysis, which is expected back at city hall in October.)

In the meantime, parking rates in the Exchange are "penalizing" businesses who set up downtown, Khan said, as customers who are shopping in other areas, such as Corydon Avenue, Academy Road and Osborne Village, often pay nil.

"The city is expanding, expanding, expanding, expanding, and what does that do to the core? Its stretching us out thinner and thinner and thinner," Khan said.

The larger issue at hand is still the need for a long-term plan, he acknowledged, noting: "The health of a city is determined by its core."

In the 1996 strategic plan for the Exchange, there were four goals and eight action strategies. Many seem to have been accomplished, at least in part.

The strategies included encouraging conversion of older buildings into residential apartments and expansion of Stephen Juba Park along Waterfront Drive.

David Pensato, executive director of the Exchange District BIZ, poses for a portrait outside of his offices at the Exchange District in Winnipeg. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press)

Almost 25 years later, David Pensato, executive director of the Exchange District BIZ, is in the midst of helping develop a new long look. With help from the City of Winnipeg, Exchange businesses and residents, he hopes to make the plan public before the end of the year.

Pensato said hes looking forward to a more sustained conversation about the Exchanges wants and needs, rather than isolated talks that have dominated headlines regarding active transportation lanes and parking.

"The individual business owners that Ive spoken to are pretty nuanced and are aware that theres not any one of these things that they would point the finger at and blame," he said.

"Youve got a number of things that have been done without any real thought or planning all at once. Plus theres always other external factors," he said. "But it doesnt help when youre compounding the problem."

Pensato and Coun. Vivian Santos (Point Douglas) are working closely on the new plan and discussing ways to enliven the Exchange.

Santos agreed there werent enough public consultations done around the onslaught of changes and advocated a "pause" until a bigger area plan is rolled out.

"I believe if you can draw more residents into the Exchange, the services and the amenities are going to come, right? Supply and demand," Vivian Santos said. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press)

But shes still pushing for more innovation, including a Shared Streets pilot project. She proposed raising three roadways (Albert and Arthur streets, and Bannatyne Avenue between Main and King streets) to be flush with adjoining sidewalks, encouraging pedestrian traffic. The public service is studying the idea and expected to bring a report back later this year.

The councillor also pushed for the budget working group to reconsider Exchange parking rates and put forward a separate motion (also still being considered) to require large liquor-serving establishments to have their business proposals OKed by city community committees.

That motion was a direct response to issues arising at now-closed Citizen Nightclub (291 Bannatyne Ave.) where shootings and stabbings around the premises scared and frustrated neighbours.

Porter lives next door, and said while he didnt want to see Citizen shut down, he urged its owners to take small steps to be better neighbours. Those could include posting signs around the building to discourage drivers from honking and disturbing people living nearby.

Pensato said the BIZ doesnt approve of the councillors motion, as it would have businesses leap another hurdle in order to gain occupancy permits in the Exchange. He would prefer to see the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba crack down on rowdy establishments.

Though its unclear what will go into the Citizen space next  its traditionally been a revolving door for restaurants, nightclubs and lounges  Santos previously floated the idea of a grocery store.

But any grocer wanting to set up shop would crave density. And so the Exchanges chicken-and-the-egg argument continues...

"I believe if you can draw more residents into the Exchange, the services and the amenities are going to come, right? Supply and demand," Santos said.

She would like to move back herself, with her husband once they become empty-nesters.

Economic Development Winnipeg president Dayna Spiring says tourists often tell her they are amazed by the architecture in the Exchange. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press)

Santos said the Exchange currently sits around 2,000 people, and growing it to 5,000 or 10,000 within the next five to 10 years would be a boon.

With new Marketlands mixed-use development in the works at the old Public Safety Building site, among other redevelopments, there will be plenty of vacancies for new tenants.

And there are still many more vacant, derelict buildings standing in the Exchange, ready for a facelift.

Dayna Spiring, president and chief executive officer of Economic Development Winnipeg, said the comments she gets most often from tourists in the Exchange relate to the amazing architecture.

"So we get a lot of positive feedback, and I think its an interesting place to be, where you can go to world-class restaurants and then you can go to the theatre and you can walk to a bar or do different things, and thats not always the case in all cities. Sometimes youve got to travel long distances," she said.

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While many outsiders may recognize the Exchange as a jewel, the neighbourhoods health could depend on getting more locals to think the same  and invest or move downtown.

Porter was an early pioneer and isnt looking back. He hopes to see the Exchange flourish in the same vein as other major cities cores, though he acknowledged progress is slow.

"I hope the slowness doesnt mean that we will get frozen in time," he said.

Jessica.botelho@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @_jessbu
Municipalities Affairs Undersecretary at the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, has stressed that enhancing urban development and improving the quality of services across the Kingdom is the basis of municipal work.

This came as he handed over a house, rebuilt by the Works Ministry within the dilapidated houses project in Muharraq to its owner, in the presence of officials from Muharraq Municipality and Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA). He pointed out that under the project, dilapidated houses are repaired in co-ordination and co-operation with BACA to preserve their urban heritage features.

He highlighted the constant follow-up of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister, Essam Khalaf, on the project in order to upgrade the level of urban development across all regions in Bahrain. The Undersecretary said that the pioneering project, launched as per a kind gesture by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa contributes to providing the requirements of decent living for low-income families, as well as preserving Bahrains urban heritage.

Muharraq Municipal Council Chairman, Ghazi Al Merbati, lauded the Works Ministrys efforts to rehabilitate citizens houses, noting that the Municipal Council is an essential partner in implementing the distinguished project. He also commended the efforts exerted by the Municipalities Affairs department and BACA to preserve old houses in Muharraq.
Ahead of 36 Union Ministers' visit to Jammu and Kashmir from January 18 to January 24, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury took to Twitter and slammed NDA's Union Ministers for visiting the valley to enjoy 'winter holidays'.

In his Tweet, the Lok Sabha MP also spoke about 'the rumour mill of BJP'.

NDA Govt's extraordinary Ministers are pulling up their socks to enjoy the Winter in the valley and would have gleaned bagful of noble articles so as to add grist to the rumour mill of BJP?



(1/2)  Adhir Chowdhury (@adhirrcinc) January 18, 2020

Tweeting further, he also called the visit of the Union Ministers to be the third 'Barat' (wedding procession) sponsored by the ruling government after the visit of European Union parliamentarians and foreign envoys.

This is 3rd 'BARAT' sponsored by ruling party after EU parliamentarians and cherry-picking envoys.



(2/2)  Adhir Chowdhury (@adhirrcinc) January 18, 2020

READ | Spread the message of development in J-K: PM tells union ministers

36 Union Ministers to visit Jammu and Kashmir

As an initiative of the Home Ministry, 36 Union ministers will visit different districts in both the divisions of the Union Territory starting from January 18 to January 24. According to the sources, the Union Ministers are visiting the valley to spread awareness about the positive impact of the abrogation of Article 370 provisions and the development measures taken by the government for the region. As per PTI sources, Union minister Piyush Goyal is also expected to visit the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir on January 19.

READ | Union ministers to visit Kashmir to spread awareness about positive impact of scrapping Art 370

15 diplomats visit

Earlier on January 9, 15 envoys from United States, South Korea, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Fiji, Maldives, Norway, the Philippines, Morocco, Argentina, Peru, Niger, Nigeria, Guyana, and Togo visited Jammu-Kashmir on a two-day visit. They traveled to Srinagar and then had an overnight stay in Jammu after which they met the Lt Governor GC Murmu as well as civil society members. Most of the diplomats including US diplomat Kenneth Juster praised the security arrangements made during the visit.

READ | US says foreign envoys' visit to J-K 'important step'; expresses concern over detentions

READ | Foreign Envoys' visit demystifies J&K situation, busts Pakistan's lies: The key takeaways

(Image Credit: PTI)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 06:04:18|Editor: zh

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MADRID, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid went to bed as leaders of the Liga Santander on Saturday night after their 2-1 win at home to Sevilla.

All of the goals came in the second half with Casemiro scoring a neat chip and a header bisected by Luuk de Jong's left foot finish for the visitors.

Sevilla were unhappy that the Dutch striker had a header ruled out in the first half after the VAR decided there had been an off the ball obstruction before he nodded home, although the VAR didn't rule out his goal after the ball appeared to hit the arm of his team-mate Munir, who was on the ground after a challenge.

Real Madrid are now eight points clear of third place Atletico Madrid after the side who they beat in last weekend's Spanish Supercup final were beaten 2-0 in Eibar.

Atletico had won all of their previous eight visits to Eibar's Ipurua Stadium, but were undone by two goals which came from corners, with Esteban Burgos scoring from close range in the tenth minute and Edu Exposito netting Eibar's second in injury time as Atletico again looked short of firepower.

Aleix Vidal's goal on the break gave Alaves three important points as they won 1-0 away to Levante in a game where better finishing would have see Alaves win by a clearer margin.

There were no goals in a rainy El Sadar between Osasuna and Valladolid in a game where the home side finished stronger, after Sergi Guardiola had hit the bar for the visitors.

The round of games kicked off on Friday night as first half goals from Leonardo Cabrera, Nyom and Juan Mata gave them a 3-0 win away to near neighbors Leganes, who remain deep in the relegation zone.

FC Barcelona play their first game with Quique Setien in the dugout at home to Granada on Sunday night.
After 10 children died of an unknown disease within a span of 15 days in Ramnagar tehsil of Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir, a high-level team of experts from the health ministry in Delhi will reach the affected villages on Sunday to explore the cause and remedies.

Six other children have been taken ill due to the mysterious disease.

Chief medical officer of Udhamur district, KC Dogra, said, 10 children between the age group of two months and six years have died in the past over a fortnight and six others have been taken ill.

Dogra informed that the disease has not been diagnosed as yet and a high-level team of experts will reach Udhampur on Sunday to explore the cause and suggest remedies.

Out of six children, four have been hospitalised in PGI Chandigarh, one each in Ludhiana and SMGS Hospital in Jammu. It is a matter of serious concern for us. We have issued an advisory to the people asking them not to panic and rush their children in the wake of any symptoms to qualified paediatricians in hospitals, he said.

The children contracting the disease develop symptoms of fever, cold and vomiting, eventually leading to renal failure.

There are around 10 to 15 villages within a radius of 30 kilometres in Ramnagar tehsil where the children are getting ill due to this undiagnosed disease, he added.

He informed that various teams of doctors were camping in the affected area to ascertain the cause of the disease.

Even the doctors at PGI Chandigarh, who conducted the autopsy of one such child from Ramnagar, have not been able to reach any conclusion yet. We have lifted samples of water, drugs given to the children by local quacks and food etc. Teams of doctors from Jammu and Udhampur are camping in the affected area and we are trying to ascertain the cause of the disease, Dogra said.

Piyush Singla, district development commissioner, Udhampur, had already directed the public health engineering department to collect samples of drinking water for laboratory testing and ensure safe drinking water for the public.

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Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday stirred up another controversy, suggesting that those opposing Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and a Bharat Ratna for him should be sent to Cellular Jail in Andaman and Nicobar Islands to see how the freedom fighter lived there. While his statement could be seen as a veiled jibe at the Congress, Sena leader and state minister Aaditya Thackeray sought to dismiss the issue saying it is Rauts personal opinion and that one needs to talk about current issues. The Congresss state unit spokesperson, Sachin Sawant, pointed out that there were 596 freedom fighters in the Andaman jail and that all their sacrifices should be respected.

Rauts statement came against the backdrop of Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan saying that the party will oppose a Bharat Ratna for Savarkar. Those who oppose Savarkar, whether it is due to ideology or differences, should be made to spend time at Cellular Jail. Savarkar spent 14 years [there], facing huge hardships. These people will realise the sacrifice and hardships he faced there, said Raut.

Reacting to Rauts remarks, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya asked the Sena if its leader was targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Thackeray, however, distanced his party from Rauts statement. It is his [Rauts] personal opinion, said Thackeray, the son of chief minister (CM) and Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. The Shiv Sena-Congress alliance is strong and we came together for the development of the state. We may have different views on certain issues, but this is what democracy is. Instead of history, we need to talk of current issues, said Thackeray. Stop squabbling over what happened in the past and look at the problems at hand. The economy is in a bad shape and unemployment is rising, which needs to be dealt with, Thackeray advised the BJP.

The Congress said it did not pay much attention to what Raut said and sought to distance itself from the matter. I dont think its worthwhile to comment on Rauts statement. Aaditya Thackeray has already clarified his position, said Congress leader and former CM Ashok Chavan. The government is running on the basis of a Common Minimum Programme and Sanjay Rauts comments do not reflect on our governance, said Chavan.

Sawant said nobody has stopped the BJP government from giving an award to Savarkar. However, there were 596 freedom fighters sentenced to imprisonment at Andaman jail during the British rule. They did not apologise to the British and sacrificed their lives. Why not [declare] Bharat Ratna for all of them? he added.
Enniscorthy Vocational College Orchestra preparing for their joint concert with Cavan Sinfonia Youth Orchestra in The Presentation Centre

The pupils in Enniscorthy Vocational College are a talented bunch and that fact was highlighted in exemplary fashion recently when they collaborated with students from county Cavan in an event in the Presentation Centre.

The Ulster students were part of the Cavan Sinfonia Youth Orchestra and they arrived in Enniscorthy to perform in a Friendship Concert with their counterparts in the Vocational College Orchestra.

Twenty students arrived down but they were led by Sue Donohoe who is originally from Enniscorthy but works with Cavan-Monaghan Education and Training Board (CNETB).

Ms Donohoe made no bones about highlighting her county allegiance either as she arrived into the town proudly wearing a Wexford jersey.

The Cavan students arrived at Enniscorthy Vocational College accompanied by family members.

They were also accompanied by Evin O'Meara who is a music teacher with the CMETB.

After a meal, hosted by the local school, the two groups joined together to rehearse for the Friendship concert that evening in the Presentation Centre.

The concert programme ranged from classical and pop, to country.

PLC Media Studies student, Stacey Breen, was a special guest at the event and sang material from her new album, 'The Cowboy's Sweetheart'.

A newly formed school choir joined the Enniscorthy orchestra for a show stopping version of 'Run', by Snow Patrol, and Camila Cabello's smash hit, 'Havana', was also a popular piece played by the local musicians.

A spokesperson for EVC commented to this newspaper: 'EVC students Declan Walsh, on piano, Conor Kenny, on tin whistle, and Maynooth University past-pupil, Serena Casey, performing Chopin for classical flute, represented the sunny south east team in great style.'

The young players from Cavan also put in some fantastic performances with a programme that included Scott Joplin's, 'The Entertainer', a spooky, 'Ghost Ride', by Richard Ling, and 'Kids', by Rock group MGMT.

'Cavan can be very proud of the young musicians, some of whom were as young as 8,' said the EVC spokesperson.

'A joint orchestral finale including 'Ode to Joy', themes from Harry Potter, and the lively 'Marie's Wedding' completed the evening,' she added.

The two orchestras now plan to meet in Cavan later this year for a further collaboration.

Enniscorthy Vocational College runs an instrument scheme for violin, viola, cello, double bass, clarinet and flute with three professional orchestral musicians as tutors.
New Delhi [India], Jan 18 (ANI): Suspended Jammu and Kashmir Police Deputy Superintendent (SP) Davinder Singh, who was arrested while travelling with Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, will be brought to the national capital by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for interrogation, agency sources said.



The NIA has registered a case and begun investigations in connection with the arrest of Singh.

The agency was instructed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on January 16 to investigate the matter.

"Three Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists and one Deputy SP of Jammu and Kashmir Police were arrested along with arms and ammunition while they were travelling in a car, near Qazigund on the national highway. In this regard, a case was registered in PS Qazigund as FIR on January 11," the NIA said in a release on Friday.

Earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir administration stripped Singh of the Sher-e-Kashmir police medal for gallantry awarded in 2018. (ANI)


A Congress MLA from Madhya Pradesh on Saturday staged a sit-in protest on the premises of the Legislative Assembly here against "non-fulfilment" of promises by the state government, which is headed by his party.

Gwalior (East) MLA Munnalal Goyal on Friday boycotted the special session of the Assembly as a mark of protest.

"I have been writing letters to ministers and the CM since the past six months about the issues in my constituency, but the situation has remained unchanged.

"The Congress had promised to provide 'pattas' (land ownership documents) to the poor, but the administration has rendered around 400 families in my constituency homeless in the time of intense cold," he claimed.

The sit-in protest was held between 11 am and 12 noon.

State Public Relations Minister P C Sharma said the Congress has fulfilled all the promises mentioned in the manifesto for the 2018 Assembly polls.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 01:33:00|Editor: yan

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ATHENS, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The official launching ceremony of the Sino-Hellenic Investors' Confederation, a new confederation aimed to facilitate Chinese investors in Greece and support the further enhancement of bilateral friendship and cooperation, was held here on Saturday.

The confederation has been founded in order to facilitate Chinese investors' integration into Greek society, as well as to help promote Greek products to China and bilateral collaboration in culture, education, science, tourism and many other sectors, according to the founding members.

The opening event was attended by many Greek officials and Chinese investors.

"When Greece faced a severe financial crisis, China was the first country which showed trust in the prospects of our country and proceeded in the major investment at Piraeus port... We are looking forward to deeper and wider relations and cooperation," Greek deputy Prime Minister Panagiotis Pikrammenos said when addressing the event.

"You have chosen the right moment to invest in Greece, as the country is turning page to growth. We welcome you to Greece and wish you best success in all your projects," Nikos Papathanasis, Deputy Minister of Development and Investments, added.

Athens Chamber of Tradesmen President Ioannis Chatzitheodosiou on his part said Greece warmly welcomes more Chinese investments and more Greek products should reach the Chinese market.

"Coexistence, Cooperation and Harmony are the key words and goals in the establishment of the confederation," Michael Xia, President of the Sino-Hellenic Investors' Confederation, stressed.

Chinese investors who have arrived in Greece in recent years investing in the country in a spirit of win-win cooperation want to further help the recovery and development of Greek economy and boost their bonds with Greek people, he said.

After the official ceremony, several Chinese investors and their families welcomed their Greek friends at the confederation's premises to celebrate together the forthcoming Chinese New Year, sharing Chinese food, Greek desserts and wishes for health, prosperity and happiness.
The parliament speaker says that lawmakers extended the previously effective law as a necessary step before the Normandy Four meeting.

Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, Dmytro Razumkov says that the public in Ukraine and international partners will be involved in drafting a new version of the bill on the so-called special status of Donbas.

"We did what the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine had to do  we extended the law that was in force at that moment. It was a necessary step because many things were dependent on that, including sanctions [against Russia], including interaction within the Minsk agreements, and many other things," he told Channel 24 in an interview, according to an UNIAN correspondent.

Read alsoZelensky enacts law on extension of Donbas special status

"When the president was heading for the Normandy Four meeting [in Paris on December 9, 2019], we understood that we would have to take certain steps," he said.

"We came to the conclusion that such a step would be the most effective," he added.

"As the president  he is a key figure in the state who is engaged in that area said, we will be drawing up a new version of the law in the future with the involvement of both the public and international partners and everyone who this bill will concern in one way or another. Thus we will be able to elaborate a high-quality law that will work in the interests of the state of Ukraine," he said.

As UNIAN reported, First Deputy Chairman of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction Oleksandr Korniyenko on December 11, 2019, announced the development of a new bill on the special status of Donbas. However, he found it difficult to predict when such a bill could be prepared. "It may be [ready] in more than six months, but I think we'll make it over a year," he said. According to him, the document should provide for the initial implementation of the "security factor, and then the political one."

Korniyenko also assured that the Constitution would not be amended because of the special status of Donbas.
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By Express News Service

People in the country have heard spiritual leader and Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar appealing for peace to protesters in the wake of mounting resistance to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). Every citizen has all the right to demonstrate, but not to destroy property or indulge in violence was his appeal. In an interview with TNIEs Principal Correspondent Amiya Meethal, Ravi Shankar elaborates more on CAA and other topics.

Q: What is driving our protesting students across the nation?

Frustration towards the system and negativity are driving them. At the same time, they are motivated to do something for the country. So, the demonstration is a mix of both. In between, anti-social elements are taking advantage of the situation. They bring a bad name to the demonstration.

Q: The protesters say that the countrys constitutional values are being derailed.

Their perception is true for them. Either they can change it through dialogue or come up with a solution. Demonstrations should be objective and not emotional. People should not be swayed by rumours. The right information should be disseminated. The benefits of the Act should be explained. If there is a correction needed for a particular demand, a fair hearing should be given.

Q: What has the government got to do to resolve the issue once and for all?

The administration should pay heed to genuine grievances with patience and perseverance. At the same time, the demonstrators should also resort to peaceful methods. It is not one-sided. If the demonstrators fail to convince the administration, there are always the courts. We have a vibrant judicial system. Look at how Kerala had set an example by organising peaceful protests against the Supreme Court verdict allowing womens entry into the Sabarimala temple. A review petition has been filed in the case.

Q: Does the government have to do more to assuage the concerns of the Muslim community?

In any reform, some people would be affected. They should have a place to air their grievances. Any national issue should be seen beyond politics. Educators, professors, and persons of integrity and calibre should come forward and educate people. Eliminate fear and concerns. If there are any unjust provisions in the Act, they should highlight these.

Q: You have overwhelmingly welcomed the Supreme Courts Ayodhya verdict. Has the verdict pained the Muslim community?

It is not pain, they have understood the issue. I had met more than 1,200 Muslim institutions and 500 imams to resolve the Ayodhya issue. Muslims were very cordial.

They wanted a solution to this. Muslims had only one demand  that the disputed site should not be handed over to those who demolished the masjid. And the SC has ruled that the site should be given to a new trust. That honours the Muslim sentiments. There would be some vested interests on both sides who want to keep the issue alive.

Q: After Ayodhya, will there be similar whipping up of passion over Kashi Vishwanath temple and in Mathura?

Our judicial system is very strong. There is an Act in 1991 that stipulates that status quo should be maintained in all disputed religious places except Ayodhya. Nobody has challenged that Act so far.

Q: You have brought many armed rebels to the mainstream through talks. In Kerala, seven suspected Maoists were gunned down during the tenure of the present government. Whether it is in Colombia or in North East India or in Bihar, the armed rebels are the same. They are wounded people. They have wrong ideology in mind. We have to heal their wounds. We have managed to make 1,100 ultras lay down weapons in Bihar and Jharkhand alone.

Q: Has Indias image taken a beating during the second tenure of the Narendra Modi government?

India is moving in the right direction. A more vibrant India is here and Indians, wherever they live, are contributing to it in a big manner. It is true that womens safety had gone down. But not to that extent as is being projected.
It is vital to make sure that children acquire cognitive skills in their early years because this is closely linked to outcomes in many other areas.

Parents across the world want their children to be happy and successful; most know that a good education is the passport to upward mobility and offer their children the best they can.

But what if many of us need to rethink our basic assumptions? What if play-based activities that build memory, reasoning and problem-solving abilities are far more important in the early years than content knowledge? What if success depends not on how soon a child becomes part of the formal school system but on whether his/her early years or pre-school stage are spent acquiring foundational skills necessary both in school and in life?

Globally, there is a growing body of research that demonstrates that high-quality pre-primary education is the foundation of a childs journey, that every stage of education that follows relies on it and that equitable pre-primary education is also an effective strategy for promoting economic growth.

But despite the proven and lifelong benefits, more than 175 million children  nearly half of all pre-primary-age children globally  are not enrolled in pre-primary education, says Unicef.

These are critical issues not only for our youngest children but also the countrys future. Early childhood education needs to be a top national priority, as is evident from the 14th Annual Status of Education Report (ASER 2019), released earlier this week. The reports focus is on the early years, on children between the ages of four and eight.

Facilitated by non-profit Pratham, which started its work 25 years ago with early childhood education in the slums of Mumbai, the report is based on surveys conducted in 26 districts across 24 states. Covering 1,514 villages, 30,425 households, and 36,930 children, it offers a wealth of data on the early years and eye-opening insights into the roots of Indias learning crisis.

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act 2009 mandates that children should enter Class 1 at age six. For children between three and six, it recommends exposure to early childhood education (ECE). But many states and Union territories allow entry to Class 1 before six.

The report foregrounds key questions. What are young children doing? Are they enrolled in pre-school/school? Are they ready for school?

Sampled children were assessed on four domains of development  cognitive skills that include the ability to sort by colour, arrange objects by size, recognise patterns etc; early language needed to express thoughts and feelings and engage with others; early numeracy that includes recognition of single and double digit numbers, doing simple numeric problems and the ability to apply these concepts in day to day life; and social and emotional development which aims at gauging if the children can identify emotions and regulate them, if they can resolve a situation of conflict and if they empathise with others.

The ASER (Rural) 2019 Early Years report shows that more than 90 per cent of sampled children in the 4-8 age group are enrolled in some kind of educational institution, ranging from anganwadis (childcare centres) to government or private pre-primary facilities, to government or private schools.

At age five, 70 per cent of children go to anganwadis or pre-primary classes while 21.6 per cent are already enrolled in Class 1. At age six, 32.8 per cent children are in anganwadis or pre-primary classes, while 46.4 cent are in Class 1, and 18.7 per cent in Class 2 or higher.

The report points out that boys and girls, even in the 4-8 age-group have different enrolment patterns, with a higher proportion of girls enrolled in government institutions and a higher proportion of boys in private institutions. These differences widen as they grow older.

Where the children go also depends on educational level of their mothers. Among the pre-primary age group, children with mothers who had eight or fewer years of schooling are likely to be attending anganwadis or government pre-primary classes, whereas children whose mothers had studied beyond elementary stage are more likely to be found in private lower kindergarten or upper kindergarten classes.

The Draft National Education Policy released last June points out that a very large number of children currently in elementary school do not have foundational literacy and numeracy skills, and that about 50 million children are behind or have fallen behind. Once children fall behind, most of them are unable to catch up. Going early into formal schooling leaves younger children at a huge disadvantage. In the same grade, older children are able to do much more than their younger friends, says Rukmini Banerji, CEO, Pratham Education Foundation.

It is vital to make sure that children acquire cognitive skills in their early years because this is closely linked to outcomes in many other areas. Evidence comes from The India Early Childhood Education Impact Study (IECEI), as Suman Bhattacharjea, director of research, ASER Centre, points out. Conducted between 2011 and 2016 by ASER Centre and Centre for Early Childhood Education and Development (CECED) at Ambedkar University, Delhi, with support from Unicef, the study tracked 14,000 children in the 4-8 age-group, the same age range covered by ASER 2019. It found that children who were able to do tasks that involved sequential thinking at age five also had better early language and numeracy skills than their peers and this advantage persisted even three years later.

India has made a huge investment in its early childhood programme. The Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS) with its network of 1.3 million anganwadis provides supplementary nutrition, immunisation and pre-school education to children below six. It is the largest programme of its kind in the world. The findings of ASER 2019 make a clear case for strengthening these Early Childhood Development Centres so that they implement appropriate school readiness activities, says Wilima Wadhwa, director, ASER Centre. Ms Wadhwa also says a case can be made for streamlining the curriculum at the pre-school stage so that they focus on activities that build cognitive, early language and early numeracy skills rather than expose children to rote-based mechanical learning of competences that they are supposed to learn when they enter school.

There are important recommendations in this ASER report  strengthen the outreach of anganwadis, especially for children between three and four; avoid admitting underage children into a school grade as it only disadvantages them; focus on breadth of skills rather than formal subject learning in the early years.

Policymakers must act on these recommendations. They must also ensure that there are more trained teachers who understand the development needs of the youngest children.
Were going to get back to living life, even if it kills us
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 18 : With the state government versus the governor being the flavour of this month, after West Bengal it was Kerala which seemed poised for such a face-off. But state Law Minister A.K.Balan on Saturday said the Pinarayi Vijayan government has no intention to confront Governor Arif Mohammad Khan over the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Speaking to the media here, Balan said that if the Governor seeks a clarification, the state government will surely reply.

"We have never questioned the Governor and in case, if it sounded like that, it pains us," said Balan.

Kerala Governor Khan said it was most unfortunate that the constitutional head of the state came to know about the CAA resolution through the newspapers.

The Kerala Chief Minister on Tuesday moved a resolution in the state Assembly demanding the scrapping of the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Khan said that he has no problem with any divergent views be it on the CAA, NPR or NRC, all he cares about is that rules are followed as stipulated by the Constitution.

"I have no problem with the government, opposition, or anybody holding a different view on CAA, NPR or NRC. Everyone is free...," asserted the Governor. But he added that the Kerala government is in violation of the rules of the Assembly.

"If there are any apprehensions, the government will look into it and do the needful. There is no clash at all with the governor. If there is any difference of opinion with the Centre, then the Governor should be told and there is no need for any permission to be taken from him," said Balan.

However, the CPI-M party organ, Deshabhimani, in its editorial on Saturday was critical of the conduct of Khan.
January 18 : Sonali Bendre, who won millions of hearts and inspired many more after sharing her journey to recovery from cancer in 2018, has become a social media lover, sharing meaningful posts with her fans.

The actress posted her beautiful picture and shared with her fans how excited she was as she was going to attend the 50th foundation day of Jamnabai Narsee School in Mumbai. The event was also attended by Raveena Tandon.

Sonali channelled her inner boss lady in a smart outfit. Keeping it simple, Sonali wore a plain tee, which she neatly tucked in her beige-coloured buttoned pants. The diva styled her outfit with a smart tweed coat, which she wore over her tee, adding boss like vibes to her look. She made her look with short golden locks her new normal. The actress completed her look with pointed-toed beige shoes. For her glam quotient, Sonali opted for the perfect highlighted makeup, subtle eye makeup and brown lip colour.

Earlier, in an interview, Sonali had said that she is enjoying her second innings in Bollywood after she recovered from cancer. She said she took the battle head on with the support of her family and friends.
AMPI Cancun looking for non-tourism real estate projects

Cancun, Q.R.  The Cancun chapter of the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals (AMPI) will attend the upcoming International Tourism Fair (Fitur) where they will look for non-tourism real estate projects.

The upcoming la Feria Internacional de Turismo (Fitur) fair is being held in Madrid at the end of January where the president of AMPI CAncun, Miguel Angel Lemus Mateos, says they will attend what he calls, the most important in the world.

Mateos says la Asociacion Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios (AMPI) of Cancun will attend the fair that attracts 160 countries and more than 11,000 companies.

We follow the governors line to diversify the economic development of the state. That is not just tourism. We will look for other alternative businesses such as hospitals, shopping centers, technology centers, financial centers, scientific research universities, spas, who want to come to invest in Quintana Roo and diversify the offer, he said.

He said that while travel agencies and hoteliers will go after tourism, AMPI will seek investment capital, financing, technology and platforms for new businesses.

Of the arranged appointments, he confirmed that he will meet with the president and delegate of la Federacion Internacional de Bienes Raices (FIABCI) to whom he will propose that Cancun be the world headquarters of its next summit.
Asserting that the National Population Register is nothing but "NRC in disguise", Congress leader P Chidambaram said on Saturday that the Modi government has changed gears and is now only talking about the NPR after the "fiasco" in Assam over the citizenship list.

The former Union home minister said states are justified to oppose the implementation of the NPR and the CAA as the Constitutional validity lies with the Supreme Court.

"Our purpose is to fight the sinister purpose of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Population of Register (NPR) and mobilise public opinion against them. Our stated position is that we will not agree to NPR being rolled out from April 2020," he said.

He said all political parties fighting against the NPR, the CAA and the proposed nationwide NRC must come together.

"We are fighting against NRC and CAA. Sometimes together, sometimes differently. The important thing is that we are fighting," he said.

On the opposition-ruled states participating in the January 17 meeting on the NPR, Chidambaram said participation does not mean acquiesce or acceptance. "It is about knowing what the other side thinks about it."



"The census commissioner called the meeting, inviting officers of state governments. The states sent their officers to find out and place on table their views. Several chief secretaries attending the meeting found pitfalls in the NPR," he claimed.

Chidambaram said chief ministers of states ruled by his party will take position consistent with the Congress Working Committee resolution against the CAA, the NPR and the NRC.

"There is no constitutional issue involved (in states opposing the CAA). CAA is an issue before the Supreme Court now. Therefore, the states are perfectly justified in saying what they feel, the states are entitled to," he said.

Hinting at the Trinamool Congress, Chidambaram exuded confidence that opposition parties which did not participate in the meeting called by Congress president Sonia Gandhi on the issue will come along in the future.

"It is possible that in Bengal and many other states there are some domestic factors at play. But one should not miss the larger picture which is the fight to save the Constitution. All those fighting for values must eventually come together on a single platform. I am confident they will," he said.

Chidambaram said he went to the Park Circus Maidan in the city where Muslim women are on a sit-in for the past 12 days against the CAA.

On the petitions filed against the CAA in the Supreme Court, Chidambaram, also a lawyer, said, "Many eminent lawyers, many eminent jurists have already opined that the CAA is unconstitutional. We will put up arguments on our side."



He said granting power of detaining authority to the Delhi Police commissioner under the stringent National Security Act was "completely unacceptable, completely unnecessary and undemocratic".

"Under its provisions anyone can be held. It is a retrograde provision....every day the BJP government resorts to such repressive measures," the Congress leader said.

Chidambaram said his party is confident about doing well in the upcoming Delhi polls and also in the elections in Bihar, slated to be held later this year.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A man wanted in cheating cases in several cities of Maharashtra was arrested on Friday in Thane by the city police's Anti Extortion Cell, an official said.

Prashant Ganpat Badekar alias Arvind Sontakke (42) would gain the confidence of victims by claiming he knew highly influential people in politics, bureaucracy and industry and then would take money after promising them jobs and houses, an official said.

"In the latest case, he cheated 16 people in Satara claiming he would get them jobs in Reserve Bank of India and MHADA houses and took Rs 90 lakh. He was arrested on a tip-off from Takaipada area of Kalyan in Thane district," he said.

"He has cheating cases against his name in Nagpur, Nashik, Mumbai, Pune, Nandurbar and Aurangabad. These were filed between 2006 and 2019," AEC Inspector Vilas Ghodke said.

Inspector Bhanudas Bhoite of Mawal police station said the accused was produced in court in Satara and has been remanded in police custody till January 22.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The National Security Advisor of India (SA) Ajit Doval met the President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Saturday in Colombo. Discussions regarding strategic cooperation between India and Sri Lanka was held between the two dignitaries. Ajit Doval discussed the purchase of defence equipment in Sri Lanka.

National Security advisor Ajit Doval meets #Srilankan President @GotabayaR in Colombo to discuss strategic cooperation between the two neighbors; India pledges 50 million US dollars for purchase of defense equipments for Srilankan security forces.#Reports Santosh Kumar pic.twitter.com/kLFQcCcZJx  All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) January 18, 2020

Doval and Gotabayas meeting in India

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval called on the newly-elected Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa soon after he had arrived in India during November. During the meeting, issues of national interest and bilateral cooperation were discussed, said officials. According to officials, NSA met the visiting Sri Lankan President soon after he had landed in India.

Read: PM Modi welcomes Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, upholds 'neighbourhood first'

The security cooperation with Sri Lanka is of paramount importance to India. While the contours of the meeting between NSA and Sri Lankan President wasnt elaborately revealed by the officials, a broad understanding of the meeting suggested that security cooperation topped the agenda. Now after Dovals visit to Sri Lanka, the agenda has become clearer.

Read: Jaishankar meets ex- Lankan Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa, discusses strengthening bilateral ties

Developmental aid to Sri Lanka

PM Modi during the visit of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Gotabaya Rajapaksa spoke about how India is always eager to help out its neighbouring countries. Taking this forward he announced that India has contributed a 400 million dollar line of credit for infrastructure and development in Sri Lanka. According to the PM, this will not only help Sri Lanka's financial situation but also increase cooperation between the two countries.

Read: Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka's new President, to visit India on Nov 29: S Jaishankar

He then spoke about how the Indian Housing project has also built 46,000 houses in Sri Lanka and how another 14,000 are on the way. PM Modi also addressed some projects that were still in talks like a solar project. Also, a 100-million-dollar credit line, as well as 20 community and people projects for social welfare, would be implemented in Sri Lanka.

Read: Sri Lanka ends Emergency, four months after Easter suicide bombings
Naomi Osaka has learned to deal with the increased media coverage that comes with winning. (Photo by MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP via Getty Images)

After her win at the Australian Open a year ago, Naomi Osaka claimed the No. 1 ranking for the first time in her career. Since then, things havent gone as expected. Injuries and premature exits have held Osaka back, making 2019 the toughest year of Osakas life.

The 22-year-old Osaka said the win at the Australian Open brought increased pressure and coverage. When she lost at Wimbledon in July, Osaka said she decided to stop focusing on the outside noise, according to ESPN.

"Until Wimbledon I did," she said Saturday, referring to her first-round exit at the All England Club in July. "Then I just decided that this is what I've chosen to do, for the majority of my life. I've been training my whole life for this. I shouldn't let ... outside noise -- no offense to you guys, love you guys -- but outside noise dictate how I'm feeling."

As Osaka explained, winning the Australian Open  and at Indian Wells in 2018  changed the way she gets covered by the media. Prior to Indian Wells, no one wrote about her losses. But Osakas wins raised her profile, making it newsworthy when she fell short. Paying attention to those stories has taken a toll on Osaka.

While the year hasnt gone as expected, Osaka is still in good shape. Shes now ranked as the No. 3 singles player, and could easily get back to No. 1 with a solid showing at the Australian Open.

Osakas first match at the tournament will take place Monday. Shell face Marie Bouzkova.

More from Yahoo Sports:
A YouTube prankster who climbed one of Egypt's ancient pyramids in an attempt to get donations for the Australian bushfires was thrown into jail after the stunt.

Russian-American Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, who goes by username Kingvitaly, spent five days in jail after being arrested for climbing one of the pyramids in Giza.

In November, the Egyptian parliament enacted a law which prohibited the climbing of the Giza pyramids.

Russian-American Vitaly Zdorovetskiy climbed the pyramid asking for donations for Australia

The popular YouTuber wore a jumper that read, 'stop war, help Australia,' (pictured in Egypt)

Vitaly shared a video of the dangerous climb and his message to 'stop war' and to donate to Australia to his 3.1million followers on Instagram.

Finally making it to the top, Vitaly recorded himself asking people to donate money toward the Australian bushfires.

'Stop the war, help Australia  lets raise money,' he said as he angled the camera toward his jumper which read the same thing.

'We need to help Australia  millions of people, millions of animals are lost, millions of people are hurting, people are losing homes, people need water, the firefighters, they all need our help.

'Lets do something.'

He made his way down the Pyramid where authorities were waiting for him (pictured: Vitaly nearing the officials'

Vitaly was arrested and taken to prison where he was locked up for five days for his dangerous and illegal stint

Eventually, Vitaly made his way down the pyramid and was met with Egyptian authorites before being taken away.

A few days later, he revealed on Instagram that he was arrested and jailed for five days but said he didn't regret the stunt.

'No words can explain what I just went through the past 5 days,' he wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of him sitting down on top of the a pyramid.

'I was locked up in Egypt because I climbed the Pyramids Of Giza. Ive been in Jail many times but this one was by far the very worst.

'I saw horrible things and I dont wish this upon anybody. Was it worth it? F**K YEAH!

He shared a link to a GoFundMe page and said all the money would go towards the bushfire crisis.

Despite millions of followers on social media, he had only raised $840 of the $500,000 goal by Saturday afternoon.
(TNS)  Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds called last Tuesday on state lawmakers to take the first bold step into a new decade by enacting a multipronged plan to invest in Iowa with tax-policy changes she said would raise the state sales tax but also return money to taxpayers, preserve Iowas land and water, strengthen schools, improve health options and give every Iowan a chance to succeed.Reynolds used her third Condition of the State address to propose her Invest in Iowa Act that would expand upon a voter-approved idea to raise the state sales tax by a penny to fund water quality and other environmental and resource needs, but also take a large share of the new revenue to cut state income taxes by at least 10 percent and ease property-tax burdens by having the state pick up from the counties some costs for expanding mental-health services to adults and children.Lets be bold and visionary, Reynolds told a joint session of the 88th Iowa General Assembly and a statewide television audience, according to prepared remarks. Lets seize this opportunity and make the next decade Iowas best. Its time to show the world that opportunity lives here.The governor proposed instituting a 2010 constitutional amendment passed by Iowa voters that authorized the Legislature and governor to raise the states sales tax and direct the proceeds into a wide range of environmental, conservation, natural resources and outdoor recreational initiatives.Funding that trust is no small investment, but I believe its one we need to make, she said.As prescribed in the amendment, three-eighths of a new penny sales tax increase  estimated at about $170 million a year  would flow into the Iowa Water and Land Legacy trust fund under Reynolds plan.The new tax would take effect Jan. 1, 2021.But the designated formula for distributing that money should change to reflect current water quality priorities and realities, she said.As a state senator in 2010, Reynolds said she voted for the distribution formula, but said now the challenges we face today and will face tomorrow are different than what we understood them to be 10 years ago, so its time to amend the formula.Under her plan, Reynolds said almost 58 percent of the new money would be allocated for water quality and conservation, or an estimated $100 million annually. That would be a nearly 31 percent increase.Another $52 million would go for other conservation and outdoor recreation efforts, also an increase.These investments will not only aid our conservation efforts, they will improve our quality of life and help us retain and recruit a new generation of Iowans, she said.While opening the conversation on the IWILL options, Reynolds said she has no interest in raising taxes. So any increase in revenue  some estimate that to be nearly $380 million  from adding a penny sales tax must be more than offset by additional tax cuts, she said.That starts with continuing to reduce our uncompetitive income-tax rates. Two years ago, thanks to many of you in this room, we passed the largest income-tax cut in Iowa history. I said then, and Ive said ever since: that wasnt a one-and-done, Reynolds noted. I intend to make good on that promise, which is why Im proposing to cut income tax by an additional 10 percent for almost every Iowan, with lower-income Iowans receiving as much as a 25 percent cut.Let me put that into perspective, she added. Just one year ago, our top tax bracket was at almost 9 percent, one of the worst in the country. Now, with this new round of tax cuts, our top rate will be down to 5.5 percent by 2023  significant progress that will make Iowa competitive with our peers.Reynolds said Iowas finances currently are in a strong, surplus position that will allow policymakers to make bold plans for now and decades to come. That planning and action, she said, must begin right now, this session.Legislators convened the 100-day 2020 legislative session last Monday.Along with the income tax cuts, Reynolds said she was proposing the state follow up on its recent commitments to bolster mental-health services for adults and children by using proposed sales tax proceeds to reduce property tax levies and provide the needed funding through the state general fund.Counties now levy a property tax to help fund mental health care, but do so at different rates.No parent, family member, or friend should be told that treatment isnt available for their loved one, Reynolds said. By establishing a dedicated and stable fund for mental health, we will give hope to so many who are suffering in silence. Its a promise weve made, and its a promise I intend to keep.The governor praised lawmakers for investing more than a $90 million increase in K-12 education last year, including an increase in per-pupil funding and transportation equity. She called on them to spend even more in fiscal 2021 by appropriating more than $103 million in new funding that she said Iowa schools can use to maintain the best teachers and classrooms in the world.In her quest to see the state take bold action, Reynolds pledged an additional $20 million in flood relief to areas of the state hard hit by weather disasters.She also pledged an additional $2 million for the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program, as well as modernizing and expanding the E15 Plus Promotion Tax Credit to support the sale of the E15 higher blend of ethanol year-round, driving domestic demand for Iowas homegrown renewable fuels.The governor said Iowa must do more to promote and support maternal health as fewer doctors and fewer hospitals are delivering babies and providing care for mothers, especially outside of urban areas.To help increase the number of doctors who are willing and able to provide OB services in Iowa, Reynolds said she is proposing a fellowship for new family-practice physicians who want to train and specialize in OB care. She said she also wants to launch a tele-mentoring system where OBs at institutions can consult with physicians across the state.She said her budget also includes additional funding to expand the use of telehealth services to underserved Iowans.She also called on the Republican-controlled Legislature to adopt measures against abortion rights after courts struck down an attempt she signed into law last year.As we begin 2020, Im focused on the overall wellness of all Iowans, in every part of the state, in all stages of life. And when I say all stages of life, I mean to include the unborn. We must protect life by making clear, through an amendment, that our constitution does not grant a right to an abortion. Its time, and unfortunately its necessary, the governor said.Calling high-speed broadband critical infrastructure for rural areas, Reynolds said she is seeking another $15 million on top of the $5 million provided under last years Empower Rural Iowa Act to improve connectivity and adjusting the state match to leverage private and federal funding to build out broadband to every part of Iowa to become the most connected state in the nation.Reynolds also called for legislators to require computer science be taught as a basic skill statewide  something she said is done in almost two-thirds of school districts middle and high schools and about half the elementary schools.She also proposed expanding her Future Ready Iowa initiative to infuse Iowa workplaces with more skilled employees by adding $2.8 million each to the Last Dollar Scholarship and the Employer Innovation Fund, bringing the total investment to over $20 million.Childcare is the next workforce issue we need to tackle. Its another barrier for families looking for a way up, the governor said. For some, its about affordability; for others, access is the issue; and for thousands of Iowans, its both. This year we need to act.To that end, Reynolds proposed making child care more affordable by expanding Early Childhood tax credits available to families making $45,000 or less to double that income threshold to $90,000. She also called on legislators to begin to address the child-care cliff so that we are not punishing parents as they continue on a path to self-sufficiency by implementing a tiered copay system.Included in the governors workforce initiatives was her second chance approach to focus on prisoner re-entry and rehabilitation to break a circle that leads back to prison at a cost to taxpayers of $32,000 per year.She also renewed her support to amend the Iowa Constitution so that it no longer bars felons from voting after theyve served their sentence.I am grateful to the House for starting this process last year by approving the constitutional amendment with a strong bipartisan vote of 95 to 2, she said. I also appreciate the productive conversations we are having with senators, and I look forward to continuing to work with you to pass the amendment and craft an implementing statute that lets us avoid the confusion and lawsuits that have plagued other states restoration efforts. Together, we can help put returning citizens on a path to redemption. We can help them become productive members of society, reduce recidivism, and make our communities a safer place.The governor also called on legislators to make sure government isnt stifling the ingenuity of Iowans by reforming the states professional licensure system.She said it puts Iowa at a competitive disadvantage and costs 48,000 jobs and $290 million.We should never dismiss the importance of protecting the health and safety of the people, but its been far too long since weve modernized our licensing structure. Thats what Im asking you to do today, she told lawmakers, urging them to adopt universal licensing recognition and to waive fees for low-income individuals.She also called for the creation of a commission that will  every four years  review every professional license requirement and the boards that oversee them.
Srinagar, Jan 18 : Hours ahead of the Union Ministers' visit to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, BJP state unit chief Ravinder Raina has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanking him for sending them.

The Union Ministers will visit Jammu and Kashmir starting Saturday till January 24 in order to spread words about the government's policies, particularly those taken in the last five months after the abrogation of Article 370.

According to the letter shared with the media, 38 Union Ministers will visit different districts in both the divisions of the newly-formed Union Territory starting January 18.

On the day, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal will visit Samba's Puramandal area, Ashwini Choubey will visit Samba's Chajjwal, while Dr Jitendra Singh will visit Jammu city.

BJP sources said the Ministers will hold durbars across the region at Panchayat and block levels.

"It's a good occasion to meet with the ministers and apprise them of the problems faced by the people," Raina said.
A month ago, when phone records showed contact between Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., and Lev Parnas, Nunes said he didn't recall Parnas' name and couldn't confirm the call. On Wednesday, with Parnas about to appear on TV for the first time, Nunes suddenly offered a (very conveniently timed) confirmation, but he downplayed the call as being about "random things."

Now, Nunes' claims about his ties to Parnas are even more questionable.

Newly released documents Friday night showed Parnas in repeated contact with a Nunes aide, Derek Harvey. He appeared to be looping Harvey into the Ukraine effort led by Rudy Giuliani, and the messages show the three of them met at the Trump hotel in Washington. Parnas also set up calls for Harvey with the same Ukrainian prosecutors who were working with Giuliani.

And in one exchange, there is an indication Harvey may have known this was all about Joe Biden:

"Also do you want to interview the general prosecutor who got [ditched] by Biden? Also the anti corruption prosecutor? Let me know," Parnas wrote on April 19.

"Does tomorrow work?" Harvey responded.

Harvey even apparently became angry that Parnas and Giuliani were sharing documents with conservative journalist John Solomon, rather than Nunes' office.

The combined picture is a Nunes aide who was pretty abreast of what Giuliani and Parnas were up to - to the point where he was meeting with them and expressing frustration at not being the recipient of their information.

And that isn't easy to square with the picture painted by Nunes. Nunes, the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, has suggested Parnas was just a person he didn't know who was spouting a bunch of stuff that he wasn't clued in on.

"I checked it with my records, and it was very clear - I remember that call, which was very odd, random, talking about random things, and I said, 'great,' you know, 'talk to my staff,' and boom, boom, boom," Nunes said on Fox News on Wednesday. "That's just normal operating procedure."

The newly revealed text messages suggest this was a call that Harvey set up for his boss. Harvey sent Parnas Nunes's contact information on April 10, which is two days later is when phone records indicate the call took place. The call, according to the phone records, lasted eight minutes.

There is some indication that perhaps Nunes wasn't as intimately involved in the situation as Harvey was. In one of his TV appearances, Parnas said he was told to work with Harvey because of Nunes' ethics investigation.

"The reason why Derek Harvey was more - I understood, I was told at that time [that] because Devin Nunes had an ethics - something to do with an ethics committee, and he couldn't be in a spotlight," Parnas told MSNBC's Rachel Maddow.

So it's possible Harvey siloed himself off from his boss - and deliberately so. But he also set up a phone call for his boss with Parnas. To reconcile Nunes' version of the call, Harvey did this without actually telling his boss what the call was to be about and what he had been working on with Parnas. And that's on top of everything else that he was up to with Parnas and Giuliani, which Nunes' comments suggest Harvey was freelancing on. It's plausible, but it certainly raises plenty of questions. If you're trying to keep the boss out of it, connecting him on a phone call with Parnas would seem to be the last thing you want to do.

Parnas, for his part, has said that phone call wasn't the only time he spoke with Nunes.

"We met several times at the Trump hotel, but our relationship started getting basically where it expanded was when I was introduced to his aide, Derek Harvey," Parnas said in the same interview.

The reason all of this matters is that Nunes was leading the charge on President Donald Trump's defense during the House impeachment inquiry. Now we know his office was at least somewhat involved in the underlying effort to obtain information from Ukraine. If Nunes knew anything about that and didn't disclose it, that would look very bad.

Parnas' credibility is still in question, given he's under indictment. But the new revelations bolster his claim to a relationship with Harvey - if not Nunes.

And the new revelations also call into question Nunes' credibility. He has slow-walked this whole thing, saying he didn't recall the name of a person he spoke to for eight minutes and then declining to confirm the call with Parnas for more than a month. He only did so when the documents started coming out - documents that Harvey might well have known would confirm the ties between Nunes' office and Parnas. Now Nunes' version of events is that he wasn't at all clued in to what Parnas was up to.

It's possible, but he may want to be a little bit more forthcoming.
Rawat on Thursday had said de-radicalisation camps are operating in the country as it was necessary to isolate people who are completely radicalised. (Photo Credit: File Photo)

New Delhi:

Pakistan on Friday condemned the statement of Indian Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat where he suggested de-radicalisation camps for radicalised youths in the Kashmir Valley. Rawat on Thursday had said de-radicalisation camps are operating in the country as it was necessary to isolate people who are completely radicalised.

In an address at the Raisina Dialogue, General Rawat, delving into the situation in Kashmir, said girls and boys as young as 10 and 12 years are being radicalised in the Valley which he described as a matter of concern.

Condemning Rawats statements, the Pakistan Foreign Office said, These remarks are reflective of the extremist mindset and bankrupt thinking that have evidently also permeated the state institutions of India.

The FO said Rawats remarks on FATF were further proof of Indias repeated attempts to politicise FATFs technical proceedings.

Pakistan has consistently sensitised the world community about Indias malicious campaign in this regard. We expect that the FATF members would reject these Indian machinations, the FO said.

Containing radicalisation is key to effectively combat terrorism: Bipin Rawat

Gen Rawat had said containing radicalisation is key to effectively combat terrorism, adding radicalised young people were involved in pelting security forces with stones in Kashmir.

Identifying radicalisation is a major challenge, he said, adding it can be countered with effective programme.

You got to start looking at where the radicalisation is taking place. Who are the people involved in radicalising the people. It is happening in schools, universities, from religious places and sites, and then there are group of people who are spreading this, he said.

The former Army chief said it was important to isolate people who have been radicalised.

You have to start isolating these people gradually and then start a counter radicalisation programme by identifying people who have been radicalised and to what degree.

You have to segregate them... Then look at those who have been completely radicalised. First target them and then also start looking at the future, like what we have seen in Kashmir, he said.

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Aishe Ghosh, president of the student body at Jawaharlal Nehru University, speaks to reporters in New Delhi on Wednesday. Ghosh has called India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi a Germany in the making. Credit:The New York Times Earlier this month, while leading a peaceful demonstration on her university campus, Ghosh was attacked by Hindu nationalist goons. After they cracked her in the head with an iron bar and thrashed her body, images of her blood-smeared face were instantly beamed nationwide. But it was the photograph made two days later that etched her into the Indian psyche: It showed Ghosh, 25, staring straight into the camera, her head wrapped in a doughnut of white medical tape, her hair wild and her eyes radiating a resolve that seemed indestructible. Every protest has a face, said Vidit Panchal, a young doctor who travelled across India this week to meet her. Ghosh is that face.

The product of politically active parents from West Bengal, Ghosh was a talented painting student before she entered university to study politics. Last fall she was elected president of the student body at one of Indias liveliest and most prestigious schools, Jawaharlal Nehru University, a bastion of anti-Modi dissent. Jawaharlal Nehru University student leader Aishe Ghosh. Credit:Facebook Even in the weeks before she was attacked by the gang of Modis supporters, Ghosh was marching in protests, coordinating strikes and recruiting followers  in essence, galvanising the resistance. Now, she is being invited everywhere to speak. To be a student leader in India, its a thrilling time. Professors have been writing mails to us saying that you should be going to the protests, because protests teach you more than I can teach you in the four walls of the classroom, Ghosh said, clearly excited by all this. We have politicised so many people. It gives me so much pride.

Ever since modern India was envisioned, a fundamental question has been how Hindu-oriented it should be, given that the population, about 80 per cent Hindu, has long hosted a dizzying array of different cultures. They include a Muslim minority that today, at 200 million people, would on its own be one of the largest Muslim nations in the world. Modi has taken a clear position, pushing a slate of divisive Hindu nationalist policies that play quite well with a large segment of society but deeply worry minorities and progressives. An Indian Muslim boy holds a placard during a protest against Citizenship Amendment Bill. Credit:AP A Germany in the making, Ghosh calls it. Since Modis reelection in May, his government has ploughed ahead with a contentious citizenship review in northeastern India that is widely seen as a test run for a nationwide attempt to identify and marginalise Muslim families. In August he summarily deleted the statehood of Kashmir, which had been Indias only Muslim-majority state. These moves raised some eyebrows, especially in rival Pakistan, which also claims Kashmir.

But the issue that sent millions of Indians over the edge was Modis citizenship law, which creates a special path to Indian citizenship for migrants from all major South Asian religions bar one: Islam. Students protest outside Jamia Millia Islamia University in Delhi. Credit:AP Modi has insisted that the law is intended to protect persecuted migrants from neighbouring countries, but many Indians see it as blatantly anti-Muslim and discriminatory. As soon at it passed in December, universities across the country exploded in protest. Jawaharlal Nehru University, in central Delhi, where Ghosh is working on a masters degree on climate change, has been one of Indias most reliable incubators of dissent. Its a big leafy campus, known for its liberal arts programs, and on a recent day professors and students mingled in a sun-dappled courtyard between hulking brick buildings painted with images of Mandela, Gandhi and Guevara. These days, Ghosh has trouble making it across campus because she is stopped so often.

Are you OK? one young woman asked. You have amazing energy and stamina, said another. Please dont get beaten up again! a friend laughed. It was a chilly day under a thick gray sky, and Ghosh, in bare sleeves with an anaconda-size scarf around her neck and a permanent smile on her face, was hard to miss. She seems to have natural political skills. She lets people finish before she starts talking; she speaks well in public; and she constantly absorbs digs, like body shaming.

Some people are like: You dont look like a president, because you are so thin, she said. So I ask them: How much do I need to weigh to look like a president? For a long time, Hindu extremists have hated this school, and January 5, the shock troops arrived. That evening, Ghosh was speaking at a protest against a fee increase at her university. Witnesses said the attackers were a mix of students and outsiders from pro-Modi groups. They targeted liberal leaders at the university and others who had been vocal about their opposition to Modis Hindu nationalist policies. A Hindu extremist group later admitted to participating in the melee, saying it had armed followers in self-defence. The attackers carried iron bars, pipes and sledgehammers, and they knocked Ghosh to the ground and kept hitting her and hitting her.

I thought I was going to die, she said. Theres a grim, new joke in India: There may be freedom of speech, but theres no freedom after speech. After speaking out about her beating, Ghosh became the victim of a vicious disinformation campaign. Hindu extremists spread fake pictures of her, showing her cast on the other arm and saying she was lying. They even said that she had smashed her own head with an iron bar. Police officials then accused her and other leftist students of instigating the violence, which she denies. I dont care if they name me in 70 cases, she said. Im not quitting.

Ghosh grew up in Durgapur, near Kolkata, a hotbed for Indias communists. Her father works as an operations manager at a thermal plant and has joined many labour strikes. Her mother is a housewife. She has one younger sister, and during teatime, the Ghosh family sat in their two-bedroom apartment and dissected politics. An old college friend, Yashvi Pandit, laughed about when she first met Ghosh, seven years ago. She would be going on and on about this joint secretary appointment or that, she recalled, and we were all like: Why do you care? And now look: Shes gotten a blue tick! (Ghosh recently received a coveted blue tick on Twitter next to her name, signifying that she is a person of interest who has been verified as genuine.) Ghosh has not seen her parents since she was attacked, even though they wanted to visit. She has barely spent time with her boyfriend (another student activist) either. She is in the middle of a moment  and she seems well aware of it.
We all know about the phrase Big Fat Indian Wedding. This phrase seems to be losing its charm since the last few years. In our country, weddings are lavish with guest lists reaching hundreds if not thousands. The more you spend, the brighter ones chances to improve their social bragging rights. But not all is well at the time being. With economic growth hitting a six-year low for the worlds fifth-largest economy, people have pruned their lavish spending on their weddings.

The present government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has seen unemployment also decline sharply to a four-decade high.

Both unemployment and economical downturn has had a ripple effect on the spending powers of people. It is such that brides-to-be are spending way less on their bridal outfits and also pruning their guest list.

"Initially I chose a dress that cost 73,000 rupees ($1,000)," Chartered accountant Palak Panchamiya told news agency AFP as she picked through outfits at a recent marriage trade fair.

"But my partner felt it was too expensive, and so now I am here reworking my options and looking for something cheaper", she added.

India's massive wedding industry is worth an estimated $40-50 billion a year, according to research firm KPMG.

The celebrations can last a week and involve several functions, a dazzling variety of cuisines, music and dance performances, and lots of gifts.

Foreigners can even buy tickets to some events.

But these days, except for the super-rich -- a recent Ambani family wedding reportedly cost $100 million -- extravagance is out and frugality is in as families prioritise saving.

"Earlier Indian weddings were like huge concerts, but now things have changed," said Maninder Sethi, founder of Wedding Asia, which organises marriage fairs around the country.

Cracks emerged in 2016 when the Indian wedding season, which runs from September to mid-January, was hit by the government's shock withdrawal of vast amounts of banknotes from circulation through demonetisation in a bid to crack down on undeclared earnings.

Mumbai-based trousseau maker Sapna Designs Studio shut for months as the economy was turned on its head by Modi's move.

"No exhibitions were happening and there were no avenues for us to sell either," said Vishal Hariyani, owner of the clothing studio.

Hopes for a recovery proved short-lived when the cash ban was followed by a botched rollout of a nationwide goods and services tax (GST) in 2017 that saw many small-scale businesses close.

Since then, keeping his studio afloat has been a challenge, with consumers increasingly reluctant to spend too much, says Hariyani.

"We customise our clothes as per their budgets, and now week-long weddings have been converted to just a 36-hour ceremony," he told AFP.

"We have to pay GST, pay workers and even offer discounts to customers," he added.

Analysts say gloomy economic conditions have pushed the country's middle class to pile their cash into savings.

"The whole economy has slowed down and reduced spending on weddings is a by-product of that. Everyone except the super-rich are affected," Pradip Shah from IndAsia Fund Advisors told AFP.

"It is reflective of how sombre the mood is," he said.

In a country where families traditionally spend heavily on weddings -- including taking on debt in some cases -- the downturn is also a source of sadness and shame, with elaborate celebrations often seen as a measure of social status.

"We haven't even invited our neighbours. It is embarrassing but the current situation doesn't offer us much respite," 52-year-old Tara Shetty told AFP ahead of her son's wedding.

"In my era, we always spent a lot and had thousands of people attending the weddings," she explained.

"My wedding was supremely grand, and now my son's is the polar opposite."
The assassination of Major General Qassem Soleimani on Jan. 3 was impulsive and ill-advised. Soleimani has blood on his hands, but targeting a senior official of another country, on President Trumps order, has created many dangerous downsides and no upsides.

What was the main objective of killing Soleimani and why would President Trump and his Secretary of State Mike Pompeo go after the second-most-powerful man in Iran? Was this operation part of Trump and Pompeos plan to decapitate the theocratic system regime without calling it regime change?

Removing Soleimani from the scene was much more than killing just another terrorist leader like Osama Bin Laden or ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Did the president believe that Soleimanis death would force Iran to cry uncle?

The assassination has accrued no apparent positive consequences for the Trump administration, the Saudis or the Israelis, other than eliminating a key player who was definitely a thorn in their side.

On the contrary, more and more leaders in Congress are beginning to question the logic of Trumps action. Several senior administration officials are backtracking on the presidents claim Soleimani was planning to attack four American embassies.

The Europeans also have shunned President Trumps request to outright abandon the Iran nuclear deal and have called on Washington and Teheran to de-escalate the tensions between them.

Consequences

Several negative unintended consequences for the United States and for the Middle East have resulted from Soleimanis killing. Iran has resumed high uranium enrichment and seems to be moving away from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Iraq is on the verge of formally asking Washington to pull American troops out of the country. Relations between Baghdad and Washington seem to have cooled off considerably.

The ensuing tensions could see a resurgence of terrorism, including ISIS and al-Qaida and their affiliated groups. There is a growing nervousness among American Sunni Arab allies that Soleimanis killing might set a precedent for similar actions in the future.

The recent death of Omans Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the appointment of Haitham bin Tareq al Said as the countrys new leader is bound to increase uncertainty in the region, especially considering the negotiating role Oman has played in recent years. Some in Israels right-wing government are equally concerned about the fall-out from Soleimanis death on the long-term relations between Israel and Hezbollah and the stability and security of Israels northern border.

The history of targeted killing has shown that eliminating a senior leader, no matter how vile, will not remove the threat he represented. The removal of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, Bin Laden and al-Baghdadi from the scene did not end the threat from their terror organizations.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has already appointed Esmail Qaani, Soleimanis deputy, as the new head of the Quds Force. As a result of taking out Soleimani, American adversaries and terrorist organizations will view American military and diplomatic personnel across the region as legitimate targets.

The real game-changer in U.S.-Iranian relations is not Soleimanis killing, but the presidents decision to scuttle the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and reimpose severe sanctions against Iran.

Conflict

If news reports about the CIA directors involvement in the decision-making process before Soleimanis assassination are accurate, Iranians will quickly see his killing as another American plot in the U.S.-Iranian conflict that dates back to the 1953 coup that toppled the duly elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh. Twenty-five years later, Iranians rose up against the Shah and his American benefactors in a game-changing revolution that toppled him and established a theocratic Islamic regime in Iran.

The new revolutionaries animus toward the United States was demonstrated in the hostage crisis when 52 diplomats were held hostage for 444 days. American enmity toward Iran continued throughout the 1980s when the United States supported Saddam Husseins eight-year war against Iran.

Despite the recurring conflict, neither country has resorted to open warfare. Both countries have cooperated in the fight against terrorism after 9/11 and in stabilizing Iraq after the invasion in 2003. Cooperation between the two countries culminated in signing the nuclear deal in 2015, which President Trump scuttled in 2018.

Iran helped curb the spread of radical Sunni ideology across parts of the Muslim world and fought the so-called Islamic State in both Iraq and Syria.

Iran and the United States have pursued their regional military, political and economic interests through their allies and proxies. The two states have operated at cross purposes, but neither has opted for war. If there is a silver lining in the recent tragic turn of events, it is that Washington and Teheran have moved away from the brink of war and opted to take the de-escalation off-ramps they offered each other since Soleimanis killing.

In order to walk away from the precipice, however, Washington jointly with the EU, Oman and Qatar should seek a diplomatic outcome to tensions between Iran and United States. Negotiations could cover both nuclear and non-nuclear issues, which could lead to a new Middle East 21st century peace deal.

Emile Nakhleh is research professor and director of the Global and National Security Policy Institute at UNM and a former senior intelligence service officer at the CIA. A longer version was published on ResponsibleStatecraft.org.
A car bomb targeting a group of Turkish contractors exploded on Saturday in Afgoye, northwest of the Somali capital Mogadishu, wounding at least six people, police said.

It was not known who carried out the attack but residents and police said al Shabaab fighters had tried to attack Afgoye, about 30 km from Mogadishu, late on Friday and were repulsed.

"A speeding suicide car bomb rammed into a place where the Turkish engineers and Somali police were having lunch," police officer Nur Ali told Reuters from Afgoye.

"So far we know three Turkish engineers and their translator were injured. Two other police men were injured in the blast," Ali said later when asked about casualties.

Turkey's state-owned Anadolu news agency said four Turks, employees of a construction firm, who were wounded in the attack and were being treated in hospital, citing information from the Turkish embassy in Mogadishu.

The al Qaeda-linked militant group has claimed responsibility for past attacks in its campaign to overturn Somalia's U.N.-backed government.

"We heard a huge blast and soon clouds of smoke into the air. Before the blast, several Turkish engineers and well armed convoy of Somali police were at the scene," Farah Abdullahi, a shopkeeper, told Reuters from Afgoye.

"We see casualties being carried but we cannot make if they are dead or injured."

Since a 2011 famine in Somalia, Turkey has been a major source of aid to the country as Ankara seeks to increase its influence in the Horn of Africa in contest with Gulf rivals like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Turkish engineers are helping with road construction in Somalia. A group of engineers was among those hit in late December in a blast at a checkpoint in Mogadishu that killed at least 90 people.

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Louth will be well represented at Showcase, Ireland's biggest creative trade exhibition which takes place from Sunday January 19 to Wednesday January 22 in the RDS

'Buyers from all over the world flock to Showcase every year. They know that they will find the very, very best of Irish design and crafts at Showcase. For 4 days in January, buyers will find weavers and jewellers, candle-makers and woodworkers and everything in between at the RDS,' says Sarah Mallon of the Local Enterprise Office Louth.

Some of the 5,000 buyers who attend Showcase 2020, will make their biggest purchasing commitments of the year at this event. They are looking for unique, handcrafted, Irish products to sell to their customers all over the world.

Louth County Council and the Local Enterprise Office Louth are using the event to showcase three emerging creative businesses from the County. Emma Fallon from Emma's So Naturals in Ardee and Cathal Durnin of Sea Remedies in Carlingford will be joined by Lisa Heeney from AromaBuff in Drogheda. They will be part of the Local Enterprise Showcase along with creative companies from all across the country.

Emma Fallon of Emma's So Naturals is famed for her collection of natural, plant-based home fragrance products featuring her own blends of essential oils. 'We're looking forward to seeing our existing stockists at Showcase and meeting lots of potential new ones. We're also really excited to launch our new collection of Pure Essential Aroma Diffuser Blends at Showcase 2020,' says the Ardee entrepreneur.

Carlingford-based Cathal Durnin of Sea Remedies explains 'Our collection of soaps and bath salts were born out of a love of the sea and all its goodness. We harvest wild local seaweed and purified seawater to make 100% natural products. Our range includes sea salts, sea soaps and seaweed baths. They are sold across Ireland, Spain, USA, Germany and Switzerland. We love to think of customers across the world using Sea Remedies to wash away their worries.'

Completing the line up on the Louth stand at Showcase is aromatherapist Lisa Heeney of AromaBuff, who is participating in Showcase for the very first time. 'Our skin balms and butters smell good, feel good and do good. Designed for men and women, our skincare products are a delight for the senses and aim to support both physical and mental wellness. '

A host of established creative enterprises from Louth will attend Showcase 2020 this year including Dundalk's Sarah McKenna Ceramics and Soilse Candle Company, Garrett Mallon Jewellery and Martina Scott Designs from Carlingford, Celtic Valley ceramics from mid-Louth and Drogheda's Edmund McNulty Knitwear and Brannigan Weavers.

'The Craft and Creative sector in Louth is very vibrant. It's wonderful to see local companies who started out in the Local Enterprise Showcase now exhibiting in their own right and supplying to retailers right across the world. That's the magic of Showcase, it gives local makers a global platform from which to grow their business!' Sarah concludes.
Iran's Khamenei Defends Military Amid Anger Over Downed Plane

By RFE/RL January 17, 2020

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called for national unity and defended the country's armed forces in the wake of angry protests over the downing of a Ukrainian passenger airliner by Iran's air defenses last week.

In a sermon at Tehran's Mosalla Mosque on January 17, Khamenei -- the highest authority in Iran -- said those who took to the streets had been victims of deception by foreign media and would not change the opinion of most Iranians.

"The Iranian people love and want resistance to the world powers and no capitulation," the 80-year-old leader said as he addressed Friday Prayers for the first time in eight years.

Khamenei accused Iran's enemies of using the plane crash to question the Islamic republic, the armed forces, including the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which he said "maintained the security" of Iran.

He also called Iran's missile attack on bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq earlier this month "a slap to a world power" and described U.S. President Donald Trump as a "clown" who only pretends to support the Iranian people.

The Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) Boeing 737-800 had just taken off from Tehran en route to Kyiv on January 8 when it crashed, killing all 176 people on board. Most of the victims were Iranian and Canadian nationals, with smaller numbers of Ukrainians, Afghans, Swedes, Britons, and Germans.

Iranian authorities initially denied any responsibility, but three days after the tragedy the IRGC admitted the plane was shot down "unintentionally."

The tragedy occurred hours after Iran fired ballistic missiles at two bases housing U.S. forces in Iraq, in response to the targeted killing of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in a U.S. air strike earlier this month.

Iran's January 11 admission it had downed the Ukrainian plane led to days of protests in Tehran and other Iranian cities, with demonstrators chanting slogans against Iran's clerical leadership.

Referring to Khamenei, mourners shouted "death to the dictator" as they buried victims of the plane disaster in the western Iranian city of Sanandaj on January 16, videos posted online showed.

In his sermon, Khamenei said the downing of the Ukrainian plane was a "bitter accident" that "burned through our heart."

But he added that the tragedy should not overshadow the "great martyrdom and sacrifice" of Soleimani, the head of the IRGC's foreign-operations arm.

He also said Soleimani's assassination had saddened Iran as much as it made its enemies happy.

But the supreme leader told thousands of Iranians who chanted "Death to America" that Western countries are too weak to "bring Iranians to their knees."

Police were out in force ahead of the prayers, which follow several days of protests over the downing of the Ukrainian plane, AFP reported. It said authorities have called for rallies across the country after the prayers to show support for Iran's armed forces and the IRGC.

Earlier this week, President Hassan Rohani called on the military to give a full account of how the plane was shot down.

Rohani also said the investigation should be overseen by a "special court," insisting that all those responsible for the "unforgivable error" must be "punished."

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif acknowledged that Iranians had been "lied to" for days, but claimed that he and Rohani only found out the truth concerning the cause of the disaster two days after the aircraft was shot down.

Iran's judiciary has said several people had been arrested over the plane crash, as well as around 30 protesters.

Meanwhile, the five countries that lost citizens in the downing of the Ukrainian airliner have put pressure on Iranian authorities to give a full accounting of what happened.

After meeting in London on January 16, the foreign ministers of Afghanistan, Britain, Canada, Sweden, and Ukraine demanded that Tehran hold a "thorough, independent, and transparent" investigation and pay compensation to the victims' families, according to a statement issued by the Canadian government.

"The eyes of the international community are on Iran today," Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said after the talks.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Musavi responded on January 17 by calling on countries involved in the airliner crash "not to make human issues, particularly this tragic accident, into an excuse for political gestures," according to the semiofficial ISNA news agency.

Musavi said Iran had cooperated "beyond expectations" with the countries, the report said.

In Kyiv, Foreign Minister Vadym Prystayko told parliament that an Iranian representative would travel to Ukraine next week. He said Tehran was willing to pass on to Ukraine the flight and cockpit recorders from the flight after they had been examined by a joint investigation team comprising experts from Iran, Canada, and Ukraine.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the plane crash was a "very serious red flag" and a signal that everyone should "start working on de-escalation and not on constant threats."

The Iranian leadership is also facing growing domestic and international pressure on other fronts: the country's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers appears close to collapse and its economy is struggling under crippling U.S. sanctions.

In his address, Khamenei lashed out at Britain, France, and Germany, which this week triggered a dispute mechanism for Tehran's noncompliance with terms of the nuclear agreement, calling the European powers "servants" of the United States.

He also said Tehran was willing to negotiate, but not with Washington, which reinstated sanctions on Iran after unilaterally abandoning the accord in 2018. Trump wants Tehran to negotiate a new accord that would place indefinite curbs on its nuclear program and restrict Tehran's ballistic-missile program.

The last time Khamenei delivered a Friday sermon in Tehran was in February 2012 on the 33rd anniversary of the country's Islamic Revolution and at a time of crisis over Iran's nuclear program.

With reporting by the BBC, AFP, TASS, and dpa

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-s-khamenei-to- lead-friday-prayers-after-protests- over-downed-plane/30382499.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.

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[January 17, 2020] CANOPY GROWTH 72 HOUR DEADLINE ALERT: Former Louisiana Attorney General and Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Remind Investors With Losses in Excess of $100,000 of Deadline in Class Action Lawsuits Against Canopy Growth Corporation - CGC

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, the former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have only until January 20, 2020 to file lead plaintiff applications in securities class action lawsuits against Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE: CGC), if they purchased the Company's securities between September 8, 2017 and November 13, 2019, inclusive (the "Class Period"). These actions are pending in the United States District Courts for the District of New Jersey and Southern District of New York. What You May Do If you purchased securities of Canopy Growth and would like to discuss your legal rights and how these cases might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ([email protected]), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-cgc/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in these class actions by overseeing lead counsel with the goal of obtaining a fair and just resolution, you must request this position by application to the Court by January 20, 2020.



About the Lawsuit Canopy Growth and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On November 14, 2019, pre-market, the Company announced its 2Q2019 results including a larger-than-expected loss for the quarter, a restructuring charge of $32.7 million. On this news, the price of Canopy Growth's shares plummeted.

The first-filed case is Ortiz v. Canopy Growth Corporation et al, 2:19cv20543. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California and Louisiana. To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200117005494/en/

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Jeanine Delsky, a 46-year-old woman from the United States, is set to tie the knot with Sulaiman Babayero Isa, a 23-year-old Nigerian...









Jeanine Delsky, a 46-year-old woman from the United States, is set to tie the knot with Sulaiman Babayero Isa, a 23-year-old Nigerian, she met on social media last year.





According to Daily Nigerian, the mother of two touched down at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport last Saturday, from California, where she lives.





It was gathered that upon arrival, she headed to Panshekara, a suburb of Kano, where Isas parents live to finalise plans for the marriage and subsequently travel with him to settle down in the US.





The pairs love journey was said to have started in 2019 when they both met on Instagram, after which they exchanged pictures and continued an online courtship that would eventually be resulting in a marriage.

Delsky stated her visit to Nigeria was due to her love for Isa, noting his sincerity made him more endearing to her than others she had met online.





She added they had agreed to depart Nigeria for US immediately to settle down after their marriage.





He messaged me on Instagram saying Hi, Delsky was quoted as telling Kano Focus.





I didnt respond because I have had experiences with Nigerian scammers.





But there was a guy messaging me and Sulaiman knew he was a scammer so he said get a job and quit scamming innocent people. So I thought he sounded like a nice guy.





Relishing finally meeting his girlfriend, Isa, a barber and fresh secondary school graduate, restated his readiness to follow Delsky abroad to start a new family with the hope she would one day accept Islam.





He went on to dismiss the age difference between the two, stating its even the Sunna of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, Peace be Upon Him, to marry a woman who is far older than you.
Former San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros is throwing his support behind Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination for president.

In an interview on Friday, Cisneros said Biden has the best experience to help heal the nation after President Donald Trumps tenure in the White House.

The clearest path to a return to civil discourse, a return to due process and a return to rational decision-making, is to help Joe Biden win, the 72-year-old Cisneros said.

Cisneros, who was the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 1993 to 1997 under former President Bill Clinton, said he worked with Biden when he was in Washington and knows he brings a fundamental decency that the country badly needs right now.

Joe Biden has that, and thats what this country really needs, Cisneros said.

Cisneros said hes making such a late endorsement because originally he supported Julian Castro for the Democratic nomination. After Castro dropped out, he said Biden called him to ask for his endorsement.

Cisneros said there are other good candidates in the race, but he feels that Biden has both the best chance of winning the nomination and winning the White House against Trump.

The endorsement comes with Texas just 46 days away from voting in the presidential primary on March 3.
The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has said he is not a comrade that speaks from both sides of his mouth, apparently mocking the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole.

He also said he was almost killed for defending the party chairman.

Mr Oshiomholes name is usually prefixed with the title comrade because of his past involvement in workers unionism in Nigeria.

Mr Oshiomhole is a former national president of the Nigeria Labour Congress.

I am a true comrade. I am not a comrade that speaks from both sides of his mouth, Mr Shaibu said on Wednesday in Benin while he was being honoured by Midwest Tempo as the magazines Man of the Year.

The deputy governors remarks is contained in a press statement from the Edo State Government House.

Mr Shaibu, like Mr Oshiomhole, has the comrade title prefixed to his name. Both men also have another thing in common  their regular appearance in Safari suits, otherwise called khaki.

My khaki is authentic, I earned it with my contribution to the return of democracy in Nigeria. I suffered in the course of the struggle to return Nigeria to civil rule in 1999, the deputy governor said.

I am not copying anyone by putting on khaki, I earned it, he added.

Mr Shaibu at the event said he almost lost his life and his family while trying to save Mr Oshiomhole from impeachment when the latter was the governor of Edo.

I was brutalised for Comrade Oshiomhole. I laid down my life for him; threw my family through the fence for safety when I was attacked for his sake.

My hands were stitched after I was attacked on the floor of the State House of Assembly to save Comrade Adams Oshiomhole from being impeached in his first and second terms in office, said Mr Shaibu who was the majority leader in Edo State House of Assembly when Mr Oshiomhole was governor.

It is now time for Edo people to choose if we want progress, but our progress must not be put in reverse. Some persons want to stop Edo State from progressing but this is the time to defend Governor Obaseki and Edo people, he said.

Mr Shaibu wondered why Mr Oshiomhole was against Governor Obasekis bid for a second term.

I remember Oshiomhole told me he believes in second term, saying four years is not enough for someone to make a difference. Edo people listened to him and the party gave him an overwhelming consensus, which made him emerge as the partys candidate leading to his victory in the election.

We promised to take good governance to the next level. Obaseki is positively transforming the state through his people-oriented policies that have birthed programmes like Edo State Basic Education Transformation (EdoBEST), Edo State Healthcare Improvement Programme (Edo-HIP), and the Edo Oil Palm programme in the agricultural sector.

He has made giant strides, which now positions our state as an investment destination. The governor is doing well and needs our support physically and our prayers spiritually, the deputy governor said.

Governor Obaseki and Mr Oshiomhole have been engaged in a protracted political fight that many people fear could affect the political fortunes of their party  the APC  in the Edo governorship election later this year.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: An Associate Professor in the Telugu Department of Osmania University, Chintakindi Kaseem was arrested and sent to judicial custody on Saturday by the Gajwel police for his alleged close links with the banned CPI (Maoist) party. He was arrested after police in plainclothes conducted searches at his residence in Hyderabad and seized some incriminating material earlier in the day.

Kaseem, who is also the editor of Nadustunna Telangana magazine, was recently elected as the secretary of the revolutionary writers association, Virasam. In 2016, he was booked under sedition charges by Mulugu police. Following his arrest, Gaddam Laxman, a retired OU professor and president of State Civil Liberties Committee, filed a house motion petition, challenging the alleged illegal detention of Kaseem.

The HC, which expressed surprise over the claim of police that Kaseem was absconding since 2016, directed the respondents in the petition  Hyderabad city police commissioner, Siddipet district superintendent of police and station house officer of OU campus  to produce Kaseem before it at 10.30am on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Siddipet Police Commissioner D Joel Davis in a press release said that Gajwel police conducted searches at the house of professor on the university campus on Saturday after obtaining a search warrant from Gajwel court.

The Commissioner alleged that Kaseem was working for the expansion of the Maoist party and had close links with top leaders. He was working with them and was supported by them financially as well. The Commissioner explained that there were cases against the Professor lodged in 2016 under Sections 120 B, 121 A, 124 A, IPC 10,&18 of the UAPA Act.

He said as part of the investigation into the case, a police team led by Gajwel ACP P Narayana visited the Osmania University campus Hyderabad quarter No. VI-9 and conducted a search in the presence of his wife and relatives.

During the search, police seized banned Maoist party literature, pamphlets, CDs and electronic equipment and Kaseem was arrested for having links with Maoists and was taken to Mulugu police station, Joel Davis said.

High Court surprised that Prof Kaseem was absconding for 4 years

Siddipet Police Commissioner D Joel Davis explained that Kaseem was conducting Maoist activities in Telangana with the money provided by the central committee of the Maoists, while maintaining good relations with Telangana Maoist Committee secretary Hari Bhusham aka Jagan and other leaders. Commissioner added that Kaseem is accused in six other cases in other districts.

Later in the day, a division bench of the Telangana High Court, while wondering at the submission of the police that they could not arrest Prof Chinthakinda Kaseem as he was absconding for the last four years, directed the respondents -- Hyderabad City Police Commissioner, Siddipet District Superintendent of Police and station house officer of OU campus, to produce Kaseem before it on Sunday.

It is rather surprising that in an FIR registered four years ago (2016), the police has not been able to arrest the professor. Moreover, it is indeed surprising that a professor, who would be engaged in conducting classes in the university, is claimed to be absconding. Therefore, the stand being taken by the State is rather unbelievable, the bench observed.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice Raghvendra Singh Chauhan and Justice A Abhishek Reddy, passed the order in a habeas corpus petition moved in the form of house motion by Prof Gaddam Laxman.

Petitioners counsel V Raghunath told the court that about 200 police personnel had entered the university campus and had put Prof Kaseem under house arrest. The professor was detained illegally and no reasons or grounds of arrest were informed to the family members. There is every likelihood of planting incriminating material alleging relations with the Maoist party. His family members and colleagues were prevented to meet the detenue.

The action of the police grossly violates the mandatory provisions of CrPC and also the guidelines of Supreme Court judgment in DK Basu case and also violation of Article 21 of the Constitution of India, he added and urged the court to direct the police to produce the detenue before the court.

On the other hand, special government counsel for Telangana Harinder Prasad submitted that an FIR was registered against Prof Kaseem in 2016. The police could not arrest him since he was absconding for the last four years. Therefore, the police has arrested him and that he would be produced before the magistrate concerned by late evening.

Not satisfied with the submissions of government counsel, the bench questioned him as to whether the police have taken prior permission from the university vice-chancellor before the arrest. How the police could claim that the professor was absconding when he is engaged in conducting classes in the university?

Earlier also, similar instances of arrests have come to the notice of the HC. If the police continue to do such things then the court will entrust all the FIRs to the CBI, the bench warned. After hearing both sides, the bench, prima facie, felt that there was violation in arrest of the associate professor.

The bench directed the police to produce the detenue before it on Sunday to hear him personally and record his statement on the issue. The bench posted the matter to Sunday for further hearing.
A Nigerian students schooling in Ternopil State Medical University in Ukraine has allegedly killed herself after the school allegedly expelled her.

Badmus Ololade Rafiat, a final year medical student, felt she had no choice after she was expelled from her school for failing to pass her mock exam ahead of her final MBBS.

According to reports, she made attempts to transfer to another school to take the MBBS as other students do, but the school allegedly kept frustrating her and refused to provide the transcript needed for the process. They allegedly only gave her the option of returning to Nigeria to reapply for a student visa to start all over again.





After her pleas yielded no result and her dean refused to reconsider her case, Ololade wrote a suicide note and took her life on Thursday, January 16th.

The school mourned her and put up a notice on a wall in the school with her photo, saying she killed herself because she was depressed and suicidal.

But her friends are saying she was never suicidal, and the school made her commit suicide. Nigerian students in the school are now planing a protest. Lets meet in Centre @ 12pm, a notice sent out to Nigerian students in the school reads.

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-18 15:04:03

Geneva aims for excellence at its 2nd Blockchain Congress

Geneva  January 18, 2020  The Geneva Blockchain Congress is the most important Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) dedicated gathering in Switzerland. It convenes about 1'000 participants from 30 countries and features world-renowned speakers. Following the success of the first edition in 2019, the second edition of the Geneva Blockchain Congress will focus on the theme "From lab to market through ethics, regulation and governance".

Ethical, regulatory and governance questions need to be carefully examined and answered as blockchain-based applications become more widespread in a growing number of domains.

The objective of the Geneva congress is to promote a constructive exchange of views between international standardization bodies, governments in charge of the legal frameworks and the private sector. A wide range of issues will be addressed by some 100 speakers in plenary presentations, round tables, topical debates or workshops on the following themes:

Public Administration

Deep Tech Evolution

Banking and Finance

Regulation and Legal Frameworks

Illicit Trade and Counterfeiting

Health and Well-Being

Supply Chain and Logistics

Social and Humanitarian.

During the event, the state of Geneva, through its Directorate General for Economic Development, Research and Innovation (DGDERI) will announce its participation in "The Geneva Blockchain Center of Excellence" co-founded in December 2018 by WISeKey and the "Blockchain Research Institute" (BRI), a division of The Tapscott Group Inc. Geneva's participation in the Blockchain Center of Excellence will facilitate the collaboration between the public, private and academic sectors in the region to make sure that blockchain standards and applications are used in a safe and trusted manner.

Press Contacts:

Pierre Maudet

Conseiller dEtat

+41 22 327 91 02
Acting director of Armenias National Security Service Eduard Martirosyan expressed condolences over the death of the former head of the department, Georgi Kutoyan, noting that the law enforcement officers will determine the causes of the incident, the press service of the NSS reports.

Earlier, a spokeswoman of the Investigative Committee, Naira Harutyunyan, reported that Kutoyans body was found on January 17, in an apartment in Yerevan. Arthur Melikyan, a high-ranking Investigative Committee official, told reporters that a criminal case had been opened under the article incitement to suicide. However, the version of the murder is also being considered, RIA Novosti reports.
What technologies will be the most disruptive in the 2020s? Is the latest cybersecurity story real or just fake news? Can we protect privacy, given the recent onslaught of data breaches? Can my business function even survive this exponential pace of change?Or some ask, will artificial intelligence eliminate my current job?The tech innovation that has transformed business and government over the past two decades is incredible. And yet, experts urge us to hang on to our collective safety belts  because we aint seen nothing yet.From AI to autonomous vehicles and back-office quantum computing to front-office robots, our world will be turned upside down (again) over the next few years. Smart cities, smart homes and smarter everything else will realign business and public-sector processes and redefine what it means to be tech smart, both at home and at work.Whats your plan to stay tech savvy? What tips can help individuals and groups thrive in an environment of constant tech change?First, truly become a life-long learner. Robert B. Tucker, a futurist who regularly speaks on innovation in leadership, writes that we all need a personal innovation strategy, a well-conceived (and written-down) set of goals, habits and daily actions that alert us to threats, help us seize opportunities and ensure our viability over time. Tucker urges us to take at least 15 minutes daily to learn something new about whats changing in our profession.Second, share what you know. Our instinct is to hoard knowledge. But freely give it away and help others in their journeys. This will strengthen your skills, since we learn more and become true experts when we effectively teach others. Also, you can become a thought leader within specific tech or security areas by writing articles or blogs, interacting in social media professional communities like LinkedIn, or attending and presenting at conferences.Third, break out of the box of your current role. Pick a cutting-edge technology area that interests you and will impact your government or business in the coming years. Volunteer for groups working in these areas, or create your own group  with management support. Perhaps this new area will become your full-time job sooner than you planned.While this third option may seem like a stretch to some, if you generate good ideas and look for organizational needs that arent being met, youll be surprised what opportunities management will be open to supporting. Discuss current problems and potential low-cost solutions with your managers. Also, think of partnerships beyond your own organization. What industrywide opportunities can you take advantage of?For example, when I was an agency CIO in Michigan government at the turn of the millennium, organizational websites were rampant and growing out of control. A group of Web experts joined forces. They saw the unsustainability of hundreds of unique portals in state government, and a desire from leadership to streamline content management and data repositories that would enable enterprisewide solutions with a common look and feel.By aggressively pursuing this opportunity, our e-Michigan team was able to lead the statewide effort that created and launched Michigan.gov. This was the first .gov enterprise portal in the country for state governments, and broke new ground in dozens of ways, winning awards along the way. Leading security for that new effort set the stage for my becoming the first chief security officer in Michigan.Many similar opportunities exist today in governments and businesses worldwide. Cybersecurity will be the key ingredient in many of these projects. The question is, who will take the lead in making these visions a reality using new technology?
By PTI

SRINAGAR: A woman rescued by a BSF team from a snow-covered area of north Kashmir on Thursday delivered a baby girl, officials said on Friday.

They said the family of the 22-year-old woman made a distress call to the district administration at about 11:30 AM on Thursday as the lady experienced premature labour pains.

The area was cut off due to heavy snowfall and hence the administration alerted BSF's 70th battalion located close in Singhpora, they said.

A team of 70 Border Security Force (BSF) personnel rushed in and cleared several kilometres of snow-covered road to transport the woman on a force vehicle.

Due to heavy snow in the area, the family was unable to reach any health facility on their own, they said.

The woman was rushed by the troops to the Baramulla district hospital on Thursday where she delivered a baby girl today.

Both of them are fine, a senior official said.

"The BSF is always committed to the help and security of the local people," Sanjay Sharma, Commandant of the 70th BSF battalion, said.
Hey Bhagwan

What about meyra Bharat maan?

Hai Khuddah

What about teachings of the Buddha?

My Sweet Lord

What happened to secular accord?

Hai Rabh

Arent we equal citizens Sabh ke sabh?

From The Chorus of Porus by Bachchoo

In Old Delhi as my friends and I wind our way through packed alleys towards the main gate of the Jama Masjid for a meal at the renowned Karims eating house, we hear loud slogans from an orderly crowd. On the steep, deep steps of the mosque leading to its imposing sandstone gateway sit thousands of young men and women holding well-printed placards.

They are being addressed by men and women outlining their objections to the recent attacks by police and goons on the demonstrators who have peacefully voiced their democratic opinion opposing the recently introduced parliamentary laws which they claim discriminate against the Muslim citizens of India.

Some of the placards have photographs of the named victims of the attacks by masked goons on the residents of hostels in the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus.

The countrywide demonstrations against the recent acts of the BJP government are part of the fight for the soul of this country. Underlying the law which grants Indian citizenship to the victims of religious discrimination, refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan is a blatant irony. A law which purports to be against religious persecution of minorities becomes a de facto instrument of religious persecution against the largest minority of all.

In democracies, with the option of majorities voting in governments and voting them out, there exists the philosophical hope that opposition remains a matter of policy and disagreement and not of hatred and an urge to revolution.

The East India Companys hegemony over swathes of India gave rise to the mutiny of its own mercenaries, which was then joined by forces which turned a mutiny into a war of independence.

The Russian revolution overthrew an undemocratic and oppressive monarchy. Cromwells forces defeated Charles Is Cavaliers and chopped off his head. And now however much 49 per cent of the British population dislike Boris Johnson and regret his partys victory in the elections, there is no talk of revolution. The population will hold their noses and sit it out and some will wait for BoJos policies to spell economic disaster and hope they can gloat in I-told-you-so moments.

Of course, democratic dissent shouldnt turn to hatred, but in todays world several democratically elected governments engender strong feelings in their opponents. In one tall new office building in Mumbai (I shant identify it!) on the landings of the staircases there are on the walls the splatterings of paan spittle. Thats a common Indian phenomenon, an unacceptable but tolerated civic nuisance perpetrated by the socially untrained and uncaring. One antidote to such spitting has been the plastering of the corners of these landings with images of Krishna, Shiva, the Kaabaa, Buddha, the cross etc. to inhibit those who fear the gods if not environmental decency.

On this one landing, already plastered with the red splashes of paan, some wit has stuck images of Narendra Modiji and the home minister, Amit Shah. The experiment is probably dedicated to discovering whether this will inhibit spitting or work in some contrary way. The inhibitory holy images are commonplace, though I have never seen images of devils or villains which might encourage people to commit nuisance. Perhaps the intention of the prankster was not a practical experiment, but merely satirical.

It may be the sort of satire cartoonists practise in a more existential form, a branching out of the art as installations became accepted extensions of painting and sculpture. Or perhaps one could label the fixing of those politicians images on the landing as an installation. Its the sort of thing that could be entered for the Turner Prize in Britain, just as the artist Tracey Emins bed, littered with her dirty underwear, bric-a-brac and used condoms was. Installations provoke thought and Mr Modi and Mr Shahs photographs on the spittle landing certainly provoke mine. I shall be on the lookout for more such installations by the artist who remains as anonymous as Banksy.

Satire is a constant weapon in a democracy. After the victory of Boris Johnson in the British elections in December, the magazine Private Eyes cover showed him being handed the present of the country by Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn dressed as Santa Claus. A favourite, if lazy, image of Opposition is to paint a square moustache and a strand of black hair across the forehead of the satirised, male or female. Characterising your opponent as Hitler may not be subtle but it has become the favourite abuse of political opposition. Whats terrifying is that in certain circumstances and in describing certain political moves around the world, the epithet of fascist is manifestly appropriate.

Which brings me, gentle reader, to a curious but undignified piece of satire I was sent on e-mail this week. It was an image of Chuck Schumer, the US leader of the minority democrats in the Senate, with Nancy Pelosi, the House Speaker, against an Iranian flag. Chuck is wearing an ayatollahs turban and Nancy is demurely dressed in a burqa.

The slogan under this picture says The corrupted Dems trying their best to come to the Ayatollahs rescue.

If this was the work of a right-wing satirical magazine it would pass as the cut and thrust of political aggression, but its not. If it was some college prankster, expert at photoshopping, it would amuse his friends and make his parents proud. But its not! Its a retweet of this image from none other than the present occupant of the White House, the President of the United States, with the gleefully added slogan.

Childish is one word which comes to mind and undignified is the other. One can hear the rumblings under the earth of the Oak Ridge cemetery in Springfield, Illinois, as Abraham Lincoln turns in his grave.
It's not often New Brunswickers unite around an issue across linguistic and cultural lines.

A sociologist from the University of Ottawa says that's why she was so intrigued by anti-shale gas demonstrations in the province between 2010 and 2016.

At the time, exploration was taking place and being planned in a few parts of the province.

At the height of protests in Kent County, dozens of people were arrested and RCMP vehicles were set on fire after police moved to enforce an injunction against a blockade by people protesting against shale gas exploration work.

Marie-Helene Eddie, who is originally from Moncton, was studying in Ottawa in October 2013. She followed events in the news when Indigenous protesters and RCMP clashed violently in Rexton.

She decided to study the protest movement for her doctoral thesis at the University of Ottawa, which was published last month.

The thesis focuses on three groups  Mi'kmaq, Acadians and anglophones  and how they mobilized against development of the shale gas industry.

Protests all over the province

Eddie had the impression the protest movement was being led by First Nations people in Kent County.

One of the first discoveries she made in her research was that this was not the case.

"It was happening all over the province, not just in Kent County. It was happening in Fredericton mainly and in other regions as well."

Submitted

In Kent County, however, Eddie discovered that the first group to organize was Acadian  Notre Environnement, Notre Choix  based in Saint-Louis. In English, the group is called, Our Environment, Our Choice.

They were followed closely, said Eddie, by an anglophone group called Upriver Environmental Watch, near Rexton.

Indigenous people actually joined the fight "months, if not years later," she said.

Media coverage having a role

Eddie speculated this staggered entry may have been related to media coverage.

"Different groups can have different access to the media," she said.

Story continues

French-language journalists in the province tend to be "very eager" to support the Acadian community, while Indigenous people "essentially have no media supporting them."

She documented some differences in coverage among news outlets.

Eddie analyzed 296 articles from various news outlets.

She found articles in Irving-owned publications gave precedence to voices in favour of shale gas development 53 per cent of the time. The rdate was 24 per cent for articles in non-Irving-owned publications.

Brunswick News reports cited industry sources first 30 per cent of the time. The rate in articles by other publishers was eight per cent.

Ossie Michelin/APTN National News

"Irving media had coverage that was more biased towards the industry and towards shale gas development," she said.

"It's important to research that, to see that, to discuss that and to ensure that in New Brunswick we have a variety of media with a variety of ownerships  which we don't presently have."

Eddie was quick to add that some of the differences in coverage were "subtle" and she didn't think there was any "malice" involved.

"The journalists themselves I really think tried to do their job as well as they could," she said. "That was very apparent in the interviews."

The journalistic resources on the ground in different parts of the province probably also had an impact, said Eddie.

For example, the French media more frequently have a journalist that is assigned to Kent County than the English media

"When you're covering, for example, the Rexton protest from Fredericton, it can become difficult to get people to give you interviews over the phone. ... It can be difficult to get the resources to travel to Kent County regularly. So it affects your capacity as a journalist to create relationships with the people on the ground and get the scoop and know what's going on."

Finding common ground

Eddie was initially planning to focus on the way linguistic minorities mobilize or organize beyond linguistic issues. But she had to rethink her theoretical framework to account for the broader participation.

"I kept thinking, well, are anglophones really a minority? They clearly are not a minority the same way that First Nations are. They don't have the same barriers, the same issues."

As she dug deeper, it became obvious that many of the people involved in the movement actually had a lot in common.

For one thing, supporters of the movement predominantly lived in rural areas, where exploration and potential shale gas development would take place.

And in Kent County, where she focused her research, anglophone residents had very similar socio-economic status to Acadians and Indigenous people. They were relatively poor and had relatively low levels of formal education.

"It really seemed that all three groups actually were very disadvantaged compared to the rest of New Brunswick or the rest of Canada."

She was blown away at how protest leaders were able to overcome these apparent barriers to get people involved.

"I still kind of get shivers thinking about it sometimes. ...They were very aware of their audience  being people who can sometimes be intimidated by the government, or people who may think that it's impossible that they'll succeed in the fight or people, in some cases, who didn't know how to read very well."

Community meetings and information sessions were held where different aspects of the issue were explained, like the meaning of a moratorium, for example, the amount of water needed for shale gas exploration and exploitation, the known risks and the findings of the latest studies.

"Just informing people  not telling them what to think, but getting them the facts that they needed to decide by themself what they thought about shale gas."

At the provincial level, Eddie said, the protest movement built momentum and unity through the formation of an umbrella group The New Brunswick Anti-Shale Gas Alliance  and the designation of single anglophone and francophone spokespersons  Jim Emberger and Denise Melanson.

Support never approached unanimity, said Eddie, but the movement still proved effective.

"It was a dividing issue and it's hard to tell how much the groups had an impact on public opinion."
So thats them gone, then. Its not hard to see why  the media drove them out, more than any other single factor, and their role just wasnt worth the sacrifices.

No one does understatement and euphemism like the Queen. In the Buckingham Palace statement, her meaning is clear: I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life.

Intense scrutiny means the press made their lives hell and independent life means they dont wish to put up with it any longer. It bears repeating that the intense media interest in Diana contributed to her death in 1997  when Harry was 12 years old. Prince Harry certainly holds the press responsible, and is plainly determined to make sure that his wife and son would not continue to be subject to that same sort of treatment. Anything else  their roles in the pecking order and all the rest of it  is secondary.

When the Sussexes decided to sue the newspapers recently, the defence the Mail on Sunday put up for its coverage of their lives was instructive. Meghan is a major public figure, whose fitness to perform royal duties on behalf of the Crown and to be the recipient of public money is a proper matter for public scrutiny, and whose conduct, past and present, both in public and private, including her conduct in her relationships with her family and other people, is rightly of enormous public interest. Further, she and Harry rely on publicity about themselves and their lives to maintain the privileged positions they hold. Fair game, in other words.

The threat followed that theyd call Meghans father into court and tear chunks out of her. Anyone in any doubt about the media campaign of hate being waged against Meghan need only to reflect on those words and actions.

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 effect, though, that Mail on Sunday defence document represented a guide for Harry and Meghan to use to escape media scrutiny, ie persecution. The HRH titles will be ditched, they will not represent the Queen, they will step back from royal duties, they wont take taxpayers money and will pay back the money spent on refurbishing their Windsor cottage. Theyll live in Canada, and theyll be at best celebs doing charity work rather than British public or state figures in the traditional sense. Thus there can be vastly less public interest  in the medias own terms  in their private lives.

The rest is detail. The bill for the security detail can be dealt with; they will be able to generate revenues of their own; the accountants can sort out the tax. Theyll not need a food bank. No one beyond some frustrated editors cares that much.

Its a shame, of course. They were good at the job, and a much-needed modernising influence. The Queen has acknowledged that and wishes them well, with much love in that statement, tinged with some anxiety; so much for a furious rift with granny. She too wants them to have a happy and peaceful new life.

At last Harry and Meghan will be able to escape the racism, the misogyny, the distortions, the intrusions, the fictions, the cruelties. They have proved that they dont have to take it, and that they can indeed opt out. They are no longer public property.

The British monarchy has lost two of its brightest stars. The royal show will go on, of course, as it did after Diana, or the abdication of a king in 1936. ButHarry and Meghan will be missed, most of all by the British tabloid press. They wont have Meghan to kick around any more.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 17, 2020 / Skeena Resources Limited (TSX.V:SKE)(OTCQX:SKREF) ("Skeena" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of the Company's Annual General meeting of Shareholders ("AGM") held in Vancouver, British Columbia on January 10, 2020 including the appointment of Suki Gill to the Board of Directors of the Company as an independent director.

Ms. Gill currently serves as a partner at Smythe LLP. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant with 19 years of experience and specializes in providing assurance services to publicly traded companies operating in the resource industry, as well as private companies across a number of industries in both Canada and the United States. Ms. Gill is on the board of directors for Provincial Health Services Authority and British Columbia Emergency Health Services.

Shareholders approved all motions put forth at the AGM including the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the Company's independent auditor, and the annual confirmation of the Company's Stock Option Plan. The shareholders re-elected Walter Coles, Craig Parry, Borden R. Putnam III and Isac Burstein to the Company's Board of Directors. Skeena would like to thank the outgoing board member, Don Siemens, for his time spent with the Company.

The Company also reports that the Board of Directors granted 2,940,000 incentive stock options to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company, subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance. The options will have a term of 5 years, expiring on January 17, 2025. All of the options will vest over a 24-month period with one third of the options vesting immediately, one third after 12 months and one third after 24 months. Each option will allow the holder to purchase one common share in the Company at a price of C$1.04. Any shares issued on the exercise of these stock options will be subject to a four month hold period from the date of grant.

In addition, subject to regulatory approval, the Company announces that it has approved the reservation of 192,308 common shares in the capital of the Company in order to satisfy the payment of incentive compensation declared by the Board of Directors as payable to certain officers and employees of the Company (the "Incentive Shares"), subject to vesting. In order to help retain and motivate key members of management, these Incentive Shares will not be issued unless or until they vest on January 17, 2022, or in the event of a change of control of the Company if sooner. The Incentive Shares are currently valued at $200,000, but it is expected that they will have a different value upon the eventual vesting and issuance to the key members of management, if the vesting conditions are satisfied.

About Skeena

Skeena Resources Limited is a junior Canadian mining exploration company focused on developing prospective precious and base metal properties in the Golden Triangle of northwest British Columbia, Canada. The Company's primary activities are the exploration and development of the past-producing Snip mine and the Eskay Creek mine. In addition, the Company has completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment on the GJ copper-gold porphyry project.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Skeena Resources Limited,

Walter Coles Jr.

President & CEO

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements

Certain statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward looking information" and "forward looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. These statements and information are based on facts currently available to the Company and there is no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements and information may be identified by such terms as "anticipates", "believes", "targets", "estimates", "plans", "expects", "may", "will", "could" or "would". Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, the realization of resource and reserve estimates, metal prices, taxation, the estimation, timing and amount of future exploration and development, capital and operating costs, the availability of financing, the receipt of regulatory approvals, environmental risks, title disputes and other matters. While the Company considers its assumptions to be reasonable as of the date hereof, forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue importance on such statements as actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Skeena Resources Limited

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/573460/Skeena-Welcomes-New-Director-Announces-AGM-Results
Germany's interior minister is suggesting that his country can't build a 5G mobile network without Chinese tech giant Huawei, at least for now, intervening in an issue that has caused tensions between the US and its allies.

Washington has been pressuring its allies to ban Huawei, the world's biggest supplier of telecom gear, from new 5G networks. It alleges that the company poses an espionage threat.

Germany, however, has decided not to ban Huawei from competing for contracts to build the country's 5G networks, instead agreeing that companies must meet strict standards, which still could end up excluding the Chinese firm.

Interior Minister Horst Seehofer, Germany's top security official, was quoted Saturday as saying he is against taking a product off the market just because there is a possibility that something might happen.

Seehofer said Germany must be protected against espionage and sabotage, but estimated that shutting out Chinese providers could delay building the new network by five to 10 years, the daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reported.

I don't see that we can set up a 5G network in Germany in the short term without participation by Huawei, Seehofer told the newspaper.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The are aiming to reach a withdrawal agreement with the US by the end of January and are prepared to "scale down" military operations ahead of signing the deal, according to their chief spokesman.

The statement by Suhail Shaheen to Pakistani daily Dawn comes as the group and the US held discussions in Doha this week, after insurgent sources told AFP they had offered to initiate a brief ceasefire.

"We have agreed to scale down military operations in days leading up to the signing of the peace agreement with the United States," Shaheen told Dawn in a report published Saturday.

He added that the were "optimistic" a deal with Washington could be signed before the end of the month and that the reduction in fighting across the country would also include the targeting of Afghan forces.

"It's now a matter of days," said the spokesman.

Washington has for weeks been calling on the militants to reduce violence, posing it as a condition for resuming formal negotiations on an agreement that would see US troops begin to leave the country in return for security guarantees, after a near two-decade fight.

The and the US had been negotiating the deal for a year and were on the brink of an announcement in September 2019 when President Donald Trump abruptly declared the process "dead", citing Taliban violence.

Talks were later restarted between the two sides in December in Qatar, but were paused again following an attack near the Bagram military base in Afghanistan, which is run by the US.

Any agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two main pillars -- an American withdrawal from Afghanistan, and a commitment by the insurgents not to offer sanctuary to jihadists -- and would ultimately have to be given final approval by Trump.

The Taliban's relationship with Al-Qaeda was the main reason cited for the US invasion more than 18 years ago.

A deal would hopefully pave the way for intra-Afghan talks.

Many observers agree that the war can no longer be won militarily, and that the only route to a lasting peace in Afghanistan is for an agreement between the Taliban and the US-backed government in Kabul.

The Taliban have until now refused to negotiate with the Afghan government, which they consider an illegitimate regime, raising fears that fighting will continue regardless of any deal ironed out with the Americans.
After days of wrangling over seat allocation in local polls, the Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Saturday buried the hatchet and decided to address issues internally and avoid going public.

Taking the initiative to break the ice, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K S Alagiri along with his senior party colleagues called on DMK chief M K Stalin at party headquarters 'Anna Arivalayam' in Chennai.

After the meeting, Alagiri said, "In the case of difference of opinion, it has been decided that the TNCC and DMK presidents will resolve it and other leaders from both the parties need not air their views."

Reiterating his stand that there were no issues or differences between the two parties, Alagiri said both the parties had always been united and would continue to be so.

He downplayed DMK leader Duraimurugan's remark that Congress had no vote bank, saying the leader had expressed his view and there was no problem about it.

Alagiri exuded confidence that his party's alliance with the DMK would continue even beyond the 2022 assembly polls.

Following the deliberations with the Congress team,Stalin urged leaders of both parties to desist from airing their views in public to end haggling and avoid its recurrence.

The DMK chief, recalling the origin of the recent differences, said Algiri had issued a statement that Congress was allocated lesser number of president and vice-president seats (in indirect polls) to head district panchayats and panchayat unions.

Pinning the blame on Alagiri, Stalin said something like seat sharing should have been resolved through talks, but it became public following the Congress statement and it led to an undesirable exchange of views from both the sides.

Asserting that continuation of verbal duel would provide fodder to political rivals and a "section of the media," he said he wanted to end it and asked leaders of both parties not to go public over alliance and related matters like seat sharing.

After saying earlier this week that only time would tell whether ties with the Congress would go back to normalcy, DMK on Wednesday had upped the ante, saying if the national party wants to quit the alliance, it can do so.

Duraimurugan, when asked about Congress's charge that DMK violated coalition dharma and that the grand old party might leave the alliance, had said "if they want to quit, let them do so. How are we concerned, what is the loss for us?."

The DMK treasurer had said the party was not worried about Congress leaving the alliance and he was not concerned.

Asked if it would not impact the votes in favour of DMK, he had said his party will not be affected and that Congress does not have a vote bank to dent his party's prospects.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi here on Friday, discussing Afghanistan and bilateral ties, according to a statement released by the U.S. State Department, Trend reports citing Xinhua.

The two sides talked about a range of issues, including Iran, U.S.-Pakistan cooperation on the Afghan peace process and building bilateral economic ties, the statement said.

Qureshi embarked on a three-day visit to the United States on Wednesday for talks on the tension in the Middle East that poses danger to regional security.

The visit also came as the Taliban and U.S. negotiators were reportedly finalizing a peace deal that could end the over 18-year war.
Veteran Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi was injured in a road accident involving her car near Khalapur on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the police said on Saturday.

As per preliminary information, her car crashed into a truck on the highway towards Pune at around 4:15 p.m.

Raigad Police: Actor Shabana Azmi&her driver got injured in accident near Kahalpur on Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Javed Akhtar was also present in the car, but he is safe. Their vehicle was hit by a truck while they were travelling from Pune to Mumbai. Injured shifted to MGM Hospital https://t.co/bezuNWvUTa pic.twitter.com/8YWtZoEUSF  ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2020

The injured actress was brought out of the car and admitted to a hospital in Navi Mumbai. It is not immediately clear whether Akhtar was also injured, but another unidentified woman is reported to be seriously hurt.

Azmis husband and lyricist Javed Akhtar, who was traveling behind her in a separate car - an Audi - was safe as his car wasn't involved in the crash, the police said.

Agencies

The Safari was being driven by Azmis driver followed by the Audi. The driver tried to overtake and ended up crashing into the moving truck from the rear, said Vishwajeet Kainjade, an inspector at Khalapur police station.



Reports claim that Highway police patrol teams were rushed to investigate the accident site.
Arshad Khan By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Chinas biggest SUV player Great Wall Motors, who is all set to make an entry in the Indian automobile market, has reached an agreement with US auto major General Motors (GM), which had bid adeu to the domestic market in 2017, for sale of GM Indias Talegaon manufacturing facility, subject to requisite government and regulatory approvals.

The two companies have not disclosed the value of transaction. Great Wall Motors (GWM) will debut its Haval brand and GWM electric vehicle at the Delhi International Auto Show, where it will unveil its plan for the Indian market.

Great Walls move to enter the Indian passenger vehicle market comes at a time when auto sales in the domestic market have fallen drastically, with most of the foreign players struggling to stay relevant.However, the recent entrants - MG Motor and Kia Motors - have fared well in terms of sales during the prolonged slowdown.

"The Indian market has great potential, rapid economic growth and a good investment environment. Entering the Indian market is an important step for Great Wall Motors' global strategy," said Liu Xiangshang, vice-president (global strategy), GWM.

He added that companys investment will create more jobs, including direct and indirect employment, further enhancing the skill level in auto industry. With the fresh announcement, Great Wall became the second Chinese automobile player, after SAIC-owned MG Motor, to enter Indias passenger vehicle market by acquiring a General Motors plant. MG Motor had invested around Rs 2,200 crore to acquire General Motors' plant in Halol, Gujarat.

According to Julian Blissett, vice-president (international operations), General Motors, "GM has been exploring strategic options for the better utilisation of the (Talegaon) site."

He added that GMs decision to cease production at the plant is based on the companys global strategy and optimisation of its manufacturing footprint around the world. GM's Talegaon plant had an installed capacity to roll out 1,65,000 vehicles a year, along with production of 1,60,000 engine units.
BJP working president JP Nadda said here on Saturday that Congress leadership has a very limited intellect and Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of the party know nothing about Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

"I ask opposition parties 'what is the problem in CAA?' I ask Rahul Gandhi to speak 10 lines on CAA. It is Congress' misfortune that its leadership has a very limited intellect. They know nothing about CAA. They are misleading the country," said JP Nadda addressing an event here on Saturday.

Pakistani refugees, who have been living in Haryana and Delhi, reach BJP headquarters to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and party's working president JP Nadda for CAA.

The CAA 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.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Brazils culture secretary has been sacked after using language that echoed Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels.

Roberto Alvim drew anger from Jewish organisations, lawmakers, political parties and artists this week over his remarks in a video on Thursday to launch an arts initiative focused on nationalism and religion.

The Brazilian art of the next decade will be heroic and will be national, Mr Alvim said in the video.

It will yield great capacity of emotional involvement and it will be equally imperative, as it will be deeply committed to the urgent aspirations of our people, or it will be nothing.

Goebbels, the Nazis minister of propaganda, said in a speech in 1933: The German art of the next decade will be heroic, it will be steely romantic, it will be factual and completely free of sentimentality, it will be national with great pathos and committed, or it will be nothing.

Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Show all 20 1 /20 Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Brazil's new President Jair Bolsonaro waves as he drives past before his swear-in ceremony Reuters Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Supporters wait in front of the Planalto Palace, where he will take office EPA Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Jair Bolsonaro gestures at the Congress before he is sworn AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Supporters take pictures as Brazil's new President Jair Bolsonaro drives past Reuters Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Flanked by first lady Michelle Bolsonaro, Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro waves to the crowd, as he rides in an open car after his swearing-in ceremony AP Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Jair Bolsonaro reacts as he drives past Reuters Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Reuters Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration The National Congress before Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro is sworn in AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Jair Bolsonaro gestures at the Congress AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Reuters Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration AP Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration EPA Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Reuters Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Reuters Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration AFP/Getty

The similarities between the two speeches were identified by Brazilian media, prompting a public backlash against Mr Alvim.

Although Jair Bolsonaro, Brazils far-right president, has often been defiant against criticism, the culture secretary was removed from his post on Friday.

Mr Bolsonaro said the minister had made an unfortunate statement and his position was now untenable.

I reiterate our repudiation of totalitarian and genocidal ideologies, such as Nazism and Communism, as well as any kind of allusion to them, the president added in a statement.

Mr Bolsonaro has previously been criticised by human rights groups for celebrating torturers and killers from Brazils 1964-85 military dictatorship.

Mr Bolsonaro had announced a $4.9m (3.8m) arts initiative for Mr Alvims department to foment the production of literature, theatre, opera, music and other arts, despite his government being strapped for cash.

Mr Alvim, a theatre director who has only held the culture post since November, claimed the similarities between the two speeches were merely a rhetorical coincidence.

He has disavowed Nazism and said he has removed the video of his speech in respect to all citizens who felt offended by its content.

Before his firing, Davi Alcolumbre, the first Jewish president of Brazils senate, described the video as shockingly Nazism-inspired.

In the video, Mr Alvim is sitting beneath a framed picture of Mr Bolsonaro, with music by Richard Wagner, a composer sometimes associated with Nazism and German nationalism, playing lightly in the background.

He has admitted in a radio interview that he chose the music himself, but insisted he picked the composers work because it stemmed from his Christian faith.

Regina Duarte, a popular Brazilian actress known for her career in soap operas, has told local media that she has been invited to replace Mr Alvim but has not yet decided whether to accept the role.

Mr Bolsonaros campaign to change Brazilian culture has extended beyond the arts to include issues such as the content of school textbooks and teen pregnancy.

The government has made education, especially in early childhood, a top priority, with Mr Bolsonaro and his education minister announcing a clean-up to take filth out of childrens textbooks in January.

Additional reporting by AP
In pics: PM Modi to inaugurate new campus of Classical Tamil institute in Chennai tomorrow

Spread message of peace while in J&K: Modis advise to 36 ministers

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advised the group of ministers visiting Jammu and Kashmir to spread the message of peace among the people.

The message should be spread not only in the urban areas but in the villages as well. Starting today, a group of 36 ministers would be visiting the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The PM during the meeting of the council of ministers said that the delegation must interact with the locals. Tell them about the central schemes which will benefit the people at the grass-root levels.

Indira Jaising to Nirbhaya's mother: Pardon convicts just like Sonia Gandhi|Oneindia News

Indian way of conflict avoidance is by dialogue, not by brute force: PM Modi

The ministers would visit different districts in both Jammu and Kashmir. The visit would commence today and end on January 24. The visit is being coordinated by the Union Home Ministry and is part of a massive outreach programme.
West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday objected to state education minister Partha Chatterjee's remarks questioning why he was accompanied by his wife to official functions and asked him to publicly apologise.

Dhankhar said his wife Sudesh had attend programmes only when she was invited.

"The honourable minister is terribly wrong. That's a pervert concept by him. He needs to look within," the governor told reporters on the sidelines of a programme.

Dhankhar also said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, being a woman, should understand the sensitivity of the matter.

"The chief minister is a woman, she must understand the sensitive aspect of this," he added.

"The first lady graces occasions when invited, when there was no invite she was not there. Since I happen to be the husband of the lady, I am not reacting more. If it had been any other lady, I would have reacted far more severely. Our culture does not allow it," Dhankhar said.

The governor, who has had frequent run-ins with Chatterjee since his visit to the Jadavpur University campus on September 19 last year to 'rescue' Union Minister Babul Supriyo, also said: "I will appeal to him personally, please think before you speak out... These are dangerous areas... And I am sure that he will reflect and publicly apologise."



Chatterjee had on Wednesday said that Dhankhar, unlike his predecessors, is often accompanied by his wife to official functions.

"Is it not unconstitutional (on the part of governor) to bring a third person to official functions?... Did you ever ask the Hon'ble Governor whether Mr Dhankhar thinks he is on a PR exercise with his wife?" Chatterjee had asked.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
One of the world's most celebrated and multiple award-winning movie producer of all times, Barbara Broccoli of James Bond 007 movies, has ruled out any plans to engage a female to play the lead spy character in 007 movies.

According to her the enigmatic spy character won't by any chance be played by a woman.

He may, however, be played by an actor who isn't white, she said, as speculation around who will next fill the shoes of Ian Fleming's charismatic spy continues to grow.

"No Time to Die," released in April, will be Daniel Craig's final 007 appearances.

Producer Broccoli told Variety that changing the iconic character's gender would be doing women a disservice.

"He can be of any colour, but he is male," she said. "I believe we should be creating new characters for women -- strong female characters."

While audiences may be calling for more diversity in movies, the filmmaker, who is the daughter of the original 007 producer Albert R. Broccoli, said she is not "particularly interested" in taking a male character and having a woman play it.

"I think women are far more interesting than that," she added.

Producer Barbara Broccoli made the comments as speculation swirls around who could replace Daniel Craig as the next 007.

Who will take over as the next Bond has been widely debated.

One actor tipped for the role is Idris Elba, who previously insisted that, should a black 007 be introduced, it should be based solely on merit.

"James Bond is a hugely coveted, iconic, beloved character, that takes audiences on this massive escapism journey," Elba told Vanity Fair magazine last year.

He said that he would accept the offer to play the iconic spy if he was asked, adding: "But it's not something I've expressed, like, yeah, I wanna be the black James Bond."

"No Time to Die" will be Craig's fifth 007 films, with Oscar-winner Rami Malek taking on the role of the villain.

Ralph Fiennes, Rory Kinnear, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Lea Seydoux and Jeffrey Wright will all return for the 25th movie in the popular film series.

---CNN
30 years have passed since the Black January, which changed the life of many of Baku residents. On January 20, 1990, Soviet troops entered Baku at night to suppress political opposition. No one in Azerbaijan approved this operation commanded by the USSR Minister of Defense Marshal Yazov. They just "tried to save Soviet government and communist ideology" using tanks. It didnt work, just like it didnt work in Vilnius and Tbilisi. As a result 173 people were dead, about 400 wounded, 300 people went missing and many were arrested. This day has been declared the Day of National Sorrow in Azerbaijan. People go to the Nagorny Park, the Martyrs' Alley, where victims of the tragedy are buried. People grieve over the dead not only in all cities of Azerbaijan, but also in other countries.

The Israel-Azerbaijan International Association (AzIs) is holding four mourning meetings this January. Starting in Jerusalem, and then moving on to Ashkelon, Bat Yam and Afula.

The Jerusalem meeting took place on January 14 in the Russian library, which is often called "Clara's." There were stands about the Baku tragedy, photos of that time. A video film based on photos of eyewitnesses Grigory Reichman and Alik Mehdiyev was presented.

Director of the Azerbaijan Cultural Center, Yegyan Salman, spoke about what preceded the entry of troops into Baku, the Karabakh conflict, which has not ended yet, as well as about the dead and the missing. There were three Jews among the dead - ambulance doctor Alexander Markhevka, Jan Meerson, who received 22 bullet wounds, and 17-year-old Vera Besantina.

Participants honored the memory of the victims with a minute of silence.
B ig Ben's "bong" caused a political ding-dong this week, as Boris Johnson's latest major interview was largely overshadowed by his comment on its chimes.

The ringing is purveyed by some as an symbolic sound apt to mark Britain's EU departure - and the prime minister suggested Brexiteers chip in to cover the apparent 500,000 cost for it to bellow on January 31.

That now-derailed plan emerged as the PM was quizzed in a half-hour long live TV interview, the first such broadcast since his landslide election win. In this, he discussed the situation with Iran, Brexit and the Harry Dunn case also discussed.

The Standard looks at key points from the last week...

Brexit, Boris Johnson, the situation in Iran and the Labour leadership were all focuses this week / AP/AFP/UK Parliament

Big Ben Brexit row

Is hearing the sound of Big Ben chiming in Westminster at 11pm on January 31 worth 500,000? Brexiteers fundraising to mark the occasion seem to think so - with prominent eurosceptics Nigel Farage and Mark Francois leading a rallying cry for the bell to mark the occasion of Britain leaving the EU bloc.

Those in control of the bell's "bong" wrote it off due to the steep cost - which they set at around half a million pounds - but a crowdfunding idea floated by the prime minister piqued the interest of those keen on the sentiment of hearing such a sound on Brexit night.

Boris Johnson says they are 'working up a plan so that people can bung a bob for a Big Ben bong'

However, despite the money being raised, representatives of the House of Commons said such a scheme was "unprecedented", with Downing Street seeking to distance itself from the plan.

Mr Johnson, later accused of misleading the public over his "bung a bob" suggestion, later announced that a clock counting down to the moment Britain leaves the European Union on January 31 will be projected onto Downing Street under Government plans to mark the occasion.

But, after a win for the Mr Farage and his Brexit-backing compatriots in securing a celebration in Parliament Square at the end of the month, they seem determined to have their way over the bell too.

And they have a solution should they not be able to get their way - blasting out the sound on a set of speakers.

Johnson on Iran, Brexit, the Royals... and 'Vee-gans'

The BBC's Dan Walker quizzed Boris Johnson / BBC

Boris Johnson gave his first major interview following his landslide election victory in December - and it shed light on more than just his thoughts on a 160-year-old bell ringing.

During the half-hour sit down, broadcast live from Downing Street, he also juggled the hot topics of the moment.

He said:

Final five to succeed Corbyn

Leadership hopefuls: Five candidates made it through to the next stage in bids to replace Jeremy Corbyn

Sir Keir Starmer. Rebecca Long-Bailey, Jess Phillips, Lisa Nandy and Emily Thornberry all received enough nominations from colleagues to pass the first hurdle.

Sir Keir had long been touted the favourite - though a poll released this week suggested Corbyn-ally Ms Long-Bailey could have the edge. Another poll on Saturday claimed Sir Keir was back out in front.

He has received the backing of Unison, seen as a major coup for his chances, though Ms Long-Bailey has since been backed by grassroots support group Momentum - which was seen as highly influential in garnering support for outgoing leader Jeremy Corbyn.

PM formally rejects Scottish independence referendum

Boris Johnson rejects Nicola Sturgeon's plan for second Scottish independence referendum

Boris Johnson formally rejected Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeons call for a second referendum this week, having long send he would not consider allowing such a vote to be held.

Ms Sturgeon had asked for Holyrood to be given the power to hold a fresh vote on independence, which has been an aim for her party the SNP.

However, Mr Johnson declined to offer to devolve the powers to allow such a vote - with Ms Sturgeon claiming the "Tories are terrified of Scotland's right to choose".

In a letter to the first minister outlining his decision, Mr Johnson said: I cannot agree to any request for a transfer of power that would lead to further independence referendums.

Tom Watson's tale of betrayal

Tom Watson pictured with Jeremy Corbyn / PA

Former deputy Labour leader Tom Watson has co-written a political thriller as he leaps away from politics into the world of fiction.

The book, set to come out in autumn, is described as "a story of cold-blooded ambition, hope, friendship... and betrayal".

Mr Watson, who quit his former role over "brutality and hostility" within Labour's ranks, said: "The House will introduce you to the heroes and villains engaged in a struggle for fame, power and revenge."
British actor Keira Knightley and "Jojo Rabbit" star Roman Griffin Davis will be featuring in Christmas-themed movie "Silent Night.

The two actors will be joined by Matthew Goode and Annabelle Wallis in the project that will be produced by Matthew Vaughn's Marv Films.

According to Deadline, Griffin Davis' mother, Camille Griffin, will make her directorial debut with the film. She has also penned the script.

The plot details have been kept under wraps but it is said to be a festive comedy that will focus on an extended family having a Christmas dinner in a country setting.

Maven Pictures's Celine Rattray and Trudie Styler are also on board as producers.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Save Lagos Group has given the National leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 24 hours to speak up on the ...





Save Lagos Group has given the National leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 24 hours to speak up on the Western Nigeria Security Network better known as Amotekun.





Amotekun was launched on January 9, 2020, by South west governors, but since the regional security outfit was established and became a controversial subject, Tinubu, who is seen as a leader in the region, has been silent on the security outfit.





The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, had on Tuesday, January, 14, 2020, declared the outfit as illegal, but Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has insisted that the Federal Government can't stop Amotekun.





Following the controversies trailing Amotekun, the convener of the Save Lagos Group, Adeniyi Sulaiman has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Tinubu to state his position on the subject.









The group also tackled the northern group, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore for urging South-West leaders to dump Amotekun for the sake of the regions presidential ambition in 2023.





According to Punch, the group said it is hypocritical of the Federal Government to allow Shariah Police, Hisbah, to operate in more than 10 northern states while it declared Amotekun as illegal in the Southwest.





The group maintained that the safety of the people of Southwest is more important than the 2023 presidency.





SLG commended Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Debanjo; activist, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN; Chief Olu Falae, Otunba Gani Adams and other notable Yoruba leaders for speaking up for the people of the region.
Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, one of the architects of the federal safety net program that Douglas County commissioners tapped to fly in premium seats, called the spending inexplicable and said he was considering whether a deeper audit was needed.

The Oregonian/OregonLive story revealing the lavish spending highlights a point that my dad used to say: One set of rip-offs is one too many, Wyden said during a Friday meeting with the news organizations editorial board.

I saw some of the examples you gave, Wyden said. You cant explain those at a town hall meeting, that those are the ways taxpayer money is being used.

Since 2015, Douglas Countys elected leaders have used federal safety net money to buy first-class and premium airfare. Theyve eaten at banquet award dinners. Commissioner Tim Freeman expensed a $200 meal at a Roseburg lounge. Theyve attended governing and timber industry conferences around the country, staying in Jackson Hole, Skamania Lodge and Sun Valley.

One commissioner, Chris Boice, traveled for two nights in November 2016 to a remote outpost in Arizona to talk about forest management policy with Doyel Shamley, a natural resources consultant whos also a far-right conspiracy theorist. Boice upgraded his airfare on one leg of his travel to premium class and used federal grant money to pay for upgrades to his rental car, too.

The commissioners have defended all of their spending as appropriate and called the newspapers story unfounded. (Selected receipts can be found here.)

The trips were underwritten by the Secure Rural Schools program, which pays jurisdictions like Douglas County that suffered financially after endangered species listings curtailed federal logging. The money was supposed to be spent on firefighting, wildfire planning and search and rescue efforts.

Wyden co-authored the bill creating the program in 2000 and recently has been working to make it permanent. He said he wanted to end the rural rollercoaster endured by counties that havent known from year to year whether they could count on the temporary program being extended beyond the next year.

Wyden told the editorial board he was considering whether a more expansive investigation of Secure Rural Schools funding was needed in Douglas County or a cross section of the hundreds of others that receive the money. The program has delivered more than $3 billion to Oregon counties since its creation. Douglas County, home to the Umpqua National Forest, has received some of the largest payments.

I havent made up my mind on the next steps, Wyden said. My bottom line is: If you want to maintain this program and in my view reinvent it, youve got to show taxpayers that youre being tough with respect to how the money is spent.

Wyden has already moved to prohibit the money from being spent on lobbying in response to the newsrooms earlier reporting. Douglas County commissioners repeatedly used it to fly to Washington, D.C. to lobby federal officials to increase timber harvests. That amendment has cleared a Senate committee but not yet the full Senate.

Wyden said his first thought when he read The Oregonian/OregonLives story describing the commissioners travel perks was, There needs to be more oversight.

Im glad its coming out now, he said, because its going to give me the leverage when we go to mark up a bill to make sure there are more rigorous rules for oversight.

Correction: An earlier version of this post inaccurately included pet travel as an expense paid by federal funds. A county credit card was used to pay for Commissioner Tim Freemans dog to stay with him in 2017, but the credit card statement shows refunds from the hotel that match what appear to be this cost. It is unclear who paid. A handwritten note on the countys credit card statement says it was AOC, which Freeman said is the Association of Oregon Counties. He said he paid the hotel in cash for his dogs stay and didnt know why AOC appeared on the credit card bill.

 Rob Davis

rdavis@oregonian.com

503.294.7657; @robwdavis

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
Facebook must turn over data from third-party apps that were suspended from the social media platform after the Cambridge Analytica scandal, a Massachusetts judge ruled.

Suffolk Superior Court Judge Brian Davis ordered Facebook to share the information to Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, the Boston Globe reported. Facebook initially cooperated with Healey, but the company refused to share the information with state investigators.

Consumers have a right to know how their personal information is used," Healey tweeted on Saturday. "Its time for Facebook to tell us which app developers may be misusing your data.

Healey launched a probe in March 2018 into Cambridge Analytica, which was reportedly tied to President Donald Trumps 2016 campaign. Facebook said the personal information of up to 87 million were possibly improperly shared with the data-analytics firm.

I think what most people are concerned about, and certainly what consumers are concerned about, is whos having access to that information? And did I actually consent to the use of that information? Thats going to be the focus of my work here in this investigation, Healey told CNN at the time.

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura T. Healey speaks with reporters and editors at MassLive's office in Worcester Thursday, May 16, 2019.

Since then, Healeys office has issued three civil subpoenas on the matter, the Globe reported. Healey sought information on what app developers might have engaged in conduct similar to Cambridge Analytica and whether Facebook tried to protect users against the data sharing.

Facebook suspended the accounts of Cambridge Analytica and its parent company, Strategic Communication Laboratories, in March 2018 after reports that a Cambridge psychology professor passed on data that used a Facebook login to the companies.

The firm had told Facebook it deleted the information, but Facebook later received reports that not all the data had been deleted.

The app, called thisisyourdigitallife, was believed to give a personality test. But the settings gave professor Aleksandr Kogan access to location, pages a user had liked and access to Facebook friends, if their friends had lower privacy settings.

Facebook had argued that the information Healeys office requested is protected by attorney-client privilege, the Globe reported. The attorney generals office called the argument meritless in court documents.

A Facebook spokesman told the Globe that the company was disappointed that the Massachusetts Attorney General and the Court didnt fully consider our arguments on well-established law, including the work product doctrine.

We are reviewing our options, including appeal, said the spokesman in a statement.
This week marks five years since state Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was arrested to face federal charges that he had used what then-U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara described as "titanic political power" to collect $4 million in bribes and kickbacks derived from a real estate law firm and a doctor specializing in asbestos-related illnesses.

Silver's arrest and the unsealing of the criminal complaint against him kicked off a roughly week-long process in which the Assembly's Democratic majority passed through a political version of Elizabeth Kubler-Ross' stages of the acceptance of death: denial ("these are merely allegations  what about the presumption of innocence?"), anger (usually expressed at journalists in Capitol corridors with all their pain-in-the-keister questions), bargaining ("maybe Shelly can remain speaker ... but someone else can negotiate the state budget"), depression (because it was quite depressing to confront the fact that one of the most powerful people in New York was an alleged grifter) and finally acceptance, which in this case resulted in the selection of Carl Heastie as Silver's successor.

A baby born on the day that Silver was arrested would be in pre-K today, or maybe even in kindergarten if she's one of those wizard-brain kids who can read "Paradise Lost" before leaving diapers. In a development even more surprising than Silver's arrest, Donald J. Trump was elected president and fired Bharara a few months later. An entire new trilogy of "Star Wars" films were released, and Prince died.

But Silver, 75, is still walking around a free man and collecting an annual state pension of about $80,000 despite being convicted by juries not once but twice. His initial trial arrived with due speed, and ended with his November 2015 conviction  just 10 months after his arrest  on all seven counts against him. The following May, U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni handed him a 12-year sentence. (More than two years later, Caproni would preside over the trials of more Bharara targets, including former top Cuomo aide Joe Percoco and SUNY Polytechnic's Alain Kaloyeros.)

Silver remained free on bail, and his initial conviction was thrown out in July 2017  more than a year after his sentencing  due to jury instructions that were at odds with the U.S. Supreme Court's June 2016 McDonnell decision, which narrowed the definition of official acts that could be considered as part of an illegal quid pro quo scheme.

In a second trial that ended in May 2018, Silver was once again convicted on all counts. In her second sentencing of the former speaker, Caproni cited his advancing age and gave him a seven-year prison term  as if Silver's wily ability to merely survive day after day was somehow deserving of mercy.

Faced with an October 2018 room reservation in federal prison, Silver once again appealed and was allowed to remain free on his initial payout of $200,000 bail. Yet another prison report date loomed in March 2019, but the Second Circuit Court of Appeals allowed him to remain free as it considered his case. The justices offered no explanation for their decision, but one imagines it had something to do with Silver's advancing age.

It's unclear how much longer Silver will age before the Second Circuit actually resolves his appeal. Will I be alive? Will you, dear reader?

The appeals court could toss his second conviction; the three-judge panel that heard the case reportedly expressed reservations that Silver's official deeds for pay might not meet the McDonnell standard. That sets up the possibility  however remote  that he could be tried a third time, which would mean that the number of Sheldon Silver trials would equal the current number of "John Wick" films. If the judges uphold the second conviction, Silver could actually possibly maybe perhaps go to prison for his crimes, at long last.

Sign up for The Knick  Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter.

And if you want to know how Silver got away with his crimes for so long, consider the fact that New York's current ethics enforcement infrastructure  he was a prime architect of the state Joint Commission on Public Ethics  has remained relatively unchanged since Silver's arrest.

In contrast, former state Senate Republican Majority Leader Dean Skelos had his initial conviction tossed alongside Silver's after the McDonnell decision. Skelos, who was convicted of selling out his office to benefit his feckless son, was similarly re-convicted in his second trial in July 2017. Unlike Silver, he reported to Orange County's Federal Correctional Institution Otisville a year ago. (Percoco is at the same lodgings, along with Trump fixer Michael Cohen and Billy McFarland, the huckster who organized the Fyre Festival  it's almost enough to make you want to commit a federal crime just to get a sample of the cafeteria chatter.)

To be sure, the gears of justice are supposed to grind methodically, not necessarily quickly.

But I challenge you to identify another felon arrested in January 2015  a burglar, a car thief, a guy who drove a pound of cocaine from Brooklyn to Watervliet in the wheel well of a borrowed Toyota Tundra  who was subsequently found guilty and sentenced to prison without spending a single night behind bars by this point.

Unless they fell into a coma along the way.

cseiler@timesunion.com  518-454-5619
Book by former PGC officer highlights unusual wildlife encounters

Dick Bodenhorn has published a book highlighting some of the unusual encounters he had while working with the Pennsylvania Game Commision.
President Donald Trump made a stark appeal to black Americans during the 2016 election when he asked, "What have you got to lose?" Three years later, black Americans have rendered their verdict on his presidency with a deeply pessimistic assessment of their place in the United States under a leader seen by an overwhelming majority as racist.

The findings come from a Washington Post-Ipsos poll of African Americans nationwide, which reveals fears about whether their children will have a fair shot to succeed and a belief that white Americans don't fully appreciate the discrimination that black people experience.

While personally optimistic about their own lives, black Americans today offer a bleaker view about their community as a whole. They also express determination to try to limit Trump to a single term in office.

More than 8 in 10 black Americans say they believe Trump is a racist and that he has made racism a bigger problem in the country. Nine in 10 disapprove of his job performance overall.

The pessimism goes well beyond assessments of the president. A 65% majority of African Americans say it is a "bad time" to be a black person in America. That view is widely shared by clear majorities of black adults across income, generational and political lines. By contrast, 77% of black Americans say it is a "good time" to be a white person, with a wide majority saying white people don't understand the discrimination faced by black Americans.

2 1 of 2 Washington Post photo by Allison V. Smith. Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Photo by Justin Kase Conder for The Washington Post. Show More Show Less



Courtney Tate, 40, an elementary school teacher in Irving, Texas, outside Dallas, said that since Trump was elected, he's been having more conversations with his co-workers - discussions that are simultaneously enlightening and exhausting - about racial issues he and his students face everyday.

"As a black person, you've always seen all the racism, the microaggressions, but as white people they don't understand this is how things are going for me," said Tate, who said he is the only black male teacher in his school. "They don't live those experiences. They don't live in those neighborhoods. They moved out. It's so easy to be white and oblivious in this country."

Francine Cartwright, a 44-year-old mother of three from Moorestown, New Jersey, said the ascent of Trump has altered the way she thinks about the white people in her life.

"If I'm in a room with white women, I know that 50% of them voted for Trump and they believe in his ideas," said Cartwright, a university researcher. "I look at them and think, 'How do you see me? What is my humanity to you?' "

The president routinely talks about how a steadily growing economy and historically low unemployment have resulted in more African Americans with jobs and the lowest jobless rate for black Americans recorded. Months ago he said, "What I've done for African Americans in two-and-a-half years, no president has been able to do anything like it."

But those factors have not translated positively for the president. A 77% majority of black Americans say Trump deserves "only some" or "hardly any" credit for the 5.5% unemployment rate among black adults compared with 20% who say Trump deserves significant credit.

In follow-up interviews, many said former president Barack Obama deserves more credit for the improvement in the unemployment rate, which declined from a high of 16.8% in 2010 to 7.5% when he left office.

Others said their personal financial situation is more a product of their own efforts than anything the president has done.

"I don't think [Trump] has anything to do with unemployment among African Americans," said Ethel Smith, a 72-year-old nanny who lives in Lithonia, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. "I've always been a working poor person. That's just who I am."

Black Americans report little change in their personal financial situations in the past few years, with 19% saying it has been getting better and 26% saying it has been getting worse. Most, 54%, say their financial situation has stayed the same.

A similar 56% majority of African Americans rate the national economy as "not so good" or "poor," contrasting with other surveys that find most Americans overall rate the economy positively, although there are sharp political divides on this question.

Beyond questions about the economy, African Americans see a range of concerns impacting the country overall as well as their own communities.

Just 16% of black Americans believe that most black children born in the U.S. today have "a good opportunity to achieve a comfortable standard of living." A 75% majority think most white children have such an opportunity.

More than 8 in 10 say they do not trust police in the United States to treat people of all races equally, and 7 in 10 distrust police in their own community.

Black Americans also widely sense that their experiences with discrimination are underappreciated by white Americans.Justabout 2 in 10 say that most white Americans understand the level of discrimination black Americans face in their lives, while nearly 8 in 10 say they do not.

The starkly negative outlook appears to be a turnabout from previous points during both the Obama and George W. Bush presidencies, according to surveys asking related questions. A 2011 Washington Post-Kaiser Family Foundation survey found 73% of black women said it was a "good time" to be a black woman in America, while a similar survey in 2006 found 60% of black men saying it was a good time to be a black man.

Yet the Post-Ipsos poll also finds that 65% of black Americans say they feel optimistic about their own lives most or all of the time. This positive personal outlook crosses age and political groups, and while it peaks among those who are older and with higher incomes, roughly half of black Americanswith incomes under $35,000 annually say they feel optimistic about their own lives.

Dana Clark, a father of 11 children in Ontario, California, said he tells all of his children that it's possible to succeed in America, but that they'll have to work harder than the white children they encounter.

"I tell them we're going to set this plan up. Whatever you want to do you're going to be able to do it," he said. "But it ain't going to be easy, especially if [you] want to make some money because you're going to be in a world where they're not going to expect you to be there. You can get what you want, but you've got to work harder, faster and stronger."

The survey, by The Post and Ipsos, a nonpartisan research firm, is one of the most extensive recent surveys focused on views of the country and Trump among black Americans, who are often represented by only small samples in customary national polls. It was conducted among 1,088 non-Hispanic black adults, including 900 registered voters, drawn from a large online survey panel recruited through random sampling of U.S. households.

Few black voters responded positively to Trump's campaign appeal for their votes. Exit polls taken during the 2016 election showed just 8% of African Americans supported Trump and 89% backed Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, although black turnout was significantly lower than in 2008 and 2012 for the election and reelection of Obama, the country's first black president.

In the Post-Ipsos poll, roughly three-quarters of black adults say the things that Trump is doing as president are "bad for African Americans," while a similar majority says Obama's actions as president were good.

Kenneth Davis, a truck driver who lives outside Detroit, said that when Trump was elected, co-workers who secretly harbored racist thoughts felt emboldened to publicly express them.

"One gentleman is waving the Confederate flag on the back of his pickup truck," said Davis, 48, who is a Marine Corps veteran. "He was very brave to say 'Trump's president, I'm going to get my window (painted).' "

Retired federal prison warden Keith Battle said the political climate has exposed "unresolved racial issues" and that Trump has emboldened white supremacists. Battle, who lives in Wake Forest, North Carolina, said white supremacists "are not the majority of whites in America, but there is a significant amount still, I'd say 30%, and I think they're just leading the country down a path of, eventually, chaos. They're feeling jeopardized of losing their white privilege."

Survey respondents were asked to say how Trump's presidency has affected them personally or African Americans in general. The responses illuminated the data in the poll.

"Donald Trump has not done anything for the African American people," said one person.

"He has created an atmosphere of division and overt racism and fear of immigrants unseen in many years," said another.

A third said, "He has taken hatred against people of color, in general, from the closet to the front porch."

Others echoed that sentiment, saying that the president has emboldened those with racially prejudiced views and therefore set back race relations for years. "I sense a separation between myself and some of my white associates," one person wrote.

Trump's overall approval rating among black Americans stands at 7%, with 90% disapproving, including 75% who disapprove "strongly."

Similarly large majorities of black men and women disapprove of Trump, as do black Americansacross different age, education and income levels. Trump receives somewhat higher marks among self-identifiedblack conservatives, with 25% approving of his performance, compared with 5% of moderates and 3% among liberals.

Few black Americans appear open to supporting Trump's bid for reelection at this point. He receives between 4 and 5% support among black registered voters in head-to-head matchups against eight potential Democratic nominees. But the level of Democratic support depends on who is the party's nominee, peaking at 82% for former vice presidentJoe Biden and falling to 57% for former South Bend, Indiana, mayor Pete Buttigieg.

The Post-Ipsos survey was conducted Jan. 2-8, 2020, through Ipsos's KnowledgePanel, a large online survey panel recruited through random sampling of U.S. households. Overall results have a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points among the sample of 1,088 black adults overall, and four points among the sample of 900 registered voters.

- - -

The Washington Post's Emily Guskin contributed to this report.
During the reception, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc said the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership has developed practically and effectively in all fields, noting that economic - trade - investment and education-training cooperation continue to be important motivations.

At the reception (Source: VNA)



The Harvard University has maintained the Vietnam Executive Leadership Programme (VELP), which helps Vietnamese leaders to exchange views with professors and experts from the US university, policy makers and entrepreneurs from leading US businesses, contributing to the building of visions and ideas for senior policy makers of the Southeast Asian nation, he said.

The PM applauded the initial successes of the FUV, expressing his hope that the working visit to Vietnam will open a new chapter in education and training cooperation between the Harvard University and Vietnam.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc suggested the Harvard University and Fulbright University continue organising the VELP programme and offer scholarships to Vietnamese students, thus helping to develop human resources for Vietnam.

For his part, Elmendorf expressed his delight at the flourishing development in bilateral relations after after 25 years of normalising relations between the two countries, including cooperation in education and training.

The school pledges to continue supporting and promoting projects and initiatives for education and training cooperation between the two nations in the near future, he stressed.

Elmendorf said the US and many countries had faced challenges similar to those facing Vietnam today, therefore majors taught at the university will help Vietnam in policy making, public management, and urbanization.

Meanwhile, Vallely said the ongoing visit aims to exchange views and propose cooperation programmes in the coming time.

Established in 2016 with its headquarter in Ho Chi Minh City, the FUV is an independent and non-profit higher education institution. It is the next step of the existing Fulbright Economics Teaching Programme, a public policy masters programme that the Ash Centre at the Harvard Kennedy School at the Harvard University, established in 1994 in cooperation with the HCM City-based University of Economics./.
Meredosia-Chambersburg school board members will be hitting the books themselves soon, determining changes to curriculum to be in line with new state education requirements.

Superintendent Thad Walker told board members that a meeting with the curriculum committee needs to be set up to change requirements for classes next school year.
The Congress' reaction came within hours of Raut stating that those opposing the Bharat Ratna award for Savarkar should be made to spend at least two days in the erstwhile colonial prison to understand the hardships faced by him during his incarceration

Mumbai: Hitting back at Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut for his remarks on opponents of the Bharat Ratna honour for VD Savarkar, the Congress on Saturday said supporters of the Hindutva ideologue should visit the erstwhile Andaman Jail to understand the sacrifice made by those freedom fighters who never apologised to the British.

The Congress' reaction came within hours of Raut stating that those opposing the Bharat Ratna award for Savarkar should be made to spend at least two days in the erstwhile colonial prison to understand the hardships faced by him during his incarceration. In a swipe, Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said the BJP can grant the highest civilian honour to Savarkar by virtue of majority at the Centre, if it is willing to ignore Savarkar's statements like calling BR Ambedkar a 'mathefiru' (fanatic) and Buddhists as "rashtradrohi" (pro- sedition)".

"Savarkar was different before 1911. The Congress is against his post-1923 ideology," Sawant said in a series of tweets. "Savarkar had called Ambedkar a 'mathefiru', Buddhists as 'deshdrohi'. He had also criticised good deeds of Chhatrapati Shivaji," Sawant tweeted. "Savarkar had also supported the movement opposing merger of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore with India," he stated.

Sawant said 149 persons were sent for "Kalapani" (Andaman Cellular Jail) during 1909-21, while the number was 30 during 1922-1931 and 386 between 1932 and 1938. "Many freedom fighters like Yogesh Shukla had served the jail sentence there (in Andaman) and later took part in the freedom movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi," he stated.

Taking aim at Savarkar, Sawant stated, "All those who served the sentence did so with pride and without seeking mercy. Such people should be given the Bharat Ratna".

After his conviction for the murder of A.T.M. Jackson, Collector of Nashik district, Savarkar was brought to the Andamans in 1911. A controversy rages on on whether Savarkar demanded clemency from the British for his early release from the cellular jail, notorious for its inhuman conditions.

"The freedom fighters who served their jail terms in the Andaman did not support the British. They did not take any honorarium from the British. If Savarkar supporters visit the cellular jail, they will realise the importance of sacrifice made by the great freedom fighters who laid down their lives without asking any pardon. "Savarkar was different before 1911. The Congress opposes his ideology post 1923," the Congress spokesperson said.
The Fort Bend County Sheriffs Office has arrested a suspect in a hit-and-run accident that killed a pedestrian.

Marlon Alexander Zavala has been arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving death after authorities allege he struck and killed a female pedestrian. According to police, the crash occurred at the 500 block of FM 1092 at approximately 6:08 p.m. on Friday. Responding officers observed a deceased woman in the road. The driver of the vehicle that struck the woman had fled the scene. Authorities have not yet released the name of the victim.

Deputies were able to use video surveillance of the area to read the license plate of the fleeing vehicle. They were then able to track down the vehicle to the 8000 block of Cook Road in Houston. The driver, Zavala, was taken into custody. It is not yet known if any other charges will be levied against Zavala.

Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls praised the tenacity of the responding officers and detectives for identifying and apprehending the suspect within hours of the incident. I commend our Crash Investigation Team for their diligence in using available technology and resources to find the driver, he said.

claire.goodman@chron.com

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A San Antonio man was sentenced to 35 years in prison for killing his ex-girlfriends boyfriend in what authorities described as a love-triangle slaying.

A Bexar County jury on Dec. 16 found James DeAngelo Lemon Johnson, 23, guilty of murder. He was convicted of killing Isiah Roper, 24, on Sept. 5, 2018, in Converse at the behest of ex-girlfriend Enederia Flowers, 23, who was dating Roper at the time.

Police said Flowers and Johnson went to Ropers home in the 6600 block of Clouds Point in Converse late on Sept. 4, 2018, and Flowers confronted Roper in the front yard with a knife.

Bexar County Sheriffs deputies said Ropers sister knocked Flowers to the ground and gained control of the knife, but Flowers continued the confrontation as Roper tried to walk away.

Authorities said Johnson then got in a vehicle and chased Roper down the street. Roper then walked into the middle of the street in the 6800 block of Twincreek Farm and yelled at Johnson: What?! You are going to shoot me?

Ropers family told deputies they heard Flowers tell Johnson to shoot Roper. Johnson opened fire from the drivers seat, striking Roper once in the chest, police said.

Judge Stephanie Boyd, who presided over Johnsons trial in the 187th state District Court, sentenced him Thursday to 35 years in prison. He will have to serve half of that time before hes eligible for parole.

Flowers pleaded no contest to her murder charge Jan. 9 and is expected to be sentenced Feb. 18 in the 187th state District Court.

Flowers, who is out on bail, faces up to life in prison.

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
A total of 222 homeless people died over the past four years according to latest figures released by the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive.

The statistics show that while the number of homeless adults in Dublin has soared by approximately 43% between 2016 and 2019, deaths have decreased through that period, falling from 65 in 2016 to 34 in 2019.
Police have charged a 50-year-old man after he allegedly exposed himself and touched a sleeping 30-year-old woman while she slept on an early morning train from Central heading for Sydney's south.

The man, who lives in central Sydney, allegedly boarded the train about 6.20am on January 9 and sat next to the woman.

When she woke, she saw the man exposing himself and touching her inappropriately, police said.

The woman got off at the next stop, while the man allegedly continued on the train bound for Caringbah in the Sutherland Shire.

Police arrested the man at a licensed venue in on Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach, and charged him with indecent assault, exposing himself in public and interfering with the comfort or safety of others.
Newmont Ghanas Ahafo mine says it is committed to sustainable and responsible mining and that it will continue to carry out mitigation efforts in compliance with the legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to its business.

This was contained in a Statement issued at Kenyase in the Asutifi North District of the Ahafo region over the weekend in response to a request for compensation by some property owners within the companys mining area.

Resettlement in the offing

According to the Statement, the Ahafo Mine is in the process of acquiring land to resettle community members potentially to be impacted by its Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) expansion project and is assessing a proposed site for the resettlement.

Anticipating this land acquisition by Newmont, some community members have hastily constructed speculative structures within portions of the proposed site and are demanding compensation for their structures, the Statement further said.

It added that the mines operational projects have not impacted the proposed resettlement project site and therefore does not warrant the payment of compensation for structures within or near the site, including that of speculators.

The company had earlier notified the property owners that they are not eligible for resettlement as the project site is solely for relocation of individuals projected to require relocation.

Legal requirements

In line with requirements under the law as well as accepted best practices in resettlement, we will continue to offer fair and just compensation, as well as livelihood support to those who are genuinely eligible, the company noted.

The land adjoining Kenyase No. 1 and No. 2 resettlement sites is not meant for an operational project but for relocation of people. Newmont is not impacting on the properties and livelihoods of property owners including speculators.

The General Manager, Ahafo Mine Bernard Wessels pointed out in the companys Press Statement that it, therefore, does not lie within our remit to compensate for these structures.

We will continue to engage in good-faith dialogue with stakeholders to ensure a successful and peaceful execution of this resettlement project. Mr Wessels added.

Newmont Ghana

Newmont Ghana is the countrys leading gold producer and operates two gold mines: the Ahafo Mine in the Ahafo region and the Akyem Mine in the Eastern region.

The company is a subsidiary of Newmont Corporation, the worlds leading gold business. Commercial production at Ahafo began in 2006 and at Akyem in 2013.

The Company currently employs over 5,500 employees and contractors. Its Ahafo mine was named Mining Company of the Year in 2016 and Ghanas Corporate Social Responsibility Organization for 2018, while the Akyem mine was adjudged the Best Company in Ghana for 2015 and 2016.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Best Buy said it is investigating CEO Corie Barry after receiving an anonymous letter making allegations against her.

Best Buy declined to reveal the allegations but The Wall Street Journal, which first reported on the probe Friday, said it had seen the letter, which accused Barry of having an inappropriate romantic relationship with another executive.

The letter claims that Barry had the relationship with former Best Buy Senior Vice-President Karl Sanft before she took over as CEO last June, the Journal said.

Best Buy takes allegations of misconduct very seriously," the company said in a statement to The Associated Press.

Best Buy, based in Richfield, Minnesota, said it hired an outside law firm to investigate the allegations.

We will not comment further until the review is concluded," the electronics chain said.

Many U.S. companies have adopted policies to address workplace romances, even before the #MeToo movement stirred a national conversation surrounding sexual misconduct. Fast-food chain McDonald's fired its CEO in November for violating company policy when he had a consensual relationship with an employee.

Barry, who became CEO of Best Buy Co. six months ago, replaced Hubert Joly after he stepped down and took on the role of executive chairman. Barry, 44, has worked at the company since 1999, most recently as chief financial officer. She is Best Buy's first female CEO in its 53-year history.
Any money Iran provides at a later date will go straight to the families.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday his government will give Canadian $25,000 (US$19,122) to the families of each of the 57 citizens and 29 permanent residents of Canada who died in the downing of a Ukrainian jetliner in Iran last week.

Trudeau said he still expects Iran to compensate the families but added that they need help now for funerals, travel to Iran and bills, the Associated Press reported.

Read alsoUkrainian experts on PS752 crash site were first ones to find out about missile hit

He said any money Iran provides at a later date will go straight to the families and will not be reimbursed to the Canadian government.

"I want to be clear, we expect Iran to compensate these families," Trudeau said. "But I have met them. They can't wait weeks. They need support now."

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."
Victor Santiago was drafted into the Army during World War II, but didn't see his first combat until six years later in North Korea  but that fight would stay with him for nearly 50 years.

Now 94, Santiago served with the Army's 65th Infantry Regiment, a unit made up mostly of soldiers from Puerto Rico, in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, in which his regiment helped cover the retreat of the 1st Marine Division as it fought its way clear of encirclement by Chinese troops. The unit received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2016 for its service in the Korean War.

He was drafted into the Army in 1944 at age 20, sent to Panama for training before he could marry his wife-to-be, Martha. He would spend the rest of World War II guarding an oil refinery in Curacao that was never attacked, so he never saw combat in that war. He returned to Puerto Rico a year later to marry Martha and reenlisted because he couldn't find work. He ended up serving 21 years, retiring in 1966 as a staff sergeant.

Santiago was stationed in Japan, Fort Benning, Ga., Fort Devens, Mass., Hawaii and Thailand, but the 1950 battle in North Korea would stay with him until today.

"They ordered my regiment to open a gap to get them (the 1st Marine Division) out," Santiago recalled. "It was 40 (degrees) below zero and we had the same equipment we had in Puerto Rico. I got frostbite. When it's that cold, it hurts. We got the 1st Marine Division and the 7th Division out, and we were the last to leave."

Santiago still remembers being sent to a hospital for his frostbite and seeing bodies delivered to a morgue. One soldier saw his brother among the bodies and begged Santiago not to tell his mother that the brother had been killed. Santiago would suffer what he called "combat fatigue," now known as post-traumatic stress disorder, for five decades.

"He just went to my head. I used to dream about it" for years, Santiago said. "They wanted to give me medicine, but I told them I didn't need it; I could control myself. It didn't end for almost 50 years."

Santiago's military career has been passed down through the generations  son Victor Santiago Jr. also served 21 years in the Air Force and a grandson in Oklahoma now serves in the Army.

After retiring, Santiago, his wife and three children moved to New Hampshire to be near family. He worked low-wage jobs delivering furniture and pizza until he was hired by a new Budweiser brewery, where he spent 23 years in nearly every job there before retiring. He and Martha moved to Colorado Springs to be near his daughter and to be treated for a heart condition that eventually required a pacemaker.

Martha died in 2016, a day after the couple celebrated their 69th anniversary.
A heart-breaking photo of an exhausted koala appearing to grieve for a fellow koala who lay dead nearby has encapsulated the trauma faced by wildlife affected by Australias devastating bushfires.

The photo was captured by the Humane Society International (HIS) as rescuers searched the fire-ravaged Kangaroo Island for animal survivors.

HSI disaster response chief Kelly Donithan said the scene had become familiar since teams began their searches in Flinders Chase National Park and timber plantations.

The wildfires have so far scorched through 40,000 square miles (104,000 square kilometres) of brushland, rainforests and national parks throughout Australia, killing by one estimate more than a billion animals.

Wildlife organisations fear about half of the 60,000-strong koala population living on the island have not survived, as almost half the island was razed.

An injured Koala sits beside another dead koala on Kangaroo Island before being rescued on January 15, 2020 (AFP via Getty Images) (AFP/Getty)

Ms Donithan told ABC News: The image of the koala by the water near the body of another koala is particularly heartbreaking.

The survivors have little to no energy reserves left and we are finding them sitting on the ground totally shut down  all too often with other corpses nearby.

She added the surviving koala was rescued and taken to an emergency rehabilitation centre at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park.

There are also fears for populations of rare and endangered species on the island such as brush-tailed rock wallabies and dunnarts that may have perished in the fires.

Biologists have begun looking for survivors from these species in the hope there may be enough left to rebuild their populations.

Kingsley Dixon, an ecologist at Curtin University in Perth, said: I dont think weve seen a single event in Australia that has destroyed so much habitat and pushed so many creatures to the very brink of extinction.

The population of brush-tailed wallabies before the fires started were estimated to be as few as 15,000 left in the wild. They resemble miniature kangaroos with long floppy tails and prefer hiding near large boulders.

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

Ecologist Guy Ballard, from the University of New England in Armidale, said when his team first started searching for survivors, they only came across dead animals and burnt tree stumps.

It was just devastating, he said. You could smell dead animals in the rocks.

But the team found hope in some surviving wallabies and trekked through ash-covered Oxley Wild Rivers National Park with water and food to lure other survivors out to be rescued.

Last week, thousands of kilograms of carrots and sweet potatoes were air-dropped throughout New South Wales to help feed surviving animals in Operation Rock Wallaby.

The Australian government announced Monday that it was spending A$50 million (38.4m) on emergency wildlife rescue efforts and habitat recovery.

University of Sydney ecologist Chris Dickman estimated more than a billion animals have been killed as a result of the fires so far, including tens of millions of possums and small marsupials known as gliders.

He said: The implications for some species are pretty grim. If we cant protect them here, theyre gone. No one else has them.
Ishaq Akintola, director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has accused southwest governors of turning Amotekun into a Christian Militia by recruiting only Christians. This accusation was contained in a statement on Friday, while he further alleged that applicants for the ongoing recruitment have been mandated to submit birth certificates registered only in churches.

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (YPP-Anambra South) has reacted to his sack by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday for certificate forgery. Recall that in an earlier judgment, the court sacked the lawmaker representing Anambra South for allegedly submitting a forged National Examination Council (NECO) certificate, to contest the February 23, 2019, senatorial election.

Reacting to his sack from the Red Chambers, Ubahs lawyer talking to newsmen expressed that the decision of the court is incorrect.

Minority Leader of the Senate, Enyinnaya Abaribe has urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to move on, even though the Supreme Courts ruling that removed Emeka Ihedioha as governor of Imo is painful.Abaribe said this in a statement by his media aide, Uchenna Awom in Abuja.

He said, This is not the time for blame game as this dark hour will surely pass away.

Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Festus Keyamo, says the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP should apologize to the Supreme Court and Nigerians over its on the Imo state governorship election. This was in reaction to a statement by the national publicity secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan on the ruling, expressed surprise at the judgment describing it as yet another very sad commentary on the nations democratic order.

Rochas Okorocha, ex-governor of Imo state, says he has no problem with being probed by the new administration of Hope Uzodinma.Uzodinma had ordered that the financial status of the state from May 2010 be sent to him by the accountant-general of the state within four days. While giving his inaugural speech on Wednesday, Uzodinma also ordered all the permanent secretaries of all the ministries in the state to forward to him the status of all the contracts awarded, while halting the payment for all ongoing 

Adams Oshiomhole, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has faulted the statement of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) made against the judiciary on its verdict on Imo governorship election. According to Oshiomhole, the statement by Uche Secondus, PDP national chairman that the removal of Emeka Ihedioha as governor of Imo state by the apex court should be reviewed and reversed was reckless.

President Muhammadu Buhari says it is his hope the hands over peacefully to whoever succeeds him.

Buhari who spoke at a dinner with members of the legal team for the 2019 presidential election petition on Thursday in Abuja, also hoped for the 2023 presidential election to be conducted without hitches
More than a month after the citys public defenders announced their intent to unionize, the Defender Association of Philadelphia has offered a pathway to voluntary recognition.

The public nonprofit that runs the defenders office has proposed hosting a vote overseen by a third party, and if a majority of workers vote for the union, it will become official.

The Defender Associations proposal adds another step to the voluntary recognition process. Its not routine to do it this way, but its also not unheard of, said Valerie Braman, a labor educator at Penn State University. Some employers do ask for verification of a majority before recognizing, she said.

Paul Hetznecker, president of the 27-member board of directors, said it wanted to offer a quicker alternative to a formal National Labor Relations Board election, which occurs 30 days after the proposed union files for election. Hetznecker, a civil-rights lawyer who has defended workers, said the board had received several requests from longtime defenders for a vote.

The Defenders Union, which says a majority of the 200 defenders in the office are in favor of unionizing with the United Auto Workers, has said it will consider the request. It also filed for an NLRB election today to start the clock on the 30-day lead-up period. The election petition can be pulled at any time.

Elections tend to be preceded by a period during which employers host meetings at which they set out the implications of forming a union, which labor advocates say are aimed at discouraging the effort.

The concerns of the citys public defenders, who represent roughly 70% of all Philadelphians arrested on criminal charges or probation violations, range from "unresponsive managers and unpredictable scheduling to concerns about staff turnover, according to a WHYY report.

Public defenders around the country have spoken up about being underpaid and overworked, saying that it hurts the profession because it allows people of only a certain economic background to become public defenders.

The defenders unionization effort is part of a trend of young, mission-oriented workers deciding to form a union to bargain for stronger protections on the job  a notable development since union membership has fallen since the 1950s. Today, one in 10 Americans is a union member. In the last year, health center workers, journalists, and legislative staffers have chosen to unionize. The wave is part of a broader trend of worker activism at a time when the wages of American workers have stagnated as productivity has grown.
New Delhi: Delhi's Karkardooma court will on Saturday (January 18) pronounce judgment in 2013 Gudiya rape case. The minor was held captive and raped by two accused Manoj Kumar and Pradeep for two days at their rented accommodation in Delhi in April 2013.

Seven years ago, on April 15, 2013, the five-year-old girl was kidnapped and gangraped by her neighbour and his friend in east Delhi's Gandhi Nagar. The accused had also inserted foreign objects in her private parts leading to grievous injuries. The minor was found two days later, on April 17, the incident at the neighbour's rented accommodation in an unconscious state and was admitted to Delhi's AIIMS in a critical condition.

Delhi Police had then registered a case and slapped charges of attempt to murder and rape among other things on Manoj Kumar, who allegedly confined the girl in his room for at least two days and brutally raped her. Accused Manoj Kumar was apprehended from his in-law's village in Bihar and second accused was arrested later on.

Both accused are currently in Tihar jail.

The victim and her family were staying in the same building where the accused were residing.

The minor, who came to be known as 'Gudiya'.
Internet users across more than a dozen sub-Saharan African nations experienced slow service after two undersea cables to the continents western coast were damaged this week.

-The so-called WACS and SAT3/WASC cable systems are in the Atlantic Ocean and connect South Africa and many other African countries to Europe, according to Openserve, a unit of South Africas biggest fixed-line telecommunications provider, Telkom SA SOC Ltd. One break is near Libreville in Gabon and the other is in the vicinity of Angolas capital, Luanda, Openserve said in an emailed statement.

The cause isnt yet known and a ship is being sent from Cape Town to repair the cables, Vodacom Group Ltd., South Africas biggest mobile-network operator, said in reply to emailed questions.



At least 12 countries besides South Africa were affected to at least some degree, according to NetBlocks.org, a non-profit organization that tracks Internet shutdowns and government censorship. Other nations affected include Ghana, Ivory Coast and Cameroon. Vodacom doesnt know when the cables will be repaired.

In some countries, consumers and businesses cant send emails or make international phone calls. With parts of the cabling lying deep underwater, its unclear when full connectivity will be restored.

MTN Group Ltd., Africas biggest telecommunications provider, apologized to customers in Nigeria and Ivory Coast for slow Internet speeds and difficulties in accessing data services. The company, in newspaper advertisements and via Twitter, said the problem was beyond its control.

This situation is affecting all operators and customers in the region, a Johannesburg-based spokeswoman said in an emailed statement. MTN has already begun to restore traffic through other channels and will continue to find alternative routes of connectivity until the situation is resolved.

South Africa-based Internet Solutions, a unit of Dimension Data Holdings Plc, told customers in Ghana a major service impact had started on Thursday afternoon and it didnt know when services would be restored.

Source: bloomberg.com

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MILAN  Italian American automaker Fiat Chrysler and Taiwan's Hon Hai plan to set up a joint venture to manufacture electric vehicles and to engage in the business of wirelessly connected vehicles, Hon Hai said on Thursday.

Fiat Chrysler (FCA) and Hon Hai are negotiating to set up a 50-50 joint venture, Hon Hai said in a statement. It added Hon Hai would hold its 50% share both directly and indirectly and that its direct shareholding would not exceed 40%.

Hon Hai is the parent of Foxconn, the Chinese assembler of Apple iPhones.

FCA last month reached a binding agreement for a $50 billion tie-up with France's PSA that will create the world's No. 4 carmaker.

The joint venture with Hon Hai will produce vehicles for the Chinese market, but many details of the accord are still to be worked out, one source close to the matter said, adding that a final deal was expected to be signed in the coming months.

Foxconn has been investing heavily in a variety of future transportation ventures for several years, including Didi Chuxing, the Chinese ride services giant, and Chinese electric vehicle startups Byton and Xpeng.

Foxconn also has invested in Chinese battery giant CATL and a variety of other mostly Chinese transportation tech start-ups.

FCA will launch its first full-electric model - the 500 small car - this year.

Reporting by Giulio Piovaccari in Milan, additional reporting by Paul Lienert in Detroit.

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- Education CS George Magoha has appointed Prof Isaac Mbeche to act as the new UoN VC

- The CS said more consultations would be done to ensure a substantive VC is in place

- The UoN Council had declined to renew Peter Mbithi's term as VC in July 2019 and had named Prof Stephen Kiama as the institution's head on Sunday, January 5

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has dissolved the entire University of Nairobi Council.

The tough-talking CS also revoked the appointment of Prof Stephen Gitahi Kiama as the institution's vice chancellor pending further consultations.

READ ALSO: ODM distances itself from Babu Owino's shooting fiasco

Education CS George Magoha has dissolved the entire UoN council and revoked the appointment of Prof Stephen Kiam as the vice chancellor.

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Video capturing MP Babu Owino shooting DJ emerges

The changes were announced on Friday, January 17.

The technocrat appointed deputy VC (finance, planning and development) Prof Isaac Mbeche to act as the new VC until the process of appointing a substantive head is completed.

Magoha said Kiama would revert back to his earlier role as the university's deputy vice chancellor human resource and administration.

Prof Stephen Gitahi Kiama would continue dispensing his duties as deputy VC human resource and administration at the UoN.

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Jaji mstaafu Daniel Aganyanya aaga dunia baada ya kukumbana na mshtuko wa moyo

Prof Kiama had been appointed as the substantive VC by the then Chair of the UON council Julia Ojiambo in a letter dated Sunday, January 5 to replace outgoing VC Peter Mbithi.

His appointment came after after a successful completion of the recruitment process by the Public Service Commission.

The UoN Council had declined to renew Peter Mbithi's term as VC in July 2019.

Mbeche had been picked to replace him in an acting capacity and had been serving before Kiama's appointment.

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.

Babu Owino shoots a DJ at B-Club : Kenyans react | Tuko TV

Source: TUKO.co.ke
Just like IRCTC which pays compensation for delays in its Tejas trains, railways' freight customers could soon be compensated for late arrival of their goods, Railway minister Piyush Goyal indicated on Saturday, demanding a commitment of timely delivery.

Speaking at the foundation day of the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited, Goyal said it should make a commitment to its customers with a timetable for its freight trains.

"Just like the Tejas trains have done in Delhi-Lucknow and Mumbai-Ahmedabad, we should be willing to give a commitment of timely delivery, penalising ourselves if we are delayed and insist on incentives if we do a good job.

"Let's work on an incentive, penalty model even for our customers. I would urge the Railway Board to discuss this even on a more regular basis even with our existing freight traffic. Currently, freight is getting a very stepmotherly treatment," Goyal said.

ALSO READ: Ahmedabad-Mumbai Tejas Express flagged off; check fares; timing and route details

For the first time in railways, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has devised a plan whereby it pays a compensation of Rs 100 incase its Tejas train during its run is delayed by more than an hour and Rs 250 incase of a delay of more than two hours to every passenger.

Goyal also said the Indian Railways should utilise the experience of DFCCIL EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) expertise for future IR projects.

He also said the railways should have a separate track for freight and for passengers for faster movement and run freight trains in convoys for maximum utilisation of the path and increasing the average speed of the freight trains.

The minister congratulated team DFCCIL for completing 500 km and exhorted them to achieve the goal of 991 km by March 2020.

"DFC has the impact to transform railway sector," he said.

MUST WATCH: Ahmedabad-Mumbai Tejas Express: All you need to know
COMPARED to Guantanamo Bay by residents and condemned by charities, the controversial Mount Trenchard Direct Provision Centre is to shut its doors for good at the end of this month.

The centre is located about 5km outside of Foynes. Numerous sources, including a senior government source, confirmed the news to the Limerick Leader last week.

It is believed that 16 of the residents have already been transferred to a Direct Provision Centre in Ennis, with Mount Trenchard expected to close down fully in the coming weeks. One resident, who spoke to the Limerick Leader, expressed their delight at the move to the centre in Ennis.

Its good because we will be in a town centre with buses to everywhere. The place is nice and we will be able to cook for ourselves. In Mount Trenchards, the living arrangements and transport was very bad.

The news of the centre's imminent closure comes a month after Doras, non-profit organisation in Limerick, called for the facility's closure. Findings by the non-profit organisation detail residents experiences with schizophrenia, alcohol and drug abuse as well as self-harm "to escape reality" in the male-only centre which has been operating since 2005.

Speaking to Doras, one resident allegedly said: If you dont have a hobby you will cry at night. Theres a period, in Mount Trenchard, its like a joke, like first three months you are smiling, after three months you are begging to be let out.

A spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Equality said: The contract with the service provider for Mount Trenchard ends in February. The Department will not be renewing the contract and will be re-accommodating all remaining residents in some of our other centres in the coming weeks.

Doras has welcomed the planned closure of Mount Trenchard. The organisation has been highlighting what they say are inhumane conditions in the direct provision centre, and after six years of calling for its closure, they are relieved this is finally going to happen.

It is regrettable that it has taken so long for this to happen. So many people have suffered in Mount Trenchard, both mentally and psychologically while the Department of Justice did nothing, said Doras director John Lannon.

We hope the Department of Justice recognises the need to not only ensure that conditions in all Direct Provision and Emergency Accommodation Centres meet the minimum standards as soon as possible, but to prioritise the replacement of the for-profit, broken system of Direct Provision with a not-for-profit system which ensures that the human rights of International Protection Applicants are upheld at all times.
Ali Demirbag: A post-Brexit visa regime must encourage the brightest and the best to travel to the UK on business

Dr Ali Demirbag is the Chairman of the Association of Turkish Speaking Health Professionals in the UK.

In its attempts to define a new vision for the British economy, the signals coming from Boris Johnsons government are encouraging. It is reigniting the Northern Powerhouse and focusing on growth in former Labour-voting areas that switched to the Conservatives.

But with 65 billion earned in foreign direct investment last year, its clear we must do everything we can facilitate international business deals to keep the British economy moving and growing. But maintaining the status quo in the UK business visa system risks undermining Boriss vision of Britain open for business. The UK business visa system is too expensive and too burdensome. Home Office rules are driving entrepreneurs and business leaders into the arms of our international competitors like France and Germany, with the untold millions they would otherwise have invested right here in the UK.

Face to face contact remains a vitally important part of business for entrepreneurs. But I have seen first-hand countless foreign business leaders  who really want to invest millions into the British economy  driven away time and again by the countless hoops they have to jump, the forms they have to fill and the eye-watering fees they have to pay. In the end, they are often turned down by the Home Office for the most baffling of reasons.

Britain has shown leadership in the past on visa and immigration reform, evident from its constructive cooperation with my native Turkey. The UK is the only European country to fully implement the Ankara Agreement, which encouraged Turkish nationals who set-up businesses in the UK. But in recent years, the government has backtracked and tightened restrictions.

This approach makes little sense because Turkey is rapidly climbing up the ranks to become one of Britains biggest export markets. It is a very large non-EU market within close proximity, endowed with an economy growing about twice as fast as the EU. It is a natural economic and commercial partner for post-Brexit Britain.

The UK is the most attractive investment destination for the Turkish business world, according to data from the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEiK). Britain saw an increase in its share of Turkeys growing outward investments last year, which at $6 billion, bucked global downward trends. There is plenty of scope to encourage more bilateral investment with Turkey through visa reform, as there will be with other countries post-Brexit.

While immigration was a key concern for British voters, politicians and policy makers must differentiate the need to control long-term immigration with the economic imperative of allowing business leaders and entrepreneurs to more freely visit the UK, so that they can invest and secure opportunities in partnership with British companies.

A post-Brexit visa regime must allow  even encourage  the brightest and the best from all over the world to travel more freely to the UK on business. This will ensure we have the right investment and the very best talent pool to serve our industries and public services.

The Home Office replaced the discontinued Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa with a new Innovator Visa in April. Yet in its first three months, only two people received this new class of visa out of only a handful of applicants. Meanwhile, in the third quester of this year, just 49 Tier-1 Investor Visas were handed out  thats a 60 per cent drop from the previous quarter.

The Innovator Visa has been criticised for being too restrictive, with the Home Office drawing up tighter conditions than for its predecessor. For the Investor Visa, immigration advisors argue that too little information about the changes introduced in April has filtered down to the wider community of international investors.

Both these issues could be addressed easily by the Government and would boost confidence in the UKs appetite for attracting the skills and capital it needs to grow its post-Brexit economy.

Britain could even take a leaf out of the EUs book, with a Schengen Visa system that is significantly more business-friendly than that of the UKs. French President Emmanuel Macrons new and highly flexible Tech Visa has made his country attractive for entrepreneurial talent, with the tech sector of Paris drawing talent and cash away from London.

The UKs existing visa regime creates massive disadvantages for UK entities, especially in comparison to their European counterparts. This is especially true for those who in the exhibition or training sectors, so vital to Britains increasingly knowledge and data-driven economy.

If the Government brings back its Immigration Bill, it should ensure the provision of a new category of Business Event Visa or Seminar Visa, with a swift and smooth online process where host businesses take responsibility for much of the needed administration, such as insurance.

This will allow global businesspeople and entrepreneurs, as well as professionals from the fields of medicine, law or engineering, to visit the UK more freely to attend events and  crucially  invest in our economy.

This will be vital in turbo-charging the British economy for the 2020s.
Pippa Taylor, radio show producer for the Chris Moyles show, attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Eventim Apollo in London on Jan. 17, 2020. (NTD Television)

LONDONThe curtain rose in London on Shen Yun Performing Arts for the first time this season and metropolitan guests from many sectors found the classical Chinese dance performance to be phenomenal. On Jan. 17, 2020, New York-based Shen Yun opened a series of nearly a dozen performances at the Hammersmith Apollo, all of which are sold out or almost sold out.

Media Producer Moved to Tears by Shen Yun

Pippa Taylor is the producer and co-presenter of the Chris Moyles Show on Radio X. She loved Shen Yuns artistry, stories, and emotions.

Oh, I mean its absolutely spectacular! And its absolutely beautiful. Very colourful. Everything is a real feast for the eyes. We love it, its great! Taylor said.

The radio personality said tears came to her eyes on a few occasions while watching Shen Yun.

The performers, theyve got such an array of talent. So theyre not just dancers. Theyre actors, theyre acrobats, theyre so expressive. Theres lots of feelings involved, and that comes across. And thats a real talent to be able to do that. I actually got a little bit teary at one point, just like, yeah a little bit, something got caught in my eye, Taylor said with a laugh.

I get quite emotional sometimes at the spectacle of it all and how gorgeous all the dancers are. Theyre so dainty and they move so fluid. They move like water along the stage and its so lovely to watch. So elegant. So flexible!

Tears came to her eyes again during the piece titled Abetting the Wicked, about two brothers in modern-day China who find themselves enmeshed in a brutal persecution.

You really feel it. And its only really in such a short space of time they manage to get across such intricate detail and emotion. Its really powerful, Taylor said.

Abetting the Wicked depicts real events now happening in China that have cost innocent people their lives: the Chinese Communist Party is leveling violent repression against people of faith, especially followers of Falun Dafa, an ancient meditation practice that teaches truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance.

You cant help but get swept up with it all. It makes me want to learn to dance myself. Im thinking how can I make myself more like them! Maybe Ill take up some Chinese dance classes, she added.

Shen Yuns mission is to revive Chinas 5,000-year history of art forms and spiritual culture. Taylor appreciated the spirituality and Shen Yuns interpretation on stage.

I think it brings more awareness and more, kind of light and grace and elegance and faith. It kind of brings all that pureness. You get so caught up in your busy lives and it just kind of brings an air of grace to everyone in the audience. So I think everyone is going to leave feeling empowered and at peace maybe when they go. Its a lovely experience. Were loving it.

Taylor encouraged everyone to try to see Shen Yun and said she would like to post about it on Instagram. I think just a real powerful, moving, colorful, spectacular performance. Youll have never seen anything like it. Its something extraordinary. Ill recommend it. Definitely.

Councillor Dylan Brown, Mayor of London Borough Hammersmith & Fulham, attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Eventim Apollo on Jan. 17, 2020. (NTDTV)

Mayor of London borough very happy to be here tonight at Shen Yun

Mesmerizing is how Councillor Daryl Brown, the Mayor of the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, described the evenings Shen Yun performance.

The performance was out of this world. It was mesmerizing. Ive never seen such color, such beauty, and perfection. Id recommend anyone to come to the show, Brown said, adding that she agrees with the widely-held view that Shen Yun is world-renowned, and for good reason: very high standard.

I absolutely adored to the screen behind the dancers. It was magical, thats all that I can say. Absolutely could not enjoy the evening any more than I did. So I thank you very much.

Stepping back into time is not something that we see every day here. And experiencing the Chinese culture was new to me. So I really enjoyed it. It was stunning. Very exciting, Brown said.

Shen Yuns patented digital backdrop stood out to Mayor Brown the most, she said, but also the perfection of the dancing, the humor, the beauty, everything. And this storytelling was rather perfect. Easy to follow, to be honest.

Its very inspiring and its very spiritual. And I noticed the word God upon the screen. I thought that was rather nice and rather unusual. To be honest. I dont see that often. So I thought that was very special. Everything was magical. It brought feelings out of me that I havent been in touch with for a long time. So I thought that was really nice, for I felt very relaxed. I felt very relaxed there. And I feeling Im walking away with something. So thats probably a gift. Im receiving a spiritual gift. So Im going to share with others, I think. Im just in a very good mood, Brown said.

Shen Yun is comprised of seven touring groups that travel the world each year, sharing authentic Chinese art forms and culture that was once lost.

It most certainly brings us in touch with the Chinese culture, which is very important. Weve got quite a large Chinese culture, community, I should say, in Hammersmith & Fulham, and all of a sudden, I see it. So its brought the culture here and its exposing us to something that we actually dont see too often. So, very happy to be here tonight, she added.

Neil Riddington, head of claims at a Lloyds of London underwriter, attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Eventim Apollo on Jan. 17, 2020. (Xiao Min/The Epoch Times)

Department Head Impressed With How Much He Learned About China in Shen Yun

Lloyds of London has been operating out of Britains capital for 325 years. Tonight, the Head of Claims for one of its underwriters attended Shen Yun and applauded the groups effort to bring true Chinese culture to the world.

Its very colorful. Quite a lot of emotion. Great movement. Wonderful colors, said Neil Riddington, who works for Atrium.

Many, including Riddington, tout Shen Yuns educational aspect and enjoy reading about topics they hadnt learned about before by reading the program and hearing from the emcees.

All of the dances are put into perspective, in terms of the culture and the place, and everything else, it was very informative in that respect, Riddington said.

Riddington gleaned insights into modern China that evening as well as the countrys ancient dynasties.

And not knowing a great deal about the company, its interesting to see the context on how and where its emerged from, he added, referring to Shen Yuns station in the United States, where the artists found artistic freedom to pursue their crafts and revive traditional Chinese culture. They cannot perform in China today due to the persecution against traditions, including the spiritual discipline they practice, Falun Dafa.

Exactly how varied the culture is and how deep the culture is and how you can never presume on one level that you understand, anything about the culture eitherso ancient and so rich, Riddington said, about China.

Theres the depth of the faith as well, which is interesting, he added.

In addition, Shen Yuns unique orchestra that blends Eastern and Western traditions stood out to Riddington, who didnt realize he would be hearing the orchestra live.

Oh, theyre good; theyre very good, he said. Theyre very capable, and its all live music, which makes a difference to the performance.

With reporting by NTD Television, Xiao Min, 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.
Locals have called for a shut-down at the temple town of Shirdi in Maharashtra on Sunday over a controversy over the birthplace of Sai Baba, the 19th century spiritual figure.

However, the famous Sai Baba temple in the town will remain open, its trustees said on Saturday.

The temple attracts lakhs of devotees from all over India every year.

Controversy erupted after Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray announced a grant of Rs 100 crore for development of facilities at "Sai janmasthan" (birthplace) at Pathri in Parbhani district.

Pathri is considered to be the birthplace of Sai Baba by some devotees.

But residents of Shirdi claimed that the exact birthplace of the famed saint was not known.

Deepak Mugalikar, chief executive officer of the Shree Sai Baba Sansthan Trust at Shirdi, said the temple will remain open despite the bandh call.

Local Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil said he supported the call for shut-down given by the local people.

"The chief minister should withdraw his statement that Pathri was Sai Baba's birthplace," he demanded.

"Pathri only has one of several Sai temples in the country. All Sai devotees are feeling hurt, so this controversy should be ended," the former state minister said.

Congress leader and former chief minister Ashok Chavan had said on Friday that creation of facilities for devotees at Pathri should not be opposed over the controversy over birthplace.
The Pope expresses his appreciation for the voluntary work fishers from the Marche region of Italy are doing to rid the seabed of plastic. He also urges them to hold firm to their Christian values.

By Lydia OKane

Greeting the fishers from San Benedetto del Tronto in the Marche region of Italy, Pope Francis had words of encouragement for those gathered, urging them not to lose hope in the face of inconveniences and uncertainties which they face in their work.

Passion and sacrifice

You sail along the Marche coast, he said, in good and bad weather to take from the sea what is necessary to live, with so much passion, so many sacrifices and even some danger. And your loved ones share the difficulties and the precariousness that this kind of life of yours involves.

The Pope noted that fishers can sometimes feel tempted by the desire for a safe job on land. Yet, he added, those born of the sea cannot eradicate the sea from their hearts.

The Pontiff also pointed out that their often risky and hard work needs to be valued, supporting your rights and your legitimate aspirations.

Fishing for Plastic

During his address, Pope Francis expressed his particular appreciation for the voluntary work they are doing to rid the seabed of plastic.

He described this initiative as very important, both for the large amount of waste, especially plastic waste that has been recovered and hailed the fact that it is already becoming a model in other areas of Italy and abroad.

The Pope went on to say that operation Fishing for Plastic is an example of how local civil society can and must contribute to tackling issues of global importance.

Fishers and the Gospel

Pope Francis described how Jesus' first disciples were their colleagues, and the Pontiff invited them "to follow him just like they were setting up their nets on the shore of the Lake of Galilee.

I like to think that even today, those of you who are Christians feel the spiritual presence of the Lord beside you, he said.

Concluding his address, the Pope urged the fishers present not to lose their Christian values which are found in helping one another and helping those in need.
The state Board of Funeral Directors suspended the license of a Lancaster County funeral director accused of several violations, including keeping an unembalmed body unrefrigerated for three days.

The State Board of Funeral Directors suspended the license of Andrew T. Scheid and the establishment licenses for his facilities in Lancaster city and Manor Township. He has to surrender his wall certificates, biennial renewal certificates, and wallet cards.

The order was issued on Thursday.

The suspension came days after the Lancaster County Coroners Office picked up several bodies from Scheids funeral home near Millersville.

Scheid is accused by the Pennsylvania Department of State of keeping an unembalmed body unrefrigerated for three days and not returning cremated remains to families. A Department of State prosecutor detailed 10 instances against the Andrew T. Scheid Funeral Home in a 51-page document filed in December before the State Board of Funeral Directors.

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Chief Justice of India Sharad Bobde on Saturday said that citizenship was not only about people's rights, but also about their duties towards the society.

IMAGE: Chief Justice of India Sharad Bobde addresses during an event in Nagpur. Photograph: ANI Photo

Speaking at the 107th convocation of the Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University in Nagpur, he lamented that some educational institutes have become "extremely commercially-minded" and said developing intelligence and character was the true goal of education.

"Today, education is proliferating. Unfortunately there are some institutes, I am not talking about universities, which have become extremely commercially-minded. I say this from my personal knowledge of certain institutes which profess to teach law," he said.

"The most important question we should address is what is the purpose of university education. Universities are not about brick and mortar certainly. Universities aren't supposed to function like assembly line of a production unit," the CJI said.

"It is also very important to emphasise that university degrees are not end in themselves, but are means to an end. Most importantly, the idea of university reflects what we want to achieve as a society. Universities should re-orient themselves and ensure that they stay true to the compass and march on towards the basic goal of the society, which undoubtedly changes at different times," he added.

On education, the CJI said, "Closely connected with idea of education is the idea of discipline and I understand that there is a growing resentment in some areas about the idea of discipline. But the word discipline does not mean what it has come to mean today.

"Discipline comes from the word disciple and the word disciple comes from learning. It is the state of mind in which one can learn endlessly any subject. Education is the state of mind for disciples and that state of mind is discipline," he said.

"Martin Luther (King Jr) is again somebody who was concerned with discipline and indiscipline as we know it. He said something very insightful. He said the function of education is to teach one to think intensively and critically. Intelligenceplus character- that is the true goal of education," Bobde said.

Research and thinking are important and must be undertaken in the ultimate analysis, he said, adding, "It is equally important, if not more, for the graduating students to realise what is expected from them by the society. It must be realised that in the society, interdependence is as important as independence."

"A university degree gives tools to chisel one's future. What one carves out through the help of these tools is the choice and wisdom of the craftsmen. Tools don't chisel on their own, one needs to be guided by moral compass that resides within.

"You all have a responsibility to be an active citizen too and citizenship isn't only about rights but it is equally about duties towards society," the CJI said.

"What you are today is of course the outcome of your rigour, but it is important to realise that you also reap benefits what helped you was created by others. Therefore, we can't remain oblivious to the well-being of others," said CJI Bobde.

Calling the RTMNU his alma mater, he said, "It is now that one realises the true meaning of why it is called an alma mater. University is indeed like a mother. It nourishes its children with knowledge, skills and protects them throughout their lives," he said.


A small island in Bangladesh is ready to house 100,000 Rohingya refugees, government officials announced Thursday.

No date has been set to begin moving people from crowded refugee camps along the countrys border with Myanmar, also known as Burma.

The island, named Bhasan Char, is in the Bay of Bengal, about 60 kilometers off the coast from the mainland. It was often flooded during monsoon seasons. It resurfaced only 20 years ago and has never been lived on.

Mahbub Alam Talukder is the head of Bangladeshs refugee, relief and repatriation efforts. He told The Associated Press, Bhasan Char is ready for habitation. Everything has been put in place.

Bhasan Char is equipped with flood protection equipment, housing, hospitals and Islamic religious centers, officials say.

The island is equipped to hold 100,000 people. That is a small percentage of the one million Rohingya Muslims who have fled violence in Myanmar, which has a large Buddhist population.

About 700,000 people came after August of 2017. That is when Myanmars military launched a harsh campaign against the Rohingya. Military officials said it was in answer to an earlier attack by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army.

Human rights groups and the United Nations called the campaign ethnic cleansing involving rapes and killings.

One reporters visit to the island

Foreign media have not yet been permitted to visit the fully equipped Bhasan Char. But Bangladeshi reporter Saleh Noman was recently able to visit the island. He described what he saw.

I saw a market with about 10 grocery shops and roadside tea stalls. Some were selling fish and vegetables, he said. All is set there with a solar power system and water supply lines.

The Bangladesh navy has been taking steps to protect the island, which was underwater for months during monsoon seasons.

But many international aid agencies and UN officials have strongly opposed the plan since it was first proposed in 2015. They fear that a big storm could put the island -- and those living on it -- at great risk.

Mostofa Mohamamd Sazzad Hossain is a spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Bangladesh. He said Thursday that the agency is not ready to support plans to move the refugees. He added that the agency is waiting for a chance to visit the island.

Where to go

The current refugee camps are near the coastal town of Coxs Bazar. They are overcrowded and dirty. Disease and organized crime are problems there. Education is limited and refugees are not permitted to work.

Yet most Rohingya have expressed an unwillingness to return to Myanmar because of safety concerns. Government officials do not have an estimate of how many refugees would be willing to move to the island.

On Thursday, two Bangladeshi workers involved with development of the island described its infrastructure as modern and of good quality. They spoke to the AP on condition that their names not be used because they did not have permission to talk to the media.

Bangladeshi villages have never seen such good work, one worker said. He added, We constructed raised concrete buildings that could be used as cyclone shelters. Many trees have been planted.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has told the U.N. and other international partners that her administration will speak with them before making a final decision on the relocation. She has also said that no refugees will be forced to move to the island.

In November, Bangladesh attempted to start sending refugees back to Myanmar, but no one was willing to go.

The Rohingya are not recognized as citizens in Myanmar, leaving them stateless. They face many other forms of discrimination.

In 2018, a UN-supported investigation proposed charging Myanmars top military commanders with genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity for the violence against the Rohinya.

Myanmar is now facing the International Court of Justice in The Hague after the African nation of Gambia brought a case against the country.

Im Ashley Thompson.

The Associated Press reported this story. Ashley Thompson adapted it for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

monsoon - n. a wind in the Indian Ocean and southern Asia that brings heavy rains in the summer

repatriation - n. the act of returning (someone) to his or her own country

habitation - n. the act of living in a place

shop - n. a building or room where goods and services are sold

stall - n. a small open counter or partially enclosed structure where things are displayed for sale

solar - adj. produced by or using the sun's light or heat

infrastructure - n. the basic equipment and structures (such as roads and bridges) that are needed for a country, region, or organization to function well

construct - v. to build or make (something physical, such as a road, bridge, or building)

cyclone - n. an extremely large, powerful, and destructive storm with very high winds that turn around an area of low pressure
For a whiff of who's doing your news, take a gander at this idiocy from a vaunted member of the bluecheck-American community:

This @target manager Tori is not honoring the price of their items per massachusetts law pic.twitter.com/7IYMjCcutZ  David Leavitt (@David_Leavitt) January 17, 2020

I just had to call the police because @target Refused to sell me the toothbrush  David Leavitt (@David_Leavitt) January 17, 2020

I did not call 911. I called the business number for the police and told them it was not an emergency and they could take their time and explained the situation.  David Leavitt (@David_Leavitt) January 17, 2020

The police verified @target displayed the price of toothbrush for $0.01 The store manager Tori refused to sell me the toothbrush for displayed price. The police said I need to sue them and that they are making me a verified report take to court @BBBConnection @AskTarget  David Leavitt (@David_Leavitt) January 17, 2020

Corporations like @target are not above the law. The police officer told me theyd testify that they saw the price and that the manager wouldnt sell me the item for the price listed.  David Leavitt (@David_Leavitt) January 17, 2020

I have not been able to afford to go to a dentist in over three years. So yes I wanted a good toothbrush and was thrilled to see such an amazing prize on an @OralB but @target refused to honor it and now I have to take them to court  David Leavitt (@David_Leavitt) January 17, 2020

Apparently, he mistook an inventory tag set up as a placeholder for an advertised price tag of $0.01 and intended to compel Target and its lowly manager to give him the $89.99 toothbrush for pretty much free. When he didn't get what he wanted, he doxxed the manager on his big-follower Twitter account and called the police, even though it's since been pointed out that he didn't even have the law on his side in his utterly unreasonable demand.

As they say, "journalism."

It went over like a lead balloon on Twitter:

It's a crowded field, but you've won dick of the week on twitter, you utter creep.  thebradfordfile (@thebradfordfile) January 17, 2020

...and word spread fast with headlines like this, this, and this:

Justice for 'Target Tori' After Reporter Trolls Store Manager on Twitter

Man Gets Dragged After He Admits to Calling Police Over Mispriced Toothbrush at Target

Twitchy has plenty here.

It wasn't just tweets, either; people put their money where their mouths were, shelling out $13,500 at last count on a $5,000 GoFundMe page set up on her behalf a mere 12 hours ago. The logic of it was to buy this Target employee a vacation to compensate her for the sheer hideousness of Leavitt's behavior.

What did we see here, really? This clown, who has a blue check by his name, puffs himself as an "award-winning" multi-media journalist (notice that photo composition, painstakingly put together on his first tweet) who's worked for bluecheck media names like CBS and Yahoo!, and has 215,000 Twitter followers, tried to pull rank on this lowly Target employee, using his power to fire her for not selling him an $89.99 toothbrush for one cent. That kind of nuclear tantrum comes off as extortionary, actually, and like a very bad customer, he seems to think Target will bend as a lot of them do just to get him out of there. Or else. They shouldn't, and the manager was right to tell him no. Yet he's so self-unaware that he actually believed that the public would rally around him and his toothbrush needs.

It's hardly the first instance of such behavior. The bluecheck class seems to view itself well above ordinary Americans and expects even retailers to bow to them no matter how ridiculous their demands. I've heard the worst stories about big-name bluechecks and their behavior around hotel accommodations, for one. Leavitt's tantrum is redolent of the "Dear Diary" whining of CNN blowhard Jim Acosta, who went into a meltdown when he was rebuked for interrupting others at a White House press conference and then later complained that nobody was buying his book and President Trump refused to call on him at press conferences, depriving him of his moment in the spotlight. So much for journalism, once upon a time, being about the public interest. With bluechecks like these, anything deemed public interest is about private interest, personal ailments, and big wounded egos.

Any questions as to why the public despises the press?

Apparently, this kind of behavior is legion. And it's repelling the public. It's almost as if a watershed has been hit with this one. The bluecheck privilege thing is out of control.

Leavitt also is one hell of a prevaricator and hypocrite, a pretty unseemly thing for someone whose purported job is to report the truth. In response to his "too much information" about his dental care, this came up.

The material is very, very rich on this guy, who apparently has a long history of using his bluecheck status to extract concessions from retailers using his big Twitter megaphone following as leverage. Maybe it's time to take away the blue checks.

Image credit: Twitter screen shot.
ABC/Lorenzo BevilaquaMichelle Obama kicked off her 56th birthday Friday with a sweet message from her husband, former President Barack Obama.

"In every scene, you are my star," Obama wrote to his wife on Twitter. "Happy birthday, baby!"

Along with the message, Barack Obama shared a series of four photos of the happy couple -- married for nearly 30 years -- posing in each other's arms.

Michelle Obama is celebrating her 56th birthday one month after being named the most admired woman in the world for the second year in a row in a Gallup poll.

The former first lady, a mom of two, is also gearing up for the Grammy Awards later this month. She's nominated in the best spoken word category for the audio version of her best-selling memoir, Becoming.

The bestselling book turned into a world tour for Obama, with stops in major arenas around the globe. Michelle Obama was interviewed by high-profile women including Sarah Jessica Parker, Reese Witherspoon and Oprah Winfrey.

Last month, Michelle Obama released a guided journal that's meant to accompany her memoir.

In writing Becoming, Michelle Obama said she hoped to inspire the next generation to become whomever they aspire to be.

I think that young people are the future, she told Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts in 2018, ahead of the book's release.

And if my story, my journey somehow gives them hope -- that they can build a powerful journey for themselves and that they can own their voice and share their story, that that's part of what makes us great," she continued. "If I played a role in that for some young people comin' down the line, then ... I'll feel good about it."

Copyright  2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Little Sisters Ask Supreme Court for Exemption From HHS Mandate That 'Would Make Them Morally Complicit in Grave Sin'

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An order of nuns has filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court in an effort to seek exemption from having to conform to the rules of the federal government's birth control mandate accommodation for para-church groups.

The Little Sisters of the Poor filed the request for relief from the Health and Human Services mandate Thursday after the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled against them.

"The Little Sisters of the Poor are Catholic nuns who devote their lives to caring for the elderly poor. The government has put them to the impossible choice of either violating the law or violating the faith upon which their lives and ministry are based," reads the appeal.

"HHS insists that the Little Sisters must comply with a mandate that their employee healthcare plans 'provide coverage' for free contraceptives. Although there is no dispute that the Little Sisters sincerely believe that all the available compliance methods would make them morally complicit in grave sin, HHS refuses to give them the exemption it has given other religious employers, and instead requires them to comply ."

In September 2013, the Little Sisters of the Poor filed a suit against HHS over its controversial "preventive services" mandate.

Although the mandate exempts houses of worship automatically under the "religious employers" category, the Little Sisters did not receive an automatic exemption, but received what the Obama administration refers to as an "accommodation."

Under the accommodation, the Little Sisters are not required to cover birth control in their health insurance, but they are required to certify that they seek the accommodation, which allows employees to get the coverage indirectly. That certification, the Little Sisters say, makes them complicit in sin. Additionally, the Little Sisters argue that religious freedom is not just for churches, so they should receive the same exemption given to churches.

In January, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor granted the Little Sisters a temporary injunction protecting them from the demands of the accommodation as their case continued.

The Little Sisters were represented by the Washington, D.C.-based Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, a legal firm that has overseen dozens of lawsuits against the HHS mandate.

Last December, the Tenth Circuit heard oral arguments in the Little Sisters' lawsuit and in July ruled against the nuns.

Supporters of the mandate, including Americans United for Separation of Church and State, celebrated the circuit court's decision.

"Many of the employees who work at the Little Sisters' nursing homes are not nuns. We don't know how many of those employees want or need access to contraceptives, but not a single nun is being forced to pay for those medications under the Affordable Care Act," wrote Simon Brown of Americans United.

"So in reality, the government is not forcing nuns to buy medications to which they object. Whatever health care decisions those employees make has no effect whatsoever on the nuns' ability to practice their religion."

Regarding the appeal to the Supreme Court, Becket Fund Senior Counsel Mark Rienzi expressed optimism in a statement released Thursday.

"The government has lost every single time they have made these arguments before the Supreme Court  including last year's landmark Hobby Lobby case. One would think they would get the message and stop pressuring the Sisters," stated Rienzi.

"The government is willing to exempt big companies like Exxon, Chevron, and Pepsi Bottling, but it won't leave the Little Sisters alone."
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 19:07:20|Editor: zyl

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Afghan national army soldiers take part in their graduation ceremony in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Jan. 18, 2020. More than 500 newly graduated officers and soldiers joined the Afghan national army in southern region, an army source said on Saturday. (Photo by Arghand/Xinhua)



KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- More than 500 newly graduated officers and soldiers joined the Afghan national army in southern region, an army source said on Saturday.

"A total of 551 military officers and soldiers received their certificates during a graduation ceremony held in Afghan National Army (ANA) 205 Attal Corps on Saturday morning," Rasoul Zazai from army's 205 Attal Corps told Xinhua.

The graduates, who would be deployed to the southern provinces, have received four-month training at the Corps' training center in Kandahar, he said.

The graduation will boost the capacity of the Afghan army, enable the security forces to contain subversive activities and provide security across the country, Zazai noted.

Afghan National Defense and Security Forces remain in control of most of the country's population centers and all of 34 provincial capitals, while Taliban insurgents control large portions of rural areas.
The return of the Boeing 737 MAX may be delayed even longer.

The jetliner blamed in two deadly crashes that killed 346 people was discovered to have had a glitch in flight computer software that was rewritten after the tragedies, sources have told ABC News.

Two separate flight control computers were discovered not communicating on startup as expected during an audit meeting with regulators last weekend, the news outlet reports.

Sources say the Boeing 737 MAX jetliner, blamed in two deadly crashes that killed 346 people, was discovered to have had a glitch in flight computer software that was rewritten after the tragedies. Pictured: Employees at work on a MAX at the Boeing's Renton, Washington, factory

Flight control computers on the MAX were not communicating on startup as expected during an audit meeting with regulators last weekend, leaving it uncertain when the plane will fly. Boeing 737 Max fuselages are seen at the company's Renton, Washington, plant last week

Dozens of grounded Boeing 737 MAX aircraft are seen parked in an aerial photo at Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington

When the sources revealed the setback to ABC News, Boeing said it was unable to say whether a fix would take days or weeks.

A spokesman for the air manufacturer did not immediately respond when DailyMail.com reached out Friday.

American, United and Southwest airlines had to cancel flights for the holidays, including over Christmas and into the new year, because the FAA has not yet given safety approval to the MAX.

All three air carriers now say they do not plan to have MAX flights back on the schedule until June.

The model was grounded following two deadly crashes that happened only five months apart.

The first disaster happened in October 2018 in Indonesia, when a MAX flying as Lion Air flight JT 610 fell into the Java Sea 15 minutes after taking off from Jakarta.

All 189 aboard the plane died, including 180 Indonesians, one Italian and one Indian.

The second crash occurred in March when Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 302, which also was a MAX jet, took off from Bole International Airport in the Ethiopian capital and crashed.

A woman, whose husband was on Lion Air flight JT610, cries as she holds their son after a news conference about the recovery process at a hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia, November 5

Investigators with the US National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) look over debris at the crash site of Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 302 on March 12, 2019 in Bishoftu, Ethiopia

It was revealed earlier this month that Boeing also is reviewing a wiring issue that could potentially spark a short circuit on the MAX causing the aircraft to crash.

An internal audit in December ordered up by the US Federal Aviation Administration after the two fatal crashes found that two wiring bundles, if placed too closely together, could short circuit leading to tail control problems on the jetliner, and possibly lead to a crash if pilots don't know how to respond correctly.

Boeing was looking at whether the short circuit would actually happen in flight, and if so, would need to separate the wiring on about 800 MAX jets that already have been built.

The latest news about the software issues puts the MAX's return into even further uncertainty.

The latest news about the software issues puts the MAX's return into even further uncertainty. Pictured: Airplane fuselages bound for Boeing's 737 Max production facility sit in storage at their top supplier in Wichita, Kansas, in December

A 737 MAX production line inside the Boeing factory is pictured on December 16, 2019 in Renton, Washington, last December

The FAA will ultimately have the final say on when the MAX an fly again. The federal agency did not comment directly on the latest issue to arise on the problem-plagued plane, Bloomberg reports.

'We are making necessary updates and working with the FAA on submission of this change, and keeping our customers and suppliers informed,' Boeing said in a statement to ABC News.

'Our highest priority is ensuring the 737 MAX is safe and meets all regulatory requirements before it returns to service.'

The MAX's troubles are costing the aircraft manufacturer billions in losses.

Southwest said last month it reached a confidential compensation agreement with Boeing for a portion of a projected $830million hit to 2019 operating income arising from the grounding of its 737 MAX aircraft and said it would share with its employees proceeds of about $125million from Boeing.

The grounding is already having significant economic impacts. Boeing is halting production of the MAX this month and its biggest supplier, Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, said last week it plans to lay off more than 20 per cent of its workforce in Wichita, Kansas.
Iran decries certain countries' political abuse of Ukraine plane crash

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2020 10:40 AM

Iran's Foreign Ministry has decried the "abuse" of Iran's accidental downing of Ukraine plane by some countries who pursue certain "political plots" against Iran.

"We urge all sides to not abuse humanitarian issues - specifically this tragic incident - in a bid to make political gestures and pursue their political dreams," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Friday.

"For the sake of the mourning families, allow procedures to continue as they currently are in a natural matter, far from diversions," he added.

The Ukrainian plane, en route to Kiev and carrying mostly Iranian passengers, crashed minutes after take-off near the capital Tehran on January 8, killing all 176 on board.

Among the victims were also citizens from Canada, Ukraine, Sweden, Afghanistan and the United Kingdom.

Despite attributing the crash to technical failure in initial assessments, Iran ultimately said that the plane had been brought down by a missile fired "unintentionally" due to "human error" after further investigations on Saturday.

After the crash, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said human error at time of crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster.

Mousavi's Friday remarks came in response to a joint meeting and statement made by the foreign ministers of the five countries whose citizens were also among the crash victims.

On Thursday, the foreign ministers called on Iran to pay compensation for the victims and to conduct "thorough, independent and transparent international investigation open to grieving nations".

Following the meeting, Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne warned Iran that "the world is watching" the country.

In his Friday remarks, Mousavi expressed disappointment that such a meeting had been held and that certain negative comments had been made regarding Iran.

"Seeking to console the mourning families and addressing the humanitarian implications of this incident, we have had very smooth and beyond usual cooperation with the delegations of these countries," he said.

Mousavi also decried the words of the Canadian foreign minister, which he said came despite Iran's cooperation and progress in matters regarding the incident.

The spokesman added that Champagne had called on Tehran to provide consular services despite the fact that Iran had already provided the services to facilitate matters related to the plane crash.

Mousavi said Tehran had in previous years repeatedly called on Ottawa to allow for bilateral consular representation regardless of the two countries' diplomatic relations in order to respect the rights of individuals which need the services.

The spokesman said that Canada had rejected talks over the matter as it was following Washington's policy in pressuring Iranian citizens and residents.

In 2012, Ottawa severed diplomatic ties with Iran, citing, among other pretexts, what it described as continued threats from Tehran to its ally, Israel.

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On Monday, the United States pauses to celebrate the birth of a man who was disliked by the nation at the time of his death.

Throughout the day, his most famous speech will be repeatedly quoted and played even though most Americans, at the time, didnt approve of the event at which he spoke.

The third Monday in January  Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a holiday  is a time when the hearts of millions belong to this prophet of nonviolence in a way they didnt when he lived.

Prophets are rarely appreciated until theyre dead. Prophets are more loved when theyve become martyrs.

King deserves the holiday and all the praise hell be given for his extraordinary work in such a stunning, abbreviated life. As his greatest biographer, Taylor Branch, has written, he is one of our nations Founding Fathers as he challenged it to be true to the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

King is a world-historical figure with a face and voice as recognizable as any human whos walked this planet. The civil rights movement he helped lead and the philosophy of nonviolence he guided has for decades influenced freedom movements throughout the world.

But in 1968, shortly before he was assassinated in Memphis on April 4, a Harris Poll showed King had a public disapproval rating of nearly 75 percent. This was consistent with a 1966 Gallup Poll, which gave King a positive of 32 percent and a negative of 63 percent. His popularity in the Gallup Poll peaked at 43 percent in 1964, the year he won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Did King ride a wave of goodwill with the American public before it crashed?

Its true that Kings popularity dropped as he moved beyond leading protests for civil rights for blacks and his attacks on poverty and the Vietnam War became more frequent and impassioned.

But its also true there was always an undertow of disapproval with King and the civil rights movement.

In 2016, the Washington Post reviewed polling data of the civil rights era and found 57 percent of Americans believed demonstrations such as the lunch counter sit-ins and the Freedom Rides would hurt blacks cause for civil rights.

Even the March on Washington, where King delivered the speech everyone loves to quote to the exclusion of his others, I Have a Dream, 60 percent of Americans, in the days leading up to it, thought it was a bad idea.

Its a disservice to his legacy to paint a false picture of a sanitized and nonthreatening Martin Luther King Jr. instead of the flesh-and-blood radical whose prophetic denunciations of injustice and war frightened the establishment, as well as nonestablishment figures such as James Earl Ray, who shot King.

Today, King is so immensely popular that all sides of all issues invoke his name as an advocate for their respective cause. His past words give us some sense of what he might say about our current events.

In his 1967 speech against the Vietnam War: Because I believe that the Father is deeply concerned especially for his suffering and helpless and outcast children, I come tonight to speak for them.

Such a man would, today, be speaking for uninsured children and adults, and hed be speaking for the Salvadorans, the Haitians, the Africans.

A man who titled one of his speeches A Time to Break Silence would raise his voice in support of women, children and men who are breaking their silences about sexual harassment and assault.

A young dreamer who in 1963 shared his dream for the only country hed known as his home would, in 2020, be standing with a new generation of young Dreamers fighting to stay in the only country theyve known as their home.

A man who led the march from Selma to Montgomery leading to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 would be opposing the weakening of that law and fighting acts of voter suppression.

It is remarkable that a black man never elected to office and who died at 39 has an American holiday in his honor. As polarizing as he became, King refused to segregate his moral concerns or mute the trumpet of his voice.

We honor King best by reading and listening to all his words, and by living as he did: trying to feed the hungry, trying to help somebody, trying to love everybody.
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Ann Widdecombe made history when she became the first woman in more than 170 years to be elected a member of the Carlton Club.

I can reveal that 12 years later she has notched up another record  by becoming the first woman to be expelled from it.

The redoubtable Widders is in no doubt that her remarkable political comeback led to her being booted out of the London bastion of the Conservative Party, which occupies a splendid townhouse in St Jamess.

Ann, who survived incarceration on Celebrity Big Brother, stormed to victory as a Brexit Party candidate in the European elections last year, nearly a decade after standing down as a Tory MP.

Ann Widdecombe made history when she became the first woman in more than 170 years to be elected a member of the Carlton Club. I can reveal that 12 years later she has notched up another record  by becoming the first woman to be expelled from it

The redoubtable Widders is in no doubt that her remarkable political comeback led to her being booted out of the London bastion (pictured) of the Conservative Party, which occupies a splendid townhouse in St Jamess

Ann put in an unforgettable performance on Strictly Come Dancing after leaving Westminster

Initially, she was gently advised to resign by the club hierarchy, but characteristically she declined to go quietly because of the support and encouragement she received from other members.

Many of them came up to me to thank me for taking a brave stand, says Ann, who, aside from becoming the clubs first-ever female member also became the first woman to be elected to the clubs committee in 2010.

Many more told me they were also voting for the Brexit Party at the European elections, Ann adds. I have not encountered any hostility whatsoever at the club. Far more people said: Thank you for what you are doing. Some of them were Conservative councillors.

Ann, who survived incarceration on Celebrity Big Brother, stormed to victory as a Brexit Party candidate in the European elections last year, nearly a decade after standing down as a Tory MP

Friends detect a Remainer plot because Lord Heseltine is among those allowed to remain a club member even though hes currently suspended from the Conservative Party after urging Tories to vote Liberal Democrat in the European elections and the General Election. (Above, Ann at a Tory party conference in Blackpool in 1999)

Suitably encouraged, Ann stood her ground  only for the club to cancel the direct debit by which she paid her annual subscription.

Since then, Ann, who put in an unforgettable performance on Strictly Come Dancing after leaving Westminster, has heard nothing more and knows of no means by which to appeal to the membership.

Friends detect a Remainer plot because Lord Heseltine is among those allowed to remain a club member even though hes currently suspended from the Conservative Party after urging Tories to vote Liberal Democrat in the European elections and the General Election.

Major Simon Robinson, the clubs secretary, is disinclined to enlighten Widders on a possible club comeback. He tells me: Im afraid we cant comment.

Bea and Edo slope off for pal's big day

Lucky Princess Beatrice is able to combine a Swiss ski break with attending one of the society weddings of the year.

Pictured heading for the slopes with her fiance, Edo Mapelli Mozzi, the Queens granddaughter will today be a guest of honour when her friend Dasha Zhukova marries shipping heir Stavros Niarchos in St Moritz.

Art gallery owner Dasha was previously married to Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich.

Pictured heading for the slopes with her fiance, Edo Mapelli Mozzi, the Queens granddaughter Princess Beatrice will today be a guest of honour when her friend Dasha Zhukova marries shipping heir Stavros Niarchos in St Moritz

Bea and Edo are staying at a five-star hotel which is co-owned by the Niarchos family.

I wonder if the Princess will pick up a few tips? She and Edo are due to tie the knot in Britain later this year.

'People would never believe the stories'

Divorce lawyer Fiona Shackleton, whose clients have included Prince Charles and Sir Paul McCartney, on why she wont be writing her memoirs

Lily is reunited with her Romeo

When I disclosed last year that Mamma Mia 2 star Lily James had split up with Matt Smith, who played Prince Philip in The Crown, speculation ran rife about their potential new lovers.

Now, the 30-year-old actress has added to the intrigue by cuddling up to Freddie Fox, also 30, who played Romeo to her Juliet in a West End production of Shakespeares tragedy.

When I disclosed last year that Mamma Mia 2 star Lily James had split up with Matt Smith, speculation ran rife about their potential new lovers. Now, the 30-year-old actress has added to the intrigue by cuddling up to Freddie Fox, also 30, who played Romeo to her Juliet in a West End production of Shakespeares tragedy

The pair attended the first night of a new West End staging of Les Miserables at the Sondheim Theatre together.

They were very relaxed in each others company, reports a fellow theatre-goer.

Friends of Freddie, who plays murderer Jeremy Bamber in ITV drama White House Farm, are keen to quash rumours of a blossoming romance.

They insist that Freddie is still courting actress Tanya Reynolds, 27, who stars in the new series of Netflix hit Sex Education.
New laws are cracking down on binge-drinking in three tourist hotspots on Spain's Balearic Islands (Picture: REUTERS/Enrique Calvo)

The days of pub crawls and happy hours are over in some of the most popular tourist hotspots on Spains Balearic Islands as part of a crackdown on binge-drinking.

The islands regional government has passed a law banning the organisation or promotion of pub crawls as well as open bars and happy hours in what it claims is the first law of its kind in Europe.

The laws will cover Magaluf on Majorca, the so-called West End in Ibiza and a stretch of Majorcas capital Palma, for the next five years.

The popularity of the areas for alcohol-fuelled holidays by young tourists from across Europe has led to a backlash, with graffiti saying Tourists go home appearing in some areas.

The new laws ban pub crawls and happy hours, as well as trips on party boats (Picture: Clara Margais/Getty Images)

The new law bans balconing - jumping from hotel balconies into swimming pools - throughout the Mediterranean islands which has led to injuries and several deaths.

Those caught doing it now will have to leave their hotel and could face fines.

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The new laws also freeze licences for party boats - another popular pastime for tourists - and bans them from picking up or dropping off tourists in the three areas.

It also bans alcohol-selling machines and shops selling alcohol in the areas will have to close between 8.30pm and 7am.

The laws cover popular tourist areas in Magaluf, Ibiza and parts of Palma (Picture: Clara Margais/Getty Images)

Fines for those who break the new laws could range from 6,000 euros (5,100) to 600,000 euros (510,000).

Majorca and Ibiza are popular tourist destinations with young people from across Europe, particularly Britain, Germany and Ireland.

The party-fuelled atmosphere has often led to injury or incident, and understandably leaves some parents worried, including one mum whose list of rules for her 18-year-old sons Magaluf holiday went viral.

The regional government said the law is the first of its kind and is hoped to improve the quality of tourism on the islands and benefit both tourists and residents.
By Zachary Fagenson OCHOPEE, Fla. (Reuters) - Thomas Aycock's life flashed before his eyes one night in the Everglades as a 13-foot Burmese python squeezed his arm and a leg in its coils

By Zachary Fagenson

OCHOPEE, Fla. (Reuters) - Thomas Aycock's life flashed before his eyes one night in the Everglades as a 13-foot Burmese python squeezed his arm and a leg in its coils. Aycock, who was trying to bag the snake by himself, still recalls feeling its tail across his back."I knew what it was doing, it was going for my throat," said the 54-year-old Florida Army National Guard major who was able to wrestle free during that incident in the summer of 2018. "I said to myself, 'It can't go down like this.'"That scare has not stopped him from returning again and again to the sprawling wetland, devoting almost every spare moment to searching the thick brush and sawgrass for more snakes, as he was doing during this interview.

The state encourages hunters to capture or kill the giant, invasive south Asian snakes that are decimating local wildlife. Dozens of hunters are prowling the Everglades during Florida's 10-day Python Bowl, which ends Monday. Armed with long metal hooks that resemble fireplace pokers and bags, many hunters catch the snakes and take them in live.

Those who take the most longest and heaviest pythons each will win $2,000 in cash. Other prizes include off-road vehicles.

Aycock and his fellow hunters are spending days and nights slowly creeping across the webs of levees that span the Everglades by foot, bicycle and souped-up SUV looking for the glint of an eye or the shine of brown and black scales.First found in the Everglades around the year 2000, the snakes were introduced by pet owners and possibly a snake research facility that was destroyed when Hurricane Andrew struck the region in 1992. The behemoths, some of which measure more than 18 feet (5.5 m) long and weigh more than 100 pounds (45 kg), have wreaked havoc on the fragile ecosystem. A 2012 study in Everglades National Park by the United States Geological Survey found 99% fewer raccoons, 98% fewer opossums and 87% fewer bobcats. Massive snakes have even been found trying to eat alligators. "I saw an opossum last night out on the levee and it was the first small animal I've seen in probably five or six months," Aycock said.Agencies including the South Florida Water Management District and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission have all launched python removal programs in recent years, offering hunters hourly wages and bonuses depending on the size and weight. According to a 2019 report, contracted python hunters brought in about 1,900 snakes since the program launched in March 2017. The success has been hard fought. Despite their size and numbers, which some estimate in the hundreds of thousands, Aycock said it can take eight hours on average to find a snake.

HUNDREDS CAUGHT

From the start of the program to mid-2018, the most current data available, hunters working for both agencies spent 14,000 hours in the field yielding 1,186 snakes. Some larger females have been found holding up to 100 eggs. "We're targeting removal in bird rookeries, in sensitive ecological areas, so regardless of the snakes' population we know every one removed makes a difference," said Kristen Sommers, the state's wildlife impact management section leader.Yet on Wednesday night, finding even one proved impossible for Aycock. The cooler weather meant the cold-blooded serpents stayed hidden and out of sight."Every python removed out of this ecosystem serves a purpose in restoring this ecosystem," Aycock said. "We have a good time out here, but it's also a mission we take seriously and are willing to work at."

(Editing by Scott Malone and David Gregorio)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
BATTENVILLE  Throughout her childhood, historian Debi Craig remembers driving past Susan B. Anthonys house with her father. And every time he said the same thing.

Dont forget Susan B. Anthony lived there. Shes part of the reason you can vote, recalled Craig, the immediate past president of the Washington County Historical Society. He did it my entire childhood and adulthood. It became a joke.

Yet even as a child, she wondered why the childhood home of one of America's most stalwart leaders in the cause for womens rights wasnt a museum. As she watched a series of private owners  separated by long stretches of abandonment  come and go over the years, Craig became passionate about saving the house that Anthonys father built in 1833.

I want to see the house preserved so people can come and visit, said Craig, a Greenwich-Easton Historical Association member.

She knows it will be a challenge as the large brick house, where Anthony lived from age 6 to 19, is in a weakened state. Backed against a ridge where rain runs off and pools in and around the foundation, the house has been inundated with water for years.

There is fungus growing out of the floors and walls, said Craig, a retired Saratoga Springs school music teacher. There is an issue of black mold. There is a major problem with moisture in the house.

Craig was hopeful, however, when the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation bought the foreclosed property in 2006 at auction for $1. But since then, the state has done little  until now. Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said the agency is prepared to put $700,000 into the house this year.

A stabilization will take place, Kulleseid said. In some ways, its fortunate timing.

Indeed it is. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, giving women the right to vote, Anthonys signature issue. Its also the 200th anniversary of Anthonys birth.

Alane Ball Chinian, the parks agency's Saratoga-Capital District regional director, said the money will go into drainage improvements, roof repairs, mold abatement and work on chimneys, one of which was struck by lightning.

A substantial portion of the funding was secured by state Sen. Betty Little ($150,000) and state Assembly member Carrie Woerner ($250,000), who both believe the house is worth preserving and could be a major attraction in the coming years for rural Washington County.

Im happy to see it happening, Little said. Its a significant building and we cant let it sit there and get dilapidated. We have to take pride in it.

Woerner agreed, adding that the state talked of razing the home and simply putting up a plaque to mark the spot, something she and Craig resisted.

Its not going to happen, Woerner said. We care too much about the history of the home. And if we dont do anything, it will continue to deteriorate.

No easy life

Anthony was born on Feb. 20, 1820, in Adams, Mass., and came to Battenville, a hamlet of Greenwich, when her father, Daniel Anthony, was offered a job managing its cotton mill in 1826. The house he built, casting the bricks onsite, was Greek Revival style and, conveniently for him, overlooked the mill on the Battenkill River.

In addition to housing his wife, Lucy, their six children and his in-laws, the Reads, Daniel Anthony's home also added and opened a school inside the house for his children and those of workers from the mill to attend. He opened the school after he learned the teacher across the river in the one-room schoolhouse in Jackson would not instruct his daughter in long division.

The teacher told her she needed to learn needlework, Craig said. Susan told her teacher she was cold, stood by the stove and listened to the lesson. She learned long division.

Things were going well for the family until the Panic of 1837, a nationwide financial crisis that saw sharp drops in prices, including for cotton. Anthonys father wrote to his brother at the time, my goods at present will not sell at the actual cost of manufacturing.

They lost everything they owned, Craig said. He lost his job at the mill. They lost their house. They sold the sugar out of their pantry, their eyeglasses, their underwear, everything personal had to go.

They moved 2 miles down the road to a former inn and tavern in what was then known as Hardscrabble, which Daniel Anthony soon renamed Center Falls as the former name was unseemly, Craig said. There he tried managing another mill and starting a lumber and logging business, both of which were unsuccessful. Defeated, the family moved to Rochester in 1845.

Chinian said that part of the problem with the history of Susan B. Anthony in Greenwich, aside from the house, is there is no material culture," he said, referring to objects from the home. Even their Center Falls home has been demolished.

However, she added, the Anthonys having to sell everything is an interesting part of the story. It made her who she was.

So too, said Craig, was the influence of her father, a Quaker. When he managed the mill, he would not buy cotton from the South. The Greenwich Journal also noted that her father formed a temperance (anti-alcohol) society in Battenville, composed mainly of his employees. Not surprisingly, some of Anthonys first organizing efforts centered on temperance and abolition.

Anthony, who started teaching at age 17, may too have been frustrated by her salary. When she taught at Reids Corner, now North Greenwich, she was paid $1.50 a week. Her predecessor, a man, had been paid $10 a week. She also taught in Easton, Fort Edward and Cambridge, earning between $2 to $2.50 per week with board, the Greenwich Journal reported.

Despite the family relocation, Anthony returned to Washington County often, both to visit two of her sisters who married local men (one of whom Anthony was reportedly in love with) and to speak at the areas political equality clubs. Historian Ted Corbett wrote in the book A Home in the Battenville Valley that she spoke at the Congregational Church in Greenwich in 1854. That same year, she organized the first womens rights convention in Saratoga Springs, a practice she repeated in 1855 and 1856. Over the holiday season of 1874 to 1875, she spoke in Granville and Center Falls. In 1894, Anthony, along with her friend Mary Hubbard, hosted a suffrage convention at Hubbard Hall in Cambridge. Craig also said she lectured at suffrage rallies at Burton Hall in Easton.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Corbett wrote she continued to visit frequently, with her last visit being in 1905 at age 85. At that stay, she oversaw the placement of a monument to her grandfather, Daniel Read, in the Battenville Cemetery. She died a year later.

More Information The Washington County Historical Society

2020 Suffrage Calendar highlighting Washington County suffrage leaders including Susan B. Anthony

Available at:

Washington County Historical Society in Fort Edward

Battenkill Books in Cambridge

Bunker Hill Inn in Salem

Historical Grounds in Whitehall

Old Fort Museum in Fort Edward

$10.70 includes tax





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Though the stone is encrusted with moss and hard to read, the monument remains standing among the gravestones of many members of Anthonys extended family.

Battenville a 'crucible'

Parks Commissioner Kulleseid said that its clear Anthony's Battenville years were formative.

As a kid, she learned things about the world that she carried out to Rochester, Kulleseid said. Its the crucible for where all this is coming from.

Historians, parks officials and state politicians all acknowledge that the Anthony home poses challenges as a state historic site that go beyond the drainage. For one thing, the house sits on a dangerous curve on Route 29. For another, it has little land.

I dont know if it would ever work as a museum because of the location, Craig said. Parking would be difficult. There is only room for three or four cars. When we did tours of the house, people parked across the street and we hired a crossing guard.

Kulleseid said he would like to find a nonprofit to move and manage the site so that people in the region can benefit from the exposure to this leading figure" in the womens suffrage movement. He also expects to be able to announce more good news for the house this spring.

Assemblywoman Woerner is pressing for a resident curator who would simultaneously live there and restore the house. She imagines a 40-year lease, with the state eventually getting the house back. She said resident curator programs have worked in other states like Connecticut, Massachusetts and Virginia.

I think it would work well, Woerner said. It would have to be a special category of people  someone who loved old houses and would spend the time finding just the right wood or other materials to restore the house.

Craig thinks the region is ideal for an international research center or library on womens rights, which would attract smaller groups of scholars as opposed to larger groups of tourists.

She is also thinking beyond Greenwich and wants to create a Susan B. Anthony trail, starting in Adams, Mass., with stops in Battenville, Center Falls and Johnstown, where Anthony's good friend and associate Elizabeth Cady Stanton lived. The trail would also hit Canajoharie, where she taught, Seneca Falls, where the womens movement was born, and end in Rochester at the National Susan B. Anthony Museum and House.

You could make an entire weeks vacation in New York state with stops in towns like Greenwich, which have a great history, Craig said. Thats what Id like to see, even if the house doesnt become a museum.

Craig has also applied for a William G. Pomeroy Foundation grant for a historic cast-iron sign. Right now the home is simply marked by a sign its neighbors put up. Her main concern, however, is preventing further decline.

I dont care what happens to the house, as long as its saved," she said.

This is one story in an ongoing series marking the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote across the U.S.
A professor of the Osmania University in Hyderabad was arrested on Saturday for suspected links with the Maoists, police said

Hyderabad: A professor of the Osmania University here was arrested on Saturday for suspected links with the Maoists, police said. Associate Professor of Telugu department, C Kasim was allegedly involved in a case registered under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act among other sections in Mulugu Police station in 2015.

"That case is under investigation and we collected the material evidence also. Recently some inputs have also been received," Siddipet police Commissioner D Joel Davis told PTI.

"We obtained a search warrant and conducted searches at his residence in the early morning. We seized certain documents and some electronic evidence," the police official said.

He further said the police have the incriminating information that the OU faculty is in continuous touch with Maoists party leaders. Kasim is allegedly working as an organiser of "united front vertical" of Maoists for Telangana state.

"He is the coordinator for funding and other things," the official said adding Kasim will be produced in a local court in Gajwel on Saturday. Reacting to the arrest, CPI senior leader Narayana

alleged that the government was deliberately harassing intellectuals under the pretext of having Maoist links and foisting false cases.

Last year K Jagan, an assistant professor of the OU and a member of Viplava Rachayitala Sangham (Virasam), was picked up from his residence here by a police team from Jogulamba Gadwal district for his suspected links with the Maoists.

In 2018, Virasam leader and renowned Telugu poet P Varavara Rao was arrested by Maharashtra Police in Bhima Koregaon case.
New Delhi:

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over a case in which a senior Jammu and Kashmir police officer was arrested while ferrying three terrorists out of the Union Territory. Davinder Singh, posted as the deputy superintendent of police, was arrested on Saturday along with Naveed Babu, self-styled district commander of banned Hizbul Mujahideen, a new recruit Atif and an advocate Irfan Mir.

Police recovered arms and ammunition from the car they were travelling in near Qazigund on the national highway in south Kashmir. After receiving orders from the Union Home Ministry, the NIA has re-registered this case and started the investigation, the spokesman said.

CISF Takes Over J-K Airport Security

Rattled by the arrest of Jammu and Kashmir Police officer Davinder Singh, the administration of Jammu and Kashmir have decided to change the security arrangements at the airports in the Union Territory. Latest reports suggest that the CISF has taken over the security of Jammu and Srinagar airports. The proposal for replacement of the CRPF and J&K Police, presently responsible for ensuring the security of airports in the Union Territory of J&K, by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been engaging attention of authorities for quite some time, the order said. This issue (CISF security at Srinagar and Jammu airports) has acquired immediacy in view of the recent developments relating to the arrest of Davinder Singh, DySP airport security, for trying to assist militants to travel to other parts of the country, the order issued by the Home Department to the Director General of Police added.

Role In Parliament Attack?

Was arrested Jammu and Kashmir Police officer Davinder Singh involved in 2001 Parliament attack? This is the question that the security agencies would be probing, a latest report on Thursday said. According to an NDTV report, Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Dilbagh Singh said that nobody is above the law and everything can be probed. The remark gains significance amid the ongoing probe by the National Investigation Agency. Now-suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police, Davinder Singh was arrested on Saturday in a car along with three Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists. The links between Davinder Singh and the 2001 Parliament attack are not new. Earlier, Afzal Guru, the prime accused in the case had alleged that it was Singh who had sent him to Delhi and made other key arrangements just before the attack.

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A dangerous criminal centrally involved in a feud in Coolock, Dublin, was last night being quizzed over a double shooting in north Dublin.

The 31-year-old and a 33-year-old associate were arrested after burning out a getaway car used in the attempted murder of two men at an industrial estate in Swords yesterday.

It is the second time both criminals have been arrested for a serious gun crime after being detained by detectives last July over a foiled hit.

Sources hailed the latest arrests as "highly significant" and detectives are now working on bringing a case against the gangster and his close associate.

"They are both linked to organised crime and centrally involved in a feud in and around Coolock, which has claimed five lives to date," a source said.

Yesterday morning two men, both aged 39, were injured when a gunman opened fire as they were sitting in a blue Mercedes at Killeek Lane, St Margarets, Swords, at around 11.30am.

The man in the driver's seat, who is originally from Baldoyle, was hit once in the head and four times in the chest before being rushed to Beaumont Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

The victim in the passenger seat, who lives in the Ashtown area, suffered less serious injuries after being shot at least once by the gunman.

Neither man has any serious criminal convictions and detectives are trying to establish a motive for the double shooting.

It happened shortly before midday and gardai were alerted to a black Citroen believed to have been used in the shooting. Minutes later, emergency services came across two men burning out the suspect vehicle at Greenwood Avenue, Clonshaugh, around 13km away.

The gun attack suspects are both linked to organised crime in north Dublin and the younger suspect is a leading figure in the complex Coolock feud who has been targeting associates of murdered Sean Little, as well as two criminal brothers.

"He is extremely dangerous and reckless, one line of inquiry is that yesterday's shooting was carried out in revenge for an attempt on him in September," a source told the Irish Independent.

"Gardai were amazed when they came across the suspect vehicle so quickly and the two men beside it, and were surprised the men chose to burn the car out there, given all the extra Garda activity in the area in recent days," a source added.

Both suspects were previously arrested for firearms offences after gardai foiled a suspected hit against a local criminal last summer.

On July 30, detectives from the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (DOCB) seized a pistol and a revolver during an intelligence operation which they believe led to a gangland murder being prevented.

Both men were quizzed for a number of hours before being released without charge.

The older suspect also recently posted a series of social media videos threatening his rivals.

In the online posts, he claimed he was driving around looking for the gangster and other named criminals and was parked outside houses at night.

He also threatened to rape a young man, who he claimed had called him making threats.
The Ramaphosa administration is accelerating the sale of government assets to fund its cash-strapped airline and other distressed state-owned companies.

The most urgent need is at South African Airways. It must know by Sunday if it will get 2 billion rand ($138 million) from the government to avoid a disruption in its operations.

The loss-making carrier has already burned through a loan it got from banks last month, according to people familiar with the matter. Lenders are hesitant to step in again, said the people who asked not to be identified because the talks are ongoing.

Assets high on the list for sale include part of the states stake in fixed-line operator Telkom SA SOC Ltd. and prime properties on Cape Towns waterfront, the people said.

Years of corruption and mismanagement has left companies like SAA and power utility Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. riddled with debt and reliant on government bailouts.

With Finance Minister Tito Mbowenis budget less than six weeks away, the National Treasury wants to show some progress on plugging shortfalls to try and save South Africas last investment-grade credit rating.

The governments asset-disposal program has stalled since it sold 25% of Telkom in 2003. The ruling African National Congress and its communist and labor-union allies want the state to control assets that can support development, while protecting jobs.

SAA Sales

Since taking office in 2018, President Cyril Ramaphosa has been battling rival factions within the ANC, hindering reforms needed to reignite an economy trapped in its longest downward cycle since 1945.

The government had pledged to match a 2 billion-rand loan provided by banks when SAA was placed into a local form of bankruptcy protection Dec. 5. Treasury is trying to find funding, Mboweni told reporters in Johannesburg on Thursday.

The Treasury is seeking to convince banks to supply the airline with more loans that would be guaranteed with proceeds from asset sales, one of the people said. At the same time, SAA is considering selling subsidiaries, properties or prime slots at airports, such as the one at Londons Heathrow, to free up cash, another person said.

The Treasury didnt immediately respond to emailed requests for comment. Telkom referred queries back to the government while inquiries sent to SAAs administrator were not immediately responded to.

Operational and financial problems at ailing state owned companies including SAA and Eskom are likely to feature in talks when the ANCs executive committee meets this weekend.

The party is also expected to engage cabinet on key government programs ahead of the Presidents State of the Nation address and the finance ministers budget speech.

The government in 2017 mooted the sale of its 40% stake in Telkom, but the effort, led by then-Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba, came to naught. A sale now would come after a 42% drop in Telkoms share price over the past year, valuing the company at 19 billion rand.

Mboweni, a former Reserve Bank governor and adviser to Goldman Sachs Group Inc., said this week that loss-making state-owned companies are one of the biggest threats to the economy. He has regularly questioned why the government keeps clinging onto them, and has said SAA should be shut down.

Now read: SAA director quits
Officials confirm four new cases of the virus, which a London research centre estimates has infected up to 1,723 people.

The number of people infected by a mystery SARS-like virus that has killed two people in China is likely to be hundreds more than officially reported, researchers have said.

The news comes as Chinese health authorities said on Saturday that they have discovered four more cases of pneumonia following an outbreak of what is believed to be a new coronavirus strain.

The four individuals were diagnosed with pneumonia on Thursday and are in stable condition, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said in a statement published shortly after midnight.

Saturdays statement marked the first confirmation of new cases by officials in nearly a week and came a day after the commission confirmed the death of a second patient.

Coronaviruses usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, such as the common cold, but can also affect the lower-respiratory tract, causing pneumonia or bronchitis.

Chinese authorities said 45 people in the country had contracted the virus, with the outbreak centred around a seafood market in the central city of Wuhan, which is home to 11 million people.

[The Chinese government] has released figures saying there are 45 people affected, about 100 people continue to be monitored, 600 who were originally quarantined have now been let go because they have no symptoms, Al Jazeeras Katrina Yu, reporting from Beijing, said.

But a paper published on Friday by scientists with the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis at Imperial College London said the number of those affected in the city was likely to be considerably more than a thousand.

The scientists at the centre  which advises bodies including the World Health Organization (WHO)  said they estimated a total of 1,723 cases in Wuhan would have been infected as of January 12.

The researchers took the number of cases reported outside China so far  two in Thailand and one in Japan  to construe how many people were likely infected in Wuhan, based on international flight traffic data from the citys airport.





For Wuhan to have exported three cases to other countries would imply there would have to be many more cases than have been reported, Professor Neil Ferguson, one of the authors of the report, told the BBC.

I am substantially more concerned than I was a week ago, he said, adding, however, that it was too early to be alarmist.

People should be considering the possibility of substantial human-to-human transmission more seriously than they have so far, he added, saying it was unlikely that animal exposure was the main source of infection.

China has said that all cases so far have been restricted to Wuhan. Al Jazeeras Yu said at least eight people had been arrested in China for spreading rumours about the seriousness of the virus.

Airport screening

Two people are known to have been killed by the virus  a pathogen from the same family as the deadly SARS virus  as health authorities around the world sought to assure the public that the overall risk of infection remained low.

Authorities in Hong Kong have stepped up detection measures, including rigorous temperature checkpoints for inbound travellers from the Chinese mainland.

The United States said from Friday it would begin screening flights arriving from Wuhan at San Francisco airport and New Yorks JFK airport  which both receive direct flights  as well as Los Angeles, where many flights connect.

Al Jazeeras Yu said no similar measures have been formally implemented in China, where the government is urging citizens to remain calm and go about their daily lives as normal as there has so far been no evidence of the disease being transmitted from human-to-human.

The latest outbreak comes ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays, when many of Chinas 1.4 billion people will be travelling to their home towns or abroad [File: Andy Wong/AP]

So far, health officials do not consider the new virus from China to be as lethal as SARS, but the investigation is evolving and much is still not known about whether the virus can spread easily from person to person.

This is the stage of the investigation where we need to proceed cautiously and be prepared for any eventuality, said Dr Nancy Messonnier, an expert in respiratory diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US.

SARS originated in southern China in 2002 and infected more than 8,000 people in 37 countries before it was brought under control.

Nearly 800 people died worldwide. China was accused of covering up the outbreak.

The latest outbreak comes ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays when many of Chinas 1.4 billion people will be travelling to their home towns or abroad.

The Chinese government expects passengers to make 440 million trips via rail and another 79 million trips via aeroplanes during the festivities.
The Nigerian government on Thursday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tech giant, International Business Machines (IBM) West Africa, for collaboration in the area of digital skills development in Nigeria.

According to a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES by his spokesperson, Uwa Suleiman, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, signed on behalf of the federal government.

He reportedly expressed satisfaction at the organisations response to the ministrys digital economy policy and its willingness to bridge the divide between the academia and the industry, education and entrepreneurship.

Merits of MoU

The minister said the partnership gives impetus to the digital, innovation and entreprenuership skills areas of the economic development plan of President Muhammadu Buhari and is a quantum leap in the digital economy strategy of the ministry.

The MoU provides a platform to empower Nigerian youths with digital literacy skills, to enable innovation, design and development of indigenous solutions, self sufficiency and make Nigeria a hub for critical skills for Africa and the world at large, the statement said.

Also, it said it will create awareness and support in the development and use of digital tools and applications to improve the delivery of government services.

It will provide a pool of Nigerians with digital skills validated by globally recognised certifications and bridge the gap between the academia and the industry through sensitisation on digital tools and skills.

It will also lower the access barrier to digital tools for the citizens.

To achieve a digital economy, digital skills are central, and this has been adequately captured in the second pillar of the Digital Economy Strategy Policy Document as approved and launched by the President on the 28th of November 2019, the minister said.

Broadband penetration

Meanwhile, the minister disclosed the importance of broadband in the implementation of a digital economy.

He said this has been reflected in the seventh pillar of the ministrys strategy document.

The importance of broadband penetration in achieving a digital economy has given rise to the National Broadband Committee to ensure that we thoroughly address the impediments to broadband penetration and achieving a Digital Economy, he said.

Mr Pantami advised institutions of learning to give priority to skills, especially digital skills over paper qualifications.

Digital skills are more relevant in todays world of emerging technologies, therefore we must encourage innovation and drive digital literacy and skills among the populace, he said

Also, the Country General Manager of IBM, Dipo Faulkner, said the firm works with governments and key ministries to address the societal impact of digital technology, leveraging our investment in education with platforms such as IBM Digital Nation Africa.

This new collaboration furthers our aims of scaling digital job skills across Africa.The programme is scheduled to take off in February 2020, he said.
Hearst Connecticut Media file photo

RIDGEFIELD  The town police department is reminding residents that it doesnt solicit donations by phone after some residents got calls requesting donations on behalf of Ridgefield police.

The Ridgefield police union and the Ridgefield P.B.A. only do fundraising through the mail  never by phone, police said Friday.
Exchanging old money to fresh banknotes is becoming a lot more expensive now that the Lunar New Year is coming

As the Lunar New Year is just days away, the demand for exchanging fresh banknotes is increasing. Most people exchange money in the bank and the black market.

Recently, many banks provide small change to customers, however, only for VIPs as there is a quota. A banker from a joint-stock commercial bank in Hanoi shared that this year, the stock of VND10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 ($0.43-0.87-2.17) banknotes is far short of demand.

Meanwhile, in a state-owned bank, a credit officer said that this year, junior banks staff will have a quota of VND8 million ($347) to exchange for customers.

Ha Trung street, Hanoi, has lots of exchange currency stores, most denominations have the exchange fee of 15-20 per cent. Customers who exchange soon and in large amounts will get lower fees.

Last year, VND1,000-2,000 ($0.043-0.087) banknotes are in high demand, raising fees by 200 per cent.

In Dinh Le and Ha Trung streets (Hanoi), exchange fees are quite high. A money exchange co-ordinator at Dinh Le said, Every denomination is available, and VND1,000 and 2,000 ($0.043-0.087) notes are the most expensive.

Specifically, VND1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 notes have a fee of 20, 13, and 10 per cent, respectively, these fees are still lower than last year, when VND 1,000 ($0.043) notes cost 30 per cent.

In addition, in the social network, the exchange service is also introduced publicly. The fees are set individually, depending on the value of money to be exchanged, but transaction fees are lower on the "black market" in Dinh Le or Ha Trung. Specifically, VND50,000 ($2.17) banknotes charge 2.2-3 per cent, while VND5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 ($0.43, 0.87, 0.22) charge 3-5 per cent, VND2,000 ($0.087) is 6-9 per cent, and VND1,000 ($0.043) is 9-12 per cent, mostly the same as last year.

The $2 bill with pictures of two gilded mice

This year, as the Year of Rat, the $2 bill with pictures of two gilded mice that signify good fortune and wealth for owners and their household. The $2 bills will cost VND5.2-5.4 million ($217) per bunch (100 sheets).

Previously, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) announced that it will not release small change, including VND100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 (0.43, 0.87, 2.17, 4.35, 8.7, and 21.74 US Cents) notes for 2020.

This policy has been implemented by the SBV for many years, helping to save hundreds of billions of VND a year. However, this is also the reason why many small change retailers operate publicly.

Although the SBV did not print small change and new banknotes for 2020, on this occasion, the SBV circulates about VND430 trillion ($18.7 billion), according to Vietnam News Agency.

In this Lunar New Year, the amount of small banknotes available for exchange increased by about 15 per cent compared to 2018, equivalent to over VND370 trillion ($16.1 billion).
GETTY

Sir Wilfrid Lauriers face is going to be wiped off of the $5 bill to make way for someone new.

The Bank of Canada wants the public to weigh in on who they think should replace Canadas first francophone Prime Minister.

Governor Stephen Poloz says the process will be similar to the process that led to Viola Desmond being selected for the $10 bill. The civil rights pioneer was chosen through an open call for iconic women.

"This time we will be asking all Canadians to nominate any historic Canadian  someone who is truly banknote-able." Poloz told a business audience in Vancouver.

Laurier has been featured on a Canadian note four times since 1969.

Poloz says hell share more details at the end of the month.

Jessy Bains is a senior reporter at Yahoo Finance Canada. Follow him on Twitter @jessysbains.

Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android.
The president of Clinton Community College, one of the state's smallest two-year schools, is eagerly awaiting approval of a federal program that will allow inmates at nearby Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora to take courses remotely .

Ray DiPasquale is excited for the possibility of bringing workforce training and a college education to a unique audience in the North Country.

But he also welcomes the extra bodies it would add to Clinton Community's student head count - which has plummeted 45 percent over the last decade.

Were embracing it and not sitting back and saying 'its our fate,'" said DiPasquale, who came to the college in 2017 after serving as president of the Community College of Rhode Island. "You have to do something about it.

Enrollments at most community colleges nationally are declining. Among the reasons: With unemployment low, fewer people are looking for job training. Also, a decline in the birth rate means there are fewer high school graduates.

New York state's 31 community colleges lost an average 23 percent of enrolled students between 2010 to 2019 compared with a national average of about 14 percent between 2010 and 2017, according to data from the State University of New York and the American Association of Community Colleges.

Four of those New York schools, in addition to Clinton Community College, lost more than a third of their students  Tompkins-Cortland, Niagara County, Herkimer County and Monroe Community College outside of Rochester  according to an analysis of SUNY data done by the Times Union.

Interactive

Click on a college to see more details about enrollment.

Hudson Valley and Schenectady County community colleges have seen about the same decline as New York state overall, both losing about 25 percent of their students since 2010.

Community colleges were started as a way for those with little economic means, or elite academic standing, to be able to get a liberal arts education or employment training that was also conveniently close to home. But so much has changed  from the ability to take classes online, to four-year colleges now making themselves more affordable.

A few New York community colleges have largely maintained their boom enrollments, like Ulster and Suffolk community colleges. But there are no common threads that explain why other schools are being hit hard. While small, rural schools are suffering, so too are some of the state's largest community colleges in populated areas - like Monroe and Nassau Community College on Long Island, which have lost 39 and 30 percent of their students respectively.

But for some institutions in New York, general population decline also comes into play. For example, about half of Herkimer County Community College's students come from outside that county - and its neighboring county, Hamilton, had the greatest population loss in New York state between 2010 and 2018 at 8 percent.

Herkimer President Cathleen McColgin said the college's budget, as well as its staff, have been reduced 37 percent - matching its enrollment decline. Faculty and other employees cuts have been made through early retirement incentives and not filling positions. She said she "rejoiced" when enrollment remained flat this school year at around 2,400 students.

"We realize as an institution its unrealistic to think well ever get back to our high enrollment," McColgin said. "Our goal is more of a stabilization rather than thinking well get back to over 3,000.

New York state responded last year by guaranteeing that community colleges could lose no less than 98 percent of their prior year's state funding no matter how much their enrollment declined. Community colleges are funded by the state to the tune of $454 million - in addition to the money provided through student tuition and county governments. Some counties have also increased their contributions to help their local institutions survive during the downturn.

But SUNY's senior vice chancellor for community colleges, Johanna Duncan-Poitier, recently provided an upbeat forecast to a trustee at a committee meeting who asked if SUNY has a marketing strategy to assist colleges struggling with enrollment. Duncan-Poitier said during the September meeting that some schools just have "smaller populations - but not necessarily declining," and said some schools' enrollments are "actually experiencing an increase in students," and referenced Sullivan and North Country community colleges.

In a spreadsheet provided to the Times Union, SUNY highlighted in yellow that Sullivan's enrollment increased 6 percent from 2018 to 2019. But it, along with Corning and Dutchess, were the only schools that had enrollment gains over one year. North Country continued to lose students, and overall community college enrollment in New York state continued to trend downward  from a high of 249,343 in 2010 to 192,959 in fall 2019.

Cathleen F. Crowley/Times Union

When I read the initial numbers, they are alarming and they are part of a national trend," SUNY Board of Trustees Chairwoman Merryl Tisch told the Times Union. "But Im telling you, Im starting to see shoots of green," she said, noting improvements the state is seeing in two and three-year graduation rates from community college, as well as a slight increase in the number of people who are continuing onto to a four-year SUNY school.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

However, Tisch said she has directed SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson to provide a detailed look at the enrollment downturn, which she expects to be presented to the SUNY board in the next two to three months.

"I, like everyone else, am deeply concerned," Tisch said. "I have expressed my concern publicly at these meetings and I think were starting to unpack the data in a thoughtful way."

State Sen. James Seward, a Republican from Milford, Otsego County, who is on the Senate's higher education committee, said the Ithaca area's low unemployment rate ( the lowest upstate at 3 percent) has likely contributed to the 45 percent decline in enrollment at Tompkins-Cortland Community College.

But he said the state needs to look at its funding formula for community colleges, which has remained largely unchanged since it was established some 50 years ago. The state reimburses the colleges solely based the number of full-time equivalent students.

Seward said the problem also likely requires the creation of a state commission to investigate and provide solutions for the enrollment crisis.

"The community colleges play such a key role in training our workforce. They respond to local employer needs. We need to make sure our community colleges not only survive but thrive," Seward said. "They are critically important to our economy."

Meanwhile, each college is trying to develop stronger relationships with local businesses, high schools - even two-year schools in other countries - in order to attract more students.

Cathleen F. Crowley/Times Union

Hudson Valley Community College has been meeting with community religious leaders and is partnering with Questar III BOCES to put two high school programs on campus. The college is also developing programs in Costa Rica, the Philippines and Trinidad (HVCC President Roger Ramsammy's native country) that will involve staff from technical schools there training to be HVCC adjunct professors. The hope is that one day, students taught by those adjuncts would want to come to Rensselaer County to continue their educations.

More Information Largest enrollment losses* Clinton Community College - 45 percent Tompkins-Cortland Community College -45 percent+ Monroe Community College - 39 percent Herkimer County Community College - 37 percent Niagara County Community College - 34 percent Capital Region schools Columbia-Greene Community College - 29 percent Schenectady County Community College - 26 percent Hudson Valley Community College - 25 percent Adirondack Community College - 17 percent *Represents comparison of total students taking credits between the boom year of fall 2010 to fall 2019 +State data shows Tompkins-Cortland had a 60 percent drop. But the school said it stopped reporting high schoolers in its enrollment figures around 2015, so its true drop is around 45 percent. Source: State University of New York, Times Union Research See More Collapse

"With demographics as they are, we have to find new markets if we want to stabilize our enrollment and grow it," said Ramsammy, a professor of microbiology who came to the college in summer 2018 after running Miami Dade College West Campus in Florida.

"Its about reaching the students nobody has tried to reach," he said.
At the Summit, Jose Maria Figueres, Executive Chairman of GLASE and former President of Costa Rica, announced the "Global TOP10 Sharing Economy News in 2019." The list was compiled by the global Sharing Economy Research Institute, and led to much discussion in global business and academic circles.

Details of the list are as follows:

1. National Information Center Issues 2019 Chinese Sharing Economy Development Report. Number of "sharing economy" participants up to 760 million.

According to the report, the trading volume of the Chinese sharing economy market in 2018 was 294.2 billion yuan, an increase of 41.6% over the previous year.

The number of Chinese sharing economy participants was about 760 million, of which about 75 million were service providers, a year-on-year increase of 7.1%.

The report forecasted that over the next three years, China's sharing economy would maintain an average annual growth rate of more than 30%.

2. Global Shared Computing Power Platform Pekka launches beta version, computation power sharing forecasted to unlock big possibilities for sharing economy.

Shared computing platform Pekka released its beta version this year, inviting users to make use of cloud computing services at a lower cost than traditional services.

Computing power sharing could be a breakthrough in the sharing economy. According to PEKKA's statement, about 68% of worldwide computer processing power is not fully utilized.

If these idle resources can be fully shared, not only will computer processing efficiency be greatly improved, but it will also promote the rapid development of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analysis, and blockchain.

3. WeWork frustrated, founder removed, Softbank and Goldman Sachs spend $11+ billion on rescue package.

In 2019, WeWork suffered a number of public relations crises, including its withdrawn IPO, and the stepping-down of founder Adam Newman.

By the end of the year, SoftBank Group and Goldman Sachs had spent over $11 billion USD to rescue the company, showing the continued financial support for the future of office sharing.

4. Sharing Economy Included into China's Government Report for Third Consecutive Year, mentioned by state leaders repeatedly

In the government work report at the National People's Congress in March 2019, Premier Li Keqiang pointed out that China aims to continue to support the growth of the platform and sharing economies.

At this year's China International Import Expo and World Internet Conference, President Xi Jinping also issued a similar statement to encourage the development of the sharing economy.

The type of sharing economics China is promoting is intended to enable enterprises and individuals across the global economy to share both development opportunities and the dividends of economic globalization.

5. Global Alliance of Sharing Economy (GLASE) Founded to Boost the Great Sharing Economy

In November, the Global Sharing Economy Alliance (GLASE) was officially established in Vienna. 26 former presidents and prime ministers, 250 politician, nonprofit figures, and businessmen were present for the inauguration of GLASE: an organization officially established to connect global chambers of commerce and businesses by leveraging technology to empower them to optimize sourcing of resources, funds, talent, and more. GLASE pledges to provide one-stop partner services for enterprises to expand across global markets.

Attendees stated that many years from now, people will remember 2019 as the founding year of GLASE. This year GLASE debuted its "double reduction" strategic vision; the concept of optimizing resource and talent allocation and efficiency to enable a halving of resource and labor hour requirements for businesses that cooperate in the era of the Great Sharing Economy.

6. Uber IPO disappointment, founder cashes out, rival Lyft launches electric bicycle sharing business in San Francisco.

Following an IPO that was a major disappointment for many investors, former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick sold over 90% of his shares in Uber and announced he would step down from its board. Just two days later, Uber's rival Lyft announced that it would launch a shared electric bicycle business in San Francisco, planning to deploy 4,000 electric bicycles by April.

Though is the originator of the shared ride-hailing platform, which disrupted the global travel industry and inspired subsequent competitors. Uber's 2019 results have shown that the sharing economy is no exception to the rule of survival of the fittest and the need for sharing economy companies to continuously innovate.

7. Great Sharing Economy foundational theory outlined in The Age of Great Sharing English and Chinese editions. More editions will publish across several languages

To clearly articulate the foundational principles of Great Sharing Economy Economic Theory, sharing economy experts Jun Ge and Guo Yukuan published a book that will serve as the guide for many businesses and governments that wish to transition into the Great Sharing Economy to improve their future.

As the book has stimulated much discussion already with its English version, more translations and local editions are expected soon.

8. Heal and MediCast compete fiercely; sharing health care resources shows preliminary viability in New York

New York City patients now have access to on-demand services provided by many doctors through house-call appointment platforms. Companies such as Heal and MediCast represent a new generation of tech-enabled companies that provide such services. Many are optimistic about the industry's chances to produce new tech giants such as Amazon and Uber that can change the way people live.

For now, the shared medical treatment only leverages the available time of doctors into value, but some see this is as just the tip of the iceberg for optimizing sharing of medical resources

9. Sharing economy pioneer Airbnb announces plans to be listed in 2020

Since its launch in 2008, Airbnb has expanded to 100,000 cities in approximately 190 countries around the world, with over 500 million guests served. As of September 15, 2019, users have earned more than $ 80 billion in revenue through the Airbnb platform.

Airbnb announced that the platform has been profitable for two consecutive years and is expected to go public available in 2020.

10. Seven of the TOP 10 Global Companies by Market Capitalization Are Companies with Sharing Platforms

The Nikkei Asian Review compiled a global company market capitalization list on December 20, 2019. Several of the top ten companies count digital platforms as a major part of their business models.

On these platforms, APPs, software, product information, social networks, etc. are shared by users around the world, so the market value of these companies is essentially generated by a variety of shared content.

It should be noted that the founding of GLASE and the introduction of the strategic vision of the "double 50% reduction," i.e. reduction of global new resource consumption and labor hours by 50% respectively, indicate a positive direction for the development of the sharing economy. Perhaps the Great Sharing Economy based on co-creation, collaboration and win-win results will soon become the norm of this era.

SOURCE ToJoy Shared Holding Group Co.,Ltd.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hit out at Opposition including Congress saying that they have a relationship with banned outfits like Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and Popular Front of India (PFI).

"Congress, SP, BSP and other opposition parties need to tell what relation do they have with SIMI (Students Islamic Movement of India). Their support for banned groups like SIMI and PFI and for elements which raise anti- slogans reflects upon true character of opposition parties," said Adityanath while addressing a rally here.

He also said that Congress always created hurdle in delivery of judgement in Ayodhya case.

"Congress was creating hindrances in delivery of judgement in Ayodhya case. Before 2019 polls, a Congress leader filed a plea in Supreme Court, saying order shouldn't be passed. We are grateful to the court for paving way for construction of the temple," he said.

Union Minister Smriti Irani was also present.

"Rahul Gandhi recently said that 'I will not apologize, I am not Rahul Savarkar'. I want to tell Rahul Gandhi today that even after your 10 generations, you will not be able to match the courage of Savarkar," she said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
by Ross Jared Joswick | Nets Correspondent | Fri, Jan 17th 11:17pm EST

Patty Mills crafted 15 points (6-11 FG, 3-7 3Pt), two assists and one steal in a 121-120 defeat at the hands of the Hawks.

Fantasy Impact:

Mills provided a workmanlike performance in 24 minutes for San Antonio in a losing effort on Friday night. To the surprise of few, most of his output was attributed to the three-ball. Mills connected with a trio of threes en route to 15 points. Mills high minute share from the bench and his pension to heat up from distance keeps him relevant in deeper leagues. Hes still a long shot desperation play on most nights. Look for him mainly against poor defensive squads.
Williamstown Told to Monitor Sewer Inflow



Williamstown Public Works Director Tim Kaiser addresses the Select Board. WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  Williamstown will have to address inflow and infiltration in the town's sewer lines, Department of Public Works Director Timothy A. Kaiser told the Select Board on Monday.

The town has been issued an administrative consent order from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to comply with federal standards for monitoring and reporting of inflow an infiltration, the term for groundwater and stormwater inadvertently entering a dedicated sewage line.

The problem with infiltration is that it could potentially overwhelm a solid waste treatment facility, something that did happen "routinely" when Kaiser started with the town nearly four decades ago, he said.

Kaiser said the town has made progress over the years to reduce its inflow and infiltration problem.

"We found things that were cost effective to fix, and we fixed them," Kaiser said. "This new report  we'll be required to constantly identify sources, whether it's cost effective to do so or not.

"It's the federal government that is pushing this. DEP is the organization in Massachusetts that's responsible for pursuing it.  We will spend more time and more money recording and reporting on things that we do not need to do in order to run the system effectively. I'll try not to complain too much."

The town has contracted with David Prickett Consulting LLC of Longmeadow, which has experience dealing with other municipalities' compliance issues, Kaiser said.

He explained that Williamstown has an old sewage system that only started converting over from clay pipe to PVC in 1982.

"There's room for more improvement," he said. "The question is will it save the ratepayers any money. If we spent a dollar on inflow/infiltration, will it take a dollar off the bill? No."

"They didn't accept that we already solved this problem?" asked Daley.

"No," Kaiser replied.

Chairman Jeffrey Thomas noted that bringing the town into compliance with the consent order might be one of Kaiser's last acts in a long career with the town that ends on April 12 after 38 years and seven months of service.

"I was 22 when I came here," he told the board. "I started as a laborer in the sewer department. I took it with the thought that I'd do it until I figured out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I did. I want to retire."

After receiving a round of applause from the board and spectators at Monday's meeting, Kaiser offered praise for his subordinates.

"The town has the best DPW around, and it will after I'm gone," he said. "They're dedicated, they know what they're doing, and they get it done. You're lucky. You've got a good group."

To that point, Hoch later in the meeting noted that Kaiser's replacement, Chris Lemoine, formerly served as the town's highway superintendent. And Craig Clough, who previously ran the parks and cemetery department, will be taking over as highway superintendent.

"Good internal capacity and moving people through progression there," Hoch said.

Kaiser is not the only long-term town employee who will be moving on in the coming months.

Treasurer Janet Sadler's last day is Friday, and Town Clerk Mary Kennedy will be retiring in March, Hoch said.

Both those retirements were anticipated in the FY20 budget. The Treasurer's office has been carrying three salaries for what normally is a two-person department to allow Sadler to train her replacement, Assistant Treasurer Rachel Vadnais. Kennedy's replacement, Nicole Pedercini, begins work on Jan. 21 to allow adequate time for a smooth transition in that office.

Meanwhile, Hoch said he is finalizing numbers for an FY21 budget he will present later this winter. It is early to talk about specific numbers, but he teased some promising news.

"On the town operation, things are looking extremely good," Hoch said. "No tax increase and possibly our share [of the budget] will have a slight decrease. I don't have the school numbers, so I don't know where they're going."

The appropriation for the Mount Greylock Regional School District represents the bulk of the town's expenditure from property taxes.
Earlier this week, snowplow drivers in St. Louis County in Minnesota went on strike against the institution of a third tier of equipment operators with fewer benefits.

Equipment operators began picketing on Wednesday at a Public Works facility in Pike Lake. There were also pickets from the same local, Teamsters Local 320, in the towns of Ely, Hibbing, Virginia, and Cook. The 168 drivers represented by this contract serve a rural area covering about 3,300 miles of roads.

The strike has affected local delivery and postal services, due to continued snowfall through the week. The county has dispatched 35 replacement drivers to plow roads.

One of the main issues is the new proposed rate of sick leave accrual and how much can be paid back upon retirement for newer Public Works employees. Currently, any Public Works employees hired before 2013 can be paid for up to 1,900 hours of sick leave. This amounts to 11 months of sick leave for which they can be reimbursed. For newer workers, the cap is at 1,150 hours, which amounts to a little more than six months of pay. The workers represented by Teamsters local 320 are striking to bring the cap up to 1,500 hours. The county has refused to grant the increase.

Nine other bargaining units in northeastern Minnesota, which had already agreed to the cap of 1,500 hours back in 2012-2013, remain at work. This poses the danger that the strike by Public Works employees in St. Louis County will be isolated by the Teamsters union.

Additionally, the senior cap of 1,900 reimbursed hours of sick leave effectively creates a tiered system, blocking out newer workers from the benefits of senior equipment operators. Agreeing to a lower cap was a deliberate strategy of the county governments, with the collaboration of the Teamsters.

Picketers include new and senior workers alike, and on Wednesday, workers explained to local news that they were fighting for the newer generation of equipment operators.

Cheryl Edium, a senior equipment operator with over 20 years of experience told local news, I want these younger people to get what they deserve, what we have, she said. Were in this together.

The county has offered a starting wage increase of 4 percent and the offer for the Teamsters to find another self-funded health insurance plan instead of the countys offered plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield, both as a trade for the loss of sick payouts, a move that chief negotiator of the Teamsters local has called generous.

Workers themselves have stated otherwise. Dan Wallgren, a heavy equipment mechanic told local news The wage increases are low, (and) what you're paying out of your check keeps going up and up and up. He continued In three years they've raised our out-of-pocket insurance cost by 38 percent. (So) this is not only for the younger people. This is also for the people who have been here way before 2013.

The county has argued that the strike reopens what had already been a settled issue with the sick payout cap. But workers are going on the offensive to stop the concerted decline in benefits and living conditions for all the Public Works employees in the county and in northeastern Minnesota.

Tom Ostman, a senior equipment operator told local news, My whole takeaway is theyre lowering us 150 or 200 hours of sick leave and it just seems like theyre trying to knock it down and down every year  They keep taking things away from us, and pretty soon its going to be gone.
President Donald Trump has engaged in a Twitter feud with the Ayatollah of Iran, blasting the country's 'supreme leader' in both English and Persian.

'The noble people of Iranwho love Americadeserve a government that's more interested in helping them achieve their dreams than killing them for demanding respect,' Trump tweeted on Friday after arriving at Mar-a-Lago.

'Instead of leading Iran toward ruin, its leaders should abandon terror and Make Iran Great Again!' he continued in a pair of tweets written in English and Persian.

Trump's remarks were in direct response to a tweet in English from Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, which blasted the 'villainous' U.S. government.

President Donald Trump has engaged in a Twitter feud with the Ayatollah of Iran, blasting the country's 'supreme leader' in both English and Persian

Ayatollah Khamenei, facing intense protests from Iranian people after his military shot down a civilian airliner, led Friday prayers in Tehran on Friday for the first time in eight years

Trump repeated the same tweet in Persian in a direct appeal to the Iranian people

The online war of words comes a week after Iran launched ballistic missiles at U.S. forces in Iraq, resulting in no U.S. deaths, in response to the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.

Iran's air defenses caused a catastrophe on their own soil during the ballistic missile strike, when a surface-to-air missile battery shot down a civilian passenger airliner mostly full of Iranian citizens.

Khamenei has faced intense backlash and protests from Iranians furious at their government for initially claiming that an engine malfunction had brought down the jet.

After Trump tweeted in Persian and English supporting the protesters, Khamenei launched a tweetstorm of his own, furiously blasting the American president.

'The villainous US govt repeatedly says that they are standing by the Iranian ppl. They lie,' wrote Khamenei.

'If you are standing by the Iranian ppl, it is only to stab them in the heart with your venomous daggers. Of course, you have so far failed to do so, & you will certainly continue to fail,' he said.

Kahmenei's furious tweetstorm also took aim at U.S. allies France and Germany, as well as the 'vicious' UK government.

'The threat of the French & German govts & the vicious British govt to send Iran's case to the Security Council proved once again that they are the footmen of the US,' he wrote.

Trump responded: 'The so-called 'Supreme Leader' of Iran, who has not been so Supreme lately, had some nasty things to say about the United States and Europe. Their economy is crashing, and their people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words!'

Mass protests erupted in Tehran after Iran admitted it had shot down a passenger jet' Trump encouraged the protests in a series of tweets, infuriating the Ayatollah

On Friday, Khamenei threw his support behind Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards in a rare sermon, after their belated admission that they had accidentally downed an airliner triggered days of street protests.

In his first Friday prayers sermon for eight years, Khamenei also told worshippers chanting 'Death to America' that the elite Guards could take their fight beyond Iran's borders after the U.S. killing of a top Iranian commander.

Khamenei's address came amid a deepening crisis for Iran as it grapples with unrest at home and rising pressure from abroad.

Tension has steadily ratcheted higher since 2018, when the United States withdrew from Tehran's nuclear pact with world powers and reimposed sanctions that have hammered the economy.

The standoff erupted into tit-for-tat military strikes this month, when Washington killed top commander Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike on Jan. 3 and Iran launched missile strikes at U.S. targets in Iraq on Jan. 8.

Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei gives a sermon before leading a Friday prayer for the first time in eight years at Imam Khomeini Mosalla in Tehran, Iran on Friday

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (Front 7th R) attends a Friday prayer led by Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei for the first time since 2012

In the tense aftermath, a Ukrainian airliner was shot down by mistake. But it took days for the Guards to admit this and protesters directed their rage at the elite force and the clerical system it was set up to defend.

'Our enemies ... were happy that they found an excuse to undermine the Guards, the armed forces and our system,' Khamenei said in his sermon, heaping praise on the Guards for protecting Iran and renewing a call for U.S. troops to leave the region.

Khamenei said Soleimani's work of projecting Iran's military influence abroad would continue and said the Quds Force he commanded 'protects oppressed nations across the region.'

He said Quds Force soldiers were 'fighters without borders'.

The U.S. State Department's special representative for Iran, Brian Hook, said in Washington that Iranian threats risked further isolating the country.

But Russia lent Iran some support over the airliner disaster, saying it had been shot down when Tehran was spooked by reports of advanced U.S. stealth fighters in the area.

'I'd like to underline the edginess that always accompanies such situations,' Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
Verdict in the Behmai massacre case was deferred on Saturday for the third time this month after the court found the original copy of the case diary missing from the records.

Special judge, anti-dacoity, Sanjiv Singh issued notice to the court clerk, Rajendra Yadav, and fixed January 24 as the next date for the verdict.

The yet another deferment of the verdict elicited angry response from complainant Rajaram Singh and the families of those killed 39 years ago.

Singh said the court knew about the missing document all along then why did it fix the date for pronouncing the verdict. Its like keeping a thirty person off water, he said in Mati, Akbarpur of Kanpur Dehat district.

The trial in one of most-talked-about cases was completed on December 17, 2018, and the court had fixed January 6 for the verdict. But the lawyers of the five accused asked the court for some more time to file certain citations of high court and the Supreme Court.

The court had given them till January 16 to file the citations and told them it would decide the case on January 18.

District governing counsel (DGC) Raju Porwal said the case diary is an essential document and the court has issued notice to the court clerk. The verdict would be pronounced on the next date.

Twenty people were killed on February 14, 1981, by a group of bandits led by late Phoolan Devi in Behmai. But the trial in the case started in 2012 and that, too, on five of 28 accused.

The five accused are Posa, Bheekha, Vishwanath alias Putani, Shyam Babu and Ram Singh. Posa and Bheekha were arrested in 2017.

While 17 of the accused have died of natural causes and police encounters, the prime accused in the case, Phoolan Devi, who after her release from jail in 1994, became an MP from Mirzapur, was killed in 2001 at her house in New Delhi. The other five accused, including her right hand man Maan Singh, have not been arrested yet.

Also, four of the five injured in the Behmai attack have also pasased away.

It has been a long wait for justice for the Behmai widows -- 10 of the 20 have also died. Munni Devi, who became the youngest widow at the age of 11 at that time, said their sentiments were being hurt with the delay in judgment. I knew it will happen this time too; they killed our men and they are exploiting the legal system. I have not much hope left in me, she said from Behmai.
In 2016, Hillary Clinton won the popular vote. Donald Trump, however, won the Electoral College by focusing on all states, not just the most populous ones. Since then, Democrats have been bent on destroying the Electoral College by any means short of a constitutional amendment. The Supreme Court has now agreed to take up one of Democrats' attacks on the Electoral College.

The Founders created the Electoral College via Article II, Section 1, Clause 2 in the Constitution. Its purpose reflects the fact that America is not a direct democracy but is, instead, a representative democracy. The Electoral College is one of the many layers the Founders put between the government and the possible madness of the mob.

Before the 17th Amendment, senators were originally meant to be elected by state legislatures, putting them at a remove from voters. The president nominates judges, and the Senate votes on them. Only representatives come to D.C. via direct democracy  and the Senate tempers their initiatives (including impeachment), again protecting against voters' passions of the moment.

In addition to blocking mob rule, the Electoral College has another, extremely important, perhaps even more important, purpose: it ensures that presidents cannot campaign only in large population centers, pandering to the preferences of those centers, while ignoring the rest of the United States.

Without the Electoral College, presidential candidates would only campaign in, and shape their policies for, New York (Leftist), California (Leftist), Illinois (Leftist), Texas (generally conservative, but with its population centers rapidly going Left), Florida (a swing state, hewing Left because of northeastern snowbirds), Ohio (another swing state), Washington state (Leftist), Colorado (Leftist), and Massachusetts (Leftist). They would ignore the rest of America.

The Electoral College stands as a bright line between an Executive who must campaign in all of the states, taking note of the needs and values of all Americans, and an Executive who can govern to the left of Bernie Sanders after getting votes from a handful of states. No wonder Democrats hate the Electoral College.

One of the challenges to the Electoral College is the "National Popular Vote Interstate Compact." The 15 states (plus D.C.) that have already agreed to that compact want to ignore their citizens' votes and, instead, assign their electoral votes to the candidate with the most national popular votes.

In the short term, immediately after President Trump won the Electoral College, Democrats began to bully Democrat and NeverTrump electors in states Trump won, demanding that they vote for Hillary to protect America from the insanity of Trump voters. Those who, out of "principle" or fear, switched their votes came to be called "faithless electors." Prof. William Jacobson described the faithless elector movement as "nothing short of an attempt to steal the election."

Thirty-two states have laws mandating that electors cast their votes consistent with the will of the state's voters. Washington and Colorado are among that number and, in cases arising out of faithless electors, it is their laws that the Supreme Court is going to address. William Jacobson, a law professor at Cornell, has weighed in on the issue:

I don't know enough about the legal issues to opine  I have some reading up to do. But the politics are clear. This may be the single most important case this year. If the Supreme Court rules that electors can be faithless, then there is going to be mayhem in 2020 when Trump wins again. Those who sought to intimidate and bully electors in 2016 were largely viewed as being out of bounds. But if given a legal green light, there's no telling how much damage could be done to the stability of the nation if the electoral counts is close and bullying a small number of electors to go faithless swings the Electoral College to Democrats.

Perhaps because I'm less informed than Prof. Jacobson, I am willing to opine on the matter: one of the Founders wanted to ensure that voters in each state had a say in electing the president. Any attempt to warp the Electoral College into a vehicle for enacting the national popular vote is antithetical to that purpose.

It's true that the Founders also wanted to protect against mob passions, but one has to ask: in 2016, was the mob the people who politely voted for a candidate who was consistent with American norms before 2008, or was the mob the people who took to the street after the election, threatening to destroy American institutions if their demands were not met? Moreover, would the Founders side with the existential screamers if that meant erasing the voters of most American states?

Ultimately, those Leftists who want to destroy the Electoral College still can, but they must do so via the constitutional amendment process.
Resolutions supporting a bus-only lane on the Bay Bridge will be considered by two Bay Area transit agencies next week.

East Bay bus carrier AC Transit will hear its resolution when it meets at 5 p.m. Wednesday in the district's second floor board room at 1600 Franklin St. in Oakland.

A similar resolution by Bay Area Rapid Transit Director Rebecca Saltzman will be heard when the BART board meets at 9 a.m. Thursday in its board room at 2640 Webster St. in Oakland.

"I've been working on this for years with AC Transit, and we've never been able to get traction," Saltzman tweeted on Friday. "Caltrans has opposed and MTC hasn't prioritized this. It's super exciting to see so much support for this now! It feels like this is the time to make a bus-only lane happen!"

A staff report on the resolution by AC Transit board Vice President Elsa Ortiz concludes that "A bus-only lane on the Bay Bridge could greatly increase the reliability of AC Transit transbay service. It will allow more frequent, reliable and faster service, contributing substantially to the quality of transbay service."

The idea has been floated repeatedly since AC Transit was formed 60 years ago, but "Concern about the effect of bus-only lanes on auto traffic have made it impossible to go forward to date," according to the staff report.

The report notes that the political climate around such an idea has recently created "a new wave of support" for a bus-only lane on bridge as motor traffic congestion increases and agencies such as BART operate over capacity.

The staff report credits Assemblyman Rob Bonta for resurrectingh the idea after it was recently proposed by one of his constituents.

Elected officials supporting the lane include Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin, the Berkeley City Council, Oakland Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan, Emeryville council members Ally Medina and John Bauters, East Bay Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks, and State Sen. Scott Wiener of San Francisco.

The resolution to be considered by the BART board notes that "the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) consistently ranks the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (Bay Bridge) corridor as the most congested corridor in the region."

It states that congestion is projected to worsen during peak conditions "even with all planned improvements in the corridor," reaching 152 percent of capacity by 2040.

Peak BART transbay service is already at approximately 110 percent of capacity, according to the resolution, and "capacity improvements for riders will not be realized until at least 2027."

The AC Transit staff report cautions that "in the absence of a design for the lane, its effects cannot be completely projected and, therefore, staff cannot identify any disadvantages at this time."

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 01:34:00|Editor: yan

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CAIRO, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Saturday that the cooperation with the World Bank is important for Egypt's development efforts.

Sisi's comments came during his meeting with a high-profile World Bank delegation in Cairo, spokesman of Egyptian Presidency Bassam Rady said in a statement.

Sisi said Egypt attaches great importance to its strategic relations with the World Bank Group, the spokesman added.

In addition, the meeting discussed ways to further the cooperation between Egypt and the World Bank in various fields, especially in infrastructure projects.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 21:31:37|Editor: Xiaoxia

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ADEN, Yemen, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Shelling attacks launched by the Houthi rebels left serious damages to the civilians' houses located in residential areas in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, a local military official told Xinhua Saturday.

"Numerous of the civilians' houses were either partially or completely destroyed as a result of the artillery shelling attacks launched by the Houthis in the past days," the local military source said on condition of anonymity.

"Houthis didn't stop their artillery shelling attacks and sporadically target the residential areas in the southern outskirts of Hodeidah," the source said.

He added that "more than 21 houses were bombed by the Houthi attacks that forced the families to flee into the displacement camps."

A local resident confirmed to Xinhua by phone saying that the indiscriminate Houthi shelling created panic among their family members.

"I transferred all my children to the temporary camp specified for internally displaced people because life here is more dangerous," the resident said anonymously.

In October, the United Nations started deploying cease-fire observers in Hodeidah, establishing five observation points near the military contact lines between the two warring parties.

The observation points are manned by liaison officers from both parties in accordance with the cease-fire agreement reached last year in Sweden that also called on both warring sides to move forces away from ports and parts of the strategic city.

However, sporadic exchange of gunfire and artillery shelling continued to rock the strategic port city despite the presence of the cease-fire observers.

As the main Yemeni port city along the coast of the Red Sea, Hodeidah is the key lifeline entry of most Yemen's commercial imports and humanitarian aid.

The grinding war of more than five years has pushed over 20 million people to the verge of starvation.

The Iran-allied Houthi rebels control much of Hodeidah while the Saudi-backed government troops have advanced to its southeastern districts.

The cease-fire deal in Stockholm was seen as the first phase toward achieving a comprehensive political solution to the civil war.
The U.S. Justice Department announced this week that five Pakistani nationals have been indicted for their alleged role in a five-year clandestine operation to illegally procure and smuggle U.S.-made technologies for use in Pakistan's nuclear weapons development program.

Between September 2014 and October 2019, the men used a system of front companies located in Pakistan, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and Canada operating mostly under the names Business World and Industria.

According to the Justice Department, during that five-year period Muhammad Karman Wali of Pakistan, Muhammad Ahsan Wali and Haji Wali Muhammad Sheikh of Canada, Ashrah Khan Muhammad of Hong Kong and Ahmed Waheed of the United Kingdom procured components from 29 U.S. companies for 38 illicit shipments to Pakistan.

The parts were ordered primarily for the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and Pakistan's Advanced Engineering Research Organization (AERO), both of which have been on the U.S. Commerce Department's Entity List since 1998 and 2014, respectively.

U.S. companies are required by law to apply for an export license to ship to individuals and entities on the Entity List, with the presumption that the license will be denied.

Most of the Pakistani businessmen's purchases were under $10,000 in value and included electronic connectors and components, engine and equipment parts and civilian aircraft parts.

So far, none of the five defendants are in U.S. custody. However, they are each charged with two felony counts of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which carries a maximum 20-year jail sentence.

The U.S. companies involved in the case were identified by name in the indictment against the five Pakistani men which was unsealed by U.S. Attorney Scott Murray for the District of New Hampshire on Jan. 15. The Justice Department added that "none of the U.S. companies is alleged to have been complicit in the illegal exports."

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However, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Demers warned, "This indictment puts the world on notice not to do business with these defendants and demonstrates our commitment of holding them accountable."

Demers also said the indictment "stands as an example of the kind of deceptive behavior U.S. businesses need to watch out for in designing appropriate export control and sanctions compliance programs."

Export compliance consultant Paul DiVecchio, who has worked with many high-tech exporters throughout New England over the past 40 years, agrees that American companies must be on high alert for illicit export schemes.

He also advises his corporate clients to partner with federal agencies that have responsibility for export control enforcement, such as the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security and FBI, to report potential illicit export transactions.

"The exporting industry is the eyes and ears for these enforcement agencies," he said. "Partnering is every U.S. company and citizen's responsibility."

Image by H.S.Wajid Hussain from Pixabay

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ZACC and ZIMRA have been conducting an investigation into reports received, indicating that there has been a massive and expansive operation involving smuggling of significant volumes of fuel, mainly diesel and petrol through a number of our ports of entry.
Just a couple of years shy of 100 years since Alderman Thomas Halpin, of Georges Street and Captain John Moran, a resident of Magdalene Street, were beaten to death in Drogheda by members of the Black and Tans, local representatives were boycotting the now-deferred national commemoration of the RIC (Royal Irish Constabulary).

Only five months before the murders of Halpin and Moran in February 1921, James Lawless and John Gibbons had been murdered on the Main Street in Balbriggan and the town was brought to its knees.

Local voices had joined national dissent over the Governments decision to hold the event in Dublin Castle on January 17th, with Dublin City Councillors also voting to boycott the ceremony they have called obscene.

Kevin Callan was one Louth county councillor who said he would not mark the occasion.

Every year I attend the ceremony of commemoration at the Cenotaph Cross in Drogheda to remember those from Drogheda who died in the Great War, as these men fought in a war as soldier against soldier, said the Independent councillor.

I do not agree however with the commemoration by the State of a police service, the Royal Irish Constabulary which as policy by its acts and failures to act allowed mass criminal acts of murder, beatings and many other travesties including the burning of towns such as Balbriggan in its collusion with the Black and Tans as Britain started to lose its grip on its control of the island. These acts by the RIC and omissions led to much suffering on the part of innocent civilians on Irish soil, people they were supposed to protect.

Fianna Fail TD Thomas Byrne had also decided to boycott the event. I firmly believe that the Government has made a massive blunder commemorating the RIC in 2020, he said. Of course, there were decent RIC men but, 100 years ago, the RIC was falling apart with officers leaving and recruitment dwindling - for obvious reasons. They were bolstered by the arrival of the Black and Tans and the Auxiliaries. They caused death and mayhem wherever they went including 100 years ago, the Sack of Balbriggan and a notorious rampage in Trim. The official plan for the decade of centenaries makes no mention of the RIC. Ive no idea why it was decided to hold it.

Others including Meath Cllr Wayne Harding and TD Imelda Munster had also informed officials they would not be there.

It is those who resisted British rule in Ireland during the Tan War and citizens that suffered at the hands of the those that maintained British rule who the State should be commemorating, not the RIC or the Black and Tans, said Deputy Munster. If this commemoration goes ahead it will undoubtedly be met with dignified protest and Sinn Fein is organising for that eventuality.

The 99th anniversary of the murder of two men in Ardee was also commemorated on November 30th, recalling the deaths at the hands of the Black and Tans of Sean OCarroll and Patrick Tierney in 1920, a statue of whom was erected in 1955. In a lengthy statement, Minister for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan said it was disappointing to see some public representatives abandon the principles of mutual understanding and reconciliation in an effort to gain headlines.

This attitude, combined with a distortion of the nature of the commemoration, is ill becoming of any public representative and represents a step backwards to a more narrow-minded past characterized by a hierarchy of Irishness, he added.
Eu Yan Sang, the 140-year-old traditional Chinese medicine maker whose products for women and children are familiar to generations of Hong Kong people, aims to launch by year-end an entirely plant-based version of its famous Bak Foong menstruation pills in a bid to appeal to a younger consumer.

Designed to complement its existing product containing animal-based ingredients such as deer antler and black bone chicken, the plant version has been tested to deliver the same efficacy in alleviating menstrual pains and regulating the menstrual cycle, according to the firm.

Aaron Boey, group chief executive of Singapore-based traditional Chinese medicine producer and retailer Eu Yan Sang. Photo: SCMP Pictures

The research and development of plant-based Bak Foong Pills is just part of our continued effort to innovate our products to reach a wider segment of consumers, including those preferring a non-animal-based option of health supplement, said Aaron Boey, group chief executive of the Singapore-based company.

A major challenge for the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) industry is winning over millennials, who tend to place a higher value on convenience and sustainability.

It is certainly true that younger consumers are gravitating towards western more than traditional Chinese remedies, said Boey.

While Eu Yan Sang is one of the most trusted TCM brands in the region, TCM itself is waning in terms of its relevance to younger consumers. There is work to be done in expanding the market.

Although TCM uses natural ingredients, classic formulations still require parts from animals, some of which are protected or threatened species.

Eu Yan Sang said it complies with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of World Fauna and Flora in all signatory nations.

Of the more than 500 medicinal ingredients commonly used in TCM, around 45 are from animal or insect sources.

Eu Yan Sang is catering to some consumers preference for non-animal-based TCM products with its plant-based Bak Foong pills.

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The company has worked with research institutions and universities to develop more innovative products.

In 2000, it collaborated with the Chinese University of Hong Kong on a three-year research project to investigate the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the effects of the Bak Foong pills.

The project led to the development of a new formula  Menoease, a product which helps to restore oestrogen production and maintain health during and after menopause. A clinical trial was conducted in 2005 to show its effectiveness in reducing hot flushes for menopausal Chinese women.

In 2003, Eu Yan Sang and CUHKs Institute of Chinese Medicine co-developed an antiviral formula  Kang Du Bu Fei pills  for the prevention of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) that killed almost 300 people in Hong Kong.

Hong Kongs herbal and traditional medicine retail sales reached US$510 million in 2018, having grown at an average rate of 3.8 per cent since 2010, according to market research provider Euromonitor International.

In the same period the industry grew 6.9 per cent in Malaysia and 4 per cent in Singapore, which are Eu Yan Sangs core markets besides Hong Kong. The firm has 188 retail outlets. It makes most of its products in its own factories in Hong Kong and Malaysia.

The company aims to grow its presence in the consumer segments of mother and baby, womens health, healthy ageing and healthy travelling, Boey said.

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From never having to share a bed to saving money at Christmas, singletons have revealed the reasons why they're happy not to be in a relationship.

In an amusing gallery compiled by Whisper, people from across the globe have shared the reasons they're more than glad to be without a partner.

One user, from New York, explained being single means they get to keep all of their fries when they head out for a meal - and there's less chance of being cheated on.

Another, from Minnesota, said being alone 'saves them so much time and money' in the festive period because they don't have to buy presents or attend Christmas parties.

Here, FEMAIL has shared some of the most candid confessions posted on the secret-sharing app.

Sweet dreams! One user, from Huntington, West Virginia, wrote on Whisper that being single means they gets a 'huge, king size' bad all to to themselves

Expensive taste! Another, from an unknown location, said being single 'you save much more' because dating is 'very expensive'

Yum! A third confessed they enjoy being single because 'I never have to ask anyone what they want for dinner'. It is not known where the user lives

Killing it! This user, from an unknown location, believes they are 'always in better shape' when they are single

All mine! This user, from New York, confessed the biggest perk is that no one is asking them to 'steal some fries'

Bah humbug! Another singleton, from Minnesota, said they are glad to not have to buy presents or attend holiday parties

Disappointment! Another added that they prefer being single because 'men only let me down, without fail'

Lone ranger! Another user, from Glasgow, wrote they are glad not to have to 'consider someone else's feelings or schedule when making decisions'

What a catch! Someone else, from Texas, confessed the 'best thing about being single' is that 'married women want me all the time'
The University of Pennsylvanias Lia Thomas competes in a swim meet against Dartmouth and Yale on Saturday. (Kylie Cooper)

After undergoing hormone replacement therapy, Thomas has posted fast times for the University of Pennsylvania's women's team, sparking debates from the starting blocks to online message boards to cable news networks.
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International players must stop meddling in the Libyan conflict, the UN's special envoy told said on Saturday, on the eve of a summit of world powers to try to bring peace to the North African nation.

"All foreign interference can provide some aspirin effect in the short term, but Libya needs all foreign interference to stop. That's one of the objectives of this conference," Ghassan Salame told AFP in an interview ahead of the Berlin summit.

Leaders of Russia, Turkey and France are due to join talks in Berlin on Sunday that are being held under the auspices of the United Nations, which wants to extract a pledge from foreign powers wielding influence in the region to stop meddling in the conflict, be it through the provision of weapons, troops or financing.

Both leaders of the warring factions -- strongman Khalifa Haftar and the head of Tripoli's UN-recognised government Fayez al-Sarraj -- are also expected at the first gathering of such scale on the conflict since 2018.

Libya has been torn by fighting between rival armed factions since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi and toppled his regime.

More recently, Sarraj's troops in Tripoli have been under attack since April from Haftar's forces, with clashes killing more than 280 civilians and 2,000 fighters and displacing tens of thousands.

Although Sarraj's government is recognised by the UN, some powerful players have broken away to stand behind Haftar -- turning a domestic conflict into what is essentially a proxy war with international powers jostling to secure their own interests from global influence to oil and migration.

Alarm grew internationally when Ankara ordered in troops early January to help shore up Sarraj, while Moscow is suspected of providing weapons, financing and mercenaries to Haftar -- something Russia has denied.

"We must end this vicious cycle of Libyans calling for the help of foreign powers. Their intervention deepens the divisions among the Libyans," said Salame, noting that the place of international players should be to "help Libyans develop themselves".

The UN envoy said Sunday's meeting will also seek to "consolidate" a shaky ceasefire.

"Today we only have a truce. We want to transform it into a real ceasefire with monitoring, separation (of rival camps), repositioning of heavy weapons" outside urban zones, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Howrah (West Bengal) [India], Jan 18 (ANI): Known for his foot-in-mouth remarks, West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh has described the "intellectuals" opposing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as "spineless", "devils" and "parasites".



"The intellectuals who are opposing the Citizenship Amendment Act are spineless. They are devils and parasites," he said at a rally here on Friday.

Ghosh made the comments a day after he was re-elected as West Bengal BJP president for the term 2020-2023.

Taking a dig over TMC's dip in seat share in West Bengal in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Ghosh claimed that the party will not win any seat from the state in the 2024 parliamentary polls.

"During the elections, you heard 'didi' (Mamata Banerjee) saying we will win all 42 seats and BJP will get zero seats. When the results came, TMC came down to 22 seats from 34 (it won in 2014 elections). We jumped from 2 to 18 seats. In the 2024 elections, you will not be seen in Delhi. You will not be able to win even two seats," he said.

Ghosh is known for his controversial statements and activities, which has often put him at loggerheads with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Earlier, the BJP leader had sparked controversy by threatening to shoot people who destroy public property during protests.

He had also turned away an ambulance which tried to make its way through his rally in Nadia last week.

"Divert the route of the ambulance as hundreds of people are sitting here. They (TMC) are doing it purposely. It is their tactic to disrupt this rally," Ghosh had said. (ANI)


Assam's Shivangi Sarma and Karnataka's Khushi Dinesh raked in their third gold medal each in the swimming competition at the Khelo India Youth Games 2020 here on Saturday.

West Bengal's Swadesh Mondol and Karnataka's Nina Venkatesh completed a double each before Srihari Nataraj dominated the boys under-21 100m backstroke.

The four gold medals that Karnataka won in the Dr. Zakir Hussain Aquatics Complex, including one for Aneesh S Gowda in the 1500m freestlye event, saw the state continue its dramatic rise from outside the top 10.

They are now in the fifth spot on the medals tally with a collection of 15 gold to be behind Maharashtra, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

Maharashtra are firmly in the lead with 49 gold in haul of 179 medals while Haryana are trying hard to catch up with 40 gold in a total of 125 medals. Delhi (26 gold) and Uttar Pradesh (22) are locked in a competition of their own for the third place, with Karnataka making a game run through their swimmers.

The home state's top freestyler Shivangi Sarma's triple crown in the pool, with a win in the girls under-21 400m freestyle on Saturday, helped Assam touch double-figures in terms of gold medals won. With more gold likely to come their way late on Saturday from the Lawn Bowls competition, Assam are looking forward to cracking the top 10 by the end of the day.

Maharashtra's tally was boosted by both under-21 gold medals in kho-kho. The all-round superiority of their teams was always evident on the mat and the scores reflected that well. That both the finals ended in big victories by an innings and more tells the story of Maharashtra's domination of the indigenous sport.

Even as Haryana's traditional rivals in wrestling, Maharashtra and Delhi, were giving them a run for their money, they relied on their shooters to keep stay within 10 gold medals of Maharashtra.

Their shot girls under-21 shot gun aces did not disappoint them on Saturday, Kiran holding her nerve in a shoot-off for the gold medal with Madhya Pradesh's Neeru Devi in the Trap final.

Sanjana Sood did not have to endure such stress in the Skeet final as she edged out Tamil Nadu's N Keerthana 46-45. Punjab's Vanshika Shahi (50m Rifle 3 Positions) and the Uttar Pradesh 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team of Devanshi Dhama and Sharvan Kumar took home the other two gold medals at stake in the shooting ranges on Saturday.

Rajasthan's Boni Manghkya claimed the girls under-17 55kg class weightlifting gold, denying Arunachal Pradesh's Balo Yalam by 6kg in a close battle.

However, late in the evening, Markio Tario won Arunachal Pradesh's second gold medal in the sport by topping the boys under-21 contest.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The dad of a baby boy left in a blistering hot car while his mother allegedly went to play bingo in the pub has spoken out.

Steve Millar has revealed his son Easton has just a 50 per cent chance of survival after he was allegedly left in the car outside a pub in Point Cook, Victoria.

Easton's mother Kaija Millar, 32, from Gladstone Park, has been charged with negligently causing serious injury and reckless conduct that endangers life.

Speaking to the Herald Sun newspaper Mr Millar said he was 'heartbroken and devastated'.

'I just don't understand. She absolutely loved him so much. He's very attached to his mum,' he said.

Steve Millar has revealed his son Easton has just a 50 per cent chance of survival after he was allegedly left in the car outside a pub in Point Cook, Victoria

Kaija Millar, 32, (pictured, left) is accused of locking 14-month-old Easton (right) in her car and abandoning him while she went to play bingo

'It's still touch and go at the moment  it's 50-50 whether he'll pull through,' he said.

'He has shown a few signs to me, when I'm talking to him you can see his mouth trying to move.'

He said his parents and both his brothers had been accompanying him to the hospital daily as he holds a bedside vigil for the youngster.

Ms Millar, 32,has been charged after allegedly locking 14-month-old Easton in the car while she gambled.

Police in Victoria claimed 14-month-old Easton was left to swelter in the Holden Barina as temperatures reached 33C outside.

He was found unresponsive at around 3pm on Wednesday in the locked car, which was parked outside the Brook Hotel in Point Cook, west of Melbourne.

A shocked family friend told the Sunday Herald Sun that Ms Millar frequently visited the pub to play bingo but such an incident was out of character.

Easton was taken to Royal Children's Hospital in a critical but stable condition after being pulled from the vehicle.

Ms Millar has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on January 23.

A neighbour of the family has said they had spoken to Mr Millar and he was a 'shell of a man'.

'I just can't comprehend it. This is like a lightning bolt out of the blue  it's shocked everybody really,' he told The Advertiser.

'It's a real shame because he's just the average run-of-the-mill tradie that just goes and does his job'.

Experts said the temperature in a car on a 29C day or hotter can hit 44C within just 10 minutes, with the child likely to suffer heatstroke.

Baby Easton (pictured, left) was found unresponsive and in a critical condition. Police allege his mother Kaija Millar (right) left him in the car

Kaija Millar (pictured) has been charged. Her baby, Easton, is fighting for his life in hospital

What happens to children left in hot cars? Children's bodies heat up three-to-five times faster than adults do The younger the child, the more vulnerable they are On a 29C day, temperatures inside a car can reach 44C in just ten minutes This can cause 'serious injury' and brain damage After 20 minutes, the temperature reaches a fatal 60.2C, which could kill Winding down the windows or parking in the shade will do little as it doesn't affect the car's core temperature Advertisement

The infant was taken to the Royal Children's Hospital in a critical condition on Thursday.

It is understood a bystander performed CPR on the child until paramedics arrived.

Witnesses said the mother was inconsolable as efforts were made to save her son.

The incident comes less than a month after the state government launched its Never Leave Kids in Cars campaign.

Last month, paramedics revealed they were called eight times to children being left locked in hot cars across Victoria as temperatures hit a scorching 40C.

Upon launching the campaign, Victorian health minister Jenny Mikakos said more than 30 Victorians a week  mainly babies and toddlers  were having to be rescued from vehicles.

On Thursday, Ms Mikakos said almost 1,500 children were left in vehicles in Victoria in the first 11 months of last year.

Kaija Millar (pictured) is due to appear in court on January 23. Easton is being cared for by his father, sources say

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia in November, Dr Dilip Dhupelia, the president of the Australian Medical Association's Queensland branch, had a dramatic warning for parents: 'It is never OK to leave a child in the car.'

'Some people have this false sense of protection - 'it's only 10 minutes, I'll leave the window open four or five centimetres',' Dr Dhupelia said.

'It doesn't stop the temperature rising.'

The doctor said the mercury can rise so fast in just 10 minutes in the car, that heatstroke and seizures can occur.

Heatstroke is where children's bodies fail to properly regulate their temperature and can occur rapidly after their body temperature passes 40 degrees.

'A child can become dizzy, it can become confused, it can become very agitated,' Dr Dhupelia said.

Their organs then begin to shut down.

'Then they have seizures, and the seizures can lead to a loss of consciousness and death.
SkyUp Airlines suspends its flights to the United Arab Emirates from February 1, 2020 due to the closure of the airspace over Iran and Iraq.

"From February 1, 2020, SkyUp Airlines suspends its regular flights to Sharjah (UAE) from Zaporizhia, Lviv and Kharkiv. This is connected with the prolongation of the ban on flights in the airspace over the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Iraq, which was introduced by the State Aviation Administration of Ukraine from January 9, 2020," the company said on Friday.

SkyUp also said that bypassing of the territories of Iran and Iraq increases the duration of the flights and makes it necessary to make a stop to refuel the plane.
French president Emmanuel Macron was evacuated from a packed theatre by armed riot police last night after a mob of anti-government protesters tried to reach him.

The major security scare saw Mr Macron and his wife Brigitte leaving the Bouffes du Nord in the 10th arrondissement of Paris soon after 10pm.

Video posted on Twitter showed around 30 demonstrators storming the doors of the historic theatre, which is close to the Eurostar railway station in the city.

Protestors gesture next to a police car in front of the Bouffes du Nord theatre in Paris as French President Macron attends a play

CRS riot police stand as protestors gather in front of the Bouffes du Nord theatre in Paris as the French President attends a play

A protestor speaks in a megaphone during a demonstration in front of the Bouffes du Nord theatre in Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech during the opening day of the 'Made in France' event at the Elysee Palace

It followed Taha Bouhafa, a 22-year-old political activist who was sitting just behind the president, videoing the head of state and then inviting people to rush in.

Mr Bouhafa tweeted: 'I am currently at the Bouffes du Nord theatre (Metro station, La Chapelle) 3 rows behind the President of the Republic. Activists are around the corner and are calling on everyone to come in. Something is brewing ... the evening may be hectic.'

Mr Bouhafa is believed to have been arrested for the tweet, while CRS riot police dealt with the mob, some of who got close to Mr and Mrs Macron.

'They were chanting anti-Macron slogans, and generally making life very uncomfortable for the couple and their entourage,' said a witness to the trouble.

Striking employees demonstrate outside the Louvre museum on Friday in Paris. Paris' Louvre museum was closed Friday as dozens of protesters blocked the entrance to denounce the French government's plans to overhaul the pension system

'The Macrons were both moved out of their seats, and away from the trouble, until the all clear was given.'

A presidential source confirmed the evacuation, saying the Macron later returned to the theatre to watch the play  a modernist drama called The Fly.

The source said Mr Macron 'will continue to go to the theatre as he usually does and will ensure that political actions do not disturb the freedom of expression, the freedom of artists, and the freedom of creativity.'

Striking employees demonstrate with a banner reading 'Louvre museum on strike' outside the Louvre museum on Friday in Paris. Paris' Louvre museum was closed Friday as dozens of protesters blocked the entrance to denounce the French government's plans to overhaul the pension system

Richard Lioger, an MP in Mr Macron's LREM party, condemned the storming of the theatre as 'an unacceptable attempt at intrusion.'

But Danielle Obono, far-Left MP for the France Unbowed party, said Taha Bouhafs should not have been arrested for simply 'tweeting on the presence of the Contemptuous one in the theatre.'

Mr Macron is currently at the centre of bitter industrial action aimed at making him reverse controversial plans to reform France's pensions regime.

There have been six weeks of strikes and often violent protests in major cities including Paris.

Mr Macron's overall plan is to replace the current system of 42 different pension regimes with a single, points-based system that will be the same for everybody.
After the United States refused to accept the imported onions from India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now approached other nations like Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka to sell the onions at a 'no profit no loss' basis. The Government recently has been struggling to find a way to dispose of a huge quantity of imported onions they had got from Turkey, Egypt, and Iran.

As per reports, the Indian missions are directed to hold talks with the nations to buy onions from India as the production of desi onions has been increasing. It has further been reported that currently, over 20,000 tonnes of imported onions are available in the stock. According to the onion traders, no one is buying the imported onions as its taste is different from the homegrown onions.

Read: High onion prices figured prominently in RBI MPC meeting, minutes show

Ram Vilas Paswan's statement

Earlier on Tuesday, Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan had stated that the 'Centre is worried about disposing of imported onions as not many states are interested to take it.' Speaking to the media, he had said, "So far, we have contracted 36,000 tonnes of onion. Of which, 18,500 tonnes of shipment has reached India, and states have been able to take only 2,000 tonnes after much persuasion. We are worried about its disposal because it is a perishable commodity."

He had further stated, "Tomorrow, someone should not go to court and say imported onions were rotting." The Centre is now offering imported onions at an average landed cost of Rs 55 per kg and also bearing the entire transportation cost, Paswan added.

Read: 790 tonnes of imported onion reach India; some sent to AP, Delhi: Govt official

Onion prices soar across the country

The prices of onions across the country soared last December and has continued to burn a hole in the consumers' pockets ever since. In December, the onion prices soared above Rs 200 per kg in the Solapur market of Maharashtra. Prices had touched Rs 100 per kg in Ludhiana in Punjab and over Rs 110 per kg in West Bengals Siliguri market.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said in the Lok Sabha that the government had taken several steps to check rising prices of onion and had also initiated steps to improve technology for better storage of the kitchen staple.

Read: West Bengal: Imported onions from Turkey get mixed reaction in Asansol markets

Read: Centre worried as many states not keen to take imported onions: Paswan

(With Agency Inputs)
Authorities in Sri Lanka have recently quashed a ban on drones that was imposed after the 2019 Easter bombings that claimed the lives of 263 people. According to reports, lifting of the ban comes amid increasing demands for flying drones by wedding photographers and videographers, foreign nationals, media establishments, and commercial advertising companies.

Restricted flying in certain zones

The Sri Lankan Defence Ministry on January 18 said that the flying of drones would be restricted in certain flying zones. The Ministry also added that civil drone operators will have to take prior approval from the Defence Ministry to fly drones. The ban was lifted on the instructions of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

According to reports, the ban on flying drones was imposed in May 2019. The ban came one month after seven suicide bombers blew themselves at three different churches and three luxury hotels in what was termed as the deadliest violence by Islamic State group affiliated extremists in the Southern part of Asia.

Read: World Bank: Sri Lanka's Economic Growth Expected To Grow By 3.3% In 2020

Country's top spy chief held responsible

A Sri Lankan Parliamentary Committee held the countrys Spy Chief primarily responsible for the intelligence failure in its report on Easter suicide bombing in April 2019. The findings of the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) pointed to multiple levels of failures which led to the deaths of 259 people in the attacks.

The committee, in the report released on October 24, said that the Chief of State Intelligence Service (SIS), Nilantha Jayawardena, was slow in sharing the information with other agencies. The committee noted that attacks could have been prevented if the matter was discussed in a meeting held on April 9. It also held the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the then Minister of Defence (MoD) responsible for not following up on 'whether the President and the Prime Minister were informed of the intelligence received'.

This failure by the SIS has resulted in hundreds of deaths, many more injured and immeasurable devastation to Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans and that must not be treated lightly, the report read.

Read: Chinese Man Caught Trying To Smuggle 200 Venomous Scorpions Out Of Sri Lanka

The report also lamented the increasing politicisation of the security and intelligence sector. It said that the secretary of the Ministry of Defence, the highest civilian individual in the security apparatus, should have been in regular contact with the President and able to communicate with the Prime Minister in case the President was unavailable.

Since the constitutional crisis of 2018, the access by the Secretary, MOD to the President was limited. Testimony indicates that the President had regular contact with the Director, SIS than the Secretary, MOD, said the cross-party committee.

Read: Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa To Visit India In February

Read: Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Gunawardena Offers Prayers At Buddhist Temple In New Delhi

(With inputs from Agencies)
Indias new citizenship law raises fears among Hinduisms lowest social group that they will be targeted.

Hundreds of thousands of people in India have been protesting against a new citizenship law, saying it discriminates against Muslims.

But many Dalits  those in the so-called lowest social group in the Hindu caste system  fear it will also make conditions worse for them.

Al Jazeeras Anchal Vohra reports from Uttar Pradesh.
Tajikistan's parliament has approved an agreement to build five new Russian schools in the next three years, with funds largely provided by the Russian government.



The move shows the Tajik authorities' willingness to maintain close ties with Moscow and reflects a growing demand among Tajiks for Russian-language education.



During a parliamentary debate in Dushanbe on January 15, Deputy Education Minister Rahmatullo Mirboboev said the schools will be designed to hold at least 1,200 students each.

The Russian-speaking community has significantly dwindled in the Central Asian country as the population of ethnic Russians has fallen from some 395,000 in 1979 to just 35,000 when the last census was taken in 2010.



Despite that, it's expected there will be no shortage of students for the new Russian-speaking schools.



The demand among Tajiks for more educational facilities in which Russian is the language of instruction has risen both in cities and rural areas in recent years.



There are already 32 Russian-only schools in Tajikistan, with 10 of them established in the past two years.



Dozens of mixed-language schools offer education in both Tajik and Russian classes, taught separately.

Rampant Unemployment



Tajik parents who enroll their children in Russian schools say it will enhance their chances of studying in Russian universities and getting well-paid, white-collar jobs in Russia.



Unemployment is rampant and wages very low in Tajikistan, one of the poorest of the former Soviet republics. The average monthly wage in October was $140.

"My eldest son goes to a Russian school," says Zahro, a pediatrician from the northern province of Sughd who didn't want to give her full name.



She says her younger son couldn't get a place in the Russian school and that he is "currently studying in Tajik" while waiting for a vacancy.



"A longer-term plan for them is to study medicine in Russia, possibly in some smaller cities where living costs are not high," Zahro said. "The children are working hard, we're also getting additional private instruction in chemistry and physics."

Like many other Tajiks, Zahro believes the Russian-language schools in Tajikistan generally offer a better-quality education.



Russian schools are the second-best option for middle-income parents like Zahro, who can't afford to send their children to private schools.



There are dozens of private schools and lyceums -- including English schools -- that enjoy a reputation for providing quality education with a broader range of extracurricular offerings, smaller class sizes, and experienced teachers.



Russian Investment



Plans to open more Russian schools in Tajikistan were discussed during a meeting between Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Dushanbe in September 2018, the Tajik leader's official website reported.



Rahmon has always maintained a close relationship with "strategic partner" Russia, which hosts many hundreds of thousands of Tajik migrant workers.

The migrants' remittances -- estimated at around $2.5 billion and equal to about one-third of the country's gross domestic product in 2018 -- is an important factor for Tajikistan's social and economic stability.



Russia, in turn, has always been keen to keep Central Asia within its sphere of influence, and uses Russian-language education and the lure of economic opportunities as a tool of soft power.



Since August 2018, Moscow has sent more than 100 Russian teachers to Tajikistan -- a mountainous country of some 8.9 million people -- while also providing textbooks for the country's Russian schools.



A large portion of the teachers' wages are reportedly paid by the Russian Education Ministry.



During his annual press conference on December 19, 2019, Putin mentioned the need to open more Russian schools in Central Asia.



"It is more difficult to adapt for those who come, for example, from Central Asia. What can we do? We have to introduce our education systems, open Russian-language courses, Russian schools, and university branches," said Putin when asked about Russia's demographic situation and the immigration issues his country faces.



Tajik education officials say the five new schools will be built over the next three years in the capital, Dushanbe, as well as in the cities of Khujand in the country's north, Bokhtar and Kulob in the south, and the western town of Tursunzoda.

RFE/RL's Tajik Service contributed to this report.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 17)  Anyone found within Taal Volcano's 14-kilometer danger zone will meet a sure death during the anticipated hazardous eruption due to a number of dangerous scenarios, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Friday.

"Hazardous po iyon kasi mabilis 'yung ganoong movement and mainit siya. Definitely deadly kung sinong nasa vicinity," said Danniko Rivera, Phivolcs Senior Science Research Specialist.

[Translation: It is hazardous because the movement is fast and hot. [It will be] definitely deadly for someone in the vicinity.]

Volcanologists and Joint Task Force Taal closely monitored the volcano through an aerial inspection. Phivolcs continues to peg the danger at Alert Level 4, meaning a hazardous, explosive eruption can take place within hours or days.

When the eruption does occur, the public can expect a base surge or a horizontal movement of hot gases, volcanic fragments and ash at 60 kilometers per hour  as fast as a car moving at average speed, state volcanologists said.

They added that the surge can traverse Taal lake and easily reach the mainland within the danger zone surrounding the volcano and other identified high-risk areas.

National Institute of Geological Sciences professor Carlo Arcilla of the University of the Philippines said the instant death will come from inhaling the hot gases. He said the temperature of the magma can be at least 600 degrees Celcius to 1,000 degrees Celcius.

"What will kill you is when you breathe in the 600-degree air, that's a fast death....You will be burnt. Maluluto 'yan [That will be cooked] (your skin)," Arcilla described to CNN Philippines' News Night.

Possible scenarios

Apart from the base surge, another explosion is also possible if magma will come out of Taal's vents and interact with water. This on top of the volcano also possibly belching a column of ash and launching projectiles such as rocks that can be as big as blocks or bombs, fatally hitting people nearby.

Phivolcs said it is still anticipating an explosive event after seeing similarities in the volcano's activity to its movement during the eruption in 1754 and 1911.This despite volcanic activity visually weakening.

"Visually we can say nag-we-wane 'yung...hitsura po ng column kung icocompare natin noong Sunday o Monday pero... internally, seismisity, gas measurements and changes in the ground and fissure mapping up until yesterday, so nakikita namin may ground movement," explained Rivera.

[Translation: Visually we can say that the appearance of the column is waning if we compare it to how it was on Sunday or Monday but...internally, seismisity, gas measurements and changes in the ground and fissure mapping up until yesterday, so we can see there is ground movement.]

READ: How to prepare for Taal's imminent explosive eruption

A total of 634 volcanic tremors have been plotted around Taal area since Sunday, Phivolcs said in its latest advisory. Exisiting cracks in the streets of Lemery, Agoncillo, Talisay, and San Nicolas in Batangas also widened, the agency added.

Over 70,000 residents of Cavite and Batangas are taking temporary shelter in 300 evacuation centers since Taal Volcano's stream-driven eruption on Sunday. Thick ash plumes burst from the volcano's crater, bringing ashfall to nearby provinces including Metro Manila. As a result, homes and fields with still planted crops have been blanketed in a heavy layer of ash. The agriculture sector has suffered over 3 billion worth of damage from the incident.

CNN Philippines' Correspondent Triciah Terada and Digital Producer Janine Peralta contirbuted to this report.
Some media persons were on Saturday allegedly assaulted by one of the convicts in the rape case of a five-year-old girl in east Delhi in 2013.

Manoj Shah, who was convicted by a POCSO court, allegedly hit some senior reporters on face while he was being taken out of the courtroom.

The issue was brought to the notice of Additional Sessions Judge Naresh Kumar Malhotra, who asked one of the senior woman reporters to give a written complaint to the Station House Officer.

The judge then sent her for medical examination.

The POCSO court convicted Shah and another man, Pradeep Kumar, in the case, saying the child experienced exceptional depravity and extreme brutality.

Shah and Kumar had raped the girl at Gandhi Nagar area and shoved objects in her private parts on April 15, 2013. They had fled after committing the crime and leaving the girl at Shah's room after believing her to be dead. The child was rescued 40 hours later on April 17, 2013.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Letters to the Editor View(s):

Mitigating risks through political humour

Former Secretary General of Parliament Nihal Seneviratne explained in his article How a President and a PM of Sri Lanka escaped assassination by five seconds-what took place in the aftermath of the explosion at the Parliament in July 1987. From his article readers can gather the risks that President J.R. Jayewardene took to restore peace, when the country was facing a civil war in the North by Tamil militants and JVP insurgency in the south.

He signed the controversial Indo-Sri Lanka pact with Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on July 29, 1987. After signing the Peace Accord with the Prime Minister of India (Rajiv Gandhi), the two leaders held a joint press conference. That was in the evening of the same day.

A reporter asked President Jayewardene, What made you to accept the Indian offer and decide to sign the peace accord?

He replied There must have been a unique change in configuration of planets and stars.

A witty Indian journalist asked Rajiv Gandhi whether he possessed an inventory of the weapons possessed by Tamil militants.

The PM was taken aback. It was a well-known fact that during his mothers tenure of office as the Prime Minister of India, she authorised opening camps in India and trained the Tamil militants, probably provided weapons too.

Mr. Gandhi, though he got a little flustered said, I expect President Jayewardene to provide a list.

A young Sri Lankan journalist chipped in. He asked President Jayewardene Your Excellency, you opposed the merger of the North and East all these years. But now you have agreed to merge the two provinces. Does that mean Your Excellency has changed your stance?

According to the Indo-Lanka accord, the North Eastern Province was created by merging the Northern Province with the Eastern Province and required a referendum to be held by December 31,1988 in the Eastern Province to decide whether the merger should be permanent. There was also a provision for the Sri Lankan President to postpone the referendum at his discretion

President Jayewardene said that he had not changed his stance.

The journalist then asked, You opposed the merger because it is bad for the country. Then why did you agree to the merger now?

I always said that there should be a referendum in the Eastern province before the merger, replied the President.

But you have now agreed?

Jayewardene then said, I agreed to the merger provided that we have a referendum within one year of the merger. Earlier I said there should be a referendum before the merger. Now I say there should be a referendum after the merger.

Not accepting the answer, the young man then asked the President, You want to have a referendum because it is bad for the country. Isnt it?

I dont say it is bad for the country, replied the President.

The journalists next question was, Are you going to canvass against or for the merger at the referendum?

President replied, Well, I am going to canvass against the merger.

This was where the young journalist cornered this most experienced politician.

He asked the elderly statesman, Your Excellency, you are going to canvass against the merger because it is bad for the country. Then why did you agree to it?

The President was taken aback. It took a few seconds for him to think of an answer. And he replied, I dont say it is badJust because I canvass against Mrs. Bandaranaike, that does not mean she is bad!

Everyone at the press conference had a hearty laugh. And that was the end of the press conference.

This talented young man who questioned the President went on to become a prominent investigative journalist. But he met with an untimely violent death after several years.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said in his speech at the ceremonial opening of the fourth session of the eighth Parliament on January 3 that he remembered his father being at the Parliament, during his childhood and how he often used to watch Parliamentary proceedings from the public gallery. The Parliament of the day was exemplary. The discourse that took place in it was of great importance. The debates were replete with logic and rich arguments. What he said was true. In addition, then Members of Parliament used a lot of humour to make their speeches interesting and sometimes to mitigate risks.

Yet another interesting episode was the debate on the District Council bill presented by Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake on June 5, 1968. The Bill provided for the use of Tamil language for the people in the Tamil majority areas to transact their businesses with the government.

As usual the SLFP led opposition opposed the bill. Surprisingly even the left parties like Lanka Samasamaja Party (LSSP) and Ceylon Communist Party (CP) too were in the opposing camp. One of the vociferous critics was Maithripala Senanayake, the SLFP deputy leader and member for Medawahchiya.

Maithripala was married to a famous journalist Ranji Handy who was a Tamil.

In the winding up debate Dudley Senanayake said, The Honourable member for Medawachchiya is very critical of this bill, but he has a policy of adopting Sinhala by day and reasonable use of Tamil by night.

A very prominent LSSP member from the Galle district mentioned this to his family and laughed away the entire evening that day, according to one of his sons.

Nihal Seneviratne too came out with this episode when he delivered a lecture on A Clerk Reminisces & Humour in Parliament at the National Trust last year.

Rohan Abeygunawardena Nugegoda

H.C. P. Bell went beyond his duty as Commissioner, he defined the role

Further to Dr. Ranjen Fernandos letter to the Sunday Times (Jan 12), H.C. P. Bell, Sri Lankas first Archaeological Commissioner, did not simply do his job. He undertook his work with exceptional diligence and devotion and his outstanding achievements have enabled the Sri Lanka people, for the first time in centuries, to appreciate the unique paintings at Sigiriya and the stupendous dagabas at Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.

As the first Commissioner he defined the role and, since the jungle infestation was largely cleared during his term in office, he and his colleagues endured the harshest working conditions.

A more gracious assessment of Bell was given in the following extract from a local paper at the time of his retirement in 1912: Apart from the light he has thrown upon the history of this Island, he has restored much that was forgotten in its religion, for he has laid the land under a lasting debt of gratitude by his sympathetic interest and his careful preservation of the relics of the ancient times. What he has recovered from the destructive grasp of time is not merely of historical interest: much of it is rated higher than history, for it is sacred and holy, and the object of reverence to a living religion. Here good fortune favoured him, for it is seldom that an archaeologist dives into the dead past to retrieve what belongs to a living faith.

Dr. R. P. Fernando Surrey, UK
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Friday announced its first list of 57 candidates for the Delhi assembly elections scheduled for February 8.

While the party has relied majorly on former legislators and sitting/former councillors, conspicuous in their absence were the names of Muslim candidates. The party, which always fielded at least one Muslim, from Matia Mahal, broke away from tradition and gave the ticket in that constituency to Delhi BJPs general secretary Ravinder Gupta.

With the first list, the party has made an effort to retain its core vote bank in the middle-class and rural segments and had also fielded more Purvanchali candidates this time in an effort to make a dent in the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)s strongholds in unauthorised colonies.

Of the 57 candidates, 37 had contested in the 2013 and 2015 assembly elections. The party has also fielded 15 first-timers.

The party has given tickets to 15 former MLAs who had won in 2013 and 2015. While all three MLAs who won in 2015 Vijender Gupta, Jagdish Pradhan and OP Sharma  will be seeking re-election from their respective constituencies, the party has fielded former MLAs who had won from Wazirpur, Narela, Matiala, Najafgarh, Rajendra Nagar, among other constituencies, which have a sizeable population of middle-class and rural voters. Gupta and Sharma are seeking re-election from Rohini and Vishwas Nagar, respectively. Both the constituencies have a sizeable middle-class population.

The party, which got 33.07% votes in the 2013 elections, had managed to retain its vote share of 32.2% in the 2015 elections, despite the AAP walking away with 67 of 70 seats. The party is banking on its core vote bank in middle-class and rural areas this time as well. The party is also hoping that the Centres decision to give ownership rights to residents of 1,731 unauthorised colonies will help them make inroads in these areas, which are considered AAP strongholds.

Sitting and former councillors

The list included four former mayors. Master Azad Singh, Ravindra Gupta and Yogender Chandolia, all former mayors of North Delhi; and Khushi Ram, former mayor of South Delhi are among in the list.

The first list comprised names of six sitting councillors Shikha Rai, Jai Prakash, Kiran Vaidya, Kailash Sankhla, Manish Chaudhary, Vijay Bhagat . Of them, Rai, Jai Prakash and Viadya had unsuccessfully contested the 2013 and 2015 assembly elections.

This time, Rai has been pitted against AAP MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj who is seeking a re-election from Greater Kailash.

Prakash is the chairman of North Delhi Municipal Corporations standing committee. Sankla is a former deputy mayor of South Delhi Municipal Corporation while Bhagat is former deputy mayor of the north civic body.

The saffron party also reposed its faith in former councillors  over a dozen of them have got tickets, including Ravinder Gupta (Matia Mahal), Yogendra Chandolia (Karol Bagh), Master Aazad Singh (Mundka), and Rajkumar Dhillon (Kondli), among others.

Ravinder Gupta, who is Delhi BJPs general secretary, and Chandolia were former mayors.

Women candidates

The BJP in its first list included four women candidates  Shikha Rai, Kiran Vaidya, Lata Sodhi and Rekha Gupta. Rai and Vaidya are sitting councillors from Greater Kailash and Trilokpuri. Rai had fought 2013 assembly election from Kasturba Nagar and had lost to AAPs Madan Lal. Vaidya had contested from Trilokpuri seat in 2015 polls and lost to AAPs Raju Dhingan.

Rekha Gupta had lost to AAPs Bandana Kumari in 2015 polls from Shalimar Bagh. Gupta had been active in politics since college as she was also president of Delhi University Students Union from 1996 to 1997.

In 2013 assembly polls, the BJP had fielded four women  Aarti Mehra, Shikha Rai, Rajani Abbi and Poornima Vidyarthi. In 2015 assembly elections, the saffron party had fielded eight women candidates. BJPs national spokesperson Nupur Sharma was also among the contestants and had lost to AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal from New Delhi segment. The 2015 assembly polls were contested under the leadership of then BJPs CM face Kiran Bedi.

Scheduled caste candidates

Of the 12 constituencies reserved for Scheduled Caste, the party announced the names for 11 seats. In the past elections, the party has always fielded 13 SC candidates. Apart from the 12 reserved seats, the party had always fielded an SC candidate from the Muslim-dominated Ballimaran constituency. This time, too, the party has fielded former councillor Lata Sodhi from the constituency. Mohan Girhara, head of Delhi BJPs SC unit, said, The constituency largely has Muslim and SC communities.

Turncoats

Only two turncoats could make it to the first list of the BJP. AAPs rebel leaders Kapil Mishra and Anil Bajpai got tickets from Model Town and Gandhi Nagar, respectively.

Mishra and Bajpai had joined BJP during Lok Sabha elections in May last year and had campaigned for the party. Mishra, a former MLA from Karawal Nagar, will take on AAPs Akhilesh Mani Tripathi in Model Town, while Bajpai will contest from Gandhi Nagar, a constituency he won on AAPs ticket in 2015.

However, other leaders who had joined BJP from AAP could not make it to the first list. Gugan Singh and Devender Sehrawat didnt find a mention in the list.

Sehrawat, who won on an AAP ticket from Bijwasan, was eying a ticket from the BJP for the same seat but it was given to Satyaprakash Rana.

Gugan Singh had returned to BJP from AAP just ahead of the assembly elections. He had also fought Lok Sabha elections on an AAP ticket from Northwest Delhi parliamentary constituency but had lost to BJPs Hans Raj Hans. Singh had won from Bawana in 2013 on a BJP ticket.

Muslims

Since 1993, the BJP has always fielded a Muslim candidate from the Muslim-dominated Matia Mahal constituency. But in a break from this tradition, the saffron party this time has fielded Ravinder Gupta, Delhi BJPs general secretary, from the constituency.
Violent clash erupted between security forces and Lebanese anti-government protesters who were trying to reach Martyrs' Square in the capital, the hub of a months-long protest movement calling for changes to the country's political and financial systems.

Al Jazeera reported that security forces used tear gas and water cannon to disperse crowds of anti-government protesters trying to reach Martyrs' Square.

Sputnik reported that protesters from across Lebanon flocked to Beirut earlier in the day to attend the "Saturday of outrage" rally near the parliament building, even as President Michel Aoun urged the army and security commanders to restore peace in Beirut.

The protests turned violent with protestors throwing stones and rods at the security forces and even attempted to storm the fences of Parliament building.

"A direct and violent confrontation is taking place with anti-riot police at one of the entrances to parliament," Al Jazeera quoted the Internal Security Forces as saying on Twitter.

"We ask peaceful protesters to keep away from the site of the rioting for their safety," they said.

The ongoing unrest in Lebanon, started on October 17 last year, following the government's intent to introduce a tax on internet calls made via the WhatsApp messenger.

Even though the controversial measure was scrapped and the government of Saad Hariri resigned, people have remained in the streets to demand reforms amid a protracted economic and financial crisis.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi, Jan 18 : If all poll trackers are predicting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will struggle to reach double digits in the upcoming Delhi Assembly polls, the choice of candidates are the key to swing the result in its favour.

In spite of that, the BJP seems to be repeating candidates who have been tried and failed in the past. One prime example of that is Vikram Bidhuri, nephew of BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri.

Sources say there has been opposition within the state BJP over his name, given his past record in 2015 when he contested on a BJP ticket from Tughlakabad.

On Friday, when Manoj Tiwari was reading out the names of the candidates, he specially mentioned that Vikram Bidhuri is related to Ramesh Bidhuri. Many believe, it was done with intent.

He had unsuccessfully contested the 2015 Assembly polls when crowd pullers like Navjot Singh Sidhu, now a Congressman, held a road show for him from Harikesh Nagar to Okhla Phase-I, appealing to the people to vote for him.

"It is Tughlakabad's good luck that Ramesh Bidhuri was elected three times as its MLA. But unfortunately the BJP could not come to power in Delhi. This time he has gone to the Lok Sabha and you have to elect his nephew, Vikram Bidhuri, and help the BJP in forming the government in the national capital," Sidhu had then appealed, but to no avail.

In 2015, the junior Bidhuri managed to get barely half the votes of what AAP's Sahi Ram Pahalwan secured. While the AAP candidate had secured 62.40 per cent votes, Bidhuri had barely managed 29.70 per cent votes, in spite of high voltage campaigning. Yet, in 2020, Bidhuri junior is once again being fielded from Tughlakabad.

Moreover, Vikram Bidhuri's criminal past also raises questions. According to MyNeta, a portal that profiles candidates including their criminal history, the younger Bidhuri was convicted in cases related to rioting, voluntarily causing hurt among others.

The portal also claims that cognizance has been taken against him in cases pertaining to sections 147,148,149,323,325,336,427,435,452,394 and 397.

Murmurs of discontent are growing louder within the Delhi BJP as a faction claims that the BJP CEC gave in to Ramesh Bidhuri, who held the seat for three terms before becoming a party MP in 2014.

Many within the Delhi BJP think that fielding Vikram Bidhuri twice from his uncle's seat may well be construed as "dynastic politics" by the people of Delhi, something the BJP so vehemently opposes and accuses parties like the Congress, NCP or DMK or harbouring.
Human remains found in a submerged vehicle pulled from the Salem River were identified Friday as a Maple Shade woman who disappeared nearly six years ago.

Vanessa Smallwood was last seen on Jan. 27, 2014, at Any Garment Cleaners in Cherry Hill, the FBI reported in a missing person alert. She was driving a 2005 Chrysler Town and Country van. Her mobile phone was pinged at 10:22 a.m. at 738 Broad St. in Clayton Borough in Gloucester County. There was no subsequent activity connected to Smallwood, including the use of her credit and debit cards, the FBI said.

The FBI said she was 46 at the time she went missing. The state police on Friday reported her age as 52.

On Thursday, the New Jersey State Police responded in Salem County after the Walker Diving Underwater Construction Co. reported finding what appeared to be human remains in a car in the river around noon in the area of West Broadway Street in Salem.

State Police investigators arrived and the vehicle was retrieved from the water. The remains were transported to the Southern Regional Coroners Office and were scheduled for an autopsy. The case remained under investigation, state police said.

TV news video showed the crumpled vehicle being removed and it appeared unrecognizable as to its make or model.
Russia, along with China, prefers to use the term Asia-Pacific.

New Delhi: Russian ambassador Nikolay Kudashev on Friday said his country has time and again conveyed its concerns to India about both American strategies in the Asia-Pacific region  that seeks to keep out both Russia and China  and the Quad (or Quadrilateral).

He, however, made it clear that Russia has no problem with the Indian strategy in the region since India never seeks to contain anyone or deny any country the opportunity to be part of the maritime cooperation in the region.

It may be recalled that the US, India, Japan and Australia are part of the four-nation Quad arran-gement that focuses on maintenance of a rules-based order in the regi-on, something that is seen as significant in the context of Chinas increasing military and economic assertiveness in the region.

The Russian envoys remarks come two days after Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov had in New Delhi termed the term Indo-Pacific as a divisive concept.

Russia, along with Chi-na, prefers to use the term Asia-Pacific. It is no secret that the US, India, Japan and Australia on the other hand prefer using the term Indo-Pacific.

On Friday, the Russian ambassador said, We express to India time and again our concern about Americas strategy, our concern about the Quad. We are concerned, we are apprehensive, we are not in favour of the western concept of the Indo-Pac-ific strategies. They (the West/America) mean to negate the dialogue culture... We feel there is a revisionist agenda, to pu-sh some kind of alternate world view. He also mentioned the omission of China and also Russia though Russia has one of the longest shores facing the Pacific.

Mr Lavrov mentioned that Indian strategy is not to contain anyone., not to deny anyone an opportunity to be part of it, the cooperation, Mr Kudashev said.

The Russian envoy also pointed to the emergence of dialogue culture and multipolar ethos in the UN charter, adding that this culture deserves to be protected.

Just on Thursday, New Delhi had said, Our (Indias) vision of Indo-Pacific is not something that is ambiguous. It has been articulated several times ... We are very clear that this is open, this is inclusive, with ASEAN (south-east Asian nations) centrality. That is our vision of Indo-Pacific and we stand by our vision.

It may be recalled that due to its rivalry with the United States, Russia has been strengthening its strategic ties with China.

Ties between the US and Russia have nose-dived sharply in the past few years, with the US threatening to impose sanctions on countries buying Russian armaments. Observers also point out that Russia is increasingly concerned about the growing strategic proximity between India and the US. Moscow is clear that the Indo-US ties should not cast any shadow on the long-standing time-tested bilateral ties between India and Russia.
Senior advocate Indira Jaising urged the mother of Nirbhaya to pardon the men on death row who were convicted for the 2012 gang rape of her daughter.

Jaising took to Twitter to make the request shortly after Asha Devi on Friday expressed her disappointment following a Delhi court postponed the date of the execution of the four convicts.

"While I fully identify with the pain of Asha Devi I urge her to follow the example of Sonia Gandhi who forgave Nalini and said she didn't not want the death penalty for her. We are with you but against the death penalty," Jaisingh tweeted.

Nalini was arrested and convicted for her role in the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.

Earlier on Friday Asha Devi had lashed out at the courts and the government stating that "the same people who had in the year 2012 gone around participating in rallies and raised slogans for women's safety are playing with the death of my daughter for their political gains. They have stopped the execution for their political gains."

The death-row convicts who were earlier slated to be executed on January 22 at 7 am are set to be hanged on February 1 at 6 am.

Asha Devi rued that the convicts got what they wished for. "I will not be satisfied until they are hanged," she added.

Four convicts, Vinay, Akshay, Pawan and Mukesh were convicted and sentenced to death for raping a 23-year-old woman in a moving bus in the capital on the intervening night of December 16-17, 2012.

The victim, who was later given the name Nirbhaya succumbed to injuries at a hospital in Singapore where she had been airlifted for medical treatment.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Chris Collins, a former New York Congressman and Donald Trump ally, was sentenced to more than two years in prison after admitting to an insider trading scheme, joining more than a dozen of the president's allies and advisors facing criminal indictments and jail time.

The Republican  the first sitting federal politician to publicly endorse the president  pleaded guilty to conspiracy and making false statements in October and resigned from his seat that day. He was sentenced in US District Court to 26 months.

He was arrested in August for sharing information about a biotech firm that he received in an email while at a White House picnic in 2017.

Collins was also a board member of the company, Australia's Innate Immunotherapeutics Ltd, and he owned more than 16 per cent of its shares.

The email revealed that the company's only product had failed in clinical trials. According to federal prosecutors, he passed the information to his son, setting off a chain of insider information trading that led them to dump shares and erode the company's share value.

Collins narrowly won his re-election in 2018 after federal authorities announced the charges against him.

In a statement announcing the charges, US Attorney Geoffrey Berman said the "charges demonstrate again that no matter what the alleged crime, or who allegedly committed it, we stand dedicated to the pursuit of justice, without fear or favour."

All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Show all 6 1 /6 All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Alan Dershowitz Dershowitz is a controversial American lawyer best known for the high-profile clients he has successfully defended. Those clients have included OJ Simpson, Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein. One longtime Harvard Law associated told the New Yorker Dershowitz "revels in taking positions that ultimately are not just controversial but pretty close to indefensible." Getty All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Ken Starr Starr became a household name in the 1990s as the independent counsel who led the investigation that led to Bill Clinton's impeachment. That investigation began as a look into a real estate scandal known as Whitewater, and eventually led to impeachment after Mr Clinton lied under oath about having an affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. AP All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Jay Sekulow Sekulow is the president's longtime personal attorney, and, now, personal lawyer in the White House. He has been accused by former Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas of being "in the loop" during the Ukraine scandal. Getty All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Pam Bondi Bondi is the former attorney general in Florida, and a longtime backer of the president's. She made a name for herself in Florida for taking hyper partisan stances on issues, and her penchant for publicity. She is likely to be a prominent public-facing figure during the trial. AFP/Getty All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Pat Cipollone Cipollone is the White House counsel, and leading the president's defence team. Getty All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Rudy Giuliani While not officially named as one of the president's impeachment lawyers, it is hard to ignore Giuliani's outsized role in this process. The former mayor of New York has been making headlines for months as he defends his client, and for his apparent role in the effort to compel Ukraine to launch the investigation into Joe Biden. We'll see how he figures in the actual trial, which he has said he would like to be a part of. Reuters

Earlier this week, prosecutors sought a sentence of 57 months, arguing that Collins violated the public's trust "when he committed insider trading and when he then committed a second crime to cover it up."

The US Probation Office suggested Collins only serve a sentence of a year and a day.

As he received his sentence in US District Court in New York, he said: "I violated my core values ... I am standing here, probably the last time I will do anything in public. I left Buffalo. I cannot face my constituents."

After becoming the first sitting congressman to endorse the president, Collins  whose district encompasses a large swath of western New York  joined Mr Trump's transition team.

In office, the congressman adopted the president's aggressive routine, calling Mitt Romney a "self-serving egomaniac" and blaming Democrats for inflaming "partisan rhetoric".

Earlier this week, Duncan Hunter, the second sitting officials to endorse Mr Trump, stepped down from Congress after admitting to using $250,000 of his campaign funds for personal expenses. The California Republican is expected to be sentenced in March.
Days after the arrest of Deputy SP Davinder Singh along with two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, Shiv Sena on Saturday questioned the role of police in the Kashmir Valley.

"Cross border infiltration is ongoing in Kashmir. But the police machinery is being used to help the terrorists in Kashmir to safely cross the border (to Pakistan) and a President's medal awarded Deputy SP was arrested for doing so. In Kashmir (it seems), the government is using the police for some other purposes, what will the country's Home Ministry say if somebody has a doubt in connection with the Pulwama attacks," Sena mouthpiece, Saamna, read.

This was in reference to the incident in which Jammu and Kashmir police intercepted a vehicle on Sunday and arrested DySP Davinder Singh along with two top Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, who were travelling together.

The Sena mouthpiece asserted that the impact and acceptance of the Centre removing Article 370 should be visible "through the people" during the upcoming Republic Day celebrations.

"Jammu and Kashmir is now a Union Territory. It is being ruled by the Centre through President's Rule. The government had removed Article 370 in a historic decision...The joy and excitement in the people over the removal of 370 should be visible in the Republic Day celebrations this time. The tricolour should be seen flying over all houses in Kashmir, it is the least that can be expected," it added.

The Sena mouthpiece further said that with the arrest of terrorists in the recent days, it hoped that "Republic Day will be celebrated safely in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir".
A car bomb targeting a group of Turkish contractors exploded on Saturday in the Somali town of Afgoye, 30 kilometers northwest of the capital Mogadishu, killing at least three people and injuring some 20 others, Trend reports citing Daily Sabah.

"A suicide car bomb speeding along rammed into a place where the Turkish engineers and Somali police were having lunch," police officer Nur Ali told Reuters from Afgoye in the lower Shabelle region.

At least 11 people were injured in the attack, including four Turkish nationals, Turkey's Ambassador to Somalia Mehmet Ylmaz was quoted as saying. Turkish Health Minister Koca later said that 15 people comprised of a group of 6 Turkish and 9 Somali nationals had been brought to Mogadishu Recep Tayyip Erdogan Training and Research Hospital for treatment. "Two Turkish nationals are in critical condition and undergoing surgery," Koca said.
As the flu season gears up to be a tough one for children, parents may wonder why they are limited in where they can take their kids to get a flu shot. Pharmacies throughout the state offer flu shots, but only to older children, teens, and adults.
In the midst of the grandstanding, shenanigans, hullabaloos and controversy plaguing the Amotekun security initiative, one thing any keen observer should have noticed, is the impregnable unity of purpose amongst the Yorubas. All the stratas making up Odua nation are solidly behind the Amotekun Project. The governors put aside their partisan differences to bring this initiative to limelight. It is worthy of note that out of the six governors of Southwestern states, not even one has openly kicked against the outfit. It's reassuring! a great sign of hope for southern Nigeria.

Mind you, five governors out of six are among leaders of the APC (ruling party), yet they didn't allow their connection to the center jeopardize this timely idea to safeguard their people. I practically "fell in love" with Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State after watching his brave and pragmatic analysis on Channels TV yesterday night. He did not mince words at allhe literally told AGF Abubakar Malami to "go to hell".

In his capacity as chairman of South-West governors forum, he marshalled out his points like a passionate leader that knows his rights, privileges and responsibilities. As a renowned SAN, he made nonsense of Malami's legal jargons. Femi Falana helped him on the program to flush it down the toilet.  And let me remind you that Rotimi Akeredolu is a first term governor, who has re-election to face. What other indices of courage are you still looking for in a man? In fact, at this juncture, he has more to gain, politically, by standing by his people than aligning with the north in order to secure his second term mandate.

Afenifere and other socio-cultural groups in Yoruba land have rose in strong defence of Amotekun; calling the bluff of federal government. The Lagos/Ibadan Expressway media houses, under the firm control of the Yorubas have unleashed their media power in support of Amotekun. Influential columnists, opinion moulders, traditional rulers, and religious leaders of Yoruba extraction, have all thrown their weight behind Amotekun. Tell me how Fulani-controlled FG will not back-off? Yorubas just reaffirmed age-long philosophy that: there is strength in unity. No one, or group of people can enslave an indigenous people without their consent.

The Buharideens, Jagabantics of Yoruba land, who might not want to be openly identified with Amotekun project, for the gamble of 2023, are maintaining STRATEGIC silence. I call it "strategic" because AGF Malami and his Fulani hegemonic cabal in Abuja cannot force their illogical position down the throat of Yorubas, without the willing collaboration of traitors in their midst, slaving for the Caliphate. I salute the courage and unalloyed unity of Yorubas as regards Amotekun. You guys just won a war without a fight. The greatest wars are usually fought in the mind.

For the first time in a long period, a region unanimously stood up against arrogance of the north. Northern-controlled Presidency and its overbearing cabal, are not afraid of the local, though regional vigilante group called Amotekun, their nightmare is the unity of purpose and the audacious spirit behind the initiative. Not being able to recruit traitorsat least for now, that will kick against the project, amongst Yorubas, is the biggest vulnerability of the Fulani oligarchy today.

They are terrified that the same resilient spirit of unity that gave rise to Amotekun, could birth Oduduwa Republic; what they dread mosta disintegrated Nigeria. I think Ndigbo and other ethnic groups, especially in the South have something learn from Yorubas now. I use this medium to urge IPOB and Ohaneze Ndigbo to harmonize their ideological cum social differences and forge a common front as a people. Each group should come down from its highfalutin arrogance and hardline positions to achieve the level of flexibility we are seeing in the West today. Indeed, there is strength in unity.
A woman selected to serve on the jury of the Harvey Weinstein sexual assault trial has written a book described on her website as being about 'predatory older men'.

The juror, however, when questioned by defense attorney Damon Cheronis while being considered for the panel Friday, did not specifically use those words, according to Page Six.

Instead, the woman, whom DailyMail.com is not identifying, said of the book which is slated to be released later this year: 'It's about parents and teenagers.'

Film producer Harvey Weinstein exits Manhattan Supreme Court during his sexual assault trial Friday. He was seen mouthing the words, 'Wow. Wow,' when a juror who who wrote an upcoming book described as being about 'predatory older men' was selected for the trial

Attorney Damon Cheronis, who is on the defense team in Harvey Weinstein's sexual assault trial, questioned the juror about her upcoming book, and she responded, 'It's about parents and teenagers'. He requested she be removed from the panel

When asked specifically if it was about 'predatory older men,' the juror responded that the three girl characters, 'have some relationship with an older man, but it's not a predatory situation at all'.

Page Six reports that Cheronis asked the juror if the book had anything to do with the 'sort of individuals who may ... be involved with older men that may be considered predatory?', to which she said, 'No', contradicting her website's description.

The juror's questionnaire, filled out in her consideration for the panel, only hints at the book under a hobby section, calling it 'novel writing'.

Rotunno accused the juror of lying on the questionnaire, and added that she left out details that would be helpful to the defense.

When the jurors stepped away, Cheronis asked that the woman be removed from the panel.

Assistant District Attorney Joan Illuzzi-Orbon disagreed she had lied, saying her characterization was, 'precisely what this book is about', according to Page Six.

Judge James Burke ruled against a 'challenge for cause' from the defense, allowing the woman on to the jury.

The defense even asked for a mistrial but Burke it brushed off and did not rule on it, according to the Washington Post.

Weinstein could be seen mouthing the words, 'Wow. Wow.'

Both he and his defense team shook their heads in Manhattan Supreme Court, as there was nothing more they could do to block the juror. The defense already had knocked out 20 potential panelists, under the court's rules for 'peremptory challenges,' which require no reason for rejecting a juror.

Assistant District Attorney Joan Illuzzi-Orbon (pictured), however, argued the juror's response about her book was 'precisely what this book is about.' Judge James Burke ruled against a 'challenge for cause' from the defense, allowing the woman on to the jury

Weinstein (pictured in a courtroom rendering) could be seen mouthing the words, 'Wow. Wow,' when the woman was allowed to stay on the panel. Both he and his defense team shook their heads as there was nothing more they could do to block the juror

The legal teams whittled their choices from 142 jurors down to 12 who will serve on the panel and six who will be alternates.

Weinstein's lead lawyer Donna Rotunno outside the courthouse called the decision 'absolutely ridiculous', Page Six reports.

The 67-year-old former studio boss is accused of raping a woman in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and sexually assaulting another in 2006.

The charges and other allegations that arose from the #Metoo movement have toppled Weinstein, who is behind such Oscar winners as 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Shakespeare in Love.'

He has said any sexual activity was consensual.

Opening arguments are scheduled for January 22.

Weinstein's lead lawyer Donna Rotunno outside the courthouse called the decision 'absolutely ridiculous'
With the Congress going on the back foot to pacify the DMK, the rift between the two parties ended on Saturday.

After a week-long war of words that pushed the Congress-DMK alliance in Tamil Nadu to the brink, state Congress unit chief KS Alagiri walked the extra mile to meet DMK chief MK Stalin at the Dravidian partys headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, to placate the senior partner.

Hours earlier, Puducherry Chief Minister and Congress veteran, V Narayanasamy paved the way for reconciliation by calling on Stalin.

Both Alagiri and Narayanasamy told the media that the relationship between the two parties was strong and could not be broken.

We are aware of the threat to the nation from fascist forces and their pliant rulers in the state. The Congress is steadfast in its resolve to be with the DMK in defeating them. The alliance will continue for the 2021 assembly elections, said Alagiri, emerging out of the meeting with Stalin.

In a statement, Stalin urged leaders of both the parties to be restrained and guard against providing an opportunity to those elements waiting to destroy the secular front.

There have been a few unwanted happenings in the alliance after the rural civic polls, though our alliance has received the peoples manadate. Both the sides should not have discussed these things in the public. Lets put a full stop and move ahead. Cunning and hungry foxes are waiting for an opportunity to disband the alliance. I urge functionaries of both the parties to refrain from discussing these issues in the public, he said.

Ironically, it was Alagiri recent statement, accusing the DMK of violating the coalition dharma with impunity during seat allocation in the rural civic polls, which had triggered the wrath of the Dravidian major.

In retaliation, the DMK stayed away from the conclave of opposition parties convened by Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi to discuss the opposition against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) . Though DMK parliamentary party leader TR Baalu was in the national capital, he did not turn up for the event.

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi is said to have summoned Alagiri and reportedly gave him a dressing-down for risking the alliance with a trusted ally.

After meeting the Congress president, Alagiri had made conciliatory statements but they failed to assuage the DMK.

Countering Alagiri, DMK treasurer and party veteran Durai Murugan said, The Congress is free to leave the alliance. We are not unduly worried about a party without a vote bank leaving the coalition.

This received an instant reaction from Sivaganga MP, Karti Chidambaram. Why did this wisdom not dawn upon Durai Murugan before the Vellore Lok Sabha bypoll? he asked.

Kartis insinuation was Durai Murugans son, Kathi Anand, the DMK candidate from Vellore, had scraped through by a slender margin of over 8141 votes, which was possible because of the Congress.

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Shooting for Rana Daggubatis much-awaited Virataparvam, a period drama directed by Venu Udugula, is on in Kerala, and it is expected to go on for a few more days. The films unit shot some important scenes between Rana, Sai Pallavi and Priyamani, and a few more scenes of the schedule will be shot there, says a source.

The source adds that the films story has a Naxal backdrop for which they needed a forest backdrop the reason they are shooting in Kerala. The film, which is being produced by Ranas father, Suresh Babu, is expected to release this summer.

After this schedule, actress Priyamani is expected to leave for Ananthapuram to join Venkatesh (Ranas uncle) for the remake of the Tamil film Asuran.
The scale of the outbreak of a Chinese virus similar to that which causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), is likely to be far bigger than officially reported, scientists have warned, as countries ramp up measures to prevent the disease from spreading.

Fears that the virus will spread are growing ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, which begins on 25 January, when hundreds of millions of Chinese move around the country and many others visit family members living overseas.

Authorities in China say two people have died and at least 45 have been infected, with the outbreak centred around a seafood market in Wuhan, a city of 11 million inhabitants that serves as a major transport hub.

Three overseas cases confirmed so far

A report published on Friday by scientists at the Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis at Imperial College in London said the number of cases in the city was probably closer to 1,700.

The researchers said their estimate was largely based on the fact that cases had been reported overseas -- two in Thailand and one in Japan.

After the most recent death was reported, online discussion spread in China over the severity of the Wuhan coronavirus -- and how much information the government may be hiding from the public.

There have been complaints about the censorship of online posts, with comparisons to 2003, when Beijing drew criticism from the World Health Organisation for underreporting the number of SARS cases.

The new virus has caused alarm because of its connection to SARS, which killed nearly 650 people across mainland China and Hong Kong in 2002-2003.

Hong Kong, US airports start passenger screening

China has not announced any travel restrictions, but authorities in Hong Kong have already stepped up detection measures, including rigorous temperature checkpoints for inbound travellers from the Chinese mainland.

The US said from Friday it would begin screening flights arriving from Wuhan at San Francisco airport and New York's JFK -- which both receive direct flights -- as well as Los Angeles, where many flights connect.

And Thailand said it was already screening passengers arriving in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket and would soon introduce similar controls in the beach resort of Krabi.
The Odds of Huaweis CFO Avoiding U.S. Extradition Are Just One in 100

(Bloomberg) -- Huawei Technologies Co. Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou has joined Carlos Ghosn in the 1% legal club.

Those are the odds that the Chinese executive will win her bid to avoid extradition to the U.S., similar to the chances of acquittal for the auto titan-turned-fugitive in Japan. While Ghosn fled Japan in a big black box for Lebanon, Meng squares up to begin extradition hearings in a Vancouver court on Monday, 13 months after she was arrested on a U.S. handover request.

The hearings offer her first shot -- however slim -- at release as a Canadian judge considers whether the case meets the crucial test of double criminality: would her alleged crime have also been a crime in Canada? If not, she could be discharged, according to Canadas extradition rules.

Thered be nothing holding her -- bail restrictions, house arrest, all of that would be eliminated, said Michael Klein, a Vancouver lawyer who worked alongside Mengs lawyers in a 2004 extradition case. Just like if youre acquitted in a criminal case, the Crown may appeal, but that persons a free person.

Meng, the eldest daughter of billionaire Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, has become the highest profile target of a broader U.S. effort to contain China and its largest technology company, which Washington sees as a national security threat. The U.S. accuses her of fraud, saying she lied to HSBC Holdings Plc to trick it into conducting transactions in breach of U.S. sanctions on Iran. Meng, who turns 48 next month, is charged with bank and wire fraud, which carry a maximum term of 20 years in prison on conviction.

In most extradition cases, double criminality is an easy piece of analysis, says Brock Martland, a Vancouver-based criminal lawyer.

In Mengs case, its not, which may help nudge her into the 1% of defendants in Canada who have historically beaten extradition orders to the U.S.

Her defense has argued that the U.S. case is, in reality, a sanctions-violations complaint that its sought to dress up as fraud to make it easier to extradite her. Had Mengs alleged conduct taken place in Canada, the transactions by HSBC wouldnt have violated any Canadian sanctions, they say. Canadas federal prosecutors counter the underlying offense is fraud because she lied to HSBC, causing them to miscalculate Huaweis risk as a creditor and conduct transactions it otherwise wouldnt have.

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In essence, this is a case of U.S. sanction enforcement masquerading as Canadian fraud, Mengs defense said in documents released Friday. If it were only about fraud, the U.S. would have no legitimate reason to go after Meng because the U.S. is not actively policing the world for foreign nationals who mislead foreign banks to get loans or other financial services.

Hong Kong Teahouse

Another potential sticking point is that Mengs alleged misconduct didnt take place in the U.S. or Canada -- it rests heavily on a 2013 meeting at a Hong Kong teahouse between Meng and an HSBC banker.

Canadian fraud laws do not have an extraterritorial reach, said Ravi Hira, a Vancouver-based lawyer and former special prosecutor. If you commit a fraud in Hong Kong, I cant just prosecute you in Canada.

While the double-criminality hearings are scheduled for four days, the ruling would likely come much later -- possibly in months.

Prisoner in Vancouver: Huawei CFO Awaits Fate in Splendor

Being trapped in the middle of a trade war has brought the luxury of time. Before her arrest, Meng traveled so frequently for the worlds largest telecommunications equipment maker that shed gone through at least seven passports in a decade. These days, she passes her time oil painting and pursuing an online doctorate. Phone calls with her father have gone from once a year to every few days.

If a busy life has eaten away at my time, then hardship has in turn drawn it back out, Meng wrote in a poignant letter to her supporters last month on the one-year anniversary of her arrest. It was never my intention to be stuck here so long.

Ghosn Escape

Meng would find it harder to pull a Ghosn. Shes under 24-hour surveillance by at least two guards at her C$13 million ($10 million) mansion. Her whereabouts are recorded continuously by a GPS tracker on her left ankle. While shes allowed to roam a roughly 100-square-mile patch of Vancouver during the day accompanied by security, any violation -- including tampering with the device or venturing anywhere near the airport -- would automatically alert police. Shes posted bail of C$10 million, of which C$3 million came from a group of guarantors, some of whom pledged their homes as collateral. Fleeing would cost them all.

If the court finds her case fails the double-criminality test, Canadas attorney general would have the right to appeal within 30 days. In theory, she could be on a plane back to China well before that, says Gary Botting, a Vancouver-based lawyer whos been involved in hundreds of Canadian extradition cases.

Mengs Road Map: Key Dates in the Huawei CFOs Extradition Case

Of the 798 U.S. extradition requests received since 2008, Canada has only refused or discharged eight, according to the department of justice. Thats a 99% chance of being handed over -- similar to the conviction rate in Japan. Another 40 cases were withdrawn by the U.S.

Still, thats fractionally better than the odds of two Canadians detained in China, where the conviction rate currently stands at 99.9%, according to Amnesty International.

Canadians Jailed

Thats if Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor ever make it to trial. The two men were thrown in jail on spying allegations just days after Mengs arrest in December 2018. Last month, the Chinese government confirmed their cases were transferred to prosecutors, raising the possibility they might finally get access to lawyers.

As of last week, that hadnt happened yet for Kovrig, according to the International Crisis Group, his employer. The former diplomat has been allowed one consular visit a month; in between, hes unreachable. Communication with his family is limited to letters exchanged in those visits, according to the group.

Families of the two men arent speaking publicly for fear of jeopardizing their cases. Some sense of the conditions theyre enduring can be gleaned from past history.

Spavor, a businessman who ran tours to North Korea from his base in a border town in northeastern China, has been held since May in Dandong Detention Centre, according to the Globe and Mail.

Its a jail familiar to another Canadian, Kevin Garratt, who was snatched along with his wife Julia by Chinese security agents in 2014, becoming pawns in an earlier high-stakes attempt by Beijing to prevent Canada from extraditing millionaire businessman Su Bin to the U.S.

Garratt spent 19 months in the forbidding compound surrounded by two-story-high cement walls. Crammed into a cell with up to 14 other inmates, he slurped meals from a communal bowl on the floor. If they were lucky, they got 30 minutes of hot water a day and could exercise in a small outdoor cage, he said in a December 2018 interview.

Chinese Arrests Are All Too Familiar for Past Canadian Detainees

China calls Mengs arrest politically motivated and accuses Canada of arbitrary detention. It rejects any suggestion that the seizures of Kovrig and Spavor were in retaliation, saying China is also a rule-of-law country.

Before her arrest, Meng wasnt happy working at Huawei and had been considering leaving, Ren has said in media interviews. But hardship has toughened her -- when released, she will resume her role, he says.

Over the past year, I have also learned to face up to and accept my situation, Meng said in her letter. Im no longer afraid of the rough road ahead.

--With assistance from Edwin Chan.

To contact the reporters on this story: Natalie Obiko Pearson in Vancouver at npearson7@bloomberg.net;Gao Yuan in Beijing at ygao199@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: David Scanlan at dscanlan@bloomberg.net, Steven Frank

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

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2020 Bloomberg L.P.
A new law in California seeks to rewrite the rules of work and what it means to be an employee.

Known informally as the gig economy bill, or AB5, the legislation went into effect on Jan. 1, seeking to compel all companies  but notably those in tech such as Lyft and Uber  to treat more of their workers like employees.

The law represents a cataclysmic shift for workers who depend on apps to get gigs, and has already inspired similar efforts in influential states like New York, New Jersey and Illinois. Heavyweight presidential candidates like Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders have championed the measure.

But the bills passage and implementation, in the face of a strong industry resistance, has done little to quell debate. Instead, the opposition has ramped up, even as the California leaders pledged last week to budget at least $20 million (U.S.) to enforce the law.

Tech companies such as Uber, Lyft, Postmates, DoorDash and Instacart have joined forces  and pocketbooks  to sponsor a $110-million ballot initiative that would formally exempt them from the law. Tech CEOs, business owners, and labour advocates now trade angry opinion articles seemingly every day. Truckers recently won an exemption from it in court. Newspaper publishers cry foul, saying the provisions application on delivery drivers could drive them to ruin. And a small but vocal minority of workers  freelance writers  have been using their platforms to complain that it will kill their livelihood.

AB5 represents one of the most significant attempts to address the ways that technology has upended the nature of work. The bills passage was a milestone in an increasingly loud discussion about reigning in some of Silicon Valleys most vaunted companies, and its outcome could affect the plight of hundreds of thousands of workers for years as it moves to other states. But no one knows whether it will work.

This is the story of how we got here.

-  -

The roots of the bill go back a few years, when Californias Supreme Court redefined the line between employment and contracting in a decision written for a case filed by a delivery driver.

Charles Lee had sued the courier and delivery company he drove for, Dynamex. In 2004, Dynamex made its drivers become independent contractors. Lee argued that he performed all the same tasks as an employee.

The Supreme Court agreed and set a strict new standard that made it harder for companies to classify workers as independent contractors  a tactic that has been used by companies to cut labour costs for years, advocates say.

The court established a new test, saying workers could be classified as independent contractors only if they were free from the control and direction of the company; engage in work outside the companys main business; and already work independently from the company, doing the same kinds of thing as the company.

That set the wheels turning in Californias legislature.

The courts had clearly had enough of these suits, said Assemblywoman Lorenza Gonzalez, D-San Diego, who wrote the bill. From that day on we said wed really like to work on this.

-  -

Being an employee opens the door to a range of protections and benefits that are not available to contractors, including minimum wage, overtime, sick and family leave, unemployment and disability insurance, and workers compensation. Contractors cant formally organize with unions like employees can.

For companies, these benefits cost 20 per cent to 30 per cent more than what theyd pay a contractor doing the same job. And for Uber and Lyft, it could be as high as $500 million and $290 million a year, respectively, according to a Barclays analysis.

Californias new law doesnt just apply to tech companies. It affects janitors, construction workers, medical technicians, coders, yoga teachers, adult-film stars, strippers and many others.

-  -

The bill was quickly met with criticism from conservative and business groups such as the California Chamber of Commerce after it was introduced in late 2018.

Tech companies whose platforms rely on gig workers, such as Uber, Lyft, Caviar, DoorDash, Handy and Instacart, joined together to oppose the use of the ABC test on their workers, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

But gig workers organized in informal groups such as Rideshare Drivers United and Gig Workers Rising to support the bill.

Nicole Moore, a part-time Lyft driver and organizer with Rideshare Drivers United, said the proposal tapped into long simmering frustrations about declining and arbitrary pay, as well as a lack of a voice on the job.

There are basic labour standards in this country, Moore said. It looks like AB5 gets us closer to that.

After the bill passed the California assembly in June, Uber and Lyft launched a campaign to win over the state Senate and Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat. Uber chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi and Lyft executives Logan Green and John Zimmer wrote an opinion article published in the Chronicle, arguing that classifying their workers as employees would cause drivers to lose the freedom and flexibility they currently enjoy.

But AB5 passed the legislature and was signed into law by Newsom in September. Labour advocates and many Democrats hailed the new law as a milestone.

The fact that we were able to get this passed signifies that the legislature and the governor really see the conditions of workers on these platforms and the veneer is wearing off, Veena Dubal, a law professor at the University of California at San Francisco who studies the gig economy. People are seeing that these companies are just like any other companies.

-  -

The law remains a source of controversy.

A coalition of tech companies has pledged a reported $110 million for a new measure on the November ballot to exempt app-based drivers. Lyft and Uber, who together have more than 500,000 drivers in California, say they believe the law does not apply to their drivers, while simultaneously pursuing other avenues to exempt themselves from its provisions.

We believe the model that were trying to create is best for drivers, Lyft spokesman CJ Macklin said in an email. The ballot measure that we support will provide historic new benefits and protections, while still maintaining the flexibility and upward earning potential that is so important to our drivers.

Uber and Postmates sued the state in December, calling the law irrational and unconstitutional.

Last week, a court ruled that truck drivers were exempt from the law after two drivers and a trucking industry group filed a lawsuit saying the bill violated the commerce clause of the Constitution.

And some groups of contractors say they are concerned about losing work. Theatre companies, opera houses and other arts-focused organizations have said they are worried that the law will stretch already thin budgets. Some interpreters, translators and linguists have brought similar criticisms to light.

Under the law, companies must classify writers as employees, if they write more than 35 articles a year, which many freelancers say is a small and arbitrary number. Vox Media opted to end its relationship with hundreds of writers and editors in California instead of reclassifying the workers. A group of writers joined a libertarian legal foundation to sue the state.

Judges will likely be the ultimate deciders of which companies must convert their workers into employees.

Some companies are also looking into creative ways to circumvent the laws: The Washington Post reported that Uber put together a special team called Project Luigi that had been developing new app features to help it steer clear of the law in California.

-  -

AB5s implementation is being watched closely elsewhere in the U.S. Other states with Democratic-led legislatures  such as New Jersey, New York, and Illinois  have similar bills in the works.

But the chaos of figuring out whos in and out of the gig economy in California might give some legislators pause.

States should hold off in the face of all these challenges that have emerged in California, said Maria Figueroa, director of labour and policy research at the Worker Institute at Cornell Universitys School of Industrial Labor Relations. The ideal situation would be for other states to come up with legislation that would be narrow enough in terms of its parameters to cover platform workers ... (but) would enable these states to avoid these challenges.

Others see the opposition in the terms of greed.

We are in this place because we have these really big companies that will put tens of millions up for the right to deny basic protections for workers, said Sharon Block, executive director of the Labor and Worklife Program at Harvard Universitys law school.

Some gig companies are making pre-emptive changes to their services. DoorDash recently began offering accident insurance for workers injured on the job.

But tech companies continue to say there are better ways to classify their workers.

Proponents of AB5 came up with a 100-year-old solution to a modern problem, Stacey Wells, a spokeswoman for the tech-funded Coalition to Protect App-Based Drivers and Services. People rely on this extra income to make ends meet  many of whom have jobs, the vast majority of whom work part time and want to do it only when they want. It doesnt work for them to be employees.

Gonzales dismisses much of the criticism as the clamour of self-interested tech companies sowing confusion about the law.

There are some companies that will do anything to avoid abiding by CA law, she said.

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Love Island's Ollie Williams has thrown his support behind the notion that viewers shouldn't be 'nasty' to contestants, amid backlash over his trophy hunting past.

The aristocrat, 23, has caused outrage after images of him posing next to slaughtered animals in Africa emerged, with his family being forced to employ security to keep a 24-hour watch on their Cornish home from animal activists.

And returning to his social media on Friday, he retweeted a statement made by Siannise Fudge's account that hit back at internet trolls.

Plea: Love Island's Ollie Williams threw his support behind statement claiming viewers shouldn't 'be nasty' to show contestants on Friday... amid trophy hunting backlash

The statement read: 'Everyone is very much entitled to their own opinion, but don't know why people think it's ok to be nasty.

'If you got nothing nice to say then don't say it or comment on anyone's posts. This goes not just for Siannise but the other islanders too.'

MailOnline have contacted Love Island representatives for comment.

Ollie also made his thoughts on Friday's edition of the show clear, as he felt Sophie chose the wrong person to recouple with, as she went with Connagh rather than Connor.

The aristocrat, 23, has caused outrage after images of him posing next to slaughtered animals in Africa emerged (pictured with a dead warthog)

Taking to Twitter while watching the show, he wrote: 'Disappointed to see Sophie coupled up with the wrong Connor here.. theres only one @ConnorDurman'

Since coupling up with Rochelle Humes' sister on day one, the coffee bean salesman has made his feelings about Sophie very clear.

His behaviour towards her had even been slammed by fans of late as they branded him 'too protective'.

Support: Amid the backlash, he shared a tweet from Siannise's account that read: 'Everyone is very much entitled to their own opinion, but don't know why people think it's ok to be nasty'

Thoughts: Ollie also made his thoughts on Friday's edition of the show clear, as he felt Sophie chose the wrong person to recouple with, as she went with Connagh rather than Connor

So it was little surprise that he was left raging as Connagh was allowed to pick first, and took his chance with Sophie.

This comes after it was reported that Ollie tried to sell a buffalo head for 8,000 online - five months before the star denied he is a trophy hunter after quitting the ITV2 reality show.

A photo obtained by The Sun shows a now-deleted listing for a Taxidermy Cape Buffalo Shoulder Mount with an asking price of 8,000 and allegedly posted by the star.

Backlash: This comes after it was reported that Ollie tried to sell a buffalo head for 8,000 online - five months before the star denied he is a trophy hunter after quitting the reality show

According to the website Ollie bought the buffalo head - described as used - at an auction for 648.70 and had hoped to make a healthy profit from the sale, putting the item on eBay in August.

A source told The Sun: 'Ollie had gone to Holts auctioneers in Norfolk in June and spotted this cape buffalo shoulder mount.

'He thought it would be an investment and hoped he'd be able to sell it and make a profit but nobody ever bought it.'

The website also claims the buffalo head was taken down from eBay on Wednesday evening.

Claim: A photo obtained by The Sun shows a listing for a Taxidermy Cape Buffalo Shoulder Mount with an asking price of 8,000 allegedly posted by him (above with the dead animal)

Ollie is said to still be selling a glass TV stand for 49, a paleontology textbook for 20 and another book on an introduction to global geophysics for 30.

MailOnline has contacted a Love Island spokesman for comment.

The Cape Buffalo is one of the dead animals Ollie was seen posing with in photos that sparked a furious viewer backlash and a petition calling for him to be axed.

Ollie, who quit Love Island on Tuesday after claiming he was still in love with his ex-girlfriend. denied that he is a big game hunter and called himself a 'passionate conservationist' on Thursday.

Alleged: According to the website Ollie bought the buffalo head - described as used - at an auction for 648.70 and had hoped to make a healthy profit from the sale, putting the item on eBay in August

The heir to the Lanhydrock Estate, who has received 'vile' threats since leaving the show, has insisted that he is 'passionate about conservation' and that he left the show on his own terms because he's still in love with his ex.

Ollie said in a statement: 'Having left the Love Island house I have become aware of the press stories circulating in the UK. I would like to make a number of comments on the various claims and accusations.

'I had no knowledge of the stories until I had left the Love Island villa and all cast members are unaware of any news stories while they are on the programme. My reasons for leaving Love Island are as communicated on the show.

Outrage: Ollie, who quit Love Island on Tuesday after claiming he was still in love with his ex-denied that he is a game hunter and called himself a 'passionate conservationist' on Thursday

'I did not shoot any of the animals shown in the photographs nor have I ever shot as a trophy hunter.

'I did volunteer to take part in the conservation and anti-poaching programme in Mozambique, a part of which involves old or sick animals being culled. I was there as an observer.

'The Cornish Sporting Agency was set up in 2017 and has never traded. I feel very passionately about conservation and will continue to support sustainable conservation causes around the globe.

'These benefit the natural world and the animals which live within it, even if certain elements appear controversial when viewed out of context. As I am no longer in Love Island, I will comment no further on this issue.'

It comes after it was revealed that Ollie's family are employing security to keep a 24-hour watch on their home following the fury over his 'trophy hunting photos'.

Animal rights activists left threats on an answer machine message on their Lanhydrock estate in Cornwall after images of Ollie emerged posing next to slaughtered animals in Africa.

His horrified parents Andrew and Clare Williams have also alerted Devon and Cornwall Police, who are now investigating.

Danger: His family has since been forced to employ security to keep a 24-hour watch on their Cornish home from animal activists (Lanhydrock Estate pictured not their family house)

A family source confirmed to MailOnline: 'There has been a threat. It was in the form of a message left on an answer machine on the estate. The Police have been informed and are investigating who is behind it.'

Mr and Mrs Williams are currently away from their Cornish home, a property on the edge of the sprawling 2000-acre Lanhydrock estate near Bodmin.

Local Security firm Coast 2 Coast is keeping a round-the-clock watch on the house - even photographing the registration plates of every visiting car

A well-placed source said: 'The guards are not just there to keep the press at bay.

Terror: His horrified parents Andrew and Clare Williams have also alerted Devon and Cornwall Police, who are now investigating

'There has been some threats made against Ollie and his family from animal rights activists after images of him on trophy hunts were made public.

'There has been a security presence at the family home today and there will be for the foreseeable future. It is round-the clock and the guards are working in shifts to keep watch.

'Everyone who visits is having their details recorded and the registration plates of their vehicles photographed as a precaution.'

Ollie was pictured posing with a dead warthog, water buffalo and a giant eland  listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The now deleted snaps were said to have been uploaded on to the Instagram account of Ollie's hunting business, Cornish Sporting Agency.

Still in love: Ollie, who quit Love Island on Tuesday after claiming he was still in love with his ex-girlfriend of 18 months, Laura Nofer, also 23, has now denied that he is a big game hunter (pictured together at Royal Ascot in June 2018)

The business is listed on Companies House as a 'hunting, trapping and related service activities' and is registered at the Lanhydrock estate, now controlled by the National Trust after being given away by Ollie's great-great uncle in 1953.

In one of the photos, Ollie is seen kneeling beside one of the animals with the caption: 'You've gotta love it when you put your binos up and see a bull like this on the other end!'

The Cornish Sporting Agency, which was taken offline in November 2018, offered hunting trips to countries like Mozambique and South Africa as well as bird shooting in the South West of England and deer stalking in New Zealand.

Sources close to Ollie claim the photos were of him 'culling sick animals' and that it was untrue that he is involved in hunting for sport.

Speaking out: It comes after his sister Eloise begged fans to stop sending 'vile' threats and 'hateful' comments after her brother quit the show amid backlash over the photos

Instead he has been described as a 'passionate conservationist' who has worked with an anti-poaching unit in Mozambique.

However a petition calling for his removal from Love Island due to his links with trophy hunting was signed by 35,000 people and Ofcom said that Ollie was the subject of more than 400 complaints from outraged viewers.

ITV refused to make any comment when contacted by MailOnline in light of the threats made against Ollie's family.

It comes after his sister Eloise begged fans to stop sending 'vile' threats and 'hateful' comments after her brother quit the show amid backlash over the photos.

The Cornish student took to her Instagram stories to ask viewers to stop trolling their family just hours after it was announced her brother, 23, had left the ITV2 dating series.

Hitting back: Eloise defiantly took to Instagram stories to defend her family and warn 'keyboard warriors' that she will be sharing their 'vile' comments for the 'world to see' after she was called a 'stupid Tory c**t'

Eloise defiantly took to Instagram stories just hours later to defend her family and warn 'keyboard warriors' that she will be sharing their 'vile' comments for the 'world to see' after she was called a 'stupid Tory c**t'.

She penned: 'I'm honestly shocked I have to write this but anyone watching that show knows the effects online abuse can have on individuals but not just them, their families too.

'The amount of vile threats/comments I alone have received is not OK. I'm fed up of watching the same people preach about mental health and male suicides rising to then use their accounts to write hateful comments about someone's image.

'Please think about who your words could be affecting next time!!'

Upsetting: She penned in a separate post: 'I'm honestly shocked I have to write this but anyone watching that show knows the effects online abuse can have on individuals but not just them, their families too.'

Eloise went on to share one of the trolls' messages, which read: 'Lol good cos you're a stupid Tory c**t'.'

Issuing a warning, she penned alongside it: 'Right seeing as it hasn't stopped: anyone who sends abuse to me now shall be uploaded for all the world to see, let's see if you continue when you know your friends could see it.

'(Apologies for language and any offence to my friends/family) but it's one way to out a keyboard warrior.'

Ollie sensationally quit Love Island on Tuesday afternoon just three days after entering the South African villa- claiming he was still in love with ex girlfriend of 18 months, Laura Nofer, 23.

Ollie, who was coupled up with fellow Islander Paige Turley, 22, said in a statement that he simply isn't ready for another relationship.

Regrets... he has a few! Ollie has previously spoken about cheating on an ex, but it's not known if this was Laura (pictured)

A Love Island spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Ollie has made the decision to leave the Love Island villa.'

Explaining his reasons for leaving, Ollie said in the Beach Hut on Wednesday's episode: 'I have to be honest with myself, and everyone, that I do still love someone else

'I have to follow my heart in this scenario and it would be wrong for me to ignore these feelings.

'At the end of the day, this is Love Island and it's about finding love. If I carried on anything with Paige [Turley], or any other girl that might come into the villa, it wouldn't be fair on them.'

During his time on the show, Ollie told his fellow Islanders he cheated on an ex nine times - although he did not say if this was Laura.

Her Instagram account handle is @lauranofer but this has been set to private.

A source told The Sun: 'The show made Ollie realise he wasn't ready to be in another serious relationship and he still has really strong feelings for Laura.

'Meeting girls who were so different to him and his background only clarified how he felt about his ex and he felt it was only fair to leave the competition and sort his head out.

'He told producers and acted on his feelings as soon as he made up his mind.'
New Delhi [India], Jan 18 (ANI): The customary halwa ceremony, which marks the process of printing documents for the Budget, will be hosted by the Finance Ministry on January 20, ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget on February 1.



Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, other officials of the ministry and clerks will be present at the ceremony which will be held at North Block.

Every year, the government follows an annual tradition of hosting a halwa ceremony, a few days before the Budget is presented. The making of halwa marks the official kick-off of events.

The Indian dessert is prepared in a large vessel and served to the finance ministry staff as part of the ritual.

After the ceremony, the employees who are a part of the budget-making process, move to the basement of North Block for around 10 days. They will only emerge once the Finance Minister presents the Budget in Parliament.

This is done to prevent any leaks before the annual Budget is presented.

The ceremony also recognises and lauds the efforts of every staff who have been a part of the budget-making process. (ANI)


A man charged with raping and sexually assaulting a woman is to face trial by judge and jury.

The 53-year-old, from North Dublin, who cannot be identified, is alleged to have raped the woman on dates between November 1999 and April 2002 at a location in north Dublin.

He is charged with three counts of rape and one count of sexually assaulting the woman.

The accused appeared before Balbriggan District Court where the court heard the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial on indictment in the Central Criminal Court.

The accused was remanded on bail, subject to the conditions of signing on once a week at a nominated garda station, to surrender his passport and not apply for new travel documents and to have no contact whatsoever with the alleged injured party.

His case was adjourned until next month for the service of a book of evidence before he is sent forward for trial.
Supreme Court to review Trump's religious exemptions to Obamacare mandate Little Sisters of the Poor will return to Washington to defend religious convictions

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The Little Sisters of the Poor will head back to the U.S. Supreme Court as the justices review a federal appellate court decision striking down a Trump administration rule giving religious organizations the ability to opt-out of an Affordable Care Act mandate that requires employers to cover birth control and abortifacients.

The Supreme Court announced Friday that it will hear two challenges dealing with the Trump administrations measures that make it easier for employers with moral objections to obtain exemptions in health care plans.

The court will deal with Trump v. Pennsylvania and Little Sisters of the Poor Saints Peter andPaul Home v. Pennsylvania. The Little Sisters of the Poor is an order of Catholic nuns who care for the elderly.

The organization had previously gone before the Supreme Court in its effort to win an exemption from the Department of Health and Human Services mandate, which the nuns said forced them to violate Catholic teachings against abortion.

In 2016, the Supreme Court vacated two lower court rulings against the organization.

Under the Trump administration, the federal government stopped fighting the legal battle and the HSS enacted rules, making it easier for nonprofit and for-profit companies (except publicly traded companies) to request an exemption from the mandate.

The Little Sisters of the Poor and its attorneys with the legal nonprofit Becket will have to argue again that such a requirement violates the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

A lawsuit was filed by the Commonwealth in 2017 against the mandate. Last July, the Third Circuit ruled in favor of Pennsylvania.

It is disappointing to think that as we enter a new decade we must still defend our ministry in court, Mother Loraine Marie Maguire said in a statement. We are grateful the Supreme Court has decided to weigh in, and hopeful that the Justices will reinforce their previous decision and allow us to focus on our lifelong work of serving the elderly poor once and for all.

Becket President Mark Rienzi said in a statement that Pennsylvania needs to give it a rest.

Why is Pennsylvania still trying to fight tired and unnecessary culture wars that were settled years ago? Rienzi asked. There are plenty of ways to provide people with contraceptives without forcing Catholic nuns to participate. It's too bad that the Supreme Court is being forced by Pennsylvania to deal with this issue again, but at least the court can now bring this litigation to a permanent end.

Other states have also sued to stop the HHS rules making it easier to gain exemptions to the contraception mandate. Other courts, such as the Ninth Circuit, have also ruled against the Trump administrations exemption rule.

Religious freedom groups and legal experts are hoping that the Supreme Court will provide a clear answer on the issue.

The Supreme Court of the United States needs to protect once and for all the Little Sisters of the Poor and people of all faiths from government-forced violations of their religious beliefs, Stephanie Taub, a senior counsel with the religious freedom law nonprofit First Liberty Institute, said in a statement. We are confident the Justices will again respect the religious liberty of all religious nonprofits and reverse the Third Circuits dangerous decision.

The Supreme Court also ruled in favor of the Christian-owned craft store chain Hobby Lobby in 2014 when it challenged the Obamacare contraception mandate. The court ruled 5-4 that Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Woods Specialties could refuse to provide coverage of certain abortifacients basis of a religious objection.
(Bloomberg) -- Read the transcript!

Thats the rallying cry of President Donald Trump and supporters who say he did nothing wrong in the Ukraine impeachment saga.

Democrats countered that the White House readout of Trumps call with Ukraines president offers strong evidence of his guilt. The key line they point to is this: I would like you to do us a favor, Trump tells President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

With Trump set for trial starting Tuesday in the Senate after his impeachment in the House, that 16-minute call is Exhibit A for both the president and his opponents.

Weeks of House testimony underscored that many of Trumps aides and envoys were disturbed by the call and broader administration efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate Democrat Joe Biden, including by withholding almost $400 million in assistance the ally desperately wanted to counter Russian aggression. Fiona Hill, the top National Security Council adviser on Russia at the time, said her boss, John Bolton, called the effort a drug deal.

But the House proceedings didnt answer all the questions about what happened. And even though the president blocked key witnesses from testifying and defied a subpoena for Ukraine-related documents, new allegations and evidence keep emerging.

The impeachment debate ultimately revolves around whether the presidents request was an abuse of power -- co-opting a foreign power for political purposes -- or just an indelicate effort to get an ally to tackle corruption. Just this week, a nonpartisan congressional oversight agency ruled the aid freeze was illegal, a finding the White House immediately rejected.

Heres whats still unknown going into the impeachment trial:

Is there a smoking gun?

Despite testimony from 17 witnesses in both private and public hearings, theres still no ironclad proof that Trump personally ordered the aid to Ukraine withheld -- and an Oval Office meeting sought by Zelenkskiy unscheduled -- until the Ukrainian leader committed to the Biden investigation.

Story continues

Officials who could speak to that issue -- acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Bolton -- effectively refused to testify in the House impeachment hearings. Bolton now suggests hed be open to testifying in the Senate, but Trump has said hell claim executive privilege if his former aide tries.

The accusation of a quid pro quo was actually bolstered by Mulvaney, who told reporters pressing him about the Ukraine allegations that, yes, the president was using foreign policy to pursue his domestic political needs.

We do that all the time with foreign policy, Mulvaney said. And I have news for everybody. Get over it. There is going to be political influence in foreign policy.

Mulvaney later said his comments were taken out of context, but the damage was done.

Will new evidence be admissible?

House Democrats chose not to challenge Trumps refusal to allow key witnesses to testify, which could have tied up the impeachment process in the courts for months. Instead, they made the White House refusal to cooperate the core of the second article of impeachment referred to the Senate, calling it obstruction of Congress.

But even as House Democrats were preparing to ceremoniously march those two articles of impeachment over to the Senate, information damaging to the president continued to emerge.

Among the most explosive new revelations are claims by Lev Parnas, the indicted associate of Trumps personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, who was running a parallel U.S. foreign policy when it came to Ukraine. With Parnass help, Giuliani pressed for months to get Marie Yovanovitch, the U.S. ambassador in Ukraine, ousted.

President Trump knew exactly what was going on, Parnas told MSNBCs Rachel Maddow on Wednesday night. I wouldnt do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani or the president.

The president says he doesnt know Parnas, dismissing a series of photos of the two of them together as just the typical glad-handing all political leaders go through at public events.

What is U.S. policy toward Ukraine now, and who controls it?

One of the most revelatory themes of the impeachment trial was how Giuliani, claiming he was acting with Trumps authority, wrested U.S. policy toward Ukraine away from the career diplomats and political appointees who were nominally in charge of it.

Giuliani has shown no sign of backing down from his pursuit of Biden, and his attacks on Ambassador Yovanovitch: Soon after the impeachment hearings ended in the House, he flew back to Ukraine to press ahead with what he said were new lines of investigation.

And while Pompeo insists hes proud of U.S. policy and its focus on a strong partnership with Ukraine, the presidents own convictions havent changed a bit.

The tragedy is the president has not changed his view, said Mark David Simakovsky, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. If anything, hes dug in further.

How much did Russia know about -- and fuel -- Trumps efforts?

Intelligence experts were aghast when Gordon Sondland, the U.S. ambassador to the European Union, revealed in his testimony that he had called Trump on an unsecured mobile phone line from a cafe in Kyiv. The conversation was loud enough for others at the table to listen in. And that was just one of several phone calls he made to the president discussing their strategy toward Ukraine.

Its highly likely Russia was tracking those calls -- as well as the many communications from Giuliani and his own associates -- and looking for an advantage in its standoff with Ukraine.

You have Rudy on an open line, Sondland on an open line, said Andrew Weiss, vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Russia must have been abundantly aware of how the Americans were cutting the Ukrainians free.

In addition to the unsupported allegation that Biden intervened in Ukraine to prevent a corruption investigation of his son -- who served on the board of a Ukrainian energy company -- Giuliani and Trump have entertained a conspiracy theory that Ukraine interfered in the 2016 election to help Democrat Hillary Clinton. Thats the reverse of the finding by U.S. intelligence that Russia meddled to help Trump.

Its also widely accepted that Russians helped sow U.S. divisions over matters like race and gun violence heading into the 2016 campaign. Did they do the same with Trump and Ukraine looking ahead to 2020?

How will it end?

Impeachment supporters would need 67 votes in the Senate to convict Trump, which almost certainly wont happen. No Republican in the House of Representatives voted to impeach Trump, and while some in the Senate may agree to allow new witnesses like Bolton to testify, the threshold for convicting Trump for what the Constitution calls high crimes and misdemeanors is high.

Regardless, Democrats say its their duty to carry forward, and they seem to hope that the case against Trump will help sway voters in November.

No president should be getting away with what the president, President Trump, has been getting away with, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who oversaw Trumps impeachment, said Thursday after the articles against him were delivered to the Senate. The trial starts Tuesday.

To contact the reporter on this story: Nick Wadhams in Washington at nwadhams@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Bill Faries at wfaries@bloomberg.net, ;Kevin Whitelaw at kwhitelaw@bloomberg.net, Larry Liebert

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

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Claiming to have discussed the Indian government's alleged Hindutva agenda, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, on Saturday, tweeted that Pakistan had discussed the current situation in Jammu-Kashmir with US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo. He added that Pakistan had stated that peace in South East Asia was impossible unless the issue was resolved according to UN resolution, yet again meddling into India's revocation of Article 370. Talking about the crisis in Iran, Qureshi said that Pakistan would maintain peace in the region.

In phone call with Mike Pompeo amid Gulf crisis, S Jaishankar highlights India's stakes

Qureshi claims to have talked about Indian govt's alleged 'Hindutva agenda'

Emphasised our deep concerns for regional security with the Indian government's extremist Hindutva agenda and the grave humanitarian crisis in Indian Occupied J&K. Peace in S .Asia is elusive until this is resolved in accordance with UN resolutions & wishes of Kashmiris. https://t.co/ExtclmN9KT  Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) January 17, 2020

Pompeo meets Qureshi discusses Iran, Afghanistan and bilateral issues

Secretary Pompeo differs

In contrast, Pompeo claims to have talked about Iranian aggression, Afghan peace process, trade ties and regional stability with Qureshi. There is no mention of Kashmir, Hindutva, PM Modi or United Nations. Qureshi who is on a two-day visit to Washington DC met Pompeo and US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien on Friday. On Thursday, he met lawmakers at the US Capitol where he demanded that President Donald Trump should mediate to resolve the Kashmir issue.

Enjoyed meeting with Pakistani Foreign Minister @SMQureshiPTI today. We discussed countering Iranian aggression, the Afghan peace process, trade ties, and regional stability.  Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 17, 2020

EU invites Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif to Brussels amid tensions with US

India-US ties

While Qureshi continues to fearmonger over India's Hindutva agenda, Donald Trump himself has on several occasions sought out Hindus. Notable among those were the 'Hindus for Trump' group which had supported his 2016 presidential campaign after he proclaimed 'We love Hindus' at a rally. Moreover, Trump has agreed that Kashmir is a bilateral issue when he met PM Modi at G8 Summit in Biarritz, France. PM Modi and Trump also displayed their bonhomie at the mega rally in Texas - 'Howdy, Modi!' where backed Trump, recalling the slogan 'Ab ki baar, Trump Sarkar!'.

SAS hero famous for rescuing 19 hostages in 1980 Iranian Embassy siege, dies aged 71
L abour leadership hopeful Rebecca Long-Bailey said her party did not talk enough about aspiration as she officially launched her bid to become leader.

The shadow business secretary also vowed to shake up the way government works, and put power into the hands of voters, as she bids to replace Jeremy Corbyn.

Described as a continuity Corbyn candidate said to be favoured by the current leadership and backed by campaign group Momentum, supporters have bridled at the description.

As she took to the stage for the launch at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, some of the 300 or so supporters at the event broke into a chant of Oh Jeremy Corbyn.

Mrs Long-Bailey told them: Hey guys, were going to have to think of a new song you know. No pressure.

Labour MP Rebecca Long-Bailey / Getty Images

She was asked why Labour had failed to win voters, returning their worst electoral result since 1935.

Mrs Long-Bailey said: I think for me we had some fantastic policies, I know because I helped write some of them, and really the message didnt resonate with our voters.

And what we should have been talking about is aspiration.

Because everything we are trying to build and I am going to try to build as leader of the Labour Party is about realising the potential, truly realising that quality of life increase, whether you are a business, whether you are an industry or an individual, our role as a party is to improve your living standards and the wealth you can accumulate as communities.

And we didnt say that. We didnt match that with a message of aspiration.

We want an economy where everyone does well.

Rebecca Long-Bailey launches her bid for the leadership of the Labour Party / Getty Images

She also spoke about a trip to Amsterdam she had made before entering politics, being asked Did you inhale?

To laughter and cheers from the largely young audience at the event, Mrs Long-Bailey replied: Ill leave it up to you to decide why I went to Amsterdam, for flower markets or to partake in local delicacies.

She added that the country needed a national discussion on the war on drugs, and to address what she said was the under-funding of police services.

In her speech, Mrs Long-Bailey promised to end the gentlemens club of politics by devolving power out of Westminster  while promising to introduce a Green New Deal that unites Labour heartlands.

Rebecca Long-Bailey sets out her vision for the party / AFP via Getty Images

She said: The story of the last few years is that many people feel there is something wrong with their laws being drafted hundreds of miles away by a distant and largely unaccountable bureaucratic elite in Brussels.

But Ill be honest, Westminster didnt feel much closer, and it still doesnt today.

Thats why I want to shake up the way Government works and deliver a clear message to voters: we will put power where it belongs  in your hands.

Mrs Long-Bailey also vowed to root out anti-Semitism in the Labour Party.

She was introduced at the event by newly elected Coventry MP Zarah Sultana, who has apologised about alleged anti-Semitic and anti-Israel comments, attributed to her before she entered Parliament  reportedly saying she would celebrate the deaths of Tony Blair and Benjamin Nentanayu, and told someone who was pro-Israel to jump off a cliff.

Mrs Long-Bailey added: We didnt tackle it properly, we didnt act quickly enough. I wont ever let that happen again.

All the Labour leadership candidates are taking part in the first hustings event in Liverpool on Saturday.
It was as much insulting as it was embarrassing the Government's plans to hold a commemoration event for the RIC and the Dublin Metropolitan Police force this week.

It should never have been mooted int he first place and the general public along with the vast majority of politicians lashed the idea from the very start. The jusitifcation of the event, which hopefully will never take place, was cringe worthy, right up to the last minute.

It now appears that Justice Minister Charles Flanagan and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar were the prime movers behind the planned commemoration, a ceremony to have taken place at Dublin Castle.

The whole charade began to unravel when junior ministers such as Kevin 'Boxer' Moran early on Tuesday morning last said he wasn't going to take part and later in the day it became clear that the historians, tasked with coming up with ideas to celebrate the centenary of various events leading from the 1916 Rising through to the War of Independence had never suggested a event but had merely said an academic conference might be enough.

Historian Professor Diarmaid Ferriter said the expert advisory group on commemorations never suggested there should be a State event for the Royal Irish Constabulary and the Dublin Metropolitan Police.

"What we had in mind was an academic event - a conference or seminar - that would look at the issue of policing in Ireland during the revolutionary period, including the role of and disbandment of the RIC and the foundation of the Civic Guard, which became An Garda Siochana."

He said the advisory group "should not be used by the Government as a mudguard to provide cover for itself when it receives negative reaction to its solo runs in relation to commemoration.

That Fine Gael decided to run with a public commemoration ceremony for a police force that plundered many villages and towns in the country, tales of which were handed down through generations, just beggars belief.

The Black and Tans were an auxiliary police force set up by the British in 1920 made up of ex-soldiers. Officially called the "RIC Reserve," their black tunics and kakhi trousers earned them their name after a pack of foxhounds in Co Limerick. They often operated independently of the RIC and became a byword for terror and atrocities enflaming public opinion.

Another police back-up force, the Auxiliaries, began in July 1920, smaller than the Black and Tans and styled as more elite comprising ex-army officers. They too often acted independently or with the Black and Tans and became similarly reviled for their criminal acts. The RIC was disbanded in 1922 and the DMP merged with An Garda Siochana in 1925.

How more out of touch could Varadkar and Flanagan be, that they seriously expected the public to accept an event to remember the men who committed crimes against Irish men, women and children?

Instead of gracefully admitting they got it completely wrong they have been critical of those who opposed the idea and now say it is being merely postponed. It should be cancelled and never ever be talked about again. Such an own goal for a Fine Gael party facing into a general election in a matter of weeks.

Sinn Fein TD for Sligo-Leitrim Martin Kenny said he noted the tone of the Minister for Justice's statement and the use of the word "postpone", which suggests that this event will take place at a time in the future.

"He organised it without using the agreed channel of the All Party Consultation Group on Commemorations and he is clearly out of step with public opinion on this issue.

"The RIC and the Black and Tans were a repressive force in this country and the people of this nation do not want to commemorate or honour them. It is an embarrassment to suggest that we should.

"If anyone who had an ancestor in one of these repressive forces wants to remember them or pay their respects in any personal way, it is totally appropriate for them to do so. However, the RIC and the DMP served the British on this island and if they are to be commemorated as a force, then the British can do it.

"Charlie Flanagan should be aware that if he wants to commemorate them, he is not doing in my name or in the name of the Irish people," said Deputy Kenny who is party's justice spokesperson.

Minister Flanagan said "given the disappointing response of some" to the planned event on 17th January, he believed it could not now take place in "an atmosphere that meets the goals and guiding principles of the overall commemorative programme."

"I know that, regrettably, this decision will be a cause of hurt and upset to many people. I commit to proceeding with an alternative commemoration in the months ahead.

"As a Minister in two Departments over the last number of years, I have always been acutely conscious that commemorating the major events that shaped our nation one hundred years ago would in many cases be hugely challenging and hugely sensitive.

"It has always been clear that the later period of the commemorative programme, including the War of Independence, the Anglo-Irish Treaty, partition and the foundation of Northern Ireland and the Civil War, would be particularly challenging."

The point the Minister is missing is that no one minds commemorating our past but there just cannot be a public event to recall what was an appalling part of our history. And, he was completely out of order to attack those who wanted nothing to do with the event.

He had invited public representatives to the ceremony but as the days wore on, rejections of the invitation were snowballing.

Minister Flanagan said "the office-holders invited to the modest and solemn commemoration on 17 January are invited in their capacity as representatives of their county, city or party as the case may be. They have not been invited in a personal capacity."

And, in a statement issued on the eve of his postponment he stated: "There is no question but that there are very real sensitivities involved here. I acknowledge that. But there are sensitivities on both sides. The RIC has found itself on the wrong side of history.

"The intolerance that was often characteristic of Ireland in the past sometimes forced people to deny their own family histories and airbrush parents, grandparents and siblings out of the picture for doing no more than serving as an army officer or police officer to support their families. It should be noted that the vast majority of Irish people who served as army and police officers did so with honour and integrity.

"That is why it is disappointing to see some public representatives abandon the principles of mutual understanding and reconciliation in an effort to gain headlines.

"This attitude, combined with a distortion of the nature of the commemoration, is ill becoming of any public representative and represents a step backwards to a more narrow-minded past characterized by a hierarchy of Irishness."

The Minister's judgement was completely off the rails and he should not be blaming others for this debacle.

He should not be insulting the intelligence of the public who know full well the history of the RIC and the Black and Tans.

As Minister Moran stated: ""We are at a very sensitive period in our historic 100 year anniversaries and the planned commemoration of members who served in the RIC and the Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) prior to independence while being led by good intentions, has failed to recognise the deep-seated feelings surrounding the force.

"We must respect the sincerely held feelings of people on the matter and note the historical record of how policing was carried out in the State from when the RIC was formed in 1836 and which ultimately led to the declaration in April 1919 by Dail Eireann to boycott the police service."

"I believe it would be wrong that this difficult period of Irish history that we are about to commemorate and which led to our independence to ignore the firmly held convictions by the general public."

And, local councillor Declan was more forthright in his opinion. "Anyone with even the scantiest knowledge of Irish history will know that following the establishment of the First Dail and the declaration of independence, the R.I.C. acted as a force of traitors and was responsible for maintaining martial law and for arresting and imprisoning without trail political activists who were opposed to British rule in Ireland.

"Popular resistance to R.I.C. repression was evident throughout the country. Indeed by September 1920 only eight of the thirty-four R.I.C. barracks in county Sligo remained in use.

"The R.I.C. special reserve later known as the Black and Tans was responsible for countless murders and atrocities They terrorised communities and burned and sacked many small towns and villages.

"Here in Sligo the R.I.C. was responsible for destroying creameries, halls, stores and shops in many parts of the county.

"On the 21st of November 1921 the R.I.C. shot dead 13 unarmed civilians and wounded 60 others who were attending a GAA match in Croke Park." Cllr Bree also pointed out that RIC members murdered the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Tomas Mac Curtain in March 1920.

The Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemoration has been guiding the Decade of Centenaries for over seven years. The second phase of the Decade of Centenaries, covers the period 2018-2023.

The group is made up of Dr. Maurice Manning, Chairperson; Dr. Martin Mansergh, Vice-Chairperson; Prof. Mary Daly; Mr. Francis Devine; Prof. Diarmuid Ferriter; Dr. Leeann Lane; Dr. Sinead McCoole; Prof. Eunan O'Halpin; Dr. Eamon Phoenix; Mr. Gabriel Doherty and Dr. Mary Harris.
FILE PHOTO: Chefs carry the coffin of late French chef Paul Bocuse during the funeral ceremony at the Saint-Jean Cathedral in Lyon

PARIS (Reuters) - The flagship restaurant of celebrated French chef Paul Bocuse, who died nearly two years ago, has lost its coveted Michelin three-star rating for the first time in over five decades.

Bocuse combined a passion for food with a nose for self-publicity that brought him fame and fortune beyond his native France.

"Although we are upset by the inspectors' judgment, there is one thing we never want to lose, and that is the soul of Paul," the Bocuse family and his restaurant said in a statement.

LAuberge du Pont de Collonges, near Lyon in France's gastronomic southeast, was the nerve-centre of his culinary empire and originally belonged to his father.

The chef's Bocuse d'Or organisation said on Twitter it offered its "unwavering support to 'Maison Bocuse'" after the withdrawal of its third star.

LAuberge du Pont de Collonges acquired its first Michelin star in 1961 when Bocuse was helping his father build up the business. After his fathers death he took it to the top three-star status in 1965.

The Michelin Guide has awarded the restaurant two stars in its 2020 guidebook, the Bocuse family said.

Representatives for the guide said the restaurant remained "excellent, but no longer at the level of three stars".

(Reporting by Richard Lough and Matthieu Protard; Editing by Alison Williams)
A changing climate means dramatic risks for the world  and for investments too, the chief of the worlds largest investment manager said this week.

To prepare for and protect against those risks, BlackRock CEO Laurence Fink said in his influential annual letter to CEOs that his firm, which manages roughly $7 trillion for investors, will make a series of moves putting climate change and sustainability at the center of its investing approach.

Among them, BlackRock will cut out investments in some coal producers from some of its portfolios, sharply increase the number of sustainability-focused funds that it offers, and vote against companies at shareholder meetings when theyre too slow in disclosing and mitigating their impact on the environment.

Climate change has become a defining factor in companies long-term prospects, Fink wrote in his letter, adding that he believes we are on the edge of a fundamental reshaping of finance because of it.

Fink predicted that the changes in how capital is deployed will come more quickly than we see changes to the climate itself, and sooner than most anticipate.

In fact, the shift is already under way.

Investors poured a net $20.6 billion into sustainable funds across the industry last year, nearly quadruple the record set a year earlier, according to Morningstar. Investors, particularly younger ones, increasingly say they want their money invested with an eye toward sustainability. The total dollars are still small relative to the entire industry  investors plugged a total of $413.9 billion into all taxable bond funds last year, while yanking $41.3 billion out of all U.S. stock funds  but the trend is clear and accelerating.

Fearful of losing out on those dollars  and the fees that they produce  investment companies are rushing to meet the surging demand.

BlackRock and other huge asset managers are generally behind smaller competitors when it comes to sustainability, said Danielle Fugere, president of shareholder-advocacy group As You Sow. BlackRock, State Street, Vanguard and others have been criticized for not doing more about the environment. Besides protests outside its Manhattan headquarters, BlackRock has also heard criticism from members of Congress who believe it could better address climate change.

Because of its size and reach, any shift in focus by BlackRock could alter the industry. It is a major shareholder in thousands of companies through its popular exchange-traded funds that track various indexes, as well as its funds run by stock-picking managers. But Fugere said this weeks announcement is only a first step.

The words are significant, and the words show leadership, Fugere said. But thats not enough. We have to see on the ground action, and we need to see it quickly. There is no time. Australia is burning up. California is burning up.

The wildfires in parts of Australia and California and other recent disasters have shown big institutional investors that climate change is just as much a threat to their returns in the near term as over the coming decades.

The physical risks have become so immediately clear and stark, said Amy Borrus, deputy director of the Council for Institutional Investors, whose members include pension funds, endowments and other U.S.-based asset owners investing more than $4 trillion.

Many institutional investors will welcome these steps by BlackRock, she said. More and more public funds are coming around to the view that sound environmental, social and governance practices are not just about making the world better but about fundamentally creating and preserving shareholder value.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

This approach to investing comes after a years-long evolution for the industry, which began with simple funds that bluntly excluded stocks deemed as harmful, such as gun makers or tobacco stocks.

Now, fund managers say they they look at environmental, social and governance issues broadly as part of their analysis of any investment. Proponents say it aids investors returns, not just their consciences, because it helps them avoid risky stocks and big potential losses. Companies with poor records on environmental issues are more likely to face big fines, for example.

For all the noise made by Finks announcement, the reaction in the stock market was muted on Tuesday. Energy stocks in the S&P 500 were down, but not as much as some other corners of the market. Coal stocks were mixed.

In his letter, Fink said companies and investors have a role to play in the transition to a low-carbon world, but governments will ultimately need to lead the way.

Some movement has begun. The European Union unveiled a plan this week to dedicate a quarter of its budget to tackling climate change and to help shift $1.1 trillion in investment toward making the economy more environmentally friendly over the next 10 years. The Europe Investment Plan will be funded by the EU budget and the private sector. It aims to deliver on European Commission president Ursula von der Leyens Green Deal to make the bloc the worlds first carbon-neutral continent by 2050.

It will be interesting to see whether BlackRocks high profile move will have any impact on policy, Borrus said. Government can do much more in the long run on climate change than investment flows.

Stan Choe is an Associated Press writer.
New Delhi, Jan 18 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with students especially with the specially abled children on January 20 during 'Pariksha Pe Charcha'.

The students will get the opportunity to ask questions to the Prime Minister and share their thoughts with him.

In a video message, Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' shared this information as he said that 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' programme will be organised at Talkatora Stadium here and special arrangements will be made for specially abled children.

According to the minister, the specially abled children have shown keen interest in the programme as they will get the opportunity to interact directly with PM Modi.

Nishank said Modi wants that the children should appear in examinations without any pressure so that they can give their best.

In his video message, he made an appeal to the students and their parents to be a part of this programme in large numbers.

State Minister for Human Resource Development Sanjay Dhotre met the students of Odisha, Assam, Tripura, West Bengal regarding the programme and discussed various aspects of school life with the students as well as the teachers.

Dhotre told the students not to come under any pressure regarding their examinations and see the 'Praiksha Pe Charcha' programme on January 20 as Modi will be talking about things related to the exams.

The 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become extremely popular and this year 250 more students have registered for it. This year students from other countries will also connect with the programme.
DES MOINES, Iowa - A little more than two weeks before Iowa's Feb. 3 caucuses, the race for the presidency is largely centered around the Democrats. Local television is inundated with nonstop campaign ads, yard signs are everywhere and near-daily candidate events draw voters by the hundreds.

Amid predictions of record caucus turnout and an influx of new voters, local Democrats say they think Iowa, which Donald Trump won by just under 10 points in 2016, could be flipped to blue in November.

But as Democratic candidates dash back and forth across the state, it's hard to miss the reminders of how tough that could be. Towns small and large, especially in rural areas, are dotted with Trump flags that weren't there four years ago, including ones that read "Trump 2020" and "Keep America Great." Trump voters have increasingly shown up at Democratic events, including a recent town hall in Dubuque where a man waved a "Make America Great Again" sign as his friend pressed Elizabeth Warren on abortion policy.

And on a chilly Thursday evening, as local television warned of a dangerous incoming snowstorm, some 500 people - many wearing red "MAGA" hats - packed into a large ballroom at a Holiday Inn across the street from the airport to hear a trio of Republican women, including the president's daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, speak as part of a "Women for Trump" tour traveling across the state this week.

"Whoa! Des Moines!" Lara Trump declared as she was welcomed by supporters who jumped to their feet, shouting and clapping. "They told us this was all Democrats, but I think y'all have something different to say."

The event, which drew as many men as women, was part of the counter programming launched by the Trump campaign here in recent days, beginning with flying a pro-Trump banner over Tuesday's debate site. And President Donald Trump is scheduled to return to Des Moines for a rally on Jan. 30, four days before the caucuses.

Thursday's event had the feel, at times, of a morning show. The women - Lara Trump, who is married to the president's son Eric; Trump campaign senior adviser Mercedes Schlapp; and Republican National Committee spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany - sat in cream-colored chairs on a small stage against the backdrop of a large pink-and-white "Women for Trump" sign.

After urging those in the audience to take their seats and "get cozy," the women chatted casually, ticking through a litany of policy points and arguing that, under President Trump, America and, especially, American women are thriving. They warned of chaos if Democrats recapture the White House.

"We have tangible results that we can point to because of this president, and the Democrats have literally nothing to offer," Lara Trump said. "If we let any of these Democrats get a hold of the White House, this country will be unrecognizable as the United States of America. They want to turn this country the way of Venezuela. And Venezuela is a complete disaster. It was one of the greatest countries in the world, incredibly prosperous, very rich. Things were going great. And then socialism took over."

In the back, a woman lifted her hands in the air in prayer, as other members of the audience shook their hands.

While the event was mostly focused on President Trump, the women peppered their remarks with warnings about the Democrats in the race, including "Crazy Bernie" Sanders and Joe Biden, who they warned was just as liberal as his Democratic rivals in the race.

"Don't let him escape that label," McEnany said.

At one point, Lara Trump mocked Biden's performance at the last debate. "I'm supposed to want him to fail at every turn, but every time he comes on stage and they turn to him, I'm like: 'Joe, can you get it out? Let's get the words out. Joe.' You kind of feel bad for him," she said of Biden, who regularly speaks about his history of stuttering. "The problem is, that's their front-runner, guys. They know that the people that they're offering up on the Democratic side have zero chance of beating Donald Trump, right? Zero."

The audience responded with laughs and cheers. Many in attendance described themselves as loyal Trump supporters from the earliest days of his campaign, even when their other Republican friends were against his candidacy. And in interviews, most said that nothing Trump had done as a candidate or as president had changed their minds about him - not his use of Twitter, his handling of foreign policy or the allegations that he solicited foreign help to investigate the Bidens.

Mary Godwin, a real estate agent from Des Moines, said she had backed Trump four years ago because he had appealed to her as a political outsider and a businessman, and that she felt he had delivered on his promises to the business community, including a strong stock market, tax-code changes and a booming economy.

She came out Thursday because was curious about the strategy the Trump campaign would take in addressing impeachment, which she said was a "distraction" from real issues.

"To me, nothing he has done has been high crimes and misdemeanors or enough to be impeached," she said, arguing the scandal would probably end up driving up his support among Republicans, including in Iowa. "I think this is actually very bad for the Democrats."

But Lara Trump and her counterparts were taking no chances. Four years ago, she said, the Trump campaign was like an airplane that was being built in the air as it was trying to land. "Some days, we didn't have windows on the side," she said. "Some days, a wing was a little off. But at the last second, just when it mattered, we got the landing gear attached and on and landed the plane. And we all know what happened next. Donald Trump became our president."

The difference now is that the campaign "never shut down" and has kept growing and raising money and assembling a ground game that she said is far ahead of the Democrats. "Although we feel really strong, we cannot leave anything to chance," she said. "We have to win with such a resounding impact that they cannot deny the results of this election."
Student Data

Alaska District Faces Parent Concerns about Student Online Monitoring Head-on

When an Alaska school district heard complaints about a new system for monitoring student online behavior, it fine-tuned the settings and reached out to its community to address the concerns. Juneau School District had launched Bark for Schools, a free program for checking high school student accounts on G Suite and Office 365.

According to the company, Bark's service is used by 1,600 schools for performing web filtering and monitoring of emails, chats and files on school-issued accounts. Bark uses algorithms to watch student activity for keywords and then attempts to define context before issuing an alert. When activities take place that are alarming, the service sends alerts to school personnel and parents who have opted in for follow-up. A paid parent version allows families to do the same with their own students' online activities outside of school.

During a contentious October school board meeting, several parents and students protested the use of the program. Their concerns included collection of student information by a for-profit company, lack of student privacy, delays in how quickly potential incidents were relayed to administrators and "spamming" of families by the company that produces Bark. Parents also expressed alarm at the possibility that any student "flags" generated by the software could "impact the children later in life."

Rather than backing off of usage, the school responded to the complaints by compiling a frequently-asked questions document, which it provided to families and posted on its website, and requested updates to the implementation. For example, a 30-day data hold was shortened to 15 days; a profanity filter was eliminated; the "severity" filter was set to be less sensitive to generate fewer "false positives." And district Superintendent Bridget Weiss reached out to those who spoke up during the meeting to discuss their fears and the proposed changes. Also, Bark stopped sending out unsolicited emails to parents about various premium services unless they opted into the messages.

As the FAQ explained, "Bark for Schools adds an important layer to our student safety systems. The district is providing students with a digital education environment and is obligated to monitor it like other school environments. There are incidents of unlawful or unsafe behavior in student accounts every year, and until now we had to rely on others to report it. A new level of safety is now available to the district through Bark for Schools. Students sign an annual internet use agreement that outlines they will not engage in harmful or illegal activities on our system. This tool helps monitors that agreement."
The head of Garda security and intelligence, Assistant Commissioner Michael OSullivan has handed in his papers and is retiring from the organisation.

The loss of Mr OSullivan is a big blow to the senior ranks of the force, which is already short one deputy and one assistant commissioner.

He has been in charge of the security and intelligence section since March 2017 and during that time has overseen the Gardas stance against threats from domestic and international terrorism.

In recent months, the Kerry-born officer led the Garda involvement in the return of alleged Islamic State member, Lisa Smith from Syria.

He also had responsibility for the liaison and protection section, was head of the Interpol and Europol units in Ireland and member of the Europol management board.

Mr OSullivan was due to retire later this year on age grounds. But he will now leave in March after completing 40 years service in the force.

Expand Close Michael OSullivan, Assistant Commissioner of An Garda Siochana. Photo: Mark Condren / Facebook

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His retirement is not connected with the new severance programme being offered to the senior ranks to reduce their numbers further.

Details of the revised offer, which follow the poor response from chiefs and superintendents to the initial deal, have been completed by Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan and circulated to all eligible officers.

For assistant commissioners, the new offer means a severance gratuity of not more than half of his or her basic salary and for chiefs and superintendents, not more of 50pc of salary plus availability allowance.

The force has had a vacancy at the rank of assistant commissioner since the retirement of Fintan Fanning last August.

A vacancy for a deputy commissioner also exists following the failure of the Policing Authoritys selection panel to opt for any of the applicants on the final short-list.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has promised to appoint a deputy on a temporary basis.

In the meantime, the Department of Justice is reviewing the criteria for eligibility to apply for the job.

This may lead to a reversal of the existing ban on chief superintendents taking part in the competition.

A decision to allow chiefs to apply for the post of deputy was introduced in 2008 on the recommendation of the Garda Inspectorate and the latest competition was the first time they had been barred.

The ban has resulted in the bizarre situation where chiefs can apply for a job as commissioner but not as a deputy.

And the recently published criteria for a competition about to be held to find a new assistant commissioner, makes the farce even more complicated and confusing.

For that position, any garda inspector with two years service in that rank from this week is eligible to apply, along with any PSNI officer of similar status.
GREENWICH  Sun glare likely played a major role in the car-pedestrian collision that ended up taking the life of an Old Greenwich woman on her way to the train station, according to court documents filed by town police.

Charles Graves, 82, of Riverside, was arrested on a charge of negligent homicide with a motor vehicle last week in connection with the death of Regina Dowling. She was struck on the morning of Nov. 29 in the marked crosswalk at Station Drive South in Old Greenwich by the Honda CRV that Graves was driving, according to police.

Operator #1 (Charles Graves) related that he did not see the pedestrian until the point when he struck her due to sun glare, and then he stopped immediately and got out to see what had happened because at first he was unsure what he had hit, police wrote in an application for an arrest warrant filed in Superior Court.

The collision took place at 9:50 a.m., when the sun was low in the sky and shining hard into cars heading into the parking lot near the Old Greenwich train station. Court papers say Graves was on his way to a store in the area.

An officer at the scene documented there was a significantly strong sun glare for southbound traffic, the affidavit reported. There was also shadow cast on the crosswalk where Dowling was walking, shaded by a nearby building, and Dowling was wearing a dark coat  additional factors that may have lowered vision and recognition for the driver, according to the police account.

Dowling, 62, a university administrator and educator, was rushed to Stamford Hospital and later died Dec. 5. The Office of the Medical Examiner listed the cause of death as complications following blunt impact, head injury. The manner of death was listed as accidental by the medical examiner.

Merchants in the area have expressed concerns with the Station Drive South crosswalk, noting that sun glare can be a problem for drivers making a left-hand turn into the station or parking lot there.

Graves declined comment earlier this week, and his lawyer, Phil Russell said his client's thoughts and prayers were with the Dowling family.

Graves posted a $1,000 cash bond, on bail set at $10,000, and he was assigned a court date of Jan. 23. Now retired, he previously worked at Town Hall, as assistant to the first selectman.

Besides the criminal charge, a misdemeanor, Graves was cited for making an improper turn and failing to yield to a pedestrian. He turned himself into police headquarters Jan. 9.

Sean Dowling, the husband of Regina Dowling, did not return a call for comment.

Another pedestrian fatality took place this month in central Greenwich. Elizabeth Deering, 77, died Thursday of injuries she sustained after she was hit by a car on Milbank Avenue on the afternoon of Jan. 8.
The Kano State police command has arrested an academic, Professor Solomon Musa Tarfa over an alleged baby factory operating in the state.

Reports have it that nineteen inmates of both sexes and various ages were rescued in a raid carried out on December 25, 2019 at the orphanage home called Du Mercy Children Development Ministry.

Read Also: Baby Factory Discovered In Lagos, Pregnant Girls Rescued

Tarfa has reportedly been operating for over two decades and was working alongside one Chidi Christopher who runs a maternity clinic at Nomansland area of Kano.

The pair would allegedly steal newborn babies from their parents after birth and according to Kano Police Spokesperson, DSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, one Dr Nwoye who is currently at large gave ante-natal care to pregnant women after which he handed over their babies to the orphanage home.

Professor Tarfas wife, Mercy was also accused of facilitating the procurement of kids through other illegal means.

Kiyawa said;
By PTI

NAYPYIDAW (MYANMAR): China and Myanmar on Saturday inked 33 deals aimed at speeding up key infrastructure projects to provide Beijing a stepping stone to the Indian Ocean after a meeting between President Xi Jinping and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, as the Communist nation ramped up support to cement its hold over the Southeast Asian country under fire for its treatment of Rohingya Muslims.

Holding talks with Xi on the final day of his two-day visit, Suu Kyi slammed the western countries for criticising Myanmar over the handling of the Rohingya issue.

Over 7.3 lakh Rohingya Muslims fled to neighbouring Bangladesh alleging attacks by the Myanmar army, triggering a global refugee crisis.

Xi and Suu Kyi signed 33 agreements, covering areas such as politics, trade, investment and people-to-people communications, shoring up mammoth projects that are part of the flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China's vision of new trade routes described as a "21st-century silk road".

Myanmar would like to promote the building of the Myanmar-China Economic Corridor, and enhance cooperation in transport, energy, production capacity, humanitarian and cultural exchanges, border areas and regional affairs, Suu Kyi told Xi during the talks.

Some countries intend to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries with such excuses as human rights, ethnicities and religions, and Myanmar will never accept such interference, she said.

Suu Kyi said Myanmar hoped China would continue to maintain justice for middle and small countries including Myanmar, state-run China Daily reported.

The silence of Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace prize winner, over the Rohingya crisis has come under intense global criticism.

The International Court of Justice, where Gambia has filed a case of genocide against Myanmar, on Wednesday said it will deliver its decision next week on whether emergency measures should be imposed on Myanmar over alleged genocide of its Rohingya Muslims.

Xi, in his remarks, said China was a trustworthy friend of Myanmar and always respected the development paths of other countries by upholding the principle of non-interference in other countries' affairs.

China will continue to maintain justice for Myanmar on the international stage, and it supports Myanmar in safeguarding its national sovereignty and legitimate interests, the Daily report quoted Xi as saying.

The main focus of the agreements signed after the talks between the two leaders appeared to be on the implementation of the China Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) which is akin to the USD 60 billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under which China looks to access Pakistan's Gwadar port in the Arabian sea.

CMEC is also a giant connectivity project linking landlocked southwestern China to the Indian Ocean.

Details on agreements reached over CMEC were sketchy but they reportedly included a concession and shareholders agreement on the USD 1.3 billion Kyaukhphyu deep-sea port and economic zone.

Kyaukhphyu projects concerns India as it provides a stepping stone for China to the Indian Ocean.

Besides Gwadar, China also acquired the Hambantota port raising concerns over the theory of "String Pearls" to encircle India by Beijing.

There was also a letter of intent for "new urban development" in Myanmar's biggest city Yangon and feasibility studies for rail links.

But both the countries skirted the controversial USD 3.6 billion Myitsone Dam which has been stalled since 2011 over public protests.

According to officials, no major new projects have been worked out as Myanmar goes to polls later this year.

China, which for decades has maintained close ties with the Myanmar military even when Suu Kyi was incarcerated for years, has again become an important ally to fend off global isolation of Nay Pyi Taw in the wake of the Rohingya crisis.

In his talks with Suu Kyi, Xi said the two countries should speed up connecting development strategies.

Conspicuously missing from his talks was the Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar (BCIM) corridor which China in the past vigorously proposed but apparently dropped it over India's lukewarm support.

India has been severely critical of the BRI as CPEC which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is its flagship project.

On his arrival in Myanmar, the first by a Chinese leader in 19 years, President Xi received a royal welcome with two fighter jets escorting his plane after it entered the country's airspace.

As his plane touched down in Nay Pyi Taw, children presented him flowers before he was whisked off to a greeting party, China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
Photo: fat jon boyega/Twitter

If youve ever hung out in the corners of the internet where you find things like YouTube channels devoted to analyzing which Broadway diva sang the best iteration of a given songs riff  think Touch meeeEEEeeeEEE, its so EASYYYYY to LEAAAAVE MEEEEEEE from Memory in Cats  youve probably already seen this clip. If you have not, allow me to introduce you to a short video of Ariana Notartomaso, playing the role of Cathy in a college production of The Last Five Years. The video itself is a few years old, but it got a new life this week when actor Larry Owens shared it on Twitter for reasons that will soon become  obvious.

Good morning to this choice pic.twitter.com/vKb3yGq8Xd  fat jon boyega (@larryowenslive) January 15, 2020

The bit here, if youre not familiar with the 2001 Jason Robert Brown musical (which later was adapted into a pretty meh movie starring Jeremy Jordan and Anna Kendrick), is that Cathy is slogging through life as an aspiring actress. Shes singing about the audition process, spending her days in rooms with 199 other girls who are all belting, at gay men, at the top of their ranges. Usually, at least if youre Kendrick or Sherie Rene Scott, the belt in question is a single, sustained note. Notartomasos version puts them to shame. Vulture caught up with the very booked and busy 21-year-old, who is currently a senior at Penn State, via Instagram DM.

Hi! What are you rehearsing for right now?

Im actually working on two new musicals right now, a production of The Lucky Boy, by Kirstin Childs, and a reading of Dust & Embers, by Sam Salmond. Both of these pieces are part of the New Musicals Initiative at Penn State, led by John Simpkins, whos the director of the musical-theater program as well as the director of these two musicals. Each year, Penn State Musical Theatre commissions new writers to draft a musical inspired by the junior MT class to work on in its early stages their senior year. The Lucky Boy was last years commission piece thats being produced as a main stage this year. Sams piece, Dust & Embers, is the piece my class of current MT seniors are working on. We just performed a concert version of Dust & Embers at 54 Below, too, which was one of the best nights of my life.

Okay, so lets talk about THAT clip.

Sorry its taking so long to respond, Im in rehearsal Ill message you back on the break!

Ha, no worries. [Several hours elapse.]

In November of 2018, I was in a production of The Last Five Years at Penn State, directed by Wes Drummond and music directed by Jordon Cunningham. The show was an assignment for Wess grad directing program, and he put as much love into this show as he would in a production with millions of dollars behind it, which is a testament to his professionalism and general awesomeness. Everyone involved in the production was a student, we put the show together in three weeks, and performed three shows for our teachers, peers, and friends. It was really just a group of people I love telling a story we loved for people we loved.

Was the option up your idea?

The sarcastic opt up, yes, but the grunt right after was a Wes moment.

I remember it being really late, and we were just goofing off in rehearsal running the number a bunch of times to see what we found, and I decided Id make a bold choice that felt like Cathy in that moment, and Wes goes, Thats epic, but it would be funnier if Cathy was over it immediately after, and thus the opt up and grunt was born. Jordon okayed it, and it was in the show.

And thus a star was born. What was the reaction like in the room when you performed it?

It was the kind of reaction youd expect when everyones a little drunk at a party and you land a real stinger of a joke. We all lost our minds a little and laughed about it. And Wes apparently liked it enough to record part of the song during our dress rehearsal and post it on Facebook.

Is that how it ended up on Twitter?

Sort of, yeah! Whats super-crazy is Wes posted a minute of the song on Facebook and it had some buzz. Its resurfaced a year later on Twitter, which is an app I use maybe three times a year. On Tuesday, I got a text from my friend Lena Skeele, whose dress Im wearing in this video funnily enough, saying that Larry Owens, who played Usher in A Strange Loop, and who I think has a mutual friend with Wes, posted a clip of it on Twitter and people were really liking it.

Going viral can be a weird and unique experience. What has it been like for you?

So Im grateful a lot of the time for the internet, like when I need to know whats happening in politics or want to have a conversation with someone

I love thats far away from me. And other times it feel like the internet is this super-volatile space where anonymity brings out the cruelest versions of people, so I was expecting inner grade-school bullies to visit the comments to criticize or make fun of me and thats not at all what happened! People

I look up to in the theater community have been really kind, Ive gotten hundreds of really really sweet messages from people Ive never met, and my friends/peers have been super-supportive and lifted me up.

Im curious if you have a dream role?

Oh gosh, theres so much good theater out there its impossible to choose! Id love to play Eurydice in Hadestown, Im a huge Anais Mitchell and Eva Noblezada fan. Id lose a limb to be in anything Dave Malloy has ever written  hes one of my favorite musical-theater writers. (Octet is a masterpiece.) I just saw Jagged Little Pill last week and fell in love with Jo, played by Lauren Patten. I dont know who the best theater riffer is, but Lauren Patten wins every vocal award in my book.

I interviewed Lauren to her last month, and Im inclined to agree. So just how high are you belting in the clip?

Youre gonna have to give me a minute; I have to find a piano to check. Its a G5, I think. A note that can only come out of my mouth because of Gwen Walker, my voice teacher. She is the bread to my voices butter, and this video wouldnt exist without the hours shes spent with me in the voice studio for the past three years. Shes a literal miracle worker.
SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. - A community in Shasta County is urging FEMA to make repairs to the Misselbeck Dam.

Ono District officials say they are seeking close to $2 million for repairs with a large portion of money lined up to fix the dam's clogged pipes.

"It impacts several things. I'm sure that it charges the well in many of the households and like, I said, if there's a green patch in our area, chances are that it's from our water. It's a way of life in this quiet little community that depends on it," said Igo-Ono Community District President Charles Tucker.

District officials say problems with the Misselbeck Dam, located 22 miles west of Redding, stem from the 2018 Carr Fire.
A court convicted two men on Saturday for raping a five-year-old girl in east Delhi in 2013, saying the case had shaken the collective conscience of the society.

Additional Sessions Judge Naresh Kumar Malhotra convicted Manoj Shah and Pradeep Kumar in the case, saying that the child experienced exceptional depravity and extreme brutality.

Shah and Kumar had raped the girl at Gandhi Nagar area and shoved objects in her private parts on April 15, 2013. They had fled after committing the crime and leaving the girl at Shah's room after believing her to be dead. The child was rescued 40 hours later on April 17, 2013.

"Collective conscience of the society shaken. In our society, minor girls are worshipped as goddess," the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court said. "The child, who was just 5 years old, experienced exceptional depravity and extreme brutality."



The father of the victim expressed satisfaction on finally getting justice for his daughter.

"Though the trial should have been completed in two years, we are happy we got justice after six years," he said.

The court fixed January 30 for arguments on quantum of sentence.

Shah and Kumar were arrested by Delhi police separately from Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga in Bihar respectively in 2013. The charge sheet was filed on May 24 that year and charges were framed by the court on July 11.

It took more than five years to complete the recording of the statement of 57 prosecution witnesses in the court.

(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.)
AAP's Dwarka MLA in the outgoing assembly Adarsh Shastri on Saturday joined the Congress at the party's Delhi unit office in presence of state president Subhash Chopra and AICC incharge PC Chacko.

Shastri quit the AAP after it denied him ticket to seek re-election from Dwarka constituency. He is expected to be fielded from the seat by his new party to contest the February 8 polls.

The grandson of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, also held the posts of national spokesperson and co-convener of overseas affairs cell of the Aam Aadmi Party.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 was introduced in the Lok Sabha in December last and is being studied by a standing committee.

Hyderabad: The Telangana State Election Commission (SEC) has announced th-at it would be using facial recognition to authenticate voters in Kompally during the January 22 urban local body elections. Observers have criticised this move, calling attention to the lack of oversight when it comes to collection, deletion and possible misuse of citizen data.

As of now, there is no legal framework that governs the collection, storage and deletion of personal data. The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 was introduced in the Lok Sabha in December last and is being studied by a standing committee.

An SEC official told Deccan Chronicle that the pilot project would be conducted only in 10 polling booths across Kompally municipality.

A senior official expl-ained that voters would be authenticated using their photographs in the electoral database.

The result in the recognition tool would not be taken as final. Physical verification will be done in tandem by field officials, he said. He assu-red that no legitimate voter will lose his right to vote. The official said the pilot was expected to provide real-time experience and understanding to the SEC, which it would need to deploy facial recognition across the state in future elections. We want to assess the practical applications of this tool and improve it using this experience. We are considering using it during the GHMC elections, he said.

When asked about the absence of a legal framework to use facial recognition technology to identify voters, a State Election Commission (SEC) official said the voters authentication data would not be stored, or deleted soon afterwards. The data is transmitted to servers for authentication in an encrypted format, for security reasons. It will be deleted by the end of the day or the next. It will not be stored at all, he said.

Interestingly, this authentication does not happen on servers operated by the SEC, a Constitutional and independent authority. It is the Telangana State Technology Services (TSTS), a specialised agency established by the state governments information technology department, that will provide this service. The official admitted that the SEC would have no control over the deletion of voter data, and TSTS has ultimately been entrusted with this important task.

The data will be sent to data centres operated by the TSTS. I dont know where they are, he added.

Indeed, there doesnt seem to be a standard procedure for data deletion. Mr G.T. Venkateswara Rao, managing director (in-charge) of TSTS, told Deccan Chronicle that the SEC gave the TSTS the job of running backend operations only after doing due diligence.

Only limited fields of (voter) data are shared with the TSTS. The data will be deleted post the elections. The SEC has decided (to give this work) only after it was satisfied, he explained.

Asked whether an external audit would be conducted to confirm the deletion of data, Mr Rao said, As mentioned earlier, since only two or three pieces of data will be shared, the certification of deletion will be self-declared, he said, adding that it is not a major issue.

In a statement, the SEC said the entire transmission process and IDs are anonymised through encryption and removal of personally identifiable information. The input filed (encrypted live photo data) is deleted immediately after the purpose is fulfilled, it said. On the TSTS role in the process, it said, The photographs will not be stored or used for any other purpose. They will be erased from the mobile used in the polling station and also the server of TSTS. Further, TSTS has to give an undertaking to this effect before implentation of the pilot project.
As Libya peace is set to be discussed second time in a week, Turkish president said Saturday Turkey is key to peace in the war-weary country, Anadolu agency reports.

Ahead of Sundays Berlin conference on Libya, Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Politico, a policy news organization, that it would be a mistake of historic proportions to leave Libya at the mercy of a warlord.

Erdogans remarks came in an article titled Road to peace in Libya goes through Turkey.

Turkish president warned the Europe against new threats if it fails to back Libyas internationally recognized government, Government of National Accord (GNA).

EUs potential failure to adequately support Libyas Government of National Accord (GNA) would be a betrayal of its own core values, including democracy and human rights, Erdogan said.

''Moreover, Europe will encounter a fresh set of problems and threats if Libyas legitimate government were to fall,'' he added.

Erdogan also said obvious choice for Europe is to work with Turkey as it is not much interested in providing military support to Libya.
A former commander of the U.S. Navy's outpost in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, was convicted Friday of covering up that he fought with a civilian over an alleged extramarital affair two days before the man was found dead.

A federal jury in Jacksonville, Florida, found John Nettleton, 54, guilty of obstructing justice, concealing information, falsifying records and making false statements in connection with the death of Christopher Tur, who worked at Guantanamo's Navy-operated general store.

Nettleton's sentencing date has not been set, the Justice Department said.

"Capt. Nettleton dishonored his oath and impeded the investigation into a civilian's tragic death, preventing much needed closure for the family and friends of the deceased," Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski said in a statement.

The Navy removed Nettleton from his post a few days after Tur's death in 2015 "due to loss of confidence in Nettleton's ability to command." Nettleton, who had served as the base's commanding officer since 2012, was reassigned to Jacksonville.

His attorneys did not respond to a request for comment Friday.

Tur's sister, Aline Byrnes, said after the verdict was declared that the trial had created more questions for her family, First Coast News reported.

"While this trial has come to an end, this is far from over," Byrnes told the newspaper. "We will not stop . . . until we know what happened to Christopher."

On Jan. 9, 2015, Tur confronted Nettleton outside a party at the Guantanamo officer's club and alleged that he and Tur's wife had an affair, according to Nettleton's indictment. The pair had been standing near each other during the gathering, in view of other guests. Tur, his wife and Nettleton had been drinking.

Tur, 42, also went to Nettleton's home that night, the indictment says. He called another civilian resident of the base and said that he had "just knocked the Skipper out." In the background, Nettleton said that Tur had injured him.

Nettleton's teenage daughter came downstairs to see her father lying on the ground and Tur standing near him while trying to use a cellphone, according to the indictment. She sent a text message to a friend: "Um well my dad's really drunk and some other dude is here and they're like getting into a fight downstairs and I'm hiding."

The next day, two Guantanamo residents asked Nettleton if he knew where Tur was. He acknowledged when pressed that Tur had shown up at his house, but he said that he sent Tur away. Nettleton declined the residents' request to look in his backyard.

Nettleton did not tell anyone about Tur's accusation of an affair or about the altercation at his home, according to the indictment. A U.S. Coast Guard boat found Tur's body in the waters of Guantanamo Bay on Jan. 11, 2015.

Investigators later found a paper towel with Tur's blood on it near the base of a pier in Nettleton's backyard. A medical examiner determined that Tur had cut his head and fractured some of his ribs before he drowned.

Nettleton continued to conceal his interactions with Tur while authorities probed Tur's death. He and Tur's wife agreed not to tell investigators that they had an affair in 2014, the indictment says.

A federal grand jury indicted Nettleton in January 2019. Byrnes, Tur's sister, then wrote to her senators and to Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer to request that Nettleton be expelled from the Navy, the Florida Times-Union reported.

"My brother is not walking and talking because of this man's inactions," Byrnes told the newspaper. " . . . If he would have just said, 'I'm not letting you in and I'm calling the police,' my brother would still be alive. He did not do what he was sworn to do. He did not protect my brother and that is not right."

Nettleton, who was not charged with Tur's death, later retired.
NEWTON, Iowa - As a winter storm barrelled down on Iowa, Elizabeth Warrens campaign team struggled with whether to scrap a town hall scheduled at the old Maytag headquarters.

There was more than weather at play as the Massachusetts senators campaign monitored the forecast and called expected attendees to gauge their willingness to brave the snow and whipping wind. For the Democratic presidential candidate, the event was probably one of her last chances to make a face-to-face appeal to voters in Iowa before the Feb. 3 caucus. So it went on as planned.

Warren, along with Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, is soon to be marooned in the Senate as a juror in President Donald Trumps impeachment trial. With the trial schedule up in the air, this weekend is likely the final full weekend of campaigning for those candidates before the kick-off caucus.

Thats left their campaigns scrambling to make the most of their time in Iowa and the other early-voting states, and thinking of ways to stay on voters radars during the trial in Washington. Its also given their 2020 rivals outside the Senate an opportunity to take advantage.

Klobuchar trails the top tier of contenders in polling and fundraising and needs a strong showing in Iowa to catapult her campaign into the next round of primaries. She insisted that the demands of the Senate trial wouldnt hurt her candidacy.

Im a mom and I can balance things really well, Klobuchar said during an event Saturday in Coralville.

But privately, the collision of the trial and the caucus has created anxiety among campaign advisers who face the prospect of their bosses being trapped in the Senate as silent jurors just as voters in Iowa are taking a final look at the candidates.

The full schedule for the Senate trial is uncertain, and its possible it wraps up before the caucuses. But campaigns are planning for the prospect of the candidates being in Senate session Tuesday through Saturday next week, as well as five or six days the following week. The fourth Democratic senator still in the race is Michael Bennet of Colorado.

Well-funded candidates such as Warren and Sanders are considering putting private planes on hold in Washington so they can quickly fly to Iowa for late-night events after the trial wraps up. Sanders has already scheduled an 8 p.m. rally in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, taking advantage of the one-hour time difference between Washington and Iowa.

Campaign surrogates are planning to headline events during the week that the candidates can appear at via livestream video. Warrens team has Reps. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Katie Porter of California on standby, as well as Julian Castro, the former Obama housing secretary who dropped out of the presidential race this month. Sanders wife, Jane Sanders, will headline an event in Las Vegas next weekend and will introduce her husband, who will participate by video.

Still, the Senate schedule has increased the pressure on the candidates to make the most of what may be their last free weekend. Warren had three events scheduled Saturday with influential interest groups. Klobuchar was headlining three town halls in eastern Iowa. Sanders was campaigning in New Hampshire, the next state on the primary calendar, before heading back to Iowa on Monday.

I wish I could be back in New Hampshire and Iowa, but I will be in Washington doing my constitutional duty, Sanders told voters during an event Saturday in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

The Senate trial has added a layer of uncertainty to the political climate in Iowa, where the Democratic race remains exceedingly close. Recent polls show Warren, Sanders, former Vice-President Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, in a virtual tie, with Klobuchar trailing behind.

Biden and Buttigieg will largely have the state to themselves once the impeachment trial begins. Biden and Buttigieg do not serve in the Senate, and neither currently has any other job.

Biden has events scheduled in Iowa four out of the next five days. Buttigieg plans to be in the state nearly every day until the caucuses, focusing in particular on smaller Iowa cities and towns less often seen by his top rivals.

Last week, Buttigieg travelled across northwest Iowa, where Republicans outnumber Democrats but where the minority party still has active county party organizations. In sub-zero weather, he drew 100 people in Algona, population about 5,400. It was his second visit to the town, one where no other candidate polling above 1 per cent has campaigned.

On Thursday, he met about as many in Emmetsburg, where only Biden had visited before, and twice as many in Arnolds Park, a popular summertime lake-area vacation spot, where only Sanders had previously stopped.

While those areas are less populous than Iowas larger cities, they still have delegates up for grabs that could make the difference on caucus night in a close race. The Associated Press will call the winner of the Iowa caucuses based on the number of state delegate equivalents the candidates receive on caucus night.

_

Associated Press writers Thomas Beaumont in Emmetsburg, Iowa, Bill Barrow in West Des Moines, Iowa, Alexandra Jaffe in Coralville, Iowa, and Hunter Woodall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, contributed to this report.

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Follow Julie Pace at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC

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Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly ``Ground Game politics podcast
Ayatollah Khamenei: US disgraced after assassination of Gen. Soleimani

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2020 7:50 AM

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the assassination of a top Iranian commander disgraced the US as it had to own up to the "terrorist" action and see its image dealt a blow by Iran's retaliation.

"The day the missiles of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps crushed the US base is one of the days of God. The Guards' response was a major blow to America's fearsome superpower image," the Leader told a huge crowd in Tehran Friday.

For the first time in eight years, Ayatollah Khamenei led the Friday prayers in Tehran's Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque attended by a huge number of worshipers. It came after Iran pounded two US bases in Iraq with missiles in retaliation for the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani.

The Leader described the past two weeks as extraordinary marked by both bitter and sweet adventures and events containing lessons for the Iranian people.

"The day of God means seeing the hand of God in the events - the day when tens of millions in Iran and hundreds of thousands in Iraq and some other countries came to the streets to honor the blood of the commander of the Quds Force," he said.

"The day IRGC missiles pounded the American base is another day of God. We saw these two days of God before our eyes. The days are a turning point which make history. They are not ordinary days," he said.

"That a nation summons such a power and mental countenance to slap an arrogant and bullying force of the world in such a fashion is a sign that the hand of the divine power" is involved, Ayatollah Khamenei added.

The Leader said the recent events are about to leave an everlasting impact on the morale and disposition of the nations, where the Iranian people are seen as a "patient, resistant and very grateful nation".

He said, "The Zionist news empire and terrorist officials of the American regime did their best to accuse our dear and great commander of terrorism, but God Almighty changed the scene so that not only in Iran but also in various countries, people prayed for his soul and burned American and Zionist flags."

The massive funeral processions held for Gen. Soleimani and his companions and their martyrdom were both "among the divine signs", Ayatollah Khamenei said.

That is "because the assassination of Gen. Soleimani, the most prominent and powerful commander in the fight against terrorism in the entire region, led to the disgrace of the dishonored American government", he said.

"In assassinating this valiant martyr, the Americans did not face him on the battlefield but committed their crime stealthily and cowardly, which brought about more disgrace to them," the Leader added.

Such assassinations were more typical of the Zionist regime in the past, Ayatollah Khamenei said, referring to Israel.

"Of course, the Americans have committed a lot of crimes and killings in Iraq and Afghanistan, but this time the US president confessed in his own words, 'We are terrorists;' there is no greater disgrace than this," the Leader said.

Ayatollah Khamenei also hit out at the "American clowns who claim in utmost rascality" to be standing with the Iranian people, referring to a series of tweets by US President Donald Trump and his secretary of state Mike Pompeo.

"Is a group of a few hundred who insulted the image of the nation's compassionate and celebrated commander the Iranian people, but not the countless and massive crowd who honored Haj Qassem in the streets?" the Leader said.

Ayatollah Khamenei was referring to a protest by a few hundred people in downtown Tehran against the accidental downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane, during which a poster of Gen. Soleimani was torn apart.

"The Americans have never been with the Iranian people and they are blatantly lying. If they are, it is meant at driving a poisonous dagger in the heart of this nation. Of course, they have failed so far and will be unable to do a damn thing from now on," he added.

'Bitter' tragedy

He also touched on the "bitter" tragedy of the loss of lives in the accidental downing of a Ukrainian airliner outside Tehran, saying necessary measures must be taken in order to avoid a repetition of the incident.

"There are ambiguities. We thank the IRGC commanders who provided explanations, but the incident must be followed up, and similar incidents must be seriously prevented."

Ayatollah Khamenei said, "As much as we were saddened and our hearts were broken by the plane crash, our enemy was made happy, assuming that it has found a pretext to question the IRGC, the armed forces, and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran."

The enemy's goal, he said, was to overshadow "that great incident" (the funerals held for General Soleimani and the IRGC's missile attacks on the US base), but "they were wrong."

The Leader also expressed sympathy with the families of those who lost their lives in the crash.

"We share their grief, and thank the parents and bereaved families who stood against the enemy's plot and temptation and acted against what the enemy wanted, even though their hearts were full of pain and sorrow," he said.

"The mother of one of these dear ones in this plane wrote to me and said 'we are standing by the Islamic Republic and your motivations'. This needs courage, insight, and awareness," he added.

E3 move to overshadow recent events

The Leader also hit out at British, German and French leaders who admitted this week to have launched under the US pressure a process that could lead to European sanctions being reimposed on Iran.

"The recent moves made by the evil government of the UK, the French government, and Germany were aimed at overshadowing the recent developments in the country. They threatened Iran with taking the nuclear issue to the Security Council once again, to which fortunately Iranian officials strongly responded," he said.

"These are the same three countries that helped Saddam Hussein as much as they could during the imposed war. The German government provided chemical weapons and equipment for Saddam Hussein to target our cities and war fronts. The impacts of those attacks are still evident in the bodies of our veterans," Ayatollah Khamenei said.

The French government provided the former Iraqi dictator with Super Etendard strike fighter aircraft, which were used to target Iranian oil tankers during the imposed of the 1980s, the Leader said.

"This is their record. The UK government has been wholeheartedly at the service of Iran's enemies and Saddam Hussein," Ayatollah Khamenei said.

"These are their background, and they are acting in the same way today. They must be looked at in this way," he added.

After the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the three European governments "kept talking and making nonsensical remarks", Ayatollah Khamenei said.

"From the very first day I said I don't trust these three governments; that they would not do anything, and would serve the US. Now almost one year on, it is crystal clear that they are literally the pawns of the US."

They must know that "even the US, which was your elder, pioneer, and master, failed to bring the Iranian nation to its knees. You're too tiny to be capable of bringing Iran's nation to its knees," he added.

The Leader said even when the Europeans sit for talks, their negotiation is mixed with deceit and tricks.

"They are the ones who sit at the negotiating table; those 'gentlemen' at the negotiating table are the very terrorists of Baghdad airport [who assassinated General Soleimani].

"They're the same people, and are no different. They just change their clothes. They have a hand of steel hidden behind a pair of velvet gloves  They can't be the ones we trust," he added.

Nation must be strengthened

Ayatollah Khamenei further said the Iranian nation must now get stronger.

"Getting strong is the only way the Iranian nation has ahead of itself. We should strive to become strong. We have no problem with negotiation  of course not with the US, but with others," he said.

The Leader said Iran is already strong, and will get even more powerful in the future.

"Power is not just military might. The country's economy needs to be strengthened as well. Our dependence on oil must end, and the country must get rid of its dependence on oil. The scientific and technological leap must go on."

Ayatollah Khamenei said the Iranian nation will in the not-so-distant future become so powerful that the enemies will not even dare to threaten the Islamic Republic.

Address 'to Arab brothers'

In the final segment of his speech, the Leader said he would like to also "have a few words with our Arab brothers," and proceeded to deliver his speech in Arabic.

The Leader described the assassination of Gen. Soleimani and Mahdi al-Muhandis - who was second-in-command of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) - as "cowardly".

"The Americans, not daring to face Gen. Soleimani in the battlefield, opted to assassinate him along with those accompanying him in the airport in Baghdad," he said.

"Once again, Iraqi and Iranian blood was shed and mixed together in the fields," he said, adding the assassination of Gen. Soleimani had resulted in the failure of foreign-backed plans to sow division between the two countries.

"Much money was spent and irresponsible people were used to promote malicious sentiment against the Iraqi nation in Iran and against the Iranian nation in Iraq."

Ayatollah Khamenei also said Washington's goal in Iraq is to incite a civil war and ultimately partition the country and eradicate its resistance forces.

Foreign-backed conflicts and instability in countries such as Syria and Lebanon are also part of the "enemy's sedition" which has targeted Iraq, he said.

Resisting the enemy and not fearing it, the Leader said, is "the sole path" that can lead to the liberation of these nations.

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HERKIMER N.Y.- Herkimer College cut the ribbon Friday on a new state of the art electrical technology smart grid lab.

The ribbon cutting was held in the new smart grid lab located in Johnson Hall.

The lab will educate and train students in power grid repair and maintenance, preparing them for a career in the Utility Industry.

The college also announced a new electrical technology degree program with a focus on smart grid technologies.

Dr. Cathleen McGolgin, the President of Herkimer College says the college is offering an articulation agreement with SUNY Buffalo State on this program for interested students.

"Students who graduate from the program can either go right into the workforce or transfer to Buffalo State." said McGolgin.

In addition to the new lab for courses in the electrical technology degree program, the lab is available for the New York Power Authority and other Utility Companies to utilize for workforce training.
18.01.2020 LISTEN

EX- Assembly Aspirant in the Akatsi South Constituency of the Volta Region believed the NPP Government is performing better as compared to the previous NDC Government led by John Dramani Mahama in terms of corruption, economic hardship, collapsing of institutions that lead to thousands of Ghanaians losing their jobs in recent times.

He apparently appealed to the good people of Ghana to as a matter of urgency start preparations towards voting out the NPP in the upcoming General election.

Read his full statement below.

JAPHET FESTUS GBEDE OF SREMANU IN THE AKATSI SOUTH CONSTITUENCY WRITES.

The truth must be told without fear or favour.

This Akufo-Addo government is nothing but a disgrace and embarrassment to Ghanaians and the world at large.

All we witness every day are nothing but MESS, HARDSHIP, and UNCALCULATED SCANDALS. They keep touting free SHS as the only achievement as if that was the only thing they promised Ghanaians when they were campaigning for power in 2016.

What they tout as free is not even free because apart from it being badly and hurriedly implemented, we are paying for it through the killer taxes imposed on us everyday. Whatever we buy now, there is a tax component. Monies collected from us, yet we don't see what they are being used for. The basic schools have just returned from their vacation, yet no textbooks. I was surprised my niece in P.5 came home telling me they had been asked by their teachers to use their parents' phones to Google and to do their assignments.

Other serious surrounding countries are strengthening their educational system every day, but this bogus government of the day has that dubious plans of collapsing our educational system totally.

If Ghanaians do not kick out this useless government, these guys will end up throwing this country into the dustbin if we give them the four more years they are calling for. I keep saying that it's not just about the NPP as a party, but it's about leadership. At least, Ghana was not in such a mess when Prez Kuffour was in charge of this country.

The humility of Prez Kuffour softened his reign. Today the arrogance we witness is just beyond measure. What happened at Ayawaso west, the recent EC drop the new register brouhaha, the recent maltreatment the NPP Government showed to 1000 teachers that attend the workshop are the few examples I would like to put across.

personally, I've not seen anything good about this Government. They have successfully and competently collapsed close to 500 financial institutions, imaging all these institutions employing just hundred people each, look at the number of people they cause to lose their various jobs but they are the same people foolishly telling us that they have employed Ghanaians and you will see hungry and Bootlicking people sitting on radio, Tv and other social platforms defending this good for nothing Government for their parochial interest.

As a matter of fact, This Government is nothing but the weakest in Ghana's history.

#ariseletdropthenpp
When Sheriff Scott Jenkins swore to protect the US Constitution, he swore to protect the Second Amendment -- even from new laws in Virginia that he says threaten to deprive citizens of their right to bear arms. Since December, he has become a key figure in a pro-Second Amendment protest movement that has organized a protest in Richmond, the state capital, on Monday. At least 10,000 supporters plan on attending, according to media reports. "The Constitution is very clear: the Second Amendment grants every citizen to bear arms, specifically against a tyrannical government," said the officer from Culpeper County, a rural region about 60 miles (100 kilometers) southwest of Washington. Virginia, which has traditionally leaned conservative, flipped in November and passed into Democratic hands. State Democrats promised to tackle what they considered the laxity surrounding carrying laws, particularly after a May 2019 shooting in Virginia Beach that left 12 dead. - 'Struck a nerve' - The Second Amendment, which states that "the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed," has proved controversial over the years and has been subject to many different interpretations. The Supreme Court has ruled that individuals have the right to keep firearms in their households, but left it to states to determine how the weapons could be transported. New laws under consideration in Virginia would prohibit magazines with more than 10 rounds, the purchase of more than one weapon per month, and permit judges to seize weapons from individuals deemed dangerous. A draft ban on the sale of semi-automatic rifles, however, has been abandoned. "We have good enough laws already on the book that do a fine job of restricting dangerous weapons, and there is no need for further restrictions," said Jenkins. The imposing sheriff, who believes in the right to self-defense, said that limiting residents' right to own firearms would allow potential criminals to do even more harm. Throughout the state of Virginia, more than 100 counties and localities -- including Culpeper -- have proclaimed themselves as sanctuaries, threatening not to apply the new laws. Jenkins, who prefers the term "constitutional county," promised that if the bills were adopted, he would deputize anyone who wanted to do so, and who fit the conditions, allowing them to legally keep their weapons. He said he already has several thousand candidates from all over the state. "I'm not saying that I will not enforce duly enacted laws, but I'm not saying that I will," he said. "Much more Libertarian than Republican," Jenkins supports a minimal government role in order to prevent too much "interference" in Americans' daily lives. For him, the controversy over gun ownership illustrates the divide between urban and rural environments. "Most urban areas are leaning left and (have) liberal ideology," he explained. "Here, people grew up with guns. Hunting, sporting are just part of our culture." While many of his fellow Second Amendment defenders have never voted and "probably are not even registered," Jenkins said, Democratic governor Ralph Northam "has struck a nerve that is so sensitive, so deep and meaningful to the majority of Virginians, it has awakened people." - Outside the law - In Warrenton, about 20 miles from Culpeper, the owners of the family-run gun store Clark Brothers applaud Jenkins's decision. "He has been sworn in to uphold the Constitution, and that's what he is doing. I absolutely would be his deputy if he asked me," said Allison Clark, the proprietor's wife. She stands behind a counter case, in which pistols, revolvers and rifles of all calibers are on display. But in Culpeper, not everyone is on Jenkins's side. "Common sense, gun safety is not against the Second Amendment," said Phoebe Muenger, a retiree. "It is the right of the citizens to be safe. It is the right of the children not to be afraid to go to school," she said, referring to the school shootings that seem to happen semi-regularly in the US. For Richard Schragger, a law professor at the University of Virginia, one must look at the history of the state -- the cradle of slavery in the US, capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War and a bastion of violent opposition to desegregation during the 1960s -- to explain residents' propensity to proclaim themselves outside the law. "Certain communities or people are going to refuse to abide by duly enacted laws, after a fair election," he said. While such groups are a minority, "what they're really talking about is picking and choosing which law they abide by." Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins has become a key figure in a pro-Second Amendment protest movement defending what they consider their right to bear arms Various rifles are on display at Clark Brothers gun store in Virginia, where new laws under consideration would prohibit magazines with more than 10 rounds and the purchase of more than one weapon per month Sheriff Scott Jenkins explains that in Culpeper County, "people grew up with guns," and hunting and sporting are part of the culture "Common sense, gun safety is not against the Second Amendment," said Phoebe Muenger, a retiree and Culpeper resident
By PTI

KOZHIKODE: Congress Leader Kapil Sibal on Saturday lashed out at the BJP led government, saying it was propagating lies about the Citizenship Amendment Act and that the Prime Minister, instead of solving issues being faced by the country, talks and even "dreams" about Pakistan.

Sibal, who was speaking at an anti-CAA rally here, said the central government has been 'attacking' its own people instead of protecting them.

"Our Prime Minister dreams of Pakistan. When he wakes up, he talks about Pakistan. When he talks in Parliament, he talks about Pakistan. He has completely forgotten about India. There are so many problems faced by our country. No jobs, growth rate is going down, the agriculture crisis and many more. But still our Prime Minister is worried about Pakistan."

Slamming the centre over the abrogation of Article 370, the former Union minister said the situation in Kashmir was not normal as claimed by the Home Minister in Parliament.

"Since the time we got independence when our Prime Minister or the Home Minister spoke, people used to believe them. But from 2014, when the Prime Minister or the home minister or any of the ministers speak, we are in doubt. We doubt whether there is any hidden agenda. When the CAA was passed in Parliament, this government had said so many lies about it," Sibal told a large crowd.

In the rally, organised by the opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front, Sibal reiterated that CAA is a discriminatory law.

"NRC is not just against Muslims. NRC is against the people of the country. I give you my solemn promise that I will defend you till my last breath. This government is spreading lies. This is a long fight. But we will fight till our last breath. We will overcome the Act. The Congress has given a promise that we will fight and defeat the Act," Sibal said.

He also criticised Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, who has been at loggerheads with the Left-ruled state government and advised Khan to read the Constitution.

Khan had come out in public against the LDF government and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for not informing him before moving the Supreme Court against CAA.

"They have sent a Governor here. What were they thinking? I am just happy that Kerala is not a space for them. Khan is my old friend. I would like to advice him to read the Constitution. And if he is unable to understand, I will help him in understanding the same," he said.

Sibal said the Prime Minister and BJP, instead of talking about demonetisation, were dwelling on 'love jihad' and triple talaq.

He recalled that Modi had said there would be no fake notes in the country after demonetisation, no black money and terrorism.

He had sought 50 days and asked the people to call him to any place and give him any punishment if he was proved wrong.

"I would like to ask him, where should I call him? He has not uttered a single word after that day. They talk only about love jihad, triple talaq. It seems like no one from Hindu community is getting a divorce. They are targeting only one community. The whole country need to stand against targeting one community," Sibal said.

Attacking the centre over it's stand on Kashmir, he said the BJP government's claims that everything was normal in Kashmir, people are happy and have understood the benefits of abrogation of Article 370, was wrong.

The government, he said, has failed to accept that life in Kashmir after August 5, 2019, was not normal.

"It's been four months and now they are sending 36 ministers to Kashmir. Political leaders there are still in jail. But the Home Minister claims that everything is normal in Kashmir. However, the fact is that everything is not normal," Sibal said.
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
The Police in Alabam, US, has arrested a mum, grandmother and grandfather for allegedly locking children in cages.

The suspects Pamela Deloris Bond, 66; James H. Boyd, 69, and Kylla Michelle Mann, 30, were arrested by a team of policemen led by Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones.

Read Also: Female Doctor Assaulted, Stripped Naked In Broad Daylight By Patients Relatives In Abuja

Police upon storming the home noticed the wooden cage with locks and said they believed that the family had locked the children in the cage multiple times.

The suspects have been charged with two counts of aggravated abuse of a child less than 6 years of age and two counts of reckless endangerment and Pamela Bond charged with one count of tampering with physical evidence.

All five children have been placed in the state Department of Human Resources custody.
A protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise in Muslim dominated Badwali Chowki area, dubbed as 'Shaheen Bagh of Indore' on social media, entered its fourth day on Saturday.

Hundreds of anti-CAA protesters have camped in Delhi's Shaheen Bagh area for over a month now, leading to blockage of the Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh road, a key link between Noida and Delhi.

In the intervening night of Thursday-Friday, police had allegedly baton-charged some of the protesters, after which a probe was initiated by the Congress-led government and two officials were transferred.

Additional Superintendent Guruprasad Parasher was shifted to the police headquarters, while Sarafa police station in-charge R N S Bhadoria was attached to the district police.

However, on Saturday, the opposition BJP claimed the Kamal Nath government's move against the two officers was unfair.

"Police were trying to control protesters in Badwali Chowk but the Kamal Nath government took action to appease a section (community)," said MP BJP spokesperson Umesh Sharma.

Sharma questioned how the protest at Badwali Chowk was being allowed by the state government for the past four days despite the imposition of section 144 of CrPC, which prohibits assembly of more than four persons in one place.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
HONOLULU - The U.S. Navy is expected to honour a World War II hero when a new aircraft carrier is named for Mess Attendant 2nd Class Doris Miller.

The announcement is expected to be made at Pearl Harbor Monday, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Friday.

Miller was the first African American to receive the Navy Cross for valour.

Miller was recognized for manning a machine-gun on the USS West Virginia and returning fire against Japanese planes during the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.

USS Miller, a destroyer escort, was previously named in his honour.

I think that Doris Miller is an American hero simply because of what he represents as a young man going beyond the call of whats expected, said Doreen Ravenscroft, a team leader for the Doris Miller Memorial.

An African American was not allowed to man a gun in the Navy in 1941, Ravenscroft said.

Without him really knowing, he actually was a part of the Civil Rights movement because he changed the thinking in the Navy, Ravenscroft said.

Two of Millers nieces are expected to be at Pearl Harbor for the announcement on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Miller, then 22, was collecting laundry when the attack alarm sounded. His normal battle station in an antiaircraft battery magazine was destroyed by a torpedo. He went on deck and carried wounded soldiers to safety before receiving orders to aid the mortally wounded captain on the bridge.

He subsequently manned a 50-cal. Browning anti-aircraft machine-gun until he ran out of ammunition and was ordered to abandon ship, the Navy said, noting Miller was not trained to operate the gun.

Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, the commander in chief of the Pacific Fleet, presented the Navy Cross to Miller in Pearl Harbor in May 1942.

Miller died while serving on a ship that was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in November 1943.
NEW DELHI: Delhi Police has urged those protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) at the Shaheen Bagh to end the road blockade in the ''larger interest of public.'' Delhi Police took to Twitter to make an appeal to the anti-CAA protestors at Shaheen Bagh.

In its appeal, the Delhi Police urged them to understand the inconvenience caused by the complete highway blockade to residents of Delhi and NCR, senior citizens, emergency patients and school-going children. The appeal from the Delhi Police came as the ongoing anti-CAA protest entered in its 35th day on Friday.

It may be noted that Delhi High Court had on Friday asked the police to keep law and order situation and public interest in mind while evicting protesters at Shaheen Bagh to clear roads at the Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch. The road has been closed since December 15, 2019, following the anti-against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests.

"We appeal to agitators at Road No. 13 A Shaheen Bagh to understand the sufferings that the complete highway blockade is causing to residents of Delhi & NCR, Senior Citizens, emergency patients and school-going children," Delhi Police said in the tweet.

The Delhi Police further reminded them that ''the matter has also come up before the High Court.'' "We again urge protesters to cooperate and clear the road in the larger public interest," it further said.

We again urge protesters to cooperate & clear the road in larger public interest.  Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) January 17, 2020

It may be noted that despite several appeals, the protestors at the Shaheen Bagh continue to hold protests and raise their voice against the amended law.

Live TV

The protestors include largely young and old men and women from the Muslim community, students, activists and social workers.

Amid the ongoing anti-CAA protests, reports have come on the social media claiming that the protesters were getting paid.

The protesters have also installed a giant iron cut-out of India`s map with the text stating "We the people of India reject CAA, NPR and NRC."

Meanwhile, the Sikh community has also started `Langar Seva` for the protesters and serves food twice a day.

Apart from that, people have also distributed fruits to demonstrators in a show of their support. Announcements were made at the demonstration stating that protest was not backed or funded by any political party and "please don`t give money to volunteers nor will they accept it".

The CAA grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.
China has 24 million more men than women of marriageable age and many bachelors have their sights set on Vietnam. Vietnamese women are often trafficked and duped by online marriage brokers. China has also seen several instances of organised marriage fraud. Still, about half of the Vietnamese-Chinese couples interviewed reported being happily married.

By Wei Li

China has 24 million more men than women of marriageable age, putting some bachelors in a tough spot.

In rural areas of China, three decades of sex-selective abortions under the one-child policy, which ended in 2015, have created a severe shortage of women. And with Chinas rapid economic development taking place primarily in cities, ever more young women are leaving the impoverished countryside for urban areas in search of jobs and a better life.

Rural Chinese men arent the only ones struggling to find mates. Divorced men across China may find themselves involuntary bachelors for a different reason: They cannot afford another wedding. In China, the grooms family is expected to buy a house for the new couple and give the brides family a dowry that averages US$20,000.

And, like women worldwide, Chinese women are also getting married later.

As a result, ever more Chinese men are looking abroad to find partners. And most, it seems, have their sights set on Vietnam.

Cross-border relationships

The number of international marriages in China is difficult to confirm since some foreign brides are smuggled into the country and therefore not registered with the authorities.

But estimates from Xinhua News Agency indicate that there are over 100,000 Vietnamese women in China who are married to Chinese men. That far outpaces the number of foreign women from other countries who are married to Chinese men. An estimated 7,000 brides in China come from Cambodia, for example.

My research shows that Vietnamese women usually get to know their Chinese husbands in one of four ways.

Many cross-cultural relationships begin when Chinese men meet their future wives while working in Vietnam. Vietnam and China share a 1,000-mile, largely unprotected border without major natural barriers. The two countries have forged close economic ties through a free-trade agreement effective since 2010.

Single Chinese men are more likely than their married counterparts to work abroad, according to Chinas National Bureau of Statistics. The linguistic, religious and cultural similarities between China and Vietnam tend to facilitate these international relationships.

In some border areas of China, more than 50 percent of all Chinese-Vietnamese marriages begin with this kind of an international connection. Citizens from border areas of both countries dont need a passport to cross back and forth.

The men and women who meet this way know each fairly well before they wed. My research finds that their marriages generally fare well.

The marriage business

Not all Chinese-Vietnamese weddings have romantic origins.

In at least 5 percent of marriages between Chinese men and Vietnamese women, the wives were trafficked into China. These are usually poor girls and women who are lured to China  often by a friend or relative  with an offer of lucrative employment.

There, they are generally first sold into prostitution in big cities. After several months or years of forced sex work, they are sold again  this time to poor, older Chinese men looking for wives. These men often know their brides are trafficking victims, according to a 2014 study.

Other Chinese bachelors use professional marriage brokers to meet Vietnamese women, an illegal but booming industry in China. On average, a broker makes a profit of $4,000 out of each deal, according to the Chinese magazine China Reform.

There are no official statistics on this business, so it is difficult to know how many Chinese-Vietnamese marriages start with paid brokers. But one study suggests that in border areas about 10 percent of Chinese-Vietnamese marriages are brokered online. The percentage is likely much higher inland, since single Chinese men elsewhere have little opportunities to meet Vietnamese women directly.

In Vietnam, where women experience significant social pressure both to marry and to support their families financially, China is seen as a rich country with great professional opportunities. Vietnamese women may advertise with a marriage broker because marrying a Chinese man seems likely to check off all those boxes. South Korea is also seeing a growing share of Vietnamese wives.

Online marriage brokers do not always provide these women with accurate information about their clients, my research finds.

Vietnamese women are often promised a young, never-married, rich Chinese husband to cajole them into international marriage sight unseen. In China, some will be surprised to learn that their new fiance is poor, older than expected and, commonly, divorced.

Some deceived Vietnamese brides ultimately return home, either before or shortly after getting married in China. In such cases, the mans marriage brokers will usually help their Chinese clients with divorce for an additional fee  but they generally refuse to refund the mans money, sometimes spurring lawsuits.

Marriage frauds

Chinese men looking for wives abroad are vulnerable to a variety of marriage schemes.

Chinese media frequently reports on cases of marriage frauds in which Vietnamese women working with Chinese marriage brokers go to Chinese villages, pretend to fall in love with a local man, marry him and move into his home. Shortly after his family has paid the dowry to the bride  which is about 70 percent less than the dowry for a Chinese bride  the woman runs away.

China has even seen cases of organised marriage frauds in which dozens of foreign brides arrive to neighboring Chinese villages, then run away simultaneously.

Three Chinese families I interviewed about the marital prospects of their single sons expressed a desire to get a Vietnamese woman for their child to marry.

But, they told me, with all the scammers out there: We dont dare.

Happy marriages

Despite a view in China that men who marry internationally are losers unable to find suitable native partners and that their wives are gold-diggers, about half of the Vietnamese-Chinese couples interviewed reported being happily married.

Ive got a wife and a son, Jingang, a 31-year-old chef from Henan Province who married a Vietnamese woman told me, smiling at the thought of the family waiting for him back home. What else do I need?

His wife, for her part, said life in China is better than in her home country.

From one happy Chinese-Vietnamese couple, more international matches are often made. Women introduce their friends and relatives back in Vietnam to other Chinese bachelors  no broker needed.



Wei Li, Associate Professor of Sociology, Frostburg State University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The US will begin screening passengers Friday arriving from a Chinese city at the heart of a mysterious SARS-linked virus, officials said, after an outbreak that has stricken dozens claimed a second life.

Three confirmed cases meanwhile have now been reported outside China -- two in Thailand and one in Japan -- even as health authorities around the world sought to assure the public that the overall risk of infection remained low.

Martin Cetron, a senior official at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) told reporters: To further protect the health of the American public during the emergence of this novel coronavirus, CDC is beginning entry screening at three ports of entry.

These are San Francisco airport and New Yorks JFK, which both receive direct flights, as well as Los Angeles, the biggest destination for connecting flights, he said, adding: Were expecting that the screening over the next couple of weeks could include as many as 5000 people beginning Friday night.

Incoming travelers will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and submit to a temperature check, with those showing possible signs of infection sent on to another facility for a diagnostic test that could take up to a day.

The move came after Chinese officials said the infection had claimed its second death: a 69-year-old man who died on Wednesday in Wuhan, the central Chinese city believed to be the epicenter of an outbreak of the pathogen from the same family as the deadly SARS virus.

No human-to-human transmission has been confirmed so far, but Wuhans health commission has said the possibility cannot be excluded.

The enigmatic illness has caused alarm because of its connection to SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), which killed nearly 650 people across mainland China and Hong Kong in 2002-2003.

Pneumonia linked to the new virus has hit at least 41 people in China, with the outbreak centered around a seafood market in Wuhan.

Of these 12 have recovered and been discharged from hospital, according to the Wuhan health commission, while five others are in a serious condition.

The second man to die became sick on December 31 and his condition worsened two weeks ago, it said, with the disease causing pulmonary tuberculosis and damage to multiple organ functions.

Thailand reported its second case of the coronavirus on Friday: a 74-year-old Chinese woman who had arrived from Wuhan earlier this week.

Her condition is improving, said Thai health officials, who urged people not to panic as there was no spread of the virus in the Southeast Asian country.

- Travel fears -

That sentiment was echoed by senior CDC official Nancy Messonnier, who said: For families sitting around the dinner table tonight, this is not something that they generally need to worry about.

Yet much remains to be understood about the 2019 novel coronavirus or 2019-nCoV, according to the CDC, which added that there are indications that some limited person-to-person spread may have occurred.

The latest fatality comes as China prepares for its busiest travel season of the year next week, when millions of people take buses, trains and planes for Lunar New Year.

China has not announced any travel restrictions but authorities in Hong Kong have stepped up detection measures, including rigorous temperature checkpoints for inbound travellers.

The Wuhan health commission said one man who had been diagnosed worked at Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, but his wife, who also had the virus, reported no history of exposure at the facility.

The first case in Thailand had not reported visiting the seafood market, the WHO said Tuesday. The woman was reported to be in a stable condition earlier this week.

The patient in Japan, who was released from hospital, had also not visited the market. Japanese officials said it was possible that the man had been in contact with a person infected with the virus while in Wuhan.

- Transparency -

After the second death was reported, online discussion spread in China over the severity of the Wuhan coronavirus -- and how much information the government is hiding from the public.

Several complained about censorship of online posts, while others made comparisons to 2003, when Beijing drew criticism from the WHO for under-reporting the number of SARS cases.

Its so strange, wrote a web user on the social media platform Weibo, citing the overseas cases in Japan and Thailand. They all have Wuhan pneumonia cases but (in China) we dont have any infections outside of Wuhan -- is that scientific?

But the CDCs Messonnier thanked her Chinese counterparts for quickly identifying the pathogen and making its genome publicly available to scientists around the world, allowing them to rapidly develop diagnostic tools.

bur-ia
The All Progressives Congress (APC), said it deserves the victory handed it by the Supreme Court in the Imo State governorship election.

Many Nigerians expressed surprise after the apex court in Abuja on Tuesday sacked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor in Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, and declared the APC candidate, Hope Uzodinma, as the winner of March 9 governorship election in the state.

According to the judgement, Mr Uzodinmas victory was upheld on the ground that Independent National Electoral Commissions (INEC) exclusion of 388 poling units (PUs) results at the point of final collation was unlawful.

Meanwhile, the APC candidate came fourth at the March 9, 2019, governorship poll, but with the dismissal of the Action Alliance (AA) candidates appeal, Uche Nwosu, who came second, and the addition of the initially excluded results, Mr Uzodinma was declared the lawful winner.

However, the PDP, in its reaction has vehemently criticised the verdict and described it as another jab at democracy and the rule of law.

The judgment of the Supreme Court voiding the lawful election of Hon. Emeka Ihedioha (who scored 276,404 votes) and awarding fictitious votes to declare Hope Uzodimma of the APC, who scored 96,458 votes as governor of Imo State, is highly irrational, unfounded, a provocative product of executive manipulation and a recipe for crisis, which should not be allowed to stand.

With the verdict, the Supreme Court executed a coup against the PDP and the people of Imo State as well as other Nigerians, and such must not be allowed to have a place in our democracy, the PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus, said.

He called for the resignation of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Tanko Muhammad, who was a member of the seven-member panel of the apex court that gave the ruling.

We deserve the verdict

At a press conference held at the ruling partys National Secretariat on Friday, the National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, argued that the APC deserves the judgement based on the facts available to the court and the electoral commission, INEC.

Adams Oshiomhole, National chairman of the APC.

He accused the PDP of recklessness and attempt to stir violence among Nigerians since the court decision.

PDP is not only reckless, they believe it is their birthright to benefit from electoral fraud. Courts are bound to interpret laws according to the constitution. No court has the power to bend the 1999 constitution of Nigeria as amended, Mr Oshiomhole said.

He described the INEC declaration of Mr Ihedioha as governor of Imo State as fraudulent since the sacked governor never met the required one-quarter vote in two-thirds of the 27 local government areas of Imo State.

Emeka Ihedioha, former Governor of Imo State.

As far as we know, Imo has 27 local government, and Emeka Ihedioha scored two-thirds of the votes in 12 LGs. Two-third of 27 is eighteen. So you have a huge deficit of six LGAs which Ihedioha or anybody else must necessarily have to be declared a winner of a governorship election, the APC chairman explained as he condemned the states Returning Officer, Francis Otunta, for unlawfully declaring Emeka Ihedioha as governor of Imo State.

He said the added 388 PUs votes by the apex court were cast at Mr Uzodinmas senatorial district, Orlu (Imo West), where he was twice elected as senator.

You are at liberty to ask for those documents, they are not classified. Every political party has the right to inspect election materials but neither did Emeka Ihediohas lawyer nor PDPs lawyer questioned the validity of the votes that were cast in this 388 PUs because they were duly signed not only by APC agents, but by the polling units presiding officers as required by the law, as well as other political parties, including the PDP.

However, because PDP has a reputation for manipulating system, to our shock, the lower court conveniently overlooked these 388 units and proceeded to deal with other units. They made no comments, nobody nullified those units, Mr Oshiomhole further argued.

He alleged that the PDP had also connived with INEC and the judiciary, while it was in power, to circumvent electoral processes and judgements during and after the 2003 and 2007 elections in the country. He, however, did not say if the APC administration, which came to power in 2015, was exhibiting the same traits.

PDP National chairman, Uche Secondus.

The ruling party chairman cautioned the PDP against the use of inciting words. He urged the party to embrace defeat as the APC did when the court sacked its elected members in Sokoto, Zamfara and other places, and prevented the party from contesting in the last Rivers State governorship election.

The downfall of a man is not the end of his life. That is why, with all the pain in our hearts, we accepted Zamfara, we accepted Rivers, Mr Oshiomhole said.
Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

Bernalillo County is scheduled to break ground this year on a $12 million-plus visitor center on West Central that the county has said is expected to generate enough money to sustain itself.

But a new analysis says the facility will likely run at a deficit for at least three years and require subsidies to cover hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual operating costs.

The study also found that the planned West Central Route 66 Visitor Center has potential as a destination attraction but that its long-term success will depend heavily on the communitys desire to rent it out for weddings, banquets and other events  likely needing over 100 large-scale paid functions every year to achieve profitability.

The findings come from a new report by Economic & Planning Systems Inc. The county contracted the Denver-based firm to perform a market analysis and feasibility study of the visitor center, planned for Central and 136th Street.

County Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada, a longtime proponent of the project who represents the southwestern part of the county, disagrees with some of the findings. He contends it will not take years to achieve sustainability since the community is already clamoring for the space.

We already have people waiting in line, he said.

Bernalillo County, the city of Albuquerque and the state of New Mexico have collectively pumped millions of dollars into the project, which is supposed to include a museum, gift shop, taproom, banquet room, large kitchen, amphitheater and parking lot designed to accommodate drive-in movies.

The center has evolved in terms of size and cost, according to county records. A 2018 master plan for the project included two buildings totaling 15,000 square feet and a total estimated price of $8.2 million. But county documents from October reflect a single 21,500-square-foot building that will cost $12.2 million  changes officials say reflect greater community input and the roughness of early price estimates.

With construction nearing, County Commissioner Debbie OMalley in October pushed for a market analysis of the project, saying the county had missed a step by proceeding without one.

OMalley said she wanted a sense of the associated operating and maintenance costs since the county will own the building and is ultimately responsible. While she said this week that many operational details must still be fleshed out, the report made her more confident about moving forward.

I think it has the ability to be successful, she said of the center.

The EPS report says the Route 66 Visitor Center has potential to attract people to western Albuquerque as it will appeal to both tourists and locals interested in the allure of Route 66 history, architecture, and culture.

But the consultant predicts it will take at least three years to reach event stabilization during which time the venue will require help to pay its estimated $360,021 in personnel, utility and other operational expenses.

And even after the startup phase, the venue will require frequent paid activity to achieve sustainability.

Unless event utilization is on the high end, the facility is likely to operate at a deficit, the report says.

The report calculates high usage as 120 events per year with average attendance of at least 100 people apiece. That would be significantly more than other area museum and cultural centers the report looked at for comparison; the comparable Albuquerque and Santa Fe venues the analysis considered average about 60 events per year.

But privately owned, dedicated event centers the consultant examined often have far more; the report says Noahs of Albuquerque in the citys northwest quadrant hosts 280 events per year.

Quezada said the Route 66 Visitor Center would fill a void in the communitys southwestern quadrant and that he has no doubt it will attract enough rentals.

There is nothing up there but homes  tons of homes, tons of people who spend money, people who want to have events, people who want to get married, people who want to have quinceneras. And guess what. They want to do it on their side of town, he said.

EPS report proposes a budget based on a high level of rental activity. It estimates $492,321 annually in expenses, while revenue could reach $574,750  a profit of $82,429.

But that does not include the buildings annual maintenance of an estimated $129,000 per year.

The county would be responsible for the maintenance and any potential deficits, the report says.

The report also called into question some other assumptions about the project.

That includes the staffing plan proposed by the West Central Community Development Group, the nonprofit the county has selected as the venues operator and manager.

The group proposed a single half-time paid employee to start and increasing as necessary, which the new report said is not a viable business model. EPS estimates that the center requires the equivalent of five full-time employees to keep its doors open enough hours and carry out the necessary functions.

The report also noted that the centers location in a relatively undeveloped area nine miles outside of Downtown Albuquerque might make it hard to attract a taproom operator as brewery customers already have many local options closer to where they live and work.

But Quezada disputes that, too, saying several have already expressed interest. He said he cannot identify them because they must go through the countys proposal process.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has called on Europe to support his country's efforts in Libya, where it is providing military support to the internationally-recognized government, if it wants to end the conflict there.

Erdogan made his remarks in a column published on the Politico website on January 18, one day ahead of a UN-sponsored summit in Berlin that will try to stabilize the country.



Representatives of more than 10 countries, including Erdogan, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and others are expected to attend the January 19 conference. China, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Egypt, Algeria, and the United Arab Emirates are expected to send representatives as well.



The European Union and the Arab League will also participate.

At the meeting, Germany and the United Nations will push rival Libyan camps fighting over the capital, Tripoli, to agree to a truce and monitoring mechanism as first steps toward peace, diplomats and a draft communique said.

Turkey supports the government of Fayez al-Serraj in Tripoli and describes Khalifa Haftar, who heads the eastern Libyan National Army (LNA), as a coup plotter.

"Keeping in mind that Europe is less interested in providing military support to Libya, the obvious choice is to work with Turkey, which has already promised military assistance," Erdogan wrote.

"We will train Libya's security forces and help them combat terrorism, human trafficking, and other serious threats against international security," he added.

In an article published in Tripoli on January 18, the UN's special envoy for Libya, Ghassan Salame, called for "all foreign fighters" to leave Libya.



Salame also said ending illegal weapons smuggling into the country will be on the agenda in Berlin.

The summit on January 19 will put pressure on Haftar and the LNA to halt a nine-month offensive against Tripoli after a week-long lull in fighting. But it will not try to broker power-sharing between the two sides, said diplomats briefed on preparations.

Haftar and Serraj are both due in Berlin -- along with Erdogan and the leaders of Russia, Egypt and other Western and Arab powers. Libya has been in turmoil since the fall of Muammar Qaddafi in 2011.

Erdogan said that, if Libya's legitimate government were to fall, Islamist militant groups such as Islamic State and Al Qaeda "will find a fertile ground to get back on their feet".

Haftar is backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Sudanese and Chadian fighters, and most recently Russian mercenaries. France has also given some support.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and Politico
Taking over the world of social media as one of the top young singers is Armaan Thakur

Influence is not about growth, its about knowing that there is a way towards it: Anand Mandal

#HumWapasAayenge: Kashmir Pandits observe 30 years of mass exodus from Valley

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 18: The Kashmiri Pandits took to the social media to mark the 30th anniversary of the mass exodus from the Valley. They posted videos of themselves by reciting the Hum Aayenge Apne Watan dialogue from an upcoming movie, Shikara.

As Kashmiri Pandits complete 30 years in exile this weekend, let our cry for justice be finally noticed. We have shown unimaginable resilience, and today we resolve to return home. Kashmiri Pandit friends: please record this video statement and put it up with #HumWapasAayenge," theatre personality Chandan Sadhu tweeted.

Union Home Minister, Amit Shah had said that Kashmiri Pandits were forced to leave Kashmir. Many of their shrines were demolished. Sufism was targeted in Jammu and Kashmir. Sufism used to talk about unity and harmony but they were attacked. No voice was raised in favour of Kashmiri Pandits and Sufis when they were brutally attacked. Sufis used to talk about the unity among Hindus and Muslims but they were forced to leave the Valley.

Indira Jaising to Nirbhaya's mother: Pardon convicts just like Sonia Gandhi|Oneindia News

Five Kashmiri political leaders released after over five months detention

Modi-led government is committed to bringing back Kashmiri Pandits.
Shiv Sena in its mouthpiece Saamna on Saturday, January 18, questioned the role of police in the Kashmir Valley after the arrest of Deputy SP Davinder Singh along with two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists.

The piece read, "Cross border infiltration is ongoing in Kashmir. But the police machinery is being used to help the terrorists in Kashmir to safely cross the border (to Pakistan) and a President's medal awardee Deputy SP was arrested for doing so."

"In Kashmir (it seems), the government is using the police for some other purposes, what will the country's Home Ministry say if somebody has a doubt in connection with the Pulwama attacks," read the Saamna editorial.

'Removal of 370 should be visible on Republic Day'

Speaking about the impact of the abrogation of article 370 and the former state's administration reshuffling into two union territories, the party in its mouthpiece stated that it should be visible during the Republic Day celebrations.

It read, "Jammu and Kashmir is now a Union Territory. It is being ruled by the Centre through President's Rule. The government had removed Article 370 in a historic decision."

"The joy and excitement in the people over the removal of 370 should be visible in the Republic Day celebrations this time. The tricolour should be seen flying over all houses in Kashmir, it is the least that can be expected."

Read: Shiv Sena alleges manhandling of Maharashtra MoS in Belagavi, asks BJP to condemn incident

Read: J&K: Hizbul Mujahideen top commander Naveed Khan killed, say sources

Dy SP Davinder Singh arrested

The deputy superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police Davinder Singh, along with two other Hizbul terrorists, was arrested in South Kashmir on January 12. As per reports, he was allegedly arrested while ferrying two Hizbul terrorists - Naveed Babu and Altaf, from the Shopian area.

It was reported that Deputy Inspector General of South Kashmir Atul Goyal was supervising the operation and caught their car at a police barricade at Mir Bazar in Kulgam of South Kashmir.

Read: Rahul Gandhi breaks silence on J&K DySP Davinder Singh's arrest, toes Pakistan's line

Read: Rahul Gandhi targets NIA over Davinder Singh's arrest, tweets wrong name of its chief

(With ANI Inputs)
Kiev, Jan 18 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected a resignation offer by Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk over a leaked audiotape scandal, a media report said on Saturday.

"I decided to give you and your government a second chance," Xinhua news agency quoted Zelensky as saying to the Prime Minister during a "clear the air" meeting on Friday, the same day Honcharuk had put forth his offer to quit.

But Zelensky added that this was dependant on Honcharuk's ability to tackle the issue of high salaries among government ministers and other issues to keep his job, a BBC report said.

At the meeting, President described the situation around the leaked recording as "very unpleasant".

Zelensky also gave the Ukrainian authorities two weeks to track down the source of the leak.

Earlier on Friday, Honcharuk a 35-year-old trained lawyer, submitted his resignation following a leaked audio recording of him reportedly criticizing Zelensky's understanding of the economy.

"I took office to implement the president's program. I see him as a model of transparency and decency. However, to remove any doubts in our respect for and trust in the president, I have written a resignation letter and submitted it to the president with the right to hand it to the Parliament," Honcharuk wrote Friday morning on his official Facebook page.

On Wednesday evening, the audiotape was uploaded to an anonymous YouTube channel in which a voice sounding like Honcharuk was reportedly heard discussing the national budget with some other government ministers and senior officials from the national bank.

The authenticity of the recording has not been officially confirmed.

Honcharuk took the position of the Prime Minister on August 29, 2019, following the nomination of Zelensky.
A fourth person has been stung by a deadly irukandji jellyfish in a horror 24 hours for Far North Queensland.

A 27-year-old woman was swimming at Four Mile Beach, in Port Douglas, when she was stung on her back about 11.55am on Saturday.

Queensland Ambulance said she was taken to Mossman Hospital in a stable condition.

A 27-year-old woman was swimming at Four Mile Beach, in Port Douglas, when she was stung on her back about 11.55am on Saturday. Pictured: Port Douglas

Three children were stung by deadly irukandji jellyfish in Cairns on Friday (stock image)

The latest irukandji sting comes after three children were stung by the same type of venomous jellyfish in Cairns on Friday.

A seven-year-old boy was stung at Kewarra Beach and a five-year-old girl was stung Palm Cove.

Irukandji jellyfish Irukandji is one of the smallest jellyfish in the world

It is tiny and translucent, and difficult to spot

Irukandji can be found in South East Asia, the Caribbean, Hawaii, South Africa and the United Kingdom

If you get stung you can suffer symptoms of lower backache or a headache, overall body pain, muscular cramps or shooting pains in the victim's muscles, chest and abdomen, nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulties Advertisement

A 16-year-old boy was also stung at Palm Cove but his symptoms did not develop until he was at home.

It is understood all three were stung between 2pm and 6.30pm. They are recovering in Cairns Hospital.

Irukandji are small jellyfish, about two centimetres in diameter, are difficult to see in the water and can have fatal repercussions.

The symptoms of the sting typically appear between five and 45 minutes after the initial sting and include shooting pains in the muscles, chest and abdomen, vomiting and breathing difficulties.

They are known to be fatal.

Last week a man was stung by an irukandji at Fitzroy Island in Cairns.

On January 10, Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) renewed calls for beachgoers to exercise extreme care in the waters off the western coast of Fraser Island after an Irukandji jellyfish was captured between Moon Point and Wathumba Creek.

Fraser Island and Port Douglas are on opposite ends of the state.

'SLSQ has been conducting proactive stinger drags on Fraser Island for the past three years now, and we've caught a number of stingers and specimens over that time,' SLSQ Lifesaving Services Coordinator Julie Davis said.

'This latest capture highlights how important it is for all swimmers, fishers, boaters and anyone else venturing into the water on the western side of the island to exercise extreme care and caution at all times.

'Our drags have shown there are high-risk and potentially deadly stingers off Fraser Island, and it's critical that anyone entering the water this time of year is wearing an appropriate stinger suit at all times.'
South Dakota reports highest active case count since pandemic started

Tuesday's report included testing conducted over the weekend. Another 4,110 people tested positive for the disease.
Colombo, Jan 18 : Referring to a viral video where an elephant is seen being beaten with sticks by a keeper at a Sri Lankan Buddhist temple, authorities have rejected the footage, saying it was being exaggerated by the media which had received false information from NGOs, it was reported.

The video shows the elephant, named Myan Prince, with its legs chained to trees, lying in a murky pool at the Bellanwila Temple here, the Daily Mirror said in the report on Friday.

One keeper is seen viciously beating the elephant's leg with sticks, while another keeper appears to clean the animal's leg and give it a scrub while the elephant tries to move his head and starts wailing.

The tusker then tries to grab onto one of the chains with his trunk.

"Anybody, who wishes to see how the elephant is treated, is welcomed to visit the temple," a temple spokesman told the Daily Mirror.

"We would also like to call upon any doctor to examine and see whether there are any injuries on the jumbo. It is still a 13-year-old elephant. Even children are punished when they do notorious activities," he said.

The spokesman further said that some NGO organizations had given information to foreign media sites exaggerating the events.

Maneesha Arachchige, an activist from Rally for Animal Rights and Environment, said she was concerned about Myan Prince as he appeared to be "beaten on a regular basis".
You may have heard about the latest Swedish linguistic export  Flygskam, or flight shame.

Its a word directed at people who fly and is intended to make them feel bad about their travel choice due to its environmental implications.

With this in mind, allow me to make a reckless prediction about the next crusading phrase meant to make people feel guilty about acting in their own best interests: Ensamfamiljhemskam.

This is my attempt at a Swedish word for single family home ownership shame. (I used Google Translate; apologies to any Swedish readers if it actually means something rude.) It may not have reached common usage  but keep an eye on your dictionaries.

Last month, Evan Siddall, president of Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), gave a speech to a Toronto housing conference that might be considered an early warning sign of approaching Ensamfamiljhemskam.

Before we get to what he said, lets remind ourselves that the CMHC is a federal Crown corporation that helps Canadians buy homes through mortgage insurance and the securitization of mortgage bonds. It also operates as a sort of adjunct federal Department of Housing.

So what does Siddall think about home ownership? He seems to think its a very bad idea.

Our dream of home ownership is static and regressive, he told his audience. We need to call out the glorification of home ownership for the regressive canard that it is.

The often-combative Siddall expressed his desire to dismantle the dream of home ownership, and in particular put an end to Canadians aspirations of owning single-family homes  what he calls the wrong sort of residential construction. Rather than build 10 single-family homes on any particular plot of land, he said municipalities should favour a 100 or 200 multi-unit development of rentals.

Given the significance of home ownership among Canadians  67.8 per cent of Canadian households currently own a home  Siddall admits he has his work cut out for him. The dream of a single-family home in the suburbs still burns strong for many, he said, blaming this on a real estate industry drunk on its excess.

It has long been fashionable in urban planning circles to lament the supremacy of single family homes for a long list of environmental sins, including suburban sprawl. Siddalls comments represent a dramatic escalation in this campaign by seeking to kill the notion of home ownership entirely through a combination of regulation, policy and cultural disapproval.

From Siddalls perspective, everyone should live in massively-dense rental apartment complexes because that way we can cheaply fit more people into less space. (Stalinist Russia just popped into my head for some reason.) Single-family homes are thus the selfish option because they prevent other denser options from occurring. Feeling shame yet?

With his provocative stance, Siddall has put himself rather far offside his federal bosses. It is his job, for example, to implement the Trudeau governments new First Time Home Buyers Incentive program that has as its explicit goal helping young families buy houses. In fact, every major party in the last federal election had at least one platform item dedicated to making home buying easier.

Despite Siddalls best efforts, Canadians continue to demonstrate a deep affection of home ownership. Amid all the talk of an affordability crisis among younger generations, a recent KPMG poll found 72 per cent of Canadian millennials, aged 23 to 38, say their long-term goal is to own a home, even if thats tougher today than it was for their parents. Given a choice, most people prefer to own their home.

These comments reflect an elitist and dramatically out-of-touch sentiment, says Tim Hudak, CEO of the Ontario Real Estate Association and a former Ontario Progressive Conservative leader, of Siddalls speech. Its a shocking approach for someone whos position is to encourage people to have a place to call home.

Siddall announced this week he will step down from his post at CMHC by the end of the year.

Hudak argues the solution to any affordability crisis lies in basic economics. If excess demand is the problem, increased supply will resolve it. His all of the above list includes opening more land to new development, reducing red tape to allow for higher density projects and permitting innovations such as laneway homes and co-ownership  all policies recently supported by the Ford government.

And he offers a lengthy list of private and public benefits from home ownership, including forced retirement savings and stronger communities.

Ontarians are on our side, Hudak says, the dream of home ownership is as strong as ever. And it provides an essential stability and strength to our social fabric.

Hes right, of course. But that doesnt mean we wont be hearing more about Ensamfamiljhemskam in the future from folks who simply dont care about Canadians dreams.
Late last year, the nonprofit Internet Society abruptly announced a deal to sell control over the Public Interest Registry (which manages all .ORG domain registrations) to Ethos, a newly created private equity fund capitalized by three politically connected families of Republican billionaires. Under the deal, ISOC would get $1.135B to spend on various projects, and PIR would have to return a profit to their private equity investors.



The deal was incredibly fishy. For one thing, Ethos turned out to be staffed with former execs and staffers from ICANN, the body that has the power to bless or halt the sale of PIR  and these people had come to Ethos after overseeing a highly irregular change in policy that would let PIR hit .ORG domain holders with unlimited price-hikes.





Since then, we've learned that the deal to buy PIR will be financed by hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of debt, which PIR will have to make payments on just to keep the lights on  money it will have to make by somehow radically increasing PIR's revenues.

It's not clear how they'll do this, or why it needed doing. .ORG is home to the world's best-established human rights groups and nonprofits, and depending on how Ethos manages PIR, those organizations could see their online presence censored to appease the dictatorial governments they watchdog, or have every visitor to every .ORG tracked and the information sold to the highest bidder.

Tomorrow (January 18), I'll be speaking at LA's Crash Space in Culver City, as part of a meeting to organize a mass protest at ICANN headquarters on Friday, January 24th. The two hour event starts at 3PM and space is limited, so RSVPing is strongly recommended.





660 organizations and 21,000 people have petitioned ICANN to halt the sale of .ORG. We can save the home of the internet's best-loved NGOs from being sold off to private equity looters, but we need your help!

Even if you can't attend Saturday, please join your fellow .ORG supporters, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation and Fight for the Future, who will be turning out in force for the protest on Friday the 24th, where we'll deliver the petitions to ICANN staff and make it clear: .ORGS are not for sale. Will you join us to learn about how you can help stand up for the nonprofits, NGOs, and other organizations that stand up for us? When:

Saturday, January 18

3:00 PM  5:00 PM Where:

Crash Space

10526 Venice Blvd

Culver City, CA 90232



EFF @ CRASH Space with Cory Doctorow: Help Save .ORGs

[EFF]
The Port Hamilton Sportsman's Club, circa 1886. Robert Neff Collection



By Robert Neff





A poultry dealer, circa 1900s. Robert Neff Collection

In the early 1880s, Westerners began to arrive in Korea. Most were diplomats or employees of the Korean government but there were also a handful of missionaries and businessmen.



A few were accompanied by their wives or mistresses but most were bachelors (some geographical) and they depended on one another or man's best friend  the dog  for companionship.



Some of the first Western dogs to be brought into Seoul were English cocker spaniels. They were a relatively new breed of dog  first bred in England in the early 1800s  and were quite popular with the British military due to their small size (they could be kept in the barracks or aboard ships), intelligence, good nature and hunting skills. Undoubtedly, their playfulness also played a part in their popularity.



When William R. Carles (a British diplomat) arrived in Korea in November 1883, he was accompanied by two businessmen and six cocker spaniels.



One icy morning, he and his companions went duck hunting about 10 kilometers outside of Seoul. Carles shot a duck but, unfortunately, the duck fell into an ice-coated pool of water. Undaunted by the cold, one of his spaniels raced into the water and "refused to abandon the bird until the cold quite overpowered him."



Carles retrieved his dog and attempted to warm him by vigorous rubbing, but failed. Determined to save his dog, he mounted his pony and started back for Seoul with the dog in his arms.



"Rain came on steadily and cold. The streets and road worked into a slush, and it was impossible to get a trot out of my mount. Meanwhile, my dog became colder and colder, though I rubbed him incessantly, and at last, when a mile or so from the Legation, after two or three painful gasps, he lay rigid in my arms, with his teeth fast clenched and foam on his mouth. It seemed a shame to leave so true a friend in the streets of [Seoul], and I carried him on, though I believed him to be dead; but to my great satisfaction, after wrapping him up in blankets by the fire, and rubbing his lips with hot soup, he came round"





Lamu, circa 2005. Robert Neff Collection
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 05:58:10|Editor: Wang Yamei

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TUNIS, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia's International Centre for Strategic, Security and Military Studies (CIESSM) held a conference on China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The conference focused on the definition of the BRI, the new concept of the Silk Road, the political and economic relations between Tunisia and China and the assets of the BRI philosophy.

The event, held on Thursday, was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Tunisia Wang Wenbin, Tunisian politicians, and academics and economic experts who presented the contribution of the BRI to socio-economic development in Tunisia.

Wang said the BRI aims to establish a model of cooperation.

"Since the launch of China's BRI, the Chinese government had concluded some 199 agreements with 137 countries and 30 international organizations by the end of 2019," he told the conference.

"The BRI proposed by China has enhanced bilateral relations which were crowned by the establishment of the Tunisian-Chinese Business Council in 2017," said CIESSM's director Badra Gaaloul.

China has become Tunisia's fourth largest trade partner and its third supplier, and the Chinese market is one of the attractive targets for Tunisian tourism, according to Gaaloul.

"Tunisia's relations with China must be strategic, promising and deep to create wealth and common prosperity," said Moez Joudi, president of the Tunisian Association of Governance.

The BRI, proposed by China in 2013, aims at building trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe, Africa and beyond.
Thats a wrap for Abby Huntsman on The View. The conservative panelist said goodbye to viewers and the Hot Topics table on Fridays show with an emotional speech. Huntsman praised her co-hosts and spoke highly of her time on the show, saying, This has been a dream come true. This has been an incredible job. The co-host also posted a personal message to fans on Twitter. Huntsman announced her plans to leave earlier in the week and said shes going to going to shift her energies to helping out on her fathers gubernatorial run in Utah. Her exit also comes amidst reports of a feud between her and fellow panelist Meghan McCain, which Huntsman appeared to allude to in her farewell. I just want to make it as clear as day  with everything that has been written about this place  that I am leaving so thankful for all the new friends that I have here, for all the friends that I had before and will still have, said Huntsman. She praised McCain, saying Meghan has been  you see what shes been through in her life  you guys live it with us, and its not easy every day to come out here and be so open and honest. McCain and Huntsman slammed reports of competition between each other in an interview with Yahoo in early November ahead of The Views 5,000th episode. The media is nasty. They always want women to hate each other and not support each other, said McCain at the time. Huntsmans departure follows the exits of previous co-hosts Sara Haines, Jedediah Bila, and Paula Faris, among others. A replacement for Huntsman has not yet been named publicly. Co-host Joy Behar joked, You can still change your mind.
Patna: The first ever Air Ambulance of the nation opened at the Patna Airport on Thursday offering 24x7 service to those in urgent medical need requiring treatment at hospitals in Delhi or Kolkata.

Family members of patients in Patna now won't have to rely on shady brokers to arrange for an emergency flight to Delhi or Kolkata as the new service began operating at the Patna Airport allowing people to book a helicopter completely equipped with essential medical tools allowing the patient to be swiftly flown to hospitals better than those available in the state.

The service was inaugurated by Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey amid much fanfare.

As reported, one will have to pony up nearly Rs. 5 lakh for a quick flight to Delhi while a trip to Kolkata would cost about Rs. 7.5 lakh.

From booking a helicopter to transporting a patient to a hospital in Delhi would take roughly six hours. This is a bed-to-bed service meaning the patient will never have to leave the bed while being moved to a hospital in Delhi or Kolkata, Air Ambulance coordinator Anshu Aman said.

The flight will include a team of doctors and a maximum of two members from the patient's family, he said adding similar facilities will soon be started from other districts in Bihar.
(Bloomberg) -- The long-awaited trade agreement between the U.S. and China may pave the way for Boeing Co. to resume sales to the worlds second-largest aviation market, but the American giant has much catching up to do against European archrival Airbus SA.

China Aviation Supplies Holding Co., which buys planes on behalf of the nations airlines, has been in talks with Airbus since 2019 about purchasing jets for the countrys next five-year economic plan that begins in 2021, people familiar with the matter said, asking not to be named discussing a private matter. Those talks began early last year, one of the people said. Chinas top economic planner, which needs to clear negotiations of this magnitude, hasnt even authorized the state procurement firm to begin talks with Boeing yet as trade tensions held back discussions, the person said.

This means the Chicago-based aircraft maker is at least months behind Airbus in securing orders from China, which Boeing estimates will need more than 8,000 planes in the next two decades. Boeing is still reeling from the grounding of its best-selling 737 Max planes, which resulted in the company delivering fewer than half of the planes that Airbus did last year, the biggest defeat in the industrys 45-year duopoly.

Chief Executive Officer Dave Calhoun on Wednesday voiced optimism that Boeing will continue to have a valued relationship with China. A representative at the company declined to comment beyond what the new CEO said. The National Development and Reform Commission, which is Chinas main economic planner, and China Aviation Supplies didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. Airbus declined to comment.

Things may be looking up for Boeing. Aircraft were among the $200 billion in American purchases that China pledged to make as part of a phase-one accord, though details werent disclosed. Also, its unlikely that China would shun Boeing entirely because the country has historically split its orders evenly between the two manufacturers, Airbus doesnt have the capacity to meet all of Chinas needs and such a drastic move would require thousands of pilots to be retrained.

Story continues

Trade tensions have hindered Boeings ability to capitalize on surging demand from a country thats expected to become the worlds largest aviation market in the coming years. China will need to spend $2.9 trillion on new aircraft and ground services over the next two decades, Boeing predicted in September.

The talks with Airbus are separate from an already-announced commitment from China to buy $35 billion worth of the Toulouse-based companys jets, according to the people.

In China, which led the grounding of the 737 Max, airplane purchases need to be cleared by regulators before they are handed off to China Aviation Supplies. Sales are then often recorded as coming from unidentified customers by Boeing and Airbus, and may be unveiled at various stages of the approvals process.

--With assistance from Siddharth Philip and Miao Han.

To contact Bloomberg News staff for this story: Haze Fan in Beijing at hfan40@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Young-Sam Cho at ycho2@bloomberg.net, Will Davies

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.
Around five years ago, Mohamed Soltan emerged from the arrivals gate at Washington's Dulles International Airport to a crowd of cheering family and friends. They ran to embrace him. He lifted himself out of his wheelchair and knelt to kiss the ground.

For the past two years, Soltan, a U.S. citizen, had been held in Egypt on charges that he had backed an Islamist protest. He was sentenced to life in prison, and for several hundred days, he had staged a hunger strike in a bid to secure his freedom - ultimately losing more than 100 pounds.

In prison, he met Mustafa Kassem, a fellow Egyptian American who had been swept up in mass arrests while visiting family in Cairo. But when Soltan was freed, Kassem was not released alongside him. On Monday, after Kassem staged his own hunger strike that lasted more than a year, the New York taxi driver and father of two young children died in Egypt of apparent heart failure.

Kassem was held for five years in pretrial detention and then sentenced in 2018 to 15 years behind bars on charges that he took part in protests against the Egyptian government.

"It's very devastating, and honestly it was tragic for me," said Soltan, who after his release founded an advocacy group for other prisoners in Egypt. "It was a call I've been dreading for a couple of years now."

Egyptian prisons hold tens of thousands of political prisoners. At least six U.S. citizens and two U.S. permanent residents are in Egyptian detention.

Some 300 prisoners are believed to be on hunger strikes, and how long they can survive depends largely on their willpower, fasting methods and body type.

During Soltan's hunger strike, he only drank water with some vitamins and electrolytes, he said in a phone call this week. Even after he went in and out of a coma and suffered a pulmonary embolism, he continued the strike, only supplementing milk and yogurt products toward the end of his detention.

"They first take away your freedom, then they try to take your dignity and your willpower," Soltan said, referring to prison authorities. "The idea of the hunger strike is to reverse that process, use whatever is left out of your willpower, ability to eat or not eat, to regain your dignity and hopefully regain your freedom."

Hunger strikes have long been used as a form of political and personal protest. In apartheid-era South Africa, hundreds of black prisoners staged hunger strikes to call for their release. Mohandas Gandhi famously staged lengthy hunger strikes to protest British rule over India. Palestinians held in Israeli prisons have gone on hunger strikes to demand better living conditions - in 2017, more than 1,000 went on strike at once. Many men held in the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay refused food, which led to controversy over whether U.S. authorities were justified in force feeding them.

Soltan said that before beginning his strike in Egypt, he drew inspiration in part from the persistence of Irish hunger strikers.

A century ago, Terence MacSwiney, a member of Parliament and lord mayor of Cork, staged a hunger strike to demand his release from prison after he was sentenced to two years on sedition charges. Ireland was under British control at the time, and British authorities feared MacSwiney's death could boost the Irish cause for independence. Still, they refused to release him, and MacSwiney died 74 days later.

"There was astonishment at the time that somebody could last for that long because there wasn't much awareness of how the human body could deal with hunger striking," said Diarmaid Ferriter, a history professor at University College Dublin. "It captured international attention because it was a powerful image of the Irish republic against the British Empire. It generated enormous emotion."

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.

Decades later, during the violent period of unrest in Northern Ireland known as the Troubles, hunger strikers drew inspiration from earlier strikers such as MacSwiney, and some managed to achieve their demands. Dolours and Marian Price, sisters who were arrested for their involvement in bombings in London, staged hunger strikes and fought back against their force-feeders. They were ultimately transferred from prison in London back to Northern Ireland.

Others succumbed to starvation. Bobby Sands, an Irish Republican, was elected to Parliament while leading a group of prisoners on a hunger strike. He died after 66 days.

The strikes drew attention to the Irish Republicans' political cause. But British authorities proved that even the threat of an elected member of Parliament dying wasn't enough to force their capitulation.

Still, Ferriter said, "for some people internationally, the Irish have provided some kind of illustration of what might be achieved by a successful hunger strike."

But in Egypt, Soltan said, he fears hunger strikers have little leverage compared with that of some more successful movements.

"I can't imagine what . . . the 300 hunger striking and 60,000 political prisoners went to sleep feeling when they found out that Mustafa died," Soltan said.

If an American with powerful government officials advocating on his behalf can die in Egyptian custody, he said, it does not bode well for other prisoners.
A SOUTH Oxfordshire district councillor from Australia has praised the courage and commitment of people there tackling the bush fires.

Jo Robb fears that the hundreds of volunteer firefighters will be forgotten when the fires are eventually subdued.

She has donated to WIRES, an Australian wildlife rescue organisation, but wants to ensure the families of the volunteers will be looked after, particularly those who have lost a loved one.

She said: It is absolutely terrible. Many of those who have died are young men and young fathers and it is so tragic.

The people who are fighting these fires are not making any money and some of them wont have been paid since October. It is hugely distressing for them, both emotionally and financially.

Mrs Robb, who lives in Shepherds Green, left Sydney on an ancestry visa in 2001 and married her husband Philip seven years later.

She now represents Woodcote and Rotherfield on the district council and recently stood for the Henley seat in the general election representing the Green Party.

Mrs Robb said that Australians always prepared for the bush fire season but it usually started in January, not three months before.

She said: We have had the longest period of drought that we have ever known in Australia.

Firefighters have been warning about a catastrophic bush fire season for a long time and their warnings were ignored.

The scale is immense and it is hard to know what could have been done to stop it.

It is a rich country and the water resources in Australia have not been managed properly.

Mrs Robb grew up in Randwick in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, an area which has avoided the worst of the devastation, although air quality has been affected.

She goes to visit her parents, Pat and Kath OConnor, every year and she also has a brother, Daniel, who is a property developer in America.

She believes there has been a deep psychological shift in Australia but fears the warming of the planet will only worsen now that forests have been destroyed.

She said: There are no words to describe the grief of losing most of New South Waless forests.

Air quality even in Sydney has been appalling. Children are forced to play indoors and fire alarms are sounding in shopping centres because they are being triggered by smoke. So many people have lost their homes and too many of our volunteer firefighters have lost their lives.

This is climate change with less than one degree of warming and we are on course for three degrees of warming. It doesnt bear thinking about.

The generosity people have shown from around the world, but especially the UK, has been amazing. I hope the Australian government recognises peoples desire for real action on climate change.
American Puppets: Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei Slams E3 Position on Nuclear Deal, Says They're Serving US Interest

Sputnik News

11:29 17.01.2020(updated 13:20 17.01.2020)

On 8 January, Iran targeted two American facilities in Iraq, the Ayn al-Asad Air Base and in Erbil in retaliation for the killing of IRGC Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike several days earlier.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said the day Tehran targeted US facilities in Iraq in response to the killing of the country's top military commander Qasem Soleimani was "a day of God", Reuters reported.

"The fact that Iran has the power to give such a slap to a world power shows the hand of God", Khamenei said while referring to the airstrikes against US military facilities.

The Iranian supreme leader's remarks were made as Khamenei led Friday prayers in Tehran, the first time he has done so since 2012. His comments were reportedly accompanied by chants of "Death to America!"

Khamenei said that Quds Force Commander Soleimani was "the most powerful" commander in the region's "resistance front", and is being mourned by millions of supporters in Iran and thousands in Iraq.

He also noted that the killing of Soleimani was a "disgrace" to the American administration, showing the "terrorist nature" of the US, while also calling Donald Trump a "clown", who only pretended to support the Iranian people.

Nevertheless, the supreme leader underlined that Iran's attack on the US military facilities last week was a "blow to America's image", as quoted by AP.

During his address in Tehran, Khamenei also called the IRGC's Quds Force a "humanitarian organisation with human values" and assured that its fighters were "without borders".

Khamenei said that the IRGC was maintaining the country's security and that Tehran's enemies used the Ukrainian Boeing 737 incident to "weaken" the military organisation. He also maintained that the tragedy was "used" by the nation's adversaries to "overshadow" the grief surrounding the death of Soleimani.

Iran Nuclear Deal

Khamenei also commented on the recent developments regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, criticising France, Britain, and Germany for triggering a dispute resolution mechanism and saying that European partners were only "serving" US interests.

"The Europeans have shown they are puppets of the US", Ayatollah Khamenei was quoted as saying. "They are waiting to see the Iranians brought to their knees".

The European parties to the JCPOA cannot be trusted, Iran's supreme leader concluded.

On 14 January, France, Great Britain, and Germany, known as the E3, confirmed that they had launched the Iran nuclear deal dispute mechanism, created in order to deal with possible violations of the JCPOA, concluded by Iran, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany in 2015.

The deal was to have Iran considerably limit its nuclear programme and eliminate its stockpile of medium- and low-enriched uranium in exchange for the removal of international sanctions. However, the US unilaterally pulled out of the treaty in 2018, while also imposing energy and banking sanctions on Iran, thus prompting Tehran to begin gradually reducing its JCPOA obligations. Following the developments, Iran continued calling on European signatories to the treaty to honour their obligations and shield Tehran from US sanctions, but to no avail.

Following the assassination of Soleimani, Iran announced on 5 January that it would no longer comply with the remaining obligations under the deal and from now on would start enriching uranium based on its technical needs.

The death of Iran's military commander was followed by Tehran's retaliatory attacks

on the US military facilities at the Ayn al-Asad Air Base and a facility in Erbil in Iraq on 8 January. Just a few hours after Iran's airstrikes, a Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 crashed

near Tehran that was initially blamed on a technical malfunction. Later Iranian officials confirmed

that the nation's military had unintentionally shot down the plane while awaiting Washington's response to its earlier attacks, which was followed by a wave of unauthorised protests in Tehran.

A Sputnik

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The community of Craanford came together for a very special cause when they were asked to 'walk a mile for Cappagh kids' and together about 200 people did two laps of the pitch at Craanford GAA grounds and made donations along the way.

It was all to show solidarity with 16 year old Abbie Byrne and her family, from Island Middle, Craanford, as she has been receiving treatment for scoliosis and her final life-changing operation took place last week.

Still in recovery for some time, Abbie is now looking forward to getting back to being her usual self, as she enjoys sport and plays camogie for Craanford.

Abbie's mother Elaine Byrne said that she had every faith in the community of Craanford to come out and support, but she was surprised when those who could not attend the event went out the night before and did laps, while others made online donations.

'The support from Craanford is always just phenomenal, no matter what the cause is. From the walk we raised just over 4,500 which was unbelievable, even they can't believe it up here in the hospital. It was just a great thing to do and the phone hasn't stopped this week with people wishing us well and lighting candles for Abbie.

'I just want to thank the community of Craanford, it is just brilliant'.

Abbie was first diagnosed at age 12, and she spent time in hospitals across the south east in Wexford and Waterford, as well as Temple Street and eventually Cappagh Hospital.

Elaine explained that her surgery would be quicker in Cappagh, and so a surgeon from Temple street performed the surgery at Cappagh, which is a hospital that mainly deals with adult patients.

'Cappagh have just been fantastic, from the very first day. As a family we wanted to give Cappagh Hospital back something as so along with hospital guidance, we arranged the event hoping to raise funds to open a new child and family friendly department of paediatric orthopaedics for kids all over Ireland'.

Elaine said that she hopes with the large donation now given to the Cappagh Hospital Foundation, that the hospital will be able to invest and build the Cappagh for Kids unit, which aims to modernise the space and making more child friendly.

Abbie's family have seen her suffer with asthma, chest infections and her lungs being crushed by the crippling condition which resulted in curvature of the spine.

'In childhood Abbie did gymnastics and had to give that up, and doing sport she would tire quicker than others. We hope that she will be back on form and ready to play sport again next year,'

'Abbie is a brilliant teenager, she's quirky and really a model student.

'Even coming up to surgery, she has been no problem and nothing phased her, in fact she took it in her stride.

'She would make a few jokes about the condition, the nurses in the ICU commented that she was the first patient that had seen that came up smiling after surgery as she always has a smile on her face as she is very positive thinking,' said Elaine.

When Abbie is up to it, staff from Cappagh Hospital hope to visit Craanford to say thank you to those who took part, but for now the Byrne family are just thrilled that Abbie can recover and go on being a teenager.

'The doctors were all very happy with her surgery and we hope now that this will give her a new lease of life. The hospital has been like a home, the staff have been brilliant. All we can say is thank you'.
"Serving in the military changes you. The shades and degrees of change vary for everyone, but no one is ever the same as...
After suffering a cardiac arrest on Friday night, performer Greg Page remained in hospital Saturday night, while the other "yellow Wiggle" Emma Watkins took his place in the Wiggles' second Sydney bushfire relief concert.

A 2006 file photo of The Wiggles, featuring Murray Cook (Red Wiggle), Greg Page (Yellow Wiggle), Jeff Fatt (Purple Wiggle), and Anthony Field (Blue Wiggle). Credit:AP

Grace Jones, a 23-year-old off-duty nurse from Royal North Shore Hospital, was in the audience with her parents watching the charity concert at Castle Hill RSL when Page collapsed on the side of an stage one hour into the show.

After Murray Cook, the original Red Wiggle, announced Page, 48, a founding band member was unwell, Ms Jones offered to assist and was taken on stage where two bystanders were performing CPR.

He wasnt breathing so I just went in and did a little CPR and then someone handed me the defibrillator, she said.
I was a young soldier back during the Cold War. You can have the greatest army in the world, but it doesnt matter if you are not prepared to use it to achieve your strategic objectives. As one of your scholars here, Victor Davis Hanson, said, Deterrence is hard to establish and easy to lose. And lets be honest.

For decades, US administrations of both political parties never did enough against Iran to get the deterrence that is necessary to keep us all safe. The JCPOA itself  the nuclear deal  made things worse. It enabled that regime to ...
Is Italian tyre giant Pirelli plotting a 9billion (7.7billion) merger with Finland's Nokian Tyres?

That was the question stock market punters were asking after rumours whipped around the London market last week suggesting that Nokian could soon see some corporate action.

Last year, speculation did the rounds that Pirelli, majority-owned by ChemChina and with a primary listing in Italy, was running the slide rule over Nokian, so the Italians appear to be an obvious partner.

Italian tyre giant Pirelli could be plotting a 9bn (7.7bn) merger with Finland's Nokian Tyres

Nokian specialises in winter tyres while Pirelli concentrates on those used in summer.

A spokesperson for Nokian declined to comment. Pirelli spinners claimed the suggestion was 'without foundation'  but they made similar noises in 2014 when confronted with a tale about a takeover of their company, which was bought by ChemChina several months later.

Meanwhile, short-sellers continue to target Nokian, which has a history of unveiling shock profit warnings. Last week, the likes of hedge fund AQR and BlackRock increased their bets against the shares.

This really is a case of the bulls versus the bears.

The Vaccine Group

The Neil Woodford scandal has wreaked havoc on many biotech start-ups  but one of AIM-listed Frontier IP's companies, The Vaccine Group (TVG), a spinout from the University of Plymouth, has drummed up 680,000 in its first equity fundraise, valuing it at 9.5million, I'm told.

TVG is developing vaccine technology for animals to fight diseases such as bovine TB

TVG is developing vaccine technology for animals to fight diseases such as bovine TB.

Frontier IP takes stakes in outfits such as TVG not by investing cash, but by helping to commercialise ideas born in university labs.

That helps avoid the Woodford troubles where he set the valuations himself by the amount he invested.

Asos

Shares in online fashion giant Asos have staged a strong recovery in the past six months.

This Thursday's first-quarter trading update is key to whether that continues as it reports on how the business fared over Christmas.

City scribblers say the number to watch for is sales growth, with 15 per cent expected by most in the Square Mile.

Below that and fears might creep in that demand for the AIM-listed firm's products is on the slide  especially since last year's period was a weak one that brought a profit warning after being undercut by rivals over Black Friday, the US-inspired discount-fest.

EasyJet

Could there be more fireworks from easyJet? Last week chief executive Johan Lundgren hit out at taxpayer bailouts after Flybe was propped up by Government. A trading statement on Tuesday could be another chance to take a pop at Ministers.

Analysts predict that revenue per seat for easyJet in the last quarter of 2019 picked up by 4 per cent year on year, though this rise will be boosted by the fallout from the drone chaos at Gatwick in December 2018.

Lundgren also has his first chance to update investors on the launch of easyJet's package holiday business on the back of Thomas Cook's demise.

Contributor: Ben Harrington
Lev Parnas arrives to court in New York, Monday, Dec. 2, 2019. Parnas and Igor Fruman, close associates to U.S. President Donald Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani, were arrested last month at an airport outside Washington while trying to board a flight to Europe with one-way tickets. They were later indicted by federal prosecutors on charges of conspiracy, making false statements to the Federal Election Commission and falsification of records. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) ORG XMIT: NYSW107

The president is lying. The president knew exactly what was going on. The plan was to strong arm Ukraine into announcing an investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter.

That was the story of Lev Parnas, a Ukrainian-born associate of Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, during an interview with MSNBCs Rachel Maddow.

In addition, there were texts and documents released Wednesday backing up much of his story. Information that Parnas and his attorney asked to be publicly released. Parnas and his friend, Igor Fruman, were big-time Republican donors. Parnas eventually became the front man for Giuliani within Ukraine.

'Trump knew exactly what was going on'

I dont know those gentlemen, Trump said in October about Parnas and Fruman, even though Trump and the men had been photographed together numerous times.

Parnas told Maddow, He (Trump) lied. He knew exactly who we were.

He also said, "Trump knew exactly what was going on.

He said of his role in Ukraine that he wouldn't do anything without consent of Rudy Giuliani or the president.

He also said  and this would be incredibly difficult to refute  "Why would President Zelenskys inner circle, or Minister Avakov, or all these people, or President Poroshenko, meet with me? Who am I? They were told to meet with me. And thats the secret that theyre trying to keep. I was on the ground doing their work.

If there are no witnesses, there's no trial

Will the senators now do their work?

Its pretty simple, actually.

Call witnesses.

Parnas, for example. And former administration official John Bolton, who said he would respond to a subpoena.

Trump has refused to allow members of his administration to testify before the House. If he had done so, there may not be a need for them to testify before the Senate. That is what happened during the impeachment trial of Bill Clinton. But since there was no House testimony there can only be Senate testimony.

Story continues

If not, there is no trial.

And the Constitution is meaningless.

Why ignore so many smoking guns?

Parnas is a smoking gun.

Hes the latest smoking gun.

There have been so many that anyone looking into what Trump has done in the Ukraine affair needs a gas mask.

But Parnas was a Trump true believer. He and Fruman were indicted for conspiring to "circumvent the federal laws against foreign interference by engaging in a scheme to funnel foreign money to candidates for federal and State office.

His public statements might actually get him into more trouble.

Let him testify and have him cross examined. Investigate the documentation he has released. Hear from Bolton. Or, the Senate can go with the current political variation on the old adage.

Where theres smoke, theres ... a cover-up.

Ed Montini is a columnist for the Arizona Republic where this column first appeared.

You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter. To respond to a column, submit a comment to letters@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Lev Parnas is the latest smoking gun in Ukraine. Make him testify
A Delhi court convicted two men on Saturday for raping a five-year-old girl in east Delhi in 2013.

Additional Sessions Judge Naresh Kumar Malhotra convicted Manoj Shah and Pradeep Kumar in the case, and said the child, who was just five years old, experienced exceptional depravity and extreme brutality.

Shah and Kumar had raped the girl at Gandhi Nagar area and shoved objects in her private parts on April 15, 2013.

They had fled after committing the crime, leaving the victim at Manoj's room believing her to be dead. The child was rescued 40 hours later on April 17, 2013.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Some families wish they had more time to try and raise money that could have helped balance the budget at the private school. Just before the start of the Christmas break, families were told a decision about the future of St. Louises school would be forthcoming, Gonzalez and other parents said.
He was 51, and otherwise in good health, and was not a drinker, and theres no genetic predisposition found, and he was exposed to fires. The villages own job description describes exposure to toxic substances, Birkett said. Firefighters are exposed to cancerous substances, and in this case, theres proof in the record that he was exposed to smoke and chemicals.
BEIRUT  Police fired volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets in Lebanons capital Saturday to disperse thousands of protesters amid some of the worst rioting since demonstrations against the countrys ruling elite erupted three months ago. More than 150 people were injured.

Thick white smoke covered downtown Beirut near Parliament as police and protesters engaged in confrontations that saw groups of young men hurl stones and firecrackers at police who responded with water cannons and tear gas. Some protesters were seen vomiting on the street from inhaling the gas.

The clashes took place with the backdrop of a rapidly worsening financial crisis and an ongoing impasse over the formation of a new government after the Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned in late October.

Lebanon has witnessed three months of protests against the political elite who have ruled the country since the end of the 1975-90 civil war. The protesters blame politicians for widespread corruption and mismanagement in a country that has accumulated one of the largest debt ratios in the world.

The protesters had called for a demonstration Saturday with the theme we will not pay the price in reference to debt that stands at about $87 billion, or more than 150% of GDP.

As rioting took place in central Beirut, thousands of other protesters arrived later from different parts of the city to join the demonstration. They were dispersed and chased by police into nearby Martyrs Square that has been a center for protests.

Lebanons Internal Security Forces called on all peaceful protesters to immediately leave the area of riots for their own safety. It added that some policemen who were taken for treatment at hospitals were attacked by protesters inside the medical centers.

As clashes continued, some two dozen men believed to be Parliament guards attacked the protesters tents in Martyrs Square, setting them on fire. A gas cylinder inside one of the tents blew up. The fire spread quickly and charred a nearby shop.

The Lebanese Red Cross said it took 65 people to hospitals and treated 100 others at the scene, calling on people to donate blood. As the clashes continued, more ambulances were seen rushing to the area and evacuating the injured.

Late on Saturday most of the protesters were forced out of the area by police firing tear gas and sometimes rubber bullets. Still, security remained tight as more reinforcements arrived.

Bassem Mroue is an Associated Press writer.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 03:47:01|Editor: yan

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UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has sent greetings to his predecessor Javier Perez de Cuellar, who is marking his 100th birthday, a UN spokesman said on Friday.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Guterres, said the fifth secretary-general of the world organization marks his centenary on Sunday and the present UN chief has sent his best wishes.

The spokesman said that Guterres wrote in his letter that Perez de Cuellar held the office of the secretary-general with dignity and commitment and, indeed, through his last moments as secretary-general in 1991 with the historic El Salvador peace accords, which were signed at the last minute of his term.

Guterres wrote that, as the United Nations now marks its 75th anniversary, people who work for the world body today strive every day to build on Perez de Cuellar's impressive legacy, Dujarric said. "We all wish him a happy birthday."

Perez De Cuellar, a Peruvian, served as UN secretary-general from 1982 to 1991.
NEW YORK (AP)  Bank of America is slashing the amount it charges customers when they spend more than they have in their accounts and plans to eliminate entirely its fees for bounced checks.
Plans by Hargreaves Lansdown founder and Brexit supporter Peter Hargreaves to set up a 100million charitable foundation to support under-privileged children is a tremendous act of generosity in the tradition of the nation's Victorian forbears.

Many of the wonderful Northern city halls and much of the infrastructure is testimony to philanthropy.

Hargreaves' gift is all the more laudable in that there is a tendency among modern British benefactors to do the obvious things, such as endowing ever more chairs and faculties at Oxford or Cambridge. That is enormously valuable for a science and research-based economy.

Centre of attention: Peter Hargreaves is a very rich person with a fortune valued at 3.2billion by the Sunday Times Rich List

But addressing social gaps, such as domestic child poverty in the post-austerity era, is a braver thing to do because it is so much harder.

Hargreaves is a very rich person with a fortune valued at 3.2billion by the Sunday Times Rich List.

One imagines that the first 100million might be a down payment on more to come. Big American benefactors, including Bill Gates of Microsoft and octogenarian investment guru Warren Buffett, have publicly committed to giving away all their wealth amounting to the many tens of billions of dollars.

What is good about the Hargreaves endowment is that it is being organised in a public way so there is proper scrutiny of the way he is giving funds, which will qualify for considerable tax relief.

The Hargreaves approach, and that of other large British benefactors such as hedge fund billionaire David Harding and David Sainsbury, is to be transparent.

It is much easier to view what these benefactors are up to than the former chief executive of housebuilder Persimmon, Jeff Fairburn. He has chosen a less open structure, 'a donor advised fund,' to distribute some of his 82million bonus to good causes.

The generosity of Peter Hargreaves, however, raises questions as to how a Bristol-based stockbroker became so wealthy.

He and his former colleague Stephen Lansdown rode a wave of pension and savings freedoms to create a share and fund dealing and holding platform which is highly regarded for ease of use, customer service and low-cost trades.

Rightly, the whole Hargreaves Lansdown model is now under intense scrutiny as a result of the scandal surrounding the implosion inside Neil Woodford's investment empire, which exposes 300,000 HL clients, either directly or indirectly, to losses.

Generous: Hargreaves' gift is all the more laudable in that there is a tendency among modern British benefactors to do the obvious things

This calamity was no accident. It will be no surprise if the HL model is heavily criticised when the Financial Conduct Authority investigation is published. The inquiry will want to know how big a role the discount offered by Woodford to HL clients played in his funds being so prominently promoted on the HL Wealth List of top 50 funds.

It also needs to examine how much of the discount was then clawed back by HL in its own management fees and whether there is any conflict of interest.

Trade group The Investment Association deplores the lack of transparency around platform and trust fees and would like to see costs broken out and prominently displayed. As worrying for savers who use the HL platform is the lack of due diligence. Trusting in Woodford's past record might have seemed good enough. However, it should have been obvious that here was a fund manager where there was no investment committee and wafer-thin independent scrutiny. Yet HL was willing to trust it with savers' money by the truckload.

HL may think that it has suffered enough by waiving its own charges on Woodford funds and through chief executive Chris Hill sacrificing a bonus.

But what is often missed in all of this is that compared with most publicly quoted firms in Britain, the profit margins at HL are supercharged.

The HL website writes favourably of returns at soft-drink disrupter Fever-Tree with margins at 30 per cent. Hargreaves' own margins are closer to 50 per cent. That makes HL more than three times more profitable than Goldman Sachs, where the net margin in 2019 was in the order of 15.7 per cent.

In other words HL clients are being ripped off by the platform operators which is how the founders came to join the super-rich, collect fat dividends and are able to afford charitable giving.

It is high time that HL behaved correctly and considered making good on the losses of clients who have paid so dearly for following its guidance on Woodford.
PARIS, Jan 17 (Reuters) - Air France-KLM chief executive Ben Smith said on Friday that an order swap last year had simplified the two airlines' fleets and would reduce costs, but acknowledged the group's fleet operations were still not as efficient as he had hoped.

"Are they operating as efficiently as I thought possible? No," Smith, who took over the helm of the airline group in 2018, told the Anglo-American Press Association in Paris.

"Is there more to do? I think yes."

Air France-KLM said in June that its separate Air France and KLM airline units would be swapping some remaining orders from Boeing and Airbus. (Reporting by Laurence Frost; Writing by Richard Lough; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
An Etah-based NGO on Saturday said it has approached the Tihar Jail authorities seeking permission to recite 'Garuda Purana' to the death-row convicts of the Nirbhaya case to make them "mentally prepared" to face the gallows.

The 'Garuda Purana' scripture is one of the 18 'Mahapuranas' in Hinduism, and it talks in details about 'karma', afterlife and reincarnation among others.

Pradeep Raghunandan, the chairperson of the NGO Rashtriya Yuva Shakti which works for reforming jail inmates, said he has written a letter to the Tihar jail authorities on January 12 asking for the permission, but is yet to get a reply.

In the letter, Raghunandan said, "In order to remove fear from the mind of the convicts, and to make them mentally prepared for the capital punishment, 'Garuda Puraan' should be recited. According to the religious and cultural tradition of India its recitation may prove useful."



Fresh death warrants were issued by a Delhi court on Friday for the execution of the four convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape-murder case at 6 am on February 1, shortly after the President quickly rejected the mercy petition of one of them.

A 23-year-old physiotherapy intern was gang-raped and savagely assaulted on the night of December 16, 2012, in a moving bus in South Delhi. She died of her injuries a fortnight later in a Singapore hospital.

Six people -- Mukesh Singh, Vinay Sharma, Akshay Kumar Singh, Pawan Gupta, Ram Singh and a juvenile -- were named as accused. The trial of the five adult men began in a special fast-track court in March 2013.

The prime accused, Ram Singh, allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself in Tihar jail days after the trial began.

The juvenile, who was said to be the most brutal of the attackers, was put in a correctional home for three years. He was released in 2015 and sent to an undisclosed location amid concerns over a threat to his life. The juvenile, when released, was 20 years old.

Mukesh, Vinay, Akshay and Pawan were convicted and sentenced to death in September 2013.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ford government extends life of Pickering plant, Jan. 14

Doug Fords decision to once again extend the use of the antique Pickering nuclear plant is politically inspired negligence at best. Maybe voters will call him on this sleight of hand now that 6 million Ontarians know exactly how far they live from Pickering following Sunday mornings nuclear wake up call.

Pickering is beyond its useful life and should be shut down immediately. It is among the worlds oldest operating nuclear reactors and is located nearest to the largest population compared to other reactors in North America, thus making the risk unacceptable.

If the age of this nuclear plant is not enough, the electricity generated at Pickering is often surplus and sold to neighbouring U.S. states at a loss, while we pile up dangerous irradiated material for which we have no disposal plan, in temporary warehousing in Pickering.

Even if we did need Pickerings electricity production, why would we produce it when we can buy green hydro electricity that Quebec has offered Ontario and otherwise sells on the U.S. spot market at a fraction of the fully loaded cost of generation at Pickering?

If it takes a serious nuclear radiation event at Pickering to stop our politicians from constantly kicking this closure decision down the road, Ontarians should note that Chernobyl is abandoned and uninhabitable within a 30-kilometre radius. Thats some cheap real estate.

Michael Neuman, Toronto

What we are missing in all this very expensive construction is that safer and less costly alternatives are there in hydro power imports from Quebec, and in the construction of renewable energy supplies in Ontario.

These along with conservation would start the transition to a low carbon non-nuclear future. Thats a long term transition plan that is possible if we fund it and support it.

Unfortunately, Doug Ford as premier has singlehandlely killed hundreds of renewable energy projects. We need that power in order to reduce our use of fossil fuels. It is extremely irresponsible to hold up the development of renewables and it is economic folly to ignore the contribution that inexpensive imports from Quebecs excess hydro supply could provide. Just last week, New Brunswick has taken this step.

The Pickering accidental alert gives us all a chance to pay attention to the options we have in front of us and to move in a smarter direction.

Lyn Adamson, Toronto

Fear pollution more than nuclear power, Opinion, Jan. 15

Although nuclear energy may offer a low-carbon energy source, it fails virtually all other tests for sustainability: high capital and legacy risks and costs; catastrophic accident, security and weapons risks; poor capacity to adapt to changing needs; and the generation of waste streams that present severe physical, chemical and radiological hazards and require care and management over hundreds of thousands of years.

As such, nuclear energy represents precisely the types of trade-offs that need to be avoided in a transition to a low carbon economy. Nuclear has been overtaken by a series of technological developments in the energy sector around renewable energy, energy efficiency, advanced energy storage and smart grids, which offer cleaner, cheaper, safer and more flexible options for responding to the climate crisis.

Mark S. Winfield, sustainable energy professor, York University

Theres no harnessing the power of God, DiManno, Jan. 15

There are many types of nuclear reactors around the world. Chernobyl was a design that the worlds nuclear experts advised the Soviets not to build in the first place. It was a disaster waiting to happen and it did.

Pickering is a completely different design. To compare Pickering to Chernobyl is nothing but irresponsible fear mongering.

David Kister, Toronto

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LONDON - A British police chief requested an urgent meeting with a U.S. military commander Saturday after learning of two more traffic incidents in the area where a teenage motorcyclist died in a collision with a car driven by an American diplomats wife.

Harry Dunn was killed when he was hit by a car driven by a woman whose husband was an intelligence officer at RAF Croughton, a military base in central England used by U.S. forces. The woman is believed to have been driving on the wrong side of the road when the head-on collision occurred.

Northamptonshire Police Chief Nick Adderley said his department learned Saturday about a video that showed a car driving on the wrong side of the road near RAF Croughton having a near miss with another vehicle.

Adderley said he also heard Friday about an October crash in the same area involving another wrong-way driver whose vehicle struck a police car. No one was injured in that collision.

I want to be absolutely clear on the fact that these incidents just cannot keep happening, the police chief said. We know all too well in the case of young Harry just how devastating they can be.

Police have not indicated if the cars in the other incidents had any connections to the Air Force base. Britains Press Association reported that the car involved in close call appeared to have a registration number indicating it possibly was a U.S. government vehicle.

Dunns death last year has been a sensitive diplomatic issue for the Britain and the United States. The intelligence officers wife, Anne Sacoolas, claimed diplomatic immunity and left Britain after the crash.

British officials have challenged her protected status and are seeking to have her extradited to face charges of causing death by dangerous driving.

Dunns parents Charlotte Charles and Tim Dunn, have travelled to Washington and met with U.S President Donald Trump in an effort to force Sacoolas to return to Britain to face trial.
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], Jan 18 (ANI): Days after the arrest of Deputy SP Davinder Singh along with two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, Shiv Sena on Saturday questioned the role of police in the Kashmir Valley.



"Cross border infiltration is ongoing in Kashmir. But the police machinery is being used to help the terrorists in Kashmir to safely cross the border (to Pakistan) and a President's medal awarded Deputy SP was arrested for doing so. In Kashmir (it seems), the government is using the police for some other purposes, what will the country's Home Ministry say if somebody has a doubt in connection with the Pulwama attacks," Sena mouthpiece, Saamna, read.

This was in reference to the incident in which Jammu and Kashmir police intercepted a vehicle on Sunday and arrested DySP Davinder Singh along with two top Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, who were travelling together.

The Sena mouthpiece asserted that the impact and acceptance of the Centre removing Article 370 should be visible "through the people" during the upcoming Republic Day celebrations.

"Jammu and Kashmir is now a Union Territory. It is being ruled by the Centre through President's Rule. The government had removed Article 370 in a historic decision...The joy and excitement in the people over the removal of 370 should be visible in the Republic Day celebrations this time. The tricolour should be seen flying over all houses in Kashmir, it is the least that can be expected," it added.

The Sena mouthpiece further said that with the arrest of terrorists in the recent days, it hoped that "Republic Day will be celebrated safely in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir". (ANI)
The first phase of the US-China trade deal that has recently been signed breaks the two-year trade confrontation between the two nations. However, word has it that the partial deal may not offer much relief to Huawei. In a bid to block Chinas ambitions of dominating the tech industry, including the crucial 5G technology, the United States had earlier called for restricting Chinese companies from participating in 5G trials not only in the US, but in its allied countries as well. Citing security concerns, the move endeavoured to create a China-free 5G alternative. But despite this, India agreed to give equal opportunity to Chinese companies to participate in the 5G trials. Politically, this is also an assertion of Indias multipolar foreign policy and strategic autonomy.

Huawei, Chinas biggest tech firm, is caught in the middle of this global tech tussle. Despite the company being a leader in 5G technology, the US has been urging its allies to ban Huawei equipment from their telecom networks. The US also placed restrictions on its firms supplying software and hardware to Chinese companies, following which Google had temporarily stopped providing updates to its Android technology for Huawei products.

The primary stimulus behind the ban is the possible transmission of sensitive information being carried through the companys telecom networks to the Chinese government, thereby exposing digital networks to foreign surveillance and security threats. Apart from the US, other countries, as well as private companies, have accused Huawei and its employees time and again of stealing trade secrets, technology and also spying for the Chinese government.

Furthermore, the US has been wary over losing its tech superiority to China. These concerns also fuelled Americas move to block the takeover of top US chipmaker Qualcomm, by Singapore-based Broadcom, as it was labelled a national treasure. Fears over the weakening position of the US in wireless technologies, opening doors to Huawei gaining global leadership in technology, is believed to have led to the decision.

The world, including Europe, has been divided on whether to ban Huawei and other Chinese companies. Many countries like Australia and Japan are following the US lead. Countries who have already allowed Chinese vendors include Russia, Hungary and Thailand.

Some countries like Britain, Canada and Italy are yet to take a stand on the issue. Some are considering putting security measures in place for Chinese vendors, without imposing an outright ban. But countries like Germany have complications to deal with. China has hinted at retaliatory sanctions against Mercedes and Volkswagen. On the other side, in a bid to persuade its Nato allies, the US also said it may consider restricting intelligence sharing with countries using Huaweis equipment. Needless to say, 5G technology has thus become hugely politicised.

India, one of the largest telecom markets, initially kept Chinese companies in a limbo. However, New Delhi has now taken an in-principle decision to give 5G spectrum to Chinese companies for trials. Industry experts have often said Huaweis equipment was superior to those offered by Ericsson and Nokia, besides being 20 per cent cheaper.

This move gives clarity not only to Chinese vendors, but also domestic and foreign telecom firms who seek to participate in 5G trials, some of which are looking to partner with Chinese companies. Vodafone, Idea and Airtel have already applied to participate in 5G trials in partnership with Huawei.

However, speculation exists on whether Huawei and other Chinese companies would eventually also be allowed in the final 5G deployment, or the clearance will be restricted to mere trials. Arguments against the governments decision are based on suspicions about Chinese tech companies hacking and stealing military secrets. The cloud surrounding their cosy relationship with the Chinese government and intelligence-sharing laws in China add to this concern. Another argument is the risk of sanctions on Indian companies supplying US-made components to Huawei.

Given the already-delayed 5G trials, one would look forward to trials being undertaken within this quarter itself. Huawei must be watched closely, and be urged to increase its transparency and accountability to the governments of host countries.

From a global perspective, a ubiquitous 5G network is imperative for reaping the full potential of the technology. Having inter-operability at the heart of the many industrial and consumer uses of 5G, which range much beyond smartphones to enabling the Internet of Things, we need to look proactively at a future that helps India join leading nations in the technology sector.
JACKSON, MI  With some people having Martin Luther King Jr. Day off from work, Jackson College is hoping theyll spend it at its annual public forum to discuss todays race and social justice issues.

The colleges Office of Multicultural Affairs is hosting a free forum discussing law enforcement and mass incarceration from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, in room 144-145 of Bert Walker Hall, 2111 Emmons Road.

The forum will reference 2017 figures from a Pew Research Center study that states African Americans make up 12 percent of the countrys population and 33 percent of the prison population, while white adults represent 64 percent of the countrys population and 30 percent of the prison population.

Panelists include Anthony Steward, retired prison warden and Jackson College adjunct professor; Bobby Beauchamp, Jackson Colleges Corrections Education Program director; Attorney George Lyons; Frank Hampton III, who will share a testimonial; local advocate Hakim Crampton; Michigan State Police Trooper Ted Gibbs; Machelle Pearson, Michigan Clemency Project; Jaqueline Williams, American Friends Service Committee Michigan Criminal Justice Program associate; Daniel Jones, Michigan Collaboration to End Mass Incarceration; Jose Burgos, State Appellate Defenders Office & Incarcerated Childrens Advocacy Network; and Demetrius Knuckles, The Great Minds Project founder.

For more information, contact Lee Hampton, Jackson College chief diversity officer, at 517-796-8470.
Is Iraq now a virtual US-occupied territory? By Thalif Deen View(s): View(s):

UNITED NATIONS (IPS)  Pat Buchanan, a senior advisor to three US Presidents and twice candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, once infamously described the United States Congress as Israeli-occupied territory  apparently because of its unrelentingly blind support for the Jewish state.

Never mind post-1967 Gaza, West Bank and the Golan Heights.

And now, with Iraq threatening to kick out the US military and the Trump administration refusing to leave the country, is Iraq turning out to be US occupied territory?

Last week, the Iraqi parliament demanded, in a vote mostly by Shia legislators, that US troops numbering more than 5,200 leave Iraq.

But the Trump administration has refused to concede to the demand prompting Iraq to accuse the US of violating sovereign territory and perhaps the UN charter.

Stephen Zunes, Professor of Politics and International Studies at the University of San Francisco who has written extensively on Middle East politics, told IPS: This is a clear violation of Iraqi sovereignty.

Having foreign forces within a countrys international border against the wishes of the host government and without a treaty commitment allowing them to be there is in effect a foreign military occupation and would give the Iraqis the legal right to use military force against them, said Zunes who serves as coordinator of the programme in Middle Eastern Studies.

Currently, the US has several military bases in Iraq, most of them described as Forwarding Operating Bases (FOB) going back to 2003.

These include Contingency Operating Base (COB), Contingency Operating Site (COS), Combat Outpost (COP), Patrol Base (PB), Outpost, Logistic Base (Log Base), Fire Base (FB), Convoy Support Center (CSC), Logistic Support Area (LSA) and Joint Security Station (JSS).

Perhaps most vital is the Green Zone a 10-square-kilometer area in central Baghdad, that was the governmental center of the Coalition Provisional Authority during the occupation of Iraq after the American-led 2003 invasion and now remains the center of the US and international presence in the city.

When the Iranians retaliated against the drone-killing of Major General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of Irans Quds Force, they hit the US military base Ayn Al Asad in western Iraq with a barrage of missiles last week.

That base hosts the largest number of US troops in Iraq.

And Iraq accused both the US and Iran of violating its national sovereignty with dual military attacks on Iraqi territory.

Since the US invasion of Iraq by the Bush administration in 2003, there have been more than 200,000 civilians who have been killed or injuredan invasion described as Washingtons greatest foreign policy disaster since Vietnam.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has threatened to impose sanctions on Iraq if it continues to demand US withdrawal from the country.

If they do ask us to leave, and if we dont do it on a friendly basis President Trump was quoted as saying, we will charge them sanctions, like theyve never seen before ever. It will make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame.

The US also argues that its military presence in Iraq is to help Iraqis fight ISIS designated a terrorist group by the US State Department.

Norman Solomon, founder and executive director of the Washington-based Institute for Public Accuracy (IPA), a consortium of policy researchers and analysts, told IPS history shows that respect for Iraqi sovereignty has never figured into the U.S. governments calculations.

Rhetoric has sometimes sounded nice, but the actual policy has revolved around the precept of might makes right

Whats happening now is consistent with that policy, sometimes more gracefully implemented with liberal verbiage from the White House, he pointed out.

The latest dynamics involve an approach to geopolitics that reflects a belief in Washington that the United States has the right to work its will on the world as much as feasible, said Solomon, IPAs coordinator of its ExposeFacts program.

Zunes said Trumps refusal to consider a withdrawal is not surprising, however.

Republicans, along with some leading Democrats and prominent media pundits, insisted that President Obama should have kept U.S. troops in Iraq beyond the 2011 deadline by which President Bush and the Iraqi government had agreed to complete the withdrawal.

This would have also been illegal. Obama was roundly criticized for his insistence on living up to the agreement and international law.

It will be interesting to see how Congress and the media react to Trumps defiance, said Zunes, who is also senior policy analyst for the Foreign Policy in Focus project of the Institute for Policy Studies.

Asked if there was a possible intervention by the UN, Solomon said what the United Nations can do about such matters is contingent on the extent to which the UN can extricate itself from U.S. veto power and intimidation of governments with political, military and economic blackmail.

There is little thats coherent about U.S. policies beyond flagrant self-interest for its extreme arrogance and military-industrial complex, said Solomon, author of War Made Easy: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death

Asked about the issue of sovereignty and violation of the UN charter, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters on January 13: The status as far as I understand, the status of US forces in Iraq is under a Status of Forces Agreement, which is negotiated bilaterally between Iraq and the United States, and those discussions should take place between the United States and Iraq.
SANTA CRUZ (BCN)

A 1-year-old girl was safely released and a suspect is in custody, ending a prolonged standoff, Santa Cruz police said on social media Friday.

"Baby Girl back in Grandma's loving arms!" was the post from @SantaCruzPolice about 6:30 p.m.

The department and Santa Cruz County sheriff's deputies had been search for the child and her suspected abductor, identified as Brian Sellen, since about 7 a.m. Friday.

Police had posted on Twitter that the child was kidnapped near a home at Front and Second streets.

Santa Cruz Police Department Chief Andrew Mills tweeted his happiness at the outcome.

"This is why we choose this profession," Mills wrote. "Baby rescued, suspect in custody and no one else hurt. It's a good day."

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.
January 18 : Recently Bollywood celebrities Genelia DSouza and Dia Mirza were spotted at the birthday party bash of the famous lyricist Javed Akhtar and we could not stop admiring their love of funky metallic fashion. Since it was the 75th birthday of Javed, he had organized a wonderful bash with some of the top personalities of the glam industry and this included Mukesh Ambani, Hrithik Roshan, Dia Mirza, Genelia and her husband, Deepika Padukone, and many others. If you have a personal love for metallic shades of grey, then this would be a great style cue for you.

Image Source: Cine Photos Genelia D'Souza with husband Reteish Deshmukh

Genelia DSouza wore a lovely light grey full-length dress that contained a lot of layers and frills. She looked cute as ever in her dimpled smile and posed for the cameras with ease. The actress posed with her husband Riteish Deshmukh. The actress went in for a baby pink lipstick and chunky statement earrings. Riteish looked dapper in a navy blue suit with a high collar and his cuffs contained a silver thread work, giving royal looks to his wear. The actress has last worked with her husband in a Marathi movie Mauli.

Image Source: Cine Photos Dia Mirza

Dia Mirza went in for the perfect sexy party outfit that any girl would love to wear, Her full-length dress spoke volumes of femininity and oomph in the form of stripes, thigh-high slots, and knots that focussed on her curves. She teamed up the look with silver glitzy heels, pink blush on her cheeks, and the most thing in her entire look was that innocent smile that radiated on her face. The actress was last seen in Kafir, where she played an innocent woman who ended up being suspected as a militant and was under the scrutiny of India and Pakistan.
Roberto Alvim, Brazil's cultural secretary, was fired after he used and paraphrased the words of Nazi leader Joseph Goebbels to promote a national art prize in an online video.

Alvim said: "Brazilian art in the next decade will be heroic and national," to Wagner's Lohengrin music which is said to be Hitler's favorite opera. Unfortunately, it outraged the Brazilians because the background of the video has a picture of Brazilian President Jair Bolosonaro and a Brazilian flag.

Alvim added, "It will be endowed with a great capacity for emotional involvement and will be equally imperative, since it is deeply linked to the urgent aspirations of our people, or else it will be nothing," The words used by the culture minister was said similar to Hitler's minister who told the group of theatre managers and directors in 1933: "German art in the next decade will be heroic, steely but romantic, factual without sentimentality; it will be nationalistic with a great depth of feeling; it will be binding and it will unite, or it will cease to exist."

However, on a Facebook post by Alvim, he said that what happened was a "rhetorical coincidence," Meanwhile, Bolsonaro has been criticized by the opponents since he has taken the office last year for pushing a more conservative cultural Christian agenda and cutting funds for arts and cinema projects.

President Bolsonaro's cultural war allies have said that they have lashed out what they called "cultural Marxism" and they also condemned everything from climate change to feminism.

Alvim made mention in his video that a $4.8 million prize fund will be set aside for theatre, opera, art, music exhibitions, and prioritizing conservative and religious themes.

Alvim said in a video "Virtues of faith, loyalty, self-sacrifice and the fight against evil will be raised to the sacred territory of works of art."

The video released by the culture minister provoked and outraged Brazilians that led him to the dismissal from his office. The culture minister said that when people become sick, the culture becomes sick too.

Moreover, the statement also caught the attention of Rodrigo Maia who is third in line to the presidency and is the speaker of the lower house of the leftwing Democrat party. He wrote on his twitter account, "The secretary of culture has crossed the line. It is unacceptable. The Brazilian government should urgently remove him from office."

President Jair Bolsonaro also posted on his Tweeter account about the dismissal of the culture minister. He wrote, "An unfortunate statement, though apologetic, made it untenable for him to stay on," Moreover, it was found out that the night when Alvim recorded the video, the president said to the culture minister "Now we have a real secretary of culture."

Alvim had been criticized for suggesting rock music encourages Satanism and abortion. Meanwhile, Alvim is a born-again Christian and took the office as the culture minister since November last year.
The two police commissionerates had been warning people going to their native places for Sankranti to be careful and inform the police about their locked houses.

Hyderabad: Despite assertions of increased patrolling by Cyberabad and Rachakonda police, burglars managed to break into 11 houses on a single day in Meerpet and Alwal areas.

The two police commissionerates had been warning people going to their native places for Sankranti to be careful and inform the police about their locked houses. They also stated that the police would increase patrolling in view of the burglary threat in locked houses.

At Gurramguda under Meerpet police station limits, thieves broke into seven houses located in the same colony. They reportedly left silver articles and chose to take away only gold and cash. Incidentally, 30 to 35 CCTV cameras had been installed in the locality where the burglaries took place. Special teams of Rachakonda police are scanning their footage to identify clues for zeroing in on the accused.

Rachakonda police had earlier mentioned that 10 special teams with armed personnel were being deployed along with patrolling vans in view of thieves raiding locked houses, whose inmates had gone to their native places.

DCP (Crimes) P. Yadagiri said that though burglars broke into seven houses, they could lay their hands on property in only one house.

Valuables worth around Rs 80,000, including gold ornaments, were stolen. Police teams are on the lookout for the accused, he said.

Meanwhile, Cyberabad police too had announced that they were increasing patrolling in residential areas in view of Sankranti. However, burglars still managed to loot four houses located in Lakshminagar Colony at Alwal. They stole around 13 tolas of gold and about Rs 3 lakh in cash from two of the houses, police said.

Sources said that though police could not get any footage of CCTV cameras in this area, they gathered fingerprints of suspects at one of the two houses burgled. Thieves ended up leaving their fingerprints when they consumed sweets stored in a vessel at the house.
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HM Amit Shah to launch POLNET 2.0 armed with multi-media

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Jan 18: Police communication services in the country are set for a major revamp with Union Home Minister Amit Shah expected to launch an upgraded POLNET 2.0, armed with a robust multi-media facility, next week here, officials said on Saturday.

The Directorate of Coordination Police Wireless (DCPW) that operates the POLNET or the police network services in the country has created a new and enhanced communication platform for police and security forces to better communicate during law and order problems and disasters including linkup from remote border and coastal areas.

The DCPW was set up in 1946 and it was placed under the Ministry of Home Affairs in 1950 with the primary mandate of coordination between state and central police and security agencies for radio communication and frequency allocation.

It has been operating the POLNET since 2006. The new platform is named POLNET 2.0 and for the first time it will provide video-conferencing facility to four entities sitting at different locations in the country with Internet-enabled multimedia services, the officials said.

Amit Shah seeks peoples support to CAA; reiterates Nitish to lead NDA in upcoming Bihar polls

Nirbhaya's parents slam Indira Jaising for suggesting to pardon Nirbhaya case convicts|Oneindia News

The home minister is expected to launch the new platform during a national conference of 'heads of public protection and disaster relief organisations' on January 20 to be held at Vigyan Bhawan here.

POLNET 2.0 will also have a phone calling facility for personnel of police and paramilitary forces deployed in remote areas to talk to their families. POLNET 2.0 will not only bring on one platform all disaster response and security forces like the NDRF, state and central forces, fire units and hospitals during disasters, it will also enable them to share photos, videos and other logistical data on a real-time basis, they said.

The new platform will work on the robust C-band satellite network as compared to the POLNET that works in the Ku-band, a senior official said.

"POLNET 2.0 will also connect about 260 remote police stations with the CCTNS (crime and criminal tracking network and systems) that aims to strengthen regular policing and crime investigation," DCPW Director Anand Swaroop told PTI.

Swaroop, an 1992-batch IPS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, said a successful 'proof of concept' for linking these remote police stations with CCTNS has been done in Lakhmipur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh.

After the launch of the POLNET 2.0, the home minister is expected to use it for interaction with the police chiefs of coastal and border states which have numerous remote and inaccessible locations.

State of economy is a temporary phase: Amit Shah

Shah will also launch the 'national communication standards' for police forces during the event that aims to bring seamless exchange of information and better interoperability between these forces.

Technical sessions for promoting 'Make in India' hardware in police communication will also be held during the two-day conference.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, January 18, 2020, 14:53 [IST]
Those living outside Ghana, commonly referred to as Ghanaians in the Diaspora, whether, Germany, the United States of America, Britain, Belgium, Holland, etc, praising the current inefficient government of the NPP, will not do so if they are living in Ghana. They are doing that because many of them are from the same tribe of the Ghanaian leader and also 'Dem belly full.'

The common Ghanaians wake up in the morning wondering where their meal will be coming from, they know what suffering is, they know what unemployment is, they know what the effect of sickness is when one has no money to go to the hospital, therefore, they dont even have the strength to glorify a political party.

I find it very disturbing and pure hypocrisy to read some articles from Ghanaians outside the country recommending the current disastrous leadership in Ghana, which has brought untold hardships to the common citizens, while those Ghanaians in the Diaspora are enjoying a good life and economies without stress.

In Europe or America, the cheapest commodity is food, ten dollars or Euros can get you something to feed on for even two days, depending on how you planned the day, yet in Ghana, 100 Ghc cant provide you anything special in the country due to the bad economy.

Yet, these writers who would have been the first people to vote out such an incompetent leader like Akufo Addo, if he were to be a president in any country in Europe or America, think Ghanaians are fools, therefore, they deserve a bad leader like Akufo Addo.

Give me a break, I have no time this morning to lay down the reasons I see Akufo Addo a complete failure because I have previously written them in most of my articles.

However, I will repeat this fact, once Akufo Addo refused to complete projects which belong to Ghana left by the former Ghanaian government, disqualifies him to be in office for the second time.

Those projects are not for the NDC, they are for development, care and comfort of the suffering Ghanaians, yet Akufo Addo due to hate and jealousy left those projects to be a waste.

So how can any intelligent Ghanaian or those in Diaspora argue with me that Akufo Addo is either a good leader or one who cares about Ghanaians? Any good or intelligent leader wouldn't do what Akufo Addo did.

This one of the reasons developed countries have no respect for either African leaders or Africans. We are seen as stupid, ignorant and people without intelligence. This is not true but our leaders' lack of thinking ability like what Akufo Addo did confirms it. What kind of a leader whether educated or not would do that?

When I read Ghanaian papers, the utterances made by some of Akufo Addo ministers reveal that they are morons and surely a country run by morons will never progress.

Are people afraid of Akufo Addo? Why journalists in the country cant tell Akufo Addo that he is a bad leader? Is it because of Ahmed Hussein-Suale's death?

Those Ghanaians in the Diaspora showering praises on the inefficiency leadership of Akufo Addo, are they sincere enough to admit that Ghanas depreciating economy is similar to the one they are enjoying in the countries that they live?

No moron should tell me that Ghana is an African country or poor, therefore, its economy cant be like a developed country because Ghana is not a poor country. The country is a hundred percent richer than many European countries, yet citizens are not suffering like the common Ghanaians.

I like talking about the common Ghanaians because they have no access to loot the state treasures or coffers but hundreds of Ghanaian politicians have, the reason greed and selfishness have prevented them to admit that Akufo Addo is a total disaster.

I have said it over and over that, I am neither for NPP nor the NDC but as a Ghanaian in the Diaspora and also a victim of land and financial fraud, I pray for good governance and leadership in the country.

The American president, Donald Trump, is now under impeachment for abuse of power. Akufo Addo, John Mahama, NDC, NPP politicians, and ministers, have been involved in serious corruption scandals, which one of them has been found guilty?

Ghana must be ruled by a good, intelligent and skilled leader, to attain a prosperous economy and an effective judiciary system. That will encourage investors and also inspire me to come home and settle in the future.
New Delhi, India  Protesters in India have launched a postcard campaign in which they plan to send thousands of letters to Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to rollback the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) seen as anti-Muslim.

Demonstrators in the Muslim-dominated Shaheen Bagh area of the Indian capital, New Delhi, on Saturday wrote postcards asking the Hindu nationalist leader to not force them to prove their citizenship.

CAA, passed by the Indian parliament last month, fast-tracks naturalisation of non-Muslim refugees from three neighbouring countries  Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan  who came to India before 2015.

The government says the law is aimed at helping persecuted minorities  Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians  in the three countries, but blocks naturalisation for Muslims.

The opposition parties and activists say the CAA violates Indias secular constitution and have challenged the law in the Supreme Court, which is due to hear multiple pleas next week.

Fears of losing citizenship

Coupled with a proposed nationwide National Register of Citizens (NRC), Muslims, who form nearly 15 percent of Indias 1.3 billion population, fear the moves are aimed at marginalising them, an allegation the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) denies.

However, the BJP government last month also launched a National Population Register (NPR) exercise, which activists say will serve as a database for an eventual NRC that will force people to show documentary evidence of their nationality.

The postcard campaign has been started by Friends of Shaheen Bagh, an informal collective [Bilal Kuchay/Al Jazeera]

The postcards being collected at Shaheen Bagh, a women-led epicentre of Indias anti-CAA protests, appealed to Modi to repeal the CAA and declare that Indians will not be forced to prove their citizenship.

191230062707469

Modi ji [an honorific in Hindi], please stop CAA, NRC and NPR. We completely reject these divisive acts on the basis of religion. Please dont divide India. We really love India, read one of the letters.

Another postcard by Noor Aisha said Muslims were not asked for any proof of nationality when they were fighting for freedom from the British rule.

When our country got freedom from British, no one was asked to prove their citizenship to be a part of the freedom struggle. Now, why is there a need to prove our citizenship after such a long time? she asked.

I dont need any proof to prove my Indian citizenship.

The postcard campaign has been started by Friends of Shaheen Bagh, an informal collective that includes, apart from women at Shaheen Bagh, journalists, academics and activists.

We collected almost 1,800 postcards today. This is our first event and we are planning to conduct similar events next week, Samiya Javed, 29, one of the activists behind the campaign told Al Jazeera.

We are focusing on Shaheen Bagh as of now and plan to expand it to Jaffarabad and Seelampuri, where the movement is being led by Muslim women, she added, referring to the other Muslim-majority areas in the Indian capital.

Javed said the postcards, written in English, Hindi and Urdu languages, will be collected over the weekend and sent to the Indian prime minister on Monday.

Join us for tea

Meanwhile, the women of Shaheen Bagh, who have been holding a sit-in at a highway for more than a month, also invited Modi to meet them on Saturday at their protest site.

191217070423101

We invite the Prime Minister of India to Shaheen Bagh to join us for tea, witness our resolve and listen to our concern, read a poster with hashtag #TumKabAaoge (When will you come).

On Indias Twitter, a similar hashtag in Hindi, which translates to Modi, when will you come to Shaheen Bagh was one of the top trends on Saturday.

But BJP spokesman Syed Shahnawaz Hussain told Al Jazeera Modi will not meet the Shaheen Bagh protesters.

Why would Prime Minister Modi go there? There are protests going at multiple places across the country. Does that mean the prime minister will go everywhere? he told Al Jazeera.

Both Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have made it clear that no Indian will lose citizenship under CAA. Its to give citizenship and not to take away anyones citizenship, Hussain added.

But the BJPs repeated denials have failed to reassure the protesters, with nationwide demonstrations against the CAA killing nearly 30 people so far.
Regarding Test services CEO defends SAT, ACT as UC faces suit (Jan. 10): While I agree with ACT Chief Executive Officer Marten Roorda that test scores can make up for a mediocre grade-point average, the University of California system shouldnt continue to require students to report standardized test scores. Instead, it should be an option.

First, students often stress too much about trying to get the highest score possible. Personally, I have taken five standardized tests  the ACT twice and the SAT three times. Knowing that UCs dont superscore gave me unnecessary stress as I had to get the best score in one sitting. Second, some students dont have the same test-prep opportunities as others. If students cannot afford to take test-prep classes, buy prep books, etc., they wont have the same chances to earn high scores as those who have the luxuries. To the University of California and all other colleges: We students would genuinely appreciate it if there was one less component in the application process to worry about.

Jenna OBrien, San Jose

Foregone conclusion

Regarding Senators promise impartial justice  (Page 1, Jan. 17): Americans used to scoff at the show trials put on by the old Soviet Union in which the end result was a foregone conclusion, thinking such would never happen here.

Now, with Sen. Mitch McConnell saying the trial will go according to the White House wishes and last no more than two weeks (much shorter than the trial of former President Bill Clinton) despite swearing to do impartial justice, we see that indeed it could and indeed is happening here now. Those who will vote for President Trump no matter what should hang their heads in deep shame. The rest of us need to head to the ballot box in November.

Steven Tracy, Davis

Track stolen devices

Regarding Easy money for thieves, hard lessons for victims (Jan. 16): Why is theft of laptops, tablets and phones even still a thing? These days most such devices come equipped with a find my device function that should allow the device to be located as soon as it is connected to the Internet or cellular service. Does that function not work?

Or does the thief network keep the device turned off until it is out of the country? Please provide a deeper analysis and recommendations about how to protect devices.

Jeff Johnson, San Francisco

Swear to be impartial

This message is basically for Chief Justice John Roberts, who will oversee the swearing in of the Senate jury when the impeachment trial is held: Since so many senators have expressed their opinions publicly that President Trump is innocent, it is important that each of the one hundred senators individually (not as a group) swear that he or she has not made up his or her mind about the guilt or innocence of the president! Why individually? The answer, I believe, is obvious.

Robert Skutch, Mill Valley

Obsolete stores

Now that online shopping is prevalent, expect to see and read more stories like Home goods chain is shutting stores (Business, Jan. 17), about the closure of many Pier 1 stores in the Bay Area. Perhaps at the end of the 2020s, the terms shopping mall or retail area will, like the term landline phone, become strangely obsolete.

Fiona MacPherson, San Jose

Medicare for All plan

Regarding First votes coming soon, but many questions linger (Page 1, Jan. 15): Characterizing Sen. Elizabeth Warrens transition plan to Medicare for All as not strikingly different from those proposed by more moderate Democrats and thinking it unrealistic given that most first-term presidents exhaust their political capital before that does a great disservice to Warrens plan.

The reality is a big issue with convincing people about Medicare for All is that it is a big unknown. It should be miles better but the public does not know that. Warren will start by getting stuff done immediately, like using executive power to lower pharmaceutical costs. Her second step is to automatically enroll people age 18 and under and 50 and over on the improved Medicare of Medicare for All and offer a public option for people outside those age ranges in such a way that almost everyone will have a family member on improved Medicare.

That builds support for it by convincing people that it can work, setting Democrats up to maintain the House and increase the Senate in 2022, when the Senate map is more favorable than this year. This may be our only way of getting Medicare for All done. Please provide it fair coverage.

Ellen Obstler, Petaluma

Unnecessary force

As an Alameda County resident, I am horrified and sadly unsurprised at the military-level action against the four homeless mothers being evicted from the abandoned house on Magnolia Street in Oakland.

Alameda County Sheriff Greg Aherns use of armored vehicles, a battering ram and a robot stems directly from the training received at the Urban Shield training and weapons expos that create scenarios for police/sheriffs to respond to as if to a terrorism situation or that of an occupying army. Viewing the community  in the persons of the Moms 4 Housing and their supporters  as the enemy is a mind-set that leads to police violence. Everyone should let Sheriff Ahern know we dont support his use of force.
100%

Website volunteersummernepal.org uses latest and advanced technologies like: JQuery. It is very popular on the web, it's within the 1 million most visited websites of the world at position 418379 by Alexa. It supports HTTPS. The main html page has a size of 64805 bytes (63.29 kb uncompressed).

This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-12-29, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.
A three-year-old girl was killed in a hit-and-run case along the Chakan-Talegaon road on Thursday. The victims five-year-old sibling was also injured in the accident.

According to the police, the rider of a motorbike which is reported to be Royal Enfield Bullet has not been identified yet.

The deceased has been identified as Fulbai Vinod Punwar, 3, while the injured has been identified as Khushi Vinod Punwar, 5. The incident took place at 10pm when the victims were crossing the road along with their father.

The three of them were approaching a shop called Prabhuram Chaudhari Purabji Traders which is near the incident spot. I have checked the CCTV footage of the incident from the shops camera, but cannot see the vehicles number plate or the face of the man riding the bike because of night time, said assistant sub-inspector (ASI) SR Waghule of Chakan police station who is investigating the case.

A complaint in the matter was lodged by the father of the children, Vinod Ramkaran Punwar, 27, who is homeless and resides with his family near Arogyam Hospital in Ranubai mala area of Khed. A tattoo artist by profession, Punwar is a native of Bassi area of Jaipur, Rajasthan, according to the police.

According to his complaint, the motorcycle rider was driving from Talegaon chowk towards the hospital when the complainant was crossing the road with his two daughters.

The biker did not stop after hitting the three pedestrians. The family was homeless and crossing the street to make a bed on the steps that lead to a shop which had shut for the day when the accident took place, according to the police.

A case under Sections 279 (rash driving or riding on a public way), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), 338, 304(a) (causing death due to negligence) of Indian Penal Code along with Sections 184, 134(b) and 177 of Motor vehicle Act has been registered at Chakan police station.

In another incident in Chakan, a 55-year-old postman was killed in a hit-and-run case.

The deceased has identified as Kisan Vishnu Shinde, a resident of Amboli, Khed. The incident happened at 7:15 am on Friday.
An EU-wide strategy to tackle online gender-based violence is needed, according to an Irish MEP.

Fine Gael's Maria Walsh who says she suffered online abuses during her European election campaign last year.
[January 17, 2020] Front Range BidCo, Inc. Commences Cash Tender Offers and Related Consent Solicitations for 6.00% Senior Notes due 2023, 6.375% Senior Notes due 2025 and 5.750% Senior Notes due 2027 of Zayo Group, LLC and Zayo Capital, Inc.

Front Range BidCo, Inc. (the "Company") announced today that it has commenced cash tender offers for any and all of the outstanding 6.00% Senior Notes due 2023 (the "2023 Notes"), 6.375% Senior Notes due 2025 (the "2025 Notes") and 5.750% Senior Notes due 2027 (together with the 2023 Notes and 2025 Notes, the "Notes"), each co-issued by Zayo Group (News - Alert), LLC and Zayo Capital, Inc. (together, the "Co-Issuers"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement, dated the date hereof (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Statement"), and in the related Consent and Letter of Transmittal (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, and collectively with the Statement, the "Offer Documents") (each offer to purchase a series of Notes, an "Offer" and collectively, the "Offers"). In connection with the Offers, and on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer Documents, the Company is soliciting consents of holders of each series of Notes (collectively, the "Consent Solicitations") to authorize the elimination of substantially all of the restrictive covenants, certain reporting obligations, certain events of default and related provisions contained in the applicable indenture governing such Notes (the "Proposed Amendments"). Holders may not tender their Notes without delivering their consents to the Proposed Amendments and may not deliver consents to the Proposed Amendments without tendering their related Notes. A valid withdrawal of tendered Notes at or before the Withdrawal Deadline (as defined hereinafter) will constitute the valid revocation of consents. The early tender deadline for each Offer is 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on January 31, 2020 (such time and date with respect to each Offer, as it may be extended, the "Early Tender Date"), and each Offer will expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the end of the day on February 14, 2020 (such time and date with respect to each Offer, as it may be extended, the "Expiration Date"), in each case, unless earlier terminated by the Company. Notes tendered may be withdrawn at any time at or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on January 31, 2020 (such time and date with respect to each Offer, as it may be extended, the "Withdrawal Deadline") but not thereafter, except in certain limited circumstances as described in the Offer Documents. The Company may extend an Early Tender Date without extending the related Withdrawal Deadline. The table below summarizes certain payment terms of the Offers and the Consent Solicitations:







CUSIP Nos./ISINs Outstanding

Principal

Amount of

Notes Description

of Notes Tender

Consideration* Early

Participation

Premium* Total

Consideration* CUSIP: 989194AJ4, 989194AM7, U98832AE5 ISIN: US989194AJ41, US989194AM79, USU98832AE54 $1,430,000,000 6.00% Senior

Notes due 2023 $990.00 $30.00 $1,020.00 CUSIP: 989194AK1, 989194AL9, 989194AN5, U98832AF2, U98832AG0 ISIN: US989194AK14, US989194AL96, US989194AN52, USU98832AF20, USU98832AG03 $900,000,000 6.375% Senior

Notes due 2025 $990.00 $30.00 $1,020.00 CUSIP: 989194AP0, U98832AH8 ISIN: US989194AP01, USU98832AH85 $1,650,000,000 5.750% Senior

Notes due 2027 $990.00 $30.00 $1,020.00

* Per $1,000 principal amount of Notes. Holders validly tendering Notes at or before the applicable Early Tender Date will be eligible to receive the applicable Total Consideration with respect to the Notes tendered. Holders validly tendering Notes after the applicable Early Tender Date but at or before the applicable Expiration Date will be eligible to receive only the applicable Tender Consideration for such Notes, which is equal to the applicable Total Consideration less the applicable Early Participation Premium. In addition, holders whose Notes are purchased in the Offers will receive accrued and unpaid interest in respect of their purchased Notes from the last interest payment date of such Notes up to, but not including, the applicable settlement date for such Notes. Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable Offer being satisfied or waived, the Company will, following the applicable Expiration Date, accept for purchase all Notes of the applicable series validly tendered at or before such Expiration Date (and not validly withdrawn at or before the applicable Withdrawal Deadline). The Company will pay the applicable Total Consideration or the applicable Tender Consideration, as the case may be, for the Notes accepted for purchase promptly following the acceptance of such Notes for purchase. The Company's obligation to consummate the Offers is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, which are more fully described in the Statement, including, among others, (i) with respect to each series of Notes, the receipt of validly delivered consents to the Proposed Amendments from holders representing at least a majority of the aggregate principal amount of such series of Notes then outstanding, (ii) the execution and delivery by the Co-Issuers and the trustee of a supplemental indenture with respect to each series of Notes implementing the Proposed Amendments to the applicable indenture, (iii) the substantially concurrent consummation of the merger of the Company with and into Zayo Group Holdings, Inc. (the "Merger") on the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated May 8, 2019 (as amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified from time to time), by and among Front Range TopCo, Inc., the Company and Zayo Group Holdings, Inc. and (iv) the consummation of debt financing on terms satisfactory to the Company that yields sufficient net cash proceeds to fund the Total Consideration for all of the outstanding Notes. If the Merger is completed but the applicable Consent Solicitation with respect to a series of Notes is not completed, the Co-Issuers will be obligated to conduct an offer to purchase all outstanding Notes of such series in accordance with the applicable indenture at a purchase price equal to 101.0% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but not including, the date of repurchase (such offer, a "change of control offer"). The applicable Total Consideration for each series of Notes offered in the applicable Offer is higher, and the applicable Tender Consideration is lower, than the change of control offer price under a change of control offer for such Notes. The consummation of the Merger is not conditioned upon, either directly or indirectly, the consummation of the Offers or the Consent Solicitations. Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC are acting as joint-lead dealer managers and solicitation agents (the "Dealer Managers and Solicitation Agents") for the Offers and the Consent Solicitations. Questions regarding the terms of the Offers and the Consent Solicitations can be directed to the Dealer Managers and Solicitation Agents, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC at (800) 820-1653 (toll free) and (212) 538-1862 (collect) and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC at (800) 624-1808 (toll free) and (212) 761-1864 (collect). The information and tender agent for the Offers and Consent Solicitations is Global Bondholder Services Corporation. Holders with questions or who would like additional copies of the Offer Documents may call Global Bondholder Services Corporation, toll-free at (866) 807-2200 or (212) 430-3774 (collect). This news release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell the Notes. The Offers and the Consent Solicitations are being made only pursuant to the Offer Documents that the Company will be distributing to holders promptly. Holders and investors should read carefully the Offer Documents because they contain important information, including the various terms of and conditions to the Offers and the Consent Solicitations. None of the Company, the Dealer Managers and Solicitation Agents, the information and tender agent or their respective affiliates is making any recommendation as to whether or not holders should tender all or any portion of their Notes in the Offers or deliver their consents in the Consent Solicitations. About Zayo Group Zayo Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ZAYO) provides mission-critical bandwidth to the world's most impactful companies, fueling the innovations that are transforming our society. Zayo's 133,000-mile network in North America and Europe includes extensive metro connectivity to thousands of buildings and data centers. Zayo's communications infrastructure solutions include dark fiber, private data networks, wavelengths, Ethernet, dedicated internet access and data center colocation services. Zayo owns and operates a Tier 1 IP backbone and 44 carrier-neutral data centers. Through its CloudLink service, Zayo provides low-latency private connectivity that attaches enterprises to their public cloud environments. Zayo serves wireless and wireline carriers, media, tech, content, finance, healthcare and other large enterprises. For more information, visit zayo.com. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements Information provided and statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the applicable securities laws. Certain statements in this press release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to the Merger and Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.'s future outlook and anticipated events, business, operations, financial performance, financial condition or results and, in some cases, can be identified by terminology such as "may"; "will"; "should"; "expect"; "plan"; "anticipate"; "believe"; "intend"; "estimate"; "predict"; "potential"; "continue"; "foresee", "ensure" or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. The reader should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. The Company will not update these statements unless applicable securities laws require it to do so. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200117005473/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
A man fatally shot Wednesday night as he was standing in the parking lot of a Northwest Side fast food restaurant was identified.

Kyle Gregory Warren, 30, died from a gunshot wound to the chest, the Bexar County Medical Examiners Office said.

San Antonio Police said Warren was standing outside of a vehicle when he was fatally shot at about 8:45 p.m. in the parking lot of McDonalds at 8349 Culebra Road.

He was taken to University Hospital in critical condition where he was pronounced dead at 9:12 p.m., investigators said.

Police said a man and woman were in a vehicle that drove away after the shooting, but no suspects were identified as of Friday.

The vehicle in which Warren arrived at the parking lot was also missing. Police have not said whether it belonged to him or if he was alone.

A police sergeant said marijuana was strewn about the scene, and that they did not find any shell casings.

Jacob Beltran is a reporter covering San Antonio and Bexar County. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | jbeltran@express-news.net | Twitter: @JBfromSA
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 01:46:01|Editor: zyl

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Protesters clash with the riot police in Beirut, Lebanon, on Jan. 18, 2020. Heavy clashes broke out on Saturday in downtown Beirut between protesters and the riot police, causing at least 100 injuries, TV channel MTV reported. (Photo by Bilal Jawich/Xinhua)



BEIRUT, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Heavy clashes broke out on Saturday in downtown Beirut between protesters and the riot police, causing at least 100 injuries, TV channel MTV reported.

The clashes broke out following the attempts by protesters to break barbed barriers set up by security forces at the entrance of the roads leading to the parliament's headquarters.

Protesters threw stones and tree branches at security forces, while riot police responded by using water cannons and tear gas.

Security forces issued a statement calling on peaceful protesters to move away as the riot police is being attacked at the entrance of the parliament.

Lebanon has been witnessing nationwide protests since Oct. 17, 2019 against the ruling political class.

Protesters have been demanding a technocrat government of independent ministers capable of implementing reforms and fighting against corruption.
After recent events reignited long-simmering concerns around race relations in Riverton, many in the community are planning events to move forward and show that area residents can be united.

A talking circle on Saturday will allow the community to discuss the recent shooting of a 58-year-old Northern Arapaho man and heal from the aftermath. An annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day walk on Monday will include students from several school districts  just weeks after some Riverton students were disciplined for wearing attire associated with a violent and racist group.

Those two recent events in Riverton have prompted community members to confront concerns from some that the city  which borders the Wind River Reservation  isnt a welcoming or understanding place for those from different backgrounds.

Last September, Northern Arapaho tribal member Anderson Antelope was shot and killed by a Riverton Police Department officer after authorities said he stabbed the officer with a knife outside a Walmart store. The Fremont County attorney in late November determined the shooting was justified after an investigation.

Then, last month, Riverton school leaders disciplined some students after photos surfaced of them wearing white robes and hoods  attire associated with the Klu Klux Klan.

That incident, organizers of Mondays walk said, once again thrust (Riverton and Fremont County) onto the national stage by negative publicity about race relations.

These incidents dont just happen in isolation, said Chesie Lee, a Riverton resident who heads the Riverton Peace Mission.

That group  which was officially formed last year  is one of the organizers of Saturdays event. The group was created to help erase divides between Native and non-Native residents of the city.

Lee said she and others had wanted to work to some sort of solution or host an awareness event in the wake of the shooting and dearth of information. But when the planned inquest  meant to provide transparency to the public and family of Antelope  was indefinitely called off, Lee said she knew her group needed to organize something.

Saturdays event will include trained facilitators with expertise in the talking circle approach posing questions, as well as opportunities for those in attendance to voice their opinions and listen to others.

Lee said childcare and food will be provided at the talking circle. It takes place from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Central Wyoming College Intertribal Center.

After Saturday, Lee said she hopes to start seeing improved relationships between all area and Riverton residents and a better understanding of the historical trauma faced by Native Americans, like citizens of the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribes.

The event, she said, will try to create the vehicle for that to happen.

While Saturdays event is a first step, Lee said she hopes it prompts continued discussion and generates potential solutions, adding that similar initiatives prior to this lost momentum before substantive solutions could be attempted.

Im hoping that the big difference is that there will be something we can work on to follow through, she said.

Following the Saturday event, the 17th annual Fremont County Martin Luther King Jr. Day/Equality Day Walk for Unity will be more poignant than in past years given the recent events at Riverton High School.

The walk to Riverton City Hall will start at the City Park at 10 a.m. Monday and include speakers, with each of the six Fremont County school districts participating in the event. The walk is sponsored by the Wyoming Indian High School Traditional Club, Riverton Chamber of Commerce and Fremont County Celebrates Diversity, according to organizers.

This year the walk will be big, Colleen Whalen, one of the walks organizers, said in a news release earlier this week. Today, because of the ignorant actions of a few students seeking attention, interest is high and everyone is going to show up. I worked in Riverton High School (RHS) and I know those two boys do not represent the student body or the staff. Students, staff and parents were horrified and ready to react in a positive way.

This isnt the first time those in Riverton have had to address questions of how members of underrepresented communities are treated, though. Lee, one of the organizers of Saturdays event, said the shooting of two Native Americans at a detox center in the city by a white man in 2015 prompted conversations about the racial tensions in Riverton.

And, the first Martin Luther King Jr. Day walk in Fremont County in 2003 was organized by Wyoming Indian High School students after the World Church of the Creator in 2002 announced its intentions to relocate its headquarters to Riverton. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the group  which is now known as the Creativity Movement  and its members follow violent neo-Nazi, white supremacist ideals.

Hundreds, between more than 700 and 800, turned out for that first walk. Organizers are hoping for a similar turnout this year.

The Martin Luther King Walk of 2003 was very important for us. We stood up against bigotry and white supremacy as a community, said Samuel Iron Cloud, a Wyoming Indian High School graduate who helped organize the first walk, according to Whalen. This is just as important today. I think it is crucial that we remain unite and not divided, especially with the current state of our nation. Its important we stand together as one!

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Once you've finished Tiger King, ticked off Love is Blind and binged more rom-coms than you can shake a stick at, you may find your brain yearning for something a little more intellectually stimulating.

And if it's learning about the illustrious names within the fashion industry that you're after, then fashion documentaries are a very good place to start.

There's a host of films which have been made over the years which have been granted access into some of the elusive and prestigious fashion houses in the world and the cinematic results are as fabulous as the subjects featured.

From The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards, which is a delve into the world of Spanish footwear designer Manolo Blahnik, to McQueen, which is contrastingly a powerful portrayal of the immensely talented late designer.

In a period which looks to be short of parties and social events, it seems as good a time as any to hunker down and swot up on your fashion knowledge.

Peep our list of ten binge-worthy fashion documentaries below.

Valentino: The Last Emperor (2008)

When Valentino Garavani announces his retirement from his eponymous brand in 2007, ripples of disbelief trickled throughout the fashion industry.

The Last Emperor follows the designer as he prepares for his farewell fashion show, 50 years after founding the label.

Dior & I (2014)

Raf Simons at the end of his first couture collection for Dior in July 2012 (Getty Images ) / Getty Images

Dior & I follows the brand's newly appointed-creative director, Raf Simons, as he pulls out all the stops for the fabled French fashion house's autumn/winter 2012 couture collection.

The film shows an affable Simons in his first eight weeks in the job, as he works alongside his new colleagues to get the job done.

Jeremy Scott: The Peoples Designer (2015)

This film charts Scott's rags-to-riches journey from humble beginnings in rural Missouri to his current position as creative director of Italian fashion house, Moschino.

Keep your eyes peeled for a handful of cameos from his celeb friends, including Miley Cyrus, Rita Ora and Katy Perry.

In Vogue: the Editors Eye (2015)

Anna Wintour in 2019 / AFP via Getty Images

In honour of the iconic fashion magazine's 120th anniversary, this film speaks with American Vogue's editors as they discussed what it took to bring some of their best-loved editorial spreads to life.

As well as the editors, the documentary also features a host of famous faces, including interviews with Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton creative director, Nicolas Ghesquiere and Nicole Kidman.

The True Cost (2015)

This seminal documentary asks the question: what's the true cost of fashion?

It acknowledges the ethical elements of mass-production which, until recently, big brands had been able to ignore.

However, the films' director adamantly stated upon its release that, "the film is not a guilt trip."

The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards (2017)

Manolo Blahnik in The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards (Music Box Films ) / Music Box Films

Hailed "the king of shoes" but celebrity fans and industry insiders alike, Manolo Blahnik, is often referred to as one of the greatest shoemakers of the 21st century.

His love of footwear began when he was just a child and in this illuminating film, the Spanish shoemaker discusses his career.

Expect cameos from Rihanna, Sarah Jessica Parker and Anna Wintour.

McQueen (2018)

Ann Ray

The son of an East London taxi driver, Alexander Lee McQueen went on to become a true fashion visionary, launching his eponymous brand in 2004.

McQueen is an honest and visceral portrait of one of the industry's true legends and follows his truly inspirational journey.

Read our interview with the film's directors here.

7 Days Out (2018)

AFP/Getty Images

This Netflix-produced offering delves follows fashion legend and ex-Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld as he prepares for the maison's spring/summer 2018 couture collection.

The film follows him through fittings, castings and backstage at the Grand Palais on show day.

And coming this year...

Martin Margiela: In His Own Words (expected in 2020)

Belgian Martin Margiela is one of fashion's most elusive figures - he dramatically "left" the industry in 2009 - and this film is no different.

Margiela's face is never shown in the film, only his hands as he writes and works with garments.

House of Cardin (2020)

Pierre Cardin in the House of Cardin (House of Cardin)

Pierre Cardin had a profound impact on the fashion industry in the swinging sixties and the French mogul's impact can't be underestimated.
Gurugram, Jan 18 : While the millennium city is emerging as the medical tourism destination with over 30 multi-speciality hospitals, the civil hospital here registering over 10,000 footfalls a day are "referring patients to other government hospitals, such as Delhi's AIIMS, Safdarjung and PGI Rohtak, due to lack of specialist doctors".

According to a Right to Information (RTI) plea filed by Mohit Khatana, a resident, the city has only one government hospital at sector 10 and patients' referral to AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital had increased three-times in 2019 over 2018.

Khatana had sought data on patients being referred to those two Delhi hospitals in the last 6 years as the medical facility for lower income group residents here was of low grade.

According to data provided by the Health Department, 1,694 critically ill patients were referred to AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospitals in 2019, against 453 in 2018. It was 356 in 2017, 459 in 2016, 221 in 2015 and 221 in 2014.

According to doctors, the Gurugram civil hospital lacks cardiologist, neurosurgeon, surgeon and urologist as many of the specialists have joined private hospitals as the salary is 6-8 times higher than in the government hospital.

J.S. Punia, Gurugram civil surgeon, admitted shortage of specialists. "We have secondary level treatment facility available in the hospital and we refer patients having critical illness," Punia said.
DMW boss Davido who was called out on social media a few days ago for audio signing and copyright issues by Peruzzis former labels CEO King Patrick, has taken to social media to shade the latter.

Taking to his Twitter page, Davido penned down an advice to depressed people saying that they should that they are not alone.

Read Also: Golden Boy CEO Releases Audio Of Peruzzi Singing Fia, Claims Davido Stole It

He tweeted;

If youre feeling depressed, remember that youre not alone. God is with you always. Dont be afraid to reach out to people in your family, your church, or your friend circles.Ask them to pray with you and not give u drugs ! Hope u feel better bro. Crackhead!

King Patrick have since fired back insinuating that Peruzzi pimped out Chioma who was his alleged side chick to Davido.

The Golden Boy CEO tweeted; If youre Feeling stupid and youre out there popping babies and giving girls STDs, dont be sad, reach out to loved ones and get advise from your Huncho on how to fuck his Side Chick and pimp her out to you as his cousin.. Lets be guided pls. Incest is a Sin.
All 176 passengers and crew aboard Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 died when it was shot down soon after take-off from Tehran International Airport earlier this month.

The flight recorders from the airliner which was accidentally shot down by Iranian forces will be sent to Ukraine, an Iranian official has said.

All 176 passengers and crew aboard Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 died when it was shot down soon after take-off from Tehran International Airport earlier this month, Sky News reported.

Four British nationals were among those killed, but most of the victims were from Iran and Canada.

Read alsoUkrainian experts on PS752 crash site were first ones to find out about missile hit

Hassan Rezaifar, director of accident investigations at Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation, said they plan to use U.S., French and Canadian expertise and "try to read the (flight data recorder) in Kyiv," the Tasnim news agency said.

"If this effort is unsuccessful then the black box will be sent to France," Mr Rezaifar commented, adding that they will not be read in Iran.

The admission by the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that it had "unintentionally" shot down the plane provoked thousands of Iranians to take to the streets in protest.

Tehran had initially denied involvement in the disaster, which occurred less than a week after Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad.

Senior figures in the country's government at first claimed the U.S. was partly responsible for the crash.

But last Saturday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed "deep sympathy" to the victims, and said the armed forces must "pursue probable shortcomings and guilt in the painful incident".

At the time, the country's military was on high alert fearing possible retaliation for a series of attacks it launched on U.S. assets in Iraq in response to the assassination of Major General Soleimani.

President Donald Trump initially said no Americans were harmed by the missile attack, but on Friday, the U.S. Defence Department admitted 11 of its personnel were injured.

Britain's ambassador to Iran, Rob Macaire, was arrested during protests in Tehran and held in custody for more than an hour in what foreign secretary Dominic Raab called a "flagrant violation of international norms".

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, who has been pressing for a full investigation into the plane downing in which 57 Canadians died, said on Friday that Iran should send the black boxes to France for analysis.

He told reporters France was one of the few countries with the ability to read the flight and cockpit data recorders, which he said were badly damaged.
Put simply, there are no two documents more important to American jurisprudence than the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration Independence. The latter expresses several American ideals -- freedom from unreasonable government, the right to be left to chart one's own course, an equal chance to make as fulfilling a life as anyone else and many others. The former establishes the framework by which these ideals will be protected, nurtured and regulated. Put together, they are a masterwork of statesmanship that would provide the legal foundation for the nascent United States.

Much has changed since the Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia in the spring of 1775. Yet, the Declaration Independence, written during that session, remains the de facto expression of the American ideal -- freedom from tyranny, freedom to live life as one chooses, freedom simply to be happy.

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Happiness is mentioned specifically in the Declaration, an addition that becomes somewhat unusual upon further scrutiny. Why? After all, British troops were encroaching upon the lives of American colonists and militias were being assembled to prepare for war. Despite this civic unrest, the concept of happiness figured prominently enough in the mind of author Thomas Jefferson that he chose to include it in the first paragraph of the document. What's more, his fellow members in the congress -- who heavily edited Jefferson's draft -- chose to include it in the final version.

In the document, the natural rights granted by the "Creator" for an individual's "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" are described by Jefferson as "self-evident" [source: Cornell]. Exactly where Thomas Jefferson got the words is far from self-evident, however.
At a time when negativity abounds, the members of musical group All Music Is Power are trying to bring something positive into others' lives, especially to those who already face so many challenges.

The non-profit organization tours schools around the state, providing free concerts to special education students.

"It's really about the power of music. It's the power of how it gets into your bones, how it gets into your head, how it gets into your heart," said band leader Donny Brown.

AMP began five years ago when its administrator, Mark Lyons, decided to bring in a local musician for his special education class at Bay-Arenac ISD. He contacted Andy Reed of Bay City to play and Reed in turn asked if he could bring Brown, a Saginaw native. Lyons, who had seen Brown on MTV, agreed.

"After Andy and Donny came in and played for my students, they reacted to the music in an awesome way," Lyons said.

Brown, now the band leader, is part of a core group of five musicians for AMP who each have experience with disabled youth. The group travels in a five-vehicle caravan, reaching out to students in Midland, Bay City and Saginaw as well as Caro and Sandusky. Last year they performed at the TCF Center in Detroit in front of 5,000 educators.

The music is a variety of oldies including "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" by Jackie DeShannon and "Lean on Me" by Bill Withers as well as more modern songs such as music from family albums that Brown wrote for the band Verve Pipe and Randy Newman's "You've Got a Friend in Me" from the Toy Story franchise. Each song is chosen because it has a certain message that AMP wants to emulate.

"The really beautiful thing about it is that it kind of takes you back to the joy of making music as a kid when you see these kids' reactions. It's so true, it's so real," Brown said.

AMP also considers the different challenges that the students face whether it be with mobility or sensitivity to their environment. The band travels with its own programable lighting and electric drums which can be turned down to a lower volume setting. Last year they even brought in exercise balls for the kids to drum on during a song.

"We've kind of added one thing to a show every time," Lyons said.

Everyone is invited to participate in the performance. Teachers are brought up to sing while students are encouraged to play instruments either during or after the concerts.

"They get right with us on the microphones." Brown stated. "Everybody should be included in some way, shape or form."

The concerts' effect on the students has been seen by every member of AMP. Lyons has noticed that disabilities are forgotten once a student hears music and the joyful energy the band exudes is catching. He has seen what he calls "magic moments" at every show, where a student opens up. One student, who was downhearted upon hearing he didn't get a part in the school play, lit up when he heard "You've Got a Friend in Me" and was pulled onstage to show off his singing talent. Another student who was more reserved and didn't like large groups eventually joined in dancing with friends.

"It's typically the student that you do not think something will come out of," Lyons said.

AMP also makes a focus to give back to the community. Before its shows, the group will contact local high schools to see if students in the special education program need to fulfill volunteer hours and will have them help set up. AMP is reaching out to Midland Noon Rotary and Midland Lions clubs to make a positive impact on the community. In turn, AMP receives support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs as well as the locally based Dstreet Music Foundation.

"It's like a family," Lyons stated.

"I believe that in 2020 All Music Is Power has a lot of great things on the horizon," Brown said.

For more information about AMP, visit allmusicispower.com.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 21:58:39|Editor: huaxia

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TEHRAN, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The black box of a passenger plane which crashed over Tehran's airspace earlier this month will be sent to Ukraine for reading the data, an official in Iran's Aviation Organization said on Saturday.

"The black box cannot be read in Iran, and following the request of the Ukrainians, it will be sent to Ukraine," said Hassan Rezaeefar, the director of Incident Investigation of Iran's Aviation Organization, the Iranian Daneshjoo news agency reported.

If the black box cannot be read in Ukraine, it will be sent to France for the same purpose, Rezaeefar said.

On Jan. 8, a Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 passenger plane crashed near Tehran, and all of the 176 people on board were killed.
Puffer jackets are always a staple this time of the year, but if youre looking to make a more environmentally friendly shift in 2020 then you might want to know about 'FLWRDWN.'

Pangaia, a sustainable clothing company, is now selling puffer jackets stuffed with wildflowers as an alternative to goose- and duck-down jackets.

Available in two different lengths, the Italian-made puffer jackets are stuffed with FLWRDWN: a material made from natural dried wildflowers thats vegan, biodegradable, hypoallergenic and cruelty-free.

After ten years of research, the brand has taken everything into account as the flowers it selects are from areas which contribute to habitat restoration and have a hand in helping conserve a species of local butterflies.

Pangaia

As such, Pangaia claims that the patented process results in a reduction of greenhouse gas production.

Chief Innovation Officer Amanda Parkes, PhD, tells the Evening Standard, The launch of FLWRDWN exemplifies PANGAIAs overall brand philosophy of high tech naturalism where the future of creating a sustainable fashion industry involves using existing natural materials, like agricultural waste, that are augmented by scientific and technology processes.

Pangaia

We are working towards other new innovations in this realm to bring an entirely new material library into commercial reality, she continued.

The hooded puffer jackets are stylish and classic, available in two different lengths. The shorter jacket, which is priced at 445, is available in black and off-white, while the longer 625 version is available in navy.

The longer jacket also has removable sleeves and you can also adjust the length of it, if you'd prefer to wear it as a gilet.

Pangaia

The puffers can be purchased online alongside their other eco-focused products, including T-shirts crafted from seaweed fibre and dyed with botanicals and recycled cotton leisurewear.

Where to buy Pangaia's vegan puffer jackets

Pangaia Short Puffer Jacket - Off White

Pangaia

445 | Pangaia | Buy it now

Pangaia Long Puffer Jacket - Navy

Pangaia
Greta Thunberg, the visibly disturbed child who is being exploited by climate fraudsters, may be able to draw a crowd abroad, but back home in Sweden, taxpayers have grown weary of throwing money at "climate policy" to no effect. The Swedish Taxpayers Association conducted a poll that received 18,000 replies, and found that spending on climate is regarded as the worst waste of tax money in 2019. Via Google Translate, the newspaper Skattebetalarna reports:

Swedish climate policy is the worst waste of the year 2019. At least when the Swedish people are allowed to decide. Climate policy is therefore awarded the award by the Taxpayers' Waste Ombudsman. - The government has more than doubled the appropriations for climate policy, but despite this, emissions no longer decrease. In 2018, emissions even increased. That is why climate policy has been voted the worst waste of the year, says Johan Gustafsson, Waste Ombudsman at the Taxpayers' Association. With over 18,000 votes, it was a new record in the number of votes for the competition's worst waste of the year and 30 percent of the votes landed on climate policy. (snip) Allocations to climate policy have more than doubled in recent years, while emissions have basically ceased to decrease. In the government's budget for 2020, 12.6 billion [krona, equivalent to $1.3 billion] is allocated for climate policy, compared with 5.2 billion in 2014. But despite this, emissions no longer decrease. Last year, emissions increased even marginally.

Sweden's per capita spending on climate would amount to $33.8 billion if the United States spent at the same rate. Incidentally, thanks to the natural gas produced by fracking replacing coal for electrical generation, U.S. CO2 emissions are declining, unlike Sweden's.



Greta Thunberg addresses the EU Parliament for some reason in 2019.

Photo credit: David Levy (cropped).

Don't expect St. Greta to go to North Dakota or Texas to thank frackers for doing the most to reduce CO2 emissions.

Hat tip: Tim Blair, Daily Telegraph of Australia, and John McMahon.
GPblog was present at the major media update on Friday and asked circuit director Robert van Overdijk about the renovations to Circuit Zandvoort. Is everything ready for Formula 1 in the Netherlands for the next three years or will things change in 2021 and 2022?

"We are first focusing on this year," Van Overdijk begins his story. Where Zandvoort is now standing, the circuit director is already very proud. "What we put here is quite unique in itself. We first focus on the first year to make it a great event and from the things we learn from it, we will undoubtedly take things to 2021 and 2022."

Read more Lammers hopes lack of Zandvoort data will make drivers "hungry"

The interest in the event is so high and that is only good for Zandvoort. "Fortunately, we have already sold a number (not specified, ed.) Of tickets for years two and three. People just want to be there for the next three years."

Zandvoort was in close contact with FIA

Just like Jan Lammers, we asked Van Overdijk whether the 2021 rules had already been taken into account during the renovation of the circuit in recent months.

"It is focused on the current rules. The moment that small adjustments have to be made from the new regulations, then that is possible. But everything is focused on the current F1 car and everything has happened in accordance with the FIA," Lammers said.
TikTok, the social media app that is surging in popularity among teens and young adults, is to establish a new European base in Dublin with 100 people.

The company's EMEA trust and safety hub is to be headed up by Facebook's Dublin-based head of community operations, Cormac Keenan.

Mr Keenan is expected to become the company's liaison with Irish and European regulators, including the new Online Safety Commission proposed by the Government.

TikTok, which has almost a billion users and is owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, is not making the Dublin office an official European headquarters, with London set to remain the platform's second-biggest global office, behind Los Angeles.

TikTok's Dublin office will remain at WeWork's Harcourt Road premises. It also operates from a WeWork facility in London.

The Dublin office will become TikTok's third global trust and safety hub, following San Francisco and Singapore.

An Ipsos MRBI survey this week put TikTok as the fastest-growing social network in Ireland, with 6pc of all adults using it, up from 2pc six months ago.

However, it is most popular with teenagers, with some surveys claiming that it is installed on the phones of more than a third of Irish teens.

TikTok was the second most downloaded app in the US App Store last year, with similar rates of adoption in Europe.

Earlier this month, the platform was discovered to have a security flaw that could redirect users to a malicious website.

However, the company has said that no TikTok user accounts were breached or attacked through the flaw.

TikTok has also courted controversy in recent months with accusations of censorship over Hong Kong protests against a Chinese security crackdown.

"For people to feel comfortable expressing themselves, they must feel safe," said Alex Zhu, president of TikTok.

"The establishment of this new EMEA hub in Dublin and Cormac's appointment is part of our ongoing commitment to prioritise user safety by continuously strengthening the policies, technologies and strategies that both facilitate freedom of creative expression and protect users from harm."

He added: "This hub, under Cormac's leadership, will shape a more localised content policy approach that aligns with the values, standards and norms of our key markets across the region."
(Natural News) In case you didnt fully realize that something big is about to take place in America, file these two facts in your brain:

Fact #1: The U.S. military, Carrier Strike Group Four (CSG4), is jamming GPS signals from Jan 16th  24th, which may overlap the planned deep state false flag event in Richmond, Virginia. Richmond is just at the margins of the range of the GPS jamming exercise map released by the military (see below). The epicenter of the so-called exercise is off the coast of Georgia. The official FAA announcement claims no jamming will take place on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday next week, but we dont trust the FAA, so your mileage may vary. Remember, too, that 90% of the American population below the age of 30 has never read a paper map and cant use a compass.

The GPS jamming exercise continues through Jan. 24th and effects South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Eastern Tennessee, Alabama and all of Florida. The AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) has posted details of the warning here.

The FAA has also issued a flight advisory warning aircraft pilots that GPS will fail for several hours each day during this military jamming exercise. See:

www.FAAsafety.gov/files/notices/2020/Jan/CSG4_20-01_GPS_Flight_Advisory.pdf

Map of the Carrier Strike Group Four GPS testing

Here are the areas that will be impacted:

Note that this is the U.S. military testing GPS jamming capabilities in anticipation of an event that would require such jamming (obviously). Consider the convergence of events now shaping up:

 The impeachment trial of President Trump by the U.S. Senate, presided over by the treasonous sellout SCOTUS Justice Roberts, who already sold out America to Obama under the wildly unconstitutional Obamacare decision years ago.

 The Jan. 20th Lobby Day event in Richmond, Virginia, where deep state operatives are absolutely trying to put together a false flag event to cause violence and blame gun owners.

 The Mysterious drone flights over Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska, recently followed up by an emergency meeting with the Kansas legislature on a military base, where they were briefed about something horrific and life altering.

 The FBIs sudden attempts to confiscate high-end night vision tubes from distributors, indicating an emergency need for night vision capabilities in an agency led by a treasonous traitor (Chris Wray) and that has a long history of planning and carrying out terrorism plots across America, according to the New York Times and the Kansas City Star.

FBI invokes imminent domain to seize high-end night vision tubes

Fact #2: The FBI is now claiming imminent domain to essentially seize high-end night vision tubes (that power night vision goggles) from distributors in the United States. This indicates the FBI has an emergency effort under way to acquire large numbers of night vision devices in anticipation of some urgent event which will take place at night (possibly another FBI false flag operation like Oklahoma City or the 1993 attempted World Trade Center bombing which was entirely masterminded by the FBI).

As Dave Hodges is reporting from The Commonsense Show, Bob Griswold from ReadyMadeResources.com relates a shocking event where he had already locked in the purchase of 70 night vision tubes from his distributor, and had those tubes invoiced and committed. Within hours, the FBI claimed imminent domain over the tubes, effectively seizing them from Ready Made Resources before they could even be shipped.

We reviewed a letter written to RMR by their distributor, confirming that the government preempted the order to RMR and claimed they had ownership over the gear because they were the government.

An hour ago, I spoke with Griswold on the phone to confirm the situation, and he told me he thought there were, No more than 200 high-end night vision devices remaining in the entire country. (This excludes the crappy gen 1 and gen 2 night vision devices, which nobody wants anyway.)

Im told that inventory units are flying off the shelves and will be gone everywhere in the next 1-2 business days. Yes, there is a run on night vision in America, happening right now.

Heres the relevant question: What is the FBI planning that would require hundreds of night vision devices?

Answer: Probably another bombing, mass shooting, mass casualty event or some other terrorism flashpoint that the FBI is famous for causing. Just ask the church members of Waco, Texas or not, since theyre all dead, thanks to the FBI and ATF.

Earlier this week, Alex Jones declared on his broadcast that the deep state was going to attempt to assassinate Trump next week. Could this military exercise, and the FBI night vision devices, and the drones scanning the Midwest all be related?

Most likely, yes.

Listen to my urgent false flag warning podcast which covers the possibility of deliberate violence being staged for Monday, Jan. 20th, in Richmond, Virginia:

Brighteon.com/9c32473d-2716-43ea-acd4-03088f4f49d0

The deep state is igniting TOTAL WAR against America

Get prepared, America. The deep state is about to unleash total war against us all. They plan to kill the President, criminalize the Second Amendment, destroy the First Amendment, crash the economy, start race riots and basically plunge the country into nationwide chaos.

Its long past time to just arrest all these left-wing traitors and throw them in prison, as All News Pipeline correctly reports: Its time Democrats are charged with treason and sedition and held accountable for their high crimes upon America.

Stay tuned more updates to come.
EU privacy watchdogs are gearing up to police digital assistants after revelations that Amazon workers listened in on peoples conversations with their Alexa digital assistants.

It was reported last April that Amazon had a team of thousands of workers around the world listening to Alexa audio requests with the goal of improving the software.

Similar issues have been raised over Google and Apples digital assistants, triggering privacy fears across the world, as intimate conversations in some users homes were laid bare to technicians fine-tuning the technology.

EU regulators are now working on a common approach on how to police the technology, said Tine Larsen, head of the data protection authority in Luxembourg, where the US retail company has its European base and employs a staff of more than 2,000.

Because its a question of principle, the members of the European Data Protection Board should work out a common position in line with the consistency mechanism to apply data-protection rules in a harmonised way for this type of treatment, she said.

The revelations of the snooping into peoples homes came after regulators in Europe were handed beefed-up powers with its General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in May 2018, including the right to levy fines of up to 4% of a companys global annual sales for the most serious violations. However, the move towards common guidelines for digital assistants means companies should avoid fines for now.

Ms Larsens comments echo those of Helen Dixon, head of the Irish watchdog, responsible for overseeing the likes of Apple and Google.

In November, she said that the regulator first has to bottom out fully on whether its true when companies say they need to do transcripts of peoples interactions with the assistants.

Thats why a focus will be first on coming up with guidelines, instead of investigations or inquiries, she said. Amazon said in a statement that to help improve Alexa, we manually review and annotate a small fraction of 1% of Alexa requests and that access to data annotation tools is only granted to a limited number of employees who require them to improve the service.

EU regulators are working on a common position on the privacy issues surrounding voice-assistant systems, said Johannes Caspar, head of the watchdog in Hamburg.

We urgently need common and reliable industry standards on this to better regulate privacy protections, he said.

Bloomberg
A young sea eagle which was reintroduced on the Isle of Wight has been living close to the M40 for nearly four months and thinks he is a red kite.

The eagle, known as G3-93, was released on to the Isle of Wight with five other tracked birds in the summer, 250 years after they were last recorded in England.

He has chosen a secluded and quiet life on private land in Oxfordshire since his release.

And in the absence of other eagles, he has started to copy the red kites by flying around 'picking up bits of dead stuff  dead rabbits, dead game birds', according to Steve Egerton-Read, a project officer for the reintroduction programme led by Forestry England.

A sea eagle (file image), known as G3-93, has been living near the M40 and landlocked Oxfordshire for nearly four months. He was released on the Isle of Wight as part of a rewilding programme along with five other birds in the summer

Mr Egerton-Read told The Guardian: 'Oxfordshire is full of game shoots but theres no ill-will towards it and the landowners are very pleased to have another exciting bird to add to their list.'

The eagle, which is one of the country's top predators, is living on private land with female G3-18.

Female G3-24, and a male, G2-74 live in the same woodland and has Egerton-Read pinning his hopes on them becoming a mating pair.

Mr Egerton-Read added: 'If were lucky, by 2030 we might get eight to 10 breeding pairs.'

In the absence of other eagles, he has learnt from red kites (file image) and believes he is one. The young white-tailed eagle 'flies around picking up bits of dead stuff  dead rabbits, dead game birds', according to project officer Steve Egerton-Read

However one bird died shortly after his release and another known as Culver is feared dead after its tag failed over central London and has not been seen since.

As part of the 250,000 project, nearly 60 eagle chicks will be taken from nests in Scotland and released into southern England over the next four years.

Nearly one in three sea eagles survive to adulthood, according to Forestry group.

The young white tailed eagles were released on the Isle of Wight (file image) 250 years after the bird species was last recorded in England. The last breeding pair are thought to have been spotted in 1780, at Culver Cliff on the Isle of Wight

There are 150 pairs after they were introduced from Norway in the 1970s.

The birds, which have been nicknamed 'flying barn doors, have a wing-span of 8ft (2.5m) and weigh one to nine kilograms.

The last breeding pair of sea eagles are thought to have been spotted in 1780, at Culver Cliff on the Isle of Wight.

Previous attempts to reintroduce the birds have failed as conservationists reported ravens and buzzards terrorising free-range hens in Devon.

One man accused the RSPB of 'punting them like Katie Price  the big birds are what brings the punters in, the tourists' at a Nortfolk Wildlife Trust meeting.
Mayor Bernard C. Jack Young Friday unveiled depictions of plaques that will go on the building. One includes an image and biography of Cummings; the other reads Elijah E. Cummings Courthouse. The congressman and civil rights champion died last year at 68 of complications from long-standing health issues.
Lankan GM at the helm of Hawaiis Mauna Lani resort View(s):

Hawaiis just reopened Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows part of the Auberge Resorts Collection has at its helm Sri Lankan Sanjiv Hulugalle, general manager and vice president of Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection.

The resort, known as an iconic Hawaii Island property comprising 330 rooms, suites and private bungalows located on 32 acres along Hawaii Islands Kohala Coast has undergone a $200 million redesign.

Everything has worked out very well, and the place is looking magnificent and absolutely gorgeous, Hulugalle said in a recent interview with Pacific Business News.

The property today is thoughtfully enhanced and revitalized with contemporary design elements, he added. Its a total renovation, and we have touched every element of the property, starting from the arrival experience  we have relocated our front desk and put it with an incredible view of the ocean. In addition to the physical changes, Hulugalle said that one of the key aspects to the property is the introduction of new programming, which includes cultural experiences such as lei making and fish pond walks, as well as ocean activities like surfing and canoe paddling.

Hulugalle, described in the article as an industry veteran, has been working in hospitality since he was just 19, when he took a job at a Four Seasons in Australia to pay for college. He went on to hold hotel management positions throughout the

world, including as the former general manager of the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina.

Asked how he hopes the renovations will impact the property, he told Pacific Business News, We are trying to really celebrate what Mauna Lani is and was, and then look to the future in bringing in all the wonderful aspects to the property  the cultural elements and the outdoor pursuits. We want our guests to be immersed in a sense of place. There is so much history and culture here.

What really makes [the resort] so special is the connection with the land and the ocean, and then what really tops it off is the team.

Mauna Lani has the most incredible employees who really care for the place, and its more than just a job for them, he added. We are continuing to share our values through the history of our employees. Its great to have a world-class setting and great restaurants, but at the end of the day, its really about the heart, the soul and the values that have been shared over the years. That is really the heart of great hospitality.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that it would be better not to return to allowing the country's head of state to serve for an indefinite term, making the statement in response to a proposal that was raised during a meeting with the president by a Russian war veteran to implement such a practice.

"When it comes to presidential terms, I understand that it's tied to people's concerns for stability in society, in the country, in foreign relations", he said.

Putin added that it would be "extremely worrisome" to return to the practice of the mid-1980s in the USSR when its leaders served until they died without preparing a proper transition of power.

The Russian head of state's statements come hot on the heels of his address to the country's parliament, in which he proposed making constitutional amendments regulating the way presidents are elected, among other things.

Namely, he suggested limiting presidential candidates to being Russian citizens who have never had foreign citizenship or residence permit and require them to have lived in Russia for at least 25 years.

Additionally, Putin suggested removing a clause that allows a person to be re-elected as president after serving two terms and then leaving the post for at least one term.

Previously, Putin suggested during his address to the country's parliament to change the country's constitution so that a person can only hold the post of president for a total of two terms without exception.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
T he Labour leadership race will explode into life today as the first regional hustings take place.

The event, which will be held in Liverpool, is the first of several taking place over the next 11 weeks that could have a major bearing on who is chosen to succeed Jeremy Corbyn.

Early front-runner Sir Keir Starmer and self-styled left-wing candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey are among those seeking support to take over as party leader.

Mrs Long-Bailey and shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry officially launched their campaigns to lead Labour on Friday night.

Backbenchers Jess Phillips and Lisa Nandy are also in the race to succeed Mr Corbyn in the ballot that will be decided in early April.

Who will replace Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader? 1 /4 Who will replace Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader? Rebecca Long-Bailey Getty Images Lisa Nandy REUTERS Keir Starmer PA

But a poll earlier this week by another pollster, Survation, gave Ms Long-Bailey a narrow leader over Sir Keir and she has also won the backing of Momentum, which said it would be "mobilising thousands" to campaign for her.

On Friday, Mr Thornberry set out her stall in her hometown of Guildford, where she warned that Labour faces "a long, tough road back to power" after the party suffered its worst general election defeat since 1935.

The Islington South and Finsbury MP, who narrowly secured the necessary support from MPs to enter the race on Monday, insisted she was the best placed to oust Prime Minister Boris Johnson within five years .

Labour Party Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer / REUTERS

She said: "Boris Johnson has all sorts of problems with women. And he is going to have an even bigger one if I become leader of the Labour Party.

"I think that he has a problem with women. I have spoken to a number of women who have said that the way he deals with them - and they are younger women - is that he flirts with them.

"He makes light of them and he undermines them. He has problems with women such as myself. He doesn't know what to do with me.

"I think that he doesn't know how to relate to women."

She added: "I think that a competent alternative government could get back into power within five years."

Shadow business secretary Ms Long-Bailey kicked off her campaign with a speech in Manchester, in which she said her party did not talk enough about "aspiration".

Emily Thornberry launched her campaign in Guildford  / Getty Images

She also vowed to "shake up" the way government works, and put power into the hands of voters.

Described as a "continuity Corbyn" candidate said to be favoured by the current leadership and backed by campaign group Momentum, her supporters have bridled at the description.

As she took to the stage at the Museum of Science and Industry, some of the 300 or so supporters at the event broke into a chant of "Oh Jeremy Corbyn".

TODO: define component type apester

Mrs Long-Bailey told them: "Hey guys, we're going to have to think of a new song you know. No pressure."

She was asked why Labour had failed with voters, returning their worst electoral result since 1935.

Mrs Long-Bailey said: "I think for me we had some fantastic policies, I know because I helped write some of them, and really the message didn't resonate with our voters.

"And what we should have been talking about is aspiration.

Rebecca Long Bailey praises Jeremy Corbyn's 10 out of 10 leadership

"Because everything we are trying to build and I am going to try to build as leader of the Labour Party is about realising the potential, truly realising that quality of life increase, whether you are a business, whether you are an industry or an individual, our role as a party is to improve your living standards and the wealth you can accumulate as communities.

"And we didn't say that. We didn't match that with a message of aspiration. We want an economy where everyone does well."

All five candidates will appear at the event on Saturday to mark the start of their hustings tour around the UK.

Events are planned in cities including Durham, Bristol, Cardiff, Nottingham, Glasgow and London, as well as in the West Midlands and Bedford.
A Protection of Children from Sexual Offences or POCSO court convicted two men on Saturday for raping a five-year-old girl in east Delhi seven years ago, saying the case had shaken the collective conscience of the society.

The gruesome incident at Gandhi Nagar in April 15, 2013, in which the convicts shoved objects in the victim's private parts and abandoned her in Shah's room believing she was dead, had happened four months after the Nirbhaya gang rape-and-murder case in December 2012. The child was rescued 40 hours later on April 17.

The POCSO court convicted Manoj Shah and Pradeep Kumar, and fixed January 30 for arguments on the quantum of sentence.

In an over 100-page judgement, Additional Sessions Judge Naresh Kumar Malhotra said: "In our society, minor girls are worshipped as goddess on certain occasions, but in the present case, the victim child, who was aged about five years at time of incident, had experienced exceptional depravity and extreme brutality."

"The crime against the victim was committed in a most grotesque and revolting manner and the collective conscience of the community was shaken," the court said.

It convicted the two under sections 363 (kidnapping), 342 (wrongful confinement), 201 (disappearance of evidence), 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 376 (2) (gang rape), 377 (unnatural offence) and 34 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 6 (aggravated penetrative sexual assault) of the POCSO Act.

The offences entail a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.

The father of the victim expressed satisfaction on finally getting justice for his daughter.

"Though the trial should have been completed in two years, we are happy we got justice after six years," he said, hoping for death penalty for the convicts.

"My wife is at home with my daughter.... She has almost forgotten the incident. We don't want to make her remember the gruesome incident and the trauma that she had to go through. It is best she is not told anything about the case or the judgement," he said.

While the convicts were being taken out from the courtroom, Shah attacked some of the mediapersons, hitting one of the reporters on her face.

The journalist brought the incident to the notice of the judge and also filed a complaint with the police.

It took six years, seven judges and 57 prosecution witnesses to complete the trial in the case. The process of recording statements of the accused went on from December 5, 2018, to September 25 last year, following which the prosecution and the defence counsel completed their final arguments last December.

Shah and Kumar were arrested from Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga in Bihar on April 20 and April 22, 2013, respectively.

The police had said some foreign materials -- three pieces of a candle and one hair oil bottle -- were taken out from the body of the victim, which was also proved by doctors during recording of their statements in the court.

The girl had undergone multiple surgeries at the AIIMS in Delhi.

Anger over the incident had spilled onto Delhi's streets as outraged students and women staged demonstrations at the India Gate, police headquarters and near the residences of then prime minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

Singh had said collective efforts were needed to root out such "depravity" from society.

The trial saw an interesting turn in 2014 when Kumar had moved the court claiming he was a juvenile at the time of his arrest.

The trial court took three years to decide his application of juvenility and transferred the case in April 2017 to the Juvenile Justice Board, which granted him bail in June.

Following this, the mother of the rape survivor moved the Delhi high court against the trial court's order declaring Pradeep to be a juvenile.

The high court had in 2018 declared that Pradeep was not a juvenile and sent him to trial before the sessions court.
A German military plane flying from RAF Northolt may have been the reason why Heathrow's airspace was closed for around 30 minutes on Friday, leaving passengers stranded for several hours.

The RAF had told civilian controllers they needed an 'unplanned' use of airspace at around 9am yesterday, forcing several aircraft to divert and others to circle until Heathrow reopened.

And flight data shows that a plane belonging to the Luftwaffe, the German Air Force, took off from the military airport - which is less than 10 miles from Heathrow - at around the same time.

The plane, German Air Force 612 (GAF612), is thought to have been a Bombardier Global 5000, which the Luftwaffe is known to use.

Records from flight tracker website FlightAware show it took off from Northolt at 8.55am yesterday morning and flew to Hamburg, landing at 10.03am UK time.

A German military plane flying from RAF Northolt may have been the reason why Heathrow's airspace was closed for around 30 minutes on Friday, as flight records, pictured above, showed the plane took off from the military airport at around the same time as the delay

The next flight to take off from RAF Northolt did not depart until 11.13am, with the plane immediately before flight GAF612 leaving at 8.31am.

None of the other planes shown as leaving the airport that morning were military aircraft, although records do not list the departures of RAF planes.

Heathrow's closure led to at least four British Airways flights and one Virgin Atlantic aircraft being forced to land at other airports such as Gatwick, Stansted and Luton.

The hour-long backlog of flights waiting to land led to several planes running low on fuel, forcing them to seek clearance to divert to nearby airports.

Passengers of one Virgin Atlantic flight revealed how their pilot announced over the tannoy that they only had 'five to ten minutes' of fuel left and had to land at Gatwick.

However, the RAF stressed on Friday that there was no emergency and said the delay was caused by 'one of our assets' flying from Northolt.

A spokesman said: 'RAF can confirm that a flight was completed this morning by one of our assets from RAF Northolt, this flight was coordinated with Heathrow ATC but had to extend by a few minutes. The minor delays caused to civilian air traffic are regretted.'

But they refused to comment when asked by MailOnline on Saturday if the German military plane had caused the delay.

The RAF had told civilian controllers they needed an 'unplanned' use of airspace at around 9am yesterday, forcing several aircraft to divert and others to circle until Heathrow reopened

The closure of Heathrow led to passengers being left stranded for several hours.

British TV producer Anne Henry told The Mirror how her Virgin Atlantic flight from Los Angeles was diverted to Gatwick due to a lack of fuel.

She told Mirror Online: 'It was quite alarming when the captain announced after circling Heathrow for a while, "Ladies and gentlemen we have about five to ten minutes" fuel left so we may need to divert to Gatwick'.

'Weve been on the ground for about an hour but we're not allowed to get off.

Flight data shows that a plane belonging to the Luftwaffe, the German Air Force, took off from the military airport - which is less than 10 miles from Heathrow - at around the same time. The plane is thought to have been a Bombardier Global 5000

'The official line from the pilot on the tannoy has been "security incident". Tough for the crew as theyve only had one or two hours of sleep and have to keep going.'

RAF Northolt is home to 32 Squadron, which is at times tasked with flying VIPs such as the royal family and politicians in Leonardo AW109SP GrandNew helicopters.

Other aircraft based at the RAF base includes the BAE146 CCMK2 and CMK3.

Northolt's website states that the CCMK2's primary role is 'the transport of senior government ministers and MOD personnel and, most famously, senior members of the Royal Family.'

Passengers took to Twitter to vent their fury at the delays caused by the closure

Flight data shows how the hour-long backlog of flights led to several planes running low on fuel, forcing them to seek clearance to divert to nearby airports

However, military sources confirmed to MailOnline that yesterday's incident did not have any royal connection.

Downing Street also confirmed it was not involved in the flight over Heathrow.

Why were planes diverted away from Heathrow? Here MailOnline looks at the possible reasons behind the Heathrow delays: 1. Was RAF Northolt tasked with flying a VIP and did the plane get into difficulty? RAF Northolt is home to 32 Squadron, which is at times tasked with flying VIPs such as the royal family and politicians in Leonardo AW109SP GrandNew helicopters. Both the RAF and Downing Street have told MailOnline they were not involved in today's operation however. 2. Could a mysterious privatised spy plane unit be behind the delays? Gareth Corfield, defence writer for The Register, told MailOnline that a privitised spy plane unit based at Northolt - which runs Islander planes - could be behind the incident. He said that if an Islander got into difficulties south of Heathrow and wanted to get back it might have caused the delays as it is a slow plane. 3. Was there slow communication between Air Traffic Control, the RAF and other parties? As the RAF aircraft demanded an 'unplanned' use of airspace it would have to inform NATS, the company which provides air traffic services to UK airports. Air Traffic Control would then have to inform other parties including Heathrow Airport. If this communication had been slow it might have led to delays in the area. 4. Did a training exercise run overtime causing the RAF to request an extension to the airtime required? Aviation expert Julian Bray told MailOnline that the incident might have been an exercise that went on for slightly too long. He added that Whitehall related exercises would take place in that area. He noted that the weather yesterday and overnight might have meant the exercise had to be delayed into the morning. 5. Was the airspace closed due to a national security emergency? While this is possible, the MoD refuse to discuss such issues as a matter of policy. Advertisement

A NATS spokesperson said: The events of this morning will be subject to internal review as well as review with operationally relevant external stakeholders.

Gareth Corfield, defence writer for The Register, told MailOnline: 'From what I gathered, they shut the main Heathrow approach path for about 20 minutes.

You don't do that unless there's something seriously bad going on, because the cost of putting planes back into the holding stack is 10,000s a minute and that comes out of the Governments pocket.

One explanation he had was that one of the RAF aircraft had 'got into serious difficulty', adding: 'Obviously the locals around Northolt are not going to be happy as they trust the Air Force not to drop planes on their head.'

Mr Corfield added: The other theory, there's a whole bunch of military aircraft, it could have been one of the Queens Flight losing one of the engines.

Speaking about other possibilities, Mr Corfield said: There is the privatised spy plane unit based at Northolt. They run planes called the Islander.

If an Islander got into difficulties south of Heathrow and wanted to get back to Northolt, its a slow aircraft, so that could be another explanation.

He added: Theres something very unusual happening there.

It was revealed in late 2018 that the Piper PA-31 Navajo was being used for Islander spy plane operations and the work had been privatised to fast-growing aviation group 2Excel.

The planes continue to operate from RAF Northolt by 2Excels Scimitar business unit, according to reports.

Aviation expert Julian Bray told MailOnline that the flight would have likely been a 'high-security' operation and that it would have had an escort.

He said: 'Northolt would usually transport VIPs and for some reason they decided to fly through Heathrow this time and not around it.

'I've heard that it might have been an exercise that went on for slightly too long. Whitehall related exercises would take place in that area.

'These kinds of exercises are going on all the time but obviously come to attention when they result in delays like today'.

He added that as the weather had been particularly bad yesterday and overnight it might have meant a delay was required.

The closure of airspace - which began at around 9am on Friday - lasted for approximately 20 minutes.

Those caught up in the delays took to Twitter to complain of diverted flights and how the information was relayed to passengers (above and below)

Other passengers claimed that pilots had also informed them over the tannoy that the situation had been caused by a security incident.

A Heathrow spokesman told MailOnline that the incident was not security related, but refused to elaborate further.

He added: 'Arrivals were paused briefly this morning due to an RAF request for an operational flight within part of Heathrow's airspace.

'Arrivals are now operating as normal.'

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson added: 'The RAF can confirm that a flight was completed this morning by one of our assets from RAF Northolt.

'This flight was coordinated with Heathrow ATC but had to extend by a few minutes to complete its sortie. The minor delays caused to civilian air traffic are regretted.'

Passengers took to social media in the aftermath of the incident as they appealed for more information.

One wrote: 'I'm on one of the few planes that were now cleared for landing'.

'Our pilot just informed us that they're restricting arrivals to allow a plane with a security incident on board to land.'

Gareth Corfield, defence writer for The Register, told MailOnline that a privatised plane based at RAF Northolt may have gotten into difficulties and could have been the reason for the delays (pictured, the Piper PA-31 Navajo used by MI5 to gather information on UK suspects)

Another passenger added: 'Captain said Heathrow is closed for arrivals for a 'security incident' but nothing in the news. What's going on?'

A third said: 'Still on the ground and waiting for info.. Seems like there is two options right now, refuel and get back to Heathrow or bus to London.'

In a statement, Virgin Atlantic said: 'Our VS8 flight from Los Angeles to Heathrow has diverted to Gatwick due to a brief closure of airspace over London Heathrow.

'The safety of our customers and crew is always our top priority, were now doing all we can to get our customers to their final destination as quickly as possible.

'Wed like to apologise to our customers for the disruption to their journey and thank them for their patience.'
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 17:14:11|Editor: Wang Yamei

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BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- "Detective Chinatown 3," the latest production of the "Detective Chinatown" film franchise, will hit the big screen in China on Jan. 25, the Spring Festival and first day of the Chinese lunar New Year.

Starring actors Wang Baoqiang and Liu Haoran, the comedy movie tells a mysterious story of the protagonists heading to Tokyo to track down the suspects of a mysterious murder.

The film also features many international movie stars including Masami Nagasawa, Tomokazu Miura and Honami Suzuki.

The previous production of the sequel "Detective Chinatown 2" raked in about 3.4 billion yuan (487 million U.S. dollars) on the Chinese mainland.
North Korea Dispatches More Security Agents to Control and Monitor Workers in China

2020-01-17 -- North Korean authorities have dispatched more security agents to China in order to boost control and monitoring of North Korean workers around the Lunar New Year holiday, with the goal of preventing the erosion of the workers' loyalty and decreasing the likelihood of defections, RFA has learned.

"Up until now, one security agent controlled and supervised multiple work sites in cases where there were fewer than 100 workers," a source from the Chinese border city of Dandong told RFA's Korean Service on Tuesday.

"But these days, security agents have been dispatched so that there is one at every work site, even for very a small-scale workplaces," the source said.

"They are called security agents or deputy managers. They seem to be under the supervision of the manager who represents the North Korean workers, but in reality, the manager is under the control and monitoring of the security agents," the source added.

"Every worker's passport and river-crossing pass, including the manager's, are also kept by the security agents," said the source, referring to permits to enter China across the countries river border.

The surveillance move is very unpopular among many dispatched workers.

"[The] workers at the sites where the security agents had not been [regularly] stationed are saying their good days are gone, because when they weren't being watched by agents, they could have time off on holidays at the discretion of the manager," the source said, adding that the prospect of time off is not something that many expect anymore.

Remain on the premises

According to U.N.-mandated sanctions designed to curb the flow of hard currency to North Korea in order to slow its nuclear and weapons development, North Korean overseas workers were supposed to have been repatriated by Dec. 22, 2019 deadline, and no new work visas are supposed to have been issued over the past two years.

RFA reported shortly after the deadline passed that many North Koreans in China appeared to be ignoring the deadline entirely.

A South Korean businessperson who runs a sewing factory in nearby Donggang told RFA that North Korean employees are not even allowed to leave their workplaces anymore.

"There are about 50 North Korean women who work at a Chinese food-processing company across the street from our factory. I've often seen them going to the grocery store near the factory gate, but not anymore," the second source said.

"I initially thought that they had all returned home to North Korea, but when I asked the owner of the grocery store, I learned that they are now not allowed to come out," said the second source.

"A new security agent has been dispatched from North Korea and he arranged that a single staff member would go to purchase things that the workers need from the store," the second source added.

The newly arrived overseers may not be popular with the Chinese companies that employ North Koreans either.

"North Korea asks the Chinese company to provide about 20,000 Chinese Yuan (U.S. $2900) a month for accommodation and living expenses for the new security agent," the second source said.

"This is equivalent to the wages of about 10 workers, and sometimes this creates a dispute between the North Koreans and the Chinese company," the source said.

The Korean International Trade Association, a private economic organization, estimated the number of North Korean workers in China at 70,000 to 80,000 in August 2019. South Korea's Foreign Ministry put the number of North Korean workers overseas at 70,000-100,000 as of the end of 2017.

Research institutes in Seoul, including the Korea Institute for National Unification and Sejong Institute, estimate North Korea's overseas workers to be around 100,000, 80 percent of which are from neighboring China and Russia, with 50,000 and 30,000, respectively.

Reported by Joonho Kim for RFA's Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.

Copyright  1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Is Iran An Enemy Of The United States? No; But Efforts Are Underway To Make It One!

01/18/20

By Kambiz Zarrabi

It is so noteworthy that any reference to the assassinated Iranian commander of the IRGC, Soleimani, by television commentators, and especially by the members of our Congress and other government officials, begins with the preamble that he was a bad, bad actor who had the blood of so many Americans on his hands. Why? Simple: Without emphasizing that point they might not appear "patriotic" enough!

The President and the Secretary of State have referred to him as the world's worst terrorist in charge of a terrorist organization that is the terror arm of Iran, which is itself the world's chief promoter of international terrorism. These characterizations are now fully established in everyone's mind, not to be questioned; and that's that - case closed.

Even the Iranian/American so-called scholars appearing as expert commentators during televised interviews either concur with, or choose not to question, the adjectives casually used in referring to Soleimani, the IRGC, or the Islamic Republic of Iran.

What's this all about? Let's ask a few questions:

Has the Islamic Republic of Iran been involved in the affairs of the Middle East, from Afghanistan to Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and elsewhere? Remember, that's Iran's own backyard. Yes, it has.

Has the IRGC's foreign operations arm, the Quds Force, headed by General Soleimani, been the principle element of Iran's attempt to promote its interests in the region? Yes.

Have these operations also resulted in the deaths of Americans, as well as many others, in the Middle East theater of war? Yes.

So, Aren't these allegations, in fact, statements of the truth? Yes, they are; but not the whole truth. Partial truths could lead us to unintended, but most often deliberately misleading, conclusions!

Let's do a little comparison to better understand this years-long drama:

Has the United States inserted itself for decades in the affairs of the Middle East, half-way around the world? Yes.

Have these involvements included the presence of military forces, massive sales of arms, and the creations of alliances of conveniences to serve America's stated purpose? Yes.

Have these activities caused the deaths of thousands of Americans, and of over a million local people, in addition to a near total devastation of the regional infrastructures and economies, from Afghanistan all the way to the Mediterranean Sea? Yes.

Now, let's set aside the cliche that one man's terrorist is another man's hero or freedom-fighter, and look at who General Soleimani was, whose assassination the Iranian nation mourns, and Iran's enemies celebrate:

The eight-year-war (1980-88) that Iraq's Saddam Hussein waged against the fledgling Islamic Republic of Iran soon after the hostage crisis, has always been regarded by Iran as the "imposed war", encouraged and supported by the Reagan administration to bring Iran to its knees, as well as to weaken Saddam's regime. The scheme was to be followed by some kind of destabilization process to reshape the pro-Iran Syrian government and the Shi'a dominated Lebanon.

This was exactly what the drafters of the 1996 paper, A Clean Break: A New Strategy for Securing the Realm , had foreseen. The masterminds of that paper were well-known American Zionist Neoconservatives who wrote the paper for Benjamin Netanyahu during his first term as the Israeli Prime Minister.

One year later, in 1997, the same group, plus several other like-minded thinkers, came up with The Project for the New American Century , almost as though designed to follow through with the "Clean Break" strategy.

I urge, I implore, the readers to search these highlighted titles in Wikipedia to better understand for whose benefit thousands of American servicemen and women have paid the price with their blood, and how many millions have lost their lives, injured or made homeless in the Middle East; the region that continues to smolder and ready to reignite in what could be the Grand Opening of the Gates of Hell! This is not another conspiratorial scenario: One of the original drafters of the Clean Break, and the principle architect of the Iraq War, David Wurmser, has just been appointed by Trump to head the Iran Project.

(No one should doubt that the Iranian officials are also well aware of all that and duly concerned about the potential implementation of that blueprint, which showed the collapse of the Islamic Republic as its ultimate goal.)

One of the local heroes of the Iran/Iraq war was a young soldier, Qassim Soleimani, who came close several times to losing his life on the battle front, especially when Saddam resorted to the use of chemical weapons, as the Iranians were reversing Saddam's gains and closing in on the outskirts of Baghdad. He more than likely knew about Ronald Reagan's comments when the American President was told that the Iraqis were using chemical weapons: "Well," Reagan was reported as responding: "an Iranian victory is not acceptable."

After gaining in rank, Soleimani had played an instrumental role in assisting the American counterparts in overcoming the Taliban resistance and to stabilize the new Karzai government in Afghanistan in 2001, for which Iran was officially credited and thanked for its efforts and cooperation with the Americans.

Then came George W. Bush's State of the Union address just a few months later, in February of 2002, during which he lumped Iran together with North Korea and Iraq as the Axis of Evil!

I wrote about it in one of my many posted articles at the time, and commented that I did not believe George W. Bush had any idea what he was reading; the speech was written by a Jewish Canadian Zionist, David Frum, credited for inserting those irrelevant words into that text; some say as an afterthought!

That man has since been rewarded with high tenure in several Zionist and Neocon think tanks, and makes routine appearances on the mainstream media as a writer and TV panelist. There is an old saying that a nutcase can throw a pebble into a well, which takes ten wise men to bring it back out! But the damage was done, and there was no way to undo it.

A year later, the United States attacked and occupied Iraq, supposedly under mistaken intelligence reports. That wasn't the way the Iranians were interpreting the episode. To them, the American occupation of Iraq did not appear as an intelligence error, but as a deliberate action and a prelude to expanding America's presence and influence from Iraq into Syria and, of course, Iran.

The removal of Saddam and his Sunny minority rule opened the way for the dormant Shi'a majority in Iraq to dominate the political scene, with the United States helping to stabilize the new regime. That at least was the official rationale given for the continued occupation of Iraq. However, the United States had other interests in Iraq, as well: namely the control over the future fate of Iraq's vast oil and gas reserves that lay mostly in the liberated Iraqi Kurdistan.

Meanwhile, the Iranian government saw a new opportunity for establishing its presence in Iraq, its fellow Shi'a neighbor, to not just support the new ruling party, but to ensure that the Americans, the Saudis, and their principle proxy, the opportunistic Mojahedin-e-Khalgh (MeK), as well as certain Kurdish groups, do not embark on any covert or overt operations against Iran. Soleimani was in charge of the IRGC operations to monitor and safeguard against that. However, in spite of all efforts, repeated acts of infiltration, border clashes, and sabotage against Iranian targets inside Iran continued to take place, resulting in considerable damage and human casualties. Similar events continue to this day in the south-east and southern Iran by terrorist groups encouraged, funded and armed by the Saudis, which Iran believes also include Israel's involvements.

The extraterritorial operations of the IRGC, which became known as the Quds Force, also included confronting and neutralizing known enemies of the Islamic Republic, namely the Taliban, Al Gha'eda, and later the Sunni Islamic State or ISIS.

Even though the Quds Force under General Soleimani and the Americans were cooperating and fighting the common enemy, the Islamic State, the entrenchment of the American forces in Iraq next door to Iran, especially against the backdrop of continuing hostile regime-change rhetoric coming out of Washington, kept Iran on the edge.

In addition to the threats posed by the presence of the American forces in Iraq, as well as the Saudi-backed Sunni militias, Iran was also concerned, and quite correctly, with another player on the stage; Israel. The joint American/Israeli cyber attack, the Stuxnet computer virus, which had targeted Iran's nuclear facilities in 2010, was followed by the targeted assassinations of four Iranian nuclear scientists in the streets of Tehran, for which Israel in cooperation with the MeK operatives was semi-admittedly responsible; but thanks to "plausible deniability", neither was held accountable for acts of international terrorism!

The Saudi regime's concerns about Iran's increasing influence in the new Shi'a dominated Iraq has not been so much over Sunni versus Shi'a religious rivalry, but for pure and simple economics. The competition still exists between the potentials for a Qatar/Iran oil and gas pipeline through Iran, Iraq and Syria to the European markets, versus the competing Saudi line bypassing Iran, which the United States openly favors.

In the middle of all the instability and mayhem, the Sunni Arab block comprising the Arab Emirates and the Saudi regime, took advantage of the cancerous spread of an initially disparate local Sunni cells in Iraq and Syria, and began funneling funds and arms in their support. This was the early phase of what became known as DAESH, ISIL or ISIS movement (The Islamic State of Iraq, Syria and Lebanon).

The destabilization of Syria with the intension of collapsing the Assad government has long been part of the "A Clean Break: A New Strategy for Securing the Realm" masterplan mentioned above. The growth and gradually better organized ISIS groups created a problem for Assad's Iranian and Russian allies. For Russia, Syria's strategic Latakia port has been a vital access to the eastern Mediterranean away from the contentious Black Sea for its naval fleet. For Iran, alliance and cooperation with the Assad government was important as a hedge against Israeli adventurism through the Golan area, as well as for providing a channel to link Iran with the Lebanese increasingly more powerful Hezbollah.

(Hezbollah has often been referred to as Iran's proxy on the Middle East staging grounds. An ally, yes, but a proxy it most certainly is not! If we were to call Hezbollah Iran's proxy, then America's Middle East allies are all American proxies; and that would include Israel and Saudi Arabia. Hezbollah was not a creation of the Islamic Republic of Iran; it preexisted the Iran's Islamic Revolution, and represents the majority of Lebanon's population, the Shi'ites. Since its role has been defending Lebanon against Israeli incursions, and quite successfully, it has understandably been the recipient of Iran's military assistance; and for the same reason, labeled as a terrorist group by the United States on behest of Israel.)

It is quite puzzling why the ISIS networks in Syria were regarded as anti-American. They were definitely and principally anti-anything non-Sunni-Moslem, which would include the main Western presence in the Middle East, the United States. However, their foremost objectives were to depose the Assad rule, and fight Assad's supporters, the Iranian Quds Force and the Russians.

These objectives actually coincided with America's and Israel's own designs, except for the fact that American forces were also targeted on many occasions. This created a strategic dilemma for the so-called "coalition of the willing" created to fight ISIS groups who were committing visible crimes and atrocities against their captives. So, the ISIS cells were divided into two groups: the good terrorists and the bad terrorists: the good ones, who were now given new names, were fighting the Assad forces, the Iranians and the Russians; and were, therefore, encouraged and helped by the "coalition" and the Israelis. The bad ones remained as the real terrorists that continued to fight the coalition forces.

General Soleimani and the Quds Force, as well as the Hezbollah contingents, were involved in fighting our "good" terrorists and, with Russia's help, managed to prevent the Assad government from the projected collapse.

It was in this chaotic and confusing mess that Congresswoman, Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, herself a two-terms Middle East war veteran, openly opposed the American involvements in Syria and the larger Middle East, engaged in counterproductive regime-change operations, especially when these involvements were not serving America's legitimate best interests, but the agendas of the tail that has been wagging the dog; Israel!

Ms. Gabbard, herself potentially a victim of those same IEDs that the Iranian Quds Force under the command of General Soleimani had provided for the Iraqi militias, did not parrot the same line as others in her televised interviews about Soleimani's assassination. She, unlike too many of her congressional colleagues, or the presidential hopeful (actually hopeless), Amy Klobuchar, refuses to kiss ass or compromise her integrity for the sake of her political ambitions!

Of course, we all understand that anyone who doesn't like or respect us is, by our definition, at the very best, wrong, and at worst, an evil terrorist. This worldview is not exclusive to us; it would perhaps help to appreciate that others feel that way, too.

We have our radical conservative hawks as do the Iranians in positions of power. We have genuine war-mongers, such as Pompeo and Bolton, as do they. We also have ambitious, opportunistic neocons, such as Giuliani, Graham and Cotton; and so do they.

I find it sad, even tragic, that the Democrats who oppose the Republican administration's aggressive policies toward Iran do not do so because they believe Iran does not deserve to be treated as an enemy of the United States: No; they, just as their Republican counterparts, are being wagged by the same tail, but perhaps not so violently!

As the Iranian nation continues to suffer under draconian unilateral sanctions by the American administration, what is keeping the two sides from a catastrophic military collision are the saner minds, perhaps mostly among the military leaderships, who understand the costs to all sides of such an eventuality.

May saner minds prevail.
The Miyetti Allah Kaute Hore says the regional southwest security outfit, Amotekun is a plot against the Fulan, and has asked the federal government to arrest south-west leaders behind the outfit

Bello Bodejo, national president of the group, said this in an interview with Daily Sun.

He was quoted by the newspaper as saying, They should not only ban it, but should arrest the leaders of this group. Like I said earlier, nobody or group has more security intelligence than the Police. The Army is doing enough; the DSS is also doing enough, likewise the Civil Defence. 

Read Also: Dont Use Amotekun To Push Nigeria To War: Bode George

They are just doing all these things in order to stop the Fulani from coming into their area; it is just a hidden agenda to prevent the Fulani herdsmen from grazing in their God-given areas.

If you say you set up Amotekun to protect your region, what about the Northern Nigeria, what about the Southeast and the South-South and other places that dont have that kind of thing. Nigeria is one; everything is one, unless they want to divide the country.

I know some of their leaders have good hearts, but others have evil hearts, and those are the ones coming up with this agenda that the Fulani cant do this and the Fulani cant do that; all these things are happening because of Fulani; they are just against the Fulani.

I support 100 percent the federal government banning it, and the leaders should be arrested. It is a deliberate plot against the Fulani.
A court in Delhi on Saturday asked the Delhi Police to verify if Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad, who has been accused of inciting people during an anti-CAA protest at Jama Masjid here on 20 December, has an office in Delhi where he holds weekly meetings

New Delhi: A court in Delhi on Saturday asked the Delhi Police to verify if Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad, who has been accused of inciting people during an anti-CAA protest at Jama Masjid on 20 December, has an office in Delhi where he holds weekly meetings.

The court had restrained Azad from visiting Delhi for four weeks and directed him to not hold any dharna till the elections in the National Capital while granting him bail in a case related to violent protests at Daryaganj.

The Additional Sessions Judge Kamini Lau directed the police to verify from the Election Commission whether Azad's office in Delhi is an office of a political party and asked them to submit a report by 21 January.

The court was hearing a plea filed by Azad seeking modification of the conditions imposed on him in his bail order.

The plea, filed through advocates Mehmood Pracha and OP Bharti, has claimed that the restrictions on Azad tantamount to violation of his fundamental rights to take active participation in awareness camps and to advise and lead the poor, weak and downtrodden sections of society and minorities.

The Bhim Army chief is a leader of the oppressed and depressed sections of society including minorities and was working for their social and political awareness, the plea said, adding that he holds weekly meeting of the society 'Bhim Army Ekta Mission', of which he is the founder, at his local address in Delhi.

It further said Azad used to travel throughout the country for the cause and due to the restrictions, it would be next to impossible for him to personally appear and report his presence before the Station House Officer of Fatehpur Police Station in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, every Saturday.

The plea said he is even unable to visit his own house for months together due to his campaigns.

It said that since he was under medical treatment at AIIMS, in case of emergency it would not be appropriate for him to seek the permission of the DCP of Crime Branch, Delhi, every time and would pose a risk to his life.

The court, while granting him bail, had earlier also said that before going to Saharanpur if Azad wants to go anywhere, including Jama Masjid, in Delhi till 24 hours, police will escort him there.

Special circumstances call for special conditions, the judge had said.

During the verdict pronouncement, the lawyer appearing for Azad had said the Bhim Army chief faces threat in Uttar Pradesh.

The court had further asked him to meet the SHO of Fatehpur police station every Saturday for the next four weeks and thereafter on the last Saturday of every month.

Since he was undergoing treatment at AIIMS here for polycythemia, a blood disorder, he is to inform the DCP Crime Branch in Delhi of his schedule and would be escorted here.

Azad's outfit had called for a protest march from Jama Masjid to Jantar Mantar against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act on 20 December without police permission. Other 15 people arrested in the case were granted bail by the court on 9 January.
Going on a vacation is a good decision that one has to make after working for a long time. To come up with a nice decision, you will have to put some important factors into consideration because they will go a long way. Some of these factors include the choice of destination, season of the year, security and transportation system, hospitality, and other sightseeing locations present.

The United States is a perfect destination to consider when planning a vacation because it has everything needed to have a fulfilled vacation. The US has several cities with different sightseeing locations making it possible for you to choose from several options. Miami city is one of the top cities to visit in the US because of the various sight attractions. There are several vacation locations in the city of Miami that you could consider especially if you will be traveling to the US with your family. Apart from the popular Miami Beach, there are other fun places to be in the beautiful city. You should explore the following places if you find yourself in Miami;

Bayside Marketplace - this is a popular market center in the city of Miami that attracts a lot of people from inside and outside of the United States. Here, you will have the opportunity to buy a lot of beautiful goods ranging from electronics, art works, and several commodities. It is a good place to shop especially if you are visiting Miami with your family because every member of the family we find a lot of things worth buying. The amazing thing about the Bayside marketplace is that the goods are very cheap compared to other malls in Miami. Do not hesitate to buy things for friends and family when you are in Miami. Bayside marketplace is located at 401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132, United States.

Before traveling to Miami, you will have to research necessary documents needed to gain access to the US right from your home country because these documents are very important that will determine if you will be visiting the US or not. The US ESTA is one of these documents needed by individuals traveling to the United States. Although the esta is limited to citizens of visa waiver program countries that are planning a trip to the US, therefore, you should check if you are eligible for an ESTA and if not, you will have to apply for a US visa.

A lot of people believe that the US visa is not easy to get especially if one is from one of the developing countries. To get a US visa, you have to prove yourself to be a law-abiding citizen and have a good story to tell the interviewer during the visa interview. Being confident is one of the things that will get you a US visa. Also, you have to maintain eye contact during the interview; as you will be painting yourself as a liar if you ignore this. At times, you may have to apply for a US visa more than once because you may not be lucky to get it and your first try.

You can as well carry out the ESTA application check before applying for a US visa as this will save you unnecessary spending. International passport is another important document needed by everyone traveling to the United States. To get an international passport, you will have to research the price and how to get it in your home country. You may also need a driver's license if you will be driving while you are in the US. Before traveling to Miami, you should get familiar with the various rules and regulations to prevent you from getting into the wrong side of the law.

Venetian Pool - this is another amazing vacation destination in the state of Florida that you should consider when you are in Miami. It is a large pool that attracts a lot of visitors from inside and outside of the United States. It is one of the biggest outside pools in the US; thus, you should display your swimming skills whenever you are in the location. You will be entertained with the various activities and events that will take place whenever you are in the location. Venetian pool is located at 2701 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134, United States.

Perez Art Museum Miami - this is another amazing location to explore in the city of Miami. Perez art museum Miami has almost everything about art, and you will enjoy your stay in the location. It is a good location to take good pictures for Instagram because of the beautiful structure and layout of the museum. Workers here are friendly and will always give correct answers to any question related to art. This is a place to visit with your kids because they will enjoy and learn a lot about art. Perez art museum is located at 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132, United States.
18.01.2020 LISTEN

A 'Prayer, Thanksgiving and Praise Feast' has been held by the Multimedia Group in Kumasi to celebrate God's goodness for the year 2019.

The annual event is to kick start another year as a company by committing itself to God in the New Year.

The prayer service did not only include the management and staff of Multimedia Group Kumasi but also family and friends, as well as Alumni of The Multimedia Group.

The session, which took place at the Miracle Manna Church Ayigya, was led by Head Pastor, Rev. Obed Joy Obeng.

The annual Prayer, Thanksgiving and Praise Feast' was also to commence the celebration of the companys 25 years in existence.

Watch photos from the service below:

---MyJoyOnline
New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the arrest of Jammu and Kashmir DSP Devinder Singh for ferrying Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, is expected to bring the suspended cop to Delhi for interrogation. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on January 16 asked the agency to start the investigation into Singh's arrest and take a close look at his alleged involvement with terror groups, according to news agency ANI.

According to reports, the NIA will also take the arms and ammunition, that was recovered from Singh's residence during a raid, into its possession. A day after Singh's arrest, the Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted raids at the police officer's properties and recovered AK-47, hand grenades and a pistol.

Devinder Singh was arrested on Saturday along with Hizbul Mujahideen commander Naveed Babu, his accomplice Rafi Ahmad and a lawyer named Irfan from a car on the highway near Kulgam. He was allegedly helping Babu travel to Pakistan in connivance with Irfan.

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 said to be registered against Baba.

Following his arrest, he was interrogated by a joint team of the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir and was booked under the Unlawful Activity Act. During his interrogation, Singh maintained that he had no any link to Hizbul militants and that he was taking the terrorists to surrender; but interrogators have dismissed his claims.

According to IANS sources, a sum of Rs 12 lakh may have been given to Singh to move out the two Hizbul militants to Jammu on their way to Chandigarh and onward to Delhi to carry out attacks on or before the Republic Day.

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. On January 13, he was suspended from his services and is likely to be stripped of all his awards, including a gallantry medal for anti-militancy operations on August 15 last year.

Intelligence sources told IANS that Singh disclosed that he had put up the terrorists at his Indira Nagar house in Srinagar, right next to the Army's 15 Corps Headquarters, and thereafter accompanied them to Jammu in a car driven by the Hizbul overground worker.

Since the arrest of Singh and the two Hizb militants, security agencies carried out multiple raids across the Union Territory, especially Srinagar and south Kashmir, and seized a huge cache of arms and ammunition stashed by the officer and the terrorists.

(With agency inputs)
Seoul Criticizes US Ambassador's 'Very Inappropriate' Comments on N Korea Tourism

By William Gallo January 17, 2020

South Korea pushed back firmly Friday on comments by U.S. Ambassador Harry Harris, who called on Seoul to consult with Washington about the South's attempt to resume individual tourism to North Korea.

Harris said Thursday that South Korea should run the plan through a joint working group to "avoid a misunderstanding later that could trigger sanctions."

An official with South Korea's presidential office called those remarks "very inappropriate," while stressing Seoul continues to coordinate with Washington.

"The issue of [inter-Korean] cooperation is a matter for our government to decide," the official said.

South Korea's Unification Ministry, which handles relations with the North, refused to directly respond to Harris' comments, but a spokesperson said the country's policy regarding North Korea "falls under our sovereignty."

U.S.-South Korea relations have already been strained by U.S. President Donald Trump's demand that Seoul pay substantially more of the cost of the U.S. military presence here.

The current military cost-sharing deal expired at the end of the year. A sixth round of talks ended this week without a breakthrough and U.S. officials have warned "residual funds" being used to cover the gap are running out.

The issue has created unusual friction in a nearly 70-year-old alliance that both sides regularly portray as "ironclad."

Inter-Korean ties

Despite a stalemate in U.S.-North Korea nuclear talks and the consequent retention of sanctions that have prevented implementation of most aspects of inter-Korean agreements, the administration of South Korean President Moon Jae-in has said it is looking for ways to independently improve inter-Korean ties. North Korea has rejected the efforts.

Harris said he thinks Moon's "continued optimism is encouraging," adding that it is not Washington's job to approve South Korea's decisions.

"I think his optimism creates hope, and that's a positive thing," Harris said Thursday. "But with regard to acting on that optimism, I have said that things should be done in consultation with the United States."

Sanctions are just some of the hurdles that South Korea's plans for tourism must clear. Another obstacle is North Korea.

"Even if South Korea did attempt to restart tours, North Korea won't accept the proposal right now," said Park Won-gon, an international relations professor at South Korea's Handong Global University. "This effort is one-sided for the time being."

North Korea last year ruled out any further dialogue with the South, accusing Seoul of prioritizing its relationship with Washington over Pyongyang.

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Arrest of MPs: Speaker ignored by AG, Police By Ranjith Padmasiri Lawyer need not be present when an MP is arrested; gun licence issue also taken up View(s): View(s):

The Attorney Generals Department and the Police have turned down a request by Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to permit the presence of a lawyer during the arrest of a Member of Parliament.

The request was turned down at a meeting presided over this week by the Speaker to discuss procedures in the event of an arrest of MPs and the issue relating to the renewal of gun licences of MPs.

Speaker Jayasuriya had wanted the Police and the AGs Department to allow a lawyer to be present whenever an MP was arrested, but Acting Police Chief C.D. Wickremaratne and AGs representative Acting Solicitor General Sanjaya Rajaratnam both opposed permitting a lawyer to be present at the time of an arrest. They said that an MP could avail himself of the services of a lawyer only after his or her arrest.

The Acting IGP also said MPs inviting the media to the location of the arrest was causing a hindrance to police officers performing their duties. Mr Rajaratnam had meanwhile pointed out that the Police could prevent the media getting into the location of the arrest and suggested keeping the media at a distance so that the arresting officers are not hindered.

Speaker Jayasuriya pointed out that UNP parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake had written to him saying there were several other MPs who had also not renewed their official firearm licences and had asked why he was being singled out for arrest.

The Acting IGP then pointed out that the issue had arisen as MPs needed to renew the licences from the respective district where they resided and that was causing complications.

He said that as a solution, the Senior Superintendent of Police in charge of Parliament security could be entrusted with the renewal of the licences.

Meanwhile, Bar Association (BASL) Secretary Kaushalya Nawaratne said there was no statutory requirement for a lawyer to be present at the time of an arrest of any person, including an MP. He said the only difference regarding the arrest of a parliamentarian as opposed to a non-MP was that guidelines laid down that the Speaker had to be informed prior to the arrest as a matter of courtesy.

BASL President Kalinga Indatissa declined to comment.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 18

Trend:

Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops 23 times, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

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 districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
The raging debate over whether or not Ghana needs a new voter's register in the upcoming December Elections has been put to rest.

The Electoral Commission (EC) has closed the chapter saying they are through and done with plans to get new equipment to compile a new voter's register.

Director of Electoral Services of the EC, Dr Serebour Quaicoe, told Samson Lady Anyenini on MultiTV/ Joy FMs Newsfile Saturday that for now that is our stance.

The Eminent Advisory Committee (EAC) of the Electoral Commission on Thursday called on the EC to meet with members of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) and deliberate on issues concerning the creation of a new voters register.

The Committee made the call after a meeting with the EC on Wednesday to outline the justification for the procurement of a new Biometric Voter Management System and the compilation of a new voters register for the 2020 general elections.

But when asked about the directive by the Emile Short-led EAC to consult stakeholders, he said the meeting was to engage them to make our points clear.

He said they were only seeking to inform the panel that it is a done deal.

The ECs decision to compile a new voters register for the 2020 polls has been questioned by many, not only because of the huge amount involved but also the timing.

With just about ten months to go to the polls, many doubt if the EC can undertake the necessary procedures before the polls in December.

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has described as unconscionable the ECs justification for a new voters register.

In the partys view, the register used for the 2016 general elections was the cleanest and most credible register one could find anywhere in the world.

The party has joined other smaller parties in campaigning against the compilation of a new register.

---MyJoyOnline
King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Co-existence Board of Trustees Chairman Dr Shaikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa underlined deep common denominators shared by the Kingdom and the US. He stressed the two countries support to religious liberties all over the world, guaranteed rights of all residents on their territories to exercise their religious rituals and faiths in total freedom, in an atmosphere of tolerance and peaceful co-existence.

Dr Shaikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa made the statement on the occasion of the Religious Freedom Day, which falls on the 16th of January. He welcomed the US stance, represented by its embassy in Manama, which commended the continuous efforts led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, as well as the Government of Bahrain, to create an ideal environment that enhances religious freedoms.

He commended the initiative of the US Embassy that posted on its official twitter account the introduction the Bahrains Declaration of Worldwide Religious Tolerance, formulated by HM the King, which reflects the global dimension of the Bahrains model in guaranteeing religious liberties for all human beings, regardless of their faiths or religious doctrines.

Dr Shaikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa quoted particularly the royal expression: Ignorance is the enemy of peace, therefore it is our duty to learn, share and live together through a belief that unites us, a spirit of mutual respect and loveand the sublime connoted meanings to bring peace and harmony to all regions of the world.

Dr Shaikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa stressed the US stance, which praised the successful international round table on religious liberties in Mena region, which was hosted late last year in Manama by the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Co-existence, in co-operation with the Religious Freedom and Business Foundation.
You definitely get a little grumbling, I waited in line for an hour and all I could buy was this much,  Krane said. But most people are just happy they can come into a store and buy legally. Theyre willing to abide by these growing pains. People might be more upset three or four months from now (if shortages continue). But we cant grow the plants any faster.
Adewale Martins, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos earlier on Friday hinted that the church may soon bar the Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, from preaching if he continues to deviate from the doctrines and tenets of the Catholic Church.

With respect to this, controversial on-air personality, Daddy Freeze has reacted.

Read Also: Daddy Freeze Reacts As Church Accountant Bags 18-Years For Stealing N15.5m Tithe And Offering

Speaking via his official Instagram page, Daddy Freeze welcomes the statement adding that it is not a bad one if he does not stop his political guesswork.

He wrote:

Good one! I support this motion if he doesnt face his calling and stop political guesswork
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris will await a final report from the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) on serious allegations regarding liquor-licensing law breaches in Killarney.

He met with senior members of GSOC last week to discuss the allegations, and he will await a final report from the independent body before deciding any internal steps to take in regard to the allegations.

Speaking outside the Kerry Joint Policing Committee (JPC) at Kerry County Council HQ last Friday, Commissioner Harris said he is aware of the allegations but could not comment on them.

"Allegations have surfaced in the media in recent days in respect of this, and I am very much aware that GSOC are mandated properly to take on this investigation and are doing so," he said.

"I was informed of that fact when I met with very senior officials of GSOC, so it would be inappropriate for me to comment on specific allegations made by an individual.

"When such allegations are made, whatever they are, and I can't go into specifics, we have an Independent Ombudsman who investigates these matters and will come to their own findings and issue a report, and from that I will consider what steps I will have to take internally within the organisation," he added.

Chief Superintendent of the Kerry Division, Eileen Foster, further declined to comment but said she understood that there is public disquiet following the allegations.

She told the meeting that in 2019, 637 inspections were carried out in Killarney with 17 offences detected.

A total of 1,195 exemptions were applied for.

The allegations, which date back to a number of years ago, first appeared in online blog, authored by a person claiming to be a Garda 'whistleblower'. He alleges he was put through 'a living hell' after he attempted to raise alleged irregularities in liquor-licensing laws in Kerry.

The claims made in the blog include irregularities in recording licensing breaches to make it look as if certain publicans had not breached licensing laws when they had done so. The writer also claims that these alleged anomalies were not corrected.

Claims were also made that some licensed premises operated after-hours without exemptions which led to a huge loss to the exchequer, and that some hotels operating in Killarney charged for exemptions at weddings but did not actually apply for these exemptions.

It is also alleged that a number of premises in the town operated without correct licences.

The whistleblower's most recent blog published this week, the third instalment, states that he intends to resign from the force in 14 days.

He is currently on sick leave from An Garda Siochana and is now pleading with Commissioner Drew Harris to let him retire.

He claims that he has been requested to remain in the force until the investigation is complete.

Senator Paul Coghlan told the JPC that he been 'bombarded' and 'pestered' since the allegations came to light. He said it was 'hard to believe' that such events, as alleged, may have taken place.

"It is reminiscent of the Wild West," he said.

He added that the public believes "there is truth in these allegations".

TD John Brassil told the JPC there was 'great concern' about these matters.

Commissioner Harris moved to reassure the public that he has full confidence in gardai in Killarney in relations to carrying out their duties. Commissioner Harris said who could assist GSOC should contact the investigating body.

A number of councillors told the JPC that they had full faith in the garda force in Killarney following the allegations.
Senior BJP leader Satya Pal Jain on Saturday urged Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore to take appropriate legal action against the state government for the "unconstitutional" resolution adopted by the Assembly against the amended citizenship law.

Calling the Citizenship (Amendment) Act "inherently discriminatory", the Punjab Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution seeking its immediate repeal and Chief Minister Amarinder Singh announced that his government would approach the Supreme Court against it, the second state after Kerala to do so.

Jain, who is a member of the national executive committee of the BJP, said India is a Union of States which has adopted a federal structure demarcating the powers between the centre and the states.

No one can try to infringe upon the powers of the other, may it be the Centre or the state, he said in a statement here.

"This resolution is in utter violation of Article 257 of the Constitution of India, which imposes an obligation on the state governments to ensure compliance with the laws made by Parliament and also gives power to the Government of India to issue directions to any state for this purpose."



He said that enacting a law on citizenship is within the competence and prerogative of the Parliament of India as per Article 11 as well as entry 17 in the 'Union List' in Schedule 7 of the Constitution.

"The resolution adopted by the Punjab Assembly attempts to infringe upon the right of parliament to enact law on the issue and is also an attempt to usurp the powers which are vested not in the states but in the Union of India.".

Urging the governor "to take appropriate legal action against the Punjab government for passing a resolution which is in violation of the provisions of the Constitution", he said that the resolution "has no meaning and may not stand the judicial scrutiny, if challenged by any citizen in any court of law".

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act provides for granting citizenship for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians, who had migrated to India before December 31, 2014 from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By PTI

LUCKNOW: Noted Kathak dancer Manjari Chaturvedi has claimed that her 'Qawwali' performance organised by the Uttar Pradesh government at a private hotel here was "deliberately stopped".

The Culture Department of the UP government, has, however, denied the accusation.

Speaking to a news channel, Chaturvedi said, "I was invited by the Culture department of the UP Government for a performance" on Friday.

When asked why her performance was stopped, she said, "This is something, which I think the organisers should answer. I was to perform for 45 minutes. I did my first sequence, which was on Vrindavan, and while I was performing that and still on stage, the music stopped".

She said when she looked towards the technician responsible for playing the music during the performance, she realised there was no technical glitch but that the performance was stopped on purpose.

"When you are on the stage, you cannot shout or say things, so I turned around to see (towards the technical person) and saw that music has been stopped mid-way. So I realised that music has been stopped deliberately, because otherwise why would the anchor come and announce the other act. Later, when I asked the technicians, they said that there was no technical glitch," she said.

The dancer also said, "I heard the officials coming from the side of the stage, and saying that 'Qawwali nahi ho sakti' (No Qawwali can be performed), 'Qawwali nahi ho sakti yehaan per' (No Qawwali can be performed here)."

Chaturvedi was performing the classical dance form on Qawwali, which is Sufi Islamic devotional music that evolved in the Indian subcontinent.

When contacted, an official of the Culture department, who was present at the venue, on Saturday said, "The programme was going on. The weather was not very good, so it was decided that only two presentations (by artists) will be made."

On Chaturvedi's claim that her Qawwali was deliberately stopped mid-way, the official said, "What she is saying is not true. Her Qawwali was over, and she was stopped for next performance as there was no time. The Qawwali performance was over. Her allegations are baseless."
A mum, grandmother and grandfather from Alabama, US, have all been arrested by police for allegedly locking children in cages as Investigators look into reports of possible abuse that went on in the home.

Pamela Deloris Bond, 66; James H. Bond, 69, and Kylla Michelle Mann, 30, were arrested by a team of policemen led by Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones.

The County sheriffs office posted a photo of a wooden crib-shaped cage with a mattress and blanket inside which they believe children lived in.

While at the home, police noticed another wooden cage with locks, and said they greatly believed that the children had been locked in the cage multiple times.



The three suspects have been charged with two counts of aggravated abuse of a child less than 6 years of age and two counts of reckless endangerment.

While Pamela Bond is charged with one count of tampering with physical evidence.

All five children picked up from the house have been placed in state Department of Human Resources custody.

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As the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump begins, it is important to inoculate the proceedings from a Democrat senator coming up with a defining quote. Each moment in American history finally settles into words that capture the event.

Looking back at the proposed impeachment of President Nixon, we have the famous question asked by the late Senator Howard Baker (R-Tenn.): "What did the president know, and when did he know it?" It was actually credited to the future senator Fred Thompson, who was his counsel at the time. (I had a chance for a brief time to be a committee staff member for Thompson.)

With respect to President Clinton there are several quotes; "It all depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is" or "we just have to win," by Dick Morris, as Clinton Inc. got into huge trouble, or my favorite: "I did not have sexual relations with that woman Monica Lewinsky."

So we can bet some of the best minds are busily helping Democrat senators prepare a perfect quip. The quip must appear to be spontaneous, and thus capture for all time their historical (in their minds) attempt to cancel the election that gave us President Trump.

So far, all that President Trump's many enemies, including 93% of media reporting against him, have managed to achieve is doubling down on being shrill, boring, and mendacious. They have definitely lost their audience, the American people.

With their current messaging failure, it is a good bet that the Democrat senators are looking for this century's defining "no sense of decency" Senate moment.

An epic quote emerged from the Army/McCarthy hearings of 1954:

In the spring of 1954, McCarthy picked a fight with the U.S. Army, charging lax security at a top-secret army facility. The army hired Boston lawyer Joseph Welch to make its case. At a session on June 9, 1954, McCarthy charged that one of Welch's attorneys had ties to a Communist organization As an amazed television audience looked on, Welch responded with the immortal lines that ultimately ended McCarthy's career: "Until this moment, Senator, I think I never really gauged your cruelty or your recklessness." When McCarthy tried to continue his attack, Welch angrily interrupted, "Let us not assassinate this lad further, senator. You have done enough. Have you no sense of decency?"  Overnight, McCarthy's immense national popularity evaporated.

The phrase "no sense of decency" captured and defined the hearing and McCarthyism for the ages during an early moment in television history. What wasn't reported at the time was that counsel Joseph Welch had prepared those remarks before the hearing. In other words, his well acted, scripted attack was made to look spontaneous. It did work. Now, over time, many hacks have tried to use it again and again, and it is often currently in vogue being used against something President Trump has said or tweeted.

At a precipitous time in the process, all a Democrat senator needs is a baited moment to spring what he thinks will be the defining moment for the historical record. The press will be greatly helpful in hyping what all opponents of President Trump will coalesce around, thinking they have thus created their takedown shot.

It can be left to the imagination of readers what the moment will be. Perhaps a finding by Chief Justice John Roberts that Senate Republicans' vote to overrule, or perhaps other moments. But have no doubt: it is being contemplated as I write this article.

However, there are two fundamental differences. First, it is no longer the dawn of television. There are now many 21st-century communication media to throw an early penalty flag or sanity check pointing out that it is not a profound moment or well acted quotable statement for the ages, but just more BS packaged differently.

The second new dynamic is that they are up against President Donald Trump, the best communicator in American history. So try as you will, Senator Schumer and your team  you can't out-Trump Trump!
FAIRFAX, VirginiaShen Yun Performing Arts mission to revive the 5,000-year-old civilization of China is one that sounds lofty, but to those familiar with the culture, the New York-based performing arts company is clearly succeeding.

Zhen, an artist from China, was moved in a myriad of ways seeing a performance in Fairfax, Virginia at the George Mason University Center for the Arts on Jan. 17, 2020.

Watching the performance, Zhen said he felt both proud of the sublime culture Shen Yun had brought to life, and deeply saddened that because of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), this culture cannot survive in China today.

But I believe one day it will! Zhen said, expressing a wish that Shen Yun will someday in the future perform in China, and that the ordinary citizens of China will have the opportunity to connect to their culture once more.

Zhen marveled at the skill level of the classical Chinese dancers, and the unique orchestra blending East and West. He recognized the influences of various martial arts and Beijing Opera in the dance and felt Shen Yun had managed to create something truly classical as well as innovative, with colors and set unlike those of any other production.

It gives you this sort of feeling, everything in the production, that you cant find in mainland [China], Zhen said.

China was once known as the Celestial Kingdom, and the culture believed to be divinely inspired. It was only a few decades ago that the CCP took power in China, and began its various campaigns to root out traditional culture and belief in the divine.

Zhens heart went out to the people of China, who he says are truly worth sympathy and pity, because living under the CCP they have been lied to, and even brainwashed.

What Does Shen Yun Have to do With Falun Gong?

A Shen Yun production is typically made up of some 20 vignettes of dance and the occasional musical solo performance, and every so often the audience may catch a reference to Falun Gong.

As the program explains, Shen Yun artists practice the spiritual meditation, which revolves around the tenets of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. It is an ancient Chinese practice that shot to popularity in China in the 1990s, so much so the CCP banned and launched a vicious propaganda campaign to squash what it perceived as a movement.

To be honest, I didnt believe it, Zhen said. Back when he was living in China, the CCP had declared the peaceful practice a terrible cult in every news outlet, and Zhen, like millions in China, believed the regime. Zhen said it was only when he came to the States and was able to access the truth and facts about Falun Gong that he realized he had been lied to.

After coming to the United States and seeing the facts, many, many facts, I really feel the CCP is too evil, Zhen said with sadness. He saw not only the CCPs outright lies, but its persecution of many religious groups, minorities, and now the killing of innocents in Hong Kong.

Such a regime is one without humanity, Zhen said.

It broke his heart for the people of China, because despite the regime there are good people, many of whom he says are fleeing overseas because they cannot survive in such a totalitarian state that squelches culture, belief, and humanity.

But what Shen Yun is doing is showing the world the authentic Chinese culture, Zhen said, and at the same time unmasking the CCP for what it isevil.

Shen Yun gave Zhen hope.

This rich cultural cornerstone of our Chinese civilization, [Shen Yun has made it so] that Westerners can too appreciate it, Zhen said.

Truly, this level of culture cannot be enjoyed at home. It really cannot be found in China, Zhen said.

With reporting by Jenny Jing.

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.
Gold Stocks Wavering

The gold miners stocks are wavering, frustrating traders. For the better part of a half-year, this sector has neither broken out nor broken down. Instead it has mostly ground sideways since the last uplegs peak. Gold stocks being mired in a consolidation so long, even a relatively-high one, is steadily eroding bullish sentiment. That ups the odds it will roll over into a correction, especially considering golds situation.

Last summer the gold stocks were rocking, with the leading GDX VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF just soaring. Following golds decisive bull-market breakout to its first new highs in several years in late June, GDX blasted 29.0% higher over the next 2.5 months! That generated great bullishness, capping a larger 76.2% upleg over 11.8 months. The major gold stocks dominating GDX were becoming belles of the ball.

That fast run left them super-overbought, so a correction was highly probable to rebalance sentiment in this hot sector. And that indeed looked to be getting underway, with GDX retreating 15.4% over the next 1.3 months into mid-October. The gold stocks mostly bumped along those correction lows for another 1.3 months into late November. Then GDX rallied a bit, but kept grinding sideways on balance for most of December.

But on Christmas Eves throwaway half-day trading session, gold surged in a surprising rally managing to break out above its own downtrend resistance. GDX surged 6.2% in just 4 trading days, rekindling hopes the gold stocks were off to the races again. But despite golds sharp geopolitical rally this month, the gold stocks havent been able to break out to new highs. This week GDX fell back to pre-Christmas-Eve levels.

Thus for 4.4 months now, the major gold stocks have effectively drifted. They failed to roll over into a real correction, then failed to break out to new highs even while gold was. This lackluster action reminds me of Jesus Christ admonishing a church in Asia Minor as described in Revelation. He warned the church in Laodicea, I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!

So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth. That sounds like gold stocks in recent months. If they were cold after correcting, theyd be great buys. If they were hot after breaking out to new highs, momentum fueled by resurgent bullish sentiment could push them higher. But instead theyve been lukewarm, the most unappealing temperature for food, drink, or trading.

Theres no doubt they were hot in early September as this sectors last upleg peaked. GDX stretched more than 34% above its baseline 200-day moving average, revealing extreme overboughtness. That was the most overextended gold stocks had been since late August 2016. And that sure didnt end well, with GDX soon plummeting 39.4% in 4.4 months in a brutal severe correction! Those exist for a reason.

After major uplegs, popular sentiment grows too bullish. That entices in all speculators and investors who are interested in buying in the near term. Once they are effectively all-in, the capital inflows necessary to force gold stocks higher dry up. All traders can do is sell, and that soon starts to snowball. The ultimate purpose of corrections is to rebalance sentiment, eradicating greed and rekindling fear through big selloffs.

Those are the most-efficient and fastest way to bleed off upleg-killing levels of greed. But theres another way that is much slower. Instead of selling off sharply igniting fear, gold stocks can grind sideways after uplegs in high consolidations. That increasingly leads to apathy, which gradually drowns out greed after uplegs peak. The critical question for traders now is whether gold stocks are correcting or consolidating.

The trading strategies for each possibility are very different. Corrections exhibit severe downside in this volatile sector. So traders need to sell positions or at least ratchet up trailing stop losses to protect their gains. Cash is king in corrections, since it preserves capital while gold stocks sell off enabling traders to buy back in at much-lower prices increasing their position sizes. Gold-stock losses in corrections can get huge.

As this chart of recent years GDX action shows, this gold-stock bulls prior two corrections averaged ugly 35.4% losses over 11.8 months! So traders sure dont want to own gold stocks during a correction. GDX is rendered in blue here, with this gold-stock bulls major uplegs and corrections noted. GDXs 15.4% loss at worst over 1.3 months since the last upleg peaked is certainly not a correction-grade selloff in this sector.

Instead of correcting hard to kill greed quickly, the major gold stocks have largely been drifting sideways generating apathy. This lukewarm wavering is slowly staking enthusiasm for this sector. This is evident in gold-stock capital flows and gold-stock sentiment. Back in late August and early September, bullishness for big additional gains ran rampant. Today gold stocks are shifting back towards being ignored like usual.

Trading high consolidations is very different than trading corrections. Since this sector mostly grinds horizontally, replacing selloff downside with time, existing positions dont have to be liquidated. They can be held to ride out the consolidation, as the potential losses are way lower than in a correction. Later on after the consolidation has mostly eradicated greed, new positions can be added ahead of the next upleg.

One clue both corrections and consolidations may be ending is 200dma approaches. 200-day moving averages are the strongest support zones within ongoing bull markets. So when GDX retreats back to its 200dma, either quickly through a correction or slowly through a consolidation, odds rise that sentiment is nearing sufficient rebalancing. And so far in this corrective phase, GDX hasnt even come close to its 200dma.

The day that last gold-stock upleg peaked in early September, GDX was running 1.341x its 200dma. At worst in late November when the major gold stocks revisited their correction lows, that metric contracted to 1.047x. But GDX still remained almost 5% above its 200dma, way too high for a convincing approach. By late December that ballooned back up to 1.151x, and was still running 1.109x in the middle of this week.

Thus while overboughtness has mitigated considerably in recent months, it never went away. Both prior gold-stock corrections saw GDX plunge way under its 200dma, to 0.767x and 0.801x respectively. While such deep correction lows probably arent necessary this time around, this leading gold-stock benchmark could easily fall 5% to 10% under its 200dma before greed is eradicated. So considerable risks remain.

The key to successfully trading gold stocks is their dominant primary driver, gold. Golds fortunes over the next few months will dictate whether the gold miners roll over into a correction or keep consolidating high to evade one. 80%+ of gold-stock price action is driven by gold, not company-specific news. If gold is rallying, the miners climb with it amplifying its gains. If gold is selling off, gold stocks leverage its losses.

The major gold miners of GDX tend to leverage material gold moves by 2x to 3x. So if gold rallies 10% from here, GDX is likely to surge 20% to 30% higher. But if gold falls 10%, this leading gold-stock ETF will likely be dragged 20% to 30% lower. The lack of a normal gold correction following golds own early-September upleg peak is why gold stocks havent corrected significantly. They simply mirrored golds action.

At worst in late November, gold had retreated 6.4% in 2.7 months. While not perfectly synched time-wise, GDXs 15.4% drop at worst was 2.4x golds. Thats right in the middle of that normal leverage range. But golds parallel high consolidation that has enabled gold stocks has also been far milder than bull-to-date precedent. This gold bulls prior couple corrections averaged much-larger 15.5% selloffs over 6.0 months!

So whether these wavering gold stocks correct or consolidate depends on whether gold itself corrects or consolidates. The only way this sectors high consolidation can continue and avoid rolling over into a bigger selloff is if gold remains relatively high too. As always gold-stock speculators and investors must look to gold for whats probable next. Again it is responsible for well over 4/5ths of gold-stock price action!

Like gold stocks, gold is driven by capital flows. When speculators and/or investors are buying, gold rallies pushing the gold stocks higher. When they sell, gold falls dragging its miners stocks lower. What gold speculators and investors do in coming weeks and months will determine the short-term fate of the gold stocks. Unfortunately the recent gold buying looks precarious, as I detailed in another essay last week.

In recent weeks GDXs highest close remained 4.7% under its last upleg peak in early September. Yet gold was breaking out to new upleg highs, fueled by shocking geopolitical events. The US government assassinated Irans top general with a drone strike while he was traveling in Iraq, then Iran retaliated by lobbing ballistic missiles at Iraqi bases used by the US military! So gold blasted 2.9% higher in 3 trading days.

Those fear-driven gains catapulted gold to $1572 on close, 1.2% above early Septembers upleg peak of $1554. Gold-stock traders were apparently skeptical golds gains would hold, as GDX certainly didnt amplify them like normal. As I warned in early January, gold stocks surge since Christmas Eve looked like a head-fake rally. Those gains didnt look sustainable because of the situation gold itself was facing.

Gold speculators likely buying was effectively exhausted, while gold investors werent buying. Gold cant enjoy uplegs without material capital inflows from either or both of these key constituencies. Speculators mostly game gold through gold futures, which allow extreme leverage exceeding 30x! Their positioning is reported weekly, and forms trading ranges when considered across golds current 4.1-year-old secular bull.

The latest spec gold-futures data before this essay was published was current to last Tuesday January 7th, the very day gold peaked on US-Iran-conflict fears. Total spec longs, upside bets on gold, hit an all-time-record high of 444.0k contracts! That implies spec gold-futures long buying is tapped out, since both gold-futures traders and the capital they command is finite. They are effectively all-in gold, fully deployed.

Meanwhile their total shorts, downside bets on gold, remained really low at 88.0k contracts. That was just 6.5% up into their trading range during this gold bull. In those gold-bull-to-date trading-range terms, they had room to buy and cover just 11.8k contracts. But they had room to sell short a massive 168.7k! The spec gold-futures shorts were near their effective floor, so traders likely werent able to buy materially more.

The most-bullish-possible near-term setup for gold is specs being 0% long and 100% short in gold-bull-trading-range terms. If positioning looked like that, the gold stocks would be poised for a major new upleg running from here. But this latest data revealed specs were actually 100% long and 7% short, which is still close to the most-bearish-possible for gold of 100% and 0%! Speculators cant buy much more from here.

Even worse, they are going to soon have to sell a big fraction of their excessively-bullish bets to normalize their positions. Gold-futures contracts have expiration dates. So these all-time-record-high longs have to be sold sooner or later, which will push gold lower. And that could be much lower. Including both their longs and shorts, specs now have room to buy 11.8k contracts but room to sell 36.0x more way up at 426.1k!

So the gold stocks arent only not going to get help from more gold-futures buying, big gold-futures selling could slam them lower amplifying golds losses by 2x to 3x. That means the only hope for gold stocks to continue consolidating high rather than rolling over into a correction is gold investment buying. Although global gold investment demand is only reported quarterly, theres a great daily proxy of investment capital flows.

That is the holdings of the leading and dominant gold exchange-traded fund, the GLD SPDR Gold Shares. GLD acts as a conduit for the vast pools of American stock-market capital to slosh into and out of gold. If you need to get up to speed on the critical importance of GLD capital flows evident in its holdings or that spec gold-futures trading, last weeks essay covered both in more depth. Gold stocks are this essays focus.

These lukewarm wavering gold stocks can only keep consolidating high if gold itself does. And with the gold-futures traders buying effectively exhausted, gold stocks only near-term hope is big gold investment buying. This chart of GLDs daily gold-bullion holdings superimposed over gold unfortunately proves this isnt happening. Investors were barely buying gold in recent weeks, and that has rolled over into selling.

Gold investment capital flows tend to lag gold somewhat, as investors are slower to respond to gold price swings than speculators. GLDs holdings peaked at 924.9 metric tons of gold held in trust for shareholders in late September a few weeks after golds last upleg originally crested. Then investors enthusiasm for gold faded with its price, so GLDs holdings fell 4.8% or 44.3t into mid-December as GLD shares were sold.

While golds downtrend-breakout rally happened on Christmas Eve, it was testing other key resistance the day before. So Friday December 20th was really golds last normal correction day. Over the next couple of weeks, gold would surge 6.4% higher first on that breakout and later on the US-Iran conflict flaring. But American stock investors werent doing much buying, as GLDs holdings only grew by 1.2% or 10.3t in that span.

There was little investment buying fueling golds recent spike to a new 6.8-year secular high. The lions share of the gold buying driving those fast gains came from speculators buying gold futures. In roughly that same span, specs added 43.7k gold-futures longs. Thats the equivalent of 135.8t of gold buying, or 13.2x more than GLDs holdings build! Golds breakout cant continue without big investment-capital inflows.

But much more ominously, over this past week that modest differential-GLD-share buying has turned into sizable investment selling. Once golds sharp geopolitically-fueled gains proved unsustainable, investors quickly resumed exiting. In just 3 trading days ending last Friday, GLDs holdings plunged 2.4% or 21.7t! That more than wiped out recent weeks entire build, dragging GLDs holdings to a fresh correction low.

Its certainly understandable investors arent enamored with gold. After spending just two trading days at new upleg highs early last week, that breakout fizzled out. And gold investment demand usually proves weak anyway when stock markets are near record highs spinning off great euphoria. Thats certainly the case today, thanks to the Feds extreme easing via ongoing QE4 money printing monetizing US Treasury bills.

The gold investment capital flows per their leading daily proxy argue that golds breakout spike was just a temporary anomaly with no foundation. If this gold investment selling persists on balance, it is going to push gold lower. That could unleash the vast pent-up selling from speculators record gold-futures-selling overhang. Being effectively all-in, the gold-futures specs really couldnt buy more even if they wanted to.

The continuing viability of gold stocks high consolidation in recent months is totally dependent on golds fortunes. Gold needs ongoing capital inflows to stay high or rally higher. The gold-futures specs cant buy, and the gold investors arent buying. If the investors recent selling pushes gold low enough to start unleashing that massive gold-futures selling, gold will roll over into a correction dragging gold stocks with it.

These lukewarm wavering gold stocks have only consolidated high because gold has. They will definitely get dragged into a real correction if gold breaks down. And thats very probable given speculators current gold-futures positioning and investors ongoing gold selling. If gold falls 10% from here, which is mild by bull-to-date standards, the major gold stocks as represented by GDX are likely to amplify that to 20% to 30%.

Thats a lot of asymmetric downside risk compared to very-limited short-term upside at best! So it remains prudent to be wary here, these relatively-high gold-stock levels likely arent sustainable. The fortunes of this sector overwhelmingly depend on golds own. And both gold-futures speculators and gold investors seem far more likely to sell than materially buy in the near future. Thats certainly bearish for gold stocks.

To multiply your capital in the markets, you have to trade like a contrarian. That means buying low when few others are willing, so you can later sell high when few others can. In the first half of 2019 well before gold stocks soared higher, we recommended buying many fundamentally-superior gold and silver miners in our popular weekly and monthly newsletters. We later realized big gains including 109.7%, 105.8%, and 103.0%!

To profitably trade high-potential gold stocks, you need to stay informed about whats driving broader gold cycles. Our newsletters are a great way, easy to read and affordable. They draw on my vast experience, knowledge, wisdom, and ongoing research to explain whats going on in the markets, why, and how to trade them with specific stocks. Subscribe today and take advantage of our 20%-off sale! Get onboard now so you can mirror our coming trades for golds next upleg after this correction largely passes.

The bottom line is gold stocks have been wavering in a high consolidation only because gold has mostly done the same. The gold miners cant break out to the upside without sustained higher gold prices. But thats really unlikely given speculators record excessively-bullish bets and investors continuing to sell on balance despite golds recent geopolitical spike. That investment selling will likely trigger big gold-futures selling.

That would force the gold stocks to roll over into a real correction, breaking down to the downside. Thats normal after major uplegs in this gold bull, rebalancing sentiment way more quickly than drifting sideways can. Gold-stock traders must remain wary until speculators extreme gold-futures positioning finally gets normalized through big selling. That will usher in the buy-low opportunities before golds next major upleg.

Adam Hamilton, CPA

So how can you profit from this information? We publish an acclaimed monthly newsletter, Zeal Intelligence , that details exactly what we are doing in terms of actual stock and options trading based on all the lessons we have learned in our market research. Please consider joining us each month for tactical trading details and more in our premium Zeal Intelligence service at  www.zealllc.com/subscribe.htm

Questions for Adam? I would be more than happy to address them through my private consulting business. Please visit www.zealllc.com/adam.htm for more information.

Thoughts, comments, or flames? Fire away at zelotes@zealllc.com . Due to my staggering and perpetually increasing e-mail load, I regret that I am not able to respond to comments personally. I will read all messages though and really appreciate your feedback!

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Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has got only petrol-powered CVT scooters as of now, but had shared its plans to introduce electric products in the future. The Honda PCX Electric could be one of those products and the company has showcased the same recently to select dealers at a private event.

The Honda PCX electric scooter was showcased to the public in a concept avatar back at Auto Expo 2018. Compared to its regular petrol sibling, the all-electric PCX looks mostly similar except for some blue highlights and other subtle cosmetic bits that give an electric vibe.

The company remained silent about the PCX (until now) mostly because it had doubts on whether the e-scooter will perform well on the Indian scooter market, wherein EVs are still at an infant stage. However, with the likes of Ather Energy, Okinawa Electric and Hero Electric on the rise in urban markets, Honda sees a potential.

Even Bajaj Auto is joining the party with the all-electric Chetak. Sales of a new Honda electric scooter might be minuscule in comparison to its popular CVT line-up, but the company plans to improve the EVs desirability with the help of efficient supporting infrastructure (charging stations, battery suppliers, etc.) in collaboration with other major brands in the country.

The Honda PCX Electric features two exchangeable Li-ion battery packs (called the Honda Mobile Power Pack) with a capacity of 1.03kWh each. The batteries, if taken out and charged separately, take four hours to attain 100% while the charging time rises to six hours if the scooter is plugged-in using a conventional cable charger. The battery packs are placed under the seat for the best range and performance by attaining optimum centre of gravity.

Coupled to the motor developed in-house by Honda, the e-scooter is able to return a range of 41km. This might be a major concern in a fuel-economy-conscious Indian market and in real-life riding conditions, the range may go down further.

Coming to the regular Honda PCX 150, the premium scooter is powered by a 149cc engine capable of 13.3bhp and 13.6Nm of torque. Honda is reportedly working on a VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) of the same for better performance and fuel-efficiency. We think HMSI should launch this scooter in the country and target a rather niche portion of the Indian scooter market, currently dominated by the likes of the Aprilia SR150 and Vespa.
With less than three weeks to go before the Iowa caucuses, tensions escalated between two of the leading Democratic candidates and were on display on national television at a debate in Iowa.

Well catch you up on this and other moments you may have missed from a very busy week.

A timeline of the Sanders-Warren tension

For almost a year, Senators Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts had a tacit nonaggression pact. But not anymore.

The trouble started last weekend with the publication of a script that volunteers on the Sanders campaign had been using, telling voters that Ms. Warren appealed to highly educated, more affluent people and brought no new bases to the party. Then, on Monday, Ms. Warren said that Mr. Sanders had told her in a private meeting in December 2018 that he did not believe a woman could win the presidency  a claim Mr. Sanders vehemently denied.

The disagreement came to a head on Tuesday. During the debate in Iowa, the two senators had a brief, relatively cordial exchange in which Mr. Sanders again denied making the remark and Ms. Warren pivoted to a broader point about womens electability. But afterward, as the candidates were mingling onstage, Ms. Warren confronted Mr. Sanders directly.
TechnipFMC has reaffirmed that its planned split into two companies, TechnipFMC and Technip Energies, is well on track for completion in the first half of 2020.

The company anticipates completing the transaction in the second quarter of 2020 and intends to host a capital markets event in Paris for Technip Energies before completion of the spin-off.

The company also announced that the EU prospectus for the spin-off of Technip Energies will now include audited IFRS financial statements for Technip Energies for each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 through 2019. In order to provide financial statements for the full year 2019, which will afford greater visibility into recent historical performance, the company anticipates the release of its EU prospectus after its annual filings (Annual Report on Form 10-K and UK Annual Report).

In addition to the approval of the EU Prospectus by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), the successful completion of the planned spin-off also remains subject to general market conditions, regulatory approvals, and final Board approval. While awaiting receipt of all final approvals, the Company and its employees will stay focused on delivering operational excellence and world-class service to its clients.

Technip Energies (SpinCo): With approximately 15,000 employees, Technip Energies would be one of the largest E&C pure-plays and is poised to capitalize on the global energy transition. Technip Energies will be well positioned to capture LNG opportunities as a result of its disciplined project delivery model, diversified capabilities and track record. In addition, the new company will benefit from its leadership position, in terms of backlog, in the downstream market, as well as future growth opportunities in biofuels, green chemistry and other energy alternatives. Technip Energies will be incorporated in the Netherlands with headquarters in Paris and listed on the Euronext Paris exchange.

TechnipFMC (RemainCo): With approximately 22,000 employees, TechnipFMC would be a fully-integrated technology and services provider, continuing to drive energy development. The companys role will be to support clients in the delivery of unique, integrated production solutions. As a standalone company, TechnipFMC will be the largest diversified pure-play in the industry. TechnipFMC will remain incorporated in the UK with headquarters in Houston and listed on both the NYSE and Euronext Paris exchange. - TradeArabia News Service
If you would have gone there youd see something was going on because its a pretty big school but it didnt have a lot of students and you could see that. I understand its a private school and expensive but it looked like it was deteriorating and no one cared. There wasnt any excitement, Otero said.
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A mix of those used in the classic movies and those inspired by the look. These are my 10 of the best James Bond villain chairs.

You know the kind of thing. James Bond walks in, the chair swings around a villainous voice says Mr Bond. I have been expecting you. Or something along those lines. The villain, the secret agent and the big chair.

Some of those seats are still available today, either as reproductions or vintage items. But many others have a look that could pass for one. Ive picked out the best of both for the round-up, offering comfort, a presence in your living room and of course, the option of playing a supervillain in your own home.

1. G-Plan Vintage The Sixty Two leather swivel armchair

Lets kick off with the real deal. A chair design that did grace a Bond movie.

The chair was the seat of choice for Blofeld in the 1967 James Bond movie You Only Live Twice. Dating back to 1962 (hence the name) it was originally known as the G-Plan 6250 and is noted for its size, the curves on the back and arms, the button detailing and the wheelbase. Comes with a footstool too if you want one. Not that Ernst Blofeld went for one.

Pricey though, like all such chairs in truth. But it is available discounted to 1,340 right now if you have the cash to spare.

Find out more at the After Noah website

2. Hemming leather swivel armchair at West Elm

Of course, there was no West Elm when the classic Bond movie was at its peak. But this design would have fit right in.

it actually takes inspiration from classic Danish design, but it would lend itself well to someone kicking back with a cat on his or her lap. A high back, winged sides and a deep, low seat. Comfort to match the style.

999 for this one.

Find out more at the West Elm website

3. Ultra swivel armchair by Jonathan Adler

If a 1970s Bond super villain wanted to kick back, this might well have been the chair to choose.

Adler goes down the 70s route for a chair with presence and a touch of glamour. Brass lozenge-shaped legs for support and some charcoal velvet for the seating. A mix of Italian modernism and space-age design. Yes, Im thinking of the Moonraker era.

1,225 for this one, which is half price in the Jonathan Adler sale.

Find out more at the Jonathan Adler website

4. Egg swivel chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen

A design classic and the kind of chair any self-respecting mogul would want to be seen in back in the day.

A few probably did as this was designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958 for the Radisson SAS hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark. A stopover for the hip jet setter of the day. They might well have been tempted to take one back to the lair.

If you want one for your secret hangout, prices start at around the 5,000 mark.

Find out more at the Made In Design website

5. B&B Italia Metropolitan armchair

This is a fairly modern design, but one that would fit into pretty much any Bond movie set of the past.

Thats down to the retro design of this 2003 seat, the work of American designer Jeffrey Bernett. A wide seat, angled back, chrome support and a plethora of shades to choose from, ranging from subdued to bold.

2,300 if you want to invest in this one.

Find out more at the Chaplins website

6. 1960s De Sede S231 swivel lounge armchair

Sadly this one isnt available new. But it was a chair used in a James Bond movie.

That was my personal favourite, On Her Majestys Secret Service. The only outing for George Lazenby as 007. Both the lounge chair and ottoman made an appearance and sadly both are no longer available from De Sede. Although the company is still making furniture.

So this one is a secondhand version of the leather chair and stool, which does have some added character from the years of use, but rarity value pushes the price to around 5,000.

Find out more at the 1st Dibs website

7. Carlotta retro swivel chair by Andrew Martin

A 1970s-style design that has the kind of presence you would expect of a Bond villains chair.

Comfort and style in equal measure, which is pretty much what you want when you are hatching dastardly plans. An antique leather cover gives it some age and the polished stainless steel frame adds a retro touch.

But another pricey option at 1,695.

Find out more at the Andrew Martin website

8. 1960s Leo armchair by Robin Day

Back to another chair that has featured in an actual Bond movie, as well as being a design classic in its own right.

The Leo range takes in armchairs, settees and ottomans for the office or the home. Or the set of a Bond movie. This one featured in a few of the early Bond films, as you can see with Sean Connery sitting on one here.

It is available with a fixed or swivel base, although the one that made its appearance in the Bond movies had fixed legs. Angular modernism with button detailing, a high back and plenty of finishes to choose from.

You are looking at around 3,000 for a leather version, but much cheaper for a fabric finish.

Find out more at the Loft website or the Cimmermann website

9. Grand Repos lounge chair and ottoman

Again, I cant imagine many Bond villains going for the ottoman option. But after a tiring day, they might like to put their feet up sitting in this chair and stool.

The chair itself is a stunner, the work of Antonio Citterio. A timeless lounge chair with adjustable sitting positions, several finishes and the kind of padding that ensure plenty of comfort.

I can imagine this in a Bond film from any era `and the asking price of 4,360 shouldnt worry a billionaire. It might be a test for us mere mortals though.

Find out more at the Heals website

10. 1960s Oksen lounge chair by Arne Jacobsen

Another classic of the original Bond era and a second outing for Arne Jacobsen.

Not a million miles from the Grand Repos, this is a similar bull-like design, but more of an angular affair than the previous one. A chair that has bolt recently been made available again some years after its 1966 debut. This really is a power chair.

Different types of leather and bases to choose from, but again, this is for people with cash to spare. Even discounted this one sells for 6,600.

Find out more at the TwentyTwentyOne website

And one last chair

I intended to mention the wonderful Joe Colombo Elda black leather lounge chair, as its as Bond villain as anything youll find. Especially if we are talking that 1970s space-age classic Moonraker.

Not that its a 1970s design. This was a pioneering 1963 design by the iconic Italian designer and was available to buy new until a few years ago if you had a room big enough to hold it.

These days it is strictly secondhand and with prices around the 6,000 mark if you want to go down that route.

Find out more at the 1st Dibs website
Storbeck said she thinks back to her mother, who in the 1970s tried to open a bank account and couldnt do it without her husband present. Because of the NOW, it is illegal for a man to beat his wife and birth control isnt limited to married women, Storbeck said.
Consultancy: Senior Social Scientist Demand for Immunization (Home Based) - Programme Division, New York

Organization: UNICEF - United Nations Childrens Fund

Country: United States

City: New York, USA

Office: UNICEF New York

Closing date: Saturday, 1 February 2020

Consultancy: Senior Social Scientist, Demand for Immunization (Home Based) - Health Section / Programme Division / NYHQ- REQ# 528874

Job no: 528874

Position type: Consultancy

Location: United States Division/Equivalent: Programme

School/Unit: Programme Division

Department/Office: Health Section, UNICEF NYHQ

Categories: Health, Consultancy

UNICEF works in some of the worlds toughest places, to reach the worlds most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

Consultancy Title: Consultant - Senior Social Scientist, Demand for Immunization (Home Based)

Section/Division/Duty Station: Health Section / Programme Division / NYHQ

Duration: 230 Days

About UNICEF

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the worlds leading childrens rights organization would like to hear from you. For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote childrens survival, protection and development. The worlds largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. UNICEF has over 12,000 staff in more than 145 countries.

BACKGROUND

UNICEF plays a leadership role in World Immunization Week (WIW) which is celebrated in the last week of April every year and aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against diseases. WIW demonstrates the value of vaccines, the need to build on immunization progress while addressing gaps, including through increased investment, how routine immunization is the foundation for strong, resilient health systems and universal health coverage.

UNICEF is regarded by its partners as a leader on the social, psychological and behavioral dimensions of vaccine hesitancy, and in the establishment and stewardship of the inter-agency Immunization Demand Hub (DH). The objectives of the Demand Hub are to harmonize, coordinate, and communicate with partners on vaccine demand and uptake at global, regional and country levels. The Demand Hub has been recognized as a success and has raised the profile and visibility of UNICEF in immunization.
The Wuhan novel coronavirus, a virus previously unknown, could have infected many more people than the number currently reported, a new analysis by the Imperial College, London, has said.

It could well be over 1700, researchers at the Imperial Colleges MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis said.

The statistics of the infected shared by the Chinese government, in fact, leaves one question unanswered: If at least three patients of the coronavirus were detected in Thailand and Japan  all three travelled from Wuhan  is it possible that the rest of China doesnt have a single case?

And, at a time when hundreds of millions of Chinese are travelling within and outside the country for the Chinese New Year (CNY) holidays?

How many persons have been infected with the coronavirus which originated from the central Chinese city of Wuhan until now?

The total number of cases now stands at 45, according to the Wuhan health commission.

The source of the outbreak is still under investigation in Wuhan. Preliminary investigations have identified environmental samples positive for nCoV in Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan City, however, some laboratory-confirmed patients did not report visiting this market. To date, there is no reported infection among healthcare workers in China, Thailand or Japan, according to an update from WHO on Friday.

Until Friday, authorities in Wuhan had also traced 763 people who had close contact with the patients till Wednesday night; 313 of them are under medical observation, according to state media.

But is that all? Especially given the fact that both the WHO and Wuhan health authorities havent ruled out the possibility of human-to-human transmission of the virus.

There could many more cases, said the reputed MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis.

Their researchers fear that there are many more infected with the virus.

We estimate that a total of 1,723 cases of 2019-nCoV in Wuhan Cityhad onset of symptoms by 12th January 2020 (the last reported onset date of any case), the Centre said in an analysis released early on Saturday.

The estimate is based on Wuhans population of 19 million, a mean 10-day delay between infection and detection and four-five delay from the onset of symptoms to detection and hospitalisation.

The five researchers involved in the report also took into account the total volume of international travel from Wuhan over the last two months, which have been 3,301 passengers per day (as per IATA data.)

It is likely that the Wuhan outbreak of a novel coronavirus has caused substantially more cases of moderate or severe respiratory illness than currently reported, the report said.

The estimates presented here suggest surveillance should be expanded to include all hospitalised cases of pneumonia or severe respiratory disease in the Wuhan area and other well-connected Chinese cities.

The researchers added: This analysis does not directly address transmission routes, but past experience with SARS and MERS-CoV outbreaks of similar scale suggests currently self-sustaining human-to-human transmission should not be ruled out.

The cases have been linked to exposure at a seafood market in Wuhan which has been closed since 1 January 2020 in efforts to contain the outbreak.

According to state-run China Daily, authorities in Wuhan, Hubei province have intensified efforts to prevent the spread of a virus that has caused a pneumonia outbreak in the city.

All outbound travelers from Terminal 3 of Wuhan Tianhe International Airport, a major airport in Central China, have had to receive temperature tests before boarding flights since Wednesday, and those displaying fever symptoms are quarantined, the airport authority said on Thursday.

At Wuhan Railway Station, employees told the newspaper that they had received notification from the authorities to start checking travelers temperatures.

The clinical signs and symptoms reported are mainly fever, with a few cases having difficulty in breathing.

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SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hagens Berman urges Baxter International (NYSE: BAX) investors who have suffered losses in excess of $100,000 to submit their losses now to learn if they qualify to recover compensable damages. The January 24, 2020 lead plaintiff deadline in a securities fraud class action that has been filed against the company and senior executives is fast approaching.



Class Period: Feb. 21, 2019 - Oct. 23, 2019

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Jan. 24, 2020

Sign Up: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/BAX

Contact An Attorney Now: BAX@hbsslaw.com

844-916-0895

Baxter International (BAX) Securities Class Action:

The complaint alleges that Defendants misled investors by engaging in fraudulent accounting.

According to the complaint, Baxter engaged in intra-company transactions to generate foreign exchange gains and losses, used foreign exchange rate conventions that violated generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and enabled intra-company transactions to be undertaken after the related exchange rates were already known.

Baxter investors began to learn the truth when, on Oct. 24, 2019, Baxter disclosed an Audit Committee investigation into the Companys accounting for certain foreign-currency sales, which violated GAAP and resulted in Baxter misreporting nearly $300 million in net foreign-exchange gains over the past five years. Baxter said it would not be able to timely file its third quarter 2019 quarterly report.

This news drove the price of Baxter shares sharply lower that day.

More recently, on Nov. 22, 2019, Baxter disclosed that it had received a notice of noncompliance from the NYSE, threatening to potentially delist the Company should it fail to file its quarterly report and any subsequently delayed filings by May 20, 2020.

If you invested in Baxter between Feb. 21, 2019 and Oct. 23, 2019 (the Class Period) and suffered significant losses, you may qualify to be a lead plaintiff  one who selects and oversees the attorneys prosecuting the case. Contact Hagens Berman immediately for more information about the case and being a lead plaintiff.

Were focused on investors losses and whether Baxter sought to manufacture profits through shady foreign-currency sales accounting, said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.

If you purchased shares of Baxter and suffered significant losses, click here to discuss your legal rights with Hagens Berman .

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Baxter International should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email BAX@hbsslaw.com .

About Hagens Berman

Hagens Berman is a national law firm with nine offices in eight cities around the country and eighty attorneys. The firm represents investors, whistleblowers, workers and consumers in complex litigation. More about the firm and its successes is located at hbsslaw.com . For the latest news visit our newsroom or follow us on Twitter at @classactionlaw .




Haiti - Politic : President Moise on tour in the North of the country





Friday, President Jovenel Moise, carried out the first stage of a tour in the northern region (North and North-East) of the country, to meet the population and learn about the progress of several infrastructure projects underway in the municipal sections.



He first went to Maissade (Center) to participate in the inauguration of the new administrative complex of the commune which brings together the Peace Tribunal, the offices of the registrar and the National Office of Identification (ONI).



Subsequently in the company of Ministers Jouthe Joseph (Economy), Fritz Caillot (Public Works) and Enold Joseph (Defense) the Head of State visited various infrastructure works (roads and bridges) which are being carried out in several communal sections.



At La Victoire (Dept. Nord), accompanied by the population, Moise walked to the Place d'Armes where he addressed the citizens and asked for their support for the many reforms he is carrying out within public administration.



Arrived at Mombin Crochu and in Vallieres (Dept. North-East), President Jovenel Moise who was acclaimed by the citizens, listened to the local authorities who, after welcoming the work in progress and the construction of the road section Vallieres / Mombin Crochu, a campaign promise from the President, which has become a reality that will ease traffic and promote trade in the municipalities of Pignon, Vallieres and other neighboring communities, expressed their concerns and grievances to the President.



To close this first day of tour in the North-East, the Head of State met with the students of the Paul Eugene Magloire high school in Fort-Liberte, around this school building which is one of the ten high schools whose reconstruction has been announced https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29762-haiti-politic-the-salary-of-parliamentarians-will-be-used-to-build-10-high-schools.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Moving forward on its commitment to improve the lives of local communities, particularly children, Indias largest Science-based Ayurveda Company Dabur India Ltd today announced the expansion of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) drive in Jammu with the adoption of three new government schools. Dabur has pledged to improve the overall infrastructure in these three schools in Jammu this year.

The first of these three schools -- Government High School, Meensarkar, Distt Samba  was revamped and handed over to the school authorities at special function organized within the school premises today. The revamp initiative in these schools would benefit a total of over 540 students.

I am delighted at the expansion of our CSR initiatives in Jammu. Dabur is committed to the sustainable well-being of people in our operational areas, and we believe that ensuring proper education for children is a priority in this endeavour. At Dabur, we have always supported the cause of promoting quality education and empowering individuals. This school support programme is an intrinsic part of our efforts to improve the overall learning environment in schools in Jammu, which we feel will go a long way in reducing school dropouts, Dabur India Ltd Head-CSR Mr. A. Sudhakar said.

Under this Community Development initiative, Dabur has adopted three government schools in Jammu and will be completely upgrading the infrastructure in these schools. These include creation of new and separate sanitation facilities for both boys and girls, creation of drinking water facility, and overall upgradation of the school infrastructure with BaLA (Building as Learning Aid) paintings. The development work was carried out by Daburs CSR arm Jivanti Welfare & Charitable Trust and an independent development agency SURE (Society to Uplift Rural Economy).

CSR may be a new term in the corporate lexicon, but it has a long tradition in Dabur. We have been constantly been engaged in activities that create a sustainable impact. At Dabur, we believe that education is both the means to a better life and a key to ensure overall development of the society. In a bid to improve enrollment levels and reduce the dropout rates in rural and semi-urban schools, Dabur has taken up the onus of improving the infrastructure in schools and improving the learning experience for children in rural India, Mr. Sudhakar added.

The school revamp was undertaken after detailed discussions with the school authorities and keeping their specific needs in mind.

After a detailed survey of the region, these three schools were identified as the initial beneficiaries for our Education-led CSR interventions in Jammu. After discussions with the school administration and local authorities, we commenced a host of development activities in these schools. Our intention is to develop and support these schools as Model Schools for the region, Mr. Sudhakar said.

Going forward, Dabur plans to roll out a host of development initiatives aimed at improving the livelihood of rural populace, particularly women and children, in the region.
The number of people infected by a mysterious and deadly SARS-like virus in China could be substantially higher than official reports suggest, researchers have found.

Authorities say two people have died and a further 39 taken ill following the previously unseen outbreak.

But a new study has claimed the number of those affected is more likely to be approaching 2,000.

Researchers at Londons MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis  which advises the World Health Organisation  said they estimated a total of 1,723 cases by 12 January, and rising.

The claim came just hours before Chinese authorities revealed on Saturday they had discovered four more cases of pneumonia potentially linked to the outbreak.

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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 four individuals are now in hospital in Wuhan, the central city at the epicentre of the deadly infection.

For the new study, scientists took the number of cases reported outside China  two in Thailand and one in Japan  to infer how many were likely to have been infected in Wuhan, based on international flight data from the citys airport.

For Wuhan to have exported three cases to other countries would imply there would have to be many more cases than have been reported, Professor Neil Ferguson, one of the reports authors, told the BBC.

And he added: I am substantially more concerned than I was a week ago.

People should be considering the possibility of substantial human-to-human transmission more seriously than they have so far.

Both the cause of the virus and the way it spreads remain unknown at present but authorities say it appears to be centred around a seafood market in Wuhan.

So far, neither health officials in China nor experts around the rest of the globe believe the disease  a coronavirus that affects the respiratory system  to be as lethal as SARS, but the investigation is evolving.

This is the stage of the investigation where we need to proceed cautiously and be prepared for any eventuality, Dr Nancy Messonnier, of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US, told the Reuters news agency.

Around much of the rest of the world  including in the UK  airports are continuing to screen flights with passengers arriving from Wuhan.

But, to add to potential complications, the outbreak comes ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays in China, which often sees what is called the worlds largest migration.

Some 440 million railway trips are expected to be made by people going home to family next week, along with 79 million flights abroad.
A massive winter storm that halted all flights in and out of Chicago's O'Hare airport for hours was expected to produce moderate to heavy snow and dangerous travel conditions over much of the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast into Sunday.

The National Weather Service warned of a "widespread footprint of heavy snows" up to a foot as the storm spread into central and northern New England.

"This storm has the potential to produce widespread hazardous conditions across much of the northeastern quarter of the nation over the next day and a half," the weather service said.

Winter storm warnings were in effect in parts of upstate New York, Massachusetts and northern Connecticut, including some Boston suburbs to the west and northwest.

Snow was forecast along the Interstate 95 corridor from Washington to Boston on Saturday, shifting to freezing rain and some sleet, with most precipitation south of New York City expected to end by Saturday night.

A swath from Northern Rhode Island to northeastern Massachusetts was expected to get from 2 to 4 inches of snow through Sunday afternoon, according to the NWS in Boston.

As the storm hovered over the nation's mid-section, up to 7 inches of snow had accumulated in parts of Iowa by Friday night and up to 5 inches fell in parts of central Nebraska, western Iowa and Missouri.

In western Iowa, a pickup truck slid off the road and barreled toward a delivery truck. No one was injured in the heart-stopping incident that was captured on video by a camera inside the delivery truck.

Shocking video today from a delivery truck on I-80 in Western Iowa. The AMCON Distributing driver, State Trooper, & occupants in the pickup truck were not seriously injured.



If you have to be out driving during inclement weather- slow down and be aware of the road conditions. pic.twitter.com/tXqMAOjCjz  Iowa State Patrol (@iowastatepatrol) January 18, 2020

One leg of the storm brought a wintry mix to parts of the mid-Atlantic early Saturday, producing slick driving conditions.

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Strong winds on the northwest side of this storm were expected to produce blizzard conditions into Saturday afternoon across the eastern half of North Dakota, the eastern half of South Dakota, far western Minnesota and northwest Iowa.

The winds could gust to over 50 mph, producing considerable blowing and drifting of snow and life threatening travel conditions, forecasters said.

In Kansas, Gov. Laura Kelly closed state offices in the Topeka area, urging people in a news release to stay safe and warm, exercise caution and allow road crews to do their job.

Weather: Delta plane slides off taxiway amid winter storm; airlines issue travel advisories into weekend

In Chicago, the Federal Aviation Administration lifted the flight stoppage at O'Hare on Friday night, but not before hundreds of flights were canceled at one of the nations busiest airports.

At 9 p.m., the Chicago Department of Aviation reported nearly 690 flights had been canceled at OHare, with 169 flights canceled at Midway, the citys other international airport. A winter weather advisory was issued for the Chicago area through early Saturday, with 2 to 5 inches of snow expected.

The icy conditions also caused a plane to slide off a taxiway at Kansas City International Airport earlier Friday as it was taxiing to be de-iced before flying to Detroit. There were no reports of injuries aboard the plane.

Nearly 90 flights to or from Kansas City International Airport were canceled Friday afternoon before of the wintry conditions.

Contributing: Associated Press

Traffic was rerouted on the eastbound lane of Interstate 80 near Adel, Iowa, after a semi truck jackknifed and took up both lanes of the freeway on Jan. 17, 2020. The accident was related to a winter storm, which dumped several inches of snow across much of central and northern Iowa.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Winter storms hit Chicago, Iowa; warnings in effect New York, Boston
Getting back to the bear basics By Ruqyyaha Deane View(s): View(s):

Having studied at Ananda College, two long time friends hatched a plan to start a company by chance while sitting for their CIMA exams. It was at this juncture that Thamara Kandabada and Pavithra Perera who are the co-founders of Bear Appeal began the clothing brand dedicated to providing bare essentials for the public of Sri Lanka.

Having slowly built a loyal customer base and being recognised for their quality products and customer service, Bear Appeal is an online based clothing line that sells minimalist clothing wear that focuses mainly on menswear but a few products are unisex as well.

Initially we wanted to do a mens brand of t-shirts, good quality stuff without the quirky odd designs. We were looking for it for ourselves. We thought that may be there is a market out there for this and we did an online survey and the results were very favourable so we just started off, shares Thamara with the Mirror Magazine.

Pavithra joined in adding that they had just wanted to throw it out there and see what the response would be. So far it has been pretty good as well. We thought it was a small niche at first but then it keeps expanding and we keep getting new customers everyday.

Bear Appeal launched in May 2017 in Pavithras bedroom. The two friends had been in long discussions on starting a business together but nothing really panned out as Thamara was not ready to drop everything and start something new.

However, after some convincing, the two friends took the first few steps to create something people really wanted and liked. Both of them realised there was a huge gap in the market for minimalistic and simple t-shirts for men and Bear Appeal was born.

They started off by putting up their website and selling three t-shirts in blue, black and grey. In due time, they moved on to a better supplier and started making socks, boxer-briefs as well as expanding the product line.

We have moved onto a office space, hired employees and we have two working at the office with us and two people who do our deliveries who work part-time. When it was just the two of us, it was super flexile but right now we have a responsibility towards our employees as well so we cant take it easy, Thamara shares on how the business has progressed within these two and a half years.

When asked about what they think sets them apart from other clothing brands as their styles are quite simple, they confidently reply saying that it is the customer service they provide that attracts the market.

We wanted to focus on customer service, most of the companies here dont have that. We wanted to make it easy as possible and provide customers with peace of mind. We offer free exchanges and refunds and things like that. Personally we are not shopaholics and we based our company on our perspective and what we would expect and how it should be, says Pavithra.

The customer they had in mind was someone who didnt want to browse around in a shop but who just wants to go online and place an order with a guarantee of a well-delivered product.

At Bear Appeal the duo want to make sure that good customer service is provided from the moment that you go on to their website to the point that it gets delivered to you.

Even with their designs, they joke that it is because of their lack of fashion backgrounds that the clothing stays clean cut as they are. However, they place high importance on what the customers looks for as they conduct informal surveys and see what the customers request from them.

Once we started, things just started rolling and we went with it. We dont have the usual start-up story, we didnt have to go bankrupt and come back.

We didnt want to go really big,and most of all we were solving an actual problem as people were looking for this stuff and there is a market for it, the two laugh and tell us about their success story. Watch their space for something big!

Check them out on https://bearappeal.com/ and visit their social media pages on FB and Instagram @bearappeal
Migrant workers on the K111 train from Shanghai to Guiyang, Guizhou Province, on Jan 14. [For Chinadaily.com.cn]

Migrant workers boarded a special train decorated with paper-cuttings and lanterns from Shanghai to Guiyang, Southwest China's Guizhou Province, on Jan 14.

Along with the festive environment on the train, activities such as cultural performance, health checkups and legal consulting were also offered.

The custom, proposed by the province's local Federation of Trade Unions, has been practiced for four years during the Spring Festival travel rush.

This year, the activities will be held through Jan 22 on eight high-speed trains and 13 normal trains arriving in Guizhou, officials said.

Data shows nearly 4 million people from Guizhou work in cities across China.

Zhao Yandi contributed to this story

Calligraphers write Spring Festival couplets on the train. [For Chinadaily.com.cn]

A train attendant offers a poster of the Chinese character "Fu," which means good luck, to passengers. [For Chinadaily.com.cn]

Train attendants perform on the train. [For Chinadaily.com.cn]

Passengers enjoy Guizhou delicacies on the train. [For Chinadaily.com.cn]

(Source: chinadaily.com.cn)
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On Thursday, Black Lives Matter LA posted a tweet which claimed that the organization was excluded from this year's Women's March LA, an annual protest that launched in 2017 following the election of President Donald Trump.

BLMLA has been invited onstage to speak at the march for the past three years, said Melina Abdullah, one of the organization's co-founders.

"This was the first year that we didn't receive an invite," she said.

When Abdullah reached out to organizers at the Women's March Foundation, which puts on the march in L.A., she says her first requests for information went ignored, and she was then told the foundation was "trying to give space to new voices."

According to a press release sent by foundation officials, speakers at the 2020 Women's March will include:

Politicians Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Eric Garcetti, Maxine Waters, Karen Bass and Rusty Hicks; attorney Gloria Allred; activists Caitlyn Jenner and Lorri Jean; and actors Rosanna Arquette, Yvette Nicole Brown, Wilson Cruz, Joely Fisher, Ta'Rhonda Jones, Tatiana Maslany, Marlee Matlin, June Diane Raphael*, Raven-Symone, Michelle Rodriguez, Bella Thorne and Lisa Ann Walter.

To Abdullah, the lineup's inclusion of celebrities of color doesn't make up for its lack of voices from within the community of black female organizers.

"We think that the exclusion specifically of Black Lives Matter really reflects anti-blackness," she said. "That is how we see this."

The Women's March Foundation provided LAist with the following statement:

Black Lives Matter has participated in past year's programming and we hope they will march in support of women's rights again this year. While we support Black Lives Matter and its work, since this is an important election year, our speaking program for Women's March LA 2020 is focused on highlighting organizations and individuals who have a mission to register and encourage people to vote.

*Since learning about the exclusion of BLMLA, Raphael withdrew from the march in solidarity.

UPDATES:

Jan. 17, 4:50 p.m.: This article was updated with a statement from the Women's March Foundation.

Jan. 19, 12:32 p.m.: This article was updated to reflect the withdrawal of actress June Diane Raphael.

This article was originally published at 3:26 p.m on Jan. 17.
File photo

My only child, my sweet, brave and beautiful daughter Michele Ekaterini Ciufecu Broadley, is a forever 24-year-old cancer warrior who was taken from us way too soon. Michele loved to live life. She loved all animals, especially her cat Dusty, and she loved traveling, especially to tropical beaches. Michele fought a three-and-a-half-year battle with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, or ARMS. The cancer was initially found in her left inner forearm on July 26, 2013. Michele was only in remission for three months, and in the fall of 2014 she relapsed with the ARMS spreading to both of her lungs. In the final year of her cancer journey, she was referred to another oncologist who tried a new chemotherapy that seemed to be working for a short time from February to June of 2016.

In Micheles first battle with cancer, the treatment consisted of 10 and a half months of weekly chemotherapy treatments outpatient and every third week she received three chemotherapy treatments inpatient. In Micheles second battle with cancer, the treatment consisted of eight and a half months of weekly chemotherapies with the first week being inpatient with all three chemos every three weeks and also weekly outpatient chemotherapies. Through her cancer journey, Michele had six surgeries, daily radiation for six weeks in the first year and then multiple times after she relapsed, a multitude of scans, tests, doctor appointments, etc.
Today we'll take a closer look at China Everbright Limited (HKG:165) 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. Yet sometimes, investors buy a stock for its dividend and lose money because the share price falls by more than they earned in dividend payments.

In this case, China Everbright likely looks attractive to investors, given its 4.6% dividend yield and a payment history of over ten years. We'd guess that plenty of investors have purchased it for the income. Some simple analysis can offer a lot of insights when buying a company for its dividend, and we'll go through this below.

Click the interactive chart for our full dividend analysis

SEHK:165 Historical Dividend Yield, January 18th 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. China Everbright paid out 45% of its profit as dividends, over the trailing twelve month period. A medium payout ratio strikes a good balance between paying dividends, and keeping enough back to invest in the business. One of the risks is that management reinvests the retained capital poorly instead of paying a higher dividend.

Consider getting our latest analysis on China Everbright's financial position 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 China Everbright's dividend payments. This dividend has been unstable, which we define as having been cut one or more times over this time. During the past ten-year period, the first annual payment was HK$0.20 in 2010, compared to HK$0.66 last year. Dividends per share have grown at approximately 13% per year over this time. China Everbright's dividend payments have fluctuated, so it hasn't grown 13% every year, but the CAGR is a useful rule of thumb for approximating the historical growth.

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So, its dividends have grown at a rapid rate over this time, but payments have been cut in the past. The stock may still be worth considering as part of a diversified dividend portfolio.

Dividend Growth Potential

Given that the dividend has been cut in the past, we need to check if earnings are growing and if that might lead to stronger dividends in the future. Strong earnings per share (EPS) growth might encourage our interest in the company despite fluctuating dividends, which is why it's great to see China Everbright has grown its earnings per share at 13% 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.

Conclusion

To summarise, shareholders should always check that China Everbright's dividends are affordable, that its dividend payments are relatively stable, and that it has decent prospects for growing its earnings and dividend. We're glad to see China Everbright has a low payout ratio, as this suggests earnings are being reinvested in the business. Next, earnings growth has been good, but unfortunately the dividend has been cut at least once in the past. Overall we think China Everbright is an interesting dividend stock, although it could be better.

Are management backing themselves to deliver performance? Check their shareholdings in China Everbright in our latest insider ownership analysis.

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.
Somali, U.S. forces kill 2 al-Shabab militants

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 16:33, January 17, 2020

MOGADISHU, Jan. 17 -- Somali and U.S. security forces killed two al-Shabab militants on Thursday in an airstrike about 25 km north of Qunyo Barrow in southern Somalia, said a Somali government official.

The airstrike was conducted by the Somali government in coordination with the federal member states and the U.S. military, Somali government spokesman Ismael Mukhtar Omar said in a statement Thursday evening.

No civilians were killed or injured in the attack, Omar said.

"This strike and other recent battlefield successes show the FGS (Federal Government of Somalia) and its partners' resolve in bringing to justice those who terrorize and exploit the citizens of Somalia and its East African brothers and sisters," he said.

This is the second airstrike in 2020 in Somalia after the U.S. military conducted a record 63 strikes in the Horn of Africa nation last year.

The U.S. strikes have largely targeted al-Shabab figureheads based in southern and central Somalia where the group still maintains a strong grip in some regions.

The group has recently increased its attacks in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, targeting hotels and other public places.

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Dr Boniface Okolo, Director of Public Health, Enugu State, has advised Nigerians against consuming soaked garri to avoid contacting Lassa fever.

Okolo, in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Saturday in Enugu, said the specie of rats that cause Lassa fever are mostly in contact with Nigerias most popular staple food garri, which is gotten from cassava.

According to him, when soaked garri doesnt require boiled water, hence the danger as boiled water in eva could go a long way to kill bacteria caused by pest or rodents in garri.

His words: It is better than the cassava flakes called garri is used for eba, because of the use of hot water.

Read Also: Tears As Female Doctor Dies Of Lassa Fever In Umuahia

We in the state health ministry are waging total war against rodents through sensitisation, that is what we are doing to ensure we do not have victim of Lassa fever in the state.

We are also sensitising the public to ensure that their fruits and raw vegetables are properly washed if they must be consumed raw and cook to the appropriate temperature.

The best practices for food storage should be encouraged to prevent epidemic.

We should always make sure that we use air-tight clean plastic containers to preserve our foodstuff to avoid Lassa fever and other diseases. 
Khatris: Family that acts together stays together

Six years after moving to Singapore, from Boston, the Khatri family, consisting of Vishal Khatri, wife Vartika Khatri and son Vihaan Khatri, eight, has turned their passion for acting into something which now ties them together.

Vishal Khatri, theatre buff since school days, in Lucknow, found avenues to feed his acting appetite on this sunny island. Starting with Singapores only Hindi theatre festival, Dastak of which he has been a part since its inception in 2016, Vishal keeps his passion going with part-time mimicry, and emceeing.

His performing adventures inspired his wife and son, who tried out acting for themselves  and after they started, there was no turning back.

Connected to India speaks to this talented, tight knit family about their acting journey and what keeps them going.
Consider it a soybean detente.

The initial U.S.-China trade deal finalized Wednesday hopes to put on ice what had been growing hostilities that somehow drew Illinois farmers into a spat among the world's two biggest economies.

In a nutshell, it started when the Trump administration pushed back against China on unfair trade practices, manipulation of currency and companies stealing technology and intellectual property from the states.

The result was 25% levies put on $34 billion of Chinese imports, from grains to tobacco to whisky to steel, in summer 2018. Retaliatory tariffs followed.

Soybeans fit into this mess because the legumes are the single largest American export to China. And the No. 1 U.S. producer of soybeans is Illinois.

For farmers, the trade war produced uncertainty and lower prices. The good news is that strain is mostly alleviated in the new deal, with a few caveats.

On the encouraging side is that the Chinese have agreed to increase soybean and agricultural imports by $40 billion and another $160 billion in other sectors. The U.S. won't add certain tariffs to Chinese goods like toys, clothes and electronics and promised to scale back tariffs in other areas.

This is also important to the Illinois pork industry and corn-growers, two other key segments of the regional economy.

There also were important steps in delivering a level of protection for technology, as well as addressing ongoing bad trade practices. President Donald Trump during a White House bill-signing event termed it "a sea change in international trade."

Now the catch: The export boost is for two years and entirely predicated on China's ability to follow through with promises. The earlier negotiation process caused tremendous turbulence and forced the federal government to escalate financial assistance for producers.

Secondly, this arrangement is actually just the first phase of a much more complex discussion about China re-configuring its economy. That process will be lengthy, which means farmers remain in limbo.

We hope both sides keep their word.

The agreement Wednesday does suggest we're in for a period calm in what had been a period of ever-increasing tariff talk. With the threat of a recession on the horizon, we need this period of adjustment.

We hope both sides follow through. As weve said before, were concerned about local farmers being caught up in a trade war. But theres no doubt improved international trade relations mean an improved economy for Central Illinois.

Well have to wait to see how this plays out.

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MURPHYSBORO  Preparation is key for those living in floodplains across Southern Illinois, according to representatives of Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Illinois Department of Insurance, National Weather Service-Paducah, American Red Cross and Illinois Emergency Services Management Association.

On Wednesday, the agencies stopped at the Jackson County Health Department as part of the FloodPrep Tour.

We are here to help people prepare of the upcoming flood season, said Rebecca Clark, of IEMA.

A news release from IDNR and IEMA said the organizations involved in the FloodPrep Tour wanted to educate residents about the 2020 flood outlook and flood preparation.

Clark said this is the time to prepare for flooding, whether it is flash flooding or long-term flooding, like the region saw in 2019 when some areas saw floodwaters for 120 days. Although, heavy rain the weekend before the event shows those living in or near flood plains should always be prepared for rising water.

The question is: What did you learn from last year that you can improve this year? Clark said.

She added that every family should have an emergency plan and should pack bags when the possibility of flooding exists.

Steve Eddy, meteorologist in charge, and Rick Shanklin, warning coordination meteorologist of National Weather Service in Paducah, said the previous weekend may be an inkling of things to come.

Thirteen of the last 15 months, precipitation has been above normal. When you stay warmer than usual, you tend to stay wetter than usual, Shanklin said.

The word is prepare, Eddy said. Im guilty. Ill put it off until next week.

Make sure you have rotated fresh water and medication in your emergency kit. If you dont have an emergency kit, create one. Also, know where to get information.

Shanklin added that there are a lot of websites with great information that are reliable. Its good to do your research before flood season.

Paul Osman, IDNR State Flood Plane manager, was on hand with maps to show residents. He said Southern Illinois has valleys that are prone to flooding, as well as broad, flat, flood-plain areas along rivers.

Renysha Brown, preparedness and outreach bureau chief for IEMA, was available to talk about grants and mitigation measures.

Caron Brookens and other representatives of Illinois Department of Insurance told those attending the FloodPrep Tour that flood insurance exists for everyone, whether through the National Flood Insurance Program or through private insurance companies.

Another part of preparedness is documenting your belongings in case of a flood or another natural disaster. They recommend an app from National Association of Insurance Commissioners. For more information and a link to download the app, visit homeinsureuonline.org.

Claudia Blackman, a volunteer with the American Red Cross, also recommended several Red Cross apps for emergencies. For the flooding app, text GETFLOOD to 90999. Other apps can be downloaded by sending a text message to 90999, including GETNADO for tornadoes, GETQUAKE for earthquakes and GETEMERGENCY.

The Red Cross has many emergency resources on their website, including extensive information on creating an emergency kit. For more information, visit redcross.org.

Officials also met with students at Shawnee Junior Senior High School Wednesday morning. Students gave a presentation on what they have learned about flooding in and near their school district, which includes parts of Union and Jackson counties.

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An Airbnb bedroom in South Philadelphia. A bill has been introduced in the U.S. House to require home-sharing companies to advertise all mandatory fees, as well as the nightly rate, to potential customers searching for lodging. Read more

Juan Herrera, a graduate student from San Diego, was searching the Airbnb booking site for a place to rent in Los Angeles for New Years Eve when he was surprised to see that several extra fees were added to the nightly rate, pushing the total cost of the trip out of his price range.

In addition to the nightly rates of $100 to $120 for a private room, nearly every place he considered renting charged a service fee of about 13% of the pre-tax rate and a one-time cleaning fee of about $45. It prompted him to instead book a comparably priced hotel room.

I definitely felt surprised and preferred to book a regular hotel because I do not feel now that Airbnb is transparent with prices, Herrera said.

Properties listed on Airbnb routinely charge cleaning and other fees, some substantial, but such extra costs seldom are factored into the nightly rate that turns up in the initial lodging search, according to an analysis by the Los Angeles Times.

Now, lawmakers and consumer groups are pressuring Airbnb, Vrbo, and other short-term rental platforms  as well as conventional hotels  to include all mandatory charges into advertised rates so that prospective customers can accurately compare prices.

The European Commission reached an agreement with Airbnb last year that requires the online booking platform to include all mandatory fees into the advertised nightly rate. A bill introduced in September in the U.S. House of Representatives would impose similar requirements for all short-term lodging in the United States, including hotels and home-sharing platforms.

Advertising the full rate shouldnt be hard to do, said Anna Laitin, director of financial policy for Consumer Reports, which endorsed the legislation by Reps. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D., Texas) and Jeff Fortenberry (R., Neb.). There are ways to do it and do it well.

The bill, titled the Hotel Advertising Transparency Act, is awaiting a vote in the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

An Airbnb spokesperson said the booking site shows both the nightly rate, without fees, and the full price, but only after guests plug in the number of days they plan to rent lodging.

We are fully committed to price transparency and display both a nightly price and a fee-inclusive total price in our search results, Airbnb spokesperson Mattie Zazueta said. We are always working to improve our customer experience and welcome the opportunity to work with lawmakers on this important topic.

Home-sharing gained popularity primarily because such lodging, ranging from a single room to an entire house, was typically offered for a much lower rate than rooms at traditional hotels. But Airbnb customers have begun to complain on social media sites that short-term rental hosts have become increasingly misleading by advertising nightly rates without fees.

Dozens of times Ive gone to reserve a place only to see the cleaning fee and get annoyed because its ridiculously high, said Jonah Lupton, who runs a Boston-based painting company.

Cleaning fees  in some cases nearly as much as the daily rate  are among the highest charges added to most short-term rentals.

Because cleaning fees are almost always charged only once per stay, the cleaning costs are a bigger hit for customers who book only one night than those who book for several days.

Only after the consumers click on a specific listing, then they can see the price structures that show the breakdown of the total cost, including the expenses for the stay, cleaning fee, service fee, and occupancy taxes and fees, said Linchi Kwok, an associate professor at the Collins College of Hospitality Management at California State Polytechnic University Pomona. As a result, many people may not pay attention to how much they end up paying for the fees.

That explains why a penthouse resort in downtown Los Angeles was advertised on Vrbo.com recently for $199 a night but actually costs $369 when the $95 cleaning fee, $34 service fee, and $41 lodging tax are added.

According to Airbnb, hosts who advertise a property on the booking platform must collect a standard service fee of about 13% of the total pre-taxed price, which pays for the operation of the Airbnb site. The Vrbo website says it charges a service fee that may change from time to time. Both platforms also collect a transient occupancy tax from renters in areas where such a tax is required.

But neither of the booking platforms regulates how much property hosts are allowed to charge for other costs or services, such as cleaning, parking, hosting a pet, or checking in early.

Airlines faced similar criticism about a decade ago when many air carriers advertised fares that did not include many fees, including to check luggage. The outcry prompted the U.S. Department of Transportation in 2011 to adopt a rule that required all airlines to include in the advertised price any mandatory fees, including taxes.
Politicians like to say that elections are won on doorsteps. But most of them now spend almost as much time on their Facebook pages and WhatsApp groups.

According to the latest figures from Ipsos MRBI, three out of four Irish adults have active daily Facebook or WhatsApp accounts. That adds up to more attention on mainstream social media than television, radio or newspapers.

But with great power comes great concern: who is policing Facebook and messaging groups for misinformation, planted false stories and algorithm-gaming?

It's not the BAI. It's not the telecoms regulator, Comreg. And it's not the Press Council of Ireland or Press Ombudsman. Unlike broadcasting or print, there is no official policing for fairness, accuracy or balance.

Invariably, it comes back to the companies themselves.

"We believe Irish electoral law needs to be brought into the 21st century to give clarity to everyone," said a spokeswoman for Facebook Ireland.

"Questions around what constitutes a political ad, who should be able to buy them, how much they can spend on them and what they can say - these are all questions that can only be properly decided by parliament and regulators."

Techniques for skewing political debate have moved beyond the creation of outright false headlines claiming that a particular candidate has been endorsed by the Pope.

Modern methods can be subtle and sophisticated, playing off algorithms. This includes getting dozens, or hundreds, of people to swarm online, all leaving comments under a news article or candidate post. Or to search repeatedly for a candidate's name in an attempt to skew the search engine's algorithm.

According to Facebook, it has a number of election safety measures in place, although they're mostly targeted at paid adverts. This means that they don't cover most content in newsfeeds, Facebook groups or from individuals posting comments.

"Anybody who wants to run political ads must go through a verification process to prove who they are and that they live in Ireland," a Facebook spokeswoman told us. "Every political ad is labelled so you can see who has paid for them.

"Also, anybody can click on an ad they see on Facebook and get more information on why they are seeing it, and we put them in an ad library so that everyone can see what ads are running, what types of people saw them and how much was spent."

The spokeswoman also said that Facebook is cracking down on 'fake accounts' and using a combination of artificial intelligence and a partnership with TheJournal.ie to identify and label fake images or videos.

Susan Daly, managing editor of Journal Media, said that the online news companys FactCheck service has recently debunked two images on Facebook  one of Arlene Foster purporting to have an Irish passport and another of a SpaceX rocket launch that was incorrectly labelled as an Iranian missile launch.

She said that it had not recently fact-checked any video on Facebook.

In all, she said, Facebook has 500 people "working full time on elections security", albeit on an international basis.

But the company believes that there's only so much it can do to self-police the platform.

"Given the sensitivity around political ads, I've considered whether we should stop allowing them altogether. From a business perspective, the controversy certainly isn't worth the small part of our business they make up," Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg recently told an audience at the US Georgetown University on the subject.

"Even if we wanted to ban political ads, it's not clear where we'd draw the line. There are many more ads about issues than there are directly about elections.

"Would we ban all ads about healthcare or immigration or women's empowerment? If we banned candidates' ads but not these, would that really make sense to give everyone else a voice in political debates except the candidates themselves?

"There are issues any way you cut this, and when it's not absolutely clear what to do, I believe we should err on the side of greater expression."
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 18)  Police seized over 60 million pesos worth of prohibited drugs during a buy-bust operation in Pasay City on Saturday evening.

The Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) arrested two suspects who were carrying 10 kilograms of suspected crystal meth or shabu at the Philtranco Bus Station. The haul was estimated to be worth about P68 million. The suspects were identified as 22-year-old Mia Bianca Churez from Malibay, Pasay City and 21-year-old Dave Realin from Trece, Martirez, Cavite.

"Suspects are now under the custody of PDEG for proper disposition prior filing of appropriate charges in court," an initial police report said.
A terrified baby python which fled into the sea to escape bushfires on the far south coast of New South Wales was found clinging to the top of a buoy by rescuers.

Wildlife rescuers came to save the small snake after a nearby fisherman spotted the juvenile diamond python curled up on top of a channel marker in Wagonga Inlet near Narooma.

The good-hearted fisherman picked up the NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) volunteer from a nearby jetty to go rescue the snake.

The pair had to try several times to access the buoy thanks to choppy waters but eventually succeeded in grabbing the python and putting it carefully into a snake-handler's bag.

The juvenile diamond python was picked up by WIRES volunteers as it clung to the top of a buoy in Wagonga Inlet near Narooma during bushfires last week

The channel marker was floating a considerable way off-shore as bushfire smoke filled the sky

A WIRES volunteer (pictured right) popped the baby snake into a special snake handler's bag

DIAMOND PYTHONS - Won't hurt you and are not poisonous - Eat rats, possums, lizards - Kills its prey by strangling it - Is nocturnal and slow-moving - Like to live in coastal NSW bushland - Sometimes lives in rooves - Is under pressure from habitat destruction Source: The Australian Museum Advertisement

The rescue is believed to have occurred sometime last week as bushfires continued to burn through the NSW far south coast.

WIRES, Australia's largest wildlife rescue organisation, posted a video of the tricky rescue on Saturday as bushfire smoke beiged out the sky creating an eerie orange haze over the water.

'We are not sure if the python was escaping nearby bushfires and/or smoke and then swept along by the currents,' WIRES wrote on its Facebook page.

The python was unhurt and will be released into safe bushland.

'While the focus has mainly been on marsupials during these fires the impact on our unique reptiles has also been massive and every rescue will count towards rebuilding populations that have been destroyed,' WIRES wrote.
Xiaomi on Friday announced its plan to turn its sub-brand POCO into an independent brand. Introduced in August 2018, POCO was led by Jai Mani, the product head of the POCO, who exited the company in July 2019. "There has been an important change in the company structure with POCO spinning off as a standalone brand. With this restructuring, POCO will run independently of with its own team and go to market strategy," says the press release issued by Xiaomi.

Manu Jain, Xiaomi Vice President and Xiaomi India Managing Director, says, "What started as a sub-brand in POCO has grown into its own identity in a short span of time. POCO F1 is an extremely popular phone across user groups, and remains a top contender in its category even in 2020. We feel the time is right to let POCO operate on its own now, which is why we're excited to announce that POCO will spin off as an independent brand. Join me in wishing the POCO team the best!"

The POCO F1 was a mid-budget flagship smartphone powered by the flagship Qualcomm 845 processor and featured a 12-MP primary sensor with f/1.9 aperture and the 5-MP depth sensor with f/2.0 aperture. Priced aggressively at Rs 20,990 for the 6GB variant, it gave tough competition to Asus Zenfone 5Z and OnePlus 6.

Earlier this week, Xiaomi shared its plans for a renewed focus on its Mi sub-brand along with Redmi in the Indian market. The company intends to launch products across categories including the ultra-premium smartphones and Mi Home portfolio. Until now, the focus had been on the Redmi series, which has helped the company garner popularity as well as the market share in the Indian market.

Raghu Reddy, Head of Categories, Xiaomi India explained, "Post 2017 we've not launched anything in the Mi smartphone portfolio, except the Mi A-series that has continued from 2017 to 2019. A large part of our business has been built on the Redmi portfolio whereas Mi has been conspicuously absent. We believe that the market is now significantly bigger than what it was two or three years ago for us to start treating it as big enough opportunity to go after. From the organisation's standpoint, we are a lot more stable and organised in 2020 compared to 2017. Going into 2020, we are organising ourselves the way we are organised in China, where there is a distinct focus on Redmi and Mi as sub-brands. So, with 2020, you will see us getting into the market with more of premium flagship devices in India.

According to CMR India Mobile Handset Market Review Report for the third quarter of 2019, while Xiaomi continues to be the market leader in smartphone shipments in the country, its growth declined by 2 per cent year-on-year. The Redmi 7A, Redmi Note 7 Pro and Redmi Note 7S together contributed more than 50 per cent to its overall shipments. The company even saw positive growth for Redmi K20 series that contributed 13 per cent to its overall shipments of premium smartphones. On the other hand, the BBK Group, the parent company of OPPO, Vivo, Realme, and OnePlus, achieved a record high of 42 per cent in Q3 2019, registering a 23 per cent year-on-year growth.

Also Read: Reliance Industries reports Q3 profit at Rs 11,640 crore

Also Read: TCS reports Q3 net profit of Rs 8,118 crore; revenue up 6.7%

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China Closely Monitoring US Navy Ship That Sailed in Taiwan Strait After Trade Deal

Sputnik News

10:23 17.01.2020(updated 11:45 17.01.2020)

Earlier in the week, US President Donald Trump met with Chinese Vice Premier Liu to sign the Phase One Trade deal, the first step to ending a trade war between the two economic superpowers.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Friday that it is closely following a US Navy ship sailing through the Taiwan Strait.

The ministry has urged Washington to abide by the 'one China' policy in order not to harm US-China relations or the region's stability.

On Thursday, the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defence announced the US Navy's trip through the strait. The US Seventh Fleet later confirmed the information, describing the move as a "routine" transit of the USS Shiloh.

"The ship's transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The US Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows," Lieutenant Joe Keiley, a fleet spokesman, said at that time.

While China has maintained that it considers Taiwan its territory and reserves the right to reunite it with the mainland, the US doesn't recognise Beijing's claims to Taiwan and regards the strait as neutral international waters, justifying the ships' passages by calling them "freedom of navigation" operations.

This comes days after the US and China signed the Phase One Trade deal

that is seen as a much-hoped-for first step in ending the trade war between the two economic superpowers, which has led to billions of dollars in economic losses by both countries, and caused a spike in concerns about the slowed global growth.

The trade conflict between the US and China began in 2018 after Washington slapped tariffs on $25 billion worth of Chinese goods, and has since escalated to include hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of products from both countries. The two sides began talks to try to end the dispute in mid-2019.

A Sputnik

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After living in the U.S. for 16 years, this is the first time Cam Van (third from left) has been back to Vietnam.

The number of passengers at the airport per day is expected to average 130,000 during the month, 10,500 more than last year.
South Koreans among seven missing in Himalayan avalanche



Kathmandu, Jan 18 (AFP) Jan 18, 2020



Four South Koreans and three Nepalis are missing and about 200 people have been rescued after an avalanche hit trekkers on Annapurna, one of the highest mountains in the Himalayas, officials said Saturday.

South Korea was to send an emergency team to Nepal to help in a desperate search operation.

The incident occurred at an altitude of about 3,230 metres (10,600 feet) close to Annapurna base camp following heavy snowfall on Friday.

Six of the missing are from one trekking expedition while one Nepali porter is from a different group.

"A search operation is underway for the seven out of contact," Mira Acharya of Nepal's tourism department told AFP.

About 200 people have been rescued from the avalanche-hit zone as well as other trekking routes after the weather eased to let helicopters fly in.

Sandesh Pandey of Jangbogo Tour Nepal, which helped organise the trek, said the four were part of an 11-member team from South Korea.

"They were descending yesterday after heavy snowfall stopped them from going higher. The remaining five from the team are moving down safely. The other two did not go up in the trek," Pandey said.

Annapurna is avalanche-prone and technically difficult with a higher death rate than Everest, the world's highest peak.

Education officials in South Korea said the four were part of a team of volunteer teachers working with children in Nepal.

South Korea's foreign ministry said an emergency team would be sent to Nepal and that the families of those missing had been informed. The volunteers were from Chungcheong province.

Thousands of trekkers visit the Annapurna region every year for its stunning views of the Himalayas.

In 2014, a snowstorm killed about 40 people on the popular circuit, in one of the biggest trekking tragedies to hit Nepal.

burs-cdl-pm/tw/mtp
The Midlands Region of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has announced details of an upcoming talk-Annual Employment Law Update.

This is the third event in an exciting programme of events for 2019/2020 provided by the CIPD Midlands Region Committee.This event, which is kindly sponsored by Collins McNicholas Recruitment and HR Services Group, will take place in the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone at 8.00am on Wednesday, January 22 next.

This event will focus on Legislative Changes and Case Law, including a review of other developments in Employment Law over the last year. There will be a particular emphasis on upcoming changes in Employment Law and what practitioners should be aware of over the coming year.

There will be a networking opportunity with breakfast provided, followed by the speaker commencing at 8:30am sharp. This event is due to finish at approximately 9:30am, following a Q&A. The speaker for the event is Alastair Purdy, Principal, Alastair Purdy & Co Solicitors.

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Alastair Purdy & Co Solicitors advise a substantial number of both indigenous and multinational companies. The firm is headed by Alastair Purdy who recognised the need for a dedicated Employment and Business Law Firm to serve the market in the West of Ireland.

Their goal is to help employers run their businesses by managing any and all commercial, employment, health, safety, litigation and environmental legal matters in a practical and efficient manner. Alastair is widely published and is the author of two books on employment law, the last on Equality Law in the Workplace. He has lectured extensively on the subject in Ireland and is a regular speaker in the Law Society of Ireland.



In this session, Alastair will share insightful information on Employment Law and will discuss the key changes and challenges facing organisations. Overall, the presentation on the morning will be highly practical in nature and of relevance to anyone with an interest in Employment Law. The event is likely to be of interest to a wide audience and promises to stimulate thinking as well as offering an ideal opportunity for the exchange of experience in this area.

The session will close with facilitated discussion amongst the attendees to reinforce the key takeaways regarding Employment Law. To attend this event, please register on Eventbrite.

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impeach (verb), To raise doubts about, call into question, discredit, especially someones credibility; to bring formal charges against an office holder

Usage: Its easy enough to impeach Trumps credibility, given the number of lies and exaggerations he is prone to, but quite another challenge to impeach him formally as unfit to hold the office of President.

The word impeach is very much in the news, thanks to the decision of the US House of Representatives to formally impeach the President of the United States and bring him to trial before the Senate. This has only happened twice before in US history, with the unsuccessful impeachments of Presidents Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998 (not counting the abortive attempt against President Richard Nixon, which he pre-empted by resigning first), and the impeachment of Donald Trump seems likely to meet the same fate, given his partys resounding majority in the Senate. But where does the word, with its rather fruity sound, come from?

French, it turns out. In that lovely language, empecher means to hinder, stop, impede; capture, trap, ensnare, and thats precisely what the English impeachment seeks to do. In law, from the late 14th century, it meant broadly to accuse, bring charges against, but soon enough it was used to refer specifically to the king or the House of Commons, to bring a formal accusation of treason, misconduct or other high crime against a holder of a high public office.

Still, the word can also be used to refer to any person; if you are accused of misrepresenting facts, for instance, you may draw yourself to your fullest height, pierce your accuser with a furious stare, and ask, How dare you impeach my credibility?

Nonetheless, its true the word impeach is most often understood as referring to holding a public official to account. And formal impeachment is usually the first step to dismissing the official from his office. But theres some confusion in most peoples minds about which part of that process the word impeach relates to. To make it clear, when a public official is impeached, this only means he has been charged, not convicted and removed from office. The President of the United States may be impeached by the House of Representatives, but then must be convicted by the Senate. This means the House has found reason to accuse him formally of wrongdoing; but it is the Senate that has to find him guilty.

The House of Representatives draws up articles of impeachment that itemise the charges and their factual basis. The articles of impeachment, if approved by a simple majority of the members of the House, are then submitted to the Senate, thereby impeaching the President. The Senate then holds a trial, at the conclusion of which each member votes for or against conviction on each article of impeachment.

Two-thirds of the Senate members present must vote in favour of conviction. Once convicted, the President is automatically removed from office. This has never happened in the US, though it has succeeded in a few Latin American countries, when maverick Presidents ran afoul of legislatures which were in the hands of established political parties.

Most people wrongly assume that to impeach a President or other high official is to assume his guilt and even dismiss him. Though in some countries the individual is provisionally removed, this is rare, and impeachment is normally not the punishment; it merely precedes the trial.

Impeaching someone sets in motion a legal process that may or may not conclude wrongdoing has taken place and result in a conviction. Since that decision is made, in the US as in India, by elected legislators rather than qualified judges, it is always a political rather than a judicial verdict. That is why it may not make much sense to resort to it unless you are sure beforehand that you have the numbers to prevail.

President Andrew Johnson was acquitted in 1868 by one vote of violating the previous years Tenure of Office Act. President Bill Clinton was acquitted in 1998 by a much larger margin, of charges of perjury and obstructing justice in relation to the Monica Lewinsky sex scandal.

President Richard Nixon, however, resigned to avoid inevitable impeachment for the Watergate scandal, and was granted an unconditional pardon by his successor, Gerald Ford. The chances of President Trump finding a two-thirds majority against him in a Republican-dominated Senate are widely seen as close to zero.

Students of Indian history may have noticed that the British have not been impeaching anybody since the famous impeachment of Warren Hastings for his misconduct in India as the East India Companys Governor-General. At the time, impeachment was the trial of an individual by the House of Lords at the request of the House of Commons and was commonly used as a way to fight out battles between Crown and Parliament.

The British Parliament gave up the practice officially in 1806, partly because several high-profile trials, including that of Hastings (which dragged on for seven years but ended in acquittal), were considered to have brought it into disrepute. The Indian Parliament can also impeach high officials, including the President and judges; it has never done so, its attempts to impeach a judge having prompted that individuals premature resignation.

Because impeachment and conviction of officials involve the overturning of the normal constitutional procedures by which individuals achieve high office (election, ratification, or appointment) and because it generally requires a two-thirds or similar majority, impeachment is usually reserved for those considered to have committed serious abuses of their public position.

Impeachment exists under constitutional law in many countries around the world, including, aside from the United States and India, Brazil, France, Ireland, the Philippines, Russia and South Korea (which recently successfully impeached and jailed a President for corruption).
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- On Saturday, thousands of people across the country will participate in the 2020 Womens March.

The theme of the fourth annual event is Rise and Roar," a culmination of partnership, unity and solidarity. This year, two womens march groups in New York City will join efforts to rally for change -- Womens March NYC and Womens March Alliance.

Two events, featuring performances and speakers, will take place simultaneously on Saturday at Foley Square from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Columbus Circle from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. NY1 reporter Amanda Farinacci and Amoy Barnes, who works for the Department of Education, will be the Foley Square events speakers; both have Staten Island ties.

Borough-based organizations like Move Forward Staten Island and Staten Island Women Who March plan to travel to the march via the Staten Island Ferry. Those interested can meet at the St. George Ferry Terminal in time for the 9 a.m. boat.

The Womens March first began in January 2017 as a protest to the inauguration of President Donald Trump. It was the largest single-day protest in U.S. history, according to The Washington Post, with over 3 million people attending.

For updates on the New York City Womens March events, check out the official Facebook event page.
This past week in Hartford, the state Supreme Court announced a settlement in the 30-year old Sheff v. ONeill school desegregation case that adds more than 1,000 new seats to several Capitol region magnet schools and pledges to spend an additional $2 million to support this effort.

As a reminder, it was 65 years ago that Brown v. Board of Education was decided. The lasting sentence that captures the spirit of Brown by Chief Justice Earl Warren (an Eisenhower appointee  oh how the Republican Party has changed) was: Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal. Martin Luther King poetically stated, Segregation is wrong because it is a system of adultery perpetuated by an illicit intercourse between injustice and immorality.

So while this settlement may bring to a close Browns legacy in Hartford, it does not and cannot address the fundamental changes that are necessary in order for the state of Connecticut and its cities and towns to address educational performance in still largely segregated urban schools.

Segregation in public education in Connecticut is a life-altering problem, and this settlement represents only a chink in the armor of segregated Connecticut. However, this decision will have only a marginal impact on segregation in the greater Hartford area, and more importantly, it will have no impact on reversing the fundamental problem facing African-American children in urban communities, not just in Connecticut, but across the country.

Unsolved social and economic problems in African-American communities have a way of finding their way into low-income white communities. The current rise in deaths of despair from suicides, alcohol and drugs once relegated to low-income black communities is now endemic in low-income white communities. Low-income whites are realizing that social and economic racial entitlements have limits. Low-income white Connecticut schools will begin to resemble low-income black schools. If you dont believe this, look at the similarities between the crack cocaine crisis that devastated black communities in the 80s and 90s and the opioid/fentanyl/meth crisis in white communities. Solving educational problems of performance in black communities can inform solutions to the social disintegration taking place in low-income white communities across the state and the nation.

Public education has failed African-American children. It is not because teachers, administrators and parents arent trying. It is not because we have not spent enormous amounts of taxpayer dollars. It is not because we do not know that the system has failed African-American children. The problem is the system is ripe for real innovation that addresses the unsolvable problems of educational performance within the current model of urban public education.

Public (and private) schools have been organized around a concept that children must fit the system, and not that the system should fit the child. Children start in kindergarten then progress through first grade, second grade, etc. After a year in each grade, at the elementary level, the child meets a new teacher. This system of handing off children each year to a new teacher is a counter-productive way to education kids of all races, but particularly black kids from neighborhoods and families that are on the front lines of poverty. Psychologists agree, poverty traumatizes its victims, particularly the young. Teachers cannot solve the problem of poverty directly, but teachers who are connected to children in a stable, professional relationship will be able to help these vulnerable kids better manage the stresses of life that cannot be hidden from our youngest citizens.

Isaac Asimov said self-education is the only type of education there is. If this is true, teachers are at best only guides for students who must learn to learn. This effort is only possible if teachers have a trusted, long-term relationship with students and their families. This takes years, not a semester or two.

Children must feel secure to become effective learners. An innovation solution to building the environment for effective learning is to have teachers assigned a cohort of children in what is now the first grade and then let that teacher be that cohorts primary teacher throughout elementary school. The effect of having a professional teacher committed to a class of 25 to 30 children for six years would build bonds between those teachers, those children, their families and the communities where they live. More important than what grade the child is in is the impact a teacher can have helping that child know who they are, and that they are capable of greatness.

Some might argue this is social work not teaching. I would respond with a question that all teachers of inner-city African-American children must ask themselves: Why am I here in this classroom with these children? I firmly believe that teachers who cannot make this type of commitment, and administrators not willing to support innovation in the education of black children, need to consider changing schools or professions.

Fred McKinney is the Carlton Highsmith Chair for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and director of the Peoples United Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Quinnipiac University School of Business. He is on social media at @drfredmckinney.
Traces of cocaine were found on every single banknote tested in the west of Ireland as part of research into contaminated notes.

Research on traces of cocaine on banknotes in the west of Ireland has found on 100% of notes showed levels of the recreational drug.

Lower denominations of banknotes showed higher levels of the illegal substance, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) chemistry and forensic science lecturer Dr Philip White notes.

Five euro and 10 notes had most prevalent traces, Dr White, lead researcher in the study presented at a conference in Sligo yesterday said.

This is in contrast to previous studies of cocaine on banknotes in Britain and on the Irish east coast, where higher levels of the substance were found on higher banknote denominations.

As Dr White explained, students were despatched to a number of night clubs, pubs and other premises in and around Galway over the past two years with 50 banknotes, which they changed to obtain lower denominations.

These notes were then tested in the GMIT laboratory in Galway using a technique known as chromatographic deconvolution  a non-destructive method of testing notes by immersing them in a number of different solvents.

We began by testing for all sorts of substances, and found levels of marijuana, along with other substances like sunscreens and food preservatives, but cocaine turned out to be the most prevalent recreational drug and we focused on that, Dr White said.

Among 50 individual banknotes from various locations tested, most had background levels of cocaine, while some 30 to 40% had medium levels, he said.

This would suggest indirect contact with heavily contaminated notes in tills, in ATMs and in wallets, Dr White noted.

Some 8% had very high levels, suggesting they were used in direct deals or in substance use, such as snorting with rolled-up notes.

His study with a number of GMIT researchers suggests the non-destructive technique, adapted from a method of testing used in Spain, could be used to test for other illicit substances.

The research will be of value to forensic science, Dr White said.

Basically, a forensic examination of notes in a wallet can give an indication of a persons activity over the last 24 hours  but does not necessarily suggest that notes contaminated with drugs confirms direct use, he cautioned.

Dr White recalled a case of a bus driver wrongfully dismissed several years ago in Britain for having traces of cocaine on his hands, due to handling contaminated notes.

He presented the results at a Connacht-Ulster Alliance collaborative research conference in Sligo yesterday, involving three institutes of technology in the Connacht-Ulster region.

A similar study published in 2007 by Dublin City University (DCU) researchers in the Royal Society of Chemistry's journal, The Analyst, found that every banknote tested was contaminated by traces of cocaine.

In that study, a total of 45 banknotes were analysed using a chromatography/mass spectrometry method, and one in 20 notes showed high levels of contamination.

The 2007 research was conducted at DCU's national centre for sensor research, and was funded by the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology.
The scourge of violent crime has blown up as a major election issue in the wake of the horrific murder of Keane Mulready-Woods.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was forced to defend Fine Gael's reputation as "the party of law and order" amid a spate of vicious incidents around the country.

Mr Varadkar's remarks came as he visited the 17-year-old's home town of Drogheda, expressing his revulsion at the murder and mutilation and vowing the perpetrators would be put "behind bars".

Gardai were yesterday continuing to search for the teen's mutilated torso and carried out raids on the fortified compound of gang boss Cornelius Price, in Gormanston, Co Meath.

Price - a close associate of Drogheda gang boss Owen Maguire - is feuding with the 35-year-old north Dublin criminal who is the chief suspect in the murder of Keane.

No arrests were made and "nothing of major evidential value" was seized, according to senior sources.

Elsewhere, 20-year-old student Cameron Blair was stabbed to death at a house party in Cork city on Thursday.

And there was further violence as two men were left seriously injured after a shooting in the St Margaret's area of north county Dublin.

Fianna Fail was scathing of Fine Gael's record, with Jim O'Callaghan accusing Mr Varadkar's party of doing "virtually nothing" to tackle gang crime over the last nine years.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan last night insisted: "We are going to defeat these violent, thuggish criminals."

He hit back at Fianna Fail, accusing the rival party of putting forward "back of the envelope" solutions.

He said Fine Gael had put armed support units in every Garda region and recruited 3,000 officers in five years.

The brutal murder of Keane has dominated the headlines and left the country and community in Drogheda deeply shocked.

Local Labour Party candidate Ged Nash last night claimed Mr Varadkar's insistence that Fine Gael is the party of law and order "will come as a sick joke to the people of Drogheda".

He said he had been calling for a multi-agency approach to gang crime for 18 months and claimed it was only now Mr Varadkar and Mr Flanagan had been persuaded of the need to do this.

In the town with Mr Flanagan yesterday, Mr Varadkar wanted to assure the community the Government was "100pc behind them".

He pledged: "We're going to get these people behind bars and we're going to make this town safe."

He appealed to anyone with information to come forward.

Mr Varadkar defended his party's record, saying Fine Gael had restored Garda recruitment after the economic crash and the organisation's 1.9m budget was higher than ever before.

In Dublin, Mr O'Callaghan said 10 people were murdered as a result of gang crime last year and claimed Fine Gael had "done virtually nothing to confront the threat".

He promised anti-gang legislation with "more teeth" and to increase the number of gardai from 14,100 to 16,000.

Mr O'Callaghan suggested that, as in cases involving IRA membership, the evidence of a chief superintendent should be admissible evidence in a Special Criminal Court involving gang members.

Mr Flanagan said the advice from the gardai and justice officials was that this was not a solution as criminal gangs were unlikely to have permanent organisational structures.
2680 Blake St. | Photo: Zumper

Curious just how far your dollar goes in Five Points?

According to Walk Score, this Denver neighborhood is friendly for those on foot, is quite bikeable and is a haven for transit riders. Data from rental site Zumper shows that the median rent for a one bedroom in Five Points is currently hovering around $1,645.

So, what might you expect to find if you're on a budget of $2,600/month? Read on for a roundup of the latest rental listings, via Zumper and Apartment Guide. (Note: Prices and availability are subject to change.)

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

2100 Delgany St.

Listed at $2,535/month, this 1,231-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment is located at 2100 Delgany St.

In the apartment, expect to see a fireplace and a dishwasher. The building boasts a rooftop deck and a swimming pool. Pet lovers are in luck: Cats and dogs are welcome. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee.

(Check out the complete listing here.)

2840 Blake St.

Next, there's this two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment situated at 2840 Blake St. It's listed for $2,545/month for its 1,167 square feet.

Amenities offered in the building include assigned parking, a fitness center and a swimming pool. In the apartment, you'll find carpeted floors. Pet lovers are in luck: Cats and dogs are permitted.

(See the complete listing here.)

2680 Blake St.

Here's a 1,341-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse at 2680 Blake St. that's going for $2,600/month.

In the unit, the listing promises a dishwasher, a balcony and air conditioning. Amenities offered in the building include a roof deck and garage parking. Dogs are welcome. There isn't a leasing fee associated with this rental.

(Take a look at the full listing here.)

This story was created automatically using local real estate data from Zumper and Apartment Guide, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Additionally, get free local real estate marketing ideas and tools for agents, brokers and more.

Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
On the 30th anniversary of the mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Kashmir Valley, BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday said that the Centre is committed to ensuring the return of the community to their homeland.

"The injustices meted out to our Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters, the dent on their pride can never be forgotten. We also cannot wipe away the pain of becoming refugees in their own country, but we (Kashmir Pandits) will be back (to the motherland), is a promise of our government and it will be fulfilled," Chouhan's tweet, roughly translated in English from Hindi, read.

In another tweet, the former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister urged everyone to come together to "add to the beauty of paradise on earth, Kashmir" and to return the homes and rights of Kashmiri Pandits to them.

Earlier, he remembered the forced eviction of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley and termed it a "black day" when the members of the community "became refugees in their own country".

January 19, is remembered as the 'Exodus Day' by the Kashmiri Pandits as it marks the exodus of the members of the community from the Valley in the wake of an outbreak of terrorism.

Around 5 lakh Kashmiri Pandits were forced to leave the Valley after January 19, 1990, as they were a target of extremist attacks.

Chouhan further termed it a "black day" and said they will be penned in "black letters in Indian history".

"30 years back on this very day lakhs of our Kashmiri brothers and sisters were forced to leave their homes and live as homeless people. This is the black day on which these innocent and simple people became refugees in their own country and there was no one to wipe away their tears," Chouhan's tweet read.

"We are ashamed for the atrocities on our Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters. We cannot feel the torture which they have felt living in their own homes and country. Those days will be written in dark letters in India's history," another tweet by him read.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


(Photo : photo)

There are lots of amazing places around the world that one could visit but picking the right destination could be very hard, especially if one is traveling for the first time. Your choice of destination will determine how one's vacation will be; thus, one needs to be very smart when choosing a destination. To choose a perfect destination, you will have to consider some important factors that include season of the year, hospitality, security and transportation system, and your pocket.

The United States is a good place to be if you want to explore some of the interesting spots that will make your trip a fulfilled one. There are lots of beautiful cities and towns in the US and each of these cities and towns always have a lot of things to offer foreigners. Therefore, if you are planning a trip to the United States, then you should find a perfect destination in terms of the choice of states and cities.

The state of California is a perfect place to pick if you will be visiting the US because of the various cities present. There are lots of interesting spots to be in the state of California and in most cases one have to pick from several options because it is not easy to explore the whole California in just a day or two. Below are some of the interesting spots to be in the state of California;

Club 501 - this is a popular nightclub in Redding that attracts a lot of people to California. It is a place to be if you are with your partner, especially if you want to save good memories together. You will always find a lot of amazing things about the interesting spot. If you love dancing, then you should be in club 501 because you will always find your match. Workers here are friendly and will always treat you like royalty. You can as well order some of the popular drinks at the bar. It is a good place to take good pictures because the structure and layout is top class. Club 501 is located at 1244 California St, Redding, CA 96001, United States.

Planning a trip is more than booking a plane ticket because one has to consider some important documents. If you are planning a trip to the United States with the hope of visiting some of the interesting spots in the country, you must have necessary documents before you can be allowed to enter the United States. Therefore, you must consider the ESTA Visa application. There are two main documents needed by everyone travelling to the United States; the Visa and esta. The esta is for Citizens of visa waiver program countries that are traveling to the United States for tourism.

Although the esta cannot be used to stay in the United States for a long period, it is a good way of getting to the United States without going through the stress of getting a US visa. Getting a US visa can be discouraging especially if it is your first time of applying for a visa. A lot of applicants always complain about the US and a lot of them believe that it is almost impossible to rely on the US visa because a good percentage of applicants is being denied daily.

This may discourage new applicants but with the right document and story, you will get a US visa without any stress. You need to research the necessary documents needed for a US visa interview. You should be confident during your visa interview because this will go a long way. You should also maintain eye contact with the interviewer because trying not to do that will paint you as a liar. Check my ESTA status online to know if you are eligible for an esta. You should do this before applying for a visa.

Lassen Volcanic National Park - this is a popular Park that is located in the northeastern part of California. Visiting this location will open your eyes to the beauty of California and America as a whole. You will enjoy every moment spent in this locale and will definitely want to visit again. Visiting this location with your phone or camera is a good thing to do because you will always find amazing things to capture.

Commis - this is a first class restaurant that is located in Oakland City. Visiting this restaurant will give you the chance to eat some of the American dishes. It is a perfect place to visit with one's family. Workers here are friendly and will try their possible best to satisfy you and your family. Patronize Commis whenever you find yourself in California because it is one of the interesting spots in the State. Commis is located at 3859 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611, United States.
Shirdi, January 18: Mauritius minister Alan Ganoo on Thursday said he intends to set up a temple dedicated to Sai baba in his country. Ganoo, who offered prayers at the Sai baba temple here in western Maharashtra, said he has been a devotee of the revered saint for long.

"I am a devotee of Sai Baba since early 1990s and the first time I came here was in 1996 when I was the housing minister," Ganoo told PTI after visiting the temple.

"In June last year I was in opposition and elections were already on in my country when I came here to seek blessings of Baba. Shirdi Temple to Remain Shut From Tomorrow Over Uddhav Thackerays Remarks on Sai Baba's Birthplace.

"After elections were held in November last, I was appointed as the new land transport minister. I have many interesting experiences of Baba since I have been in his charan (feet). I intend to set up a Sai baba temple in Mauritius," he said.

A majority of Hindu population who are devotees of Sai Baba go to a small temple in Mauritius, he said.

"Today since I am a new minister in Mauritiusmy ambition is to set up a Sai baba temple and this is why I came here to seek guidance of the temple trust's chief executive officer," Ganoo said.

"When I go back home, I will proceed to make this dream of mine reality for many Mauritians," he said.

"You know the Hindu population in Mauritius is little more than 50 per cent of the total. More than three quarters of the Hindu population have trust in Sai baba and are his devotees," he said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
For 160 years, the names of judicial candidates in Ohio have appeared on general election ballots with no mention of their party affiliations. But an Ohio House bill aims to give future candidates the option of listing on the ballot that they are Democrats, Republicans or whatever.

House Bill 460 is sponsored by Reps. Stephen Hambley, a Brunswick Republican, and Michael Skindell, a Lakewood Democrat. If passed, and signed by the governor, it would take effect in 2021, a year featuring races for lower-level races, such as candidates for municipal courts.

Reasonable arguments can and have been made for and against the idea.

In an interview with cleveland.coms Laura Hancock, Hambley noted that judicial candidates already are allowed to seek nominations from political parties and compete for seats in primary elections. And many of them do, and identify their party affiliations on campaign literature.

Sixty-five percent of respondents to a 2014 Ohio Judicial Elections Survey by the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at the University of Akron said a party label would be very helpful or somewhat helpful in judicial elections.

But in theory, at least, judicial elections in Ohio and 13 other states are nonpartisan, the thinking being that judges need to rise above partisan interests and decide cases based on the rule of law. And at least one good-government advocate fears that allowing judicial candidates to list their political party on general election ballots would end the wrong message.

Catherine Turcer, executive director of Common Cause Ohio, told Hancock that she understands the desire of voters to have more information about judicial candidates. But she suspects that having Ds and Rs appearing on ballots would increase campaign fundraising in races. For instance, chambers of commerce may back Republican candidates and unions may back Democrats, each hoping to boost candidates who will produce favorable rulings.

So, today, our Editorial Board Roundtable shares its perspectives.

Jarvis DeBerry, cleveland.com columnist:

Judicial elections are already hard for voters because the judicial canon severely restricts candidates political activities and what they can talk about. Allowing Rs or Ds on ballot would say something, however little, about how candidates see the world. But if judges are expected to be non-political, a better option might be appoint them and get rid of elections altogether.

Ted Diadiun, cleveland.com columnist:

There is no good argument for withholding party affiliation from judicial ballots. There is an excellent argument for appointing, rather than electing, judges. We cannot count on voters to exert the minimum amount of effort required to learn even the candidates party, much less anything else about them, so let's end the sham of expecting voter judgment regarding judicial candidates.

Thomas Suddes, editorial writer:

Ohio's judicial ballot is the only one of its kind in the United States -- partisan primary election, nonpartisan general election. What the legislature should do is make the primary ballot nonpartisan. Ohio needs less politicking, not more.

Eric Foster, editorial board member:

Judicial races are technically nonpartisan, but we know that political affiliation has a huge influence on the outcome of judicial elections. Parties create slate cards to support their candidates and candidates have their staff promoting those cards at the polls on Election Day. I dont see this legislation as really altering the status quo.

Lisa Garvin, editorial board member:

Party affiliation has nothing to do with how judges do their jobs. Is it too much to ask that voters be informed by something other than an R or D next to someones name? Apparently so, sadly. The same goes for suburban towns. As long as my elected officials provide necessary services, party affiliation doesntand shouldntmatter.

Mary Cay Doherty, editorial board member:

Though D and R could help us pick, justice needs more than party shtick.

So while on the ballot they should be, Judge4Yourselfs another source to see.

And for low courts best tried and proved, before to high court ballots moved.

Judicial research, just too bland? Wont seem so upon the stand.

Elizabeth Sullivan, opinion director, cleveland.com:

This bill offers the wrong solution to Ohio's bizarre hybrid in which judicial primaries are a Democratic and Republican slugfest. They are followed by a general election pretense that races are nonpartisan when judicial candidates already come armed with party endorsements and dollars. If Ohio is going to continue to elect judges, lets make it nonpartisan all the way through.

Have something to say about this topic?

* Use the comments to share your thoughts. Then, stay informed when readers reply to your comments by using the Follow option at the top of the comments, and look for updates via the small blue bell in the lower right as you look at more stories on cleveland.com.

* Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication.

* Email general questions about our editorial board or comments on this editorial board roundtable to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com.
Ministers have quietly restarted No Deal planning meetings amid fears trade talks with Brussels will collapse, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Whitehall's EU Exit Operations committee  dubbed XO and chaired by Michael Gove  met on Thursday to begin preparations for a 'disorderly December', should Brussels 'fail to grasp we really are going at the end of the year', said a Cabinet Minister who was present.

Our revelation comes after Dominic Cummings warned that Brussels has not yet 'woken up' to Britain's negotiating position  and would not for several weeks yet.

Ministers have quietly restarted No Deal planning meetings amid fears trade talks with Brussels will collapse

The top No 10 aide told Government advisers at a meeting on Friday evening: 'We are not bluffing on the no extension.'

The UK Government has insisted that the EU transition phase will end on December 31, but last week Ireland's EU Commissioner Phil Hogan said that time frame was impossible.

Fears are mounting that Brussels's intransigence and insistence on a settlement of fishing access rights before proper trade talks begin will push the negotiations to collapse.

Mr Cummings's warnings were echoed yesterday by Sajid Javid, who offered business a stark reality check on what Brexit means

In that scenario, the transition phase would end without new border rules in place  hence the Government's reactivation of emergency planning.

Referring to the Conservatives' resounding General Election win, Mr Cummings added that Europe would be wrong to think 'a big majority means a softening of our position'.

And he warned that Brussels has 'failed to grasp their judges will have no power and we are not interested in level playing fields'.

Mr Cummings's warnings were echoed yesterday by Sajid Javid, who offered business a stark reality check on what Brexit means.

The Chancellor told the Financial Times: 'There will not be alignment, we will not be a rule-taker, we will not be in the single market and we will not be in the customs union and we will do this by the end of the year.'

He added: 'We're ... talking about companies that have known since 2016 that we are leaving the EU.'

Previously Ministers had only privately conceded that there will be 'friction' at Dover and Calais as Britain is no longer seeking a close relationship with the EU.

Whitehall's EU Exit Operations committee  dubbed XO and chaired by Michael Gove (pictured)  met on Thursday

Official trade talks with Brussels cannot start until next month  after Britain has formally left the bloc  with chief negotiator David Frost currently preparing the Government's formal 'red lines'.

In a bid to ratchet up pressure on Brussels, Downing Street will begin trade deal talks with the United States at the same time as negotiations get under way with the EU.

The Prime Minister has also tasked trade negotiators to start discussions with countries including Japan and Australia, alongside those with the US.

May to address elite bankers at Davos bash As Prime Minister she railed against the 'international elites' as 'citizens of nowhere', but Theresa May will tomorrow jet into Davos to mingle with the global super-rich. The former premier will be addressing billionaires, bankers and world leaders at a private dinner at the World Economic Forum. Sources said such an event could easily command a fee of 50,000 but last night Mrs May's aides declined to comment on how much she was being paid. Her successor Boris Johnson has banned Ministers from jetting to the Swiss mountains for the annual event, instead only sending Chancellor Sajid Javid to represent the UK Government. But there will be familiar faces for Mrs May, with fellow ex-PMs David Cameron, Gordon Brown and Tony Blair all set to appear at the luxury resort this week. US President Donald Trump and 17-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg will also be among the 3,000 attendees. The World Economic Forum was launched in the 1970s in a bid to 'improve the state of the world'. But after the 2009 financial crash, it was described as 'a family reunion for the people who broke the modern world'. Advertisement

Dominic Cummings' elegant 'gazelle' friend Cleo Watson who is pals with Boris's girlfriend Carrie Symonds and heads task force fast-tracking female Tory MPs into key government roles

It has become a familiar ritual in Downing Street: photographers clamour to take pictures of elegant Cleo Watson as she strides towards the No 10 door with a dishevelled Dominic Cummings, the pair looking, as one wag put it, like 'a gazelle with a pit pony'.

They may be poles apart sartorially but Ms Watson, 31, has developed a strong working relationship with Boris Johnson's all-powerful, idiosyncratic adviser since they worked together on Vote Leave before the 2016 EU referendum.

Significantly, she is also close to the Prime Minister's girlfriend, Carrie Symonds, also 31. She accompanied her on a flight to Aberdeen last September when Mr Johnson had a formal audience and dinner with the Queen at Balmoral.

Close friends: Cleo and the PM's aide Dominic Cummings stroll along Downing Street

As the rather grandly titled head of the Prime Minister's priorities and campaigns, Ms Watson runs the special taskforce that will fast-track new Northern female Tory MPs from the 2019 intake into key government roles.

The Mail on Sunday revealed last week that the unit will focus on helping MPs including Dehenna Davison, 26, the first Conservative to represent the Bishop Auckland constituency since its creation in 1885.

Ms Davison and Ms Watson may share the same objective, but their backgrounds could hardly be more different.

The former was just 13 when she learned that her father had been killed in a pub fight and went on to marry a local councillor 35 years her senior. The latter grew up in Trebinshun House, a 400-year-old mansion in the Brecon Beacons National Park which her parents have now converted into an elite English language school.

As a sixth-former at a nearby girls' private school, Ms Watson wrote an article for The Spectator magazine, describing it as 'St Thinians' due to the prevalence of eating disorders. 'The signs of a proper, full-blown size-zero infection are easy to spot,' she observed. 'They include having a jug of water and nothing else for breakfast, always going into tea to see what cakes are on offer and then sitting down to watch hungrily as other people eat them, spending hours analysing every aspect of the appearance of celebrities, models and television stars

'It's not a healthy look that the size-zero girls are after, remember  the aim is simply to be as tiny as possible

'None would dream of confiding in their parents or their boyfriend. Boys our age seem totally oblivious to female psychology and, anyway, what girl would ever admit to starving themselves for a boy's benefit?'

After her time with the Vote Leave campaign, Ms Watson joined No 10 when Theresa May was Prime Minister.

Unflappable: Cleo with Carrie Symonds ahead of the PM's audience with the Queen

She inadvertently played a crucial role in the frenzied build-up to the EU referendum. As Mr Johnson agonised over whether to back Leave or Remain, the world's media waited outside his London home for a decision. Suddenly, Ms Watson was spotted rushing inside carrying Vote Leave campaign material  and the secret was out. Aides describe her as a vital fixer, popular and keen to shun publicity.

Recently married to a financier called Tom, she is said to have 'strong personal chemistry' with Ms Symonds.

One former No 10 aide said: 'Everyone wants Cleo to accompany them to events. She is completely unflappable, even when acting as Dominic's minder to protect him from aggressive TV crews.

'It sounds cheesy, but she is as beautiful inside as she is outside.'

Boris Johnson gets set to give Cabinet Ministers 'marks out of ten' for their performance as he decides who to fire ahead of Valentine's Day purge

Boris Johnson will give his Cabinet Ministers 'marks out of ten' for their performance over the next month as he decides who to fire in a reshufffle planned for mid February.

The move is part of plans to re-energise his Government following criticism of his failure to set out a blueprint for power and accusations that he is dithering over big decisions.

And he has told No 10 officials to scale back his foreign travel plans so he can 'personally drive delivery' of his Election manifesto promises, which he will set out after Brexit Day on January 31.

It comes after Mr Johnson faced censure for failing to break his Caribbean holiday to deal with the Iran crisis and for being slow to make decisions on major issues such as the future of the HS2 line and whether Chinese telecoms company Huawei should be allowed to build the UK's 5G network.

One Minister has privately likened Mr Johnson to Labour's Gordon Brown, on the grounds that 'both spent their entire careers hungering for power, but didn't know what to do with it when they got it'.

Boris Johnson will give his Cabinet Ministers 'marks out of ten' for their performance over the next month

But the drive to crank up No 10's operation led to a week of tears and tantrums in Whitehall as Downing Street moved to clamp down on leaks. Ministerial advisers suspected of passing information to the media were called in to No 10 and told that they were 'being watched'  one was said to have 'looked tearful' when told they were on a 'final warning'.

After details appeared in newspapers of Mr Johnson's announcement to Cabinet last week that he wanted to restore the Conservatives' reputation as the party of law and order by setting up a cross-Whitehall taskforce, enraged No 10 officials wrote formally to Ministers' private offices to warn them that they faced being interviewed over the leak.

And after a story appeared about multi-millionaire Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick being at loggerheads with his blue-collar deputy Esther McVey over which voters should be helped onto the housing ladder, the adviser blamed for the story was ordered to apologise to Mr Jenrick in person.

Mr Johnson's team are also planning to restructure the system of advisers to give them more control over media briefings  inviting comparisons with the draconian news management methods introduced by Tony Blair's administration, under the aegis of Alastair Campbell, after he won a landslide victory in the 1997 Election.

One Minister has privately likened Mr Johnson to Labour's Gordon Brown (pictured), on the grounds that 'both spent their entire careers hungering for power, but didn't know what to do with it when they got it'

The Prime Minister is preparing to make a major set-piece speech in early February to set out his plans for life after Brexit.

He will then reshuffle his Cabinet  the most likely dates being either February 7 or 14, Valentine's Day  having assessed which members of his top team would be able to address the PM's policy priorities, such as health, law and order and 'levelling up' prosperity and opportunity across the country.

A No 10 source said that the Ministers would get 'effectively marks out of ten' based on their 'ability to deliver the PM's agenda'  and would lose marks if they were perceived to be more concerned with building up their own 'personal brand' by making appearances in broadcast studios.

And after a story appeared about multi-millionaire Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick (pictured) being at loggerheads with his blue-collar deputy Esther McVey over which voters should be helped onto the housing ladder, the adviser blamed for the story was ordered to apologise to Mr Jenrick in person

The source said: 'The post-Brexit reshuffle will focus on rewarding competence. Delivery will be shown to matter more than profile raising.' The remarks show that Mr Johnson is keen to end the cult of 'celebrity politicians' such as Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg.

He was a familiar fixture in the TV studios and on radio phone-ins until his remark, early in the Election campaign, which appeared to blame victims of the Grenfell Tower disaster for obeying the instructions of the fire services not to leave the building. Mr Rees-Mogg has since vanished from sight and is tipped to be moved in the reshuffle.

Mr Johnson is understood to have cooled on the idea of a 'Valentines Day massacre' of Ministers and radical reorganisation of Whitehall  as advocated by his adviser Dominic Cummings  on the grounds that it could be too destabilising.

As part of the new drive, Munira Mirza, head of the No 10 policy unit, is writing to each Secretary of State to outline the key policy priorities they are expected to deliver  and the criteria they will be judged by. A No 10 source said: 'The Prime Minister has been clear that this Government will reward competence and hard work.

'We've been impressed by Cabinet members and junior Ministers who have quietly got on with driving real change within their departments and delivering on the PM's priority to level up our country.'
An independent, 42-year-old downtown Rochester hotel sold for a whopping $18.2 million as the city's first big real estate deal of 2020.

The Brentwood Inn & Suites, formerly known as Brentwood Motor Inn, at 123 Fourth Ave. NW was purchased by an investor group called Agave Brentwood Hotel, LLCon Wednesday. It's located near Mayo Clinic's Methodist Hospitalcampus.

The sellers were a long list of Rochester-based companies, including Brentwood Real Estate, LLC, Stack Downtown Investments, LLC, MJ Hotels, LLC, Rolling Shores, LLCand the Arnold J. and Rebecca A. Bombaars Revocable Trust.

A local family that has long been involved with the hotel was among the sellers, but they are also part of the buyers group.

Agave Brentwood Hotel, LLC, includes local ownership by the Pompeian family, now led by Nick Pompeian . The Pompeian family has had ownership in the classic hotel since Ed Pompeian first invested in it in 1983.

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Ed Pompeian helped spearhead the $1.35 million addition of three stories and 63 rooms in 1999.

Nick Pompeian says no changes are planned for the hotel under the new ownership.

The big question is why a 1978 hotel, which Olmsted Countyestimates to have a total market value of $4.68 million, sold for more than four times that amount.

Pompeian said simply that $18.2 million was the number settled on during the negotiations.

This deal does introduce a new investor to Rochester's core.

The Agave in Agave Brentwood Hotel refers to Agave Holdings, a developer with offices in Miami and Mexico City. It has been linked to billionaire Juan Beckmann Vidal, the chairman and majority owner of the tequila brand Jose Cuervo.
An exhibition titled "The Coming Year of the Rat Brings Luck - The Chinese Zodiac Creativity Exhibition", kicks off in Malta on Friday to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Year of the Rat.

Based on the Chinese zodiac culture and the 24 solar terms,the exhibition reflects the Chinese festive culture through three forms of art: installation art, decorative art and interactive experiences.

The exhibition, telling the symbolic meaning of the Year of the Rat and interesting stories of rats in Chinese history, introduced the folk customs and knowledge of the 24 solar terms, and vividly presented the theme of the Chinese Zodiac and the Spring Festival culture.

In accordance with the Chinese zodiac cycle, the Year of the Rat will start on Jan. 25, 2020 and last until Feb. 11, 2021.

This exhibition, hosted by China Cultural Center in Malta and Beijing CIEA Danqing Exhibition LTD, will last until March 5.
Facebook Inc said on Saturday it was working to find out how Chinese leader Xi Jinpings name appeared as Mr Shithole in posts on its platform when translated into English from Burmese, apologising for any offence caused and saying the problem had been fixed.

The error came to light on the second day of a visit by the president to the Southeast Asian country, where Xi and state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi signed dozens of agreements covering massive Beijing-backed infrastructure plans.

A statement about the visit published on Suu Kyis official Facebook page was littered with references to Mr Shithole when translated to English, while a headline in local news journal the Irrawaddy appeared as Dinner honors president shithole.

It was not clear how long the issue had lasted but Googles translation function did not show the same error.

"We have fixed an issue regarding Burmese to English translations on Facebook and are working to identify the cause to ensure that it doesnt happen again," Facebook said in a statement. "This issue is not a reflection of the way our products should work and we sincerely apologise for the offence this has caused."

China is Facebooks biggest country for revenue after the United States, and the tech company is setting up a new engineering team to focus specifically on the lucrative advertising business there, Reuters reported last week.

We are aware of an issue regarding Burmese to English translations on Facebook, and were doing everything we can to fix this as quickly as possible, a spokesperson for the tech company said in a statement.

This issue is not a reflection of the way our products should work and we sincerely apologise for the offence this has caused.

Facebook has faced numerous problems with translation from Burmese in the past. In 2018 it temporarily removed the function after a Reuters report showed the tool was producing bizarre results.

An investigation documented how the company was failing in its efforts to combat vitriolic Burmese language posts about Myanmars Rohingya Muslims, some 730,000 of whom fled a military crackdown in 2017 that the U.N has said was conducted with genocidal intent.

It also showed the translation feature was flawed, citing an anti-Rohingya post advocating killing Muslims that was translated into English as I shouldnt have a rainbow in Myanmar.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 00:04:53|Editor: yan

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ANKARA, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Turkey on Saturday condemned a terror attack in Somalia's capital Mogadishu that wounded six Turkish nationals.

"The attack in Somalia will not deter our fight against terrorism," said Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on his Twitter account.

"We curse the terrorist attack in Afgoye region of Somalia, which was carried out with a bomb-laden vehicle and injured many people, including six Turkish citizens," said the Turkish foreign ministry in a written statement.

Turkey will resolutely continue its support in maintaining peace and stability in Somalia, it added.

The condition of the injured Turkish citizens is closely monitored by Turkey's Mogadishu Embassy, according to the ministry.

At least four people were killed and 18 others injured when a suicide bomber targeted Turkish contract workers and Somali security forces in Mogadishu on Saturday, according to the Somali government.

In December, a suicide truck bombing by the terrorist group al-Shabaab in Somalia killed some 80, including two Turkish citizens, and wounded more than 150 others.
Some say a picture is worth a thousand words. Federal prosecutors in the bribery case against ex-Boston planning official John Lynch summed up this photograph in three: he got caught.

A sentencing memorandum filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Chao states that the photograph shows Lynch accepting a $5,000 cash bribe from a developer on Oct. 3, 2018.

Figuratively speaking, the defendant got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Literally speaking, the Boston Planning and Development Agencys Assistant Director of Real Estate got caught with his hand grabbing thousands of dollars in cash as part of a corrupt bribe to enrich himself at the publics expense," Chao wrote.

Lynch, 66, is expected to be sentenced on Jan. 24 for accepting $50,000 in bribes to help a real estate developer get a permit approved. He faces between 46 and 57 months in federal prison, according to the sentencing guidelines.

Prosecutors want Lynch to serve 48 months, or four years in prison, and face forfeiture and restitution, according to the sentencing memo.

In September, Lynch pleaded guilty to one count of bribery involving an organization receiving federal funds and one count of filing a false federal tax return.

Lynch agreed to use his influence to advise a Zoning Board of Appeals member, whom he had hired, to vote in favor of a permit extension so the developer could turn his property into multiple residential units. The ZBA is a seven-member entity that is charged with reviewing any development proposal that requires zoning relief.

After the permit extension was approved, the developer sold the property for roughly $541,000, which prosecutors attribute to the changes made with ZBA approval.

Prosecutors did not name the developer, but the Boston Globe identified him as Steven M. Turner.

Nor did prosecutors name the ZBA member, but they said the member had known Lynch for years and was the broker for Lynchs sale of two residential condominium units in Dorchester. Realtor Craig Galvin resigned from the ZBA after the charges against Lynch were announced.

Lynch was caught on camera during at least one of the money exchanges on Oct. 3, 2018, according to the sentencing memo. The photograph shows an unidentified man sitting in the drivers seat of a car handing a wad of cash to Lynch.

Prosecutors say that was one of several payments Lynch received.

The first was a $25,000 check on Feb. 16, 2018. The payee section was blank. Lynch made the check payable to a contractor who was working on Lynchs Dorchester property to disguise the exchange, according to the sentencing memo.

The next payments were made in cash throughout the year: two $5,000 payments between March and July, $5,000 on Sept. 5, $5,000 on Oct. 3 and $5,000 on Nov. 20.

When Lynch did his taxes, prosecutors said he failed to disclose the $50,000 or the $10,000 in income he received from the developer in 2018.

With a net worth of over a million dollars, owning luxury cars and homes in Boston and the Cape, this defendant did not steal out of need, but out of greed, Chao wrote.

Lynch resigned Aug. 16, two weeks before the charges were announced.

The charges led to the resignation of Galvin, who does not face any criminal charges, and William Buddy Christopher. Christopher, an aide to Mayor Marty Walsh, was the head of the Inspectional Services Department, which oversees the ZBA.

Christopher had formed a real estate company with Turner in 2011.
Three finalists for the position of Linn-Benton Community Colleges president were announced Thursday night, and public forums with the candid
French police fired tear gas and arrested several people on Saturday as thousands of Yellow Vest anti-government protesters returned to the streets of Paris, showering the security forces with a hail of projectiles.

Demonstrators shouted slogans denouncing the police, President Emmanuel Macron and his pension reforms that have triggered the longest French transport strike in decades.

This was the latest of the weekly demonstrations held every Saturday by the Yellow Vest movement since November 2018, and which have recently been boosted by opposition to the pension reforms.

Authorities said 15 people were arrested after police tried to disperse a bloc at the head of the protest in northern Paris.

"The street is ours," some protesters chanted. "Macron, we're going to come for you, in your home."

Police fired tear gas as they came under a hail of projectiles.

"Too many people are suffering!"

Annie Moukam, a 58-year-old teacher, said too many people in France were suffering.

"We're suffocating with this government which wants to put us on our knees," Moukam said.

"It's out of the question that Macron touches our pensions. We have worked all our lives to be able to leave with a dignified retirement," she said. "It's exactly that that he is challenging."

The rallies came on the 45th day of a strike that has hit train and metro traffic and caused misery for millions of commuters in Paris especially.

Trains are becoming more frequent however, and Paris's metro drivers voted to suspend their action from Monday, their union Unsa announced earlier on Saturday.
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Linkedin Connor Bamford (The Jakarta Post) -  Sat, January 18, 2020 15:01 724 48be62e941b44f04afae568c322aacef 3 Health pneumonia,outbreak,disease,china-pneumonia Free

Since December 2019, there has been a cluster of 59 cases of pneumonia in Wuhan, eastern China. The pneumonia is associated with a previously unidentified coronavirus related to the deadly SARS virus.

Seven of those cases are thought to be serious, and one person  with serious pre-existing health problems  has died. The WHO has also just announced the first case outside China. A traveller from Wuhan, now in Thailand, has been confirmed by the WHO to have contracted the virus.

The World Health Organisation has urged countries around the world to enhance their surveillance of severe acute respiratory infections, although no travel restrictions have been advised. There is no licensed vaccine or specific treatments for the new virus.

The new coronavirus outbreak is linked to a market in Wuhan, which sold meat and live animals. Following the outbreak, the market was closed. There is no clear evidence of the virus spreading between humans, and it is thought that it originated in animals.

Scientists investigating the outbreak  including those from China  have reported complete virus genome sequences found in patients. The virus is not closely related to any human virus currently in circulation. So far, scientists have found evidence of the virus in 41 samples from patients with the disease.

Spectre of SARS coronavirus

The Wuhan coronavirus outbreak bears similarity to the 2002-03 epidemic of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) coronavirus (SARS-CoV). The SARS-CoV outbreak, which started in south China, lasted for over nine months. It spread to 37 countries, causing 8,098 people to become ill and 774 to die.

Nearly 10% of those confirmed to be infected went on to die. The deadly nature of the disease, the frequent human-to-human spread, and infection of front-line clinical staff, contributed to the seriousness of the outbreak.

SARS-CoV was traced to several animals, including civet cats and raccoon dogs, being sold as food in markets. The infected animals had no symptoms. Closure of the markets with animal culling alongside treatment and containment of patients led to the outbreak being halted.

( Shutterstock/Stanislav Duben)

Further investigations traced SARS-like viruses to horseshoe bats found in a cave in China. It is thought that civet cats could have picked up the infection from bats and then spread it to humans in city markets.

SARS has not been seen since 2003 and it is thought that the virus is now extinct. The new Wuhan coronavirus is not the SARS-CoV, but it is similar to viruses thought to be precursors of SARS in bats.

Coronaviruses frequent species jumps

Coronaviruses are so named because of the crown-like appearance of their virus particles when seen under an electron microscope (corona, meaning crown). Coronaviruses are a diverse group of viruses that infect and cause disease in humans and other animals, including pigs and chickens.

There are seven coronaviruses known to infect people, including the novel Wuhan coronavirus and SARS-CoV already mentioned. Other human coronaviruses are those that cause the common cold like 229E, NL63, OC43 and HKU1 viruses, as well as the deadly zoonotic MERS virus.

MERS-CoV is a camel common cold virus that often jumps to humans in the Middle East. MERS-CoV can cause severe pneumonia in people and spread from person to person. MERS-CoV was only identified in 2012 and continues to be a significant problem in the Middle East. Nearly 2,500 cases of MERS have been identified, causing 858 deaths.

Coronaviruses appear to jump easily between species, and the Wuhan virus could be the third incidence in humans in the last 20 years. In 2016, another coronavirus was responsible for 24,000 pig deaths in southern China. Later named swine acute diarrhoea syndrome or SADS-CoV, it jumped from bats to pigs but did not spread to humans before it was contained.

Looking further back, close animal counterparts have been found for three of the common cold coronaviruses, suggesting zoonotic origins. Also, for SARS and MERS-CoVs it appears that an intermediate host was needed  either civet cats or camels, respectively  for this jump to be successful. The reasons why arent exactly clear.

Virus hunting and mass genome sequencing efforts across the world have associated much of the known coronavirus diversity to bat species. Many of these CoV-infected bats are found in south-east Asia, but other hotspots include South America, central Europe and Africa.

What we still need to know

How the new Wuhan coronavirus came to be in humans, and how closely it will resemble the SARS outbreak, will be a focus of ongoing research, such as:

1) Sequencing more virus strains to better understand their diversity and evolution. This will allow scientists to develop much needed tests and track virus spread, assessing whether human-to-human transmission is occurring.

2) Provide robust evidence that the new coronavirus is associated with pneumonia either through detailed clinical investigation or experimental assessment of causation in lab animal.

3) Find the origin of the outbreak, determining the role of bats and intermediate animal hosts in the spread of infection.

Outbreaks of new viruses, such as the Wuhan coronavirus, are a constant reminder of the need to invest in research in emerging virus biology and evolution, how they infect and interact with human cells, and ultimately, to identify safe and effective drugs to treat  or vaccines to prevent  serious disease.

---

Connor Bamford, Research Fellow, Virology, Queen's University Belfast

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. 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.
Howls of protests but DWC allays fears By Kumudini Hettiarachchi Action to arm Civil Defence Force personnel who will man the electric fences to keep wild elephants at bay View(s): View(s):

As strong protests came from environmentalists over reported moves to give out arms to personnel from the Civil Defence Force to curb the human-elephant conflict (HEC), wildlife conservation officials were quick to allay fears and concerns over trigger-happy killings of wild animals.

These personnel from the Civil Defence Force would be supporting officials of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) to man the electric fences, DWC sources said when contacted by the Sunday Times.

They will not be in the Protected Areas (PAs) but be deployed along the 4,000-odd kilometres of electric fences eva nadaththu karanna (to maintain them) and patrol these fences at night too, the sources stressed, pointing out that this was due to the DWC facing a dearth of effective cadres.

They will be acting as a psychological barrier. They are well-trained in the use of firearms and will not just shoot to kill wild elephants randomly. They will shout to scare away the animals or in an extremely difficult situation fire into the air to chase the elephants away, the sources said.

The DWC, the Sunday Times learns, is also conducting extensive awareness programmes among villagers to change their behaviour and thus reduce the HEC.

While many conservationists were critical over the reported decision to deploy armed personnel along electric fences, the Wildlife & Nature Protection Society (WNPS) also expressed serious concerns over the programme to distribute guns to members of the Civil Defence Force who would be expected to deal with crop-raiding elephants in farmlands and is seen as a part-solution to the HEC.

Several conservationists pointed out that if rifles are distributed and they are used to open fire on wild elephants, such action would kill these elephants on the spot.

The WNPS, meanwhile, cautioned that this action would exacerbate rather than mitigate the HEC in these areas, where these cadres are being given additional firearms. We would like to know why these cadres, who are in effect a para-military force, require firearms and ammunition in addition to the service weapon routinely issued to them. Surely extra duties dont mean extra guns are required.

Explaining in detail the disastrous consequences on wild elephants, the WNPS states that they would like to draw attention to the fact that even spherical lead pellets of .32 calibre shot guns (nine in each cartridge) when fired at an elephant at close range can penetrate the animals skin, fat and muscle layers and reach vital organs. In such cases, with a well-placed shot, the outcome would be the death of the elephant.

The WNPS going into meticulous detail states: At a distance of 50 metres, these pellets will retain enough velocity and energy to penetrate the thick skin layers of an elephant and lodge against bone or enter muscle tissue. In most instances the wounds sustained by these gunshots will result in the eventual death of the elephant. The resultant death will be lingering and painful, with suppurating (festering) wounds or abscesses, infections and debilitating illness.

These elephants in their pain and anger will become extremely dangerous to the humans they encounter until they eventually weaken and succumb to the complications caused by gunshot wounds.

We would like the Minister and all the officials in the ministry and the DWC to ask themselves as to what they are hoping to achieve? Lets be under no illusion as to what this new attempt to mitigate the HEC actually means to elephants and farming families countrywide.

The second concern of the WNPS is that these guns will invariably be used to kill other animal species for consumption as well as the illegal trade in the meat of wild animals. This will inevitably pose a threat to the long-term survival of wildlife in those farming areas which will include species under the threat of extinction.

As the premier conservation body in the country, with 125 years of work towards conserving Sri Lankas natural heritage as well as being the architect of both the Wildlife and Forest Departments, we feel it is our mandate and duty to point out the unacceptable, adverse impacts of this action to mitigate the HEC.

Reiterating the need for the Elephant Conservation Policy to be the guideline for the mitigation of the HEC, the WNPS adds that they have stated these facts in the best interests of both the public and elephants with responsibility, after consulting experts and professionals here and abroad. We urge that this hasty, ill-advised programme be reconsidered and reversed.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 02:41:05|Editor: yan

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HOUSTON, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Oil prices fell slightly for the week ending Jan. 17 with the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for February delivery down 0.85 percent and Brent crude oil for March delivery down 0.20 percent.

WTI closed the week at 58.54 U.S. dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude finished the week at 64.85 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange, both extending losses following the previous week's plummet.

WTI and Brent crude prices have decreased 4.13 percent and 1.74 percent so far this year.

In response to positive sentiments on the U.S.-China phase one trade deal and the ensuing phase two negotiations, a larger-than-expected drop in U.S. crude oil inventories and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal known as the USMCA, both tried to recover but failed just ahead of 59 dollars for WTI and 65 dollars for Brent crude, respectively.

According to the Weekly Petroleum Status Report, U.S. commercial crude oil inventories, excluding those in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, decreased by 2.549 million barrels during the week ending Jan. 10, more than the market expected fall of 0.474 million barrels, implying greater demand and bullish for crude prices.

At the same time, China's GDP figure and reports released by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) retained the prices gains.

China's economy grew 6.1 percent year on year in 2019, within the government's annual target of 6 to 6.5 percent, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) of China on Friday, compared with the 6.6-percent growth registered in 2018.

Meanwhile, both IEA and OPEC have raised the 2020 non-OPEC supply growth forecast, resulting in concerns over a persistent supply surplus. That in turn puts tremendous pressure on OPEC and its allies, which may need to cut further.

During the week, the U.S. Dollar Index closed higher and met hurdle in 97.60 area. A higher index makes the U.S. dollar sensitive crude oil more expensive for foreign buyers.

Concerns over the supply disruption due to Mideast tensions have largely dissipated, while worries about weak demand and oversupply are emerging in crude oil market.

Rystad Energy, an independent oil and gas consulting services and business intelligence data firm with headquarters in Oslo, Norway, forecast oil prices are set to slide even further due to the crude glut in market.

According to Rystad Energy, the market demand for OPEC oil will average about 28.3 million barrels per day during the final nine months of 2020. However, the organization's actual production in December 2019 was 29.6 million barrels per day, and its new implied production target for the first quarter of 2020 is 29.2 million barrels per day.
- President Uhuru Kenyatta was in Mombasa where he addressed security heads from across the country on Friday, January 17.

- Ruto, on the other hand, held a consultative meeting with Jubilee leaders in Taita Taveta county on the same day

- A day before, the two leaders are said to have been in Mombasa city but they never met

- Further reports indicate Uhuru selectively invited governors to Mombasa to discuss matters BBI with those allied to Ruto conspicuously missing

The political bromance between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto is deteriorating each day with the latest reports indicating the two leaders held two parallel meetings in the coast region on Friday, January 17.

Uhuru who has pitched tent in Mombasa since December 2019 held talks with security heads from across the country while the DP was in Taita Taveta county where he met Jubilee elected leaders.

READ ALSO: Socialite Huddah Monroe condemns Babu Owino after shooting DJ Evolve

William Ruto in Taita Taveta county. Photo: William Ruto.

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: North Rift politicians claim Uhuru short-changed them during Cabinet reshuffle

The developments continue to bring to the fore the strained relationship between the erstwhile political buddies who won the hearts of many Kenyans with their matching and charming rendition of Jubilee manifesto during 2013 and 2017 presidential campaigns.

Prior to his Taita Taveta meeting on Friday, Ruto is said to have been in Mombasa county on Thursday, January 16, but never met Uhuru who had invited 24 governors to discuss matters BBI.

READ ALSO: ODM yajitenga na sarakasi za Babu Owino, atakiwa kuubeba mzigo wake mwenyewe

According to The Standard, of all the invited governors, none was allied to the DP's Tanga Tanga faction which is deemed to be anti-BBI.

Although Ruto has visited the Coast region more than twice, he has neither been able to meet Uhuru nor spend a night in his official residence located a few metres from the Mombasa State House.

In one of his recent visits, the DP encountered one of most the embarrassing moments when security officers locked him out of the residence.

The humiliation came just days after he was reportedly denied clearance to fly straight to Mombasa from Botswana to meet the president.

A few days later, while on a private visit to Khartoum in Sudan, Uhuru reorganised his Cabinet and left out Mwangi Kiunjuri, the DP's point man in Mt Kenya region.

On Tuesday, January 14, the DP's allies among them Nakuru Senator Susan Kihiki were locked out of the president's function in Nakuru.

The matter has been worsened by ongoing speculation that Uhuru is targetting to axe Senate Kipchumba Murkomen from his Senate majority role and replace him with Baringo Senator Gideon Moi.

While addressing a section of leaders in a private meeting in Taita Taveta, the DP wondered why the president had abandoned him for Raila, both of him he had supported.

"I once supported Raila, as he was the son of a former prime minister. I supported Uhuru, as he was the son of a former president. But they are taking issue in supporting a son of a hustler, he quipped.

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.

Babu Owino shoots a DJ at B-Club : Kenyans react | Tuko TV

Source: TUKO.co.ke
BEARDSTOWN  The scent of Mexican food now can be caught wafting along East Fourth Street, thanks to Wednesdays opening of the new Los Amigos restaurant.

The restaurant at 315 E. Fourth St. will serve traditional Mexican food ranging from burritos and taco to fajitas and other items each day.

Manager and owner Roberto Rivera started working on the restaurant in November, using a blend of new decorations and those left behind when the sites previous Mexican restaurant closed to create a Mexican-themed dining experience for customers.

We wanted to start this new project, to bring a new restaurant to town, Rivera said. We will be serving the traditional Mexican food, try to keep this place as traditional as we can do.

Rivera, with his partners Pedro Marroquin and Adelaina Antonio, hopes to make Los Amigos one of the go-to places in Beardstown.

Taking after the name, which translates to The Friends in English, Rivera said he hopes the restaurant will become the place for celebrations, family and friends.

We want to cater to people, Rivera said. My goal is to that people stay happy, that they come and enjoy this place and the food  just have fun.

Though theyve only been open a few days, Rivera said theyve received some good feedback since they opened.

People seem to enjoy it, Rivera said. Weve had a good response.

Though he has no set plans for special events yet, Rivera said he hope to establish some traditions and events for holidays.

Im not sure what we will be doing yet, Rivera said. I hope to do new things, keep people happy. This is my biggest expectation, to continue to grow and make people happy. Thats my goal.

Los Amigos will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Were excited to be able to give people in town another option in restaurants, Rivera said. I hope itll be good for the town.
JERUSALEM - A Palestinian attacker stabbed and moderately wounded an Israeli man Saturday near the West Bank flashpoint city of Hebron, police said.

The 22-year-old Israeli was evacuated to a hospital for treatment, according to the rescue agency Magen David Adom. The Israeli military said it arrested the assailant. It didnt identify him.

Earlier on Saturday, Israeli police arrested a 50-year-old Palestinian woman after she tried to stab police outside Jerusalems Old City quarter.

Hundreds of thousands of Jewish settlers live in the West Bank, which Israel occupied in 1967. The Palestinians seek the territory, alongside Gaza and east Jerusalem, for a future state.

Hebron is a tense city where hundreds of Jewish settlers live in fortified enclaves amid nearly 200,000 Palestinians and the city is a scene of frequent violence.

Violence between Palestinians and Israelis has ebbed and flowed in recent years.
This weekends storm system will be packing some high winds, prompting the National Weather Service to issue Gale Warnings for Lake Michigan and part of Lake Superior.

Lake Michigan is expected to see the highest wave action - and the worst dune and shoreline erosion impacts. A Gale Warning for this lake will go into effect at 8 p.m. tonight and stretch through to 6 a.m. Sunday.

Southwest winds of 40 mph with gusts up to 46 mph are expected, pushing waves anywhere from 7 to up to 14 feet high in some spots along the coastline.

The winds will be increasing tonight into Saturday morning, but the core of the wind shows up beginning around midday on Saturday, the NWS meteorologists at the Grand Rapids office said in their forecast report. Southwest winds will turn westerly from Saturday afternoon into Saturday evening. ... Solid gales to 40 knots are expected. The worst of the wind is on the order of 12-14 hours long, so not lengthy by mid-winter Lake Michigan standards.

We are expecting wave heights to peak Saturday evening near 14 feet between Holland and Grand Haven. The entire Lakeshore will see waves above 10 feet. Significant beach and dune erosion is expected with a moderate potential of Lakeshore flooding.

The worst of the shoreline lashing will happen in an area that has already seen severe dune and beach erosion, and some homes either falling into the lake, or having to be removed.

Winds arent only hitting the Lakeshore with this storm system. Residents across the state can expect high winds through Saturday night, the NWS said.

Winds will increase to 15 to 25 mph Saturday morning and further to 20 to 30 mph Saturday afternoon, the weather service forecast said. The winds really increase Saturday evening to 20 to 40 mph, which will continue Saturday night as the Arctic front moves through. The issue will be whether the heavy, wet snow sticks into the trees, bringing down branches onto power lines.

To the north, Lake Superior will be under a Gale Warning on Saturday from 1 a.m. to 10 p.m. Winds will gust up to 40 mph, with waves of 7 to 10 feet expected.

Another round of lakeshore flooding and beach/dune erosion is expected late Saturday into Sunday, and will likely be worse than what occurred today. Posted by US National Weather Service Grand Rapids Michigan on Thursday, January 16, 2020

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Rebecca Long-Bailey (left) and Emily Thornberry launched their rival bids to be the next Labour leader on Friday (PA)

The Labour leadership race will explode into life on Saturday as the first regional hustings take place.

Early front-runner Sir Keir Starmer and self-styled left-wing candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey are among those seeking support to take over from Jeremy Corbyn as party leader.

Mrs Long-Bailey and shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry officially launched their campaigns to lead Labour on Friday night.

Backbenchers Jess Phillips and Lisa Nandy are also in the race to succeed Mr Corbyn in the ballot that will be decided in early April.

Setting out her stall in her hometown of Guildford, Ms Thornberry warned that Labour faces a long, tough road back to power after the party suffered its worst general election defeat since 1935.

The Islington South and Finsbury MP, who narrowly secured the necessary support from MPs to enter the race on Monday, insisted she was the best placed to oust Prime Minister Boris Johnson within five years.

Expand Close Emily Thornberry launches her campaign for Labour Party leadership at the Guildford Waterside Centre (Jonathan Brady/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Emily Thornberry launches her campaign for Labour Party leadership at the Guildford Waterside Centre (Jonathan Brady/PA)

She told the PA news agency: Boris Johnson has all sorts of problems with women.

And he is going to have an even bigger one if I become leader of the Labour Party.

I think that he has a problem with women.

I have spoken to a number of women who have said that the way he deals with them  and they are younger women  is that he flirts with them.

He makes light of them and he undermines them. He has problems with women such as myself. He doesnt know what to do with me.

I think that he doesnt know how to relate to women.

She added: I think that a competent alternative government could get back into power within five years.

Shadow business secretary Ms Long-Bailey kicked off her campaign with a speech in Manchester, in which she said her party did not talk enough about aspiration.

She also vowed to shake up the way government works, and put power into the hands of voters.

Expand Close Rebecca Long-Bailey launches her campaign at The Science and Industry Museum, Manchester (Peter Byrne/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Rebecca Long-Bailey launches her campaign at The Science and Industry Museum, Manchester (Peter Byrne/PA)

Described as a continuity Corbyn candidate said to be favoured by the current leadership and backed by campaign group Momentum, her supporters have bridled at the description.

As she took to the stage at the Museum of Science and Industry, some of the 300 or so supporters at the event broke into a chant of Oh Jeremy Corbyn.

Mrs Long-Bailey told them: Hey guys, were going to have to think of a new song you know. No pressure.

I think that a competent alternative government could get back into power within five yearsEmily Thornberry

She was asked why Labour had failed with voters, returning their worst electoral result since 1935.

Mrs Long-Bailey said: I think for me we had some fantastic policies, I know because I helped write some of them, and really the message didnt resonate with our voters.

And what we should have been talking about is aspiration.

Because everything we are trying to build and I am going to try to build as leader of the Labour Party is about realising the potential, truly realising that quality of life increase, whether you are a business, whether you are an industry or an individual, our role as a party is to improve your living standards and the wealth you can accumulate as communities.

Expand Close Labour leadership election timetable. See story POLITICS Labour. Infographic by PA Graphics Press Association Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Labour leadership election timetable. See story POLITICS Labour. Infographic by PA Graphics

And we didnt say that. We didnt match that with a message of aspiration.

We want an economy where everyone does well.

All five candidates will appear at the event on Saturday to mark the start of their hustings tour around the UK.

Events are planned in cities including Durham, Bristol, Cardiff, Nottingham, Glasgow and London, as well as in the West Midlands and Bedford.

The result of the contest will be announced on April 4.
Creating their own Tribe The Mirror Magazine this week speaks to the founders of Tribe which connects people looking for unique goods with independent sellers in Sri Lanka View(s): View(s):

Many Sri Lankan brands are taking the front and center of the market now and the number of unique ideas and talent is unprecedented. However, you have to contact many different sellers at different places to find what you need. This is where Tribe comes in.

Tribe is a marketplace; a shared economy that connects people looking for unique goods with independent sellers in Sri Lanka.

The most defining aspect of Tribe is its focus on supporting and homegrown brands. Currently, they retail at the One Galle Face Mall, in a small but quaint space with a huge range of products, and they plan to launch their own e-commerce platform very soon this year. Tribe works primarily with homegrown brands that maintain quality with style, and particularly with sellers that are environmentally conscious and create eco-friendly products. This can include recycled clothing, up-cycled footwear and accessories, and even organic skincare products. Furthermore, a large fraction of their sellers happen to be women entrepreneurs, like Mitali of Flutterby Ink.

While the tribe has been faring well at One Galle Face, they were primarily an e-commerce platform, and they credit their large Instagram and Facebook follower base for their popularity. They also plan to make shopping for local goods easier with their website which is due to launch in early 2020. Tribe aims to take the best of Sri Lanka global someday under the tribe banner.

(PJ)
Women take part in a rally before the Women's Women's March on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020 in New York. Hundred showed up in New York City and thousands in Washington, D.C. for the rallies, which aim to harness the political power of women, although crowds were noticeably smaller than in previous years. Marches were scheduled Saturday in more than 180 cities. Read more

WASHINGTON  Thousands gathered in cities across the country Saturday as part of the nationwide Womens March rallies focused on issues such as climate change, pay equity, reproductive rights and immigration.

Hundreds showed up in New York City and thousands in Washington, D.C. for the rallies, which aim to harness the political power of women, although crowds were noticeably smaller than in previous years. Marches were scheduled Saturday in more than 180 cities.

The first marches in 2017 drew hundreds of thousands of people to rallies in cities across the country on the day after President Donald Trump was inaugurated. That year's D.C. march drew close to 1 million people.

In Manhattan on Saturday, hundreds of people gathered as part of a Rise and Roar" rally at separate events in Foley Square and Columbus Circle.

Today, we will be the change that is needed in this world! Today, we rise into our power! activist Donna Hylton told a cheering crowd in Foley Square.

Snow began falling by the afternoon in Manhattan, apparently putting a damper on plans for the two groups to converge in large numbers near Times Square.

In downtown Los Angeles, thousands of men, women and children filled several blocks as they made their way from a plaza to a park adjacent to City Hall, where a rally featured speeches by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the wife of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Mayor Eric Garcetti, Rep. Maxine Waters and others.

Jennifer Siebel Newsom credited women for mobilizing against gun violence, creating the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and discrimination, and taking back the Democratic majority in the House of Representatives.

In 2020, I have no doubt that it will be women who will lead again, rise up and move this country forward on a path toward justice, she said.

In Denver, organizers opted to skip the rally after the march and instead invited participants to meet with local organizations to learn more about issues such as reproductive rights, climate change, gun safety and voting.

Several thousand came out for the protest in Washington, far fewer than last year when about 100,000 people held a rally east of the White House. But as in previous years, many of the protesters made the trip to the nations capital from cities across the country to express their opposition to Trump and his policies. From their gathering spot on Freedom Plaza, they had a clear view down Pennsylvania Avenue to the U.S. Capitol, where the impeachment trial gets underway in the Senate next week.

In Washington, three key issues seemed to galvanize most of the protesters: climate change, immigration and reproductive rights.

I teach a lot of immigrant students, and in political times like this I want to make sure I'm using my voice to speak up for them, said Rochelle McGurn, 30, an elementary school teacher from Burlington, Vermont who was in D.C. to march. They need to feel like they belong, because they do.

Peta Madry of New London, Connecticut, was celebrating her 70th birthday in D.C. by attending her fourth Womens March with her sister, Cynthia Barnard, of San Rafael, California. Both women were wearing handknitted pink hats that date from the first march. With pained expressions, they spoke about Trumps determination to reverse the policies of his predecessor Barack Obama and his treatment of women.

Look what hes doing to Greta Thunberg, Madry said, referring to the teenage climate activist. Hes the biggest bully in the world.

Melissa McCullough of Georgetown, Indiana, said when she recently turned 50 she promised herself that she would get more involved politically. Im here to protest Trump, as a woman, she said.

Her daughter, 19-year-old University of Cincinnati student Elizabeth McCullough, chimed in to say that most womens issues are human issues, and they talked about the need to protect immigrants.

You have to push to protect everyone or no ones safe, Melissa McCullough said.

The protesters planned to march around the White House, but Trump wasnt there. He is spending the holiday weekend at his resort in Florida.

Organizers of the Washington march faced criticism from some local African American activists for failing to focus on local issues and damaging the ability of local activists to organize.

Local D.C. is a domestic colony and the actions of national organizers have to recognize that, Black Lives Matter D.C. wrote in a letter this week to Womens March organizers. Here in D.C., these unstrategic mass mobilizations distract from local organizing, often overlook the black people who actually live here and even result in tougher laws against demonstration being passed locally.

This story has been updated to correct the activists name to Donna Hylton, not Hill.

Associated Press reporter Daisy Nguyen in San Francisco contributed to this report.
A two-part video documentary by Pat Byrne on the history of the St. Louis Sisters, Carrickmacross and on Carrickmacross lace will be shown in Drumconrath GAA pavilion on Sunday January 19th at 3pm.

The event is promoted by Drumconrath Cultural and Heritage Society.

The St. Louis Sisters were founded in France in the aftermath of the French Revolution by Fr. Louis Bautain. The foundation in Ireland was formed in 1859 in Monaghan and in Carrickmacross on the 24th September 1888. Dean Peter Bermingham P.P., V.G., Carrickmacross purchased Essex Castle built by the Earl of Essex in 1630 which was converted to their new convent.

The St. Louis Sisters have given great service to Carrickmacross and the wider area, in education and to society in general. They also revived the Carrickmacross Lace industry.

In the documentary the last surviving sisters speak about what influenced them to enter the order, their passion for teaching and mission life and the sacrifices they made in order to become sisters.

The St. Louis Sisters vacated their convent, Our Lady's Mount, on Sunday, 28th October 2018. Sr. Marie Byrne locked the doors and closed the gates for the last time after 130 years.

The history of Carrickmacross Lace cottage industry is told in this documentary by Sr. Enda McMullen, from its establishment by Margaret Grey Porter sometime between 1816 and 1820. Margaret was the wife of John Grey Porter, Rector in Donaghmoyne. Tristram Kennedy, a barrister and agent of the Bath estate along with George Morant, agent of the Shirley estate established lace schools in Carrickmacross in 1846. While the skills of the lace makers were much admired, designs were poor and patterns were drawn at random, being traced and retraced, which contributed to a decline in the quality of the lacemaking. Patronage and commercial demand for lace had also declined.

When the St. Louis Convent was founded in Carrickmacross in 1888, the Sisters almost immediately began to take an interest in establishing lace classes as a way of helping primary school leavers to find work. In 1897, Sr. Anthony O'Neill set up lace classes for adults involving some locally skilled workers as teachers. In the same year a branch of the Co-operative Society was formed in the convent. In 1898 the St. Louis Lace School was established under Sr. Catherine Phelan. This timely intervention by the sisters prevented the total decline of the industry.

In October 1987 after over 99 years, the Sisters sought recommendations as to the 'winding down' of St. Louis involvement in Carrickmacross lace and provision for its workers. In 1988 the sisters handed over the lace making project to the Carrickmacross Lace Co-Op. The documentary on the St. Louis Sisters runs for 42 minutes and on Carrickmacross Lace 27 minutes Free admission. Donations accepted.
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Emma Kitson never really planned to become chairwoman of an organisation to make asylum seekers feel at home in Ireland.

Wicklow Welcomes was the result of not much more than an indignant post on Facebook. However, as it turned out, her social media broadside found an audience of people who shared her disquiet.

Like her, they were uneasy at the negative reaction in some quarters to the conversion of the Grand Hotel in Wicklow to become a 'direct provision' centre. It was perfectly reasonable of course for people in the town to be upset that they had lost a venue for social gatherings. But Emma was disturbed that upset spilled over into something more sinister and hostile.

She put out the message that Wicklow should welcome refugees, not treat them as any kind of threat. In time - a surprisingly short time - this attracted a group of like-minded folk and the support of local clergy. Now Wicklow Welcomes has a committee running a series of cosmopolitan coffee mornings as well as providing practical, friendly support for people fleeing persecution.

Close to 200 foreign arrivals have benefited over the past year or so from the initiative, with the net widened to embrace families staying in Ashford as well as those in the Grand. Most of them were in attendance at the Wicklow Welcomes second annual Christmas party last month where more than 400 gifts were stacked around the festive tree, donated by friends and supporters.

As the organisation which she never really intended to establish continues to grow, Emma took the time to speak to your reporter at her home in Redcross. A southside Dubliner born and bred, she and husband Chris came to live in the hills above Arklow thirteen years ago. They were both on the staff of the Northern Trust bank in the capital city at the time.

With its headquarters in Chicago, Northern Trust is a financial institution which most people in this country have little or no awareness of. But it attracts trillions of dollars in savings and investments from wealthy people across the United States, much of the money channelled into various hedge funds and vulture funds. Emma is an accountant by profession and was well able to supervise the 1,500 or so accounts under her wing but confesses that she prefers working with people rather juggling figures.

Through the bank, she became involved in the grandly named 'Common Purpose Meridian Leadership Programme' which teamed her up with public servants in a project intended to benefit prisoners in the jail at Wheatfield. The experience changed her: 'I knew I wanted to do more on the side of social justice - something different that would make a difference.'

Emma did not enjoy the commuting to work in Dublin from Redcross, a daily grind which she recalls as 'horrendous'. So when the opportunity came to take a redundancy offer from the bank, she said thank you very much to Northern Trust and left Chris to do battle with the rush hour traffic alone. She stayed at home to look after the growing number of children in the family - the couple's fourth arrived last year.

But life for such a lively mind was never going to be all about changing nappies and doing the school run, though she happily carries out such duties. The campaigner in her was eventually awoken by the referendum on the Eighth Amendment in which she was instinctively drawn to the 'yes' side.

She diagnosed disarray in the 'Together for Yes' movement across South Wicklow and decided to act - she called a meeting and admits candidly that she took over. The experience put her in touch with others of like mind, creating a loosed network of folk - most of them women - with an interest in politics and public affairs.

Emma briefly reverted to concentrating on the school run after the excitement and effort of the referendum, until another issue re-ignited the concerned citizen in her during November of 2018. The announcement was made that the Grand Hotel in Wicklow Town was to become a centre for 'direct provision' offering accommodation to 100 asylum seekers. The town was slow to roll out the welcome mat as the move inspired rumbles of protest, inspired by a mixture of discontent at the loss of a social venue and fear of the unknown.

'There was uproar,' Emma remembers, uproar which edged into the throwing of bottles as well as the shouting of abuse. After she witnessed luckless staff at the Grand being caught in a torrent of harsh words, she immediately felt that the behaviour of the protesters was appalling.

'I want to be proud of being part of the Wicklow community,' she explains - and picking on vulnerable refugees was not her idea of fair play. 'I said I am going to do something about this.' The first step to doing something was simple enough, setting up a Facebook page on the issue, though it was soon clear that this would not stop at posts on social media.

The Facebook initiative calling for hospitality rather than hostility soon brought her 500 followers and they needed something of substance to follow. She found that she was fielding calls from newspapers and radio presenters as the ripples generated by her initiative spread.

'It became a bit of a beast and my head was about to explode,' the accidental campaign leader now admits as she looks back at the stream of queries and offers which she fielded. A vein of goodwill had been tapped and it was time to call up reinforcements, most of them veterans of the 'Together for Yes' movement, women such as Shannon O'Halloran and Louise Rooney.

They contacted Grand owner Adrian Shanagher and arranged to set up a play room in the hotel for the children of the families who had moved in. The first Wicklow Welcomes Christmas party followed, with a wave of local sponsorship and support ensuring that each adult, though far from home, had at least three presents under the tree, with seven for each child. Local Christian churches weighed in behind the initiative to make the new neighbours feel at home, though many of them may be Muslims, Hindus or whatever.

'We said Christmas was a special time of year for us,' explains Emma. 'We are not trying to stuff religion down their throats.' The support given over the past 15 months has extended far beyond the festive jollifications, with social media used to find winter clothes for people arriving in Ireland in shorts and flip-flops. The list of needs met has included baby baths, fridges, shoes, sterilisers.

'The generosity was unreal as it became apparent that the protests were by a small minority. The vast majority of people wished the asylum seekers well.' The name of the organisation - Wicklow Welcomes - was the invention of Tasha Quinn. The line-up of the committee is described by the founder/chairwoman as 'fluid' but it includes Louise Rooney as vice-chairwoman and treasurer Reverend Jack Kinkead along with Nomi Fitzpatrick, Caroline Besancon, Lauren Keogh and ever cheerful Father Pat O'Rourke.

Since May of last year they have been extending their welcome to refugees assigned to the Rathmore holiday village in Ashford, which has doubled the number of people involved to around the 200 mark. The beautiful stone-built cottages in Rathmore are well kitted out but, the residents who have no cars of their own are effectively in the middle of nowhere, living up a 750- metre long driveway, half an hour's walk from the nearest shop.

Wicklow Welcomes has helped set up transport, schooling, GP's, PPS numbers and English language classes, as such practical matters are largely overlooked by the Department of Justice. The exercise has helped to ensure that those who arrive seeking shelter and freedom are greeted as individuals rather than as a faceless mass. Regular coffee mornings in the parish centre beside the Roman Catholic church in Wicklow allow locals and asylum seekers rub shoulders.

Emma has discovered that this cosmopolitan bunch, thrown together in desperate circumstances, includes many inspirational individuals. Through Wicklow Welcomes she has expanded her own horizons by making the acquaintance of people from Albania, Georgia, Zimbabwe, Bolivia, Guatemala, Nigeria, Syria - she reckons that 18 nationalities are represented at the Grand Hotel. Many have traumatic first-hand tales to tell of rape, torture and death threats endured before they fled their homelands. Two of them - one from Mozambique and the other from South Africa - made a hugely positive impression when Emma introduced them to a woman in business gathering at Brook Lodge.

'Any asylum seeker I have met is so eager to get on with their life,' Emma Kitson observes. 'It is deeply frustrating for them to be wallowing in a system that takes so long to get going. A lot of these people would contribute a lot to our county if allowed to stay.'
The joint document was supported by the European Union and the United States.

Ukraine and Georgia have filed a complaint with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) over Russia's unlawful actions obstructing search and rescue operations in the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov, and the Kerch Strait.

Read alsoUkraine's seaports seek over US$51 mln in compensation for Russian occupation of Crimean ports

"Delegations of Ukraine and Georgia drew the attention of the IMOHQ Member States to the unlawful actions of the Russian Federation and the relevant implications for search and rescue operations in the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait," the Embassy of Ukraine in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland wrote on Twitter on January 17.

The European Union and the United States have supported the document co-sponsored by Ukraine and Georgia, the Embassy added.

Counselor, Deputy Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Vitalii Moshkivskyi earlier said that Ukraine had expressed its protest at the IMO over the unauthorized expansion by the Novorossiysk NAVTEX station of its service area into the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait.

"Only the Berdiansk NAVTEX station of Ukraine has full responsibility for broadcasting MSI [Maritime Safety Information] into this service area. Called on the IMO to consider the unauthorized unilateral actions of the Russian Federation, which threaten the safety of navigation," he wrote on Facebook on January 17.
An Ocean County teen admitted Friday that he killed his mother in front of his younger brother last summer.

Edgar Diaz, of Manchester, pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter for the brutal slaying of Margarita Diaz in exchange for a 20-year prison term, according to the Ocean County Prosecutors Office.

Diaz, who committed the deadly attack when he was 17, was set to be tried as an adult.

The investigation revealed Edgar Diaz stabbed his mother with a homemade knife and slammed her head into the pavement outside their parked car at the Deer Chase Professional Park Aug. 7, 2019 in Toms River, according to court documents.

Police found the 44-year-old woman severely wounded when they were called to an assault at the complex.

This was a horrific, bone-chilling event that rocked our community and destroyed a family, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said in a statement. I cannot comprehend as to why this young man would senselessly take the life of his own mother, but justice for Margarita will be served.

In court documents obtained by NJ Advance Media, an investigator detailed the chain of events that led authorities to charge the now 18-year-old Diaz, who officers found at the crime scene along with his young brother. The family members went to the Route 37 office park to meet Edgar Diazs father, who was working as a cleaner there.

Edgar Diaz initially told police that an unknown man who was mumbling approached the family, asked for help before the purported attacker pulled their mother from the car and began beating her, a detective wrote in an affidavit. The killer offered a bogus story where he described punching a man in black who was assaulting his mother.

Investigators questioned Diaz about scratches on his face and focused on inconsistencies in his version of events, according to the affidavit. When asked why his skin would be under his mothers fingernails, Diaz said she may have got him during a tussle with her attacker. He also admitted to possibly touching the knife, the documents state.

In the affidavit, a detective described the knife as a homemade style weapon fashioned with black tape on the handle. Investigators later matched a fingerprint from Edgar Diaz to the weapon.

Billhimer, the county prosecutor, credited the work of his offices major crime unit, Toms River police and the Ocean County Sheriffs crime scene investigations unit. Chief Juvenile Prosecutor Anthony Pierro handled the case.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Have a tip? Tell us: nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.
Former governor of Imo state, Emeka Ihedioha of Imo state, recently sacked by the Supreme Court as governor of the state, says he is still in shock but calm.

Ihedioha, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, said the judiciary and the electoral system in the country are on trial.

The former governor who spoke at his residence in Abuja when the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) paid him a solidarity visit, said the verdict remains a mystery.

He said, We are as shocked as yourselves. It was never anticipated. All legal pundits and democratic watchers never imagined and anticipated. So, for us it remains a mystery. But we take solace in the Book of Ecclesiastics 3:1 that to everything, there is a season and time for every purpose under heaven. I believe that that event will define obviously our democracy. I am certain that the judiciary and electoral system are well aware that they are on trial.

Read Also: Ihediohas Removal Painful But We Must Move On: Senator Abaribe

The elections in Imo were closely monitored, well advertised and everybody in Nigeria followed it through. The results were very clear, the electoral umpire still have the results, and INEC has stated clearly that the results in question and the figures are not summing up.

Its not about Emeka Ihedioha, its not about Imo state, its about the future of our country and democracy. Its about what do we do tomorrow?

Do you go into an electoral process without having an idea? It has to be resolved one way or the other.

I am calm and we are calm, and that is why you see in Imo, there is calmness. The calmness is coming out of shock, it is coming out of belief. It is coming out of the fact that people are saying let us still see, can this be possible! We are waiting for answers and I believe there will be answers.

And I am certain that from the events of that day, Nigeria will emerge a stronger and greater country. I want to urge you to continue to work with all lovers of democracy across board so that we can all put our heads together and match forward, he said.
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Saturday called for de-escalation and warned against the consequences of drawing Iraq deeper into wider tensions in the region.

Speaking in Baghdad at a joint news conference with his Iraqi counterpart Mohamed Alhakim, Safadi said that "the region will greatly benefit (...) if we all stand by Iraq".

Safadi's visit came amid tensions between the US and Iran, which escalated following the killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander Qassem Soleimani in an airstrike in the Iraqi capital.

The two officials discussed relations between the two countries and regional developments and stressed the high level of coordination and cooperation needed to deal with crisis to achieve security and stability in the region.

Safadi was also expected to meet Iraq's president, the parliament speaker and the prime minister to discuss regional security, bilateral relations and investments.
New Delhi, Jan 18 (IANS) The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on Saturday arrested three Chinese nationals at the Indira Gandhi International Airport and seized US $55,000 from their possession.

The value of the seized foreign currency is Rs 39 lakh in Indian currency.

CISF spokesman Hemendra Singh told IANS that the names of the arrested accused are Fun Qingliang, Guan Jianhang and He Wang.
Fans of Kyoto Animation Co artworks on Saturday visited the site of its studio where an arson attack killed 36 people and injured 33 others exactly six months ago to commemorate the victims.

What remains of the three-story studio, located in a residential area of Kyoto, is covered by gray-colored sheets concealing the scorched exterior and surrounded by a white fence.

Fans from Japan and abroad gathered outside the studio from the morning to remember the victims of the attack.

"I came here to pray before it's demolished," said Masakatsu Hayashi, 60. "What the suspect did is almost terrorism. I feel more than anger when I wonder why he did something like this."

"My thoughts and prayers are with the employees who passed away," said the company employee from Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture.

An engineer from Taipei, who had come to pray at the site, said he had been a fan of the studio's work "Hyouka," among others. The 36-year-old expressed surprise when he was told the same day of the building's demolition.

The studio in Kyoto's Fushimi Ward, the center of the company's anime production, was set ablaze on July 18 after Shinji Aoba, 41, ignited gasoline inside the building where 70 people were working.
Jean Charest's lawyer says the former Liberal premier is innocent of any wrongdoing when it comes to political financing  and it is high time for Quebec's anti-corruption squad to end a six-year investigation that has not led to charges against Charest's friend, Marc Bibeau, or anyone else.

Michel Massicotte told Radio-Canada that aside from the fact his client is a friend of Bibeau's  something Charest has never disavowed  nothing in newly released documents pertaining to that UPAC investigation call into question Charest's integrity.

Massicotte's comments come a day after the Supreme Court refused to hear a request for a publication ban filed by lawyers for Bibeau, a one-time top fundraiser for the Quebec Liberal Party.

As a result of the Supreme Court's decision, a trove of information from the investigation, known as Operation Machurer, is now public. The documents include general warrants and witness statements, and they detail why, in 2016, UPAC wanted to conduct secret searches of the offices of companies owned by Bibeau.

Mulling Conservative leadership bid

The revelations come just as Charest is mulling over making a bid to lead the Conservative Party of Canada, and the former premier wants to clear the air.

"We discussed it, and given what's been out there in the public sphere  not just yesterday, but for a very long time  it looked to us to be necessary to address this issue," Massicotte told Radio-Canada's Isabelle Richer in an interview Friday.

Even though Charest was head of the Liberal party, he had nothing to do with Bibeau's fundraising practices, Massicotte said.

Massicotte said if some companies contributed illegally to election funds, Charest was not aware of it.

"To support a practice, you have to be aware that practice exists," said Massicotte.

He said Charest knew Bibeau was involved in the PLQ's so-called "sectoral funding"  a term used to describe soliciting companies to ask staff to make political contributions.

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Massicotte conceded that it's been demonstrated companies did, in fact, contribute illegally to the Liberal Party's electoral coffers  but he maintained that had nothing to do with how sectoral funding actually worked.

"It wasn't up to the firm to give money, it was up to each person individually," he explained. "There was no twisting of arms, either."

In any event, even if businesses did make illegal political contributions to the PLQ, "Mr. Charest knew nothing about it," he said.

Ivanoh Demers/Radio-Canada

Frustrated police leaked information, Massicotte charges

Operation Machurer's goal was to establish a link between illegal political financing and the awarding of public contracts by Charest's Liberal government.

"We have always said, to whoever wanted to hear it, that we are innocent as far as any of this goes," Massicotte said.

He pointed out that Charest has already explained all this, in great detail, in a 300-page declaration to lawyers for the Charbonneau commission, who interviewed him in 2014.

The former premier also spoke to UPAC investigators on two separate occasions, before Operation Machurer was even launched, more than five years ago.

Operation Machurer has found nothing new, he said.

"Stop this investigation," he said. "Stop saying we are hiding something, or whatever. We have offered our full co-operation, but this co-operation does not seem to have been reciprocated."

Massicotte said he believes investigators leaked the now-public documents out of frustration, in an effort to create a "trial by media" scenario because there is no evidence of any crime.

No sympathy from political adversaries

However, opposition parties are not ready to let Charest off the hook.

"If Operation Machurer is not over, it's because Mr. Charest's friend dragged the proceedings all the way to the Supreme Court," said Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, the co-spokesperson for Quebec Solidaire, in a news release, accusing the former provincial Liberal leader of showing contempt for the public.

"Now that Mr. Charest wants to run for the Conservative Party leadership, he's complaining about how long it's taking and he wants it to stop?"

"The Charbonneau commission exposed the illegal financing schemes of the Liberals during the Charest era. He is the prime suspect in this case, " said Nadeau-Dubois.

"Just because Jean Charest's lawyer asks that an investigation be stopped does not mean we should listen to him," said the acting head of the Parti Quebecois, Pascal Berube.

He said there are still many unanswered questions.

"Several individuals and companies claimed that they had been asked for large amounts of money," Berube said. "Who asked them for money, and for whose benefit? That's the most important question."

UPAC said it had no comment on Massicotte's remarks at this time.
Giuliani associate Parnas texted with Trump campaign donors, including about Ukraine efforts originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas was in contact with at least two major Trump campaign donors-- one with an official role in the Republican National Committee-- during his efforts to pressure Ukraine into opening politically motivated investigations, documents released by the House Intelligence committee this week revealed.

Parnas' interactions with the two men, Harry Sargeant III and Tommy Hicks Jr. -- who have given hundreds of thousands of dollars to fundraising vehicles for the president -- provides more fuel to assertions by the presidents critics that political motives  and not the nations foreign policy goals -- drove the efforts in Ukraine.

In an interview on CNN on Thursday, Parnas confirmed his work in Ukraine was all about ensuring President Trump remained in office.

It was all about 2020, to make sure he had another four years, Parnas said. That was the way everybody viewed it. That was the most important thing, for him to stay on for another four years and keep the fight going. I mean, there was no other reason for doing it.

MORE: Giulianis associate Lev Parnas speaks again: 'It was all about 2020'

PHOTO: Lev Parnas arrives at Federal Court on Dec.17, 2019 in New York City. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images, FILE)

A friend with a jet

The identity of those financing the work by Guiliani and Parnas during the months they spent traveling to Ukraine, Austria, and elsewhere, has remained largely opaque. Giuliani at one point told Reuters that the president was not paying for any of their efforts to see Biden investigated in Ukraine.

Nobody pays my expenses, Giuliani said in a Reuters interview in September. What does it matter if Im getting paid for it. Isnt the real story whether he (Biden) sold out the vice presidency of the United States, not whether I got paid for it?

The messages released on Wednesday suggest that Parnas was receiving at least some support from Sargeant, a Florida-based oil executive and former state Republican Partys finance chairman, who was funding at least some of Parnas' flights as he assisted Giuliani's efforts abroad.

Story continues

In a message dated April 10, Parnas asks Sargeant about a trip that "just got canceled, adding that "we have people scheduled to meet on Saturday in Vienna."

"Just becoming expensive flying u guys everywhere LEV," Sargeant replied.

Parnas subsequently told Sargeant that "we" are paying him back for the flights and that he was never expecting [Sargeant] to pay for it." According to House investigators, Parnas flew to Ukraine four days after this conversation.

In another message, Parnas asks Sargeant to approve for his associate named Dave to pay for car service on cc [credit card], saying he got a deal from Rudys guys on lodging and taxis. Sargeant  an ultra-wealthy energy mogul -- replies, Dont bother w this stuff pls.

It also remains unclear how involved Sargeant was in directing Parnass efforts, though text messages between the two men suggest Sargeant was aware of Parnass activities. At one point, Parnas invited Sargeant to meet him in Ukraine, to which Sargeant responded, I could leave Thur and be there Friday maybe. Parnas then said, I think first Vienna and than Ukraine. At another point, Parnas sent Sargeant a photo he described as a Team trump dinner celebration and wrote: Im official part of team trump tomorrow big day my brother Ill call you tomorrow.

MORE: Witness Giuliani? What the latest evidence tells us about Trump's lawyer

The two also exchanged articles about Hunter Biden, Joe Bidens son, and about the then-Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, with Parnas telling Sargeant he has some juicy stuff and that a bomb is dropping. When Yovanovitch is recalled to Washington in May, Sargeant texted Parnas with his reaction: "Perfect."

PHOTO: U.S. businessman Harry Sargeant III speaks to Reuters at his home in Gulf Stream, Fla., Feb. 7, 2019. (Joe Skipper/Reuters, FILE)

Sargeant's attorney Chris Kise told ABC News his client has not been to Ukraine in over a decade for any purpose. In a statement, Kise denied Sargeant had any involvement in any plan to remove Yovanovitch and said Sargeant loaned money for Parnas' air travel, but never offered to pay for it outright.

"As is evident from the texts, Mr. Sargeant loaned Lev Parnas small sums for travel expenses because Mr. Parnas claimed, perhaps falsely, he was broke, and promised to pay the funds back," Kise said. "But despite repeated requests by Mr. Sargeant, and continual promises of repayment by Lev Parnas, Mr. Parnas never repaid these expenses.

Sargeant's name has also surfaced in news reports and impeachment inquiry witnesses' testimonies related to Parnas and Frumans to attempts to reshape the leadership of Ukrainian state gas company Naftogaz in pursuit of natural gas business in Ukraine. Sargeants lawyer at that time denied his clients involvement in any Ukraine energy ventures.

Power Breakfast

Other material released by the House this week shows Parnas in contact with several people who play prominent roles in the presidents fundraising and re-election effort. Those includes texts between Parnas and Hicks Jr., a friend of Donald Trump Jr., who is the co-chairman of the RNC and chairman of pro-Trump super PAC American First Action.

Parnas and Hicks were in contact for at least four months, messages show, as the scheme to oust then-U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yavnovotich and pressure Ukraine to announce political investigations unfolded. At times, Hicks and Parnas exchanged articles about the Biden campaign and Ukranian election meddling conspiracy theories. Hicks appeared to offer Parnas guidance.

"Editor and owner of Daily Caller is a friend," Hicks told Parnas in a message alongside an article about Nellie Ohr and Fusion GPS. "We should let him know what we know at the right time," he suggested.

"100%," Parnas replied.

The messages also suggest the two joined conference calls to discuss the efforts.

"Great job on the conference call!," Parnas praised Hicks in one exchange. "Thanks," Hicks replied. "Short and sweet!"

Hicks at times appeared to want to keep his distance from Parnas, stating he wanted to "keep [his] hands clean" when Parnas asked him to retweet a since-deleted Sean Hannity tweet.

MORE: Ukraine police investigating possible surveillance of Yovanovitch, Russian hacking

But Parnas kept Hicks up to date on the status of his efforts in Ukraine, informing Hicks in March that something was going to "break tomorrow. In May, Parnas told Hicks the ambassador "just got recalled."

Just a few weeks later, Parnas posted a photo on Facebook showing him at a breakfast with Hicks, alongside Donald Trump Jr. and fellow Giuliani associate Igor Fruman.

Parnas referred to the meeting as a "Power breakfast."

ABC News made attempts to reach Hicks by phone at his home and at the RNC but was not able to reach him for comment.

PHOTO: Tommy Hicks Jr. speaks at the National Council of Young Israel Gala in New York City, March 31, 2019. (Sopa Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Have jr retweeted it?

Parnas also kept in touch with America First Action's director of development Joseph Ahearn, who kept Donald Trump Jr. updated on Ukraine matters, messages released by House committees this week show.

In a message dated March 20, 2019, Ahearn asks Parnas, "What should I send don to tweet" and Parnas sends a series of tweets and articles related to Ukraine officials' probe into U.S. elections. Parnas then asks Ahearn, "Have jr retweeted it" and Ahearn replies, "Sent."

Donald Trump Jr. retweeted one of the articles Parnas sent to Ahearn around the same time.

In another series of messages, Parnas also sent Ahearn a New York Times article from May that links Parnas to Giuliani's efforts in Ukraine for the first time, to which Ahearn says, "They started naming you here. Are you okay?"

Shortly after Parnas and Fruman were named as part of the House impeachment inquiry, the two were indicted in a separate campaign finance violation case in the Southern District of New York on charges related to alleged illegal straw contributions and foreign contributions. They both pleaded not guilty. Among Parnas' donations mentioned in the indictment is a $325,000 contribution to America First Action. Prosecutors accuse Parnas and Fruman of falsely reporting the origin of the payment as under the name of Global Energy Producers.

Of numerous outside groups raising and spending money to support President Trumps re-election bid, America First Action is the sole outside group the president has officially endorsed and approved as the trusted supporter of President Trumps policies and agendas.

ABC News reached out to America First Action for comment but received no response.

Parnass expanded political outreach

As an ardent supporter of Trump since the early days of his 2016 campaign, Parnass contact with wealthy Trump donors stretched far beyond his activities in Ukraine this year. But his donation to America First Action in early 2018 afforded him a new level of access to exclusive high-dollar events.

PHOTO: Charles S. Gucciardo attends an event at The Pierre Hotel on April 5, 2016, in New York City, with Karen King. (Steve Zak Photography/Getty Images, FILE)

MORE: As impeachment inquiry goes public, federal prosecutors quietly investigate Giuliani

Parnas has since acquainted himself with a host of President Trumps wealthy supporters at close-door donor events, and then touted those very connections to pursue his personal business interests as well as political interests. During an interview on CNN, Parnas said he had so many photos of himself with Trump-world insiders hanging in his house, his wife thought it looked like a shrine to the President.

In 2018, Parnas cultivated a relationship and secured a $500,000 loan from New York-based lawyer and Trump donor Charles Gucciardo, his attorney told ABC News. Gucciardo's lawyer Randy Zelin said his client then gave the money to Giuliani, which kicked off the business relationship between the two in the fall of 2018. No apparent connection has been made between Gucciardos loan and Parnas's specific efforts in Ukraine.

Zelin told ABC News that his client made the payment as a "passive investor" in Parnas and Frumans company, called Fraud Guarantee, and that he decided to invest in the company because of an endorsement from Giuliani.

"Mr. Gucciardo invested because he believed that Mr. Giuliani  the former Mayor of New York City; former United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; and, the first name in cybersecurity -- was in front of, behind, and alongside the Company which would catapult the Company into the world of cybersecurity and investor protection," Zelin said in an email.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said in a statement this week the additional documents corroborate a matter central to the congressional impeachment against the president: Parnas' alleged scheme to "coerce Ukraine into helping cheat him in the next election."

"The additional documents and information about potential witnesses that have become available over the last several weeks only underscore the importance of a fair trial and a Senate that is open to hearing all of the evidence," Schiff said in the statement.

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., also stressed the importance of calling witnesses in the upcoming Senate trial in a statement to ABC News.

"This is how criminal conspiracies work: Everyone is committing crimes and eventually those implementing the crimes turn in those who ordered it from the top," Murphy said in the statement. "Everything Lev Parnas has said thus far lines up with what we've heard throughout the House investigation, but if the White House and Republicans believe differently, they should actually call witnesses and additional documents so we can hold a real trial."

Parnas has said he would willing to testify in the Senate impeachment trial.
How Trump Rebelled Against The Generals By Moon Of Alanbama January 18, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - In early 2017, just as Trump was inaugurated, we wrote how an old power center theory that seemed to explain how Trump won the elections: Seen from the perspective of power centers Clinton once had all the support she needed. But she then lost a decisive group due to her uncompromising neo-conned foreign policy. Here is an interesting take based on a theory from the 1950s: [T]he power elite can be best described as a triangle of power, linking the corporate, executive government, and military factions: There is a political economy numerously linked with military order and decision. This triangle of power is now a structural fact, and it is the key to any understanding of the higher circles in America today. The 2016 US election, like all other US elections, featured a gallery of pre-selected candidates that represented the three factions and their interests within the power elite. The 2016 US election, however, was vastly different from previous elections. As the election dragged on the power elite became bitterly divided, with the majority supporting Hilary Clinton, the candidate pre-selected by the political and corporate factions, while the military faction rallied around their choice of Donald Trump. ... The decisive political point in this election round was the fight between neo-conservatives/liberal-interventionists and foreign policy realists. One side is represented as exemplary by the CIA with the U.S. military on the other: A schism developed between the Defense Department and the highly politicized CIA. This schism, which can be attributed to the corporate-deep-states covert foreign policy, traces back to the CIA orchestrated color revolutions that had swept the Middle East and North Africa. The CIA created bloodthirsty future enemies the military will later have to defeat. ... That explanation has held up well. At the beginning of his regime Trump stuffed the White House with the military faction while the executive government -the deep state- waged a war against him. The corporate side of triangle of power was quite happy with his tax policies. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter But Trump soon discovered that the military faction did not concur with his 'America first' isolationist tendencies. The 'grown ups' and generals wanted to explain to Trump why they believe that the U.S. needs many allies and bases and why the many long wars the U.S. fights are sensible policy. According to a new book, partly adapted in a Washington Post piece, that effort did not end well: Trump organized his unorthodox worldview under the simplistic banner of America First, but [Secretary of Defense Jim] Mattis, [Secretary of State Rex] Tillerson, and [Director of the National Economic Council Gary] Cohn feared his proposals were rash, barely considered, and a danger to Americas superpower standing. They also felt that many of Trumps impulsive ideas stemmed from his lack of familiarity with U.S. history and, even, where countries were located. To have a useful discussion with him, the trio agreed, they had to create a basic knowledge, a shared language. So on July 20, 2017, Mattis invited Trump to the Tank for what he, Tillerson, and Cohn had carefully organized as a tailored tutorial. The meeting in the Tank, a secure conference room in the Pentagon, were part of an effort to subdue Trump's insurgency against the top military's world view. and the presentation by top generals came off as a lecture which Trump immediately disliked: An opening line flashed on the screen, setting the tone: The post-war international rules-based order is the greatest gift of the greatest generation. Mattis then gave a 20-minute briefing on the power of the NATO alliance to stabilize Europe and keep the United States safe. Bannon thought to himself, Not good. Trump is not going to like that one bit. The internationalist language Mattis was using was a trigger for Trump. Oh, baby, this is going to be f---ing wild, [White House chief strategist Stephen K.] Bannon thought. If you stood up and threatened to shoot [Trump], he couldnt say postwar rules-based international order. Its just not the way he thinks. Bannon was right. Verbal scuffles about NATO, South Korea and U.S. bases followed. Then Trump took on the generals: We are owed money you havent been collecting! Trump told them. You would totally go bankrupt if you had to run your own business. The discussion turned to the war on Afghanistan: Trump erupted to revive another frequent complaint: the war in Afghanistan, which was now Americas longest war. He demanded an explanation for why the United States hadnt won in Afghanistan yet, now 16 years after the nation began fighting there in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Trump unleashed his disdain, calling Afghanistan a loser war. That phrase hung in the air and disgusted not only the military leaders at the table but also the men and women in uniform sitting along the back wall behind their principals. They all were sworn to obey their commander in chiefs commands, and here he was calling the war they had been fighting a loser war. Youre all losers, Trump said. You dont know how to win anymore. When one reads the recent Congress testimony of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan one can see that Trump has a point. The war is long lost and the military is lying about it: Theres an odor of mendacity throughout the Afghanistan issue . . . mendacity and hubris, John F. Sopko said in testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The problem is there is a disincentive, really, to tell the truth. We have created an incentive to almost require people to lie.

...

When we talk about mendacity, when we talk about lying, its not just lying about a particular program. Its lying by omissions, he said. It turns out that everything that is bad news has been classified for the last few years. Trump's rant during the meeting with the generals continued: Trump mused about removing General John Nicholson, the U.S. commander in charge of troops in Afghanistan. I dont think he knows how to win, the president said, impugning Nicholson, who was not present at the meeting.

...

I want to win, he said. We dont win any wars anymore . . . We spend $7 trillion, everybody else got the oil and were not winning anymore.

...

I wouldnt go to war with you people, Trump told the assembled brass. Addressing the room, the commander in chief barked, Youre a bunch of dopes and babies. A drill sergeant act performed on recruits with four stars on their shoulders. I find that quite impressive. Those perfumed princes must have fumed. While some will certainly say that Trump disgraced the military with his rant most of the soldiers in the field will likely agree with his opinion about their generals. Most of the 'dopes and babies' who were in that room have since been fired or retired. Their replacements are yes-men more to Trump's liking. They did not even protest about Trump's latest blunder. He rented out scarce air defense units to Saudi Arabia and went on to murder Qassem Soleimani in Iraq while the U.S. bases there no longer had air defenses to protect them against the inevitable retaliation. The anti-Trump leaders of the executive side of the triangle have likewise been removed and replaced with people who are unlikely to put up a fight against Trump. The third side of the triangle, the corporate faction, is happy that Trump pressed the Fed to douse the markets with free money. Unless the inevitable stock market crash comes before the election, which is unlikely, they will stick to Trump's side. With all three sides of the triangle of power inclined to favor him or neutralized Trump seems to have a good chance to win the next election. That is unless he continues to follow the advice of neocons with a bad record and, by sheer stupidity, starts a war against Iran. This article was originally published by "Moon Of Alanbama" - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also==
As Dr. King taught us, equality and free treatment takes all of us working together to bring light to darkness, and I am proud to report that, thanks to the work of our local Flint-Saginaw NABJ chapter, time was taken to educate the editor and staff about what was wrong with these pictures and this approach. As a result, the mug shots are no longer used as the centerpiece of the story, said Tucker.

At NABJ we thrive to educate all media companies about how to be mindful of all the words and images used depicting people of color, said Tucker. Sometimes it is intentional lack of sensitivity, but often these incidents occur because of the lack of knowledge and understanding. However, whether it is intentional or not, newsrooms must take responsibility in ensuring their reporting doesnt further damage the communities they serve to how subjects are portrayed.

Tucker also cited statistics from a report commissioned by Color of Change, a racial justice organization, and Family Story, an advocate of diverse family arrangements, showing discrepancies in what government data say about black families and how they are viewed by the media. Those findings were also reported by media, most notably the Washington Post.

The analysis indicates that black families represent 59 percent of the poor portrayed in media coverage but account for just 27 percent of American in poverty. Meanwhile, white families make up 17 percent of the poor depicted in media stories, but account for 66 percent of the American poor, the study said.

According to the study as reported by the Washington Post, black people are also nearly three times more likely than whites to be portrayed as dependent on welfare, the study showed. Black fathers were shown spending time with their kids almost half as often as white fathers. Blacks represent 37 percent of criminals shown in the news, but constitute 26 percent of those arrested on criminal charges, the study said. In contrast, news media portray whites as criminals 28 percent of the time, when FBI crime reports show they make up 77 percent of crime suspects.

Coverage of our community as negative and positive can often represent how we are viewed by others in the world, said Tucker. We must be careful what we are projecting. These numbers reveal a lack of a commitment to equity and diversity in news coverage has helped defer Dr. Kings dream.
A group of people with Dunhuang Academy were bestowed the title of "role model of the times" on Friday in recognition of their outstanding performance in protection and utilization of cultural relics.

The Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee announced the decision in Beijing Friday.

The group, including Chang Shuhong, Duan Wenjie, Fan Jinshi and others, were hailed guardians of Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, northwest China, a key cultural heritage site under state-level protection.

For more than 70 years, they have devoted themselves to the protection and restoration of the precious cultural relics of the Mogao Grottoes, to the research and promotion of Dunhuang culture and art, and to the rational development of cultural tourism there, the department said.
Photograph: Alex Wong/Getty Images

At 2.08pm on Thursday, a pair of pages opened the filigreed doors of the Senate. A quartet of senators  two Republicans and two Democrats  escorted the US supreme courts chief justice, John Roberts, dressed in a long black robe, into the chamber. So began the Senate impeachment trial of Donald Trump.

Chuck Grassley, the Senates president pro tempore (for the time being), instructed Roberts, who will preside over the trial, to raise his right hand and place his left hand on the Bible to be sworn in.

Do you solemnly swear that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of Donald John Trump, now pending, you will do impartial justice according to the constitution and laws: so help you God? Grassley said, reading from an antiquated script.

Roberts swore that he would. He then turned to administer the same oath to every senator in the chamber. Owing to one absence, 99 right hands rose in the air. When Roberts finished, the senators responded in unison: I do.

A new age of political tribalism and partisan warfare will test the resonance  and relevance  of that 232-year-old pledge that set in motion the next phase of a deeply divisive effort to remove the president from office during a presidential election year.

The Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, vowed to overcome the cynicism and bitterness that has seeped into every aspect of American political life, gravely compromising the Senates longstanding claim to be the greatest deliberative body in the world.

This chamber exists precisely so that we can look past daily dramas and understand how our actions will reverberate for generations, he said, before the ceremonial swearing-in. So that we can put aside animal reflexes and animosities, and coolly consider how to best serve our country.

But few of the presidents adversaries will find comfort in McConnells words.

Im not impartial about this at all, the majority leader declared last month, arguing that impeachment is an inherently political process. As such, he had worked in total coordination with the White House over impeachment, he said, an approach that has made even some Republican senators uncomfortable.

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The comments ignited a firestorm. Democrats said it was proof that for McConnell and the entire Republican caucus, the oath they swore would be nothing more than empty words. Republicans wondered how the Democrats could claim impartiality after three years of denouncing the president and his policies, not to mention that four senators who took the oath are running to replace him in November.

.@SenSanders, @SenWarren, @SenAmyKlobuchar, and @SenatorBennet are spending millions of dollars to defeat @realDonaldTrump, and were supposed to believe they will be impartial during the trial? Senator Marsha Blackburn, a Tennessee Republican, wrote in a tweet shared by the president. They should recuse themselves.

The senators  Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar and Michael Bennet  have all said they believe the evidence is strong enough to convict the president and remove him from office.

Protesters remind senators of the words of the constitution. Photograph: Michael McCoy/Reuters

Before she quit the presidential race, Senator Kamala Harris of California was asked about her support for removing Trump from office. Was that fair to the president?

Its just being observant, said Harris, a former California attorney general. Because he has committed crimes in plain sight.

Likewise, the South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham has said he would do everything I can to make impeachment die quickly.

I am trying to give a pretty clear signal I have made up my mind, he said during an interview with CNN at the Doha Forum in Qatar last month. Im not trying to pretend to be a fair juror here.

Were going to reach a verdict and the verdict is going to be acquittal, the Texas senator Ted Cruz said in an interview on Fox News. The verdict is going to be not guilty.

Fairness, it would seem, is in the eye of the beholder.

There remains a flicker of hope that at least one critical element of the trial might be bipartisan: the thorny decision of whether to summon new witnesses and documents.

For weeks, the chambers were at an impasse over precisely how and when to proceed to the trial stage of the impeachment inquiry. After a month-long delay, the House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, relented and on Wednesday the chamber voted to send two articles of impeachment to the Senate.

Time, she declared, has been our friend.

As the House signed and delivered articles, new details were emerging about Trumps alleged effort to extract a political favor from Ukraine, which is at the heart of his impeachment trial. Troves of documents and interviews from Lev Parnas, an associate of the presidents personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, offered fresh insight into the alleged pressure campaign and Trumps involvement.

Related: Who is Lev Parnas? Soviet-born operator thrust into Trump impeachment scandal

And just hours before proceedings got under way on Thursday, a non-partisan federal watchdog agency concluded that the Trump administration had violated the law by withholding congressionally approved military assistance to Ukraine, another matter at the heart of the case against the president. Democrats said the report strengthened their argument to allow new documents and evidence during the Senate trial.

A small but influential contingent of Republican senators have said they would like to hear from witnesses, particularly John Bolton, the former White House national security adviser who was present for many key episodes covered by the Houses inquiry. Democrats only need four Republicans to force a vote on whether to subpoena a witness.

Senator Rand Paul has a plan to wreck Democratic hopes of calling witnesses during the trial. Photograph: Joshua Roberts/Reuters

But their effort to do impartial justice faces a new obstacle. The Kentucky senator Rand Paul has vowed political retribution for displays of disloyalty. If any Republican lawmaker helped Democrats call a witness they hoped to hear from, Paul said he would force a retaliatory vote on a controversial witness the senators hoped to avoid.

At the top of the list is Hunter Biden, son of the Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, who served on the board of a Ukrainian gas company and is at the center of a corruption conspiracy theory promoted by Republicans, and the whistleblower whose complaint launched the impeachment inquiry.

If you vote against Hunter Biden, youre voting to lose your election, basically, Paul told Politico this week.

Opening the door to witnesses could disrupt McConnells carefully laid plans for the Senate trial that he intended to have only one outcome.

The weight of history sits on [our] shoulders, Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader, said after the swearing-in ceremony concluded, and produces, sometimes, results you never know will happen.
By Kate Kelland

LONDON, (Reuters) - The Fitbit on your wrist not only counts your steps and minutes of sleep, it can also help tell if you're coming down with the flu - and warn health authorities to get ready to help.

A study in the United States has found that heart rate and sleep data from wearable fitness tracker watches can predict and alert public health officials to real-time outbreaks of flu more accurately than current surveillance methods.

The study used data from more than 47,000 Fitbit users in five U.S. states. The results, published in The Lancet Digital Health journal, showed that by using Fitbit data, state-wide predictions of flu outbreaks were improved and accelerated.

The World Health Organization estimates that as many as 650,000 people worldwide die of respiratory diseases linked to seasonal flu each year.

Traditional surveillance reporting takes up to three weeks, meaning response measures - such as deploying vaccines or anti-virals and advising patients to stay at home - can often lag.

"Responding more quickly to influenza outbreaks can prevent further spread and infection, and we were curious to see if sensor data could improve real-time surveillance," said Jennifer Radin, who co-led that study at the U.S. Scripps Research Translational Institute.

Previous studies using crowd-sourced data - such as Google Flu Trends and Twitter - have experienced variable success, partly, experts say, because it is impossible to separate out behaviour of people with flu from people who search online about it due to more media and public attention during outbreaks.

For this study, Radin's team de-identified data from 200,000 people whose Fitbits tracked activity, heart rate and sleep for at least 60 days during the March 2016 to March 2018 study period. From the 200,000, 47,248 users from California, Texas, New York, Illinois and Pennsylvania wore a Fitbit consistently during the period. The average age was 43 and 60% were female.

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Users' resting heart rate and sleep duration were monitored and flagged as abnormal if the average weekly heart rate was significantly above their overall average and their weekly average sleep was not below their overall average.

This data was compared to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control's weekly estimates for flu-like illness.

Rosalind Eggo, a public health expert at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said the study suggests fitness trackers hold some promise as a disease surveillance tool.

But she said more work is needed "to gauge how reliable these data are over time, how specific these measurements are for flu, and how representative Fitbit users are of the whole population".

(Reporting by Kate Kelland; Editing by Mark Heinrich)
Embrace Farm, the farm accident support network that works with people around Ireland affected by serious farm injuries/accidents, have revealed details of a farm accident survivor support group set to take place in the Midlands.

Injuries can be very visible, such as loss of limbs and spinal injuries, and they can also be not so transparent in the form of brain injuries, mental health and other emotional traumas suffered following an accident.

Since its first farm accident survivors conference in November 2017, Embrace FARM has been committed in bringing accident survivors together so they can share their experiences and help one another in their recovery. During 2019, Embrace FARM established a support group for farm accident survivors which was facilitated by accredited counsellor, Gina Dowd of Counselling West in Athlone.

Also read: Ballymahon tractor run to take place this April

The group, which has had up to 20 people attending for each meeting, found the space to be very helpful and safe where people could open-up about their own individual stories. Each person expressed their fear, anger and even laughter of what they have experienced during their journey.

In October 2019, an information day was held at The Hub, Cillin Hill, Kilkenny to show farm accident survivors the supports that are out there to help them adapt to their new normal following an accident.The day was held in conjunction with The National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoighaire where many people who have workplace accidents on their farms rehabilitate with physio and other therapies. Exhibitors on the day were varied to include adapted cars and farm machinery for people with physical disabilities to utilise, farm organisations, financial and insurance institutions, education pathway organisations etc.

Feedback from the day was hugely positive, with all that contributed saying the day was worthwhile to attend and supportive to their personal recovery.

Embrace FARM will continue with the farm accident survivor support group throughout 2020 and have announced details of the next meeting which will be of local interest. The meeting is being held on Saturday, February 1st, in Athlone.

To get in touch about attending or find out more information you can email the Embrace team at info@embracefarm.com. Alternatively you can call 085-7709966. For more information about Embrace FARM accident survivors services, please visit their website - www.embracefarm.com.

Also read: IFA request urgent meeting on Fair deal scheme
Rather than answer a question about the pending impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, Republican Sen. Martha McSally repeatedly on Thursday called a CNN reporter a "liberal hack" - an exchange that a McSally staffer taped and Trump's campaign later praised and promoted.

CNN reporter Manu Raju caught McSally, R-Ariz., entering a hearing Thursday morning in a Senate office building, hours before the impeachment trial formally began. He asked about the rules for the trial, which are under debate and expected to be adopted next week.

"Sen. McSally, should the Senate consider new evidence as part of the impeachment trial?" Raju asked.

Said McSally, "Manu, you're a liberal hack. I'm not talking to you."

"You're not going to comment, senator, about this?" Raju replied.

"You're a liberal hack," McSally said again before walking into an anteroom.

CNN later aired the footage, and McSally's official Senate Twitter account shared cellphone video taken by an aide accompanying the senator, doubling down on her claim of liberal bias. While congressional aides routinely record audio of their elected bosses' media interactions, video recordings are more unusual.

Less than two hours later, the Twitter account @TrumpWarRoom, run by Trump's reelection campaign, promoted the footage with a link to McSally's online fundraising portal.

"THREE CHEERS for Senator @MarthaMcSally!!! THIS is how you handle FAKE NEWS @CNN," the campaign tweeted.

In a statement, CNN called it "extremely unbecoming for a U.S. Senator to sink to this level and treat a member of the press this way for simply doing his job."

A spokeswoman for McSally did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.

The attack on a veteran congressional reporter might have been considered out of character for McSally as recently as two years ago, when she was known as a moderate House member focused on national security matters and reticent to comment on Trump's controversial remarks.

That changed with her 2018 Senate campaign, which saw her move to the right on issues such as immigration and develop a closer embrace of the president. She ultimately lost the race to Democratic Rep. Kyrsten Sinema by 2 percentage points.

McSally was subsequently appointed to the Senate by Gov. Doug Ducey following the 2018 death of Sen. John McCain and the temporary appointment of Sen. Jon Kyl, both Republicans.

Now McSally is running to keep her seat in this year's coming elections, and part of that task is keeping the conservative base on her side. She faces one declared primary opponent in businessman Daniel McCarthy, with others threatening to enter the race.

On the Democratic side, the leading candidate is former astronaut turned gun-control activist Mark Kelly, who has consistently outraised McSally since entering the race last year.

Kelly reported raising $6.3 million in the last quarter of 2019 versus McSally's $4 million. McSally's campaign said this week it has $7.6 million in the bank, while Kelly's reported $13.6 million on hand.

The attack on Raju immediately delighted key conservative influencers.

"Kudos to Martha McSally!" tweeted Mark Levin, a pro-Trump broadcaster and frequent Fox News Channel presence. "Love this!"

Breitbart News tweeted that McSally "slammed a CNN reporter to his face - and it was glorious."
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday sent a congratulatory message to Mikhail Mishustin on his assuming office as Russia's new prime minister.

In his congratulatory message, Li said that the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination has been developing at a high level in recent years.

The two sides have been pushing forward in-depth cooperation in such areas as economy and trade, investment, energy, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and local affairs, Li said.

On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of China-Russia diplomatic relations in 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin jointly announced the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, opening a new chapter in the development of bilateral ties, he added.

The Chinese premier said that he looks forward to working with Prime Minister Mishustin to promote bilateral cooperation to a higher level and inject stronger impetus into the development of China-Russia relations.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Saturday condoled the demise of former MP and Chief editor of Punjab Kesri (Delhi) Ashwini Kumar Chopra who breathed his last in a Gurgaon hospital after battling cancer.

In a condolence message to the bereaved family, the SAD president said Ashwani Sharma's unwavering commitment to the high morals in the field of journalism would be always remembered. He said budding journalists would continue to be guided by the high ideals set by Chopra.

Badal said Chopra also worked tirelessly for the welfare of downtrodden during his political stint as BJP MP for 16th Lok Sabha from Karnal of Haryana.

"His departure has created a huge vacuum in both journalism and politics as he never compromised on the core values of justice while highlighting the burning issues of the country as well as fighting for the rights of downtrodden," Badal added.

Expressing his heartfelt condolences with the bereaved family, Badal prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Kolkata, Jan 19 : Embarrassing the Trinamool Congress on the CAA issue, veteran party leader and Lok Sabha member Sougata Roy on Saturday said the West Bengal government has fallen behind its Kerala counterpart which has passed a resolution in the Assembly after the new law came into being.

Kerala is ruled by Trinamool's bete noire CPI-M-led Left Democratic Front.

"I must give credit, not to CPI-M, but to (Kerala Chief Minister) Pinarayi Vijayan. He has passed a resolution in the Assembly against CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) by taking along all the parties. The Punjab government has passed the resolution and then moved the Supreme Court Against the act," Roy said while addressing a party workshop on the new law.

Trinamool chief whip in the state Assembly Nirmal Ghosh tried to control the damage by mentioning that a resolution was passed in the House against the NRC much before Punjab and Kerala.

But Roy did not budge.

"Kerala has done it in a more organised way. Punjab is also doing it. They have adopted resolution after the CAA was passed.

"In our assembly, we have passed a resolution against the communal politics of the BJP. All parties, except BJP, backed the resolution. But it was done before the CAA was passed. So in that way, we are a small step behind Kerala," he said.

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) seeks to provide Indian nationality to Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Parsis, Jains and Buddhists fleeing persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh before December 31, 2014.

As per the Act, such communities will not be treated as illegal immigrants now and will be given Indian citizenship.
New Delhi, Jan 18 : Reacting to a tweet by ace lawyer Indira Jaising urging her to forgive the four men on death row for brutally raping that finally took her life, Nirbhaya's Mother Asha Devi said on Saturday: "Even if God asks me, I won't forgive them." Speaking to IANS, over the phone, the mother who had been fighting for seven long years to send her daughter's killers to the gallows, said, "...even if god comes and asks me to forgive them, I will not. People like these (Jaising) are a blot on the society." Commenting on Jaising's tweet, she said: "Who is she to tell or suggest to me to forgive them. What relation does she have with me. I have nothing to do with such people. She can be a relative of those (the convicts) that she is having a soft corner for." "She is an insult to women. She is running a business in the name of human rights. She is a veteran, she should give a message to the society. But she instead will go against her own kind," she added.

Earlier in the day, Jaising had requested Asha Devi to follow the example of Congress President Sonia Gandhi, who had moved for the clemency of a woman, Nalini Murugan convicted for the assassination of her husband and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

"While I fully identify with the pain of Asha Devi I urge her to follow the example of Sonia Gandhi who forgave Nalini and said she didn't want the death penalty for her. We are with you but against death penalty," Jaising tweeted on Friday.

A Delhi Court on Friday issued fresh death warrants against the four convicts -- Akshay, Pawan, Mukesh and Vinay in the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder case.

Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Satish Kumar Arora fixed February 1 as the date of execution of the four death row convicts. They will be hanged at 6 a.m.

The move came after the prosecution moved an application seeking issuance of fresh death warrants following the rejection of the mercy plea of one of the convicts Mukesh by President Ram Nath Kovind.

The 23-year-old victim was brutally gangraped and tortured on December 16, 2012, which later led to her death.

All the six accused were arrested and charged with sexual assault and murder. One of the accused was a minor and appeared before a juvenile justice court, while another accused committed suicide in Tihar Jail.

Four of the convicts were sentenced to death by a trial court in September 2013, and the verdict was confirmed by the Delhi High Court in March 2014 and upheld by the Supreme Court in May 2017, which also dismissed their review petitions.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Hundreds of jobs are likely to be created in the Muscrai Gaeltacht and in Co. Cork as a result of significant funding announcements last week for two major multi-million euro projects being planned by leading development agencies and education providers in the region.

According to Udaras na Gaeltachta, the main backers of the plan to redevelop Colaiste Iosagain in Baile Mhuirne, the project at the former secondary school which has been derelict since 1989 is likely to generate 200 direct and indirect jobs on site and in the locality.

In the same round of funding announcements for the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, 3,063,000 was allocated to a UCC based research project, Life Sciences R&D, and 360,000 was made available for BenchSpace CLG, a city based project which allows woodworkers hire workbench space to carry out project work.

The funding comes as a result of the third call of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation's (DBEI) Regional Enterprise Development Fund, an open national competitive call to support regional projects that drive sustainable job creation in the regions.

The successful projects were selected through a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process managed by Enterprise Ireland, based on criteria which included: impacts and value for money; collaboration and participation; viability and sustainability; building regional strengths; and significance for innovation.

Udaras has spent a number of years researching what to do with Colaiste Iosagain and developing partnerships with bodies such as Enterprise Ireland, Cork County Council and Skillsnet and the funding awarded last week will see the first phase of a multi phase project completed.

Udaras na Gaeltachta have committed to developing 1,835 square meters if flexible, fibre connected enterprise space as part of the gteic Gaeltacht digital hub network, an Udaras spokesman confirmed.

Specialist training and business development supports will be available from the centre which has a target of supporting the creation of 200 jobs in coming years.

"The project will also support the creation of two management posts with a Business Development Manager and an Enterprise Training Manager to be recruited next year as the project progresses. Subject to planning permission being granted Udaras na Gaeltachta hope for the project to be tendered, commenced during the summer and completed by the end of 2021."

This phase, focused on the central section of the building, includes regional offices for Udaras na Gaeltachta and office suites for other companies on the ground floor and a space for hot desking and remote working as well as training facilities on the two floors above while there will also be an exhibition hall where the old refectory used to be and a services area as well as an elevator tower to the rear of the building.

One of the uses envisaged for the future phases of the development, which will be focused on the two wings of the building, is to upgrade them to be able to provide accommodation for visiting universities and higher level students.

An Diseart in Dingle is already catering for American students who come to Ireland as part of extra mural studies programmes to learn about Irish culture and the Irish language.

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed expressed his delight at the announcement which he believes will 'breathe new life into this well-known landmark which has been idle over 30 years and he congratulated Udaras na Gaeltachta and Enterprise Ireland.

Udaras chief executive Micheal O hEanaigh said the funding announcement would add significantly "to the development opportunities for start ups, micro enterprises and high performance start ups.

"We are delighted to be working in collaboration with Cork County Council, Enterprise Ireland, UCC, CIT, and other partners on this project including our own client companies in the Muscrai Gaeltacht who supported the project in its development."

The project was approved under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund by Enterprise Ireland and the agency's Southern Regional Director Martin Corkery paid tribute to the local team in Udaras na Gaeltachta supported by Cork County Council for their 'vision and commitment to the project'.

An application for planning permission for Phase 1 of the development was lodged during the Summer and a decision is expected from Cork Council on Monday next, January 20.
Once seen as the right hand man of Yogi Adityanath, at least till he became the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister three years ago, former chief of Hindu Yuva Vahini (HYV) Sunil Singh on Saturday joined the Samajwadi Party.

Singh was inducted into the SP in the presence of party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Some Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leaders also joined the SP at the party headquarters here.

Singh along with some others were expelled from the HYV, formed by Adityanath in 2002, on charges of indiscipline in 2017. He had then created a splinter outfit and declared himself as its national president.

Welcoming Singh and others to the SP fold, Akhilesh Yadav said, "The days of the Adityanath government are numbered and the countdown has already begun."



He said the BJP government has slapped cases against opposition leaders for protesting against its policies.

"The government is doing injustice from day one and false cases are being lodged for protesting," said the former chief minister, adding the BJP only promoting communalism and creating a Hindu-Muslim divide.

Akhilesh said he was happy that HYV workers were with the SP now and hoped that they would unmask the real intentions of the BJP.

On the occasion, Mulayam Singh Yadav termed the youth as the future of the SP and said that farmers, youth and traders have to be strengthened to make India a developed country.

Singh's shift of loyalty assumes significance as the HYV was founded to promote "Hindutva and nationalism" and went on to play a significant role in shaping Adityanath's political rise in Uttar Pradesh.

But signs of early strains were noticed when some ambitious HYV members sought to contest the state Assembly polls, a demand rejected by the BJP, triggering massive resentment within the outfit.

Singh was removed from the HYV in January 2017 ahead of the Assembly elections after he threatened to field HYV candidates against BJP nominees to protest the denial of tickets.

In March, Adityanath became the chief minister after the BJP's spectacular performance in the polls. Within a year, the HYV split as the conflict between the duo intensified and Singh formed the Hindu Yuva Vahini (Bharat) along with several other HYV rebels.

Singh was also slapped with the National Security Act in 2018 and jailed for his alleged involvement in violence at Gorakhpur. It was from this point of time that his proximity to the Samajwadi Party started growing.

Singh wanted to file his nomination for the 2019 Lok Sabha election from the Gorakhpur constituency as a candidate of the Hindustan Nirman Dal launched by Pravin Togadia, the former Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader.

However, the district magistrate and returning officer of Gorakhpur K Vijayendra Pandian ordered the cancellation of his nomination on technical grounds, prompting Singh to allege that it was done at the behest of Adityanath.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Expert Viewpoint

What Will the 2020s Hold? Assessment Trends, Past and Future

A 50-year veteran of psychometrics  the science of measuring mental abilities and processes  offers a brief history and insights into the future of testing.

Adaptive testing has been around since at least the early part of the 20th century. The goal has always been to measure something  such as IQ, academic progress or personality traits  with the same precision as more traditional assessments but with fewer questions and less time, or with greater precision.

Early efforts had their drawbacks, of course, but weve come a long way in the intervening century or so. There is still much progress to be made, but some promising research today will likely change the way we assess students in the coming decade and beyond.

Early Adaptive Testing Efforts

An early example of adaptive testing was the Stanford-Binet intelligence test. Around since the early 20th century, it was administered differently from anything else at the time. Designed to assess examinees ranging in age from early childhood to adult, the Stanford-Binet consists of a battery of several distinct fixed-form subtests at each mental age level. The examiner uses available information about the examinee to start testing at an age level lower than the examinees expected mental age, then proceeds to administer subtests at different age levels until a basal age level and a ceiling age level are established. Subtests below the basal or above the ceiling level need not be administered, and the test score was based on performance within the levels that were used.

The adaptive nature of the test meant that one could reach a reasonably accurate score much faster than with a traditional test, but the necessity of a human administrator introduced human judgment and bias, which created errors in the measurement. Using computers to administer the test could eliminate that source of bias and error, but computers were not available when the first several versions of the test were developed.

Other researchers were interested in the area of adaptive testing, but Dr. David Weiss was one of the first to have some significant funding behind his research beginning in the early 1970s, when I joined him. Based at the University of Minnesota, Weiss was a counseling psychologist who explored the use of computers to administer IQ tests and assessments of personality traits and vocational interests.

When Weiss was in final negotiations with the Office of Naval Research on a contract to research computer-adaptive testing (CAT), I had just begun grad school at the university and was lucky enough to be invited to join the team. Weiss acquired what was called a mini-computer  it still took up most of a 9 x 12 room  that could drive four or five terminals for test-takers at a time. With 50,000 students at the university, we had a rich source of experimental subjects, and so we were off, trying to validate the concept of CAT and the many varied approaches to it.

Strengths and Weaknesses of CAT

The big advantage of CAT is that it can be done in about half the time that it takes to administer a comparably accurate measure of knowledge or skills with traditional assessments and without the bias of a human administrator in non-computerized adaptive tests. In an educational setting, of course, that means more time for curriculum and instruction. Adaptive testing has reduced testing time considerably: Tests that took three days before CAT now take one-and-a-half or two days.

Another advantage of CAT is that the scores are available immediately. There may be organizational delays, such as waiting for all students to take the test, but adaptive test scores can be available as soon as students are done.

A weakness of traditional CAT, or at least a common complaint about them, is that they almost exclusively comprise multiple-choice questions. Of course, that poses severe limitations in what can be asked. Critics say that adaptive tests dont mirror how knowledge is put to use in the real world and thus dont capture everything a student knows.

The alternative is a performance measurement in which one creates a realistic task, usually a complex one that involves numerous performance aspects, so that students can attempt to show what they know and their ability to apply that knowledge. This is far more complicated and time-consuming. Students take about 18 minutes on average to answer all 34 questions on the adaptive Star Reading assessment; the average Star Math assessment takes 22 minutes. In the same amount of time, a student might complete one or two performance measurement tasks, and there are likely several in a full assessment.

Those performance measurements yield rich information, but despite it being an issue of controversy for decades, the fact is that there is not a great deal of difference between performances measurement and CATs in terms of which students they identify as high, middle, and low achievers.

Better Data for Fairer  and More Accurate  Assessments

One promising trend in testing is less a new trend than the opportunity to pursue an old one, validity research, with better data. Those of us who have been involved in the research behind testing methods have lamented the difficulty of getting data on the kids who take our tests. That is different from the data that we collect in the course of taking the test itself  the results of the assessment  and is instead focused on who the test-taker is and whether the assessment may be unintentionally biased toward particular demographic sub-groups.

We are constantly either planning or conducting what we call validity research, where we develop and analyze evidence that tells us how well our tests are working as either predictors of how kids will do down the road or of estimating how they're currently doing on things that are important but that we can't test directly.

It is the critical role of any psychometrician to ensure that tests are fairly assessing various demographic subgroups. All test publishers use differential item functioning analysis to identify questions that may discriminate against one group or another, but this approach requires a lot of data. Comparing boys and girls is an obvious choice because the data set is large and easy to access. But, in the case of our Star Assessments, we may only receive data on which test takers are boys or girls about half of the time, and we may see an even lower response rate on information such as who is an English language learner or who has a disability, let alone what that disability might be.
Siddaramaiah quizzes HM Amit Shah for not visiting flood-hit areas of Karnataka

India

oi-PTI

Bengaluru, Jan 18: As Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Karnataka, Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Saturday sought to know why he doesn't visit the flood-hit areas and assess if funds provided by the Centre were enough, before "brainwashing" people to accept his "divisive policies".

In a series of tweets the Leader of Opposition also sought an "adequate" probe into violent anti-CAA protests in Mangaluru last month during which two people were killed, and pointed out that people have cried foul about the incident.

"Mr @AmitShah, Before investing time to brainwash people to accept your divisive policies, Why don't you visit flood affected areas again & assess if the Central govt funds are sufficient or not? #AnswerMadiShah," Siddaramaiah tweeted.

Wah Modi Wah!! Siddaramaiah lashes out at PM for ignoring K'takas flood woes, calls BSY a weak CM

"Mr. @AmitShah, @BSYBJP has claimed loss of over Rs 35,000 due to floods but your aid is just Rs 1,870 Cr. When are you planning to give the remaining? Wil there be any funds left after the implementation of CAA, NPR & NRC? #AnswerMadiShah" he said in another tweet.

Nirbhaya's parents slam Indira Jaising for suggesting to pardon Nirbhaya case convicts|Oneindia News

Shah, who arrived in the city will be addressing a public meeting on Citizenship Amendment Act, under BJP's nationwide Jan Jargaran Abhiyan, at Hubballi this evening.

"Mr. @AmitShah, Two innocent victims were killed in Mangaluru in what public opinion says that it is a fake encounter. You are the Home minister of the Country. Don't you think adequate investigation has to take place when people cry foul about the incident? #AnswerMadiShah," Siddaramaiah said.

The former Chief Minister has been demanding a judicial probe by a sitting judge into the violence during anti CAA protest in Mangaluru, while Yediyurappa government has ordered CID and magisterial probe into the incident. Also raising the inter-state Mahadayi river dispute in which Karnataka has locked horns with neighboring Goa, Siddaramaiah demanded that the BJP Chief make his stand clear.

"Mr. @AmitShah, Your colleagues give contradictory statements on the initiation of Mahadayi project. Why is there a change in stance after elections? What is your stand on the issue? #AnswerMadiShah, he said in another tweet. The Congress in Karnataka, in a series of tweets attacking Shah, asked why the central government was behaving in a "dictatorial way," despite country wide public opinion against CAA, NRC.

Karnataka Cabinet expansion likely to be further delayed with BSY still to meet Shah

"Why don't BJP respect democracy and constitution?" it asked. Alleging that BJP government in the state was only indulging in the "business of transfers", the party said the administration has not yet taken off.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, January 18, 2020, 15:00 [IST]
It could be described as a sister double act in Kanturk where two siblings, Ava and Isabel Hynes, returrned from the BT Young Scientist Exhibition each with prestigious awards.

A Second Year student at Colaiste Treasa, Ava won the individual runners up award for her project on the impact of adolescent smartphone use on social anxiety and isolation among teenagers.

A prize winner also last year, Ava, who is just 14 years of age, was joined by her older sister, Isobel, who also won her category for her project on 'Amaranth in Ireland: a sustainable path for food security, rural regeneration and climate mitigation', a project which also earned her the Department of Agriculture Special Award.

As Colaiste Treasa deputy principal Veronica Walsh remarked, while the school celebrated noisily in the background: "They all got something and we're really proud - it's a hard competition to win but really worthwhile."

While all six projects entered by Colaiste Treasa were winners, Deputy Principal Walsh was especially delighted for Ava and Isobel's success. "It really is a tremendous achievement," she said.

She also paid tribute to the team of teachers who helped the students with their projects and to Joanne Corkery, the driving force behind the school's annual effort in the prestigious competition.

Other projects from Kanturk demonstrated that the students there have definitely got the message about sustainability and climate change. Tara Sweeney and Ellen Breen were highly commended in the Ecological and Biological Intermediate Group category for their project on Bioremediation - the Pollution Solution.

To save you going to google, bioremediation is a process to treat contaminated water, soil and sub-surface material to stimulate growth of micro-organisms which degrade the pollutants which are being targeted. Second year students Hannah Walsh and Johannah Pigott won the Junior Ecological and Biological Group award for their entry - 'Banking on the willow - an investigation into the effectiveness of willow in promoting riverbank diversity'.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 06:08:18|Editor: yan

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RABAT, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Moroccan King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed on Saturday the Libyan crisis in a phone call, a government statement said.

The important role of Morocco and its recognized efforts over many years to resolve the crisis in Libya were highlighted in the phone talk, according to the statement.

Late on Saturday, a statement by the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the North African country's "deep regret" at its exclusion from the Berlin Conference on Libya scheduled for Sunday.

"Morocco understands neither the criteria nor the motivations behind the choice of countries participating in this conference," said the ministry statement.
Hundreds of demonstrators in Dehli protested against new citizenship law

NEW DELHI: Hundreds of demonstrators perched themselves on the steps of an iconic mosque in the Indian capital on Friday to protest against a new citizenship law that excludes Muslim immigrants.



Demonstrators carried placards and shouted slogans accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modis Hindu nationalist government of pursuing policies aimed at forcing people to prove their citizenship and putting Muslims and other people from marginalised communities at risk. The protest at the 17th century mosque, Jama Masjid, was led by Chandrashekhar Azad, leader of the Bhim Army, a political party of Dalits who represent the Hinduisms lowest caste.



We will continue protest against the law till it is repealed," Azad said as he and hundreds of his supporters read out the constitutions preamble, which says there should be no discrimination on the basis of religion.



Azad was arrested on Dec 21 after leading a similar protest at the steps of the mosque. He was accused of instigating violence as the protest ended in a clash between the protesters and the police. A New Delhi court ordered his release from jail on Thursday. The court asked him to leave the capital within 24 hours of his release and to stay out of the city for four weeks.

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The cleric of Jama Masjid made announcements before Friday prayers that commented on 16 Muslims who were killed in Uttar Pradesh last month during protests against the new law.



The lives of Muslim youth lost in Uttar Pradesh violence shouldnt go to waste, Syed Ahmed Bukhari announced to a congregation of thousands. He added people must raise their voice against the law in a peaceful way.



The new citizenship law provides a path to naturalisation for immigrants from Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan, unless they are Muslim. It has triggered nationwide protests and clashes with police that have led to 23 deaths.



The nationwide protests have brought tens of thousands of people from different faiths and backgrounds together, in part because the law is seen as part of a larger threat to the pluralistic social fabric of Indian society. Thousands of Hindus, too, have joined the protests to assure minority Muslims that they are not isolated. Modis party downplays the protests, saying they are orchestrated by opponents.



Meanwhile, hundreds of women continued with a sit-in on a road side in New Delhi, braving freezing temperatures and attempts of law-enforcement agencies to break them up for almost a month. Emulating their example, women across the many Indian states and small towns have carried out similar sit-ins in protest against the law.



Also on Friday, the Congress party, which is the governing party in northern Punjab state, adopted a resolution in the state legislature demanding scrapping of the controversial law, known as the Citizenship Amendment Act.



The CAA enacted by Parliament has caused countrywide anguish and social unrest with widespread protests all over the country, the resolution said.
New Delhi:

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has decided to bring senior Jammu and Kashmir police officer arrested while ferrying three terrorists out of the Union Territory to Delhi for investigation. Singh, posted as the deputy superintendent of police, was arrested on Saturday along with Naveed Babu, self-styled district commander of banned Hizbul Mujahideen, a new recruit Atif and an advocate Irfan Mir.

Police recovered arms and ammunition from the car they were travelling in near Qazigund on the national highway in south Kashmir. After receiving orders from the Union Home Ministry, the NIA has re-registered this case and started the investigation, the spokesman said.

Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir police chief Dilbag Singh said the force has recommended dismissal of DySP Davinder Singh. He said the police has also recommended for taking back the gallantry medal awarded to Singh by the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state on Independence Day in 2018, stressing that the police will act very ruthless as we dont believe in sheltering or protecting people who have no loyalty towards the force, nation and their people.

Role in Parliament attack?

Was arrested Jammu and Kashmir Police officer Davinder Singh involved in 2001 Parliament attack? This is the question that the security agencies would be probing, a latest report on Thursday said. According to a media report, Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Dilbagh Singh said that nobody is above the law and everything can be probed. The remark gains significance amid the ongoing probe by the National Investigation Agency. Now-suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police, Davinder Singh was arrested on Saturday in a car along with three Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists. The links between Davinder Singh and the 2001 Parliament attack are not new. Earlier, Afzal Guru, the prime accused in the case had alleged that it was Singh who had sent him to Delhi and made other key arrangements just before the attack.

The letter

In a letter to his lawyer, which is being widely quoted by media reports, Afzal Guru had claimed that Davinder Singh tortured him and was forced to help one of the terrorists that carried out the attack on Parliament under pressure from Singh. The letter is detailed in Arundhati Roys book The Hanging of Afzal Guru and the strange case of the attack on Indian Parliament. In the letter, Guru had said that he started facing trouble after his failed separatist bid and returned to Kashmir. He had written in his letter how the STF started torturing him. He had claimed that it was the STF that provided him with the phone that was found on the body of one of the terrorists killed in the attack.

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Its hard to imagine how the heartbreaking loss of lives in a jetliner crash could translate into a bacon boycott, but welcome to the wild and wacky world of food politics.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/1/2020 (724 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

Its hard to imagine how the heartbreaking loss of lives in a jetliner crash could translate into a bacon boycott, but welcome to the wild and wacky world of food politics.

The reaction when Michael McCain, the CEO of Maple Leaf Foods, took to Twitter to say what a lot of Canadians were feeling after 57 of this countrys citizens were shot out of the sky by the Iranian military in a case of mistaken identity is just another reminder of how quickly food becomes a weapon.

The man at the helm of one of Canadas largest hog producers and food processors used the companys Twitter account to express his outrage at the disaster, taking aim at U.S. President Donald Trump for setting off a tragic chain of events.

"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...

"U.S. government leaders unconstrained by checks/balances, concocted an ill-conceived plan to divert focus from political woes A narcissist in Washington tears world accomplishments apart; destabilizes region

" 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," he said in a series of tweets.

Watching Twitter can be like being a bystander to a virtual barroom brawl. Someone says something that offends someone else and before long, the punches start flying. People on the periphery get a virtual shove, become offended too, and then all hell breaks loose. Some dive in because theyre just plain mad and looking for a fight.

Reaction was swift from home and abroad. Many empathized with McCain, but just as many did not. The polarized chain of commentary was laden with promises to buy more of his companys products and threats to boycott them.

"Thank you for making my decision to never buy another ML product again, easy," said one.

Several referred back to the 22 lives lost when Maple Leaf experienced a listeriosis outbreak in 2008, others attacked his character with labels such as "moral retard" and many admonished him for jeopardizing his company.

"I really have to wonder, if the shareholders, employees and customers of Maple Leaf Foods, are all okay with the CEO taking this account to make a personal rant against the U.S. and the President of the United States? Seems an irresponsible way to address your anger and grief," noted one reply.

While its impossible to know how many of those opinions translated into action at the grocery store, it was surprising that so many tweeters almost immediately looked to extract vengeance or confer reward by voting with their dollars.

In the world of food politics you can, on one hand, have customers refusing to buy and on the other, suppliers refusing to sell.

Governments, for example, commonly use food as a weapon. History is rife with examples of populations being starved into submission or even oblivion.

We Canadians look down on such atrocities elsewhere, even though our own history is marred by policies aimed at taming and disenfranchising our Indigenous people through hunger.

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The McCain Twitter brawl was unfolding as Canadian soybean and canola farmers wait to find out how court proceedings against a Huawei executive detained by the Canadian government might affect Chinese demand for their crops.

Chinas political leadership seems to have forgotten that when its crops failed in the late 1950s and millions were faced with starvation, Canada sold it wheat when other exporting countries refused to feed a Communist regime.

Two years ago, Saudi Arabia stopped buying our wheat and barley as punishment after the federal government criticized its track record on human rights.

Canadian farmers understandably find it upsetting to see their livelihoods threatened by disputes they had no hand in creating and are helpless to resolve.

But as decades of hard-fought gains in international diplomacy and disciplined trade continue to unravel, theyd be wise to brace themselves for more of the same.

Laura Rance is vice-president of content for Glacier FarmMedia. She can be reached at lrance@farmmedia.com
Eleven U.S. troops were treated for concussions after Iranian missiles struck two Iraqi bases where the service members were stationed, the military said, contradicting earlier statements by President Trump that no Americans had been injured.

The Jan. 8 attack on bases near Baghdad and Irbil, Iraq, were launched in retaliation for the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, a senior figure in Irans military, in a drone strike ordered by Trump.

While no U.S. service members were killed in the Jan. 8 Iranian attack on Al Asad Air Base, several were treated for concussion symptoms from the blast and are still being assessed, Capt. Bill Urban, a spokesman for U.S. Central Command, said in a statement Thursday.

In a speech, Trump said that no Americans were hurt in the strike, in which at least a dozen missiles were fired.

Im pleased to inform you the American people should be extremely grateful and happy, the president said Jan. 8. No Americans were harmed in last nights attack by the Iranian regime.

Urban said the injured troops were taken to U.S. military sites in Germany and Kuwait to undergo screening and that when deemed fit for duty, the service members are expected to return to Iraq.

The lack of American deaths was a relief to U.S. officials, who had feared Soleimanis killing could set off a larger regional conflict. By Jan. 9, the day after the strike, both countries had publicly said they would de-escalate direct military action.

The generals death and the subsequent missile strike, however, set other events in motion, including the accidental downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet in Tehran by the Iranian military, in which 176 people were killed, and a resolution by the Iraqi Parliament calling for the expulsion of foreign forces from the country.

On Friday, Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, praised the retaliatory strikes, saying, We delivered a blow to U.S.s image as a superpower.

Russell Goldman is a New York Times writer.
WESTPORT  Two Bridgeport men were arrested for allegedly plotting to rob a local Panera Bread, police said.

On Oct. 25 at 8:54 p.m., officers responded to a report of an attempted robbery at the Post Road East eatery. By the time police arrived, the suspect had fled.

According to police, the suspect entered the restaurant, approached an employee with a box cutter, instructed the employee not to move and walked them to the rear of the establishment past other employees. The suspect then returned to the front of the store, where they unsuccessfully attempted to open the cash registers and an office. The individual then left through the front door, police said.

During an investigation, it was discovered the target of the robbery was a wallet containing over $7,000 in cash that had been found and stored in the managers office earlier that day. A Panera employee, who was present on the night of the incident, had also communicated with the robbery suspect, police said.

An arrest warrant was subsequently granted for the employee, identified as 32-year-old Horace Rawlings.

Police also identified Rochelle Smith, 24, in connection to the incident. The two had allegedly formulated a plan to have a third individual arrive at the restaurant pretending to be the owner of the wallet. Police have not named the third suspect.

On Thursday, Bridgeport police reported having Rawlings in custody. He was later brought to the Westport Police Department, where he was charged with first-degree criminal attempt at robbery, third-degree criminal attempt at larceny and first-degree conspiracy at robbery. Rawlings was unable to post $200,000 bond and was taken to state Superior Court in Norwalk.

Smith turned himself in for the active warrant on Thursday and was charged with third-degree conspiracy to commit larceny and third-degree criminal attempt to commit larceny. He posted $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in Norwalk on Jan. 23.

dj.simmons@hearstmediact.com
Sussex Police Department(LONDON) -- A London man running late for his flight reported a fake bomb threat to try and delay it, police said.



Rashidul Islam, 32, was going to meet his fiancee in Marrakech, but had issues with public transport on the way to his flight out of Gatwick and worried he would miss it, according to a statement from Sussex police on Friday.



He then allegedly decided to anonymously call the police and report a fake bomb threat.



"EasyJet flight 8897 leaves in 40 minutes ... There may be a bomb on the plane, you need to delay it, you need to stop it now," Islam told the operator, according to police.



Passengers and crew on the flight were evacuated and held in a gate room as authorities investigated.



Sussex Police Department



EasyJet could not be reached for comment.



When Islam arrived at the airport to check-in, police realized his number matched the one from the anonymous call, according to authorities.



He was taken into custody and admitted to making the fake threat, police said.



Islam pleaded guilty to the offense on Friday in Lewes Crown Court and was sentenced to 16 months in jail. He has also been banned from Gatwick Airport.



"While the defendant expressed remorse, there is no excuse for his actions that day and he has been sentenced accordingly," Sussex Police Detective Constable Stephen Trott said in a statement.



Trott noted that making a false report does more than just cause significant costs and delays to the airport and passengers. "It also strikes fear into the community," he said.



The flight eventually took off at 8:45 p.m. local time, about three hours after its initial departure time.



Copyright  2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
General view of the debris of the Ukraine International Airlines, flight PS752, Boeing 737-800 plane that crashed after take-off from Iran's Imam Khomeini airport, on the outskirts of Tehran

DUBAI (Reuters) - All countries involved in the Ukrainian airliner crash in Iran should avoid turning it into a political issue, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Friday.

"We request all sides not to make human issues, particularly this tragic accident, into an excuse for political gestures," Abbas Mousavi was quoted as saying by the semi-official ISNA news agency.

Five countries whose citizens died when Iran shot down the airliner last week said on Thursday that Tehran should pay compensation to families of the victims, and that the world was watching for its response.

Mousavi said Iran had cooperated "beyond expectations" with countries whose citizens were killed in the crash, according to ISNA.

Canada, Ukraine, Sweden, Afghanistan and Britain also said after a meeting of officials in London that Iran should hold a "thorough, independent and transparent international investigation open to grieving nations".

Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards admitted accidentally shooting down the Ukrainian airliner with a missile, killing all 176 aboard.

Mousavi said it was "strange" that Canada's foreign ministry had asked for consular access related to the crash, noting that almost all of the victims of the crash have been identified.

(Reporting By Babak Dehghanpisheh; editing by John Stonestreet)
The Fingal Branch of BirdWatch Ireland will hold a fundraising table quiz on Friday, January 24 at 8:30 pm in Skerries Rugby Club.

The Great Annual General Knowledge Table Quiz" for Tables of 4 @ 10 per head.

All proceeds go to funding on-going maintenance of the Visitor Hides at Rogerstown Nature Reserve. The Quiz Master will be Paul Gorey.
The Atlantic city of Essaouira was consecrated Friday as the city of Arts, Culture and Handicraft as King Mohammed VI launched there the establishment of a City of Arts & Culture and inaugurated an integrated crafts complex.

These two projects translate the Kings firm will to preserve the artistic and cultural heritage of Essaouira, a city known for its plural identity and culture, and time-honored traditions of interfaith dialogue and Muslim-Jewish Coexistence.

The two projects also mirror the Monarchs determination to make of the sector of handicrafts a lever for economic and social development.

The City of Arts and Culture, to be built over 3.6 ha, will feature a 1,000 seat-theater, a music conservatory, a library, a museum of traditional arts, a tea museum, an outdoor performance stage that can accommodate up to 30,000 people, in addition to halls where musicians and actors can rehearse and practice their art. The project will require an investment of about 350 million dirhams and will be completed within 48 months.

King Mohammed VI also inaugurated an integrated crafts complex that will contribute to the preservation of certain endangered crafts, the promotion of local handicrafts and the materialization of gender equality since 50 pc of the beneficiaries of the premises are women.

The facility, worth 18.5 million dirhams, can provide young people in Essaouira and the region with a professional training adapted to the socio-economic reality of the local handicraft sector, the aim being to facilitate their integration into the labor market.

The new Complex also aims to organize and support the provinces craftsmen in order to enable them to diversify their products and improve their income.

The integrated complex houses a center for professional qualification in traditional arts, workshops, three training rooms, a computer room, and 7 exhibition venues displaying wood and weaving works, jewelry, leather goods, musical instruments, and other locally-made products.

This project translates the importance that the Monarch attaches to vocational training and the qualification of young people, particularly in the handicraft sector.

I will continue to emphasize the role of vocational training and manual labor in achieving the integration of young people, the king had said in a speech last year, noting that handicrafts provide practitioners with a decent income and a dignified life.

During his stay in Essaouira, King Mohammed VI oversaw a facelift program of the citys historical Medina, worth $300 million. The restorations are scheduled to be completed in 2023 and seek to develop the historical part of the city and boost its attractiveness to tourism.

The Monarch also celebrated the citys centuries-old history of Jewish-Muslim coexistence with a visit to Bayt Dakira, a venue dedicated to showcasing Judeo-Moroccan heritage.

The venue is also home to the Slat Attia Synagogue as well as the Haim and Celia Zafrani International Research Center on the history of relations between Judaism and Islam.
London man reports fake bomb threat to delay flight he was running late for: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

A London man running late for his flight reported a fake bomb threat to try and delay it, police said.

Rashidul Islam, 32, was going to meet his fiancee in Marrakech, but had issues with public transport on the way to his flight out of Gatwick and worried he would miss it, according to a statement from Sussex police on Friday.

He then allegedly decided to anonymously call the police and report a fake bomb threat.

MORE: Video: Several hoax bomb threats sent to businesses and schools nationwide

"EasyJet flight 8897 leaves in 40 minutes ... There may be a bomb on the plane, you need to delay it, you need to stop it now," Islam told the operator, according to police.

Passengers and crew on the flight were evacuated and held in a gate room as authorities investigated.

PHOTO: Rashidul Islam, 32, has been jailed for making a fake bomb threat to a flight he was late for. (Sussex Police Department)

EasyJet could not be reached for comment.

When Islam arrived at the airport to check-in, police realized his number matched the one from the anonymous call, according to authorities.

He was taken into custody and admitted to making the fake threat, police said.

MORE: Fake bomb threats demanding bitcoin funds reported across the country, authorities say

Islam pleaded guilty to the offense on Friday in Lewes Crown Court and was sentenced to 16 months in jail. He has also been banned from Gatwick Airport.

"While the defendant expressed remorse, there is no excuse for his actions that day and he has been sentenced accordingly," Sussex Police Detective Constable Stephen Trott said in a statement.

Trott noted that making a false report does more than just cause significant costs and delays to the airport and passengers. "It also strikes fear into the community," he said.

The flight eventually took off at 8:45 p.m. local time, about three hours after its initial departure time.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 17)  Communist leader Jose Maria Sison has revealed that the government agreed last year to release "sick and elderly" political prisoners for Christmas and New Year.

In a video statement sent to a forum in Quezon City on Friday, Sison, who is on self-exile in the Netherlands, said Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III and former congressman Hernani Braganza held informal talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines in Utrecht from December 7 to 9 and December 19 to 21, 2019. The NDFP represents the Communist Party of the Philippines in talks with the government.

Among the agreements reached during the informal talks, Sison said, was "the soonest release by the GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) president of the sick and elderly political prisoners, especially the NDFP consultants, on humanitarian grounds and in the spirit of Christmas and the New Year."

"It should be noted that not a single political prisoner was released on humanitarian grounds in the spirit of Christmas and the New Year, contrary to expectations of the NDFP Negotiating Panel, the political prisoners and their families," Sison said.

PNP: Arrest warrant vs Joma Sison stands despite fresh peace talks

The release of political prisoners and NDFP consultants has always been a sore point in negotiations to end the five-decade insurgency of the CPP and its armed wing, the New People's Army. The rebels claim the NDFP consultants were being held in violation of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees  an agreement the government says no longer holds water since President Rodrigo Duterte walked away from the peace talks in 2017.

After allegations of ceasefire violations and back-and-forth tirades, Duterte finally reached out to the rebels again in December 2019 by sending Bello to talk to Sison.

Sison said that during their informal talks he also agreed to meet Duterte in Hanoi, Vietnam in April, but only after the signing of the Interim Peace Agreement, a much sought-after deal seen to lead to the end of the communist insurgency. The agreement covers general amnesty and release of all political prisoners, approval of the Comprehensive Agreement on Social Economic Reforms, and a coordinated unilateral ceasefire agreement.

Duterte on December 26, 2019 challenged Sison to a one-on-one talk in the Philippines but the CPP founding chairman said he would return to the country only after the resumption of formal peace negotiations and the signing of the Interim Peace Agreement.

Sison said Bello also agreed with the NDF to hold another informal meeting on the second or third week of January 2020 to pave the way for the much-awaited resumption of formal peace negotiations. The goal is to reaffirm previous deals, supersede presidential orders against the peace negotiations, and set the agenda for finalizing the Interim Peace Agreement.

So far, the only thing that has reached fruition among the agreements in the formal talks was the declaration of a holiday ceasefire, Sison said. However, this too, was marred by alleged violations.

Authorities said NPA fighters attacked government forces in Camarines Norte and Iloilo on December 23, 2019, leaving one soldier dead and six others wounded on the first day of the ceasefire. The NDF, however, said the rebels just defended themselves from attacks initiated by the police and military.

"On the whole, on a nationwide scale, the reciprocal unilateral ceasefire ran successfully from December 23, 2019 to January 7, 2020, despite a few incidents which became the subject of publicized complaints from the direction of the GRP and NDFP. These complaints ought to be submitted to the Joint Monitoring Committee under the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law," Sison said.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process on Friday hit the CPP-NPA-NDF for pursuing its own brand of peace talks in insisting on the Comprehensive Agreement on Social Economic Reforms as a precondition to the negotiations. OPAPP Spokesperson Wilben Mayor stressed that what the rebels want was "flawed," and that talks should adhere to the Constitution.

On the other hand, Bello earlier suggested that the signing of these reform and peace agreements can be done in the country.

"We want that when he comes here, he will be prepared to sign a document  either the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms, or better, the IPA, which is the Interim Peace Agreement. That would be the best reason for him to come here," Bello said in an interview with CNN Philippines' The Source on January 3.
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Friday (local time) met Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi here and discussed a host of issues including the latest developments in the Middle East, the Afghan peace process, stability in South Asia and the Kashmir issue.

In a series of tweets, Qureshi spoke about the importance of trade and investment ties for US-Pakistan cooperation and the situation in the Middle East region.

"In my meeting today with US Secretary of State @SecPompeo, discussed engagement between Pakistan and the US, its mutual benefit, along with it being a factor for stability in South Asia. Exchanged how stronger trade and investment is imp for an enduring partnership," he said.

"The convergence between Pakistan and US stands as a unique opp for peace in Afghanistan, ultimately a shared responsibility. Discussed recent developments in ME and reiterated Pakistan will continue to play a part for peace in the entire region. We are committed to security and stability," Qureshi said in a follow-up tweet.

Qureshi also discussed the situation in Jammu and Kashmir with the top US diplomat.

On the other hand, Pompeo said he "enjoyed" meeting with Qureshi and talked about issues including Afghan peace process, "countering Iranian aggression" and bilateral trade relations.

"Enjoyed meeting with Pakistani Foreign Minister @SMQureshiPTI today. We discussed countering Iranian aggression, the Afghan peace process, trade ties, and regional stability," Pompeo tweeted.

The State Department also issued a statement on the meeting between Qureshi and Pompeo.

"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi today in Washington, D.C. Secretary Pompeo and Minister Qureshi discussed a range of issues, including Iran's malign activities in the region, the importance of U.S.-Pakistan cooperation on the Afghan peace process, and building bilateral economic ties." State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said.

Qureshi is on a two-day visit to the US in a bid to support efforts for de-escalating and resolving tensions in the Middle East through political and diplomatic means.

The Pakistan Foreign Minister is undertaking the visit under the directions of Prime Minister Imran Khan in the wake of simmering tensions in the region following the killing of top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani by the US in Iraq earlier this month.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Iranian policemen and clergymen attend the funeral procession and burial of four Iranian victims of the Ukrainian plane crash in Iran, at Hamadan

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday that Iran's accidental shooting down of a Ukrainian airliner last week occurred at a time when Tehran was spooked by reports of advanced U.S. stealth fighters in the area.

"There were at least six (U.S.) F-35 fighters in the air in the Iranian border area (at the time). This information has yet to be verified, but I'd like to underline the edginess that always accompanies such situations," Lavrov said.

Iran's downing of Ukraine International Airlines flight 752, which killed all 176 people aboard, has created a crisis for the Islamic Republic's clerical rulers who have faced days of protests after the Iranian military admitted it had shot down the plane accidentally.

Lavrov, speaking at his annual news conference in Moscow, called the incident a human error and said he was not trying to excuse anyone for what happened.

But he said it was important to understand the context and that the incident had occurred hours after an Iranian missile attack on U.S. bases in Iraq, when Iranian forces were braced for some kind of U.S. military retaliation.

"There is information that the Iranians were expecting another attack from the United States after the strike but did not know what form it might take," said Lavrov.

(Reporting by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
The most important reason none of us have won the presidency is that we are so few. According to the Pew Research Center, our generation numbered just 30 million in 2015, much less than the better-known generations even before we started dying off. Pew said counting people alive in 2015, there were 75 million baby boomers (1946-1964), 66 million Gen Xers (1965-1976), 75 million millennials (1977 to 1995), and 69 million in Gen Z (1996 to now and still growing).
The Environmental Protection Agency aims to haul away thousands of truckloads of the radioactive waste over the next seven years. Residents do not want to stay during that work, but many fear losing their way of life if they are uprooted and unmoored from rural roots and traditions. They have countered the agencys plan with another solution: construction on a nearby mesa of an off-grid, solar-powered community designed by an architecture group at the University of New Mexico.
A California teen who had been drugged and kidnapped was rescued by police this week after using Snapchat to alert her friends to her abduction.

Police said the 14-year-old victim on Tuesday notified friends she had been kidnapped via the popular app and they were able to determine her location and alert authorities.

One man was arrested as he left the motel in San Jose, in northern California, where the girl was being held and two other suspects were taken into custody on Wednesday, police said in a statement.

They said one of the suspects, Albert Vasquez, 55, met the victim shortly before her abduction and gave her drugs that left her incapacitated.

Vasquez then called the two other suspects who put the teen in their vehicle against her will, police said.

Vasquez allegedly raped the teen in the car before taking her to a motel where he sexually assaulted her again.

He has been charges with multiple felony counts including kidnapping to commit rape and rape by intoxication or controlled substance.

The two other suspects -- Antonio Salvador and Hediberto Avarenga -- were charged with kidnapping and conspiracy.

jt-jz/dw
Aihik Sur By

Express News Service

HYDERABAD: If you have regularly come across hashtags like #KCRnoNPR trending on Twitter, it is no coincidence. A lot of planning and coordination has gone into driving up these trends on social media platforms. It is invariably hard to get a hashtag trending on Twitter. Users have to tweet in thousands, if not in lakhs, by using the same hashtags.

Unless it is an extremely current issue or if it has gone viral on the same day, it is hard to mobilise support for a hashtag. To sustain the momentum for the anti-CAA/NRC/NPR debate, Hyderabadis have been planning over which topic to tweet about and when. For instance, a few days back, moderators in a WhatsApp group decided on the hashtag #KCRnoNPR and urged members to tweet on that.

"Everyday, we try to take up a Twitter storm between 8 pm and 9 pm. All of us use a common hashtag so that we can get it trending," read a message on one of the WhatsApp groups. By 9 pm, with over 2,000 tweets, the hashtag #KCRnoNPR was trending all over India.

However, following the recent detention of protesters by the city police after the massive flash protest at Tolichowki, these WhatsApp groups have become more careful about what they post. A member of the group, who wished to remain anonymous, said, "We were concerned that other people may have infiltrated the group." Post that, the members have shifted to another social media platform which offers more facilities in terms of security.

The same method is being deployed by citizens to organise flash protests, which has become increasingly difficult for city police to detect. However, like in the previous case, they too have shifted from WhatsApp to another social media platform citing security concerns. Signature campaign

A signature campaign was launched in the city on Friday against the Citizenship Amendment Act, National Registry of Citizens, and NPR, demanding that the State Assembly pass resolutions against the policies. The petition urged Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao to 'intervene and challenge the constitutionality of the said Act in the court to safeguard the democratic and secular fabric of the country.'

Anti-CAA poster draws flak

A poster for a public meeting organised by the Joint Action Committee against NRC/NPR CAA drew ire as the poster showed the convenor of the JAC being equated to Mahatma Gandhi. The poster, apart from declaring the information regarding the protest, had a cutout of JAC Convenor Mushtaq Malik with Mahatma Gandhi, with the caption the Gandhi of the Million March on top.
New Delhi: In a shocking incident, a 40-year-old woman, whose teenaged daughter was allegedly molested by a group of men in 2018, was brutally attacked by the alleged molesters in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur. The woman succumbed to her injuries on Friday night at a hospital.

According to the report, the woman was attacked on the night on January 10 by the same men, accused of molesting her teen daughter and had managed to get bail in the case by a local court. The report said that they barged into the woman's home and threatened her to take back her complaint. When the family refused, the molesters brutally thrashed them, including the victim's mother and another woman relative. Later, both women were rushed to a city-based LLR Hospital.

"The incident took place in Chakeri area. The accused in the molestation case of 2018 was out on bail. There was a dispute between the accused and the victim's family while the accused were drinking liquor. The accused along with other people attacked the two witnesses of the molestation case," Kanpur SSP Anant Dev Tiwari was quoted as saying by ANI. He added, "In the attack, a woman was seriously injured and was admitted to the hospital. After spending over a week in the hospital, the woman succumbed to her injuries on Friday.

The police claim that they have arrested four out of six men responsible for the assault. The police added that they are still looking for other accused.
Hyderabad, Jan 18 : Telangana police on Saturday arrested an associate professor of the Osmania University on charges of alleged links with Maoist but hours later the High Court directed the police to produce him before the Chief Justice on Sunday.

The High Court directed Siddipet district police to produce Chintikindi Kasim before Chief Justice Justice R. S. Chauhan at his residence on Sunday morning.

The Chief Justice gave the direction after Civil Liberties Association moved a house motion challenging the arrest of Kasim.

The petitioner submitted to the Chief Justice that Kasim was arrested in a case registered in 2016.

The Chief Justice wondered as to how the police could say Kasim was absconding, when he was attending to his duties regularly and taking classes.

He also wanted to know if they had obtained permission from the Osmania University vice-chancellor for the arrest.

When the police informed the court that they would produce Kasim before a court at Gajwel on Sunday, the Chief Justice directed them to produce him at his residence at 10.30 a.m. on Sunday.

The police earlier conducted searches at the residence of Kasim at Osmania University staff quarters and took him into custody. Police seized books, computer hard disk and mobile phone.

An associate professor in the department of Telugu, Kasim was recently elected as secretary of Revolutionary Writers Association Virasam. He is also the editor of a Telugu newspaper 'Nadusthunna Telangana' (contemporary Telangana).

His arrest sparked protest by students who took out a rally on the campus, demanding his immediate release. The police arrested few protestors and shifted them to a police station.

Communist Party of India (CPI) secretary K. Narayana alleged that the government is deliberately harassing intellectuals on pretext of having Maoist connection and registering false cases against them.

Police had reportedly arrested him in connection with a case registered against him under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act at Mulugu police station in 2016. He was charged with working as a courier for Maoists.

Kasim's wife Sneha Latha alleged that the police entered the house by breaking open the door. She said a false case was registered against on Kasim in 2016 based on books recovered from a passenger travelling from Hyderabad to Adilabad.
The Hiroshima High Court on Friday revoked a lower court decision and ordered Shikoku Electric Power Co. to suspend a reactor in western Japan, dealing a blow to the government's bid to bring more reactors back online after the 2011 nuclear crisis.

The ruling marks the second time that the high court has ordered a halt of the No. 3 reactor at the Ikata nuclear power plant in Ehime Prefecture.

In making its decision, the court considered whether the operator and the Nuclear Regulation Authority's rules and risk estimates for an eruption of Mt. Aso, about 130 kilometers away, were adequate.

"Research on the active fault is insufficient and the Nuclear Regulation Authority's judgment that it is not a problem is incorrect," Presiding Judge Kazutake Mori said in handing down the ruling.

"(Shikoku Electric) needs to also take into account less than catastrophic eruptions at the caldera of Mt. Aso," he said.

Three residents of nearby Yamaguchi Prefecture were appealing a decision last March by the Iwakuni branch of the Yamaguchi District Court. The lower court ruled the plant could continue operations since the possibility of a large-scale eruption occurring during the reactor's operating life was low, and the regulatory authority's safety standards were adequate.
Kolkata, Jan 18 (IANS) Urging all parties opposing CAA and NPR to come together, the Congress on Saturday extended the olive branch to Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and other leaders who skipped January 13 Delhi deliberations hoping they would turn up in some other meeting that might be convened on the twin issues.

"For the sake of the country, all parties which are opposing the CAA and NPR should come together... What is at stake are far more important issues... One shouldn't miss the larger picture.

"The larger picture is we are fighting to save the Constitution of India, we are fighting to save the enduring values embodied in th cConstitution of India. So all those who fight for these values must eventually come together on one platform. And I am confident, they will," Congress Working Committee member P. Chidambaram told media.

Apart from Banerjee, Samajwadi Party, DMK and the BSP did not attend, while Shiv Sena and the AAP said they were not invited for the meeting convened by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.

Chidambaram said Gandhi made an attempt to invite as many parties as possible, and 20 of them participated.

"Some did not. That doesn't mean that is the final word. Maybe there well be another meeting, maybe they will attend. What is important is we are fighting, not that we are fighting together always. But fighting separately is also fighting, fighting together is also fighting," he said.

"The fact is we are trying to build a united opposition to the CAA and NPR. We have succeeded substantially. Some parties are fighting separately. Hopefully, some day they will all come on a united platform," he said.

Asked whether the Congress would invite to future meetings leaders like Banerjee who stayed away from Monday's deliberations, Chidambaram said he was certain invitations will go out.

"If somebody asks my view, I'll say of course we send an invitation. What is the harm? I invite you to my house once, you do not come. That doesn't mean I don't invite you again," he said.

To repeated queries about the lack of unity of the anti-CAA parties in Bengal, Chidambaram said: "In Bengal or in any other state, there are some domestic factors at play. Purely intra-state factors, though the big picture should not be missed".

He pointed out that the Congress was working with the Left parties in the state, and they were carrying on the movement together at the district level too.

On questions about Prime Minister Narendra Modi sending an invite to his Pakistan counterpart Imran Khan, Chidambaram said it only means the government has modified its earlier position "about no engagement with Pakistan".

He disagreed with a scribe who said that many parties now find the Congress unreliable".

"In the last Lok Sabha election, 19 per cent Indians relied on the Congress and voted for it. The Congress also got votes in the recent assembly polls in Maharashtra, Haryana and Jharkhand.

"But I do admit, we need to do more, we need to get more people on our side. But that doesn't mean nobody relies on us," he added.

ssp/prs
Turkish President Erdogan Says LNA's Haftar Unreliable, Continuing to Bomb Tripoli

Sputnik News

17:52 17.01.2020

ANKARA (Sputnik)  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that the Libyan National Army's (LNA) commander, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, was an "unreliable" figure since he continued to bomb the capital of Tripoli, which is currently under the Government of National Accord's (GNA) control, this week.

"Haftar is unreliable, as yesterday he continued to bomb Tripoli, and we will see this clearly at the Berlin conference and what he will do after [it]", Erdogan told reporters.

Erdogan also revealed his intention to discuss the latest developments Syria's Idlib at the UN-led conference on Libyan settlement in the German capital on Sunday, and that he would hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the matter. Putin confirmed his attendance at the conference earlier in the day.

During his talks with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis earlier in the day, Haftar said that the LNA's forces "are pacifists", and that he was ready to sign an agreement with GNA Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj if certain conditions were met.

Earlier in January, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Ankara would be sending troops to Libya, adding that Turkey would use both military and diplomatic means to ensure "stability" in the country. Turkey supports the UN-recognised GNA and has sent troops to prop it up amid an attack by troops loyal to Haftar, who has the support of Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

On 13 January, both Haftar and Sarraj participated in talks in Moscow that were aimed at concluding a ceasefire deal. However, Haftar left the Russian capital without signing anything, explaining that he needed additional time to look through its details.

In November, Turkey and the GNA signed an agreement on a new maritime border, which runs through gas-rich zones in the Mediterranean that Greece and Cyprus claim as theirs.

The accord has triggered a backlash from the eastern Libyan administration, as well as Athens, Nicosia, Paris, Rome and Cairo.

A Sputnik

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Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan have agreed to give up their royal titles and stop receiving public funds as part of a settlement with the Queen that lets them spend more private time in Canada.

The announcement from Buckingham Palace on Saturday follows more than a week of intense private talks aimed at managing the fallout of the couple's shock decision to give up front-line royal duties.

"Following many months of conversations and more recent discussions, I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family," Queen Elizabeth II said in a statement.

"I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life."



Her comments referred to battles with the media that prompted Harry and Meghan -- known until now as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex -- to sue several newspapers over intrusions into their private lives.

A separate statement attributed to Buckingham Palace said "the Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family".

HRH is the acronym for Her Royal Highness.

"As agreed in this new arrangement, they understand that they are required to step back from Royal duties, including official military appointments. They will no longer receive public funds for Royal duties," the statement said.

The settlement added that the two will also repay 2.4 million pounds (USD 3.1 million) of taxpayer's money spent on renovating their Frogmore Cottage home near Windsor Castle.

The Palace added that it would not comment on who ends up paying for their security detail in Canada -- an issue of intense public debate.

It also failed to mention whether the couple would be allowed to benefit financially from future royalties and franchise fees.

Harry and Meghan are seeking to register the "Sussex Royal" brand as a global trademark for their future enterprises.

The couple are dedicated to environmental causes and are looking to develop their charitable foundation as part of a "progressive" new role.

The queen's announcement is her second on the royal crisis -- dubbed Megxit in honour of Britain's painful battle over Brexit -- ahead of Harry and Meghan's effective resignation on March 8.

"We have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution," the couple said at the time.

"We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America."



Meghan then jetted back to Canada and is now their with their son Archie.

Their announcement caught the royal family by surprise and created a media sensation in both Britain and the wider world.

Their treatment by London's hard-hitting tabloid press and their personal future -- as well as questions about longstanding royal traditions -- have turned into daily front-page

Media reports said Harry would probably join Meghan and Archie on the west coast of Canada this coming week.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The call comes after Libyas national oil company warned against attempts to blockade ports ahead of the Berlin summit.

The United Nations mission in Libya has express deep concern over efforts to disrupt oil production in the war-torn country and urged all sides to exercise restraint.

This move would have devastating consequences first and foremost for the Libyan people who depend on the free flow of oil for their well-being, the mission said in a statement on Saturday, the eve of a highly-anticipated summit in Germany aimed at relaunching peace efforts.

It came after tribes close to renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar, whose forces control much of eastern Libya, called for a blockade of coastal oil export terminals to protest against a Turkish intervention in support of the countrys UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA).

Libyas National Oil Company (NOC) had also warned on Friday against threats to block oil exports, saying it strongly condemns calls to blockade oil ports ahead of the Berlin conference on Sunday.

Turkey has backed the Tripoli-based GNA as it faces an offensive by Haftars forces to seize the capital.

After nine months of fighting, which has killed more than 2,000 people, a ceasefire came into effect on Sunday backed by both Ankara and Moscow, which is accused of supporting Haftar.

However, after Turkey deployed troops to support the GNA, tribes close to Haftar threatened to close down the oil crescent  a string of export hubs along Libyas northeastern coast under Haftars control since 2016.

His troops have also mobilised to block any counterattack on the oil crescent, the conduit for the majority of Libyas crude exports.

The closure of the fields and the terminals is purely a popular decision. It is the people who decided this, Ahmad al-Mismari, spokesman for pro-Haftar forces, told al-Hadath television late on Friday.

The tribes also called for the immediate closure of the Mellitah, Brega and Misrata pipelines.

Commenting on the closures, the UN envoy to Libya said on Saturday he hoped but could not predict whether oil ports would be reopened in a few days.

If the thing is not solved between today and tomorrow I expect the issue to be raised, yes, Ghassan Salame told Reuters news agency, referring to the meeting in Berlin that will try to broker a reopening of the ports.

The head of the eastern Zouaya tribe told AFP news agency that blocking exports would dry up the sources of funding for terrorism via oil revenues.

NOC chairman Moustafa Sanalla said the oil and gas sector was vital for the Libyan economy, as it is the single source of income for the Libyan people.

The oil and the oil facilities belong to the Libyan people. They are not cards to be played to solve political matters, he added.

Shutting down oil exports and production will have far-reaching and predictable consequences.

Potential consequences

Meanwhile, a port engineer and witnesses told Reuters news agency that protesters in eastern Libya entered the Zueitina oil terminal on Friday and announced its closure in response to the calls by tribal leaders.

However, the Zueitina engineer said the terminal is still receiving oil and a tanker entered it today.





Scores of protesters reportedly erected a large tent outside the terminal. They read a statement saying they planned to shut all oil terminals in eastern Libya.

Zueitina usually loads around 14 oil tankers per month and receives gas tankers, the port engineer said.

The oil-rich North African state has been in turmoil since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising that overthrew and killed longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi.

Its oil sector, which brings in almost all of the states revenues, has frequently been the target of attacks.

Sanalla noted the consequences of exports and production being shut down for an extended period could be devastating.

We face collapse of the exchange rate, a huge and unsustainable increase in the national deficit, the departure of foreign contractors, and the loss of future production, which may take years to restore, he said.

This is like setting fire to your own house.

Haftar will come under pressure to end his campaign to take Tripoli at the summit in Berlin, which is aimed at ending foreign interference and division over Libya, according to the UN.

The conference will seek to agree to six points including a permanent ceasefire, implementation of a much-violated UN arms embargo and a return to political efforts for peace, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said last week.
Interior Minister of Ukraine Arsen Avakov has said that on January 20 the ministry jointly with the diplomatic security service of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine will create a team to probe into alleged illegal surveillance in Ukraine over former U.S. Ambassador to the country Marie Yovanovitch, according to Voice of America e-zine.

"As early as on Monday, we are planning to create a joint team with the diplomatic security service of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine to probe into all circumstances and to investigate into this incident impartially," the minister said.

Avakov also said that he has met with several representatives of the U.S. diplomatic circles on January 17. The countries have a common goal to protect human rights and to prevent violations of the Ukrainian legislation and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, he said.

As reported, on January 16, the Interior Ministry of Ukraine claimed it took into account the materials published on January 14 by investigators of the House of Representatives of the U.S. Congress on the possible illegal surveillance in Ukraine over former U.S. Ambassador to the country Marie Yovanovitch. Analyzing it, the National Police opened criminal proceedings in this regard.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected his prime ministers offer to resign and asked him to stay on the job Friday after he was caught on tape saying Zelensky  a former sitcom star with no previous political experience  knows nothing about the economy, Los Angeles Times reports.

In a video released by Zelenskys office, the president called the situation unpleasant but asked Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk and his Cabinet to carry on.

I decided to give you and your government a chance if you manage to solve important issues that the public worries about, Zelensky said as he faced Honcharuk across the table. Its not a moment when we can afford economic and political destabilization.

He instructed Honcharuk to look into multimillion-dollar bonuses given to executives of the state-controlled gas company and high salaries for Cabinet ministers that angered many in the economically struggling nation, directing the prime minister to report his findings by Feb. 4.
UPPER THUMB -- The court case of a 37-year old Caro man accused of fatally stabbing the mother of his 11-month-old daughter and seriously injuring the child last month has been delayed.

Tuscola County District Court Judge Jason Bitzer granted a motion to have Larry E. Lyons undergo a psychiatric exam at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry in Ypsilanti.

Lyons is charged with open murder, assault with intent to murder, second-degree child abuse, third-degree child abuse, carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent, and third-offense domestic violence.

If found guilty, the charge of open murder is punishable by life in prison, and the assault with intent to murder charge also carries a maximum penalty of life in prison or any term of years.

The CFP conducts court-ordered psychological evaluations for all district and circuit criminal courts throughout the state.

The evaluation process involves determining competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility by a certified forensic examiner who will issue a report to the court.

The charges against Lyons stem from the Dec. 15, 2019 incident where he allegedly stabbed to death Brandy Marie Dickson, 35, and severely injured their infant daughter at at 2900 Gerou Road in Ellington Township.

The investigation showed Dickson and Lyons lived together for a time but were not living together at the time of the attack.

Reports indicate the attack started inside the home and continued outside.

Preliminary findings indicate Dickson attempted to protect the child from being stabbed.

The baby sustained cuts and stab wounds to her head, a skull fracture, and remains hospitalized with from wounds inflicted during the attack, according to prosecutors.

Dickson was found outside of the home with a knife near her when officers arrived on scene. She was taken to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries.

Lyons was denied bond at his arraignment. He remans lodged in the Tuscola County Jail until his transfer to Ypsilanti for evaluation.

Court records indicate Lyons' had domestic violence convictions in May 24, 2007, and Sept. 30, 2019.
After just five days, Canadians have donated more than $425,000 to the Canada Strong Campaign, which is aiming to raise $1.5M to help the families of the victims of Ukraine International Airlines flight 752.

Mohamad Fakih, the president and founder of Paramount Fine Foods, is behind the initiative, which was launched at his Yonge Street eatery Monday morning.

I have faith Canadians will come together in the time of need, he said Friday afternoon.

Were proving it now one by one.

Fakih said so far three or four major corporate donors have already come forward to help, one of which donated $50,000.

He also expressed appreciation to everyday Canadians who have opened up their hearts and wallets for the nation-wide campaign.

A lot of people from all walks of life have pledged a lot of money, said Fakih, who has also contributed $30,000 and is footing the bill for all expenses and administrative costs.

It shows that we celebrate our diversity, and we believe it makes us stronger when we come together. We are showing everyone is a family, a Canadian family.

Earlier today, Toronto Mayor John Tory, who stood beside Fakih earlier this week to help launch the campaign, challenged his fellow mayors to step up and get their communities involved in raising money for the Canada Strong Campaign, which is being administered by the Toronto Foundation.

As for Fakih, he said hes confident the campaigns $1.5-million fundraising goal will be reached in no time.

Were hoping very soon well come to our target, said Fakih, who is also the founder of the Fakih Foundation, an international not-for-profit that works to generate positive social change in the world by empowering vulnerable and underserved communities for entrepreneurship, leadership, diversity and inclusion.

The plan is to distribute the Canada Strong funds collected where theyre most needed.

Dentons Canada LLP is providing free legal services and advice to the victims families.

Donations can be made online at https://torontofoundation.ca/canadastrongcampaign

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[January 17, 2020] GRUBHUB 96 HOUR DEADLINE ALERT: Former Louisiana Attorney General and Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Remind Investors With Losses in Excess of $100,000 of Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against Grubhub Inc. - GRUB

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, the former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have only until January 21, 2020 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Grubhub Inc. (NYSE: GRUB), if they purchased the Company's securities between July 30, 2019 and October 28, 2019, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. What You May Do If you purchased securities of Grubhub and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ([email protected]), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-grub/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action by overseeing lead counsel with the goal of obtaining a fair and just resolution, you must request this position by application to the Court by January 21, 2020.



About the Lawsuit Grubhub and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On October 28, 2019, the Company disclosed shocking 3Q2019 financial results, including a $100M loss in gross food sales on a sequential basis (despite adding nearly a million active diners during the quarter), a 6% decline in a key customer demand metric and cuts to revenue projections by approximately $70M and earnings projections by approximately $60M for the year. On this news, the price of Grubhub's shares plummeted. On this news, the price of Grubhub's shares plummeted.

The case is Azar v. Grubhub Inc., 19-cv-07665. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California and Louisiana. To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200117005495/en/

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An associate of Donald Trumps personal lawyer was texting the presidents major donors as he allegedly pressured Ukraine to launch investigations into Joe Biden, according to documents released by the House Intelligence Committee this week.

Lev Parnas, a Soviet-born businessman linked to Rudy Giuliani, teased a donor who poured thousands of dollars into Mr Trumps campaign that he had juicy stuff and a bomb is dropping before Marie Yovanovitch was forced out of her role as the US ambassador to Ukraine.

The text messages provided further evidence that Mr Parnas seemingly played a pivotal role in efforts to get Ukraine to announce political investigations into Mr Biden, one of the presidents 2020 political rivals. They also suggested that Mr Parnas received financial aid from Mr Trumps donors to conduct his controversial work in Ukraine.

Mr Parnas sent a text to Florida oil executive Harry Sergeant III asking him to approve one of his associates travel expenses in the country, noting a deal he received from Rudys guys in an apparent reference to Mr Giuliani.

In another message, he sent the wealthy donor a photo from what he called a Team trump dinner celebration, writing: Im official part of team trump tomorrow big day my brother Ill call you tomorrow.

All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Show all 6 1 /6 All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Alan Dershowitz Dershowitz is a controversial American lawyer best known for the high-profile clients he has successfully defended. Those clients have included OJ Simpson, Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein. One longtime Harvard Law associated told the New Yorker Dershowitz "revels in taking positions that ultimately are not just controversial but pretty close to indefensible." Getty All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Ken Starr Starr became a household name in the 1990s as the independent counsel who led the investigation that led to Bill Clinton's impeachment. That investigation began as a look into a real estate scandal known as Whitewater, and eventually led to impeachment after Mr Clinton lied under oath about having an affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. AP All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Jay Sekulow Sekulow is the president's longtime personal attorney, and, now, personal lawyer in the White House. He has been accused by former Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas of being "in the loop" during the Ukraine scandal. Getty All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Pam Bondi Bondi is the former attorney general in Florida, and a longtime backer of the president's. She made a name for herself in Florida for taking hyper partisan stances on issues, and her penchant for publicity. She is likely to be a prominent public-facing figure during the trial. AFP/Getty All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Pat Cipollone Cipollone is the White House counsel, and leading the president's defence team. Getty All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Rudy Giuliani While not officially named as one of the president's impeachment lawyers, it is hard to ignore Giuliani's outsized role in this process. The former mayor of New York has been making headlines for months as he defends his client, and for his apparent role in the effort to compel Ukraine to launch the investigation into Joe Biden. We'll see how he figures in the actual trial, which he has said he would like to be a part of. Reuters

Mr Trump has denied knowing Mr Parnas, despite numerous photos showing the president, his family and close advisers with the indicted businessman, who has been charged with violating campaign finance laws.

Mr Parnas also texted Tommy Hicks Jr, co-chairman of the Republican National Committee and chair of the pro-Trump super PAC American First Action, who is a friend of the presidents son, Donald Trump Jr. The two shared articles containing unfounded allegations about Ukraine meddling in the US 2016 presidential election, as well as others focusing on the former vice presidents 2020 campaign.

Mr Hicks appeared to advise Mr Parnas for months on his work, before Ms Yovanovitch was abruptly ousted from her post.

The Trump donor told Mr Parnas in a message that he had connections at a far-right website, writing: Editor and owner of Daily Caller is a friend  We should let him know what we know at the right time. Mr Parnas replied: 100%.

Mr Parnas has found himself at the heart of explosive new revelations surrounding Mr Trumps impeachment, which stemmed from an anonymous whistleblower complaint over the presidents 25 July phone call with Ukraine. In that phone call, Mr Trump asked Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky for a favour before encouraging him to launch probes into Mr Biden and conspiracy theories about Ukraine election meddling.

In an interview earlier this week, Mr Parnas said his work in Ukraine was all about 2020 and not about rooting out corruption in Ukraine, as some in the presidents circle have suggested.

He told CNN on Thursday the efforts were done to ensure Mr Trump had another four years in office.

That was the way everybody viewed it, he added. That was the most important thing, for him to stay on for another four years and keep the fight going. I mean, there was no other reason for doing it.
WASHINGTON - Influential conservative groups that have long been a thorn in the side of the Republican establishment are turning their focus to taking back the House in 2020 rather than pursuing primary challenges to GOP senators they view as too moderate.

Club for Growth and FreedomWorks, two Washington-based conservative groups that "score" lawmakers' votes and punish or reward them accordingly, told McClatchy they are directing their resources to pushing conservative candidates in open House Republican seats, as well as winning Democratic-held districts that President Donald Trump carried in 2016.

The leaders of the two groups said they currently don't have any plans to field challengers or run advertisements opposing any GOP senators, who are preparing to take a series of consequential impeachment votes.

"We don't have any plans to spend against any of the moderate Republican senators," said Adam Brandon, president of FreedomWorks.

He said the group "at this point" also doesn't plan to field primary challengers against them. "The only thing that would change my mind is if we viewed it as a great challenger who had a very competitive plan and a path to victory. I do not see that happening right now," he said.

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The shift in focus could take some pressure off Senate Republicans who are being closely watched for signs of party defection in an impeachment trial - vulnerable 2020 incumbents including North Carolina's Thom Tillis, Colorado's Cory Gardner, Iowa's Joni Ernst, Arizona's Martha McSally and Maine's Susan Collins.

Club for Growth President David McIntosh predicted senators will fall in line, rendering any need for primary challengers unnecessary.

"All of them will use impeachment as a way to shore up their Republican base, and then pivot as they get into the general election on other issues," he said.

Referring to Collins, who is seen as the most vulnerable of the group, McIntosh said he trusted "she'll do the right thing."

Collins and others have signaled they disagree with how Democrats handled Trump's impeachment inquiry in the House, and they are unlikely to vote to remove the president from office in the Senate.

They have not, however, committed to how they will vote on expected Democratic motions to compel witness testimony and submission of documents that could hurt Trump.

In previous years, Republicans who broke ranks with the party on major issues risked alienating far-right outside groups to the point where those groups fielded - and funded - primary challengers.

In this year's election, some conservative groups have decided it is more important to spend their money on House races in hopes of regaining control of the chamber, rather than support primary challengers to Republican incumbents and put the GOP's already fragile Senate majority at risk.

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Activist groups have helped fund GOP primary upsets in the previous years, such as when they helped Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, overtake then-incumbent Robert Bennett and win the seat in 2010.

At the same time, these groups have seen the danger in fielding candidates who are popular with the primary election base but don't have broad enough appeal to compete in the general election.

Tea party-backed Republican candidate Richard Mourdock in 2012, for instance, defeated incumbent Sen. Richard Lugar but ultimately lost to Democrat Joe Donnelly.

Outside conservative groups also have a mixed track record in picking successful primary candidates from the start. Activists spent thousands of dollars trying to defeat then-Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss., but challenger Chris McDaniel lost.

And while their choice, Joe Miller, ran on the Republican ticket in a 2010 Alaska Senate race, incumbent Lisa Murkowski was able to retain her seat through a successful write-in campaign.

Amy Kremer, who chaired the Tea Party Express in 2010 when it spent nearly $600,000 as part of that effort to bring down Murkowski, said she wouldn't take that same approach now.

"There has been a time for purity tests and what not," said Kremer, who now runs two political committees focused on winning the House and the presidency. "At this point in time, we need to hang on to the House and the Senate."

It appears most of the vulnerable Senate Republicans have fallen in line behind the president and the party.

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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., announced last week he secured the votes of at least 51 of the 53 Senate Republicans necessary to approve a rules package that would govern an impeachment trial without an upfront agreement to hear from witnesses.

Democrats still see room to put Republicans in a bind on impeachment trial proceedings. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York pledged he would force Republicans to vote at some point to allow witness testimony.

"We are telling our Republican colleagues, 'you can run, but you can't hide,'" Schumer said at a news conference. "We will not let them avoid the vote. They can delay it. They can't avoid it."

Democrats are also prepared to spend money calling attention to Republicans who are standing by McConnell. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has even launched a new website contrasting Collins' views on President Bill Clinton's impeachment with Trump's proceedings.

But in asking Republicans to break from their party, Democrats are also taking something of a risk. In recent weeks, a major component of their political messaging has been accusing Republicans of blind party loyalty and hypocrisy on impeachment. If some Republicans buck their leadership, Democrats could see their pressure campaign backfire.

Brian Fallon, executive director of Demand Justice - a left-leaning group focused on the courts that has plans to spend heavily against Republicans this election cycle - agreed that voting to allow witness testimony at the impeachment trial would be an easy way for vulnerable Republican senators to show their independence to constituents.

In the meantime, as GOP senators weigh their options in Washington against the political dynamics in their home states, some 2020 incumbents have more flexibility than others.

In North Carolina, for instance, the window to file as a Senate candidate has closed, meaning Tillis is no longer at risk of a primary challenge - though his past efforts to distance himself from Trump made him vulnerable at one time.

One potential primary challenger, businessman Garland Tucker, dropped out of the race at the last minute. McIntosh of Club for Growth told McClatchy the group might have put money behind retiring Rep. Mark Walker, R-N.C., had the staunch Trump ally decided to run against Tillis.

"He still has to work pretty hard to get the Trump loyalists back in favor of him," said McIntosh of the incumbent senator.

Collins could still get a more conservative challenger, with the filing deadline in Maine not until March 16. But she is not being targeted financially, at the moment, by top conservative activists.

"If anything, I would help Susan Collins, because we need to hold onto that seat," Kremer said.

Collins' decision to cast a decisive vote to confirm embattled Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2018 also changed her political landscape.

That vote galvanized Democratic efforts to unseat her in 2020. "When Republicans need her vote, she is there for her party leaders," DSCC press secretary Stewart Boss said of Collins' tendency to vote for Trump's controversial judicial appointments.

Her vote for Kavanaugh impressed conservatives who are now inclined to forgive any breaking with the party on the procedural votes related to impeachment. "Susan Collins, she's one of our worst voters," said Brandon of FreedomWorks, "but you know what, she proved to be a key vote for Kavanaugh, so we'll let her do her thing out there."

Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said in an interview he wasn't worried about Republicans breaking with the party on impeachment votes.

"Look, I think, with very few exceptions, the vast majority of American people are fair minded people and they want every member to review the evidence before them and to act as they deem appropriate."

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(c)2020 McClatchy Washington Bureau

Visit the McClatchy Washington Bureau at www.mcclatchydc.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Some charities feel confident they will still benefit from their links with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, even after they have officially cut their ties as senior royals.

Map Ives, director and founder of Rhino Conservation Botswana, said he has already been told by an official in Harrys office that the duke wants to continue his work with his organisation.

Mr Ives said: If anything our relationship should get stronger.

Yes, he is going to have to go out and earn some money but he has a personal understanding of biodiversity and about the health of the planet which leads him to want to be involved and want to help us with awareness.

The addition of someone like Harry helps us to get the word out about what we are doing. We need awareness and appreciate support from people like that.

If he had withdrawn as our patron or supporter I would have felt it personally myself because he is a very nice man but I am glad he is not going anywhere.

The Duke of Sussex has made a private trip to Botswana, without the Duchess, in his role as UK Patron of Rhino Conservation Botswana.



It is understood he attended a board meeting on Wednesday and later toured a project in a village.  PA Royal Reporters (@PARoyal) August 10, 2018

Harry is the patron of WellChild, the national charity for sick children. A spokesman said: They have already said they are going to honour their patronages.

WellChilds chief executive Colin Dyer said the charity is privileged to have Harry on board, adding: The amazing support and hard work of the Duke and Duchess is always very much appreciated by everyone at WellChild.

#Throwback to the #WellChildAwards, in association with @GSK. Keep an eye out for 2020 nominations opening in the new year! https://t.co/p19zC4cIrZ pic.twitter.com/ncqZ9Dpqri  WellChild (@WellChild) December 5, 2019

The couple have also announced plans to set up their own charitable entity.

Having served in the British Army for 10 years, Harrys charity work has included campaigns to raise awareness of the challenges faced by service personnel who have switched to civilian life. His interests also include sport, mental health awareness and African conservation.

Meghans patronages reflect an interest in the arts, access to education, support for women and animal welfare. They include the National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, which were handed to her by the Queen.

She also took on the patronage of animal charity Mayhew and Smart Works, which helps unemployed women and for which she later designed a collection of clothes.

The Duchess of Sussex during her visit to Smart Works, in London, on the day that she has become their patron



PA Images - see more here: https://t.co/3ykZeoJp5T#MeghanMarkle #Meghan #duchessofsussex pic.twitter.com/2AiCpyRkv1  Alamy Editorial (@Alamy_Editorial) January 10, 2019

PR expert Mark Borkowski believes the couple will still have immense pulling power in the charity sector, but noted: Whether they will become as interesting for charities going forward, I dont think so, but they will carry a lot of chic and interest with them but sustaining that for 10,20,30 years is going to be difficult.

He said: They can raise a lot of money. They can make a lot of money and they clearly have an ambition and a purpose. This is a significant move into another world and we havent seen that since Edward and Mrs Simpson.

I think they (Harry and Meghan) are significant personalities in their own right now and wherever they go they will have press attention, the cameras will follow them. Itll be talked about.

So thats not going to change and if anything, by not being connected to the Royal Family, not having the HRH monikers on it, they are doing something incredibly disruptive but they wont immediately lose their sheen.
This is the sickening moment two teenagers give each other a fist bump after stabbing an 18-year-old to death.

William Haines, 18, and a 17-year-old youth were filmed after plunging Rambo knives into Yusuf Mohamed's heart and leg outside a food shop in Shepherd's Bush, west London.

Haines has been found guilty of murder and possession of a blade following a trial at the Old Bailey, while the 17-year-old, who cannot be named due to his age, was found guilty of manslaughter and having a knife.

The pair will be sentenced next month for the attack on June 26 last year and are expected to be jailed for life.

William Haines, 18, and a 17-year-old youth gave each other a fist bump after stabbing Yusuf Mohamed to death outside a food shop in Shepherd's Bush, west London

Yusuf Mohamed, 18, (left) was stabbed to death by the pair for, what the prosecution termed as 'no obvious reason'. Attacker William Haines (right) and a 17-year-old, who cannot be named due to his age, will be sentenced next month

Mr Mohamed had been walking on Uxbridge road with friends when he was targeted 'for no obvious reason', the court heard.

Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones said: 'Suddenly, and for no obvious reason, the two defendants crossed the road towards Yusuf and his friends.

'Yusuf Mohamed had no time to run away, he had no time to do anything to protect himself. Unlike his attackers, he was not carrying a weapon. He stood no chance.'

Haines, who reached him first, acted with 'brutal efficiency' as he swung his 6.2-inch blade at the victim and stabbed him in his heart.

The prosecutor told jurors: 'Seeing Yusuf collapse to the floor, and as Yusuf desperately tried to retreat, crawling backwards on his elbows, (the 17-year-old) took out his own knife and followed him, stabbing him in the leg as he lay defenceless.

'As the two young men ran away, tucking their knives back out of sight, they gave each other a fist bump as if to say, 'Well done us'.'

Police officers are seen collecting evidence outside the convenience store where Mr Mohamed was stabbed to death last year

Jurors heard last week that Haines plunged the blade into the 18-year-old Chelsea fan 'right up to the hilt, as far as it would go'.

Mr Mohamed died within seconds at the scene.

Jurors were shown 'distressing' CCTV footage of the attack on Mr Mohamed outside the Intercontinental Foods shop.

With the help of a police dog officers later found a ruck sack dumped in bushes containing a large blade with a curved and serrated upper edge along with a sheath. Another weapon was discovered by a dog walker.

Haines, of Acton, west London, had accepted being the person in the CCTV footage but claimed he could not remember the incident in the footage because he had had a drink.

Following the verdicts, the defendants were remanded into custody to be sentenced on February.

Detective Chief Inspector Rob Pack, from Specialist Crime who led the investigation, said the verdicts 'brought justice for Yusuf and his family'.

'This was a savage and callous attack where a young man lost his life in a matter of seconds,' he said.

'To this day, the motive for the killing is unclear. Both defendants clearly felt they could carry and use knives with impunity. that they congratulated themselves with a fist bump and smiles having so brutally taken a life is beyond comprehension.'

Following the verdicts, the defendants were remanded into custody to be sentenced on February.
London, Jan 19 : UK's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle will no longer use the prestigious titles His and Her Royal Highness (HRH) and will not receive public funds for their royal duties, the Buckingham Palace has announced.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will also no longer formally represent The Queen, BBC reported on Saturday.

The couple will also repay A2.4 million of British taxpayers' money spent to renovate their UK family home, Frogmore Cottage.

The new arrangement comes into effect in spring this year, the palace said.

The development comes after senior members of the royal family held talks about the future role for the couple, who earlier this month announced they wanted to "step back" from their roles as senior royals.

The Queen said following "many months of conversations and more recent discussions" she was "pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family".

"Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family," the statement said.

"I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life.

"I want to thank them for all their dedicated work across this country, the Commonwealth and beyond, and am particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family.

"It is my whole family's hope that today's agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life." The Buckingham Palace noted that they would continue to maintain their private patronages and associations.

"While they can no longer formally represent the Queen, the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty," the statement added.

Earlier this month, Harry and Meghan said they wanted a "progressive new role" within the institution, where they would be financially independent and divide their time between the UK and North America.

Last year, the couple spoke about the difficulties of royal life and media attention in recent months.
Representing Vietnam  President of the UN Security Council in January, Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of Vietnams Permanent Mission to the UN, shared the concern of countries over the humanitarian situation in Yemen, and attacks against civilians and civil infrastructure facilities.

He called on parties concerned to exercise restraint and facilitate the UNs humanitarian on-goings in Yemen.

He welcomed the recent progress while expressing his great appreciation for the roles and contributions of the UN Secretary-Generals Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths and the UN Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) to reduc tension in the region and accelerat the implementation of the Stockholm Agreement.

He also asked relevant sides to build trust, fully implement previously signed agreements, as well as facilitate dialogues toward a comprehensive, long-lasting political solution that is in accordance with international law and the UNSCs related resolutions to bring unification to Yemen and meet the legitimate aspirations of its people.

According to Martin Griffiths, Yemen had been kept safe in recent weeks even as the wider region had been in crisis. Most importantly, in this time of crisis, no major acts of military provocation have been seen in Yemen; and indeed, it has been one of the quietest weeks in the country since the war commenced five years ago.

This achievement has not come by chance. Yemeni leaders and leaders from the region have deliberately exercised restraint and withheld from acts of provocation, he said.

He spoke highly of the commitments of the Yemeni Government and Southern Transitional Council to implement the Riyadh Agreement with the support of Saudi Arabia.

Griffiths underlined that although implementation of the Stockholm Agreement has been unsatisfactory, the UN and both sides remain committed to the deal.

Though violence unfortunately continues in the southern districts, the relative calm on the frontlines in Hudaydah city shows that the measures to enhance the de-escalation ceasefire mechanism- is working, and this is something we can and should build on, he said.

Military tensions could not be eased if there is no advancement in the political progress, he stressed, adding competent sides should channel more efforts to bring peace to Yemen in 2020.

Meanwhile, other UNSC members welcomed recent positive developments in Yemen, and hailed the efforts of the UN and relevant countries. They also called on relevant parties to carry out the Stockholm and Riyadh Agreements, laying a foundation down to promote comprehensive peace talks under the UNs sponsorship.
A man has been charged over the murder of a 60-year-old man in Croydon.

Nikolay Zhivkov, 44, was charged early Saturday morning with the murder of Krasimir Kartikov, a Bulgarian national, who was found dead at his home on Monday.

Zhivkov, a fellow Bulgarian national who has no fixed address, was arrested in relation to Mr Kartikov's death on Thursday and is set to face Wimbledon Magistrates Court on Saturday.

At about 8.50am on Monday, police were called by the London Ambulance Service to a report of a deceased man inside a home on Whitehorse Road, Croydon.

A post-mortem examination revealed Mr Kartikov died of multiple injuries.
Phuket expat dies after being hit by ATV in the jungle

PHUKET: A French national has died after an American woman on an ATV tour lost control of her vehicle and hit the man and his motorcycle on Soi Klum Yang in Chalong earlier this week.

accidentsdeathSafetytourismtransport

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Saturday 18 January 2020, 01:56PM

A French national died in Chalong after being hit by an ATV in the jungle on Jan 16. Photo: Provided by Gery Sugnaux

A French national died in Chalong after being hit by an ATV in the jungle on Jan 16. Photo: Provided by Gery Sugnaux

A French national died in Chalong after being hit by an ATV in the jungle on Jan 16. Photo: Provided by Gery Sugnaux

At around 4pm last Thursday (Jan 16), Lt Col Khanan Somrak of Chalong Police was notified that a foreign woman lost control of her ATV on a hillside track and hit another foreigner causing serious injuries to the latter.

Having arrived at the scene, police discover a red ATV and it's driver, a USA national Onome Alero Adeosun, 39. The woman was laying on the ground with her right arm and collarbone broken.

Further up the ATV track there was a damaged Honda PCX scooter and it's owner, Robert Geoffray, 82, from France. By the time police arrived, the man was unconscious and Chalong Municipality rescue workers were performing CPR .

Both victims were then rushed to Chalong hospital. Mr Geoffray was pronounced dead on arrival while Ms Adeosun was transferred to Bangkok Siriroj Hospital for further treatment.

From questioning witnesses, Lt Col Khanan learned that Miss Adeosun lost control of the ATV and hit Mr Geoffray who was standing beside his bike.

Lt Col Khanan said that police has not made any decision regarding what charges Ms Adeosun will face. The officers plan to question the woman after she is discharged from the hospital.

American and French embassies were informed about the incident.

A friend of Mr Geoffray, who was present at the scene, told The Phuket News that he had an appointment with him and two other friends on Soi Klum Yang near the top of the hill at about 3.45pm on that day.

Robert parked his scooter at the edge of a very wide track and was waiting for our arrival. Then a convoy of six to eight ATVs arrived and began U-turning to go to the parking area. Everything went on normally, until the appearance of the last vehicle which was a little late. The lady driving the ATV lost control of her vehicle and it struck Robert who was standing next to his scooter sending him some 5 metres down the track, Mr Geoffray's friend said.

According to the man, among the people at the site there happened to be an English nurse, who started performing CPR before rescue workers arrived but failed to save the French national.

He died in front of my eyes, Mr Geoffray's friend said.

Bravo to the courage of this nurse who tried everything, the man added and then raised the question of public safety near ATV tracks.

When will they ban or at least regularise these dangerous and very polluting devices? I walk in the jungle almost every day and in principle avoid this kind of places, but that day the ATV track was just the starting point for a little walk. I lost a dear friend who was a friend of many other people as well. Robert and I have lived in Phuket for many years, he said.
Fla. students hold first pro-life club meeting after school lifts ban on controversial group

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Students at a Florida high school will hold their first pro-life club meeting on Monday, six months after administrators initially banned the group, accusing it of being too "political" and "controversial."

Were grateful that Gulf Coast High School acknowledged our clients constitutionally protected rights, has chosen to recognize Sharks 4 Life as an official club, and affirms that students have the right to express their beliefs about the immense value of every human life, said ADF Legal Counsel Michael Ross in a statement to The Christian Post on Wednesday.

Ross said public schools cannot play favorites when approving student organizations or refuse to recognize a student organization for being too political or controversial.

Last November, the ADF sent a letter of concern to the Collier County Public School Board and Gulf Coast Assistant Principal Catherine Crawford-Brown on behalf of student Gabrielle Gabbard.

According to the letter, Gulf Coast High School had rejected Gabbards request to form Sharks 4 Life, which was going to be a local affiliate of the national Students for Life organization.

The reason for the rejection was that Crawford-Brown believed the student club was too political and controversial to be approved.

Collier County Public Schools, however, denied the allegation that the district had banned Sharks 4 Life, telling Breitbart News last year that the claim was simply wrong.

GCHS, like other district high schools, has a plethora of clubs on site that include faith-based clubs, non-faith based clubs, and so on that meet at lunch or after school with their respective faculty sponsors, said the school district spokesperson at the time.

The principal will be reaching out to students interested in forming the Sharks 4 Life Club ... and finding a sponsoring faculty member.

In response, Ross told Fox News that the school district only changed its position on the proposed student club after being contacted by ADF.

ADFs demand letter clearly recounts Gulf Coast High Schools repeated refusal to recognize Sharks 4 Life for over three months, Ross told the news outlet last year.

The facts leave no doubt that they were ill-treated and ignored because of their viewpoint. The only apparent attempt from GCHS to recognize Sharks 4 Life comes after a threat of legal action. Students shouldnt have to threaten legal action to have their voice heard.

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Washington/IBNS: Five people have been indicted in United States for allegedly running an international network which purchases US products for nuclear weapons programme in Pakistan.

All the five men were associated with the front company Business World in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

They were identified as Muhammad Kamran Wali (Kamran), 41, of Pakistan; Muhammad Ahsan Wali (Ahsan), 48, and Haji Wali Muhammad Sheikh (Haji), 82, both of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada; Ashraf Khan Muhammad (Khan) of Hong Kong; and Ahmed Waheed (Waheed), 52, of Ilford, Essex, United Kingdom.

They were indicted in federal court for conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Export Control Reform Act. The grand jury returned the indictment on Oct. 16, 2019, and it was unsealed today.

The defendants smuggled U.S. origin goods to entities that have been designated for years as threats to U.S. national security for their ties to Pakistans weapons programs, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers said in a statement as released by US Department of Justice.

This indictment puts the world on notice not to do business with these defendants and demonstrates our commitment to holding them accountable. It also stands as an example of the kind of deceptive behavior U.S. businesses need to watch out for in designing appropriate export control and sanctions compliance programs.

Federal export control laws are vital tools that help prevent items from being exported overseas where they could be used in ways that can jeopardize our national security, said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray for the District of New Hampshire. In order to protect the safety and security of the American people, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify those who violate these important laws. We will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to identify individuals whose actions may jeopardize the national security of the United States.

The alleged behavior of these five individuals presented more than a violation of U.S. export laws, it posed a potential threat to the national security interests of the United States and to the delicate balance of power among nations within the region, said Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations. HSIs Counterproliferation group proactively works investigations into U.S. import-export licensing laws violations because of the threat it can pose to our national security.

The indictments unsealed today are a result of the ongoing coordination and collaborative counter proliferation efforts by the Office of Export Enforcement, the Justice Department, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and Homeland Security Investigations,said Special Agent in Charge William Higgins of the Office of Export Enforcement. The Boston Field Office of the Office of Export Enforcement will continue to vigorously pursue violators with all its partners to stem illicit trade that threatens U.S. national security and undermines U.S. foreign policy.

"Stopping the illegal exportation of sensitive defense technology is a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and today's indictment is the result of a multi-agency effort," stated Special Agent in Charge Leigh-Alistair Barzey, DCIS Northeast Field Office. "The DCIS is committed to working with the USAO-NH, Homeland Security Investigations and the Office of Export Enforcement, to protect our nation's security by identifying, investigating and prosecuting criminal procurement networks."

According to the indictment, between September 2014 and October 2019, the defendants operated an international procurement network of front companies that existed to acquire U.S.-origin goods for the Advanced Engineering Research Organization (AERO) and the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), and to cause those goods to be exported from the United States to the entities without export licenses in violation of federals law.

Both AERO and PAEC were on the Commerce Departments Entity List, which imposes export license requirements for organizations whose activities are found to be contrary to U.S. national security or foreign policy interests. PAEC was added to the Entity List in 1998. AERO was added to the Entity List in 2014, after the U.S. Government found that it had used intermediaries and front companies to procure items for use in Pakistans cruise missile and strategic UAV programs.

According to the indictment, the defendants attempted to conceal the true destinations in Pakistan of the U.S.-origin goods by using the conspirators network of front companies as the supposed purchasers and end users of the goods and as the apparent source of payments for the goods, even though the goods were ultimately received in Pakistan and paid for by AERO or PAEC.

The defendants caused the U.S. companies to file export documents that falsely identified the Ultimate Consignees of the shipments as entities other than AERO and PAEC. The defendants never applied for or obtained an export license from the Department of Commerce authorizing the export of goods to AERO or PAEC in Pakistan.

The indictment identified 38 separate exports from the U.S. that the defendants caused, involving 29 different companies from around the country. Three of those companies are in New Hampshire. None of the U.S. companies is alleged to have been complicit in the illegal exports. Each defendant is charged with two felony counts of conspiracy. Although arrest warrants are pending, none of the five defendants has thus far been apprehended.

This matter was investigated by the Department of Commerces Office of Export Enforcement; the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service; and Immigration and Customs Enforcements Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Davis and Trial Attorney Nicholas Hunter of DOJs Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, National Security Division.
New Delhi [India], Jan 18 (ANI): India has summoned a senior official of the Pakistan High Commission and lodged a strong protest over the recent cases of abduction of minor girls from the minority Hindu community in Pakistan, and urged for the safe return of them to their families, government sources said.



The development comes after incidents of kidnapping of minor girls from the Hindu community came to light in Pakistan earlier this month.

Two minor girls, Shanti Meghwad and Sarmi Meghwad, belonging to the minority Hindu community were abducted on January 14. They belong to Umar Village in Tharparkar of Sindh province.

In another incident, a minor girl, Mehak, also belonging to the minority Hindu community, was abducted from Jacobabad district of Sindh province in January 15.

"Pakistan has been conveyed the grave concerns as expressed amongst various quarters of the Indian civil society at such a shocking and deplorable incident involving minor girls from the minority Hindu community in Pakistan. The incidents have been strongly condemned and asked for the immediate safe return of the girls to their families," government sources said.

India has time and again lodged several protests over the abduction and forced marriage of women from the Hindu community in the neighbouring country.

Recently, an angry group of local residents pelted stones at Gurdwara Nankana Sahib in Pakistan on January 3. The group was led by the family of a boy who had allegedly abducted Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur, daughter of gurdwara's panthi, last year.

India had strongly condemned the "wanton acts of destruction and desecration" at Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev, and called upon Pakistan to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and welfare of the members of the Sikh community.

Days later, the body of Sikh youth, identified as Ravinder Singh, was found in the Chamkani police station area of Peshawar. The deceased was the brother of an Islamabad-based journalist, Harmeet Singh.

India had also shared strong concerns raised by members of civil society, parliamentarians and others at the "continued persecution of religious and ethnic minorities" in Pakistan. (ANI)


While AAP's Dwarka MLA Adarsh Shastri, joined the Congress on Saturday, Hari Nagar MLS Jagdeep Singh said he was in talks with the Shiromani Akali Dal, an ally of the BJP

New Delhi: In a setback to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), two of its MLAs quit the party after they were denied ticket for the 8 February Delhi Assembly election with one of them joining the Congress on Saturday.

An AAP leader said the resignations of Dwarka MLA Adarsh Shastri and Hari Nagar MLA Jagdeep Singh was "unfortunate but expected". While Shastri joined the Congress on Saturday, Singh said he was in talks with the Shiromani Akali Dal, an ally of the BJP.

Shastri, who was among the 15 members of the outgoing Assembly not fielded by the AAP this time, alleged that the party was "selling" tickets and accused Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of acting in an autocratic manner.

Shastri alleged that the AAP pretended to be an honest party and "made bus tickets free for women but are charging Rs 10 crore for an Assembly seat ticket".

Countering Shastri's allegations, another AAP leader said that when tickets are denied, people make such claims. "Does that mean when he previously contested from the AAP, he bought the ticket? The ticket distribution was strictly made on the basis of the performance of the MLAs which was closely scrutinised. All those MLAs whose performance was found to be not up to the mark were dropped," he said.

In the Dwarka seat, the AAP replaced Shastri, the grandson of former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, by Vinay Kumar Mishra, Congress leader Mahabal Mishra's son who joined the party from Congress just a day before the candidates' list was released.

Singh was replaced by former Congress councillor Rajkumari Dhillon who had joined the party with Mishra.

Singh said he was disappointed with the party for denying him a ticket and nominating Dhillon. "Even during the Lok Sabha election, I raised my objection over alliance with the Congress and now they have brought in five people from Congress who are directly or indirectly associated with (anti-Sikh riots convict) Sajjan Kumar," he said.

Earlier, AAP's Badarpur MLA ND Sharma, who quit the party earlier this month protesting against induction of Congress leaders into the party fold, had alleged that the party was selling tickets.

Sharma, too, was dropped and AAP fielded Ram Singh Netaji, who joined the party from Congress, from the Badarpur seat. According to sources, Sharma is in talks to join the Bahujan Samaj Party.

Shastri also said that he was upset with the party as it had not talked about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and NRC which triggered nation-wide protests. "I told him (Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal) you are the only CM who had not talked about CAA and NRC. He did not even go to meet the students at JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia," he said.

"I left a high ranked post in a MNC where I earned in crores, under attraction of Kejriwal's talks of honesty and Janlokpal. But, I am disillusioned now with AAP and Kejriwal's dishonest politics," Shastri alleged in a press conference.

Kejriwal had earlier said he hoped that the party MLAs who were dropped would not leave the "Aam Aadmi party family". Responding to a question that other parties might try to poach the sitting legislators, the AAP national convenor said that he hopes they will stay with the party. "All parties will try it. But they (sitting MLAs) are our family. I hope they will remain with us," Kejriwal told reporters.

Senior party leader Sanjay Singh said the party is looking to give important responsibilities to all those MLAs who have been dropped.
(Photo : Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash) Over 20 Children Reportedly Injured After Delta Flight Dumped Fuel on School Playground

On Tuesday morning, Jan. 14, a Delta flight returning to Los Angeles International Airport dumped a major amount of jet fuel from their airplane, 'accidentally' hitting several schools of toxic wastes brought by the fuel in the Los Angeles area.

Officials say that an exact number of 60 people were reportedly injured, and over 20 from this population were elementary students from various schools.

'We Thought it was Rain'

Approximately 20 children and 11 adults at Park Avenue Elementary School and other several victims from San Gabriel Avenue Elementary in South Gate, Jordan High and 93rd Street Elementary in South Los Angeles, Graham Elementary in Inglewood, and Tweedy Elementary in South Gate -- all located in Cudahy, California-- were all treated on their minor injuries experienced due to the dumped engine fuel.

Luckily, no victim was needed to be taken to a hospital; however, most of them complained of skin and eye irritation after the engine fuel touched their bodies.

As narrated by sixth-grader Miguel Cervantes-- one of the young victims of the said accident, he was outside of school as he participates for physical education class when suddenly an airplane started to get near to them and dropped liquid-like on their playground.

"I saw an airplane, and I thought the smoke was coming out," Miguel said. "Then, when it got closer, I knew it was gas because a little bit fell on me."

Josue Burgos-- one of Miguel's classmates, thought that rain was pouring outside when they felt water falling to their skin, though they immediately recognized it as gas since it smelled awful.

"We came out, and we were playing, and the airplane was outside, and we thought it was rain, but then we knew it was throwing gas on us, and everybody started to run," Josue said.

Delta Flight Returns to LA Due to 'Engine Issue'

According to Los Angeles Times that first reported the issue, Delta Flight 89 or a Boeing 777 aircraft is scheduled to en route to Shanghai, China, but then, experienced 'engine issue' that forces the pilots to return to the nearest airport, which was LAX.

As explained, the pilots of the aircraft received a notification that a possible compressor stall affects the right engine of the aircraft, making them radioed air traffic control to emergency land. However, what's wrong with this action is that the pilot dumped all engine wastes to a populated place instead of over water.

Ross Aimer, the chief executive officer of Aero Consulting Experts, explained that engine dumping is a critical action to do and only used for emergencies.

"When pilots dump fuel, they typically try to do it at above 10,000 feet and over water, but ideally, it should be done at higher elevation because then the fuel turns into mist and it's away from populated areas," added by him.

Delta Flight Confirms the Said Engine Dumping

Delta flight immediately released a statement regarding the issue and confirmed that their aircraft was the one that dumped fuels on the parts of elementary schools.

"We are concerned about reports of impacts on the ground from the fuel release and are in close communication with Delta and first responders as their investigators continue. We thank LA County Fire, the LA Fire Department, and other responding agencies for their fast response, and we are working on learning more."

At the same time, the 149 onboard passengers of the said flight safely and successfully landed at LAX after the incident.

As of now, the Federal Aviation Administration or FAA is still investigating the incident and clarified that they will look further on the reports since a lot of children were injured due to the failed emergency engine dump.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Federal Government will soon mandate public broadcasting outfits to pay special attention to issues that concern people living with disabilities, Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has said.

Mr Mustapha, who spoke on Friday in Abuja, added that the government had directed the humanitarian ministry to work with the women affairs ministry toward prioritising issues affecting people living disabilities.

The SGF spoke at the First Disability Champions Award Night organised by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), where he was represented by Olusegun Adekunle, Permanent Secretary, General Service Office.

The award night was organised after a week-long experience sharing forum with the media, diplomatic communities, committees of the National Assembly, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The activity was among many others lined up to commemorate the first year anniversary of the passage of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibitions Act 2018.

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Mr Mustapha said that in line with the provisions of the act, underground work was being done to translate the act into a reality.

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development has been created and will work in conjunction with whatever the Ministry of Women Affairs is doing now to deal with matters relating to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

These efforts underscore the seriousness with which the government desires to address the issues pertaining to PWDs, he said.

Mr Mustapha said that the act had been signed and the government was working on processes that would translate the act into a reality.

David Anyaele, Executive Director of CCD, in his remarks, said the group and no fewer than 25 million Nigerians were anticipating the establishment of the National Disability Commission and the full implementation of the law.

Mr Anyaele said that the disability champions award was to recognise and celebrate those who worked tirelessly during the 18 years struggle that led to the successful passage and enactment of the national disability law.

It wasnt only CCD that fought to secure the national disability law.

We had individuals, institutions and organisations that worked tirelessly for the successful passage and assent to the law.

From the media to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Organisations of Persons with Disability(OPDs) Commissioners, Senators, and other private individuals. Everyone placed very crucial roles.

So, we are here to recognise and celebrate them and their efforts and to urge them not to relent until the law is translated from paper works into reality, he said.

Among recipients of the awards was Omueza Diana, a reporter with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who was specially recognised for her outstanding reportage on disability matters in 2019.

Also recognised were TVC broadcasting station and other television stations who received awards for excellent reportage as individual institutions.

Mr Anyaele appealed to all disability champion awardees to secure the buy-in and the political will of other reporters and media platforms to further boost sensitisation and awareness on the law, its content and applicability. (NAN)
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New Delhi [India], Jan 18 (ANI): Rajya Sabha MP KTS Tulsi on Saturday said that he does not agree with Indira Jaising's remark, in which she spoke against death penalty and suggested to Nirbhaya's mother to forgive the convicts, and said that people of such "derived character" do not deserve to live.



"Indian has managed to balance having the death penalty by having rarely used it. In the last 17 years, only four executions have taken place.However, this is a case where barbarity and brutality took place," Tulsi, a senior advocate, told ANI.

"I don't think people of such deprived character deserve to live and we need to make an example of this," the Congress leader said.

Yesterday, Indira Jaising, through a tweet, had urged Asha Devi to forgive the perpetrators and had used the example of Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi, who had forgiven Nalini, one of the convicts who was given the death penalty by the courts.

BJP leader Shazia Ilmi said that there is "nothing more painful and shameful than Jaising's statement".

"We all remember how people had gathered after the incident. People were waiting for the execution. Nothing can be more painful and shamefu than the statement of Indira Jaising. This must also be painful Asha Devi, who is struggling hard to get justice for her daughter," Ilmi said.

The BJP leader also slammed the AAP-led government in Delhi for "criminal negligence" and "pretending to act in the favor of Nirbhaya".

"They (Delhi government) did not give a notice to the accused of more than two years. They are claiming the delay in execution is because Delhi Police does not come under the Delhi government's ambit. However, everyone knows that Tihar jail administration comes under the jurisdiction of Delhi," she said.

Earlier today, Asha Devi, the mother of the 2012 Delhi gang-rape victim had slammed senior lawyer Indira Jaising for her suggestion that she should forgive her daughter's rapists.

"Who is Indira Jaising to give me such a suggestion? The whole country wants the convicts to be executed. Just because of people like her, justice is not done with rape victims," Asha Devi said.

Jaising had said she fully identifies with the pain of Asha Devi but was against death penalty.

"While I fully identify with the pain of Asha Devi I urge her to follow the example of Sonia Gandhi who forgave Nalini and said she did not want the death penalty for her. We are with you but against the death penalty," she had said in the tweet. (ANI)


Albany District Attorney David Soares, in his stance on the release of Paul Barbaritano, demonstrates exactly why the recent reforms in the criminal law relating to bail were needed.

I have met with Barbaritano and his attorney, in my role as deputy director of the Veterans Defense Program of the New York State Defenders Association. I have become familiar with him, his case and his circumstances, so I have some idea of what Soares should be aware of  at least if he is going to speak with any authority about the case.

Barbaritano, a former Army combat engineer, was arrested last July and charged with second-degree manslaughter for the death of Nicole Jennings. The facts and circumstances of her death are fairly clear, as described by his attorney, Public Defender Rebekah Sokol, in public statements printed in part in the Times Union. On the whole the evidence clearly shows that Jennings died as the result of an accident, not an assault or any other kind of intentional attack.

One thing I learned over my years in the Army is that initial reports are always wrong, in some way, to some degree. Always. It's not that people are telling lies or making things up, but they make mistakes, misinterpret facts and overlook things. That's why you conduct an investigation and then carefully review the report of investigation, before feeling confident that you know what actually happened.

In 2005, I was serving as the chief administrative law attorney with New York's 42nd Infantry Division in Tikrit, Iraq, when we received an initial report that a young soldier had committed suicide. We sent an officer out to investigate, and he confirmed that the soldier had died from self-inflicted wounds, not hostile fire or murder. However, the report also contained a hoard of personnel records. These showed a young man suffering from deep depression and getting no support from his unit. Instead, he was punished time and again for forgetfulness or inattention. Ultimately he bought into his leaders' belief that he was headed for a life of dishonor  which they even put into writing  and killed himself to keep that from happening. By looking deeper into the record than the investigator's summary findings, I made sure that the Army was put on notice about the full circumstances of that young soldier's death, and ultimately that his family knew we were not covering up our mistakes.

Soares, by contrast, seems determined to cover up the mistakes, misinterpretations and missing information in the initial reports and to double down on the flawed summary findings about Jennings' death. To make matters worse, he got a grand jury to indict Barbaritano on a charge of second-degree murder  not that any evidence or information has come to light in the nearly six months since the accident to indicate that Jennings died due to an intentional act, a critical element of the crime of murder  and they had plenty of time. If there were any legitimate evidence to support such an allegation, the case could have been taken to a grand jury months ago, and if Barbaritano were indicted, he may not have been eligible for release under the new bail law.

Instead, the district attorney chose to portray Barbaritano as a menace to public safety in order to generate fear and whip up support for his position against bail reform. Look! The new law is putting the public in danger by letting a killer out on the streets! We need to fix this bad law! Look! He's not just a killer, he's a murderer! We just indicted him, he's a murderer! Bail reform put a murderer out on the streets! Be afraid, be very afraid! Fix this dangerous law!

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For Soares to abuse Barbaritano's case in order to show what he thinks is wrong with the new bail law actually shows exactly why those laws were passed in the first place. By sticking stubbornly to an early, incomplete and flawed version of the case, and then cynically doubling-down with a murder indictment, Soares not only unnecessarily impedes the progress of the case to its appropriate conclusion, but misleads the public and Jennings' family as to what really happened. He abuses the trust the public places in his judgment by virtue of the office he holds.

Prosecutors have too often and too long abused their discretion, holding people in jail for what amounts to indefinite periods while manipulating charges and withholding information in order to unfairly buttress their position. The new laws greatly reduce the ability of prosecutors to commit such abuses.

Opponents of the new laws need to accept the rebuke and recognize that their accustomed ways of doing business were found unacceptable and abusive by the people they work for. To the extent that the critics believe the law needs corrections, they should consider it their professional duty to identify the problems accurately and objectively and propose reasonable solutions to those problems. In other words, they need to act like responsible adults: no propaganda, no hysteria, no strawman for people to fear and loath.

And in the meantime, Soares needs to ease up. No one likes a bully.

Roy M. Diehl is a retired Army lieutenant colonel and is now deputy director of the New York State Defenders Association's Veterans Defense Program.
The China-U.S. phase-one economic and trade agreement has illustrated the ability of both countries to resolve their differences, a Chinese senior diplomat said Thursday.



"It demonstrates the resilience of this relationship," Chinese Consul General in New York Huang Ping said at a Spring Festival reception for over 600 Chinese representatives from 10 eastern U.S. states.

The agreement is beneficial not only to China and the United States, but also the whole world, Huang said.

China and the United States formally signed their phase-one economic and trade agreement in Washington on Wednesday, with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He and U.S. President Donald Trump inking the papers at the White House.

The agreement ranges from expanding bilateral trade in such sectors as agricultural products, manufactured goods, energy, and services, further broadening market access, to enhancing the protection of intellectual property rights.

The two sides also agreed to establish a bilateral mechanism for two-way assessment and dispute settlement, and the United States has pledged to cancel some of its additional tariffs on Chinese products, marking a policy change from hiking to cutting additional tariffs.

A peaceful and harmonious bilateral relationship between China and the United States will make both winners, while a confrontational one will make both losers, Huang said.

"A decoupling of the two countries is utterly unrealistic and is not in the interest of either Chinese or American people," he said.

Huang said China and the U.S. made the right choice to establish diplomatic ties over 40 years ago given the significance of their relationship today.

He said he hopes Chinese communities in the United States would continue to serve as a bridge of friendship between the two countries.

"We should work together to ensure a sound and stable development of China-U.S. ties, which will benefit all overseas Chinese in the United States," he added.
Amid protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Muslims in Neemuch and adjoining districts in Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh are refusing to show their Aadhar and other identity cards to government personnel during an ongoing survey for ration cards and food eligibility slips, say officials.

Neemuch is situated in Malwa region on the MP-Rajasthan border, 428 kilometers North West of Bhopal. The population of Neemuch is about 1.28 lakh according to the 2011 census out of whom about 30000 are Muslims.

The survey began on December 31 and would go on more than a month during which each anganwadi worker has to contact as many as 150 families to verify the ration cards with the government records.

An anganwadi assistant in Neemuch, Veena Pathrod said, When we go into Muslim-dominated localities they dont show their ration cards. They dont show their aadhar cards and voter I-cards as well with help of which we could verify the credentials of the ration cards and food eligibility slips holders.

She said, The fear among them is that such information as on the cards may be used against them and they may be deprived of their citizenship in the coming days. Even when we persuade them that nothing is going to happen like this they dont believe us. They refuse to share any information.

Haji Bhura Qureshi, a resident of Madhavganj locality in Neemuch said, Government personnel have been visiting our locality almost daily but we are scared that if we show any document to them and same may be misused against us.

Khursheed Bano, an ex-corporator and resident of Mujawar locality said, There is fear among Muslims after CAA was introduced and there were talks about NRC. Several Muslims talk to me and ask if they will be deprived of their citizenship. I try to convince them that nothing is going to happen but they hardly look satisfied with my reply.

A social worker Kishore Javeria said, This is true that after the CAA came into being there is anxiety and fear in Muslim community. The administration has to take steps to ensure that the feeling of fear, anxiety and apprehension is allayed.

The fear is not confined to Neemuch. It is stalking people in neighbouring districts too.

Hameed Painter, a resident of Khanpura locality in Mandsaur and Mohd Ibrahim, a resident of Madina Masjid area of Ratlam spoke in a similar vein.

Additional district magistrate of Neemuch Vinay, Kumar admitted that administration is facing the problem.

He said, The present survey work will be followed by Census work. The governments policies are based on population only. If common man doesnt show their documents or give information about them they will have difficulties in getting the benefits from the government schemes. This phenomenon has come to our notice and we are looking into it as to how to sort it out.

The opposition BJP has accused vested interests of spreading fear among the people over CAA.

There are deliberate attempts by some elements to infuse fear in mind of people despite the fact the central government and the BJP have repeatedly made it clear that CAA is about granting the citizenship, not about snatching ones citizenship. The government has also made its stand clear on NRC. There should be no reason for any apprehension or fear, said Rajneesh Agrawal, spokerperson of the BJPs Madhya Pradesh unit.

Minister for backward classes and minorities in Kamal Nath government Arif Aqueel blamed the Center for the fear among minorities.

It is but natural that the circumstances created by the central government have resulted in fear stalking the minority community. But at the same time, Muslims are a brave community. They are citizens of the country for generations like others. No one can snatch the right of citizenship. The government will take steps to ensure that people dont have any fear or apprehension, Aqueel said.
Patna, Jan 18 : Soon after Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah announced at a rally in Bihar's Vaishali district that the National Democratic Alliance will contest the upcoming state poll under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, both the BJP and the JD(U) have started working on a seat sharing formula.

Sources claim that both parties can agree to contest the poll on 50-50 (equal number of) seats on the lines of the Lok Sabha elections. There are 243 seats in the Bihar Assembly.

In the last Assembly elections, the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) and the BJP contested separately, whereas before that in 2010, both the parties contested together.

Sources claim that the seat sharing formula for the 2020 Assembly election may be based on the Lok Sabha election formula. If this happens, then this time the candidates may be changed in 52 Assembly constituencies out of the 124 existing seats that both the parties have.

In the last election, the JD(U) had won 71 seats, while the BJP won 53 seats. In such a situation, there are 24 seats where the BJP was first and the JD(U) was second, while there are 28 seats where the JD(U) was first and the BJP was second. In such a situation, it is certain that candidates may change in some seats.

Santosh Singh, a politician and senior journalist from Patna, however, rejects this formula. He said the JD(U) was in a different coalition in the last election, while it would be in the NDA in the 2020 elections, so the equations would also change.

He said that in the last election the JD(U), which contested in alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal, was in a stronger position than the BJP in many seats. Such seats will go to the JD(U)'s account. In the event of the BJP becoming stronger, it is certain that both the parties will contest on an equal number of seats. However, in politics anything is possible.

JD(U) Vice-President Prashant Kishor had said recently that seat-sharing between the JD(U) and the BJP should be done under the 2010 formula. At that time, the BJP had fielded candidates for 102 seats and the JD(U) for 141 seats.

Although Kishore's statement was rejected by many JD(U) leaders, some people say that Kishore made this statement at the behest of Nitish Kumar.

A BJP leader said that the way the seats were divided between parties in the Lok Sabha elections can still apply. He said that after giving seats to other allies of the alliance in the Lok Sabha elections, the remaining seats were divided on the basis of the 50-50 formula between the BJP and the JD(U). The same formula can be applied in the Assembly elections.

However, after the announcement of the NDA contesting elections under Nitish's leadership, it is certain that the BJP and the JD(U) will be in the electoral fray together.

(Manoj Pathak can be reached at manoj.p@ians.in)
Photo: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

When Amy Klobuchar announced her run for president last year, she did so with a dig at Hillary Clinton. She held her first campaign stop in Wisconsin, a state Clinton unexpectedly lost to Donald Trump three years prior. The challenge that we see in both Minnesota and Wisconsin is about the rural-urban divide. What Ive decided to do in our state is to go to places that maybe we didnt focus on enough in the last few years. That includes our rural areas, Klobuchar, a Democratic senator from Minnesota, said. Midwestern appeal is the center of Klobuchars argument for her own electability. She will succeed, she says, because she understands the voters that her party ignored in 2016.

Klobuchars midwestern pitch hasnt persuaded voters to put her anywhere near the top of the primary field. But the basic thrust of her argument  that the party cant repeat Clintons campaigning errors in 2020  is true enough, and shes not the only one to realize it. On Friday afternoon, Fight for 15 and the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU, announced a new get-out-the-vote effort in Wisconsin and Michigan, another state Clinton lost to Trump.

A number factors contributed Clintons losses in those states. In the weeks before the election, the Clinton campaign largely ignored pivotal midwestern states like Wisconsin in favor of an approach that focused on Ohio, Florida, and North Carolina. That strategy may be partly to blame for an enthusiasm gap that depressed turnout among voters Clinton should have been able to win. In Wisconsin, for example, turnout among black voters decreased by about 19 percent in the 2016 election from 2012, the Wisconsin State Journal reported. A voter-ID law passed by Wisconsin Republicans also likely depressed turnout.

While Wisconsin suffered an especially precipitous downturn, turnout declined nationally among voters of color in 2016. SEIU and Fight for 15 want to reverse that trend this year. Union members, canvassers, and Fight for 15 workers say their campaign will target voters of color. To encourage turnout, they will knock on nearly 700,000 doors across Detroit, Oakland County, Saginaw and Flint in Michigan and more than 750,000 doors across Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha in Wisconsin, according to a press release. The campaign will also include a comprehensive texting program, digital ads and engagement of union members and fast-food workers alongside canvassing efforts, and SEIU says it will undertake similar efforts in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Virginia, among other states.

The campaign marks just how influential Fight for 15 has become since it formed in 2012. Working in partnership with SEIU and other advocacy groups, its workers have helped drive minimum wage increases in multiple states, and several Democratic candidates appeared at the groups rallies in 2019. That strength could make a real difference in 2020. So could a different kind of nominee  a candidate whose policies and rhetoric resonate more with voters of color who stayed home in 2016. But the eventual nominee cant depend on the movements strength alone, or on the SEIU, to win the swing states Clinton lost. Whoever the party chooses, theyll have to dedicate the time and effort in Wisconsin and Michigan that Clinton chose not to spare.
New Delhi, Jan 18 : Every night, a few thousand people gather at the heart of South Delhi district to protest against an act of government, which they feel will do more harm than good.

Among other issues, they see the new citizenship law as violative of the Fundamental Rights of Equality, Life and Liberty, as mentioned in the Constitution. And they have been doing this for over a month now, braving one of the coldest winters the national capital has witnessed in many years.

From whatever angle you look at it, in recent times few mass protests have caused such a stir as the protest at Shaheen Bagh, a Muslim dominated neighbourhood near Jamia Millia Islamia, and it has had a ripple effect across the country.

At the forefront of the protest inside the around 100m long temporary tent with a stage at one end are women, mostly from the locality, spearheading the 2a4x7 movement on Road No. 13A -- the 2.5km-long stretch connecting Delhi and Noida, which has been closed since December 15.

Juggling between household chores and other duties, the primarily burqa-clad women have been present in large numbers from the day the protests began, filling up the tent as well the staircases of the lines of shops on one side of the road, which remain shut for a month now. We have their support, claim the protesters, mainly from Shaheen Bagh, joined by many more from across the city, and outside it.

"We are also harassed by the road closure, we also face difficulty as the shops are closed. But we are here against all odds mainly for our children, as we believe the latest citizenship law and the proposed nationwide NRC (National Register of Citizens) is a threat.

"What paper do they have to show to prove that for generations they have lived in this country as much as anyone else," said a woman protester, who did not wish to be named, echoing the sentiments of many around her.

The protest at Shaheen Bagh began with the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in December last year, and the ensuing police intervention against students at Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University on December 15. Growing in size by the day, it has now become the longest ongoing protest against CAA-NRC-NPR, triggering similar movements in different parts of the country, from Kolkata to Prayagraj to Bhopal and Pune and more.

"It started with a few people and has grown by leaps over a short period of time. Our fight is to save the Constitution. You can't make religion a condition to grant anyone citizenship. Also, we strongly condemn the violence that has been unleashed on students. We will to continue our protest, stopping midway is not an option anymore," said another woman protester.

One may agree with their views, one may not. But one can't miss the striking scenes in and around the makeshift tent covered with artwork and poster.

The Tricolour is fluttering everywhere -- from the stage to the sideways to atop two 50-feet tall high-voltage telephone towers on the Noida side of the protest stretch. Children of protesting mothers are being engaged in creating posters on issues ranging beyond the present political discourse. The place is thronged by people from different walks of life, from housewives to students to professionals to selfie seekers -- people who live in slums, as well as affluent localities.

The spirit at Shaheen Bagh seems to be pretty high, though the police on Friday night made a fresh appeal to the protesters to cooperate and help clear the Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch in the "larger public interest".

The appeal came soon after a Delhi High Court bench, hearing a petition filed by the Federation of Sarita Vihar Residents Welfare Association, directed Delhi Police to look into the issue relating to the blockage of the Delhi-Noida connecting road.

What course the Shaheen Bagh protest takes from hereon, one will have to wait and see.

But the buzz created by the unusually long sit-in demonstration will reverberate for a long time.
The large colour photograph that greets visitors to a National Archives exhibit, in Washington, celebrating the centennial of women's suffrage shows a massive crowd filling Pennsylvania Avenue NW for the Women's March on Jan 21 2017, the day after President Donald Trump's inauguration.

The 49-by-69-inch photograph is a powerful display. Viewed from one perspective, it shows the 2017 march. Viewed from another angle, it shifts to show a 1913 black-and-white image of a women's suffrage march also on Pennsylvania Avenue. The display links momentous demonstrations for women's rights more than a century apart on the same stretch of pavement.

But a closer look reveals a different story.

The Archives acknowledged in a statement this week that it made multiple alterations to the photo of the 2017 Women's March showcased at the museum, blurring signs held by marchers that were critical of Trump. Words on signs that referenced women's anatomy were also blurred.

In the original version of the 2017 photograph, taken by Getty Images photographer Mario Tama, the street is packed with marchers carrying a variety of signs, the Capital in the background:

Protesters walk during the Women's March on Washington, with the U.S. Capitol in the background, on January 21, 2017 in Washington DC Mario Tama/Getty Images

In the Archives version, at least four of those signs are altered.

A placard that proclaims God Hates Trump has Trump blotted out so that it reads God Hates. A sign that reads Trump & GOP - Hands Off Women has the word Trump blurred out.

Signs with messages that referenced women's anatomy - which were prevalent at the march - are also digitally altered. One that reads If my vagina could shoot bullets, it'd be less REGULATED has vagina blurred out. And another that says This Pussy Grabs Back has the word Pussy erased.

The Archives said the decision to obscure the words was made as the exhibit was being developed by agency managers and museum staff members. It said David Ferriero, the archivist of the United States who was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2009, participated in talks regarding the exhibit and supports the decision to edit the photo.

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

As a non-partisan, non-political federal agency, we blurred references to the President's name on some posters, so as not to engage in current political controversy, Archives spokeswoman Miriam Kleiman said in an emailed statement. Our mission is to safeguard and provide access to the nation's most important federal records, and our exhibits are one way in which we connect the American people to those records. Modifying the image was an attempt on our part to keep the focus on the records.

Archive officials did not respond to a request to provide examples of previous instances in which the Archives altered a document or photograph so as not to engage in political controversy.

Kleiman said the images from the 2017 and 1913 marches were presented together to illustrate the ongoing struggles of women fighting for their interests.

The decision to blur references to women's genitals was made because the museum hosts many groups of students and young people and the words could be perceived as inappropriate, Kleiman said in the statement.

Kleiman said the National Archives only alters images in exhibits when they are used as graphic design components.

We do not alter images or documents that are displayed as artifacts in exhibitions, she said. In this case, the image is part of a promotional display, not an artifact.

When told about the action taken by the Archives, prominent historians expressed dismay.

There's no reason for the National Archives to ever digitally alter a historic photograph, Rice University historian Douglas Brinkley said. If they don't want to use a specific image, then don't use it. But to confuse the public is reprehensible. The head of the Archives has to very quickly fix this damage. A lot of history is messy, and there's zero reason why the Archives can't be upfront about a photo from a women's march.

Wendy Kline, a history professor at Purdue University, said it was disturbing that the Archives chose to edit out the words vagina and pussy from an image of the Women's March, especially when it was part of an exhibit about the suffragist movement. Hundreds of thousands of people took part in the 2017 march in the District, which was widely seen as a protest of Trump's victory.

Doctoring a commemorative photograph buys right into the notion that it's okay to silence women's voice and actions, Kline said in an email. It is literally erasing something that was accurately captured on camera. That's an attempt to erase a powerful message.

The altered photograph greets visitors to Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote, an exhibit that opened in May celebrating the centennial of women's suffrage. The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which was ratified in 1920, prohibits the federal government and states from denying the right to vote on the basis of sex.

This landmark voting rights victory was made possible by decades of suffragists' persistent political engagement, and yet it is just one critical milestone in women's battle for the vote, reads a news release announcing the exhibit on the Archives website.

Archives spokesman John Valceanu said the proposed edits were sent to Getty for approval, and Getty then licensed our use of the image.

A Getty spokeswoman, Anne Flanagan, confirmed the image was licensed by the National Archives Foundation but said in an email Friday evening that Getty was still determining whether it approved alterations to the image.

Karin Wulf, a history professor at the College of William & Mary and executive director of the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture, said the Archives at the very least should have noted prominently the photo had been altered, to ensure transparency.

The Archives has always been self-conscious about its responsibility to educate about source material, and in this case they could have said, or should have said, 'We edited this image in the following way for the following reasons,'  she said. If you don't have transparency and integrity in government documents, democracy doesn't function.

Washington Post
Trade ministers from India and Malaysia are likely to meet on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos next week amid a palm oil spat between the two countries, a Malaysian government spokesman told Reuters on Friday. Hindu-majority India has repeatedly objected to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad speaking out against its recent policies which critics say discriminate against Muslims.

Malaysia, a Muslim-majority nation, is the second biggest producer and exporter of palm oil and India's restrictions on the refined variety of the commodity imposed last week have been seen as a retaliation for Mahathir's criticism of New Delhi's actions. India's trade minister Piyush Goyal denied on Thursday that the government was trying to hit out at Malaysia in particular.

The row between the countries, nevertheless, pushed benchmark Malaysian palm futures to its biggest weekly decline in more than 11 years on Friday.

No agenda has been set for the proposed meeting between Goyal and his Malaysian counterpart Darell Leiking on Friday, the spokesman for Malaysia's Ministry of International Trade and Industry said, adding that the request for a meeting had come from India. An Indian government source said a meeting was indeed likely with Leiking. A spokeswoman for India's trade ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

Reuters reported on Thursday that Malaysia did not want to escalate the palm spat with India by talking of any retaliation for now, after Mahathir's media adviser called for tighter regulations on Indian expatriates and products. Malaysia instead wants to rely on diplomacy. A separate Indian government source said it was important for New Delhi also to talk things out with Malaysia.

"We too have a lot to lose in Malaysia, there are 2 million Indian-origin people there," the source said.

There were a total of 117,733 Indian nationals registered as foreign labour in Malaysia as at June 2019, accounting for nearly 6 per cent of the total foreign workforce in the country. Ethnic Malaysian-Indians are the third-largest community in the Southeast Asian country. Another reason for frosty ties between the countries is the continued presence of controversial Indian Islamic preacher Zakir Naik in Malaysia, said one of the sources.

Naik, who faces charges of money laundering and hate speech in India, has lived in Malaysia for more than three years and has permanent residency in the country. He denies the Indian accusations. The sources declined to be identified as they were not authorised to talk to the media.

Also read: Malaysia PM defends criticism of India; says will speak 'against wrong'

Also read: India plans cuts to imports from Malaysia, Turkey in Kashmir row
I was born in Paris in 1934, the middle child between two brothers and of artist parents. My English-born mother was an Impressionist painter and my French father an influential art dealer and painter.

I lived an unconventional childhood; raised on a naturist island. I spent my days in complete freedom, playing in the sea and admiring nature. We were forced to flee during World War II to a community in the eastern mountains of France where I completed my education at an open-minded, art-based primary school and then, at 16, at an archetypal child-centred experimental school. Ive always been free from constraints and to explore the visionary side of life.

Sylvette, 19, with Picasso. Credit:Getty Images

In the summer of 1953, age 19, I was sitting with my boyfriend Toby on the roof of one of the pottery studios in the small French town of Vallauris, when Pablo Picasso, whose studio was just nearby, opened his gate and invited us over. That was the first time we met.

I remember how there was a beautiful girl there and I thought she was much more sexy and beautiful than me, but Picasso said, I want to paint Sylvette. I was delighted and felt very honoured, even though I was a very shy and quiet girl.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Denver officials on Thursday said they would not hand over information requested by U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement on four men wanted for deportation.

ICE, the Homeland Security agency tasked with arresting and deporting people in the U.S. illegally, sent four administrative subpoenas earlier this week to law enforcement looking for information on three Mexican nationals and one Honduran who had been in custody in Denver.

It was the first time subpoenas had been sent to a law enforcement agency  an escalation of the conflict between the Trump administration and so-called sanctuary cities.

Henry Lucero, deputy executive associate director for ICEs Enforcement and Removal Operations, said Wednesday that the agency doesnt want to get into the business of subpoenaing fellow law enforcement agencies  he called it a last resort. But because of changes in how municipalities work with ICE, it could be necessary to expand the practice to other cities in order to catch dangerous people and deport them, he said.

ICE officials believe they have the legal right to do it under the Immigration and Nationality Act. If a law enforcement agency doesn't comply, ICE officials said they could work with federal officials to take the subpoena to a judge who could hold them in contempt. ICE officials had no additional comment Thursday.

Chad Sublet, Senior Counsel to the Department of Safety in Denver, noted in a letter to ICE officials that the subpoenas were administrative  not issued by a judge  and there was no verifiable information on the documents to show the purpose was for law enforcement and not civil immigration enforcement.

The documents appear to be a request for information related to alleged violations of civil immigration law, he wrote. Based on these facts, we are denying your request.

Sublet wrote the subpoenas could be viewed as an effort to intimidate officers into help enforcing civil immigration law.

Story continues

He also disputed that Denver had failed to comply with initial requests by ICE for information on foreign nationals wanted for deportation, attaching documents that showed law enforcement had responded to 88 requests by ICE between October and December of last year.

One of the men sought by ICE was from Mexico and had been arrested for sexual assault, another for vehicular homicide and a third for child abuse and strangulation assault. The Honduran man arrested on domestic violence charges. All had been removed from the country previously. Three were released from custody and one was still in custody.

ICE officers rely on help from local law enforcement. Over the budget year that ended Sept. 30, officers arrested about 143,000 people and deported more than 267,000. More than 92,000 of the arrests were of people with criminal convictions.

But immigrant advocates and some lawmakers say ICE is targeting people who have been in the U.S. for decades, who have families and pay taxes  and who should not be their focus.
- Africa's richest woman who is worth $2.2bn (N795,300,000,000), Isabel dos Santos, has shown interest to contest for Angola's presidency in 2022

- Jos Eduardo dos Santos, her father, ruled the same country for about four decades

- Before now, Isabel has never shown interest in political office but was portrayed as an entrepreneur

Angola billionaire Isabel dos Santos, and one of the wealthiest women in the world, has hinted at contesting for the countrys presidency.

In speaking with the BBC, Isabel on four different occasions refused to rule out the possibility that she could be running for the nations highest political post.

It should be noted that her father, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, was the president of Angola for 38 years. Also, prosecutors are trying to recover $1bn (N361,500,000,000) Isabel and her associates are said to be owing the country.

Isabel, who is 46 years old, was estimated by Forbes magazine to be $2.2bn (N795,300,000,000), which makes her the richest woman in Africa.

Isabel dos Santos has stakes in different sectors and was rated as one of the richest women in the world by Forbes magazine. Photo credit: Yahoo News

Source: UGC

In hinting at her interest in the post, she revealed her strong sense of duty and patriotism to her country, saying to lead is to serve, so I will do whatever my life takes me.

Later, Africas richest woman on a Portuguese television said it is very possible she might run for the office come 2022.

This latest development is a total difference as she had never shown political interest but was only always seen as a successful entrepreneur.

When she was 24 years old, Isabel bought a stake in Miami Beach, a stylish bar and restaurant in Luanda, and from there steadily rose to become the first female billionaire on the continent.

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She also has a 6% share in Galp, a Portuguese oil and gas firm that is worth around $830m. Among others, Isabel has a 42.5% stake in BIC, also known as Angolan bank.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Taiwan made history in its politics as it on Saturday, January 11, re-elected its female president, Tsai Ing-wen, for a second term.

Ing-wen won the election by a landslide as she polled a record winning of 8.2 million votes to defeat her rival, Han Kuo-yu.

Naij.com (naija.ng) > Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better

Without women, men are nothing  Sola Sobowale | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
A Massachusetts judge has ordered social media giant Facebook to hand over concerned material on misuse of the user data to the state's attorney general. According to reports, the material contains information about thousands of applications that Facebook suspects may have misused data of a user.

The decision was given by Justice Brian Davis on January 17 as state's attorney general Maura Healey continues to investigate Facebook's privacy practices. According to reports, Healey had started her investigation in the year 2018 after news broke out that the Mark Zuckerberg-led company had allowed Cambridge Analytica to access data of 87 million users.

Only Facebook knew about the developers' identities

Justice Davis said that only Facebook was aware of the names of the people and applications as the identities were protected by an attorney-client privilege. He further added that the privilege did not leave any for the Attorney General to obtain the information that she required.

State attorney general Maura Healey was happy with Davis's decision and said that Facebook told its users that their information is safe without any evidence to back up their claim is something that the authorities investigating the matter will not accept. She further added that she was happy with the court telling Facebook to reveal information about with app developers may have misused users' data.

In its response, Facebook said that it was disappointed that the authorities did not completely consider their arguments based on law, including the doctrine based on work product. According to reports, the company had suspended 69,000 applications after their respective developers failed to cooperate. Almost 10,000 applications may have misused users' data.

Read: US Speaker Pelosi Accuses Facebook Of 'schmoozing' Trump Administration

Read: Facebook Launches New Feature Called Login Notifications

Facebook slapped with a hefty fine

The Ministry of Justice in Brazil slapped the US tech giant Facebook Inc with a hefty charge of 6.6 million reais ($1.6 million) for improperly sharing user data with apps. This came after the ministry clarified that their consumer protection department had found that data from 443,000 Facebook users was shared with an app called "thisisyourdigitallife". The ministry in a statement asserted that the data was being shared for "questionable" purposes.

Facebook in an email response to the ministry said that they were evaluating its legal options regarding the case.

The company said, "We are focused on protecting people's privacy". They also asserted that they had made appropriate changes that restricted the accessibility of "the information with the App developers".

Read: Facebook Will Not Show Ads In WhatApp for Now: Report

Read: Employees Sue Facebook For Allegedly Monitoring Their Toilet Breaks
Himalayas' Annapurna trekking route in Nepal / EPA



Four South Korean trekkers have gone missing after an avalanche hit the circuit trekking route of Annapurna in Nepal, Seoul's foreign ministry said Saturday.

The incident took place at an altitude of 3,230 meters around 10:30 and 11:00 a.m. (local time) on Friday, according to the ministry.

Five other South Korean members of the crew took shelter at a nearly lodge after the four trekkers, along with two local guides in the advance team, lost contact. The five have now been transferred to a safe place, authorities said.

Nepalese authorities began land and air search operations, but have yet to find the missing trekkers, according to the ministry, as inclement weather conditions are making the search difficult.

The missing trekkers -- two women in their 30s and 50s and two men in their 50s -- are teachers who were staying in Nepal for volunteer work. Officials said they appear to have gone on a weekend trekking trip.












Heavy clashes broke out on Saturday in downtown Beirut between protesters and the riot police, causing at least 100 injuries, Trend reports citing Xinhua.

The clashes broke out following the attempts by protesters to break barbed barriers set up by security forces at the entrance of the roads leading to the parliament's headquarters.

Protesters threw stones and tree branches at security forces, while riot police responded by using water cannons and tear gas.

Security forces issued a statement calling on peaceful protesters to move away as the riot police is being attacked at the entrance of the parliament.

Lebanon has been witnessing nationwide protests since Oct. 17, 2019 against the ruling political class.

Protesters have been demanding a technocrat government of independent ministers capable of implementing reforms and fighting against corruption.
We've lost count of how many times insiders have accumulated shares in a company that goes on to improve markedly. Unfortunately, there are also plenty of examples of share prices declining precipitously after insiders have sold shares. So shareholders might well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling shares in Nordic Nanovector ASA (OB:NANO).

What Is Insider Selling?

Most investors know that it is quite permissible for company leaders, such as directors of the board, to buy and sell stock in the company. However, such insiders must disclose their trading activities, and not trade on inside information.

We don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions. But equally, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether. For example, a Harvard University study found that 'insider purchases earn abnormal returns of more than 6% per year.

See our latest analysis for Nordic Nanovector

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Nordic Nanovector

There wasn't any very large single transaction over the last year, but we can still observe some trading.

You can see the insider transactions (by individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below!

OB:NANO Recent Insider Trading, January 18th 2020

Nordic Nanovector is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.

Insider Ownership of Nordic Nanovector

For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. Our data suggests Nordic Nanovector insiders own 1.7% of the company, worth about kr31m. However, it's possible that insiders might have an indirect interest through a more complex structure. We consider this fairly low insider ownership.

Story continues

What Might The Insider Transactions At Nordic Nanovector Tell Us?

The recent insider purchase is heartening. And an analysis of the transactions over the last year also gives us confidence. However, we note that the company didn't make a profit over the last twelve months, which makes us cautious. Given that insiders also own a fair bit of Nordic Nanovector we think they are probably pretty confident of a bright future. Therefore, you should should definitely take a look at this FREE report showing analyst forecasts for Nordic Nanovector.

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.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, ministers and senior functionaries of AIADMK paid floral tributes to party founder and former Chief Minister MG Ramachandran on his 103rd birth anniversary on Friday. At the AIADMK headquarters, CM Palaniswami, Panneerselvam and others garlanded the statues of MGR and J Jayalalithaa. The leaders also distributed sweets to cadre. Functionaries of AMMK and Tirupur unit of the DMK also joined AIADMK the CM, Panneerselvam and party presidium chairman E Madhusudanan.

Later, both leaders paid floral tributes to MGR portrait beneath his statue at MGR Medical University in Guindy. Ministers, Chief Secretary K Shanmugam and senior officials were present. In many places, public decorated portraits of MGR with flowers and kolams. Songs from films starring MGR were also played.

Floral tributes

Both leaders paid floral tributes to MGR portrait beneath his statue at MGR Medical University in Guindy. Ministers, Chief Secretary K Shanmugam and senior officials were present. In many places, public decorated portraits of MGR with flowers and kolams. Songs from films starring MGR were played.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 17)  On her 32nd birthday, Alex Gonzaga revealed to the public that she is now engaged to her politician-boyfriend Mikee Morada.

In her Instagram post on Thursday, Alex shared a photo of her hugging the Lipa, Batangas councilor with what appears to be an engagement ring on her right finger.

"Thank you for all your birthday greetings! I feel LOVED. Thank you Jesus! Vlog tomorrow," she said in her post on Thursday night.

It turns out, the couple have been engaged since December and Alex's birthday post was a throwback of that special moment.

In her vlog uploaded on Friday, Alex revealed that Morada already asked for her hand in marriage last December 27 while they were strolling along 1881 Heritage in Hong Kong.

In the later part of the video, Morada can be seen bending on one knee and pulling out a ring from a box. After the proposal, Alex was seen flaunting her ring with Morada beside her.

"Finally natanong na niya (he finally popped the question)!" she said in her vlog.

Alex's parents were also in Hong Kong with them to witness the surprise.

Alex's sister Toni Gonzaga congratulated the couple in her Instagram story.

"Congratulations @mikee_mo @cathgonzaga," Toni wrote.

Celebrities also dropped congratulatory messages to the newly-engaged couple.

"Congrats Ate and Mikee!" TV host Luis Manzano told his friend.

"Love you! Excited for you!" TV host and actress Dianne Medina said.

Gonzaga and Morada celebrated their third anniversary last October.

Note: The previous version of this story indicated that Alex Gonzaga got engaged on her 32nd birthday.
Iran will send to Ukraine the black boxes from the Boeing 737-800 that its military mistakenly shot down shortly after takeoff from an airport in Tehran this month, the official Tasnim News Agency reported on Saturday.

A director in charge of accident investigations at the countrys Civil Aviation Organization, Hassan Rezaifar, said that the cockpit and flight data recorders from the plane, Ukraine International Flight 752, would be transferred to Ukraine at the request of the countrys authorities.

The devices had not been read in Iran, he said, and they would be examined with the use of the expertise of the countries of France, Canada and America, according to Tasnim. There were 57 Canadians among the 176 people killed on the plane, alongside 11 Ukrainians and 82 Iranians.

It remained unclear when the black boxes would be transferred to Ukraine, or when experts would start analyzing them. A spokeswoman for President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine said that she could not confirm that the black boxes were, in fact, bound for the country.
U.S. President Donald Trump has taken to Twitter to warn Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to be "very careful with his words" after the Iranian called the U.S. leader a "clown" during a Tehran sermon.

"The so-called 'Supreme Leader' of Iran, who has not been so Supreme lately, had some nasty things to say about the United States and Europe," Trump tweeted on January 17.



"Their economy is crashing, and their people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words!" Trump tweeted.



Trump also wrote that "the noble people of Iran -- who love America --deserve a government that's more interested in helping them achieve their dreams than killing them for demanding respect. Instead of leading Iran toward ruin, its leaders should abandon terror and Make Iran Great Again!"



Trumps comments came hours after Khamenei called for national unity and defended the country's armed forces in the wake of angry protests over the downing of a Ukrainian passenger airliner by Iran's air defenses last week.



In a sermon at Tehran's Mosalla Mosque, Khamenei -- the highest authority in Iran -- said those who took to the streets had been victims of deception by foreign media and would not change the opinion of most Iranians.



"The Iranian people love and want resistance to the world powers and no capitulation," the 80-year-old leader said as he addressed Friday Prayers for the first time in eight years.



Khamenei accused Iran's enemies of using the plane crash to question the Islamic republic, the armed forces, including the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which he said "maintained the security" of Iran.



He also called Iran's missile attack on bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq earlier this month "a slap to a world power" and described U.S. President Donald Trump as a "clown" who only pretends to support the Iranian people.



The Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) Boeing 737-800 had just taken off from Tehran en route to Kyiv on January 8 when it crashed, killing all 176 people on board. Most of the victims were Iranian and Canadian nationals, with smaller numbers of Ukrainians, Afghans, Swedes, Britons, and Germans.



Iranian authorities initially denied any responsibility, but three days after the tragedy the IRGC admitted the plane was shot down "unintentionally."



The tragedy occurred hours after Iran fired ballistic missiles at two bases housing U.S. forces in Iraq, in response to the targeted killing of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in a U.S. air strike earlier this month.



Irans January 11 admission that it had downed the Ukrainian plane led to days of protests in Tehran and other Iranian cities, with demonstrators chanting slogans against Irans clerical leadership.



Referring to Khamenei, mourners shouted "death to the dictator" as they buried victims of the plane disaster in the western Iranian city of Sanandaj on January 16, videos posted online showed.

'Bitter Accident'



In his sermon, Khamenei said the downing of the Ukrainian plane was a "bitter accident" that "burned through our heart."



But he added that the tragedy should not overshadow the "great martyrdom and sacrifice" of Soleimani, the head of the IRGC's foreign operations arm.



Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on January 17 that he had met his Canadian counterpart, Francois-Philippe Champagne, in Oman to discuss cooperation among nations affected by the disaster -- along with Canada, Iran, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Sweden, Britain, and Germany had passengers aboard the doomed flight.



"Politicization of this tragedy must be rejected. Focus on victims' families," Zarif tweeted



Khamenei, in his sermon, also said Soleimanis assassination had saddened Iran as much as it made its enemies happy.



But the supreme leader told thousands of Iranians who chanted "Death to America" that Western countries are too weak to "bring Iranians to their knees."



Khamenei also blasted Britain, France, and Germany, which launched a dispute mechanism over Iran's violations of the 2015 landmark nuclear agreement, starting a process that could lead to reimposing UN sanctions against Tehran. Trump pulled out of the deal, but the three European nations had been trying to salvage the accord before launching the mechanism.



"These European countries cannot be trusted. Even their negotiations with Iran are full of deceit," Khamenei said



Meanwhile, police were out in force ahead of the prayers, which follow several days of protests over the downing of the Ukrainian plane, AFP reported. It said authorities had called for rallies across the country after the prayers to show support for Iran's armed forces and the IRGC.



Amnesty International has accused Iranian security personnel of using "unlawful force" -- including rubber bullets, tear gas, pepper spray, and air-gun pellets -- against peaceful protesters who had gathered in Tehran and other cities on January on 11-12.

With reporting by the BBC, AFP, Reuters, AP, TASS, and dpa




11 US Troops Treated for Concussion Symptoms After Iranian Attack

By Carla Babb January 17, 2020

The U.S. military says 11 service members have been treated for "concussion symptoms" following Iran's recent attack on two Iraqi bases where U.S. troops were stationed.

Iran's ballistic missile attack was launched in retaliation for the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' elite Quds Force.

Captain Bill Urban, a spokesman for U.S. Central command, said in a statement Thursday, "While no U.S. service members were killed in the Jan. 8 Iranian attack on Al Asad Air base, several were treated for concussion symptoms from the blast and are still being assessed."

Eight service members are receiving additional screening at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, while three have been sent to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

"When deemed fit for duty, the service members are expected to return to Iraq," Urban said.

U.S. President Donald Trump had said after Iran's attack in Iraq that no U.S. forces were injured. Multiple officials on Friday said the president would not have known about these injuries in the immediate hours after the incident.

Pentagon press secretary Alyssa Farah told reporters Friday that immediate injury reports to the Pentagon "are for incidents threatening of life, limb or eyesight," so concussion symptoms do not "rise to that threshold."

In the days following the attack, however, the 11 service members who had continued to show concussion-like symptoms were transferred out of Iraq to areas where MRI equipment is available "out of an abundance of caution," added Farah.

Defense Secretary Mark Esper was first notified of the potential brain traumas in a meeting Thursday at the Pentagon, according to chief Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman.

Downed plane

Hours after Iran's missile attack on U.S. forces in Iraq, the country's Revolutionary Guard mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian International Airlines plane in Tehran, killing all 176 people on board.

Iran initially said mechanical problems caused the commercial jetliner to go down, before admitting days later that Iranian military personnel mistakenly shot down the plane.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko told parliament Friday an Iranian official would visit Ukraine next week. Prystaiko said the Iranian government is willing to give Ukraine the plane's voice recorders and flight data after they had been examined by a group of investigators from Iran, Canada and Ukraine.

The foreign minister also said Ukraine wants Iran to release a formal document admitting its guilt.

When speaking with reporters Thursday, Prystaiko said Ukrainian and Iranian officials also "have to have [an] open conversation about what [the Iranian] investigation brings, who's to blame, and then we will want to know what sort of compensation" Iran plans to provide to the victims.

In response to a question about Iran's cooperation, Prystaiko said, "So far we're OK with what they're doing."

Prystaiko's comments came as Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, led Friday prayers in Tehran for the first time in eight years.

Khamenei said Iran would not succumb to pressure from the "American clowns" who imposed damaging sanctions on Iran and who pretend to support Iran while poised to stick their "poisoned dagger" into its back.

VOA's Ukrainian Service contributed to this report.

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Air travellers arriving from China at the city airport will be subjected to undergo thermal screening as a preventive measure following the recent outbreak of Pneumonia caused by the 'Novel Coronavirus' in the Wuhan city of Hubei province of the East-Asian country, Mumbai airport authorities said on Saturday.

Chinese carrier Air China and African airline Rwand Air currently fly to Mumbai.

The Airport Health Organisation (APHO) team in Mumbai has activated a health counter and thermal scanners at the pre-immigration area for the arriving passengers, Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) said in a release.

"All passengers travelling from China to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), will have to undergo a thermal screening as a matter of precaution," MIAL said.

MIAL said it has now expanded its existing passenger safety measures in compliance with the latest directive given by the World Health Organization (WHO) in case if any traveller is detected with the symptom.

The concerned passenger will be immediately shifted to the isolation hospital earmarked for CSMIA on advice of the APHO team, the aerodrome operator said, adding it will share a daily report with the ministry on the scanning of passengers.

"As reported by the Chinese authorities, this is a new type of coronavirus and is different from all other human coronaviruses. The World Health Organization has reported symptoms such as fever, difficulty in breathing and chest radiographs showing bilateral lung infiltrates as the cause of the pneumonia," MIAL said in the release



In order to prudently reduce the general risk of acute respiratory infections while travelling in or from affected areas such as Wuhan City, certain measures need to be taken, including avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections, frequent handwashing, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment, among others, the release stated.

Also, travellers with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquettes, MIAL said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Trend

Azerbaijan has created all necessary conditions for international organizations to observe the early parliamentary elections to be held on February 9, Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) Mazahir Panahov said.

Panahov made the remark at the CEC meeting in Baku on Jan. 17, Trend reports.

The chairman stressed that Azerbaijan constantly cooperated with international organizations on the eve of the elections.

"Invitations have been sent in connection with the upcoming elections to various international organizations, the chairman said. A positive response has been already obtained from most of organizations."

Some 2,431 people applied for participation in the parliamentary elections, 1,622 of them were registered, Panahov said. To date, 81 international observers have been accredited in the parliamentary elections.

The chairman added that the process is underway and this figure will grow.
Shoppers were ambushed from all angles by political big guns in Douglas Village on Saturday morning.

There was the-man-who-would-be Taoiseach, Michael Martin, hopping between stalls in the Farmers Market, filling out his bag-for-life as if he was a closet Green.

Nearby Simon Coveney, the-man-who-got-Brexit-done from an Irish perspective, was reported to be hovering. His campaign wagon was spotted at the periphery of the market.

Word filtered through that he was waiting for Michael to move on as the market wasnt big enough for the both of them.

Across the way in Douglas Shopping Centre, Michael McGrath, the-man-who-would-be-Minister-for- Finance was calmly engaging with the shoppers en route to Dunnes Stores. Nearby, one of Mr Coveneys advisors was spotted lurking, presumably scouting out that the coast was clear for his man to put in an appearance.

Thats how crowded it gets in the heart of Cork South-Central, which in terms of front line politicians, has never had it so good. Earlier in the morning, there was nearly an incident when Mr Martin was entering the sheriffs office in Washington Street to lodge his papers and Simon Coveneys pulled up in his wagon across the road.

Both men sensed that this was neither the time nor place for an OK corral incident so they appeared to pretend not to see each other.

Mr Coveney was accompanied into the office with his running mate Jerry Buttimer. Mr Martin went in alone. Michael McGrath topped the poll in the constituency in 2016, but the days have brightened up for his leader since then.

Signing my nomination form in the Cork City Sheriffs Office this morning.#AnIrelandForAll #GE2020 pic.twitter.com/TzK19bMIaK  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) January 18, 2020

Back in Douglas, the-man-who-would-be-Taoiseach was filling up his bag for life with healthy juice and healthy veg and even healthy bread. Its medieval bread, he says.

Ancient recipe, the hillwalkers love it. Just the job so for a man whos going to be clocking up miles pounding concrete between here and February 8.

The polls are currently favourable to his party but hes taking nothing for granted.

Its going to be a tough election, a closely fought election.

The issues of housing and health are very dominant in this campaign, along obviously with crime.

"Right across the country people are feeling uneasy and insecure and worried about where things are going after the violence last week.

His bag filled, he heads off across the road, waving to motorists who toot as he marches on. He looks like a man on a mission, but whether his path is leading all the way to the big job or an exit from politics will become clear over the coming three weeks.
(TNS)  Working directly with lobbyists representing some of the states biggest businesses, the Republican-controlled Florida House of Representatives has written a proposed tax break that could save millions of dollars for a small number of companies.But after thebegan asking questions about it, the business group that helped draft the tax break -- the Florida Chamber of Commerce -- said it has decided to stop lobbying for the measure.Carolyn Johnson, a lobbyist for the chamber, said her organization dropped the issue after state economists determined recently that it could cost the state nearly $50 million a year.We decided to take a step back, Johnson said. We just thought this wasnt the right year or the right time."But one House member who has been working with the chamber said it is too soon to say for sure what will happen. The Florida Legislature opened its annual 60-day session on Tuesday -- and the Legislatures Republican leadership sometimes waits until the very last minute to pass tax breaks for favored companies, industries or interest groups.I wouldnt say its dead in the water, said Rep. Tommy Gregory, a Republican from Sarasota. Its too early in the session.The chambers proposed tax break would expand an 8-year-old corporate incentive that even some supporters say has failed to work so far.Under the existing law, enacted in 2011, companies that do at least $250 million in capital investment in Florida over two years can choose to use a different formula to calculate their state corporate income tax bill.Typically, when deciding how much profit a big company earns in Florida -- which determines how much state income tax that company owes -- the state essentially averages the percentage of its sales that are made in Florida, the percentage of its employees who work in Florida, and the percentage of its property that is in Florida.The alternative formula ignores the companys employees and property and bases its Florida income tax bill solely on the percentage of its sales that occur in Florida.Known as the single sales factor, the formula is a boon for companies that have lots of operations in the state but that sell much of their products or services in other parts of the world.The tax break that chamber lobbyists and House staffers have written would reduce the amount of capital investment a company must make to qualify from $250 million to $100 million.Pro-business groups that lobbied for the 2011 law predicted it would stimulate new capital investment and job growth. Theres little evidence that it did.Just five companies qualified for the tax break: NextEra Energy Inc., the parent company of Florida Power & Light; Emera Inc., the parent company of Teco Energy and TECO Peoples Gas; phosphate miner Mosaic Co.; grocery chain Publix Super Markets Inc.; and telecom Verizon Communication Inc. And the companies met the $250 million spending requirement largely on spending they already planned or would have done regardless of whether the tax break had been passed.NextEra and Mosaic both said they qualified based on projects they were already working on. Publix said when it began pursuing the break that it would qualify through its normal cycle of building new grocery stores, renovating existing ones and expanding warehouses. Emera, which initially qualified as TECO Energy Inc., said it met the test through typical capital expenditures to maintain and improve its power infrastructure. And Verizon said it qualified on general investments in its wireless and wireline businesses, as well as through the construction of an office in Lake Mary, for which Verizon received millions of dollars in separate tax incentives.Another prediction about the new law proved to be wrong, too.Throughout most of the 2011 session, the proposal included a restriction: Any company that qualified and decided to use the single sales factor would have to continue using the same formula for at least four consecutive years. The idea was to provide some stability for the state by preventing a company from switching back and forth between the normal formula and the new one each year, based solely on whatever lead to a lower tax bill.But just before the bill was passed -- during closed-door budget negotiations -- lawmakers removed that restriction. Former Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, later defended the move, saying the restriction was unnecessary because companies wouldnt go through annual accounting convulsions.It turns out thats exactly what theyre doing. A spokeswoman for Emera, for instance, said that company has used the single sales factor in two years since it became eligible to do so in 2013. The company has switched between formulas over differences of as little as 1 percent of its total tax bill.Other companies appear to be going back and forth, too.Weve seen by the folks who have qualified currently that that swings from year to year, Robert McKee, the chief economist at the Florida Department of Revenue, said during a meeting of state economists to evaluate the new legislation.David Brunori, a senior director at the accounting firm RSM, called it a a little funky to let companies choose which tax formula they are going to use each year. He said it is not very challenging for them to figure out which approach allows them to pay less tax.Those are all just mathematical calculations, Brunori said. And smart people and big companies usually have smart tax advisers.Florida lawmakers choose to keep corporate tax payments confidential, and none of the five companies currently allowed to use the single sales factor would say how much they have saved under it. But there are some hints that the savings may be substantial, at least for some of the companies. For instance, in disclosures to investors, Mosaic says its spending on state income taxes -- in all states, not just Florida -- has dropped by tens of millions of dollars in the past few years. The company declined to provide more precise figures.Supporters of the 2011 law acknowledge that it hasnt had the impact they hoped. But they argue that the solution is to make the single sales factor easier to get.Its not clear how many more companies could do so, though, if the capital investment requirement was lowered to $100 million. The state economists who examined the proposal estimated that fewer than three dozen companies would meet the test and choose to use the alternative formula.They didnt disclose specific names. But Melbourne-based L3Harris Corp. lobbied for the states original single sales factor law, according to people involved at the time. And other defense giants with big physical footprints in Florida -- including Lockheed Martin Corp. and Northrop Grumman Corp. -- have lobbied for single sales factor laws in other states.Economists ultimately concluded that the proposed tax break written by chamber lobbyists and House staff would likely cost just under $50 million a year. And while House Speaker Jose Oliva, R-Miami, has promised to pass substantial tax cuts this year, expanding the single sales factor could take a big bite out of the roughly $60 million to $80 million that the House is budgeting for tax cuts, according to an email between House staffers and lobbyists.Even if the tax break doesnt pass this year, Johnson, the chamber lobbyist, said the group may push for it again in future years.I think were always interested in ways to make Florida more competitive, she said.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday warned Europe it could face new threats from terrorist organisations if Libya's UN-recognised government in Tripoli were to fall. In the article, published on the Politico news website on the eve of a Libya peace conference in Berlin, Erdogan said the EU's failure to adequately support the Government of National Accord (GNA) would be "a betrayal of its own core values, including democracy and human rights". The GNA led by Fayez al-Sarraj has been under attack since April from strongman Khalifa Haftar's forces based in the east of the country, with fighting killing more than 280 civilians and 2,000 fighters. "Europe will encounter a fresh set of problems and threats if Libya's legitimate government were to fall," Erdogan wrote. "Terrorist organisations such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda, which suffered a military defeat in Syria and Iraq, will find a fertile ground to get back on their feet." In a joint initiative, Turkey and Russia have brokered a ceasefire but Haftar walked away from talks in Moscow this week aimed at finalising the truce agreement. A furious Erdogan has accused Haftar of fleeing Moscow and said he would "teach (him) a lesson" if he resumed fighting. Erdogan's government backs Sarraj and the Turkish parliament earlier this month approved the deployment of troops to Libya after the signing of controversial security and maritime deals between Tripoli and Ankara. "To leave Libya at the mercy of a warlord would be a mistake of historic proportions," Erdogan said, in a veiled reference to Haftar. On Twitter, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu lashed out at Greece for hosting Haftar ahead of the Berlin conference, saying the move would "sabotage" peace efforts. Haftar flew to Athens on Thursday for a surprise visit as Greece seeks to build ties with the Libyan commander after Ankara's growing partnership with the Tripoli government. - 'Litmus test' - World powers are trying to mediate a lasting ceasefire at the international conference in Berlin on Sunday which the warring parties are expected to attend. "We hope what comes out of Berlin is renewed demonstration of international unity in supporting the intra-Libyan political process, ending foreign interference, leading to full respect of the UN arms embargo," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a press briefing on Friday. The conference will aim to agree six points -- including a permanent ceasefire, implementation of a much-violated UN arms embargo and a return to political efforts for peace. Erdogan, who is also due to attend the Berlin talks, wrote in Politico that the Libyan civil war served as a "litmus test" for the EU to show whether its leaders would abdicate their responsibilities and watch the crisis uphold from the sidelines. "The EU needs to show the world that it is a relevant actor in the international arena," he said. "The upcoming peace conference in Berlin is a very significant step toward that goal. European leaders, however, ought to talk a little less and focus on taking concrete steps." Erdogan discussed the Libya crisis with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a phone call on Saturday, his office said. An interim truce that came into force in Libya last Sunday has mostly held, despite accusations of violations from Haftar's forces and the rival GNA. The fighting has spurred a growing exodus of migrants and refugees, many embarking on rickety boats from Libya towards Europe.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 16:09:05|Editor: Xiaoxia

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KIEV, Jan.18 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declined a resignation offer by the country's Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk, Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported on Friday.

"I decided to give you and your government a second chance," said Zelensky on Friday evening during a meeting with Honcharuk.

On Friday, Honcharuk submitted his resignation following a leaked audio recording of him reportedly criticizing Zelensky's understanding of the economy.

"I took office to implement the president's program. I see him as a model of transparency and decency. However, to remove any doubts in our respect for and trust in the president, I have written a resignation letter and submitted it to the president with the right to hand it to the Parliament," Honcharuk wrote Friday morning on his official Facebook page.

On Wednesday evening an audiotape was uploaded to social media in which a voice sounding like Honcharuk was reportedly heard discussing the national budget with some other government ministers and senior officials from the national bank.

Honcharuk, 35, took the position of the prime minister of Ukraine on Aug. 29, 2019, following Zelensky's nomination.
In Washington, a man waited for Ms. Collins in the dark as she parked her car one evening in the pouring rain, then followed her several blocks to her townhouse. A neighbor lamented to her that he hated living next to a rape apologist.

It just made the whole time very unpleasant, said Ms. Collins, who faces a steep re-election challenge in November, when she will seek a fifth term. But anyone who thinks that they can intimidate me doesnt know me.

Ms. Collinss history, and her competitive race to keep her seat, puts her at the top of the list of senators under scrutiny in the impeachment debate. Reporters on Capitol Hill toil to divine her intentions; as the articles of impeachment were read Thursday on the Senate floor, Ms. Collins, who was suffering a bad cold, coughed and dabbed at her eyes, causing several reporters to call her office to ask why she was crying.

Her vote at the conclusion of Mr. Trumps trial almost certainly will not determine whether he becomes the first president to be removed from office by the Senate  the 67 votes required, at this point, are not there. But Ms. Collins will be pivotal to resolving procedural questions, including a battle between Republicans and Democrats over calling witnesses and admitting new documents as part of the Senate trial. And Ms. Collins has signaled that she will buck her party and support both moves.

I would anticipate that it is likely that I would vote to have more information brought forward, whether witnesses or documents or both, she said Thursday.

Ms. Collins convened several meetings in her office with the Republican senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitt Romney of Utah and Lamar Alexander of Tennessee to cobble together a provision ensuring a vote on the matter after opening arguments by both sides and questions from senators. If the four hang together on the issue, their votes would be enough  along with the 47 that Democrats control  to demand more information come out in the trial.

And her eventual vote on whether to remove the president will be politically significant as well, both to Mr. Trump and to Ms. Collins. Since he was impeached last month, the president has leaned on his partys unified opposition to dismiss the whole effort as a partisan hoax, and he has made it clear he looks forward to an exoneration by the Republican-led chamber. Even a single Republican vote in favor of removing him would undermine that.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 07:45:54|Editor: Xiang Bo

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A tourist takes photos during a lantern festival held in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 17, 2020. The lanterns here are made by professional teams from Zigong, a city in southwest China's Sichuan Province which is famous for lantern-making. The festival will last until Feb. 23, 2020. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
When shopping malls started sprouting up in India, the general perception was it would wipe out the general trade merchants. Now, with the rise of e-commerce, that discourse has engulfed the entire offline shopping fraternity, with retailers, big and small, trying to make themselves relevant as consumers move online. They are now trying the omnichannel approach where their online and offline stores are integrated seamlessly to be present at all customer touch points.

Nilesh Gupta, Managing Director of consumer electronics retail chain Vijay Sales, says brands are experimenting with different approaches - there are online-exclusive models and offline-exclusive models. He says, "We are currently in the transitory phase where we have not yet understood well that there will be an online customer and then there will be offline customer. Some customers will shop certain things online and the rest offline, and vice versa. Then there will be others who will conveniently switch between the two channels. The ecosystem is evolving and in the next few years everybody will realise that there is room for all players to coexist."

ALSO READ: Here's Kishore Biyani's advice to start-ups on how to position brand

Shoppers Stop started its online journey by setting it up as a different unit within the firm. But it wasn't working. So, in 2018, they started with the omnichannel journey to integrate their online and offline store. "We realised customer is not shopping either online or offline. Customer journey starts with exploring and discovering online and then shopping in the stores. We are making a very big effort to be omnichannel. I really believe that the future of online-offline is where the customer wants to be," says Rajiv Suri, managing director and CEO, Shoppers Stop.

Shoppers Stop's mobile app has got 7.5 million downloads and 70 per cent of its sales are from its stores that are connected. They have also tied up four stores with Amazon. "Omnichannel works well where we have offline stores and Amazon stores help to reach where we don't have presence and that's what we are finding useful," says Suri. Shoppers Stop has 260 outlets across the country.

Sandeep Kataria, Country Manager of footwear brand Bata India, says that online retail store has helped them reach out to areas where their offline presence hasn't expanded yet and also to cater to the younger consumers who are more digitally savvy. Around five per cent of their sales now come from online channels.

ALSO READ: Future Retail signs long-term deals with Amazon India; to raise up to $500 mn via dollar bonds

Manish Tiwary, Vice President, Amazon India says that online stores provide new brands a controlled environment in which they can experiment. He shares the instance of companies like Xiaomi, OnePlus were they first experimented online, fine-tuned their brand and product, and then launched it offline.

Sumeet Narang, founder MD of private equity firm Samara Capital says, "We are entering a world, where companies will not win but ecosystem will win because the moment there is an omnichannel play, what becomes extremely critical is that the cost structure is not duplicated between the different ecosystem partners so that all the savings are passed on to the consumer." He adds that working with ecosystem partners and making an ecosystem approach makes the customer promise stronger.

The speakers were a part of the panel at Amazon's conference SMBhav for SMBs in New Delhi.

ALSO READ: Is this the real reason why Modi govt is unhappy with Jeff Bezos and Amazon?
By ANI

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Friday urged Iranian leaders to "make Iran great again", a reference to the slogan associated with his campaign.

"The noble people of Iran--who love America--deserve a government that's more interested in helping them achieve their dreams than killing them for demanding respect. Instead of leading Iran toward ruin, its leaders should abandon terror and Make Iran Great Again!" the US President said in a tweet.

Trump's reply came to a tweet by handle -- Khamenei.ir. The tweet by the handle read: "The villainous US govt repeatedly says that they are standing by the Iranian ppl. They lie. If you are standing by the Iranian ppl, it is only to stab them in the heart with your venomous daggers. Of course, you have so far failed to do so, & you will certainly continue to fail."

ALSO READ: Former US President Bill Clinton's prosecutors to defend Donald Trump in his impeachment trial

Sputnik reported that to enhance the effect of his own statement Trump made another tweet, moments later, this time in Farsi, vowing to "Make Iran Great Again!"

In its report, the agency stated that the Supreme Leader of Iran also took to the social media on Friday, denouncing "the villainous US govt" for hypocrisy - a statement that was quoted by Trump in his tweeted tirade.

In his Friday's speech, the Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei described the Trump administration as "clowns" and slammed Israel.

ALSO READ: Washing Trump's hair and Bloomberg's meatballs - Moments from the US election campaign

In an earlier tweet, the US President had warned the Iranian Supreme Leader to be very careful with his words.

"The so-called "Supreme Leader" of Iran, who has not been so Supreme lately, had some nasty things to say about the United States and Europe. Their economy is crashing, and their people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words!" Trump had said.

The recent exchange comes days after Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, was killed in a US drone strike in Iraq two weeks ago. Iran retaliated with strikes on US targets.
HOUSTON, B.C. - It's disrespectful that Premier John Horgan won't meet with five hereditary chiefs who oppose a natural gas pipeline while he is touring northern British Columbia, says the highest-ranking chief.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/1/2020 (724 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Premier John Horgan holds his first press conference of the year as he comments on various questions from the media in the Press Gallery at B.C. Legislature in Victoria, B.C., on Monday, January 13, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

HOUSTON, B.C. - It's disrespectful that Premier John Horgan won't meet with five hereditary chiefs who oppose a natural gas pipeline while he is touring northern British Columbia, says the highest-ranking chief.

Chief Na'moks, who also goes by John Ridsdale, said the chiefs have asked the premier for a face-to-face discussion about the Coastal GasLink project.

Na'moks said he was frustrated Horgan didn't meet with the chiefs on Friday, when the premier was in the area touring the LNG Canada project site in Kitimat and meeting with business leaders in Terrace.

"It really bothered me that he was not that far away and yet somehow could not take the time to come and speak with us," Na'moks said Saturday.

The premier's office said in a statement that upon receiving the meeting request on Thursday, it reached out to the hereditary chiefs to schedule a phone call.

"The aim of any discussion would be continued dialogue with a focus on de-escalation and on safety for all," it said.

The office added that the premier has commitments that rule out a meeting on this trip, but he is not ruling out a meeting completely

"Staff continue to be in touch to work on this," it said.

Na'moks said only an in-person conversation will demonstrate respect for the chiefs, who assert jurisdiction over 22,000 square kilometres of unceded Wet'suwet'en territory.

"We want to show the respect back, too," he said. "If you're going to have decent communication with anybody, it's best to be looking eye to eye."

The chiefs have refused meetings with Coastal GasLink and instead called for discussions with provincial and federal government leaders, arguing the duty to consult is held by the Crown, not the project proponent.

Coastal GasLink has signed benefits agreements with all 20 elected band councils along the 670-kilometre pipeline route. But the hereditary chiefs argue band councils only have jurisdiction over reserve lands rather than unceded territories.

Crystal Smith, elected chief of the Haisla Nation, has said her band council signed an agreement because the project is creating jobs for Indigenous people and lifting communities from poverty.

Horgan said this week that the provincially permitted project will be built, and the rule of law must prevail.

The B.C. Supreme Court has granted an injunction against supporters of the hereditary chiefs who are have set up camps close to a pipeline work site near Smithers. It authorizes RCMP to arrest and remove anyone contravening the order.

However the RCMP has said it's not enforcing the injunction to allow time for dialogue between the hereditary chiefs and Coastal GasLink.

Horgan was set to continue his northern B.C. tour on Saturday with an announcement about a new hospital in Fort St. James and by attending the men's B.C. Winter Classic hockey game in the community.

Meanwhile, Adam Olsen, interim leader of B.C.'s Green party, was set to visit the camps set up by pipeline opponents on Saturday.

Federal Green MP Paul Manly also said he was traveling to Wet'suwet'en territory to meet with the hereditary chiefs.

"I am going to listen and to observe the situation on the ground," he said in a statement.

"I have publicly stated my support for the hereditary chiefs and others who are engaged in non-violent action to protect Wet'suwet'en land. They are in a very challenging and volatile situation. They need to be heard."

This report was first published by The Canadian Press on Jan. 18, 2020.

 By Laura Kane in Vancouver
Prince Harry and Meghan Markles shocking exit from the royal family has left fans wondering who is considered senior members of the monarchy. It is widely speculated that senior royals are those in direct line to the throne  but does that include Prince Williams oldest, son, Prince George? Heres a look at what Harry and Meghans exit means for the royal line of succession.

Prince George of Cambridge | Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shock the world

Harry and Meghan upended the royal family when they announced their decision to step down on Instagram. The couple explained how they want to become financially independent from the royal family and set up a second base in North America.

After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as senior members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen, they shared.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex added that they will continue to support the monarchy. They also plan to keep up their charitable endeavors, mainly through their new organization, Sussex Royal.

It is unclear how the pair will finance everything, as most of their work has been paid for via Harrys family. It will also be interesting to see how closely Harry and Meghan work with William and Kate Middleton, especially in light of their abrupt exit.

The couples note on social media was long, but it did not explain what will happen to the line of succession now that Harry is bowing out. It also raised questions about who is considered to be senior members of the royal family.

A look at the royal line of succession

As the oldest son of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Prince Charles is the first in line to the throne. Charles recently turned 71 years old and has waited longer than anyone to inherit the crown.

While Charles continues to wait for his turn at the head of the monarchy, Prince William is second in the royal line of succession. Once Charles takes the throne, William will likely be named the Prince of Wales and will take over his fathers duties at the Duchy of Cornwall.

Prince George, meanwhile, is third in line to the throne and will someday become the King of the United Kingdom (assuming everything goes as planned). Because George is in the direct line of succession, he is considered to be a part of the inner circle of royals.

But because Prince George is only six years old, it will be a long time before he starts taking on royal duties. Although Harry, who is sixth in line, is stepping down from his royal duties, he does not lose his place in the line of succession.

According to Oprah Magazine, it will take an act of Parliament to kick Prince Harry off the line of succession. While Harry will no longer be in the royal spotlight, he will remain sixth in line to the throne.

Inside Prince Georges historic portrait

As a senior member of the royal family, Queen Elizabeth included George in a historic portrait for the start of the new year.

The image, which was shared on social media, features Her Majesty posing alongside Charles, William, and George.

The photo was snapped by photographer Ranald Mackechnie inside the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace. Queen Elizabeth shared a similar photo in 2016, which also marked her 90th birthday.

Whats the fallout from Prince Harry and Meghan Markles decision?

Apart from Harry keeping his place in line to the throne, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are not expected to lose any of their titles. In their statement, Harry and Meghan assured everyone that they will continue some of their duties to the crown, which should keep their titles intact.

As far as their house is concerned, Harry and Meghan plan on living inside Frogmore Cottage for the foreseeable future. On their official website, the couple says that they will remain in Windsor for as long as Queen Elizabeth gives them permission.

The pair added that all of the renovations to Frogmore Cottage were in the works long before they decided to move in. They also said that it would have cost the royal family more money to renovate Kensington Palace.

Prince Harry and Meghan have not revealed how they plan on funding their move to North America, though her connections in Hollywood will likely play a part in them gaining financial freedom.
The UK government has confirmed the official plans to mark Brexit Day on January 31, which will include a giant clock count down the significant moment as part of a light display at 10 Downing Street.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will address the nation just before the UK officially leaves the European Union (EU) at 11 pm (local time).

Ahead of that address, he will chair a special Cabinet meeting in the north of England as a message of unity for all parts of the United Kingdom, including Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

"January 31 is a significant moment in our history as the United Kingdom leaves the EU and regains its independence. The government intends to use this as a moment to heal divisions, re-unite communities and look forward to the country that we want to build over the next decade," Downing Street said in a statement on Saturday.

"No 10 (Downing Street) is set to mark the hour itself with a light display in Downing Street, including a clock counting down to 11pm projected on to the black bricks of Downing Street. Buildings around Whitehall will also be lit up. In response to public calls, the Union Jack will be flown on all of the flag poles in Parliament Square, the statement notes.

A commemorative Brexit coin will also come into circulation on the very day, with Johnson expected to be one of the first to receive the new coin, which reads: "Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations".

The confirmation of the government's plans for Brexit Day comes amid ongoing Brexiteer demands for the Big Ben to be resurrected for a day to mark the moment of Britain's exit from the 28-member economic bloc.

The iconic London clock tower is undergoing a massive refurbishment programme and the government had claimed the cost for it to be brought into temporary service for a day would be around GBP 500,000.

After Johnson made a seemingly light-hearted call for the public to try and raise the funds, an online crowdfunding drive has attracted over GBP 200,000 with the help of staunch pro-Brexit campaigners.

But it has emerged that the House of Commons Commission, in charge of the Big Ben housed within the Elizabeth Tower of the UK's Houses of Parliament complex had no way of accepting the public donations.

The row over the issue continues to rage on, with the announcement from Downing Street of the official plans an attempt to overcome that controversy.

Nigel Farage, a prominent Brexiteer and leader of the Brexit Party, had revealed earlier this week that his Leave Means Leave campaign group had secured permission to host a celebration at Parliament Square in London to mark Britain's exit from the EU on January 31.

The group is planning a GBP 100,000 party on Brexit Day and had questioned the government's muted preparations for what they say is a historic moment for the country.

The EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill, made up of the Brexit deal struck by Johnson in Brussels last November, is set to become law in time for the January 31 deadline as the legislation makes progress through the different stages of parliamentary process.

It was comfortably passed by the House of Commons earlier this year, given the Conservative Party's 80-seat majority secured by Johnson in the December 2019 General Election.

Britain's exit at the end of the month comes after it missed the initial March 29, 2019 Brexit deadline due to parliamentary deadlock over the issue since the UK voted in favour of an EU exit in a referendum in June 2016.

It has since resulted in two General Elections in an attempt to find the necessary parliamentary numbers to put an exit plan into action.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Washington, DC  Pointing at the US White House on Saturday, women and their supporters chanted: The oppressive state is a rapist. The rapist is you.

The lyrics are part of a Chilean performance piece that has become an anthem of the feminist movement worldwide.

Patriarchy is a judge, that judges us for being born, and our punishment is the violence you dont see, the group, led by members of Chiles Las Tesis feminist collective, yelled in unison as protesters came to a halt along a route that nearly circled the White House.

The performance gave a defiant, powerful tone to the fourth annual Womens March, which saw thousands from across the country and world brave light snow and freezing rain to march in Washington, DC. Thousands of others rallied in cities and countries worldwide.

I want everyone to know that women deserve rights too, said Mariam Meite, who travelled from North Carolina for the march.

Were not making this stuff up, the 21-year-old told Al Jazeera. Were actually being assaulted every day. Were not getting paid equally. Were dying all the time. We deserve to be heard.

Our sisters from Chile,@lastesisoficial, led us in the powerful and cathartic mantra, El Violador En Tu Camino outside the a White House. Naming the predator. Blaming the system. Salt the earth. Video by @vsancho #LasTesis #WomensMarch2020 pic.twitter.com/KneVFMu2Ka  Sarah Sophie Flicker (@sarahsophief) January 18, 2020

Protesters held signs that included a variety of demands, from climate action to reproductive rights.

My particular concern is the planet, climate and how [President Donald] Trump and his cronies and his associates are doing everything wrong, said Laura, who only gave her first name.

They arent concerned, it seems, with the survival of the planet and the people, the 67-year-old from Pennsylvania told Al Jazeera. Hopefully we have not gone so far that our planet is doomed.

Demonstrators hold banners and placards as they attend the 2020 Womens March in Washington, DC [Mary F Calvert/Reuters]

Bailey Nickoloff, a 26-year-old law student in Washington, DC, said she also attended the march to call for climate action, as well as to demand respect for Indigenous rights and to take a stand against Trump.

Im here for a lot of reasons, said Nickoloff, who is originally from Montana.

To garner awareness and remind myself that were not alone in this, she told Al Jazeera. And Im here to get Trump out of office. Were all here to accomplish that.

Trump and the November presidential election were at the forefront of many of the protesters minds on Saturday, with several carrying signs that read, Trump out now and kick them out when they abuse our trust.

The first vote of the primary and caucus season will take place on February 3 in Iowa.

Kimberley Davis, left, and Bailey Nickoloff at the fourth annual womens march in Washington, DC [Laurin-Whitney Gottbrath/Al Jazeera]

The march also came as the US Senate prepares to hear opening arguments in the impeachment trial of Trump. The House of Representatives charged Trump with abuse of power related to his dealings with Ukraine and obstruction of Congress for refusing to participate in the impeachment investigation. Trump has denied any wrongdoing, labelling the impeachment a hoax.

I really hope everyone here ends up voting and changing who is in office, said 21-year-old North Carolina native Taylor Wells-Tucker.

Unspoken problems we need to face

This years Washington, DC, march was relatively small compared with the first Womens March in 2017, which brought hundreds of thousands to the countrys capital. Some pointed to the struggles the movement has faced over the last three years, including accusations of exclusivity and anti-Semitism, as well as internal issues that led to a change to the marchs leadership last year.

I think this movement needs to be geared towards more people of colour, said Andrea, who only gave her first name.

There are unspoken problems and issues that we all need to face and talk about and try to reach out to more communities that arent as represented here, the 20-year-old from Maryland told Al Jazeera, noting that the majority of those who attended Saturdays march were white.

Thousands participate in the Fourth Annual Womens March at Freedom Plaza in Washington, DC [Michael A McCoy/Reuters]

Others, including Sydney Stephens, a 20-year-old Howard University student, felt like some may have been discouraged by the years of attacks on women since Trump took office.

People get tired of being activists, Stephens said.

People are tired and think change isnt going to happen, she told Al Jazeera.

But for Stephens herself, hope is the thing that continues to motivate her to take to the streets.

You have nothing if you dont have hope, she said. You have to have hope and push through.
Wijk Aan Zee : , Jan 18 (IANS) Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand was on Saturday held to a draw by Dutch Jorden Van Foreest in the sixth round of Tata Steel Masters.

Veteran Anand faced the Four Knights opening in the sixth round as black and unleashed an attack in the centre early by sacrificing two pawns.

Anand tried to make inroads as White's king was stuck around the centre for a long time and it was a cautious move by both players especially after white lost back one pawn.

The draw was agreed upon once Anand picked the second pawn.

Anand remained in joint sixth spot after three points from six games.

Anand needs a powerful finish to be in with a chance of finishing on the podium with seven rounds still remaining.

Meanwhile, World champion Magnus Carlsen's got a sixth draw on the trot as his search for an elusive win continued.

It was the 18th straight draw between him and Fabiano Caruana of the United States in the Classical time control.

Elsewhere, Anish Giri bounced back from his previous round loss to defeat Vladislav Kovalev of Belarus while Daniil Dubov thrashed his Russian compatriot Vladislav Artemiev.
01-09-20

Trooper were dispatched to South Plain Rd., Wells Township, Tuscola County. Complainant stated that he had two firearms and a safe missing from his residence. He stated the last time he seen the weapons was on his kitchen table last week. There were no signs of forced entry, no suspect. Weapons/serial numbers entered in LEIN as stolen. Pends possible leads.

Troopers were dispatched to Barkley Rd., Tuscola Twp., Tuscola County to assist Tuscola CPS with the removal of three small children from their parents/residence. Papers were served to the parents and the children were removed without incident.

1-10-20

Troopers stopped a vehicle on Sanilac Rd. Koylton Twp., Tuscola County. Driver was cited for driving while license suspended (2nd offense)

Troopers were dispatched to a welfare check on Zimmerman Rd., Unionville, Tuscola County. Troopers made contact with the 61-year-old male. He was just released from an area hospital after making suicidal statements the previous week. He had called dispatch making statements about his medications he was given. Troopers cleared after talking with the subject.

1-11-20

Troopers was dispatched to a suspicious person knocking on the house door at a dairy farm. The callers wife stated the male subject appeared intoxicated. Trooper arrived at the residence and found the man was a new employee and had been dropped off and did not know where to report for work. Subject was somewhat mentally impaired.

Troopers stopped a vehicle on Argyle St., City of Sandusky, Sanilac County for a equipment violation. Further investigation determined the registration plate was registered to another vehicle. The plate was seized, and the driver was cited to improper registration.

Trooper was dispatched to assist DHS on Decker Rd., Deckerville, Sanilac County. The DHS was going to the residence request Jamie Kelley to take her child to the hospital for minor burns. The mother had refused earlier in the day. Troopers stood by as the worker talked with the mother who eventually agreed to take her child into the hospital.

Trooper stopped a vehicle on Vassar Rd., Blumfield Twp., Saginaw County who hit a plow truck in the parking lot at B & B market. Upon further investigation the drivers license was suspended. Driver was taken to Saint Marys hospital for a blood draw. Subject was lodged at Saginaw County for OWI 2nd. offense, driving while license suspended 2nd offense.

Trooper was dispatched to a one car property damage accident on North Van Dyke Rd., Greenleaf Twp., Sanilac County. Driver was cited for violation basic speed law. Because of slushy conditions driver went off roadway going into a crest of the ditch. Vehicle was pulled out by a wrecker.

1-12-20

Three additional troopers (total 5) worked on Saturday morning 1-11-20 because of the wintery conditions. All three counties were patrolled looking for motorists/citizens needing assistance. It appears since storm was predicted the majority of people stayed off the roadways.

Trooper was dispatched to a family domestic on Washburn Rd., Vassar, Tuscola County. Once the trooper arrived at the scene the victim, (father) stated that he was punched by his son. The mother of the suspect was also at the residence when the punching took place. After interviewing everyone at the residence the victim did not want to prosecute his son. A family friend picked up the suspect (son) and transported him to a friends residence. No visible injuries. Officer cleared.

Trooper was working patrol in the area of Millington Rd., Millington Tw., Tuscola county when he noticed a vehicle in the ditch. Trooper called a wrecker, who removed the vehicle from the ditch. No damage, no injuries.

Trooper was dispatched to assist Lapeer County Sheriff Dept. on Murphy Lake Rd., Rich Twp., Lapeer County. Caller stated her 14-year-old son was out of control and assaulted her. Trooper arrived at the scene calming the juvenile down. Lapeer County deputy transported the subject to the hospital for mental evaluation.

Troopers were dispatched to Waterman Rd., Wells Twp., Tuscola County for a one-car pdsda. Trooper arrived and found the driver lost control of his vehicle, crossing the center-line, ran off roadway into a ditch. The driver was cited for violation basic speed law-too fast for conditions. NO injuries, minor damage to vehicle.

1-13-20

Trooper was dispatched to a criminal sexual conduct complaint involving a 14-year-old victim who advised she had been receiving inappropriate text messaging from a 25-year-old. Victim stated that in 2019 the suspect squeezed her buttocks at an event they both attended. A forensic Interview was done on the victim. Pending interview with possible suspect. Wisner Twp., Tuscola County

01-14-20

Trooper was dispatched to Hoppe Rd., Columbia Twp., Tuscola County for a suspicious person walking/staggering into the roadway. Caller stated the person appeared to be intoxicated. Description described a Hispanic male wearing a red t-shirt and jeans not wearing a coat. Trooper checked the area but could not locate the individual.

Trooper was dispatched to a PDA accident on Deckerville Rd., Almer Twp., Tuscola County. Driver of the vehicle was eastbound on Deckerville Rd. when she attempted to pass two vehicles traveling approximately 40-45 mph. Once she passed the first vehicle it pulled over in front of her causing her to go the roadway down into a watery ditch. Driver sustained no injuries. Vehicle was disabled towed to area dealership.

Trooper was dispatched to French Rd. Unionville Twp., Tuscola County for a threats complaint over Facebook. Caller stated that he purchased a motorcycle from an individual on Facebook Marketplace on 1-14-20. He met the subject in Sandusky to conduct the deal. After the deal was completed the buyer started posted threats on Facebook that the vehicle was stolen and made serious threats towards the complainant. Troopers checked the motorcycle in LEIN and was not stolen. Pending contact with suspect.

Troopers were dispatched to a family dispute on Lakeshore Rd., Sanilac Twp., Sanilac County. Troopers interviewed the complainant (granddaughter) and possible suspect (grandmother). It appeared after both interviews no physical assault took place, only a verbal altercation.

01-15-20

Trooper was dispatched to a car/dog accident that occurred on Fitch Rd., Custer Twp., Sanilac County.

Trooper was dispatch to a one car PDA on McGregor Rd., Elmwood Twp., Tuscola County. Driver was working for USPS when she stated she delivered to a mailbox on the east side of the roadway. She proceeded to cross both lanes of traffic going off the road into a ditch area. She stated she was probably distracted by her cellphone. Driver cited for careless driving.

Trooper was dispatched to a two car PDA on M-81 at M-24. Driver #1 was behind vehicle #2 which was stopped at the traffic light. Vehicle #1 proceeded forward thinking vehicle #2 started to go through traffic light hitting the rear of vehicle #2. Driver was cited for driving while license suspended and unable to stop assured clear distance.

Trooper received a DHHS complaint that occurred on Mertz Rd., Indianfield Twp., Tuscola County. The referral stated that incident occurred between the 4-year-old and her fathers girlfriend. Allegations were that the girlfriend was using a straightening iron and burned both ears of the child. According to the report there have been previous incidents where the girlfriend has been acting physical with the children. Investigation continues.

Troopers were dispatched to a Larceny complaint on Barnes Rd., Millington Twp., Tuscola County. Complainant advised that when she returned home from work she noticed her garage door open and her front door ajar. She noticed a couple things missing that night but as time went on during the week she noticed more items missing she decide to call the police. Numerous items include a iPhone value $800, thousands of dollars in jewelry, ELGA credit union checks personal bank account. The complainant knew of a possible suspect who had a drug problem in the area. Investigation continues.

Trooper was dispatched to a one car PDA accident on Peck Rd. Flynn Twp., Sanilac County. Driver was traveling westbound on Peck Rd when she lost control of her vehicle and crashed into a tree. Driver received small cuts and bruises. Vehicle had heavy damage to front-end and was towed from the scene. Driver cited for violation basic speed law-too fast.

Trooper was dispatched to a one car PDA accident on Forester Rd., Bridgehampton Twp., Sanilac County. Driver was traveling west on Forester Rd. when the vehicle started to slide on the ice going off the roadway overturned on its side in a small creek of water.

Trooper was dispatched to pick up a subject up on MSP Caro post warrant. Warrant was a criminal bench for failed to appear. Bond $1000.00. Subject was picked up and transported to Sanilac County Jail.

Troopers responded to 13 car/deer accidents from Jan. 9-16
HARTFORD  Connecticuts top environmental officer says decades of deregulation, President Donald Trumps favoritism toward fossil fuels and the regional market system is slowing the states conversion to clean, carbon-free electricity.

Katie Dykes, commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, told a conservation-minded audience this week that the state faces major challenges as it tries to switch to 100 percent renewable energy for electicity generation by 2040. She urged the Legislature to help enact solutions.

Natural gas is not a bridge fuel; its a fossil fuel, Dykes noted during a summit on environmental issues focused in part on using clean energy to combat climate change.

It is a commitment of mine to turn this around and put in place the mechanisms we need to begin to move away from natural gas, Dykes said. We will work hard with legislators to address many of the natural gas preferences that are in our statutes today.

Dykes also included a threat to leave the ISO New England regional electric grid, the system operator, based in Holyoke, Mass., thats responsible for controlling the flow of electricity through the region.

Environmentalists have long argued that market forces  aided by state and federal policies  are driving investment in gas plants at the expense of clean energy, citing an already approved Killingly gas power plant as a prime example.

Although Connecticut recently procured over 800 megawatts of wind power from a farm in ocean waters off Rhode Island, thats just a fraction of the 100 percent zero carbon electricity goal by 2040.

Peter Shattuck of Anbaric Development Partners, which specializes in electric storage and transmission systems, said the traditional electric grid and market structure. originally built for coal, gas and oil-fired electric plants, must change.

If we want to get to 100 percent renewables, we need a grid built for renewables, not fossil fuel, Shattuck said.

Deregulation at fault?

Dykes said the state and region need a new formula to bring in more clean electricty.

The decision to deregulate our power sector is coming into collision with our climate progress, Dykes said.

With new leadership at the [Federal Energy Regulatory Commission] under Trump, FERC has all but declared war on states for choosing energy efficiency and is driving investment to more natural gas plants, Dykes said.

It makes no sense to participate in a deregulated structure if it forces us to invest in resources we dont want and dont need, Dykes said, referring to ISO New England.

This is forcing us to take a serious look at the cost and benefits of participating in the ISO New Egland markets, Dykes added.

Matt Kakley, a spokesman for ISO New England, disagreed with the Dykes asessement.

We strongly disagree that the ISO has not been a leader on carbon, Kakley said.

The ISOs leadership has been proactive for years in discussing the need to price carbon as a way to address the states climate change goals, Kakley said So, the notion that the ISO has not taken a leadership role in this dialogue is a clear contradiction of the ISOs frequently stated position on carbon.

Kakley noted the markets the ISO administers are open to all forms of energy and, referring to the Killingly plant, pointed out that states control what is built within their borders.

It was the Connecticut DEEP and other agencies who approved the permits for the plant, Kakley noted.

Shattuck said the technology exists to revolutionize the grid and faciliatate a surge in renewable power.

We have the tools and models to do this in hand, Shattuck said. Whats required is leadership in Connecticut. The grid we have is centered on fossil fuel plants near big cities, rail yards and pipelines.

Shattuck said regulators need to develop the infrastructure to transport carbon-free power to the markets.

We know where the resources are and the demand centers and they need to be connected, Shattuck said.

The legislature should [enact] a moratorium on fossil fuel construction. We are going to continue to get these projects if we dont do it, Shattuck added.

New Green Deal

Samantha Dynowski, state director of the Sierra Club of Connecticut, said regulators dont even charge gas companies for building pipelines across the state.

We continue to encourage pipelines that carry frack gas through the state, Dynowski said. No one is being charged to build those. In 2019, 400 legislators wanted the law off the books but its still on the books.

Dynowski said she would like to see the General Assembly pass a Green New Deal.

Make sure the goal to 100 percent clean and renewable energy, including transportation and buildings, Dynowski said.

Charles Rothenberger, climate and energy attorney for the Connecticut Fund for the Environment and Save the Sound, said activists have long argued that expanding gas plants harms progress on renwable sources of power.

We were pleased by the commissioners remarks recognizing that natural gas is not a fuel of the future and we strongly support rapid development of more solar and offshore wind resources to get Connecticut to 10 percent clean renewable energy, Rothenbrger said.

bcummings@ctpost.com
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Crowds by the thousands gathered at the Tauranga Airport on Saturday to watch planes of all different shapes and sizes take over the sky.

The Classics of the Sky  Tauranga City Air Show has been gracing our skies for more than a decade now with the event catering to people of all ages.

Event organisers were anticipating crowds of around 30,000  45,000 people. There were a few drops of rain at times, but that didnt stop people smiling, laughing and having a good time.

At the airfield on Saturday, there were people young and old, lined up along the fence line watching the displays in the sky. Many had their chairs and a blanket and were enjoying a day out in the sun.

For the little ones, there were plenty of rides and bouncy castles to keep them entertained, as well as a huge truck display for them to awe at.

More than 170 trucks were on display at the airfield as part of the Mount Truck Show which was held in conjunction to the Air Show.

We like to integrate some of the other events as well, as that gets a lot of people that might have varying interests to come and look at the aeroplanes or the trucks in this case, says event director and Classic Flyers CEO Andrew Gormlie.

Each display, you could hear gasps from the crowd, a lot of wows, and everyone clapping and enjoying themselves.

There were also some displays were explosions were involved, giving the added effect for the crowd.

People were also able to get up close and personal with some of the aircrafts that were on display in the public area.

Watch the video above to see at the action from the 2020 Classics of the Sky  Tauranga City Air Show and Mount Truck Show.
Irans supreme leader threw his support behind the elite Revolutionary Guards in a rare sermon on Friday after their belated admission that they had accidentally downed an airliner triggered days of street protests. As Reuters reports, in his first Friday prayers sermon for eight years, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also told worshippers chanting Death to America that the elite Guards could take their fight beyond Irans borders after the U.S. killing of a top Iranian commander.

U.S. President Donald Trump hit back later on Twitter, writing that Khamenei should be careful what he says. Khameneis address came amid a deepening crisis for Iran as it grapples with unrest at home and rising pressure from abroad.

Tension has steadily ratcheted higher since 2018, when the United States withdrew from Tehrans nuclear pact with world powers and reimposed sanctions that have hammered the economy. The standoff erupted into tit-for-tat military strikes this month, when Washington killed top commander Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike on Jan. 3 and Iran launched missile strikes at U.S. targets in Iraq on Jan. 8.

In the tense aftermath, a Ukrainian airliner was shot down by mistake. But it took days for the Guards to admit this and protesters directed their rage at the elite force and the clerical system it was set up to defend. Our enemies ... were happy that they found an excuse to undermine the Guards, the armed forces and our system, Khamenei said in his sermon, heaping praise on the Guards for protecting Iran and renewing a call for U.S. troops to leave the region.

Khamenei said Soleimanis work of projecting Irans military influence abroad would continue and said the Quds Force he commanded protects oppressed nations across the region. He said Quds Force soldiers were fighters without borders.

The U.S. State Departments special representative for Iran, Brian Hook, said in Washington that Iranian threats risked further isolating the country. But Russia lent Iran some support over the airliner disaster, saying it had been shot down when Tehran was spooked by reports of advanced U.S. stealth fighters in the area. Id like to underline the edginess that always accompanies such situations, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

Protests led by students erupted in Tehran and other cities for four days over the shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines flight 752, in which all 176 aboard were killed, mostly Iranians or dual nationals. As the unrest picked up, Trump sent tweets in Farsi and English supporting the protesters, who were chanting Death to Khamenei and slogans against the Guards.

Khamenei said in his sermon: These American clowns who lie and say they are with the Iranian people should see who the Iranian people are. Trump responded on Twitter: The so-called Supreme Leader of Iran, who has not been so Supreme lately, had some nasty things to say about the United States and Europe. Their economy is crashing, and their people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words!

Khamenei said the shooting down of the plane was a bitter tragedy that burned through our heart, but stopped short of offering a direct apology. Some tried to use it as an excuse to overshadow the martyrdom of our great commander Soleimani, he said, urging Iranians to unite and show solidarity by turning out in numbers for the February parliamentary election. The funeral of Soleimani, long portrayed as a national hero in Iran but seen by the West as a ruthless adversary, had brought huge numbers of Iranian mourners to the streets.

On social media, some Iranians reacted angrily to Khameneis sermon and his comments on the plane disaster. Not a word of apology. Only arrogance, tweeted Mike Pouraryan. Online footage during demonstrations had shown protesters being beaten and recordings of gunshots. Riot police were deployed in force on the streets, particularly outside universities, a focus for the unrest. Irans police denied firing at protesters.

Two months earlier, police launched a bloody crackdown on protests that erupted over sharp fuel price hikes, which added to the suffering of Iranians already hurt by U.S. sanctions. In reaction to Washingtons maximum pressure policy, Tehran has gradually scaled back on commitments to the nuclear deal, including lifting limits on its uranium enrichment.

Britain, France and Germany, which have been trying to salvage the pact, have subsequently launched the deals dispute mechanism over Irans violations, starting a diplomatic process that could lead to reimposing U.N. sanctions. These European countries cannot be trusted. Even their negotiations with Iran are full of deceit, Khamenei said.
WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 18th January, 2020) US Assistant Treasury Secretary Marshall Billingslea said he held a productive meeting with Dominican Republic President Danilo Medina about countering international financial threats.

"We discussed a number of global illicit finance threats and identified concrete areas to strengthen our cooperation," Billingslea said in a statement after their meeting in the Dominican Republic on Friday.

The Treasury Department, Billingslea added, looks forward to partnering with the Dominican Republic to stem money laundering, drug trafficking and human trafficking.

Billingslea said the United States, specifically, wants to take action against Dominican narcotics trafficker Cesar Emilio Peralta whom Treasury designated as a drug kingpin last year.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 19:29:22|Editor: Xiaoxia

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BAGHDAD, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi arrived Saturday in Baghdad carrying a letter from Jordanian King Abdullah II to Iraqi leaders over de-escalation in the region.

Safadi arrived in Baghdad airport in the morning and was received by his Iraqi counterpart Mohammed al-Hakim, and the two held a meeting to discuss the latest development in the region and means to de-escalate the tension as well as the need to respect Iraq's sovereignty.

At a joint press conference after their meeting, Safadi said "I have come to Iraq carrying a letter from King Abdullah II to the Iraqi president and the prime minister about coordinating efforts to reduce the escalation in the region."

"The position of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was clear by calling for reduction of escalation and use of dialogue as a way to resolve crises and to ensure that Iraq is not an arena for conflict and tension," Safadi told reporters.

For his part, al-Hakim said that he affirmed the need to "respect Iraq's sovereignty and that Iraq to be a factor of stability in the region and in the world, and we have rejected making Iraq an arena for conflict and settling scores."

Al-Hakim also confirmed that "any escalation in the region would enhance the ability of terrorists to re-organize and undermine the efforts of the international community to combat terrorism."

Safadi's visit to Baghdad came after the tension grew high between the United States and Iran after the killing of Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps by a U.S. drone strike on Jan. 3 near Baghdad International Airport.

Early on Jan. 8, Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles 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.
Enhanced health screenings are being undertaken at three airports in the United States by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Homeland Securitys Customs and Border Protection as a result of an outbreak of respiratory infections from a new coronavirus in the city of Wuhan in Chinas Hubei Province.

The CDC and CBP began screenings Jan. 17 at San Francisco (SFO), New York (JFK), and Los Angeles (LAX) airports to detect ill travelers to this country on direct or connecting flights from Wuhan in response to an outbreak there caused by a novel coronavirus (2019 nCoV) that has resulted in 40 confirmed infections and two deaths in humans from the virus whose origin is being investigated in that city in Central China.

Illness symptoms related to the outbreak as said to include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

A number of countries are actively screening incoming travelers from Wuhan and exported cases have been confirmed in Japan and Thailand. The outbreak comes at a time of increased travel in that region of the world as the start of the Chinese New Year begins Jan. 25.

To further protect the health of the American public during the emergence of this novel coronavirus, CDC is beginning entry screening at three ports of entry, said Dr. Martin Cetron, director of CDCs division of global migration and quarantine, in a statement.

Investigations into this novel coronavirus are ongoing and we are monitoring and responding to this evolving situation."

There are several known human coronaviruses that usually only cause mild respiratory disease, such as the common cold.

However, at least twice previously, coronaviruses have emerged to infect people and cause severe disease, such as has been seen with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

The cases in what has been called the Wuhan pneumonia outbreak are said to have tested negative for both SARS and MERS.

According to the statement from the CDC, the three U.S. airports where enhanced screening is being done are the ones that receive most of the travelers here from Wuhan.

The statement also said that based on current information, the risk from 2019-nCoV to the American public is currently deemed to be low, but that the CDC is taking proactive preparedness precautions.

The statement said the CDC is deploying about 100 additional staff to the three airports to supplement existing staff at CDC quarantine stations located at those airports.

It described entry screening as part of a layered approach used with other public health measures already in place to detect arriving travelers who are sick to slow and reduce the spread of any disease into the United States.

The cases in China area said to have been identified by Chinese authorities between Dec. 8, 2019, and Jan. 8. Both patients who died were older adults and one of the two patients had known serious underlying medical conditions.

Most cases have been linked to the Wuhan South China Seafood City, suggesting a possible zoonotic origin to the outbreak.

In addition to seafood, the market sells chickens, bats, cats, marmots, and other wild animals.

Chinese health officials closed the market for cleaning and disinfection on Jan. 1.

It is recommended that nonessential travel to Wuhan be avoided and the CDC is advising anyone going there to practiced enhanced precautions.
The world's financial sector should take rapid steps to address record or near-record inequality levels within countries that new research shows could be a harbinger of a new financial crisis, the head of the International Monetary Fund said Friday. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva issued what she termed a "call to action", urging a shift to facilitate more lending to small and women-led businesses, which in turn would help bolster resilience in the event of a future crisis. "Our new research shows that inequality tends to increase before a financial ...
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 17:04:09|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Myanmar Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Min Aung Hlaing in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, Jan. 18, 2020. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

NAY PYI TAW, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Myanmar Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Min Aung Hlaing here on Saturday, saying that the development of bilateral ties depends on cooperation of the two peoples from all walks of life, as well as the military-to-military exchanges.

Xi arrived here on Friday for a state visit to Myanmar. It is the first visit to the Asian neighbor by a Chinese president after an interval of 19 years.
Tehran [Iran], Jan 18 (ANI): Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Saturday warned against any attempt to politicise the recent Ukrainian passenger plane crash that claimed lives of 176 in the outskirts of Tehran more than a week ago, the state media said.



"Politicising this tragedy" must be avoided, Zarif said in a tweet after meeting his Canadian counterpart Francois-Philippe Champagne in Oman, adding that the focus should be directed on the victims' families.

According to local media reports, the Iranian Foreign Ministry, in a statement said that Iran and Canada decided that the expert teams of two sides should continue to inform each other over any developments regarding the plane tragedy. They also agreed to hold another meeting in the future, the statement read.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday said that the Iranian "enemies" used the passenger plane crash to "tempt and provoke" anti-government sentiments and to undermine the assassination of the Iranian senior commander by the United States, Xinhua news agency reported.

On January 8, a Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 passenger plane crashed near Tehran, and all of the 176 people onboard were killed. The incident coincided with Iran's missile attack on the U.S. military base in Iraq.

Later, Iran's armed forces confirmed that an "unintentional" launch of a military missile by the country shot down the Ukrainian airliner. (ANI)


Ever since her days as Rachel Zane on the popular legal drama, Suits, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has been more than an actress. It is well known that she stands up for what she believes in, and is an active feminist and humanitarian.

Long before ever meeting Prince Harry, Meghan was all about positive change in the world. According to Harpers Bazaar, the Duchess of Sussex has always been a dedicated philanthropist. She was a global ambassador for World Vision, having done extensive work before joining the royal family. She was also an advocate for womens rights and was always adamant about making her voice heard.

When Meghan and Prince Harry announced their engagement, however, she knew that her life would be drastically changing. Suddenly, there was a long list of rules and royal protocol that Meghan would have to follow, from not using social media to refraining from talking about politics.

Although this seemed to go against what she believed in, Meghan embraced the rules and was excited for her new role as the Duchess of Sussex. So, has Meghan lost her voice for change by marrying Prince Harry and becoming a royal?

Meghan Markle always stood for what she believed in

For years, fans knew that they could count on Meghan to be true to everything that she believed in.

She famously supported gender equality when she was only 11 years old, and wrote a letter to Proctor & Gamble after being offended by the wording in a commercial for dishwashing detergent.

The advertisement was changed to target cleaning duties toward people instead of just women. Meghan proved that she was capable of making a difference in the world before she even entered her teenage years.

Has Meghan Markle lost her voice for change by marrying Prince Harry and becoming a royal?

Has becoming a royal caused Meghan to lose her voice for change and do the exact opposite of what she has always wanted to do? Some people feel that it has.

Now that she is a duchess, Newsweek reports that there are so many things that she is banned from doing. We wont be hearing Meghan discuss her political views anytime soon, although she made comments about Donald Trump shortly before her wedding to Prince Harry.

During an appearance on The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore in 2016, the now-duchess said: Of course Trump is divisivethink about female voters alone. I think it was in 2012, the Republican Party lost the female vote by 12 points. Thats a huge number and as misogynistic as Trump isand so vocal about itthats a huge chunk of it.

The royals are so neutral, in fact, that Meghan cant even speak openly about the ongoing scandal involving her husbands uncle, Prince Andrew. We can only imagine that before becoming royal, these were issues that Meghan would be discussing freely.

It seems to be taking away from who she really is and what she stands for. Although no one can possibly know what Meghan and Prince Harry talk about in the privacy of their own home, fans shouldnt be waiting for Meghan to make any statements regarding her opinions on certain issues.

Meghan Markle is making an effort to work around the restricting royal rules

Meghan Markle | Karwai Tang/WireImage

Although the royal rules really put a limit on things that Meghan can say or do, she is finding ways to work around this and be the person that she has always been in the past. How is she doing this?

Well, the duchess recently guest-edited an issue of British Vogue, which focused mainly on women and change, something that is definitely close to Meghans heart. According to the New York Times, she also did some work with a charity that focuses on women seeking employment.

The recent documentary that she did with Prince Harry was meant to make Meghans voice heard at a time when things are proving to be very difficult. However, the unfortunate reality is that royal rules are restricting Meghan from speaking about issues that she is truly passionate about and limiting the influence that she once had.

The Duchess of Sussex may regain her voice now that she and Prince Harry and stepped down as senior members of the royal family.
A local student has been selected as a finalist for a Loran Award, valued up to $100,000 over four years for undergraduate studies in Canada.

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This article was published 17/1/2020 (724 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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A local student has been selected as a finalist for a Loran Award, valued up to $100,000 over four years for undergraduate studies in Canada.

Marith Been, a student at Ecole secondaire Neelin High School, is among the top 88 of 5,194 candidates across Canada, based on evidence of character, commitment to service in the community and leadership potential.

Ecole secondaire Neelin High School Marith Been has been selected as a finalist for the Loran Award through the the Loran Scholars Foundation. Been is among the top 88 of 5,194 candidates from across Canada, based on evidence of character, commitment to service in the community, and leadership potential. (Submitted)

The Loran Scholars Foundation administers the most comprehensive and thorough scholarship selection process in Canada, according to the organizations website, interviewing numerous candidates from across the country.

The Loran Award is not necessarily a reward for past achievements, but rather an investment in the recipients potential future path.

Loran scholars pursue careers in a wide range of areas and readily take on greater responsibilities as well as share a lifelong commitment to leading with integrity.

The Loran Scholars Foundation will grant up to 36 Loran Awards this year, which include annual stipends, tuition waivers from a partner university, mentorship, summer internship funding as well as annual retreats and forums.

If not selected as a Loran Scholar, Been is eligible to receive a $5,000 finalist award.

Been has been invited to Toronto for national selections on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.

 The Brandon Sun
At least 10 children have died of a mysterious disease and six others taken ill in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting the Centre to deploy a team of medical experts to join the probe to ascertain the cause of deaths

Jammu: At least 10 children have died of a mysterious disease and six others taken ill in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting the Centre to deploy a team of medical experts to join the probe to ascertain the cause of deaths, a senior officer said on Saturday.

The children's death entailing complaints of fever, vomiting and low urine output were reported from different villages of Ramnagar block of the district over the past fortnight, he said.

"Our survey of the affected area revealed 10 children died of the mysterious disease in an area of 40-kilometre radius in Ramnagar block. The symptoms of the disease include fever and vomiting followed by renal problem," Udhampur's chief medical officer KC Dogra told PTI.

He said six other children, all below the age of four, are still undergoing treatment at different hospitals  three in PGI Chandigarh, two at SMGS Hospital Jammu and one in Ludhiana (Punjab).

"Various teams of doctors from Jammu, Udhampur and the Ramnagar block level are camping in the affected area and we are trying to ascertain the cause of the disease," Dogra said.

An official spokesman said a central team of experts, deployed by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, would soon visit Jammu and Kashmir to investigate the children's death due to unknown etiology, being reported from the Ramnagar block of Udhampur district.

"The team will assist the Jammu and Kashmir Health Department in ascertaining the cause of deaths and instituting requisite public health measures. The team, upon completion of their activities, will submit a report to Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare," the spokesman said.

He said the visiting team comprises specialist (paediatrics) Sumit Mehndiratta of New Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital, deputy director (microbiology) Mahesh Waghmare of the National Center for Disease Control, Delhi and assistant director (epidemiology) Suneet Kaur of Delhi's National Center for Disease Control, besides microbiologist Shilpa Tomar and epidemiologist Avinash Deoshatwar of National Institute Of Virology, Pune.

Udhampur's District Development Commissioner Piyush Singla has already directed the Public Health Engineering Department to collect samples of drinking water for laboratory testing and to ensure safe drinking water is provided to the public.

District health authorities have appealed to the public not to panic and consult doctors in nearby health centres if there is any case having symptoms of fever, vomiting and low urine output.
Two men, including a possible innocent passer-by, are recovering in hospital following a shooting incident in Co Clare overnight.

The incident which occurred in Sixmilebridge shortly after midnight.

Both men were rushed to University Hospital Limerick however injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

One of the men, understood to have been the intended target of the attack, suffered a number of wounds. He is believed to be the younger of the two and had been living in Shannon. The second older man is believed to have been unconnected with the incident however gardai have not confirmed this and say they are investigating all the circumstances of the shooting.

A section of the main street of Sixmilebridge has been sealed off this morning following the incident and is expected to remain closed for most of the day.

No arrests have been made to date and the scene is currently preserved for forensic and technical examination.

An incident room has been established at Shannon Garda Station while investigating officers will hold a case conference later this morning.

In the meantime, gardai are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Shannon Garda Station 061-365900 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.
Nora Quoirin's devastated mother Meabh told how she cried 'no' when she was told her 15-year-old's unclothed body was discovered in the in the Malaysian rainforest

Nora Quoirin's devastated mother told how she cried 'no' when the 15-year-old's unclothed body was discovered in a Malaysian jungle.

Meabh Quoirin and her husband Sebastien insisted that their daughter - who had learning difficulties - would not have wandered off alone so had to have been abducted.

Nora's body was discovered in August after a massive hunt through dense rainforest, not far from the Dusan Resort, where the London-based family had been on holiday.

In her first interview Mrs Quoirin told RTE's The Late Late Show: 'Immediately we knew. I can still hear myself screaming "no" at the police officers, but we had to face the inevitable.'

Talking about the moment he realised Nora was gone, Mr Quoirin said: 'I looked at the bed, Nora was missing and I could feel it in my bones.

'You cannot underestimate the parental instinct.'

Mrs Quoirin added: 'We believe she was abducted and kept in the jungle for the time she was missing.'

Mrs Quoirin and her husband Sebastien insisted that their daughter - who had learning difficulties - would not have wandered off alone. Pictured: Nora's parents making an appeal to find her

Earlier this month Malaysia's Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) classed the inquest as 'no further action'.

But Mr and Mrs Quoirin believe there was a 'criminal element' in the case as the teen would not have wandered off alone, but Malaysian police insist there was no sign of foul play.

The couple 'strongly refute' the police report that says Nora, who had 'significant physical and mental challenges', was alone for the duration of her disappearance.

In her first interview Mrs Quoirin told RTE's The Late Late Show: 'Immediately we knew. I can still hear myself screaming "no" at the police officers, but we had to face the inevitable.' Pictured: Nora

They also said the police have refused to turn over a full account of the post-mortem, according to the Mirror.

In a written statement released by the Lucie Blackman Trust, the Quoirins said that they are 'shocked by the decision' made by the coroner's office.

They said they received an incomplete explanation from the pathologist who confirmed the 'cause of death as gastrointestinal bleeding and an ulcer (likely brought on by starvation and/or stress).'

They allege that the decision to discontinue the case 'prevents justice from being done'.

The teen disappeared on August 4, a day after arriving at the Dusun, triggering a 10-day hunt involving hundreds of people, helicopters and sniffer dogs.

The results of an autopsy found she likely starved and died of internal bleeding, with police saying there was no indication she was abducted or sexually assaulted.
Meghan McCain is still fuming over a New York Times op-ed that criticized her as being the 'most polarizing and predictable figure' on The View and noting that while she's on it, 'there's not much to enjoy' about the chat show.

On her way to Arizona Friday - her first trip back since her father's 2018 death - the outspoken 35 year old tweeted: 'Going home to the promised land of Sedona.... Ill be back @TheView next week as usual. Thoughts and prayers to the @nytimes opinion for having to suffer through a conservative woman with a big platforms problematic opinions.'

She shared the tweet with her more than 720,000 Twitter followers.

The tweet came one day after the New York Times ran an op-ed, titled 'The View Has a Meghan McCain Problem,' in which the author said that conservative McCain's penchant for on-air arguments with her co-hosts is now 'exhausting.'

Meghan McCain tweeted her 'thoughts and prayers' to the New York Times while traveling home to Arizona, a day after it ran an op-ed piece blasting her co-hosting gig on The View

McCain sent this tweet after filming Friday's episode of The View, before she traveled to her family home in Arizona for the weekend

Since McCain joined the show in 2017, 'shes become its most polarizing and predictable figure,' the op-ed said, adding that 'the conservative commentators on-air spats made for fun TV' in the beginning, but that two years later, 'its just exhausting.'

The Thursday op-ed went on to note that: 'It has become the norm to watch Ms. McCain, the daughter of Senator John McCain, square off against her co-hosts in a barrage of vehement exchanges  leveraging her political parentage, accusing her co-hosts of supporting infanticide, using her platform to push back against assault weapons bans and progressive immigration policy.'

'The increasingly aggressive rejoinders by her co-hosts have escalated to the daytime TV equivalent of a cage fight for the viewing public, reflecting the frustrations of discourse in our current political climate under the magnifying glass of harsh studio lighting.'

The op-ed pointed out that the show's habit of following up co-host on-air fights the day after, with the hosts claiming 'that its all just a harmless debate among friends,' results in the sparring coming off as 'performative, no matter how genuine the sentiment.'

McCain, pictured with her father, Sen. John McCain, in October 2017 on the set of the view, shortly after she began her co-hosting gig

The New York Times ran an op-ed piece about McCain on The View with this headline Thursday

'This "agree to disagree" stance is frustrating,' the op-ed noted, later adding that 'nothing about these recent viral incidents is either civil or revelatory, no matter how many avowals are made to that effect.'

The op-ed wrapped up with a reference to series creator Barbara Walters' episode-ending exhortation to 'Have a great day, everyone, and take a little time to enjoy the view,' by stating that 'The problem is, with Ms. McCain still on the show, theres not much to enjoy.'

After the op-ed was published, McCain was quick to take to Twitter with a pair of fiery responses.

'.@nytimes - everyone already knows how much you despise red state, pro life, pro #2A conservative women, and wish we would all just go away,' she tweeted Thursday.

McCain fired back with a pair of tweets, calling out the New York Times for its stance against conservatives. Megyn Kelly and Joe Scarborough also tweeted their support for McCain

She then tweeted: 'If the @nytimes wants to understand the country, maybe they should try having one woman in the room who doesn't accept their groupthink on guns, abortion, and religion. Apparently that's too much for them.'

Unsurprisingly, conservatives were quick to back up McCain.

'The hatred for conservative women by the "woke" is ever apparent and totally undermining to their demands that ppl take them seriously. So empathetic ... unless you dont think exactly as they do,' former Fox News and NBC News host Megyn Kelly tweeted Thursday.

'The View doesn't have a @MeghanMcCain problem. The Left does. They don't want to hear from any conservative, ever, no matter how socially libertarian or anti-Trump she is,' political commentator Tiana Lowe tweeted.

Republican-turned-Independent and NBC News host Joe Scarborough also came to McCain's defense.

'What an embarrassing example of how the Left is becoming even more insular by the day. That is saying a lot,' Scarborough tweeted, alongside a link to the op-ed.

'The Left owns most of American popular culture. And yet the existence of one moderately conservative woman poses a threat to civil discourse. Good Lord. What a joke.'

He then tweeted that 'The Left kissed up to John McCain every time he spoke truth to Trump but cant handle his daughter speaking her own mind when it doesnt fit neatly into a progressive world view? Open your mind.'

McCain told People that she is 'really looking forward to having some much needed family time' during her weekend trip to Arizona.

A source close to McCain told the magazine that following 'a crazy and emotionally taxing week,' McCain 'feels the need to get out of the media bubble and remind herself of the people she represents on TV every day.'
Panasonic makes some tremendous stuff, from gorgeous TVs with immaculate picture quality to rugged laptops, to truly outstanding cameras.

As anyone who saw the live stream of the companys press conference at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this year would know, there was much to admire  even before you got to the hardware.

The Team Panasonic initiative involving Olympic stars, and including Michael Phelps live on stage, was certainly eye-catching. As was the apparent stage invasion by Star Wars rebels and Empire Stormtroopers, with BB-8 rolling onstage at the climax. They were there to restore order to the universe, oh, and promote Panasonics involvement in Disneys Star Wars theme park experiences.

But the cutest reveal came towards the end. Panasonic has long been involved in making rechargeable batteries: Batteries for cameras, smartphones, shavers, toothbrushes and so on. But also for bigger projects, like components of smart cities or smart highways.

Anyway, that mysterious black drape to the left of the screen in some livestream shots was not hiding a huge TV, but a tiny fire engine. Its built in conjunction with Tropos Motors and is called the Tropos FRV Fire Truck. FRV stands for Fire Research Vehicle.

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

When I say tiny, its big enough to hold people, its not a toy or anything. But the truck is a tiddler next to conventional fire engines. Which is one of its great benefits.

When a fire breaks out in a super-narrow backstreet in Mumbai or Tokyo, the truck can get in there. At 6 ft 6 ins tall, it can get into many parking structures and at 4 ft 6ins wide, its perfect for tight spaces.

Journalist David Phelan tries out the miniature fire engine (The Independent)

Panasonics involvement is more than just the rechargeable battery: a Panasonic Toughbook tablet is on board, right next to the drivers elbow, relaying emergency information.

Advanced analytics ensure the driver knows how the battery health is doing and help protect against theft or tampering.

Recommended Elon Musk reveals why Tesla will never build an electric motorbike

The vehicle is powered by battery and has a range of up to 120 miles, and a maximum speed of a little over 40 miles an hour. The 125-gallon water tank dispenses its contents with a gas-powered water pump.

Theres another benefit. Where a full-size fire truck can cost up to $500,000 (384,000), this is a tenth of that, Tropos Motors says. At $50,000, thats quite the bargain.

All of which goes to prove not only that you cant predict whats coming out of CES from year to year. And that Panasonics commitment to less polluted, more advanced cities is a real one.
UTICA, N.Y. --- The Red Cross is assisting 8 people after a fire destroyed a home in Utica early Saturday morning.

Utica Fire Department tells NEWSChannel 2 that the first call came in just after 4 am. When crews arrived on the scene they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the attic.

The heavy fire caused the entire roof to collapse. All of the people inside made it out safely before firefighters arrived.

Because of the cold weather, two fire hydrants froze making it difficult to immediately get water onto the fire.

"We were hampered firefighter wise by two frozen hydrants. We weren't able to get water onto the fire for around 12 minutes before we were able to establish water supply. There were two homes on each side of the structure that we were able to protect. All of our firefighters were called to the scene, " said Fire Chief Scott Ingersoll.

The fire department says no injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Evening Standard

Wine subscriptions are a smart way to discover something new to drink, and having boxes delivered to your door saves the heavy trek home from the supermarket - and means youll stay reassuringly stocked up. From natural wine subscriptions to at-home wine tastings to gift your dad, here are 13 of the best wine subscription boxes to add to your cart. Subscribers can choose from a 12-bottle case of mixed wines, delivered every 12 weeks (or less often, its up to you).
It's been quite a trip this Half A Century/Once In A Lifetime journey Down Under.

I've cuddled Koalas, woken up in between Sydney Harbour Bridge and The Opera House, drank wine on the beach as the sun was setting and got to attend a Fundraiser in aid of the Bush Fires MC'd by Chris Hemsworth.

Not going to lie, having Chris Hemsworth drip sweat on me as I took a selfie may have been the highlight of my holiday. He and his brother Liam (who also dripped sweat on me - it was very humid) were absolute gentlemen and not in the slightest annoyed at being harassed by an over-excited Irish woman. Mother of God if I was 20 years younger!

On a more serious note, to witness the outpouring of kindness and support that the people of Australia have shown during this difficult time has been inspiring and humbling. Waiters and waitresses donating whole weeks worth of tips, proprietors giving a full night's profits, school children offering their pocket money, everybody donating what they can, when they can and preparing themselves for when they will be called on to help rebuild entire communities that have been decimated by the fires.

Three and a half weeks is a long time to spend with your family and extended family but we managed it without any rows, surprisingly enough. I had anticipated at least one big hoo ha but no, except for a heated debate over Vietnam (don't ask) we have all come out the other side relatively unscathed.

But now it's time for home and I am ready. I miss my dog and my bed. I've loved the sunshine but I'm dying to curl up by the fire and watch TV. I'm hanging for a Tayto sandwich and a good strong cup of Barry's tea.

I'll be quite happy not to be checking every corner of the room before I go to sleep at night for huntsmen spiders and brown snakes.

And the humidity. Oh Lord the humidity. I have closely resembled Noddy Holder for almost a month now, complete with sweaty upper lip, I am longing to blow dry my hair and slap a bit of make up on.

And as I return with several Koala teddies, a boomerang and a suitcase full of Tim Tams I can honestly say - Australia you have been an absolute blast!

We have enjoyed every single minute and have memories to treasure forever.

But it's true what they say - There's no place like home.
In 1990, Marita Conlon-McKenna's first novel for children Under the Hawthorn Tree was an immediate success. Set during the devastation of the Great Famine, it is the deeply moving story of three young siblings who, desperate to avoid the workhouse when tragedy strikes the family, make their way across Ireland in search of unknown relatives.

It went on to be a multi-award winner and the first in a 'Children of the Famine' series. With her new adult novel The Hungry Road, Conlon-McKenna returns to the subject of the famine, its impact on individuals and families, and the devastating toll it took on communities. A tragedy that took an estimated one million lives and saw the emigration of over a million, it is a pivotal point in Ireland's past, and one which she has researched meticulously from contemporary accounts at home and abroad.

While the worst years of the Famine (1845-1849) are its primary focus, The Hungry Road sensibly opens and closes with a wider lens, giving valuable context to the powerful human stories. Conlon-McKenna begins in Skibbereen in September 1843, on the day of Daniel O'Connell's Monster Repeal Meeting: "From every field and farm, lane and street, village and townland in West Cork, the people came." There is a sense of energy, an expectation that freedom is merely a hands-grasp away, as, "O'Connell's voice carried loud and clear across the field, filling the spectators' parched hearts with the hope of change". Yet what comes instead is the blight, stealthily destroying crops and livelihoods overnight. In a time when information travelled person to person, fear and confusion are soon rampant. Skibbereen (which hosted the State's first public national Famine commemoration event in 2009) was one of the worst affected areas in Ireland. By December 1846, its voluntary soup kitchen was feeding up to 1,500 people daily. From an estimated population of 105,000 in the 1840s, at least 28,000 died, and a further 8,000 emigrated. Inspired by real people, Conlon-McKenna focuses on a number of individuals: Mary Sullivan, a talented seamstress who lives with her tenant farmer husband and young family; Dr Dan Donovan, the hard-working medical officer to the Skibbereen Union whose heroic efforts must have saved hundreds of men, women and children; and compassionate local priest, Fr John Fitzpatrick. It is perhaps the complication of using real lives to create fiction, that in seeking to be true to the facts of their actions, one can be hesitant to speculate on their complex thoughts, their secret hearts.

Conlon-McKenna has assembled an excellent cast of characters, who act and react to each other and their situations, though we get very little of their internal unspoken lives, their desires and dreams and confusions: her characters' speech generally mirrors their thinking.

The agony of the departing emigrant is clear: "She ran her eyes over the broken and battered cottage Soon they would be gone from it and rain and wind, weeds and wildlife would claim it. She was heartbroken at the thought of the children never playing in the surrounding fields again." Her vivid depictions of the landscape and its relationship with the people who make a living from it, allow the land to become another character. It is the provider that becomes the enemy: "The hunger had stalked and starved the land." Myriad small, moving details help to illustrate the enormity of the tragedy: starving animals digging up putrid bodies from shallow graves; bereaved parents spending their last shilling on a coffin for a dead child rather than food for their surviving children; once-friendly neighbours reduced to stealing from each other.

The 'hungry road' of the title is that leading to the soup kitchen. However, in tracing her characters' lives, Conlon-McKenna illustrates many different paths. For some, the road led to starvation and death. For others it became the way to a life in Liverpool or New York; a search for brave new beginnings and fresh hopes.
Pleas for help in combating an invasion of feral hogs in various areas around The Woodlands Township are being heeded by local officials, with Montgomery County Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack on Friday unveiling a new feral hog trapping program that will begin immediately.

According to a release from Noacks office on Friday, Jan. 17, Noack has, contracted with a professional wildlife removal company in order to trap feral hogs in targeted areas along Spring Creek. This is consistent with the precincts past efforts to mitigate and remove other nuisance wildlife such as beavers and coyotes.

Andy DuBois, manager of precinct projects for Montgomery County Precinct 3, said the 90-day pilot program will be assessed at the end the time period, and if successful, could be expanded to other areas of Precinct 3. DuBois also noted that only parts of The Woodlands fall in the jurisdiction of Noacks precinct and that the issue of feral hogs has been under discussion and analysis by Noack and his staff for several weeks as reports of the swine have increased.

The commissioner has been working on (feral hogs) for a least a few weeks. Hes done this before with both coyotes and beavers, DuBois said in a telephone interview on Friday. We had residents come by the office and also call. (Noack) walked the area recently and recognized the need for traps. He is going to use this pilot program to see if it is effective, and if so, possibly expand it to other areas.

Related: Scared residents in Woodlands plead for help with feral hog invasion

The release stated that Noack is aware of the high monetary costs of the damage feral hogs can wreak. Traps were scheduled to be set on various parcels of county property in the Spring Creek watershed beginning on Friday, Jan. 17, and may be relocated during the three-month pilot program depending on success of the effort.

Noack has been communicating with wildlife experts, such as Texas Parks and Wildlife, as well as state and local officials in order to determine more long-term solutions, the release stated. Commissioner Noack does not believe it is in the best interest of his constituents to wait for more meetings, consultants and bureaucracy before providing relief to Precinct 3 residents in areas along Spring Creek such as Grogans Point.

DuBois said Noack and his staff have already been working with officials from The Woodlands to coordinate a response plan that fits the needs of the community and is fiscally sound.

The issue of feral hogs and the safety issues and damage they inflict has been a focal point of communities throughout Southeast Texas in recent months after the death of an elderly woman in Chambers County was attributed to feral hogs attacking her. The swine have been reported in many areas of The Woodlands, from the W.G. Jones State Forest and the senior community of Windsor Hills to the villages of Indian Springs, Panther Creek and Grogans Mill.

On Jan. 15, more than a dozen residents of the Grogans Point neighborhood in the south township area along Spring Creek showed up and demanded help from township officials and board members in battling the invasive swine.

Related: Woodlands OKs hiring feral hog consultant as problem continues

Gordy Bunch, chairman of The Woodlands Township Board of Directors, said he was happy to hear of Noacks plan to help trap feral hogs in Precinct 3.

I am glad to see the commissioner engaging the feral hog issues along Spring Creek after numerous constituents raised concerns during The Woodlands Township Board meeting this week. The Township also approved developing a plan to coordinate efforts with all stakeholders to make sure we have a long term cohesive strategy, Bunch said in an email to The Villager. I was able to speak with County Judge Mark Keough who committed to support and engage these feral hog issues countywide. If we can get all agencies and large parcel landowners working together we can make a real impact. This is a good initial step towards that objective.

Efforts to control feral hogs in The Woodlands continued on Wednesday, Jan. 15, when in a unanimous vote, the township directors approved the hiring of a special consultant who is an expert in feral hogs and invasive species control methods for a cost of $25,000. The consultant, once hired, will work with township staff and a host of community stakeholders to develop a collaborative game plan for reducing the feral hog population in The Woodlands and also to try to prevent them from even coming to the area, said John Powers, the assistant general manager for the the township.

jeff.forward@chron.com
She was resting on a hill overlooking the town, readying herself for the hardship that lay ahead, yet weighted with pain over what she had left behind. Ruth Gomez had an open face and bright, vivid eyes, but she wept as she explained how she had made the decision to leave her two young children with her mother in Honduras, and join a caravan of migrants trailing its way towards the US border.

There are no opportunities for us in Honduras, she said, holding up a phone to display an image of a boy and a girl  Dorian and Alejandra. I do not think it will be easy to cross the US border, but also not impossible.

The young woman sleeping in a park, where someone had placed a white banner that bore the words May peace and God be with us, was among tens of thousands of desperate, ambitious Hondurans who joined the caravan in the autumn of 2018, first passing through Guatemala and into southern Mexico. Donald Trump denounced the migrants, claiming without evidence that dangerous people from the Middle East were among them, and he would dispatch troops to shore up the US-Mexico border after declaring a national emergency. He later termed them an invasion.
It was remarkable to see Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias taking up his seat at the cabinet table as one of Spain's deputy prime ministers this week. Iglesias, who formed the anti-establishment party in 2014 on the back of the "indignados" protests, has finally completed the last stage of a long and bumpy transition from angry outsider to national lawmaker. But in a move clearly designed to pacify conservative-minded outsiders, new Socialist (PSOE) prime minister Pedro Sanchez has kept Iglesias and his colleagues away from most of the economic posts, instead awarding them to PSOE members.

The EU, which has been fretting about Spain's ability to meet its "one-size-fits-all" targets, will be happy that PSOE heavyweights Nadia Calvino and Maria Jesus Montero retain their positions. Calvino remains as economy minister and has also become a deputy prime minister, and Montero stays as budget minister while also taking on the role of governmental spokesperson. Brussels might be less happy, though, about the pension increase of 0.9% - quickly agreed on by Sanchez's cabinet this week - and talk of another hike in the minimum wage, which the PSOE already raised by 22% last year. Indeed, the main economic challenge faced by Spain's new government is boosting welfare spending at the same time as meeting the EU's stringent fiscal targets (ironically, the pro-austerity conservative government led by Mariano Rajoy between 2011 and 2018 failed to satisfy any of Brussels' economic expectations).

As well as old-schoolers like Calvino and Montero, Sanchez's cabinet also contains less experienced politicians who fully-deserve their new roles. Iglesias' success in taking Podemos from formation to national power within the space of six years reveals great talent, especially in playing the media and tapping into younger Spaniards' concerns. Now one of four deputy prime ministers (the other three are from the PSOE), he has more scope to exercise his abilities than ever before. It'll be fascinating to see how he adjusts to reforming the establishment from the inside, rather than criticising it from the outside.

Just as significant as Iglesias' ascension is that of Yolanda Diaz, who takes control of the Ministry of Labour and Social Economy. A Galician lawyer and member of Spain's United Left and Communist parties, Diaz has vowed to repeal Rajoy's 2012 labour market reforms and increase workers' stability. Certain elements of Ciudadanos, as well as the entirety of the Popular Party and Vox, will be dismayed that a radical left-winger is in charge of such an important portfolio, but this is the new reality of Spanish politics.

Members of congress now represent everything from quasi-Franco nationalism to Marxist economics, thus highlighting Spain's colourful pluralism. If the price to pay for this rich blend of ideologies is frequent deadlock and disagreement, then so be it.
Union Ministers Prakash Javadekar and R K Singh on Saturday inaugurated Elecrama, organised by industry body IEEMA which is targeting businesses worth Rs 30,000 crore during the five-day event here.

The focus of this year's event is on e-mobility, energy storage, start-ups, grid transformation, revenue security with special attention on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), said Anil Saboo, the executive council member of the Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers Association (IEEMA).

While inaugurating the event, Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Javadekar said, "It is an opportunity for exchange of ideas and learning. We understand that the industry's cause should translate to a societal cause."



Minister of Power, New and Renewable Energy Singh informed the stakeholders that despite hiccups, India is one of the fastest growing economies.

"India has achieved 367 gigawatt installed power generation capacity. We have connected India to one unified grid," he said.

Saboo said that Elecrama is power industry event organised by IEEMA every two years, he said, adding the industry body expects to do a business of Rs 30,000 crore at the five-day event from January 18 to January 22.

IEEMA president R K Chugh said government has set up a target of making India a USD 5 trillion economy and his industry will play a significant in achieving this goal.

Uttar Pradesh Industrial Development Minister Satish Mahana, who also attended the event, said his government has given 1.2 crore power connections in past two years.

He informed the gathering that the Uttar Pradesh government has set a target of installing 2,000 MW of solar power generation capacity every year and invited the investors to explore business opportunities in the state in the sector.

Over 1,300 exhibitors are participating in the event. Out of these about 450 are exhibitors from 120 nations.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Seoul: North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho has been replaced, Seoul-based NK News reported on Saturday. Ri`s replacement has not been identified but Pyongyang is set to reveal his successor about next Thursday, the report said, citing unnamed sources.

South Korea`s unification ministry, which is in charge of North Korea affairs, has said that any change in Ri`s status should be assessed cautiously. Born in 1956, Ri is the son of Ri Myong Je, former deputy director of the Organization and Guidance Department (OGD), a shadowy body within the ruling Workers Party that oversees the appointment of management positions within the state, according to the South Korean unification ministry. His father was also an editor at the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the state media body that publishes Pyongyangs propaganda statements.

Live TV

A fluent English speaker who studied at Pyongyangs prestigious University of Foreign Languages, Ri has for years held a number of high-level posts dealing with the West.

From 2003 to 2007, he was North Koreas ambassador in London and served as vice foreign minister, representing North Korea at six-party talks on North Korea`s nuclear program.

Ri did not attend the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations in September. He had attended the high-level meeting in New York for three years from 2016 to 2018.
[January 17, 2020] Senior Management of Cascadia Presented to the President of Kazakhstan

VANCOUVER, Jan. 17, 2020 /CNW/ - Cascadia Blockchain Group Corp. ("Cascadia" or the "Company") (CSE: CK) is pleased to announce that Tilektes Adambekov, the regional Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of Eurasia Blockchain Fintech Group Limited ("EBFG"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, presented EBFG's plan to launch a cryptocurrency exchange platform to Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan at the Presidential Youth Staff Reserve Conference. The government officials of Kazakhstan and 300 new members of the Presidential Youth Staff Reserve, selected from 13,000 candidates, attended the conference at the Ak Orda Presidential Palace. Mr. Adambekov was invited by Mr. Tokayev to give a speech about EBFG's plan to become the first licensed cryptocurrency exchange platform under the jurisdiction of Astana International Financial Center ("AIFC"). In his speech, Mr. Admbekov shared his view on development of the national cryptocurrency based on blockchain technology and explained how blockchain and decentralized technology play a key role in various sectors such as healthcare, banking, logistics, and security. After Mr. Adambekov's speech, the president provided positive feedback and stated that blockchain technology is of utmost importance for Kazakhstan.



"Kazakhstan is a blockchain friendly country. The Kazakh government is one of the first to announce plans of blockchain adoption in such fields as taxation, customs and cargo tracking. Our regional CEO at EBFG is one of the five finalists of the Presidential Youth Staff Reserve who was given the opportunity to speak at the conference. This shows our leadership and contribution in development in blockchain technology in Kazakhstan. EBFG has recently received a conditional FinTech License to operate a cryptocurrency exchange and provide custodian services under the brand of Eurasia International Blockchain eXchang ("EBX"). Our next step is to continue to finalize our system design of EBX and obtain approval from the government before commencing operations in a live environment and providing services to customers. Under the leadership of Mr. Adambekov, we are confident that EBX will be ready to launch in the first half of 2020", said Di Deng, the CEO of Cascadia. About Cascadia

Cascadia is an early stage fintech and blockchain technology company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE: CK). About AIFC Astana International Financial Center is the financial center of Central Asia, the Caucasus, EAEU, the Middle East, Western China and Europe. AIFC operates under English law and aims to develop financial markets. AIFC has a separate economic system with an independent judicial system based on common laws. It has relaxed foreign exchange control and capital environment. Companies incorporated under the jurisdiction of AIFC are entitled to 50 years of exemption from corporate, personal income, land and property taxes. The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Cascadia Blockchain Group Corp.

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House Democrats have released a slew of new photos and documents from Rudy Giuliani's indicted fixer Lev Parnas, showing his close ties to President Donald Trump's inner circle.

The dump of images from Parnas' phone, which he turned over to House Judiciary Committee, shows the businessman with Trump's children Ivanka and Don Jr, as well as with Don Jr's own young children.

The images also show a card signed by the president and first lady, thanking Parnas for his 'friendship and dedication to our cause.' The card appears to be the type that is sent to campaign donors.

It follows nearly a dozen photos of Parnas and Trump posing together at various events, in spite of Trump's vehement insistence that he does not know Parnas.

Lev Parnas and Ivanka Trump are seen together at Donald Trump's inauguration celebration at Union Station, Washington D.C., in January 2017 in a new batch of photos from Parnas' phone

Parnas mingles with Don Trump Jr and Trump Jr's children in one of the photos at Trump's inauguration celebration in Washington D.C. in 2017

Parnas (far right) poses with Jared Kushner, Don Trump Jr, and an unidentified man at Donald Trump's inauguration celebration in Washington D.C., in January 2017

The images also show a card signed by the president and first lady, thanking Parnas

One of many pictures showing Trump and Parnas together, this time in the Trump Hotel in D.C. has been released by Lev Parnas' attorney

Soviet-born Parnas and his partner Igor Fruman were Giuliani's 'fixers' in an alleged scheme to pressure the Ukrainian president to announce an investigation into Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Both Parnas and Fruman now face campaign finance charges.

The new photos also show Trump's legal team congregating for dinner at the Trump International Hotel in DC, a meeting which Parnas evidently attended.

Trump's personal attorneys Jay Sekulow, Rudy Giuliani, and Jane Raskin are seen eating with two unidentified men in the undated photos.

On Friday, Trump announced that he had added household names Alan Dershowitz and Kenneth Star to his impeachment legal team.

Dershowitz is a constitutional expert whose expansive views of presidential powers echo those of Trump.

Starr is a veteran of partisan battles in Washington, having led the investigation into Bill Clinton's affair with a White House intern that brought about that president's impeachment by the House. Clinton was acquitted at his Senate trial, the same outcome Trump is expecting from the Republican-led chamber.

'I don't believe I've ever met him.' The House Intelligence Committee released this photograph of the two together in a document dump Wednesday

Parnas was also tight with Trump's legal team, the photos show. Trump's personal attorneys Jay Sekulow, Rudy Giuliani, and Jane Raskin are seen above dining at Trump's DC hotel. The man sitting on the far right has not yet been identified

Left to right: Sekulow, Giuliani, an unknown man, Jane Raskin, and another unknown man are seen dining together in a photo from Parnas' cell phone camera roll

Lev Parnas and Jared Kushner at Donald Trump's inauguration celebration in Union Station, Washington D.C., January 2017

The photos date back at least to Trump's January 2017 inaugural celebrations, and show Parnas with Trump's close confidants at multiple events through the years.

Some of the photos show him hobnobbing with Trump's daughter Ivanka and Jared Kushner, both advisors to the president.

Other's show him with then-cabinet members and high level White House staff, such as former Attorney General Jeff Sessions and former Chief of Staff John Kelly.

The documents released on Friday also include a text message exchange with new information about the apparent surveillance of former US Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch.

The screenshots are of undated text messages between Robert Hyde, a Republican congressional candidate in Connecticut, and a foreign number from Belgium.

The Belgian number sends Hyde a screenshot of an official photo of Yovanovitch and writes 'My contacts are checking,' adding, 'I will give you the address next week.'

Hyde replied, 'Awesome.'

In another series of texts, the Belgian number tells Hyde: 'Nothing has changed she is still not moving they check today again,' soon adding, 'It's confirmed we have a person inside.'

'She had visitors,' the Belgian number, which belongs to an unknown person, texted in another exchange.

Lev Parnas and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions are seen posing together

Lev Parnas poses with with former Marine General John Kelly, then Donald Trump's chief of staff, at the America First Action SuperPAC Leadership Summit at Trump Hotel Washington D.C. June 18 or 19 2018

Lev Parnas with Donald Trump at the America First Action Superpac Leadership Summit at Trump Hotel Washington D.C. June 18 or 19 2018. Also partially visible right, Donald Trump Jr

Lev Parnas with Florida governor Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump Jr

Parnas sits next to Donald Trump Jr in one of the photos released on Friday

Lev Parnas with letter from Pete Sessions, Texas Republican Congressman to President Trump

Hyde appeared to share the screenshots with Parnas, which is how they wound up on his phone that he turned over to House investigators.

In a video message he posted online, Hyde claims an 'intel' source provided him the information he passed on to Parnas.

Hyde, who earlier said he was drinking when he exchanged messages with former Giuliani sidekick Parnas, dismissed the information as 'just copy and paste bull****.'

Hyde in his video also furnished the name of a person who does not appear in public records as the source of the information he passed on to Parnas. He said he personally had never been to Ukraine.

'Anthony De Caluwe, go look into him, my other side of my text messages,' he said in the video, where he gesticulated while seated on a plush brown couch.

'And why don't you ask them guys. Because it was just copy and paste bulls*** that from some intel guy probably that was f***ing with me. Trying to set Trump up. And I'm sure if I disappeared or died or they gag-ordered me, they were going to use me as a smoking gun. Some bulls*** like I have these Ukrainian ties,' he said.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday broke nearly 72 hours of silence over alleged surveillance and threats to the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, saying he believed the allegations would prove to be wrong but that he had an obligation to evaluate and investigate the matter.

In interviews with conservative radio hosts, Pompeo said he had no knowledge of the allegations until earlier this week when congressional Democrats released documents from an associate of President Donald Trump's personal attorney suggesting that Marie Yovanovitch was being watched. He also said he did not know and had never met Lev Parnas, the associate of Rudy Giuliani who made the claims.

Pompeo, who was traveling in California when the documents were released, had been harshly criticized by lawmakers and current and former diplomats for not addressing the matter. The documents provided by Parnas suggested there may have been a threat to Yovanovitch shortly before she was abruptly recalled last spring.

New documents released by the House Judiciary Committee show a person from a Belgian number feeding information about former ambassador Marie Yovanovitch

Republican congressional candidate Robert Hyde (above wearing Trump socks) put out a video where he said a source provided him 'intel' on former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, but denied impropriety and blasted Democrats

'We will do everything we need to do to evaluate whether there was something that took place there,' he said in a radio interview with Tony Katz, an Indianapolis-based broadcaster. 'I suspect that much of whats been reported will ultimately prove wrong, but our obligation, my obligation as secretary of state, is to make sure that we evaluate, investigate. Any time there is someone who posits that there may have been a risk to one of our officers, well obviously do that.'

'It is always the case at the Department of State that we do everything we can to ensure that our officers, not only our ambassadors but our entire team, has the security level thats appropriate,' Pompeo said.

'We do our best to make sure that no harm will come to anyone, whether that was what was going on in our embassy in Baghdad last week or the work that was going on in Kyiv up and through the spring of last year when Ambassador Yovanovitch was there, and in our embassy in Kyiv even today,' he said.
The commander in chief lashed out at some of the country's most senior military officers and leaders just months into his presidency, telling them Afghanistan was a "loser war" and calling them "a bunch of dopes and babies," according to a new book by a pair of Pulitzer Prize-winning reporters.

Some of President Donald Trump's senior advisers, including former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, planned a July 2017 Pentagon meeting with the commander in chief to explain the importance of preserving key alliances and troops' presence around the world.

But Trump grew outraged during the meeting, according to never-before-reported details published Friday in an excerpt of "A Very Stable Genius: Donald J. Trump's Testing of America." The book, by Washington Post reporters Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker, will be released Tuesday.

Trump, according to the book, began referring to the Afghanistan War as a "loser war" and telling the Joint Chiefs and others in the room they "don't know how to win anymore."

Related: Trump's Band of 'My Generals' Is Disbanding

"You're all losers," the president said, according to the excerpt.

"I wouldn't go to war with you people," he added. "You're a bunch of dopes and babies."

The meeting had been led by Mattis, along with former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and then-Director of the National Economic Council Gary Cohn. All the joint chiefs were at the meeting, which at the time included Marine Gen. Joe Dunford, the chairman; Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley; Marine Commandant Gen. Robert Neller; Chief of Naval Operations John Richardson; and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein.

Mattis, Tillerson and Cohn "had grown alarmed by gaping holes in Trump's knowledge of history, especially the key alliances forged following World War II," according to the book. They prepared a PowerPoint presentation to inform him about the international order that emerged after WWII.

"Trump had dismissed allies as worthless, cozied up to authoritarian regimes in Russia and elsewhere, and advocated withdrawing troops from strategic outposts and active theaters alike," the excerpt states.

After Trump's reported tirade during the meeting, no one spoke up. That included Vice President Mike Pence, whose son is a Marine officer.

"Some staff began looking down at their papers, rearranging folders, almost wishing themselves out of the room," the excerpt states. "A few considered walking out. They tried not to reveal their revulsion on their faces, but questions raced through their minds. 'How does the commander in chief say that?' one thought. 'What would our worst adversaries think if they knew he said this?'"

But Tillerson, Leonnig and Rucker wrote, was seething. The former secretary of state watched as Mattis bowed his head toward the table, the book states, and thought of Mattis, "Gosh darn it, Jim, say something. Why aren't you saying something?"

Tillerson later told aides that it was in that moment that he realized "Mattis was genetically a Marine, unable to talk back to his commander in chief, no matter what nonsense came out of his mouth," according to the book.

Then, Tillerson spoke up.

"Mr. President, you're totally wrong," he said, according to the excerpt. After the meeting, Tillerson famously called Trump a "moron," which was reported by NBC News in October 2017.

In another December 2017 meeting in the White House's Situation Room, Tillerson again stood up for the generals, admirals and other military leaders during a meeting in which Trump said he wanted the U.S. to make money from troops being based in foreign countries around the world.

"I've never put on a uniform, but I know this," Tillerson said, according to the book. "Every person who has put on a uniform, the people in this room, they don't do it to make a buck. They did it for their country, to protect us. I want everyone to be clear about how much we as a country value their service."

Tillerson was later fired by Trump over Twitter in March 2018. Cohn resigned as the president's top economic adviser that same month.

Mattis resigned as defense secretary at the end of 2018. Trump removed him from his post months prior to the retired Marine general's planned exit.

-- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins.

Read more: Most Overrated? Mattis Laughs Off Trump Barb at Charity Gala
Khagendra Thapa Magar died of pneumonia at a hospital in the Nepalese city of Pokhara, according to his family.

The worlds shortest man who could walk, as verified by Guinness World Records, died on Friday at a hospital in Nepal, his family said.

Khagendra Thapa Magar, who measured 67.08cm (two feet and 2.41 inches), died of pneumonia at a hospital in Pokhara, 200km (124 miles) from Kathmandu, where he lived with his parents.

He has been in and out of hospital because of pneumonia. But this time his heart was also affected. He passed away today, Mahesh Thapa Magar, his brother, told AFP news agency.

We are saddened today to hear of the passing of the worlds shortest man, Khagendra Thapa Magar from Nepal https://t.co/rfedNxxnP8  GuinnessWorldRecords (@GWR) January 17, 2020

Magar was first declared the worlds shortest man in 2010 after his 18th birthday, and was photographed holding a certificate only a bit smaller than him.

However, he eventually lost the title after Nepals Chandra Bahadur Dangi, who measured 54.6 centimetres, was named the worlds shortest mobile man.

Magar regained the title after Dangis death in 2015.

He was so tiny when he was born that he could fit in the palm of your hand, and it was very hard to bathe him because he was so small, said his father, Roop Bahadur, according to Guinness World Records.

Magar Magar became an official face of Nepals tourism campaign [Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters]

As the worlds shortest man, the 27-year-old travelled to more than a dozen countries and made television appearances in European countries and the United States.

Were terribly sad to hear the news from Nepal that Khagendra is no longer with us, said Craig Glenday, Guinness World Records editor-in-chief.

Life can be challenging when you weigh just six kilograms and you dont fit into a world built for the average person. But Khagendra certainly didnt let his small size stop him from getting the most out of life he said.

Magar became an official face of Nepals tourism campaign, which featured him as the smallest man in a country that is home to the worlds highest peak, Mount Everest.

During his stint he met other short people around the world, including the shortest woman, Jyoti Amge, from India.

In a video released by Guinness World Records, Magar is seen playing a guitar with his brother, riding a bike and sitting at his familys shop.

The worlds shortest non-mobile man remains Junrey Balawing of the Philippines, who measures only 59.93 centimetres but is unable to walk or stand unaided, according to Guinness World Records.

The record for shortest living mobile man is now retained by Edward Nino Hernandez of Colombia, a reggaeton DJ who stands 70.21 centimetres tall, Guinness said.
aThe news of @AzmiShabana Jias injury in an accident is distressing. I pray for her quick recovery,a Modi tweeted. (Photo Credit: File)

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed his concern and prayed for Shabana Azmis quick recovery after the veteran actor and another person were injured in an accident on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway in Maharashtra's Raigad district earlier in the day.

Azmi was rushed to MGM Hospital in Navi Mumbai and was said to be out of danger, said a police official. Her husband and lyricist Javed Akhtar, who was traveling with her, escaped unhurt.

The news of @AzmiShabana Jis injury in an accident is distressing. I pray for her quick recovery, Modi tweeted.

The news of @AzmiShabana Jis injury in an accident is distressing. I pray for her quick recovery.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 18, 2020

The incident took place near Khalapur, over 60 km from Mumbai, when the Tata Safari car in which they were traveling to Pune rammed into a truck, said Raigad Superintendent of Police Anil Paraskar.

A local police official said the car driver was apparently trying to overtake another vehicle and rammed into the truck.

One more person who was travelling in the car sustained minor injuries, he said. His identity was not known yet.

Azmi's spokesperson said the actor was undergoing a check-up. "She is fine, nothing to worry about," the spokesperson added.

Javed Akhtar celebrated his 75th birthday on Friday.

"Shabana Azmi injured in road accident on Mumbai-Pune Expressway OMG! Praying so hard," actor Swara Bhaskar tweeted.

Azmi is known for her path-breaking roles in films such as "Arth", "Ankur", "Paar", "Masoom" and "Godmother".

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
The Supreme Court recently quashed the review petition filed by incumbent operators Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel on the AGR (adjusted gross revenues) dues. The apex court's October judgement has affected 15 telcos but only five of them are operational right now. Out of these five, nearly 60 per cent (of Rs 1.47 lakh crore) is due on incumbents. As per reports, these telcos would likely seek an extension of the payment deadline (January 23) or file a curative petition with the court.

Under such petition, the petitioner will have to prove that the court's decision would have a humanitarian impact and severe repercussions on GDP. A curative petition is reviewed by the three senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, alongside the judges who passed the original judgement. Given that the past success of such petitions is low, telcos like Vodafone Idea who neither have cash to pay up dues (Rs 53,038.6 crore) nor the backing of promoters - Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Plc - to infuse fresh capital, the chances of it going under seem highly likely. In an interview in December 2019, Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of Vodafone Idea, had said that in the absence of any relief on the AGR case, "it does not make sense to put good money after bad. That would be end of story for us. We will shut shop."

Financial services firm Jefferies said, in a report, that Vodafone Idea is on a sticky wicket. "The best case for lenders is VIL survives long enough and repays the loans back. It all depends on whether India is okay with a two-player market," the 16 January report said. The result of Vodafone Idea facing a shutdown may result in billions of debt default, large-scale job losses and subscriber churn. The biggest losers are going to be government and banks.

Also read: Blow to Airtel, Vodafone Idea as SC dismisses review plea in AGR case

As per some estimates, the government would be impacted the most as the telco owes about Rs 90,000 crore in deferred spectrum dues and AGR liability. Goldman Sachs says that Vodafone Idea's debt excluding deferred payment liability is around Rs 28,000 crore, with cash and cash equivalents of Rs 15,400 crore as of September 2019. This essentially means that its net exposure is some Rs 13,000 crore which is not substantial (or less than 2 per cent) in the context of overall non-performing loans in the entire banking system. But bad loans of such size would impact investor confidence and lead to higher risk aversion among banks towards telcos.

The Goldman Sachs report (dated January 17) said that banks like State Bank of India (Rs 11,200 crore), IndusInd Bank (Rs 3,995 crore), IDFC First Bank (Rs 2,500 crore), ICICI Bank (Rs 1,725 crore) and Punjab National Bank (Rs 1,027.7 crore) have a sizeable exposure to Vodafone Idea. In terms of exposure, debt given to Vodafone Idea account for 11 per cent of the IDFC First Bank's networth, and 9 per cent of the IndusInd Bank's networth.

In general, the exposure of banks to the entire telecom sector ranges between 10 per cent and 30 per cent of their total equity with Yes Bank having the highest exposure (Rs 7,937 crore) of 29 per cent (of its equity) amongst private banks. Within the public sector banks, State Bank of India has extended debt of Rs 36,542 crore (or 16 per cent of its total equity). Now if a telco defaults on these payments, it will have impact on not just other telcos but also on the telecom infrastructure firms and the banking system.

Also read: Vodafone Idea share price crashes 39% on Supreme Court's AGR verdict, falling subscriber base

Also read: Infographic: Can telcos survive Rs 93,000 crore AGR blow?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's exit also marked the end of the so-called royal family's "Fab Four." However, it seems the royal family is wasting no time in giving a chance to another royal couple to step up alongside Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Failed Hopes

Before the royal family welcomed 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge surprised their fans with their own 2019 in review clip on their Instagram account alongside the caption, "To all the fantastic organizations and inspirational people we met and worked within 2019: Thank you for a wonderful year, and see you in 2020!"

The video appeared to be a usual year-end greeting, not until royal watchers spotted Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their son Archie on the clip.

It ignited the speculations that the alleged tension between the Sussexes and Cambridges finally subsided, and the possibility of "Fab Four" getting back together after Meghan and Prince Harry decided to split from the joint charity they shared with Cambridges in 2019.

However, now that the Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal duties, the slot for another couple to complete the Fab Four finally opened again. And now, the Cambridges appeared to have found the perfect people for the position.

The Next Fab Four?

Prince William and Kate are set to come in public with what royal watchers deem as the new members of "Fab Four."

Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, are set to fill the position of the Sussexes as they accompany the Cambridges in in hosting the U.K.-Africa Investment Summit at Buckingham Palace on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday.

Kensington Palace will lead the event, which is said to highlight the relationship of the U.K. and Africa.

"The summit will demonstrate the strength of the relationship between the U.K. and Africa, showcase and promote the breadth and quality of investment opportunities across Africa, and highlight the U.K.'s commitment to supporting economic development in Africa, including through the creation of jobs and new partnerships," a statement from the Kensignton Palace reads.

Meanwhile, it is worth noting that although Prince Edward and Sophie are considered as full-time working senior royal family members, they rarely attend "high-profile engagement" with the Cambridges.

However, since Prince Harry and Meghan are already out the picture, royal watchers can expect the four to appear in royal events together more often to cover royal duties for the Queen moving forward.

On Monday, the new Fab Four will welcome heads of state and government, their spouses or partners, and delegates members of U.K. government, as well as U.K. and African business figures to mark the beginning of the aforementioned summit.

Edward, Sophie's Roles

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's youngest child, Prince Edward, married Sophie in 1999 and currently have two children -- Lady Louise Windsor, 16, and James, Viscount Severn, 12.

Though they seldom make it to the headlines, the Earl of Wessex is also busier than the royal watchers can ever think.

According to the royal family's official website, Prince Edward "carries out a busy schedule of engagements in support of a large number of charities. His Royal Highness is especially passionate about organisations and causes which provide opportunities to young people."

He also started to take over the development of "The Duke of Edinburgh's Award" since his father's retirement from royal life in 2017.

Meanwhile, Sophie is also a patron of a towering 70 charities and organizations and holds a "Her Royal Highness" title. Her works focus on education and military practices, and she aims to highlight them after her visit.

With these credentials they have, they surely fit to work with the Cambridges toward the betterment of the monarchy.
Shifting dynamics on the ground in Libya have established Turkey and Russia as the main power-brokers in the conflict.

Since the outbreak of the Libyan revolution in 2011, which saw the intervention of NATO countries and the toppling of Muammar Gaddafis regime, international involvement in Libya has gradually escalated. Although some Western states took a step back in recent years, there has been growing intervention by other countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), France, Turkey, Russia and Egypt, which have all been looking to secure their own interests in the post-Gaddafi era.

The Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA), which was formed in 2015 through a UN-brokered agreement approved by the Security Council, has struggled to establish control over the country. Although it is the only governing body which has been recognised by the United Nations, it has been undermined by foreign intervention. Formally, the GNA has been supported by the United States and the European Union, but its main backers in recent years have been Italy, Turkey and Qatar.

The UAE, Egypt and to a certain extent France and Russia have all been supporting renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar, who since 2014 has been trying to take power in Libya through military force. The military operation he launched in April 2019 to take over the capital Tripoli, has further complicated the situation.

The conflict has been dragging on for nine months and the dynamics of international involvement has been shifting rapidly with significant external factors coming into play.

Although Haftar pledged to take the Libyan capital quickly, he failed to do so and was forced to seek additional support from his allies. After a visit to Moscow last year, a few hundred Russian mercenaries, mostly from the private military company Wagner Group, were sent to aid his war effort. Over the past few months, their number increased to 1,500.

Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin admitted there are Russian fighters in Libya, but claimed they do not represent the state and are not paid by the Russian government.

In the face of another offensive on Tripoli, the GNA requested help from its backers and Turkey responded. In November, the two signed memorandums of understanding, allowing for maritime and military cooperation between both countries. In January, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the deployment of troops to Libya to support the legitimate government and avoid a humanitarian tragedy.

The Trump administration seems to be content with Turkey playing a leading role, which may be why the US has become less involved. Washington has had limited diplomatic engagements through the US ambassador to Libya as well as the deputy national security adviser for the Middle East and North Africa, Victoria Coates, who has held several meetings with both camps in the past three months.

The Turkish military entrance into the conflict is not likely to be met by an escalation of involvement from Egypt, although this would exacerbate the conflict if it were to happen. Some Egyptian analysts, while condemning the Turkish intervention in Libya, have indicated that it is unlikely for Egypt to face off with Turkey militarily.

Libyas neighbour Algeria, which has just had a new president elected, has also become more vocal about getting involved in resolving the conflict, reiterating that the GNA is the legitimate government and that Tripoli is a red line. Algiers opposes Haftars campaign and is perceived as balancing off the Egyptian involvement.

The main European players, namely Italy and France, have had to take a backseat in the past year. Italy lost much of its credibility and influence in Libya after its recent failure to host talks between Haftar and the head of the GNA, Fayez al-Sarraj. On January 7, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte tried to organise a surprise meeting between Haftar and al-Sarraj in Rome, but the latter refused to attend.

Currently, Turkey and Russia seem to be trying to work together to resolve the conflict, as they have become the two key international players in Libya. The two managed to broker a ceasefire between the GNA and Haftars forces which came into effect on January 12.

The following day, al-Sarraj and Haftar met in Moscow to sign an official open-ended ceasefire agreement. The latter, however, decided to pull out of the talks.

Amid this uncertainty and persisting tensions, on January 19, a conference will be held in Berlin to attempt to move the peace process in Libya forward. It will be attended by the two warring sides, as well as representatives of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council as well as Italy, Turkey, Algeria, Egypt, the UAE and the Republic of Congo, which chairs the African Unions special commission on Libya.

Whether Italy and France can use the Berlin conference to seize back the initiative in the Libyan conflict from Turkey and Russia remains to be seen. For now, the shift in dynamics on the ground has established Ankara and Moscow as the main powerbrokers.

The Turkish military presence in Libya will mean that the GNA is in a much stronger position to survive the onslaught by Haftar. This is likely to cause Egypt and the UAE to review their strategy on Libya and they may abandon their hopes of imposing a military solution through Haftar.

The deal struck between Erdogan and Putin ultimately means that both sides in Libya will need to compromise and realise that there is no way for either side to achieve a victory through military means. This should hopefully hasten the end of the current conflict and pave the way for political dialogue to negotiate a long-term political solution in Libya.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
The Episcopal Diocese of Alabama on Saturday elected its first woman bishop.

The Rev. Glenda Curry, rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Homewood and former president of Troy University in Montgomery, was elected to succeed the current bishop, who is retiring.

Bishop John McKee Kee Sloan, head of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, announced last year he was retiring.

He called for the election of a bishop coadjutor, who would assist him and then succeed him when he retires at the end of 2020.

After her election on the second ballot taken, Curry stepped to the front of Cathedral Church of the Advent to accept the position of bishop coadjutor-elect.

Im overwhelmed and Im humbled, Curry said. I know we can do whatever God points us to do, with Gods help. Thats what Im going to count on, Gods help and your help.

Before All Saints, Curry previously served as the rector of Epiphany Episcopal Church in Leeds. Prior to her ordination, Curry served as the president of Troy State University in Montgomery. She received her master of divinity degree from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., in 2002.

She is married Dr. William Curry, Professor of Medicine at University of Alabama in Birmingham. They are the parents of two adult children.

The election on Saturday afternoon included 141 voting clergy and 251 voting lay members from 76 parishes across north and central Alabama.

On the first ballot, Curry emerged as the clear front-runner. She had 60 clergy votes and 109 lay votes. By the second ballot, she had support from 77 clergy and 127 lay delegates.

Finishing second was another woman clergy, the Rev. Allison Liles, who had support from 42 clergy and 63 lay delegates on the second ballot. She received votes from 39 clergy and 67 lay delegates on the first ballot.

The Rev. Aaron Raulerson finished with 8 clergy votes and 43 lay votes, after receiving 19 clergy and 47 lay votes the first round.

The Rev. Evan Garner finished with 14 clergy votes and 17 lay votes, after receiving 23 clergy votes and 28 lay votes on the first ballot.

Bishop-elect Curry will be consecrated as a bishop in a service on June 27 at the cathedral, taking the assistant position of bishop coadjutor, then will take over as head of the diocese at the end of the year.
Its not just about the shoes, the clothes and the hair  although theres no question theyre a big part of the DNA of The Bold Type. The series, about three 20somethings working for fictional womens mag Scarlet, is also about figuring out how to be  especially how to be a woman  in the 21st century. So its fitting that for one of its stars, Aisha Dee (she plays Kat, social media director at Scarlet) negotiating hair and wardrobe was, in part, a political act.

In real life, I dont wear heels unless its absolutely necessary, so in the pilot I was like, You know I feel Kat would wear a lot of sneakers. Dee wanted her character to have freedom, and agency. Anytime I put clothes on, I need to feel like I can move in them, she says. Make sure I can move my arms around, cross my legs, get comfy, go up and down stairs. Its about feeling powerful.

Then there was the issue of hair. As the daughter of an Anglo-Aussie mother and an African-American father, Dee is blessed with her dads fabulous hair. But for the first couple of seasons I was doing my own hair, she says, because no-one else knew how to.

Its just one of the myriad examples of the ways people of colour are marginalised  still  in the world of film and television. Its not unique to that show, Dee says. Its the case across the industry. And initially I didnt even think of it as unusual, its just how Ive always done it. By season three, though  in part inspired by the feistiness of the character she plays  Dee was emboldened to speak up. To say, hey, this is what I need. I need someone to be able to help me with my hair. I didnt have the courage to do that before. But you really have to ask for what you want.

Dees career started with The Saddle Club, an Australian/Canadian co-pro, when she was in her early teens. That series set something of a pattern for the actor who, through a mix of good luck and good choices, has worked in range of roles that all, in one way or another, have powerful females at their centre  even her spot in horror anthology Channel Zero.

To me, it was a story about dealing with addiction and mental illness and two friends trying to help each other out of that, she says. So its still about female friendship and female agency.
Sureel Dabawala, a 34 year-old, young MBA from Loyola University in Chicago was reported missing on December 30, 2019.

Chicago, Jan 18 (IANS) An autopsy has failed to determine the cause of death of a missing Indian-American woman whose body was later found in the trunk of her car in Chicago, authorities said.

After days of frenetic search, her body was found on January 13 wrapped in a blanket in the trunk of her own car on Monday in Chicago's West Garfield Park neighbourhood by private investigators hired by the family.

The autopsy didn't rule on the cause or manner of death, pending further investigation, the India-West newspaper reported on Friday citing the authorities as saying.

Police in Chicago have said theat there were no signs of trauma to the body, adding that they were uncertain of how the body got into the vehicle.

The police were now seeking the public's assistance for any leads on this case.

Sureel was the daughter of Schaumburg based Asharaf Dabawala, a respected physician in the area, hailing from Gujarat, according to The American Bazaar.

Indians living in the area describe the Dabawalas as the most loving and generous people.

In the days following Sureel's disappearance, the Dabawala family had announced a $10,000 reward for anyone who could provide any information about the young woman.

ksk/
Erdogan Takes Sides in Libyan Conflict Ahead of Berlin Meeting

By Dorian Jones January 17, 2020

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is doubling down on support for the U.N.-backed government in Libya ahead of a Berlin conference aimed at ending the Libyan civil war.

Erdogan, who is set to attend the Sunday meeting, lashed out at Libyan rebel leader General Khalifa Haftar on Friday while announcing the deployment of Turkish forces to Libya.

"Haftar is a man I do not trust.  He continued bombing Tripoli yesterday," Erdogan said in a statement. Haftar is waging war against the Turkey-backed Government of National Accord.

A day earlier, Erdogan announced additional military forces would be deployed in support of the GNA. Earlier this month, Ankara sent a few dozen military personnel and equipment to Tripoli as part of a military agreement with the GNA.

Haftar infuriated Erdogan by refusing to sign a cease-fire agreement Wednesday brokered by Turkey and the Russian government. Russian mercenaries linked to the Kremlin are backing Haftar, although Russian President Vladimir Putin denies arming the militia.

"With these new developments, Turkey is getting more and more in a losing position," said international relations professor Huseyin Bagci of Ankara's Middle East Technical University. "Probably Tayyip Erdogan will face much bigger problems in Berlin than he assumed before. He [Erdogan] thought he would be in a stronger position, but with no cease-fire, he is in a much more difficult position."

Haftar and GNA Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj are expected to attend the Berlin conference. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also confirmed his attendance.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas met with Haftar on Thursday, claiming a breakthrough. Maas tweeted Haftar "has agreed to abide by the ongoing cease-fire" and that the Berlin meeting offered "the best chance in a long time" for peace.

But Turkey is voicing skepticism about the prospects for peace and has criticized the conference for excluding Turkish allies Qatar and Tunisia.

"He [Erdogan] will be taking a very hard position in Berlin," said Bagci. "I expect more, harsher words in Berlin  he is not going there to be soft, [he] is going there to be very hard."

Turkish oil interests

Ankara says the survival of the GNA is a strategic priority. Along with a security deal, Erdogan also signed an agreement with Sarraj that gives Turkey control of a large swath of the eastern Mediterranean. The area is believed to have vast potential reserves of hydrocarbons.

"We will start search and drilling activities as soon as possible in 2020 after issuing licenses for the areas," Erdogan said Friday, adding that a seismic exploration vessel would soon be deployed to this field.

Turkey's deal with the GNA is strongly condemned by Greece, which claims the contested region as part of its territorial waters.

The two countries are engaged in an increasingly bitter competition for resources in the eastern Mediterranean.

Analysts note Turkey is aware that if Haftar were to prevail in the Libyan civil war, all deals it made with the GNA likely would become null and void.

On Thursday, Haftar flew by private plane to Athens and was taken to a luxury hotel for two days of talks with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias.

In a move that could further complicate the Berlin talks, Mitsotakis underlined his determination to annul Turkey's Mediterranean deal with the GNA.

"Greece at the level of an [EU] summit meeting will never accept any political solution on Libya that does not include as a precondition the annulment of this agreement. To put it simply, we will use our veto," Mitsotakis said Thursday in a television interview.

EU officials are also set to attend the Berlin conference, and the EU is strongly opposed to Turkey's agreement with the GNA on the Mediterranean, saying it violates international law.

Turkey insists it's ready to negotiate. "The GNA deal aims to protect Turkish vital national interests and Turkey is not to remain isolated," said former Turkish Ambassador Mithat Rende. "Turkey has made it clear it's ready to talk."

In Cairo Thursday, the seven-member East Mediterranean Gas Forum pledged to strengthen cooperation, deepening Ankara's isolation. Turkey views the move by Cyprus, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, the Palestinian territories and Egypt as an attempt to deny what Ankara sees as its fair share of Mediterranean energy resources.

Erdogan dismissed the Cairo agreement, saying, "They tried to implement a scenario to imprison our country in the Mediterranean Sea. We ended this game with the agreements we made with Turkish Cyprus and then with Libya."

Some analysts say Ankara's stance ultimately may prove counterproductive.

"Turkey wants to be in Syria, Libya and the eastern Mediterranean; it wants to be a player," Bagci said. "Turkey wants to get more and more involved in this region. But the problem is Turkey is not wanted because it creates an atmosphere of hegemony. So this is what Turkey faces, and this is why Erdogan's rhetoric is getting harsher."

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A rhino horn and a portion of an elephant tusk were seized by forest officials and three persons including a resident of Bhutan, were arrested in this connection from north Bengal on Friday, a top official said.

We received a tip off that a gang of poachers were coming to Siliguri in north Bengal from Bhutan to sell some parts of wild animals. We managed to intercept two vehicles, while another vehicle managed to flee. We seized a rhino horn and a portion of an elephant tusk. Three persons have been arrested, said Sanjay Dutta, head of the special task force (STF) in north Bengal.

The horn and the tusk were hidden inside two school bags in the vehicles. While two of the arrested persons are residents of north Bengal, one hails from Bhutan.

Forest officials also said that the vehicle, which fled, had a number plate written in Bhutanese.

Both Indian Elephant and Rhino enjoy the highest level of protection in India and are listed in Part 1 and Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.

A senior forest official said that trading parts of rhino and elephants could earn a jail term not less than three years which may extend up to seven years.

Bengal has seen rampant smuggling in wildlife and animal parts in recent times. Earlier this month, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (Eastern Region) of the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change and West Bengal forest department personnel busted a racket with the seizure of about a thousand endangered turtles and three facilities to store them in Bengals North 24 Parganas district.

In June last year, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau personnel seized a lion cub and three baby langurs after apprehending an SUV in a Bengal expressway. Three persons were also apprehended.
Filling this job will require more than a slick resume.

Rio Ranchos Haven House, Sandoval Countys only domestic-violence shelter, is seeking an executive director to replace retiring Executive Director Roberta Radosevich.

Shes been the executive director for the past five years, but her heart has been there much longer. She originally became a board member in 2006, she recalled, after organizing a fundraiser, an escorted motorcycle run.

By then, she knew a lot about the evils of domestic violence, thanks to what became a 21-year career in law enforcement. But thats the way she envisioned it, she said, when she was growing up in Albuquerques Northeast Heights.

I think I was 7 when I walked up to my mother and said I wanted to be a police officer. She said, You cant  youre a girl,' Radosevich recalled.

She managed to get a job as a waitress at the age of 14 and worked her way up to assistant manager, still focused on a career in law enforcement. While living in Belen in 1989, she applied for a job with Los Lunas Police Department, which sent her to the state police academy.

What did her mother say then?

I didnt tell her. I quit my (restaurant) job and joined the PD  Im way above 18, she said.

Shed also found time to be a volunteer firefighter with Los Chavez Fire Department a few years earlier, becoming a basic-emergency medical technician.

I excelled at it; I enjoyed it, she said

It was during her police training in Santa Fe that she met four Rio Rancho Department of Public Service (prior to Rio Rancho Police Department) trainees

How fabulous was that? I loved EMS, being certified as a firefighter, getting police certification  and I applied with the Rio Rancho DPS, Radosevich said.

In mid-1990, she was hired and didnt leave until almost 10 years ago.

She spent time on patrol, in crisis negotiation and on the domestic abuse reduction team, which opened her eyes to domestic abuse in the City of Vision.

Domestic violence was half my calls for service, she said, quickly learning the inherent origins of domestic violence are the abusers needs for power and control.

After a promotion to the investigations division, she was further entrenched in the seamy side of domestic violence.

Child abuse, child sexual abuse, rapes  it blew my mind. Our caseload was really high, Radosevich said.

She worked closely with the states Children, Youth and Families Department, following up CYFD interviews with her investigation.

I was like the baby detective; that was in about 1993, she said, recalling one case of incest that resulted in 32 felony counts. My first big case.

She did that for three years. In 1994 or so, she said, she met Jody Wheatley, intrinsic to the origins of Haven House but then an advocate for the victims, helping them navigate the system.

We worked together, and it was a real joy for me, Radosevich said. I could do the criminal investigation and know the victims had an advocate for protection.

The victims had no place to go and often returned to their abusers; only Safe House in Albuquerque provided shelter then.

But the flood of such disturbing cases took its toll and Radosevich became burned out. Promoted to corporal, she returned to field work in 1996-97.

Over the next few years, she became a paramedic  with DPS, first responders had to be capable of fighting fires, handling medical emergencies and arresting perps  and was happy honing my skills.

In 2001, she was promoted to sergeant, spent time in Internal Affairs and then was part of the Criminal Victims Assistance Unit.

I worked closely with them; they did domestic violence, rapes, child abuse. (Then) Chief (Robert) Boone was super-supportive of me taking that and running with it, Radosevich said, and frequent meetings with other entities in the county provided a good network.

Despite the horrific cases, shes happy she didnt listen to her mother all those years ago.

It was always the right decision  my whole career was helping those who werent able to help themselves, she said. I had a fabulous career.

So, after 21 years, it was a good time to retire, Radosevich said.

She stayed active: For three years, she was a security officer at Lincoln Middle School, and she ran unsuccessfully for Rio Rancho City Council. Her mate, Robert Radosevich, was with Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office for 22 years and is now working part-time for Albuquerque Police Department.

The two met in Clovis in 1995, during a first-line law enforcement supervisors class.

Hello, Haven House

Radosevich seemed like the perfect hire in 2015 to lead Haven House.

Among her accomplishments has been working with other county entities  Bernalillo, Corrales and Sandoval County itself  that dont have victim advocates.

Board member and friend Jalene Berger said shes sorry to see Radosevich step down.

Shes very passionate about what she does, Berger said.

Haven House is not only an asset, its a necessity, she said. Its the only domestic-violence shelter serving Sandoval County and shes been very integral in running the shelter.

Radosevich, Berger added, knows a lot about the laws  and its really just her passion that drives all those people that work there. Its 24/7  you never know when you have to do an intake or talk to someone over the phone.

New Mexico is among the leaders in the U.S. for domestic violence.

Stats for domestic violence across the country are one in four women (are victims), Berger said. In New Mexico, its one in three.

Radosevich said Haven House serves about 300 people annually and gets about 650 calls a year on its crisis line.

Radosevich is too modest to think she cant be replaced, but said she hopes her successor is somebody with an in-depth understanding of trauma-informed care, has compassion and a non-judgmental attitude toward the clients we serve, as well as experience in fundraising, grant-writing, budgeting and community relations.

Her goal is to serve until June 30, and then hit the road, traveling.

During my time at Haven House, we have been able to grow, to become stronger, to become more trauma-informed, Radosevich said.

I believe weve come to be more respected by the community  my team allowed us to get Non-Profit of the Year from the chamber, Humanitarian of the Year through Rio Rancho the Magazine and Best Non-Profit through the Observers Readers Choice Awards, she said.

Haven House Board of Directors President Andrea Rogers said Radosevich and her team have been the driving force behind increasing awareness of domestic violence.

Her knowledge of the issue and her commitment to helping people affected by domestic violence will be difficult to replicate, and she will be greatly missed, Rogers said. Roberta will work closely with the incoming executive director and the board during the transition, and she will remain a key supporter of our efforts. We are looking for a compassionate and motivated individual to be the face of the agency and carry the torch into the future to help meet the strategic goals.

Anyone interested in the position can send a resume and letter of interest to Rogers at arogers@amac.us. Interviews will begin in February.
By West Kentucky Star & MSU Staff Jan. 17, 2020 | 07:22 PM | MURRAY

The Department of Art & Design is pleased to present Living Loss, an exhibition of artwork by Michelle Burdine, visiting assistant professor of photography. The exhibit will be on view in the Clara M. Eagle Upper Gallery through February 14. Burdine holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from Ohio State University, a Master of Humanities from Wright State University, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in humanities from Antioch Midwest and an Associate of Applied Science from the Ohio Institute of Photography. Burdine has been teaching photography at the postsecondary level since 2007.





Calista Lyons exhibit, the horizon as a dark line, will be on view in the Mecoy Hall Gallery through February12. Lyon will also visit campus in February; details on her visit are forthcoming. Born in Nagambie, Australia, in 1986, Lyon received a diploma of art in applied photography from Melbourne Polytechnic in 2006. Relocating to the United States in 2012, she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art from California State University in 2015 and an MFA in photography from Ohio State University in 2019. She is currently a lecturer in the Department of Art at Ohio State.





Transmogrification, an exhibit of work by Colorado-based artist Donald Fodness, will run through February 17 in the Clara M. Eagle Gallery. Fodness will visit campus to give an artist talk on February 4, at 5 pm in Price Doyle Fine Arts Center, room 631. Fodness earned a BA in art history from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MFA in painting from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He has an interdisciplinary practice that includes drawing, sculpture, furniture and installation, and his drawings have been exhibited nationally and internationally. He has also created site-specific installations for the Denver Art Museum, The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, The Gallery of Contemporary Art in Colorado Springs, two Biennial of the Americas and Harmony Hammond's Material Engagements at Redline. His work has been published in New American Paintings, Sculpture Magazine, Found Magazine, The Creators Project, and art LTD.





"The first set of exhibits for the spring 2020 University Art Galleries season features three solo exhibitions by artists who incorporate both 2D and 3D elements into their diverse studio practices, said T. Michael Martin, director of the Murray State university art galleries. Each artist blends a variety of references and sources in a unique way to create their respective work and expand beyond traditional visual art boundaries. Visitors will discover something within each exhibit that will spark lively conversation and inspire their imaginations. "Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 6 pm and Fridays from 8 am to 4:30 pm. All gallery events and artists talks are free and open to the public. For further information about the exhibitions on view, please contact university art galleries by phone at 270-809-3052, or by email at msu.eaglegallery@murraystate.edu.





You can also find announcements about these and other upcoming events in the galleries by visiting murraystate.edu/artgallery or following the Department of Art & Design on social media.





Since 1922, Murray State University has provided a collaborative, opportunity-rich living and learning community that fosters personal growth and professional success through a high-quality college experience. Students receive support from inspiring faculty and staff and will join a distinctive campus community  the Racer Family. With nearly 10,000 students, Murray State prepares the next generation of leaders to join more than 70,000 successful alumni who make a difference in their community, across the country and around the world. We are Racers. The Universitys main campus is located in Murray, Kentucky, and includes five regional campuses in Ft. Campbell, Henderson, Hopkinsville, Madisonville and Paducah.



To learn more about Murray State University, visit murraystate.edu.





The Murray State University Department of Art & Design will begin the spring 2020 semester with three new exhibitions. Works by visiting artists Donald Fodness, Calista Lyon and visiting professor Michelle Burdine will be on view in university art galleries in January and February.
WASHINGTON, Jan 17 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei should be very careful about what he says after Khamenei harshly criticized the United States in a Friday prayers sermon in Tehran.

"The so-called 'Supreme Leader' of Iran, who has not been so Supreme lately, had some nasty things to say about the United States and Europe," Trump said in a tweet.

"Their economy is crashing, and their people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words!" (Reporting by Makini Brice; Writing by Mohammad Zargham; Editing by Chris Reese)
During this week's Democratic debate, there was a lot of talk, unsurprisingly, about ensuring the future of this country's children and grandchildren. Climate change was of particular interest to billionaire Tom Steyer, who said repeatedly that addressing it would be his top priority were he elected U.S. president.

As it happens, earlier the same day, we'd spent time on the phone with two venture capitalists who think of almost nothing else every day. The reason: they both invest in so-called deep tech, and they meet routinely with startups whose central focus is on making the world habitable for generations of people to come -- as well as trying to produce outsize financial returns, of course.

The two VCs with whom we talked know each other well. Siraj Khaliq is a partner at the global venture firm Atomico, where he tries to find world-changing startups that are enabled by machine learning, AI, and computer vision. He has strong experience in the area, having cofounded The Climate Corporation back in 2006, a company that helps farmers optimize crop yield and that was acquired by Monsanto in 2013 for roughly $1 billion.

Seth Bannon is meanwhile a founding partner of Fifty Years, a nearly five-year-old, San Francisco-based seed-stage fund whose stated ambition is backing founders who want to solve the world's biggest problems. The investors' interests overlap so much that Khaliq is also one of Fifty Years's investors.

From both, we wanted to know which companies or trends are capturing their imagination and, in some cases, their investment dollars. Following are excerpts from our extended conversation earlier this week. (We thought it was interesting; hopefully you will, too.)

TC: Seth, how would you describe what you're looking to fund at your firm?

SB: There's a Winston Churchill essay [penned nearly 100 years ago] called "Fifty Years Hence" that describes what we do. He predicts genomic engineering, synthetic biology, growing meat without animals, nuclear power, satellite telephony. Churchill also notes that because tech changes so quickly that it's important that technologists take a principled approach to their work. [Inspired by him] we're backing founders who can make a ton of money while doing good and focusing on health, disease, the climate crisis . . .

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TC: What does that mean exactly? Are you investing in software?

SB: We're not so enthusiastic about pure software because it's been so abstracted away that it's become a commodity. High school students can now build an app, which is great, but it also means that competitive pressures are very high. There are a thousand funds focused on software seed investing. Fortunately, you can now launch a synthetic biology startup with seed funding, and that wasn't possible 10 years ago. There are a lot of infrastructural advancements happening that makes [deep tech investing even with smaller checks] interesting.

TC: Siraj, you also invest exclusively on frontier, or deep tech, at Atomico . What's your approach to funding startups?

SK: We do Series A [deals] onward and don't do seed stage. We primarily focus on Europe. But there's lot of common thinking between us and Seth. As a fund, we're looking for big problems that change the world, sometimes at companies that won't necessarily be big in five years but if you look out 10 years could be necessary for humanity. So we're trying to anticipate all of these big trends and focus on three or four theses a year and talk as much as we can with academics and other experts to understand what's going on. Founders then know we have an informed view.

Last year, we focused on synthetic biology, which is a becoming so broad a category that it's time to start subdividing it. We were also doing AI-based drug discovery and quantum computing and we started to spend some time on energy as well. We also [continued an earlier focus on ] the future of manufacturing and industry. We see a number of trends that make [the latter] attractive, especially in Europe where manufacturing hasn't yet been digitized.

TC: Seth, you mentioned synthetic biology infrastructure. Can you elaborate on what you're seeing that's interesting on this front?

SB: You've maybe heard of directed evolution, technology that allows biologists to use the power of evolution to get microbes or other biological machines to do what they want them to do that would have been impossible before. [Editor's note: here, Bannon talks a bit about Frances Arnold, the Nobel Prize-winning chemist who was awarded the honor in 2018 for developing the technique.]

So we're excited to back [related] startups. One, Solugen, enzymatically makes industrial chemicals [by combining genetically modified enzymes with organic compounds, like plant sugars]. Hydrogen peroxide is a $6 billion dollar industry, and it's currently made through a petroleum-based process in seven-football-field-long production plants that sometimes explode and kill people.

TC: Is this then akin to Zymergen, which develops molecules in order to create unique specialty materials?

SB: Zymergen mainly works as a kind of consultant to help companies engineer strains that they want. Solugen is a vertically integrated chemicals company, so it [creates its formulations], then sells directly into industry.

TC: How does this relate to new architectures?

SB: The way to think about it is that there's a bunch of application-level companies, but as synthetic biology companies start to take off, there's a bunch of emerging infrastructure layer companies. One of these is Ansa Biotechnologies, which has a fully enzymatic process for writing DNA. Like Twist, which went public, they make DNA to sell to customers in the biotech industry. But whereas Twist is using a chemical process to make DNA, Ansa's approach is fully enzymatic. [Editor's note: More on the competition in this emerging space here.]

Also, if you look at plant-based alternatives to meat, they're more sustainable but also far more expensive than traditional beef. Why is that? Well plant-based chicken is more expensive because the processing infrastructure being used is more than 10 years behind real chicken processing, where you'll see robot arms that cut up chicken so efficiently that it looks like a Tesla factory.

[Alternative meat] companies are basically using these extruders built in the '70s because the industry has been so small, and that's because there's been a lot of skepticism from the investment community in these companies. Or there was. The performance of Beyond Meat's IPO ended it. Now there's a rush of founders and dollars into that space, and whenever you have a space where the core infrastructure has been neglected, there's opportunity. A former mechanical engineer with Boeing has started a company, Rebellyous Foods, to basically build the AWS for the plant-based food industry, for example. She's using [the machines she's building] to sell plant-based chicken nuggets, [but that's the longer-term plan].

TC: Siraj, you say last year you started to spend time on energy. What's interesting to you as it relates to energy?

SK: There's been some improvement in how we capture emissions, but [carbon emissions] are still very deleterious to our health and the planet's health, and there are a few areas to think about [to address the problem]. Helping people measure and control their consumption is one approach, but also we think about how to produce new energy, which is a shift we [meaning mankind] need to undertake. The challenge [in making that shift] is often [capital expenditures]. It's hard for venture investors to back companies that are [building nuclear reactors], which makes government grants the best choice for early innovation oftentimes. There is one company, Seaborg, that has figured out a clever reactor. It's not a portfolio company but it's [compelling].

SB: We also really like what Seaborg is doing. These [fourth generation] nuclear companies have a whole host of approaches that allow for smaller, safer reactors that you wouldn't mind having in your backyard. But Siraj put his finger on it: as an early-stage deep tech investor, we have to consider the capital plan of a company, and if it needs to raise billions of dollars, early investors will get really diluted, so early-stage venture just isn't the best fit.

TC: There are other areas you like, though, because costs have fallen so much.

SB: Yes. Satellite telephony used to be one of those areas. Some of the satellites in space right now cost $350 million [to launch] and took three to four years to build, which would be really hard for any early-stage investor to fund. But now, a new generation of companies is building satellites for one-tenth of the cost in months, not years. That's a game changer. They can iterate faster. They can build a better product. They don't have to raise equity to build and launch either; they can raise from a debt financier [from whom they can] borrow money and pay it back over time. That model isn't available to a company like Uber or Lyft, because those companies can't say, 'X is going to cost us Y dollars and it will pay back Z over time.'

TC: What of concerns that all these cheap satellites are going to clog up the sky pretty quickly?

SB: It's a real concern. Most [of today's satellites] are low earth satellites, and the closer to the earth they are, the brighter they are; they reflect the sun more, the more satellites we're seeing instead of stars. I do think it's incumbent on all of these companies to think about how they are contributing to the future of humanity. But when you connect the unconnected, educational outcomes improve, health improves, inequality decreases, and the stability of governments improves, so maybe the developed world needs to sacrifice a bit. I think that's a reasonable tradeoff. If on the other hand, we're putting up satellites to help people buy more crap . . .

TC: It's like the argument for self-driving cars in a way. Life becomes more efficient, but they'll require far more energy generation, for example. There are always second-order consequences.

SK: But think of how many people are killed in driving accidents, versus terrorist attacks. Humans have many great qualities, but being able to drive a lethal machine consistently isn't one of them. So when we take that into perspective, it's really important that we build autonomous vehicles.

You [voice] a legitimate concern, and often when there are step changes, there are discontinuities along the way that lead to side effects that aren't great. That comes down to several things. First, infrastructure will have to keep up. We'll also have to create regulations that don't lead to the worst outcomes. One our investments, Lilium in Munich, has built an entirely electric air taxi service that's built on vertical takeoff. It's nimble. It's quiet enough to operate in city environments.

On roads, cars are constrained by 2D terrain and buildings, but [in the air] if you can do dynamic air traffic control, it opens up far much efficient transport. If you can get from downtown London to Heathrow [airport] in five minutes versus 50 minutes in a Tesla? That's far more energy efficient.
Albuquerque, NM, Jan. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Starting January 23rd, U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union will be selling reusable grocery bags at all their branches to help raise funds for the Connected Academy.

In 2019, U.S. Eagle joined forces with other New Mexico credit unions and donated $85,000 to the University of New Mexico Childrens Hospital through the Credit Union for Kids program. Each credit union is contributing a monetary amount through donations and fundraising.



All donations will be supporting the Connected Academy, a non-profit organization focused on providing the funding to employ an accredited full-time teacher at the UNMCH Child Life wing. When a child misses school for eleven days, they are automatically disenrolled. This cooperative effort will provide continued education to children seeking treatment at the hospital and offer them a part of normalcy during these difficult times.

With the recent plastic bag ban in Albuquerque and Bernalillo, U.S. Eagle will be selling reusable grocery bags for $2 starting on January 23rd. While all funds raised will benefit the Connected Academy, this initiative also supports a cleaner world.

New Mexico Credit Unions Connected Academy is an example of credit unions cooperating to remedy an issue affecting our youth. Our mission at U.S. Eagle is to create a world where people matter more than numbers, and this opportunity allows us to live out our mission, said President/CEO Marsha Majors. To learn more about the program, please click here to view a short video.

U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union is the states first, member-owned credit union. Founded in 1935, U.S. Eagle offers a full suite of financial products and services and has nine locations in Albuquerque, Bernalillo, Farmington, and Santa Fe. With assets of more than one billion and more than 80,000 members, U.S. Eagle is where people mean more.

###

Attachment

Nadine Buerger

U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union

5052275116

nbuerger@useagle.org


By buying an index fund, you can roughly match the market return with ease. But many of us dare to dream of bigger returns, and build a portfolio ourselves. For example, Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF.B) shareholders have seen the share price rise 96% over three years, well in excess of the market return (43%, not including dividends). However, more recent returns haven't been as impressive as that, with the stock returning just 56% in the last year , including dividends .

See our latest analysis for Brown-Forman

In his essay The Superinvestors of Graham-and-Doddsville Warren Buffett described how share prices do not always rationally reflect the value of a business. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement.

Over the last three years, Brown-Forman failed to grow earnings per share, which fell 5.6% (annualized).

Thus, it seems unlikely that the market is focussed on EPS growth at the moment. Given this situation, it makes sense to look at other metrics too.

Languishing at just 1.0%, we doubt the dividend is doing much to prop up the share price. It may well be that Brown-Forman revenue growth rate of 4.3% over three years has convinced shareholders to believe in a brighter future. In that case, the company may be sacrificing current earnings per share to drive growth, and maybe shareholder's faith in better days ahead will be rewarded.

You can see how earnings and revenue have changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values).

NYSE:BF.B Income Statement, January 18th 2020

It's probably worth noting that the CEO is paid less than the median at similar sized companies. It's always worth keeping an eye on CEO pay, but a more important question is whether the company will grow earnings throughout the years. This free report showing analyst forecasts should help you form a view on Brown-Forman

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What About Dividends?

As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. It's fair to say that the TSR gives a more complete picture for stocks that pay a dividend. In the case of Brown-Forman, it has a TSR of 108% for the last 3 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. This is largely a result of its dividend payments!

A Different Perspective

It's nice to see that Brown-Forman shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 56% over the last year. Of course, that includes the dividend. Since the one-year TSR is better than the five-year TSR (the latter coming in at 16% per year), it would seem that the stock's performance has improved in recent times. Someone with an optimistic perspective could view the recent improvement in TSR as indicating that the business itself is getting better with time. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Brown-Forman better, we need to consider many other factors. For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign for Brown-Forman that you should be aware of before investing here.

If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on US 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.
Drivers caught tossing lit cigarettes from vehicles in Queensland could be fined up to $11,000 and lose 10 demerit points during a total fire ban under an LNP government.

The current penalty under the Palaszczuk government for dangerous littering is $533 for individuals and $2135 for corporations.

Deb Frecklington says the LNP would consider doubling the fine and introduce a loss of demerit points to drivers caught dangerously littering in Queensland. Credit:AAP

Opposition leader Deb Frecklington said the fines did not go far enough compared with other states, including New South Wales where fines were up to $11,000 and 10 demerit points during a total fire ban.

"Thoughtlessly tossing a cigarette butt out of a car window can end up causing a natural disaster," she said.
Asha Devi, the mother of the 2012 Delhi gang-rape victim, on Saturday slammed senior lawyer Indira Jaising for her suggestion that she should forgive her daughter's rapists

Asha Devi, the mother of the 2012 Delhi gang-rape victim, on Saturday slammed senior lawyer Indira Jaising for her suggestion that she should forgive her daughter's rapists.

"Who is Indira Jaising to give me such a suggestion? The whole country wants the convicts to be executed. Just because of people like her, justice is not done with rape victims," Asha Devi told ANI in New Delhi.

"Cannot believe how Indira Jaising even dared to suggest this. I met her many times over the years in Supreme Court, not even once has she asked for my well being and today she is speaking for the convicts. Such people earn their livelihood by supporting rapists, hence rape incidents do not stop," she added. Asha Devi further accused Jaising of using "the garb of human rights" to make a living.

'People like her keep earning money under the garb of human rights. I do not need her suggestions... Just because of people who think like her incidents like rape keep happening, she is a disgrace to women," she said.

Earlier on Friday Jaising, through a tweet, had urged Asha Devi to forgive the perpetrators and had used the example of Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi, who had forgiven Nalini, one of the convicts who was given the death penalty by the courts for Rajiv Gandhi's assassination.

"While I fully identify with the pain of Asha Devi I urge her to follow the example of Sonia Gandhi who forgave Nalini and said she did not want the death penalty for her. We are with you but against the death penalty," Jaising's tweet read.

The gangrape victim's father demanded an apology from Jaising.

"She (Indira Jaising) is a woman herself. She should be ashamed of her comments and apologise," he told PTI.

"We have been fighting the case for seven years. We are common people and not politicians. Humara dil Sonia Gandhi ji jitna bada nahi hai (We are not as large-hearted as Sonia Gandhi)," he said.

"Such mentality is responsible for the rising number of rapes," he added.

With inputs from agencies


PRINCETON, Ind. - Toyota will stop making its Tacoma small pickup in San Antonio next year as it shifts production to Mexico, but the company says no U.S. jobs will be lost.

To make up for the lost work, the San Antonio plant will build the Sequoia large SUV, and its 3,200 jobs will be preserved.

Currently the San Antonio plant builds the Tacoma as well as full-size Tundra pickups. The Tacoma also is built at a factory in Baja California, Mexico. Late last year, a Toyota plant in Guanajuato, Mexico, also began building Tacomas.

Tacoma production in San Antonio will start to wind down in late 2021, and Sequoia production will start in 2022, the company said.

Last summer Toyota announced that it would invest $391 million in the San Antonio plant to add capacity to build more vehicles.

The company also announced Friday that it has completed a $1.3 billion project modernizing an Indiana factory to boost vehicle production and add 550 jobs.

The project at the Princeton assembly plant in southwestern Indiana included retooling, new equipment installation and adding advanced manufacturing technology so it could increase production of the Highlander SUV. Toyota said the project grew by $700 million and 150 new jobs from what it first announced for the factory in early 2017.

Production recently began on the new 2020 Highlander at the factory, which now has about 7,000 employees and also builds Sequoia SUVs and Sienna minivans, according to the company. The plant that opened in 1998 can now build more than 420,000 vehicles a year, up from the 400,000 it built in 2016 before the modernization project began.

Toyota executives celebrated the projects completion with a ceremony attended by Gov. Eric Holcomb at the factory about 25 miles (40 kilometres) north of Evansville.

Sequoia production will shift to San Antonio with the Princeton factory continuing to build mid-size SUVs and minivans.

The company also announced it would spend $1 million on a new program to expose area high school students to advanced manufacturing career options.

Toyota Indiana plant President Leah Curry said the program would give students a potential jump start on job opportunities in the region.
Officials have proposed stricter punishment on those charged with child abuse at a meeting with the government, supervision delegation of the National Assembly and other agencies on January 15.

Child abuse case discovered at An Thuong A Primary School

Since early 2015 until mid-2019, over 7,800 child abuse cases were reported in Vietnam including 1,059 male and 7,032 female children. However, the actual numbers might be higher due to unreported cases. The number of abused children reported increased sharply in 2019. 1,400 children were abused in the first six months of 2019, nearly as high as the whole of 2018.



Dangers are very close to home. The number of cases where sexual abusers are family members accounts for 21.3% and domestic violence accounts for nearly 66% of the total cases. Violence at schools has also been registered. In several cases, teachers used frightful punishments on students such as forcing a student to drink water wrung from board cleaning cloth. While a teacher at Hoai Duc Primary School in Hanoi was arrested for sexually abusing nine students.



Nguyen Thi Thuy, a member of the Justice Committee, said, "Schools and homes should be the safest places for the children but they have been abused and suffered injuries by family members and teachers. The government and related agencies must have solutions to prevent and end this issue."



About 1,200 child abuse cases have been discovered and violators were fined. About 261 cases were discovered each year. However, there are still many shortcomings in the prosecution and trial process in 17 inspected provinces. For example, a violator in Chuong My District, Hanoi, was arrested for rape but he was only prosecuted for sexual abuse, stirring public anger.



Tran Thi Quoc Khanh, a standing member of the National Committee for Science, Technology and Environment, added that state officials should also be added to the list. "Even though there are only few cases, we must still add them to the report to show how severe a social problem is and have countermeasures," she said.



Khanh suggested imposing stricter punishments and build a database to help protect children and prevent future cases.



Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Huu Do said the ministry had consulted the government to build a resolution about a safe learning environment. After the abuses cases in Phu Tho and Lao Cai provinces were reported, the ministry had increasingly held more activities to train and improve the school staff quality, ethics and morality.

Tien Phong/Dtinews
A man who hid in a water drum from a bushfire before walking through molten aluminium in a pair of thongs to safety has told of his incredible battle for survival.

Roy Annesley was preparing to flee as bushfires approached the home he'd built in bushland at Yarranbella on the NSW mid-north coast when a fireball exploded around him on November 8.

The 52-year-old single father had finished work for the day at the Bowraville Saw Mill and he could see smoke about 20km away.

When a friend nearby told him he was evacuating, Mr Annesley decided he would too.

Roy Annesley pictured in front of his home in 2010. Mr Annesley built his own shack

Mr Annesley is pictured above after being flown to Concord Hospital and put in an induced coma with burns to 55 percent of his body after he was caught in a bushfire

Roy returned to his house on his shiny chrome-and-black motorbike in a pair of shorts and thongs to get his pet dog and sheep.

'I had gone home to get my stuff to evacuate and was still sitting on my motorbike in the driveway - then bang, it got me,' he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

A giant wall of flame came out of nowhere and engulfed him.

'It was going 200km/h - there was no way you could outrun it,' he told The Land.

He ran to free his dog from its leash despite having already been burnt.

Gas bottles started blowing up around him as Roy jumped into a half-full water drum to survive.

Soon the aluminium guttering began to melt from the severe heat as the flames incinerated his home of 20 years in just 10 minutes.

It pooled around the tub where Mr Annesley was sheltering.

Mr Annesley was sitting on his motorbike in his driveway when the fire caught him

The remains of Mr Annesley's motorbike after it was burnt in the bushfire

Mr Annesley's shack pictured in 2009. Six months before the bushfire he borrowed $30,000 to kit it out with a sewage tank, solar panels and a generator

This is all that is left of Mr Annesley's home that he built himself 20 years ago

When Roy jumped out of the tub to flee, his feet landed in the molten aluminium, severely burning them.

He then walked 1.5km on his red-raw feet over smoking hot ground until he reached a neighbour's empty home where he passed out on the lounge.

Desperate for water when he awoke, he had to open the toilet cistern to drink.

He tried to escape in his neighbour's car but the road was blocked by falling trees and he was forced to return.

Again he passed out and was found the next day and rescued in the back of a ute.

Mr Annesley was flown to Sydney with burns to 55 percent of his body.

He was put in an induced coma for three weeks at Concord Hospital where he received skin grafts to his feet and hands, legs and arms.

Mr Annesley went back home to save his dog and managed to unclip the leash despite being burnt by the fire. He does not know where his dog is, though he knows his sheep didn't make it

Mr Annesley sustained horrific burns and has had extensive skin grafts

For two months Mr Annesley recovered in the hospital before being discharged into a motel room in Western Sydney which he uses as a base to travel back and forth from the hospital to change his dressings.

Mr Annesley faces a long road to recovery as for the moment he can no longer use his hands for the simple challenges of life such as unscrewing the cap on a jar of sauce.

'The worst part of it is trying to get everything working again properly. My hands don't work  my arms I can't straighten properly. Legs are the same,' he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Despite being on painkillers he is in constant agony from his injuries and cannot bend his hands.

Mr Annesley has said he just wants to go back home to his job and his shack - but his home has been burnt to the ground and it wasn't insured.

Worse, he had just taken out a $30,000 loan to buy a new sewage tank, solar panels and a generator to fix up his shack, six months before fire destroyed it.

For now, Mr Annesley's home will be a bus that he bought after his son Freddy Escott set up a Go Fund Me page on his behalf.

The bus has a double bed, hot water, a microwave and a fridge.

Mr Annesley's feet were shockingly burnt as he jumped into molten aluminium from his melted gutters to run across burning ground to the safety of a neighbour's home

Mr Annesley plans to drive it back to Yarranbella and rebuild his life, although he is not sure if he can go back to his land as he does not hold title over it, although he has had a caveat over half of the property since 2003.

A sign saying: 'No entry' has popped up since Mr Annesley has been in hospital.

He still doesn't know where his dog is, or if he survived, although he knows his sheep got burnt and he is suffering from nightmares.

Despite the pain and horror, his trauma has been eased by the kindness of the Nambucca Valley community who have rallied around him.

''I honestly didn't know there were that many people who cared,' he told The Land.

Mr Annesley's Go Fund Me page, started by his son Freddy Escott, had raised more than $9700 on Saturday.
The article originally ran in AVN Men magazine. Click here to see the digital edition. A nominee for Best Newcomer at the 2020 GayVN Awards and vying for a fan-voted award as well, Nico Leon is one of the trophy boys at the show.

When Nico Leon moved to New York from upstate at the age of 18, he wasnt sure what he wanted to do. After kicking around in all sorts of different jobs (Ive done every kind of retail job you can think of  model, cater-waiter, summer parties in the Hamptons), he stumbled into a new career. But instead of sending in his resume, Leon got his foot in the door by posting solo videos on Pornhub.

As an Aquarius, I enjoy doing things other people arent doing. I like being different, he says. I wanted attention, I guess.

And then Cockyboys came calling to ask if he was interested in studio work. They have very hot guys who work with them and shoot with them, and I thought, Can I be one of those guys? Am I allowed to do that? I didnt think i was up to snuff, honest.

It took some convincing, but hes been shooting with the New Yorkbased gay adult studio for more than a year so things obviously have worked out. Its been fantastic, Leon says. I feel like Ive really done a lot with self-discovery just this past year, and Im really digging that.

Prior to joining the CockyBoys family, Leon admits he didnt pay much attention to studio porn. As far as his first encounter with cinematic erotica, Leon says it was stuff on Skinemax.  You could see the girls boobs, and not much else. But it was steamy, it was steamy. That would be the first saucy videos that I encountered in my life.

When Leon posted his first video on Pornhub, he wondered, Will people like me in this way? It was immediately clear that they did. And once he joined CockyBoys, the level of fan engagement ticked up one hundred percent off the bat. They had told me, youre going to see huge traction from fans. I was warned. They asked me if I wanted to make a Twitter accounti didnt have Twitter before this.  So I did. I posted the scene on Twitter and I didnt know what was going to happen.

Engaging with fans is a big part of being in the CockyBoys family. Its nice to have the attention, to see the people who are there to continuously support you, Leon says. Its nice to receive constructive feedback as well.  I love to receive that feedback from what Im creating. They have some pretty good insights.

Leon now shoots monthly with the studio and continues to enjoy life in NYC. Its my favorite place right now.  Its so tiny, but its such a big city. You can get anywhere in minutes. And anything you want, any time of day. Anything you name, its there.

Life in the big city isnt just one big party, however, Im an Aquarius, so I tend to keep to myself a lot, Leon says. I enjoy my personal space and do a lot of things on my own. But on occasion he gets together with those other hot CockyBoys. Some of us are spread out, so we dont do things as frequently as Im sure it would be a lot of fun, he says. Levi Karter and Ben Masters are both in New York, and they will occasionally go out to see Karter perform as his drag alter ego, Sassy Frass Meaner. And when Troy Accola visited town, Ricky Roman, Brock Banks and Leon all went to the movies with studio heads Jake Jaxson and RJ Sebastian. That was really fun. Loved that. We do cute things like that. And then we have our pool party every year.

When pressed to choose among his favorite scenes so far, Leon mentions shooting with Justin Matthews. Hes super cool. He does his own thing; hes happy living the life hes living, and I love that. Hes very down-to-earth.

He pauses, then adds, My most memorable [scenes], fucking wise  I did one with Brock Banks, definitely a really good, really easy scene because we had lots of chemistry. And Cade Maddox was definitely a great one. Hes a top guy in what hes doing and hes really kind, really down to earthas the bottom, I felt I was treated with a lot of respect. The working relationship was amazing and our dynamic was amazing.

At the time he spoke with AVN Men, Leon was looking forward to the release of a new scene with Sean Ford, which he calls an interesting pairing that represents a fresh artistic approach from his other work. Its a very different scenethe lighting is something that you never see on CockyBoys. I feel like we took it in a direction than is not typically done on CockyBoys because of the people who we are. ... I hope it looks good and I hope it will be one of my favorites. I loved the dynamic that we had with each other.

When hes not working out in front of the camera, Leon likes to hit the gym. Right now Im addicted to fitness. Thats my fun thing that I do, he says. I really do consider going to the gym as such a treat. Sometimes I go twice a day. Sometimes I want to go three times a day. Its my obsession. In New York we have these boutique fitness classesone is Barrys Boot Camp. . Thats my favorite thing right now. Its an hour-long class, high-intensity interval training and cardio. I feel like its such a challenge.  Im going to make it through this hour, and Im going to come out stronger.

Hes also a man who appreciates aesthetics. His favorite art form is architecture. Whenever I go to a new place I like to see what the buildings look like, whats the most common style. Or if theres cool buildings by certain architects. And he admits to having a weakness for luxury. I love nice things.  Sometimes I cant afford them, but Im going to immerse myself anyway. So Ill go work front desk at a really nice gym, so I can go to that gym, he explains. Thats what I try to findsomething that I really want. If I like a certain companys clothes, I could work a job there and get an employee discount. I mean, how else should I use my time?
One of China's top historic attractions issued an apology after two women drove an SUV into the Forbidden City in Beijing and posed for pictures when it was meant to be closed to the public. Photos of the pair wearing sunglasses and standing in front of the luxury vehicle alone in a grand square usually packed with tourists quickly sparked outrage after they were posted on social media. The sprawling, nearly 600-year-old former imperial palace in the centre of the Chinese capital says it welcomed 19 million visitors last year, all of whom had to enter on foot. In a statement the UNESCO world heritage site, also known as the Palace Museum, confirmed that the incident happened on Monday, a day it is usually shut. "The Palace Museum is deeply shocked and sincerely apologises to the public," it said late Friday on the Twitter-like platform Weibo, adding that it would "strictly manage and stop such actions" from taking place in future. The controversial photos had been posted on Weibo this week but were swiftly deleted after sparking ire among users questioning how the women had entered the Forbidden City, which is very well guarded. Many commenters expressed indignation at privileges and freebies perceived to be dished out to China's rich elites. "Such behaviour is hurtful to the citizens," said one angry user. "Even foreign leaders must get out of their vehicle" to visit the palace, noted another user called Maomao. Footage of French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte visiting the Forbidden Palace two years ago shows the leader touring the site on foot.
Mumbai, Jan 18 : The glitz and glamour of Bollywood creates a dream world in front of our eyes, but what is the reality? Long after a film has been released, long after the sets have been de-constructed, broken pieces of the set remain scattered here and there turning the place into a mess.

This is exactly what actor-filmmaker Pooja Bhatt has pointed a finger at.

Pooja took to Twitter on Saturday to express how the Film City in Mumbai's Goregaon is turning into a mess. She suggested that instead of waiting for the authorities to intervene, people from the film industry should take an initiative to clean it.

She tweeted: "Film City is bustling with activity. Shame that it is in such a mess. Debris from sets long de-constructed lie everywhere. The access roads are non-existent. Why can't we film folk clean up after we create these imaginary worlds on camera? Authorities don't seem to care. But we must." Reacting to Pooja's tweet, a user urged superstars Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn to do something to clean up film city which takes an even worse shape in the prolonged monsoon of Mumbai.

The tweet read: "Why authorities to blame, take it on your own. From these sets you earn millions of rupees and thrown debris everywhere. This stretch becomes worst in monsoon. Sir @SrBachchan @akshaykumar @ajaydevgn plz look into and start swachchta Abhiyan in FC Goregaon everyone will support u." Another user suggested: "Bollywood must act as an organization. Should have a monitoring body which ensure such things to be done by without fail by the concerned film crew." While several Bollywood stars take part in beach clean up drives every now and then in Mumbai, it is now to be seen whether they will take up an initiative to clean up Film City or not.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
By Ulf Laessing and Ayman al Warfali

BERLIN/ZUEITINA, Libya (Reuters) - The United Nations envoy to Libya said on Saturday he hoped but "could not predict" whether eastern oil ports shut ahead of a Berlin summit aimed at reaching a truce in Libya would be reopened soon.

Oil export terminals across eastern and central Libya were shut on Friday by tribesmen allied to commander Khalifa Haftar, whose Libya National Army (LNA) has been locked in a nine-month war with government forces over control of the capital, Tripoli.

Diplomats see the closures as a power play by the LNA aimed at ramping up pressure ahead of a conference on Sunday in Berlin where Germany wants to push for a lasting truce.

The National Oil Corp (NOC) declared force majeure on oil exports from the eastern ports of Brega, Ras Lanuf, Hariga, Zueitina and Es Sider, saying the closures would result in the loss of 800,000 barrels (bpd) day in oil output.

U.N. envoy Ghassan Salame said the summit would likely discuss the closures to avoid them dragging on for weeks or months, like previous seizures of facilities.

"If the thing is not solved between today and tomorrow I expect the issue to be raised, yes," he told Reuters in Berlin.

But some 600 tribesmen camping out in front of Zueitina port said they would keep the terminals shut until the east of the country was able to export its own oil, bypassing Tripoli.

"We will not reopen the terminals without any international guarantees," said Osman Saleh, a tribal leader, told Reuters at a tent where tribesmen sat drinking tea and listening to defiant speeches.

Oil revenues are booked via NOC in Tripoli and benefit mainly the internationally recognized Tripoli-based government, although though some public servants in the east are also paid.

To get a bigger share the LNA has several times tried to sell oil on its own only to be stopped by the United Nations as this violates an embargo, diplomats say.

Story continues

Salame said a fair distribution of oil revenues needed to be part of any peace settlement in Libya.

Production in Libya, which was plunged into chaos with the toppling of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, was estimated at 1.3 million bpd last week.

Salame said he hoped Haftar would be willing to consider extending a truce that has largely held for a week despite the two sides failing to sign a deal at indirect talks in Moscow mediated by Russia and Turkey on Monday. [nL8N29I0HL]

There have been a series of failed conferences and negotiations to stabilise Libya. Haftar and Tripoli-based Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj are expected to be in Berlin for the summit, although the two are not expected to meet.

The war over Tripoli has been backed by foreign powers with the LNA supported by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and most recently Russian mercenaries, and Turkey sending troops and fighters from Syria's civil war to help Serraj.

"I can confirm the arrival of fighters from Syria," Salame said, putting estimates at 1,000 to 2,000.

Salame said he had started the process of a new intra-Libyan dialogue between the rival parliaments in Tripoli and the east, an approach that has failed since 2017.

(Reporting by Ulf Laessing and Nadeen Ebrahim in Berlin, and Ayman al Warfali in Zueitina; Writing by Ulf Laessing; Editing by Angus MacSwan, Jason Neely and Frances Kerry)
Courtesy photo

The Conroe Noon Lions Club is off to a busy start in 2020. This month we continued our work at Reeves Elementary School sponsoring the Bee Club celebration, provided a vision screening for the Homeless Coalition, and will be delivering breakfast bags for Meals on Wheels during our monthly Service Saturday project. In addition, we continue to support the Leo Club at Conroe High school fostering the We Serve message of Lions Club to the students of our community. And for all Lions Club members looking for a way to get involved on a level beyond your local club, make plans to attend the district Mid-Winter Conference on Jan. 25 at the Hilton North Houston.

Last weeks meeting is a great reminder of what makes Conroe Noon Lions Club special, our members. Although our club seems to attract the best and brightest of our community, we also have witnessed the growth and success of regular people who eventually become the best and brightest of our community. I joined the club in 2003 and can honestly say getting to know some of these people has been an incredible experience.
Art & Architecture of Cinnamon Bentota View(s):

Cinnamon Bentota Beach hosted a special pre-opening exposition of the resort recently to ardent followers of Geoffrey Bawa, art enthusiasts and the press to showcase the artwork set up in the restored section of the hotel.

The Bentota Beach Hotel was originally built in 1967 as a part of tourism development encouraged by the Government of Sri Lanka. Designed by Geoffrey Bawa, it was said to be a new type of design envisioned for the first time in Sri Lanka and perhaps in all of Asia as a precedent to the whole Asian style of architecture now known as the tropical modern style that engages with local material connected to the locality. In 2017, 50 years after it first opened to the public, the hotel was closed and all parts that could be removed were dismantled. In finishing the building, the decision was taken to go back to the original finishes used by Bawa including its terrazzo floors and timber doors and windows.

Moreover, it was decided to remake the famous ceiling by Ena de Silva that adorned the entrance and also to reinstate the handloom fabric ceiling designed by Barbara Sansoni and Barefoot. Using old photographs and drawings from the Geoffrey Bawa archive, the design has managed to replace the concierge table and the art redrawn by Ismeth Raheem, and even conserve a few more that still existed. It also used copies of the initial furniture designed by Bawa to furnish the lobby and lounges.

The reception ceiling of multiple batik panels was recreated under the guidance of Chandra Aluvihare, Director of the Aluvihare Heritage Centre, Architect Amila de Mel and Designer Roshan Rajapakse as a copy of the original. Brass panels on the copper backdrop of the lift doors, reminiscent of the then fashionable designs of the Scandinavian designer Marie Mekko, were designed by the architect AnuraRatnavibhushana who was at the time, working in the studio of Geoffrey Bawa. The panels rebuilt are a copy of the original made in the 1990s to fit the then replaced lift. The ceiling of the Peacock Salon and bar formerly covered in handloom, was recreated with aid of designer Marie Gnanaraj using the archival records of both the Bawa Trust and Barefoot to closely match the original.

Painted wall panels of the Peacock Salon were copied from the records kept by Ismeth Raheem. It was first done as a low cost way of using art to decorate the walls of the salon with clear instruction from Geoffrey Bawa to only use felt tip pens and Samara pigment on limewash. The Peacock at the top of the main staircase made by Laki Senanayake is the original that has stood there since the hotels inception and was protected by a steel box during the demolition and rebuilding process, and then cleaned and repaired by artist Pradeep Manampari.

In designing the accommodation, it was decided to convert the 30 rooms into 16 suites containing artifacts and art that correspond to the name of each suite. Eight artists were commissioned to depict and record what they felt the name of the suite meant to them. Each suite has a main piece of artwork on the wall of the living room and several others in the bathrooms and dressing areas. ChannaDaswatte, commenting on the resorts monumental refurbishment, concluded Today, as the Cinnamon Bentota Beach stands poised to open its doors to another generation of guests and hopefully into its next fifty years, it stands also as a repository of art of both a past age and of today.
You are here: Arts

A Chinese dance and music show was held on Thursday in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year.

Dozens of artists from China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region performed in the event to greet the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Jan. 25.

The spectacular cultural event gained grand applause from the audience of hundreds.

The event featured a blend of traditional Chinese dance and music, introducing specially Xinjiang's ancient cultural heritage.

Dignitaries including Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming and Bangladeshi State Minister of Cultural Affairs KM Khalid attended the ceremony.

The event was held at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the state-sponsored national cultural center of Bangladesh.
At least two Nepalis are missing in avalanche in Kaski district while four South Koreans have remained contactless, a local government official said Friday, Trend reports citing Xinhua.

Bhim Gurung, chairman of ward No-11 of the Annapurna Rural Municipality told Xinhua that two Nepalis, a trekking guide and a porter, are missing in the avalanche. "The status of contactless South Koreans who were separated from nine-member Korean team, is not certain," he said.

He, however, confirmed that the local people rescued five Chinese tourists, five South Koreans and a Nepali from the avalanche-hit area. Of five rescued South Korean, one is injured, according to Gurung.

According to local government officials, the incident took place at around 11 a.m., due to incessant snowfall in the area, which is a part of popular Annapurna Trekking Route.
Turkish hackers hijacked for more than 1 hour the official websites of the Greek parliament, some ministries, as well as the countrys stock exchange.

While eastern Libya ports controlled by commander Khalifa Haftar are shutting down oil exports, the group of Turkish hackers named Anka Neferler Tim claimed Friday to have hijacked for more than 90 minutes the official websites of the Greek parliament, the foreign affairs, and economy ministries, as well as the countrys stock exchange.

The group announced the attacks on their Facebook page, the hackers carried out the attack because Greece is threatening Turkey in the Aegean Sea and in the eastern Mediterranean. And now its threatening the conference on Libya.

The attacks were launched after Khalifa Haftar held talks in Athens, two days ahead of a peace conference in Berlin. Both Hatftar and the head of Tripolis UN- recognised government, Fayez al-Sarraj, are expected to attend the conference, while representatives of the Greek government have not been invited to the conference.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with Haftar, the government of Athens encouraged Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar to be constructive in Berlin.

We encouraged the commander to take part with a constructive spirit in Berlins procedure and try  to achieve a ceasefire and the restoration of safety in Libya, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias told reporters after the meeting.

The Turkish government is providing military support for the government of Sarraj and plans to send its military troops to Libya to fight against Haftars army.

The Berlin conference aims at establishing peace in Libya under the aegis of the United Nations.

Pierluigi Paganini

(SecurityAffairs  Turkish hackers, hacking)

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18.01.2020 LISTEN

In Commemoration of Ghana's 63rd Independence celebration join, Hon. Eric L. Adams, Brooklyn Borough President , H. E. Martha Ama A. Pobee, Permanent Representative of Ghana to the United Nations, Ghana Consul General New York, Hon. Professor Samuel Amoako, along with members of the New York Ghanaian-American community at Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon St., Brooklyn, NY, on Friday, March 6, 2020 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Ghana is recognized as one of the most culturally rich countries in Africa. The face of its people reflects a beautiful mosaic of several ethnic and racial groups living peacefully together. It is without a doubt one of the most peaceful countries on the African continent.

The (G63IFR) is a unique event that will draw in audiences from the multicultural/multiethnic community. The event will simultaneously raise the consciousness of how Ghana's year of return homecoming is changing Africa a platform for raising support for the integrative program line up celebrating the 63rd independence within the New York Community and beyond.

The event will include a reception that will promote Beyond the Return and Ghanaian citizenship, cuisine and culture and will spotlight the following prominent individuals and organizations that have shown an unwavering commitment to the betterment of Ghana.

This is going to be an occasion to remember. We hope we, the proud Ghanaians and Africans in Brooklyn-New York and beyond, will have a solid turnout from the community as we celebrate with symbolic pride our legacy and contributions to the [African] Diaspora.

 The awesome privilege to pay posthumous tribute in honor of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah first president of the Republic of Ghana and Harriett Tubman an American Abolitionist in this time and in this place (Brooklyn Borough Hall) with great food, music, and in a company of outstanding artists, is indeed a privilege.

This is an event not to be missed. [Program Coordinators, Jerry Kwabena Adinkra of Ghanaian American Heritage Committee supported by Fred Dwamena ESG of National Council of Ghanaian Association (NCOGA). ]

A former British colony, Ghana was the first independent nation in sub-Saharan Africa; declaring independence in 1957.

Flag Raising and Award Ceremony: 5:00 pm-9:00 pm, Reception Open, African International cuisine 7:30pm - 8:30pm

For information and media accreditation, photos video please email:[email protected]

Supporters: GHCC-NYC-, National Council of Ghanaian Associations (NCOGA) CAFI, 3G Media, Ghnewsnow,Tafari Tribe Inc ,NGPC, Impact Radio, Adinkofa,GDD .

This is a free event
Analysis | 11 January 2022 | News

Why or why not: The dilemma for startup investors

There have been tremors within the startup community worldwide with the latest Theranos scandal. Though startu...Read more
The Jawaharlal Nehru University administration on Saturday dismissed the allegations that it is discriminating against members of the JNU community belonging to the SC and ST category and said it has always stood for them.

A delegation of JNU faculty members from the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities accused the university administration of discrimination against teachers and students from these underprivileged sections and requested Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan to take up the matter with the government.

The statement by the varsity came after the delegation's meeting with Paswan.

"Administration strongly refutes some media reports that there is discrimination against members of JNU community belonging to the SC/ST category. Such allegations have no evidence and are clearly made to vilify an institution that has always stood for all marginalised sections of the society," the varsity's Registrar Pramod Kumar said.

Jawaharlal Nehru University's admission policy and practice have successfully given every opportunity and relaxation to SC/ST students, while seeking to fill up the vacant seats, he said.

All SC/ST candidates who qualify in the written examination in the entrance test are called for viva voce without shortlisting, Kumar said.

"In the hostel allotment every year, first step has invariably been to allot rooms to SC/ST students," he said.

While all SC/ST posts have been filled up in the non-teaching staff category, full-speed efforts are being made by the administration to fill up the vacant teaching posts, Kumar said.

The university also started a special drive to fulfil the backlogs in SC/ST teaching positions in the recent past, he added.

The teachers told Paswan that the recent hike in fee and reduction in seats has affected these underprivileged communities the most and that SC and ST teachers were not getting due promotions despite fulfilling the criteria.

Teaching posts reserved from these communities have been left vacant even though able candidates are available, Paswan said quoting them.

In its memorandum, the delegation of teachers said SC and ST members of teaching and non-teaching staff and students have been facing discrimination from the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration, headed by Vice Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
She extends her heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from the Aurora community and from across the country, city officials said in a press release. She appreciates all of the prayers and condolences and asks that you continue to pray for her family during this difficult time.
Voice of the Martyrs releases prayer guide to help Christians pray for persecuted believers

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Voice of the Martyrs has released a detailed prayer resource to help Christians in the U.S. support the growing number of Christians being attacked for their faith abroad.

The Oklahoma-based Christian persecution watchdog groups 2020 Global Prayer Guide was created with the goal of helping American Christians better understand and pray for Christians living in intolerant countries.

VOM spokesman Todd Nettleton, who also hosts the organizations radio program, told The Christian Post that the guide on various nations was based off extensive research by the groups staff and regional Christian communities.

A great deal of work and effort has gone into making sure that the 2020 Global Prayer Guide is accurate and up-to-date so that people can use it to pray knowledgably for Christians in nations where they are persecuted, Nettleton explained.

The guide divides countries that are intolerant of Christianity into two categories: Restricted Nations and Hostile Areas.

A Restricted Nation would be a country that engages in government-sponsored repression of Christians, with examples including China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Vietnam.

By contrast, a Hostile Area is a region where Christianity is technically legal, but persecution occurs through families or factions, with examples including Colombia, India, Kenya, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka.

Nettleton told CP that he believed a reason for the rise in persecution was due to the growth of the church in hostile and restricted nations.

Part of the reason we see more persecution in some of the nations where VOM works is because the church is growing so fast, said Nettleton.

More Christians  whether in China, in India or in the Muslim countries of the Middle East  means there are more targets for potential persecution.

Nettleton hopes the guide will be a valuable tool for American Christians to pray in more detail for those suffering persecution for their faith.

My hope is American Christians will put it next to their Bible and use it throughout the year to guide their prayers for our persecuted brothers and sisters, he added.

This guide gives people information about how to pray and what to ask God to do for our brothers and sisters facing persecution.

The release of the guide comes as the Communist Chinese government is expected to implement harsher measures against religious groups.

The Vatican news outlet Asia News recently reported that, starting Feb. 1, religious groups will be expected to seek government approval for more aspects of their lives and will be required to promote the Communist Party.

Religious organizations must spread the principles and policies of the Chinese Communist Party, as well as national laws, regulations, rules to religious personnel and religious citizens, educating religious personnel and religious citizens to support the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, supporting the socialist system, adhering to and following the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, read the news rules, in part.
Mumbai, Jan 18 : Anxiety gripped the Karnataka government and the police as Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday crossed the border from Maharashtra to enter Belgaum which is the subject of a bitter dispute between the two neighbouring states.

Raut is scheduled to address an event in Gogte Rangmandir auditorium this evening and his visit to Belgaum has evoked excitement among the local Marathi-speaking population.

Not willing to take any chances, the Karnataka Police have permitted the Sena MP's entry and event on the condition that he will not speak on the lingering border dispute between the two states.

From the local airport to the Marriot hotel, Raut was taken under tight police security and the venue of his function in the evening has also been placed under stringent security measures. A large number of Shiv Sainiks who had come to welcome him were also dispersed by the police.

Raut's visit comes a day after Maharashtra Minister of State for Health Rajendra P. Yadravkar was on Friday prevented by the police from addressing a meeting of Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES).

Yadravkar, who was allowed to lay a wreath at the martyrs' memorial, was later escorted out of the city and dropped of at the state border, even as various Maharashtra parties like Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party and Congress accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Karnataka of playing foul.

The MES had organised its annual event to commemorate the first Samyukta Maharashtra Andolan of January 17, 1956, and pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives in the long struggle and Belgaum remains a bone of contention between the two states.
She's been travelling the world after her split from DJ Chris Martinez.

And Demi Rose looked sensational as she flaunted her jaw-dropping curves in a sexy one-shoulder swimsuit during a photoshoot in Bali.

The Birmingham-born beauty, 24, wowed in the thong one-piece which skimmed her peachy derriere and donned an Audrey Hepburn inspired wide brimmed hat.

Wow: Demi Rose, 24, looked sensational as she flaunted her jaw-dropping curves in a sexy one-shoulder swimsuit during a photoshoot in Bali

Demi added three gold chains around her tiny waist and also donned a selection of delicate rings to complete her glamorous beachy ensemble.

The swimsuit showed off her perky assets and while the look was demure from the front, she could not resist nearly baring all with the thong back.

Her locks were tied back for the snaps and tucked under the sensational hat, which was reminiscent of the one Audrey Hepburn wore in Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Although now sharing the final pictures from her Bali shoot, Demi was pictured while taking the images back in August.

Flaunt it: The beauty made sure to showcase her peachy derriere in the swimsuit which was demure from the front but bared almost all with the thong back

During the sun-soaked shoot the beauty posed up a storm and was also greeted by a dog playing on the beach.

The Instagram sensation has garnered the attention of 12.2million followers since she was propelled to fame after being romantically linked to Kylie Jenner's ex Tyga.

However recently she has been travelling the world following her split from DJ Chris Martinez. As well as visiting Bali, Demi has seen LA, Mexico, Jordan, and Las Vegas.

Matching: Demi's hat was reminiscent of the one Audrey Hepburn (right as character Holly Golightly) wore while starring movie in Breakfast at Tiffany's

Glam: Audrey wore a wide-brimmed hat with a pair of sunglasses for the hit 1961 movie

Despite the envy-inducing travels, 2019 was also a testing year for the beauty, with her reflecting on the highs and lows in a candid Instagram post.

She penned: 'Wow what a year. It definitely has been the hardest year of my life but the also the best year of my life.

'Im proud of myself for getting through the hurdles Ive faced and the growth that Ive experienced. Im ready to say goodbye to 2019 and Im SO excited for whats to come in this new year.

'I wish you all an amazing 2020 filled with lots of blessings and love. Thank you for all your support, always. Love you guys!'

Sultry: Demi also showed off her hourglass physique wearing nothing but a pair of ripped jeans as she went topless on Laguna Beach in California on Tuesday

Demi saw her career surge in 2019 as she booked several high profile modelling gigs, and launched a swimwear collection with Oh Polly.

However, Demi also struggled with an intense loss last year, announcing the death of her mother Christine Mawby who passed away aged 64 in July.

The tragedy came just eight months after her beloved father Barrie died in October 2018.
L abour leadership hopeful Jess Phillips took a swipe at some her fellow contenders for keeping quiet over anti-Semitism in the party.

Rebecca Long-Bailey, Emily Thornberry and Keir Starmer are all in Jeremy Corbyn's top team, while the fifth candidate, Lisa Nandy, is a backbencher.

Speaking at the first hustings in Liverpool, she said: The Labour Party needs a leader who has spoken out against anti-Semitism, and other forms of harassment in fact.

When others were keeping quite and somebody who was in the room, struggling for an independent system  lots and lots of meetings  I have to say I dont remember some of the people here being in that particular room or being in those particular fights.

Ms Phillips said that the Labour Partys handling of anti-Semitism had meant it had lost the moral high ground to fight racism.

She added: Jewish people were scared of Labour winning the election.

Thats deeply serious. The Labour Party has now lost the credibility to handle its own complaints system.

We have lost the moral high ground to fight racism in this country because of the way we have handled anti-Semitism.

Emily Thornberry said she had always been clear about standing up against racism.

She said that the Labour Party should kick out anti-Semites in the same way Oswald Mosley was kicked out of Liverpool.

Ms Thornberry added: I tell you what Jess {Phillips], I have always been clear about it and I always will because its unacceptable, it undermines us as a party and undermines our soul.

What we should be doing is kicking out these anti-Semites in the same way Oswald Mosley was kicked out of Liverpool in 1937.

Sir Keir also hit back at Ms Phillips's comments, saying: "I have spoken out. Ive spoken out on the radio, on the media.

"I've spoken out about rule changes I thought we should adopt about the international definition of anti-Semitism.

"I've also made those arguments in Shadow Cabinet."

Ms Long-Bailey had already given her answer on the question when Ms Phillips spoke.

Ms Phillips also hinted at disapproval of some of Ms Long-Bailey's policy to replace the Lords with an elected Senate based outside London.

Ms Phillips said: "We've got to speak the language people speak on the doorstep.
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Linkedin Budi Sutrisno (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, January 18, 2020

The ruckus over Keraton Agung Sejagat (World Empire) has not settled, yet the Indonesian internet sphere was once again rocked by the emergence of the so-called Sunda Empire-Earth Empire in Bandung, West Java, claiming to be on a mission to settle the countrys debts at the World Bank.

A nine-minute video disseminated over YouTube and Facebook showed a man in a room full of people wearing flat light blue caps, passionately explaining the existence of the Sunda Empire-Earth Empire, saying that he was one of the empires governors general.

Sunda Empire-Earth Empire is a Sun empire, an Earth empire. It doesnt link to Sundanese [people] because this is a hereditary empire from dynasty to dynasty and currently it is the Sundakala dynasty, said the man whose name was written in the video as HRH Rangga.

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FILE PHOTO: Man stands next to a logo of Sinopec at an expo on rubber technology in Shanghai

By Chen Aizhu

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - China's Sinopec, expected to be the next major Chinese buyer of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG), is planning to review terms of a potential $16 billion supply deal with Cheniere Energy Inc after a sharp drop in LNG prices, industry officials said.

That could delay sign-off on a deal that would help Beijing meet ambitious targets it set for U.S. energy purchases in a Phase 1 trade agreement it signed with the United States on Wednesday.

Sinopec, officially named China Petroleum & Chemical Corp, and Houston-based Cheniere had been expected to sign the 20-year deal once a trade truce was reached between Beijing and Washington.

However, the LNG market has shifted since news of Sinopec and Cheniere's negotiations became public early last year. In the intervening period, the U.S.-China trade war sapped Chinese purchases of U.S. LNG, and several other gas suppliers, including Qatar, the lowest-cost producer, decided to build new export plants.

That coming supply would add to an existing glut that has caused gas prices to collapse to their lowest levels in years and could keep them suppressed - giving Sinopec additional leverage with Cheniere.

Both companies declined to comment.

A source familiar with the talks said many items needed to be reviewed as U.S. gas prices have more than halved since 2018.

"Sinopec is talking to several other U.S. suppliers," said a second source. "It's really not clear at this stage what will come out."

The firm, as one of the few state buyers with appetite to sign new multi-year LNG supply deals, also needs to lobby Beijing to remove or rebate a 25% tariff that has made U.S. imports uneconomical in the past year, one of the sources said.

"(The deal) will be renegotiated... over delivery terms and price," said an industry executive with knowledge of the matter, who declined to be named as the matter is not public. "It may not be tough, but will take time."

Story continues

LITTLE COMMUNICATION

Sinopec, which plans to more than double its LNG receiving capacities to 41 million tonnes by 2025, emerged last year as China's biggest spot buyer of LNG, as it is a much smaller purchaser under long-term deals than PetroChina Co Ltd or China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC).

Those two firms are committed to other long-term contracts, and therefore much less likely to seek new supply agreements with U.S. exporters. They are also facing slower domestic demand growth and weaker prices, which have led to losses in their LNG import business.

State oil firm China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) has already fulfilled its supply needs through existing deals with Cheniere, and is also anticipating new supply from investments in the Russian Arctic and Mozambique, said one trading executive.

The prospect of buying U.S. LNG is even more remote for China's so-called second-tier independent gas companies, because they have little access to terminal facilities.

"We'll be in close contact with U.S. suppliers, but price is always the key," said Frank Li, assistant to the president of private city gas distributor China Gas Holdings. "For now Russian pipeline gas is cheaper, Qatari gas is cheaper."

A top state-oil trading executive said his level of management had received no internal briefing from the government over what products Beijing had in mind when agreeing the Phase 1 trade deal.

"We're already under steep pressure to absorb high-cost term supplies ... and as the market is expected to stay over-supplied beyond 2023, why should we sign up to more term deals?" a CNOOC gas manager said.

(Reporting by Chen Aizhu; additional reporting by Erwin Seba in Houston and Scott Disavino in New York; Editing by Florence Tan and Jan Harvey)
The United States on Friday slapped sanctions on another senior Iranian official over a crackdown on protests but said Tehran appeared to be following through on de-escalating military tensions.

The United States said it was blacklisting Revolutionary Guards Brigadier General Hassan Shahvarpour for crushing protests in November in the southwestern city of Mahshahr.

The city, home to many from Iran's Arab minority, was a hotbed of protests that broke out after an abrupt hike in fuel prices. Amnesty International says hundreds died across the country.

"He oversaw the massacre of 148 helpless Iranians in the Mahshahr region," Brian Hook, the US pointman on Iran, told a news conference.

He said that the United States had received 88,000 tips from Iranians about November's protests after appealing for information to break through internet restrictions.

"We are continuing to review all information we received from the Iranian people and we will continue to hold more regime officials responsible for human rights violations," he said.

The sanctions mean Shahvarpour is banned from entering the United States -- a symbolic step as President Donald Trump has stopped visas for virtually all Iranians, from inside or outside the government.

The United States earlier this month killed the powerful head of the Revolutionary Guards, Qasem Soleimani, in a drone strike in Baghdad after months of rising tension and rocket attacks on US forces in Iraq.

Despite a fiery sermon Friday by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Hook said that Iran did not appear to be escalating the military conflict.

"They appear to be standing down for now," Hook said.

"But we have a combination of maximum economic pressure and restoring deterrence by the credible threat of military force if attacked," he said.

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Bahrains Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister, Essam Khalaf, inspected progress of the ongoing work on a fishermens jetty during a visit to the Kingdoms Duraz region. The development works cover an area of 350 square metre out of the 2.4 hectares allotted for the project.

The project, which was launched on 23 October, 2019, has hit the 10 per cent completion milestone. The project is expected to be completed within six months. Once completed, it will feature a resthouse for fishermen, a coastguard office, a fish market, an administrative building, a parking lot, and other facilities.

In co-operation with Bahrains Council of Representatives, the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs, and Urban Planning has begun work on multiple projects aimed at enhancing the standard of services provided to citizens. Mr Khalaf said: Once completed, the Duraz jetty would be able up to serve up to 150 fishermen.

The visit is in line with the directives issued by Bahrains Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander, and First Deputy Prime Minister, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Minister Khalaf was accompanied during the inspection by the representative of the second constituency in the Northern Governorate, Fatima Abbas, among other officials.
As summarised by author Afua Hirsch in The New York Times, black Britons know why Meghan wants out: "It's the racism." What has been surprising is the "Sussex Summit" which took place in the days following, where the Queen gathered with Charles, his bald son, and his ginger one, to discuss the fate of the family  without Meghan present. Loading This was about the woman, the wife, having to toe the line of her husband's family. In any other circumstance, in any other family, would any sane citizen of the 21st century believe it was reasonable for the wife  whose entire future was at stake  to be excluded from such a meeting? It's a weird thing for a whole new generation of royal watchers to observe: many of them only recently getting on board the Corgi Mobile following the popularity of The Crown and the fairytale of Harry and Meghan. As a couple they represented a new, modern and progressive path for a family fighting to retain relevancy. A room full of people discussing the fate of a woman who wasn't there seems archaic and decidedly un-feminist for 2020, especially when that has been such a big part of the Sussexes' brand.

"I feel the embryonic kicking of feminism," Meghan said when she was pregnant, also revealing Prince Harry considers himself a feminist. Perhaps that's why so many social media conversations bubbled up about "Megxit" feeling sexist. The reality is more nuanced than that.

Meghan most likely thought she could handle being part of the royal family. Hell, if you can make it in Hollywood  a fundamentally sexist system populated with sharks  how much harder can it be? Meghan managed to achieve success not just as a woman, but as a black woman. Loading However, she underestimated the vitriolic nature of British tabloids and the increased scrutiny she would be under that's intrinsically tied to the fact she is a woman of colour. We've all seen the side-by-side comparisons of coverage between Kate Middleton and Meghan, where the former is called "nurturing" for cradling her baby bump while the latter is called "manipulative" for doing the exact same thing. Author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie said in her TEDx speech, "We teach girls to shrink themselves, to make themselves smaller. We say to girls, you can have ambition, but not too much. You should aim to be successful, but not too successful." After two years, how much smaller can Meghan shrink herself? The campaigns in Africa. The work with marginalised communities. The initiatives for diverse voices. It doesn't make the knives any less sharp when the "good" work can't penetrate through the "bad" headlines. And Prince Harry has an intimate understanding of what the long-term cost can be.

The royal mantra is "never complain and never explain". Besides a brief glimpse into how much of a toll the situation has had in their recent documentary, Meghan has abided that. Is it feminist to suffer in silence, knowing the efforts you're making inside a specific structure are overshadowed or blatantly ignored in lieu of an article about what kind of candles a "source" claimed you demanded in a musty chapel? Meghan was seen for the first time in Vancouver last week at the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre. Credit:Facebook Last week, Meghan popped up at The Downtown Eastside Women's Centre in Vancouver. It's not a flashy charity that would generate a lot of press, but what it is is important. It's "ground zero" for violence against indigenous women and girls in Canada and one of the loudest voices when it comes to justice for missing and murdered indigenous women on the Highway of Tears in British Columbia. During a time when Britain has gone batpoop insane with "Megxit", that's where Meghan chose to appear. That's where she chose to focus the spotlight that will inevitably follow her for the rest of her life. That's where her presence could actually make a difference.
JKH mulls more hotel investments overseas View(s):

As John Keells Holdings (JKH) celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2020, the group is not looking at any grand ceremony to mark this significant milestone for Sri Lankas largest, 14,000-strong listed conglomerate. However on the business side the organisation is setting its sights on investing and managing more hotel properties overseas (outside the Maldives) while focusing on the environment and expanding solar power use across its businesses.

We are looking for investment opportunities in hotels in other countries. I cannot say where, but we are looking, Group chairman Krishan Balendra told the Business Times in an interview, when asked about expanding the companys portfolio of hotels.

Speaking on the groups focus this year, he said they want to convert as many of their supermarkets as possible to solar. So far 53 are solar powered while seven more would come on stream by end January. The company has 106 supermarkets with 25-30 more to be opened this year. We are also hoping to convert to glass bottles from plastic bottles in all our hotels as this years commitment around the environment, he said.

Reflecting on the beginnings of the company, he said Edwin John moved to Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) from the UK in 1870 and set up with his brother a produce broking firm. Then in 1878 he set up his own company called E. John and Co. They continued as tea, rubber and even did coffee broking. In the 1960s, they bought Keell and Waldock and the merged entity became John Keells PLC. The group started diversifying acquiring Mackinnons and Walkers Tours, going into shipping and as a travel business and later got into hotels. For the record the 150- room iconic Bentota Beach hotel was re-opened on Thursday as Cinnamon Bentota Beach after a 4.5 billion-rupee facelift which included building two new wings.

Keells Food Products started in the 1980s while Keells Supermarkets came on board in 1990. With the Whittalls takeover, JKH owns Elephant House which is a big business today.

Reflecting on this years events to mark the anniversary, Mr. Balendra said he spoke to the staff, the company distributed a video on the milestone and also distributed tee shirts to employees. We have launched a myjkh150promise where all the staff makes a commitment to a good cause, like reduce the use of plastic (lots of comments on that) and put it with a hashtag and then they put it on their social media or FB, Twitter or Instagram. With a hashtag, we can collate it centrally and it would result in a powerful message from our employees, he explained.

On the business side, this year is becoming eventful for the organisation. The groups flagship Cinnamon Life will open its office and apartment towers by mid-2020 while the 800-room hotel and mall will be ready by 2Q 2021. We have sold about 65 per cent of apartments while we will start marketing the office space soon, he said adding that the 24 floors of office space make up a total of 240,000 sq feet.

The company plans to sell 10 floors of which four have already been sold and lease the balance. The hotel will have five ballrooms, the first facility in Sri Lanka with a combined capacity to host big events with 2000 people. We hope to market this in India for big outbound conferences, he said.

Mr. Balendra agreed that there is currently an oversupply of hotel rooms in Colombo. However if tourism grows at 10-15 per cent in the next 3-4 years this capacity will be absorbed. Even with all the new rooms, Colombo will have 6-7,000 rooms and when comparing that with Kuala Lumpur (40,000 rooms), Bangkok (60,000 rooms) and Jakarta (30,000 rooms), that is not much, he said noting that because there hadnt been investment for 25 (war) years the new rooms came together. But we are confident that this new inventory can get absorbed, he added.

In the Maldives, JKHs fourth (new) property will be opening this year while a large distribution centre for John Keells Logistics with 250,000 sq ft of space at Muthurajawella will be opening in October 2020.

Its important that Colombo becomes more vibrant  now with new malls coming in and with more ballroom space we should be able to attract the crowd that previously didnt come to Colombo, he said, adding that business sentiment has improved and the end of the Parliamentary poll will further improve sentiment.

(Feizal)
Since 2013, a thousand "mosque hunters" have visited the countrys 17,000 islands to count their numbers. So far, they have identified 554,152 mosques but the census is only 75 per cent complete. The government wants to keep an eye on the growing radicalism in the country.

Jakarta (AsiaNews/Agencies)  How many mosques are there in the worlds most populous Islamic country? This is the question a team of a thousand people has been trying to answer since 2013, tasked by the Indonesian government with counting all the Muslim places of worship in the countrys 17,000 islands.

This is monumental task since new mosques open all the time for Fakhry Affans team. So far, their number count stands at 554,152 mosques, or 75 per cent of their work. Previous government estimates put the number at more than 740,000.

I always say there are 800,000 [mosques] but 1 million is also possible, said Vice President Jusuf Kalla a year ago. At the time, the Religious Affairs Ministry website reported only about 240,000.

The government is also planning to launch an app called Info Masjid, so that Muslims can use their smartphone to find the closest place of worship.

Many ordinary Muslims and clerics hope the move will bring greater transparency, especially in light of the large sums of money imams manage.

For the government, the "mosque hunt" is also a way of monitoring extremists. In fact, Radical ideology can mushroom anywhere and mosques are one of the easiest places for it to spread, Affan said.

"Why? Because you don't need to invite people to the mosque, they'll come anyway, he explained. So We want to ensure that all imams and (mosque) committees are moderate because Islam in Indonesia is moderate.

The latter has been put to the test in recent years as Muslim hardliners become increasingly vocal in public and dozens of extremist groups who share the ideology of the Islamic State group find home in the country.

In November 2018, just over six months after brutal attacks against three churches in Surabaya (East Java), Indonesias state intelligence agency (Badan Intelijen Negara) announced a worrying discovery. In one Jakarta neighbourhood, the imams of 41 places of worship were preaching extremism to government officials.

Indonesias new Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, a conservative cleric-turned-politician, said that the government will begin to certify preachers and mosques nationwide in order to screen out extremists.

At present, Affan's team have counted 258,958 large mosques and another 295,194 smaller ones, those with a maximum capacity of 40 people. The official and his team hope to finish a first round of counting this year.

It's pretty rare for a mosque to close down, he explained, but one thing is for sure: The number of new ones will keep going up."
Shah Mahmood met Mike Pompeo in Washington

WASHINGTON: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Friday said resolution of Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN resolutions is vital for brining permanent peace and stability to the South Asian region.



Foreign Minister Qureshi met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington. The two leaders exchanged views on matters pertaining to Pak-US bilateral cooperation, regional security situation, Afghan peace process, and ongoing massive human rights violations in Indian-held Kashmir. He expressed regrets that the BJP-led Indian government has besieged millions of Kashmiris by imposing ruthless curfew and other restrictions in the occupied valley. He said the Indian government has imposed ban on media in the region to hide facts from the world.



Qureshi said Pakistan is committed to play its due role in de-escalating prevailing tensions and promote peace in the Middle Eastern region. He further said that Pakistan will continue its efforts for political solution to lingering Afghan conflict. He also briefed the US secretary on his meetings with various leaders during his recent visits to Iran and Saudi Arabia.



The foreign minister underlined the need of strengthening bilateral trade and investment to materialise the joint vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan and US President Donald Trump.



The US secretary lauded Pakistans sincere and utmost efforts for political solution to Afghan conflict.



Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with Fox News, Foreign Minister Qureshi on asked the United States for a responsible withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and not to repeat the mistake of 80s. Pakistan is asking [the US] for a responsible withdrawal unlike 80s which created a vacuum for the destructive forces to take over, he said



Qureshi said Pakistan facilitated a dialogue with Taliban on the request of President Trump in a hope for peace and stability.



To a question on primary goal of his recent talks with Iranian president Hassan Rouhani, the foreign minister said it was aimed at de-escalation and diffusion of the conflict to avert negative effects in the region. On Afghan peace process, he expressed hope of an agreement between the US and Taliban. The Taliban are today talking to US and there is a possibility of an agreement, he said, mentioning about Thursdays announcement by Taliban of a ceasefire of 7-10 days before they could take next step leading to dialogue.



Asked about the role of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in supporting the Haqqani network, the foreign minister said, Lets not discuss the past but future, which is in everybodys interest. However, he mentioned ISIs support for the Afghan peace process. ISI has been supporting the peace process. They have been facilitating and have used their little influence to bring the Taliban to negotiation as the US asked for, which they delivered, he said.



To a question as if Prime Minister Imran Khan will participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organizations regional summit to be held in India this October, he said, The prime minister is very very clear that if India takes one step, Pakistan will take two.



However, he regretted that unfortunately India is showing a negative attitude. Look at the repression and use of force going on, and the legislative work undertaken that saw protested all over India, he said in reference to the siege in the occupied valley and the controversial passage of bills targeting minorities, particularly Muslims.



Separately, speaking at an event of reputed American think-tank Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on Reframing the US-Pakistan Strategic Relationship in Washington DC, Foreign Minister Qureshi urged on the United States to work with Pakistan as it politically mainstreams and economically develops the former tribal areas. He said supporting economic activity along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border will benefit both sides.



Qureshi, in a conversation moderated by CSIS President John J Hamre, Senior Vice President Daniel F Runde and Senior Adviser Seth G Jones, touched several issues of regional and global importance ranging from Afghan peace, US-Iran standoff, Jammu and Kashmir situation and Pak-US bilateral ties. He stressed that the recent tension between the US and Iran must not put any negative impact on the peace process in Afghanistan, adding that having come this far, there should be zero tolerance for any setbacks.



He said both Pakistan and the US have shed too much blood and expended too much treasure and now must honor the memory of our fallen soldiers and countrymen by successfully accomplishing the mission in Afghanistan. He said Pakistan has long argued that there is no military solution to Afghanistan with Prime Minister Imran Khan is one of the first leaders in the region who consistently advocated a political route towards peace in Afghanistan.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, Jan. 18

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

Turkmengas State Concern of Turkmenistan will conclude a contract with the Japanese Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. for the provision of consulting services for the management of a gas-to-gasoline (GTG) plant, Trend reports referring to the decree of Turkmenistans president.

The contract provides for the management of the plant for the production of gasoline from natural gas in the Ovadan Depe area, located in Turkmenistans Ahal province near Ashgabat, the capital.

The plant can process over 1.7 billion cubic meters of natural gas and produce 600,000 tons of RON 92 gasoline, 12,000 tons of diesel fuel and 115,000 tons of liquefied gas in a year.

The GTG plant has been operating since June 2019.

The implementation of this project has become an important milestone in the diversification and development of not only the national economy, but also the entire world oil and gas industry, which is confirmed by certificates and prestigious awards of international organizations, Turkmen Dovlat Habarlary stated.

The unique technology for obtaining automotive fuel from natural gas, developed for the plant by the Danish catalysis company Haldor Topsoe, allows producing high quality products with the lowest energy consumption and minimal environmental impact.

The project worth $1.7 billion was carried out via investments of the Japanese side and Turkmengas funds. Kawasaki was the project contractor in a consortium with Turkish Ronesans Holding.

Earlier, it was stated that a project for the construction of GTGs second stage is being designed.
Celine Dion has paid tribute to her mother following her death at the age of 92.

Therese Tanguay Dion raised 14 children and helped her most famous daughter break into the music industry.

She died on Friday. Celine, who was performing in Miami, Florida, on Friday night, said she was dedicating the show to her mother.

Writing on Instagram alongside a black-and-white family picture, she said: Maman, we love you so much We dedicate tonights show to you and Ill sing to you with all my heart. Love, Celine xx .

Therese Tanguay was born in Quebec, Canada, in 1927 and married Celines father Adhemar Dion when she was 18.

Their first child was born in 1946 while Celine, their youngest, arrived in 1968.

Everyone in the family sang and Celine was 12 when she co-wrote a track with her mother and brother titled It Was Only A Dream.

It caught the attention of music manager Rene Angelil, who mortgaged his house to finance her first album, La voix du bon Dieu, which was a hit in 1981.

Celine and Angelil would later marry. He died in 2014.
By ANI

MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court on Saturday ordered the formation of a special unit to investigate into the disappearance of devotees in Shirdi.

"As many as 88 people have gone missing from Shirdi in one year," said the court.

The involvement of human trafficking gangs is being suspected in this case by the High Court.

A bench of Bombay High Court has issued orders to the Ahmednagar Superintendent of Police to look into the matter.

Manoj Kumar Soni, resident of Indore, had filed a petition last year in the Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court, stating that in August 2017, his wife went missing when he and his family visited Shirdi.

The next hearing on the case is on January 10, 2020.
Gardai have revealed that missing person Khadijah Kuhnel (14 years) has been located safe and well in Co Longford.

They've thanked the public for their help. "Your assistance in much appreciated."

Also read: Longford teachers to go on strike next month

Initial Appeal from Gardai

Gardai are seeking the public's help in tracing the whereabouts of Khadijah Kuhnel, 14 years, who went missing from the Rocklands area, Co Cavan on Thursday, January 16.



Khadijah was last seen in the Jervis Street area of Dublin city centre on the same date.

Khadijah is a Pakistani national; she is described as being 5'6" in height, with brown eyes, black hair and a slim build. When last seen Khadijah was wearing green leggings and a green jumper.

Gardai and Khadijahs family are concerned for her and are asking anyone who may know where Khadijah is or may have seen her to contact Cavan Garda Station on 049 436 8800, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Also read: Ballymahon's Maura Higgins is a lot better than she thinks on the ice
L aurence Fox has fuelled the flames of a heated social media row by mocking his BBC Question Time opponent in a sarcastic tweet.

Mr Fox, 41, has been widely criticised for his comments during Thursday's programme, when he also said claims of racism in Britain had become "boring".

Ms Boyle thanked the public for their amazing support on Twitter earlier today, writing: Being a Black academic researching race and ethnicity isnt easy. Having conversations with ill informed privileged people isnt easy. But THIS is what I came to do.

But Mr Fox was quick to hit back at her message, retweeting it with the scornful caption: Hang in there! We are all behind you! #Stunningandbrave.

The Lewis star and ex-husband of actress Billie Piper has ended a number of tweets with the hashtag, in what appears to be a sardonic nod towards so-called political correctness.

Stunning and brave was the title of a 2015 episode of US satirical cartoon South Park in which one of the characters is violently assaulted for employing politically incorrect language.

The term was used to describe Caitlyn Jenner in the South Park episode / South Park Studios

Mr Fox used the term again to respond to a tweet from Lily Allen.

She wrote: Sick to death of luvvies like Lawrence (sic) Fox going on TV and forcing their opinions on everybody else, when hell never have to deal with what normal people have to deal with in his gated community.

Stick to acting mate. Instead of ranting about things you dont know anything about.

The 41-year-old responded: Lily Allen is the most stunningist and bravery artist in the whole wide world. #stunningandbrave.

The Question Time exchange unfolded when, discussing Meghans treatment by sections of the British press and public, academic Rachel Boyle said: Lets be really clear about what this is, lets call it by its name  its racism. Shes a black woman and she has been torn to pieces.

Mr Fox responded: Its not racism. Were the most tolerant, lovely country in Europe. Its so easy to just throw your charge of racism at everybody and its starting to get boring now.

Ms Boyle replied: What worries me about your comment is you are a white privileged male.
A former congressman who was one of President Donald Trump's first supporters was sentenced Friday to two years and two months in federal prison after admitting he helped his son and others dodge USD 800,000 in stock market losses when he learned that a drug trial by a small pharmaceutical company had failed.

Christopher Collins, 69, was sentenced by US District Judge Vernon S Broderick in Manhattan after the Republican pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and lying to law enforcement officials.

Collins broke down and apologized to his family and his former constituents and colleagues.

"I stand here today as a disgraced former member of Congress," he said. "My life has been shattered." The sentence came even after Collins' lawyers argued he was sorry and should face no prison time in the insider trading case.

Prosecutors, however, argued he should go to prison for nearly five years. They said Collins and his son, Cameron, were worth a total of USD 35 million when they conspired to sell shares in a pharmaceutical company before devastating was made public.

The trading, prosecutors said, enabled Cameron Collins and friends to dodge USD 800,000 in losses.

Collins' attorneys urged the judge for leniency, citing his contrition, advanced age, charitable works and a low chance that he would commit any more crimes.

"This is a sad and tragic day for Chris and his family," defence attorney Jonathan Barr said. "He stands before you humbled, penitent and remorseful." Collins had represented western New York since his election to the state's 27th Congressional District in 2012. He resigned when he decided to plead guilty to a single conspiracy count, leaving the district's constituents without representation in Congress.

Prosecutors faulted Collins for campaigning for a reelection race he won after his arrest and then continuing to serve.

They said Collins learned that Innate Immunotherapeutics Ltd., whose board he sat on, had failed a drug trial when he received a telephone call while he attended the annual Congressional Picnic at the White House on June 22, 2017.

Knowing that Innate's stock would plunge when got out, Collins "from the White House lawn" tried to reach his son to tip him off so he could sell his shares, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said he then conspired with family members to claim Cameron Collins and friends sold shares because they were spooked by a temporary halt in the trading of the stock rather than because they knew the stock price would fall 92 per cent for the company headquartered in Sydney, Australia, with offices in Auckland, New Zealand.

Assistant US Attorney Max Nicholas disputed the defense claim that the crime was the result of a tragic and emotional moment when Collins wasn't thinking straight after learning the drug trial failed.

The prosecutor noted there was a 10-month gap between his first crime when he called his son and the second when he lied to the FBI, which described as Collins "doubling down."



"We do not agree this crime was emotional," Nicholas said.

Broderick called it baffling that Collins would exercise such poor judgment when he and his son had the financial means to deal with any loss. "I have a difficult time reconciling that," the judge said.

"It was a stupid, impulsive action that doesn't make sense," Barr, Collins' defence attorney, responded. "He really thought this company had something that was going to be a magic bullet for somebody with a really serious illness.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Park Ridge Police Chief Frank Kaminski noted that the company, which previously operated for many years as Park Ridge Taxi, had a not in good standing status with the Illinois Secretary of State Office and its owner, Ivelin Dinev, was cited by police in December for driving a company taxi with a suspended license and expired registration. Additionally, Dinev does not have a current chauffeur license with the city, Kaminski said. For these reasons, the city is seeking to revoke Park Ridge Dispatchs certificate of operation, the police chief told the council.
A group of 16 underprivileged students from Bhadarwah in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday embarked on a 10-day 'Bharat Darshan' tour to Kolkata sponsored by the CRPF, officials said.

The tour was flagged off by District Development Commissioner of Doda district, Sagar Dattaray Doifode from community hall Kotli, they said.

The students will visit different areas of Kolkata to know the tradition and culture of the people living there, they said.

"The tour under civic action programme is primarily aimed at giving exposure to the most deserving and under privileged students living in snow bound mountains who have never moved out of Bhadarwah," Commanding Officer of 33 Battalion CRPF, A Padama Kumar said.

"For these students, it's like a dream come true to move beyond hills to the coasts of West Bengal. This tour will provide a great opportunity to these students to know about the versatile culture, rich heritage, diversity, unity and brotherhood in our great nation," he added.

Thanking the CRPF for organising the tour, Doifode said: "This programme will certainly help in developing better police public interface.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met with his Iraqi counterpart Mohamed Alhakim in Iraq's capital Baghdad on Saturday. The visit comes amid tensions between the US and Iran, that have arisen in recent weeks. The killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander Qassem Soleimani in an airstrike in Baghdad has escalated a crisis between Washington and Tehran.

The two officials discussed relations between the two countries and regional developments and stressed the high level of coordination and cooperation needed to deal with a crisis and achieve security and stability. The Jordanian official is expected to meet with Iraq's president, the speaker of the Iraqi Parliament and the country's Prime Minister to discuss regional security, bilateral relations and investments.
Three suspected white supremacists who were arrested Thursday in Maryland had discussed opening fire from the pro-gun rally that will take place in Virginia this coming Monday, according to the Wall Street Journal. Law enforcement officials on Friday said that the men had allegedly been planning to sow chaos and further their goal of accelerat[ing] the downfall of the U.S. government so that a white ethno-state can take its place.

It was also reported Friday that an additional three men associated with the same violent neo-Nazi group had been arrested in Georgia on Wednesday. Those three men had allegedly been plotting to kill two people.

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All six people are thought to be members of a group known as The Base, an intensely violent extremist group. The three suspects arrested Thursday face charges related to firearms and harboring immigrants residing in the country illegally.

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The three men arrested in Georgia had reportedly been planning to murder a couple they believed to be members of Antifa, in an area northwest of Atlanta. The suspects also aimed to overthrow the U.S. government. Federal authorities identified a seventh person associated with The Base who had allegedly vandalized a synagogue in Wisconsin.

The Base is committed to promoting anarchy through violence with the goal of igniting a race war, according to Reuters. According to the Anti-Defamation League, its members are opposed to what they see as Jewish values that have infiltrated the European race. It hopes to impose order from chaos, according to the Counter Extremism Project, and its members train as soldiers in camps around the country. The group began in 2018, and though its activity is largely online, its real-life actions have been on the rise; for instance, it has distributed manuals for terror attacks and bomb-making to its members. The Base is the English translation of al Qaeda, though its unclear if that connection was intentional.

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Its not clear if the three men in Georgia had any plans related to Mondays gun rally in Richmond, Virginia, but the three suspects in Maryland had obtained weapons and were planning on participating, the FBI said. The rally is expected to draw many white nationalist and other extremist groups, which have become more agitated after Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency and temporarily banned weapons from the State Capitol grounds.

Democrats, who control both of the statehouses chambers, plan to pass a number of gun control measures. Gun rights advocates have responded by forming Second Amendment sanctuaries and otherwise vowing to fight for what they see as their constitutional rights. Some of the activists sued to challenge Northams temporary ban, but a judge upheld the ban. Organizers of the rally said they would appeal to the state Supreme Court. Northam has defended the ban by citing the number of reported credible threats to the event related to extremist groups.
Gardai have charged one of two men arrested in relation to a spate of burglaries in business premises in Limerick and Tipperary last week.

The man in his 20s is due to appear before Limerick District Court this morning at 10.30am.

The second man was released without charge last night and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Gardai investigating eight burglaries at businesss premises in the two counties last week also seized two vehicles.

All of the burglaries occurred in Limerick and Tipperary during the early hours of Wednesday morning.

As part of these investigations, an operation was put in place by detective gardai from Henry Street garda station with the assistance of the Armed Support Unit in the Western region and gardai from Tipperary, Limerick and Galway, said a garda spokesperson.

As part of the operation, three houses were searched this Saturday morning in County Galway.

During the operation, two men, aged in their 20s, were arrested.
The Glens Falls Womens Christian Temperance Union held a watch party at the First Baptist Church on Jan. 16, 1920, to see out an old era and bring in a new.

The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution  the Prohibition amendment  took effect when the clock ticked past midnight.

In Greenwich, the Womens Christian Association held a Victory and Thanksgiving Meeting at the Methodist Church to celebrate John Barleycorns Funeral.

At Hudson Falls, 12 members of the Womens Christian Temperance Union held a celebration at the home of Mrs. George Cornell.

With the 18th Amendment to the Constitution in force this morning, Hudson Falls will become as dry as the Sahara Desert, The Post-Star reported on Jan. 17, 1920.

Arrests for Prohibition violations would soon be common, but judges frequently meted out a mere slap on the wrist, if any punishment at all.

Arrests made

John Madden, owner of the Hotel Madden, the legendary South Street building demolished in 2011 in Glens Falls, was among those arrested.

Two federal agents from New York City walked into the hotel cafe, apparently unrecognized, and ordered whisky, The Post-Star reported on July 6, 1920.

It is alleged that when they were served with drinks, they took the glasses and made known their identity, the paper reported.

The agents seized 5 gallons of whisky from behind the bar, arrested Madden, and detained him in the custody of Glens Falls Police Officer Cornelius Kennedy.

U.S. Commissioner Samuel Caplan of Albany released Madden on July 9.

The federal agents withdrew their charge when Madden proved that the whiskey in his possession was for his own use and was not offered for sale, the Ticonderoga Sentinel reported on July 15, 1920.

The outcome was similar in another case.

Acting on a tip, William Scott, deputy collector of customs, and Joseph Andres, a Delaware & Hudson Railway police lieutenant, were at the Saratoga Springs train station to watch William Patten, a D&H trainman, hand off a dress suitcase and black handbag to well-known Saratoga businessman John Hutchins, who had business interests in Glens Falls.

Scott and Andres searched the luggage and found three bottles of Gordon gin, two bottles of Burkes Irish whisky, two bottles of Canadian Club whisky, three bottles of Haig & Haig whisky, and four bottles of Gooderham & Worts whisky, The Post-Star reported on April 19, 1920.

Scott arraigned Patten and Hutchins on charges of smuggling liquor across the Canadian/U.S. border at Rouses Point.

The two men pleaded not guilty and were released on $2,000 bail each.

Commissioner Caplan, at a hearing in Albany on May 13, dismissed the charges against Hutchins due to insufficient evidence, The Post-Star reported on May 14.

Post-Star reporters and editors were kept busy on deadline the night of another raid.

No arrests were made, but at 2:30 oclock this morning the agents had not concluded their work, The Post-Star reported on June 4, 1920.

Federal agents had seized seven barrels of whiskey from an unoccupied building at 35 West St., and agents were searching elsewhere in Glens Falls.

In addition to seizing the liquor in the West Street place, they made a search of a downtown hotel, where it is said they found no liquor. The agents traveled in two or more automobiles, one of them a large limousine, and after making the search of the hotel they started out in other directions, The Post-Star reported. The seized liquor was taken to the basement of the federal building (post office?) on Warren Street on an automobile truck driven by Barney Sullivan of South Glens Falls.

It was estimated that 25 or more federal agents were in Glens Falls, based on multiple counts of strangers spotted downtown.

Local men who are to be seen in the downtown district the greater part of the night are generally known and several comments were heard concerning the number of strangers that were about the street.

Later in the day, George Duschane was arrested at 3 p.m. on charges of forgery.

The accused man was arrested while at work as a laborer on a cement sidewalk job in Murdock Avenue, The Post-Star reported.

Duschane had a license to sell liquor for non-beverage purposes.

Duschane and an accomplice, an Albany bartender, had allegedly altered the license to read 34 barrels instead of four barrels.

A local man, prominent as a gambler, was believed to have bankrolled the operation.

That man is said to have left town, and the last heard of him was in Boston, Mass., The Post-Star reported.

A report of alcohol trafficking in northern Warren County could not be substantiated.

A deputy federal Internal Revenue Service agent was in Stony Creek to investigate a report of moonshiners with stills in the mountains making whisky, The Post-Star reported on Feb. 16, 1920.

But it was suggested the report had been fabricated to get publicity for the town.

Several places are said to have been searched, but nothing was found, The Post-Star reported. And it is now believed that the investigation was instigated by someone more set upon keeping the town in the limelight rather than actually having knowledge or even suspicion that stills were being operated.

Impact on hotels

Prohibition had an economic impact on the hotel trade.

William R. Clark advertised his Clark House Hotel building on Maple Street in Glens Falls for sale in July 1919, and prepared to close at the end of the summer.

The hotel was erected in 1886 and has since that time enjoyed a good business, but the near approach of national Prohibition has convinced the owner that the hotel business is doomed, The Post-Star reported on July 14, 1919.

In Hudson Falls, the King Hotel closed, due to Prohibition, making the fourth hotel in the village that had closed in recent months, The Post-Star reported on July 18, 1919.

In February 1920, there were two hotels left in Hudson Falls: Hotel Cunningham and Peoples Hotel.

Other hotel operators opted to reinvent their enterprises.

Renovation under way at Peoples Hotel included a new dining room and painting and papering throughout.

Manager Newman, with the enforcement of the 18th Amendment in effect, decided to conduct a hotel that will appeal to the traveling as well as the local trade, The Post-Star reported on Feb. 13, 1920. The need for first-class quarters for hotel purposes was never more urgent.

The Post-Star reported on Feb. 16 that the block of Hudson Falls that included Hotel Cunningham had been sold in the largest real estate transactions to take place in Hudson Falls in years.

The new owners, who paid well up in five figures, planned extensive renovation of the hotel.

The new owners at first considered remodeling the hotel for mercantile purposes, but abandoned the plan after reaching the conclusion that this progressive town should not be without a hotel of the class of Hotel Cunningham, The Post-Star reported.

Other hotel operators, too, were investing in their properties to redirect their focus away from alcoholic beverages.

David Fitzgerald, owner of Fitzgeralds Hotel, a favorite stop of Gov. Al Smith when he visited Glens Falls, turned his cafe rooms into a delicatessen and grocery counter.

Soft drinks of all kinds will also be served, The Post-Star reported on Jan. 17, 1920. So Bradley, the clever manipulator of alcoholic beverages of olden days, will be one of the chief clerks of the grocery counter, and instead of drawing his stock as in days gone by, will be the chief mixer of the ice cream soda emporium.

The Rockwell House hotel in Glens Falls was renovated to focus on a more upscale customer base.

A new era, so far as hotel life in Glens Falls is concerned, will be ushered in tomorrow evening with the formal opening of the new Rockwell House, The Post-Star reported on Jan. 14, 1920.

Some in Glens Falls had utopian hopes that Prohibition would reduce crime.

Resident Daniel F. Keefe, a lawyer, urged the city council to restructure the city court systems from two judges earning $1,500 each to one judge earning $1,800.

Mr. Keefe said in the past most of the city court business resulted from the saloons, but as they were now a thing of the past, the work of the court was considerably lessened, The Post-Star reported on Feb. 5, 1920.

Other lawyers in Glens Falls opposed reducing the number of judges.

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Building rents or lease: Colossal waste of money by ministries and state institutions View(s):

Some ministries and corporations seeking office space on rent have committed the government to pay millions of rupees.

This is by entering into lease or rent agreements for five years, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has been told. He has now directed that a list of such state institutions be forwarded to him together with the period for which rent, or lease had been obtained and the costs involved.

In a few instances, it has come to light, that the long-term lease has even exceeded the moneys spent to construct such buildings. In one instance in particular, a lease has been concluded for five years and the amount has surpassed the moneys spent on constructing the building.

It is not clear what Premier Rajapaksa will do once he receives the list of the institutions.

An official source said that the matter could even be referred to a commission of inquiry. The idea is to identify those responsible for what the source said was a colossal waste of public funds.

Besides this course of action, the source added that losses incurred to the state as a result of the move would also be worked out. This is besides examining whether office space was rented or leased after public advertisements were called for.

Ranjan tapes: More twists and turns

The Ranjan Ramanayake phone recordings saga is leading to expanded investigations by the Police.

Statements are to be recorded from two former Criminal Investigation Department (CID) top rungers  Retired senior DIG Ravi Seneviratne, who was then in charge, and Shani Abeysekera, then Director. The latter was earlier transferred as PA to the Southern Province DIG. When the tape recordings became public, he was interdicted.

Police are now awaiting a technical report from the Government Analyst over the voice of actor turned politician Ramanayake. This is before proceeding to record statements from a number of others.

Whilst a Police contingent waited on the ground floor for him to get dressed and come down, video footage showed that Ranjan, who was upstairs, spending considerable time combing his hair. Thereafter, he took a few dips before walking down.

Ramanayake was produced at the Nugegoda Magistrates Court on charges of possessing a gun without a valid licence. In the course of the proceedings, it transpired that the Government Analysts Department needed external hard discs but had no money to buy them. The department informed Police that it would need nine of them.

Consequently, the Police have been forced to call for tenders to buy the external hard disks after they learnt the required quantity was not available in Sri Lanka.

Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris conveyed this when Ramanayakes case was taken up before Nugegoda Additional Magistrate U.K. Pelpola on Friday. This is all public money which is being spent for this, he noted.

Gotas brakes on Werahera bogus brokers

President Gotabaya Rajapaksas recent visit to the Department of Motor Traffic has laid bare many a racket. One such case relates to the renewal of driving licences. Brokers operating outside the department in Werahera have been selling unlawful packages for a large fee. That includes even a Medical Certificate already signed and kept. The name is filled when a deal is through.

Two of them recently fell into a trap laid by plainclothes policemen who claimed they wanted to renew their licences.

JVP says some 250 state institutions topless

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has raised concern over the delay in naming heads of institutions and some of the appointments which have already been made.

Parliamentarian Bimal Ratnayake has listed out more than 250 organisations in which top posts are yet to be filled.

According to him, in some of the institutions though the chairpersons positions have been filled, the Director Boards have not been appointed thereby making it difficult for these institutions to function. The Ceylon Electricity Board, the Water Board, the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and the State Engineering Corporation are among some of the organisations where the Boards of Directors have not been appointed.

Ranjan tapes: SB fears he also may be named

The Ranjan Ramanayake phone recordings being leaked on social and mainstream media almost on a daily basis, Lands and Land Development State Minister S.B. Dissanayake was asked by journalists at a media briefing this week to clarify his remarks that there might be recordings of him and Mr Ramanayake as well.

Mr Dissanayake pointed out that Mr Ramanayake was his deputy for three years when he served as Minister of Social Empowerment under the Yahapalana Government. He (Ramanayake) used to come to my office every morning to talk. Thats why I thought there might be some recordings, though I dont think theres anything controversial in them, Mr Dissanayake hastily clarified.

Mr Dissanayake is no stranger to controversial recordings. He was infamously named as one of those offering perks to entice United National Party (UNP) MPs to cross over during the 2018 constitutional crisis. The phone recording between him and former Minister Palitha Range Bandara where he asks Mr Bandara Range, oya enawada? (Range, are you coming?) was shared and parodied widely over social media for months afterwards.

SLFPers in move to shift Amaraweera from Hambantota to Colombo

Hambantota district Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) heavyweight Mahinda Amaraweera is in two minds whether he should contest the next Parliamentary elections from his hometown itself or from Colombo.

This is after some SLFP organisers told him to shift base and contest from the Colombo district. They have made a written request from the Minister who is also the United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) General Secretary.

The reason they have given is that there are no other uncorrupt politicians from the SLFP to give leadership from their side.

Minister Amaraweera has not responded to the request.
Nollywood actress, Rita Dominic, was recently hospitalized over an undisclosed ailment. The actress made this known via a post on her IG page.

The 44-year-old actress, who was supposed to be on the panel at Creative Africa Exchange Conference, on Friday, which held in Kigali, Rwanda added that she is feeling much better.

Read Also: You Are Not Important  Troll Slams Empress Njamah After Rita Dominic Failed To Invite Her To Her Party

Was hospitalised but well now. See you soon in Kigali for #CAX #CAX2020 #CreativeAfricaExchange @caxafrica, she posted.

Rita since her emergence on the scene over 2 decades ago, has remained one of the most loved actors in Nigeria.
The global financial markets have had their share of hits over the years. These have, not just been driven by the likes of Tulipmania, but also virology and banker syndrome.

While there have been many hits, some have hurt more than others.

When considering the lack of global reach and an estimated 500m infected, the numbers could have been far worse had the carrier environment been more efficient back in 1918.

From a global financial market perspective, we did not have the coupling and contagion risk seen today. The research did point to a significant increase in poverty rates, however.

In 1918, the size of the global economy was far less than today. More significantly, globalization and the spread of pathogens and viruses today are far more efficient than back in 1918.

While the 1st world war was a horror show, the Spanish Flu pandemic was something else altogether.

So, why should we care today? After all, the flu and the global financial markets are far from correlated, else we would see dips in the winter and rallies in the summer

SARS

It would be correct to assume that the global financial markets have little correlation to the common cold.

That is when we look at historical data and the lack of liquid markets and global contagion risk.

SARS was perhaps the first major viral event that did have a material impact on economics and risk appetite in general.

A prolonged period of secrecy led to a pandemic that delivered close to a 10% fatality rate. This was not just in the farmlands of China, but also Asias concrete jungle financial epicenter of HK.

The impact of SARS on the global economy was estimated at between US$30-US$100bn. So damming that the spread was wider than a traders worst nightmare

For China alone, the 2003 outbreak wiped 1% off Chinas economy and 0.5% off of Southeast Asias GDP. Resonate to how the market reacts to Chinas economy slowing by 0.1%

Story continues

Lets not even talk about HK that turned out to be the fall guy for Chinas decision to hold off from sharing the dirt.

Such outbreaks that result in sizeable loss of life cause seismic shifts in the global tourism industry in particular.

SARS led to an unforgettable impact on Hong Kongs economy and tourism, retail and pretty much every consumer-related industry.

Contagion risk then impacted the region. After all, back in 2003, it was HK money that fueled the region.

The lesson learned was for China to release information more swiftly. That was also an alarm bell should China ever decide to deliver viral data more hastily in the future.

This time around, its hot potatoes pandemic risk is far greater than back in 2003 and certainly far greater than back in 1918.

At-risk are airlines, hotels and just about any economy reliant upon consumer spending and tourism in particular.

Unsurprisingly, its Asia that sits in the eye of the storm once more and for that very reason, there must be cause for concern.

A lack of transparency and a sudden jump in cases of flue related illnesses should certainly weigh on risk appetite.

The more widespread the pandemic becomes, the less containable and the more debilitating it would be on the global economy.

Coronavirus 2020

For now, we have yet to see any major panic. One does wonder, however, how much influence governments have had on peace and tranquility.

Its a tough time, with advanced global equity markets sitting record highs and economies continue to show weakness.

A pandemic or worse would certainly be a major thorn

With Brexit on the horizon and the Middle East in a state of flux, a viral catalyst would not be unthinkable

The environment is vastly different from back in 2003

The middle class in China is of far greater size than back in 2003 and air travel from China has also surged. Some economies have seen a greater influx than others, leaving the likes of Thailand and Japan more exposed

With the hot potato now sitting with the likes of the WHO, time is of the essence.

Locating the source is a key step in finding a cure. Understanding the dynamics of the virus will remain key early on, however.

Expect the markets to be particularly sensitive to any news of person to person transfer. This remains the key and would raise the chances of a pandemic or worse.

How Bad Can it Get?

With Chinese New Year around the corner, human to human transfer remains worse case

SARS was a lesson learned and one that many would like to never experience again.

By historical standards, it didnt take long for the Hang Seng to slide back after the Dot-Com Bubble

Few governments, particularly the HK government, would want to take another hit after last years riots

Back in 2003, lets not forget that SARS was a mystery illness, cloaked by the Chinese Government to avoid domestic chaos.

This time around, middle-class China, a more open Chinese media and more could spread panic and chaos beyond Asia

We have already seen cases in Japan and Thailand. Expect more the very fact that liver and kidney failure are symptoms suggest that more pain lies ahead.

If hygiene and habit is an indication of what lies ahead, some may even bet on an endgame outcome.

This article was originally posted on FX Empire

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The National Ambulance Service has told cash-strapped air ambulance charity chiefs to cut their costs if they want the service to survive.

Health Minister Simon Harris recently told the NAS to save the Irish Community Rapid Response (ICRR) service.

NAS has refused to give the vital Cork-based service more cash but it is now looking at ways the charity could slash its budget.

A Department of Health spokesperson told the Irish Examiner: The NAS is engaging with the ICRR to review current operational processes and procedures with a view to highlighting areas that may yield potential cost-saving initiatives.

After a fundraising campaign that raised a fraction of its 400,000 target, the service now says it can only survive for another six weeks.

It had said it would ground it by today but enough funds were raised over the past two weeks for it to carry on for a few more weeks.

Although NAS provides medical staff and coordinates the taskings, the charity needs 2 million-a-year to fund the helicopters, pilots, fuel and its airbase.

But the funds ran low and the charity has struggled to get the public to donate money to pay for the service.

By yesterday afternoon, it had only managed to raise 35,513 of the 400,000 target the charity set for itself.

Of that, 16,623 was raised via a GoFundMe page. NAS was keen to point out that it doesnt just rely on the ICRR for emergency air support for its 999 ground fleet.

It is important to note NAS continues to provide its ground service of emergency ambulance and air assets available (Air Corps, Irish Coast Guard, ICRR) are an additional resource to the ground service, a spokesperson said.

Earlier in the month, the Irish Examiner revealed Health Minister Simon Harris had told the HSE to save the Irish Community Rapid Response air ambulance.

It was the first indication the State might bail the charity out since the ICRR warned last December it would ground the service if it didnt get a large injection of cash.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned Europe it could face new threats from terrorist organisations if Libya's UN-recognised government in Tripoli were to fall, in an article published in Politico on Saturday.

In the article, which was published on the eve of a Libya peace conference in Berlin, Erdogan said the EU's failure to adequately support the Government of National Accord (GNA) would be "a betrayal of its own core values, including democracy and human rights".

"Europe will encounter a fresh set of problems and threats if Libya's legitimate government were to fall," Erdogan wrote. "Terrorist organisations such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda, which suffered a military defeat in Syria and Iraq, will find a fertile ground to get back on their feet."



The GNA led by Fayez al-Sarraj has been under attack since April from strongman Khalifa Haftar's forces based in the east of the country, with fighting killing over 280 civilians and 2,000 fighters.

In a joint initiative, Turkey and Russia have brokered a ceasefire but Haftar walked away from talks in Moscow this week aimed at finalising the truce agreement. A furious Erdogan has accused Haftar of fleeing Moscow and said he would "teach (him) a lesson" if he resumed fighting.

Erdogan's government backs Sarraj and the Turkish parliament approved the deployment of troops to Libya earlier this month after the signing of a controversial security and maritime deal between Tripoli and Ankara.

"To leave Libya at the mercy of a warlord would be a mistake of historic proportions," he said, in a veiled reference to Haftar.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Union minister of state for home G. Kishan Reddy participates in a Sankranthi Sambaralu function organised by the Bharatha Mata Foundation at Jalavihar on Necklace Road in Hyderabad on Saturday. (Photo: S. SURENDER REDDY)

Hyderabad: Union minister of state for home G. Kishan Reddy responded to the challenge of IT minister K.T. Rama Rao and deputed party MLC N. Ramachander Rao to an open debate on Central funds released to the state.

Speaking at an election meeting at Gundla Pochampally, Mr Reddy said the Centre had part-funded each of the welfare programmes being implemented by the TRS government.

On the two-bedroom housing project, Mr Reddy asked Mr Rama Rao how many houses were built by the state government. I will give a red carpet welcome to Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao if he provides houses to all poor people, the Union minister said, a reference to Mr Rama Rao saying he would roll out the red carpet for Mr Kishan Reddy to inspect the projects.

He asked the TRS leaders why they were luring BJP candidates if they did not fear the partys prospects. He said that the TRS would not get votes based on the decisions at Darussalam, the MIM headquarters. The people will vote for the BJP which is the only alternative to the TRS.
Tokyo Metropolitan Police launched an investigation after a dump truck rammed an office of a criminal syndicate in Adachi Ward early Friday, reports Jiji Press (Jan. 17).

At around 3:45 a.m., an unknown person drove the truck, loaded with gravel, backwards into the entrance of the office, located in the Hitotsuya area.

Police arriving at the scene found the truck abandoned with its bed tipped up and the gravel in a large mound in the street out front.

The impact into the structure heavily damaged the front door and a brick wall, police said.

The office, located in a residential area about 500 meters from Rokucho Station on the Tsukuba Express, belongs to a second-tier gang of the Yamaguchi-gumi that is based in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Police suspect that the incident is related to a dispute between the gang and the Matsuba-kai, another criminal syndicate.

Police are searching for the perpetrator on suspicion of causing

property damage.
LNA's Haftar Says to Sign Deal With GNA's Sarraj in Berlin If Conditions Met - Source

Sputnik News

14:40 17.01.2020

ATHENS (Sputnik)  The LNA commander, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, has said during his talks with Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias that he would sign a deal with Fayez Sarraj, the head of the Government of National Accord (GNA), at the upcoming Berlin conference on Libya if certain conditions are met, a diplomatic source told reporters.

"Haftar has said that there are some preconditions that he has previously put forward to sign the agreement", the source said, adding that Haftar did not specify them.

The negotiations between Haftar and Dendias lasted more than an hour and a half. Later on 17 January, Haftar is also expected to meet with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The UN-led conference on the Libyan crisis settlement is scheduled to be held in the German capital on 19 January. Libyan National Army (LNA) head, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, and Fayez Sarraj, the head of the rival GNA, are also expected in Berlin.

Last Monday, both Haftar and Sarraj participated in talks aimed at achieving a ceasefire deal in Moscow. However, Haftar left the Russian capital without signing the agreement, explaining that he needed additional time to look into the deal. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan announced on 16 January that he would dispatch troops to Libya in support of the GNA.

Libya has been torn apart between the two rival administrations since 2011, when its long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown and killed, with the LNA controlling the east and the Tripoli-based GNA sitting in the country's west.

A Sputnik

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 16:02:04|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The following are the highlights of China's science news from the past week:

OCEAN TEMPERATURE

The world's oceans in 2019 were the warmest in recorded human history, a new article said Tuesday. Conducted by an international team of 14 scientists from 11 institutes worldwide, the study also found that global ocean temperatures keep rising and speeding up.

According to the article published in the journal Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, the global ocean temperatures in 2019 were about 0.075 degrees Celsius higher than the average from 1981 to 2010.

TIDAL CURRENT GENERATOR

China's tidal current generator unit with the country's largest single-machine capacity of 600 kW has passed the approval tests of the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The generator unit was developed by the Harbin Electric Machinery Company under the Harbin Electric Corporation, one of the largest manufacturers of power plant equipment in China.

NEW GENOME EDITING METHOD

Chinese scientists have invented a new method of genetically altering rice by applying the ScCas9 protein, which could help develop new gene functions, molecular breeding and genetic improvement.

The innovation was made by a research team from the Institute of Plant Protection of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

The method would enhance the CRISPR/Cas system, which has rapidly become the preferred tool for genome engineering due to its high efficiency, specificity, simplicity and versatility.

BERBERINE CAN PREVENT COLORECTAL ADENOMA RECURRENCE

Chinese medical researchers have disclosed that the traditional Chinese medicine berberine can prevent colorectal adenoma recurrence after resection, according to a recent study paper published in the journal Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

Researchers from Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine randomly selected 553 participants being treated by berberine from 2014 to 2016, along with 555 participants who were given a placebo.

The researchers analyzed 429 participants in the berberine group and 462 in the non-berberine group.

The result showed 36 percent of the participants in the berberine group and 47 percent in the placebo group were found to have recurrent adenoma during follow-up. And no colorectal cancers were detected and no serious adverse events were reported, said the paper.

RICE GENE DATABASE

Chinese researchers have developed a database on rice epigenomic information to facilitate rice breeding, according to the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS).

Researchers from the Biotechnology Research Institute of the CAAS created a database named eRice, to integrate epigenomic annotations for both japonica and indica rice, two main cultivars in Asia.

The database combines artificial intelligence technology to conduct deep mining of the data. It will be updated to provide a broader understanding of the epigenetic regulation of complex biological processes in rice as well as a guide for future molecular design efforts.

MOSQUITO SALIVARY PROTEIN

Chinese scientists have identified a mosquito salivary protein as a key factor in facilitating virus transmission, providing a new target for the prevention and control of mosquito-borne disease.

Researchers from Tsinghua University, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention as well as other institutions conducted a series of screenings on 32 mosquito salivary proteins and found that the protein AaVA-1 promotes dengue and Zika virus infection and AaVA-1-deficient mosquitoes reduce Zika virus transmission.

This study also showed that AaVA-1 promotes virus transmission by activation of autophagy in host immune cells.
Tropical Cyclone Tino strengthened to a Category Three storm Saturday as it closed in on Tonga after battering Fiji where two people were missing and more than 3,000 fled to emergency shelters.

The Fiji Meteorological Service said the wind gusts from Tino had increased to 180 kilometres per hour (110 mph) and would likely have its biggest impact in the northern areas of Tonga when it hits overnight.

The Pacific kingdom is still recovering from the devastation of Cyclone Gina two years ago which caused widespread devastation, destroying houses and crops.

"The sea is very high and I'm sure beaches are being washed away in the more exposed places and the outer islands," Tupoutu'a Tonutonu told AFP from northern Vava'u.

"It's been bucketing down for about three days, the soil is waterlogged and I'm hearing trees are down in the village." In Fiji, the National Disaster Management Office said 3,115 sought emergency shelter at the height of the storm, but most had since returned home with damage not as severe as first feared.

"We know for sure most of them went to the ECs (evacuation centres) to take shelter because of the big rains we were receiving and also because of the warnings," Uraia Rainima, a senior government official in the northern region, said.

"We have received information that most of them are moving back to their houses." The island of Taveuni, with a population of around 19,000 people, was without power, Rainima said.

Police, meanwhile, continued the search for a father and his daughter who were swept away when they tried to cross a swollen river on Thursday evening, and said there were no other casualties.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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By Bernadette Christina

JAKARTA, Jan 17 (Reuters) - SoftBank has offered to invest up to $40 billion in the new capital city Indonesia plans to build on Borneo island, a minister said on Friday, though the Japanese tech conglomerate said no figure had been suggested yet. Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced in August plans to move the administrative capital to East Kalimantan province, on Borneo, to relieve Jakarta from "a heavy burden" due to overcrowding and pollution.

Indonesia has previously put the cost of moving the capital at $33 billion, but Luhut Pandjaitan, Indonesia's coordinating minister for maritime affairs and investment, said Softbank Group Corp had offered up to $40 billion.

"So we'll negotiate over the structure (of the investment). It could amount to $30-40 billion," he told reporters.

A spokeswoman for SoftBank said the group had not suggested specific numbers, echoing comments by CEO and founder Masayoshi Son last week.

"We're not dicussing the specific numbers yet, but a new smart city, newest technology, clean city, with a lot of AI (artifical intelligence), that's what I'm interested in supporting, Son said during a visit to Jakarta last week.

Pandjaitan said he would discuss the potential investment further with Son further on Monday at the World Economic Forum gathering in the Swiss resort of Davos and that President Joko Widodo will likely decide on the agreement in February.

Widodo said on Thursday that a planned sovereign wealth fund to finance infrastructure projects in Southeast Asias biggest economy will raise at least $20 billion once established, though Pandjaitan said it was still under discussion whether investment would be channeled through the sovereign wealth fund.

Widodo discussed plans to establish the fund with Abu Dhabis Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed al-Nahyan last weekend during an official visit to the United Arab Emirates.

Story continues

Sovereign wealth funds are typically used by countries to direct funds from resource wealth such as oil, though Indonesia also plans to invite foreign investment into its fund.

To help attract investment, Indonesia has asked Abu Dhabis crown prince, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Softbank's Son to advise on plans to move the capital, ministers have said.

Planning minister Suharso Monoarfa said this week that Softbank was interested in providing self-driving vehicles for the capital.

In June, the self-driving car joint venture of SoftBank and Toyota Motor said it plans to begin operating in Southeast Asia this year. (Additional reporting by Fransiska Nangoy and Sam Nussey in Tokyo; Writing by Stanley Widianto; Editing by Ed Davies and Simon Cameron-Moore)
By Richard Adeniyi

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said it will ensure vessels on Nigerian waters comply with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) rule on the reduction of emission.

It would be recalled that the IMO had set January 1, 2020 for all vessels to comply with the new regulation that limits the sulphur content in the marine fuel used by vessels from the current 3.50 per cent to 0.50 per cent to ensure cleaner and safer environment free from pollution.

Speaking in Lagos recently, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dakuku Peterside, said the agency would create sufficient awareness among shipping stakeholders to ensure that they are abreast with the new regulation towards its implementation and enforcement.

According to him, the agency has fashioned out a four-dimensional process that will enforce compliance with the IMO new order in the nations shipping sector this year.

He said, We have initiated an engagement with ship owners, ship operators, Captain of ships and seafarers on the new regime and the need for compliance.

The second approach is that the agency has similarly engaged the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to ensure that marine fuel that meets the new IMO standard is refined at the NNPC refineries or imported. If you are importing fuel that will be used as ship bunker, it must meet with the new IMO standard.

Therefore, we are engaging the Nigeria Customs Service, ship owners, Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) towards this direction.

The third approach is the development of transparent enforcement regime that will be known to all the operators and stakeholders. This is to ensure that nobody will have an excuse of lack of knowledge of the development because when we come on board your vessel and you dont comply, then you face the consequences of your action.

He further said that the agency is building the capacity of its staff who will enforce the regulation.

We are very serious about the enforcement of the new regulation. We are the first country in Africa to install what is called Tytro X on vessels to monitor fuel consumption and determine its sulphur content in the fuel. We started this trial run under the MTCC network in Africa, he added.

PV: 0
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Opposing the CAA, NPR and NRC, Swaraj India president Yogendra Yadav hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)led government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. Speaking at a gathering organised to observe the fourth death anniversary of Rohith Vemula, Yadav said that the BJP government and Prime Minister Modi were trying to break the country in the name of religion, while anti-CAA protestors were trying to unite it. He raised the slogan Wo todenge, to hum joddengende (If they will break, we will unite).

Yadav stated that the anti-CAA/NRC/NPR protests were unique as the traditional political leadership, as well as community-based stakeholders, were missing because people were tired of them. "However, in Hyderabad this traditional leadership is still present, but it will also vanish soon. People must thank both Shah and Shahensha (ruler) for uniting the people and provoking them to start this current movement in the country," he said.

Claiming that the NRC and NPR are the same, he said, It is an attempt to make categories of citizenship. They want to divide people by putting labels of landlords and tenets. Today, the division is for Muslims and non-Muslims, tomorrow it will be for Christians, nomadic communities, dalits, and trans communities. Yadav also pointed out that even if CAA does not take away anyones citizenship, it is still dangerous as it is the first time citizenship is being linked to religion.

Are we trying to make a Hindu Israel/Hindu Pakistan? Isnt this what the founding fathers of our nation fought against? he asked. According to him, the BJP is desperate to win elections and know the only way they can win is by making it nakedly communal.Urging the people to continue the movement, he said, the Central government will not step back as the CAA has already been notified on January 10, 2020, and the process of NPR has also been initiated. Therefore, we too cannot go back. It is about a struggle to save the very soul and idea of India.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy rejected his prime minister's offer to resign and asked him to stay on the job Friday after he was caught on tape saying Zelenskiy knows nothing about the economy

Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy rejected his prime minister's offer to resign and asked him to stay on the job Friday after he was caught on tape saying Zelenskiy  a former sitcom star with no previous political experience  knows nothing about the economy.

In a video released by Zelenskiys office, the president called the situation unpleasant but asked Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk and his Cabinet to carry on.

I decided to give you and your government a chance if you manage to solve important issues that the public worries about, Zelenskiy said as he faced Honcharuk across the table. It's not a moment when we can afford economic and political destabilization.

He instructed Honcharuk to look into multimillion-dollar bonuses given to executives of the state-controlled gas company and high salaries for Cabinet ministers that angered many in the economically struggling nation, directing the prime minister to report his findings by 4 February.

The furore comes at a fraught moment for Zelenskiy, who has found himself in the middle of the impeachment case unfolding against President Donald Trump in Washington. Trump stands accused of withholding nearly $400 million in military aid to Ukraine to pressure the country's leader to investigate Trump political rival, Joe Biden.

In the audio recording that surfaced earlier this week, Honcharuk was heard making what appeared to be disparaging comments about Zelenskiy's understanding of economics. He called Zelenskiy "a layman" in economics and said the president should be better educated about the national currency.

Zelenskiy, 41, is a former comedian whose only political experience before his election last spring consisted of playing a Ukrainian president on TV. He starred in Servant of the People as a high school history teacher who is propelled to the highest office after his rant against government corruption goes viral.

In a Facebook post earlier Friday, Honcharuk praised Zelenskiy as an example of transparency and decency to me and argued that the recording was manipulated, but announced that he was submitting a letter of resignation in order to dispel any doubts about our respect and trust for the president."

The offer to step down was subject to approval by the Rada, Ukraine's parliament, which is dominated by Zelenskiy's party. It presented a legal quandary since Ukrainian law prevent the Cabinet's dismissal for a year after it presents its program. Honcharuk did so in September.

Analysts said the dismissal of Honcharuk and his Cabinet would badly damage the president and upset Ukraine's talks with international lenders.

Zelenskiy fears an internal political crisis and doesn't want problems in talks with Western investors and the International Monetary Fund, said Volodymyr Sidenko, an analyst with the Razumkov Center think tank. "Honcharuk's resignation can destroy the idea of the government's unity and cast doubt on Zelenskiy's ability to control the situation.

Sidenko charged that tycoons unhappy with the recent strengthening of the Ukrainian currency  a move that hurt their business  could be behind the scandal. Several big oligarchs who own export-oriented businesses were interested in the resignation of Honcharuk's Cabinet, Sidenko said.

Honcharuk said that the recording was a compilation of fragments of recorded government meetings, and he blamed unidentified influential groups for making it look as if he didn't respect the president.

It is not true, the prime minister insisted.

Zelenskiy demanded an investigation into the source of the recording.

While Zelenskiy is a member of Servant of the People party and Honcharuk is an independent, it was Zelenskiy who proposed him to the parliament as prime minister.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat on Saturday met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and urged him to speed up efforts for the safe return of missing Army jawan Rajendra Singh.

Attached with 11 Garhwal Rifles, Singh who hails from Uttarakhand's Chamoli district had gone missing on January 8 from near the LoC in Kashmir where he was deployed.

Concerned about the jawan's well being, his family had approached the state government requesting it to ensure his safe return.

The chief minister took up the matter with the defence minister during a courtesy call on him in New Delhi, an official release here said.

Rawat also discussed with Singh in detail how the Army could lend a helping hand in developing basic infrastructure in border villages and keeping them populated.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Keeping Up with the Kardashians star Kylie Jenner shared a couple of snaps of herself on Friday channeling her momager Kris Jenner for the amusement of her 218.2M social media following.

The 22-year-old Lip Kit mogul captioned her post: 'They call me Lil Kris.'

Kylie frequently emulates the black-clad luxurious style of the 64-year-old grandmother-of-nine, who divorced her second husband Caitlyn Jenner in 2015.

'They call me Lil Kris': KUWTK star Kylie Jenner shared a couple of snaps of herself on Friday channeling her momager Kris Jenner for the amusement of her 218.2M social media following

Twinning: The 22-year-old Lip Kit mogul frequently emulates the black-clad luxurious style of the 64-year-old grandmother-of-nine (L), who divorced her second husband Caitlyn Jenner in 2015 (pictured September 29)

The former American Airlines flight attendant - who brokers multi-million dollar deals for her offspring - replied: 'Hi Mini Me I see you!'

However, Jenner's half-sisters Kim and Khloe Kardashian were far more influential physically as she's adopted their same suspicious hip and rear-boosting tactics.

But the 'self-made billionaire' told Paper a year ago that she'd never have plastic surgery (aside from lip fillers) because she's too 'terrified.'

'People think I fully went under the knife and completely reconstructed my face, which is completely false,' Kylie claimed.

The former American Airlines flight attendant - who brokers multi-million dollar deals for her offspring - replied: 'Hi Mini Me I see you!'

2020 versus 2013: However, Kylie's half-sisters Kim and Khloe Kardashian were far more influential physically as she's adopted their same suspicious hip and rear-boosting tactics

Jenner's post was also commented on by 35-year-old Khloe who wrote: 'Hi lil Kris!'

Double take! It's only been a month since the Good American co-founder (R) did her own Versace-clad impersonation of Kris (L) during the 17th season finale of their E! reality show (aired on December 15)

'They don't understand what good hair and make-up and, like, fillers, can really do.'

Jenner's post was also commented on by 35-year-old Khloe who wrote: 'Hi lil Kris!'

It's only been a month since the Good American co-founder did her own Versace-clad impersonation of Kris during the 17th season finale of their E! reality show.

The Calabasas socialite also unveiled the first confetti-strewn teaser for her make-up collection dedicated to her daughter Stormi Webster on Friday.

'You will fall in love!' The 'self-made billionaire' also unveiled the first confetti-strewn teaser for her make-up collection dedicated to her daughter Stormi Webster (L) on Friday

Matching outfits: The toddler-inspired cosmetics launch on February 1 - the same day Kylie's privileged princess celebrates her 2nd birthday

Jenner wrote of her upcoming product: 'I think I've been waiting for this moment since the day I found out I was pregnant! I can't wait for the reveal!'

The toddler-inspired cosmetics launch on February 1 - the same day Kylie's privileged princess celebrates her 2nd birthday.

'I think I've been waiting for this moment since the day I found out I was pregnant!' Jenner wrote of her upcoming product.

'I can't wait for the reveal! You will fall in love.'

Commented with heart emojis: The Calabasas socialite used her rapper ex-boyfriend Travis Scott's unreleased track Euphoria featuring Kaash Paige and Don Toliver for the commercial

'Only love': Kylie and the 27-year-old Grammy nominee (L) amicably co-parent Stormi, but they ended their two-year romance in September (pictured July 16)

Jenner's half-sister Kim Kardashian West Insta-storied the rose and butterfly-laden invite for the coinciding celebration, and she gushed: 'I'm excited for Stormi's collection!'

The Kylie Skin CEO used her rapper ex-boyfriend Travis Scott's unreleased track Euphoria featuring Kaash Paige and Don Toliver for the commercial, and he commented with heart emojis.

Kylie and the 27-year-old Grammy nominee (born Jacques Webster II) amicably co-parent Stormi, but they ended their two-year romance in September.

Meanwhile, Jenner's half-sister Kim Kardashian West Insta-storied the rose and butterfly-laden invite for the coinciding celebration, and she gushed: 'I'm excited for Stormi's collection!'
According to the National Student Clearinghouse, 72 percent of Cy-Fair ISDs class of 2017 graduates attended a university or college, including online courses, in the United States after they exited the school district. These statistics and more were shared during the latest work meeting of the CFISD board of trustees on Jan. 13, held at the Instructional Support Center.

The school board opened a public hearing for the 2018-2019 annual report on academic performance of the district, where Assistant Superintendent of District Improvement and Accountability Ashley Clayburn and Chief Academic Officer Linda Macias presented system-wide statistics, demographics, STAAR scores and rate of college attendance.

Board member Tom Jackson said trustees previously received the report and were able to analyze it before the meeting. No one signed up for public comment at the hearing.

Clayburn said CFISD is still an accredited school with a special education determination status that meets the requirements of the state. According to demographic data provided by Clayburn, the economically disadvantaged demographic of Cy-Fair rose to 54.5 percent from 50 percent from the 2017-2018 school year while other demographics remained relatively similar.

Clayburn said STAAR scores for Cy-Fair ISD were all above the state average, with 68 percent of students meeting grade level or above in CFISD, 13 percent greater than the state average.

The passing percentages at this level will always be the highest due to the fact that Approaches Grade Level represents the minimum passing standard, she said. All campuses are working on increasing the number of students reaching the Meets Grade Level standard by setting (campus improvement plan) targets related to this level and implementing related strategies to increase student performance.

Board member Julie Hinaman questioned the monitoring of STAAR tests over SAT and ACT scores, citing college readiness as a more pressing issue.

No one honestly cares about STAAR after they graduate, Hinaman said. Companies dont ask for your STAAR score when you apply for a job, colleges dont care about your STAAR test scores when you apply to college, but SAT (and) ACT scores are important. ...I just want to make sure were keeping an eye on that.

The CFISD board of trustees will meet again for a work meeting on Feb. 6 at the Instructional Support Center.

chevall.pryce@chron.com
How did you get involved in Bombshell?

I was in the middle of shooting Big Little Lies and I was  tired! But projects like this don't come along very often and I've wanted to work with Charlize Theron for over a decade. And then I spoke to Meryl Streep  just to name-drop  "Should I play Gretchen Carlson?" Because I trust Meryl's taste and also because I obviously don't look like Gretchen. I was also thinking, as I always do, that there are 10 other actresses who'd be better, and she said [imitating Streep's deep voice], "Absolutely you should, because you need to be part of something that marks a time in history." And I said, "You're so right." One of the interesting, and perhaps surprising, aspects to the story is how these three key female characters don't unite against sexual harassment  certainly not at first.

You really do see that it wasn't like a sisterhood among the women at Fox. The women were often pitted against each other  there wasn't this sense of "Oh, we've got your back", especially in the scene where the other women come to [Gretchen Carlson's] house and none of them are stepping up. Why was making this film important to you in the political sense?

I'm not interested in preachy scenarios or a preachy film, I'm interested in getting in there [emotionally]. I don't want this to happen to my child. I don't want this to continue in society and so how do we change it? It's a non-partisan issue. This film is meant to not just be about Fox News. On a much bigger scale it's about where this behaviour has to stop so that the world is a much safer place for all of us. Was it a great joy to work with so many powerful actors on Bombshell?

I've wanted to work with Charlize for probably over a decade, and Margot  obviously being both Australians  and of course Alison Janney. And I also looked forward to working with John Lithgow, who plays Roger Ailes.

Charlize Theron as Megyn Kelly, Nicole Kidman as Gretchen Carlson, and Margot Robbie as the composite character Kayla in Bombshell. Your roles in Big Little Lies and The Goldfinch were both very demanding. You've discussed how acting can be both physically and emotionally exhausting.

A lot of times when you're acting scenes that are very traumatic, your body doesn't know the difference ... You take it on, and you become that, and so much of it is then trying to shed that. It's something that I'm exploring, just as an actor, with other actors right now. How do you keep a lifetime of doing these sort of things  because it's so important to be telling these stories  and stay healthy yourself, so that you can keep giving? You've also been shaking up your choice of roles of late. For example, you went from playing a desperate mother in the indie melodrama The Killing of a Sacred Deer to the Queen of Atlantis in the big-budget studio movie Aquaman.

After working in projects like The Beguiled, I needed to do something very different. So I left for Australia with the girls, who I could finally bring to the set of Aquaman  I definitely couldn't do that on Yorgos's film or Big Little Lies, for example. And after watching me work on Aquaman, Sunday Rose wants to become a director! How proud are you of having helped bring to life Big Little Lies, a project which you produced and starred in?

Actors rarely get to choose their projects  we are chosen by others and we don't exercise any control over our destiny. So Big Little Lies was born out of our frustration. Reese Witherspoon and I were looking for female roles that really interested us and that dealt with current issues, and Big Little Lies spoke of the reality we are experiencing. Now that you've enjoyed so much success with Big Little Lies, do you think that TV and streaming are going to increasingly displace movies in terms of public tastes?

As an actress and producer, I'm grateful that more women's stories are being told, whether it's in the movies or on TV. Now I'm doing a series for Amazon, titled The Expatriates, and I have other projects with them. And thanks to streaming, there are currently many more opportunities for actors.

But I still love film and the opportunity to sit in a theatre with other people who share the experience. I started skipping school at 14 to go watch movies in the cinema. But I also like sitting comfortably rolled up on my sofa at home where I can watch TV and enjoy a lot of the great series that are being made now. I think that both film and TV are going to be around for a long time. Reese Witherspoon, from left, Zoe Kravitz, Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley, Nicole Kidman and Meryl Streep attend the premiere of HBO's "Big Little Lies" season two in New York. Credit:Evan Agostini/AP Do you have as much enthusiasm and motivation for acting as ever?

When my kids were younger, my family became more of my priority and I wasn't as eager to work. But with the kinds of characters I've been able to play lately, and experiencing their journey in difficult, risky situations, that gives me so much energy and satisfaction that now I want to keep finding these kinds of demanding roles. It's exciting! You seem to be enjoying this chapter in your life with your husband and family. Has the move to Nashville also made a big difference?

I'm an introvert by nature, pretty quiet  someone who would rather stay at home. I'm very sensitive, so my capacity to deal with a lot of tension makes me want to withdraw from stressful situations. When I get home, the thing I look forward to the most is being able to hug my children and Keith, and that's the kind of feeling which will always keep us connected. Apart from your family, who are the people in your life who help you to stay grounded and escape the pressures of celebrity?

I'm very lucky to have a group of friends, many of whom have been in my life since I was three. They are always there for me. It makes me want to cry because of the gratitude I feel for them.
Absent from the brief is how or whether the House managers will use the trove of text messages and other materials gathered from Lev Parnas, the former associate of Rudolph W. Giulianis who acted as an intermediary between Giuliani, Trumps personal attorney, and officials in Ukraine. Parnas claimed in recent days that Trump was aware of everything he and Giuliani were doing to pressure Ukraine to open a public investigation into Biden.
LOGANVILLE, Wis.  When Randy Roecker learned that his neighbor, Leon Statz, had died from suicide, all the feelings from his own struggle with depression roared back.

It was Oct. 8, 2018.

In the parking lot at St. Peters Lutheran Church, three of Roecker's friends were discussing what had happened that day to Statz, whose dairy farm was a few miles from town.

Roecker broke down and cried.

"You guys just don't know what it's like dealing with this," he told them.

Roecker, who is also a dairy farmer, understood the severe depression that Statz experienced when his farm was in trouble. He'd been through it himself.

You have this burden that you carry," he said. "I kept feeling all the time that I was a failure, that I had let everybody down.

Dairy farmer Randy Roecker has battled chronic depression brought on by the stresses of farming.

Some parishioners at St. Peter's, where Statz was a member, knew he was battling depression. But since he was receiving out-patient treatment, they assumed he wasn't at risk of dying from suicide.

Statz had suffered from depression for years. He felt deeply responsible for keeping his third-generation farm afloat through hard times  including the dairy crisis triggered after milk prices collapsed in late 2014.

The Dairyland in Distress series is produced with the support of the Pulitzer Center. The center, a nonprofit organization that supports in-depth journalism projects, played no role in the reporting, editing or presentation of the project.

In his mind, difficulties on the farm would quickly slip from bad to catastrophic, said Brenda Statz, his widow and wife of 34 years.

She and Leon hadnt lost their farm, but they had struggled some as they transitioned from dairy to beef and grain farming. For Leon, the change represented a huge failure.

He would say, Im a dairyman, not a grain farmer,'" Brenda recalled.

This year alone, about 800 dairy farmers in Wisconsin quit or were forced out of the business, a rate of more than two per day. Some left in despair, having lost not only their livelihood but the home they grew up in, which their parents or grandparents had built.

Story continues

"You feel like you are letting down all the previous generations of your family if you don't farm anymore," Roecker said.

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Success can be costly, stressful

At Roecker's Rolling Acres, you'd never know anything was amiss. It's a showcase operation that has hosted many foreign visitors touring Wisconsin dairy farms.

The 300-cow operation has been in Randy Roecker's family since the 1930s. He's an experienced farmer and board member of Dairy Management Inc., the national organization that promotes dairy products through ad campaigns such as Undeniably Dairy.

Thirteen years ago the farm underwent a major expansion costing about $3 million.

It was aimed at keeping the farm up to date, and to bring Randy's two children, now adults, into the operation as his parents, now in their 80s, ease out.

It's not all gloom and doom in the dairy industry," Roecker said. "But in order to survive, in any business, you have to grow. If you dont, youre falling behind."

Still, the debt, and the recession that followed the expansion, triggered financial stress that became unbearable. The farm was losing up to $30,000 a month, undermining years of hard work and careful planning for the future.

Thats when Roecker's depression kicked in.

I just felt so alone. There was nobody to help me get through all this stuff, he said. It got to the point where I wanted to die every day.

He couldn't turn it off at night, either.

"All of this starts playing with your mind," Roecker said. "You try to sleep, and it gets worse because its all going through your head. You feel like everythings spiraling out of control."

And, thats exactly what happened.

One time he found himself in the barn, looking up at some ropes in the hayloft. More than once he had contemplated ending his life by suicide, and it scared him.

"I never had problems with depression before, but when this hit me, it was bad," he said.

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Farmers push back against depression

Roecker was hospitalized three times for depression. Over a period of about seven years he battled it with therapy and antidepressant medications which, as a side-effect, can increase suicidal thoughts.

Some people knew he was struggling but didn't step up to help. His wife of 32 years, overwhelmed with the stress from the farm, filed for divorce.

"I felt like all of my friends just dropped me, that no one wanted anything to do with me," Roecker said. "I felt like I was suffering alone in silence. The awareness of depression is out there, but we still have to shed this stigma of not talking about it."

With help from a therapist, he gradually started getting his life back in order. Then the 54-year-old farmer heard about Statz's death.

Dairy farmer Randy Roecker, right, talks with retired dairy farmer Hank Elfers, second from left, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Loganville. Roecker helped organize Farm Neighbors Care events to help farmers who need support.

It just put me back where I was, Roecker said. I told my therapist, that since I have gone through this myself, and there is just nobody out there helping farmers deal with this, I feel like its my calling to do something.

Roecker, Brenda Statz and fellow church member Dale Meyer, a retired police detective, organized Farm Neighbors Care events at St. Peters church.

At one of those meetings in early December, farmers talked openly about their struggles with stress, depression and financial hardships.

About 40 people, including some who were not St. Peter's parishioners, met in the church basement for a lunch of turkey sandwiches, soup and cookies served in exchange for a free-will offering.

They chatted about the wet fall harvest and how challenging it had been for farmers to get crops out of the fields. There was a lighthearted, humorous presentation from Ben Bromley, a former Baraboo News Republic columnist.

Then the discussion turned serious, with presentations from farmers, parishioners and public health officials who offered resources for anyone experiencing mental health issues.

"Leon was a member of this church. He was stressed out, but we felt that we didn't do what we should have for him," Meyer said. "And in Randy's situation, people knew about it, but nobody got around him and said 'Randy, how can we help?'"

One of the takeaway messages was that farmers could also help each other because they understood the unique challenges in agriculture, where the weather and global markets, out of a farmer's control, can turn their world upside down.

"We've had low milk prices for five years ... you burn through the equity in your farm because you're borrowing money to keep going," Roecker said. "I tell my friends in town, 'You don't know what it's like. We have no savings, no benefits.'"

The handful of meetings this year have drawn farmers from hours away and have been replicated at other churches in Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota.

"I want other farmers to be able to reach out to me," Roecker said. "I have gotten calls from people in four or five states. The biggest thing is to just listen."

Help is available for farmers

For some, the notion of friends, neighbors and relatives knowing about their mental health issues is simply too much, even if they would understand. But there are confidential services anyone can turn to for help, and that includes places that understand farmers.

The Wisconsin Farm Center, part of the state agriculture department, has a staff very familiar with farming. The Madison-based agency offers a wide range of free services including help sorting out farm finances. They offer vouchers that farmers and their families can use to get counseling at clinics across the state.

"We want farmers to feel like they're being understood. You'd be surprised at how much just spending an hour with someone can help," said Angie Sullivan, the Farm Center's agriculture program manager.

The agency has a mediation service that can give farmers some relief from creditors. Also, there's help available for settling family disputes, like when different generations disagree on their farm's path forward.

Lets talk about some ways you can manage this really difficult time in your life, Sullivan said. "We can sit at your kitchen table as many times as you need us, to go over your financial picture or your transition plan."

Some of the agency's staff are ex-farmers or are still farming. Some have 30 years' experience in agricultural banking and other areas of agribusiness.

What we're seeing, unfortunately, is many farmers have not been able to pay back their operating loans for the last couple of years. Many are stressed to the limit credit-wise," Sullivan said.

The group Farm Aid offers similar assistance. Its (800) FARM-AID crisis line provides services to farm families, and its Farmer Resource Network connects farmers to organizations across the country.

In the last two years we have seen a pretty drastic increase in the number of calls, as well as the number of calls that have a crisis component, said Madeline Lutkewitte, manager of the Farm Aid crisis line based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

We have had a lot of calls from people in dairy farming who just havent been able to keep up with their bills and can't get loans for the remainder of the year and next spring," she said.

This winter, Wisconsin farm couples can attend workshops in Mineral Point, Wausau, Appleton, Waupun, Eau Claire and Rice Lake, aimed at helping them manage stress associated with financial problems.

The workshops, sponsored by the state agriculture department and University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, will include a segment on how to talk with children about problems on the farm, and decision-making when the farm may have to shut down.

Our mission is to keep people farming  but sometimes there are no options except to leave, so we want to do whatever we can to help people be prepared for that, and to make it through that time as a couple and a family, Sullivan said.

Dairy farmers are especially vulnerable

Leon Statzs identity was in being a dairy farmer, and it showed in everything he did.

Year after year, he won awards from his cooperative, Foremost Farms, for producing high-quality milk. His wife, Brenda, displayed those awards at his funeral, thinking Leon would have liked that.

Brenda Statz, widow and the wife for 34 years to Leon Statz. Leon died by suicide after struggling to keep his farm solvent.

His pride was in producing a quality product, she said.

And he lived for the challenge.

So when Leon's depression became so bad that he hadnt worked in months, he sank in despair.

"His philosophy was, if you werent working, you werent worth anything," Brenda said.

He would try to help out a neighbor on their farm but would be overcome with anxiety that he might do something wrong, that some machinery might break while he was operating it.

He would leave me notes and say, I am trying to do the best I can, Brenda said.

Since Leons death, she has become an advocate for farmer mental health and suicide prevention.

There aren't many reliable statistics on farmer suicide rates, but experts say that dairy farmers are especially vulnerable because their lives are inseparable from their work  cows must be milked two or three times a day, 365 days a year.

"We only went on one vacation, ever, with our kids when they were little," Brenda said.

Often, farmers experiencing depression will isolate themselves. They don't visit with neighbors as much as they used to, or they may spend more time in the barn alone. Some will make their death look like an accident.

Farmers are private people, and if they reach out for help, you had better take it seriously, Brenda said.

Former dairy farmer Steven Rynkowski sings "Take Heart My Friend" during a gathering at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Loganville. Rynkowski gave up dairy farming after battling depression brought on by the stresses of farming.

At the Farm Neighbors Care meeting at St. Peter's church in Loganville, ex-dairy farmer Steven Rynkowski opened up about his story and delivered a heartfelt rendition of the song "Take Heart My Friend."

For much of his adult life he had experienced episodes of depression. Then, his farm ran into trouble following an expansion that pushed him into financial difficulties.

He overdosed on alcohol and pills, maybe not a suicide attempt, but it sent him to the hospital.

Three years after his overdose, and 30 years after he started dairy farming right out of high school, Rynkowski quit the business.

"It was very hard on me because farming was my way of life," he said.

He's since helped other farmers face the end of their career.

I dont wish what I went through on anybody. But because I went through it, I am a different person, a better person. ... It's not going to be an easy road out of it, but there is life after dairy farming," Rynkowski said.

He added: My faith has a lot to do with it. You are a child of God, and you have worth well beyond farming or whatever it is you do for a living.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, at (800) 273-8255, for immediate help.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Farmer's suicide sheds light on depths of stress during dairy crisis
Panel that will examine bill to raise legal age of marriage has one woman member out of 31

Mother beaten to death by daughter's alleged molesters

India

oi-Mousumi Dash

Kanpur, Jan 18: In a shocking incident a 40-year-old woman died at a hospital in Kanpur city of Uttar Pradesh on Friday evening after facing assault by six men who allegedly molested her teenage daughter in 2018.

Reportedly, the deceased was the mother of a teenage girl who was allegedly molested by six men in 2018. A week earlier, the family of the deceased and her daughter were assaulted at their home in the city, allegedly by the same men who had managed to get bail in the original molestation case.

Among the six accused, four who were arrested in 2018 are- Abid, Mintu, Mahboob, Chaand Babu, Jameel and Firoz. All of them were accused of molesting a 13-year-old girl, but unfortunately, all the accused got bail from a local court.

According to the police, a week earlier, the accused barged into the house of the minor girl and asked the family to withdraw the case. As the family refused to do so, they were thrashed, and the girl's mother and another woman relative had both been admitted to a city hospital where on Friday the 40-year-old mother of the teenager died.

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A five-second video clip recovered shows a shot from the terrace of the family's home on the day of the incident shows a woman in a red 'kurta' lying on the ground and a man dressed in a white 'kurta' and trousers kicks her face. Though it is not yet confirmed who made the video.

As per the Kanpur police, three men have been arrested allegedly responsible for the assault case last week. The cops said they are still looking out for the other three accused.
Blue Wiggle Anthony Field broke down in tears as he recalled the moment cast, crew and an event-goer saved Greg Page after his cardiac arrest on stage.

Speaking to 7News outside Sydney's Westmead Hospital on Saturday, the 56-year-old thanked drummer Steve Pace, a woman named Kim who works in The Wiggles' office, as well as a nurse from the audience.

'He was gone. He came off stage and collapsed and there was no pulse, there was no breathing,' he said. 'They really brought Greg back.'

'They really brought him back': Blue Wiggle Anthony Field (pictured), 56, broke down in tears on Saturday, as he recalled the moment cast, crew and an event-goer saved Greg Page after his cardiac arrest at Sydney's Castle Hill RSL on Friday night

Anthony added that Greg is 'really good' after a life-saving medical procedure.

'He's talking, he wants the show to go on. He's doing a lot better than I am, the guy's amazing.'

Greg suffered a cardiac arrest at a bushfire relief concert at Sydney's Castle Hill RSL on Friday night.

Emotional: 'He was gone. He came off stage and collapsed and there was no pulse, there was no breathing,' Anthony told 7News outside of Sydney's Westmead Hospital

The original Yellow Wiggle, 48, suffers from a crippling nervous system disorder that caused him to collapse during a reunion concert for bushfire relief.

Greg suffered cardiac arrest due to orthostatic intolerance or 'upright intolerance', meaning that whenever he stands up for a prolonged period of time, he risks his life.

People with orthostatic intolerance have a nervous system that struggles to pump enough blood around the body, which prompted Greg's cardiac arrest.

Ordeal: Greg, 48, suffers from a crippling nervous system disorder that caused him to collapse during a reunion concert in aid of the Australian bushfire crisis. He is pictured far right

Brave: Greg is pictured in hospital where he is recovering from the cardiac arrest

The original Wiggles lineup were moments away from performing their final song, Hot Potato, when Greg suddenly collapsed.

Since Greg was standing upright for a long period of time, 750ml of blood flowed away from his head and down to his legs, putting immense pressure on his heart.

Greg is now at Sydney's Westmead Hospital in a 'serious but stable condition' after the near-death experience.

The Wiggles' manager Paul Field spoke to media outside Westmead Hospital on Saturday morning after Greg underwent the life-saving medical procedure.

Recovering: On Saturday, it was reported that Greg woke up in hospital and insisted 'the show should go on'

'He was in such a serious way last night, he needed CPR... we had two of our cast and crew working on him, they used the defibrillator on him three times - he was in a bad way,' Paul told 7 News.

'A nurse from the audience came up and kind of took charge, but two of our cast - Steve the drummer and Kim who works in our office - did CPR on him. They saved his life. Seriously.

'He stopped breathing a number of times. It was quite dramatic for everyone around to witness it. We're all a bit shocked.'

The show must go on: The Wiggles said Greg's main concern was that the bushfire relief concert went on without him. The group performed a second show on Saturday January 18

Greg's life-threatening condition is what forced him to initially quit The Wiggles in November, 2006 after withdrawing from the group's US tour that year.

He was also wrongly told he had 'seven years to live' by a doctor.

'To be feeling the way you feel - tired, lethargic, heavy-chested, light-headed and just vague, and to be missing your mouth when you go to eat things - that was a pretty raw moment,' Greg said of his condition to The Sydney Morning Herald in 2008.

The Wiggles performed their second bushfire relief concert, with Emma replacing Greg as the Yellow Wiggle, on Saturday at Sydney's Castle Hill RSL.
Aston Villa's Pepe Reina, who is likely to make his first Premier League appearance on Saturday since 2013, said he will give everything for the club.

"It's a great competition - probably the best in the world. It has historic and iconic clubs, so I can't wait to be on the pitch and give everything for the team," the club's official website quoted Reina as saying.

Reina joined Aston Villa on loan from AC Milan on January 13. After today's clash against Brighton, Aston Villa is scheduled to take on Watford in Premier League and Leicester City in the Carabao Cup's semi-final second leg. The first leg witnessed a 1-1 draw between both teams.

Reina said they have 'important fixtures' ahead and need to do well.

"We have three 'finals' and a (Carabao Cup) semi-final - in the league we have three important fixtures and we need to do well. There are teams fighting with us, so we need to get the points," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
UPDATE: Nickelback has confirmed a Syracuse concert with Stone Temple Pilots.

* * * * *

Is Nickelback coming to Syracuse?

The St. Josephs Health Amphitheater at Lakeview is teasing a new concert announcement on Facebook with a photo of a black car on a sun-soaked highway.

Im driving black on black Nickelback.com #ATRR15 #NB2020, the Live Nation venues official account wrote Friday evening, quoting the opening lyrics to Nickelbacks hit song Animals.

The link takes music fans to the official website for the Canadian rock band Nickelback, which has a similar photo with a countdown that looks like it will end Tuesday at noon ET. Could that be when the Chad Kroeger-led group announces its 2020 tour dates?

The hashtag #NB2020 appears to represent a Nickelback 2020 tour, and #ATRR15 is likely for the 15th anniversary of the bands diamond-selling 2005 release, All the Right Reasons. The album featured hit songs Photograph, Animals, Far Away, Savin Me, Rockstar and the Grammy-nominated If Everyone Cared."

Nickelback has become somewhat of a punching bag for music jokes over the past decade, but critics forget the band cranked out eight No. 1 songs in the U.S. from 2001 to 2014, including Someday, How You Remind Me, Figured You Out and Feeling Way Too Damn Good. Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds famously defended the band in a scene from the 2018 movie Once Upon a Deadpool, the PG-13 version of Deadpool 2 with Fred Savage.

Nickelback would also inject some freshness into the lineup at St. Joes Amp, which currently has 13 concerts announced with a lot of repeat performers this season. Ten of 13 headliners performed at the same venue in the past three years; of the other three acts, the recently reunited Sugarland played the Turning Stone last year and Thomas Rhett played the Oncenter in 2019.

Tim McGraw is the only upcoming Amp headliner so far that hasnt played Syracuse in the past five years. Nickelback would be the second; their last Central New York concert was the 2005 New York State Fair.

Nickelback had two Upstate New York concerts scheduled in 2015 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and Darien Lake, but were forced to cancel the tour when Kroeger was diagnosed with an operable cyst on his voice box. SPAC and Darien Lake also teased Nickelback concert announcements on Friday.

St. Josephs Health Amphitheater at Lakeview 2020 lineup

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Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb, the grand imam of Al-Azhar, the world's most prestigious seat of Sunni Islamic learning, and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, said the document of "Human Fraternity is a safe way out of the problems of the East and West.

El-Tayeb's statement came during his meeting on Saturday with a delegation of the French bishops responsible for reviving the path of the Holy Family.

"We [Egyptians] have the right to be proud of the journey of the Holy Family and the Virgin Mary which led many people to Egypt to learn about its details," said El-Tayeb, stressing that Egypt was, and still is, a blessed land, visited by prophets and messengers such as Jesus, Moses and Abraham.

"The Human Fraternity Document," the grand imam said, "that I signed with my brother Francis, and which enthroned a whole year of hard work and sincere efforts by Al-Azhar and the Vatican, is considered a safe way out of human problems in the East and West."

El-Tayeb praised the establishment of the Higher Committee for implementing the Objectives of the Human Fraternity Document, saying "it is a positive step for human fraternity."

The first meeting of the higher committee took place at the Vatican in the presence of Pope Francis in September 2019.

The delegated French bishops said they were happy to meet with the grand imam, expressing their appreciation of his efforts for the sake of humanity and the consolidation of the culture of dialogue and coexistence.

They also affirmed that "the openness and good relationship between the two largest religious institutions in the world [Al-Azhar and the Vatican], will reap the good fruits of the world and benefit all believers everywhere."

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New Delhi, Jan 18 : Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will lead the Indian delegation to the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos, Switzerland.

Accordingly, the Minister who also holds the railways portfolio, will hold bilateral meetings with ministers of Australia, South Africa, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Korea and Singapore.

"He will also meet Director General of World Trade Organization and Secretary General of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)," the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said in a statement.

"Apart from this Commerce and Industry Minister will hold bilateral meetings with CEOs of companies, attend WEF sessions and round tables on accelerating investments in Indian Railways and attracting Global Institutional Investments in India." Besides, he will participate in an informal WTO ministerial gathering being held in Davos.

The WEF annual meeting in Davos engages the world's top leaders to shape global, regional and industry agendas at the beginning of the year.

The WEF at Davos will be held from January 20-24, 2020.
It has become clear that President Trumps impeachment trial will play out more as the latest installment of a reality show than a judicial process.

The presence of celebrity attorney Alan Dershowitz on the Trump team is clearly a move by the White House to counter the crooked image of the presidents personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, who himself may soon be in the legal hot seat for his own dealings with Ukraine. Giuliani said he would love to try to the case, but Trump didnt pick him.

Former Bill Clinton special prosecutor Ken Starr wound up on the Trump team to remind America that Clinton was acquitted after a Senate trial that rejected the case against him largely along party lines.

We even have a surprise last-minute potential witness: Giulianis former associate Lev Parnas, who says the whole business with Ukraine was indeed about digging up dirt on former Vice President Joe Bidens son in an effort to discredit Biden in the 2020 election.

I doubt if the gruff-speaking Parnas will be called to testify before the Senate. But if he is, it will be like a scene right out of The Irishman.

Democrats should think twice, however, about calling former National Security Adviser John Bolton to testify. Bolton is a Trojan horse. He will raise a number of issues about Trumps conduct, which will make for great TV. But at the end, hes almost sure to argue that Trumps conduct didnt amount to an impeachable offense.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosis picks for prosecutors in the trial were an interesting mix as well.

The Bay Areas Rep. Zoe Lofgren was a natural for the team. Lofgren was a House staffer when charges were being drawn up for Richard Nixon, and she was a House member for Clintons impeachment. Just as important from Pelosis perspective, shes low-key and not a showboat.

The surprise pick for me was Florida Rep. Val Demings. Shes the only non-lawyer on the seven-member House team. She is, however, a former police chief.

I guess Pelosi wants someone who knows how to slap on the cuffs.

Debatable: The Democrats debate lineup had better change quickly, or theyre going to lose the viewers they have left.

You know youre in trouble when Tom Steyer sounds interesting.

The only highlight of last weeks dud-fest came after the debate, when a hot mike picked up Elizabeth Warren accusing Bernie Sanders of calling her a liar on national TV for denying hed said a woman couldnt be elected president.

He extended his hand. She didnt take it. He said they should talk about it somewhere else.

As one guy said to me, It was like watching Grandma and Grandpa get into a fight at Thanksgiving.

Heres the beef: Tads Steak House, a longtime fixture on lower Powell Street, is moving to just around the corner on Ellis Street across from Johns Grill.

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.

Im told Tads decided to make the move, after more than 60 years in the same spot, when its rent got jacked up to $60,000 a month.

Think about it. Thats $2,000 a day.

I stopped in at the new location the other day as they were getting ready for the reopening.

Tads is still a deal of a meal by todays standards, with a Tads Famous Steak dinner, complete with green salad, baked potato and garlic bread, going for $18.99.

Still, its a far cry from the $1.09 I paid for my first Tads steak dinner back in my college days.

Movie time: Little Women. This is the seventh update of Louisa May Alcotts coming-of-age tale. The latest version has been updated to include contemporary social issues, but frankly, all the plot add-ons get a bit confusing about halfway through the movie.

But it is worth seeing. Its also one of those movies where you have to sit through the credits because you didnt recognize a single face. I didnt even realize that Meryl Streep was in the movie until the credits rolled.

Want to sound off? Email: wbrown@sfchronicle.com
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Take out a calendar. Circle the following dates: April 28 and Nov. 3.

On April 28 Pennsylvanians will go to the polls to select their respective party candidates for the state House of Representatives and Senate. Oh, and one other office. Maybe youve heard of it. Its the one at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Yes, Democrats will select a nominee to challenge incumbent Republican President Donald Trump, conceding the fact that he almost certainly will not be removed as a result of his impeachment trial in the Senate.

Seven months later, we will swarm the polls in one of the most contentious presidential elections in history. Buckle your seat belts, its going to be a bumpy 11 months.

But 2020 is notable for another reason as well, one that will have a profound effect on future elections.

With the dawn of a new decade, its time for that annual head count known as the U.S. Census.

Last week state officials kicked off a campaign to raise awareness of the census and encourage residents to respond. Gisele Fetterman, wife of Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, will help lead the campaign and is planning to tour the state over the next three months, including stops in Philadelphia, Lancaster, Erie and several other Pa. locales, urging public awareness of the census.

Why is this so important? Again, this has to do with elections.

Every 10 years the nation endeavors to count every person living in the United States and its five territories. The project is formally known as the Population and Housing Census.

Those numbers are then used to determine representation in Congress, specifically the House of Representatives. The constitution states each state must have at least one representative. Just how many representatives each state has is dependent on the census numbers. Since 1912, the number has been 435, except for the years 1960 to 1962, when a representative was added for both Alaska and Hawaii. After the 1960 census numbers were tabulated, the number reverted to 435. It has been there ever since.

Pennsylvania currently sends 18 members to the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.

But that number is adjusted after each census, with those states with the most population getting the most representation. Pennsylvania is widely expected to lose one seat in the House as a result of the 2020 Census.

In addition, you might recall the firestorm that erupted over the shape of those congressional elections in the 2018 election. Opponents of the way the districts were drawn up in 2011 went to court, claiming they were gerrymandered by Republicans to tilt toward GOP candidates. After a protracted legal battle, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court agreed, ruling the old map violated the state constitution. Eventually the court redrew the districts and issued a new map, creating the new 5th District in Delaware County, as well as new borders for the 6th in Berks and Chester Counties and several in Montgomery County. Democrats swept all those seats.

But the courts ruling is only a short-term fix. The districts will be redrawn again, as they are every 10 years. Guess what numbers and data they will use to redraw the lines? Thats correct, the numbers gained from the U.S. Census.

The statutory authority to redraw Congressional districts lies with the Legislature, where Republicans currently control both chambers. Several efforts to get this crucial process out of the hands of politicians have failed. The bureau must release the counts to the states for redistricting purposes by April 1, 2021.

But the census does not affect just politics. Currently three million Pennsylvania residents rely on programs such as LIHEAP, for heating aid, as well as SNAP, CHIP and Medicaid for health care. The Department of Human Services uses census data to parse that funding.

Among those most at risk are those least likely to be accounted for  children and those who live in rural areas of the state. Pennsylvania has a rural population of 3.4 million, yet officials indicate only 75 percent have been accurately counted in the last two censuses.

Gov. Tom Wolf and Gisele Fetterman are aiming to change that.

Fetterman, who arrived in this country as an undocumented immigrant, said she never understood the big picture because I never felt a part of that big picture. I understand how the individuals at the greatest risk of not being counted are the same ones who would be disproportionately affected by an inaccurate count.

County officials are beating her to the punch.

Efforts are already underway to push the importance of an accurate count  and thus citizen participation  at the county level. Events have been held in Delaware, Montgomery and Berks counties to push the importance of taking part in the census. Montgomery County has set up the Montgomery County Complete Count Committee. Berks County has instituted a similar committee, saying as much as $350 million in federal aid hangs in the balance.

Gov. Tom Wolf said the state receives $26.8 billion annually for federally funded programs, based on the census numbers. That adds up to about $2,000 per state resident per year.

The lesson is simple. The census affects your vote and your pocketbook. Make sure you are counted. Spread the word to your neighbors and friends.
Time they say, heals all wounds but does not erase all scars. These indelible scars remain constant reminders of the past and serve eithe...

Today will make it 4 years MMM made me faint inside one Nkwobi Joint like that   MIKE (@mrmikerezzy) 11 January 2020

Late dad gave me R550 as a birthday  in Dec'95 & immediately introduced me to Sun Multi Serve.



Was yet to be paid out yet called it his SMS & urged ME to push him up the ladder just like?   Mots-wana_tswi... (@Oag_Whagha) 11 January 2020

I Lost 300K , But When I Think Of My Friend's Mom Who Lost 3M, I Just Smile  POSTINOR 2 (@Henrymorgan_Nwh) 11 January 2020

My neighbour's wife used their feeding allowance do MMM and two days later, it collapsed. They almost ate grass that month. The husband was too shocked because the woman was a 'prayer warrior' in their church.  Olaide Abdulmummini Omideyi (@OmideyiOlaide) 11 January 2020

E dy slap harder when person dy broke  MIKE (@mrmikerezzy) 11 January 2020

Those bastard nearly finished my Life. But by the grace of God we move on  victor (@vikem4me) 12 January 2020

pls don't remind me. I used all my savings I came to Lagos with to get an apartment and start a new life went down with it. It wasn't easy as I nearly ran mad. Friends started showing me shege but to God be the glory we don't look like what we've been through.  @meldireal (@meldireal) 12 January 2020

Lucky guy  MIKE (@mrmikerezzy) 12 January 2020

My neighbor wey Dem settle newly then carry em settlement money take do mmm....Kai..it wasn't funny then at all.  ujunwa kamsy (@UjunwaKamsy) 12 January 2020

I was eating Christmas meat that year

E no sweet.

It was doing me somehow



Since that day I swore I would never be scammed again in my life  Lord X (@vhatNiccur) 12 January 2020

Late dad gave me R550 as a birthday  in Dec'95 & immediately introduced me to Sun Multi Serve.



Was yet to be paid out yet called it his SMS & urged ME to push him up the ladder just like?   Mots-wana_tswi... (@Oag_Whagha) 11 January 2020

Time they say, heals all wounds but does not erase all scars. These indelible scars remain constant reminders of the past and serve either as inspiration or warning to avoid repeating certain mistakes.The experience of many Nigerians with the Mavrodi Mondial Movement (MMM) ponzi scheme is far from over.The scheme, with subsidiaries in up to 110 countries, was first launched in Nigeria in 2016.In January 2017, Sergey Mavrodi, founder of MMM, announced that all Nigerian accounts from 2016 would be frozen, asking that they pay some money into the system before they can cash out their prior investment.That was the first time the company would fail with its return plans, subjecting some Nigerians to hardship. Some even commit suicide.The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) later announced that an estimated three million Nigerians lost N18 billion to MMM.Recounting his experience, a Twitter user, @mrmikerezzy, said January 11 made it 4 years that MMM made me faint inside one Nkwobi Joint like that.Mikes tweet elicited reactions from other Nigerians who had similar experiences. Replying to Mikes tweet, @OmideyiOlaide, another Twitter user, said the scheme crashed two days after his neighbours wife invested the familys feeding allowance for the month in it.Another person said he lost N300,000 but smiled when he learnt his friends mother lost N3 million.Below are the experiences shared by some Nigerians:The scheme announced that it was shutting down in April 2018 following the demise of Mavrodi who died from a heart attack.
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A Harris County woman remains in critical condition Saturday afternoon with a serious head wound after the sheriff said her boyfriend assaulted her in a Spring home.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said Saturday that the man, 24-year-old Hernan Lagunas-Ochoa, has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault. The alleged attack happened in the 17000 block of Amidon Drive.
Great Patriotic War veterans and home front toilers will receive Victory Day cash payments, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"We celebrate 75th anniversary of Victory, so we will render assistance related to this date: we will allocate 75,000 rubles to veterans and people of all categories equated to them and 50,000 to home front toilers, the president said at a meeting with veterans and representatives of public patriotic associations.

The Russian leader recalled that usual Victory Day payments amount to 10,000 thousand to veterans and 5,000 to home front toilers, RIA Novosti reports.
An 11-year-old girl was killed on Saturday evening when an iron gate of a park in eastern part of the city fell on her, police said.

The incident happened in Tangra area when the girl climbed the gate, following which it crashed onto her, a senior police officer said.

The girl is identified as Sushila Halder.

"The girl was seriously injured when the gate fell on her. She was rushed to the Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital where doctors declared her brought dead," the officer said.

Police said they have started probing the incident and the girl's body has been sent for post-mortem examination.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) members will take strike action on Tuesday, February 4, just four days before the country goes to the polls in the general election.

The action is planned over what the TUI describes as the ongoing failure to eliminate the injustice of pay discrimination.

The Union represents some 19,000 members in second-level schools, colleges of further and adult education and Institutes of Technology/Technological Universities.

In October, TUI members voted by a margin of 92% to 8% to engage in a campaign of industrial action, up to and including strike action, on this issue, and the Union announced in November that it would take strike action in February unless the matter was resolved.

The Union stated that while its campaign has resulted in progress, those teachers employed after January 1, 2011, will still earn some 110,000 less than longer-serving colleagues over the course of a career. Critically, they will earn over 50,000 less in the first ten years of their career when key life choices are made.

Speaking today, TUI President Seamus Lahart said:

"We have exhausted every avenue open to us to bring this matter to resolution and have been left with no choice but to take strike action over the ongoing scandal of pay discrimination.

"Regrettably, the commitment made by Minister McHugh last April that the issue of pay inequality would finally be addressed has not been honoured. The approach of the Minister and his Government since then has been to completely ignore the issue in the hope that it would somehow disappear.

"As our overwhelming mandate for industrial action shows, this short-sighted approach has only served to strengthen the resolve of our members. We are making it clear today that our campaign will continue until pay discrimination has been eliminated.

"Discrimination has no place in our schools. Paying colleagues different rates for carrying out the same work is morally wrong and has proved hugely detrimental to the morale of teachers and lecturers.

"Service to students has also been damaged, with the two-tier pay system fuelling an ever-deepening crisis of recruitment and retention of teachers in second-level schools. A survey of principals carried out by TUI last April found that over the previous six months, 68% of schools advertised positions to which no teacher applied, while 47% of schools had unfilled teaching vacancies. In practical terms, this means that many schools are not in a position to offer the full range of subjects and levels.

"While TUIs intention had always been to take strike action in February if this issue was not resolved, the dates proximity to the general election affords our members and their families a focus point to make pay discrimination a key election issue.

In the coming days and weeks, candidates of all political hues should be asked to outline their views on this matter; do they commit to a final ending of this nine-year-old injustice as a matter of urgency?"
Novartis Vietnam Co., Ltd. held a conference on Thursday to announce its first import shipment, marking an important milestone in affirming the firms long-term presence in Vietnam.

Novartis, a leading global medicines company, has just inaugurated its new legal entity in Vietnam, Novartis Vietnam Company Limited, becoming one of the first multinational companies in the country to successfully transform from a representative office to a foreign-invested enterprise importer.

With the goal of expanding its local operations, Novartis invested more than US$6 million in creating the right conditions for Novartis Vietnam Company Limited, including a qualified GSP warehouse lease, additional personnel, enterprise resource planning (ERP) system implementation, and shared capital.

At the event, Novartis announced the arrival of the first import shipment of Novartis medicines at a port in Ho Chi Minh City.

During the inauguration ceremony, Novartis announced the arrival of the first import shipment of Novartis medicines at a port in Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon custom clearance, the imported Novartis medicines will be delivered to registered domestic wholesalers in compliance with local regulations.

Novartis Vietnam Company Limited secured its license to import and export medicines to and from Vietnam on August 28, 2019.

Roeland Roelofs, Novartis country president in Vietnam, speaks at the inauguration ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City on January 16, 2020.

We strive to enhance the Vietnamese peoples access to high-quality, innovative medicines. In support of that we invest in strengthening local research and development capabilities, said Roeland Roelofs, Novartis country president in Vietnam.

And as a committed partner of the government, we are supporting healthcare system strengthening initiatives. Collectively these commitments contribute to the socio-economic progress of Vietnam.

Dr. Nguyen Hoai Nam, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, speaks at the inauguration ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City on January 16, 2020.

For many years, Novartis has been known as one of the largest pharmaceutical companies by both market capitalization and sales, said Dr. Nguyen Hoai Nam, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health.

Novartis has made great efforts to develop early patients access to newly invented drugs, especially cancer drugs.

Since 2011, Novartis has been a leader in conducting clinical trials in Vietnam across a wide range of disease areas, including dermatology, ophthalmology, oncology, respiratory, urology, neuroscience, and cardiology.

To date, the company has conducted 43 clinical trials involving more than 900 patients, 500 healthcare professionals, and over 50 sites.

Now that Novartis Vietnam has received the license to support clinical trial activities, all trials will be consolidated in the new company, allowing smoother operations and an expansion of the number and variety of trials.

Novartis works with the Government of Vietnam in achieving the health-related sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3.8 on universal health coverage and SDG 17 on partnerships.

The Novartis social venture Cung Song Khoe, which was formed in 2012, provides training for community healthcare workers and community engagement activities for non-communicable diseases, including hypertension and diabetes.

To date, the program has reached 1.1 million people in 1,900 commune health stations across 18 provinces.

With this transformation, Novartis is better equipped to collaborate with the government and public partners.

In 2016, the Novartis Foundation and its partners, including the international nonprofit organization PATH, launched the Ho Chi Minh City Communities for Healthy Hearts Program to improve health outcomes of adults with hypertension living in low-income households in urban areas in Vietnam.

In addition, the pioneering program elevates primary health care (PHC) strengthening beyond the structured public delivery of services to involve communities and social entrepreneurship.

Novartis is collaborating with the Ministry of Health and other health authorities to implement the program from 2019 to 2021 focusing on community engagement, patient-centered disease management, access to medicines, and measurement and evaluation (M&E).

Alexis Serlin, head of the Asia Cluster at Novartis, speaks at the inauguration ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City on January 16, 2020.

We are especially impressed with Vietnams plan to become a developed economy in 2045 and it came to our thinking how have we planned to be a part of it, said Alexis Serlin, head of the Asia Cluster at Novartis.
Civil society organisations in Sri Lanka are drafting an anti-defection law for Parliamentarians in the country to protect the voters and check corruption in such cross overs.

Rohana Hettiarachchi, the leader of the main election monitoring group People's Action for Free and Fair Elections, said the anti-defection law would ensure full sovereignty of the voters, told reporters on Saturday.

"We are in the process of drafting it (anti-defection law)," Hettiarachchi said, adding it the draft would be submitted to the government soon.

Hettiarachchi said most defections in the recent past showed a trend that defections were happening for defectors to join the government and not from members in the government joining the opposition.

"We have heard stories of how large-scale monies had been offered to defectors," Hettiarachchi said.

Sri Lanka in 2015 proposed to add an anti-defection clause to the nineteenth amendment to the Constitution. However, severe protests from the Opposition led to the clause being dropped from 19A.

The 19th Amendment (19A) to the Constitution of Sri Lanka was passed by the country's Parliament in 2015.

The amendment dilutes powers of the Executive Presidency, which had been in force since 1978.

Meanwhile, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has made it clear that he wants rescinding of 19A.

He claims 19A had curbed presidential powers and made the government execution of policies difficult.

The amendment was a key highlight of the last government of President Maithripala Sirisena.

He pledged to curtail excessive powers of the executive president and empower the parliament while de-politicising key institutions.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A special court on Saturday issued non-bailable warrants against BJP MP Rita Bahuguna Joshi and others for evading court proceedings in a case related to a 2015 incident during an agitation by the Congress when she was in the opposition party.

Special Judge P K Rai issued the warrant against Joshi, Congress leader Ajay Rai and four others who were chargesheeted in December 2015 in connection with the incident in which several policemen and administration officials were injured.

Joshi, who was in the Congress then, had joined the BJP in October 2016



The court lamented that despite a Supreme Court order for expeditious proceedings in the matter charges could not be framed as the accused were not appearing in the court.

Other accused, including Congress leader Raj Babbar, were granted exemption from appearance on Saturday by the court which instructed them to be present during the next hearing.

"It has been four years since the incident took place in 2015, but the charges could not be framed against the accused in the matter as some of them still have not appeared in the court and are evading the proceedings despite the fact that the Supreme Court has directed to decide the case in an expeditious manner," the court said.

It fixed February 1 as the next date of hearing in the matter.

The Congress had staged an agitation on August 17, 2015, at Laxman Mela ground in Lucknow. A crowd of about 5,000 party workers, all of a sudden, set out for Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Bhavan from the venue of the protest. When police and district administration officials tried to stop them near Sankalp Vatika, the workers allegedly started pelting stones at them.

Several people as well as policemen and administration officials were injured and the law and order was badly disturbed.

An FIR was lodged by sub-inspector Pyare Lal Prajapati on August 17, 2015, at Hazratganj police station in connection with the incident.

After investigation, police filed a charge sheet against the accused in the case on December 25, 2015, under several IPC offences and the Criminal Law Amendment Act.

Other accused in the case are Nirmal Khatri, Pradeep Mathur, K K Sharma, Rajeshpati Tripathi and Pradeep Aditya Jain.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
As many as 91 people lost their lives while 175 others were injured in the total 352 road accidents on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway in the year 2019, as per the data prepared by the Maharashtra Highway Police.

During the same period, a total of 32,876road accidents had occurred in Maharashtra, killing 12565 people and seriously injuring 19175 others. A total of 9723 people had escaped with minor injuries.

As compared to the 2018, the number of accidents and fatalities on the six-lane expressway went down in the year 2019, it stated.

In the year 2018, a total of 359 accidents had occurred on the expressway, killing 114 people while 174 people were grievously injured, it stated.

A senior highway police officer blamed high speed of vehicles as one of the major reasons for accidents on the 95- km highway in 2019.

The officer said the police have deputed a few interceptor vehicles on the expressway to keep tab on the high speed of the vehicles.

As per the accident data released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in 2019,Maharashtra ranks fifth in the country with 35,717 accidents, after Tamil Nadu (63920), Madhya Pradesh (51397), Uttar Pradesh (42568) and Karnataka (41707).

"In the road fatalities, Maharashtra ranks second with 12261 deaths, after Uttar Pradesh (22256)," as per the data.

Maharashtra had 3.3 crore vehicles till 2018, including 2.41 crore two-wheelers and 46.32 lakh four-wheelers.

According to a report of the Highway Police, around 27 lakh new vehicles were registered in the state in 2018.

These comprised 19.96 lakh two-wheelers and 3.62 cars.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A witness in a molestation case succumbed to her injuries at a hospital in Kanpur on Friday, the police said.

Anant Dev Tiwari, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), said: "Accused in the 2018 molestation case were out on bail. A clash broke out between the accused and the victim's family while the accused were drinking."

"Subsequently, they attacked two witnesses in the case. In the attack, a woman was seriously injured and she succumbed to her injuries," he added.

The police official said that our people have been arrested and efforts are to nab the other accused in connection with the case.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Resolutions supporting a bus-only lane on the Bay Bridge will be considered by two Bay Area transit agencies next week.

East Bay bus carrier AC Transit will hear its resolution when it meets at 5 p.m. Wednesday in the district's second floor boardroom at 1600 Franklin St. in Oakland.

A similar resolution by Bay Area Rapid Transit Director Rebecca Saltzman will be heard when the BART board meets at 9 a.m. Thursday in its boardroom at 2640 Webster St. in Oakland.

"I've been working on this for years with AC Transit, and we've never been able to get traction," Saltzman tweeted on Friday. "Caltrans has opposed and MTC hasn't prioritized this. It's super exciting to see so much support for this now! It feels like this is the time to make a bus-only lane happen!"

A staff report on the resolution by AC Transit board Vice President Elsa Ortiz concludes: "A bus-only lane on the Bay Bridge could greatly increase the reliability of AC Transit transbay service. It will allow more frequent, reliable and faster service, contributing substantially to the quality of transbay service."

The idea has been floated repeatedly since AC Transit was formed 60 years ago, but "Concern about the effect of bus-only lanes on auto traffic have made it impossible to go forward to date," according to the staff report.

The report notes that the political climate around such an idea has recently created "a new wave of support" for a bus-only lane on bridge as motor traffic congestion increases and agencies such as BART operate over capacity.

The University of California at Berkeley's executive director of financial planning and analysis was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of a misdemeanor charge of possessing child pornography, police said.

Jon Bain-Chekal, 49, was released from Berkeley's jail later on Thursday, which is standard protocol for misdemeanor offenses, according to police.

The investigation into Bain-Chekal began after the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a tip about child pornography from an online account, according to Berkeley police spokesman Officer Byron White.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Concord Police Department and members from Contra Costa County's District Attorney's Office and sheriff's office assisted in the investigation.

White said the online account was created and accessed from Bain-Chekal's residence and work.

He said a search warrant on the online account revealed additional images of child pornography and additional search warrants were served at Bain-Chekal's residence and work.

A judge on Wednesday denied a defense motion asking that Alameda County prosecutors be barred from seeking the death penalty for a man accused of fatally shooting Hayward police Sgt. Scott Lunger in 2015 as Lunger approached his vehicle.

Defense attorney Linda Fullerton argued that Mark Estrada's right to a fair trial in the guilt phase of his case will be jeopardized by the rigorous jury selection process in capital cases because prospective jurors who are unable to impose the death penalty are precluded from sitting on the jury.

Fullerton wrote, "The result is that the jury panel that survives challenges for cause is likely to be more favorable to the prosecution, and therefore more likely to convict, than a panel that has not been death-qualified."

Fullerton said another reason prosecutors should be barred from the seeking the death penalty against Estrada, 25, is that California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on March 12, 2019, that placed a moratorium on executions, repealed the state's lethal injection protocol and shut down the execution chamber.

Estrada is charged with murder with three special circumstances for allegedly shooting Lunger, 48, near Myrtle and Lion streets in Hayward at about 3:15 a.m. on July 22, 2015.

Lunger, a 15-year police veteran who lived in Brentwood, was pronounced dead at Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley a short time later.

A 1-year-old girl was safely released and a suspect is in custody, ending a prolonged standoff, Santa Cruz police said on social media Friday.

"Baby Girl back in Grandma's loving arms!" was the post from @SantaCruzPolice about 6:30 p.m.

The department and Santa Cruz County sheriff's deputies had been searching for the child and her suspected abductor, identified as Brian Sellen, since about 7 a.m. Friday.

Police had posted on Twitter that the child was kidnapped near a home at Front and Second streets.

Santa Cruz Police Department Chief Andrew Mills tweeted his happiness at the outcome.

"This is why we choose this profession," Mills wrote. "Baby rescued, suspect in custody and no one else hurt. It's a good day."

An arrest was made Friday in the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy in East Oakland on Monday afternoon, Oakland police said on social media.

"This is still an active investigation. No additional information will be released at this time," the department said on its Twitter account, adding that it was the city's first homicide of 2020.

Officers responded at 4:44 p.m. to a report of a shooting in the 1400 block of 48th Avenue and arrived to find the victim suffering from gunshot wounds.

The boy, an Oakland resident, was pronounced dead and his name is not yet being released, police said.

Antioch police on Friday arrested a 23-year-old Vallejo man as a suspect in a murder that happened just over a year earlier.

The shooting happened about 1:50 p.m. Jan. 12, 2019, in the 2100 block of Peppertree Way and callers reported multiple shots.

Jacory Brown, a 28-year-old Fairfield man, was found down in street officers with multiple would and officers and paramedics gave him medical aid before he was then taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

It was determined that the victim had been in a verbal and physical altercation with Jordan Thompson, 23, of Vallejo leading up to the shooting, police said.

"Antioch Police Department investigators spent most of 2019 attempting to track-down Thompson, but he evaded capture," police said in a news release.

The search ended at 9 a.m. Friday when Thompson was pulled over for a traffic stop on Contra Loma Boulevard near Longview Road in Antioch.

Thompson was arrested on a probable cause warrant related to the shooting and was booked without bail into the County Jail in Martinez.

Two people were displaced by a fire Friday evening that destroyed a recreational vehicle in the parking lot at Walmart on Redwood Drive in Rohnert Park, according to the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety.

Sonoma County Fire District crews responded shortly after 7 p.m. to the scene, where the two occupants had managed to escape the burning recreational vehicle, officials said. They were treated for minor smoke inhalation.

The fire was quickly extinguished, but the RV "was a complete loss due to the fire and water damage," according to officials.

The American Red Cross is assisting the two displaced people. The cause of the fire is unknown, officials said.

Saturday will be mostly cloudy. Highs will be in the mid 50s. Northeast winds will be 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday night will be mostly cloudy. Lows will be in the 40s. Northeast winds will be 5 to 15 mph.

Sunday will be mostly cloudy. Highs will be in the mid 50s. North winds will be 5 to 15 mph.

Copyright  2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
Photo: U.S. House of Representatives

By the time the House voted to impeach Donald Trump in mid-December, a grim anti-climactic feel had settled upon the proceedings. Senate Republicans, unimpressed by hundreds of pages of testimony and documents establishing the presidents scheme to extort Ukraine to smear his domestic opponents, would dispatch the articles of impeachment quickly and  as these things go  quietly. This was their strategy all along: Strip away the drama and turn impeachment into yet another partisan squabble, rather than a historic judgment on Trumps unfitness for office. Their plan is to smother it with sheer boredom.

They may still succeed. But a series of revelations in the intervening month has opened up surprising new avenues of inquiry, forcing Republicans either to allow new evidence at the Senate trial or to openly cooperate in a cover-up.

So far, Republicans have dismissed the new evidence with juvenile logic games. If the existing case is strong, theres no need for the judge and jury to reopen the investigation. If the existing case is weak, House Democrats should not have impeached in the first place, said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. (Obviously, the strength of evidence is a continuum, not a binary choice of either strong or weak. It can be strong enough to satisfy House Democrats yet not strong enough for Senate Republicans, in which case the higher bar merits additional evidence.) Senator Susan Collins expressed her lack of interest in new documents furnished in January by wondering why the House did not put that into the record and its only now being revealed. When a reporter replied that the documents had been blocked until then, she shot back, Well, doesnt that suggest that the House did an incomplete job, then? The more new evidence of guilt that is revealed, the more evidence there is that the prosecution is weak. Therefore, it should be ignored.

Trumps impeachment articles have two counts: First, abuse of power by manipulating foreign policy for personal gain, and second, obstruction of Congress by wholesale stonewalling. House Republicans essentially used the second count to negate the first. By seizing on tiny gaps in the evidentiary record  gaps that existed because Trump refused to release any testimony or documents  they denied Trump had withheld a meeting and military aid from Ukraine in order to force investigations.

Since then, evidence, some pried loose by lawsuits, has dismantled those defenses. A batch of emails released in late December showed the Office of Management and Budget ordered a freeze on aid almost immediately after Trumps phone call with Ukraines president. Then, in January, another tranche of emails found the Defense Department raising concerns about the freezes legality. Weeks later, the Government Accountability Office deemed the freeze illegal, making moot the defense that Trump hadnt technically violated laws. Also this month, former national-security adviser John Bolton, who had refused to testify before the House, announced his willingness to testify in a Senate trial.

The most explosive revelations came from a trove of documents turned over by Lev Parnas, a small-time hustler who was recruited by Rudy Giuliani to help run Trumps extortion scheme. Parnass documents  thousands of pages of texts, WhatsApp messages, notes, and letters  widen the scope of suspected misconduct in Ukraine. They show him explicitly discussing firing the U.S. ambassador, Marie Yovanovitch, in return for then Ukrainian prosecutor general Yuriy Lutsenkos supplying dirt on Biden, whom Lutsenko describes frankly and revealingly as your opponent.

The texts also introduce another participant in the scheme: Robert Hyde, a former Marine, whose texts with Parnas indicated he was surveilling Yovanovitch (this bitch, he called her in one) and hinted at plans to threaten or commit violence. Hyde, a Republican congressional candidate from Connecticut, has a history of erratic behavior, including alleged stalking and harassment, and was involuntarily committed to psychiatric treatment after an incident at the Trump National Doral resort in May. Parnas has dismissed those texts as unserious boasts  perhaps because they were, or perhaps because they incriminate him in a violent plot. Yovanovitch fled Ukraine on the next plane after being warned of an imminent threat. Hyde has also visited Trumps White House and been photographed with the president at least eight times. The unresolved details of how Parnas got involved, and who paid for his work if he did any, might be illuminating.

Parnass physical evidence also corroborates his claims in the media that Trump approved his activities. President Trump knew exactly what was going on, he said in a prime-time interview with Rachel Maddow on January 15. Based on his sensational claims alone, Parnas may come off as an unreliable narrator, someone looking for a life raft after a federal indictment. But Parnass WhatsApp messages prove he was in the loop. He sent the text of an op-ed by John Solomon (a right-wing journalist who worked closely with Trumps allies) to Lutsenko four days before it was published and knew about Yovanovitchs firing a day in advance. (The bomb is dropping tomorrow, he wrote in a message to another Giuliani associate, GOP donor Harry Sargeant III.) He has a letter from Trump attorney Jay Sekulow to former Trump lawyer John Dowd saying, The president consents to allowing your representation of Mr. Parnas.

The White House has predictably dismissed Parnass credibility in the same terms it uses when other Trump flunkies rat him out. This is a man who is under indictment and whos actually out on bail, said White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham. This is a man who owns a company called Fraud, Inc. (On a federal political-contributions form, Parnas actually listed his employer as Fraud Guarantee rather than Fraud, Inc., which sounds only slightly more savory.) Perhaps the most damning specimen in the Parnas collection is a letter of introduction from Giuliani to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. Giuliani wrote that he was representing Trump as a private citizen, not as President of the United States, and that he was doing so with his knowledge and consent. Perhaps sensing that the arrangement would strike Zelensky as untoward, Giuliani assured him it is quite common under American law.

It is, of course, extremely uncommon under American law for the president to have a private attorney negotiate on his behalf with a foreign head of state. One reason is that a personal lawyer might use the foreign-policy capital of the U.S. government not on behalf of the national interest but for the presidents personal gain. Another reason is that a private lawyer, not being paid or vetted by the government, might be beholden to some other financial interest. Giuliani represented Trump for free but was paid half a million dollars by Parnass company. In turn, Parnas received a million dollars from Dmytro Firtash, a Ukrainian oligarch closely linked to Vladimir Putin and the Russian mob.

At one point during the Watergate scandal, President Nixon discussed funneling hush money to the burglars. White House counsel John Dean cautioned him, People around here are not pros at this sort of thing. This is the sort of thing Mafia people can do: washing money, getting clean money, and things like that  we are not criminals and not used to dealing in that business. Trump is not so encumbered. His career was spent working with New York mobsters, bringing in mobbed-up figures like Michael Cohen and Felix Sater and relying on money launderers for cash. The Republican Partys boredom strategy requires its members to maintain an aggressive, almost fanatical lack of curiosity about the growing roster of goons surrounding the president and a money trail that leads to Moscow. There have always been plenty of lowlifes hanging around Trump. His hangers-on seem to absorb his character. One thing the impeachment trial will measure is the degree to which this process has taken hold of the entire Republican Party.

*This article appears in the January 20, 2020, issue of New York Magazine. Subscribe Now!

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Channel Ten has brought out the biggest name in culinary television for its newly revamped MasterChef Australia.

And celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay will not disappoint viewers, notorious for his quick wit, eye for detail and foul-mouthed tirades.

The 53-year-old has been revealed to have secretly filmed four episodes for the cooking competition show, according to Sunday Herald Sun.

Experienced: It was revealed on Saturday that celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay (pictured) will be a multi-episode guest judge on MasterChef Australia

Aiding in the network's coup, the Hell's Kitchen star had also been in Australia to promote his Quick and Delicious recipe book.

Gordon previously appeared on Masterchef Australia in 2018 as a guest judge, as well as working on the US version as a main judge from season two.

In October, Network Ten's chief content officer Beverley McGarvey also slated Heston Blumenthal and Curtis Stone as guest judges for MasterChef Australia: Back To Win.

Multi-talented: Gordon previously appeared on MasterChef Australia in 2018 as a guest judge, as well as working on the US version as a main judge from season two

Big name: Gordon will not disappoint viewers, notorious for his quick wit, eye for detail and foul-mouthed tirades

Channel Ten previously confirmed the new, more diverse lineup of judges - Andy Allen, Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo, who replaced Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris, who quit last year.

George Calombaris, Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan chose to walk away from the program last year after Channel Ten refused to give them a significant pay rise.

Gordon had been rumoured as a possible permanent replacement judge, but it appears his role will be limited to guest appearances.

Diverse: Channel Ten previously confirmed the new MasterChef Australia judges Andy Allen (L), Melissa Leong (C) and Andy Allen Jock Zonfrillo (R)

Ousted! Gary Mehigan (L), Matt Preston (C) and George Calombaris (R) chose to walk away from the program last year after Channel Ten refused to give them a significant pay rise

Dropping by: Gordon had been rumoured as a possible permanent replacement judge, but it appears his role will be limited to guest appearances

In a statement Ten's CEO Paul Anderson claimed the decision to axe the three judges came after months of failed negotiations.

Mr Anderson said: 'Despite months of negotiations, Ten has not been able to reach a commercial agreement that was satisfactory to Matt, Gary and George.

'We would like to thank Gary, George and Matt for their contribution over the past 11 years.'
Open Mic marks 100th session By Joshua Surendraraj View(s): View(s):

Since the day he started hosting open mics in Sri Lanka, Avi Mendis felt that the positive atmosphere it brought about was infectious. Above all, he was overwhelmed to see the participants enjoying the music and each others company. This was a place where people could connect with each other through a common passion like music.

Recently Avi hosted his 100th open mic celebration at the Colpetty House.

Avi first got the idea to host an open mic, when he was studying in College in Singapore. After he joined the student committee at his college, he started organizing open mics in Singapore. He was happy to see how these events provided a platform for the youth to network, explore the arts, build confidence and express themselves.

When he moved to Sri Lanka in 2016, he began hosting the open mics at The Orion City British Council and Colpetty House. Two places that really trusted in me and gave me the chance, he recalls.

I was very lucky that Open Mics with Avi was recognized by musicians and music enthusiasts, and I had the opportunity to turn this into a traveling open mic and organize a chain of events across Colombo, Singapore, Maldives and Bangalore. In Sri Lanka, I started to organize these sessions monthly, working with newly opened venues, so that they could gain some recognition as well,he tells us.

He explains that every step of the process of hosting was a crucial one in making sure the events continue to be a success, from picking a suitable date and venue, to creating awareness for each events and curating and promoting the lineup of performers. At the time there were a lot of people who did not know what an open mic was, so Avi would always start the event by explaining the concept, ensuring that everyone was on the same page.

Today these open mic sessions have benefitted musicians in multiple ways, by being a platform that enables partnerships being built across the community. Avi has observed emerging musicians who turned up at open mics as total strangers ending up being best friends, musical collaborators, business partners and even commercial bands with their fellow participants.

I am always proud when I hear their music playing on the radio and also when I get to see some of them performing at hotels, restaurants and pubs across Sri Lanka! he observes.

Another vital factor that musicians need and open mics facilitate is building confidence in musicians who are just starting out. This is something Avi personally experienced, after being encouraged to pick up a guitar and play even though he started off as just the compere.

The success of open mics speaks for itself, and Avi aims to celebrate this milestone with everyone who helped him achieve it. This venture is nothing if not for the people in this community who have filled up 100 events with music, smiles and positive vibes. There have been good times and bad, and there are some people who have been with me throughout, who I am so thankful for. This celebration is about them.

From carrying his sound setup in a suitcase and set it up at various cafes around town, to the much anticipated and well-attended events they are now  Avi tells us they still hold onto the old values, while still breaking away from traditional open mics and branching out into new concepts.

This includes LOCAL where open mics where original indie music was promoted, Open Medium where musicians performed while artists collaboratively painted live, and their latest venture Jam Theory, where they get together as a collective and perform a mini concert that is completely improvised.

Avi hopes the community will continue to grow, both locally and in the Maldives, Singapore and India as well. His goals for the future include potential events in Australia and growing his team of volunteers musicians and organisers.

There are so many musicians out there who can use a platform out there, and so many people who can really use spaces filled with positivity like this! he tells us.

In that spirit, Avi also hopes to promote some of his own music as well, with much encouragement from the same community that he provides this platform for.
People Before Profits Gino Kenny says Fianna Fail are outdated in their stance on drugs (Niall Carson/PA)

Fianna Fail have been accused of being outdated for their stance against decriminalisation of cannabis  and saying the drug is dangerous.

Fianna Fail candidate Mary Fitzpatrick made the comments on Friday when speaking to the media about drugs and crime in the wake of gangland murders in Dublin and Drogheda in the last year.

Ms Fitzpatrick said there was a sense of ambivalence from teenagers in Ireland about cannabis, a mentality of its OK, its just cannabis, and said more must be done to inform young people about drugs.

Expand Close Fianna Fail candidate Mary Fitzpatrick says more should be done to inform teenagers of the dangers of cannabis (Niall Carson/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Fianna Fail candidate Mary Fitzpatrick says more should be done to inform teenagers of the dangers of cannabis (Niall Carson/PA)

Its hugely damaging to their future and hugely damaging for their community, she said.

At the moment the messaging, to a certain extent the HSE takes on some level of communications, but we need to get those messages delivered in the schools, by communities, and young people need to buy into this as well.

Young people have been really captured by what happened to young Keane (Mulready Woods), the connection there is, theres an opportunity to connect that in their minds.

We as adults in society need to say this isnt acceptable and we wont normalise it, and as adults we have to live that truth as well.

The comments have been rejected by People Before Profits Gino Kenny as completely outdated.

Obviously cannabis is very prevalent to society, whether we like it or not, and some young people are consuming it, he said.

My stance on it would be, and our partys stance on it is, that it needs to be regulated, and I would even go further than decriminalisation, it has to be legalised.

At the moment, its unregulated and if people are in possession, then they could be criminalised.

I think that generally has been a waste of resources for our society, and I think we have to be discussing the legalisation of cannabis.

There has to be a different model of how its actually regulated by the state.

People are going to consume drugs whether we like it or not, but there has to be a different mindset  throwing more laws and more police resources in preventing people consuming any drug hasnt really worked because people are consuming more drugs probably than ever.

Look about other drugs that are legal, just a particular alcohol or tobacco, they kill people on a regular basis.

Of course, over-consumption of cannabis is not good for your health whatsoever, which is more reason that it should be regulated and taken out of the hands of criminal gangs.

I dont think its more dangerous than any other substance thats legal.

Solidarity PBP @RuthCoppingerTD says its hardly a secret that people take recreational drugs and says suggestions that people who go out and smoke cannabis at the weekend are enabling current crime issues are ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/KxB4pG9lyX  aoife moore. (@aoifegracemoore) January 17, 2020

Mr Kennys party colleague Ruth Coppinger echoed the sentiment when asked about the current state of law and order in Ireland.

Its hardly a secret that people take recreational drugs, alcohol is a drug thats legal and causes a lot of damage in society, she said.

I hear this often in the media, that someone goes out on a Saturday and smokes hash is actually worse and enabling the whole crime issue, thats ridiculous, you cant just say suddenly people are going to stop using drugs  thats not going to happen.

We have to deal with the causes of drug abuse which are social and class based.
The post read: "I love you. You broke colour barriers, became a ring legend and trail blazed your way through this world. I was the boy sitting in the seats, watching and adoring you, my hero from afar.

New Delhi, Jan 18 (IANS) Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson dedicated a post on social media to his dad expressing how much he loves him and how he always looked up to Rocky.

"Dad, I wish I had one more shot to tell you, I love you before you crossed over to the other side. But you were ripped away from me so fast without warning. Go rest high."

As the post went viral, Netizens have flooded the social media with their reactions.

A user wrote: "I am sooo sooo sorry for your loss, but so happy for the relationship you had with your dad. He left us with yet another legend, his son. I know you've made him sooo proud and will continue to do so. Until you see him again, may he Rest In Peace and much love and prayers to you and your family."

"True words said there Mr Johnson", wrote another.

Johnson's father was a WWE Tag Team Champion and WWE Hall of Famer. He made history as the first African American world tag team champion as a member of the Soul Patrol alongside Tony Atlas.

The WWE released a statement earlier this week to express the company's condolences to Rocky Johnson's family.

saurav/rt
TROPHIES

Warren County Community College is getting some national attention. A recent report by the Chronicle of Higher Education found that the college, which has one of New Jerseys highest rates of graduation, scores well in other indicators of student success. The report, How low graduation rates camouflage student success at community colleges, took a closer look at schools specializing in two-year associate degree programs. The report found that nationally, 57 percent of first-time, full-time students met at least one of three measures  completing their degrees within 150% of the normal" time, transferring to another higher-education institution, or continuing to study at the original college. WCCC ranks 11th among community colleges in the nation for its overall student outcomes. Of 217 students enrolled in 2015, 91% had completed their degrees, transferred or were still enrolled in 2018.

A housing development plan for Eastons South Side is on track to convert a burned-out brownfield to 55 affordable apartments. This week the city planning commission granted final approval to the developers of The Mill at Easton to build at the site of the former Black Diamond Enterprises/Stewart Silk Mill property, across from Cheston Elementary School. The work includes a $1 million state grant for environmental remediation  trucking away asbestos, metals, semi-volatile organic compounds and contaminated soil. The developers received additional grants and tax credits to create attainable housing  one, two and three-bedroom apartments available to people earning between 30% and 80% of the areas median household income. That works out to monthly rents ranging from $300 to $1,100.

TURKEYS

Heres hoping the demise of Eastons feral cat management program isnt a sign of things to come. The city has made some progress in humanely addressing growing feral cat populations in several neighborhoods, but it recently suspended funding for a service contract over legal concerns. Last year city council approved $3,500 to cover the cost to trap, examine, neuter and release 100 cats. Larry Vandever of the Coalition for Feral Cats of the Lehigh Valley sought funding for his coalition to address the problem, and No Nonsense Neutering in Allentown offered to do the neutering for $35 each. Mayor Sal Panto Jr. said this week hes concerned that differences with Vandever over how to handle feral cat colonies could lead to a lawsuit. The citys contract doesnt give any party exclusive rights, allowing volunteers to trap cats as part of the program, Panto said. For the sake of the animals and the neighborhoods they inhabit, the city needs to get a working program back in place.

Major League Baseball has an orange-sox scandal on its hands  not gambling or performance-enhancing drugs, but the use of electronics to perfect the art of sign-stealing. Theres little doubt that the Houston Astros use of a centerfield video camera to spy on opposing teams catchers gave Astro hitters a significant advantage, and helped the team in its 2017 season and World Series win over the Dodgers. The disclosure resulted in the firing of the Astros general manager and manager, as well as Red Sox Manager Alex Cora and Mets Manager Carlos Betran, both of whom played a part in the sign-stealing. The Astros banged on a trash can in the dugout to tell batters whether to expect a fastball or breaking ball. While its impossible to quantify a statistical advantage, the best signal MLB could send is revoking the Astros accomplishment. The 2017 World Series title should be vacated.
Overdrive

Road accidents in India have been a matter of concern considering the high number of fatalities that happen, with almost 1.5 lakh deaths with 60 percent of them pedestrians. So, a new pedestrian safety software will get compulsory for all cars beginning from October 2020, to enhance the safety of people on road. The software consists of peripheral sensors in the front part of the vehicle, that will sense any sudden impact on the vehicle and activate the airbag control unit which uses infrared technology to detect a possible accident. The actuator converts the electrical energy into motion to lift the engine hood to absorb the crash energy. This helps to protect the pedestrian from coming in contact with the engine by creating a safe layer in between.

The consumer mindset is now more conscious of safety, which was earlier towards the cost and brand. Some of the safety features such as electronic stability control (ESC) and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) will be incorporated in new vehicles by 2022. However, it is a concern for manufacturers to bring all the safety features in their vehicle without a significant increase in the overall cost of the vehicle.

Compared to the US and UK, India has been lagging in terms of automotive safety standards, but now the government has been proactively issuing a host of new uncompromising regulations and upgrading the existing ones to reduce the road fatalities and make the passenger as well as pedestrian safer than before. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) says, 60 percent of the people killed in road accidents every year are pedestrians. Due to this, legal requirements and consumer protection tests for pedestrian protection have become significantly stricter in recent years across the world.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 01:16:48|Editor: yan

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LONDON, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Britain's arts minister Helen Whately placed an export bar Friday on a set of 18th century botanical drawings valued at 2.5 million pounds (3.26 million U.S. dollars).

Experts say the works, which contain hand painted early depictions of indigenous plants, birds and animals, are among the finest examples of botanical drawing in existence.

The works, "The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands" and "A Commonplace Book", were completed in the mid 1700s and are now at risk of being lost abroad unless a British buyer can be found. The works were owned by Peter Collinson, a critical figure in British natural history.

"The intricate drawings in this collection offer us a special insight into how new discoveries and images of plants and animals in far off lands were shared before the advent of modern technology," Whately, parliamentary under secretary of state (minister for arts, heritage and tourism), told the press.

"This collection is a hugely important resource for future generations and I hope that a buyer can be found so these works can be saved for the nation," she said.

The minister's decision follows the advice of an independent art reviewing committee which highlighted the collection's historical importance and outstanding significance for the study of the history of science and the natural world in 18th century Britain.

The decision on the export licence application for the albums will be deferred until April 16, 2020. This may be extended until Aug. 16, 2020 if a serious intention to raise funds to purchase it is made at the recommended price of 2.5 million pounds (3.26 million dollars).
Gaels Lotto at 20,000 - The Cuchulainn Gaels lotto draw took place on Wednesday last, January 8, in Howes Bar, with a jackpot prize of 20,000.

The numbers drawn were 5, 7, 10 and 12, but these numbers were not matched. There were three 'match three' winners, Annie McGuigan, Jacqueline McKeown and Susan Jones who share the 100 prize.

This week's draw is in the Granvue Hotel at 7 pm for a top prize of 20,000. The new reserve jackpot is 2,600.

Tickets are on sale in the following shops/businesses: Cafe Rosa, Cornamucklagh House, Granvue, Howe's, Mace Omeath, Omeath Post Office, Omeath Fuels (TOP) and Sister Chips Chippy, Main St., Omeath. They are 2 per line or 5 for 3 lines.

You can also play online at the following link: https://play.clubforce.com/playnewa.asp?llid=634#Anchor

Thank you for your continued support.

St Pat's lotto

The St. Patrick's lotto draw took place at their club rooms at Lordship on Thursday night last, January 9, for a jackpot of 9,400.

The numbers drawn were 6,12, 23 and 27 but no one matched these numbers to claim the top prize. There were three 'match three' winners; Padraic Devane, Rampark, c/o online; Beda O'Shaughnessy, Deerpark, c/o Pat Finnegan; Audrey O'Rourke, Castletowncooley, c/o Station House.

The next draw takes place on Thursday, January 16 for a jackpot of 9,600. Lotto tickets are available from committee members, Sheelan's Shop, Crilly's Shop, Station House Cafe, Londis Bellurgan, McCrystal's Shop, Lumpers Bar or online. 2 a line or 3 for 5.

House draw tickets

The Louth GAA double house draw is scheduled to take place on Saturday May 16 at the Louth GAA Centre of Excellence, Darver. Tickets are priced at 100 and each house winner will have an alternative choice to take a cash prize. The houses are three bedroom semi detached and are situated, one in Dundalk and the other in Drogheda.

In the St. Patrick's club, wee county double house draw tickets are available from Sean Crilly (087) 913 6627, Vin o Hare (087) 956 3948, Padraic O Connor +353 (87) 239 7137, Maria White +353 (87) 804 0042, Sharon McEneaney 0863907576, Louise McEneaney 0876659312, and John Grogan (087) 967 8523.

Registration at St. Patrick's GFC is still open. Thank you to all that registered last week and online.

Our second registration night is on Thursday January 23 from 7.30-9pm or online by clicking the link below.

Classes in Dolmen Centre

Pilates classes started last Wednesday in the Dolmen Centre, Omeath. The classes are for a six week period and are from 7pm to 8pm. The cost for the six weeks is 50.

For further information please contact Clare via Whats App on 086 8612283 or email griffinclare@hotmail.com to book your spot.

The Tea and Talk drop in morning continues on Thursday mornings from 10.30am to 12 noon.

All are Welcome.

Kickhams lotto

The Cooley Kickhams Lotto draw took place on Monday night, January 6.

The numbers drawn were 2, 11, 30 and 32 but no one matched these numbers to claim the top prize of 2,200. There was one 'match three' winner, Gerry Farrell c/o Jamie Farrell.

The jackpot for the next draw is 2,400 and this takes place on Monday January 13.

The Cooley Kickhams club is launching a campaign to significantly increase the number of people playing our weekly lotto. We would like to encourage our friends, members and supporters, both from within Ireland and around the world, to sign up to play our lotto draw online.

Raising finance is vital to the continued success of the club and the weekly lotto draw is at the heart of our regular fundraising activities. Online sales are very important and welcome as they greatly reduce the workload of our club lotto sellers.

Playing club lotto online is simple - just register once to play, choose your numbers and the number of draws and pay securely via debit/credit card. Lotto players can sign up for automatic renewal, ensuring they never miss the chance to win. There is also a discount for playing online e.g. 6 weeks for the price of 5.

If you require any assistance please contact Kevin Smyth, Lorraine Long, Anne McDonald, Veronica Traynor or Ann Marie O'Neill.

Thanks to all our members and friends for your continued support, and good luck in our lotto draws!

Cooley Coast Run 2020

The 10th annual Cooley Coast Run will take place on Friday 15th May. Both the 5k and 10k begin at 7pm sharp.

We are delighted to confirm the continued support of our three main sponsors Ktf Housing, Alltec Fibre and Perfect Food Solutions Ltd. Thanks very much to Niall Keenan and Niall Brady for their generosity.

Online registration is now open using the link below. Sign up now to get that new years resolution off to a good start!

St Pat's ladies presentation

St. Patrick's ladies have organised their presentation night for Friday January 24.

It was a great year with the club achieving the coveted double and this should ensure a big turnout for the celebration night. The event is in Fitzpatricks Restaurant and tickets are 20 each. The meal will be served at 8pm sharp and tickets are available from this Thursday, January 16, at the Lordship Complex from 8pm until 9.30pm.

Great response to fundraiser

The Omeath Community Annual Fundraising Walk would like to express their sincere gratitude for the incredible turnout on New Year's Day.

An amazing 2,500 was donated on the day and a Go Fund me page which is still open on Facebook has raised an additional amount of 3,280 stg.

All donations will go directly to North Louth Hospice in memory of Mary Jo Ross McQuaid.

Parish lotto

The Carlingford/Omeath Parish lotto draw resumed last week with a jackpot of 15,000. The following numbers were selected, 1, 4, 22 and 23.

There were no winners of the top prize and the three 'match three' winners were; M. McGuinness, Carlingford; E. Ruane, Omeath, (twice).

The jackpot for this week's draw remains at 15,000 and the new reserve jackpot rises to 10,500.

Active Retirement

The Omeath and District Active Retirement Group are having their first meeting of 2020 on this coming Wednesday, January 15.

It commences at 3pm and all members and especially new members are very welcome.

Fundraiser presentation

Cooley parish will present a cheque to Woman's Aid, Dundalk, on this Wednesday January 15 in Rathabbey Community House, Grange.

The cheque is the proceeds of the recent 'Walk a Mile in her Shoes' fundraiser and certificates will also be presented to all the men who participated in the walk. Tea or coffee will be served on the night.

Rathcor NS enrolments

Rathcor National School are taking enrolments for 2020/2021.

Please contact the school on Tuesdays/Thursdays between 9 am and 1pm for enrolment forms. For further information please ring 042-9376543.

Bush School Musical

The Bush School post primary students will take to the stage in St. Mary's Hall, Cooley, this week for their production of the musical 'Hairspray'.

It will be performed on this Wednesday (15th), Thursday (16th), and Friday (17th) January and commences at 8pm. Tickets are available from the school and further information can be had by contacting 042-9376246.

Glen United quiz night

Glen United held a very successful quiz night in Martins of Riverstown on Friday December 27.

There was a good turnout for the event and the winning team members were Joe McCann, Ciaran McCann, Cal McKenna, Daniel Brown, John Doherty and Stephen Ferguson.

The Glen committee would like to thank all who succeeded in making the night such a great success and look forward to many such events in 2020.

Christmas Cup competition

The Christmas Cup competition, organised by the North Louth Winter League, has reached its final stage after a number of weekend games.

Greenfield had a 3-1 win over Carlingford at Carlingford while Ravensdale beat Haynestown/Doolargy 3-2 in Dundalk. Ravensdale now meet Greenfield in the A final this weekend. Glen United beat Faughart 3-1 at Ravensdale and now meet Ramparts in the B final.
The sound is as loud as a gunshot, smashing the small window of the closed door about a yard from my bed in a homeless shelter in Brooklyn. I jump to my feet in the semi-darkness, ready to defend myself or run. Glass shards litter the floor and someone in the hallway is shouting, I broke my hand! I broke my hand! Through the now empty window frame that looks onto the hallway I see two security guards approaching the resident who has punched out the window. After radioing for an ambulance, the guards escort the injured party out of the building. Despite the explosion of noise, my four roommates are still asleep. Shaken, I get back into bed and close my eyes.

While random violence is not unheard of at the Renaissance Mens Shelter  the facility where Ive lived since May due to a mental health condition that left me homeless at the age of 58  its thankfully not routine. If I had to guess, I would bet the resident who broke the window is an addict  as opposed to a psychiatric case  because during the six months Ive lived here, the only violence Ive seen has been committed by drug abusers. That observation raises difficult questions about the way that cities and towns across America are trying to deal with a rise in homelessness.

David Shohl outside the Renaissance Men's Shelter in Brooklyn, N.Y. (Photo: Yana Paskova for Yahoo News)

Three months have passed since I first wrote about my life at the shelter for Yahoo News, and each day Ive wondered if housing the mentally ill together with addicts  many of whom have just left prison  is the best solution to an admittedly daunting problem. One reason why homelessness is such a difficult crisis to solve is simple demographics. Figures compiled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration show that at least 25 percent of the homeless in the U.S. suffer from mental illness. The National Coalition for the Homeless estimates that 38 percent of those without homes are alcohol dependent, while 26 percent are addicted to drugs.

In a homeless shelter, that mix can prove volatile. According to the Harvard University Medical School website, Many of the mentally ill avoid shelters because they fear violence and theft or cannot tolerate the noise, crowds, and confusion.

Story continues

Speaking to the staff at Renaissance, I was told there were no homeless shelters in New York City specifically devoted to either mental health cases or to residents addicted to drugs. Still, Im grateful for what I have. Renaissance gives me a clean, dry place to sleep at night, along with a large locker in which to store my belongings. It also provides three balanced daily meals to all residents, and a crew of caseworkers to help residents navigate the byzantine process of finding public housing. The area that is in greatest need of improvement is safety: With approximately 200 beds, the shelter is designated to serve mentally ill and chemical abusers (MICA), but the former are generally less threatening to other residents. And, while there are plenty of instances of volatile mental patients and harmless addicts, an addict in need of a fix is potentially more violent than a mental patient whose medications are dispensed daily by the shelters nurse.

Shohl, who compares his backpack to the "home away from home" a turtle carries on its back, is a former music teacher now battling homelessness. (Photo: Yana Paskova for Yahoo News)

Two residents Ive gotten to know illustrate the distinction well (all of the names of the residents in this piece have been changed at the request of the shelter). Ezra is about 30 years old and a schizophrenic. Once he becomes comfortable around a person, he lets his guard down and begins conversing with a variety of deceased people from his past. Hes adept at imitating the tones of voice and dialects of the people speaking in his head, and the discussions can go on for hours.

When Ezra isnt interacting with unseen companions, he is stable and grounded (he previously held a job at Walmart), and exhibits a keen intelligence. He is also very musical. As a former professor of music prior to my arrival at Renaissance, Ive been teaching him to read and notate music. He would also like to attend college to study photography and illustration and speaks of being at a turning point in his life. Raised in the South, he has come to New York to find work and, if possible, to locate his birth parents, whom he has never met.

Ezra doesnt let his unusual inner life prevent him from behaving ethically: I float him a couple dollars once in a while and hes very conscientious about paying me back. I havent seen him express anger or frustration with others  in contrast to many of the people Ive encountered in the shelter  though he has as much cause as anyone to feel strong emotions. He cultivates a certain maturity and integrity, so that acting childish would be beneath him.

Shohl at a neighborhood branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. (Photo: Yana Paskova for Yahoo News)

Eddie, another resident, is in his early 60s and is clinically sane but addicted to crack, which costs him a hundred dollars a day. Hes more prone to violence than Ezra, and struck a roommate who Eddie said didnt bathe enough. Eddie has stolen shoe laces from other residents and has been caught ransacking lockers in search of money to buy crack. When his SSI check doesnt cover his monthly cocaine expenses, he sells his pain medication or shoplifts to cover the gap. Eddie says he has been arrested over 50 times in his life, for which he mostly blames New York Citys stop-and-frisk policy.

Earlier this month Eddie went on a crack binge and, after going multiple nights without sleep, ended up in bed for weeks afterward. Hes been in rehab before, and is scheduled to go back on an outpatient basis next week. But it seems unlikely that he will do much to improve his life at this point because he consciously accepts the idea that coke makes life worth living, even though this means harming himself and others.

The active drug users at Renaissance seem primarily concerned with scoring their next dose and avoiding withdrawal. About four months ago, I was accosted in one of the bathrooms by an older addict demanding my wallet. If he hadnt been so intoxicated, I might not have escaped unharmed. Incidents like this  or like last week, when an alcoholic roommate woke me up twice by falling on me  make me think I would feel more secure if the drug users and mental patients each had a facility to themselves.

Of course, a substantial number of my fellow residents belong to both categories. Im fortunate in not being an addict or schizophrenic: My diagnosis is refractory depression, a disabling condition that does not respond to traditional therapy and medication. My treatment involves once-a-month sessions of electro-convulsive therapy, otherwise known as ECT. While it keeps me out of the hospital, it has debilitating side-effects, such as short-term memory loss and exhaustion that forced me to quit my teaching job.

Walking near the Renaissance Men's Shelter. (Photo: Yana Paskova for Yahoo News)

While severe depression slows me down, it doesnt stop me from looking for my own place, though Im still in a holding pattern of waiting, as I wrote last October, for my government paperwork to arrive. When I first entered the shelter system, a social worker told me that she knew of no one in the shelters who found a place to live in less than a year. I didnt believe her then, but now that seven months have elapsed and my application for public housing is still not ready for submission to the city, Im less skeptical. However, I still notice residents moving out of the shelter into apartments, and I still see new faces arrive, so its encouraging to know the process is functional.

There are other reasons to be hopeful. After I published my first piece at Yahoo News, some old friends contacted me, offering clothing and food. Some invited me out for a meal, and a group of musicians got together and raised money that enabled me to pay off some outstanding medical bills. Most incredibly, I received a $10,000 grant from an arts organization as a result of the publication, money Im saving for rent in anticipation of leaving the shelter. Even with this recent income, however, my earnings for the year put me below the poverty level.

Overall, I see myself as lucky, and I look forward to the time when I can look back at my stay at Renaissance as a temporary necessity. But others Ive met here face bigger challenges, and as the country addresses the growing problem of homelessness, I believe it should reconsider the way it can best shelter those in need as they look for permanent housing. One of my shelter friends, 29-year-old Manuel, who has a medical diagnosis of anxiety-depression, deteriorated once he entered the shelter system. The threat of drug-induced violence caused him to experience his first panic attack after moving into the shelter system a year ago, and he has had a dozen more over the past six months, each of which required him to be hospitalized. With the help of a regimen of Zoloft, Manuel has been able to get the panic attacks under control, but I worry about stressors that might cause them to return.

Photo: Yana Paskova for Yahoo News

Manuels story is not that unusual and I sympathize with him. Even though hes strong and quite bright, the presence of addicts who often intimidate other residents is disconcerting  youre always looking over your shoulder.

I think the residents with mental conditions would do better if we didnt have to wonder who might become dangerously aggressive. The solution to this systemic problem is technically simple: take the two groups  addicts and the mentally ill  and assign each population to its own shelter.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
Sydney and much of NSW has swung from one weather extreme to another, with heavy falls and cooler temperatures snapping the sequence of heatwaves and an extended dry spell.

"There's a high potential for unsettled weather," Abrar Shabren, a Bureau of Meteorology duty forecaster, said.

More rain, including possible thunderstorms, is on the way for eastern NSW including Sydney. Credit:Isabella Porras

An upper level trough moving across the state will enhance the threat of severe, isolated thunderstorms from Sunday overnight into Monday.

"This system may bring large hail and damaging winds," Mr Shabren said, possibly affecting a wide swath of eastern NSW.
File photo shows trekkers watch the sun rise over the Annapurna Range, right, in central Nepal, as viewed from Poon Hill, above the village of Ghorepani. AP photo

Kathmandu: An avalanche swept a popular trekking route in Nepals mountains, leaving at least four South Koreans and three Nepali guides missing, authorities said Saturday.

Nepals Department of Tourism official Meera Acharya said at least one Chinese national injured in the avalanche was rescued by helicopter.

The avalanche hit along the popular Annapurna circuit trekking route, which encircles Mount Annapurna.

Acharya said efforts were being made to rescue the others. So far, rescuers have been able to pluck 30 trekkers who were trapped by the avalanche blocking the trail and flew them to a safe area.

Weather conditions were poor with temperature dropping in the last two days, making the operation more difficult.

The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the avalanche hit at an altitude of 3,230 meters (10,600 feet) before noon Friday. It said five other South Korean members of the same team were safe and taking shelter in a lodge.

The missing trekkers  two women in their 30s and 50s and two men in their 50s  were teachers who were staying in Nepal for volunteer work, the ministry said, according to South Koreas Yonhap news agency.

An avalanche swept a popular trekking route in Nepals mountains, leaving at least four South Koreans and three Nepali guides missing, authorities said Saturday.

Nepals Department of Tourism official Meera Acharya said at least one Chinese national injured in the avalanche was rescued by helicopter.

The avalanche hit along the popular Annapurna circuit trekking route, which encircles Mount Annapurna.

Acharya said efforts were being made to rescue the others. So far, rescuers have been able to pluck 30 trekkers who were trapped by the avalanche blocking the trail and flew them to a safe area.

Weather conditions were poor with temperature dropping in the last two days, making the operation more difficult.

The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the avalanche hit at an altitude of 3,230 meters (10,600 feet) before noon Friday. It said five other South Korean members of the same team were safe and taking shelter in a lodge.

The missing trekkers  two women in their 30s and 50s and two men in their 50s  were teachers who were staying in Nepal for volunteer work, the ministry said, according to South Koreas Yonhap news agency.
US is sending asylum seekers who arrive at its border to a safe third country to seek refuge.

The United States is sending asylum seekers who arrive at its border to a safe third country to seek refuge there.

For the past few weeks, flights have been arriving in Guatemala with Honduran and Salvadoran asylum seekers.

But there are doubts over whether Guatemala can provide for them or protect them.

Al Jazeeras John Holman reports from Guatemala City.
The airport and businesses remained closed in the capital of Newfoundland in Atlantic Canada on Saturday in the wake of a massive winter blizzard that buried cars in snow drifts and caused an avalanche in one neighborhood, Trend reports citing Reuters.

The storm dumped as much as 75 cm (29 inches) of snow on the city of St. Johns and packed wind gusts as high as 130 km per hour (81 mph). Mayor Danny Breen said a state of emergency declared on Friday remained in effect.

All businesses are ordered to remain closed; shops closing regulations are suspended and all vehicles are prohibited from using City streets except emergency vehicles; police, fire and ambulance, Breen said on Twitter.

Thousands remained without power and social media showed people had begun to literally dig out of their homes after snow drifts blocked their doorways.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corp (CBC) confirmed a report of an avalanche slamming into a home in the Battery neighborhood, which sits at the entrance to the St. Johns harbor on the slopes of a steep hill.

A picture of the home on Twitter showed the living room filled with snow. The CBC also said a 26-year-old man has been reported missing after having set out to walk to a friends house on Friday during the blizzard.

Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday offered federal help to the city and province if needed.

Thinking of our friends & neighbors in NL who are dealing with the aftermath of yesterdays massive blizzard. Stay safe out there and listen to your local authorities. Were here for you and stand ready to help in any way we can, Trudeau tweeted on Saturday.
New Delhi, Jan 18 : Projecting a Rs 5.38 lakh crore requirement over the next five years for providing primary healthcare, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has said it will help deal with 90 per cent of the healthcare demands.

In a presentation to 15th Finance Commission, the Ministry said investment in primary healthcare could reduce the need for more costly and complex care by preventing illness and promoting general health.

There had been a lack of focus on health promotion and healthy lifestyle, causing high incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), it noted.

Four major NCDs -- cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and respiratory diseases -- account for nearly 62 per cent of all mortality among men and 52 per cent among women. Of this, 56 per cent is premature.

Noting the need for strengthening the primary healthcare system, the Ministry said public investment was the need of hour.

People end up spending more on secondary and tertiary healthcare due to lack of high-quality primary healthcare facilities. Over 70 per cent of out-of-pocket expenditure is on non-hospital care and nearly two-thirds of this goes towards buying medicines.

Dr Shakti Gupta, Medical Superintendent of RP Centre at AIIMS, said strengthening primary health centres and district hospitals was key to improving the system.

"If the primary healthcare centres and district hospitals are strengthened in terms of infrastructure, equipments and trained manpower, no one will have to rush to medical colleges and big cities for common health issues," Dr Gupta told IANS. "We spend more on tertiary care and less on primary healthcare," he said.

There is a huge shortfall in the primary healthcare infrastructure and professionals.

Around Rs 1.88 lakh crore would be needed to address the shortage of healthcare professionals, and Rs 90,336 crore to bridge the infrastructure gap, according to the Health Ministry.

The Finance Commission, headed by N.K. Singh, has asked the Ministry to come up with revised proposals on the optimum use of funds in respect of sector-specific grants.
At least 10 children have died of a mysterious disease and six others taken ill in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting the Centre to deploy a team of medical experts to join the probe to ascertain the cause of deaths, a senior officer said on Saturday.

The children's death entailing complaints of fever, vomiting and low urine output were reported from different villages of Ramnagar block of the district over the past fortnight, he said.

"Our survey of the affected area revealed 10 children died of the mysterious disease in an area of 40-kilometre radius in Ramnagar block. The symptoms of the disease include fever and vomiting followed by renal problem," Udhampur's Chief Medical Officer K C Dogra told PTI.

He said six other children, all below the age of four, are still undergoing treatment at different hospitals -- three in PGI Chandigarh, two at SMGS Hospital Jammu and one in Ludhiana (Punjab).

"Various teams of doctors from Jammu, Udhampur and the Ramnagar block level are camping in the affected area and we are trying to ascertain the cause of the disease," Dogra said.

An official spokesman said a central team of experts, deployed by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, would soon visit Jammu and Kashmir to investigate the children's death due to unknown etiology, being reported from the Ramnagar block of Udhampur district.

"The team will assist J&K Health Department in ascertaining the cause of deaths and instituting requisite public health measures. The team, upon completion of their activities, will submit a report to Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare," the spokesman said.

He said the visiting team comprises Specialist (Pediatrics) Sumit Mehndiratta of New Delhi's Safdarujing Hospital, Deputy Director (Microbiology) Mahesh Waghmare of the National Center for Disease Control, Delhi and Assistant Director (Epidemiology) Suneet Kaur of Delhi's National Center for Disease Control, besides microbiologist Shilpa Tomar and epidemiologist Avinash Deoshatwar of National Institute Of Virology, Pune.

Udhampur's District Development Commissioner Piyush Singla has already directed the Public Health Engineering Department to collect samples of drinking water for laboratory testing and to ensure safe drinking water is provided to the public.

District health authorities have appealed to the public not to panic and consult doctors in nearby health centres if there is any case having symptoms of fever, vomiting and low urine output.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Comedian Julie Jay has a list of achievements as long as my arm and next week, she will be ticking another first off her list as she prepares to grace the stage of the Blasket Bar Comedy Club.

A comic who has taken the Irish comedy scene by storm in recent months and years, Julie has many impressive accolades under her belt, including being named as the winner of the Forbidden Fruit Comedy Search 2017 while also performing at all major festivals - Body and Soul, Alltogether Now, Electric Picnic and Vodafone.

Talking of achievements and ringing endorsements, Julie said that it doesn't get better than receiving praise for her work from the one and only Tommy Tiernan.

"The brightest and funniest thing I've seen for a long, long time," is how Tiernan described Julie's comedy.

Now, as her new show 'Julie Really Love Me' takes flight, Julie will be performing in The Blasket Bar on the night of Thursday January 23.

"It will be my first time ever performing there. I'm really looking forward to it. It should be great craic. This will be the second date on my new tour so I'm hoping that it will be a brilliant night," said Julie on Friday, speaking to The Kerryman.

As for what kind of comedy people can expect on the night, Julie said that most of the comedy is based on stories from her own life.

"Generally it's all based on stories from my own life. It's about my journey to self-love and acceptance and all that. It's mostly going to be dark and satirical stuff and it's mostly obviously about relationships and that kind of thing. I'm really looking forward to getting down there and performing," she continued.

As for support acts on the night, it is not yet confirmed but Julie said that she is hoping to have her husband - hugely successful Irish comedian Fred Cooke joining her on the night but right now, she can't quite guarantee the scheduling will work out.

This will be the first Comedy Club night of 2020 in the Tralee bar; tickets for the show are just 13 online and are available through the link on the Blasket Bar's Facebook page.

Otherwise, tickets can be purchased on the night or in advance from the Tech Co shop in Tralee.
Pakistan's Supreme Court has returned the petition of self-exiled former dictator against his conviction and sentencing by a special tribunal with objection that he is not allowed to appeal without surrendering to the law, according to a media report.

On Thursday, 74-year-old retired general, now based in Dubai, approached the court to challenge the ruling of the special tribunal that had handed him death sentence on charges of high treason.

Barrister Salman Safdar, the counsel for Musharraf, submitted the 90-page petition in the top court. In the petition, the former president urged the Supreme Court to declare the special court ruling null and void.

The registrar office of the top court on Friday returned the appeal with the observation that it was settled principle of law that the convict should first surrender before filing appeal, The Express Tribune reported.

The court gave one month time to remove the objection which meant that Musharraf should surrender within one month otherwise he would lose the right to file appeal, the report said.

The three-member court in its judgment on December 17 found him guilty and handed down the death penalty after six years of hearing the high-profile treason case against him. He was punished despite not appearing to record his statement.

Musharraf who has been living in Dubai since March 2016 stated in his petition that the former president's absence from the special court was not intentional as he was unable to appear due to health issue.

He said that the special court had accepted his pleas of ailment but convicted the former president in absentia.

The Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif 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.

It is the first time in Pakistan's history that a former army chief was tried and sentenced under Article 6 of the Constitution.

Separately, the Lahore High Court declared that the formation of the special court was "unconstitutional" and that the treason case against the former president was not prepared in accordance with the law. It let some experts to believe that its verdict had become null and void.

Others, however, assert that the judgment would stay as it was according to the law, though the court's formation was declared as against the law.
When Parliament makes bad laws, they end up in courts where judges do what the lawmakers should be doing, former vice president Hamid Ansari said on Saturday

New Delhi: When Parliament makes bad laws, they end up in courts where judges do what the lawmakers should be doing, former vice president Hamid Ansari said on Saturday.

Addressing an event here, he also said that good laws are made when Parliament and assemblies are not called to endorse the views of the ruler of the day.

Ansari lamented that Parliament and Assembly sessions have become more of a "ritual".

"As we make bad laws, sooner or later they end up in some high court or the Supreme Court and what should have been done by Parliament is being done by judges," he said adding that such a "fault" can be corrected.

The former Rajya Sabha chairman said that Parliament, which earlier used to meet for 10 days, is now sitting for 60 days per annum, while in other countries legislatures meet for 120 to 150 days.

Ansari also said that for any law or rule to be framed, ample time is needed for discussion but parliament and Assembly sessions have today become more of a "ritual" where "you meet, say a few things, stay a few days together and go".

The former vice president, who was speaking at the event 'Sansad 2020', stressed that consent of people and expression of wishes of people are essential in a democracy.

He also said the consultation process has to be "fair and open" in a democratic system.
Assam BJP unit president Ranjeet Kumar Dass was re-elected to the post for a second consecutive term on Saturday.

The announcement was made at a party meeting held at the Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra here in presence of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convenor and state minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Dass has been elected as the party's state president for another three-year term.

The chief minister congratulated Dass and thanked him for motivating the party workers at the grassroots level.

"Dass has played a crucial role in strengthening the party," he added.

The NEDA convenor also congratulated Dass on his re- election as the party's state president.

"Dass has infused a new energy in the party and I am certain that together we shall continue to take the BJP to greater heights," Sarma said.

Dass said he was grateful that the party workers had given him another chance to serve them.

"We shall work with renewed vigour and ensure that the BJP's mission of winning more than 100 seats in the 2021 assembly elections is achieved," he said.

The Assam Legislative Assembly has 126 seats.

Dass was first elected as the party president on January 30, 2017.

Dass had joined the saffron party in 1992 and was elected as an MLA from Sorbhog assembly constituency in 2011.

He was the party's deputy leader in the House from 2011 to 2016.

He was re-elected from the Sorbhog constituency in 2016 assembly polls and was elected as the Speaker of the House.

Dass had resigned from the Speaker's post on being elected as the party president.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Over 300 doctors from across the globe congregated in the national capital and emphasised the importance of intermittent fasting as a preventive healthcare to lead a healthy life.

They said practices such as intermittent fasting are known to regulate the lipids in the body thereby maintaining the glycemic index. Apart from being a weight loss remedy, it also helps in developing a more active lifestyle.

Highlighting the ways for healthy living, renowned doctors, healthcare practitioners from India, USA, Canada, China, Vietnam, Australia and South Africa took part in the anti-aging conference.

The highlights of the lecture sessions included discussions on advanced cutting edge technology and futuristic innovations in the healthcare for a better and healthy living.

While medication has taken an exponential leap this century, many people are still unaware that preventive health has had a profound effect on human longevity, awareness, mental wellbeing, BK Modi founder-chairman, Smart Group, said via a video conference.

"I wish more people discover the benefits of preventive health. Though people are becoming very health conscious and hence intermittent fasting is one of the ways that has attracted 30-40% of the people for the same. Seeking the benefits, more number of people are opting, as it not only triggers weight loss but also helps the body to combat various chronic ailments," Modi said.

People are always looking for something new way of losing weight, and intermittent fasting is a very old method used by people for weight loss and body cleansing, another doctor said.

Unless any patient has a history of some chronic disease, diabetes, hypertention etc, people in any age bracket irrespective of gender are recommended.

"It is glad to see that doctors in India are taking a keen interest in preventive health. With the introduction of featured new age topics including intermittent fasting, regenerative medicine, autoimmunity, biochemical detox, and sub-fertile male amongst others, these techniques have gained attention for it's incredible effects on both weight loss and curbing down chronic diseases," said Micheal Brown, director, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

The conference was organised by Smart Group, a diversified business conglomerate with interests in mobility, finance, healthcare and technology sectors, in collaboration with American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, a not-for-profit medical society dedicated to the detection, prevention and treatment of diseases associated with aging.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Delayed discharges is a huge factor causing overcrowding at Sligo University Hospital.

That's according to Councillor Chris MacManus who said SUH had entered the hospital top ten for trolley figures in 2019 - "over 2,500 bed days lost due to delayed discharges is one of the reasons why."

"Figures released to my office show that 2,372 bed days have been lost in Sligo University Hospital due to delayed discharges from January to November of last year and will see the figure surpass 2,500 by the end of 2019.

"It costs the health service 878 to run a hospital bed per day, so these bed days have cost SUH an estimated 2.2M just to keep patients - who can be discharged - unnecessarily in beds. That's the price of a new permanent Cath Lab which though often announced and re-announced has yet to be delivered.

"Delayed discharge patients are clinically fit for discharge from hospital, but because of a lack of home help or a nursing home bed they can't be discharged - this practice constitutes one biggest financial wastes in the health service and has cost the health service across that state nearly 600 million since 2016.

"Contrast this to the cost of home help hours which the HSE abetted by the Government have froze. One day delayed in hospital for a patient costs more than a month's home help for that same patient. It makes no sense.

"On a human level delayed discharges are a huge factor in the trolley crisis and keeps sick patients from getting the hospital bed they need.

"It is also incredibly unfair on the patients stuck in hospital who are ready to be discharged. These patients should be given the home help they need so they can be discharged, or given a space in a step down facility or nursing home. That way these hospital beds can be used to get patients into SUH and off trolleys. It's the least they deserve," he said.

On Friday last the number of patients waiting on trolleys at the hospital was 20, 16 in the Emergency Department and four in other wards.

The weekly total was 94 which included 74 in the Emergency Department.

Sligo University Hospital has said it is sorry that any patient has to wait for admission to a hospital bed.

In reply to queries from The Sligo Champion in relation to trolley figures at SUH and how it is being addressed, a spokesperson from the Saolta Hospital Group said numbers attending the Emergency Department (ED) for care continues to increase year on year.

Some 25% of patients who attend the Emergency Department need to be admitted to hospital for further treatment and care.

The hospital also cited an aging population for its problems in accessing patient beds.

"The number of patients aged 75 and over presenting to ED and who need to be admitted to hospital for treatment has been rising year on year in line with changes in our population. Older patients may have more complex care requirements, are more likely to need to be admitted to hospital for treatment and will also have a longer length of stay in hospital," a statement to The Sligo Champion detailed.

The hospital outlined how it is working towards reducing the number of patients who have to wait to be admitted to a ward, citing that it is working with colleagues in the community to enable patients to go home.

Asked how the hospital plans to address bed capacity, the spokesperson, Aoife Morrisey, referenced the planning permission for 46 beds.

"In terms of increasing the bed capacity, last year the hospital received planning permission for a 46 single room ward block which will address demand arising from increasing emergency attendances and admissions.

"The hospital will continue to work with HSE Estates and the National Acute Services to progress this project to the next stage, which is the detailed design phase and try to secure funding for this new build block."

Also cited as helping to address patient exeperience within SUH, is the introduction of a number of initiatives, including a Frailty Intervention Team in the Emergency Department and Acute Assessment Unit, Discharge Lounge, Community Intervention Team and Advance Nurse Practitioner roles.
A Jerusalem Post article points out something interesting about the Democrat Party debates to date: they are loudly silent about Israel. While each of the six candidates who made it to the January 2020 debate had a great deal to say about Iran, and especially how wonderful Obama's Iran deal was and how all would handle Iran so much better than President Trump ever could, none even whispered the word "Israel."

Things would have been different, says Herb Keinon, at a Republican debate:

Were the tables reversed, were this a debate among Republican contenders, Israel would most likely have been a major part of the conversation, even if the thrust of the discussion was Iran and not the Palestinian issue. Republican candidates  in talking about Iran or the nuclear deal  would surely have inserted lines about "the need to keep Israel safe" or "working strongly with our close ally Israel." As former Mideast negotiator Aaron David Miller told the Jewish Insider after the debate, "Had it been a Republican debate, with Iran as focus, they would have been stumbling over one another with pro-Israeli references."

What the debate reflects, says Keinon, is a profound change in the Democrat Party as a whole. The candidates have determined that supporting Israel is no longer an advantage to a candidate:

The current candidates  those on the debate stage and former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, who was not there  apparently feel they have little to gain politically right now by speaking on Israel. Israel, because of the very tight and highly visible relationship between Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has turned into a partisan issue in the US. For the Likud, the close Netanyahu-Trump relationship is an electoral asset, the reason that  in this year's election campaigns in Israel  large posters of a smiling Trump shaking the hand of a beaming Netanyahu have draped the country's major cities.

Keinon's halfway there, but he sells short the fact that the Democrat Party's break from Israel happened long before Trump. Trump's close relationship with Netanyahu only exacerbated it.

After all, Israel's friends haven't forgotten the cavalier way Obama treated Netanyahu when the latter visited the White House; they haven't forgotten Hillary Clinton's lifetime of hostility to Israel, including her role as "designated screamer" (no matter how cutely she tried to dress up that role); they haven't forgotten Obama's extortionate weapons deal with Israel; and, of course, they haven't forgotten the Iran deal itself, which fast-tracks Iran to nuclear weapons, a number of which will be aimed directly at Israel.

Nor have Israel's friends missed the rising anti-Semitism on America's colleges and universities, which are bastions of progressivism and the Democrat Party. They've also noticed that the Democrat primary candidate who is currently most popular is Bernie Sanders, who's besties with the openly anti-Semitic Linda Sarsour.

Currently, when pressed, the Democrat candidates will pay a little lip service to Israel and fairness before immediately reverting to Warren's favorite trope of "putting everything on the table" in the service of protecting the Palestinians from Israel's alleged depredations. Moreover, Warren, just like Bernie, proudly supports open anti-Semites, such as Palestinian-American Maysoon Zayid.

Despite the Democrat Party's growing hostility to Israel, American Jews still relentlessly side with Democrats. There are #Jexit and #Jexodus movements, but sadly, Jews are blind to something that American blacks have already begun to realize: the Democrat Party is the enemy. Just as with black interests, its policies are hostile to Jewish interests. Democrats take both black and Jewish votes for granted without giving them a thing in return.
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Linkedin Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Bandung  Sat, January 18, 2020 16:22 724 48be62e941b44f04afae568c322ad3b3 1 National Mount-Semeru,eruption,volcanoes-in-Indonesia,PVMBG,aviation-alert Free

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) has issued a code orange volcano observatory notice for aviation (VONA) after Mount Semeru in East Java erupted on Friday morning.

The head of the PVMBGs volcano disaster mitigation division for the western part of Indonesia, Nia Herani, said the VONA had to be issued immediately because an observation post on Mount Sawur recorded that the volcano spewed up from its crater columns of ash 400 meters high.

"The columns of ash mostly rose straight up and we will immediately inform this to flight operations, Nia told The Jakarta Post on Friday.

Nia said the PVMBG would ensure that aviation companies will always be informed about any eruptions that might disturb flights.

If another eruption is observed, we will issue another VONA, she said.

The VONAs color code warning system includes green, yellow, orange and red.

Orange means that there is an eruption and the volcano spewed some material but the ash column is under 6 kilometers. When its red that means the column is higher than 6 meters, Nia said.

Mount Semeru has been listed by the PVMBG at alert level two or waspada (caution) since May 2012.

There is always an eruption on Semeru every day, with around 26 eruptions daily. This is similar to Mount Dukono, which erupts every day.
That isnt the sound of America the Beautiful were hearing out of Washington these days. Instead, it is the dying gasp of a collapsing presidency  and the clearest sign yet that a post-Trump world is approaching.

But are we ready for it? If Pierre Trudeau were alive today, what would he say?

What would our first Prime Minister Trudeau suggest we do to navigate our way through the wreckage of the past three years?

Last October marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of Pierre Trudeau. To mark this milestone, Massey College at the University of Toronto last Friday organized a conference exploring Trudeaus approach to foreign policy while he was prime minister. It examined what enduring relevance Trudeaus world view has for todays chaotic world.

This is a question that comes at a critical time in the history of this century.

After all, if the state of the world matters to us, we need to circle this coming Monday on our calendars. Not only will it be the eve of only the third impeachment trial of a president in American history, it will also be one year  to the day  until Inauguration Day 2021 in Washington.

If Donald Trumps departure hasnt come earlier, Jan. 20, 2021, will likely mean the final end to the most corrupt and dangerous presidency in modern American history.

For his part, Pierre Trudeau was a historic figure in Canada, loved by many and loathed by others, but a towering intellect. As the third-longest-serving prime minister in Canadian history, Trudeau won elections on four occasions and retired in 1984.

More often than not, Trudeau had Canada pursue an activist, independent approach to international relations that was deeply committed to multilateral relationships. He recognized China before the American government did, was known as a friend to Cubas Fidel Castro and was very critical of what he regarded as the reckless nuclear brinksmanship of the United States and NATO toward the former Soviet Union.

In 1983-84, during his final term as prime minister, Trudeau launched a personal peace initiative that saw him visit as many as 15 countries in an effort to ease East-West tensions.

Robert Fowler, Trudeaus foreign policy adviser at the time, who spoke at last weeks Massey conference, remembers it as a period of very high tension in the world: It was impossible to follow the news without a pervading sense of dread and helplessness. Trudeau felt he had to do whatever it took to lift that spectre of gloom.

At a G7 summit in 1983, Trudeau lashed out at his fellow leaders, admonishing them that we should be busting our asses for peace.

Although Trudeaus initiative was very popular in Canada, it was largely resented in Washington by the administration of Ronald Reagan and in London by Margaret Thatcher, Britains prime minister.

After Trudeaus attack on them at the G7, Thatcher was reported as saying: Oh Pierre, youre such a comfort to the Kremlin.

Thatcher clearly loathed Trudeau and did little to hide it. She also seemed to have little use for public broadcasting, particularly the BBC and CBC. This meant that working as a CBC journalist in Thatchers Britain in the 1980s, as I did, could be unnerving.

So, imagine our surprise in late May 1984 when the phone rang in the CBC London bureau and an officious voice from 10 Downing Street said: Your request for an interview with the Prime Minister has been accepted and we expect you to be here tomorrow at 12 oclock.

Thank you, I replied politely, and then hung up. My colleague Brian Stewart and I looked at each other, completely baffled, since we hadnt asked for an interview.

However, when we hurried over the next day, we discovered that these interviews, also involving three American TV networks, were all intended to be broadcast live during their morning shows.

As we set up, Thatchers legendary press secretary, Bernard Ingham, appeared.

What time does your morning show go on the air, he asked brusquely.

We dont have a morning show, we answered quietly.

RELATED STORIES Insight How TV made Pierre Trudeau a celebrity and political force

You are from CTV, arent you? he said.

No, we arent, we replied. We are from the CBC.

Oh my God, he muttered. She will not be pleased.

Sensing his desperation, we promised him that when we were in Thatchers presence, we would fake it and pretend with her that she was being seen live in Canada, and thats what we did.

We even cut to a mythical commercial break.

It was a boring interview but, thankfully, few people saw it.

If its too late for Margaret Thatcher to apologize to Pierre Trudeau for all of her trash talk about his global vision, is it also too late for Brian and me to apologize to CTVs Canada AM?

Tony Burman , formerly head of CBC News and Al Jazeera English, is a freelance contributing foreign affairs columnist for the Star. He is based in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyBurman

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 00:16:54|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese President Xi Jinping holds formal talks with Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, Jan. 18, 2020. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

NAY PYI TAW, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- China and Myanmar have agreed to work together to build a community with a shared future, opening a new era of bilateral ties.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi announced the decision during their formal talks in the Myanmar capital of Nay Pyi Taw on Saturday.

Xi said that enjoying a profound "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship, China and Myanmar face new development opportunities in bilateral ties as both countries have entered a new stage of national development.

This time, the two sides have decided to jointly build a China-Myanmar community with a shared future, ushering in a new era of bilateral relations, Xi said.

The president urged efforts to implement the decision, systematically plan and deploy next-phase exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and strengthen political guidance for bilateral relations, so as to push China-Myanmar relations to a higher level.

Firstly, Xi said, the two countries should accelerate the alignment of their development strategies and put more efforts into the construction of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC).

The two sides should advance their five-year plan for economic and trade cooperation, effectively dovetail their development strategies, and well implement their economic and trade as well as production capacity cooperation.

Stressing the overriding importance of the CMEC in their Belt and Road cooperation, Xi said the two sides have started the substantive construction of the CMEC, adding that the two sides should work to increase the sense of gain of both peoples, the Myanmar people especially, as soon as possible.

Secondly, the two countries should focus on flagship cooperation projects to strengthen connectivity, Xi said.

China and Myanmar have agreed to allow the Kyaukphyu projects to play a demonstrative and driving role in the CMEC, and accelerate the construction of the China-Myanmar Border Economic Cooperation Zone and the New Yangon City, so as to complete the overall layout of the economic corridor supported by the north, east and west ends.

The two sides should also forge ahead with connectivity projects including highways, railways and power grids, in order to form a structural network for the corridor, Xi said.

Thirdly, China and Myanmar should expand trade and investment and boost local cooperation, Xi said, adding that China has always adhered to upholding justice while pursuing shared interests in its practical cooperation with Myanmar.

China welcomes Myanmar to increase exports to China, supports Chinese enterprises in increasing investment in Myanmar and is willing to enhance bilateral financial cooperation, he said.

Xi encouraged the two sides to give full play to the geographical advantage of their economic corridor and promote exchanges and cooperation between Myanmar and Chinese provinces including Yunnan Province, so as to contribute to the overall development of the two countries.

Fourthly, China and Myanmar should deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges and promote friendship and understanding between their peoples, Xi said.

He urged the two sides to make the celebration events for the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and the China-Myanmar Year of Culture and Tourism a success, and encourage more youths to carry out exchanges so as to pass on the "Paukphaw" friendship from generation to generation.

China and Myanmar should endeavor to improve people's livelihood, security and infrastructure construction along the CMEC, to deliver benefits to more Myanmar people as early as possible, he said.

Extending once again a warm welcome to Xi, Aung San Suu Kyi said Myanmar highly cherishes its friendship with China and hopes to continue to be a good friend of China.

Xi's visit, which has boasted milestone significance and yielded fruitful results, will greatly deepen the Myanmar-China "Paukphaw" friendship and promote their practical cooperation, she said.

The Myanmar side is ready to actively advance the construction of the Myanmar-China Economic Corridor, fully implement projects in Kyaukphyu and push forward cooperation in such areas as transportation, energy, production capacity, humanities, border and at local levels, she said.

Myanmar is ready to join efforts with China to forge ahead, build the Myanmar-China community with a shared future and better benefit the two peoples, she said.

Aung San Suu Kyi said that a prominent feature in Myanmar-China relations has been their mutual respect, understanding and support.

China has long been giving Myanmar precious understanding and support at both bilateral and international levels, and the Myanmar people will always remember that, she said.

China's support is not out of self-interest, but to safeguard fairness and justice, which is particularly precious to small countries like Myanmar, she said.

Currently, problems concerning world peace and development, as well as international fairness and justice are yet to be solved, Aung San Suu Kyi said.

Some countries have been wantonly interfering in the internal affairs of other countries in the name of human rights, ethnic or religious issues, she said, noting that Myanmar will never bow to such pressure and interference.

Aung San Suu Kyi expressed hope that China will continue to defend justice for small- and medium-sized countries including Myanmar on international occasions and play a constructive part in promoting the peace process in her country.

Stressing that time reveals a person's heart and adversity tries a friend, Xi said China is a good friend worthy of Myanmar's trust.

Noting that China and Myanmar have jointly championed and practiced the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, Xi said the two sides have not only trusted and helped each other and set a model for exchanges between countries, but also made historic contributions to the promotion of establishing a new type of international relations.

China has always adhered to respecting the people of all countries' independent choice of a development path suited to their national conditions, and insisted on non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, Xi said.

China will continue to speak out for justice for Myanmar in the international arena, and support Myanmar in safeguarding its national dignity and legitimate rights and interests, Xi said.

China supports Myanmar in advancing the domestic peace process and achieving national reconciliation, and is willing to continue to play a constructive role in this regard, he added.

After the talks, the leaders of the two countries attended a ceremony of exchanging bilateral cooperation documents, covering political, economic, trade, investment, humanities, local and other fields.
For months Iran has been violating the 2015 nuclear deal while promising to comply again if President Trump abandons his maximum pressure campaign. Germany, France and the U.K. have criticized Tehran and Washington while trying to save the accord, but on Tuesday the Europeans took a major step toward finally siding with the U.S.

Tehran announced this month that it would no longer abide the 2015 deals limits on uranium enrichment. This prompted a joint statement on Tuesday from the three European powers that they had formally triggered a dispute mechanism written into the nuclear deal. If the issue of Irans noncompliance isnt resolved through negotiations, Europe could reimpose sanctions on Iran.

We do not accept the argument that Iran is entitled to reduce compliance with the JCPoA, or nuclear deal, the countries foreign ministers said. While our three countries are not joining a campaign to implement maximum pressure against Iran, they noted that Irans violations have increasingly severe and non-reversible proliferation implications.

Europe has been drifting in this direction  albeit haltingly  for the past year. In January 2019 the European Union imposed new sanctions against Iranian intelligence over terror plots on European soil. After an attack on Saudi oil facilities last summer, the Europeans in September called for Iran to accept negotiation on a long-term framework for its nuclear programme as well as on issues related to regional security, including its missiles programme and other means of delivery.

The conventional wisdom has been that Iran is slowly escalating, and Europe isnt pushing back hard, in case Mr. Trump isnt re-elected and a Democratic President returns to the nuclear deal. The latest move is Europes most significant because it seems the Continent may not be able to wait out Mr. Trump. They have 15 days to resolve the dispute, though the deadline could be extended by consensus.

Its unlikely the formal mechanism will resolve anything, as Iran has ignored European requests to return to compliance in the past. The better option would be to join the American sanctions campaign. This may have seemed unthinkable a year ago, but European unity is showing more signs of stress.

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is feeling pressure to take a tougher stance on Iran, especially after Iranian police briefly detained the British ambassador last week. Now Mr. Johnson is again calling for a new Trump deal with Iran. As the U.K. leaves the European Union this month, Mr. Johnson may have more flexibility to work with Mr. Trump on Iran.

Tehrans rulers are more politically vulnerable now than at any time since the 2009 protests over stolen elections. This is an ideal moment to make a diplomatic push to renegotiate the nuclear accord, and having Europe on Washingtons side would make that task more feasible.

 Wall Street Journal

Gov. Andrew Cuomo was full of baloney last week when he laid the blame for the states $4 billion Medicaid deficit at the feet of counties.

The governor may have sprained a shoulder muscle patting himself on the back for the states decision to cap counties share of Medicaid spending, a decision the governor says is a large part of the reason New York has a deficit in the program. He also lays blame at the feet of county Social Services departments for improper administration of Medicaid programs that Cuomo says lead to higher costs in the program.

Capping the local share of Medicaid was a necessary decision back in 2013  no county could have lived within the states 2% tax cap without capping local spending on Medicaid. The states decision to cap local Medicaid spending was one of the most important actions the state has ever taken to remove an unfunded mandate from local governments, and even then one could argue that New York should handle Medicaid like 24 states that pay the entire Medicaid cost with no local county share.

There are many reasons why New Yorks Medicaid program is the second-costliest program in the country behind only California, but the biggest reason is that New Yorks program covers more than other states have chosen to cover. State legislators continue trying to add to the list of things New Yorks Medicaid program should cover. And, we shouldnt forget that in the heyday of the Affordable Care Act, Cuomo and state legislators jumped at the chance to expand New Yorks already expensive Medicaid program by accepting federal funding under the Affordable Care Act so that Medicaid could cover low-income, non-elderly adults. The expansion added about 800,000 to the Medicaid rolls in New York state.

We also dont buy the governors arguments about improper administration in the Medicaid system. Surely there are people who try to scam the system, but Chautauqua County used to have a Medicaid czar whose job was to root out fraud and abuse. There simply wasnt that much abuse locally to warrant having the position.

The local cap on Medicaid spending should under no circumstances be repealed. It was New York state officials who have chosen, over the years, to add programs and coverage to Medicaid without consulting with counties. It was New York state officials who chose to jump at President Obamas federal aid to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. And New York state officials chose to implement a 2% property tax cap while adding mandates such as criminal justice reform to counties.

Decisions by New York state officials have run up quite the expensive Medicaid tab. New York state officials should find a way to pay that bill.

 The Post-Journal, Jamestown

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 09:27:26|Editor: Lu Hui

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MADRID, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said on Friday that if he had to "choose one nation to have a privileged relationship with, it would be China."

The man who governed Spain between 2004 and 2011 made the remarks at a meeting with representatives from Chinese media, in which he stressed the need for multinationalism, international cooperation, understanding and peace.

He began by welcoming Wednesday's signing of the phase-one economic and trade agreement between China and the United States.

"It is very good news and I congratulate both countries," said Zapatero, adding trade war was "negative for the growth of the global economy and it would be a serious mistake, if, in this historic time, we returned to protectionism."

He said that although the China-U.S. agreement was obviously "bilateral," he hoped it would help "recover multilateralism in trade," because "trade is vital for all of the world economy."

Reflecting on the rise of nationalism around the world, Zapatero said it has led to "an atmosphere of difficulty, of few accords, more conflict," noting that China could help stop the isolationist tide as "it is the most important emerging nation and its defense of multinationalism is essential."

"We have to strengthen the United Nations, we need to strengthen the international organizations for peace and cooperation and the respect of sovereignty ... I ask the Americans to understand that China is a great country and it will benefit the world and the U.S. to have a strong developed China defending multinationalism," he said.

"Where there is an economic and commercial relationship and sharing of technology, there is understanding and not conflict," said Zapatero.

Zapatero also highlighted the longstanding friendship between Spain and China, saying the two sides have also worked in close cooperation defending multilateralism, upholding the principle of peaceful settlement of conflicts, and promoting inclusive social growth, among others.

He expressed admiration over China's achievements in the past 40 years, especially its anti-poverty campaign that saw some 700 million people out of poverty.

In terms of economy, there is "a lot of room for growth" in the relationship, he said. "We need to take more Spanish investment to China and have more Chinese investment in Spain," he said.

He also made a call for more Chinese tourists to visit his country, saying they would be welcomed with "affection."

"I hope the new Spanish government has a great relationship with China," he said.
Telangana Industries minister K T Rama Rao on Saturday asked Thailand companies to consider setting up units in the proposed Furniture Park here.

Addressing a trade delegation led by Thailand deputy Prime Minister Jurin Laksanawisit, Rama Rao said there are huge opportunities for Thai companies for working in areas of food processing industries.

"Now Telangana is also committed to providing housing for all for homeless, so I welcome the Department of commerce Thailand thatwe can enter into a memorandum of understanding ..We are in the process of setting up the furniture Park here.

So the Thai furniture makers can set up their base in Hyderabad and you can use this as a hub to cover the rest of India as well," the minister said.

Cross-cultural exchanges can be also strengthened as both the nations have rich cultural heritage and there is scope to increase connectivity between India and Thailand, he added.

He also requested the delegation to explore the possibilities of working together in alternative technologies replacing single-use plastic.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
AFL wag Clementine McVeigh shared a gushing tribute to her husband Jarred as the couple celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary on Friday.

Posting a video of their big day to Instagram, Clementine captioned it, '10 years married, 3 beautiful baby girls, thank you for doing life with me Mr McVeigh.'

She then went on to show off the couples extravagant celebrations which included a child free night in a luxury hotel in Sydney.

Celebrations: On Friday, Clementine McVeigh (left) gushed over her husband Jarrad in a sweet tribute shared to Instagram on their tenth wedding anniversary

The 36-year-old, who is well known for her love of fashion posed, elegantly in a one-shouldered black dress from Australian label Bec and Bridge from her balcony at the Intercontinental Hotel.

She accesorised the look with a black Louis Vuitton clutch while her long brunette tresses was worn sleekly tucked behind her ears.

From their room the elegant couple had a beautiful view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge where they started off celebrating the evening with a toast.

Posting a video of their big day to Instagram, Clementine captioned it: '10 years married, 3 beautiful baby girls, thank you for doing life with me Mr McVeigh'

What a night! She then went on to show off the couples extravagant celebrations which included a child free night in a luxury hotel in Sydney

Celebrate in style: Jarrad and Clementine celebrated their 10 year wedding anniversary in style enjoying hors d'oeuvre at The Intercontinental in Sydney

Jarrad was later seen enjoying a beer in a snap posted to Instagram Stories where the couple enjoyed a mix of hors d'oeuvre served on a two tier platter at the hotel.

Later that evening they indulged in cocktails and French cuisine while they enjoyed Jazz at Restaurant Hubert.

While the luxurious celebrations looked perfect, life hasn't always been easy for the couple who lost their first daughter Luella to a heart condition when she only a month old in 2011.

Happy together: Clementine married her Sydney Swans star beau Jarrad in 2010

'People say time heals all wounds... I'm just not sure about that,' Clementine wrote on Instagram on what would have been Luella's 8th birthday in July last year.

'Time definitely does dull the pain and the tears are few and far between, but for me over the past 8 years it just seems to hit me harder every year.'

Clementine married her Sydney Swans star beau Jarrad in 2010.

The couple went onto have two more beautiful girls- Lolita, seven, and Florence, two.

Family: Clementine and Jarrad have two girls - Lolita, seven, and Florence, two (pictured)




EDWARDSVILLE  Tourism accounts for almost $700 million in economic impact and more than 5,000 jobs in the six-county area served by the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau, according to information presented at the groups annual Tourism Summit.

The event, held Thursday at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, brought together people from both government and the tourism industry. John Hopkins, chairman of the tourism bureaus board, started the event by asking a simple question: What time is it?

He then answered.

Its time to stop thinking about promoting just one city at a time, he said. Its time to start thinking about promoting a region.

Its time to start looking for visitors who dont just come from Minnesota or Missouri, he said. Its time to start looking for visitors who come to the area from Japan and the British Isles.

The world is smaller and were a big part of it, he said. If you had gone to someone and said five years ago that there would be tourism groups coming to Madison County from Japan, from Germany, from the British Isles, they would think you were out of your mind.

Now, Hopkins said, its a common occurrence.

The total economic impact of tourism on the region last year is estimated at $695.5 million, a 4.3 percent increase from the previous year. That also accounted for 5,050 jobs.

Brett Stawar, president and CEO of the tourism bureau, said he expected that success to continue and a number of positive things are happening.

Alton is becoming more of a destination and hub for riverboat cruises. Both American Cruise Lines and American Queen Steam Boat Co. are adding stops in Alton.

The interest in the Mississippi River is exploding, he said, noting that during his recent trip to China people were very interested in it.

Part of the emphasis on Alton is that offers an alternative the more industrialized St. Louis, he said.

Its the prettiest section of the river, where it opens up wide and we have the Clark Bridge, he said. Its a natural port.

Stawar said there are a number of bookings already scheduled through 2022, and the bureau is developing a Special VIP Tour exclusively for the American Queen Steam Boat Co.

He also said there is expected to be a lot of interest from international travelers. Most of the areas foreign visitors come from the United Kingdom, China, Germany, Japan, Mexico and Canada.

Stawar said his recent trip to China was very educational.

Before I went to China I had no idea, he said. You hear the numbers but you dont see it.

Theyre all maturing, and the middle class is growing, Stawar said. Theyre looking to see the rest of the world.

Looking at the economics of it, they are a powerhouse of money and expendable income, Stawar said. And they are traveling.

Although coming to America is a long-haul destination, Stawar said there is a lot here to attract visitors.

Route 66 is a major draw, especially for German and UK tourists. Stawar said Route 66 is the No. 1 itinerary request for visitors from the UK.

Weve heard examples of someone buying a car (at one end of Route 66) and selling it at the end, he said.

Another factor is green space, especially in urban areas.

I remember when we had a China tour here and they were rolling in a patch of clover by the Wadlow statute, he said.

Mitch Bair, Collinsville City Manager and a tourism bureau board member, believes there needs to be a push for the bureau to represent all of Madison County. The bureau now includes the northern half of the county.

ILLINOISouth, another regional tourism bureau, covers 22 counties from the Mississippi to the Wabash rivers, including the Granite City and Highland areas. Each agency receives equal financial support from the county.

While the tax revenues  totaling about $5,400 and split evenly between the two groups  is not a large amount there are grants and advertising revenues that would be affected.

For seveeral years the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau has tried to become the sole bureau in Madison County, and the issue is expected to come up again at some time.

Reach reporter Scott Cousins at 618-208-6447.
Allentown, PA (18103)

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.
Unseasonal warm weather in northern Vietnam has upset peach blossom growers in Hanoi as it makes the signature flower for the Lunar New Year holiday bloom early.

In northern Vietnam, the endearing pink peach blossom is the signal of spring, making peach bonsai trees popular as a traditional decoration for Lunar New Year, or Tet, which will fall on January 25 this year.

At Tay Ho Districts Nhat Tan and Phu Thuong wards  the two largest peach blossom-growing areas in Hanoi, local farmers are worried as their flowers have blossomed early due to unexpected sunny weather.

Le Xuan Tien, a 57-year-old peach blossom grower in Nhat Tan Ward, complained with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that his plants are already in full bloom although it is still a week until Tet.

Peach blossoms bloom in full in Nhat Tan Ward, Tay Ho District in Hanoi on January 16, 2020. Photo: Q.TH. / Tuoi Tre

Peach blossoms bloom in full in Nhat Tan Ward, Tay Ho District in Hanoi on January 16, 2020. Photo: Q.TH. / Tuoi Tre

Tien said that his farm had planned to provide about 200 peach blossom trees to the market this Tet.

However, the early blooming means that the flowers cannot be put up for sale or rent, resulting in heavy losses.

We will suffer from heavy losses as it costs millions [of Vietnamese dongs] to grow the flowers, Tien said. (VND1 million = $43)

Its sad to not gain anything after a year of hard work."

Several peach blossom facilities started chopping off the plant branches on which the flowers had already bloomed on Thursday afternoon.

According to local growers, there is no solution to save the peach bonsai trees in warm weather.

Growers sell off early-blooming peach blossoms in Nhat Tan Ward, Tay Ho District in Hanoi on January 16, 2020. Photo: Q.TH. / Tuoi Tre

Growers sell off early-blooming peach blossoms in Nhat Tan Ward, Tay Ho District in Hanoi on January 16, 2020. Photo: Q.TH. / Tuoi Tre

Growers sell off early-blooming peach blossoms in Nhat Tan Ward, Tay Ho District in Hanoi on January 16, 2020. Photo: Q.TH. / Tuoi Tre

A woman chops off early-blooming peach blossom trees in Nhat Tan Ward, Tay Ho District in Hanoi on January 16, 2020. Photo: Q.TH. / Tuoi Tre

Early-blooming peach blossom trees are chopped off in Nhat Tan Ward, Tay Ho District in Hanoi on January 16, 2020. Photo: Q.TH. / Tuoi Tre

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Reliance Industries Q3 result: Nobody believed in Mukesh Ambani's abilities in building consumer- focused businesses until about four years back. Reliance Retail had been struggling to find a place in the midst of unorganised retailers at that time. The launch of telecom business, Reliance Jio had been reaching nowhere as analysts believed Ambani could not crack into the telecom market, which is dominated by Bharti Airtel and Vodafone.

All those doubts on the ability of the richest Indian soon vanished into thin air. For instance, according to the third quarter number, the steep fall of Reliance Industries' (RIL) petrochemical earnings has been offset by the jump in retail volume and telecom subscriber base. RIL's earnings before interest, depreciation, taxes and amortization (segment EBIDTA) increased 4.7 per cent to Rs 23,500 crore year-on-year (YoY). Out of that, the consumer business contributed 37 per cent or Rs 8,695 crore. It was 26 per cent a year back. In the third quarter, when the petrochemical EBIDTA fell by Rs 2,344 crore, the same from consumer businesses surged by Rs 2,815 crore.

Ambani wants to raise the consumer business' contribution to EBIDTA to 50 per cent. Building the consumer business vertical to the size of RIL's traditional businesses in refining and petrochemicals in a short span of 5-6 years is unimaginable, especially in a down market, say industrialists.

RIL posted 13.55 per cent year-on-year (YoY) rise in profit at Rs 11,640 crore in the third quarter on robust growth in telecom and retail verticals. The revenue declined 1.40 per cent to Rs 1.69 lakh crore.

Also read: Reliance Industries posts record Q3 profit at Rs 11,640 crore; revenue down 1.4%

Until two quarters ago, when the gross refining margin (GRM) of RIL had been falling in the back-to-back quarters, the petrochemical business along with the consumer businesses -- Reliance Jio and Reliance Retail -- were helping the company in posting topline and bottomline growths. The refining is back in upward swing now when petrochemical business went down. The weak global demand and large capacity additions are the reasons for the slip of the petchem business--- the EBIT went down 28.5 per cent to Rs 5,880 crore. The refining EBIT rose by 11.9 per cent to Rs 5,657 crore, thanks to GRM at $9.2 a barrel, compared to Singapore GRM of $7.6.

Jio has become the world's second largest single country operator with 370 million subscribers in December 2019. The ARPU (average revenue per user) of Rs 128.4 (including interconnection usage charge or IUC) is up marginally from Rs 127.5 in previous quarter. The EBIT of Jio jumped by 63.3 per cent to Rs 3,857 crore. Reliance Retail revenue increased by 27 per cent to Rs 45,327 crore, while its EBIT jumped 58 per cent to Rs 2,389 crore. The consumer electronics, fashion & lifestyle and grocery businesses accelerated the growth. The retail business operates over 11,000 stores.

The consolidated cash profit of Rs 18,511 is higher than capital expenditure of RIL in the third quarter -- which comes to Rs 14,000 crore. Ambani had earlier set a target to reduce the net debt to zero by March 2021. It slightly reduced to Rs 1.53 lakh crore from Rs 1.54 lakh crore in October- December period.

Also read: Reliance Jio Q3 profit up 62.5% to Rs 1,350 crore; revenue rises 28.5%
Shes a headstrong, ambitious woman who just a few years ago was celebrated for nudging an archaic institution into the modern era. Now she has shunned national celebrity, seeking refuge in a low-key, more tolerant country. With her loyal man at her side, shes defied a system that sought to control everything she did, said and wore.

Nope, this isnt about Megxit, at least not entirely. It is also about Kimia Alizadeh, the only woman to win an Olympic medal for Iran, who this week announced she was defecting from her nation, citing its oppression of women. What does this tale of two defectors reveal about us, the spectators to the drama?

Illustration: Matt Davidson Credit:

The less glamorous case study, Alizadeh, hails from the country thats again approaching pariah status since Iranian authorities unintentionally downed a passenger jet near Tehran and then sought to cover up the fatal error. So, granted, our attention doesnt voluntarily gravitate to this place for seasonal entertainment.

Yet Alizadeh, who four years ago won bronze in taekwondo, is credited in the UKs Financial Times with emboldening Iranian girls and women to push the boundaries of personal freedom. Last year she appeared on the BBCs list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world. Her fame derives from her tenacity and courage in kicking against the obstacles the Islamic Republic places in the path of women.
In a setback to the AAP, two of its MLAs quit the party after they were denied ticket for the February 8 Assembly election with one of them joining the on Saturday.

An Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said the resignations of Dwarka MLA Adarsh Shastri and Hari Nagar MLA Jagdeep Singh was "unfortunate but expected".

While Shastri joined the on Saturday, Singh said he was in talks with the Shiromani Akali Dal, an ally of the BJP.

Shastri, who was among the 15 members of the outgoing Assembly not fielded by the this time, alleged that the party was "selling" tickets and accused Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of acting in an autocratic manner.

Shastri alleged that the pretended to be an honest party and "made bus tickets free for women but are charging Rs 10 crore for an assembly seat ticket".

Countering Shastri's allegations, another leader said that when tickets are denied, people make such claims.

"Does that mean when he previously contested from the AAP, he bought the ticket. The ticket distribution was strictly made on the basis of the performance of the MLAs which was closely scrutinised. All those MLAs whose performance was found to be not up to the mark were dropped," he said.

In the Dwarka seat, the AAP replaced Shastri, the grandson of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, by Vinay Kumar Mishra, leader Mahabal Mishra's son who joined the party from Congress just a day before the candidates' list was released.

Singh was replaced by former Congress councillor Rajkumari Dhillon who had joined the party with Mishra.

Singh said he was disappointed with the party for denying him a ticket and nominating Dhillon. "Even during the Lok Sabha election, I raised my objection over alliance with the Congress and now they have brought in five people from Congress who are directly or indirectly associated with (anti-Sikh riots convict) Sajjan Kumar," he said.

Earlier, AAP's Badarpur MLA N D Sharma, who quit the party earlier this month protesting against induction of Congress leaders into the party fold, had alleged that the party was selling tickets.

Sharma too was dropped and AAP fielded Ram Singh Netaji, who joined the party from Congress, from the Badarpur seat. According to sources, Sharma is in talks to join the Bahujan Samaj Party.

Shastri also said that he was upset with the party as it had not talked about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and NRC which triggered nation-wide protests.

"I told him ( Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal) you are the only CM who had not talked about CAA and NRC. He did not even go to meet the students at JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia," he said.

"I left a high ranked post in a MNC where I earned in crores, under attraction of Kejriwal's talks of honesty and Janlokpal. But, I am disillusioned now with AAP and Kejriwal's dishonest politics," Shastri alleged in a press conference.

Kejriwal had earlier said he hoped that the party MLAs who were dropped would not leave the "Aam Aadmi party family".

Responding to a question that other parties might try to poach the sitting legislators, the AAP national convenor said that he hopes they will stay with the party.

"All parties will try it. But they (sitting MLAs) are our family. I hope they will remain with us," Kejriwal told reporters.

Senior party leader Sanjay Singh said the party is looking to give important responsibilities to all those MLAs who have been dropped.
Television presenter Willis Raburu and his wife Maryaprude have decided to take some downtime after suffering a traumatic loss.

The two thought it wise to jet out of the country after losing their daughter early in January 2020.

READ ALSO: Real Househelps of Kawangware's Njambi says she got pregnant after first night of intimacy with lover

READ ALSO: Mchekeshaji Idris Sultan adai bado anampenda mpenzi wake wa zamani Wema Sepetu

The bubbly chap who is still going through a whirlwind of emotions decided to add some cheer to his darkened life.

Willis and his wife left for the US and seem more relaxed and at peace.

READ ALSO: Esther Passaris invites lady who dissed Stivo Simpleboy for sleepover

As the snow falls, his troubles seem to appear smaller and bearable but he still hopes that one day the pain will give him a chance to smile without guilt.

The 10 over 10 host shared a few Instagram photos of their travels which included a well-lit, serene apartment tucked in the suburbs.

Despite having a time of their lives, Willis admitted guilt always chokes him up whenever he finds himself eating life with a big spoon.

To him, he deserves to feel pain and suffer over the loss of his daughter.

The journalist once said he is not sure whether he will ever be the same again but one day he hopes to forget his troubles just for a moment.

Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly.

I chose rabbit farming over office job - Maureen Wanyaga | Tuko TV | Inspire Kenya

Source: TUKO.co.ke
OAKLAND (BCN)

A judge on Wednesday denied a defense motion asking that Alameda County prosecutors be barred from seeking the death penalty for a man accused of fatally shooting Hayward police Sgt. Scott Lunger in 2015 as Lunger approached his vehicle.

Defense attorney Linda Fullerton argued that Mark Estrada's right to a fair trial in the guilt phase of his case will be jeopardized by the rigorous jury selection process in capital cases because prospective jurors who are unable to impose the death penalty are precluded from sitting on the jury.

Fullerton wrote, "The result is that the jury panel that survives challenges for cause is likely to be more favorable to the prosecution, and therefore more likely to convict, than a panel that has not been death-qualified."

Fullerton said another reason prosecutors should be barred from the seeking the death penalty against Estrada, 25, is that California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on March 12, 2019, that placed a moratorium on executions, repealed the state's lethal injection protocol and shut down the execution chamber.

The defense lawyer said the last execution in California was carried out 14 years ago and the average appeal for defendants sentenced to the death penalty is more than 25 years.

"In essence the death penalty in California is a fiction and a defendant sentenced to death is highly unlikely to ever be executed, even if the moratorium is lifted by a future governor," Fullerton wrote.

Estrada is charged with murder with three special circumstances for allegedly shooting Lunger, 48, near Mytrle and Lion streets in Hayward at about 3:15 a.m. on July 22, 2015.

Lunger, a 15-year police veteran who lived in Brentwood, was pronounced dead at Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley a short time later.

Prosecutors said Lunger was shot after he stopped a white Chevrolet Silverado truck driven by Estrada because it was swerving and almost hit several cars.

The special circumstance allegations against Estrada are murder of a peace officer during the course of his duties, committing a murder while lying in wait, and committing a murder by discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle.

The case against Estrada has moved slowly but on Jan. 6 it was assigned to Alameda County Superior Court Judge Thomas Reardon, who denied Fullerton's motion at a hearing on Wednesday.

Estrada is scheduled to return to court on Tuesday but opening statements in his case aren't expected for several months because jury selection and hearings on additional pretrial motions are expected to be lengthy.

Death penalty trials begin with a guilt phase in which a jury decides whether a defendant is guilty of murder with special circumstances.

If that happens, a second phase, called the penalty phase, is held in which the same jury decides between recommending life in prison without parole or the death penalty. But the sentencing ultimately is determined by the trial judge.

Fullerton said another reason the prosecution has an advantage in the guilt phase when death is being sought is that "the defense's ability to put forward the best possible defense at the guilt phase is hampered."

She said appellate courts have noted "the danger of the defense claiming the defendant did not commit the crime at the guilt phase and then arguing that the defendant was remorseful at the penalty phase as such an approach can alienate jurors."

But prosecutor John Brouhard, who has won death penalty verdicts against several defendants, wrote, "There is no evidence that any problem actually exists. It is not a foregone conclusion that jurors will necessarily have heard of the Governor's order, much less understand its scope and effect."

Brouhard said, "It is not appropriate to rule categorically that defendant (Estrada) cannot receive a fair trial."

Copyright  2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
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Business Insider

al Asad

John Davison/Reuters

Luck played a big role in preventing a war between the US and Iran this month.

Initially, President Donald Trump claimed no Americans were hurt in an Iranian missile attack on US forces in Iraq, but the US military has since admitted there were US troops suffered minor injuries on top of extensive damage to the al-Asad air base.

11 US service members who reported symptoms of concussions at al-Asad have been evacuated to military hospitals. US officials have said the intent of the attack was to kill but no troops died as a result.

Trump has said that any Iranian act that kills an American would trigger a massive retaliation. This makes it likely that if any Americans had been killed, the US-Iran confrontation could've spiraled into a bloody, disastrous war.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The US and Iran came dangerously close to going to war earlier this month, and as more details come out on Iran's missile attack on US forces it's becoming clear that luck in large part prevented a wider conflict from breaking out.

President Donald Trump said that "no Americans were harmed" when Iran launched 16 ballistic missiles at US and coalition forces in Iraq on January 8, but it's since come to light that this was assessment isn't true.

Eleven US service members who were stationed at one of two Iraqi military bases hit in the Iranian missile attack have been evacuated to military hospitals in Kuwait and Germany with concussion symptoms, the US military said on Thursday, contradicting the presidents earlier assertions.

Initial reports suggested that Iran had deliberately missed the locations of US troops in an attempt to de-escalate the stand-off. But US troops at the base have since said it was "miraculous" there were no serious injuries from the attack. Videos of the missile barrage show big explosions whose shock waves could have concussed American troops in fortified shelters nearby.

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If any Americans had died in the attack, it could've pushed the US-Iran confrontation over the edge and seen it rapidly shift from an escalatory tit-for-tat to an all-out war.

FILE PHOTO: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani visits the family of the Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force, who was killed by an air strike in Baghdad, at his home in Tehran, Iran January 4, 2020. Official President Website/Handout via REUTERS

Reuters

'We came very very very close to a major war with Iran last week'

Many details on the incident are still hazy, but it seems loss of life was primarily avoided via a combination of chance and the fact US troops took precautions before the missiles landed after a warning by US intelligence.

"The more that comes out the more I realize how lucky we are that no Americans were killed," Ilan Goldenberg, a senior fellow and director of the Middle East Security Program at the Center for a New American Security, tweeted on Thursday.

Goldenberg, a former Pentagon official who focused on Iran, added: "We came very very very close to a major war with Iran last week and it seems that it was at least partially dumb luck we didn't end up in one."

The Iranian missile attack came just days after Trump ordered a drone strike that killed Qassem Soleimani  Iran's most important military leader.

Trump approved the strike in the early days of 2020 after an Iran-backed militia, Kataeb Hezbollah, in late December killed an American contractor and injured US service members in a rocket attack at a base in Kirkuk, Iraq. The rocket attack prompted US airstrikes, which killed dozens of the militia's fighters. Subsequently, there were violent protests at the US Embassy in Baghdad.

The combination of these incidents seemed to cross a red line for Trump, and led him to give the thumbs up to the most shocking US decapitation strike on a foreign military leader since World War II. The Soleimani strike led to the only direct attack on US forces or allies that Iran has openly claimed since the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979.

The US and Iran only moved toward deescalation after it was clear that no US forces were killed in the missile attack.

"Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world," Trump said in remarks to the nation following the attack. "No American or Iraqi lives were lost because of the precautions taken, the dispersal of forces and an early warning system that worked very well."

'It was luck that saved US lives'

There were different layers of warning ahead of the attack.

The US forces stationed at the Ain al-Asad air base in western Iraq were on high alert already after the Soleimani strike, but roughly two to three hours before the missiles hit that officials reportedly received an alert to expect an unprecedented attack on the base from Iran. Base officials ordered a lockdown and US troops were split up into smaller groups and sent to shelters and underground bunkers, according to the Washington Post.

Ultimately, the US forces at al-Asad were only given about 15 minutes to head for cover before the missiles landed, The New York Times reported.

Along these lines, Ranj Alaaldin, director of the Proxy Wars Initiative at the Brookings Institution in Doha, Qatar, earlier this week tweeted, "US forces in Iraq had only minutes notice before Iran launched its barrage of rockets. It was luck that saved US lives."

Al Asad al-Asad US base hit by Iran missile strike aftermath January 2020

AP Photo/Qassim Abdul-Zahra

The Iranian attack lasted over an hour, leading to widespread damage at the base.

Early reports on the strike suggested Iran deliberately avoided loss of life in the missile attack to avoid sparking a war, but the Trump administration has since rejected that perception.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on January 10 told reporters there was "no doubt" that Iran had the "full intention" of killing US personnel. And Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on Jan. 8 told reporters his personal assessment on the strikes is they "were intended to cause structural damage, destroy vehicles and equipment and aircraft and to kill personnel."

"These were designed and organized to inflict as many casualties as possible," Lt. Col. Tim Garland, commander of Task Force Jazeera, a senior official who was on the base the day of the attack, told the Washington Post. Correspondingly, Lt. Col. Staci Coleman, responsible for airfield operations at the base, told the Post it was "miraculous" no one sustained serious injuries.

Staff Sgt. Akeem Ferguson told CNN that during the attack on al-Asad, in which 11 missiles hit the base, he was "100% ready to die."

"I held on to my gun and put my head down and I tried to find a happy place, so I started singing to my daughters in my head," Ferguson said. "And I just waited. I hoped that whatever happened, that it was quick."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Noida: A 26-year-old man died after a truck ran over him following a brawl at Eastern Peripheral Expressway toll plaza near Beel Akbarpur village in Dadri on Friday evening. The police said that the victim tried to jump over the truck and hung to its wiper for some time, but the man fell off, and the truck ran him over. The driver of the truck has not been identified yet, and is on the run. However, a search is on for him, and the police have registered a case of death due to negligence.

The incident, which took place around 5.30pm on Friday, was also captured on a CCTV camera installed at the toll complex. The deceased was identified as Ajay Bhati, a native of Ladpura village in Dadri. He worked at an automobile company in Rajasthan as a helper and is survived by his wife, two children and parents.

According to the police, the incident took place in the evening, when Bhati was returning home from Rajasthan with three friends in a Hyundai Santro. Rajesh Kumar Singh, deputy commissioner of police, Zone 3, said a primary investigation showed a truck had come in the FASTag lane, but did not have the requisite sticker.

The toll operator asked the driver of the truck to come into the cash lane. The driver put the truck in reverse, but hit the Santro, which was just behind it, he said.

Satish Chandra, assistant commissioner of police, Dadri, said Bhati, who was at the Santros wheels, got down from his car and started manhandling the helper of the truck through the left window.

The helper rolled up the window, while the truck continued moving. Bhati came in front of the truck and tried to stop it, he said.

Chandra said that the truck driver however did not stop, and continued driving it.

The victim realised that he would be knocked down. He tried to hang to the trucks wiper, which later broke away, and he was crushed to death under the wheel, he said.

Bhatis friends noticed the incident and rushed him to a private hospital in the same car. But in the hospital he was declared brought dead, said police.

Bhanwar Singh, a resident of Ladpura village, said the driver of the truck was driver in a rash fashion.

Bhati had warned the driver, but the latter hurled abuses at him. Then he tried to stop the truck, but was run over, he said.

A toll operator said that it appeared truck driver was in a hurry, due to which it entered the wrong lane. The driver was told to come in cash lane. The driver was reversing the vehicle when it hit the Santro, which had just arrived, the toll operator said.

Police said the truck bore a registration number of nearby Bulandshahr district. The truck is registered in the name of Faisal Mewati, in RTO Bulandshahr, the police said.

We have registered a case of death due to negligence under Section 304A of the Indian Penal Code. We have launched a search to arrest the driver, who fled after the incident, Chandra said. The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination, the report of which is awaited.
President Trump was obeying the law when he phoned the Ukraine president. He is required by a treaty between the United States and Ukraine, which obligates the leaders of both nations to cooperate fully together on investigations of corruption and criminal matters involving the United States and Ukraine.

As a U.S. Senator, Joe Biden voted for the treaty, which was written and then signed by President Bill Clinton at Kiev in 1998. Now Joe Biden was seen on television bragging that when he was vice president, he threatened to withhold aid to Ukraine until they fired a prosecutor. Who was Vice President Biden trying to protect? It looks like he may be guilty of what President Trump is falsely accused of.

President Trump was trying to protect U.S. taxpayer funds. Foreign aid is not mentioned in the U.S. Constitution, so I believe its wrong to take our heard-earned dollars and give them to foreign countries.

Its amazing that President Trump can still deal with foreign leaders or get anything accomplished. As conspirators, the Democrats sole purpose is to destroy the presidency and the morality that built our nation. Even John Kerry, former secretary of state is overseas consulting with foreign leaders and undermining the president and our defense forces. Its time for the Republican leadership to speak forcefully demanding some politicians be charged with subversion and treason. It would happen in the 1940s and 50s.

Dean L. Graham, Lower Windsor Township, York County
New Delhi:

The candidates who have appeared for Mangalore University examination, we have some important news for you. The Mangalore University has formally declared Results for various courses for the Nov  Dec Degree Exams today, as per media reports. The candidates can now check the results on the official website of the university i.e. mangaloreuniversity.ac.in. Going by the latest reports published by leading media agencies, Mangalore University Results 2019 have been declared for undergraduate programmes like BA, BSc, BCom as well as postgraduate degree programmes like M.Sc, MA, M.Ed. Mangalore University UG / PG Results 2019 are hosted on the Examination Section of the website and can be accessed through mangaloreuniversity.ac.in.

For the convenience of the students, we have mentioned the steps through which the candidates can check the results:

Step 1: Visit official website of Mangalore University i.e. mangaloreuniversity.ac.in

Step 2: Find and Click on Examination Section from Top Menu

Step 3: Locate Results Option and Click on it

Step 4: You will be redirected to a new page with input field

Step 5: Enter your Exam Registration Number

Step 6: Verify and Submit the details on the website

Step 7: Your Mangalore University Result Scorecard will be displayed on the screen

Step 8: Download the scorecard in PDF / Softcopy format

Step 9: Take printout of scorecard for future reference
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. So said philosopher George Santayana. This weekend, as the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) brings together ministers from 34 countries in Brussels (to re-affirm their commitment to strengthen and advance Holocaust education, remembrance and research) these words take on a striking resonance. We must remember the atrocities of the past and face the challenges of today if we truly are to create a world without hatred, discrimination, and, ultimately, genocide.

Countless times since the Holocaust, it has been said that a human tragedy like this would never happen again. Yet too often this promise has fallen short. Thats why today, as the spectre of antisemitism has emerged back into prevailing discourse, we restate our commitment to concrete action to stand up against it.

Its important we take a moment to reflect upon the treatment of communities around the world, on the long arc of history, that have been subjected to this hatred. It is an outrage and scandal that today in Europe and North America Jews cannot walk through their local communities or worship in their religious centres, without being abused, attacked or, in some cases murdered. Jewish communities are of course not the only ones confronted with threats. The same is true for Roma in Europe today whose persecution by the Nazis has been long neglected.

Remembering the Holocaust Show all 16 1 /16 Remembering the Holocaust Remembering the Holocaust 119165.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119169.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119229.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119167.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119162.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119166.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119163.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119224.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119168.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119228.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119152.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119226.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119150.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119151.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119147.bin Hannah Bills Remembering the Holocaust 119231.bin Hannah Bills

The Holocaust fundamentally challenged the foundations of civilization and its unprecedented character will always hold universal meaning. This watershed event conferred on us the responsibility to commemorate the victims and to honour those who stood against it. And if we take this responsibility seriously, we owe it to the victims and to ourselves to openly and honestly face our past and to prevent discrimination, antisemitism and hate crimes today. As executive secretary of the IHRA, its perhaps predictable that these are my views. I make no apology for that.

It is with this sense of responsibility that the IHRA has gathered foreign ministers from around the world in Brussels today to stand together and put their full support behind the new IHRA ministerial declaration, intentionally, 20 years since the Stockholm Declaration was adopted. I am proud that an intergovernmental agreement of this calibre has been unanimously agreed upon. Through the relentless efforts of IHRA and the Chair country Luxembourg, under the guidance of Ambassador Georges Santer  a proactive and passionate advocate for this cause  we have made history today.

Together with the Ambassador, we have taken a historic step to fight antisemitism and remember the victims and survivors of the Holocaust.

The Stockholm Declaration set the precedent for governmental responsibility for Holocaust education, remembrance and research as well as the fight against antisemitism but  as crucial as it has been  the commitments enshrined within the document need now to be reaffirmed and broadened to face energised opponents. In the last 20 years, as technology and civil society has advanced, so too have Holocaust distortion, denial and antisemitism. These new manifestations require new responses.

Today foreign ministers and governmental representatives will commit to:

Accept responsibility as governments continue to work together to counter Holocaust denial and distortion, antisemitism, and all forms of racism and discrimination that undermine fundamental democratic principles Lead efforts to promote education, remembrance and research on the Holocaust and the genocide of the Roma to counter the influence of historical distortion, hate speech and incitement to violence and hatred Identify, preserve and make available archival material, testimonies and authentic sites for educational purposes, commemoration and research

This is a historic landmark. In times of deeply divided societies  with antisemitism and Holocaust denial gaining strength and being propagated openly - 34 governments stand united in facing these shared evils. In the spirit of the words of Santayana, we commit to never allowing the horrors of the past to be repeated.
An Adelaide man has allegedly attacked a woman with a machete and then forced her to withdraw cash from a bank.

Police on Saturday released an image of Jalal Homsi, 31, who is alleged to have attacked the woman with the machete at Bedford Park on December 13.

He then allegedly forced her to withdraw cash at a bank before she managed to escape and alert police.

Jalal Homsi, 31, who is alleged to have attacked the woman with the machete at Bedford Park on December 13

The woman suffered a deep cut to one of her hands.

Homsi is known to his victim and described as 190cm tall with a medium build, olive complexion and short black hair.

'Anyone who sees Jalal Homsi is asked not to approach him but report any sightings immediately to police,' SA Police said.
Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty

If you doubt Republicans are facing immense pressure these days, consider Sen. Martha McSallys behavior. Asked by respected, mild-mannered CNN reporter Manu Raju if she would consider new evidence during the impeachment trial of Donald J. Trump, the vulnerable senator from Arizona snapped back: Youre a liberal hackIm not talking to you. Youre a liberal hack.

Regardless of whether new post-House impeachment revelations are introduced in the Senate trial, the drip-drip-drip has created a lose-lose proposition for Republicans who face tough electoral crosswinds in 2020. They can defend the indefensible, or they can risk invoking the wrath of their president. (Clearly, McSally has decided her best bet is to avoid the latter.)

But as evidence mounts, McSally also risks alienating Arizonans who elected a maverick named John McCain and arent looking to send a Trump toady to Washington.

Kellyanne Conway Melts Down Under Grilling by Fox News

As the Senate heads toward the formal impeachment trial of Donald J. Trump on Tuesday, text messages and documents provided by Lev Parnas, as well as a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report showing that the White House broke the law by withholding funds from Ukraine, cast a pall over Republican efforts to pretend this is merely a witch hunt.

Of course, Republicans who do not face these crosswinds have different incentives. Trump can lose the popular vote and still win the Electoral College, by narrowly holding Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin by the skin of his teeth. He does that, potentially, by holding his base. But that would be cold comfort for Republicans trying to hold Senate seats in places like Maine (Collins) and Arizona (McSally), and also states like Colorado and North Carolina.

With a different leader, these vulnerable senators might be afforded the opportunity to subtly distance themselves from this president. But Donald Trump demands complete loyalty and attempts to walk the line between appeasing the Trump-loyal GOP base and wooing suburban swing voters are being made impossible by fellow Republican senators like Rand Paul, who, in the words of Politico, is vowing to squeeze vulnerable GOP incumbents if they support procedural motions to allow for the calling of witnesses during Trumps impeachment trial. If you vote against Hunter Biden, youre voting to lose your election, basically. Seriously. Thats what it is, Paul said Wednesday. If you dont want to vote and you think youre going to have to vote against Hunter Biden, you should just vote against witnesses, period. With friends like these...

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For now, at least, the pressure campaign seems to be working. Partisanship is a powerful drug, and when the heat is turned up, more often than not, politicians revert to the safe confines of their base for protection. This explains why McSally, a vulnerable Republican who cant afford to be seen as a Trump quisling, is suddenly acting like Trump!

It also explains why, presented with revelations of what might be rightly seen as blockbuster evidence that Marie Yovanovitch was under surveillance by Trump and Rudy Giulianis henchmen in Ukraine, moderate Maine Sen. Susan Collins first reaction was to... blame Congress!

Neither McSally nor Collins have, in the past, been considered particularly Trumpy. Thats why their defensive behavior is especially revealing. Despite the constant revelation of new, damning evidence as the impeachment trial kicks off, Republicans have cast their lot with this president and his base.

This was recently driven home to me by the analysis of a man I once considered to be a straight-shooting, center-right journalist. Though largely subsumed by an avalanche of news about Rudy Giuliani and Lev Parnas, the arrest of Michael Avenatti, and the final Democratic primary debate before the Iowa caucuses, a comment made by Fox News Brit Hume deserves more attention:

Let's assume just for the sake of discussion, that John Bolton comes in and he says, 'Yeah, the president wanted the Bidens investigated and he withheld the aid for a time to try to get that done. I don't think very many Republican senators are going to say that they think Trump did that or that he's guilty of that."

This, of course, was an amazing admission. Put aside the fact that Hume doesnt seem outraged by any of this. His analysis (correct, I think), is that even if John Bolton (John Bolton!) testifies that Trump used the power and prestige of the presidency (not to mention our tax dollars) to extort the president of Ukraine into announcing an investigation into the Bidens, that most Republican senators wouldnt believe itor wouldnt care.

Now ask yourself, how does that analysis comport with the oath that senators took on Thursday, which states that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of Donald John Trump, president of the United States, now pending, I will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws: So help me God?

Yeah...

I suppose its possible that at least four Republicans will, in fact, vote to allow witnesses, and that one of those witnesses will reveal something that is so explosive that 20 Republicans, having taken that oath, are forced to finally, reluctantly, cut Trump loose.

It just seems hardalmost impossibleto imagine what in the world could be so horrible. Martha McSally and Susan Collins are proof positive that even the thoughtful Republicans are so desperate to defend this president that they are taking a page out of his playbook of projection and prevarication.

Trump corrupts!

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The seized painting 'Head of a young woman' by famous Spanish painter Picasso. Photo: Getty Images/Garda Civil

A Spanish billionaire banker, who is also an art collector, has been jailed for 18 months and fined 52.4m (44.6m, $58.4m) for trying to smuggle a national treasure Picasso painting out of the country to sell at an auction.

The artwork, Head of a Young Woman, is valued at 26m and is regarded as an artistic treasure by the Spanish government, meaning it cant be taken out of the country or sold without special permission.

In 2015, it was discovered by customs officials and police in the French island of Corsica on board the yacht of owner Jamie Botin, who was the-then head of the Madrid-based bank Bankinter (BAKA.SG).

Spanish prosecutors say that Botin, 83, was told by auctioneers Christies in 2012 that hed need a special permit to sell the valuable painting  that he bought in 1977  but had been denied one.

READ MORE: Rare 1 coin sells for record 1m

The court heard that Botin then sent the painting to his yacht in Valencia and ordered it to be stashed away.

When it was discovered in French territory three years later, Botin argued he was taking it to Switzerland for safe-keeping.

Spanish Civil Guards move the box containing Picasso's painting 'Head of a Young Woman' into the Reina Sofia museum in Madrid. Photo: Getty Images

However, the Madrid High Court found Botin guilty on Thursday of attempting to remove cultural goods from Spain without a permit.

He has also been ordered to give up the painting, which is now at the Reina Sofia art gallery in Madrid, according to a BBC report.

Botin, who Forbes say has a net worth of $1.7bn, may appeal against his sentence and its unlikely hell be sent to jail because of his age and the non-violent nature of the crime.

Botins father and brother were both chairmen of Spains Santander (SAN) bank and he was a vice-chairman before resigning in 2004.

Picassos Head of a Young Woman (1906) is a rare example of his pink period (1904-1906), a precursor to the Cubism he is more well known for.

READ MORE: This eight-year-old boy makes $26m a year on his YouTube channel
BERKELEY (BCN)

The University of California at Berkeley's executive director of financial planning and analysis was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of a misdemeanor charge of possessing child pornography, police said.

Jon Bain-Chekal, 49, was released from Berkeley's jail later on Thursday, which is standard protocol for misdemeanor offenses, according to police.

The investigation into Bain-Chekal began after the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a tip about child pornography from an online account, according to Berkeley police spokesman Officer Byron White.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Concord Police Department and members from Contra Costa County's District Attorney's Office and sheriff's office assisted in the investigation.

White said the online account was created and accessed from Bain-Chekal's residence and work.

He said a search warrant on the online account revealed additional images of child pornography and additional search warrants were served at Bain-Chekal's residence and work.

White said child pornography images were recovered from a laptop during the search warrant and when Bain-Chekal was interviewed he admitted to viewing and possessing child pornography.

UC Berkeley's website lists Bain-Chekal as being the executive director of the university's financial planning and analysis.

His team is responsible for managing the Berkeley campus's budgetary resources in support of instruction, research, and public service, according to the university website.

A UC Berkeley spokeswoman said, "The campus is in the process of putting Jon Bain-Chekal on administrative investigatory leave. As this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot provide additional information at this time."

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Instagram's CEO has opened up in a new interview, saying an episode of Black Mirror inspired him try removing public like counts from the platform.

Adam Mosseri, 36, was a longtime executive at Facebook and trusted confidant of CEO Mark Zuckerberg before taking over the helm at subsidiary Instagram in October 2018, when the photo-sharing app's co-founders resigned in a bitter public split.

In an interview with the New York Times published on Friday, Mosseri revealed that he found himself dwelling on the Black Mirror episode Nosedive, about a dystopian society where everyone rates each other on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.

For months now, Instagram has been testing hiding public like counts, allowing people to see how many likes their own posts get, but not showing them for others.

Adam Mosseri, 36, was a longtime executive at Facebook and trusted confidant of CEO Mark Zuckerberg before taking over the helm at Facebook subsidiary Instagram

Mosseri revealed that he found himself dwelling on the Black Mirror episode Nosedive (above), about a dystopian society where everyone rates each other on a scale of 1 to 5 stars

The global test is code named Project Daisy, after the children's game 'She loves me, she loves me not.'

Instagram says it is part of an effort to make users feel happier and less self-conscious online amid concerns social media can contribute to low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy in young people.

'It's about young people. The idea is to depressurize Instagram, make it less of a competition, give people more space to focus on connecting with people they love and things that inspire them,' Mosseri said in a prior interview with Wired.

'We have to see how it affects how people feel about the platform, how it affects how people use the platform, how it affects the creator ecosystem.'

While the platform says its may help mitigate negative effects on users' mental health, some communities, like its contingency of brand influencers have expressed concern that the move will hurt their business which is contingent on social media 'clout.'

According to a study in Social Media Today, influencers almost unanimously experienced a drop in their like counts in countries where the the feature was hidden.

Adam Mosseri and Mark Zuckerberg are seen together at a company event in October

Others, however, have welcomed the drastic change, citing its ability to help brand ambassadors and influencers to focus on content instead of popularity.

Mosseri has fretted over how to navigate the change without alienating high-profile Instagram users.

'I just don't want to piss anyone off,' he said, according to the Times.

At the same time, he has been forced to handle the same controversies over misinformation and harmful content that have also plagued big brother Facebook.

In the UK, Instagram has received intense public backlash over the 2017 suicide of Molly Russell, a 14-year-old schoolgirl who took her own life after viewing harmful images on the platform.

She had entered a 'dark rabbit hole of depressive suicidal content', her father said in a new interview on Friday.

Instagram said that, between April and June 2019, it removed 834,000 pieces of content, 77% of which had not been reported by users.

But Molly's father Ian Russell said: 'It would be great if they could find a way to take down 10 times the number of posts and really reduce the potentially harmful content that is on their platform.'

Instagram has received intense public backlash over the 2017 suicide of Molly Russell (above), a 14-year-old schoolgirl who took her own life after viewing harmful images on the platform

Instagram has also faced criticism for labeling artistic images as 'fake'

Mosseri said: 'Nothing is more important to me than the safety of the people who use Instagram.

'We aim to strike the difficult balance between allowing people to share their mental health experiences  which can be important for recovery  while also protecting others from being exposed to potentially harmful content.'

Instagram has also struggled to combat misinformation, and has recently generated controversy by 'fact-checking' artistic digitally altered images that, for example, show sand dunes in rainbow colors.

Last month, Instagram rolled out a new feature that warns users when they are about to upload a post that features potentially bullying language in the caption.

Mosseri says he wants to learn from Facebook's stumbles and take an aggressive approach to harmful content.

'We should have started to more proactively think about how Instagram and Facebook could be abused and mitigate those risks,' he said. 'We're playing catch-up.'
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that those who are opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act are "anti-Dalits".

"I want to ask those opposing Citizenship Amendment Act, what will you gain by going against Dalits who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan? Those who are opposing CAA are anti-dalits," Shah said here while addressing a rally in support of the Act.

Attacking the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi, Shah said that both Rahul and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that Article 370 shouldn't be abrogated.

"Both said that CAA should not be implemented. I can't understand the relation between Imran Khan and the leaders of Congress," he said.

At the event, Shah also stated that the Opposition parties are opposing the CAA due to "vote bank politics".

CAA grants citizenship to the non-Muslim refugee from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who came to 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.)
Chennai, Jan 18 : Seeking to end the war of words, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief M.K. Stalin, here on Saturday, urged both the DMK and the Congress leaders not to air their views on the alliance in public to protect its integrity and to avoid media talk.

According to Stalin, it was Tamil Nadu Congress chief K.S. Alagiri who first went to the public by issuing a statement on the allotment of seats in the local rural body polls instead of discussing it with the DMK.

It caused unwanted exchange of words, he said.

Alagiri had also said the DMK was not following the "coalition dharma" in allotment of seats.

Joining the issue with Alagiri, DMK treasurer Duraimurugan said his party would not lose anything if the Congress decided to exit the alliance. He repeated the sentiment later as well.

However, Alagiri said there was no tussle between the Congress and the DMK.

An angry DMK decided to boycott the meeting of opposition parties, called by the Congress leader Sonia Gandhi in Delhi, recently.
A baby who was snatched from his mother's arms and bundled into a car in Queensland this afternoon has been reunited with his mother.

Police launched a desperate hunt to find the 18-month-old, who was taken from near a home in Raceview at 11.30 on Saturday morning.

A man - understood to be known to the family - was seen pulling the boy from his mothers arms and is believed to have put him in a car.

The car is described as being a black, 2012 Great Wall with registration 617ZCU and was last seen heading south.

He has since been found safe.

Queensland Police released this picture of a little boy who was snatched from his mother's arms on Saturday morning

The toddler is 120cm tall, with brown eyes and brown hair.

Officials released a picture of a man they believe could be involved in the kidnapping.

Police confirmed to Daily Mail Australia there are fears the boy could be taken out-of-state.

More to follow.

Police released an image of this man (pictured) in relation to the incident on Saturday morning in Raceview, Queensland
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  While individuals plan on tackling personal goals - often associated with issues of health, money or relationships - some new years resolutions made by small-business owners benefit both businesses and clientele alike.

The beginning of a new year helps to punctuate the passage of time, and underscores the importance of analyzing the past and present health of a business in order to move it successfully forward, said John J. Amodio, chairman of SCORE-Staten Island. Because there is a mutually beneficial relationship between business owners, colleagues and customers, its not surprising that a business owners New Years resolution may impact an array of people within and without the commercial enterprise.

A common thread of New Years resolutions within Staten Islands small-business community is providing a benefit to others.

For attorney Jonathan DAgostino of Eltingville-headquartered Jonathan DAgostino & Associates, 2020 offers an opportunity to reaffirm a commitment to his long-established business tenets.

The years change but the resolution always remains the same: For the firm to continue its growth, our service to remain consistent, and the results of our legal representation to exceed clients expectations, DAgostino said.

Charles Di Bartolo, president of BetterBizWorks LLC, envisions 2020 as a year of technological advancement at the Castleton Corners-based web design and internet marketing company.

In the coming year, Di Bartolo plans to digitize all of our firms remaining paper documents and move them to the Cloud; replace the least-effective marketing and advertising practices with new cutting-edge ideas and strategies, and continue to enhance my business services through education.

Doreen M. Inserra, a certified public accountant and president and owner of the 23-year-old Richmond-based taxation and accounting firm bearing her name, has resolved to promote ethical excellence as an educator in her field during the coming year.

I have developed a Continuing Professional Education (CPE) course, Ethical Guidance in Tax Practice, to offer to my peers, she explained.

Vivian Nacionales, co-owner of Great Kills-based nail polish company NacionalesNails.com, sees this year as an opportunity to have a greater number of people experience her products by increasing brand awareness and sales through more aggressive social media campaigns and networking.

One trait shared by many Staten Island business owners is volunteerism, coupled with a desire to give back to the community.

My resolution for 2020 is to impart strategic marketing know-how to a greater number of entrepreneurs by budgeting more time as a volunteer on behalf of SCORE-Staten Island, said publicist and business-marketing expert Barton Horowitz, founder and president of Bloomingdale-headquartered Relevant Public Relations LLC.

No one businessperson can be masterful in every aspect of their operation; every entrepreneur can benefit from some guidance, Horowitz said. SCOREs certified business mentors can help your enterprise at any stage  from vision to startup to long-established. I personally benefited from the organizations advice in reimagining the vision of my company, and its a privilege to be given the opportunity to help others who need guidance within my areas of expertise.

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Free sanitary products will be available to all schools and colleges in England from next week as part of a drive to stamp out period poverty.

The move will mean that no schoolgirl should be forced to miss lessons because she is on her period.

The Department for Education also hopes the change will help break down the stigma surrounding menstruation.

Free sanitary products will be available to all schools and colleges in England from next week as part of a drive to stamp out period poverty (file image)

Under the scheme, schools and colleges will be able to order a range of sanitary products, including eco-friendly options, so that they are on hand when students need them. Campaigners had been calling for the Government to take action following concerns that girls could miss class during their periods if they are unable to afford sanitary products.

Former chancellor Philip Hammond first announced plans to fund free sanitary products in Englands secondary schools last year. The proposals were later rolled out to include primaries.

Children and families minister Michelle Donelan said: Periods are a normal part of everyday life and we do not want young people missing out on lessons because of them. We know that it is not easy for everyone to access period products where and when they need them. This scheme will deal with those problems so young people can go about their daily lives without getting caught out if they have come on their period unexpectedly, forgotten to bring products with them or if they cant afford the products they need.

Former chancellor Philip Hammond (pictured) first announced plans to fund free sanitary products in Englands secondary schools last year

Research for charity Plan International UK in 2017 found that one in ten young women aged 14 to 21 in the UK said they had been unable to afford sanitary products while 12 per cent had to improvise.

Both the Scottish and Welsh governments have already announced schemes to make free period products available in schools, and in Scotland, in universities as well.

Amika George, founder of the FreePeriods campaign group, said: As a grassroots, student-led movement, Free Periods has been fighting for every single child in this country to be able to go to school without worrying about their next pad or tampon.

Amika George, 20, founder of the FreePeriods campaign group, said: For the first time in history, this scheme will ensure that becomes a reality'

For the first time in history, this scheme will ensure that becomes a reality.

The 20-year-old added: We ask that schools have open conversations with students about what they need and start signing up to the scheme. Free products in schools will ensure that every child can learn and be their very best, without periods holding them back.
Nizamabad (Telangana) [India], Jan 18 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Arvind Dharmapuri has said the police should allow his party MLA Raja Singh for campaigning in Nizamabad if Asaduddin Owaisi can be granted the permission.



During the municipal election rally on Friday, Arvind spoke to Nizamabad Police Commissioner Karthikeya over the phone. "BJP MLA Raja Singh should be given the permission for campaigning. If Asaduddin Owaisi was given the permission, then why not to the BJP," he told the Police Commissioner.

"You take note of law and order situation when our MLA Singh comes out on the street but it is not noticed when Owaisi is here. Is Asaduddin Owaisi running the Police Department," he asked.

The leader also threatened the police, saying that the BJP's programme would be held and if the police want, they can arrest them.

"We will conduct the programme here in Nizamabad. You should give permission or you give an official statement to shut the party here. BJP MLA Raja Singh and I will conduct the programme here. If you want to arrest, then you arrest us."

"You should give permission to the BJP as well or else we will see how far this issue goes. We are fighting against the TRS. Now, we will also fight against the Police Department," he added.

However, later Police Commissioner Karthikeya granted permission to Raja Singh to hold a rally.

"We have considered and given permission to BJP MLA Raja Singh to conduct a rally here in Nizamabad on Saturday," the Police Commissioner told ANI.

The municipal elections are scheduled to be held on January 22 in Telangana. (ANI)


Where some see a vast expanse of frigid waterways and sea ice, Okalik Eegeesiak sees a highway.

Inuit are an international people. We did not create the boundaries or borders that we live under, says the former chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, from her home in Iqaluit.

We have always travelled through the waters, travelled on the ice, following our food sources.

But the traffic on the figurative highway that is Canadas North is growing  and changing. More government icebreakers, research ships and even private yachts are voyaging north as, thanks to climate change, the sea ice that once made travel difficult or impossible for much of the year recedes. Some are also eyeing future shipping shortcuts, a prospect with the potential to disrupt not only transportation networks, but southern beliefs about the remoteness of the North.

One study calculated that the total distance travelled by ships in the Canadian Arctic tripled between 1990 and 2015, and the total distance logged that year was just over 918,000 kilometres, which is roughly equivalent to circling the globe 23 times.

While much travel remains unpredictable and many areas icebound for much of the year, the renewed interest in the Arctic has kick-started a debate about who should be travelling in the Arctic, and why, and, furthermore, who should decide.

Recently, a smattering of global companies  including retail juggernauts such as the clothing giants Gap and Puma  pledged not to send goods through the Arctic. In October, the American-based Ocean Conservancy partnered with Nike to launch the Arctic Corporate Shipping Pledge, which saw companies publicly commit to not ship via three Arctic routes.

One of them is the famed Northwest Passage, which skirts the top of Northern Canada. It was once among the final frontiers of European exploration, but a warming climate has made it increasingly navigable for a short period each year. It is estimated that a ship looking to get around the Americas could one day shave hundreds of nautical miles off the trip by going through the Northwest Passage instead of the Panama Canal.

In an emailed statement, Detlef Trefzger, the CEO of shipping company Kuehne + Nagel International Ltd., a signatory of the pledge, says the decline of sea ice has made polar routes more attractive for shipping, but even if these routes can shorten the time between major trading markets, the increased shipping traffic is a risk to the Arctic ecosystem.

Dan Hubbell, the Conservancys shipping emissions campaign manager, says the pledge takes aim at bigger vessels  ships that wouldnt necessarily even be stopping in ports along the way but they would just be passing through  and get companies thinking about how things like their supply chain affect the environment on a larger scale.

He stresses that the organization is not trying to interfere with local shipping for things like resupplying small communities, but feels a duty to help protect the northern ecosystem.

(The Arctic) isnt a shortcut, its a place. Putting the right conservative and protection measures in is essential for us, he says, adding that most Arctic regions lack the infrastructure, personnel or equipment to deal with, for example, a spill of heavy fuel oil  a type of marine fuel that has a lot of pollutants.

There are other complications given the remoteness: distance, the weather, the periods of 24-hour darkness, that regardless of how much ice is ever present are just simply never going to change, he says.

But Eegeesiak says Inuit are well aware of the risks posed by more ships in Arctic waters. They worry that more traffic is affecting wildlife migration routes or behaviour patterns: Its our food insecurity or food sovereignty thats impacted, she says.

But the shipping industry represents economic opportunity, too, and she says Inuit communities often support development when given the chance to participate in decisions and monitor their own waterways.

Jackie Dawson, a Canada Research Chair in Environment, Society and Policy and the scientific director of ArcticNet, which studies climate change and modernization in the Canadian Arctic, is part of a federal project to use local knowledge and better mapping and navigational information to identify low-impact shipping corridors in the north.

For example, she says people from Pond Inlet, just off Baffin Bay in Nunavut, have pointed out the clam bed on the ocean floor right outside of their community, and asked that boats not anchor there when the clams are breeding  a restriction Dawson says most ship operators are happy to follow.

Its not that (shipping) should be a free-for-all cowboy Wild West, but there are different mechanisms that we should be focusing on, she says.

Canada should be a leader in the future of sustainable and green shipping that supports self-determination and self-determined and sustainable development.

A desire to protect the Arctic from harmful development hit the mainstream a few years ago with Greenpeaces protest against drilling in the Alaskan offshore, according to Heather Exner-Pirot, the managing editor of the Arctic Yearbook, an online publication devoted to analysis of the Arctic.

She argues that southerners tend to see the Arctic as one big homogenous place, or a pristine environment where any development is bad, when in fact there are people who live there who understand the trade-offs.

I think  people in the south feel like theyre entitled to and have a right, even a responsibility, to determine what kind of development can take place in the Arctic, and I think ethically probably they dont.

Eegeesiak isnt sure what the future of shipping will look like, but shed eventually like to see Arctic communities equipped with the resources to welcome ships to their community and participate in any economic benefits they offer. Many communities dont have things like docks to load and unload ships, she says.

But whatever happens, she says its important for Inuit to take the lead: We are here, and we are not going anywhere.

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A Hollywood stunt team is presently in Hyderabad, preparing for the Manchu Vishnu and Suniel Shetty starrer, Mosagallu, which is a huge action flick.

According to a release from the films team, both these actors have gone through a long training session for this action episode. The release said, It is touted to be a masterpiece and is going to be the best action ever in Telugu cinema.

Both Manchu Vishnu and Suniel Shetty have also looked for ways to push the limits of their body while acting in heavy-duty action sequence. This particular sequence is being shot in an expansive set created in Ramoji Film City. Mosagallu is directed by Jeffrey Gee Chin and produced by Manchu Vishnu, who plan to release it this summer.
Virginia prosecutors dropped a manslaughter charge against an alleged drunk driver because the responding police officer's accounts of what happened were inconsistent and could not be trusted.

Daniel Cadigan, 67, had been indicted on involuntary manslaughter charges in a Virginia court in July 2019, following a February 2019 car accident with William Kincaid, 78, of Fairfax, Virginia, who died six days later.

In December 2019, Fairfax County prosecutors told William's widow, Rita Kincaid, that they were dismissing the case against Cadigan and that he would not be facing any charges in her husband's death, the Washington Post reported.

Virginia prosecutors dropped both the drunk driving and involuntary manslaughter charges against Daniel Cadigan, 67 (left), following the February 2019 accident involving William Kincaid, 78 (right), who died six days later

A photo from the February 2019 accident which shows William Kincaid exiting his grey car, while Cadigan (far right) sits on the undamaged guardrail

This, despite a blood test showing that Cadigan's blood alcohol level was allegedly at 0.31 per cent following the accident - just shy of four times what Virginia state defines as the legal limit for drunk driving, 0.08 per cent.

The problem, according to Rita, was that the prosecutors' office didn't think it was ethical to put the accident's responding police officer - Anthony G. McGhie Jr. - on the stand because they couldn't trust his accounts of Cadigan's supposed arrest on drunk driving charges, which also called into question the legality of Cadigan's blood test.

As prosecutors were preparing for trial, they learned that McGhie, 47, had filed two reports, each with different sequences of events, both of which appeared to conflict with audio recordings of his interactions with Cadigan the day of the accident.

The accident that led to William Kincaid's death occurred on February 8, 2019 at about 12.50pm, when he was driving home from the bank. Cadigan, driving the opposite direction towards his home, was said to have suddenly turned left into William's car, sending both cars into the guardrail.

A photo from the accident scene shows William exiting his car under his own power, while Cadigan leans against the undamaged guard rail.

William was said to have seemed okay after the crash, although he said he had chest pain as the result of being hit by his car's airbag.

But, he started getting headaches about four hours later, which led doctors to finding a subdural hematoma in his brain. Surgery failed to reduce his brain swelling and he died six days later, on February 14.

William Kincaid is pictured here with his wife of 41 years, Rita Kincaid, in an undated picture

The accident occurred on this street in Fairfax, Virginia, on February 8, 2019. William was said to have driving home that afternoon, when Cadigan turned and collided with his car

Responding officer McGhie's crash report stated that the two cars were traveling at about 20mph at the time and that because there didn't seem to be any serious injuries or questions about what led to the accident at the time, crash investigators were not called to the scene.

Cadigan was issued a summons for drunk driving three hours after the incident and given a blood test, which showed his BAC to be at 0.31 per cent.

In McGhie's report about the incident, he stated that paramedics who checked out Cadigan at the accident scene told McGhie that Cadigan appeared to be drunk, which prompted McGhie to perform a preliminary breathalyzer test on him.

Court records, obtained by the Washington Post, showed that the breathalyzer test - which is not admissible in court - indicated that Cadigan's BAC was .15 per cent, nearly twice the state's legal limit.

In McGhie's first report about the incident, he was said to have written that he put Cadigan under arrest and that Cadigan admitted to drinking prior to the accident. McGhie said he did not perform a field sobriety test due to Cadigan's 'condition,' sending him to the hospital for a blood test instead.

Cadigan was eventually charged with involuntary manslaughter of William in July 2019.

Cadigan's lawyer, Marina Medvin, told the newspaper that when she reviewed police reports about the incident, she discovered that McGhie wasn't wearing a body camera, but that he was wearing a microphone, which was connected to the patrol car's camera.

McGhie had neglected to turn his microphone on, but another officer's microphone captured McGhie's conversation with Cadigan.

Medvin said that Cadigan repeatedly denied drinking at the time and told the officers that he had been on medication. It's unclear which medications, however.

She added that Cadigan was never told that he was under arrest or read his Miranda rights, and that when he asked if he could either go home or call his wife, McGhie said no.

Medvin claimed that because Cadigan was never formally placed under arrest, his blood taken for the BAC test without his consent and would need a search warrant to obtain, which did not happen.

In Virginia, 'implied consent' for drawing Cadigan's blood would have applied had he been arrested first, instead of just detained for three hours.

Based on this, Medvin moved to have Cadigan's blood test results thrown out of the case, which dismissed the drunk driving charges against him.

But, in August, Medvin said that she discovered McGhie had filed a second report about the incident, in which he claimed that Cadigan had admitted to drinking prior to his arrest.

Medvin said that the tweaked sequence of events results in a 'more likely scenario that would hold up in court,' but the audio recording still contradicted this claim.

She said that she moved to have the case dismissed after medical experts said that William Kincaid could have died from a variety reasons following the accident, including the fact that he had been taking blood-thinking drugs at the time or that he might've sustained a slow-developing head injury prior to or after the crash, because there wasn't any visible injury immediately following the crash.

Prior to a pre-trial hearing in November 2019, however, McGhie told prosecutors that he had seen a dash-cam video in which he could be heard telling Cadigan that he was under arrest.

Prosecutors were unable to find the video, which ultimately led to the dismissal of Cadigan's manslaughter charges on December 5, 2019, because there was no case if they didn't have McGhie testify and prosecutors no longer believed his reports so it would be unethical to put him on the stand.

Prosecutors and Rita Kincaid have since filed complaints against McGhie, an 11-year veteran of the force.

The Fairfax police told the Washington Post they have started an internal affairs investigation, but that they had no comment about the investigation while it was pending.

McGhie is said to still be on active duty, with pay, as a patrol officer.

After the dismissal of both the drunk driving and involuntary manslaughter charges, Fairfax County Commonwealths Attorney Steve Descano told the newspaper that 'there is no clear criminal charge that can now be pursued' against Cadigan.

Rita said that she does 'not understand how the law can support' the fact that 'The perpetrator walks free leaving me with the loss of my husband of 41 years and no justice or accountability for the drunk driver.'

She said that she received a call from Cadigan the day after her husband's crash, in which he supposedly apologized and she told him, 'You should be in the hospital, not my husband.'

Rita told the Washington Post that she then told off Cadigan about drinking and driving, and 'He told me, "I know I have a problem."'

'I have that conversation plastered in my brain,' she said.
He also has to forfeit 25 properties in Oregon and California and more than $16 million in Tesla stock. Here's how much time he'll serve.
The chief suspect believed to be responsible for dismembering a 17-year-old boy in Ireland 'threatened to murder another man', it has emerged.

The suspect, who is well known to Gardai, posted footage of threats against a man who has since fled the country.

Keane Mulready-Woods, 17, was abducted from Drogheda, Co Louth last Sunday before he was tortured in a house in Rathmullen Park in the town.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar pictured in Drogheda, Co Louth alongside his Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan, right, insisted that Ireland was still a safe country despite the brutal murder of Keane Mulready-Woods, 17

The Taoiseach, who this week called a general election, received a briefing from senior gardai in Drogheda

Keane Mulready-Woods, 17, was abducted on Sunday night in Drogheda and taken to a house in Rathmullen Park in the town where he was tortured and dismembered. His severed limbs were dumped in Dublin

His corpse was dismembered and he was also decapitated before his remains were dumped in two locations in Dublin, some 35 miles away from the crime scene.

The brutal murder has become a major issue in the week that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar called an election. His party, Fine Gael, are traditionally seen as the party of law and order. However, the brutal nature of Mulready-Woods' murder has shocked the nation.

Mr Varadkar travelled to Drogheda, Co Louth to meet with senior gardai investigating the brutal murder and has told them they have his complete support.

However, Micheal Martin, leader of the main opposition party Fianna Fail, claimed the government is 'losing control' of crime in the country.

As well as Mulready-Woods' murder, two men were shot in Dublin in the last 36 hours and a student, Cameron Blair, was stabbed to death during a house party in Cork on Thursday night.

Two men were also shot and wounded outside a pub in the early hours of htis morning.

Mr Varadkar said: 'Ireland is a country that is safe. Ireland is a country that thankfully relative to other countries has a relatively low crime rate and a relatively low murder rate.

'That doesn't detract in any way from the seriousness of the crimes that we have witnessed in the last number of days which are unspeakable and are appalling.

'Our responsibility as a government working with the gardai and others to bring those people who has committed those crimes to justice.

Mr Varadkar, right, spoke with Fine Gael election candidate Fergus O'Dowd, centre, after a radio interview with local LMFM on Friday afternoon

Gardai continued to search for evidence near where they believe Mulready Woods was murdered in Rathmullen Park, Drogheda

The teenager was known by locals for his love of scrambler motorcycles

Gardai have secured several crime scenes along the east coast following Sunday's murder

'That's why we put record resources into the gardai, that's why we reopened Templemore which was closed by Fianna Fail.

'It's why we've put such investment into the gardai and resources in recent years and why we focused on reducing poverty, reducing disadvantage. And poverty is now down five years in a row."

When asked if Fine Gael has lost control of law and order, he said: 'We will have periods where there is a spate of violence as we have seen in the past week but that does not mean that law and order has broken down.'

One of the men shot on Friday near Dublin Airport is in a critical condition.

He was one of two men, both aged in their 30s, injured in the incident in St Margaret's near Dublin Airport on Friday morning.

They were sitting in a parked vehicle at an industrial premises on Killeek Lane at around 11.30am when a lone gunman approached and fired several shots.

The gunman fled the scene in a vehicle driven by another man.

The victims were treated at the scene before being taken to hospital - one to Beaumount and one to Connolly Memorial.

The car suspected to have been involved of the attack - a black Citroen C4 reg 151D34526 - was later found on fire in Greenwood Avenue in Coolock.

Two men, also aged in their 30s, were detained around an hour after the shooting.

Gardai have appealed for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the area of the shooting or the car's discovery to come forward.

Shortly before his murder Gardai warned Mulready-Woods that his life was in danger, however the teenager did not believe the gang responsible for his murder were looking to kill him.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 19:19:21|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping returned to China Saturday evening after a state visit to Myanmar.

He was seen off at the airport by Myanmar First Vice President U Myint Swe.

Four military aircraft of Myanmar took off to escort Xi's plane.

Xi's entourage, including Ding Xuexiang, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee; Yang Jiechi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee; State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi; and He Lifeng, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and head of the National Development and Reform Commission, also returned to China on the same day.
INX Media Case: SC grants bail to Chidambaram, to walk out of Tihar jail

Section 144 not a tool to oppress difference of opinion: SC verdict on J&K in 15 points

SC describes J&K as Tale of Two Cities: A paradise on earth where blood is shed everyday

All six terror funding cases against Hafiz Saeed to be clubbed

Phoolan Devi: The tale of a Bandit Queen

India

oi-Briti Roy

New Delhi, Jan 18: A Kanpur trial Court on Saturday is expected to pronounce its verdict on the Behmai massacre of 20 people in the Behmai village, allegedly by bandit Phoolan Devi, about four decades ago, on the revenge mission of her rape.

The Court will deliver the judgment against the four surviving accused- Posha, Bhikha, Vishwanath and Shayambabu, while Posha is still in jail and the rest, are out on bail.

Phoolan Devi was shot dead in 2001 in New Delhi outside her MP bungalow.

The massacre

The massacre case of Behmai is about the killing of 20 people of the Behmai village, near Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh in 1981.

The dacoit of the state, Phoolan Devi and her gang carried out the killings as to revenge her alleged rape by two men- Lala Ram and Sri Ram of the Thakur caste, the then-dominant of the village.

Indira Jaising to Nirbhaya's mother: Pardon convicts just like Sonia Gandhi|Oneindia News

Phoolan Devi raped, murdered accused no more; verdict of 39 years old Behmai massacre today

Who is Phoolan Devi

Phoolan Devi, mostly known as the Bandit Queen was popular for her bravery.

Referred as 'legend' by some, low-caste born Phoolan Devi was married at the age of eleven to a ruthless man in exchange for a cow. She escaped after several years of the marriage and joined a gang of bandits.

The beautiful bandit queen became legendary for the ruthless revenge on her abusers and Robin Hood-like aids to the lower castes.

The 'revenge'

At her 18, she was gang-raped by the Thakur men in Behmai for two weeks and left barren.

The lady named as the Saint Valentine's Day massacre, became the leader of her gang and led a notorious act of revenge on 14th February, 1981. After several months, Phoolan returned to Behmai to seek revenge.

On that evening, at a wedding, Phoolan marched as police officers with her gang and demanded her abusers be produced. As they not being found, Devi shot 20 men to their death.

Phoolan Devi and her gang carried out the killings as to revenge her alleged rape by two men- Lala Ram and Sri Ram, men of the upper caste of the village.

Reaction of the country

The massacre provoked outrage across the country. The then Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, V P Singh resigned in the wake of the killings.

A massive police manhunt was launched but failed to locate Phoolan. It was said that the manhunt was not successful because she had the support of poor people in the region.

Devi was began to call Queen, as she was glorified by some of the Indian media and as an undaunted woman who struggled to survive in the men's' world.

Explained: What is the Behmai massacre

Jail term

Two years after the massacre, in 1983, she agreed to surrender to the authorities as she was in poor health and most of her gang members were dead. However, she surrendered to the Madhya Pradesh Police as she said she did not trust the Uttar Pradesh Police.

Also, she insisted that she would lay down her arms only before the pictures of Mahatma Gandhi and the goddess Durga and not to the police.

Phoolan Devi was charged with about forty-eight crimes including dacoity and kidnapping. She remained in prison as an undertrial as the trial was delayed for eleven years.

The MP

In 1995, Phoolan stood for election to the 11th Lok Sabha from the Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, one year after her release.

She contested the election as a member of the Samajwadi Party and won the election and served as an MP during the term of the 11th Lok Sabha.

Assassination

On 26 July 2001, Phoolan Devi was shot dead by three masked gunmen in New Delhi outside her MP bungalow. She was hit nine times and was declared dead when taken to a nearby hospital.

Later, Sher Singh Rana, the prime suspect surrendered to the police and claimed that he had murdered Devi in revenge for the Thakur-men she killed in the Behmai massacre.

On 14 August 2014, the court sentenced Rana to life in prison.
Two men have been fined for piloting boats under the influence of alcohol along a river in the northern Vietnamese province of Bac Ninh.

The traffic police division under the Ministry of Public Security carried out patrols along the Duong River in Bac Ninh on Tuesday and Wednesday, Pham Quang Huy, an officer from the division, confirmed on Friday morning.

The patrol officers on Tuesday found a boat pilot, V.V.D., behind the steering wheel while having a breath alcohol level measured at over 0.3 milligrams per liter of breath.

A police officer measures the breath alcohol concentration of a boat pilot along the Duong River in the northern Vietnamese province of Bac Ninh in January 2020. Photo: Minh Hai / Tuoi Tre

On the following day, N.V.T., another boat pilot, was discovered having a breath alcohol concentration of 3.718mg/l while steering his boat.

Each of the offenders was slapped with a VND750,000 (US$32) fine.

According to current regulations, people who pilot boats with a breath alcohol concentration of over 0.25mg/l are susceptible to fines worth VND200,000-1 million ($8.6-43).

The penalty is not stern enough to deter violators, Huy said.

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As the newspaper was smuggled in, Kings reply had to be smuggled out. Although, in its final form, it is an essay of 20-plus pages, he began the reply by writing in the margins of the newspaper brought to him, continued writing on scraps of paper, and completed the communication through conversation transcribed onto legal pads by attorneys visiting him at the jail.

Kings essay includes memorable lines such as: For years now, every Negro has heard the word, Wait, which has almost always meant Never. We must come to see that justice too long delayed is justice denied.  I hope religious congregations and communions will meet the challenge of this decisive hour, but even if they do not come to the aid of justice  we will win our freedom, because the sacred heritage of our nation and the eternal will of God are embodied in our echoing demands  Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away  so the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty.
Outrage has rained on Brazils government from across the political spectrum after the culture secretary used language similar to that of Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels in launching an arts initiative focused on nationalism and religion, forcing President Jair Bolsonaro to fire him on Friday.

The parallels between Thursdays remarks by Roberto Alvim, who had held the culture post only since November, and those of Goebbels in the 1930s drew irate reactions from Jewish organisations, key legislators, political parties, artists and Brazils bar association.

Bolsonaro is normally defiant in the face of criticism, but he quickly removed Alvim.

The far-right president, who often celebrates torturers and killers of Brazils 1964-85 military dictatorship, also denounced Nazism and authoritarian regimes in a Twitter post.

Though the government is strapped for cash, Bolsonaro had announced Alvims $4.9m arts initiative to foment the production of literature, theatre, opera, music and other arts.





Alvim, a born-again Christian who found renewed faith while recovering from cancer, delivered a separate message about the initiative using a phrase that local media identified as a paraphrase of a 1933 speech by Goebbels.

Shockingly Nazism-inspired

Website Jornalistas Livres first detected the comparable quote in Peter Longerichs popular biography on the Nazi propagandist, referenced as a speech to Germanys theatre scene at the time.

The Brazilian art of the next decade will be heroic and will be national, Alvim said in the middle of his speech.

It will yield great capacity of emotional involvement and it will be equally imperative, as it will be deeply committed to the urgent aspirations of our people, or it will be nothing.





In his 1933 speech, Goebbels said, The German art of the next decade will be heroic, it will be steely romantic, it will be factual and completely free of sentimentality, it will be national with great Pathos and committed, or it will be nothing.

Alvim, who has disavowed Nazism, acknowledged the similarity but said it was merely a rhetorical coincidence.

After his firing, Brazils culture secretariat removed the video of his speech, saying that was done in respect to all citizens who felt offended by its content.

In reaction, the president of Brazils lower house said on Twitter that the video went beyond the pale and that Bolsonaro should remove Alvim from his position immediately.

Davi Alcolumbre, the first Jewish president of Brazils Senate, said the video was shockingly Nazism-inspired.

Bolsonaro said in a statement that Alvims comments constituted an unfortunate pronouncement, even though he apologised, that made it unsustainable for him to stay.

On Friday evening, popular Brazilian actress Regina Duarte, who made her career in soap operas, told local media that she had been invited to replace Alvim, but had yet to decide whether to accept the job or not. She said she was not ready, but he (Bolsonaro) told me to get ready.
India has summoned a senior official of the Pakistan High Commission and lodged a strong protest over the recent cases of abduction of minor girls from the minority Hindu community in Pakistan, and urged for the safe return of them to their families, government sources said.

The development comes after incidents of kidnapping of minor girls from the Hindu community came to light in Pakistan earlier this month.

Two minor girls, Shanti Meghwad and Sarmi Meghwad, belonging to the minority Hindu community were abducted on January 14. They belong to Umar Village in Tharparkar of Sindh province.

In another incident, a minor girl, Mehak, also belonging to the minority Hindu community, was abducted from Jacobabad district of Sindh province in January 15.

"Pakistan has been conveyed the grave concerns as expressed amongst various quarters of the Indian civil society at such a shocking and deplorable incident involving minor girls from the minority Hindu community in Pakistan. The incidents have been strongly condemned and asked for the immediate safe return of the girls to their families," government sources said.

India has time and again lodged several protests over the abduction and forced marriage of women from the Hindu community in the neighbouring country.

Recently, an angry group of local residents pelted stones at Gurdwara Nankana Sahib in Pakistan on January 3. The group was led by the family of a boy who had allegedly abducted Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur, daughter of gurdwara's panthi, last year.

India had strongly condemned the "wanton acts of destruction and desecration" at Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev, and called upon Pakistan to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and welfare of the members of the Sikh community.

Days later, the body of Sikh youth, identified as Ravinder Singh, was found in the Chamkani police station area of Peshawar. The deceased was the brother of an Islamabad-based journalist, Harmeet Singh.

India had also shared strong concerns raised by members of civil society, parliamentarians and others at the "continued persecution of religious and ethnic minorities" in Pakistan.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Revenue at its retail and telecoms units each jumped more than 25 per cent in the December quarter as the company, headed by Asias richest man.

Mumbai: Indian oil-to-telecoms conglomerate Reliance Industries Ltd posted another record quarterly profit on Friday, as double-digit growth at its consumer-facing businesses cushioned weakness in its energy divisions.

Revenue at its retail and telecoms units each jumped more than 25 per cent in the December quarter as the company, headed by Asias richest man, Mukesh Ambani, invests heavily to bring them on par with its dominant petrochemicals and refining businesses.

We saw consistent same-store sales growth and record footfall across our stores, Ambani said in a statement, with the remarks coming when growth in Asias third-largest economy has slowed to multi-year lows.

The Mumbai-headquartered company has rapidly grown to become Indias largest retailer with over 10,000 stores selling groceries, consumer electronics and apparel, while its telecom unit, Jio, has become the countrys largest wireless operator in about three years since launch.

Profit at Jio surged 62 per cent to 13.50 billion rupees, led by subscriber additions of 14.8 million during the reported quarter.

Reliance, which runs the worlds biggest oil refining complex, said gross refining margin - the profit earned on each barrel of crude oil processed - was USD 9.2 per barrel, slightly lower than the prior quarter but better than a year earlier.

The third-quarter results for our energy business reflect the weak global economic environment and volatility in energy markets, Ambani, the companys chairman, said.

Meanwhile, the proposed purchase of 20 per cent in Reliances oil-to-chemicals arm by Saudi Aramco will take a few months to be finalized, Joint Chief Financial Officer V Srikanth said at a press briefing, adding Reliance wouldnt comment on a specific timeframe for the deal to close.

We are making very good progress, and there is engagement across teams which is very intense, Srikanth said of the deal, which would be one of the largest ever foreign investments in India.

The company had previously said it would sign a definitive agreement with Aramco by March 2020.

The weak performance at the petrochem and refining unit led to a 2.5 per cent drop in revenue from operations to 1.57 trillion rupees.

Still, Chief Financial Officer Alok Agarwal said 2020 would be a better year from a global growth point of view, which should help boost margins in the refining and petrochemicals units.

Consolidated net profit rose 13.5 per cent to 116.40 billion rupees (USD 1.64 billion) in the three months to Dec. 31, above the previous quarters record and also beating analysts average forecast of 114.32 billion rupees, according to Refinitiv data.
Charlie Redmayne, chief executive of HarperCollins UK, which publishes much of J.R.R. Tolkiens work, said, Christopher was a devoted curator of his fathers work and the timeless and ongoing popularity of the world that J.R.R. Tolkien created is a fitting testimony to the decades he spent bringing Middle-Earth to generations of readers.
(TNS)  As technology continues to advance, automation continues to become a reality in more industries than ever before. Businesses introducing new technologies to make the shopping experience easier for customers are looking for new ways to utilize the employees who are displaced by those innovations.Major retailers are implementing self checkout all across the country and Grayson County, Texas, is no exception.From department stores to fast food restaurants, customers are increasingly being asked to step up to the register as their own cashier.McDonald's in Sherman has a kiosk that uses a touch screen to allow customers to order items and pay without having to step up to the front counter. Walmarts across the area have been adding self check out stations along with automated self pickup lanes that allow a customer to place an order on from their internet connected device and pickup their groceries.As these changes take place, employers have to find new ways to keep employees busy.Walmart Spokesperson Ragan Dickins said their technology strategy is two-fold. He said the first step is to make the shopping experience as convenient as possible for the customer. Whether that is opening more self checkout lanes, home delivery or the automated pick up, he said those options are designed to help get customers in and out of the store as quickly as possible. Even the associates on the floor now carry scanners on their person to quickly check out a customer who has just a few items.Dickins said the second purpose of the technology is to free up the associates to provide better customer service in store. He said in the last three years as the company has introduced more automation it has added 50,000 jobs nation-wide with 5,000 current front of store associate openings listed at this time."Some customers may choose a different shopping experience," Dickins said. "In the last three years we hired over 50,000 people that are doing personal shopping in the stores. That is over 50,000 new roles that did not exist a few years ago. You can see new positions there. When stores add self check out the work is shifted around the store as well. You will see associates helping customers. You will see some of it shift to online pickup and delivery. The picking of the personal shoppers as we call them, you will see some of that fulfillment on the floor. It is about where is the work for that store based is on customer demand. From a customer stand point it is all about optionality."Dickins said another feature some stores are starting to see are robotic scanners that assist with stocking shelves and inventory. He said it is all about finding ways to free up the associates to be ready to assist the customer.Sherman Economic Development Corp. President Kent Sharp said he believes there are fewer workers at firms that have adopted self-serve and self-checkout but he said the number is negligible versus the overall economy."These employees are easily absorbed into the local labor market," Sharp said. "Evidence of this is the fact that our unemployment rate still continues to be a record low 3 percent. I also know that while retailers can be early adopters of technology, we have noticed some of our larger and smaller manufacturers adopting technology which increases output. Instead of reducing the number of employees these companies have, they instead are retraining many of them to use the new technology, for example robots and high speed machinery."Target Communications spokesperson Aryn Ridge said Target is using technology in ways to improve the shopping experience."Our guests love to shop," Ridge said. "So we're continuing to make the checkout experience easy and quick - giving them more time to be inspired, discover new products or check things off their list. Since one-third of our guests choose self-checkout, we've added self-checkout stations in all of our stores to give more guests a fast and autonomous alternative. Many of our guests still appreciate the full-service experience, so we continue to offer a majority of standard check lanes."Ridge said the team members are seen as the company's number one asset who drive the shopping experience."Offering self-checkout lanes means we can move more of our team to the sales floor, where they provide elevated service to our guests as they shop. While rolling out more self-checkout stations, we continue to increase our team member count."Sherman Chamber of Commerce President Eddie Brown said he believes the shift in technology does open opportunities for more options not fewer. He pointed to the increasing number of technology related programs at the area schools that are preparing students to be the workforce of the future. Brown said about 75 percent of its membership is small business which he said are the ones who drive job growth now and in the future.
STEM

High School Gets Gift of Robotics Kits

An energy company donated eight robotics kits to a Massachusetts high school. Exelon Generation's gift, worth an estimated $12,800, increased the number of kits available for student use in robotics and engineering classes at Everett High School.

According to math and engineering teacher Anna Seiders, the additional VEX EDR kits "will allow our students to go from groups of five to groups of two for their projects," which will "have a profound impact on their learning experiences."

The students agreed. "Working in groups of five is really difficult because not every student gets to build or code," said senior Melisa Demaku, in a statement. "We spend a lot of time watching each other. Even though we each get a chance, its still not enough time." Demaku participates in the school's STEM club, which integrates those subjects with design projects, such as building and racing remote-control vehicles.

Last year, the school adopted the use of VEX EDR robotics kits to participate in NASA's National Rover Challenge, "because it had more replaceable parts and we had been using it in our engineering class," explained student Isaac Lenescat. "With more kits, more students will have hands on experience, and we will be able to grow our club."

Exelon General Manager, Archie Gleason, said his company made the donation to the school's STEM Academy "to help spark students' curiosity and interest in engineering through hands-on problem solving."
Samsung is announcing the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra at an event on February 11 (alongside the Galaxy Z Flip), and lately we've seen a lot of leaks about the company's upcoming flagship family. Nothing beats a full spec sheet, though, and today this is exactly what got leaked.

So here's what you can expect. Note that these are all 5G versions, and specifically the ones headed to Europe and other places where Samsung doesn't generally use Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipsets.

Galaxy S20

This model comes with a 6.2" 1440x3200 Infinity-O Dynamic AMOLED screen with 20:9 aspect ratio and a centered punch-hole housing a 10 MP selfie camera with support for 4K video recording at 60fps. The panel supports 120Hz refresh rate, but earlier rumors mentioned that you'll have to choose between that and the maximum resolution - as it will only be enabled if you switch to the lower 1080x2400.

The phone is powered by Samsung's own Exynos 990 chipset that's built using a 7nm process, and it gets 128GB of storage that's expandable via microSD. There's no word on the RAM amount, but past rumors talked about 12GB being the standard.

On the rear the S20 has three cameras: a 12 MP wide, a 64 MP telephoto capable of 3x optical zoom (and up to 30x digital zoom), as well as a 12 MP ultrawide. You can record 8K video at 30fps.

The device has Dolby Atmos stereo speakers by AKG, a 4,000 mAh battery, IP68 water and dust resistance, and it runs Android 10 with One UI 2.0 on top. Its dimensions are 152x68x7.9mm, and it weighs 164g.

Galaxy S20+

This handset is very similar to the S20, but bigger - and with an added ToF 3D camera on the back. It's got a 6.7" display with the same resolution, refresh rate, and design as the S20's, and a 4,500 mAh battery. Its dimensions are 162x74x7.8mm, and it weighs 188g. Everything else is the same.

Galaxy S20 Ultra

This phone is even bigger, coming with a 6.9" display - once again with the same features as the panel in the S20, including resolution and refresh rate.

There's an additional 512GB storage option, and a beefier 5,000 mAh battery. The camera system differs too. The selfie snapper in the centered punch-hole is 40 MP, still supporting 4K60 video.

On the back there's a 108 MP main wide sensor, a 48 MP telephoto, a 12 MP ultrawide, and a ToF 3D cam as well. You have 10x optical zoom and up to 100x digital zoom from this setup. This device measures 167x76x8.8mm and weighs a hefty 221g. Everything else is the same between the three models.

Source
Four people were killed in a car bombing in Somalia on Saturday that apparently targeted Turkish engineers working on a road near the capital Mogadishu, police and witnesses said.

The attack was claimed by the Al-Qaeda-linked Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab, which has stepped up its activities in Somalia and neighbouring Kenya in recent weeks.

The bomb struck near the town of Afgoye about 30 kilometres (20 miles) west of the capital, killing four people and wounding several others including several Turkish nationals, said local police officer Abdirahman Adan.

"The blast was huge, it destroyed a container used by the Turkish engineers who work on the Afgoye road construction," said witness Muhidin Yusuf.

"There were police who were guarding the Turkish engineers and several other people gathering near the checkpoint where the temporary shelter is located," said another witness Ahmed Said.

"I saw the dead bodies of several (people) and Turkish workers who were wounded in the blast."



The Islamist group, which has fought for more than a decade to topple the Somali government, has carried out a series of attacks in recent weeks including a massive car bombing in Mogadishu on December 28 that killed 81 people.

And on January 5, the jihadists stormed a military base used by US forces in Kenya's coastal Lamu region, killing three Americans.

Last week, Al-Shabaab warned that Kenya will "never be safe", threatening tourists and calling for more attacks on US interests.

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 story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Indias leading Hindi news channel, ABP News, today unveiled the second season of its highly-acclaimed show, Pradhanmantri. A show that promises to delve into the stories and intricacies of contemporary India is slated to premiere on 25th January, 2020.

With the fresh season, Pradhanmantri is all set to create television history with never-told-before reality-based stories in the news genre. Pradhanmantri Season II will be hosted by the internationally acclaimed director, producer, and actor, Mr. Shekhar Kapur. Mr. Kapur is a visionary who works at the intersection of art, myth, and activism and will effectively bring in the same qualities to the new season of Pradhanmantri.

Talking about this new offering, Mr. Avinash Pandey, CEO ABP News Network, said, We are extremely excited to present this show to the audience owing to its highly unique concept. Pradhanmantri Season II is sure to transcend all expectations of the viewers through comprehensive and compelling storytelling, backed by long, painstaking research. We at ABP want to go beyond the common perception of TV news as a speed news churner and create content that connects to the audience on a much more deeper and profound level. Pradhanmantri Season II is the epitome of such viewer-driven content.

Adding further, the show host Mr. Shekhar Kapur, said, Ever since its inception, Pradhanmantri has held a special place in the heart of the viewers. The new season has been brought to the fore after identifying the pulse of the audience, with newer concepts and intriguing topics. Through the fresh season, we want to take the viewers through an entrancing journey of the Indian history and share with them the old, the new and the unexplored.

The first season of Pradhanmantri, in 2013, was praised by the former Deputy Prime Minister of India, Mr. L.K. Advani. Mr. Advani mentioned the show in one of his speeches saying, it made him happy to see that the show delved into those unexplored aspects of history that the common people were oblivious about.

Furthermore, the show was also recommended by the leading online learning platform, Byjus as a tremendous source of knowledge. The show also amassed tremendous traction on YouTube with more than 32 million views.

The first season of Pradhanmantri depicted some of the most important incidents and developments that have shaped the destiny of independent India. The second season, on the other hand, will discuss the ideas which will give India its due place in the comity of great nations.
The newly-created department of military affairs (DMA), headed by chief of defence staff General Bipin Rawat, will oversee key matters relating to Indias neighbouring countries including border disputes and incidents, development of infrastructure in forward areas and deployment of forces, according to new defence ministry order.

These countries include China, Pakistan and Bhutan.

Supply of arms and ammunition to friendly neighbouring countries such as Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Maldives will also come under the purview of the DMA, states the order published on Friday. It gives out details of work transferred from the ministrys department of defence (DoD) to the DMA.

The new department is an addition to the four existing verticals in the defence ministry --- the departments of defence, defence production, defence research and development and ex-service welfare.

The DMA will be staffed with two joint secretaries, 13 deputy secretaries, 25 under secretaries and 22 section officers.

Monitoring developments in the Indian Ocean region, Afghanistan, West Asia and South East Asia will also be the responsibility of the DMA, according to the order. It clarified that notwithstanding the distribution of work, any matter that has an import on the defence policy will be dealt by the DoD, headed by the defence secretary.

General Rawat, who took over as Indias first CDS on December 31, is the principal military adviser to the defence minister on all matters related to the tri-services.

Issues related to counter-insurgency operations and Siachen glacier will be dealt by the DMA.

Some of the other significant responsibilities assigned to the DMA include restructuring of the army, operational matters of the Indian Air Force, overseas deployment of warships, coastal security, revenue procurements and war wastage reserves (WWR) of the three services and.

The armed forces are authorised to stockpile ammunition for a specified period of intense fighting, known as WWR in military parlance.

Experts said the vast mandate of the DMA will bring about greater jointmanship in the military, accelerate decision making and avoid duplication of efforts. Jointmanship refers to a degree of co-ordination and integration in terms of strategy, capabilities and execution across the three services.

Until now, the DoD was shouldering large responsibilities without having military officers in key positions. The DMA will foster better integration as it will be staffed with experts from the three services and also bureaucrats, said Lieutenant General Satish Dua (retd), a leading expert on tri-services matters.

The secretariat of the defence acquisition council (DAC), the ministrys apex capital procurement body, will function under the DoD. The secretariat for DAC presently under the HQs Integrated Defence Staff will be shifted to the Director General, Acquisition Wing of DoD, the order reads.

The DMA will, however, deal with procurement of air-to-air missiles and air-to-air guided weapons. It will also oversee the postings of senior officers (two-stars and above), matters relating to Indias military attaches posted abroad and humanitarian aid to foreign countries.

The DMA will work towards promoting the use of indigenous equipment by the services at a time when the armed forces are heavily dependent on imported military hardware.

The government expects the CDS to bring about jointness among the three services within three years. One of the key objectives behind jointmanship is the setting up of joint/theatre commands for the best use of military resources to fight future battles. While the army and the navy have been open to the idea, the IAF has concerns about theaterisation.

The appointment of a CDS was one of the most significant recommendations made by the K Subrahmanyam-led Kargil Review Committee (KRC) that was constituted in the immediate aftermath of the 1999 Kargil war to examine lapses that allowed Pakistani soldiers to occupy strategic heights, the initial sluggish Indian response, and suggest measures to strengthen national security.

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Gov. Newsom Proposes $20,000 Stipend for Teachers at High Needs Schools

Last Friday, when Gov. Gavin Newsom submitted his budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year, he specifically mentioned Black students  the lowest performing group of any ethnic category on Californias standardized tests.

To increase and improve the teacher workforce in underserved communities, the governor is proposing a $20,000 stipend for teachers working at what he is calling high needs schools for the next four years.

Its incredibly important that we have a diverse teaching workforce, Gov. Newsom said. Not only have stable, prepared, professional teachers, but also having a teacher that looks like you. Thats incredibly important, particularly when it comes to African American achievement.

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The majority of the lowest performing schools in the state are located in census tracts where there are above-average poverty rates and large concentrations of African Americans, Latinos and other minorities.

Most of those schools with the largest numbers of Black students also have the highest suspension rates among Californias public schools.

Only two percent of African American children in California attend public schools that are considered high performing.

Gov. Newsom says, his budget has earmarked approximately $900 million for teacher training, including professional development, educator service awards, and teacher residency programs.

The $20,000-per-teacher annual stipend is expected to cost taxpayers $100 million over the next fiscal year.
She's the former Love Island Australia star who isn't shy in showing off her curves.

And on Saturday, Margarita Smith flaunted her eye-popping cleavage in two near-identical photos shared to Instagram.

Perching her frame on the edge of a plush white bed, the 26-year-old sported a skimpy red strapless frock that ensured all eyes were on her figure.

She's not shy! Love Island's Margarita Smith, 26, (pictured) flaunted her eye-popping cleavage in a skimpy red frock, in two photos shared to Instagram on Saturday

Margarita added a delicate gold choker and coordinating bracelet to the look.

Running one hand playfully through her long brunette tresses for one sultry snap, the aged care worker drew attention to a glamorous makeup palette.

Margarita opted for defined brows, a false set of lashes, contoured cheekbones and a slick of pink colour on her famously plump pout.

Glamorous: In one snap, the aged care worker ran one hand playfully through her brunette tresses. Drawing attention to her side profile, Margarita also showed off glamorous makeup

Letting the dress (and her figure) do the talking, the former reality star simply captioned the post by tagging an online fashion retailer.

Margarita confessed to having had breast implants and a nose job in an interview with Daily Mail Australia in November last year.

And while she may not be everybody's type, the star is a fan of her cosmetically-enhanced appearance.

Enhancements: The brunette bombshell confessed to having had breast implants and a nose job, in an interview with Daily Mail Australia in November last year

'I've always liked that dolled up, fake look': And while she may not be everybody's type, the star is a fan of her cosmetically-enhanced appearance

'I've always been a really confident person, my whole life. I've never actually sat there and thought, "Oh, I don't like this". I liked my boobs before. I thought they were fantastic!' she explained.

'But to be honest, I've always liked that dolled up, fake look. Initially I thought, "Do I want it? Do I not?" and then I thought, "S**t, yeah, I want it!"

'I love it. It's just how I want to portray myself, but I'm confident in who I am, 100 per cent.'

She added: 'It wasn't a confidence thing, it was more just a preference in look.'
St. Bernard Parish deputies continue to seek out a person of interest who could have information about the fatal shooting in Violet on Friday afternoon, but they were able to locate a car in connection with the case.

The silver 2007 Ford Ranger was found abandoned in the French Quarter at the 300 block of North Peters Street, authorities said.

+2 St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office seeking person of interest in Violet homicide St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office investigators are searching for a person of interest in a fatal shooting in Violet Friday evening.

The person of interest, 35-year-old Joel Lehmann, has yet to be found. Deputies said Lehmann may be able to provide information about the homicide that occurred in the 5400 block of East St. Bernard Highway just before 4 p.m. Friday.

Anyone with information regarding Lehmanns whereabouts, or further information about this incident, is asked to call the St. Bernard Sheriffs Office at (504) 271-2501 or Crimestoppers GNO at (504) 822-1111. Tipsters who call Crimestoppers can remain anonymous, do not have to testify and could be eligible for a cash reward.
MAPUTO (Reuters) - Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi kept Carlos Agostinho do Rosario as prime minister and Adriano Maleiane as minister of finance on Friday as he appointed a new, leaner cabinet.

MAPUTO (Reuters) - Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi kept Carlos Agostinho do Rosario as prime minister and Adriano Maleiane as minister of finance on Friday as he appointed a new, leaner cabinet.

Nyusi - who was sworn in for a second term on Wednesday, months after his ruling Frelimo party dominated October elections - trimmed the cabinet from 22 ministers to 16.

Ernesto Tonela also stayed as minister for mineral resources and energy, while parliament speaker Veronica Dlhovo was named Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.

During his second five-year term, Nyusi will be responsible for overseeing a gas boom led by oil giants including Exxon Mobil Corp and Total .

Other challenges include battling an Islamist insurgency and delivering on a peace deal signed in August with rebels-turned-opposition party Renamo.

Renamo secretary general Andre Magibire told Reuters on Wednesday that the party did not recognise Nyusi as legitimate leader as they believed the poll was rigged.

The prime minister and new cabinet ministers will be sworn in on Saturday, the president's office said in a statement.

(Reporting by Manuel Mucari; Writing by Nqobile Dludla; Editing by Chris Reese and Andrew Heavens)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 01:10:57|Editor: huaxia

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NAY PYI TAW, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Myanmar, his first overseas trip this year, is another important practice for China to promote the building of a community with shared future for humanity in the region, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday.

The Chinese president arrived in Nay Pyi Taw earlier on Friday for a state visit to Myanmar. It is the first visit to the Asian neighbor by a Chinese president after an interval of 19 years.

During the visit, Xi attended 12 events and witnessed the signing of 29 cooperation documents in various fields, Wang said, adding that the two sides have also issued a joint statement.

The Myanmar side has for long highly expected Xi's state visit, Wang said, noting that the Chinese president was met with the highest courtesy and a grand reception by the Myanmar side.

BUILDING CHINA-MYANMAR COMMUNITY WITH SHARED FUTURE

Wang said that during Xi's visit, China and Myanmar have agreed to work together to build a community with shared future, opening a new era of bilateral ties.

This decision conforms to the trend of the times, meets expectations of the two peoples and injects new impetus and vitality into bilateral cooperation, Wang said.

All sectors of the Myanmar society have responded positively to the decision, with the Myanmar leadership expressing support to Xi's proposal of building a community with shared future for humanity, Wang said.

During the meetings, Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi said that China has always been a good friend of Myanmar, and fate has bound the two sides closely, according to Wang.

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, Wang said the two countries agree to hold the China-Myanmar Year of Culture and Tourism, and to carry out over 70 activities, covering education, tourism, culture and other fields.

HIGH-QUALITY CO-CONSTRUCTION OF BRI

During the visit, President Xi and Myanmar leaders held in-depth discussions on promoting high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road and reached new important consensus, Wang said.

The two sides agreed to promote the construction of the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone, the New Yangon City, the China-Myanmar Border Economic Cooperation Zone, as well as roads, railways and power and energy infrastructures.

It marks the transition of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) from conceptual planning to substantive construction, Wang said.

China is willing to work with Myanmar to steadily advance the construction of key cooperation projects in the CMEC within the framework of jointly building the Belt and Road, bringing local people more benefits and giving them stronger sense of gain and happiness, Wang said.

For the Myanmar side, its leaders said that the construction of the economic corridor under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative is of great significance to Myanmar's national development, Wang said.

Myanmar Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Min Aung Hlaing also pledged that the Myanmar military will firmly support and promote the joint construction of the Belt and Road, Wang added.

SAFEGUARDING INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE

Noting that the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, Wang said injustice and inequality remain prominent in international relations, and protectionism, unilateralism as well as bullying actions are rising against the trend.

Developing countries, including China and Myanmar, are facing new challenges in safeguarding their sovereignty, security and development interests, he said.

When meeting with Myanmar leaders, Xi stressed that all countries have the right to choose a development path suited to their national conditions.

The development path chosen by the Chinese people is successful, and the Chinese will continue to follow the path unswervingly, Xi said, adding that China is willing to share its experience in poverty alleviation with Myanmar.

Myanmar felt sincere happiness for China's success, Wang quoted Myanmar leaders as saying, adding that the Myanmar leaders expressed their hopes that China will share more experience in state governance with Myanmar and other developing countries.

China's successful experience will provide practical reference for Myanmar's economic development, improvement of people's well-being and poverty alleviation, the Myanmar leaders said.

Myanmar staunchly abides by the one-China principle, firmly supports China in safeguarding its core interests, and stands unshakably on the side of Chinese friends, they also said.

Xi, meanwhile, stressed that China is committed to peaceful development, will never seek hegemony or interfere in other countries' internal affairs, and will continue to speak out for justice for developing countries on the international stage.

China supports Myanmar in moving forward along the development path it has chosen and in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests and national dignity on the international stage, Xi said.

Leaders of the two countries also pledged to continue to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, jointly uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, work together to uphold the common interests of developing countries and uphold international fairness and justice, Wang said.
Bangladesh's well-known writer Taslima Nasreen On Friday has described the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 (CAA) as very good and liberal. He also suggested to include Muslim community, free thinkers and atheists in this law, who are persecuted in neighboring countries. She said this at the Kerala Literature Festival.

On this matter, Taslima Nasreen said on the second day of the Literature Festival, 'It is good to give citizenship of India to the religious minorities persecuted in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. But people like me are also entitled to citizenship. They have the right to live in India. CAA is a very good idea and very generous.

For your information, let us tell you that Taslima Nasreen also said during this time that Islam should be more democratic and serene. We need more free thinkers. The Uniform Civil Code should be based on equality, not religion. Quoting Muslim 'atheist bloggers', who were killed a few years ago by suspected Islamic militants in Bangladesh, Taslima said, "Many of these bloggers left for Europe and America to save their lives." Why can't they come to India? Today, India needs more free thinkers, secularists, feminists from the Muslim community. '

Also Read:

JVM president Babulal Marandi took hand the work of the committee appointed to these leaders

Delhi assembly elections, women more qualified than men to choose government

Two Hindu girls kidnapped in Pakistan again, India summoned Pak High Commission

Delhi Assembly Election: CM's promise, 'As long as Kejriwal in Delhi, all things will be free'
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 12:39:44|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Small businesses got 210 billion yuan (about 30.48 billion U.S. dollars) of loans in 2019 from the Agricultural Bank of China (ABC), one of the country's biggest lenders, up 58 percent from the previous year.

The lender has made full use of financial science and technology to provide credit-based loans to small and micro enterprises through advanced technologies such as the internet, big data and artificial intelligence, said a source of the bank.

At the end of 2019, the proportion of new credit-based loans for small and micro enterprises was 58 percent, up 40 percentage points from the same period of the previous year, according to the source.

The bank has been cutting financing costs of small and micro enterprises. Its comprehensive financing cost for small and micro businesses had dropped by 120 basis points at the end of 2019.

China's top banking and insurance regulator has reiterated inclusive financing services for small businesses amid efforts to boost the real economy.

Overall financing costs of inclusive financing services for small businesses will be lowered by another 0.5 percentage points in 2020, while the country's five largest banks are expected to see their inclusive loans to small firms grow by over 20 percent year on year, according to an annual work conference of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission in January this year.

By the end of 2019, total outstanding inclusive lending to small businesses reached 11.6 trillion yuan, up over 25 percent, the commission said.
Actor Shabana Azmi and another person were injured in an accident on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway in Maharashtra's Raigad district on Saturday, the police said.

Azmi was rushed to MGM Hospital in Navi Mumbai and was said to be out of danger, said a police official. Her husband and lyricist Javed Akhtar, who was traveling with her, escaped unhurt.

The incident took place near Khalapur, over 60 km from Mumbai, when the Tata Safari car in which they were traveling to Pune rammed into a truck, said Raigad Superintendent of Police Anil Paraskar.

A local police official said the car driver was apparently trying to overtake another vehicle and rammed into the truck.

One more person who was travelling in the car sustained minor injuries, he said. His identity was not known yet.

Azmi's spokesperson said the actor was undergoing a check-up. "She is fine, nothing to worry about," the spokesperson added.

Javed Akhtar celebrated his 75th birthday on Friday.

"Shabana Azmi injured in road accident on Mumbai-Pune Expressway OMG! Praying so hard," actor Swara Bhaskar tweeted.

Azmi is known for her path-breaking roles in films such as "Arth", "Ankur", "Paar", "Masoom" and "Godmother".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
NORRISTOWN  A jury convicted an Upper Moreland man of driving under the influence of methamphetamine and causing a head-on two-vehicle crash in Lower Moreland that seriously injured the second driver.

Troy C. Pick, 56, of the 200 block of Cowbell Road, was convicted in Montgomery County Court of charges of aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence of a controlled substance, aggravated assault by a vehicle and DUI in connection with the 5:13 a.m. Oct. 18, 2018, crash in the 900 block of Byberry Road.

The victim of the crash, a 73-year-old man driving the second vehicle, suffered two broken legs, five broken ribs, a spinal injury and a neck injury, police alleged. Testimony revealed the man has undergone numerous surgeries and has not been able to work since the crash.

The jury reached the verdict after hearing testimony, including from the victim, at the three-day trial before Judge Steven T. ONeill.

ONeill deferred sentencing so that court officials can complete a background investigation report about Pick, which will include drug and alcohol evaluations. Pick, who also was injured in the crash and walked with the aid of crutches during the trial, was permitted to remain free on bail pending his sentencing hearing.

As bail conditions, the judge ordered Pick to surrender his drivers license and prohibited him from driving. ONeill said Pick also will face random and frequent drug testing while free on bail.

Pick, who is represented by defense lawyer Vincent M. Vangrossi, faces a possible maximum sentence of 81/2 to 17 years in prison on the charges. However, State sentencing guidelines could allow for a lesser sentence.

Assistant District Attorney Scott Frank Frame vowed to seek a state prison term against Pick.

This crime is especially heinous because this victims life is changed forever. After suffering these injuries he will never be able to work again. The effects are life changing for the victim, Frame said.

Our office takes these drug-based impairment cases very seriously, Frame added.

Co-prosecutor Douglas Lavenberg argued at trial that Pick started a chain of events from which there was no escape.

The investigation began when Lower Moreland police were dispatched to a reported crash with injuries along the 900 block of Byberry Road. Upon arrival, police found two severely damaged vehicles.

The crash was a head-on collision of two pickup trucks on the crest of a hill, Lower Moreland Police Officer James Seif wrote in the arrest affidavit.

Police found Pick, the driver of a Chevrolet Silverado, lying on a lawn south of the roadway and determined he had a broken leg.

He was very talkative but seemed not to be worried about the situation and was very matter of fact about it, Seif alleged. Pick volunteered that the accident was his fault because it took place while he was attempting to pass a vehicle ahead of him.

A witness reported he was traveling behind Picks vehicle, eastbound on Byberry Road, when Pick tried to pass another vehicle, traveled into the westbound lane and struck another pickup truck head-on, according to the criminal complaint.

Police said the two-lane roadway with no shoulders is divided by a solid, double yellow line down the center of the roadway.

First responders said they detected an odor of alcohol on Picks breath and Pick said he had been drinking the night before and he claimed he takes medication for pain, according to the arrest affidavit.

Authorities sought blood tests during the investigation and those tests determined Picks blood tested positive for methamphetamine, a stimulant drug capable of causing hallucinations, aggressive behavior and irrational reactions, according to the arrest affidavit.

I told him that methamphetamine was found in his blood and he had no comment on why it was in his system, Seif alleged.

The trial, at times, became a battle of medical experts.

Vangrossi relied on a defense expert who suggested Pick was not impaired by the drug at the time of the crash.

But prosecutors relied on another medical expert who testified that the signs and symptoms displayed from Picks driving were consistent with impairment.

Prosecutors also presented the testimony of a crash reconstruction expert, Lower Moreland Police Officer Francis Cattie.
Seven hundred and fifty workers at the Co-op Refinery Complex (CRC) in Regina, Saskatchewan are engaged in a bitter fight against a state-supported drive to slash their pensions.

Members of Unifor Local 594, the workers have been locked out since December 5. With the explicit support of the provinces right-wing Saskatchewan Party government, the courts and the police, CRC has brought in scabs, who, working with managers, have kept the refinerys operations going.

Throughout the now more than six-week-long dispute, the union-supported New Democratic Party (NDP), which forms the Official Opposition in the Saskatchewan legislature, has remained silent about the pivotal class battle raging at CRC.

Party leader Ryan Meili has failed to voice even nominal support for the workers, let alone criticized the police and courts for shepherding scabs across the CRC workers picket lines. A survey of postings on the Saskatchewan NDPs official website and its Facebook page shows that it has made no mention of the dispute whatsoever.

The NDPs silence stands in sharp contrast to the actions of the government, the courts and right-wing media commentators who continue to deliberately mischaracterize the contract battle as a strike. Don Morgan, the Labour Minister in the Scott Moe-led Saskatchewan Party provincial government, announced early in the lockout that he was watching the dispute closely with an eye to intervening against the workers should picketing significantly impact production at the refinery.

For over a decade, the Saskatchewan Party government has mounted major attacks on workers rights and living standards, including restricting public sector workers right to strike through essential services legislation.

The government has made clear that it fully backs CRCs scab operation and stands ready to intervene legislatively in the companys support if workers mobilize to shut down the refinerys operations. In late November, Morgan told reporters that the government would not tolerate any worker job action that halted production at the refinery and was ready to use its toolbox of legislative options to keep the refinery operating, but had no objection to the companys extensive contingency plansi.e., its deployment of scabs.

The capitalist courts have also sided with management, handing down rulings that have helped CRC maintain steady production with the use of scab labour. On December 24, Regina Queens Court Justice Janet McMurtry ruled in favour of managements request for an injunction against the pickets that effectively bars any and all attempts to delay traffic in and out of the refinery complex. Her ruling was in line with a previous interim injunction she had issued the week before, only even more blatantly pro-company than the first.

The NDPs silence on CRCs scabbing operation comes as no surprise. Between 1991 and 2007, Unifors predecessorsthe Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union supported a pro-big business New Democratic Party government in Saskatchewan that refused to legislate anti-scab legislation. Even as NDP governments pushed through budgets that slashed education and health spending, pursued privatization and passed strike-breaking legislation against nurses, the unions continued to give them their unstinting support. According to the last public filing, Unifor was the largest single financial contributor to the NDP in 2018.

Meili has since advocated ending both corporate and union donations to political parties on the claim that this will end the power of big money in politics. In fact, as the CRC lockout has demonstrated, the entire political and legal system is rigged to uphold the interests of big business.

Refinery workers have continued their determined struggle on the picket lines, braving even minus 40 degree temperatures over the past week. However, the lines of fuel trucks still move through the plant gates as helicopters loaded with scabs and managers pass overhead.

CRC, a subsidiary of Federated Cooperatives Limited (FCL), is a highly profitable company that is determined to decimate benefits and pension plans throughout its extensive operations in western Canada.

In the last contract, Unifor opened the door to further pension attacks when it agreed to a two-tier benefits system at the Regina refinery. Last year, after a bitter five month strike against the FCL-affiliated Saskatoon Co-op, the United Food and Commercial Workers union also recommended to its membership a two-tier system that was just narrowly ratified by the striking workers.

In order to maintain a modicum of credibility amongst their membership, union officials have mounted several initiatives, including a call for consumers to boycott Co-op gas stations and shops. Recently, the union has organized three brief blockades of Co-op automated cardlock gas bars. At the same time, Unifor has bowed to the pro-company injunction imposed by the court without a fight, pledging to abide by its reactionary provisions.

The union has also called on its 315,000 members to send solidarity delegations to the refinery gates. This radical-sounding rhetoric, which commits Unifor to precisely nothing, reflects the growing fear among the bureaucracys leadership that workers are losing confidence in the union and may seek to initiate a struggle independently of the bureaucracys control. A similar development has been witnessed in neighbouring Alberta, where public sector union leaders, faced with overwhelming opposition to the United Conservative Party governments brutal austerity measures, recently felt compelled to issue bombastic warnings to the government about a possible general strike.

The cynical character of such claims is demonstrated by the fact that in the face of a massive, cross-Canada corporate-state assault on workers rights and public services, the unions are doing everything in their power to divide workers and stifle and strangle their struggles. This goes hand in hand with their efforts to politically tie workers to nominally progressive parties like the NDP and Justin Trudeaus Liberals that enforce the diktats of big business.

CRC was no doubt emboldened by Unifors insistence that the Regina refinery workers should do nothing last September, when management tasked them with training the scabs who would replace them in the event of a strike or lockout; and by the unions surrender to the Saskatchewan Party governments demand for real wage cuts at the conclusion of last falls strikes by 5,000 provincial Crown Corporation workers.

The Ontario Federation of Labour has failed to even call a demonstration to protest the Ford government law that imposes three years of real wage cuts on 1 million provincial public sector workers. Ontarios 200,000 teachers are determined to resist the governments sweeping education spending cuts and plans to dramatically increase class sizes in higher grades; yet the unions are doing everything to frustrate their struggle. Each of the four teacher unions is acting on its own and limiting job action to token one-day strikes organized on a regional basis. Most tellingly of all, the unions are silent on the governments plans to criminalize teacher job action and impose concessionary contracts by fiat.

Workers must face some hard truths. Firstly, the pro-capitalist unions are led by a privileged bureaucracy whose interests are antagonistic to the workers they purport to represent. Rather than serving as organizations of worker struggle, the unions have increasingly integrated themselves into management and imposed concessions and job cuts.

Secondly, and no less importantly, CRC workers are not merely in a conflict with a particularly ruthless employer, but with the entire austerity agenda of the ruling class. Across Canada, governments of all political stripes are enforcing public spending cuts and gutting workers rights.

Even the most immediate demands of the CRC workers raise the need for a political struggle against the entire establishment. If the workers are to beat back the companys demands and end the lockout on their terms, they must stop all trucks in and out of the facility. But doing so would bring them into direct conflict not just with the company, but with the courts, police and the provincial government. Scott Moes Saskatchewan Party has in turn been embraced by Justin Trudeaus federal Liberals for allegedly representing western interests, with Trudeau pledging to cooperate closely with it. As for the NDP, its total silence during the more than six weeks of lockout confirms that it too is utterly beholden to the corporate elite.

In order to ensure victory, CRC workers must take the conduct of their struggle into their own hands by forming action committees independently of and in opposition to the Unifor bureaucracy and the unions political allies in the NDP. These committees must broaden the struggle to energy workers across Canada, public servants, teachers, nurses and manufacturing workers, all of whom confront the same attacks on their wages, job security and workplace benefits.

The struggle against CRC, its pension cuts and scabbing operation must become the spearhead of a working class counteroffensive against all concessions, the dismantling of public services, and the criminalization of workers struggles, and aimed at bringing to power a workers government committed to breaking the power of big business and reorganizing socioeconomic life in the interests of working people.
The Midland City Clerks Office is gearing up for a busy and exciting election season! This year, Midland voters will cast ballots in the March 10 presidential primary, the Aug. 4 state primary, and the Nov. 3 presidential election. But now, thanks to changes in Michigan voting laws, Michigan voters now have even greater opportunities for casting their ballots.

With the passage of Proposal 3 in November 2018, Michigan voters can now vote by absentee ballot in any election without providing a reason. Absentee voting is an easy, convenient way for voters to cast their ballots without visiting the polls on Election Day. Poor weather, long lines, transportation issues, and even work/life/family scheduling challenges no longer stand in the way of your opportunity to vote.

Even if youre currently out of town for the winter  whether its in sunny Florida or the snowy Upper Peninsula  you can have your ballot sent to your current out-of-town address. Best of all, absentee voting allows you the opportunity to review your ballot in the comfort of your home and take your time to select the candidates and proposals that you wish to support.

The process is easy: Contact the Midland City Clerks Office to request an absentee voting application each time you want to vote by absentee ballot. Complete the application and return it to the Clerks Office in person to pick up. You can even vote your ballot the same day beginning in February!

You can also mail or email the application into our office and receive your absentee ballot by postal mail. (Well even include an I Voted by Mail sticker). Vote your ballot at your convenience and return it either in-person or via mail by 8 p.m. on Election Day to ensure its counted.

For further convenience to Midland City voters, the City Clerks Office keeps a list of those voters who want to automatically be mailed an absentee ballot application before each election. Joining this list will remind voters of the upcoming election and give them a choice to request an absentee ballot by simply returning the application. If you dont send in your application, we wont mail you a ballot and you could simply choose to vote in your precinct on Election Day. Call today to get on the list or fill out the form on our website and return it in-person, by mail, or by e-mail.

For more information on absentee voting or the City of Midlands Permanent Absent Voter List, visit our website at www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/clerk or contact us directly at 989-837-3310 or clerk@midland-mi.org.

Residents are always welcome to stop by City Hall to talk with me and my talented staff to learn more about the City Clerks Office, your voter status, and more. If you live outside of the Midland city limits, please contact your local township clerk for more information about absentee voting in your jurisdiction. We look forward to serving you this election season!

Erica Armstrong, Midlands City Clerk, authored this column as part of the Daily News Community Connections initiative.
The summit would be utilised to invite business tycoons for the Global Investors Meet titled aInvest Karnataka-2020a from November 3 to 5 in Bengaluru. (Photo Credit: File Photo: PTI)

Bengaluru:

The Karnataka government would call on industry leaders and business tycoons for investments during the World Economic Forum summit at Davos in Switzerland from January 21 to 24, said Minister for Large and Medium Industries Jagadish Shettar on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, some central ministers and a few Chief Ministers would attend the event in which Karnataka Chief Minister Yediyurappa would address the gathering, Shettar said.

Since business leaders from across the globe are attending the event, we will put up our stall there informing investors about the industrial policy and conducive atmosphere for investment in Karnataka, he said.

One-on-one meeting 40 multinational firms

There would be an opportunity to interact with captains of big industries, said Shettar adding that there would be a one-on-one meeting with the heads of at least 40 multinational firms, including Lockheed Martin, Lulu Group, Dassault Systems, HP, SAP, Mitsubishi, GE, Novo, Nordisk, Denso, Adani, P&G, Volvo and IKEA.

The summit would be utilised to invite business tycoons for the Global Investors Meet titled Invest Karnataka-2020 from November 3 to 5 in Bengaluru.

Speaking about the new industrial policy of the state, Shettar said the draft was ready and has been sent to various departments for their suggestions.

Later, it would be brought before the cabinet for its nod, he said.

Speaking about the tax system for industries, he said a policy decision has been taken how the taxation should be in those industrial states, which have been handed over (to the industries) and those which have not been handed over yet.

Many local bodies start taxing the industries once the industrial layout is developed but according to the regulations, unless the layout is handed over, taxes cannot be levied. It has led to many complications including legal ones, Shettar said.

To resolve this, he said he would convene a meeting with the senior officials of Urban Development Department, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj and Large and Medium Industries Department to take a policy decision to formulate a uniform taxation system.

At present, the local bodies have two types of taxes on properties, either commercial or residential, but the industries dont fall under the two. So, we are going to adopt a medium-level tax system, said Shettar.

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A Pakistani court has sentenced 86 members of a far right religious party to 55-year prison terms each for taking part in violent protests against the acquittal of a Christian woman in a blasphemy case, party officials say.

The verdicts were announced late on Thursday night by a court in the northern garrison city of Rawalpindi, Pir Ejaz Ashrafi, a senior leader of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLYRA) party, told Al Jazeera.

The 86 TLRYA activists were arrested in November 2018, as the party led violent protests against the acquittal by the countrys Supreme Court of Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman who was on death row for having allegedly committed blasphemy in 2009.



Days of protests saw TLRYA activists  led by party leader Khadim Hussain Rizvi  block big highways and destroy public property across the country, but mostly centred in the central province of Punjab.

At the time, senior TLP leader Pir Afzal Qadri had called for the judges who announced the acquittal to be killed.

The charges against those sentenced include destroying public property, attacking passers-by and disrupting citizens everyday life. Ashrafi said the sentences were harsh and that his party would be appealing the decision at the high court.

This is the murder of justice. We are hopeful that they will suspend the verdict in the high court, and our legal team is working on it, he told Al Jazeera by telephone from the eastern city of Lahore, where the TLYRA is based.

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MILFORD  With the bushfires raging in Australia, a local animal clinic is working to do everything possible to help the animals of Australia.

The Animal Clinic of Milford will be accepting donations for the Taronga Conservation Society in Australia.

The clinic will match the funds donated up to $2,000 by clients and others, it said in a statement. Those funds will then be matched by International Veterinary Seminars by Jan. 30 up to $8,000.

In addition to assisting with the care of koalas and other wildlife affected by the immediate emergency, the fund will also help longer term rehabilitation of habitat, restoration of koala and other wildlife populations and research that will benefit wildlife, the clinic said.

Those interested in donating can stop by the clinic at 135 Gulf St. in Milford or call the clinic at 203-882-8311.

The Animal Clinic of Milford is ready to help with a local, statewide, national and international animal crisis, the statement said. Please help us help the animals of Australia.

The conservation society called the fires catastrophic and urged anyone able to help, to do so by making donations.

The impact on families, their homes, our forests and wildlife has been devastating and heartbreaking, with no imminent reprieve in sight, Taronga Conservation Society said on its website.

The society said the fires, combined with the ongoing long-term drought, have decimated already fragile animal populations.

According to the society, more than 1 billion animals have perished in Australia as a result of the fires alone  a number that rises much higher when looking at those killed by the effects of the drought.

Wildlife is facing a crisis, they need your help now more than ever before, the society said.

The funds raised by Taronga will help with immediate care for the rescued wildlife being brought to Taronga Wildlife Hospitals.

Taronga has wildlife veterinarians and nurses that support rescue centers in areas of Australia impacted by the fires and care for injured and rescued animals pulled from the fires and saved from drought conditions.

Staff with Taronga are also hand-raising orphaned, heat-affected grey-headed flying foxes from across Australia.

An unspecified number of platypus rescued from drying river systems have been provided with temporary homes by Taronga.

The society called the current wildfire season one of the most devastating Australia has ever seen.

More than 10 million hectares of Australian land has been burned this season. One hectare is the equivalent of just under 2.5 acres.
ANN ARBOR, MI  The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts recently named the Stamps Gallery in downtown Ann Arbor the recipient of an $80,000 grant to support public exhibitions, programs and publications.

The Stamps Gallery, 201 S. Division St., part of the University of Michigan Penny W. Stamps School of Art and Design, presents original exhibitions and public programs that focus largely on shining a spotlight on artists and designers who use creative work to catalyze social change.

Truly Render, a spokesperson for the Stamps School of Art and Design, said it was the first major grant received by Stamps Gallery since its opening in 2017.

The award will allow Stamps Gallery to provide artists with better artist fees for exhibitions, public programs and publications, Render said. The funds support upcoming exhibitions at Stamps Gallery in 2020 and 2021.

Render said the award is helping fund Taking a Stand, a group exhibit that opens Friday night, Jan. 17 at the gallery, as well as solo exhibitions from artists such as LaToya Ruby Frazier, Stephanie Dinkins and Dylan Miner.

The money will also support Envision: The Michigan Artist Initiative, a statewide art competition designed to support the development of contemporary artists living and working in Michigan.

The grant is a testament to the Stamps Gallerys exhibitions and programs, which foster vibrant and inclusive experiences for presentation, discussion and inquiry into the urgent questions and concerns of our time, said Stamps Gallery Director Srimoyee Mitra.

A sneak peek at the exhibitions and schedules can be viewed here.

According to the Foundations recent grants website, upcoming exhibitions will address migration and statelessness; environmental justice and climate change; artificial intelligence and automation in contemporary art; and feminist cultural critiques.

The gallery, which opened in February 2017, is housed within the McKinley Town Centre on South Division Street and has almost 8,000 square feet of exhibition space. Designed to be flexible, the space can be arranged to meet the needs of the various exhibitions the art school hosts throughout the year.

In the past, the Foundation has given a $50,000 grant to Artrain in 2003, two grants totaling $120,000 to the Ann Arbor Film Festival and two grants totaling $65,000 to the UM Museum of Art.

Stamps Gallery is open from noon to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
When Alexisonfire started playing shows together again after a four-year break, fans had a glimmer of hope new music could be on the way. Patience paid off, and in 2019, the post-hardcore/screamo band released a single, Familiar Drugs, their first new music in close to a decade.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 17/1/2020 (724 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When Alexisonfire started playing shows together again after a four-year break, fans had a glimmer of hope new music could be on the way. Patience paid off, and in 2019, the post-hardcore/screamo band released a single, Familiar Drugs, their first new music in close to a decade.

Concert preview Click to Expand Alexisonfire w/ the Distillers

 Jan. 20, 7 p.m.

 Bell MTS Place

 Tickets $74-$108 at Ticketmaster

Two more singles, Complicit and Season of the Flood, have since followed, and the five-piece is kicking off a quick five-date Canadian tour in Winnipeg Monday night, their only scheduled dates so far in 2020.

"Our schedules all align at different times during the year, so theres certain windows of opportunity. I like to think of it like an eclipse or something like that  everything has to line up in order for it to work, so that would explain why were in Winnipeg in January," says vocalist George Pettit with a laugh.

The band initially split in 2011, with Pettit, at the time, citing guitarist and vocalist Dallas Greens desire to focus solely on his successful City & Colour project as the reason for the breakup. Their fifth album was cancelled and everyone fully went their separate ways.

"There was definitely a break where we werent around one another, or we took off and did our own things, and I think were still kind of there. In some ways, were getting better at kind of being close but there was probably a good couple years where we went our own way. And it wasnt for any real animosity we didnt see each other, we were just doing our own things. Ive got a house and a family and a wife and another career, and everybody was chasing their own other career," says Pettit, 37, who, in addition to working on other musical projects, is a firefighter in Ontario.

"You spend 12 years in a band kind of straight out of high school, when that band ends and youre forced to face the reality that youre not going to be able to endlessly tour, thats a really uncomfortable place for a lot of people to be, and I think we all in our own way struggled to get our feet back under us because we were very institutionalized by playing music all the time."

After Alexisonfire reunited for a tour in 2015, the band continued to entertain show offers, playing single shows or small tours for several years. As the performances became more frequent, the itch to start writing together came up again. But, as Pettit explains it, it was less about satisfying a creative need and more about wanting to give something back to the fans.

"I think we were all in some form or another feeling uncomfortable about the idea of just going out and playing the greatest hits, and were all still music enthusiasts and still collecting records and going to concerts, and youre just like, Well we can contribute still. And if were going to keep this within the realm of good taste, we should give the people something more than nothing," says Pettit.

"So we had sound checks and different opportunities to get together and hash some stuff out and the ideas started to come and the ideas are still coming. Its still kind of in the back of our minds that we can do whatever we want. It has been tough, scheduling-wise, though; I wouldnt hold your breath for a record but theres always the possibility of us getting together and booking a studio and ripping a few songs out."

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.

Alexisonfire is kicking off a five-date Canadian tour in Winnipeg Monday night. The band has released three singles in the past year, their first new music in nearly a decade. (Facebook)

And, as they say, with age comes wisdom, and with wisdom comes stronger music, apparently; Pettit has made the bold claim that Alexisonfire is better than its ever been, both on stage and in the studio, and credits the increased maturity of he and his bandmates as a key component to creating new tracks that pay tribute to the bands roots but continue to evolve with them as artists.

"I think its different now; when we were younger and in the thick of the success of Alexisonfire, I think we were just like, Yeah, everything we do is gold! Everything is great! And now were a bit older and its like, Everything is s--t! Were just a little bit more into self-editing and were more conscious of whats coming out and I think that was difficult on the songs. We started writing them and we felt a couple were good but struggled to find proper choruses for other songs," says Pettit.

"It was a lot more self-editing and a lot more scrutinizing, which is good but can also be stressful. In the end I think it makes for a better product, but when I was young Id be willing to say the first idea is the best idea, put it out. And now Im like, The first idea is dog s--t. Lets sit on it for three weeks and think about it and change it."

erin.lebar@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @NireRabel

If you value coverage of Manitobas arts scene, help us do more.

Your contribution of $10, $25 or more will allow the Free Press to deepen our reporting on theatre, dance, music and galleries while also ensuring the broadest possible audience can access our arts journalism. BECOME AN ARTS JOURNALISM SUPPORTER Click here to learn more about the project.
Off-spinner Dom Bess claimed his first Test five-wicket haul before rain interrupted England's push for victory on the third day of the third Test against South Africa at St George's Park on Saturday. Bess took all the wickets as South Africa slumped to 113 for five in reply to England?s 499 for nine declared, still 386 runs in arrears. With England seeking a win which would put them 2-1 ahead in the four-match series, rain started falling 15 minutes before the scheduled lunch break and continued through most of the afternoon, preventing any play between lunch and tea. Bess bowled unchanged from the northern, Duck Pond end, and finished the morning with five for 41 in 18.2 overs. He had taken a total of five wickets in his previous three Tests at a cost of 48 runs each. He was the first England spin bowler to take the first five wickets in an innings since Derek Underwood claimed the first seven against Australia in Adelaide in 1974/75. Bess, who was not originally in England?s tour party, was flown out as cover for the ill Jack Leach, who has subsequently returned home. He bowled steadily on a pitch offering significant but not extravagant spin. Bess struck in the fourth over of the day when Dean Elgar was caught for 35 off bat and pad at silly point by Ollie Pope, the second of three catches by Pope. South African captain Faf du Plessis used his feet to off-drive fours off the third and fourth balls he faced from Bess, who switched from round the wicket to over the wicket and two balls later had Du Plessis caught by Pope at short leg, again off bat and pad. Rassie van der Dussen made 24 before chopping an attempted cut off Bess into his stumps, one over after hitting 11 runs off the spinner. Nightwatchman Anrich Nortje remained unbeaten on 14 off 88 balls. Bess (centre) celebrates dismissal of Rassie van der Dussen
PITTSFIELD  A jury has found a Missouri man guilty of stabbing his former father-in-law to death.

Charles Allen, 45, of Louisiana, Missouri, faces 20 to 100 years in prison for the first-degree murder conviction in the March death of 65-year-old Donald Collard.

A sentencing hearing for the Allen is scheduled for March 18.

Jurors took about four hours to reach their decision Friday following a week-long trial.

According to testimony, the two men began fighting that night when Allen arrived at Collards home to pick up one of his daughters. Allen testified that Collard grabbed his throat and hit him in the face through the open window of his pickup truck.

Allen said he grabbed his knife to defend himself and didnt mean to kill the older man.

Prosecutors said Collard was stabbed four times in the chest and argued that the wounds showed Allen did intend to kill him. They told jurors that Collard wasnt armed and had told his wife to call police when Allen arrived, indicating he didnt go out to the truck planning to attack Allen.

Deputies responded to the 600 block of Orrill Street in Pleasant Hill just before 11 p.m. March 26 and found Collard dead.

These stab wounds were evident of deliberate actions taken by Mr. Allen, Pike County States Attorney Zachary Boren said.
It was Haruki Murakami who once said that death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it an aphorism buttressed strongly by George Eliot's apothegm that "Our dead are never dead to us, until we have forgotten them."

It is on these long-standing witty sayings that the Nigerian literary community received the her first shocking news of 2020, that foremost Nigerian novelist, who was also the Traditional Ruler of Ndikelionwu Kingdom in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra, Nze Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike has gone asleep.

The news which ushered in the dawn of the second Thursday of the year was hitherto faulted and scored a grapevine, to the credit of two points the source from which it came, and the terminology with which it was broken.

By way of reaction to the news, it was rightly argued that, in Igbo land, Traditional Rulers do not die. In other words, in Igbo land, it is wrong for one to say that a Traditional Ruler is dead; instead, one could say that the king has joined his ancestors, is sleeping, is resting, or has fallen asleep.

Secondly, no one is authorised to disclose such information (that the king is sleeping) except the affected community's cabinets or Council of Elders, in agreement with the members of the royal family or the ruling dynasty, as the case may be.

Although, people, especially the closest relatives or community members may be aware that the king has fallen asleep, they won't dare disclose it or tattle over it, pending an authorised disclosure by the right source.

Little wonder why, when interviewed on the hideous development, a stakeholder from the Ndikelionwu Community, Prince Emma Okoli-Ijeoma said, 'As far as I am concerned as a member of the ruling house in this Ndikelionwu Ancient Kingdom, I am saying that Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike Eze Ndikelionwu, the 11th of Ndikelionwu is not yet dead!

In our tradition, nobody opens his mouth to tell outsiders that the Traditional Ruler is dead. You dont say it because according to the customary law of Anambra state, king doesnt die!

"If at all there is anything of that nature, one would say the king has joined his ancestors. It is not the duty of anybody to tell outsiders that the king is dead. It is after the royal family has met and agreed before such thing would be announced. Not just a rifraf would come and say what he doesnt know!

"So I am saying that as far as the royal family is concerned, we have not announced anything to the public, that is, if something really happened."

Also, in most cases, the Elder In Council may not even announce the news, except a replacement or heir is found, especially in a situation where the crown is rotational.

These formed the basis upon which the news of Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike joining his ancestors was held in the air on arrival.

Be it as it may, succeeding sunset and sunrise have unmasked and unearthed the rock.

As Nze Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike rests on in his ancestral home and palace, Ndikelionwu, literary enthusiasts, fans and some other stakeholders in the country have continued to register their feelings and pour their tributes to the legend.

Breaking the news, the Anambra State's Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C-Don Adinuba said, "Goodnight, Prof Chukwuemeka Ike. We all drank from the fountain of The Bottled Leopard as students to assuage our curiousity for mystery. We were stunned by the shenanigans of Expo 77 and thrilled, to no end, by Sunset at Dawn.

As you join your ancestors, lets pray you never stumble from The Chicken Chasers or undone by Conspiracy of Silence. Adieu, a great man of letters, a king who wore humility like a robe.

On his own part, the Executive Governor of Anambra, H.E Chief Willie Obiano said, "I am saddened by the death of HRM Eze Chukwuemeka Ike. He was always a regal presence around us here, bringing his wealth of experience to bear on the deliberations of the Traditional Rulers Council. We shall sorely miss him. But we shall also find strength and consolation in his exemplary life and the legacies he left for mankind through his literary works and stellar contributions to the traditional institution in Anambra State.

Former PDP Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar said, I mourn one of Nigerias prolific novelists and traditional ruler of Ndikelionwu in Anambra State, H.R.H. (Prof.) Chukwuemeka Ike.

He will be remembered for his classics: "Toads for Supper" and "Sunset at Dawn" among others. May he rest in peace."

In similar tones, other literary enthusiasts and concerned Nigerians have also bared their minds thematically on the development, ruefully registering their reactions to the news and their tributes for the legend, as collated below:

Denja Abdullahi, immediate past President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) says:

"Prof. Ike's death was sad all the same but it was not a shock because he was an old man. He was a contemporary of all other first generation of Nigerian writers and his death was like the end of an era. We could say that the last of the titans has gone home.

Tributarily, Abdullahi said, "Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike was a productive writer of several novels with interesting stories and catchy titles. You could locate his works between the popular and literary fiction genre. He was a very good satirist of the human condition.I feel that he was not celebrated enough like some other people feel. It may be because of his self-effacing nature and unwillingness to indulge in needless literary and critical controversies.

"He has gone beyond just being a writer to contribute to the development of the Nigerian Book Industry through his Nigerian Book Foundation. He was always there anywhere you invite him to if it had to do with writing,writers and the books.

"Prof Chukwuemeka Ike will live eternally in the minds of all of us through his evergreen stories of the foibles of man."

Mr. Oseloka Henry Obaze, a published author, poet and literary enthusiast says:

"The passing of HRM Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike, Eze Ndikelionwu is numbing. He was an exceptional, gifted, resolute and most unassuming person. I was privileged to be considered his friend and welcomed freely into his palace. He was chair of my book presentation in 2018.

His tribute: "Eze Chukwuemeka Ike lived life fully and made enduring contributions to our educational system, literature, cultureand traditional institution. He motived many writers, even those who never met him personally.

"He has immortalized his name and his footprints will linger for years to come. May God grant him eternal rest and his dear wife HRM Bimpe Ike, the fortitude to bear the loss."

Okeke Chika Jerry, an author, publisher and literary arts promoter says:

"I was in deed shocked when I heard the sad news over the radio. I wished he stayed a bit longer so that this generation of ours will have tapped a lot more from his wealth of wisdom.

"But I believe Professor Ike is not totally dead and he will never die completely because all his works are still breathing all over the world. "Rest in peace Papa ndi authors."

Odili Ujubuonu, award-winning author and literary enthusiast says:

"This is a huge loss. Chukwuemeka Ike was a great inspiration to a lot of writers who came after him. The choice of subject matters he treated in his novels spoke a lot about the kind of man he was and the whole essence of his writing.

"He was never complex in his style and or his plot and that led us easily into the wonderful worlds he created. These worlds would live forever with us. Through them, we would keep remembering him. May his gentle and kind soul find eternal peace."

Reginald Chiedu Ofodile, author and international award-winning actor says:

"I received news of his demise with sighs. I'm told Professor Ike is asleep, which is a correct phrase to apply to a traditional ruler. His subsiding into sleep did not shock me. He lost his only child three years ago. It must have been a massive blow, and he was also in his late 80s."

Tribute: "Eze Ike was an engaging, fluent and satirical writer. He created fascinating characters and witty, wicked situations. I remember 'Sweetie' in TOADS FOR SUPPER, 'Peace Bozo' in THE CHICKEN CHASERS, 'Mrs Ikin' and 'Dr Okoro' in THE NAKED GODS... and many others. I recall his books appeared under the FONTANA imprint, not the AFRICAN WRITERS' SERIES."

Prof. Sam Uzochukwu, Igbo Poet and Novelist says:

"Prof Ike's death is indeed a loss to the nation, particularly to the literary class.Though he lived to old age, death, particularly of an icon always evokes shock to the living; so I feel shocked by his death as his other admirers .

"Prof. Ike was among the respected writers, in the same class as Chinua Achebe, for which Umuahia Govt college was renowned. He produced novels that dealt with topical issues of his time.

"Above all, Prof. Ike was a man imbued with tenacity of purpose. He never wavered on any issue he was convinced about. This quality of his was manifested when I worked with him, a few years ago, on an Igbo project for which we were appointed by the Anambra State Govt.

May the Lord grant him eternal rest, amen."

Untill he slept off, Eze Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike (born on April 23, 1931) was award-winning and pioneer Nigerian writer, known for a mixture of lampoon, humor and satire, a writing style believed to be tied to his Igbo cultural upbringing.

He attended the Government College, Umuahia, where he started writing for the school magazine, The Umuahian, which published his first ever written story A Dreamland, a work which set his foot on the literary space.

Some eminent Nigerian writers who attended the school include Chinua Achebe, Christopher Okigbo, and Ken Saro Wiwa, among others.

A graduate of the University College, Ibadan, Prof. Ike made a plethora of impacts and left great legacies in the literary and academic fields, and was conferred the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) Award which is Nigeria's highest and most prestigious national prize for academic and intellectual attainment, making him the second Novelist to receive the award since its inauguration in 1979, the first being Prof. Chinua Achebe.

Prof. Ike's works include Toads for Supper (1965), The Naked Gods (1970), The Potters Wheel (1973), Sunset and Dawn (1976), Expo 77 (1980), The Bottled Leopard (1985), Our Children are Coming (1990); Conspiracy of Silence (2001), among other publications.

Away from the literary flank, Prof. Ike served as an academic in different roles such as a lecturer at the University of Ibadan, registrar at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and visiting professor at the University of Jos.

He was also the President of the Nigerian Book Foundation, as well as the first Nigerian to be the registrar of the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC).

Ike fell asleep at 88.

As Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike peacefully joined his ancestors, Nigerian literary community, fans, and the world at large heartily bid him farewell and wish him eternal repose in the world of immorality.

Goodnight great man.
Many investors are still learning about the various metrics that can be useful when analysing a stock. This article is for those who would like to learn about Return On Equity (ROE). We'll use ROE to examine J D Wetherspoon plc (LON:JDW), by way of a worked example.

J D Wetherspoon has a ROE of 23%, based on the last twelve months. Another way to think of that is that for every 1 worth of equity in the company, it was able to earn 0.23.

See our latest analysis for J D Wetherspoon

How Do I Calculate ROE?

The formula for ROE is:

Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations)  Shareholders' Equity

Or for J D Wetherspoon:

23% = UK73m  UK317m (Based on the trailing twelve months to July 2019.)

Most know that net profit is the total earnings after all expenses, but the concept of shareholders' equity is a little more complicated. It is all the money paid into the company from shareholders, plus any earnings retained. The easiest way to calculate shareholders' equity is to subtract the company's total liabilities from the total assets.

What Does ROE Mean?

ROE looks at the amount a company earns relative to the money it has kept within the business. The 'return' is the profit over the last twelve months. That means that the higher the ROE, the more profitable the company is. So, all else being equal, a high ROE is better than a low one. Clearly, then, one can use ROE to compare different companies.

Does J D Wetherspoon Have A Good ROE?

One simple way to determine if a company has a good return on equity is to compare it to the average for its industry. However, this method is only useful as a rough check, because companies do differ quite a bit within the same industry classification. As you can see in the graphic below, J D Wetherspoon has a higher ROE than the average (6.9%) in the Hospitality industry.

LSE:JDW Past Revenue and Net Income, January 18th 2020

That's what I like to see. In my book, a high ROE almost always warrants a closer look. One data point to check is if insiders have bought shares recently.

Story continues

How Does Debt Impact ROE?

Virtually all companies need money to invest in the business, to grow profits. The cash for investment can come from prior year profits (retained earnings), issuing new shares, or borrowing. In the first and second cases, the ROE will reflect this use of cash for investment in the business. In the latter case, the use of debt will improve the returns, but will not change the equity. That will make the ROE look better than if no debt was used.

Combining J D Wetherspoon's Debt And Its 23% Return On Equity

J D Wetherspoon clearly uses a significant amount of debt to boost returns, as it has a debt to equity ratio of 2.59. There's no doubt its ROE is impressive, but the company appears to use its debt to boost that metric. Debt does bring extra risk, so it's only really worthwhile when a company generates some decent returns from it.

The Bottom Line On ROE

Return on equity is useful for comparing the quality of different businesses. Companies that can achieve high returns on equity without too much debt are generally of good quality. If two companies have around the same level of debt to equity, and one has a higher ROE, I'd generally prefer the one with higher ROE.

Having said that, while ROE is a useful indicator of business quality, you'll have to look at a whole range of factors to determine the right price to buy a stock. Profit growth rates, versus the expectations reflected in the price of the stock, are a particularly important to consider. So you might want to take a peek at this data-rich interactive graph of forecasts for the company.

If you would prefer check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss thisfree list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
Multiple community leaders are taking time out of their day Wednesday to update the Midland community on efforts made in the last year to improve overall public health.

The various presenters, whose organizations are part of the Health and Human Services Council of Midland County, will discuss public health topics such as later life quality, substance abuse, healthy weight and mental health, in relation to the work their organizations collaborated on in 2019.

The update presentation is free to attend, and there are no prior reservations required. It will take place at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at Midland City Hall, 333 W. Ellsworth St. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be recorded for rebroadcast on Midland Community Television.

"Anytime that we can impact health in our own community through collaboration is pretty special," said Kevin LaDuke, communications officer for the Midland Area Community Foundation. "Its a lot of community leaders really coming together for one common goal, which is the health of residents of Midland County, and thats a pretty unique experience. Theyre taking time out of their day; theyre taking time out of their schedule in order to provide their compassion for the citizens' health of those of us here in Midland, and it's great group of people that cares."

The Health and Human Services Council of Midland County consists of more than 35 organizations that together target mental and physical health gaps in Midland County as part of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The council does this through systems level planning, collaboration, and promotion of health and human services, with an emphasis on demonstrated effectiveness and prevention.

The speakers on Wednesday will include Sharon Mortensen, president & CEO of the Midland Area Community Foundation; Charlie Schwedler, executive director of Senior Services; Deana Mason, program director at Community Mental Health of Central Michigan; Sam Price, president & CEO of Ten16 Recovery Network; Cathryn Tate, president & CEO of the Legacy Center for Community Success; and Stephanie Leibfritz, community health manager of Mid-Michigan Medical Center.

There will also be remarks made by Midland Mayor Maureen Donker and Mark Bone, commissioner chair of the Midland County Board of Commissioners.

Collaboration is an impactful way for us to move the needle on health issues facing our community, Mortensen stated in an event announcement. We look forward to sharing the programs and projects produced through this collaboration.

The CHIP, first unveiled in early 2016, was developed using data from a variety of local and national sources, such as the Midland County Dashboard, county health rankings, behavioral risk factor surveys, data from MidMichigan Health, and others.

"Its nice to have a group working together in Midland to make our community healthier," said Sarah Kile from the Health and Human Services Council. "This event is an exciting way to showcase the work we have done and (it) is a great way for people to learn more about the Community Health Improvement Plan."




Gal Gadot blew Instagram away today  just by being herself. The Wonder Woman actress whose fame catapulted virtually overnight as a result of her superhero role took to the platform just in time for the weekend.

Gal threw Instagram one natural beauty, one bathrobe, and a reminder that an A-Lister status for this Israeli comes with little in the way of fancy flourishes.

The photo did, however, remind Gal's 34.5 million followers of her endorsement power  the actress was in promo mode for the Revlon cosmetics brand she fronts.

Related:

'Wonder Woman 1984' Trailer Is Here, And Fans Are Excited

A Simple Selfie From A Girl Who Needs No Flourishes

Gal Gadot takes a selfie in a bathrobe







Gal's photo showed her snapping herself in front of a mirror and a counter strewn with skin creams and makeup. The star didn't appear to be wearing any makeup herself, though  Gal looked fresh-faced and beautiful as she smiled for the camera while wearing a white bathrobe.

Gal's photo was definitely a candid one  she even mentioned this in her caption, also greeting her fans for the day ahead.

"Good morning to you all," she wrote. Gal also tagged Revlon and abided by Instagram's required "#ad" use.

230,000 Likes In One Hour  Instagram Just Loves Her

Gal Gadot takes a gym selfie







Gal's photo didn't take long to rack up the likes  over 230,000 had been clocked within just one hour of her selfie going live.

Comments poured in.

"Good morning to you, too!" one fan wrote.

"Awwww," another said.

Not everyone was in the same time zone as the actress and model, though.

"Goodnight from Indonesia," one user told Gal.

The photo came less than 24 hours after Gal made headlines for sharing a photo of her Wonder Woman stunt double  you can see the snap below.

An 'Athlete' Who 'Took The Punches' And Kept Gal Safe

Gal Gadot poses with her 'Wonder Woman' stunt double







Hollywood stars don't always give their stunt doubles credit. Gal's post came with a 100% admission that not every Wonder Woman stunt was pulled off by the movie's main face herself.

"Shes been with me since the first Wonder Woman and I know we have a long future together. Shes always there by my side making sure Im safe and at the same time taking the punches and getting thrown against walls.  Shes a mother, an athlete, and her movements are unlike anything Ive seen before in a stunt performer. Thank you Stani for bringing your all, everyday and with such grace and kindness," Gal wrote.

Story continues

A Force Of Nature Who Served Two Years In The Israeli Military

Gal isn't your average Hollywood starlet. The actress served two years mandatory military service in her native Israel.

For Gal, her military training paved the way for her career in action. Back in 2011, Gal told Forward that Fast & Furious director Justin Lin was keen on her background.

"He wanted to use my knowledge of weapons," Gal said.

Gal is now a major face on Instagram, also followed by major celebrities. Famous faces keeping tabs on Gal include Jennifer Aniston, Halle Berry, Reese Witherspoon, and Bella Thorne.

Also, fun fact: Gal means "wave" in Hebrew.
An awful lot has been written about Megxit and just how much pressure - from media scrutiny to royal protocol - the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had apparently been under in Britain, which resulted in their explosive decision to split from "The Firm" and quit merry old England.

Careful what you wish for Harry and Meghan.

The Queen is joined by Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, and at rear, from left, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex during a reception at Buckingham Palace to mark the 50th anniversary of the investiture of the Prince of Wales. Credit:AP

Few commentators have made the point that up to now, their "royalnesses" don't seem to have fully appreciated just how good they've had it.

Nor do they seem to realise just how problematic life outside the protective comforts of the royal bosom will be, regardless of whether they make their home in a leafy Canadian enclave, or as is more likely, a gated community in Los Angeles' swanky Bel Air or a glittering penthouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side.
Raut's statement comes across as a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who earlier in December at Ramlila grounds in Delhi had launched a scathing attack on the Centre.

Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday said that those who criticise Veer Savarkar and believe that Bharat Ratna should not be conferred on him must be put in the Andaman jail, where the Hindutva ideologue was lodged under the British rule.

"We have always been demanding respect for Veer Savarkar. Those who oppose Bharat Ratna for Veer Savarkar be put for two days in Andaman cellular jail where Savarkar was lodged. It is only then that they will realize his sacrifice and contribution to the nation," Raut told the media.

Sanjay Raut,Shiv Sena: Those who oppose Veer Savarkar, they maybe from any ideology or party, let them stay for just two days at the cell in Andaman cellular jail where Savarkar was lodged.Only then will they realize his sacrifice and his contribution to the nation pic.twitter.com/8J749b5dF4  ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2020

Several leaders across the political spectrum have time and again pushed for Bharat Ratna award to be accorded to Savarkar. There are, however, some political parties who have allegedly been opposing the move.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had in November, 2019, informed the Lok Sabha that recommendations for the award were received regularly while asserting that no formal recommendation is necessary for it.

Raut's statement comes across as a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who earlier in December had launched a scathing attack on the Centre, using Savarkar's name to attack the BJP. Refusing to apologize for his 'rape in India' comment, the Congress MP had said that his name was Rahul Gandhi and not Rahul Savarkar.

"The BJP asked me to apologise. My name is not Rahul Savarkar, it is Rahul Gandhi, and I will never apologise for speaking the truth. I will die, but I will not apologise for speaking the truth and nor will any Congressman do so. It is Narendra Modi and his assistant Amit Shah who have to apologise to the country for destroying India's economy," Rahul had said.

Reacting strongly on the former Congress chief's statement, Raut had hit out at the Grand Old Party. The Shiv Sena MP had said since their party respected Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, other "such idols must be equally revered".

He tweeted, "Veer Savarkar is an idol of whole country and not just Maharashtra. The name Savarkar denotes pride about nation and self. Like Nehru and Gandhi, Savarkar too sacrificed his life for the country. Every such idol must be revered. There is no compromise on this."

Last week, Sanjay Raut had stirred another controversy with his remark that Indira Gandhi used to meet yesteryear underworld don Karim Lala during her Mumbai visits, following which he drew flak from ally, Congress.

He later withdrew his comment. He said: "If someone feels my statement hurt Indira Gandhi's image or someone's feelings, I take it back. In the past, I have taken her (Gandhi's) side and argued with people who tried to malign her image. In such cases, some Congress leaders had remained silent."

However, before taking back his comments, Sanjay Raut said his words were "twisted" by those unaware of Mumbai's history as he meant that Indira Gandhi met Karim Lala in his capacity as representative of the Pathan community.

Meanwhile, speaking on whether Raut's statement would affect Congress-Sena-NCP alliance, Maharashtra Tourism Minister Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday said Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray had immense respect for Indira Gandhi and claimed party leader Sanjay Raut's controversial statements on the former prime minister were taken out of context

"Sanjay Raut mentioned the context in which he spoke. Shiv Sena-Congress alliance is strong and we came together for the development of the state. We may have different views on certain issues but this is what democracy is. Instead of history, we need to talk about current issues," said Thackeray.

With inputs from ANI
New Delhi, Jan 18 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is carrying out raids in Delhi, Ghaziabad and Gurugram in a case related to allegations of various irregularities in recruitment of constables in the Border Security Force (BSF).

The agency has registered a case against Ravi Kumar, a resident of Surana in Ghaziabad, C.S. Datamation Research Services Private Limited based in Patparganj Industrial Area and against unknown persons.

The agency said that the irregularities happened during evaluation of Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets of examination for recruitment of constables in BSF.

CBI is looking at the role of BSF officials as well as the outsourced private firm based at Patparganj Industrial Area which was carrying out the evaluation process.

The alleged irregularities led to ineligible candidates being called for medical tests by BSF. "It has also been alleged that a private person obtained illegal money from candidate and candidates appearing for written examinations of Constables (Tradesmen) in BSF," the agency said in a statement.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi after attending a grand welcome ceremony hosted by Myanmar President U Win Myint at the presidential palace in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, Jan. 17, 2020. Aung San Suu Kyi came to the presidential palace to extend her warm greetings to Xi. [Xinhua/Rao Aimin]

NAY PYI TAW, Jan. 17 (Xinhua)  Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi had a cordial and friendly talk at Myanmar's presidential palace on Friday.

Aung San Suu Kyi, who came to the presidential palace to extend her warm greetings to Xi, said that it has been a long-awaited state visit to Myanmar.

The visit, ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year and against the backdrop of the 70th anniversary of the Myanmar-China diplomatic relations, bears special significance, she said.

The Myanmar side appreciates and cherishes China's long-term and huge support, she added.

The "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship between Myanmar and China has stood the test of time, and its profound meaning could only be appreciated by the two countries, said Aung San Suu Kyi.

China has always been a good friend to Myanmar and the two countries have been bound together, she said, adding that Myanmar stands ready to keep sharing weal and woe and build a community with a shared future with China.

Aung San Suu Kyi said she believes that Xi's visit will usher in new developments in bilateral relations.

For his part, Xi said he appreciates the hospitality of the Myanmar government and people.

Xi said that it is his first visit to Myanmar as Chinese president and his first overseas trip in 2020, during which the two countries will celebrate and launch a series of events marking the 70th anniversary of China-Myanmar diplomatic relations.

That, Xi said, is of great significance.

China staunchly supports Myanmar in following the development path of its own choice, and stands ready to consolidate and deepen the "Paukphaw" friendship between the two countries and two peoples, keep enriching its connotation and jointly build a China-Myanmar community with a shared future, he said.

Before the talk, Myanmar President U Win Myint hosted a grand welcome ceremony in Xi's honor at the presidential palace.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi after attending a grand welcome ceremony hosted by Myanmar President U Win Myint at the presidential palace in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, Jan. 17, 2020. Aung San Suu Kyi came to the presidential palace to extend her warm greetings to Xi. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

(Source: Xinhua)
More than 100 Teslas have been involved in accidents because they accelerated unintentionally, according to a complaint filed with federal safety regulators.

The complaint, filed on December 19 but posted Friday, says the problem happened to 127 different cars across all three Tesla models currently for sale: the Model S, Model X and the Model 3. The unintended acceleration problem caused 110 accidents, and 52 people were injured as a result, according to the complaint.

The name of the parties bringing the complaint was not disclosed. Many of the complaints involved incidents involving parking the car or pulling out of a parking space.

The National Transportation Highway Safety Administration's office, which investigates such complaints, says it is looking into the allegations. It has yet to decide whether or not enough evidence exists to open a defect investigation.

Complaints of unintended acceleration have frequently proved to be the fault of the drivers hitting the wrong pedal and not being aware that they were using the accelerator when they intended to use the brake.

But, in some instances, cars have been found to have a problem with unintended acceleration. The most widespread issue involved a recall of 2.3 million vehicles by Toyota in 2010. Toyota also temporarily stopped selling eight of its models for a period of time to address the problem.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the complaint. Shares of Tesla, which have been on a run in recent months, changed little in early trading despite the report.
Legitimate protest is one thing, but this week, a small group of renegade farmers crossed a line.

At lunchtime Thursday, as I was crossing the Liffey river on the train, a most startling sight greeted me.

As we approached Pearse Street station, I gazed up Westland Row to see the seemingly never-ending line of tractors as they were beginning to leave Dublin City Centre.

By my estimate, about 100 tractors in single file were proceeding toward Dublin Port, escorted by members of An Garda Siochana. All normal traffic was stopped to allow this procession take place.

Protesting at the low prices being paid by meat-producing companies for beef, the rogue group of farmers feel unloved. Not backed by the main farming lobby groups, the so-called Individual Farmers of Ireland, felt they had to inflict considerable disruption on Dubliners yet again.

So once at Dublin Port, rather than clear off having held the city centre to ransom for more than 24 hours, they decided to stage a further protest there. Only after serious disruption was caused there, did the farmers make their way to the M50 orbital road where they proceeded with a go-slow protest at rush hour.

One only needs to look at the video clips posted on Twitter by RTE reporter, Laura Hogan, to see the level of disruption caused.

All the while facilitated by An Garda Siochana, despite the considerable inconvenience caused to thousands of commuters.

It was a disgrace, and was totally unwarranted and completely futile.

And it must be remembered that this was the second time this group of so-called independent farmers brought their protest to the streets of Dublin. When they came to the capital in November, they dug in for more than 24 hours, despite the total chaos they caused to thousands of ordinary Dubliners.

Having initially gathered on Merrion Square, the farmers repeatedly reneged on agreements with Gardai as to how their protest would take place.

A deal to allow a small number of tractors move from Merrion Square to St Stephen's Green was broken when a steady procession of tractors moved en masse, causing chaos to commuters. When they were blocked by gardai at the stop of Kildare Street, the chaos of the group was laid bare.

As I stood there for several hours, senior Gardai made repeated offers to so-called leaders of the protestors as to how to end the protest while allowing them their right to make their point.

An offer was made to allow one tractor down Kildare Street. This was accepted by farmers but then rejected. Another offer from gardai would have allowed all tractors down Kildare Street but they would not be allowed stop. Again, this was agreed but again it was rejected.

All of a sudden there were demands for Agriculture Minister Michael Creed to come out and meet the protestors and for a letter to be accepted. As day turned to night and to dawn, Creed eventually made his way to the barrier and spoke to assembled farmers in a bid to end the impasse.

Despite bowing to their bidding and meeting the farmers, some protestors were angry that he did not meet the 'right' farmers.

Later, five delegates handed a letter to Mr Creed in the lobby of the Department of Agriculture on Kildare Street outlining a number of issues. Other protesters shouted that the farmers the minister was talking to did not represent them and this letter was not the real letter of protest.

Eventually, amid promises to convene a beef taskforce, the protest was ended and the farmers headed home.

While the initial protest in November could be justified as they had a purpose in seeking a meeting with Creed, this week's protest had no such legitimacy. They were not there to protest at the Dail as no politician was there  they are all out canvassing for re-election. They were not protesting to the Minister of Agriculture.

With no clear aim or objective, the misguided protest only served to place an intolerable burden on the ordinary people going about their day.

Speaking about their tactics, organisers from the Individual Farmers of Ireland group said they did not want to block the motorway completely but they wanted to leave their mark on Dublin. They certainly did that.

Gardai defended their handling of the situation by saying their main objective in dealing with the protest was to ensure the safety of the public:

"An Garda Siochana has a role in ensuring that peaceful protests can take place, and also in preventing injury and protecting life. We respect people's right to peaceful protest and will facilitate same.

Gardai attend protests to facilitate free movement of traffic and to prevent any breaches of the peace. Gardai are tasked with preserving law and order, without fear or favour, and with ensuring that people can go about their lawful business, including having access to their workplace, and that peaceful protest can also take place.

Be that as it may, just how is it acceptable that 100 people with their tractors are allowed bring a capital city to a halt, not once but twice in less than three months?

If this was a group of students, or nurses, would they have been given such latitude?

Far from being neglected, farmers are a largely protected species in this country, to be handled with care by the political system and State authorities.

For example, according to published figures, the highest-paid recipient of direct payments under the Common Agriculture Policy in 2018 got a whopping 323,000, the second-highest got 229,633 while the third got 221,510.

I accept this is not the same for all clearly, from the discussions I had with farmers on the barricades, some are really hurting.

Family farm income fell 31% for dairy farmers, compared to 2017; 21% for cattle rearers; 11% for other cattle farmers; and 21% for sheep farmers. For tillage farmers, family farm income in the survey increased 18% from 2017 to 2018, a recent Teagasc survey showed.

Whatever the merits or demerits of CAP, it is a very extensive system of support from taxpayers which few, if any, other industries receive. In Ireland, direct payments to farmers amounted to almost 1.8 billion last year.

One could argue that with farming accounting for 8% of employment and 10% of total exports, such supports are merited and they are.

So strong is the farming lobby, that despite clear evidence that the national herd is way too big and should be reduced in size, the political system refuses to grasp that particular nettle.

Time and time again, a key tenet of the farmers' argument is that rural Ireland is dying.

It is not. As the economist Dan O'Brien pointed out last year, rural population has been on the up for almost half a century. He wrote: What we know from the census is that the number of people living in rural areas, defined as a place outside a conurbation of at least 1,500 people, has increased by more than a quarter of a million over the past 20 years."

That is worth repeating: 1.75 million people live in rural areas, up from 1.5 million in just 20 years. In 1971, rural Irelands nadir, the population living in the countryside, villages and small towns was 1.4 million, he said.

These shameful protests by a small group of farmers have more to do with inter-factional rivalry within the farming lobby seeking to outdo each other than it did about farming welfare.

It is not tolerable that a small, renegade group of people be allowed cause such disruption multiple times without consequence.

No one will deny that there are genuine issues affecting the price of beef or the agricultural sector generally, but the protest this week was a bridge too far.
Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen on Friday termed the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) "very good" and "generous" and suggested that the new law should also include Muslim community, free thinkers and atheists, who are persecuted in neighbouring countries.

"It is good to give citizenship of India to persecuted religious minorities from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. But even people like me deserve citizenship. They have a right to live in India. The CAA is a very good idea and very generous one," said Nasreen on the second day of the Kerala Literature festival during a session titled "In Exile: A writer's Journey".

"Islam should be more democratised and refined. We need more free thinkers. Uniform civil code should be based on equality, not religion," she said.

Citing Muslim "atheists bloggers" who were killed by suspected Islamist militants in Bangladesh a few years ago, she said: "Many of these bloggers left for Europe and America to save their lives. Why cannot they come to India? Today, India requires more free thinker, secularist, feminist from the Muslim community."

Nasreen left Bangladesh in 1994 in the wake of death threat by fundamentalist outfits for her alleged anti-Islamic views. Since then she has been living in exile.

The author asserted that fundamentalists should be separated from anti-CAA protests.

"Fundamentalism must be condemned. Both minority and majority community fundamentalists are the same. They both are against the developing society and equality of women," she said.

Nasreen further said that she always feels like home in India. "People tell me that I am Bangladeshi, a foreigner. However, I always feel like I am at my home. I will live in India and only in India as long as I can," she said.

The CAA grants citizenship to refugees from six minority religious communities -- Hindus, Parsis, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Christians -- from Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan, provided they have lived in India for six years and entered the country by December 31, 2014.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
ROHNERT PARK (BCN)

Two people were displaced by a fire Friday evening that destroyed a recreational vehicle in the parking lot at Walmart on Redwood Drive in Rohnert Park, according to the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety.

Sonoma County Fire District crews responded shortly after 7 p.m. to the scene, where the two occupants had managed to escape the burning recreational vehicle, officials said. They were treated for minor smoke inhalation.

The fire was quickly extinguished, but the RV "was a complete loss due to the fire and water damage," according to officials.

The American Red Cross is assisting the two displaced people. The cause of the fire is unknown, officials said.

Copyright  2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
Police know its not pleasant to get into a cold car, said acting Capt. Jordan Swonger of the Special Investigation Division. Unfortunately, thieves know this, too. He said the thieves are targeting victims who are warming up their cars and running back inside of their homes.
A major international conference on Libya will convene in Berlin on Sunday. At the invitation of Germanys Chancellor Angela Merkel, heads of state and top officials of the leading imperialist powers in Europe and the US will come together to determine the fate of the resource-rich country and ultimately the entire continent. Also in attendance will be representatives of Russia, China and the most important regional powers, including Egypt, Algeria and Turkey, together with the leaders of the opposing factions in Libyas civil war, Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj and Gen. Khalifa Haftar, and representatives of the African Union.

In both its form and venue, the meeting is reminiscent of the infamous Congo Conference, which was also held in Berlin from November 15, 1884 to February 26, 1885 at the invitation of German Chancellor Bismarck. Its outcome was the General Act of the Berlin Conference, adopted by representatives of the US, the Ottoman Empire, the European powers and Russia. This agreement accelerated the division of Africa into colonies and ultimately intensified the tensions between the imperialist powers, culminating in the mass slaughter of the First World War that began in August 1914.

Even before the Congo Conference, the scramble for Africa was already in full swing. France occupied Tunisia in 1881 and Guinea in 1884. In 1882, British troops invaded Egypt, which at that time was officially part of the Ottoman Empire. Italy subdued parts of Eritrea in 1870 and 1882. In April 1884, the German Reich annexed German Southwest Africa (today Namibia), moving into Togo and Cameroon in July of the same year.

With the Congo Conference, the colonial subjugation of Africa, accompanied by a previously unknown level of imperialist barbarism, gathered pace. Within a few years, the European powers had carved up virtually the entire continent. The Congo fell to Belgium, most of the Sahara and the Sahel to France, Berlin secured German East Africa (todays Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda, as well as part of Mozambique) and Britain conquered Sudan by finally crushing the Mahdist Revolt in 1899. This was followed by the subjugation of South Africa by Britain in the Second Boer War (1899 to 1902), the division of Morocco by France and Spain, and Italys conquest of Libya in 1912.

As at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, the major powers pursued their predatory imperialist interests under the guise of diplomacy and peace. Today, they act even more nakedly to achieve the same objectives.

In a commentary on the Libya conference, the daily Tagesspiegel states quite bluntly: Libyas strategic importance is the reason why so many people want to get involved therealthough it is generally not attractive to invest soldiers or mercenaries and billions in a civil war with an uncertain outcome. Libya has oil. Whoever controls Libya controls what is currently the most important migration route to Europeand thus becomes an indispensable partner of the EU.

The author, Christoph von Marschall, whose aristocratic ancestors were high-ranking foreign policy-makers of the German Reich, openly expresses the traditions to which Berlin is returning. Germany now needs the cool perspective of Otto von Bismarck on realpolitik. And it calls for his diplomatic skills as an honest broker. But the role of the honest broker does not mean that he has to be altruistic and cannot represent his own interests. Germany has these: stability in Libya, reducing pressure on Europe through uncontrolled migration.

Then, as now, the honest broker is really an imperialist brigand, who is seeking a place in the sun. While the German government did not participate in the NATO bombing of Libya in 2011, it has been all the more aggressive in its involvement in Africa since its about-face in foreign policy in 20132014. Now, Germany is engaged with more than 1,000 soldiers deployed in the French-led occupation of Mali, maintains a military camp in neighbouring Niger and advances its imperialist aims across the continent with increasing aggressiveness.

Last March, Berlin updated its Africa Policy Guidelines, which were first adopted in May 2014. This revision evokes the growing relevance of Africa for Germany and Europe, which is due, among other things, to the continents increasingly dynamic economy and rich natural resources. The government therefore called for the strengthening of Germanys political, security and development policy commitment in Africa in a targeted manner, to act early, quickly, decisively and substantially and to deploy the entire spectrum of its available resources cross-departmentally.

The other imperialist powers are pursuing similar objectives and have also increased their military and political intervention on the continent in recent years. France has massively expanded its engagement in the Sahel zone, and the US is also escalating its intervention in Africa, especially to curb Russian and Chinese influence. Nine years after the NATO bombing of Libyawhich reduced much of the countrys infrastructure to rubble, left thousands of civilians dead and wounded and led to the lynch-mob murder of Colonel Gaddafithe country is once again at the centre of imperialist intrigues. But now the stakes are even greater, with all of the belligerents of the previous war arrayed against each other, fighting for control of the booty.

Last year, France, in alliance with Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, supported Haftar, at least unofficially, while Italy and Qatar worked closely with the internationally recognized transitional government (GNA) of al-Sarraj. Turkey began sending soldiers to Tripoli on January 5 of this year to strengthen the GNA against Haftars military offensive. The decision was criticized not only by the generals open allies, but also by Trump and the German government.

Berlin, in particular, is trying to use its contacts with both of the opposing factions in the Libyan civil war to bring the belligerents together and increase its own influence.

There are many indications that, behind the scenes, Berlin and the European Union are preparing a comprehensive military intervention. On Friday, EU Foreign Affairs Commissioner Josep Borrell did not rule out a European Union military intervention in Libya. It is crucial that we assert our interests more strongly and, if necessary, robustly, he said in an interview with Der Spiegel. If there is a ceasefire in Libya, then the EU must be prepared to help implement and monitor this ceasefirepossibly also with soldiers, for example as part of an EU mission.

Borrell left no doubt that such a military operation could be quickly extended to large parts of North Africa to more aggressively enforce European interests against Russia, China and the US. The situation in the Sahel is no betteron the contrary," he said. "Last year, 1,500 soldiers were killed in the fight against terrorists in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger alone. The entire region is a powder keg, he added.

But Europe has many opportunities to exercise power," he insisted. He declared: "We just have to want it. Im not talking about military power, at least not only. The New Year has hardly begun, and it almost seems as if there are only crises everywhere. So, we should know what our goals are. And we must be ready, if necessary, to defend these goals even if they run counter to those of our allies.

This situation of growing conflict, paired with threatening gestures on the eve of the conference, confirms the analysis Lenin made in his classic work Imperialism:  the only conceivable basis under capitalism for the division of spheres of influence, interests, colonies, etc. is a calculation of the strength of those participating, their general economic, financial, military strength, etc. And the strength of these participants in the division does not change to an equal degree, for the even development of different undertakings, trusts, branches of industry, or countries is impossible under capitalism.

Therefore, alliances between imperialist powers, according to Lenin, no matter what form they may assume, whether of one imperialist coalition against another, or of a general alliance embracing all the imperialist powers, are inevitably nothing more than a truce in periods between wars." He continued: "Peaceful alliances prepare the ground for wars, and in their turn grow out of wars; the one conditions the other, producing alternating forms of peaceful and non-peaceful struggle on one and the same basis of imperialist connections and relations within world economics and world politics.

As with the murder of Tehrans Gen. Qassem Suleimani, in violation of international law, and US war preparations against Iran, workers and young people must understand that the Libya conference constitutes a warning. The profound crisis of the capitalist system is driving the great powers ever deeper into the abyss of imperialist war and barbarism. The preparation of new neocolonial wars of aggression in Africa and the Middle East, which pose the danger of a Third World War, can be prevented only through the mobilization of the international working class on the basis of a socialist and revolutionary program.
SOUTH Yorkshire Police officers who ignored calls for help from the parents of a grooming victim for fear of causing racial tensions, bribed their schoolgirl daughter with shopping vouchers and failed to act after she was trafficked will not face prosecution.

An investigation by the police watchdog also revealed a chief inspector referred to the organised child abuse in Rotherham by British Pakistani men as P*** shagging during a conversation with the girls distraught dad and told him that; With it being Asians, we cant afford for this to be coming out as Rotherham would erupt."

An unnamed chief constable also admitted to the girls father it had been going on for 30 years and the police could do nothing because of racial tensions.

Following the five-year investigation into the survivor's case, The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) upheld six of her complaints into South Yorkshire Police dating back to 2002.

But the IOPC told the child abuse victim this week there was no indication of any criminal offence and closed her investigation.

The Rotherham survivor, now in her early 30s, said she felt heart-broken over the reports lack of accountability but vindicated by the fact the majority of her complaints had been upheld.

They have admitted failings but there are no consequences, said the woman, who was sexually exploited and trafficked by men from the age of 14.

There are no consequences for allowing the abuse not to only happen but for the clear-cut failings.

Its great that I have been vindicated finally after all these years, but yet again no-one is going to be made accountable for the failings that happened with my case  I've not even received an apology from South Yorkshire Police.

The report is part of the IOPCs second largest investigation  dubbed Operation Linden - launched in response to the Jay Report, which revealed 1,400 children had been sexually exploited in Rotherham between 1997 to 2013.

Since 2016, a total of 550 years jail time has been handed down to 38 defendants  36 men and two women  convicted of historical CSE in Rotherham.

The report upheld the woman's complaint that SYP were aware of CSE suspects from at least the mid-1990s and despite evidence given to them by youth project Risky Business, they had failed to deal adequately with offenders, which led to the girl being abused.

The force also failed to contact the girl in 2005 when she returned to Rotherham after being trafficked to Bristol by two Asian men. It was left to Risky Business to pay for the girls train fare home.

The IOPC said individual reports from its operation would be shared with survivors before an over-arching report was made public.

The woman said seeing in black and white that officers did know about it (CSE) is disgusting.

The IOPC also upheld a complaint around South Yorkshire Police officers using the abuse victim as an informant during a meeting at Bramley McDonalds when she was 15. The unnamed cops offered the girl Meadowhall shopping vouchers as payment for information, but after meeting with them alone and providing information she received no payment.

The confidential 13-page report  which the Advertiser has seen - said the force agreed with its findings, adding: As there is no indication of any criminal offence, we did not refer your case to the Crown Prosecution Service. Our investigation into your complaint is therefore now formally closed.

The woman has now started a petition calling for action to be taken.
The Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on Nigerians and lovers of democracy to rise to the defence of democratic institutions, especially the judiciary.

The call was contained in a statement issued by its chairman, Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi, in Abuja on Saturday.

He described as depressing, a statement by the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) proclaiming the Supreme Court judgment on Imo governorship election as a miscarriage of justice.

Mr Bagudu also condemned Uche Secondus claims that the judiciary was heavily compromised and had lost credibility over the verdict.

These are depressing allegations coming from supposedly democratic leaders who should ordinarily be in the forefront of protecting and defending the judicial institution as the sanctuary of our democracy.

It is contemptuous and disrespectful to our democracy, he said.

The forums chairman said, this is most unfortunate and condemnable, we call on Nigerians and all lovers of democracy in the country to rise to the defence of our democratic institutions, especially the judiciary.

We must prevail on the PDP leadership and all politicians to exercise restraint by demonstrating unalloyed loyalty and respect for our democratic institutions, particularly our judiciary, which is the most important pillar of democratic governance.

To allege that a judgement delivered by Supreme Court Judges is procured simply because it does not favour the PDP is an invitation to anarchy, he said.

According to him, it is on record that President Muhammadu Buhari has at all times stated his commitment to democracy and rule of law.

Our party has lost elections we thought we will win. Equally, our party has been stopped from participation in elections by the judiciary, for example in Rivers State.

The case of Zamfara where we won the election but the Supreme Court in its wisdom nullified all our votes and declared PDP candidates as winners is another experience.

In addition, our party members have lost many cases, and even though our views differ from the judgement delivered, we do not disparage the judiciary, yet our views of the judgement differ from the court, he said.

Mr Bagudu said the forum declared abiding faith in the nations judiciary, and would at all times respect all decisions of the courts at all levels no matter the circumstances.

Our party and our members believe in the sanctity of our judicial institution as the last hope for justice for our people, he said. (NAN)
Ukrainian Plane Tragedy Challenges Tehran's Narrative Of 1988 U.S. Shoot-Down Of Iranian Airliner

By Golnaz Esfandiari Mitov January 17, 2020

Iran's unintentional downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet that killed 176 people, including many Iranians, has invoked memories of a similar tragedy: the 1988 U.S. shoot-down of an Iranian plane over the Strait of Hormuz that killed all 290 people on board, including 66 children.

For the past three decades, Iran's clerical establishment has frequently used that disaster -- which came amid tensions between Tehran and Washington -- as a propaganda tool for what it calls American "state terrorism" and its disregard for human life while suggesting the U.S. Navy's shoot-down of Iran Air Flight 655 was intentional.

But in the wake of the January 8 downing of the Ukrainian airliner due to a "human mistake" by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), Tehran's narrative about the 1988 air tragedy against the United States has been undermined, analysts say.

"It exposes that such mistakes can occur with trained militaries, even Iran's. Mistakes in war can happen even with the best militaries -- both incidents show how devastating such mistakes can be," says Afshon Ostovar, a professor of national security affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School in California.

Sanam Vakil, deputy director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House in London, says the downing of the Ukrainian plane challenges "Iran's three-decade narrative of victimhood around the same American action in 1988."

The downing of the Ukrainian airliner has led to fury in Iran amid accusations of recklessness by Iranian authorities and a lack of care for the lives of ordinary Iranians at a time of escalating tensions with the United States.

The incident came hours after Tehran launched missile strikes on two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops in retaliation for the January 3 U.S. assassination of the country's top military commander, Qasem Soleimani.

Many have questioned why civilian planes were allowed to fly when armed forces were on high alert due to potential U.S. retaliation, while also criticizing Tehran's delayed admission of guilt that came only three days after the tragedy and amid building Western pressure.

Ostovar says that from now on the Iranian government cannot bring up the U.S. downing of Iran Air Flight 655 without Iranians also thinking about their government's downing of the Ukrainian plane.

"Downing [Ukrainian] Flight PS752 not only overshadowed any propaganda victory for the IRGC's missile strike [against U.S. bases in Iraq], it quickly eclipsed any sympathy gained by Soleimani's assassination," he told RFE/RL.

Neverthless, Reza Akbari, a program manager at the Institute for War and Peace Reporting, says hard-liners within the Iranian establishment are trying to put the blame on the United States.

"Hard-line pundits on state TV are attempting to spin the incident as a cost of war -- a minor price to pay for ensuring the security of the country's borders. Regime insiders and IRGC officials started to shift the blame toward the U.S. by stating that the Trump administration started the cycle of escalation," he said.

Speaking earlier this week, Iranian President Hassan Rohani promised an investigation into the "unforgivable error" while Judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said some have been arrested, without providing details.

Akbari says in contrast with hard-liners, Rohani and his government have adopted a mea culpa approach, suggesting that Tehran's attitude is different from the United States', which never formally apologized for the 1988 shoot-down.

"They have publicly apologized and believe their admission of guilt shows accountability and bravery," Akbari added.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei -- by contrast -- has called for national unity and defended the country's armed forces in the wake of angry protests over the tragic incident.

"The Iranian people love and want resistance to the world powers and no capitulation," the 80-year-old leader said as he addressed Friday Prayers for the first time in eight years.

Khamenei accused Iran's enemies of using the plane crash to question the Islamic republic, the armed forces, including the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which he said "maintained the security" of Iran.

The July 3, 1988, shoot-down of the Iran Air flight came during the waning days of the Iran-Iraq War and shocked the country, where painful images of the dead and their relatives mourning in agony were widely published in the media and are rebroadcast every year during commemorations.

The United States first denied any knowledge of the incident.

Later, the U.S. Navy said that the Iranian passenger plane -- an Airbus en route to Dubai from the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas -- was incorrectly identified as an F-14 jet fighter and brought down with two surface-to-air missiles fired from the USS Vincennes, which had earlier exchanged fire with Iranian boats in the Persian Gulf.

The United States did express regret over the loss of life on the airliner while defending the judgment of USS Vincennes Captain William C. Rogers. The United States also blamed Tehran for allowing "a civilian aircraft loaded with passengers to proceed on a path over a warship engaged in battle."

Captain Rogers was later awarded the Legion of Merit award, angering Iran and cementing Tehran's belief that the attack was a warning that Washington was ready to openly side with Iraq in the devastating eight-year-long war.

"If it was a mistake, then why did you give him a medal? If it was a mistake, you should have punished him. Therefore, you are lying," Iranian parliament speaker Ali Larijani said last year while marking the 31st anniversary of the tragedy.

A report by an international panel of aviation experts published several months after the 1988 tragedy concluded that a series of mistakes by the U.S. Navy had contributed to the shooting down of the Iranian aircraft.

The United States later paid the families of the victims tens of millions of dollars after Tehran filed a complaint with the International Court of Justice.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukrainian-plane-tragedy-challenges -tehran-s-narrative-on-1988-u-s-shoo t-down-of-iranian-airliner/30383601.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.

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Chris Hemsworth is putting his mind and body on the line - all in the name of science.

The Australian actor, 36, will star in a new National Geographic docuseries called Limitless, which will see him endure various challenges that will explore different ways to extend human's life.

'Basically, I was somehow convinced to volunteer myself as a human guinea pig and endure a series of mental and physical challenges across the globe, all for the sake of science,' Chris said in a statement this weekend.

In the name of science! Chris Hemsworth, 36, will become a 'human guinea pig' as he tries to extend his life in new National Geographic docuseries Limitless

'We're hoping to shed some light on new ideas and emerging science with the focus on extending a healthy life span. Production starts soon, so wish me luck.'

Each episode will see Chris travel across the globe to explore six different techniques to prolong his life: regenerating damage, maximizing strength, building resilience, shocking the body, supercharging memory and confronting mortality.

A statement reads: 'Hemsworth will meet leading longevity scientists who believe that the key to staying young lies in rooting out and reversing the ravages of time before they take hold, and learn secrets from superhumans who demonstrate the mind-blowing extent of human potential.'

Pushing his limits: Each episode will see Chris travel across the globe to explore six different techniques to prolong his life: regenerating damage, maximizing strength, building resilience, shocking the body, supercharging memory and confronting mortality

'In Limitless, Hemsworth will come face-to-face with his own mortality, testing ways to extend his healthy life in challenges that will stretch his physical and mental abilities.'

Oscar-nominated director Darren Aronofsky and Jane Root will executive produce the series.

'Limitless has the potential to improve people's lives in simple, impactful ways, and we love Chris' enthusiasm to be our tour guide,' Darren said in a statement.

Putting his body on the line! Chris will learn secrets from 'superhumans' and 'longevity scientists' as part of his journey

Darren has previously tackled the concept of mortality in movies such as Pi and The Fountain.

Meanwhile, National Geographic Global Television Networks president Courteney Monroe has praised 'real-life superhero' Chris, who famously played Thor in the Marvel franchise, for taking on the challenge.

'We are so fortunate to have Chris Hemsworth at the center of this series and to tap into his genuine curiosity and real-life superhero powers to push his own personal limits,' she said in a statement.
It's official: Murray State becomes member of Missouri Valley Conference
LITTLE AMERICA Stream on Apple TV Plus. This new anthology series may not have the star power of Apple TV Pluss The Morning Show, but it does have the draw of true stories that are relevant as ever in todays political climate. (And support from producers like Kumail Nanjiani and Alan Yang doesnt hurt.) Inspired by a series of articles in Epic Magazine about immigrants in the United States, the eight-part first season features episodes on a baker from Uganda who opens her own business; an Indian boy whose parents are deported, leaving him in charge of their motel; and a gay Syrian refugee who is granted asylum. Each tale touches on hardships and triumphs, both big and small, that make up the immigrant experience. And theres more stories to come: The show was renewed for a second season before it even debuted on Jan. 17.

SEX EDUCATION Stream on Netflix. This charming British comedy centers on an awkward high school student (Asa Butterfield) who uses the wisdom hes gleaned from his mother, a sex therapist, to start a sex therapy clinic at his school. In Season 2, he navigates a new relationship and considers stepping away from the business.
Museums with artefacts taken from other nations - such as the British Museum which houses the Rosetta Stone - could be fined if they dont decolonise their collections and give them back

Museums with artefacts taken from other nations could be fined if they dont decolonise their collections and give them back.

Arts Council England expects repatriation demands to rise  so it has asked experts to bid for a 42,000 contract to come up with guidelines to replace the very out of date ones it uses now.

The checklist will help museums decide whether to return other nations treasures, such as the Elgin Marbles or Rosetta Stone.

All UK museums will be expected to adopt the guidance.

The contract will see experts help British museums deal with media attention, government policies and the future of artefacts with no value.

An aboriginal shield and Ethiopian sacred tablets are among many artefacts that have been demanded by their ancestral owners.

Cambridge Universitys Jesus College returned a Benin bronze cockerel (pictured) to Nigeria last year following student pressure

Bloody truth about the 'colonialist' cockerel In 1897, a British naval expedition was raised to avenge the deaths of nine officers killed during a trade dispute between the king of Benin and Britain. Britain sent a force of 500 men to destroy Benin. After ten days of fierce fighting, the British burnt down the palace and looted the royal treasures: delicate ivory carvings and magnificent copper alloy sculptures and plaques - now known as the Benin Bronzes. After the sacking of Benin, the bronzes were taken by the British to pay for the expedition. One of them, a bronze cockerel, ended up being a permanent fixture in the dining hall at Jesus College, Cambridge. Many people have campaigned for the cockerel to be returned over the years and in November last year, Cambridge University agreed to return it to Nigeria.

One campaigner was BBC historian David Olusoga who said The British Museum should have a Supermarket Sweep where countries have two minutes to take back their artifacts. Advertisement

Cambridge Universitys Jesus College returned a Benin bronze cockerel to Nigeria last year following student pressure.

The University of Manchester also returned aboriginal artefacts to their original communities.

The new contract  which is expected to come into force next month, follows the example set by France, where president Emmanuel Macron has promised the repatriation of colonial objects.

Organisations are already asked to follow diversity procedures, but by Arts Council England said it was too soon to say if there would be financial implications for its 828 members.

An Arts Council spokesman said: The aim is to encourage a more proactive and co-ordinated approach across the museum sector by providing museums with a practical resource to support them in responding to all aspects of restitution and repatriation.

In its advert seeking bids for the contract, it states: This work will be undertaken through a review of existing research and evidence as well as extensive consultation with practitioners and stakeholders across and beyond the UK museum sector, to identify key challenges, opportunities, practical and ethical issues and examples of best practice in the UK and internationally.

There is significant government, public and press interest and increasing calls for action by museums to address this. The most recent guidance, published in 2000, is out of print and very out of date.

The checklist will help museums decide whether to return other nations treasures, such as the Elgin Marbles

The 7th Earl of Elgin, Thomas Bruce, removed the Parthenon Marble pieces from the Acropolis in Athens while serving as the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire from 1799 to 1803

There have been significant campaigns over the years to return artefacts to their ancestral owners.

BBC historian David Olusoga said The British Museum should have a Supermarket Sweep where countries have two minutes to take back their artefacts.

Mr Olusoga said there was a moral imperative for relics to be returned and that it could help our relationship with the Commonwealth after Brexit.

Born in Nigeria, he said he felt strongly that the Benin Bronzes should be given back to the country of his heritage after they were seized in violent raids in the late 19th century.

The BBC Civilisations presenter, who also called for the Elgin Marbles to be given back to Greece, said: Its just such a stark case of theft.

The museum has faced criticism for its vast collection of treasures taken over centuries of exploring.

BBC historian David Olusoga said The British Museum should have a Supermarket Sweep where countries have two minutes to take back their artefacts

Mr Olusoga said he felt strongly that the Benin Bronzes (one pictured left) should be given back to the country of his heritage after they were seized in violent raids in the late 19th century. Right: This gold chalice was taken by the British in 1868 from a church in Abyssinia (present-day Ethiopia) during the Siege of Maqdala.

This gold crown was also seized by the British in Abyssinia in 1868 and is being held in the V&A Museum in south-west London

Tippoo's Tiger, an almost life-sized automaton, was looted during the Seringapatam Siege of 1799 in India. The treasure is currently held in the V&A Museum in south-west London
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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reached out to the government to protect the interest of lenders that have exposure to telecom companies that might be affected by the Supreme Court ruling on the issue of adjusted gross revenue (AGR), according to a report.

"RBI has asked the government to consider a moratorium on the AGR," ET NOW reported on January 17.

When contacted, the central bank spokesperson declined to comment on the same.

An analyst report by UBS said that lenders like YES Bank, IndusInd Bank, State Bank of India, ICICI Bank and Punjab National Bank appear to have high exposures to Vodafone Idea.

As on September 2019, SBI's total exposure to the telecom sector stood at Rs 35,735 crore, of which Rs 9,327 crore was classified as bad loans. Over 70 percent of its standard portion was towards private telecom companies.

The report comes a day after the apex court rejected an appeal by wireless carriers to review $13 billion they owe to the government. This raises concerns for lenders that have exposure to these companies, the report said.

Last month, Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla had said that Vodafone Idea would have to shut shop if there was no relief from the government on AGR.

"The company has no source of cash to pay the liabilities and was entirely dependent on payment relief. It has cash merely to continue operations for the next 2-3 quarters," Motilal Oswal Institutional Equities said in a report.

Telecom companies, including Vodadone Idea, need to clear dues of Rs 1.47 lakh crore by January 23.

According to RBI data, total outstanding loans to the telecom sector stood at Rs 1.31 lakh crore, as on November 2019.
New Delhi:

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on RSS chief Mohan Bhagwats call for implementation of two-child policy. Owaisi, who was addressing a public meeting in Nizamabad ahead of the Telangana Municipal elections, asked Bhagwat about the number of youths who have been given jobs in the country. AIMIM chief took jibe at the Modi government over lack of jobs saying 36 youths committed suicide per day in 2018 over employment issues.

Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMIM: RSS' Mohan Bhagwat Sahab said to make two child policy. Arrey tum naukriyan kitno ko diye wo bolo na. 36 bachche 2018 mein roz khudkhushi kiye, batao uspe kya kahenge aap?Bharat mein 60% abadi 40 saal se kam umr bachchon ki hai, unki baat nahi karenge. pic.twitter.com/DuSGeAdqoX  ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2020

Owaisi went on to add that more than 60 per cent of Indias population is below 40 years of age and said that the RSS chief wont comment on these issues.

Earlier, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) had said its next area of focus will be to seek policy intervention for the implementation of a two-child norm in the country.

Also Read: Dharm Indias Everlasting Mission, Says Mohan Bhagwat Days After Controversial Hindu Remark

We have been advocating this for quite some time now and want that the country should have a policy on the number of children a couple can have. But then it is for the Centre to take a call and decide whether it wants to enact a law on the issue, Bhagwat had said.

When asked about the countrys population, the Bhagwat said a policy to tackle the problem was the need of the hour.

Also Read: Cow Rearing Decreases Criminal Mindset In Inmates: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat

Moreover, the polling for 120 municipalities and nine municipal corporations will be held on January 22 and the results would be declared on January 25 in Telangana. Moreover, AIMIM has already 3 wards of the total 3,052 wards that will go to polls on January 22. As many as 80 candidates have been unanimously elected in the absence of a contest. The other 77 have gone to the kitty of Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS).

For all the Latest India News, South News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
A special court here on Saturday put off its verdict to January 24 in the absence of the case diary in the massacre of 20 people in Behmai village in the district allegedly by bandit Phoolan Devi nearly four decades ago.

Special judge Sudhir Kumar, who was likely to pronounce the verdict on Saturday, pulled up the court official for the absence of the case diary at the time of delivering the verdict and asked him to place it before the court on January 24.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Express News Service

BHOPAL: A BAMS doctor running a private clinic in Nanded district of Maharashtra has been arrested by the Madhya Pradesh Police anti-terror squad (MPATS) for sending a threatening letter along with white powder to 2008 Malegaon blast accused-turned-BJP MP from Bhopal Pragya Singh Thakur, police sources here confirmed on Saturday.

Primary police investigations based on initial questioning of the arrested doctor Sayyed Abdul Rahman Khan (35) revealed that he had sent the envelope containing the threatening letter written in Urdu and the pouch containing the white powder and other documents to the Bhopal residence of the Lok Sabha MP to implicate his brother and mother in a false terror case.

The doctor who runs a private clinic in Itwara area of Nanded district wanted to see his brother behind bars as over a month back, he was arrested by the Itwara police in an attempt to murder case lodged against him by his brother.

After coming out on bail, Khan hatched the conspiracy to frame his brother in a false case. To further ensure that his brother who lived in Pune was arrested for sending the envelope, Khan went to Pune and posted the envelope from there. Also, he sent in the envelope copies of his brothers documents as well as mothers photo identity card to lead the MP cops to his brother.

Its not the first time the man arrested by MP ATS on Thursday evening had written such letters to frame his brother and possibly mother also. In the past too, he had written similar letters to various politicians and government officials to falsely implicate his mother and brother for having terror links. A month back he was arrested for assaulting his brother and was out on bail in the case, when the MP ATS probe led to his arrest, in-charge of Nandeds Itwara police station Pradeep Kakade told The New Indian Express on Saturday.

To avoid being tracked by police, the young doctor posted the earlier letters from outside Nanded for which he travelled to other towns of Maharashtra, including Nagpur, Pune and Aurangabad. Originally a native of rural Dhanegaon area of Nanded district, Khan left his phone at home, whenever he went to other towns to post the letters, to prevent the cops from tracking his actual location.

The envelope was sent to Thakurs residence in Bhopal in October 2019, while she was out of Bhopal, but it was opened on Monday (January 13) as all personal letters addressed to the Lok Sabha member are opened in her presence only.

Thakur told journalists on Monday night that the envelope contained some chemical adhesive which caused a burning sensation. The white powder was packed in a plastic pouch and kept in the same envelope. She lodged a complaint with the Kamla Nagar police in Bhopal under Sections 326 and 507 of IPC.

The letter written in Urdu mentioned a group called Ansarul Musalmeen whose men had been assigned the task to eliminate Thakur and later carry out 26/11 and Pulwama style terror attacks. In the same letter, the doctor had said that his brother was among those assigned the task. The letter also mentioned his mother and her wish to harm Thakur, besides the arrest of an innocent man (himself) in an attempt to murder case in the recent past, informed sources in the MP police said.

The contents of the letter and the arrested doctors questioning also suggested that he had meticulously hatched the conspiracy to implicate his brother and mother in a false terror case for which he was keeping track of all developments related to Thakur. The letter mentioned Thakurs nearly decade long jail stay, her controversial remarks on Mahatma Gandhis assassin Nathuram Godse and ex Mumbai ATS chief as well as her remarks about the opposition using mysterious tricks to assassinate senior BJP leaders.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday urged Iran to hand over black boxes from last weeks downed airliner to France, saying it has one of the few laboratories capable of properly examining them.

Iran does not have the level of technical expertise and mostly the equipment necessary to be able to analyze these damaged black boxes quickly, Trudeau said.

So, he told a press conference, the right place to send those black boxes to get proper information from them and in a rapid way is France, adding that is what were encouraging the Iranian authorities to agree to.

There are only a few places, like France, that have laboratories that can do it, the prime minister explained.

France has offered its services and there is a beginning of a consensus to send the significantly damaged flight data and cockpit recorders from the downed Ukrainian airliner there, he said.

Earlier, Ukraines foreign minister, Vadym Prystaiko, said Iran was ready to hand over the black boxes to his country.

Prystaiko said Tehran would grant a team of investigators from Iran and Canada -- as the countries that lost the most nationals -- access to the recorders.

After that, the Iranian side is ready to separately transfer the black boxes to Ukraine, he said.

Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 crashed last week shortly after takeoff from Tehran, killing all 176 people onboard.

Ottawa has said 57 of the passengers were Canadian citizens.

Trudeau said Friday another 29 were permanent residents and that Canada was the final destination for 138 of the 176 passengers and crew on the Kiev-bound plane, including visitors and students.

After initial denials, Iran admitted it shot down the plane unintentionally while on high alert after firing missiles at US troops stationed in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike.

In Ottawa, Trudeau also pledged interim funds for families of the Canadian victims of the crash, but said he ultimately expects Iran to pony up full compensation.

He said his government would provide Can$25,000 (US$19,000) to each family of the Canadian victims -- both citizens and permanent residents -- to assist with funeral arrangements, travel to Iran and other costs.

I want to be clear: we expect Iran to compensate these families, Trudeau said.

But, he added, I have met them and they cant wait weeks. They need support now.

No Canadian remains so far recovered from the crash have been repatriated. Trudeau said he expects the first to arrive in Canada in the coming days.

Meanwhile in Oman, Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne had his first face-to-face meeting with Irans foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif.

According to a readout, Champagne pressed his counterpart to heed calls for a thorough and transparent investigation of the crash, and full access for Canadian officials to provide consular services and assist in victim identification.

Canada severed diplomatic ties and shuttered its embassy in Tehran in 2012.

amc/jh
In a rare public sermon on Friday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei hit out at Germany, France and the UK for being "errand boys of the US" who were trustworthy and also mocked US officials as "clowns".

"Following the US exit from the JCPOA, the three governments started to speak nonsense but I said from the beginning that they are not trustworthy, as they will do nothing and will be at the US service," news agency IRNA quoted him addressing a gathering of worshippers at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla (prayer ground) here.

The highest spiritual and political authority in Iran noted that 'today after a lapse of one year it was clear that they are the US errand boys', reported the news agency.

Khamenei stated that "the three contemptuous European governments expect to bring the Iranian nation to its knees but they are too small to bring the Iranian nation to its knees".

Their negotiations are also intertwined with deception, as the same persons sitting on the negotiating table are the same terrorists operating in Baghdad Airport; they are the same but their clothes are changed, he said.

The remarks come days after Iranian general, Qasem Soleimani, was killed in a US drone strike in Iraq. Iran retaliated with strikes on US targets.

IRNA reported that on the assassination of the Soleimani, Ayatollah Khamenei went on to stress that "the very incident of this martyrdom itself was one of the cases where the will of the Almighty is revealed because the infamous US government caused a scandal for itself; they killed a person who was the strongest and most powerful commander leading the combat against terrorism.

"Martyr Soleimani was in the true sense of the word the most mighty anti-terrorism commander in the region who became well known for that," Khamenei said.

Earlier in 2012 during the Arab Spring uprisings in the region Iran's Supreme Leader had delivered a sermon and similarly in the year 2009 he had addressed people during widespread protests in Iran after disputed presidential elections.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Louvre in Paris, the world's most visited museum, has reopened after being shut down by workers striking over government plans to overhaul France's pension system.

On Friday, hundreds of disappointed visitors crowded outside the Louvre, some hurling insults at strikers who blocked the entrance.

It was the first time since the strike began on 5 December that the museum had shut completely although it was forced to close some galleries last month.Union leaders are seeking to widen opposition to the pension reforms proposed by President Emmanuel Macron's government, which have triggered the longest transport strike in France in decades.

Faltering strike forces change of tactics

The unions are looking for new ways to draw attention to their protest, with the proportion of striking workers at national railway operator SNCF falling to less than five percent on Friday.

The government reform aims to forge a single pensions system from the country's 42 separate regimes, which offer early retirement and other benefits to public-sector workers as well as lawyers, physical therapists and even Paris Opera employees.

Critics say the proposals will effectively force millions of people to work longer for a smaller pension.

The Louvre welcomed 9.6 million visitors last year, most of them foreign tourists.
Planned Parenthood launches $45 million campaign for 2020: 'Matter of life and death'

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The political fundraising arm of the nations largest abortion provider will spend $45 million in the 2020 elections as it pushes back against what many conservatives are calling the most pro-life administration in history.

Planned Parenthoods Super PAC, Planned Parenthood Votes, has launched an effort called We Decided 2020 to oppose anti-abortion politicians who the organization says are undermining access to reproductive health care.

The campaign represents the largest financial electoral effort in Super PACs history.

We decide who our leaders are. We decide our future, the website for the campaign reads. At the ballot box this year, we  not out-of-touch politicians  decide what we do with our own bodies.

In an exclusive interview with CBS News, Planned Parenthood Votes Executive Director Jenny Lawson said that in 2020 the stakes have never been higher for abortion rights.

"[The Trump Administration] has managed to undo so much over the last three years," Lawson was quoted as saying. "The fact that this summer the Supreme Court might gut Roe v. Wade is an indicator of their intention and they've never been so bold."

Lawson told the left-leaning mainstream news outlet that the money will be spent on the 2020 presidential election and federal and state legislative races.

The effort comes as the Trump administration has enacted various policies intended to restrict government funding for organizations that provide abortions.

My life is at stake in the next election, a female speaker says in a promotional video for the campaign. She was followed by another speaker who declared: Its a matter of life and death to have access to quality health care. That health care, they say, includes access to safe and legal abortion.

After the Trump administration issued a rule last year banning organizations that receive money from the federal Title X family planning program from performing or referring patients for abortion, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America ended its participation in the $286 million funding program.

The president has also appointed at least 187 federal judges and two Supreme Court justices. Some progressives are concerned that the high court could be poised to overturn key rulings bolstering abortion rights in the United States as it takes on its first abortion case this year since the appointment of two justices by president Trump.

Also, there was an increase in pro-life legislation passed by states in 2019 aimed at restricting abortion past certain points of pregnancy. According to Americans United for Life, 46 states introduced some sort of pro-life legislation and 22 states passed them.

In 2020, more states are considering bans on late-term abortion, such as South Carolina where there is pressure building to pass a bill that would ban most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.

The Planned Parenthood Votes campaign includes several featured campaigns focusing on Red-to-Pink candidates.

These candidates are in seats that are crucial to flipping the Senate (and keeping our pro-reproductive health care majority in the House), the website reads.

Planned Parenthood Votes highlights six key senatorial races on its website. Those include the challenges against Republican Sens. Martha McSally in Arizona, Cory Gardner in Colorado, and Thom Tillis in North Carolina. The other three are in support of Democrat incumbents Tina Smith of Minnesota, Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, and Gary Peters of Michigan.

The organization also stressed the importance of New Mexicos open Senate seat and its support for Rep. Ben Ray Lujan. The website also highlights nine key House races.

While Planned Parenthood Votes stands in clear opposition to Trump, Lawson told CBS News that the organization is comfortable with "every major Democratic candidate."

"The Democratic candidates collectively have the boldest reproductive rights policies we've ever seen," Lawson was quoted as saying. "Every major candidate in the 2020 elections, except for Donald Trump, has spoken out against dangerous abortion bans and many of them have actually introduced real plans to protect the reproductive rights in this country."

Planned Parenthood Votes We Decide 2020 campaign follows Planned Parenthoods endorsement of Democrat candidate Hillary Clinton against Donald Trump in the 2016 election. It was the first presidential endorsement in Planned Parenthood Action Funds history.

Pro-life lobbying organizations such as Susan B. Anthony List and its partner Women Speak Out PAC have reached millions of people in grassroots efforts to promote the administrations pro-life policies. The organizations vowed last year to work to re-elect Trump.

Students for Life of America, the nations largest youth pro-life organization, offered its thoughts on the Planned Parenthood Votes announcement on Twitter.

Planned Parenthood invests $45 million in electing pro-abortion Democrats. Those Democrats then funnel $616 million a year in taxpayer funding to Planned Parenthood, the Students for Life tweet reads. Sounds like a quid pro quo.

Iowa Republican state Sen. Randy Feenstra, who is challenging controversial Republican Congressman Steve King for his House seat, said in a tweet that Planned Parenthood Voices multimillion-dollar political expenditure is all the more reason why he supports stripping Planned Parenthood of its tax funding.

If Planned Parenthood has $45 million to spend on elections, all the more reason I'm proud of my vote to defund them, Feenstra wrote.

Planned Parenthood recently released its annual report, showing that it conducted 345,672 abortions procedures in the fiscal year 2018, a 4 percent increase from the year before.

On top of receiving $616.8 million in tax funding for fiscal year 2018, Planned Parenthood reported unrestricted net assets of $2.2 billion. That is an increase from the $802 million in the fiscal year 2017.

Leading Christian conservative advocacy group Family Research Council suggested that Planned Parenthood should use its net assets if it continues to lose federal funding.

"It is a sad day in our country when an organization can publicly announce their earnings from taking innocent human life, FRC Director of Life, Culture, and Women's Advocacy, Patrina Mosley, said in a statement.

As Planned Parenthood's profit increased, so did their abortions. They aborted 1,768 babies for every single day in the fiscal year 2018. It's inexplicable that a company as scandal-ridden as Planned Parenthood obtains nearly forty percent of their total revenue from the American taxpayer.
Its 7 a.m. on Wednesday.

The sun hadnt yet risen on the horizon, but 30 homeless people already were standing patiently outside Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, clutching paperwork as they waited their turn at the Police Departments ID Recovery program.

Address? volunteer Andy Felth asked a man as he rubbed at his sleepy eyes.

Under the first light pole at a nearby bridge, answered the man, smiling at his joke on himself.

The crowd grew as the sky lightened, ballooning to more than 70 people. Some were so determined to be there on time they had slept overnight at an overpass close to the church.

Thats the norm for this program, one of the most popular services used by San Antonios homeless community.

Since its inception a few years ago, the ID Recovery program has grown significantly as its existence has spread by word of mouth and its success rate in securing vital identification documents for the homeless has improved.

Most San Antonians dont realize just how important it is to have a drivers license, birth certificate, Social Security card or other identification to get a job, a place to live, medical help or for just about any kind of government assistance, officials said. Its needed to get a bus pass and to get on a school campus, to pick up a sick child or for a parent-teacher conference.

I challenge you to pay really close attention to every time someone asks you for an ID  its a lot. Police Officer Joe Farris said. You lose your ID and you are stuck. Thats scary.

On ExpressNews.com: City of San Antonio addresses homeless encampments

According to local service providers, lack of an identification is the No. 1 reason so many people are stuck in the cycle of homelessness.

The reasons people give for not having an ID vary: It was stolen. When I got outta jail, I never got it back. It was destroyed in a house fire. Man, I forgot where I put that thing.

Farris first noticed the problem of missing identification about four years ago when he was escorting a homeless man to a service provider to get enrolled in a program  a big step in getting off the streets.

It was a man I had been dealing with for 10 or 15 years, Farris said. I knew his name, Social Security number  everything about him.

But when the provider asked for identification and the man replied that he had none, he was turned away.

Farris said this appeared to be the case for many homeless people. So he and others researched how to obtain an ID  a process that turned out to be much more challenging than expected when someone is homeless.

For example, Farris said, if someone needs a copy of his or her birth certificate, the person usually goes online, provides a copy of his or her ID, uses a credit card to pay the fee and orders it.

But if youre homeless, youre not likely to have a computer. So maybe you go to the library and use one there. But youre not likely to have a credit card to pay the fee. So perhaps you go out and panhandle to get enough money to buy a Visa gift card to use online. But then you need an address where the birth certificate will be delivered.

Theres another option. If you were born in San Antonio, you could go in person to the City Clerks office. All you need is a valid ID and a fee to pay for the copy.

Ah, that ID. Its a major sticking point. An acceptable ID is a drivers license, a Social Security card, a birth certificate, a passport. But you need one to get one.

You need a drivers license to apply for a birth certificate, a birth certificate to get a Social Security card, and a Social Security card to get a drivers license, Farris said. Its a vicious cycle.

So where do you even start?

Enter the ID Recovery program, which is staffed by officers and volunteers from the Police Departments Homeless Outreach Positive Encounters and civic organizations such as Corazon Ministries and South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless.

These officers and volunteers open the doors of the church at 617 S. Santa Rosa Ave. once a week to help homeless people get IDs.

On Wednesdays, a bad thing can turn into a good thing.

Unfortunately, a lot of these people have been arrested, Farris said. But we are turning that negative into a positive because it can help get an ID.

Fingerprints taken during an arrest can prove that a person is who he says he is. Then a volunteer takes a photo of the person and creates an SAPD ID verification letter, which is signed by a police officer who knows the person. Its a type of temporary ID thats acceptable, since it has a police officer vouching for the persons identity.

This ID can allow the person to get a bed at a shelter, apply for a job and get a birth certificate at the City Clerks office.

On ExpressNews.com: Once homeless, San Antonio woman is determined to make the most of her new apartment  and new life

On this particular Wednesday, there were 27 people who obtained the verification letter. Last year, 825 in all secured it, Farris said.

That works for people born in San Antonio. Those born out of state, however, have bigger problems.

Each state has different requirements for retrieving a birth certificate, and some dont accept a police verification letter. Even with some form of acceptable ID, the process of getting an out-of-state birth certificate can take anywhere from two to four months.

Some of these people come to us with a sense of urgency, Police Officer Jared Herrera said. Maybe they are on a list for housing, which you cant get without an ID, which you cant get without a birth certificate.

Farris estimated about 40 percent of the programs clients come from outside Texas.

Nicholas Hunt is one of those out-of-staters.

The 32-year-old from North Carolina came to Texas a few years ago searching for a new life.

He currently lives in an Oxford House in San Antonio and is proudly 11 months sober. He has worked hard to get where he is, but when it came to a job, he hit roadblocks.

I had a good resume put together. I got interviews, Hunt said. But I needed an ID. Without it, its difficult to obtain employment.

After a few months, several visits to the ID Recovery program and lots of patience, Hunt hit paydirt Wednesday. He finally was walking out the door of the Texas of Department of Public Safety with a temporary ID  the permanent one should be arriving in the mail shortly.

Im eager, he said. Im eager to obtain a job.

The HOPE team is working on bringing in attorneys to help speed getting out-of-state birth certificates.

After talking to several birth certificate offices across country, the majority consensus was if this person had some legal representation and there is a letter an attorney can provide, stating this is their client to recover their identity, then that route works better than ours, Herrera said.

One of the organizations that will provide attorneys is Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, which has an office at Haven for Hope and leads the Drivers License Restoration Clinic.

I am so proud and impressed by the program and what the HOPE team has created, said Ann Zaragoza, the manager of Legal Aids license restoration clinic. We are excited to collaborate with them.

Farris said the development of bringing in attorneys still is new and that the program is looking for other attorneys willing to work pro bono to help the homeless.

After a birth certificate is secured, the next document necessary to get an official Texas-issued ID is proof of residency. That means two documents with an address such as a home mortgage, a lease agreement, utility bill, high school transcript, a W-2 form from work or a license to carry, among others.

Again, Farris noted, the problem for the homeless is they dont have homes. They dont have jobs and they arent paying water or electric bills.

But all is not lost.

Those who stay at a shelter or who go regularly to organizations for services such as food, showers or medical attention may be able to secure a notarized affidavit from shelter workers or from the organizations. Its an acceptable proof of residency.

That was a big piece to this puzzle, Farris said.

With a birth certificate and proof of residency, an officer will take the homeless person to a DPS office and sit with the person as he or she fills out paper work and help the person double-check documents. The officer will stand with the person in line. If all goes according to plan, the homeless person soon will be the proud owner of a valid, state-issued ID.

Farris said that on this particular Wednesday, 28 clients got Texas identification cards, five got Texas birth certificates and one client received an out-of-state birth certificate. Still more didnt yet have what they needed but were further along in the process.

In all, 62 of the 73 people in line on Wednesday got some kind of help.

Thanks to all of our partners and volunteers this was accomplished in less than five hours, Farris said.

Last year, 768 people got their state-issued ID cards through ID Recovery.

The program has been so successful and made such a mark that Farris said it has had other police departments and organizations from across the country reach out to learn more.

One of the people it already has helped is Randi Quintanilla, 29.

She bounded out the doors of the church Wednesday, holding up her new ID and flashing a wide smile.

I was incarcerated and just figured I would never really get it, she said, adding that she plans to apply for a job, which was difficult without an ID.

But what most excited her about having an ID was the ability to get a bus pass and have access to her sons school.

Ill get to take my son to school and Ill be able to see him there, she said. This is a big step and I did it. This is just the next step in my journey to succeed.
For months, self-styled citizen militia members have threatened to take up arms if President Donald Trump is legally removed from office. Now, some of those same extremists are threatening violence over attempts to enact reasonable gun-safety legislation in Virginia.

Just because radical right-wing activists wrap themselves in the rhetoric of patriotism doesnt mean they are above the law. These vows of violence against legitimate processes of the Constitution and of state lawmaking are nothing more or less than terrorist threats, and should be treated as such. It should not have taken the FBI as long as it did to crack down on the worst of these groups, a neo-Nazi gang calling itself the Base (which, in Arabic translates as al-Qaida).
If there were nothing to this, why would Trump stonewall Congress to the extent that he has? Thats not how the innocent act.

When witness after witness tells a version of the same story, providing pieces of a puzzle that fit snugly together, you can reach a conclusion about the whole of it. Thats called logic.

And if the actual case against Trump were weak, why would Republicans keep redirecting attention to Democrats motivations  to how much they despise the president? Thats called distraction.

McSally practiced it on Thursday when, in a moment of breathtaking hostility, she answered a reasonable question from Manu Raju of CNN about whether any new evidence should be presented during the Senate trial by snarling, Liberal hack!

Shes terrified. Her state, Arizona, is increasingly purple. She lost her 2018 race for the Senate and ended up in the chamber only by appointment following John McCains death. She has to run again this year, against Mark Kelly, the former astronaut, whos a popular figure. Shes vulnerable, and standing with Trump is almost as much of a gamble as standing up to him would be.

But she once did stand up to him. She used to have guts. Before going into politics, she blazed trails as an Air Force pilot and even sued the secretary of defense when she detected discrimination against women. During her successful campaign for the House in 2016, she pointedly didnt endorse Trump and just as pointedly spoke out against the behavior that he copped to  no, bragged about  in that infamous Access Hollywood tape. McSally had a moral compass then.

Now she just has a hunger to hold onto her suite of offices in the Capitol. She has wagered that emulating Trump is her best bet. At the conclusion of this pathetic excuse for a trial, shell vote to acquit him  impartially, of course.
A police officer has been bitten multiple times in a violent struggle with a driver arrested on cocaine possession charges.

The 45-year-old motorist allegedly tested positive for the drug at a roadside test in Earlwood in Sydney's southwest on Friday afternoon.

Police said when officers allegedly found 13g of cocaine on the Campsie man, he lunged and bit a leading senior constable on the arm.

A police officer has been bitten multiple times in a violent struggle after a driver allegedly tested positive to drug driving

During a long struggle the officer suffered more bites on his arm before police and a member of the public finally managed to restrain the driver.

The man was taken to hospital with minor injuries before being released and charged with assaulting a person with intent to resist/prevent apprehension, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault and deemed supply, and possessing a prohibited drug of a trafficable quantity.

He is due to face the Parramatta Local Court on Saturday.

The police officer has been released from hospital after being treated for the bites, along with minor injuries to his knees, his hand and his wrist.

The bystander who intervened was also taken to hospital and has since been released.
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You are lying, he said. "If you do stand with the Iranian people it is because you want to stick your poisoned dagger into the back of the Iranian nation. Of course you haven't been able to do that so far, and you won't be able to do a damn thing.
"You lose somebody at that age ... there's definitely going to be a void. You wake up everyday and it's like, 'Why?'"

-- Kent Heinle, friends with Chad Entzel, 42, who was found shot to death. His wife and a male acquaintance are charged in his death.

q q q

I told my husband, I dont know which way the guns were firing ... maybe we should go check our fence and our siding. I dont know what direction the shots went, but its concerning. Its right next door.

-- Pam Wilhelm, who lives in the area where Bismarck police killed a man during an exchange of gunfire.

q q q

"If it costs $10,000 a person but the results and the materials are good, then that's fine. If this is just a wine-and-dine, go-have-some-nice-food type of deal, then that's another story."

-- North Dakota Watchdog Network Managing Director Dustin Gawrylow, on state lawmakers attending out-of-state meetings on the taxpayer dime, such as a recent Council of State Governments National Conference in Puerto Rico.

q q q

We gave him a fighting chance."

-- Fairview, Mont., resident Judd Burman, one of many who helped rescue a moose stranded on the icy Missouri River along the Montana-North Dakota border. Wildlife officials ended up euthanizing the animal as a humane gesture when it was unable to stand on its own.

q q q

"Climatologically, this is the coldest time of year."

-- National Weather Service meteorologist Megan Jones.

q q q

"It's a realization that technology changes the way we do business, and I think ... the important thing is we preserve journalism in communities, and Stark County is going to continue to have journalism."

-- North Dakota Newspaper Association Executive Director Steve Andrist, after Forum Communications announced The Dickinson Press will become a weekly publication in March and will focus on its online edition.

q q q

I was so captivated by this environment in which the children were learning. I am 100% sold that it is the way to educate a child.

-- The Rev. Josh Waltz of St. Joseph Catholic Church, on St. Joseph School in Mandan starting a Montessori program to offer a more hands-on approach to education.

q q q

"You're looking at that landing gear, you're actually putting fuel in it, you're looking at oil, and you're doing all that type of maintenance that doesn't come when somebody else owns that airplane. That takes on a whole different aspect of learning."

-- Career Academy Principal Dale Hoerauf, on the nonmonetary benefits of the Bismarck school district's plans to buy a Cessna 150 airplane for the student aviation program.

q q q

For us, its a huge blessing.

-- Pastor Randy Upgren, on Inspire Family Fellowship buying the former Saxvik Elementary School from the Bismarck school district and remodeling it into a church.

q q q

"Pat has built an incredible organization. Our challenge now is to live up to his standards and continue to build upon the legacy he left for us."

-- Don Larson, president of Odney, talking about the retired Pat Finken, who built Odney into a premier advertising agency and who worked on campaigns for both of North Dakota's U.S. senators.

q q q

Serving the great people of Morton County over the past seven-plus years has truly been one of the great honors of my professional life.

-- Morton County Commission Chairman Cody Schulz, who will not seek a third four-year term so that he can focus on his role as North Dakota's director of Homeland Security.

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(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".


Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Tran Anh Tuan, speaks about the project on administrative unit rearrangement in 45 cities and provinces from 2019-21 that expects to reduce 20 districts and nearly 600 communes nationwide.

Ministry accepts comments on civil servant law

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Tran Anh Tuan.  VNA/VNS Photo



The ongoing project on administrative unit rearrangement for 2019-21 will leave many officials and public servants redundant. What are the plans for those people?

So far the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) has received rearrangement projects for 42 out of 45 localities. We have reviewed and submitted to the Government 40 projects.

The Government has also submitted 21 projects to the National Assembly Standing Committee for approval. Up to six district-level and 560 commune-level administrative units will be reduced from those 21 localities.

Of the approved projects, Hoa Binh Province and Quang Ninh Province will reduce one district each, while Cao Bang Province and Quang Ngai Province will reduce two districts each. After completing the whole project, some 10,000 officials and another 10,000 staff in the merged districts and communes will be redundant. The MoHA will review the process and have a plan for the next stage.

The rearrangement will likely keep the most capable officials and public servants in any case.

How about some 560 local Party committees secretaries and Peoples Committees chairpersons?

Some of the secretaries, chairpersons and their deputies will be selected to work as officials and staff in other communes. This will be carried out according to specific situations through the policy of downsizing, resignation and transfer to other communes or promoting to positions at the district level.

Current downsizing focuses on retirement earlier than stipulated in the laws and voluntary resignations. How does the MoHA plan to remove the incompetent civil servants?

It is true that the current downsizing is not following the Party Central Committees Resolution 39-NQ/TW in 2015 on streamlining and restructuring the contingent of public and civil workers towards downsizing the incompetent.

Localities have just downsized by stopping plans to hire new staff. What they are doing now is not reducing the number of people being recruited not taking incompetent civil servants off the payroll.

I think this rearrangement of district and commune administrative units is an effective solution to force State agencies to evaluate their staff. Those who do not meet civil service requirements need to be dismissed.

Unfortunately, the current process of yearly assessing and classifying civil servants and officials remains an internal process so most civil servants are being assessed as 'completing tasks' at excellent or good levels. None are assessed as 'not completing tasks', except for those who were disciplined.

This rearrangement of administrative units at district and commune levels is an opportunity for us to comply with Resolution 39.

How will severance policies for the redundant officials and civil servants be carried out?

Severance policies will comply with the Government's 2008 Law on Cadres and Civil Servants and 2010 Decree 46/2010/N-CP. Accordingly, the resigning public employee is entitled to a severance allowance, which is calculated based on the time they have contributed to the social insurance fund so they will get half of the current monthly salary for each year of work. The lowest subsidy is equal to one month of the current salary.

In addition, the provinces and cities can base on the budget to report to the provincial people's councils for consideration of additional support.

The MoHA has directed relevant units under the rearrangement process to follow localities and propose specific solutions and plans. They must determine clearly the number of cadres transferred to the district level, streamline the payroll for those retiring earlier than regulated age and create conditions for transfers to other jobs.

About the rest, local governments must create conditions for them to move out of the public sector to work in the private sector.  VNS
Chicago: Days after President Donald Trump killed an Iranian general and said he was sending more soldiers to the Middle East, about 100 protesters stood on a pedestrian bridge over Chicagos Lake Shore Drive with an illuminated sign that read No War in Iran.

Some 200 people marched in the bitter cold near Boston, while a few dozen people demonstrated on the steps of Los Angeles City Hall and at similarly sized gatherings across the U.S.

Three years after Trump took office and millions of people swarmed to the Womens March in Washington and companion marches across the country, these typically modest protests are often the most visible sign of todays Trump resistance.

Activists say the numbers should not be mistaken for a lack of energy or motivation to vote Trump out of office come November.

The anti-Trump movement of 2020, they say, is more organized and more focused on action. Many people have moved from protesting to knocking on doors for candidates, mailing postcards to voters, advocating for specific causes or running for office.

But the movement that sprung up to oppose Trump's presidency also is more splintered than it was when pink-hatted protesters flooded Washington the day after his inauguration for what is generally regarded as the largest protest in the city since the Vietnam era. There have been schisms over which presidential candidates to back in 2020, as well as disagreements about race and religion and about whether the march reflected the diversity of the movement. Those divisions linger even as many on the left say they need a united front heading into November's election.

The disputes led to dueling events in New York City last year, the resignation of some national Women's March leaders and the disbanding of a group in Washington state.

Organizers expect about 100,000 people across the country to participate in this years Womens March, which is scheduled for Saturday in over 180 cities. They say up to 10,000 people are expected at the march in Washington, far fewer than the turnout last year, when about 100,000 people held a rally east of the White House. Instead of a single big event, the group has been holding actions in a run-up to the march this week around three key issues: climate change, immigration and reproductive rights.

The week reflects that the movement is moving into the next stage, said director Caitlin Breedlove.

Leaders of MoveOn.org, which organized some of the anti-Iran war protests, agreed. Mobilization manager Kate Alexander said the group and its members pulled together over 370 protests in 46 states in less than 48 hours to show resistance to Trumps actions. The president ordered airstrikes that killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Irans Quds Force who has been blamed for deadly attacks on U.S. troops and allies going back decades. Iran pledged retribution, sparking fears of an all-out war.

Alexander noted that the Iran protest is just one of many issues MoveOn members have organized in response to in the past few years.

Its not that there are fewer people mobilizing  its that theyre mobilized in different campaigns. Theres more to do, Alexander said. I dont believe people are tuning out. I think people are lying in wait.

While waiting, many have passed on some major moments in Trump's presidency. Resistance groups rallied on the eve of the House vote for impeachment, but even some of those who participated said they were disappointed more people didn't turn out.

Several organizations also said much of their organizing is done through social media or text message and email programs, which are less visible but have a significant impact. In 2018, the Womens March had over 24 billion social media impressions, Breedlove said.

Atef Said, a sociology professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, said all social movements evolve over time. He noted the Trump resistance movement is global and will continue regardless of whether Trump is reelected.

Movements always rise and decline in terms of numbers on the ground," he said.

Andy Koch, a 30-year-old nurse who lives in Chicago, has seen that ebb and flow firsthand. Koch has been active in protesting Trumps policies even before he took office. When Koch was a student at University of Illinois at Chicago, Trumps campaign canceled a 2016 speech at the campus following tense student protests.

Koch said the anti-Trump activism swelled when he first took office and again in early 2017 when he announced his first travel ban affecting people from several predominantly Muslim countries.

Roughly 1,000 people mobilized in Chicago immediately after Trump authorized the attack on the Iranian leader, and then the crowds subsided a few days later after the threat of war seemed to subside following Trumps address to the nation Jan 8. That day, a few dozen  including Koch  showed up in 20-degree Fahrenheit (minus 7 Celsius) temperatures outside Trump International Hotel Chicago during rush hour.

Koch understands that masses of people won't show up for every protest.  What allows those numbers to come out ... is continued organizing going on in between these events, he said.

He said there have been numerous smaller protests hes been involved with, including protesting U.S. foreign policy in Venezuela and Syria, and theyve taken other forms. For instance, hes helped plan a teach-in on Iranian foreign policy this week at UIC.

Maya Wells, a 21-year-old political science senior at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, was a speaker at a rally last week in Charlotte. Wells, who is Persian American and has family in Iran, said she doesnt look at the numbers of people who turn out but rather at the fact that they took time out of their day to be there.

I see more people coming. Because some of my friends who are conservatives and voted for Trump, theyre against this, she said, adding that the most recent protest wasnt the last.

There will be more days to come, Wells said. I have no doubt in my mind.
Today we'll evaluate Carrianna Group Holdings Company Limited (HKG:126) to determine whether it could have potential as an investment idea. Specifically, we'll consider its Return On Capital Employed (ROCE), since that will give us an insight into how efficiently the business can generate profits from the capital it requires.

First up, we'll look at what ROCE is and how we calculate it. Then we'll compare its ROCE to similar companies. Finally, we'll look at how its current liabilities affect its ROCE.

What is Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)?

ROCE is a measure of a company's yearly pre-tax profit (its return), relative to the capital employed in the business. All else being equal, a better business will have a higher ROCE. Ultimately, it is a useful but imperfect metric. Renowned investment researcher Michael Mauboussin has suggested that a high ROCE can indicate that 'one dollar invested in the company generates value of more than one dollar'.

So, How Do We Calculate ROCE?

Analysts use this formula to calculate return on capital employed:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

Or for Carrianna Group Holdings:

0.02 = HK$93m  (HK$6.8b - HK$2.2b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2019.)

Therefore, Carrianna Group Holdings has an ROCE of 2.0%.

View our latest analysis for Carrianna Group Holdings

Does Carrianna Group Holdings Have A Good ROCE?

ROCE can be useful when making comparisons, such as between similar companies. In this analysis, Carrianna Group Holdings's ROCE appears meaningfully below the 5.4% average reported by the Hospitality industry. This performance could be negative if sustained, as it suggests the business may underperform its industry. Putting aside Carrianna Group Holdings's performance relative to its industry, its ROCE in absolute terms is poor - considering the risk of owning stocks compared to government bonds. There are potentially more appealing investments elsewhere.

Story continues

You can click on the image below to see (in greater detail) how Carrianna Group Holdings's past growth compares to other companies.

SEHK:126 Past Revenue and Net Income, January 17th 2020

When considering ROCE, bear in mind that it reflects the past and does not necessarily predict the future. Companies in cyclical industries can be difficult to understand using ROCE, as returns typically look high during boom times, and low during busts. ROCE is only a point-in-time measure. How cyclical is Carrianna Group Holdings? You can see for yourself by looking at this free graph of past earnings, revenue and cash flow.

Carrianna Group Holdings's Current Liabilities And Their Impact On Its ROCE

Current liabilities are short term bills and invoices that need to be paid in 12 months or less. The ROCE equation subtracts current liabilities from capital employed, so a company with a lot of current liabilities appears to have less capital employed, and a higher ROCE than otherwise. To counteract this, we check if a company has high current liabilities, relative to its total assets.

Carrianna Group Holdings has total assets of HK$6.8b and current liabilities of HK$2.2b. As a result, its current liabilities are equal to approximately 32% of its total assets. With a medium level of current liabilities boosting the ROCE a little, Carrianna Group Holdings's low ROCE is unappealing.

Our Take On Carrianna Group Holdings's ROCE

This company may not be the most attractive investment prospect. Of course, you might also be able to find a better stock than Carrianna Group Holdings. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have grown earnings strongly.

For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket.

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.
Kerala did a disastrous thing by electing a fifth-generation dynast Rahul Gandhi to Parliament and the Congress leader has no chance against the hard-working and self-made Prime Minister Narendra Modi, historian Ramachandra Guha has said.

Guha, on the second day of the ongoing Kerala Literature Festival (KLF), spelt out other differences between the former Congress president and Prime Minister Modi.

I have nothing against Rahul Gandhi personally. He is a decent fellow, very well-mannered. But young India does not want a fifth-generation dynast. If you Malayalis make the mistake of re-electing Rahul Gandhi in 2024 too, you are merely handing over an advantage to Narendra Modi, Guha said, according to news agency PTI, on Friday.

ALSO WATCH | Ramachandra Guhas fifth generation dynast jibe at Rahul Gandhi

Kerala, you have done many wonderful things for India, but one of the disastrous things you did was to elect Rahul Gandhi to Parliament, he said while addressing the crowd.

Rahul Gandhi won from the Wayanad parliamentary seat in Kerala but lost from his family bastion of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh in the Lok Sabha elections held last year.

Guha then went on to list the qualities that make the Prime Minister stand outfrom experience to not taking days offand what makes him tick.

Narendra Modis great advantage is that he is not Rahul Gandhi. He is self-made. He has run a state for 15 years, he has administrative experience, he is incredibly hard-working and he never takes holidays in Europe. Believe me, I am saying all this in all seriousness, the 61-year-author said.

Guha went on to say that even if Rahul Gandhi was much more intelligent, more hard-working, never took a holiday in Europe, as a fifth-generation dynast he still will be at a disadvantage against a self-made person.

Guha has been critical of Modi in the past and even called him a man with dictatorial qualities. He was detained in December last year during a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Guha had hit out at the current Bharatiya Janata Party-led administration for using a colonial-era law to suppress dissent and stifle differing voices.

He had also accused the Modi government of using CAAwhich offers citizenship to undocumented migrants of multiple faiths other than Islam, from Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistanto divert attention from a sinking economy.

On Friday, Guha also trained his guns on Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who reminded him of the Mughal dynasty.

India is becoming more democratic and less feudal and the Gandhis just dont realise this. You (Sonia) are in Delhi, your kingdom is shrinking more and more but still, your chamchas (sycophants) are telling you that you are still the badshah (emperor), he said.

Quoting his teacher and sociologist Andre Beteille, he described the story of Nehru-Gandhi family as a classic reversal of the famous Biblical injunction.

In Nehrus case, it is the sins of the seven successive generations have been re-visited Look at the national debate today. Why is Nehru evoked every time? Why does Modi always say Nehru ne Kashmir mein yeh kiya, China mein yeh kiya, triple talaq mein yeh kiya ... because Rahul Gandhi is there. Now if Rahul Gandhi disappears, Modi has to talk about his own policies and why they failed, he said.

During his talk, Patriotism vs Jingoism, he also pointed out that reduction of the great party during the Independence movement to a pathetic family firm is one of the reasons behind the rise of Hindutva and jingoism in the country.

Hypocrisy of the Indian Leftthe fact that they loved other nations more than India, rise of aggressive nationalism worldwide and the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in neighbouring countries are some other reasons behind the evident leap of Hindutva in India in the recent times.

(With agency inputs)
Most retirees regret not saving more. A 2018 study by Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies found 73% wish theyd put aside more money on a consistent basis, and half felt they waited too long to get serious about retirement saving.

But retirement is about more than the balance in your 401(k). Even people with sizable nest eggs can wish they handled certain aspects of retirement differently.

Hoping to learn from others mistakes, I asked advisers with the Financial Planning Association and the Alliance of Comprehensive Planners to share their clients biggest regrets about retirement. Thirty-one responded, and their answers revealed some common themes. Among them:

I wish we had traveled more while we could: All too often, health issues derail peoples travel plans, says certified financial planner Serina Shyu of Atlanta. They dont get around to taking that dream trip, or get to see as many places as theyd hoped. Even homebodies regret missed chances to see loved ones.

Another version is where the health issue isnt (the retirees). I wish we had gone to see so-and-so, says CFP Daniel Moisand of Melbourne, Fla. Sometimes we wait to reconnect with friends or family and that person dies or suffers a stroke or dementia.

Financial planners can help people get clarity about how much money they can safely spend in retirement. CFP Linda Leitz of Colorado Springs, Colo., says shes been able to reassure several clients so they could get started on their bucket lists.

As they aged and either had health concerns or just didnt enjoy being away from home as much, they all were really glad that they traveled, Leitz says. They dont mind cutting back in later years because they had done the things that were important to them, early in retirement, while they could enjoy them.

I wish Id had something to retire to: People can be so tired of working, or sick of their particular job, that they retire at the first opportunity without thinking through how they will spend their time. Many struggle to replace the structure, meaning and purpose their work provided.

They look back five or six years after they have retired to realize the time has flown by and they have not done anything, says CFP Jonathan Bednar of Knoxville, Tenn.

CFP Jennifer Weber of Lake Success, N.Y., counsels her clients to think about how to spend their days with meaning. That could mean a part-time job, consulting gigs, volunteering or spending more time with friends and family, she says.

I wish I had more friends: Something else work provides: social contact. People often dont realize how much social interaction their workplace provides, says CFP Patti Black of Birmingham, Ala. Black recommends volunteer groups, clubs and classes as potential sources of new friends.

People may feel out of the loop in retirement, Black says. It takes time and effort to find a new tribe.

I wish we hadnt bought that house: CFP Kevin OBrien of Northborough, Mass., says some of his clients retirement home purchases triggered serious buyers remorse. The clients hadnt spent enough time in the community before buying, and now wish they lived somewhere else.

The cost and stress of changing homes is usually significant. Although moving may be the right choice, no one should buy a retirement home in haste, OBrien says.

Retirees should rent in areas theyre interested in retiring to before making a major purchase, OBrien says.

I wish wed talked about our expectations for retirement: Its not uncommon for spouses to have dramatically different visions of retirement. OBrien has advised couples where one spouse was thrilled to be the grandkids child care provider while the other longed to travel and be more spontaneous.

They cant just up and go because they are relied on to watch the grandchildren, OBrien says.

Different expectations can cause serious ruptures in relationships, and they may be among the reasons why divorce rates for people 55 and older have more than doubled since 1990 even as the overall divorce rate subsides, Black says.

Black urges spouses to discuss how they will spend their time, including how the division of household chores might change and even whether theyll have lunch together every day.

Retirement is a major life transition, and you have to be patient with yourself and your spouse, Black says.

Liz Weston is a columnist at NerdWallet, a certified financial planner and author of Your Credit Score.
FILE PHOTO: The logo of Amazon is seen at the company logistics centre in Boves

By Sankalp Phartiyal and Aditya Kalra

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling party on Friday slammed editorial policies of billionaire Jeff Bezos-owned Washington Post, even as his e-commerce firm Amazon <AMZN.O> announced plans to create a million jobs in the country by 2025.

Vijay Chauthaiwale, chief of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) foreign affairs department, said there was "a lot of problem" with the newspaper's coverage of India, but gave no examples.

The swipe at the Post came a day after a cabinet minister gave short shrift to Amazon's <AMZN.O> investment plans for India.

Bezos has praised India during his visit, saying the 21st century will be the Indian century and calling the country's dynamism and energy "something special".

"I am not opposing Amazon as a company, in fact I am a regular customer ... Jeff Bezos should go home tell Washington Post what is his impression about India," Chauthaiwale told Reuters.

"The Washington Post editorial policy is highly biased and agenda driven."

In a statement to Reuters, The Washington Post said it "has covered India fairly and accurately, even when the government has imposed tight restrictions on the flow of information." The Posts Opinions department is independent from the news division and publishes different perspectives from within India and around the globe, the newspaper added.

Chauthaiwale has in the past criticized foreign media's reporting, including on the disputed Kashmir region claimed by both India and Pakistan, saying coverage has been biased against Modi.

Amazon did not respond to an email seeking comment on Chauthaiwale's remarks. In its statement announcing the job-creation plans, Bezos said "we're excited about what lies ahead."

Still, street protests this week by small retailers and adverse comments from politicians have made Bezos' visit a public relations nightmare for Amazon.

Story continues

India's shopkeepers have been a core constituency for the BJP since the party's early days. Sources told Reuters that Modi, who has courted other foreign investors, was unlikely to meet Bezos during his visit despite repeated requests by Amazon.

SOURING SENTIMENT

India last year enforced stringent rules for foreign investment in e-commerce, which forced Amazon to rework its business structures and strained ties between New Delhi and Washington.

India's antitrust body this week launched a probe into Amazon and Walmart's <WMT.N> Flipkart e-commerce service. India's brick-and-mortar retailers say Amazon and Flipkart have flouted regulations and burned billions of dollars to offer steep discounts. The companies deny the allegations.

On Thursday, Bezos attended a company event in Mumbai with Bollywood actors such as Shah Rukh Khan and said the company would "double down" its investments on its video streaming service, Prime Video.

But the event was largely overshadowed by comments from India's trade minister Piyush Goyal, who raised questions about the company's business practices while addressing a security conference in New Delhi and said Amazon had done no big favour to India by announcing a $1 billion investment.

Industry executives and their advisers told Reuters on Friday that Goyal's remarks were likely to put off foreign investors, denting India's economic growth which is already projected to fall to a 11-year low this year.

"This clearly is unbecoming, and it will hurt how the world views India as a destination," said a senior executive of a U.S.-based company operating in India.

(Reporting by Sankalp Pharityal and Aditya Kalra; ditional reporting by Sachin Ravikumar; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani, Simon Cameron-Moore and David Gregorio)
Advertisement

Australians hit the bars this weekend as they started to enjoy 24-hour drinking again after ministers scrapped Sydney's strict 'anti-fun' licensing laws.

Partygoers, who donned their best dresses and heels, are now allowed to enter venues after 1.30am and order drinks late into the night.

The city was once famous for its bustling and vibrant nightlife until the strict lockout laws were enforced in 2014.

The crackdown brought the lively night-time economy to an abrupt halt and forced almost 200 licensed venues to close their doors.

Revellers pose for the camera on Saturday evening as they enjoy the first weekend free from controversial lockout laws in Sydney

A group of partygoers wave their hands in the air as they brace rainy conditions on Oxford Street in Sydney this weekend

Dressed to impress! People cross the road on Oxford Street in Sydney on Saturday evening, where they were promised a good night after the strict lockout laws were finally lifted

Partygoers, who donned their best dresses and button ups, were allowed allowed to enter venues after 1.30am and order drinks until 3.30am

The laws were introduced by the New South Wales Government with the aim to reduce alcohol-fuelled violence following the death of two young men in 2012 and 2013 in one-punch attacks.

Under lockout laws, nightclubs and bars in the city were required to deny entry to punters after 1.30am and stop serving alcohol at 3am.

Revellers braced for rainy conditions as they flocked to bars and nightclubs along Oxford Street in Sydney - known for its nightlife - on Saturday evening.

But while the usual rabble did head out for a night on the town, it was nowhere near the raucous parties that the city used to see.

A trio of friends hold hands as they walk down the strip in Darlinghurst, Sydney, on Saturday evening

Revellers braced rainy conditions as they flocked to bars and nightclubs along Oxford Street in Sydney on Saturday evening, to make the most of the new freedom

The changes have also seen the removal of restrictions on serving cocktails, shots and drinks in glasses after midnight, and the scrapping of the 10pm curfew on bottle shops.

In November 2005 the Labour government in the UK changed drinking laws in England and Wales to allow pubs - theoretically - to serve alcohol 24 hours a day.

The policy was introduced by Tony Blair to create a European cafe culture and end the problems caused by the rush at the 11pm pub closing time.

A group of friends opt for a rest on the ground as Sydney tries to recreate its once bustling nightlife on Saturday

One reveller dressed to impress in an animal print bodycon dress with matching nude high heels to enjoy the atmosphere on Saturday night

Sydney was once famous for its bustling and vibrant nightlife until the strict lockout laws were enforced in 2014

Night Time Industries Association chair Michael Rodrigues in Australia said removing the lockout laws was a 'turning point' for the city to get it back on track.

The Premier of New South Wales Gladys Berejiklian 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.

Ms Berejiklian previously said that the lockout laws made Sydney safer but it was now time to encourage the city's 24-hour economy.

Partygoers opted for bodycon dresses and high heels despite gloomy rain on Saturday evening

The lockout laws were introduced by the New South Wales Government with the aim to reduce alcohol-fuelled violence following the death of two young men in 2012 and 2013 in 'one-punch attacks'

Crowds appear to wait in line as Sydney attempts to redeem itself as a city with a thriving nightlife on Saturday

A group of revellers wait in line to be checked by security before attempting to enter an establishment in Darlinghurst, Sydney

An ambulance vehicle is seen driving in the city as revellers linger on the street on Saturday

A woman in a red dress talks to her friend, who appears to take a break on the concrete amid celebrations in Sydney on Saturday

We're open! Crowds were forced to wait in line as Sydney opened for its first weekend after the lockout laws were lifted

Under lockout laws, nightclubs and bars in the city, Kings Cross and Darlinghurst areas were required to deny entry to punters after 1.30am and stop serving alcohol at 3am
A grand jury declined to file any criminal charges against a Passaic police officer who fatally shot a city man last year, finding that the officer was justified in firing at the armed suspect, authorities said.

After hearing evidence and testimony, a state grand jury decided against the unidentified police officer who shot and killed Randy Sanchez, 24, on Jan. 31, 2019, the Attorney Generals Office announced in a statement.

Sanchez was standing over a woman pointing a gun when the officer fired.

After considering the facts, evidence, and testimony from the investigation by the Attorney Generals Shooting Response Task Force, the state grand jury found the actions of Officer 1 were justified," the statement said. An officer may use deadly force in New Jersey when the officer reasonably believes it is immediately necessary to protect the officer or another person from imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm.

The grand jurys decision comes just shy of a year after the late-night shooting in Passaic that initially left several questions unanswered.

Initial reports said that at 11:30 p.m. that night, police shot and wounded a man near Myrtle Avenue and Harrison Street. The shooting happened moments after officers responded to a report of shots fired at the home and noticed that one of several men on the street had a gun.

At the time, the wounded man was taken to a hospital, but his name and further details on his injuries were not made public. No officers were injured in the shooting, the initial reports said. Authorities said a handgun was recovered at the scene.

A short time later, authorities said a civilian had been shot and killed by a police officer, with the Attorney Generals office declining to provide any further details at the time.

The findings, gathered by the offices Shooting Response Task Force, shed more light on a year-old case, including Sanchezs final moments, a tense scene between four cops and three men and a deadly standoff between Sanchez and one officer.

The unnamed officer who would ultimately shoot Sanchez arrived at the scene first, along with three other Passaic police officers, the statement said. The four, clad in plain clothes, arrived in the same unmarked police car.

When the officers arrived, they saw three men standing on Myrtle Avenue, with two men immediately fleeing. The third man, Sanchez, stood his ground and pointed a handgun at the police car, before running north on Myrtle Avenue, in the same direction as a woman who had also fled.

As Sanchez closed in on the woman, she fell near the corner of Myrtle and Harrison, with an officer tailing close behind. The woman, now on her knees, screamed, as Sanchez pointed the gun at her, and the officer yelled at him to stop, telling him he was a cop.

"Stop right there or I will shoot you! the officer yelled at Sanchez, according to a witness.

It was then that Sanchez appeared to strike the woman with the gun, as the officer continued yelling at Sanchez to stop. But Sanchez raised his gun, bracing it at shoulder level, aiming it at the woman, turning his body toward the officer.

The officer shot Sanchez six times. As the officer neared Sanchez, he kicked the .32 caliber revolver from Sanchezs hands.

Sanchez was taken to St. Marys General Hospital in Passaic, where he was pronounced dead. The autopsy showed that Sanchez died as a result of three gunshot wounds to the torso and upper left arm

The fatal shooting occurred the day after Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill into law that required any investigations into police-involved shootings be turned over to the Attorney Generals Office. The bill, signed January 30, 2019, was met with widespread resistance across law enforcement and police union ranks, who claimed it would damage police departments reputation and undermine their credibility.

Prior to the bill becoming a law, police-involved shootings were turned over to the state shooting response team only if they involved county or state officers.

The month prior to the bills signing, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal himself spoke in opposition to the bill, advocating for local and county authorities to continue to do the investigations.

As someone who has conducted, overseen, and reviewed these investigations, and as someone who is committed to police-community relations, Grewal said to an Assembly committee, this bill may, in the end, undermine public trust in law enforcement and will replace a system that already does everything that the sponsors seek to accomplish and more.

Rodrigo Torrejon may be reached at rtorrejon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rodrigotorrejon.

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A friendship group has been set up by Members of the European Parliament, aiming to forge closer links with the UK as it leaves the EU.

On Tuesday, British MEPs made a series of emotional farewells as they participated for the last time in the EUs elected chamber before Brexit on January 31.

Now one German politician has set up the UK-EU Friendship Group, which has more than 70 members  approximately 10% of the European Parliament. The first meeting was standing room only.

Soooo many people showed up for the UK friendship group today, even vice-presidents of the European Parliament had to stand (sorry for that).



Lets make this group a networking platform and entry point for civil society and citizens.



 pic.twitter.com/vTvwnwFtMM  Terry Reintke (@TerryReintke) January 14, 2020

Green MEP Terry Reintke told the PA news agency: We wanted to do this before all of our British colleagues packed up and left.

We want to keep as close ties as possible for the future, especially when there are difficult times ahead and things might get very messy. We want to keep this not only as a platform for MEPs but pro-European civil society to get engaged.

For EU citizens in the UK, a lot are scared about what is going to happen in the next few years and we wanted to be a voice for them and bring up their concerns in the European Parliament.

Im at the 1st mtg of the EU-UK Friendship Group, which is all about working out how to continue our relationship with our friends & allies in Europe, after Brexit



Its absolutely packed out - the interest is so great.



Its not over on January 31st: this is just the beginning pic.twitter.com/swl1xXJUP3  Alexandra Phillips  (@alexforeurope) January 14, 2020

She added that it was important the group held their first session before UK MEPs left for good: We know this has been a difficult transition, watching everyone leave.

For my colleagues, it has been horrible, but it has also been hard on the staff. We want to make sure we continue that relationship in the years to come.

The cross-party group aims to promote values of democracy and human rights.
President Donald Trump's decision to assassinate Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani has exposed a growing rift between the US and its historically closest allies in Europe, Business Insider writes in an article "The United States' main allies are abandoning Trump as his threats to world leaders backfire".

The attack was met with a remarkable level of criticism by European leaders

The UK threatened to cut back on its long-standing defense alliance with Trump, and Germany suggested openly that the importance of its relationship with the US was declining. Trump responded by threatening European leaders with a new trade war if they remained committed to the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal. Yet rather than bring US allies into line, Trump's threats merely highlighted the declining importance that many European leaders now place in the transatlantic alliance. Trump's international allies are increasingly abandoning the president as his administration alienates them.

UK threatens to cut defense ties

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was endorsed by Trump when he entered office and has previously been keen to stay close to the Trump administration. Trump's order to kill Soleimani, however, has triggered a remarkable turnaround in the UK prime minister's approach to the US. In the immediate aftermath of Soleimani's assassination in a drone strike in Iraq, an operation the US did not warn the UK would take place, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab declared that the conflict was "in none of our interests," adding that the only winners of an Iranian war would be the Islamic State terrorist group. Johnson also spoke out against the US policy, urging Trump to "dial this down" and warning that targeting Iranian cultural sites, as Trump threatened, would be a war crime.

UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace went even further, telling The Sunday Times that Trump's isolationist foreign policy had prompted the UK to consider cutting back on its defense ties with the US. "I worry if the United States withdraws from its leadership around the world," Wallace said, adding that "the assumptions of 2010 that we were always going to be part of a US coalition is really just not where we are going to be."

Germany warns that Europe's alliance with the US is crumbling

In the immediate aftermath of Soleimani's assassination, a German government representative warned the US against any further conflict, telling reporters that Trump's intervention amounted to a "dangerous escalation." The attack, which damaged Germany's policy of engagement with Tehran, has triggered open debate about the value of Europe's alliance with the US. In recent days German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke openly about the declining importance of Europe's alliance with the US. "There's been a shift," she told the Financial Times, adding, "The United States' focus on Europe is declining  that will be the case under any president." In response, she said, "We in Europe, and especially in Germany, need to take on more responsibility."

France dismisses Trump's threats on Iran deal

France, alongside the UK and other European countries, was instrumental in attempts to forge and maintain a new relationship with Iran through the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal. It has strongly criticized Trump's decision in May 2018 to withdraw the US from that deal, and the French government quickly called on the Trump administration to step back from any further conflict. The Trump administration responded by threatening a new trade war with Europe, imposing tariffs on cars if European leaders remained committed to the Iranian nuclear deal.

France instead joined with Germany and the UK in signing a statement of support for retaining the deal, while launching a dispute mechanism designed to bring Iran back into line.
STEM

NJ Students Show Off Girls Who Code Projects

A college in New Jersey hosted 300-plus girls this week for an inaugural coding challenge. The New Jersey Institute of Technology invited in middle and high schoolers from 25 schools to participate in a first-ever coding-based competition. All are part of after-school "Girls Who Code" clubs.

During the event, students presented their "impact projects," projects undertaken by individual clubs to come up with new product designs, including phone apps, websites and robotics.

Girls Who Code, whose mission statement is, "building the largest pipeline of future female engineers in the United States," bring members together to develop their coding skills. The organization provides free curriculum and support, including meeting guides and self-guided tutorials. Girls Who Code estimates that it has reached almost 185,000 girls nationally through its programs since its founding in 2012. According to the nonprofit, girls who participate in the clubs declare majors in STEM fields at 15 times the national average.

During the special event, judges evaluated projects based on design and appearance, purpose and social impact and differentiation.

The event drew local and state government officials along with representatives from corporate partners, including Apple, Microsoft and Verizon.

The event was hosted by the Institute's Collaborative for Leadership, Education, and Assessment Research (CLEAR), which runs "STEM for Success," a program that addresses career readiness in K-20.

The Institute also runs a seven-week Girls Who Code summer immersion program. In the course of 300 hours, girls in grades 10 and 11 receive training in web development and design, robotics and mobile development, while also exposing them to what it's like to work in technology from female engineers and entrepreneurs.

"I want to thank Girls Who Code for continuing to bring their vision, energy and resources to our students," said Newark Superintendent of Schools, Roger Leon, in a statement. "Access to careers of the future starts today, which is why our collaboration with Girls Who Code in Newark is fundamental for our students, families, school district and city as broader commitment to provide a computer science education for every student in our schools."

Last December Leon announced a partnership between Newark Public Schools and Girls Who Code to establish Girls Who Code clubs in 28 of the district's schools.

"Girls Who Code is on a mission to close the gender gap in tech and change the image of what a computer programmer looks like and does," added Tarika Barrett, chief operating officer of the organization. "And our work would not be possible without the support of incredible partners like Newark public schools, who help us bring more girls into computer science education and, ultimately, more young women into the tech workforce."
Bamako, Mali (PANA) - The European Union (EU) Friday handed over to the Malian gendarmerie here a mobile security camp estimated to cost more than 600 million CFA francs, official sources told PANA here Saturday
Emily Thornberry launches her campaign for the Labour Party leadership (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry has insisted Prime Minister Boris Johnson has a problem with women.

Launching her bid to replace Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the Opposition, Ms Thornberry said she was best placed to oust the PM within five years.

She told the PA news agency: Boris Johnson has all sorts of problems with women.

And he is going to have an even bigger one if I become leader of the Labour Party.

I think that he has a problem with women.

I have spoken to a number of women who have said that the way he deals with them  and they are younger women  is that he flirts with them.

He makes light of them and he undermines them. He has problems with women such as myself. He doesnt know what to do with me.

I think that he doesnt know how to relate to women.

Ms Thornberry insisted Labour can be back in power in the next five years.

She told PA: I think that a competent alternative government could get back into power within five years.

Shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey also kicked off her campaign with a speech in Manchester on Friday evening, in which she vowed to shake up the way Government works and put power into the hands of voters.

She promised to end the gentlemens club of politics by devolving power out of Westminster, while pledging to introduce a Green New Deal that unites Labour heartlands.

Thanks so much to everyone who came to the launch of my campaign in Manchester tonight.



The atmosphere was incredible. Together we can unite all of our heartlands - and win.



Join our movement: https://t.co/xmR2lDo0tx#RLB2020 pic.twitter.com/xwce7W6pEE  Rebecca Long-Bailey (@RLong_Bailey) January 17, 2020

Where I grew up, Westminster, even London, felt like a million miles away, she said.

The story of the last few years is that many people feel there is something wrong with their laws being drafted hundreds of miles away by a distant and largely unaccountable bureaucratic elite in Brussels.

But Ill be honest, Westminster didnt feel much closer, and it still doesnt today.

The two frontbenchers are up against shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer, Wigan MP Lisa Nandy and Birmingham Yardleys Jess Phillips in the contest, the result of which will be announced on April 4.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 18

By Fakhri Vakilov-Trend:

The Emirate companies Masdar and Mubadala will sign agreements with Uzbekistan on the construction of a wind power station and the privatization of the Talimarjan Thermal Power Plant JSC on January 18, Trend reports citing Uzbek media.

Masdar will sign an agreement on the implementation of a project to build a 400 MW wind farm in the Navoi region. The Emirate company will carry out the design, financing, construction and operation of a power plant for the entire project implementation period of 25 years.

The company will invest more than $600 million in the construction of a power plant. The construction of the facility is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2020 with commissioning before the end of 2021.

Mubadala will sign an agreement on the implementation of a project to privatize existing and build new power plants on the basis of Talimarjan Thermal Power Plant JSC. The Emirate investment company intends to attract investments worth more than $1 billion for the development of the facility and the construction of new power plants based on it.

---

Follow author on Twitter:@vakilovfaxri
Journalists use their mobile phones after the government ordered the restoration of pre-paid mobile services and 2G internet services in two districts of the Kashmir Valley after six months of ban, at the Government Media Facilitation Centre in Srinagar, on Saturday. (Photo: PTI)

NEW DELHI: The exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits will be completing 30 years on January 19, Sunday, but the community is still waiting for justice and their return to homeland with honour and dignity.

Late Sarwanand Koul Premi is still being remembered in Kashmir as a renowned poet, a social activist, a journalist and a reputed author of around three dozen books.

Being a known figure, he chose to stay back in his native place when the Valley was in the grip of turmoil. Unfortunately, his belief was brutally shattered and cost him his and his younger sons life.

On the intervening night of April 29-30, 1990, some unknown persons kidnapped Premi and his son Veerji Koul from their native village Soafshali and then killed them. An FIR was registered at the local police station Dooru. Unfortunately, there was no clue regarding the accused, so the probe in the case was closed as untraced.

Further, the family suffered another blow when on the intervening night of August 11-12, 1998, some miscreants set the residence of Premi on fire, regarding which an FIR was registered. The case was again closed as the culprits were untraced.

However, Rajender Koul Premi, the elder son of Sarwanand Koul Premi, who was forced to migrate to Delhi after the horrifying incident with his family, is still fighting for justice not only for his personal cause but also for the entire community.

Premi, who is the complainant, told this newspaper that even after 29 years of the tragic incident, inaction and insensitive approach of the government, which initially had made huge promises to compensate and resettle the family, has miserably failed to transform the same into action.

For the last 29 years, I have met Prime Ministers and Chief Ministers, union ministers and top officials but everything went in vain, we are yet to get justice. My family has lost everything so as my community. We want justice, due compensation and return to our homeland with safety and security.

He further said after the government revoked Article 370 last year, we got a ray of hope. People are now coming forward for the our cause.

The State Human Rights Commisison on Febuary 22, 2012, in its double-bench verdict has ordered very valid recommendations and has asked the state government to redress the grievances of the family sooner the better but nothing has changed since then, said Premi.

Meanwhile, the Kashmiri Pandits living in the national capital are now expecting the Centre to chart out a concrete roadmap for their safe return and rehabilitation in the trouble-torn Valley.
AfghanTaliban agreed to reduce military operations

PESHAWAR: The Afghan Taliban on Friday said they had agreed to reduce military operations to provide safe environment for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan and talks with the Americans were centered on fixing a date for signing the agreement.



We have agreed to scale down military operations in days leading up to the signing of the peace agreement with the United States, Taliban chief spokesman in Doha, Suhail Shaheen, told Dawn on phone.



The purpose (of scaling down) is to provide safe environment to foreign forces to withdraw from Afghanistan, he added.



There is no agreement on ceasefire, Shaheen insisted. Its a reduction in our military operations, he said. It is our prerogative to see how, when and where to scale down our military operations and its not going to be restricted to foreign forces only. The scaling down will be blanket and shall include all forces including state forces.



Asked whether the reduction in attack would continue after the signing of the peace agreement, the Afghan Taliban spokesman said the day the agreement was signed other clauses contained in the document would come into force.



He did not elaborate on what those clauses would be, but added that the agreement would lead to commencement of an intra-Afghan dialogue including the Ashraf Ghani-led Kabul administration and negotiations for a nationwide ceasefire.



American negotiators are in the Qatari capital, Doha, for talks with the Afghan Taliban interlocutors. US chief negotiator Zalmkay Khalilzad had initiated the first round of peace talks with Afghan Taliban deputy head Mullah Abdul Ghani Akhund, also known by his nom de guerre Mullah Beradar, early this week.



The two sides have had three sessions and broke up for a recess on Friday to meet again possibly on Saturday. Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanakzai would head the Afghan Taliban team in the talks, Shaheen added.



Talks are on, the spokesman said. We have an agreement, he added. Nothing else remains to be discussed as far as the terms of the agreement are concerned, Shaheen said. The draft agreement is ready.



The only issue that needs to be sorted out is the date to sign the peace agreement, he said. Its now a matter of days. We are optimistic that we may be able to sign the agreement latest by this months end.



Afghan Presidential Palace has said it is unaware of any possible deal between the US and the Afghan Taliban but it has been cautioned about the prospects, saying it would have to be taken into confidence before an agreement is reached and signed.



Analysts say efforts to find a peaceful settlement have been geared up to ink an agreement before the onset of spring to pre-empt the usual Afghan Taliban spring offensive and help put an end to Americas longest war in history.



President Trump has pledged to bring the 18-year-long war in Afghanistan to an end that has cost the US $ 1.5 trillion and the lives of 2,400 of its soldiers, according to media reports.



Pakistans Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who is in Washington to meet among others State Secretary Mike Pompeo, reiterated his earlier statement that he had seen willingness from the Afghan Taliban to reduce violence.



But he called upon the US to remain engaged in Afghanistans reconstruction after a possible peace agreement with the Afghan Taliban. Dont repeat the 80s, he warned.



Worried about rising tension in the Middle East, Islamabad has been warning that the flare-up between Washington and Tehran could potentially hurt the prospects of peace in Afghanistan.
Actor Kim Min-kyu is rapidly becoming a heartthrob thanks to his role as a king in TV Chosun's series "Queen: Love and War."

Set in the Chosun Dynasty, the period drama depicts the conspiracies and palace intrigues that take place amid the selection of a new queen.

Kim has been capturing viewers' hearts with his portrait of a young king reminiscent of the charismatic one played by Kim Soo-hyun in the megahit series "Moon Embracing the Sun" in 2012, as well as the gentle monarch played by Park Bo-gum in another successful series, "Love in the Moonlight" in 2016. Kim Soo-hyun and Park cemented their status as rising stars through those period dramas.

"Queen: Love and War" is the first period drama for Kim, who made his acting debut in 2013. It is a demanding role, requiring him to control his tone and breathing as he delivers his lines.

"During the first meeting, the director told me that I was better at things he'd not expected, but he was disappointed in things he'd anticipated [I would do well], such as evoking romantic feelings," Kim said.

However, as if to prove the director wrong, with the series now half over, Kim has increasingly made viewers' hearts flutter.

"My previous characters have been mostly teenagers or somewhat childish or immature. I hope to get more chances to bring out and show other sides of me," Kim said.
Stephen Ewing (39), of no fixed address, was told by a judge that he had left one of his victims with "significant and life changing" facial injuries after being repeatedly stabbed with a broken bottle (stock photo)

A Belfast man was yesterday handed an eight-year prison sentence for a "savage" bottle attack on a couple in their home.

Stephen Ewing (39), of no fixed address, was told by a judge that he had left one of his victims with "significant and life changing" facial injuries after being repeatedly stabbed with a broken bottle.

Judge Neil Rafferty QC urged Ewing to "seek help for your alcohol and substance abuse" while in prison and not to leave it until after his release from custody.

Ewing had pleaded guilty to charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, common assault and grievous bodily harm with intent.

Belfast Crown Court heard the offences were committed in July 2018 when Ewing went with his wife to the home of a couple after he had been out drinking.

He was said to have taken offence to music the couple were playing, including a song entitled 'You Can Do Better', which he took as a reference to his wife.

Ewing first attacked the male, striking him on the head from behind with a red wine bottle.

The victim needed 45 staples and sutures for injuries to his face and scalp.

A prosecution lawyer said Ewing then used a second wine bottle to attack the female, whom he held on the ground by her hair while stabbing her in the face with it. She sustained "significant" injuries and required stitches to her right ear, right nostril and left cheek, with damage also caused to her saliva gland.

The court heard Ewing had 90 previous convictions. However, the prosecution lawyer said the attack on the couple was a "serious escalation" in Ewing's offending.

The Probation Service assessed Ewing as a "high risk of re-offending" but did not assess him as posing a danger to the public in the future.

But Judge Rafferty told the court that he was "satisfied" that Ewing "posed a significant risk of serious harm to public in the future. Not only is that likely, it is almost certain".
Four people were killed and another wounded in a shooting at a home in Utah on Friday night, with the suspect taken into custody, police and media reported.

The attack took place in the small town of Grantsville, on the outskirts of state capital Salt Lake City.

"Officers arrived, they did clear the residence and were able to locate the four deceased," said Grantsville police officer Rhonda Fields.

Fields said police were working to notify relatives and the fifth victim was being treated in hospital.

She did not confirm media reports that the attacker and victims were all from the same family.

"Our hearts are broken by the horrible coming out Grantsville tonight. We mourn over the loss of innocent lives," Utah Governor Gary Herbert said on Twitter.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Nora Jemisin is still getting used to Bed-Stuy. Its a dreary winter Tuesday, and shes settled into a seat at one of her favored local haunts, the Brown Butter Cafe, where shes welcomed more as a local than as the resident celebrity author. The Brooklyn neighborhood, where shes lived for two years, still feels new to her; she spent more than a decade in her beloved Crown Heights but was forced out due to rising rents. Shes quick to point out that even in her new neighborhood, gentrification is starting to creep in.

You can feel that something has been injured, says the author, who is known to her readers as N.K. Jemisin. The energy has shifted.

The changing face of the city is front and center in Jemisins new novel, The City We Became (Orbit, Mar.). The book is set in a near-modern-day New York as it pulsates and shifts, growing and changing in dramatic, often supernatural waysa city fighting for its very soul.

Jemisin is dressed for comfort in a dark plum sweatshirt, her long dreads pulled back. She has just completed her writing sprint for the day. At 46, shes been living in New York nearly her entire life but feels its different now. Yes, theres the gentrification, but its different in other ways: shes watched as casual racism has grown into something more sinister and widespread. She says shes had comments hurled at her on the street.

Some people have the privilege to ignore that, Jemisin says. I dont. I want to see people fight and make it the city that it once was, the city I grew up in, the city that I remember. But I dont know that thats going to happen.

The City We Becamethe first in a new trilogycould be pitched as X-Men with an antiracist bent. In it, a ragtag crew of New Yorkers try to save their beloved metropolis from the (literally) invading tentacles of something deeply sinister. Each borough has an avatar, and those avatars must find each other and band together to take on the woman in whitean apt metaphor for the white supremacy thats gripping the country.

My writing has always been where Ive gone to work through my problems, explains Jemisin, a former psychologist. This is me processing the city I love turning into something else, and my little bit of a fight against that. All science fiction and fantasy is actually engaged with the presentwith whats happening right here and right now. Im a black woman; what I experience in the here and now is going to be inflected with politics because my life is political.

The books ensemble cast is a carefully crafted microcosm of New Yorks diversity. Jemisin created the characters through diligent research, relying heavily on the guidance of community members. Im not interested in the Lovecraft version of New York, she says. Lovecraft would have actually focused on some of the people of color in the city, but the narrative would be that he was terrified of them. Theyd all be evil and criminal and monsters. And Im not interested in the Friends or Girls version of New York either, which would be creepily white. So Im delving into some territories that Ive never lived in my own experience, and I worry about that.

One of Jemisins characters, Bronca, is Lenape, while another, Padmini, is of Indian origin. Jemisin worked with several sensitivity readersspecialized editors who critiqued the book to vet cultural content and make sure she was doing these characters and communities justice.

I needed to do a lot of research about the caste system and how that would impact [Padminis] experiences, and how it very much exists in America, in its own way, Jemisin explains. Ive done the best I can to avoid doing harm, but at the same time I think it would be more harmful to not put characters that dont look or act or feel like me in the storyto pretend they dont exist in a world like New York City. To erase it would be horrific. I think the risk is necessary. Youve got to try, or you dont end up doing anything new.

Thats Jemisins aim with every book: to break ground. In the fantasy [books] I grew up reading, women sat in the back of the room and sewed a banner for the men who were out in the action, she says, citing canon mainstays like Clarke, Lovecraft, and Tolkien. If there were people of color in the book, she adds, they were working for the enemy and they were the ones willing to betray humanity for the dark lord. Those were the science fiction masterpieces.

Jemisin pauses, returning to her own work. Its not like I [write my books] thinking, Suck it, Lovecraft. Although, lets be honest: thats probably there too.

Jemisin takes issue with the way that some of Lovecrafts impassioned readers have, over the years, defended him. I couldnt stand by while Lovecraft fans circled the wagons and said, Yeah, he was racist, but...,  she says. Its not that he was just a racist person. Its that his racism was the core of everything he wrote. All of these creepy cultists and degenerates who create evil in his work are people of color. That is what I was pushing back against.

With her own writing, Jemisin is, arguably, reshaping the canon. In 2010 she won the Locus Award for best debut novel for The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms. Since then, shes published more than a dozen titles, including the Nebula-, Hugo- and World Fantasynominated Inheritance trilogy, the Dreamblood duology, and the ALA Alex Awardwinning 2018 short story collection How Long Til Black Futurism Month. She also coauthored a treatise on nerd culture.

But most readers know Jemisin for her critically praised Broken Earth trilogy, which launched in 2015 with The Fifth Season and has, to date, sold more than two million copies globally across all formats, according to her publisher, Orbit. Jemisin won her first Hugo for The Fifth Season, becoming, in the process, the first black author to receive the best novel honor in the awards decades-long history. The trilogy is set to be adapted as a series for TNT.

For Jemisin, though, this is just the beginning. In the past year, shes branched out into comic books (and is working on DC Comics Far Sector series with illustrator Jamal Campbell) and has other projects in the pipeline that she says shes not yet able to discuss.

Despite (or maybe because of) all the plaudits shes received, Jemisins commitment to calling out racism has earned her the ire of many in the white male establishment of the genre. I got my first death threat not too long after my first novel was published, she recalls. For publishing my first novel. For existing. Period. Nobody even knew who I was. The novel wasnt a bestseller. It was before the awards.

More recently, Jemisin says, the tone of the attacks has shifted. Theres a core of people who show up like clockwork to chime in with how much they hate my work, how it never should have won awardsShes just a diversity hire, an affirmative action winner, blah, blah, blah.

Then she looks up and smiles. But at the same time, Im cashing those checks.

Sona Charaipotra is a journalist and the cofounder of book packager Cake Literary, the coauthor of the Tiny Pretty Things series, and author of Symptoms of a Heartbreak.
A serious mistake might become a difficult issue to put right when it is not addressed immediately, as and when it happened. A thing that can be nipped in the bud, after some time, might become difficult even to cut with an axe.





by Victor Ivan





The collection of recorded telephone conversations of Ranjan Ramanayaka can be said to have become a kind of collection of short films that reveal the degeneration of the entire institutional system of the country while conveying the message of it to the people in a simple and straightforward way.













The reading habits of both politicians and the public of Sri Lanka are limited. They read very little. Therefore, the service that can be rendered by serious books or articles is limited. But, it is easy to understand the short footage of Ranjans voice recordings. They even contain the element of obscenity or vulgarity which generally people are fond of. These voice recordings while revealing the nakedness of the entire institutional system and the extent of its degeneration, make the public feel the stench emanating from it.





In this backdrop, perceived from a historical sense, the country appears to be fast moving towards anarchy. The content of these short video clips can be said to have accelerated the speed of the move towards anarchy.





I have long been a critic of the degeneration of the institutional system of the country and the need for structural reforms to rectify it. I have written a considerable number of books and articles on this subject. It does not require a great knowledge like rocket science to understand this decay and degeneration.





A serious mistake might become a difficult issue to put right when it is not addressed immediately, as and when it happened. A thing that can be nipped in the bud, after some time, might become difficult even to cut with an axe. It is this lackadaisical approach that overshadows the political arena of Sri Lanka, which has caused the entire institutional system to fall into the current state of pathetic degeneration.





In this article, I hope to explain the background of the degeneration of the institutional system based on the unique experience I have gained of the judiciary of Sri Lanka. Though the short videos of Ranjans telephone conversations might help to get a glimpse of the degeneration, it, however, will not lead to an in-depth understanding of the magnitude of the issue. If the system is to be redeemed from the present predicament, it is essential that Sri Lanka must have a deep knowledge and understanding of the issue.





Galtungs vision





I wish to begin this analysis quoting some comments made by Professor Johan Galtung about Sri Lanka at a discussion I had with him. He is a mathematician and a sociologist, and one of the most respected theorists in the field of conflict resolution, in the world. He must be around 70 years old and has written more than 100 books. The book titled Gatum Nirakaranaya Pilibanda Siddhi Adhyanayak, published by the Ravaya is the sinhala translation of the book  A case study of conflict resolution authored by Professor Johan Galtung. I must say that the Ravaya translated and published it at his request.





He has been to Sri Lanka more than 20 times. He came to Sri Lanka when the country was struck by the tsunami in 2005. One evening, at his request, I met him at the place where he stayed in Colombo. He initiated a fairly lengthy discussion on Sri Lanka based on the book titled Nonimi Aragalaya (An unfinished struggle) authored by me.





He said that he found a copy of the English translation of the book and had read about half of it and made a brief commentary on Sri Lanka based on what he had learnt from the book.





I couldnt read your book completely. I have read about half of it. The Supreme Court of any country is ranked as the highest point of the institutional hierarchy; it is like the peak of a high mountain. All the other institutions are presumed to be lying below the Supreme Court. Therefore, if the Supreme Court is overwhelmed by flood, then it goes without saying that all the other institutions which lie below cannot escape being submerged , he said.





The observation of the professor was absolutely correct.





The Rapist Magistrate





I got involved in the judicial crisis described in the above book as a result of an accidental encounter of an incident in my professional career. I was compelled to inquire into, and report on an incident in which a magistrate had sexually abused the wife of a defendant in a case heard by him, by prolonging his detention in the remand custody, contrary to the law.





Upon inquiry into the matter, I was able to detect that the Magistrate in question, prior to joining the judiciary, had worked in the Insurance Corporation and been dismissed from the service following a formal investigation held into a financial fraud committed by him.





The said Magistrate, on the advice of Sarath Silva, the Attorney General, filed a complaint against me at the CID to initiate a criminal defamation case against me. An investigation was begun against me, but on account of the facts revealed during the course of the inquiry, it took a different turn and became an inquiry against the magistrate himself. Accordingly, the investigators obtained a statement from the women who had been raped by the magistrate. They also found out the facts about his dismissal from the Insurance Corporation.





After the investigation was over, the CID sent its report to the Attorney General for further advice. If the Attorney General had an iota of sense, after reading the report, even if he had ignored the rape case, he should have taken stern action against the Magistrate for joining the judiciary by not disclosing his past record of employment in which he had been dismissed from service over a financial fraud by his former employer. Instead, what the Attorney General did was to hold back the investigation report and sit on it.





The vicious role of the AG





Later, I complained about the matter to Prof. G.L. Peiris, the then Minister of Justice. The Minister inquired, in writing from Sarath Silva, the Attorney General about the report of the inquiry. In response, the Attorney General sent a confidential report to the Minister of Justice. This led me to conclude that, like Magistrate Lenin Ratnayake, the Attorney General Sarath Silva also must be a corrupt person.





This prompted me to delve into the personal character of the Attorney General. It was in consequence of this searching that I came to know about a divorce case filed by one Jayasekera, a Chemical Engineer against his wife naming Sarath Silva, the Attorney General also as a co-respondent.





Sarath Silva, contravening the law, manipulated Upali Abeyratne, the District Judge who heard this case to oppress Jayasekara, the plaintiff of the case, outrageously. Jayasekera, in turn filed a complaint against Upali Abeyratne, the District Judge, with the Judicial Service Commission. In response to the complaint made by Jayasekara, the Judicial Service Commission investigated the matter and Upali Abeyratne was found guilty, and the report of the investigation was sent to the Attorney General to initiate legal action against him. Tissa Bandaranaike and Mark Fernando were the two Supreme Court judges who had conducted the investigation. It was around this time that Sarath Silva who worked as the President of the Court of Appeal was appointed Attorney General by President Chandrika Bandaranaike after the government change in 1994. Sarath Silva, following his appointment as the Attorney General, swept under the carpet, the report sent by the Judicial Service Commission, to protect Upali Abeyratne, the District Judge who acted on his advice, contrary to the law in the case filed by the chemical engineer naming him (Sarath Silva) also a co-respondent of the case.





Mediation of Bar Association





Upon finding this information, without limiting my struggle against Magistrate Lenin Ratnayake, I had to change my stance, and raise my voice against the District Judge Upali Abeyratne and Attorney General Sarath Silva also. Finally, Romesh de Silva, the head of the Bar Association, convened a conference of former presidents of the Bar Association to seek their advice on the policy of the Bar Association in regard to the reports I had published in respect of the Attorney General and the two judges.





Along with the letter sent to the invitees, the Bar Association had sent photocopies of the reports I had published about Attorney General Sarath Silva and the two Judges  Lenin Ratnayake and Upali Abeyratne.





This special meeting of the Presidents of Bar Association was held at the residence of H.L. de Silva, the most distinguished and respected celebrity among the lawyers. The decision reached at this meeting was as follows.





1.The charges against the two judges should be investigated.





2.If the allegations against the two judges were proven, they should be strictly prosecuted and the allegations levelled against the Attorney General should be investigated.





Consequently, the Judicial Service Commission headed by the Chief Justice was compelled to appoint two Committees consisting of the Judges of the Court of Appeal to investigate the allegations levelled against the two judges by me.





Two committees of investigation





The investigation against Lenin Ratnayake was initiated with my testimony. I had to produce the two women who were sexually abused by the Magistrate, and their husbands as witness. One woman had been raped at Gampola rest house coaxing her that the magistrate wanted to take a statement from her. The other woman had been raped in the Magistrates chamber itself; the lawyer who appeared for the defendant in that case was guarding the entrance to the chamber while the Magistrate was inside with the women.





Perhaps, no one has ever heard of an occasion in which a woman connected with a court case was raped by the Magistrate who heard the case, inside his official chamber itself, appointing the lawyer who appeared on her behalf, to guard the entrance to the chamber. The committee of investigation had to summon two lawyers of the Court as witnesses to testify the truth of the case. One such person was Balagalla who later became the Governor of the North Western Provincial Council.





Lenin Ratnayake came before the committee of inquiry, accompanied by a large group of lawyers led by a leading Presidents Counsel. However, the Defendants attorneys were unable to refute the testimony of the two women and their husbands, who came from poor rural background and were not educated. The lengthy cross-examination of the witnesses further confirmed the authenticity of their statements.





Later, the husband of one woman, to avenge his wifes rape, hurled a polythene bag filled with human excreta at the Magistrate while his case was being heard in the courtroom. The other had made a vain attempt to murder the Magistrate.





Lenin Ratnayake testified before the committee of inquiry, but he did not appear before the committee of inquiry to be cross-examined. In the end, the committee of inquiry proceeded with the inquiry ex parte and found Lenin Ratnayake guilty of all the four charges.





As the District Judge Upali Abeyratne did not challenge the allegations against him, the committee of inquiry recommended to the Judicial Service Commission to send him on retirement from the Judicial Service with immediate effect.





Thrusting the AG to the wall





After winning these two investigations, I wanted to bring to the fore an investigation against Attorney General Sarath Silva following the recommendation made by the former presidents of the Bar Association. I lodged a complaint with the Supreme Court requesting it to strike the name of the Attorney General Sarath Silva off the Roll of Attorneys-at-Law for his gross misconduct of concealing the misdemeanour of the corrupt Magistrate Lenin Ratnayaka and protecting him.





The Chief Justice (GPS de Silva) had submitted my complaint to the Supreme Court judges, in the order of their seniority and informed them to express their opinion as to whether my complaint should be investigated or not.





Only three judges namely Priyantha Perera, D.P.S. Gunasekara and L.G.H. Weerasekera were of the opinion that it should not be investigated. All the other judges were in favour of an investigation. Meanwhile, chemical engineer Jayasekera who filed a divorce case against his wife making Sarath Silva, a co-respondent of the case, also lodged a petition in the Supreme Court demanding that the name of the Attorney General Sarath Silva is revoked from the Roll of Attorneys-at-Law.





Finally, the Chief Justice entrusted Amir Ismail with the responsibility of inquiring into my petition while that of Jayasekeras petition was assigned to Shirani Bandaranayake. Mark Fernando was entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating both investigations.





G.P.S. De Silva retired from the post of Chief Justice when the investigations of the two committees had been commenced and were in progress. President Chandrika Kumaratunga considered the judiciary as an anti-government entity as the Supreme Court had ruled out several activities conducted by the Government which were contrary to the law. She had concerns for a new constitution and a presidential election for a second term. She considered that it was essential to bring the Supreme Court to a level where she could control it and overcome the legal obstacles.





Attorney General Sarath Silva was a close confidante of her, who was trapped in a quandary at that time facing inquiries before the Supreme Court. She decided that the best way to wield her power over the Supreme Court and overcome the legal restrictions on her plans would be to help Sarath Silva to get over his problems and appoint him as the Chief Justice.





It is not befitting for the head of the state to appoint a person against whom an inquiry was being conducted by the Supreme Court, as the head of the Supreme Court. It can be considered an extremely preposterous act that the head of the state shouldnt have done at all. Apparently, she had done this against the advice of H.L. de Silva and K.W. Gunasekara, her legal counsellors, who had urged her not to do that. Param Kumaraswamy, the topmost UN official on the subject of judiciary, also condemned her action.





Chief Justice Sarath Silva





The arduous struggle that I launched against Chief Justice Sarath Silva and was nearing a logical end of it was all of a sudden plunged into an anti climax by this indecorous act of the president. I expressed my protest by reporting this news as a black issue in the front page of the Ravaya newspaper with the caption demise of the independence of the judiciary and featuring the picture depicting the new chief justice taking oath before the president, up side down.





Thereafter, three activists including me filed a fundamental rights case against the Chief Justice challenging his appointment as the Chief Justice. The case was filed not because we expected to have justice meted out by a judiciary controlled by him, but to indicate that we would not abandon the struggle that had been launched. It became the focus of international attention. The International Lawyers Association sent a retired Chief Justice of Kerala, India on the days of its hearing to observe the proceedings.





After seizing the judicial power, the Chief Justice turned the judiciary topsy turvy. The first thing he did was to come to the rescue of Upali Abeyratne. Consequently, the person who had been recommended to be sent on compulsory retirement from the judicial service eventually retired as a Judge of the Supreme Court. Although he tried to protect Lenin Ratnayake, it was not entirely successful.





The damage done to the judiciary





The damage done to the judiciary by the Chief Justice is immense. He deprived the judiciary of its solemnity and respect and made it a stinking place. He expelled the judges who refused to fall in line with him from the judiciary. Those whom he could not expel were made to be redundant and judges of no use.





He distorted the system of governance in the country; passed judgements creating a system in which the members of the opposition can join the ruling party without losing their parliamentary seats; (mis)used judicial power to punish innocent people and imprison them. The chief justice of the country had close ties with certain people in the underworld. They spoke to the Chief Justice over the phone. He also used to talk to them over the phone.





In a moral sense, he made the judiciary a desert. Once, the Chief Justice was caught by the police, while staying, half naked with a married female lawyer in a car parked near the Diyawanna Oya. The bust, the upper portion of his body was covered with a shirt and a tie while the rest of it was naked and without a trouser. Although this incident caused a great uproar in the country, both the ruling party and the opposition took it as a matter of joke and a source of fun and they did not consider the importance of safeguarding the dignity and the sanctity of the judiciary.





The powerful and important people of the country, all of them remained aloof in the face of distortions created in the judiciary, leaving them to take root and become solidified. Nobody wanted to rectify the distortions that he caused to the judiciary. Instead, different parties exploited him to the fullest for their personal gains. Even the political parties like the JHU and the JVP obtained legal rulings favourable for their fame. The owners of the media institutions who came to his rescue during the difficult hour got their cases settled through the back door.





Every one of them defended this man who had sacrileged the judiciary, as best as they could. After him, several other people held the post of Chief Justice. But none of them had made an attempt to cleanse the ugly dirt scattered on the sacred altar of judiciary.





Not only the judiciary, but every other institution in the country is in a putrid state. Each of them has a story of its own that explains how they had become so. What Ranjan Ramanayaka has done, knowingly or unknowingly was to tear the curtains that concealed the ugly dirt scattered all over and everywhere and expose them.





Sri Lankas rulers lack the discipline to act promptly and correct serious transgressions as and when they occur. As a result, the entire system of institutions has become corrupt and the transgressions and wrongdoings have been left to become crystallised and transfixed. If Sri Lanka wants to recover from this rotten mess, it is necessary that we go for far reaching structural reforms for all sectors. It is not something that the political parties alone can do. It should be a change that is made by the public with their direct involvement.
(Adds details)

By Michael Holden and Andy Bruce

LONDON, Jan 18 (Reuters) - Prince Harry and his wife Meghan

will no longer be working members of Britain's monarchy, will

forgo public funds and will repay money spent on refurbishing

their cottage west of London as they embark on an independent

future, Buckingham Palace said on Saturday.

The couple will also no longer use their "Royal Highness"

titles, the palace said in an announcement that sought to bring

to an end turmoil in the monarchy sparked earlier this month

when the couple announced they wanted to reduce their royal

duties and spend more time in North America.

In recent days, the queen and her family have been working

out with officials how this stepping back will work in practice

for Harry, 35, and his American wife, former actress Meghan, 38.

"Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members

of my family," Queen Elizabeth said in a statement https://www.royal.uk/statement-her-majesty-queen-0

issued by the palace, referring to the couple's baby

son.

"I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a

result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support

their wish for a more independent life."

The queen added that she was "particularly proud" of how

quickly Meghan became one of the family. The couple married in

May 2018 in a lavish ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Harry will remain a prince and the couple will keep their

titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

The couple's plans for independence, announced after a long

break over the Christmas period in Canada, caught the rest of

the royal family by surprise earlier this month and left the

queen and other senior Windsors hurt and disappointed, according

to royal sources.

A friend of Harry and Meghan said the couple felt they had

been driven out.

The palace said the couple will no longer receive public

funds and they will repay money spent on the refurbishment of

their cottage at Windsor, west of London.

"Although they can no longer formally represent the queen,

the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will

continue to uphold the values of her majesty," a Buckingham

Palance spokeswoman said.

"The Sussexes will not use their HRH title as they are no

longer working members of the royal family.

FUNDS

The change means Harry will give up his military patronages

and his role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador.

It was not immediately clear whether the couple could

continue to use the "Sussex Royal" title for their website and

branding.

While they will no longer receive public funding, Harry's

father Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, will continue to

offer private financial support, a royal source said.

The couple will split their time between Britain and North

America, with the majority of their time in North America, the

source said.

The changes will come into effect in the spring of this

year, the palace said.

(Reporting by Michael Holden

Writing by Andy Bruce

Editing by Frances Kerry)
A fire is burning out-of-control on French Island off the coast of Victoria, with residents warned that it will be too dangerous to save them if they stay.

The unpredictable blaze is in the Western Port, about 60km southeast of Melbourne.

An emergency warning - the highest alert level - has been issued for the fire at Ridge Track, which is quickly spreading south towards McLeods Road.

People in the area have been told leaving now and heading towards the Tankerton Pier is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.

The raging fire is burning out-of-control on French Island (pictured), with residents told to evacuate before it's too late

The Victorian government issued an emergency warning on Twitter, with residents told to evacuate to Tankerton (pictured)

The fire on French Island (pictured) sits just 60km southeast of Melbourne, and was burning out-of-control on Saturday

Aerial footage from a helicopter over French Island (pictured) shows the ferocity of the blaze

'If you don't feel safe, don't wait, leaving now is the safest option - conditions may change and get worse very quickly,' a warning from the Victorian government reads.

'Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.'

French Island is the biggest island in Victoria, with 70 per cent of it a glorious national park.

The island has the most dense koala population in Australia, adding to fears about the animal's future with thousands now in danger.

It is a 15-minute ferry ride from the mainland at Stony Point pier, or Cowes on Phillip Island, to the island's Tankerton Jetty.

Firetrucks (pictured) arrived by boat to help tackle the out-of-control blaze on French Island

Images from a helicopter over French Island, just 60km from Melbourne, showed the raging fire (pictured) burning near the centre of the island

Authorities earlier downgraded emergency warnings in Victoria's alpine region despite difficult fire conditions overnight.

It is home to diverse wildlife living in coastal mangroves, swamps heath, grasslands and blue gum forests.

Popular with holidaymakers, it offers bushwalking, bird watching, horse riding and cycling.

Residential properties can be seen surrounded by smoke as the fire on French Island threatened communities on Saturday (pictured)

The fire comes as Melbourne suffers terrible air quality (pictured on Wednesday) thanks to the nearby bushfires

There are 15 still raging in Victoria on Saturday afternoon, predominantly in the East Gippsland and the northeastern alpine regions.

Most are burning at 'watch and act' level or lower, but emergency warnings had been issued for fires near Mount Buffalo in Victoria's alpine region, and briefly for Bulart, in the state's southwest on Friday.

Both were downgraded to a 'watch and act' alert early on Saturday.

Authorities said firefighters were able to slow the spread of the blaze near Mount Buffalo but conditions could change at any time.

Victoria has suffered terrible fires since before Christmas. Mallacoota (pictured) was particularly badly hit

The Victorian fires devastated East Gippsland (pictured) and prompted Australia's biggest ever peace time evacuation

People living in Buffalo Creek, Merriang, and Merriang South had been told strong and erratic winds had significantly increased fire activity near them, and it was also recommended they evacuate.

In East Gippsland, a registration service has been established for people who fled Mallacoota, Genoa and Gipsy Point and want to return now that conditions have improved.

When it is safe to do so, emergency services and the Australian Defence Force will begin flights or escorted road transport into Mallacoota and surrounds, Victoria Police have confirmed.

Incident management specialists from the US and Canada arrived at Melbourne Airport on Saturday morning, ahead of being deployed to fires in the northeast and East Gippsland.

Also arriving from the US was the first of four large air tankers, which are set to be positioned strategically around the country over the next 50 days.

A contingent from the Fiji Military Force will also arrive in Melbourne on Saturday evening to start induction training before being deployed to East Gippsland, where a group from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force is already at work.

The arriving 54 personnel will be welcomed by the local Fijian community.

So far the blazes have burnt through more than 1.5 million hectares, 387 residential homes and 602 non-residential buildings.
That's the thing about Boris Johnson and women. "He can be a bit wayward - his judgment has not always been the best," said somebody who professes to know him well.

This week the maverick of the moment bounced into Stormont buildings. Two women awaited him.

A fixed smile cloaked their true feelings as the sometimes charming chancer from 10 Downing Street strode towards them.

He was grinning a lot. But was this not a time to be chuffed? Sinn Fein and the DUP getting together to try to forge another new day for Northern Ireland.

All his political instincts told Johnson he should muscle in on an obvious feelgood factor.

And this time he might have got his interaction with the ladies just about right. A kiss on the cheek for Arlene Foster - after all, he knows her reasonably well. Not all that long ago, his Tory party and her DUP had stitched up what both sides agreed was an honour-bound Brexit deal.

But then Boris did the dirty on Arlene. He sold her down the river, plunging her leadership into near crisis. He suddenly decided Leo Varadkar would better serve his Brexiteering interests and political ambitions than a troublesome DUP.

Still, this week he bounded towards her - their first real meeting since their great falling-out. 'No hard feelings and sure tomorrow is another day' seemed the essence of the Johnson persona.

And then he gave her that kiss. But this was a kind of intimacy he just could not bring himself to share with the other lady in waiting.

Michelle O'Neill seemed momentarily uncertain just how reactive she should be as the bulky, overbearing Tory leader moved towards her. Still, the moment demanded chivalry all round. And so as befitted the situation, the Sinn Fein leader and Boris shared a thumping handshake. And both were smiling.

It's always time for a kind of celebration when the North's warring tribes come together - in however nervous and fitful a fashion. But few can personify heady upbeat optimism as much as Johnson. So before his whirlwind Belfast stopover ended, he exuded huge jollification at what he sees as good times all round for both unionist and nationalist.

Meanwhile, we can only hope he will leave Julian Smith as Northern Ireland Secretary after the upcoming cabinet reshuffle. In a minuscule amount of time in the job, he played a steady hand with a surety of touch. Such skills will be crucial when squalls threaten to topple things in the months ahead.

South of the Border, we had an almighty row as to whether or not we should "commemorate" the RIC and the role - complex and confusing - they played during the birth pangs of this State. It was bound to reawaken old instincts dredged from our memory bank.

Did some collude with the Black and Tans to wreak terror at a pivotal time in our history? Were not the vast majority "ordinary decent Catholic Irishmen", doing a basic policing job in an era of poverty and penury?

Despite some hysterics on all sides, the RIC row had its consolations. We were again forced to travel down the rocky road to another time.

However, history is often cast in shadows; through the prism of the past it is easy to see what we want to see.

Meanwhile, the new Northern power-sharing deal will soon be buffeted, when the unionist side of the argument celebrates its own centenaries. The Government of Ireland Act which partitioned the island was set in train 100 years ago.

We are moving steadily towards other landmark dates north of the Border, such as the creation of the RUC and the formation of what became known as the B Specials.

Once more there will be the challenge of remembering. The unionist side of the argument will have its own certainties. And south of the Border, we will recall epoch-making events - laced in tragedy - such as the Civil War.

Too many emotions may be stirred in what a certain WB Yeats termed "the deep heart's core".
Twenty five people took the Oath of Allegiance to become U.S. citizens at an emotional ceremony in Helena on Friday.

U.S. District Court Judge Sam E. Haddon welcomed the men and women originating from 17 countries as each took part in the naturalization ceremony. The ceremony grants them nearly all of the same rights as native born citizens, including the right to vote.

Joined by friends and family in the gallery, the 25 heard from the judge and letters of support from Montanas congressional delegation before stepping forward to accept their certificates of citizenship.

What a great day, Haddon said, adding that it was a great honor to preside over the ceremony. Each of you made a life-altering decision to leave your homeland and come to the United States from all over the world.

The 25 new citizens came from Australia, Canada, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Philippines, Russia, Samoa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Greenland.

Haddon described the uniqueness of the U.S. and the uniqueness of the story of each citizen. The judge spoke personally, saying the story of his family was largely an oral history that included one of his ancestors coming to America as an indentured servant.

Each of you bring your own story, your own past life and personal experience, he said.  As Americans we are different and as Americans we are proud of it.

Its truly an honor for this court to be one of the first to greet you as fellow Americans, Haddon said.

Among those taking the oath of citizenship was Kofi Karikari. Originally from the country of Ghana, he now resides in Sidney.

I believe in the American dream, democracy and the Constitution, he said when asked what made him want to become a citizen. Its a very special day for me.

Greeting the new citizens were members of the Daughters of the American Revolution who cheerfully offered forms to sign them up to vote.

Ivalu Risager came from Greenland after marrying an American and lives in Whitefish. Friday was the culmination of a lengthy but positive process, she said.

Its been very positive  I dont know if thats Montana or what but everyone has been very helpful, she said.

Getting the opportunity to vote was a major highlight of becoming an American, Risager added.

Reporter Tom Kuglin can be reached at 447-4076 @IR_TomKuglin

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SANTA FE  A man who is already facing charges for raping a 15-year-old girl in October allegedly raped another woman he met in downtown Santa Fe earlier this month.

The second alleged assault happened while the defendant, 23-year-old Maury Elliot, was not supposed to even be in New Mexico without permission. He was to reside in Nevada as part of his conditions of release in the October case.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Santa Fe Magistrate Court, the 27-year-old victim in the new case said she and a friend got a room at a downtown Santa Fe hotel on Jan. 9 and went bar hopping.

They were standing outside Evangelos around 10 p.m. when they were approached by a man, later identified as Elliot, who offered them cocaine.

The women refused, but Elliot followed them into the bar, the complaint says. The victims friend told police that Elliot was creepy and up to no good, so she left the victim at the bar and went back to the hotel.

The victim said she went upstairs to get money from an ATM and left her drink with Elliot, and from that point on her memory was unclear about the rest of the night, the complaint says. She believes she may have been drugged.

Despite red flags about Elliot, the woman said she got into an Uber with him and went to Elliots apartment.

At the apartment, the woman says Elliot tried to kiss her, but she tried to deny him. She said she remembers Elliot pushing her on top of a bed, take off her clothes and have sex with her. She said she reached for Elliots throat to push him away, but he pushed her hand away, the complaint says.

She said she left immediately after the assault and began walking down Cerrillos Road. The woman, who has been in the Texas National Guard, said she was hallucinating and heard drill sergeants marching platoons, the complaint says. She flagged down a city employee on Siler Road and got a ride back to her hotel. She called police the next morning.

In October, a 15-year-old high school student said she and a friend were sitting on a bench at the Santa Fe Plaza when Elliot and 25-year-old Derrick Chavez approached them and asked the girls if they wanted to drink some alcohol. They refused, a criminal complaint says.

But later that night, the girl said Chavez texted her and was able to convince her to sneak out of her house and meet with him and Elliot. She said that after drinking from a liquor bottle that was offered to her, she said her head felt heavy and she became dizzy.

The girl said she remembers being taken into a building and lying on a bed before Elliot took off her clothes and raped her. She said Chavez gave her a ride home the next day.

Chavez also faced rape charges in Santa Fe Magistrate Court, but they were dropped last month. A court filing says prosecutors were trying to work out a pre-indictment plea deal before taking the case to state District Court.
A teenage boy has died after trying to jump onto a friend's moving ute in Brisbane.

Jordan Ellwood, 17, was with another teenager in a car park when he attempted the stunt, but slipped in wet conditions.

He slid under the moving Nissan Navara utility and suffered 'catastrophic fatal injuries' after being ran over.

The teenager's devastated mother Mildred Ellwood told Sky News her son was 'very intelligent' and 'supportive'.

Scroll down for video

Jordan Ellwood (pictured, left) with his mother Mildred (right) was described as 'very intelligent and supportive'

The Brisbane teenager (pictured) has been attempting to run and jump on a friend's ute when the stunt went horribly wrong

'He just finished his auto mechanic [training], [he was] very intelligent, very clean, very supportive'.

Speaking of the boy's friend who was with him when he died, she said: 'I feel so sorry for them, it's a sight no 17-year-old boy should hold.'

Jordan died on Friday night in the car park on Administration Road under the Gateway Bridge at Murarrie just after 11pm.

Another 17-year-old boy immediately called an ambulance in a desperate attempt to save his friend.

Paramedics arrived at the scene but the boy died at the scene.

His devastated mother Mildred Ellwood (pictured) - a nurse - claimed paramedics should have taken her son to hospital

The popular teenager (pictured) was treated by paramedics but died at the scene on Friday night in Brisbane

But Ms Ellwood insisted emergency services should have taken him to hospital, claiming it could have saved his life - saying the 'system failed him'.

'If there's still some sort of sign of life, the paramedics should have taken him to the hospital. I work in the system and to see the system is failing is very sad.'

The case is being referred to the coroner, and the driver is not facing any charges.

Police are looking into whether alcohol was involved.

A spokesperson for Queensland Ambulance Service said: 'He received treatment from advanced care paramedics and high acuity paramedics, who did everything in the field that could've been done in an emergency department to try and save the boy's life.'
New Delhi, Jan 18 : A Delhi court on Saturday while convicting two men -- Manoj and Pradeep -- in the 2013 Gudiya gang rape case held that the crime committed was "most grotesque" and the "collective conscience of the community was shaken".

"In our society the minor girls are worshipped as goddess on certain occasions but in the present case the victim child, who was aged about five years at time of incident had experienced exceptional depravity and extreme brutality.

"The crime against the victim was committed in a most grotesque and revolting manner and the collective conscience of the community was shaken," the court said.

Additional Sessions Judge Naresh Kumar Malhotra convicted the two men under sections 366, 342, 376 D, 201, 307, 372(2) of the Indian Penal Code and certain sections of the POCSO Act.

On April 15, 2013, the five-year-old girl was kidnapped and gang raped by her neighbour and his friend in east Delhi's Gandhi Nagar. The victim and her family were staying in the same building as the accused.

The accused had also inserted foreign objects in her private parts leading to grievous injuries.

The minor was found two days later, on April 17 from a neighbour's rented accommodation -- where the crime took place. She was in an unconscious state and was admitted to Delhi's AIIMS in a critical state.

Delhi Police had then registered a case and charged them for attempt to murder and rape among other things.

Kumar had allegedly confined the girl in his room for at least two days and brutally raped her. Accused Manoj Kumar was apprehended from his in-law's village in Bihar and second accused was arrested later on.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has proudly pointed to the states Energy Transition Act, the nations most aggressive road map to a carbon-free future, and proclaimed a moonshot for education fueled by billions in new revenues.

The state is flush from the oil and gas boom in the Permian Basin, providing a seemingly unlimited source of money for significant broadband investment and other new and innovative ideas  while addressing old problems like out-of-control crime and deteriorating roads and bridges.

Meanwhile, Virgin Galactic appears on the verge of capturing the worlds attention with what would be the worlds first commercial flight into space  from Spaceport America right here in New Mexico.

All of which makes the fact New Mexico in 2018 had the largest percentage increase in homelessness in the United States all the more unacceptable. And it points to the need for a serious statewide strategy to address the gritty problem of men, women and families living on the street or moving from shelter to shelter and meal to meal.

This isnt just a local problem  although kudos to Mayor Tim Keller for recognizing the seriousness of it in Albuquerque and pushing aggressively for a centralized 300-bed, no-barrier shelter. Voters have approved $14 million in bond money and the mayor is seeking another $14 million in capital funding from this years Legislature. The facility would provide a way to get many people off the streets who simply cant or wont take advantage of existing services offered by a bevy of providers. Maybe its because they have a pet and shelters dont allow them. Or because they drink. Or because they dont want to abandon their few belongings kept in purloined shopping carts.

On Jan. 13, the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness released a report saying a one-time $262 million investment to build permanent supportive housing and fund short-term rental assistance  evidence-based interventions  will allow the state to get another $30 million in federal dollars and end homelessness for an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people across the state.

The governor and legislative leadership should throw their full support behind the citys request and carefully consider the coalitions ask  especially in light of the new numbers from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Based on HUDs annual report on homelessness to Congress released this month, N.M.s homeless population jumped by a stunning 27 percent last year  the largest percentage increase in the nation. Twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia saw decreases.

The state total in the HUD report was 2,464, with 1,283 being chronically homeless. But providers like Danny Whatley, executive director of the Rock at Noonday in Albuquerque, said based on his observations its between 4,000 and 5,000.

Its not as if programs dont exist. The state administers grants through the Mortgage Finance Authority. Bernalillo County lists 14 performance measures and objectives for its Department of Behavioral Health Services  of note because the lack of such services is cited as a driver of homelessness. The city lists more than two dozen items on its website under What We Are Doing about homelessness.

But given the recent survey, its fair to ask if these are effective. Without question, the city needs this homeless facility because its a well-thought-out approach to a chronic problem. But its clear this isnt a local issue. State and local governments need a clear strategy to take it on  because solutions may not be the same in Albuquerque as elsewhere.

Its not as glittery as carbon-free and moonshots, but its something the state needs to address.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
RICHMOND, Va. - The convoys and militias are coming, if social media posts are to be believed, headed to Virginia's capital on Monday to take a stand for gun rights - or, in the words of some, to fan the flames of a civil war.

"I'll be rolling into town early. I can't give you my exact time for security reasons," said Christian Yingling, head of the Pennsylvania Light Foot Militia and a leader at the "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville in 2017.

"I organized a convoy, places we can meet up and drive up together. I'll be leading it," said Tammy Lee, a militia activist in Oklahoma.

Both Lee and Yingling were members of groups that signed consent decrees never to return to Charlottesville while armed, part of a lawsuit settlement over the violence there. But there is no restriction against coming to Richmond.

Thousands will join them, they say, for a rally Monday on Capitol Square to protest plans by the new Democratic majority in the General Assembly to pass gun-control laws. State and federal officials were preparing for a volatile mix of weapons, passions and anti-government fervor. Central Richmond was braced for road closures and extensive police presence.

That was before President Donald Trump decided to weigh in Friday afternoon on Twitter.

"Your 2nd Amendment is under very serious attack in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia," Trump tweeted. "That's what happens when you vote for Democrats, they will take your guns away. Republicans will win Virginia in 2020. Thank you Dems!"

Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, last week declared a state of emergency and issued a ban on firearms or other weapons on Capitol grounds. The state Supreme Court upheld the ban after a challenge by two gun rights groups. The Federal Aviation Administration has issued temporary flight restrictions for Richmond airspace, making it illegal to fly planes or drones above the city on Monday. Northam has said officials are concerned about threats from weaponized drones.

On Thursday, the FBI arrested three alleged members of a white-supremacist group on gun charges, in part out of concern that they planned to attend the Richmond rally and incite violence.

The Virginia Citizens Defense League, a pro-gun advocacy group, sponsors what has always been a peaceful rally every year on Lobby Day, which coincides with the state's Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. With children out of school and state offices closed, it is a time for citizens to come to the Capitol and lobby lawmakers on a variety of issues.

The pro-gun rally is always the most visible event, but this year it has virtually wiped out everything else. The Virginia Citizens Defense League has appealed for 10,000 supporters to show up unarmed to fill Capitol Square and asked several times that many stand outside with weapons.

Northam told all nonessential staff to stay home, and many lawmakers urged aides to stay away, though committees will still meet and both chambers will convene floor sessions. The young pages who run errands in the House and Senate were given the day off for safety.

The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence canceled its annual vigil and lobbying day, announcing the decision on Twitter "with a heavy heart." The organization's state director, Lori Haas, said it was because of "ongoing, credible threats to public safety that have been promoted . . . by gun extremists."

One of Richmond's staunchest gun rights Republicans, who needled Northam over the ban earlier in the week, closed ranks with the governor after a closed-door briefing on the security threats Friday.

"Any group that comes to Richmond to spread white supremacist garbage, or any other form of hate, violence, or civil unrest isn't welcome here," House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, said in a written statement Saturday. "While we and our Democratic colleagues may have differences, we are all Virginians and we will stand united in opposition to any threats of violence or civil unrest from any quarter."

Gilbert declined to discuss the content of the briefing, but his statement referred to efforts to "infuse" the event with a "twisted or extreme worldview."

Outside the Capitol, authorities used tall chain-link barriers to create a pie-shaped pen for the rally. The area takes up about a third of Capitol Square, a manicured park dotted with monuments to historical figures ranging from Native Americans and George Washington to a segregationist governor and civil rights leaders. The monuments were protected with additional fencing, as was the Executive Mansion to the east.

The square is usually open on all sides to foot traffic. Under Northam's emergency order, access is restricted to one spot, at Ninth and East Grace streets. Just inside that entrance, the crowd will be split into 17 lines for screening with metal detectors.

Anyone attempting to bring in weapons will be turned away, but police will not confiscate those items, officials have said. Demonstrators who do not want to part with their guns may remain armed on city streets. Authorities say they will cut off admission to the rally once the crowd hits a certain number, which they have declined to disclose.

Police expect rallygoers to start lining up Sunday night, despite freezing temperatures. Authorities are setting up two medical tents in the area in case of injuries.

The hoopla is focused on promises by Northam to enact sweeping gun control this year, including limiting handgun purchases to one per month, banning military-style weapons and silencers, allowing localities to ban guns in public spaces and enacting a "red flag" law so authorities can temporarily seize weapons from someone deemed a threat.

Democrats across Virginia ran on the promise of gun control in last year's legislative elections, winning majorities in both the House of Delegates and state Senate for the first time in a generation. That gives them the power to act - and has inspired outrage from pro-gun activists.

More than 110 counties, cities and towns around the state have passed some type of resolution in support of gun rights, many of them "Second Amendment sanctuary" proclamations in which local officials pledge not to enforce laws they see as unconstitutional.

National militia and extremist groups have mobilized, with some making threats against elected officials. Many promise to use Virginia as the place to take a stand against what they see as a rising tide of anti-gun sentiment, invoking language of insurrection and civil war.

Not all of the heated rhetoric has come from outsiders.

Sen. Amanda Chase, R-Chesterfield, who plans to speak at the rally, warned on Facebook that authorities might send a troublemaker into the crowd - a "government plant," she said - to cause a disruption as an excuse to arrest attendees on "domestic terrorist" charges.

Some far-left organizations have also expressed sympathy with the cause. A coalition of groups at the site Richmondcommunists.org issued a statement Friday slamming gun control as a means of keeping down the working class.

Antifa Seven Hills, a Richmond-based anti-fascist group, said in a recent email interview that it also opposes gun control. But although it claimed no interest in disrupting the rally, it called on the Virginia Citizens Defense League to "prevent racists and fascists from attending" and promised to "always confront fascist ideology when it shows up in our city."

Yingling, the Pennsylvania militia activist, said he believes turnout will be big. "God, I hope it happens," he said in a telephone interview. "Like it or not, the governor's trampling on the rights of millions of gun owners. . . . People are upset, and they should be. He's talking about people's right to defend themselves."

Yingling led his militia on the streets of Charlottesville for the rally there in 2017. He said they were not backing the neo-Nazis who defended the statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee, but were protecting the rights of all involved to exercise free speech. Monday's rally is another case of the Constitution under siege, he said - this time over gun rights.

And yes, Yingling anticipates violence. He blamed Northam for pushing to limit access to guns.

"Let me make one thing unequivocally clear: I do not advocate for violence ever, ever," Yingling said. "But if he [Northam] keeps pushing people, people are going to feel that they're not going to have another choice."

Yingling said law enforcement has been in contact with him ahead of the rally, but he declined to disclose what they talked about.

Lee, the convoy leader from Oklahoma, has promoted the Richmond rally in Facebook live videos. "I can absolutely not wait," she said in one. "This may possibly be the first time that almost the entire patriot movement is there."

But in a video posted Friday, she also expressed dread. "If you're not apprehensive about going to this event, then I would worry about you and your mental state and your thought process," she said.

In an interview, Lee said the convoy would kick off in Oklahoma on Saturday morning and swing through 10 states before its scheduled arrival in Richmond on Sunday afternoon. She declined to say how many vehicles or people would be involved.

Lee said she has participated in nearly 50 rallies in the past five years. That includes Charlottesville, which she attended as a member of the American Freedom Keepers. She later cut ties with that group.

In a recent video, she indicated that the gun rights movement was fractured over whether the out-of-state militias would help or hinder their cause in Richmond.

"While some don't want outsiders coming in, it's too late for that," she said. "There are so many people woke to what's happening . . . that I don't think you could keep people away if you wanted to."

Philip Van Cleave, president of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, said he toured the grounds with Capitol Police on Friday to get a sense of the layout. He said he was hoping for a peaceful rally.

"The frustrating thing to me is, if something does happen, that'll be all people talk about," Van Cleave said. "My view is, we have no control. We're telling police everything we know about and trusting them to do their job."
Some mediapersons were attacked on Saturday by one of the convicts in the 2013 rape case of a five-year-old girl in east Delhi's Gandhi Nagar area.

Manoj Shah, convicted by a POCSO court, hit a group of reporters when he was being taken out of the courtroom in which a senior woman journalist suffered injuries.

The issue was brought to the notice of Additional Sessions Judge Naresh Kumar Malhotra, who asked the journalist to give a written complaint to police.

The judge then sent her for medical examination where the doctor said she had bruises on her cheek.

Following this, she registered a formal complaint with the police.

The POCSO court convicted Shah and another man, Pradeep Kumar, in the case, saying the child experienced exceptional depravity and extreme brutality.

Shah and Kumar raped the girl in Gandhi Nagar and shoved objects in her private parts on April 15, 2013. They fled after committing the crime and leaving the girl at Shah's room believing she was dead.

The child was rescued 40 hours later on April 17, 2013.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
To use is to reuse

BANGKOK- Funny photos taken at supermarkets and convenience stores across Thailand were circulated on New Years Day, showing customers carrying unusual containers like a construction cart, a cement bag, a plastic bucket and even a stainless-steel cooking pot to use as substitutes for plastic bags.



By Bangkok Post

Saturday 18 January 2020, 11:45AM

Central Phuket Say No To Plastic campaign.

On Jan 1, Thailand implemented its ban on plastic bags given at major retailers and convenience stores, in order to cooperate with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's no-plastic campaign. This is the reason those funny photos were captured and went viral.

The campaign by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry was set to reduce single-use plastic bags. According to figures from the Department of Pollution Control, 2 million tonnes of plastic are thrown away each year in Thailand, equivalent to 12% of total waste. Of this number, only 500,000 tonnes can be recycled. The rest is contaminated and has to be either buried or burnt.

Out of the 45 billion plastic bags used every year in this country, around 18 billion are from markets, 13 billion from grocery stores and 13 billion from department and convenience stores. On average, each Bangkok citizen uses eight plastic bags per day; that's 80 million bags per day in the capital alone.

Since major shops stopped giving away plastic bags to customers, people have had to look for substitutes, and tote bags have become their go-to items. At the Sampheng area, tote-bag wholesale shops are mushrooming, although most vendors said the sale of their bags didn't see any significant changes.

"The lowest-price calico bags are sold out, but the sales aren't much more different from last year," said Ae, a young vendor, as she sat next to a sign that read "Stop Global Warming".

Unlike physical shops, tote-bag online stores feel satisfied with their high volume of orders. Nan, a 20-year-old owner of the Krabaopa Rakasong shop on Facebook, which just opened on Jan 1, said she made the right decision to import nylon bags from China.

"I just opened the shop a couple of days ago and could sell 20-25 bags a day. I agree with the no-plastic-bag policy because it helped me with this business. I personally carry a cloth bag with me every day," Nan said.

The custom-printed calico bags are very popular. Two manufacturers and shops, Win Core Bag and Bag in Love, distribute calico bags, which can adjust their designs to fit special occasions such as wedding parties, retirement parties and funerals, and received a lot of orders, especially in December.

"Last year, we had a lot of orders since June. It was overwhelming until we had to stop receiving orders on Dec 3. The number was three times higher than the previous year. I think customers come to us because they want something unique and we can provide custom-made products to them," Chula, CEO of Win Core Bag, said.

"Compared to 2018, our sales in 2019 were better. News about whales dying from plastic made people more concerned about the environment than before," said a staff member at the Bag in Love shop who wants to remain anonymous.

For most customers, tote bags are a great substitute for plastic. However, many studies reported that there is an environmental impact from the process of making cotton tote bags too. A report from CBS Radio mentioned a British government study in 2018 claiming a cotton bag must be reused 131 times to break even with a plastic bag, regarding the environmental impact from producing each bag.

"The idea of using cloth bags is to reuse. It's similar to buying clothes. You don't throw a dress away after wearing it only one time. If we reuse each bag several times, I don't think it causes a negative impact on the environment," a staff member of Bag in Love commented.

People who work at tote-bag shops get used to carrying their bags around, so they don't feel troubled when stores stop providing plastic bags to customers. Nevertheless, opinion among customers splits two ways. While some support the no-plastic campaign, others find there should be more choices for people who forget to carry bags.

"I started using tote bags after travelling to Hong Kong many years ago. They charged for plastic bags and I didn't want to pay for that, so I decided to carry a bag and found it was fine. I have many bags. Most of them were free," an office staffer named Tham said.

"I have to carry a lot of books, so I have my own cloth bags. Thailand is so behind many countries, which already ban plastic bags. In other countries, they have to pay for plastic bags. At first, Thai people may have to adjust, but they will get used to it. Anyway, I didn't buy a very cheap tote bag online. I once bought a nine baht nylon bag from a well-known e-commerce site, but it was easily torn apart. I could use it only a couple times," a graduate student named Duang said.

People who aren't in the habit of carrying cloth bags disagree with these comments. They aren't happy with the no-plastic campaign.

"I know about plastic pollution and how it affects our environment, but I think we can reuse and recycle it. I'm spontaneous and sometimes go shopping without planning to. I don't want to buy an expensive tote bag that a mall or a convenience store offers. Why don't they just charge for biodegradable plastic bags as many countries do? There should be more option for customers," an office worker named Nam said.

Some shoppers think stores take advantage of customers. "They pass on the burden to customers. They make more money by selling tote bags. They are selfish. I think they should give us more discounts or give us paper bags like other countries do," a cafe staff member named Samith said. "I think retailers and convenience stores shouldn't make customers buy cloth bags. They should prepare other kinds for us. I recently had a hard time finding a trash bag because I used to use plastic bags from stores as trash bags. The no-plastic-bag campaign makes me rethink when I want to buy things. I found I don't buy lots of items like before," Krit, a regular customer at a convenience store, said.

Despite disagreement, it is great to see the government make a big step in taking single-use plastic seriously. Yet, the idea of censoring images of single-use plastic in television programmes by National Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-Archa has been criticised as ridiculous. Varuwat explained that it is similar to blurring cigarettes, liquor and gun on TVs.

"This is too far. I read the internet and found a plastic bag was invented to prevent cutting trees. It's great to ban single-use plastic, but plastic bags aren't a total evil. They were invented from great intention. We should reduce and reuse it. We shouldn't look at people who carry plastic bags as bad people. In some cases, they are still necessary," Duang said to Bangkok Post reporter Suwitcha Chaiyoung.

See original Story Here:

https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/1834444/to-use-is-to-reuse
(Newser)  A former congressman who was one of President Donald Trumps first supporters was sentenced Friday to two years and two months in federal prison after admitting he helped his son and others dodge $800,000 in stock market losses when he learned that a drug trial by a small pharmaceutical company had failed. Christopher Collins, 69, was sentenced by US District Judge Vernon S. Broderick in Manhattan after the Republican pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and lying to law enforcement officials, per the AP. Collins broke down and apologized to his family, ex-constituents, and colleagues. "I stand here today as a disgraced former member of Congress," he said. "My life has been shattered." Collins' lawyers had argued he was sorry and should face no prison time in the insider trading case; prosecutors said he should go to prison for nearly five years.

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They said Collins and his son, Cameron, were worth a total of $35 million when they conspired to sell shares in a pharmaceutical firm before devastating news was made public. The trading, prosecutors said, enabled Cameron Collins and friends to dodge $800,000 in losses. Collins' attorneys pushed for leniency, citing his contrition and advanced age, among other factors. "This is a sad and tragic day for Chris and his family," defense attorney Jonathan Barr said. "He stands before you humbled, penitent, and remorseful." Collins had been a vocal Trump supporter, becoming the first member of Congress to endorse him as a presidential candidate. Collins had represented western New York since his election to the state's 27th Congressional District in 2012. He resigned when he decided to plead guilty to one conspiracy count, leaving the district's constituents without representation in Congress. (Read more Chris Collins stories.)
YARKAND, China  The winding, crowded lanes of old Yarkand, an ancient Silk Road town, preserve patterns of life that go back centuries.

On a recent morning, smoke wafted from sputtering grills of lamb and ovens lined with baking flatbread. Clangs rang from a coppersmith shaping bowls with a hammer. Twangs from a dutar, a two-stringed lute, floated from a store selling traditional musical instruments. In a dimly lit teahouse, old men in Muslim head caps murmured in conversation.

Sitting on the fringe of the Taklamakan Desert, Yarkand remains a cultural cradle for Uighurs, a mostly Muslim minority in Chinas far western Xinjiang region. But their way of life is under intense pressure.
Park Life: New Tiger Park to open in Chalong already challenged on ethical confinement

PHUKET: A new tiger tourist attraction in Phuket simply called Tiger Park, slated to open by the end of this month, is already under fire from animal welfare groups for offering yet another option for tourists to have their photos taken with the majestic animals.

tourismanimals

By The Phuket News

Saturday 18 January 2020, 09:00AM

Yet, Tippawan Prathummanee, General Manager of Tiger Park Phuket, which operates under Navaphol Big Tiger Co Ltd, the operator of Tiger Park Pattaya, defends the new parks form of operations. The park does not raise tigers to sell or to exchange for other wildlife animals.

Our goal is to ensure that all of our tigers live in natural environments that make them feel safe You can feel, touch, hug and take photos with tigers without chains or drug control, Ms Tippawan said.

There will be 29 tigers at the park, including cubs, and female and male adult tigers, ranging from two months to 10 years old. All of the tigers to be featured at the new park will come from Tiger Park Pattaya.

We have had much experience with tigers in Pattaya. We are well educated about tiger behaviours and how to take care of them, Ms Tippawan assured.

We also have certified veterinarians on site to look after the tigers, as required by law, and the tigers will be fed fresh chickens from farms that use low hormones. We never use drugs to make tigers docile, we only give them medicines for treatment, and newborn cubs stay with their mothers, she added.

The main target markets of visitors for the park, located on about 14 rai in Soi Yodsane 1 near the entrance to the Big Buddha viewpoint, are Chinese, Indian and Russian tourists.

We are nearly ready for a pre-opening in time for Chinese New Year. Once fully open, we expect about 5,000 visitors a week, Ms Tippawan explained.

The park will be open daily from 9am to 6pm, but the entry prices have not yet been finalised, she added.

Ms Tippawan admitted that Navaphol Big Tiger Co Ltd, as the operator of Tiger Park Pattaya, was initially involved in the operation of Tiger Kingdom in Phuket.

But Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai and Phuket were later separated from our operations and are not under Navaphol Big Tiger Co Ltd anymore, she said.

Ms Tippawan declined to explain the details of the separation or explain what role Navaphol Big Tiger played in the set up and operation of Tiger Kingdom.

Presently Navaphol Big Tiger Co Ltd is not involved with Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai and Phuket. she repeated.

Ms Tippawan did volunteer that before the Tiger Park Pattaya venue opened, Navaphol Big Tiger Co Ltd had more than 20 years experience working with Trakarn Zoo in Ubon Ratchathani.

I understand that there are a lot of different thoughts about tigers, but our main purpose is to conserve tigers in Thailand. Tiger Park in Pattaya has been open for more than 20 years, so we have demonstrated that we pay much attention to tigers lives and health in our park.

Ms Tippawan argues that keeping tigers in captivity is much better than the current alternatives.

The enclosures at the new Tiger Park will emulate the tropical jungle, which I believe is safer than the forests in Thailand  as we have seen with the case of the panther [being poached] last year, she said.

Worse, there are people who still like to collect organs and other parts of tigers because they believe they are sacred, so the demand for tigers fangs, bones, claws and fur is still high. Tigers are much better off being cared in the park until the forest is safe enough.

At the park the tigers will be surrounded with trees, so that they can rest in the shade. They will also be able to enjoy swimming in a pool. Keeping them here until it is safe for them to be returned to Thai forests is a lot safer, and we have lots of tropical trees, swimming pools, man-made rivers, barriers and proper shelters for them, Ms Tippawan added.

When it is safe for tigers to remain in national forests, at that time we will be willing to let them go back to the real jungle, she said.

Phuket is full of tourists and expats. This is a good way for people to see tigers, and in return the tigers are fed healthy food, get medical treatment and stay in a good environment, she added

Backlash

Comments online have already gained momentum against the opening of the new park, saying This is disgraceful. I definitely wont be travelling to Thailand anytime soon! and It is very frustrating seeing this kind of tiger hell expanding all over Thailand. Certainly bad for animal welfare and conservation. Hope tourists wont support it

One comment noted, This is very sad such a shame there are still so many people that are ignorant or willing to believe this contributes to conservation somehow.

John Dalley, co-founder of respected animal welfare Soi Dog Foundation, based in Phuket, told The Phuket News, Tiger Park like other similar attractions exists for one purpose only. To make money from tourists. Wildlife is exploited widely in Phuket and the other tourist destinations in Thailand. The draw is obvious. The chances of seeing these magnificent animals are slim.

As Ms Tippawan states, it is aimed at Asian and Russian tourists. Most Western tourists now thankfully shun such places, understanding the cruelty involved, whether it be elephants, tigers or dolphins and most zoos.

Tigers will breed readily, supplying the constant demand for cubs, essential for the tourist experience. What happens when there are too many grown tigers to be accommodated on the site?

Mr Dalley pointed out that for years the infamous Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi catered to tourists before it was exposed that they were dealing in tiger parts. When it was closed over 40 recently killed cubs were found in a freezer there.

Tigers that could not be fully trusted spend their lives in cages and are used only for breeding, he noted.

Grave concerns have been expressed regarding the cruel training methods used by trainers on cubs and reinforced on adult tigers to keep them docile. Without such training methods or the use of drugs then adult tigers would not allow themselves to be cuddled by tourists.

Ms Tippawan seems to be claiming that the park is a refuge and that it is some sort of conservation project. The reality is that all conservation projects are based on returning animals to the wild and it would be impossible to return any of these tigers to the wild now, he added.
Bouncers lined up the doorway of the Congress headquarters in Odishas Bhubaneswar as rival groups within the party engaged in a war of words that threatened to spiral out of control during a meeting.

The burly men stood guard outside the room where a meeting chaired by the Congress Odisha unit chief Niranjan Patnaik and state in-charge Jitendra Singh was underway on Friday morning.

Party sources said the bouncers were directed not to allow disgruntled elements inside the meeting room.

The meeting was the first such after the partys debacle in the assembly elections last year when it won nine seats with 16.1% votes, its lowest-ever.

Outside, a group led by former Odisha convenor of the National Students Union of Indias, Itish Pradhan, sat on a sit-in protest levelling serious allegations against the top brass of the state Congress.

Pradhan, who was suspended a few months ago for his involvement in anti-party activities and indiscipline, said he came to the office to lodge his protest over the way he was suspended.

I was suspended through a well-planned conspiracy for speaking the truth. However, no action was taken against some particular party leaders who had earlier indulged in anti-party activities and indiscipline, Pradhan said.

The All India Youth Congress in-charge recently said that PCC (Pradesh Congress Committee) cannot intervene in the matter of appointment of any youth Congress members. But why was I suspended from the party? he asked.

As Pradhans supporters sat on a protest, a war of words ensued between them and the group behind the state Congress chief. Pradhans supporters later locked the main gate of the party headquarters in protest.

Navajyoti Patnaik, the son of Niranjan Patnaik and partys candidate from Balasore Lok Sabha constituency, however, dismissed the protest as inconsequential.

The partys fortunes have been in doldrums since last years general election when it lost the status of the main opposition party to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and it has been in news for all the wrong reasons.

Last month, former party lawmaker Pradip Majhi was booked by the police over allegations that he incited his supporters to riot in Nabarangpur district during a protest over the rape of a girl.
A missile attack launched by Shiite rebels in Yemen hit an army camp Saturday, killing at least 25 troops, Yemeni officials said.

The missile strike in the central province of Marib wounded around 10 others.

Officials said they expected the death toll to rise as burn victims were rushed to hospitals.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorised to talk to the media.

The Houthi attack on the military training camp followed an ongoing barrage of assaults by Saudi-backed forces on rebel targets east of the capital, Sanaa.

Those attacks killed at least 22 people on both sides, according to officials.

Iran-backed Houthi rebels have remained in control of the capital, Sanaa, since ousting the government of President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi in 2014.

The conflict became a proxy war months later, when a Saudi-led military coalition intervened to restore the internationally recognized government.

The war has killed more than 10,000 people, displaced more than 3 million and pushed the country to the brink of major famine.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex face paying up to 360,000 rent a year to retain Frogmore Cottage  even though they will hardly use the historic house.

Under the terms of the extraordinary abdication deal revealed yesterday, the Windsor property will still be the UK family home for the couple and their son Archie.

Royal sources have told The Mail on Sunday that the Sussexes will have to pay rent at a commercial rate for the cottage, even though the couple are set to spend most of the year abroad.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex face paying up to 360,000 rent a year to retain Frogmore Cottage  even though they will hardly use the historic house

According to a recent expert estimate, Frogmore Cottage would command 30,000 a month on the open market. And that wont be all theyll be splashing out on it.

In the Buckingham Palace statement yesterday, the Sussexes expressed their wish to repay the 2.4 million of taxpayers money used to refurbish the cottage.

The revelation last year that modernisation works on the Grade II listed property had cost so much sparked controversy, with the Queen reported to be privately unhappy over the expenditure.

It is not yet clear how the couple will repay the money and over what period of time.

Frogmore Cottage is likely to remain shuttered for most of the year as the couple make a new life in North America.

According to a recent expert estimate, Frogmore Cottage would command 30,000 a month on the open market. And that wont be all theyll be splashing out on it

At least two permanent employees  a house manager and a cleaner  were moved to other duties within the Queens household last week after Harry and Meghans announcement that they planned to quit Britain. Other members of staff such as chefs, maids and footmen, were told their services were no longer required.

Money from the Sovereign Grant had been used to convert the property from five separate cottages for Royal staff into one large five-bedroom residence.

Harry and Meghan used their personal wealth to pay for fixtures and fittings and Prince Charles reportedly spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on what was a major building project.

The couple are believed to have hired Vicky Charles, the decorator responsible for celebrity-beloved Soho Farmhouse private members club in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, to help furnish Frogmore.

When they made their abdication announcement last week, Harry and Meghan made clear they wished to keep the cottage as they continue to support the monarchy and so that their family will always have a place to call home in the United Kingdom.

The statement from Buckingham Palace said: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have shared their wish to repay Sovereign Grant expenditure for the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage, which will remain their UK family home.

Frogmore Cottage was a gift to Harry and Meghan from the Queen. It was built in 1680 by Charles II and has been a royal residence since 1792.

Its name refers to the frogs which live in the area.

When Queen Victoria dined at the cottage in 1875, she reportedly said the number of frogs at the property was quite dreadful.
Jonathan Ananda By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: One mans gain is another mans loss and Indian telecoms current AGR dues crisis only confirms this economic truism. Thursdays decision by the Supreme Court to dismiss review petitions against its October 2019 order directing them to pay around Rs 1.47 lakh crore in statutory dues to the government leaves clear winners and losers in its wake.

Analysts say that in the absence of immediate relief, Vodafone Idea may well have to hang up its boots and file for bankruptcy, leaving its financial creditors high and dry. Rivals Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, on the other hand, will have Vodafone Ideas millions of subscribers to woo.

While both Airtel and Vodafone Idea may file curative petitions, Motilal Oswal (MOSFL) analysts say that "historically such petitions have been rarely accepted by the SC". Stock movements on Friday only buttress this view.

ALSO READ| Vodafone Idea's ability to compete in Indian market may weaken: Moody's

While Airtel scrips ended 5.47 per cent higher, Vodafone Idea stock finished the day 25.21 per cent lower. Banks with high exposure to telecom stocks also saw stock prices crash, with analysts noting that major banks have a debt exposure worth nearly Rs 1.8 lakh crore to the telecom sector.

However, it is Vodafone Ideas debt that is a matter of immediate concern to financial creditors. While Airtel and Vodafone Idea have to shell out Rs 35,586 crore and Rs 53,038 crore respectively by January 23, according to the Department of Telecom, analysts are confident that Airtel will be able to foot the bill.

The company had raised over Rs 14,000 crore just last week to service its AGR liabilities. We believe exposure to Vodafone Idea remains most concerning due to insufficient cash balance and cash flows, and a lack of borrowing capacity to fund these dues. For banks with exposure to Vodafone Idea, fund-based exposures are likely to be at the highest risk, said JM Financials analysts in a note.

ALSO READ| AGR issue: Survival of internet firms under threat, duopoly not good for market, says ISPAI

Major banks to whom Vodafone Idea owes the most principal outstanding include Yes Bank (Rs 5,000 crore), State Bank of India (Rs 4,750 crore), Punjab National Bank (Rs 2,000 crore), Canara Bank (Rs 1,000 crore) and IndusInd Bank (Rs 995 crore). Vodafone Ideas total debt to banks stand at over Rs 30,000 crore currently.

"The company has no source of cash to pay the liabilities and was entirely dependent on payment relief. It has cash merely to continue operations for the next 2-3 quarters. Taking the AGR liability aside, our workings indicate Vodafone Idea (post recent price hike) has a deficit of Rs 40-50b to cover cash interest and capex from operating cash flow," said the brokerage.

However, the government may well step in to provide relief, since top ministers and officials have indicated that the Centre is not in favour of the private telecom sector turning into a duopoly. "It wont be surprising if the government comes to the rescue of the telecom sector," MOSFL noted.

Centre has little gain from AGR dues

According to JM Financial Ltd, the Central government stands to gain little from the inflow of AGR dues, since even in the best case scenario, it is likely to gain just 0.28 per cent of GDP in FY20.
ANKENY, Iowa - Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg said Saturday the Oval Office benefits from the perspective of a wartime veteran, a niche he occupies exclusively among top-tier candidates in his partys race for the 2020 nomination.

During an interview on Iowa PBS in suburban Des Moines, Buttigieg was asked if theres value in a president who had faced hostile fire.

Buttigieg, a Naval intelligence officer in Afghanistan in 2014, noted he had been present for rocket attacks while stationed at Bagram Airfield, and later faced potential danger as an armed driver in Kabul. Another presidential candidate, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, served in Iraq, but is running far behind the front-running candidates.

This is very real for me, Buttigieg told interviewer David Yepsen. And I do believe there is value in someone in the Oval Office understanding whats at stake, understanding at a personal level whats at stake, when decisions are made that could send people into a conflict.

Buttigieg often cites his seven months deployed to Afghanistan, though has seldom said as directly the next president should be a wartime veteran. The 37-year-old former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, is the only military veteran in the top tier of the field of Democrats running for president. He would be the only president to have served in the military since George W. Bush.

That perspective is needed especially when weve got a president who thinks that strength is the same as the chest-thumping of the loudmouth guy at the end of the bar, Buttigieg said.

Buttigieg, who was tasked with reading and interpreting intelligence on the flow of money to terrorist cells, said he doubted President Donald Trump thoroughly consulted intelligence, members of Congress or U.S. allies before ordering the strike this month that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Iraq.

__

This story has been corrected to reflect that Buttigieg thinks the Oval Office benefits from the perspective of someone with military experience, not that being a wartime veteran should be required.
Real Estate agent Alice Jennings of Houlihan Lawrences New Canaan brokerage was recently awarded Realtor Citizen of the Year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors. The award, which exemplifies professionalism and dedication to the community, was presented to Jennings at the organizations holiday party, which was held Dec. 3 at the Carriage Barn Arts Center.

Jennings, who is a native New Canaanite, has been a full-time residential broker for the last 27 years. She and her husband raised five children and they all attended the New Canaan public schools.

Jennings is a member of the Connecticut Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors and a graduate of the Graduate Real Estate Institute (G.R.I.). Her volunteer commitments include former board member of The Waveny Chamber Music Society, the New Canaan Artisans/New Canaan Sewing Group and Meals on Wheels. Art museums, classical music concerts and the New Canaan YMCA are among her outside interests.

For more information about Jennings, and the award, visit Houlihan Lawrences website at houlihanlawrence.com.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 15:25:58|Editor: huaxia

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LOS ANGELES/BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- High-tech companies in China and the United States have applauded the signing of China-U.S. phase-one trade agreement Wednesday, saying it has injected more certainty and stability in bilateral tech cooperation.

"We believe that signing the phase-one trade deal will bring certainty to the bilateral relationship between the two largest economies in the world," Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yang Yuanqing told Xinhua in an interview.

"As a global company, we expect greater certainty and improvement in the business climate can follow the deal," he said.

China and the United States are intertwined in the field of technology and neither can separate from the other, he added.

After nearly two years of strenuous negotiations, Chinese Vice Premier Liu He and U.S. President Donald Trump inked the agreement on Wednesday at the White House.

The agreement ranges from expanding bilateral trade in agricultural products, manufactured goods, energy, services and further broadening market access, to enhancing the protection of intellectual property rights.

"The signing of the agreement helps avoid the risk of 'decoupling' of China-U.S. technology cooperation," said Alex Liu, founder of the Research Methods and Data Science (RMDS) Lab, a leading data science research organization headquartered in Pasadena, California.

Liu, former chief data scientist of IBM, told Xinhua the implementation of the agreement will improve China's intellectual property rights protection, which helps to boost China-U.S. scientific and technological cooperation.

Karen Thomas, president and CEO of Thomas Public Relations, Inc., a leading U.S. agency in high-tech and consumer electronics, welcomed the phase-one trade deal.

"We have numerous Chinese partnerships and work well in collaboration with Chinese technology companies. We believe that this trade agreement will boost cooperation between U.S. and Chinese tech companies and expect both countries to prosper from the deal," she told Xinhua in an interview.

The new agreement brings hope for many high-tech startups. Cao Hui, co-founder of Mutrics, a Chinese tech startup based in Shenzhen that designs and manufactures smart bluetooth music sunglasses, told Xinhua the company has encountered difficulties in the U.S. market in the past year due to tariff hikes on Chinese products.

"The signing of the agreement is exciting news for the two countries' tech companies, bringing better prospects and more confidence for companies to thrive in each other's markets," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 00:29:54|Editor: yan

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TRIPOLI, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Libya's state-owned National Oil Corporation (NOC) on Saturday declared a state of force majeure in oil ports, accusing the east-based army of closing the ports.

The Libyan National Army has "instructed ... subsidiaries of the NOC to stop oil exports from Brega, Ras Lanuf, Hariga, Zueitina, and Sidra ports," the NOC said in a statement.

The closure of the ports causes loss of daily crude oil production of 800,000 barrels, or a daily equivalent of 55 million U.S. dollars, according to the statement.

A day earlier, Ahmad al-Mismari, spokesman of the east-based army, said closure of the oil ports is a "huge step made by the people."

"Since the decision of the Turkish Parliament to send troops to Libya ... we have seen massive protests against the decision which seeks to occupy Libya again," the spokesman said in a press conference in the eastern city of Benghazi.

The closure of the oil ports is "a popular civilian action ... and the army had listened to the call of the Libyan people," al-Mismari added.

Meanwhile, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Saturday expressed concern over the closure of oil ports.

"UNSMIL expresses deep concern over current efforts to disrupt or impair oil production in Libya. This move would have devastating consequences first and foremost for the Libyan people who depend on the free flow of oil for their well-being," UNSMIL said in a statement.

The east-based army of Libya has been leading a military campaign since early April of 2019 in and around the capital Tripoli, trying to take over the city and topple the rival UN-backed government.

The fighting has killed and injured thousands of people, and forced more than 120,000 civilians to flee their homes.

Berlin will host an international conference on Libya on Sunday, with participation of both parties to the conflict as well as a number of representatives from the countries in and beyond the region.

The conference aims to end the ongoing armed conflict between the two rivals and resume political dialogue in Libya.
Exponential economist meets finite physicist View(s):

Saroj Jayasinghe, Professor of Medicine at Colombo University, had recently sent a mail sharing an Internet link. The link directed me to a physicists blog post under the title Exponential economist meets finite physicist.

It was an interesting conversation between an economist and a physicist, who have met each other at a banquet dinner table and happened to sit together. I glanced at the conversation which was on an issue raised by the physicist, who argued that economic growth cannot go forever, because resources in the world are limited.

Resource limitation is, anyway, not strange in the subject areas of economics. Any student of economics should have learnt the subject with the idea that resources are limited, but human wants are unlimited as the foundation of economics! But they must have never thought of this economic problem, posed by a non-economist.

Physics and Economics

Before we turn to the crux of the matter in the conversation between the exponential economist and the finite physicist, it is worthwhile noting the connection between these two subject areas. They are closely related. Though economists hardly go into physics, it is quite common that physics students sometimes end up being economists!

Some of the students who have studied physics at their undergraduate degrees later choose to do economics at postgraduate levels. And I knew that they have done it well. Sometimes, I questioned why economics degrees in the Sri Lankan universities are not open to the science students who have studied subjects like physics and mathematics in school.

One of the important reasons why students with science background do well in economics is the competence in quantitative knowledge that they have acquired by following subjects like physics and mathematics. But there is a fatal risk too: If they dont look beyond the quantitative formula into the world of economics, they often run into troubles. And the trouble leads to an absurd outcome, especially when there are practical applications.

The source of the trouble is that economics is not only a science with quantitative relationships, but also a social science with qualitative fundamentals.

Let me elaborate the point with a simple example: Imagine a cylinder-shape container like a soft drink can. A physics formula would reveal that if its height is reduced and the width (diameter) is increased enabling it to hold the same liquid content, then the amount of material required to manufacture that cylinder (such as plastic or metal) could be reduced too.

If a cylinder manufacturer takes the idea and tries to maximise profits by reducing just the material cost, would it be a successful business?

Absolutely not, because the manufacturer has to look at many other factors  such as consumer preferences and their income levels, design attractiveness, handling convenience, storage and transportation costs and, competitive products by others. Perhaps, the manufacturer might decide to move in the opposite direction by increasing the height of the cylinder, causing higher material cost, which would lead to improve the consumer preferences resulting in even higher profits.

Exponential economist

The physicists terminology for the economist against himself  exponential economist and finite physicist  implies the way that he thinks about the world of economics: Growth is exponential (increases more and more), and continues without ending!

From the physics point of view, this is an impossibility. Earths physical resources such as energy are limited so that one day growth should come to a halt. They are not arguing about a timespan with millions of years to the future, but to the near future  perhaps, a shorter period of time less than few centuries.

The economist, on the other hand, who moved out of the context by ignoring the usual ceteris paribus assumption of other things equal, seems to have got caught up in the physics formula.

Of course, he argued that alternative energies and energy technologies would do the job, sustaining growth indefinitely. But the physicist seems to have already done the homework in calculating energy growth with all that. Still the potential resource availability would fall short of the potential economic growth.

The debate didnt end too. Neither the physicist nor the economist would agree to compromise their position too. The physicist was with the view that economic growth would come to an end sooner than later, while the economist was with the view that it would continue.

Economics: more out of less

Economics is about making more out of less. Throughout the human history, people learnt how to get more and more value out of less and less inputs  resources, labour, and time. As a result, the amount of resources required to produce a given output value has become much less today than it was 100 years ago. To put it in the other way around, the same amount of resources can produce more output value today than it could 100 years ago.

Thus, growth is not necessarily about pulling out and consuming more and more resources. It is also about knowledge, technology and, productivity. This is, however, not to say that growth is infinitely exponential or at least linear. In fact, it is not, but not for the reason that the physicist has given  limited resources.

Growth is not indefinitely exponential. It is more logistic and even cyclical. This means that growth gets accelerated at its early stages, decelerated at maturity and, then turn out to be even negative. Thus, growth is subject to the business cycles or trade cycles, which have been studied well by economists for over a century now.

In the early 20th Century, it was an economic puzzle to many as to why the UK economy that had become the great economic power in the world began to lose it to the US. In fact, today the US is losing it to China.

For instance, one of the economists at the time  Nicholas Kaldor wrote in his paper published in the Economic Journal in 1954: Since the very beginnings of speculation on the problem of the Trade Cycle, the cyclical swings of the economic system have been regarded as being inherently connected with the essentially dynamic process of economic growth.

In this publication, Kaldor reasoned out why the UK economy lost its growth momentum: the historical boom periods of the last 150 years were, in many cases, clearly associated with the exploitation of major technical innovations, such as the railways, electricity or the automobile.

Problem of correlation

It is the new technological innovations that produces a growth momentum, which is indeed a finite growth momentum. It is bound to slow down at maturity and, lead to a downturn thereafter. The long-term business cycles in the world are the inherent outcomes of a major technological innovation or a set of innovations, which creates capacity for investment and profits to grow, resulting in higher growth.

Expansion comes to end, when the productive capacity of the innovation is fully exhausted. The real economy begins to contract, even though it can be disguised under money and credit growth. Then the growth momentum can begin somewhere else, again with major technological invention and innovation.

As we all know, at present time it has begun in Asia with major innovations in the areas of IT, biotechnology and robotics. As Asia has become the fastest growing region in the world, the advanced countries  particularly the US and the EU -, have been struggling to maintain at least their slower growth rates which existed prior to the 2009 global crisis. It is noteworthy that there are other factors that create different types of growth cycles with different timespans.

We just mentioned another important dimension of economic growth  its bumpy! Although we average the world economic growth to a single figure eliminating all pluses and minuses, growth is actually, uneven across the geographical space.

So, finally, can we say that growth continues infinitely? Absolutely not, but it is a more complex outcome of inherent factors than a simple correlation problem between growth rate and resource limitation.

(The writer is a Professor of Economics at the University of Colombo and can be reached at sirimal@econ.cmb.ac.lk).
WASHINGTON - House Democrats released new documents Friday evening showing extensive contact between an associate of President Donald Trump's personal attorney and an aide to the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee regarding the effort to obtain material from Ukrainian prosecutors that would be damaging to former vice president Joe Biden.

The text messages between Lev Parnas, who functioned as Rudy Giuliani's emissary to Ukrainian officials, and Derek Harvey, an aide to Rep. Devin Nunes, the ranking Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, indicate Nunes' office was aware of the operation at the heart of impeachment proceedings against the president - and sought to use the information Parnas was gathering.

The newly released texts show that Parnas was working last spring to set up calls for Harvey with the Ukrainian prosecutors who were feeding Giuliani information about Biden.

"Also do you want to interview the general prosecutor who got [ditched] by Biden ? Also the anti corruption prosecutor ? Let me know," Parnas wrote on April 19.

"Does tomorrow work?" Harvey responded.

The messages also show that Harvey met with Parnas and Giuliani at the Trump hotel in Washington.

Harvey and a spokesman for Nunes did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The text messages corroborate Parnas' previous claims that he arranged conversations with the Ukrainian prosecutors for the Nunes aide. And they deepen questions about how much Nunes knew about the pressure campaign - even as he served as one of Trump's most vociferous defenders during the House impeachment hearings.

"I was in shock when I was watching the hearings and when I saw Devin Nunes sitting up there," Parnas told MSNBC's Rachel Maddow this week. "I texted my attorney. I said, 'I can't believe this is happening.' "

Records that the House Democrats released in December first showed calls between Parnas and Nunes. At the time, Nunes said he couldn't remember speaking with Parnas.

On Thursday, Nunes told Fox News that he had reviewed his records, which refreshed his memory of having one conversation.

"(I) checked it with my records and it was very clear - I remember that call, which was very odd, random, talking about random things, and I said, 'great,' you know, 'talk to my staff,' and boom, boom, boom. That's just normal operating procedure," Nunes said.

However, the documents released Friday show extensive interactions between Parnas and Nunes's aide - and that Harvey in April sent Parnas contact information for the congressman.

The messages show that Parnas and Harvey exchanged numerous communications beginning in February and set up several in person meetings, including with key individuals around Giuliani that were most involved in the Biden effort.

"We are at trump with Rudy and John Solomon and joe in private room," Parnas wrote the Nunes aide on May 7, apparently inviting him to the Trump International Hotel to meet with Giuliani, as well as Solomon, a conservative columnist, Joe DiGenova, a lawyer working with Giuliani.

"Can you come now," Parnas continued.

"Yes," Harvey responded.

The texts also indicate that Parnas passed a copy of one of the Ukrainian prosecutor's resumes in English to Harvey. Parnas also seemed to have sent him a copy of the Ukrainian passport of the tycoon who owns the gas company that placed Biden's son Hunter on its board. How the copy of the passport was obtained, and what Harvey was planning to do with it, if anything, is unclear.

Parnas, who is facing federal campaign charges and has recently broken with Giuliani and turned against the president, told MSNBC this week that Nunes and Harvey "were involved in getting all this stuff on Biden."

"Derek Harvey had several interviews, Skype interviews I set up, with different prosecutors like (Nazar) Kholodnytsky, which is the anti-corruption prosecutor of Ukraine (and) Konstantyn Kulyk, one of the major guys that's had this whole Biden stuff," Parnas said.

Parnas suggested to MSNBC he was told to communicate with Harvey instead of Nunes directly because "Devin Nunes had an ethics, something to do with an ethics committee, and he couldn't be in a spotlight."

The materials released Friday also include screenshots that Robert Hyde, a former Marine and candidate for Congress in Connecticut, sent to Parnas discussing surveillance of former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch.

The screenshots appear to show Hyde having a text message exchange with an unknown person with a Belgian mobile number regarding Yovanovitch's movements in Ukraine, as he updates Parnas about the situation. Whether the person with the Belgian number was actually monitoring Yovanovitch is unclear.

Hyde, in an interview Wednesday with Eric Bolling on the Sinclair Broadcasting show "America This Week," denied ordering private surveillance on Yovanovitch and said his messages were sent to Parnas in jest and were selectively released.

"It was just colorful. We were playing. I thought we were playing," Hyde said, adding it was "unfortunate the left had to get their panties in a bunch."

Asked if he had "eyes on" Yovanovitch, Hyde said: "Are you kidding me?"

Parnas said on MSNBC he didn't believe Hyde was actually carrying out surveillance on Yovanovitch.

"I don't believe it's true," Parnas said. "I think he was either drunk or he was trying to make himself bigger than he was, so I didn't take it seriously"

The new materials also offered further indication of how Giuliani sent messages to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky through Parnas. In one message released late Friday, Giuliani appears to ask Parnas to tell Zelensky through the Ukrainian prosecutor general that he needs to break with a Ukrainian oligarch who is associated with him and take more of the tycoon's assets for the state.

"Show him my tweets and tell him to tell President-elect to stop acting like a boy and become a man and take control," Giuliani told Parnas. "Arrest this bum and take more of his money back."

Parnas responded with three thumbs-up emoticons.

Ukrainian authorities announced this week the opening of an investigation into the possibility that the U.S. ambassador was under surveillance or being stalked by associates of Parnas and Giuliani. Yovanovitch was removed from her post last spring after Giuliani urged Trump to fire her and helped fuel a public pressure campaign against her in conservative media outlets.

According to text messages the House Democrats released, Ukrainian Prosecutor General Yuri Lutsenko had demanded her ouster in exchange for helping with the Biden effort.

- - -

The Washington Post's Karoun Demirjian contributed to this report.
Alfred Freddy Kotogbor

17.01.2020 LISTEN

The NDC UK & Ireland youth organizer, Mr. Alfred Freddy Kotogbor has stated that Ghanaians are yearning for the come back of President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC government.

He was expressing how Ghanaians have missed the massive infrastructure and development the former president John Mahama was discharging to help develop the country on Omega live tv in UK.

For the first time, diplomats and other international bodies had voiced out how they are, disappointed in the ongoing massive corruption under President Akufo Addo's regime said by the youth organiser of NDC UK & Ireland. He further said the banking crisis was a deliberately orchestrated agenda executed by the finance minister and the President himself to destroy the businesses of targeted individuals.

Mr Alfred Freddy Kotogbor passionately edges Ghanaians to vote for President John Mahama and NDC to rescue Ghanaians from the current President Nana Akufo Addo. He added that the vision of President Mahama will enhance a good standard of living for all Ghanaians.

He lastly explained why Ghanaians don't need a new voters register rather should stick to the current voters register for a peaceful election in 2020.
Billionaire Michael Spencer has placed a giant bet on a string of growing firms amid speculation he could join the House of Lords.

New accounts for the Icap founder's personal investment vehicle, IPGL Holdings, show he invested 75.5million in private and listed companies in the year to March 31, 2019.

Big investments included stakes in insurer Singapore Life and investment platform AJ Bell. Spencer, who is tipped to be handed a peerage in the coming weeks, also increased his holding in Chapel Down, the English sparkling wine maker.

Investment call: Michael Spencer with Cheryl Tweedy at a charity event

IPGL, chaired and owned by Spencer, had net assets of 1.05billion as of March last year, confirming his status as a self-made billionaire.

He has since spent over 10million on a 10 per cent share of the Tote bookmaker, and 20million on 'femtech' start-up Elvie.

Spencer has made 11 big investments since selling his FTSE 100 trading giant Nex to Chicago's CME for 3.9billion in 2018 receiving 721.6million for his 18 per cent stake. Smaller investments include backing an African oil start-up with veteran oil and gold prospector Algy Cluff.

A spokesman said: 'Michael Spencer is developing IPGL into a venture capital investor and private office.'

Spencer, 64, one of the City's biggest Tory donors, made political donations of 716,000.

His firm also set aside 9million to cover an ongoing legal battle between his boutique investment bank Tellimer, formerly called Exotix Capital, and the liquidators of Lehman Brothers.
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Mutual funds (MFs) are in the spotlight after it emerged that they have a total debt exposure worth Rs 3,000 crore in Vodafone Idea.

Franklin Templeton MF, which has 62 percent (Rs 1,738 crore) exposure in Vodafone Idea (VIL) - the highest, is the first fund house to mark down its investment in the company to zero.

"The large quantum of AGR dues and the immediate payment timeline is resulting in significant uncertainty with respect to our exposure to VIL. As per news reports, VIL acknowledged its inability to retain financial solvency in the absence of relief measures from the government," a statement uploaded to the MF's website read.

"Debt securities of VIL held in schemes of Franklin Templeton have been marked down to zero. The valuation adjustment only reflects the realisable price of the relevant securities on the date of valuation and does not indicate any reduction or write-off of the amount repayable by VIL," the statement added.

The fund house also notified that fresh inflows in the scheme have been limited to Rs 2 lakh per day, per fund, per investor, until further notice.

Six schemes of Franklin Templeton MF namely - Franklin India Ultra Short Bond Fund, Franklin India Short Term Income Plan, Franklin India Low Duration Fund, Franklin India Credit Risk Fund, Franklin India Dynamic Accrual Fund and Franklin India Income Opportunities Fund have exposures of 4 percent to 6.5 percent in Vodafone Ideal debt papers.

The marking down of exposure in Vodafone Idea has led to a 4-7 percent drop in the net asset value of its schemes.

Franklin Templeton is followed by UTI MF, Nippon India MF and Aditya Birla Sun Life MF in terms of exposure to the company, Morningstar India data showed. The other three have not yet marked down their holdings.

Last Resort

According to brokerage houses, the only option left with Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea is to file a curative petition with a wider bench, but the time is short.

"It is likely that the government breaks its silence and spreads out the payment over a long period. No action by the government will include a major hit to government revenues. The chances of a relief from a curative petition before January 23 deadline look remote. Spread-out payments plus tariff increases are a feasible combination," IIFL Securities said.

The Supreme Court's on January 16 dismissed petitions filed by Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, Tata Teleservices and RailTel, seeking a review of its judgment on adjusted gross revenue (AGR).

This came as a major setback especially for Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel, which owe the government around Rs 44,000 crore and Rs 35,586 crore, respectively, payable by January 23.

RailTel is the only state-owned telecom infrastructure services provider.

In its October 24 order on the longstanding AGR-liability case, the apex court ruled in favour of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and ordered telcos to pay their AGR liabilities within three months of the judgment date, which is January 23.

Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, in total, reported a loss of nearly Rs 74,000 crore in quarter that ended September 2019 on account of provision for AGR dues.

As per the latest telecom subscribers data for November, Vodafone India lost 3.64 crore subscribers in a month against the addition of 1.89 lakh users in the previous month. It still has 33.62 crore subscribers, making it the number two company in India.

Reliance Jio is the number one player in terms of subscribers (36.99 crore).

Reliance Industries (RIL), which also owns Jio, is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments
January 17, 2020

News

By Jim Garamone

Defense.gov

U.S., French Military Leaders Discuss Terror Threat in West Africa

Army Gen. Mark A. Milley discussed the terror threat in West Africa with French Army Gen. Francois Lecointre during meetings this week and will present the French view of operations in that area as the Defense Department reviews the resources and personnel assigned to U.S. Africa Command.

Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met Lecointre, his French counterpart, as part of NATO's Military Committee meeting in Brussels.

The French are leading efforts in West Africa and have more than 4,500 service members in the region, according to the French military.

U.S. personnel in West Africa work closely with French, British and local forces to contain the terror threat.

There is a danger from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria in the region, and ISIS claims the terror groups in the area of Mali, Niger and Burkino Faso constitute a "province" of the caliphate. "There's a variety of terrorist organizations that are operating in the area that have declared allegiance to ISIS and al-Qaida," Milley told reporters.

The U.S. military provides crucial logistic, aviation and sensing capabilities to local and partner forces, and French officials have said they need those capabilities to meet the challenges of the mission.

DOD is working to ensure the National Defense Strategy is resourced correctly, so Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper has directed reviews of manning at the various combatant commands.

According to the National Defense Strategy, the main effort is directed at the Indo-Pacific region to deter China, followed by Europe and Russia. North Korea, Iran; violent extremist organizations are the other threats.

For a strategy to have any meaning, resources must back up the words. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command should have the lion's share of DOD resources, followed by U.S. European Command.

Africom, U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Central Command have economy of force missions  meaning they have a lesser claim on U.S. military resources.

"We are doing a broad review  of U.S. military resources matching our broader national defense strategy," Milley said. "In Africa, we're doing that review. The question we're working with the French on is the level of effort. Is it too much, too little, about right? And is it the right capabilities?"

An economy of force mission means to use the least amount of force and resources to achieve objectives. "But economy of force doesn't mean zero, and that's important," Milley said. "A lot of people think that we are pulling out of Africa."

What the review will do is recommend the capabilities needed to support the economy of force mission in Africom and then size it to the tasks and the threats, and level of effort that's appropriate to achieve your objectives, Milley said.

The Africom review should be completed in six weeks to two months, he said.

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at a news conference in Ottawa, Canada. The conference dealt with the downing of Ukraine flight 752. AFP photo

Ottawa, Canada: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday urged Iran to hand over the damaged black boxes from last week's downed airliner to France, saying it has one of the few laboratories capable of properly examining them.

"Iran does not have the level of technical expertise and mostly the equipment necessary to be able to analyze these damaged black boxes quickly," Trudeau said.

So, he said, "the right place to send those black boxes to get proper information from them and in a rapid way" is France, adding "that is what we're encouraging the Iranian authorities to agree to."
Despite surges in oil prices when tempers flared in the Middle East, gasoline inventories have continued to rise, and Southeast Texas drivers will enjoy some of the lowest fuel prices in the nation.

Analysts watching the markets over the past several weeks have noted that average prices, while 33 cents higher than the same time last year, have gradually started to drop thanks to growing surpluses and the expected drop in demand during January.

Increasing gasoline supplies continue to help put downward pressure on pump prices, AAA Texas spokesman Daniel Armbruster said. As long as supplies remain healthy and demand for gas is low, drivers should continue to see lower pump prices.

Drivers in the Beaumont-Port Arthur Metropolitan Area, which covers most of Southeast Texas, can expect to pay $2.25 per gallon this week, according to AAA.

Price tracker and consumer tool GasBuddy predicts prices at $2.20 in Jefferson County.

Both quotes place Southeast Texas in the states median price range. The average prices through Texas is $2.26 per gallon.

Of Texas metropolitan areas, Midland is still paying the most on average at the pump at $2.49, mostly due to delivery demands.

Oil prices shot up the week of Jan. 6, after U.S. forces attacked a high-ranking Iranian general in Iraq. Despite the rising costs and more fluctuations, gasoline prices dropped by almost 2 cents per gallon over the previous weeks prices.

Not every region will see the same price drops.

If refiners in your region have low output, youre more likely to see gas prices rise, said Partick DeHaan, head of Petroleum for GasBuddy.

Gulf Coast refiners lead the pack with 97.1% utilization of crude stock, a half-percent decrease from last week. Gasoline production overall still increased to 9.3 million barrels a day.

The Energy Information Administration's weekly report showed total gasoline stocks in the Gulf Coast grew to 32.65 million barrels, week-to-week, and supplies were almost 2 million barrels higher than the same time last year.

Analysts suggested the trend will continue, contributing to more price drops in the coming week.

jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com

twitter.com/jdickjournalism
The agreement also calls for Meghan and Harry to repay 2.4 million pounds ($3.1 million) in taxpayers' money spent renovating a house for them near Windsor Castle, Frogmore Cottage. The use of public funds to transform the house's five separate apartments into a spacious single family home for them had raised ire in the British press. They will continue to use Frogmore Cottage as their base in England.
An Etowah County woman is accused of embezzling tens of thousands of dollars from an Attalla company.

Shanna Lee Holliday, 42, is charged with first-degree theft of property and four counts of fraudulent use of a credit card, Etowah County sheriffs officials announced Saturday. She was booked into the county jail Thursday and released Friday after posting an $11,000 bond.

Authorities said Holliday embezzled at least $168,000 from Coosa Valley Steel where she was employed. The reported theft took place over a four-year period.

Investigators say Holliday used the embezzled money to pay for personal expenses, such as gas, groceries, mortgage payments, college tuition and online shopping.

The investigation is ongoing, and more charges are expected.
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Donald Trump is expected to meet with EU leader Ursula von der Leyen in Davos, Switzerland, next week, three sources said on Friday, as tensions mount between the allies over tariff threats and the U.S. president faces an impeachment trial at home. Just days after Trump scored big victories by inking a partial trade deal with China and passing a revamp of the North American Free Trade Agreement, he will travel to the World Economic Forum where he is expected to discuss deepening trade disputes with the European Commission president.

The White House and the European Commission did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Among the raft of trade issues dividing the allies, Washington's most immediate concern is France's plan to impose a 3 per cent digital services tax, which the U.S. government believes would harm U.S. technology giants like Alphabet Inc's Google and Amazon.com Inc, with a host of other countries poised to follow suit.

In retaliation, the U.S. trade representative last month threatened to impose a 100 per cent tariff on French Champagne, handbags, cheese and other goods and services. Trade experts say those tariffs could hit as soon as late January, given the lack of progress in negotiations.

"Things are not really going anywhere," said one of the sources, a European official, despite frequent talks between French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and top U.S. trade negotiator Robert Lighthizer. "The U.S. is not really ready to compromise in terms of having some sort of digital services tax," he added. European Union Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan on Thursday, ended a round of talks with senior U.S. officials in Washington, saying that negotiations were off to a "good start" but there was more work to do.

Iran will also likely be high on the agenda, after Britain, France and Germany triggered a dispute mechanism in the 2015 nuclear pact with the country, following Tehran's decision to begin scaling back its compliance with the agreement.

The pact offered Iran sanctions relief if it curbed its nuclear work, but Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed U.S. sanctions, saying he wanted a tougher deal. Tensions in the region have heightened after the United States killed Iran's most powerful military commander in a drone strike. Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, canceled plans to attend the forum.

Trump and von der Leyen, Germany's defense minister, know each other well after sparring over Berlin's failure to reach NATO's 2 per cent defense spending target. In a December 2016 interview, von der Leyen defended her shocked reaction to Trump's election, saying, "I am not a political machine, but a human being ... and I heard exactly what he said during the campaign, also as a woman."

Also read: Global economic balance is shifting from US, EU to China, India: UN report

Also read: US to maintain tariffs on Chinese goods until Phase 2 deal: US Treasury Secretary
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 21:11:34|Editor: Xiaoxia

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CAIRO, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Egypt hopes to reach a final, viable and binding agreement with Ethiopia and Sudan regarding filling and operating the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in the coming talks in Washington on Jan. 28-29, an Egyptian official told Xinhua on Saturday.

"We are working on turning the general frameworks agreed upon in the meetings in Washington on Jan. 13-15 into items of a final and binding agreement between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan in the meetings on Jan. 28-29," said Mohamed al-Sebaie, spokesman of the Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation

The water and foreign ministers of the three countries have recently started new rounds of talks joined by representatives from the United States and the World Bank after years of fruitless negotiations.

While upstream Nile Basin country Ethiopia and downstream Sudan eye massive benefits from the GERD construction, downstream Egypt is concerned it might affect its 55.5-billion-cubic-meter annual share of Nile water.

"We seek an agreement that achieves Ethiopia's aspiration for development through power generation from the dam and preserves the water rights of the downstream countries, Egypt and Sudan, at the same time," Sebaie told Xinhua.

Filling the reservoir, whose total capacity is 74 billion cubic meters, may take several years. The longer the better for Egypt to avoid the negative effects of water shortage, which is a main point of their talks.

Egypt seeks a minimum annual flow of 40 billion cubic meters of water from the river's Blue Nile branch to its lands, while Ethiopia wants to allow an annual passage of 35 billion cubic meters only during the period of filling the dam and the times of drought.

Sebaie said that the ongoing consultations before Washington meetings aim at reaching points of consensus that address and consider the concerns and interests of the three states.

"In the latest meetings in Washington, we initially agreed on general frameworks and outlines that were controversial and we hope to turn them into fixed items in a viable agreement to be signed by the three parties," the Egyptian water ministry's spokesman explained.

He pointed out that the issue is not about specifying a number of years for filling the GERD but it is about reaching an agreement on the mechanisms of filling the dam and its post-filling operation.

"It has to consider the river's hydrological conditions and the amount of rains that differ from year to year," Sebaie said.

"We aspire for a fair, binding agreement that does not much affect the interests of any of the three parties," the Egyptian spokesman told Xinhua.

Ethiopia started building its grand hydropower dam in 2011 on the Blue Nile branch, and it is expected to produce over 6,000 megawatts of electricity and become Africa's largest hydropower dam upon completion.
[January 17, 2020] Notification of Payment Card Data Breach at THE CRACK SHACK, Encinitas, California

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Crack Shack Enterprises, LLC ("THE CRACK SHACK"), is a premium fast-casual concept featuring an all-day selection of gourmet chicken and egg-centric dishes, conceptualized by the opening team behind a Michelin Bib Gourmand fine dining establishment. A 2019 recipient of Nation's Restaurant News' "Hot Concept" awardgiven annually to only five concepts in the countrythe brand's popularity is undoubtedly strong. The brand is a powerful competitor within the rising fried chicken market. On January 17, 2020, THE CRACK SHACK, Encinitas, California, provides notice of an event that may affect the security of payment card information used by certain customers at this restaurant location between August 19, 2018 and September 23, 2019. What Happened? THE CRACK SHACK was alerted to unusual activity relating to payment cards that may have been used at THE CRACK SHACK Encinitas, California location. THE CRACK SHACK immediately began working with law enforcement and third-party forensic investigators to investigate this activity. Through this investigation, it was discovered that payment card information may have been accessed as a result of the installation of malware on a server used to process payment card data at the Encinitas location. What Information Was Involved? The investigation determined that payment card information included in magnetic stripe track data such as name, card number, expiration date, and/or CVV that were used at THE CRACK SHACK Encinitas, California location between August 19, 2018 and September 23, 2019 may have been involved in this incident. Printed security features, such as CVC2/CVV2 were not affected. What is THE CRACK SHACK Encinitas Doing. THE CRACK SHACK takes the security and confidentiality of its customer's information very seriously. THE CRACK SHACK worked with multiple forensic investigative firms to conduct investigations into this incident and to assist in remediation efforts. THE CRACK SHACK removed the affected server from its network and began using a new server. THE CRACK SHACK also deployed tools to monitor its network for suspicious activity. This incident was reported to Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. THE CRACK SHACK also cooperated with law enforcement's investigation into this incident. For More Information. THE CRACK SHACK has established a dedicated assistance line for individuals seeking additional information regarding this incident. Customers can call 1-833-719-0131 Monday through Friday from 6:00am to 6:00pm PST (excluding U.S. holidays). What You Can Do. We regret any inconvenience customers may have in relation to this matter. We encourage customers to remain vigilant against identity theft by reviewing their financial account statements regularly and monitoring their credit reports for suspicious activity. Customers should immediately report any unauthorized charges to their card issuer. The phone number to call can be found on the back of the credit or debit card or on the issuer's website. Under U.S. law you are entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus. To order your free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. You may also contact the three major credit bureaus directly to request a free copy of your credit report. You have the right to place a "security freeze" on your credit report, which will prohibit a consumer reporting agency from releasing information in your credit report without your express authorization. The security freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in your name without your consent. However, you should be aware that using a security freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in your credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application you make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit. Pursuant to federal law, you cannot be charged to place or lift a security freeze on your credit report. Should you wish to place a security freeze, please contact the major consumer reporting agencies listed below:







Experian TransUnion Equifax P.O. Box 9554 P.O. Box 160 P.O. Box 105788 Allen, TX 75013 Woodlyn, PA 19094 Atlanta, GA 30348-5788 1-888-397-3742 1-888-909-8872 1-800-685-1111 www.experian.com/freeze/center.html www.transunion.com/credit-freeze www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services

In order to request a security freeze, you will need to provide the following information: Your full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.); Social Security number; Date of birth; If you have moved in the past five (5) years, provide the addresses where you have lived over the prior five years; Proof of current address, such as a current utility bill or telephone bill; A legible photocopy of a government-issued identification card (state driver's license or ID card, military identification, etc.); If you are a victim of identity theft, include a copy of either the police report, investigative report, or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft. As an alternative to a security freeze, you have the right to place an initial or extended "fraud alert" on your file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a 1-year alert that is placed on a consumer's credit file. Upon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumer's credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumer's identity before extending new credit. If you are a victim of identity theft, you are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting seven years. Should you wish to place a fraud alert, please contact any one of the agencies listed below: Experian TransUnion Equifax P.O. Box 9554 P.O. Box 2000 P.O. Box 105069 Allen, TX 75013 Chester, PA 19016 Atlanta, GA 30348 1-888-397-3742 1-800-680-7289 1-888-766-0008 www.experian.com/fraud/center.html https://www.transunion.com/fraud-alerts www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services Additional Information You can further educate yourself regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, security freezes, and the steps you can take to protect yourself by contacting the consumer reporting agencies, the Federal Trade Commission, or your state Attorney General. The Federal Trade Commission can be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580, www.identitytheft.gov , 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The Federal Trade Commission also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. You can obtain further information on how to file such a complaint by way of the contact information listed above. You have the right to file a police report if you ever experience identity theft or fraud. Please note that in order to file a report with law enforcement for identity theft, you will likely need to provide some proof that you have been a victim. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should also be reported to law enforcement and your state Attorney General. This notice has not been delayed by law enforcement. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/notification-of-payment-card-data-breach-at-the-crack-shack-encinitas-california-300989135.html SOURCE The Crack Shack Enterprises, LLC

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Donald Trump

Reuters

President Donald Trump tapped Kenneth Starr, the former Whitewater independent counsel, to join his legal defense team as the Senate gets ready to launch its impeachment trial against him.

After the announcement, Trump's old comments about Starr resurfaced, in which he called Starr a "freak" and suggested "he's got something in his closet."

In 1999, he told MSNBC: "I think Ken Starr is a lunatic, I really think that Ken Starr is a disaster. I really think that Ken Starr was terrible."

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President Donald Trump tapped Kenneth Starr, the former Whitewater independent counsel, to represent him in his upcoming impeachment trial in the Senate.

Starr led the impeachment proceedings against Clinton in the 1990s. At the time, Trump had some interesting opinions about Starr.

"Starr's a freak," Trump told The New York Times in 1999. "I bet he's got something in his closet."

That same year, he told MSNBC: "I think Ken Starr is a lunatic, I really think that Ken Starr is a disaster. I really think that Ken Starr was terrible."

At the time, Trump was a supporter of Clinton. Starr wrote the so-called Starr Report in 1998 that led to Clinton's impeachment. The document listed 11 possible impeachable offenses, including abuse of power, perjury, witness tampering, and obstruction of justice.

Starr has been accused of going on a fishing expedition during the investigation, which began as a probe of the Clinton family's real-estate dealings and expanded to include lurid details of the president's sex life.

He also drew some criticism for explicitly detailing the sexual encounters Clinton had with Monica Lewinsky, who at the time was a young White House intern. Lewinsky has said the negative publicity and bullying she endured during and after Clinton's impeachment made her feel like a "poster child for public humiliation."

Story continues

Robert Ray, who worked with Starr during Clinton's impeachment, will also be representing Trump in his impeachment trial.

On Friday, after it surfaced that Starr and Ray would be on Trump's legal team and would likely be making the opposite case from what they argued in Clinton's impeachment, Lewinsky seemed to weigh in.

"[T]his is definitely an 'are you f------ kidding me?' kinda day," she tweeted.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump's legal team will also include Alan Dershowitz, a Harvard emeritus law professor and constitutional and criminal law scholar. He confirmed his involvement in the impeachment trial Friday, tweeting that he was "participating in this impeachment trial to defend the integrity of the Constitution and to prevent the creation of a dangerous constitutional precedent."

Dershowitz has represented controversial figures in the past. He defended OJ Simpson in the 1990s, and he also represented the billionaire and sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein. Last year, Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's accusers sued Dershowitz alleging that she was forced to have sex with him when she was underage and recruited to work in Epstein's sex trafficking ring (Dershowitz has repeatedly denied the allegation).

The judge in the lawsuit he's defending from Giuffre ordered him to submit an extensive response to the allegations by February 7.

Trump's legal team will be spearheaded by the White House counsel, Pat Cipollone. In addition to him, Dershowitz, Starr, and Ray, it will also include Jay Sekulow, Trump's personal defense attorney, and Pam Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida.

Read the original article on Business Insider
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei should be very careful about what he says after the former strongly criticised the United States while delivering sermons after Friday prayers in Tehran.

"The so-called `Supreme Leader` of Iran, who has not been so Supreme lately, had some nasty things to say about the United States and Europe," Trump said in a tweet.

The so-called Supreme Leader of Iran, who has not been so Supreme lately, had some nasty things to say about the United States and Europe. Their economy is crashing, and their people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 17, 2020

"Their economy is crashing, and their people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words!"

Live TV

Trump also urged the Iranian leaders to "make Iran great again", a reference to the slogan associated with his campaign.

"The noble people of Iran - who love America - deserve a government that's more interested in helping them achieve their dreams than killing them for demanding respect. Instead of leading Iran toward ruin, its leaders should abandon terror and Make Iran Great Again!" the US President said in a tweet.

Trump's reply came in response to a tweet by handle ''Khamenei.ir'' that read: "The villainous US govt repeatedly says that they are standing by the Iranian ppl. They lie. If you are standing by the Iranian ppl, it is only to stab them in the heart with your venomous daggers. Of course, you have so far failed to do so, & you will certainly continue to fail."Sputnik reported that to enhance the effect of his own statement Trump made another tweet, moments later, this time in Farsi, vowing to "Make Iran Great Again!"

In his Friday speech, the Iranian Supreme Leader had described the Trump administration as "clowns" and slammed Israel.

(With Agency inputs)
A new bulletin from the FBI has revealed that the Saudi government 'almost certainly' helped its citizens escape prosecution for serious crimes they were charged with in the US, and American officials looked the other way for years.

The secret effort was carried out to spare the Persian Gulf kingdom embarrassment, while US officials looked the other way for years, and will likely continue without their intervention, the FBI said in the bulletin released Friday.

The revelation comes after President Donald Trump signed into law a requirement backed by Representative Ron Wyden of Oregon that the FBI disclose what it knows about the Saudi government's suspected role in helping its citizens avoid prosecution in the US.

Oregon Congressman Ron Wyden on Capitol Hill in May 2019. Wyden backed a requirement that the FBI disclose what it knows about the Saudi government's suspected role in helping its citizens avoid prosecution in the US

The Saudi government (file art) was found to have 'almost certainly' helped its citizens escape prosecution for serious crimes they were charged with in the US, and American officials looked the other way for years

'(Saudi) officials are unlikely to alter this practice in the near term unless the US Government (USG) directly addresses this issue with (Saudi Arabia) and ties US cooperation on (Saudi) priorities to ceasing this activity,' according to the FBI, reports The Oregonian.

The details are contained in an intelligence bulletin dated August 29, which was released with Friday's bulletin, the news outlet reports.

Details on how the Saudis were getting their nationals out of the US were not included in the report. The scope and frequency of how often Saudi citizens were escaping justice also was not released.

However, it is the first time a federal law enforcement agency acknowledged the secret practice, which isn't so uncommon with wealthy nations seeking to quash alleged misdeeds by its nationals abroad.

While allies, the US and Saudi Arabia do not have an extradition treaty, making it difficult and unlikely that a Saudi national charged with a crime in the US would be released without diplomatic or political pressure.

Among those believed to have benefited is a Saudi Arabian student wanted for killing a 15-year-old girl in Oregon almost four years ago.

Abdulrahman Sameer Noorah, 21, was due to stand trial in Portland in June 2017, but vanished nine days before the start date.

He was on bail on a single count of manslaughter for allegedly killing Fallon Smart by running her over as she crossed the road on August 19, 2016.

Noorah, who was studying on a scholarship at Portland Community College, was driving on a suspended license at the time.

Despite Fallon's families' pleas to deny him bail, it was set at $1million and a tenth, $100,000, was paid by the Saudi Arabian embassy in Los Angeles, triggering his release.

The conditions of his release stated that he had to remain under house arrest and wear an electronic ankle bracelet until his court date.

Nine days before his trial was due to start, however, police discovered that the bracelet had been removed and were unable to find him. As part of his bail conditions, Noorah was forced to surrender his passport.

Among those believed to have benefited from a secret practice of getting Saudi Arabian nationals accused of serious crimes out of the US was Abdulrahman Sameer Noorah, 21, who was due to stand trial in Portland in June 2017, but vanished nine days before the start date

Noorah was on bail on a single count of manslaughter for allegedly killing Fallon Smart, 15 (pictured), by running her over as she crossed the road on August 19, 2016

He was then later believed to have fled on a private jet with the help of his country's consulate. He vanished after being picked up from his college campus in a black SUV.

Wyden said in a letter, first obtained by The Oregonian, to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the acting attorney general, Matthew Whitaker, that a new theory had emerged from authorities who suspected Noorah used an illicit passport to fly home on a private jet provided by the Saudi consulate.

The Saudi government confirmed to US authorities that Noorah had returned to Saudi Arabia seven days after he went missing.

An investigation by The Oregonian revealed that four other Saudi students, who were studying in Oregon and facing similar circumstances to Noorah, had also fled the US in recent years.

All were young men studying at one of Oregon's public colleges or universities with assistance from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Portland State University student Suliman Ali Algwaiz was arrested in August 2016 after he drunkenly struck a homeless man with his car.

He fled the scene but was later sentenced to 90 days in jail.

Algwaiz was serving his sentence on weekends, but vanished before completing the 90 days.

Waleed Ali Alharthi, who was an Oregon State University student, was found allegedly in possession of child porn in April of 2015.

Police said they found pornographic videos on his laptop involving children. He was arrested and booked on 10 counts of encouraging child sex abuse.

The consulate also put up the security deposit for his $500,000 bail.

Alharthi attended multiple court hearings related to his case but failed to attend a status check in April 2015.

Portland State University student Suliman Ali Algwaiz (left) was arrested in August 2016 after he drunkenly struck a homeless man with his car. Waleed Ali Alharthi (right), who was an Oregon State University student, was found in possession of child porn in April 2015

His lawyer told the court that she feared he was dead but authorities learned he had flown from Mexico City to Paris the week before.

In a similar case a few years prior, Abdulaziz Al Duways was arrested in December 2014 over the rape of a female classmate at Western Oregon University.

Arrest affidavits related to his case show that the alleged victim accused Al Duways of giving her marijuana and whiskey shots prior to the attack.

She called 911 during the alleged attack and when police arrived they found her crying in his bed.

Al Duways had allegedly told her: 'Tell them I'm your girlfriend' and 'I'll give you anything. I'll do anything if you don't tell them'.

He was charged with rape and held on a $500,000 bond. Days later, a Saudi consulate official paid his bond and Al Duways vanished before he faced court.

In 2012, Oregon State University student Ali Hussain Alhamoud was charged with raping a young woman.

He was released on bail, which the Saudi government posted, and he flew back to Saudi Arabia that same day.

Abdulaziz Al Duways (left) was arrested in December 2014 over the rape of a female classmate at Western Oregon University. In 2012, Oregon State University student Ali Hussain Alhamoud (right) was charged with raping a young woman

The first four cases were all represented by the same attorney, Ginger Mooney. She has represented at least nine Saudi students since 2014.

Mooney declined to comment in relation to the Oregonian investigation. Her attorney said any suggestion of unethical or improper conduct by her client was 'completely unfounded'.

According to The Oregonian report, men from other places include Mohammed Zuraibi Al-Zoabi, of Nova Scotia, Canada.

He disappeared in December 2018 after being charged with sexual assault, assault and forcible confinement of a woman between 2015-17.

Sami Suliman Almezaini, of Gallatin County, Montana, is accused of raping his female roommate in July 2017, the same month he disappeared.

Mohammed Zuraibi Al-Zoabi, (left) disappeared in December 2018 after being charged with sexual assault, assault and forcible confinement of a woman between 2015-17. Sami Suliman Almezaini, (right) is accused of raping his female roommate in July 2017, the same month he disappeared

Saud Alabdullatif, of Spokane County, Washington, disappeared in May 2016. He was charged with forcible second-degree rape and unlawful imprisonment after he forced a woman to perform oral sex on him that month.

Faisal Altaleb, Gallatin County, Montana, disappeared November 2016, after he allegedly sexually assaulted a woman he linked up with at a bar.

Monsour Alshammari, of Utah County, Utah, was charged with first-degree rape and obstruction of justice.

Hani Alshammary is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in April 2014. He was charged with attempted rape, forcible compulsion, unlawful restraint, harassment and disorderly conduct

Fahad Al Ghuwainem (left) disappeared in December 2014, two months after he allegedly raped a man with male accomplice after the three linked up at a gay bar. Abdulrahman Ali Al-Plaies (right) disappeared November 1988. In June 1988, he was accused of causing a fatal car crash that claimed the life of an elderly woman

Saudi Arabians who've gone missing Abdulrahman Sameer Noorah, a 21-year-old Portland Community student, College, allegedly killed Fallon Smart, 15, by running her over as she crossed the road on August 19, 2016 Suliman Ali Algwaiz was arrested in August 2016 after he was allegedly to have drunkenly struck a homeless man with his car Waleed Ali Alharthi, who was an Oregon State University student, was found in possession of child porn in April 2015 Abdulaziz Al Duways was arrested in December 2014 over the alleged rape of a female classmate at Western Oregon University Ali Hussain Alhamoud, an Oregon State University student, was charged with allegedly raping a young woman in 2012 Mohammed Zuraibi Al-Zoabi disappeared in December 2018 after being charged with sexual assault, assault and forcible confinement of a woman between 2015-17 Sami Suliman Almezaini was accused of allegedly raping his female roommate in July 2017, the same month he disappeared Hani Alshammary is accused of allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in April 2014. He was charged with attempted rape, forcible compulsion, unlawful restraint, harassment and disorderly conduct Saud Alabdullatif, of Spokane County, Washington, who disappeared in May 2016, was charged with forcible second-degree rape and unlawful imprisonment after he forced a woman to perform oral sex on him that month. Faisal Altaleb, Gallatin County, Montana, disappeared November 2016, after he allegedly sexually assaulted a woman he linked up with at a bar. Fahad Al Ghuwainem disappeared in December 2014, two months after he allegedly raped a man with male accomplice after the three linked up at a gay bar Abdulrahman Ali Al-Plaies disappeared November 1988. In June 1988, he was accused of causing a fatal car crash that claimed the life of an elderly woman Advertisement

He is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in February 2015. He disappeared in April 2015 and was captured later that month.

Abdullah Almakrami, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, disappeared one month after he allegedly sexually assaulted a woman at his apartment in March 2014.

Hani Alshammary, of Erie County, Pennsylvania, is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in April 2014.

He was charged with attempted rape, forcible compulsion, unlawful restraint, harassment and disorderly conduct.

Fahad Al Ghuwainem, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, disappeared in December 2014, two months after he allegedly raped a man with male accomplice after the three linked up at a gay bar.

Taher Ali Al-Saba, of Nova Scotia, Canada, disappeared January 2007. He was charged with sexually assaulting two children the year prior.

Siraj Marakeey, of Snohomish County, Washington, disappeared July 1991. He was accused of first-degree rape for sexually assaulting a child in June 1991.

Abdulrahman Ali Al-Plaies, of Greene County, Ohio, disappeared November 1988. Another student has not been identified.

In June 1988, he was accused of causing a fatal car crash that claimed the life of an elderly woman.

When the case involving Noorah came to light in Oregon last year, Wyden urged the US government to investigate and to take action.

'These are shocking claims in any event, but with the barbaric murder of US resident Jamal Khashoggi, they suggest a brazen pattern of disregard for the law and abuse of diplomatic privileges,' Wyden wrote.

'If they are accurate, they would require significant restrictions on Saudi Arabia's diplomatic privileges and call into question the future of America's bilateral relationship with the Saudis.'

The Oregonian is continually updating the findings of its investigation, here.

While there still remain several unknowns, officials with the US Department of Homeland Security and US Marshals Service are certain the Saudi government was involved in Noorah's return home, the news outlet reports.

US officials learned only recently from the Saudis that Noorah arrived back home 18 months ago.

Were doing everything we can to get him back, Eric Wahlstrom, a supervisory deputy U.S. marshal in Oregon told the Oregonian.

Prosecutors said they still hope to try Noorah in the death of Fallon Smart.
Potentially setting the stage for future regulation, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi took time this week to bash Facebook -- and what she considers to be its shameful business practices.

They have been very abusive of the great opportunity that technology has given them, Pelosi (D-Calif.) told members of the press on Thursday. They intend to be accomplices in misleading the American people.

Pelosis comments came about a week after Facebook stood by its controversial decision not to block political ads containing false and misleading information.

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Ultimately, we dont think decisions about political ads should be made by private companies, Rob Leathern, director of product management at Facebook, said last week. 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.

Using a similar rationale, Facebook refused to take down a video manipulated to make Pelosi appear impaired, last year.

Suggesting another motive for Facebooks controversial content policy, Pelosi accused the company of a single-minded focus on profit.

The Facebook business model is strictly to make money, Pelosi told reporters on Thursday. They dont care about the impact on children; they dont care about truth; they dont care about where this is all coming from. They have said -- even if they know its not true -- they will print it.

Facebook has maintained since 2016 that questionable and even blatantly false content spread by politicians is acceptable, due to its newsworthiness.

Regarding Facebooks efforts to lobby policymakers on both sides of the political aisle, Pelosi added, All they want is their tax cuts, and no antitrust action them  and they schmooze [the Trump] administration in that regard.

Animosity toward Facebook reaches far beyond Washington, D.C.

Forrester Research, for example, recently named the tech titan as one of most poorly managed brands of 2019. In part, this was due to Facebooks continued unwillingness to take responsibility for its misuse of user data following the Cambridge Analytica scandal.

This massive shirking of responsibility hemorrhaged the brands public trust, in the words of Dipanjan Chatterjee, principal analyst at Forrester and lead author of the annual brand review.

The biggest miss was empathy, Chatterjee said of Facebook. This is a brand thats been out of touch and uncaring and has lacked the ability and willingness to listen.
SYDNEY, Australia  For the rural firefighters of Australia, no donation is too small. They have long been known to canvass for dollars and cents in town markets, and their collection tins are fondly displayed in local storefronts.

That hat-in-hand approach can now be put on hold. As bush fires have ravaged Australia, celebrities, business moguls and horrified people around the world have inundated the countrys fire services and other nonprofit organizations with tens of millions of dollars in donations.

This outpouring has presented new challenges for a country more accustomed to handing out largess to needier nations than to being the recipient of it. Suddenly, Australia has found itself trying to efficiently distribute huge sums of money and to decipher donors sometimes vague intentions.

This is a seminal moment in Australia when it comes to philanthropy and giving, said Krystian Seibert, a fellow at the Center for Social Impact at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne. I havent seen something like it before.
Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Abul Gheit headed for Germany on Saturday to take part in Berlin Summit on Libya which was called for by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Addressing the summit, which will kick off on Sunday, Abul Gheit will review the principles of the league's stance regarding a comprehensive political settlement of the Libyan crisis through consolidating the ceasefire declared on January 12.

The league's stance also includes calling on the Libyan warring parties to reach an agreement on the measures needed for permanent cessation of military operations and resuming national dialogue at the military, security, political and economic levels under the auspices of UN Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame.



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Even when a business is losing money, it's possible for shareholders to make money if they buy a good business at the right price. For example, biotech and mining exploration companies often lose money for years before finding success with a new treatment or mineral discovery. Having said that, unprofitable companies are risky because they could potentially burn through all their cash and become distressed.

So, the natural question for Cobra Resources (LON:COBR) shareholders is whether they should be concerned by its rate of cash burn. In this report, we will consider the company's annual negative free cash flow, henceforth referring to it as the 'cash burn'. Let's start with an examination of the business's cash, relative to its cash burn.

Check out our latest analysis for Cobra Resources

How Long Is Cobra Resources's Cash Runway?

A cash runway is defined as the length of time it would take a company to run out of money if it kept spending at its current rate of cash burn. When Cobra Resources last reported its balance sheet in June 2019, it had zero debt and cash worth UK3.1k. In the last year, its cash burn was UK696k. So it seems to us it had a cash runway of less than two months from June 2019. It's extremely surprising to us that the company has allowed its cash runway to get that short! The image below shows how its cash balance has been changing over the last few years.

LSE:COBR Historical Debt, January 18th 2020

How Easily Can Cobra Resources Raise Cash?

Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. Commonly, a business will sell new shares in itself to raise cash to drive growth. By looking at a company's cash burn relative to its market capitalisation, we gain insight on how much shareholders would be diluted if the company needed to raise enough cash to cover another year's cash burn.

Cobra Resources's cash burn of UK696k is about 80% of its UK874k market capitalisation. That's very high expenditure relative to the company's size, suggesting it is an extremely high risk stock.

Story continues

Is Cobra Resources's Cash Burn A Worry?

Given it's an early stage company, we don't have a lot of data with which to judge Cobra Resources's cash burn. Having said that, we can say that its cash runway was a real negative. But from what we can see its cash burn is extremely high, and we certainly don't envy shareholders their position. While we always like to monitor cash burn for early stage companies, qualitative factors such as the CEO pay can also shed light on the situation. Click here to see free what the Cobra Resources CEO is paid..

If you would prefer to check out another company with better fundamentals, then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt or this list of stocks which are all forecast to grow.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
The outdoor laboratory was set in the depths of a remote area in north-western Mexico.

Concealed in tropical forest-like scrub, the area near Culiacan, Sinaloa, was surrounded by rural farms lined with creeks and other water sources. It took a bumpy 45-minute drive down a dirt road just to reach the lab.

Culiacan, Mexico, has long been home to an underground economy through which illicit drugs are exported to the United States. Credit:AP

When Australian Federal Police Detective Superintendent Conrad Jensen first visited the site in October, it was not the first he had seen like it.

"We are seeing very large-scale drug laboratories operating here in Mexico. A lot of equipment is involved in these operations, [which] might cost anywhere from $500,000 to $1,000,000 to set up."
FLORENCE, S.C. (AP)  Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, who has been criticized for his slow outreach to black and other minority voters, has rearranged his schedule to make room for events in early-voting South Carolina that honor Martin Luther King Jr.

Buttigiegs campaign said in a statement Saturday night that the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, looks forward to being with the citizens and leaders of Columbia as they celebrate the federal holiday that commemorates the late civil rights leader.

Buttigieg had already committed to attend a King celebration in South Bend, but shifted his plans to include the South Carolina events.

The Columbia commemoration, a march and rally at the South Carolina Statehouse, is a symbolic and highly visible event for presidential candidates hoping to appeal to the black voters, who make up most of the state's Democratic electorate. Among the 2020 contenders scheduled to attend are former Vice President Joe Biden, Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, and businessman Tom Steyer.

Campaigns for Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii and former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick have announced plans to attend. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar's campaign said on Twitter she would be in the state for a prayer service Monday.

Polling so far in the nomination contest has shown that Biden holds a commanding lead among black voters.

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Associated Press writer Thomas Beaumont in Council Bluffs, Iowa, contributed to this report.

___

Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP
Seven years back, drawing a contrast to the UPA-2 governments policies, then Gujarat CM Narendra Modi told a television channel that government policy should treat everybody equally, and even if there were loopholes in the policy, it should not favour any one entity. This statement implies the government should be agnostic to any person or company. It should neither favour nor target any entity. But commerce minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday virtually indicted Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and his company for violating rules by offering deep discounts. This statement almost amounts to extra-judicial prosecution. If Mr Goyal sees something fishy, his government should get the Enforcement Directorate to probe foreign investments by ecommerce companies. But singling out one company or commenting on it, especially when the issue is being looked into by the Rajasthan High Court, does not augur well. At the outset, the rant appears to have been provoked by non-policy considerations, and could damage Indias credibility on the Ease of Doing Business front. Walmarts recent decision to retrench 56 employees  indicating a virtual retreat from Indias cash and carry business  also does not make good reading for foreign investors.

Prime facie, deep discounts offered by big ecommerce companies and the losses incurred by them do raise suspicions about their revenue model. Thousands of small entrepreneurs have gone out of business as customers swamped ecommerce sites to take advantage of lower prices. While the government should be considerate and sympathetic to them, it cannot do much to enforce price parity between physical stores and online sellers, as the latter dont have to spend on establishment costs. All disruptive ideas or inventions such as mechanisation in the 17th century or computerisation in the 20th century have created upheavals in traditional markets and led to the loss of old jobs. Ecommerce is one of the disruptive ideas and no country can shy away from it. The government should, therefore, nudge small traders to understand changing market dynamics and refashion their strategy to stay in business.

In his role as Prime Minister, Mr Modi should recall his old interview and ensure that the forthcoming National E-commerce Policy does not favour anybody and puts everyone on an equal footing. There are allegations that the government is playing to the tune of some big corporates to put others at a disadvantage. The government should use the new policy framework to unequivocally prove all such allegations wrong. If the government adopts nepotistic practices, India will lose the confidence of foreign investors and that will be a big mistake. Though Indias economy is now the fifth largest in the world at an aggregate level, it is still a middle income country on per capita basis and still needs a lot of foreign money to develop itself to match Western standards. The Modi government should, therefore, avoid all temptations to imitate China in using business restrictions to browbeat foreign companies for political or nepotistic reasons.
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In a surprise move, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has granted the power of detaining authority to the Delhi Police Commissioner under the National Security Act (NSA).

As per the notification issued on 13 January, NSA will be in place for a period of three months  between 19 January and 18 April.

In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (3) of section 3, read with clause (c) of Section 2 of the National Security Act, 1980, the Lt Governor pleased to direct that during the period January 19 to April 18, the Delhi Police Commissioner may also exercise the powers of detaining authority under sub-section (2) of section 3 of the aforesaid Act, the notification read.

AFP

The National Security Act (1980) is a highly controversial act that provides "for preventive detention in certain cases and for matters connected therewith".



Under NSA, an individual can be detained without a charge for up to 12 months, if the authorities feel that the individual is a threat to the national security, and law and order.

BCCL

A person detained under the NSA can be held for 10 days without being told the charges against them. The detained person can appeal before a high court advisory board but they are not allowed a lawyer during the trial.



Also, the individual can be put under preventive detention for months if authorities are satisfied that he/she is a threat to national security or law and order.

BCCL

It comes at a time when the national capital has been witnessing a number of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).



However, the Delhi Police said it is a routine order that has been issued in every quarter and has nothing to do with the current situation.

Delhi Police have come under heavy criticism for its high handed action against the CAA NRC protesters.

BCCL

The police have been accused of using excessive force against the anti-CAA protesters in Jamia. Delhi Gate, Seelampur, etc. There are also reports that the Delhi Police are planning to clear the women-led anti-CAA protests in Shaheen Bagh area.



There are also fears that armed with NSA, the Delhi Police could detain prominent faces of the movement including Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad and former JNU students' leader Kanhaiya Kumar.

AFP

Azad who was arrested by the police on December 20 for allegedly inciting people during an anti-CAA protest at Jama Masjid was granted bail by a Delhi court on Wednesday.
Kanpur Dehat (UP): The case diary of Behmai massacre, in which 20 people were killed allegedly by bandit Phoolan Devi's gang nearly four decades ago, was found missing on Saturday when a special court was to pronounce its verdict, prompting the judge to postpone the matter to January 24.

Special judge (UP dacoity-affected area) Sudhir Kumar pulled up the court official for the absence of the case diary at the time of delivering the verdict and asked him to place it before the court on January 24.

In 1981, Bandit Queen Phoolan Devis gang killed 20 Thakurs of Behmai village in Uttar Pradesh to avenge her rape by two bandits of the upper caste Lala Ram and Sri Ram.

Phoolan was from the Mallah caste, categorised in Uttar Pradesh under Most Backward Castes and in other areas as Scheduled Castes.

Then Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister V P Singh resigned, taking moral responsibility for the massacre.

As many as 17 of the 28 accused named in the Behmai massacre case have died, including Phoolan Devi herself who was murdered in 2001, after she had gone to prison for 11 years, given up dacoity and joined mainstream politics, becoming a Member of Parliament in 1998.

Four of the five eye-witnesses in the Behmai massacre case have also died.

The court is likely to give its verdict on the role of the four surviving accused -- Posha, Bhikha, Vishwanath and Shyambabu. While Posha is still in jail, the rest are out on bail. Three other dacoits, including Man Singh, are absconding.

"The court decided to fix another date for pronouncing the judgement only after the original case diary is located," district government counsel (criminal) Rajeev Porwal told PTI.

Phoolans assassins, allegedly members of a rival dacoit gang, gunned her down in front of the government-designated bungalow for her as an MP in Delhi on July 25, 2001. One person, Sher Singh Rana, was convicted for Phoolans murder on August 8, 2014, whereas 10 others were acquitted. Rana was released on bail after spending 13 years in prison, on October 21, 2016

The court also issued a notice to the sessions clerk concerned for the case diary going missing, Porwal said, adding strict instructions have been issued to find it.

Though the disappearance of the case diary came to light only recently, Porwal denied any conspiracy behind it.

An advocate of the complainant later said that the Allahabad High Court will be moved in view of "undue delay in pronouncement of judgement" in the case and "mysterious disappearance" of the original case diary.
The Duchess of Sussex has received more than twice as much negative press as the Duchess of Cambridge, new data reveals.

According to analysis conducted by the The Guardian, 43 per cent of articles written about Meghan Markle between May 2018 and mid-January 2019 were negative in tone.

Out of 843 articles about Meghan published in 14 newspapers, just 20 per cent were found to be positive, while the remaining 36 per cent were neutral.

In contrast, most articles written about Kate Middleton in the same time period were either positive or neutral.

The analysis found that out of 144 articles about Kate, 45 per cent were positive, 47 per cent were neutral and just eight per cent were negative.

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A month-by-month breakdown of the data shows how Meghan received mostly positive press in May 2018, the month she married the Duke of Sussex.

But two months later, the amount of negative media attention she received far outweighed any positive press.

The data found that several of the negative media pieces surrounding Meghan described her as "boastful" or "self-obsessed", criticisms which seemed particularly prevalent in July 2019 when Meghan was revealed as the guest editor for British Vogue's September issue.

Negative news items about Meghan also spiked around the time she and Prince Harry were accused of hypocrisy for using two private jets in a week despite their staunch views on the climate crisis.

At the time, Sir Elton John, who had loaned the couple his private jet, condemned the criticism as "relentless".

The analysis comes after Meghan and Harry announced their decision to "step back" from their roles in the royal family.

On 8 January, the couple released a statement an Instagram revealing they would work to become "financially independent" and split their time between the UK and North America.

Last week, following a meeting at Sandringham with Prince Harry, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge, the Queen announced her support for the couple.

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 monarch said in a statement released by Buckingham Palace.

 Actor Laurence Fox says treatment of Meghan Markle is not racist

The statement continued: 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.
BJP Twitter page

New Delhi/UNI: The BJP on Saturday organised a mega rally here to support the new Citizenship law wherein a large number 'displaced refugees' from Pakistan staged a foot march in the city.

Addressing the gathering, BJP working president J P Nadda said most of the victims of 'religious persecution' in Pakistan and who would now be benefited from the CAA are Dalits and from oppressed communities.

'You will be surprised to know that most of the people who have come to India (after facing religious persecution) belong to the Dalit community. Some have come from Pakistan and some from Bangladesh," Mr Nadda said in presence of several BJP leaders including general secretary Arun Singh and national president for BJP (SC morcha) Vinod Kumar Sonkar.

"People who are struggling to survive after being displaced after so many years have been given citizenship and brought into mainstream by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I thank you all on behalf of my party....You all are here to extend your thanks to PM Modi and our Home Minister Amit Shah for giving this new law," he said.

'As much as 60-70 per cent of these religiously persecuted minorities belong to the Dalits, Matuas, Rajvanshis, Meghwals and more such people have come from Pakistan and Bangladesh," he said.

Mr Modi has made the new law on the basis of which 'refugees' will get the citizenship and the opposition is only "misleading" the people for vote bank politics, he said.

The pro-CAA foot march and the BJP rally come about three weeks before Delhi goes to the polls on February 8 and days after intensified anti-CAA protest had resulted in violence in various parts of the capital largely in December 2019.

"Both Mahatma Gandhiji and Jawaharlal Nehru had supported the idea of helping persecuted minorities in Pakistan," he said adding in 1947 Gandhiji had said - Hindus and Buddhists who are facing hardship and other problems in Pakistan should be brought to India and helped with government jobs.

Pt Nehru had said in 1948 that the 'relief funds' earmarked for the refugees should also help those who faced persecution in Pakistan, he said.

'Dr Manmohan Singh had in the Rajya Sabha on December 18, 2003, said to the then Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani ji that there are minorities who are being persecuted. Now that Modiji has done it, they are trying to draw political benefits by opposing it," Mr Nadda said.

Lashing out at the Congress for accepting partition, Mr Nadda, who is set to take over as new party chief on Monday, said "Partition of India on the basis of religion was 'nasur (chronic problem)' of the 20th century".

"......no body knows Pakistan better than you all," he told the gathering.

"People had to leave their houses, their traditions, their land and everything behind to re-settle in a different country," he said.
Thousands of protesters have marched through Melbourne calling for immediate climate change action and for Prime Minister Scott Morrison to be sacked.

There was a heightened police presence as the activists gathered at the State Library and walked through the city on Saturday afternoon.

One impassioned activist decided to target the on-duty officers by screaming in their direction and leaning uncomfortably close.

A police officer was forced to warn the angry protester to 'back off' and push him away.

Thousands of protesters have marched through Melbourne calling for immediate climate change action and for Prime Minister Scott Morrison to be sacked. Pictured: One protester screams towards police

The rally, organised by Uni Students for Climate Justice, is part of rolling January demonstrations for the city 'to demand real action on climate change and justice for the communities devastated by the fires'.

'These fires are the result of decades of climate destruction at the hands of fossil fuel industry and their mates in Canberra,' the event description said.

Activists are fighting for a levy on fossil fuel companies, the removal of Mr Morrison from office and firefighters to be paid for their work, among other demands.

Organisers estimated about 2,000 people took part in Saturday's event.

The march came one-day after Extinction Rebellion activists buried their heads in the sand to demand the government declare a climate emergency.

About 300 people descended on Inverloch Beach, about two hours south-east of Melbourne, for the 'peaceful' protest on Friday.

There was a heightened police presence as the activists gathered at the State Library and walked through the city on Saturday afternoon. One impassioned activist decided to target the on-duty officers by screaming in their direction and leaning uncomfortably close

The demonstration comes amid a catastrophic and fatal bushfire season, which has ripped through the state's East Gippsland region.

The protest saw activists dig holes in the sand to bury their heads and lie on the side of the shore, Nine News reported.

Protester Nicky Miller described the protest as 'symbolism' for Australia's lack of action in reducing emissions.

A number of protesters displayed signs slamming the government for its reliance on fossil fuels.

Extinction Rebellion activists have buried their heads in the sand to demand the government declare a climate emergency

About 300 people descended on Inverloch Beach, about two hours south-east of Melbourne, for the 'peaceful' protest on Friday

The colourful demonstrators sung there was a 'climate crisis' with the assistance of ukuleles and other instruments.

Leticia Liang referred to the bushfires when explaining why she took part in the protest.

'I don't want my children to adapt to hazy days, I don't want me children to adapt to smoke and fires,' she said.

Lynn Atkinson from Extinction Rebellion said the location of the protest - Inverloch Beach - was eroding 'rapidly'.

Jessica Harrison, also from the activist group, said: 'We want our lovely beach to be preserved, this beach has eroded more than 30 metres in the last four to five years.'

Extinction Rebellion said they expected 100 protesters to attend the demonstration but the 300-strong crowd represented the local community are 'concerned' and 'need action'.

The protest saw activists dig holes in the sand to bury their heads and lie on the side of the shore
Alleging that the BJP and the RSS have created a "civil war-like situation" in the country, CPI general secretary D Raja on Saturday hailed the nationwide protests against the CAA.

He said the "non-violent, peaceful, people's movement" in the country is on in the midst of "turmoil" caused by "divisive issues" raised by the saffron combine in order to "polarise and divide the people on communal lines".

"A non-violent, peaceful, people's movement is being witnessed across the country. It has emerged in the face of a historic need to save India, to save the Constitution and to save democracy.

"The BJP-RSS combine has created a civil war-like situation by raising divisive issues aimed to polarise and divide the people on communal lines", Raja, who is on a tour of Bihar, told reporters here.

Demanding the repeal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, the veteran CPI leader said the legislation has "caused huge concern among the minds of the people" since it discriminated "not just against Muslims but also Adivasis and other ethnic groups".

"This is the reason why the movement is characterised by citizens, carrying portraits of Gandhi, Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh - who stood for values like communal harmony, social justice and freedom - pitted against the BJP government", he said.

He alleged that the CAA is "not just unconstitutional but anti-constitutional".

"Citizenship issue was well settled in the constituent assembly itself. Leaders like Ambedkar, Nehru and Patel had concluded that citizenship of the country must not be linked to any religion. But, now the BJP-RSS combine is trying to redefine Indian citizenship on the basis of religion," he said.

Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of taking "very rigid and adamant position" on the matter, Raja said this was a reason why "states are coming out in the open against the measure".

The Left government in Kerala has already got a resolution passed in the assembly and challenged the legislation before the Supreme Court, he said.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has also written to chief ministers of 11 other states soliciting their support, he added.

"Now, Punjab (ruled by the Congress) government has decided to follow suit. From Manipur to Maharashtra, from Tamil Nadu to Kashmir, people are agitating since they are concerned...our party had opposed the bill when it was tabled in Parliament, and is opposing it outside when it has become an Act. We demand the repeal of this Act", he said.

Raja said he was part of a party delegation that met President Ramnath Kovind with a request to advise the government to repeal the Act.

"The government is behaving in an arrogant way, having no answers to questions raised by opposition parties, including our party. They are taking recourse to abusing political opponents", the CPI leader lamented.

Raja also alleged, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been asking the opposition to respect the Parliament. But when the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was being debated in both Houses, he did not utter a word. In fact, he was not present. He chose to speak only at election rallies."



He said the Centre is unable to understand the unprecedented uprising that is taking place across the country.

"The Modi government is executing the sinister project of the RSS to convert the secular, democratic republic of India into a theocratic state. Our party is opposing this and calls upon all sections of the society to support our programmes scheduled next week", the former Rajya Sabha MP alleged.

On January 23, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, the party will take a pledge for upholding the Constitution and the enshrined principle of secularism, he said.

On Republic Day, the day when Constitution came into force, the party will be conducting functions where people will read out the Preamble to the Constitution.

"On January 30, Gandhi's martyrdom day, we shall take another pledge to protect the Constitution and democracy," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Photo: Glacier Media

A Surrey man is facing a second-degree murder charge in the 2019 death of 35-year-old Cong Tran.

Vancouver police officers initially responded to a call about a serious assault on April 1, 2019 near East Hastings Street and Heatley Avenue. Tran was taken to hospital by paramedics but died of his injuries on April 6.

Investigators identified a suspect very quickly, media relations officer Const. Tania Visintin said in a press release. The victim and suspect had an altercation that led to the assault. Our investigators have been working to build evidence for charges for charges over the past 10 months.

On Jan. 16, second-degree murder charges were laid against 32-year-old Surrey resident Chad Harry. He remains in custody.

There were 10 homicides in Vancouver in 2019.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat on Saturday called on Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and urged him to intensify efforts to find out Army soldier Rajendra Singh Negi, who went missing while patrolling at the India-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir.

Chief Minister Rawat also held discussion with the Defence Minister with regard to the cooperation of Army in the security and basic infrastructure development of the border areas of the state.

During his to the capital, Chief Minister Rawat also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed the upcoming 'Maha Kumbh Mela' in Haridwar in 2021.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Coronation Street Star Alexandra Mardell shared a gushing tribute to her boyfriend of two years, Joe Parker, as the duo prepare to move in together.

The 26-year-old actress, who plays Emma Brooker on the show, shared a selection of loved-up photos to her Instagram on Thursday that documented the couple's romance since first meeting at The Guildford School of Acting aged 21.

The first adorable snap showed the pair back when they were 'just friends,' with Alexandra stunning in a glittering gold gown as Joe looked dapper in a tie and waistcoat.

Cute: Coronation Street star Alexandra Mardell shared a gushing tribute to her boyfriend of two years, Joe Parker, as the duo prepare to move in together

She wrote: 'GSA Grad Ball 2015 - We were just friends, 2 years later we were a couple, now 2 years together, hes moving in! So many exciting events and adventures already and still so many more to come!'

'We have such a laugh! Love you massively! So excited for all the laughs, date nights, lazy days, long walks and chicken wings we want!

She ended the adorable caption: 'There were too many picis to choose from but here are some of the biggies! Jan 2020!'

In love: The 26-year-old actress shared ten photos to her Instagram on Thursday that documented the couples romance since first meeting at Guildford School of Acting

One snap showed Alexandra in a very sexy plunging black swimming costume as she hit the beach alongside her beau.

Another showed the pair looking glitzy and glamorous on a red carpet.

The university sweethearts are decked out in festival garb in one pic with Joe planting a kiss on his gorgeous girlfriend.

Beach babe: One snap showed Alexandra in a very sexy plunging black swimming costume as she hit the beach alongside her beau

Smooch: The university sweethearts are decked out in festival garms in one pic with Joe planting a kiss on his gorgeous girlfriend

The Corrie star won the The British Soap Award for Best Newcomer last year.

She spoke on the Lorraine Show last year about joining the cobbles and admitted: 'It's a bit overwhelming because its so surreal.

'I've grown up with it so I was a bit starstruck with everyone, but I tried to play it cool and everyone was so welcoming.'

Looking good: The Corrie star, who won the The British Soap Award for Best Newcomer last year, plays the lovable Emma Brooker on the show

Fun in the sun: She wrote in her caption 'we have such a laugh! Love you massively! So excited for all the laughs, date nights, lazy days, long walks and chicken wings we want!'

She also admitted her mum had some initial hesitations about her joining the soap.

She told Lorraine: 'She was worried I was going to ruin her favourite show for her.

'But after the first episode she watched it and she was like, "Oh actually no, I like it, you havent ruined it, youre good."'

Keeping warm: She ended the adorable caption 'there were too many pics to choose from but here are some of the biggies! Jan 2020!'
Today we are going to look at Aluminum Corporation of China Limited (HKG:2600) to see whether it might be an attractive investment prospect. Specifically, we're going to calculate its Return On Capital Employed (ROCE), in the hopes of getting some insight into the business.

First, we'll go over how we calculate ROCE. Next, we'll compare it to others in its industry. Finally, we'll look at how its current liabilities affect its ROCE.

Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What is it?

ROCE measures the 'return' (pre-tax profit) a company generates from capital employed in its business. In general, businesses with a higher ROCE are usually better quality. In brief, it is a useful tool, but it is not without drawbacks. Author Edwin Whiting says to be careful when comparing the ROCE of different businesses, since 'No two businesses are exactly alike.

So, How Do We Calculate ROCE?

Analysts use this formula to calculate return on capital employed:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

Or for Aluminum Corporation of China:

0.031 = CN4.2b  (CN207b - CN73b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2019.)

Therefore, Aluminum Corporation of China has an ROCE of 3.1%.

See our latest analysis for Aluminum Corporation of China

Is Aluminum Corporation of China's ROCE Good?

When making comparisons between similar businesses, investors may find ROCE useful. Using our data, Aluminum Corporation of China's ROCE appears to be significantly below the 7.8% average in the Metals and Mining industry. This performance could be negative if sustained, as it suggests the business may underperform its industry. Independently of how Aluminum Corporation of China compares to its industry, its ROCE in absolute terms is low; especially compared to the ~1.6% available in government bonds. There are potentially more appealing investments elsewhere.

Aluminum Corporation of China has an ROCE of 3.1%, but it didn't have an ROCE 3 years ago, since it was unprofitable. That suggests the business has returned to profitability. You can click on the image below to see (in greater detail) how Aluminum Corporation of China's past growth compares to other companies.

Story continues

SEHK:2600 Past Revenue and Net Income, January 18th 2020

When considering ROCE, bear in mind that it reflects the past and does not necessarily predict the future. ROCE can be misleading for companies in cyclical industries, with returns looking impressive during the boom times, but very weak during the busts. ROCE is, after all, simply a snap shot of a single year. We note Aluminum Corporation of China could be considered a cyclical business. Future performance is what matters, and you can see analyst predictions in our free report on analyst forecasts for the company.

What Are Current Liabilities, And How Do They Affect Aluminum Corporation of China's ROCE?

Current liabilities are short term bills and invoices that need to be paid in 12 months or less. Due to the way ROCE is calculated, a high level of current liabilities makes a company look as though it has less capital employed, and thus can (sometimes unfairly) boost the ROCE. To counteract this, we check if a company has high current liabilities, relative to its total assets.

Aluminum Corporation of China has total liabilities of CN73b and total assets of CN207b. As a result, its current liabilities are equal to approximately 35% of its total assets. With a medium level of current liabilities boosting the ROCE a little, Aluminum Corporation of China's low ROCE is unappealing.

The Bottom Line On Aluminum Corporation of China's ROCE

There are likely better investments out there. Of course, you might also be able to find a better stock than Aluminum Corporation of China. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have grown earnings strongly.

If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

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.
- Mike Ngugi scored scored 417 out of possible 500 marks in the 2019 KCPE exams

- The bright student secured a Form One place at Meru School

- His father Albert only managed to raise KSh 20,000 for term one fees

- The institution demanded KSh 51,000 for term one fees and purchase of personal effects

A parent in Meru county is appealing for financial help to cater for his son's Form One education.

Albert Mati whose third born son Mike Ngugi Mati had taken the bright boy to Meru School on Friday, January 18, hoping to be admitted but it was never the case.

READ ALSO: I will not quit as deputy president despite humiliation - William Ruto

Ngugi, a former pupil at Premier Junior School scored 417 out of possible 500 marks in the 2019 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education. Photo: Mutembei.

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: DJ anayedaiwa kupigwa risasi na Mbunge Babu Owino afaulu kufanyiwa upasuaji wa pili

Ngugi, a former pupil at Premier Junior School scored 417 out of possible 500 marks in the 2019 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education.

On reaching Meru School, Albert told TUKO.co.ke he had managed to raise KSh 20,000 only but the school principal insisted he clears KSh 30, 616 for the entire term one.

Father and son. The family is appealing for financial help towards the boy's education. Photo: Mutembei.

Source: Facebook

Besides the normal fees, the school also demanded an additional KSh 20,600 to cater for the student's personal effects and uniforms which must be purchased from the institution.

According to fee structure seen by TUKO.co.ke, clothing alone costs KSh 17,500, high density mattress at KSh 2,900 and student's identity card for KSh 200.

Even though he pleaded with the teacher to accept his son into classroom for the time being, the jobless father of five was however turned away.

"I peasant farmer and I depend on casual jobs which hardly come by to feed my family. But despite that, I got KSh 20,000 which I thought would enable him to secure admission as I hustled for more," he told TUKO.co.ke.

The distraught peasant farmer who hails from Tharaka Nithi county called on well-wishers to come through for Ngugi as he hopes to start his academy journey.

"I did not even have enough money for shopping but I bought small items which are not sold at the school. This thing is depressing Ngugi, he is a bright boy whom everyone has high expectation on. You know the situation is difficult but there is someone who can help," he pleaded.

The father can be reached through O724651978 while her mother Mary Nthanga is available on O799653300.

Interestingly, Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha warned secondary school headteachers have no mandate to dictate where parents must buy uniforms and other items.

"I want to be clear that only ignorant parents will be compelled to buy these effects from particular shops. The head teachers have no such mandate," he said.

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.

Babu Owino shoots a DJ at B-Club : Kenyans react | Tuko TV

Source: TUKO.co.ke
ORLANDO, Fla. - More police officers died by suicide than in the line of duty in 2019, and the number of reported police suicides rose for the fourth consecutive year, according to data from Blue H.E.L.P., a mental health advocacy group for police and their families.

In 2019, 228 police officers died by suicide, and 132 were killed in the line of duty. In comparison with 2018, duty deaths for police officers decreased 20% while suicides increased 35 percent, according to Blue H.E.L.P., which says it is the only group in the country tracking law enforcement suicides.

Florida had the fourth-most officer suicides in 2019. The state has the same ranking in total officer suicides since 2016, Blue H.E.L.P. reported.

Blue H.E.L.P. has reported two suicides in 2020 already.

Neither the Orange County Sheriff's Office nor the Orlando Police Department has had any officer suicides in recent years, but both agencies have programs in place to highlight mental health awareness.

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Orange County Sheriff John Mina said suicides by law enforcement officers have been "swept under the rug for many, many years."

As part of an awareness campaign, the Orange County Sheriff's Office released a video in December encouraging deputies to reach out if they need mental health assistance with the slogan, "It's OK to not be OK." In the video, Mina said seeking help would not affect officers' careers.

"I tell deputies all the time, 'I would think even more highly of you if you recognize that you're having an issue,' " he told the Orlando Sentinel.

The campaigns are designed to make deputies aware of mental health resources and encourage them to use them, Mina said.

"(The messaging says,) 'We know this is a difficult job, we know you see a lot of things that our residents don't see every day and it's OK to get help,' " he said.

Doug Wyllie, media relations adviser for Blue H.E.L.P., said the data on officer suicides is aggregated from a number of sources, including law enforcement agencies, news reports and families of fallen officers. Death reports are verified with secondary sources, he said.

While the data seems to suggest police suicides are becoming more frequent, Blue H.E.L.P. cautions against drawing that conclusion. The higher numbers could be due to the way suicides are reported or an increased societal willingness to talk about an issue previously considered taboo.

"We can't be sure that suicides are on the rise or if they are being reported more accurately," said Blue H.E.L.P. co-founder Karen Solomon in a written statement.

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Suicides have long gone under-reported or been miscategorized in the media as accidents, Wyllie said. But officer suicides also seem to be happening more publicly and visibly, he said.

In 2019, Blue H.E.L.P. collected more data than in previous years, which could contribute toward the perceived increase in suicides, said Steve Hough, another co-founder of the organization.

"(This indicates) families, friends and co-workers are willing to move beyond the stigma of suicide and mental health to provide us data which may help others in the future," Hough said in a written statement.

Blue H.E.L.P. has been collecting data on law enforcement suicides for over four years, but the organization has not interpreted the data to identify specific trends yet, Wyllie said. It aims to collect more data before it does so.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office has an employee assistance program that connects all employees to counseling through an anonymous call line and ensures employee have access to mental health care providers, Mina said. Additionally, employees have successfully sought treatment through UCF RESTORES, a clinic that treats active duty and retired military, first responders and trauma survivors.

While these services are anonymous, Mina said supervisors can order a deputy to undergo counseling and a duty fitness review if the deputy seems to be struggling at work.

"We don't want it to get to that point," he said. "If you're feeling like you're struggling with post-traumatic stress or anything else - it could be your marriage, it could be financial difficulties - we want you to reach out anonymously before it gets to the point where it's affecting your work."

After facing particularly traumatic situations, deputies are required to go through mandatory counseling, Mina said.

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"If they're involved in a life-and-death situation, if they're shot at, if they have to use their weapon in a deadly force situation, we send them for a mandatory referral, we call it, and they won't be released back to duty until they get that referral," he said. "In most cases, they're able to go to one session, sometimes two, and they're cleared by the counselor and put back on the streets."

Though the Orlando Police Department does not have a public mental health campaign like that of the Sheriff's Office, spokesman Sgt. David Baker said officers are regularly informed of the importance of mental health awareness.

In 2018, all sworn police officers took an eight-hour course called Mental Health First Aid, which gave them insight into how to handle mental health issues they encounter on the job and to recognize people struggling within the department, he said.

"What Mental Health First Aid is designed to do is help you recognize the signs and symptoms of different types of mental illnesses or mental health concerns, and also give you the ability to refer somebody to the right resources," Baker said.

Some officers have also gone through Crisis Intervention Team training, which instructs them how to assist civilians going through mental health crises. Baker said the material officers learn through the course can also be applicable to officers and their co-workers.

At the Orlando Police Department, the Employee Assistance Program gives officers free, confidential access to mental health professionals, and the Critical Incident Stress Management team is available to counsel officers after stressful or traumatic incidents, he said.

Baker said he has noticed younger officers are more likely to reach out for assistance than veterans, due to generational differences in attitudes toward mental health.

"The general population, over the past decade or so, has come around with the kind of understanding that mental health issues isn't something necessarily that has to be stigmatized," he said.

This attitude toward mental health has made its way into the police department, albeit at a slower pace than it has reached the general population, Baker said. Programs such as the Mental Health First Aid class are key to destigmatizing mental health concerns, he said.

"(We teach officers) there's no difference between having a mental health issue and any other health issue that you might be going through," he said. "There's no stigma that should coincide with that. You should feel at ease if you're going to get help."

---

(If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or ideations, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or text CONNECT to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.)

---

(c)2020 The Orlando Sentinel (Orlando, Fla.)

Visit The Orlando Sentinel (Orlando, Fla.) at www.OrlandoSentinel.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
By Nina Chestney

LONDON (Reuters) - Macquarie's [MBL.UL] Green Investment Group said it has entered into two long-term power purchase agreements with Eramet Norway to supply power to its Norwegian smelters from two wind farms.

Eramet Norway, part of the French mining group Eramet <ERMT.PA>, is a manufacturer of manganese alloys for the global steel industry.

It has an annual electricity demand of more than 2 terawatt hours and relies on long-term and predictable power conditions to ensure stable supply for its processing plants.

The power will come from two Norwegian wind farms - Tysvr in Rogaland and Buheii in Agder - which are currently under development.

Tysvr is owned by the Green Investment Group, bought by Australia-based Macquarie from the British government in 2017. The bank has agreed to buy Buheii Vindkraft, the owner of the Buheii wind farm, from developer Nordisk Vindkraft. Both wind farms will supply power to Eramet's Norway processing plants until 2038.

Financial details were not disclosed.

(This story is refiled to fix spelling of terawatt, paragraph 3)

(Reporting by Nina Chestney; Editing by Alex Richardson)
The first group of Union Ministers comprising Jitendra Singh, Arjun Meghwal and Ashwani Choubey will arrive in Jammu on Saturday to spread awareness about central schemes implemented after the removal of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

The three are part of team of 36 Union ministers who will be visiting Jammu and Kashmir in the next five days and will be attending government functions in different parts of the newly created Union Territory as part of the Centres outreach programme, more than five months after Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two states.

Jitendra Singh, Arjun Meghwal and Ashwini Choubey are scheduled to participate in three functions one in Jammu and two in Samba in Kathua district and meet BJP leaders in Jammu.

On Sunday, 10 Union ministers are scheduled to arrive in Jammu. On January 21, Union Minister, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi will lead another delegation of ministers to Kashmir.

Brigadier (retd) Anil Gupta, a BJP spokesperson in J&K, told HT that the ministers will review the implementation of schemes after the removal of Article 370. Mostly these will be government functions like back to village programmes. They will make people aware about central schemes.

In Kashmir the Union ministers will be traveling to Srinagar, Bandipore, Ganderbal and Baramulla districts where they will be meeting government officials, BJP workers and civilians.

The governments outreach comes on the heels of a two-day visit by a group of at least 15 foreign envoys to Jammu and Kashmir earlier this month to see the governments efforts to restore normalcy in the region. It was the first visit by diplomats since the abrogation of J&Ks special status in August last year.

Officials privy to the details told HT that Union minister of state for home, G Kishen Reddy will be attending functions at Manigam Ganderbal and Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) Srinagar.

Sripad Naik, Union minister of state for yoga and ayurveda will be attending an official function at SKICC where he will be briefed about the ongoing projects of central government initiated in various fields.

Union minister of state Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti will be chairing a high level meeting of officials on January 23 and will be visiting to Faqir Gujri village which falls in Srinagar district. Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhral Nishank will travelling to Harwan area on the outskirts of Srinagar.

Union law minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad will be traveling to north Kashmirs Baramulla district where he will attend a government function at Sopore and also chair a high level meeting of officials.

On Sunday, Union Minister, Smriti Irani is scheduled to visit Katra, Piyush Goyal will visit Akhnoor, Meghwal will attend a programme at Basholi, V Muraleedharan will visit Bilawar, Anurag Thakur will be at Nagrota, Jitendra Singh will be at Udhampur and Ashwini Choubey is scheduled to visit Samba.

The Centre has been trying to project that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is normal despite the internet being suspended. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court asked the Centre to review the restrictions and said that freedom of speech and expression includes right to internet.
PLEASE NOTE: CONTAINS STRONG PROFANITY IN DONALD CERRONE SOUNDBITE IN LINE #6

SHOWS: LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, UNITED STATES (JANUARY 17, 2020)(UFC-MUST COURTESY 'UFC'. NO RESALES)

1. DONALD CERRONE TAKING STAGE FOR WEIGH IN

2. CERRONE GETTING ON SCALE AND WEIGHING IN AT 170 POUNDS (77.1 KGS)

3. CONOR MCGREGOR TAKING STAGE FOR WEIGH IN

4. MCGREGOR GETTING ON SCALE AND WEIGHING IN AT 170 POUNDS (77.1 KGS)

5. MCGREGOR AND CERRONE STARING EACH OTHER DOWN AND POSING FOR PHOTOS

6. (SOUNDBITE)(English) DONALD CERRONE SAYING (CONTAINS STRONG PROFANITY):

"This is incredible, we're gonna blow the fucking roof off this place man, I cannot wait. Everyone says I never show up, this is the fight to show up for, I cannot wait."

7. (SOUNDBITE)(English) CONOR MCGREGOR SAYING:

"How good do I look at 170? Yes, I feel real good at this weight, I'm coming for all of them in this division, it begins with Donald, let's go, I'm excited! Thank you all for the support, thank you for coming out. I apologize I'm a little late, it's hard work getting the kids ready and bringing them to the event so thank you all for your patience. You're in for a great show tomorrow night, tomorrow night I'm dedicating this fight to me ma back home, I love you ma, we all love you!"

8. MCGREGOR WALKING OFF STAGE

STORY: Former two-weight UFC champion Conor McGregor and veteran American Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone made weight Friday (January 17) for this weekend's headlining bout at UFC 246 in Las Vegas.

Both the 31-year-old McGregor and the 36-year-old Cerrone tipped the scales at the welterweight class maximum of 170 pounds (77.1 kilograms) for the non-title fight.

McGregor's announcement that he would retire from fighting sent shockwaves around the sporting world last year but the biggest star in mixed martial arts is now set to make his return at the T-Mobile Arena Saturday (January 18).

McGregor has not fought since a fourth-round lightweight title fight loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov in October 2018 that sparked an ugly post-fight brawl and led to a fine and a six-month ban for the Irishman.

Story continues

Dagestani champ Nurmagomedov was banned for nine months and is not expected to defend his belt until late in 2020.

Renowned for his trash-talking, McGregor has never been far from controversy inside and outside the cage and made headlines in March 2019 when he was arrested in Florida after smashing a fan's phone.

(Production: David Grip)
BEIJING  The photos prompted outrage almost as soon as they were posted.

They showed two women inside one of Chinas most sacred spaces, the Forbidden City in Beijing, smiling as they showed off a glistening Mercedes-Benz sport utility vehicle.

On Weibo, a Twitterlike site, one of the women bragged about getting exclusive access to the palace, a notoriously congested tourist site, saying she had gone there to run wild.

The photos, which were posted on Friday, have set off debate in China about the privileges enjoyed by wealthy families, at a time when President Xi Jinping is trying to persuade the public that he is working to eliminate corruption and to reduce the gap between rich and poor.

Many people denounced the woman, who had frequently boasted about her wealth on social media, as being out of touch. They said she had desecrated the Forbidden City, the former home of emperors, which Mr. Xi has sought to turn into a global symbol of Chinese cultural heritage.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, Jan. 20. Events scheduled across the Lehigh Valley aim to celebrate the life and work of the civil rights activist.

Weve compiled a list of those events below. All are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

SUNDAY, JAN. 19

6 p.m.: A special documentary screening of Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North will be held at First Presbyterian Church (3231 Tilghman St., Allentown). The Lehigh Conference of Churches is organizing the event. Register by emailing gwatson@lehighchurches.org.

MONDAY, JAN. 20

9 a.m.: An interfaith prayer breakfast with speaker Sheryll Cashin is being held at First Presbyterian Church (3231 Tilghman St., Allentown). The topic is A Case for Reparations from the Faith Perspective. The Lehigh Conference of Churches is organizing the event. The cost is $25 per person. Register at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/mlkib.

11:30 a.m.: The Dr. Martin Luther King Civil Rights Movement March is scheduled to take place rain or shine. The procession will begin in front of the St. Bernards Beneficial Society located at 333 Brodhead Ave., Bethlehem. Guest speakers scheduled are Liberty High School Principal Harrison Bailey III and Northampton County Councilman Kerry Myers. For more information, call 484-809-8064.

11:30 a.m.: Lehigh University is hosting a discussion about peace and nonviolence at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall (474 Vine St., Bethlehem). Visit www.golehigh.edu/mlkcelebration2020 to rsvp.

1 p.m.: An MLK Day observance titled A Change is Gonna Come will be held at Bethlehem City Hall (10 E. Church St., Bethlehem). Sara Manzano-Diaz is the guest speaker.

1 p.m.: The Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum (432 W. Walnut St., Allentown) will commemorate the Kings birthday by holding a special slide-lecture program and birthday party. Visit www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org for more information.

6 p.m.: Greater Shiloh Church (403 Pastor Fred Davis St., Easton) is hosting an MLK Day celebration with guest speaker Dr. Chris Hunt. For more information, call 610-252-5640.

Nick Falsone may be reached at nfalsone@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @nickfalsone. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
As of this writing in January 2020, the United States under Donald Trump recently walked up to the line of armed conflict with Iran, but it seems cooler heads have prevailed and the leaders of each nation have chosen de-escalation over further provocations. But any time the possibility of war raises its head, Christians are necessarily conflicted. Those of us who follow the Prince of Peace do not want to see violence or bloodshed, yet we recognize that war is sometimes a necessity for the prevention of greater evil. How can we know when it is right for us to support the difficult decision to enter into armed conflict with another nation?

Thankfully, we are not the first generation of Christians to think about how we should respond to war. As far back as St. Augustine in the fifth century, Christians have discussed not only whether Christians should support war at all, but also the proper constraints upon the government when war takes place.

Christians who believe that war is never acceptable come from a tradition known as pacifism. Those in this tradition point to passages of Scripture like Matthew 5:38-42, in which Jesus said, You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. Another strong influence on the pacifist tradition is Romans 12:17. In this passage, Paul said, Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.

Christians who are on the other side of this argument say that the Bible permits what is called just war. These believers recognize that Jesus prohibits personal vengeance in the words quoted above, but they would argue that the Bible does not give the government the responsibility to turn the other cheek, but instead to protect its citizens. In Romans 13, Paul told believers to submit themselves to the government leaders. Then he went on to say in verses 3 and 4 that the government does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out Gods wrath on the wrongdoer. Just war Christians see this passage giving the government the responsibility to use the sword to punish evildoers. This includes other governments that are putting the lives of citizens in other nations at risk.

Christians who believe in just war have spent centuries discussing what constitutes a just war. When we summarize their thinking, we see three criteria that allow Christians to support their nation going to war.

Christians Support War When the Cause Is Just

In an article explaining the just war tradition, Marc LiVecche said that just war promotes the love and flourishing of the neighbor under assault. Just war seeks to love our neighbors by freeing them from oppression and restoring to them the order, justice, and peace without which no degree of human flourishing, including life, can long persevere. This means that the just war tradition insists that a nations concern extends beyond ones narrow national interests to include intervention and rescue of the oppressed.

Christians can support war with a clear conscience when the result of that war will be more people living in freedom from disorder, injustice, and fear. This means that Christians should support wars that protect others from certain death, in instances such as genocide. Christians can also support war that helps an ally defend themselves from invasion or to restore human rights that have been wrongly denied.

Christians Support War When the Response Is Proportional

For Christians in the just war tradition, the manner in which a war is conducted is as important as the reason for going to war. Christians do not support indiscriminately blowing them back to the stone age. Rather, Christians can only in good conscience support those wars in which the bloodshed in war will prevent what would have been greater bloodshed.

To return to the example of genocide from the previous point, imagine that a nation is wiping out millions of people of one ethnic group or religion. The just war tradition believes that the loss of thousands of lives in a war is a regrettable, but necessary means of saving millions of lives. Writing for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Joe Carter explains that proportionality means going to war must prevent more evil and suffering than it is expected to cause.

Christians Support War When the Rule of Law Is Respected

Since Christians believe governments, authorities, and laws are ordained by God, Christians have a responsibility to hold their governments responsible for how war is declared and how it is carried out. For American Christians, this means that we believe wars must be declared according to the manner described in the Constitution. The founders of our nation believed that the decision to go to war was too consequential to be delegated to the wisdom of one man. Therefore, they placed the responsibility for declaring war on Congress. We should want that rule respected because we see the wisdom of taking the decision away from one and putting in the hands of many.

In addition, Christians can only support those wars that follow the agreed-upon rules of war which have been decided both by American military commanders and the international community. These rules exist to ensure that civilians are not caught in the crossfire of war and that prisoners of war are treated with basic human dignity. The death of innocents and the mistreatment of prisoners violates the rule of proportionality. At that point, war begins to exact a greater toll than it prevents. Therefore, we must insist that the rule of law be respected, even on the battlefield.

One Day War Will Be No More

Isaiah 2 describes the day of the Lord will he will come to set all things right. In verse 4, Isaiah said, He shall judge between nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. One day Jesus will return and make all things new. Until then, we live in a world where war is sometimes a brutal necessity. For those of us who follow Jesus, we should urge our leaders to only use this measure when necessary and to do so in a manner that is in keeping with human dignity.

Scott Slayton writes at One Degree to Another.

Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Zabelin

Scott Slayton writes at One Degree to Another.
2020 will be a busy year in Ireland from a heritage perspective, but so too will Irish culture and heritage have a busy time in countries all over the world with the recent announcement of over 1.85m in funding by Culture Ireland for the promotion of Irish arts globally during 2020.

A total of 875,800 is directed to enable 150 Irish artists and arts organisations to present projects, covering dance, film, literature, music, opera, theatre and the visual arts in 43 countries and build on Ireland's strong global reputation for creativity.

Also included in the awards is a total of 980,000 annual funding for the promotion of Irish arts through partner organisations such as Literature Ireland, First Music Contact and Irish Film Institute International and Ireland's cultural centres in Paris and New York who work with Culture Ireland to present ongoing programmes of Irish artists abroad.

Announcing the awards Minister Josepha Madigan T.D. said "Working towards our aim to double Ireland's global cultural footprint under Global Ireland 2025, my Department is focussed through Culture Ireland on supporting our artists to present their work to audiences worldwide.

"The talent of Irish artists is endorsed by their continued selection to present on the world's finest stages from Australia across Asia and Europe to the US and South America. The bodies being funded in 2020 will continue to make great impact showcasing Irish bands in key marketplaces, screening Irish film worldwide and supporting the translation of the work of Irish writers so Irish literature can be read more widely."

The full list of supported projects is available to see on www.cultureireland.ie, which include, from Cork, a presentation by Cork Printmakers of 12 Irish artists at the London Art Fair, England, 21 - 26 January 2020 and a US premiere of song cycles by Deirdre Gribbin presenting a West Cork Chamber Music Festival commission at the Lincoln Center in New York on the 6th of April 2020.

Cork Community Fund Scheme 2020

The making available of funding is extremely valuable in supporting ground-up initiatives and the County of Cork has no shortage of currently open and upcoming schemes for groups and organisations.

One such Scheme, presently open and accepting applications until Friday, 14th February, is the Cork County Council Community Fund Scheme 2020, operated through each of County Cork's eight Municipal Districts. There are three categories under the scheme: the Capital Fund Scheme; Community Contracts and the Amenity Fund Scheme.

The Capital Fund Scheme is for community groups, sporting and local organisations in County Cork who wish to undertake infrastructural projects costing over 20,000 that will improve the range or quality of community based facilities within their area e.g. community halls, sporting facilities, etc. Community contracts are for Tidy Towns groups who work with Cork County Council on local works and projects, agreed with the Municipal District Officer and local Area Engineer that enhance the area in which the group is active.

The third category - the Amenity Fund - is for community groups, sporting and local organisations in County Cork who wish to undertake projects or purchase equipment that directly benefits communities and meets particular needs. Projects being applied for under this scheme must cost less than 20,000. The three schemes can be applied for online at www.yourcouncil.ie.

Built Heritage Investment Scheme & Historic Structures Fund

In relation to present schemes, the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structures Fund are also currently accepting applications, up until the closing date of Thursday 31st January 2020.

Operated by Cork County Council, in conjunction with the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the Built Heritage Investment Scheme supports small-scale conservation projects and the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craftspeople and tradespersons in the repair of the historic built environment. Project supports will range from a minimum of 2,500 to a maximum of 15,000 per application.

The Historic Structures Fund is comprised of two strands, the first of which sets out to support essential repairs and smaller capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of heritage structures - up to a maximum of 50,000.

Strand 2, will offer a small number of grants from 50,000 up to 200,000 for larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures, where a clear community or public benefit has been demonstrated.

For those interested in applying, applications must be submitted in hard copy to the Built Heritage Investment Scheme or Historic Structure Fund, Conservation Office, Floor 3, Planning Department, County Hall, Cork.

The deadline for submission of completed applications is 4pm on Thursday 31st January 2020 and applicants are advised to read the relevant Circular to each scheme carefully as these contain important information regarding the purpose and administration of the schemes. For more information in this regard and to access an application form visit www.corkcoco.ie/arts-heritage.

Schemes info

With so many different grant schemes available it was recently decided to make details of many of these available on the Cork County Council website. Some are run uniquely by Cork County Council and others, which are administered by the Council, are part of National Schemes. For the full list visit https://www.yourcouncil.ie/service/Funds_and_Grants_Information.

History and Heritage of Mallow

In terms of upcoming events, for those with an interest in the fascinating history and heritage of Mallow, a wonderful talk takes place on Tuesday 21st January in the Social Services Room, New Road, Mallow, commencing at 8pm.

Renowned Historian Tadhg O'Keeffe will give a talk which will examine the importance of Thomas Norreys who built what was one of the first fortified houses in Ireland at Mallow - Mallow Castle. The talk is organised by the Mallow Field Club and all are most welcome to attend.

Fit-up theatre festival

For those with an interest in Theatre, North Cork is the place to be over the next month with the Blackwater Valley Fit-Up Theatre Festival, which gets underway on Wednesday 22nd January, running up until Sunday 23rd February, 2020.

A great line-up is in store for 2020 and for full details visit www.corkcoco.ie/arts-heritage.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 18

By Leman Zeynalova - Trend:

Azerbaijan is seeking cooperation, not competition in the energy sphere, Assistant of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Head of Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev told Radio France Internationale (RFI), Trend reports.

In its energy strategy, Azerbaijan is not seeking any competition, it is seeking cooperation. We see that there is a room for cooperation. European gas demand is rising and Azerbaijan by its own modest contribution makes exports to European markets. It strengthens European energy security and also contributes to Azerbaijans economic development. It is a win-win cooperation, said Hajiyev.

He went on to add that Azerbaijan is implementing the Southern Gas Corridor project worth $40 billion, which will take Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian Sea to European market.

Along with pipeline, we are creating new jobs, prosperity and cooperation. Fifty thousands of new jobs have been created from the Caspian Sea up to the Adriatic Sea in different countries. Southern Gas Corridor is an alternative source of energy and alternative route of energy supply, said Hajiyev.

He recalled that Azerbaijan is the first oil producing country in the world through the industrial way.

In the mid of the 19th century the first oil well was drilled in Azerbaijan even during the Russian Empire time and since then Azerbaijan provided oil to the international market. Next year, we are going to celebrate 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazism. Azerbaijans oil played a crucial role in the fight against Nazism in the World War II. Imagine that 75 percent of oil of the entire Soviet army was provided from Baku, said Hajiyev.

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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 18

Trend:

Azerbaijans Cabinet of Ministers held the first meeting in connection with the execution of instructions given to the government by President Ilham Aliyev during the meeting on Jan.13, Trend reports referring to the Cabinets press service.

The meeting was devoted to the issue of legalizing informal employment.

Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov said that during the meeting on Jan. 13 on the results of 2019, President Ilham Aliyev gave the government over 25 instructions.

To systematize and implement them, the Cabinet of Ministers has drawn up an action plan, in connection with which the corresponding order has been signed.

Ali Asadov said that during the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the importance of curbing informal employment and increasing transparency.

The prime minister noted that an increase in contributions to the State Social Protection Fund by more than 37 percent is a real indicator of the reforms held. As a result of the work done, the tax base is also expanding, Asadov added.

However, the political will of the Azerbaijani president requires strengthening this work, the prime minister said.

Deputy prime minister, Chairman of Azerbaijans Commission for Regulation and Coordination of Labor Relations Ali Ahmadov informed those present about the work done in connection with the solution of issues stipulated by the action plan, as well as about upcoming tasks.

Ahmadov said that over the past 15 years, more than 2 million new jobs have been opened, and the unemployment rate has dropped to 5 percent.

The action plan consists of 5 sections and 36 articles, the deputy prime minister noted. To date, 18 articles have been fully implemented, seven have been partially implemented, and regular work will be carried out on 11 articles. In general, the implemented work can be evaluated positively. From the second half of 2017 until the end of 2019, the number of signed labor contracts increased to 300,000. The annual growth dynamics is also positive. Last year alone, this figure was 153,000. These 300,000 labor contracts cover 21.2 percent of the total number of active population.

Sahil Babayev, the Azerbaijani minister of labor and social protection of the population, reported about the work in the field of labor and the protection of social rights. The minister said that 99,000 of 153,000 labor contracts finalized in 2019 account for the private sector.

Azerbaijans Economy Minister Mikail Jabbarov noted that in order to eliminate informal employment in 2019, tax control measures were taken.

Last year, 7,294 facts of violations were established, and in accordance with the legislation, written warnings were issued in response to the first violation, said Jabbarov. However, financial sanctions of 268,000 manat ($157,647) were imposed on persons who repeatedly committed violations, and criminal cases were initiated on 27 facts. During the year, revenues from the tax authorities, as well as from social insurance contributions, increased by 26 percent and amounted to 2.9 billion manat ($1.7 billion). The forecast was over executed by 105.8 percent.

In turn, Chairman of Azerbaijans State Statistical Committee Tahir Budagov said that tremendous success was achieved in the activities of the committee over the past two years and a strong institutional base was created.

Real results are also evident in the dynamics of the work done, Budagov noted.

The State Statistical Committee conducted analyzes to assess the level of informal employment based on a methodology developed in coordination with the ministries of economy and labor and social protection of the population, the chairman added. International experts are also involved in the work, Budagov said.

Chairman of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of Azerbaijan Ulvi Mehdiyev said that the construction sector is one of the areas where informal employment is still high.

As many as 171 monitoring inspections were carried out in this area in 2017-2019, 170,600 labor contracts were signed, 90,451 contracts of which, or 45 percent, were finalized by employers namely as a result of the monitoring, noted Mehdiyev.

Anar Guliyev, chairman of Azerbaijans State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, noted that as part of the work to eliminate informal labor relations in the construction sector, permits issued by the State Committee and information on legal entities and individuals who received such permits are sent to the Labor Relations Monitoring Center of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of Azerbaijan.

In turn, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation Sattar Mohbaliyev noted that the International Labor Organization highly appreciates the work carried out in Azerbaijan in the direction of protecting labor rights.

The discussions were also attended by Azerbaijani Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies Ramin Guluzade, Head of the Baku Transport Agency Vusal Karimli, Deputy Minister of Interior Ismat Aliyev, Deputy Minister for Emergency Situations Orujali Hajiyev, Chairman of the Azerbaijani National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Mammad Musayev.

In conclusion, the relevant structures were instructed to keep the discussed issue under control, to prepare reports periodically, and in accordance with the presidents instructions, the importance of close coordination was noted.
ABC/Randy HolmesWill Smith and Martin Lawrence really "ain't goin' nowhere" -- thanks to Sony.

The Hollywood Reporter has learned that the studio is currently working on developing a fourth installment of Bad Boys with Chris Bremer, who worked on Bad Boys for Life, set to pen the script.

THR reports that there won't be such a long period of time between the Bad Boys for Life and the fourth film, as there was between Bad Boys II and Bad Boys for Life. Smith and Lawrence are also expected to return for the next installment.

While the third film was initially touted as the final chapter of the Bad Boys franchise, Bad Boys for Life has left plenty of doors open for a potential sequel.

As previously reported, the latest film, directed by Moroccan-born directing duo Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, centers on a new "highly specialized police unit" that butts heads with Smith and Lawrence's old-school ways when "a new threat emerges in Miami."

Bad Boys for Life is now in theaters.

Copyright  2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
A Connecticut State Police trooper held his gun steady late Wednesday afternoon as he fired seven times into a vehicle with a 19-year-old New Haven teen in the drivers seat, body and dashboard camera footage of the deadly incident showed.

Trooper Brian North, a four-and-a-half-year member of the state police force, had been one of the officers who pursued Mubarak Soulemane on Interstate 95 from the Bridgeport area into West Haven.

Body camera footage of the fatal police-involved shooting shows what happened in the moments before, during and after the deadly incident  but still leaves unanswered questions.

State police released the 1 hour, 33 minutes and 50 seconds of footage late Friday night. In Connecticut, dashboard and body camera footage must be released no more than 96 hours after a fatal police-involved shooting.

But while the footage does give some insight into what happened, family members and community leaders are still searching for more answers.

The Rev. Boise Kimber of Calvary Baptist in New Haven, who joined family members of Soulemane on Friday for a press conference about the incident, said he watched the footage with some members of the family after it was released.

I do not have adequate words to explain what took place and what I saw, he said Saturday night. What I did see was the officers blocking this young man in, making demands that he get out of the car. Well, he could not get out of the car because the state trooper car was against the side of the drivers door.

Dashboard camera footage for North and troopers Joshua Jackson and Ross Dalling showed the law enforcement officers racing behind a white Hyundai Sonata  reaching speeds up to 100 mph at times  across all lanes of travel and the left and right breakdown lanes on I-95 northbound for roughly 10 minutes.

Soulemane, in the Hyundai Sonata, weaved in and out of traffic, narrowly avoiding other vehicles on the highway. The troopers followed him, a distance away.

But once Soulemane took the off-ramp for Exit 43 onto Campbell Avenue, he crashed into a civilian car under an overpass. Troopers then boxed him in.

Body and dash camera footage shows the three troopers  as well as other unidentified officers  surrounding the vehicle with the teen still in the drivers seat. North and Jackson had their guns drawn.

Get out of the car, Jackson shouted twice as he approached Soulemane in the vehicle, with his gun drawn.

Jackson then walked around to the right side of the vehicle, with his body camera capturing significant damage to the front end of the teens vehicle.

North then approached the drivers-side window, his gun also drawn.

Jackson reaches for the front passenger door handle. Its locked.

Another officer can be seen using his right fist to try to break the front passenger window before he grabs a baton and hits the window several times, shattering it.

Jacksons body camera footage appears to show Soulemane moving in the car, seen through the broken window. Soulemane appears to have something in his hand, but the item is difficult to see.

The troopers had been warned earlier to use caution, since Norwalk police indicated that Soulemane had been armed with a knife.

Taser, then gunfire

Jackson, North shouted to his fellow trooper, Taser.

Jackson grabbed his Taser and fired it through the broken window. Its unclear if the Taser hit Soulemane or just landed in the vehicle.

Then, Norths body camera footage shows he fired his gun seven times, shattering the drivers window. Its unclear what exactly prompted him to fire his gun.

Shots fired, North then relayed on the radio.

After he fired the shots, North shouted, Hes got a knife to the other officers. Then, he shouted to Soulemane, Drop the knife. Drop the knife.

Several seconds pass, and through one of the bullet holes in the window, Soulemane can be seen moving slightly.

North indicated to the other officers that the knife was not in his hands. Its on his lap.

He then uses his gun to make a bigger hole in the glass that he shot through. North then reaches into the car.

I got the knife, he told the other officers as he can be seen on the body camera footage pulling it out of the window with his left hand. Its on the hood. Pull him out.

Critical views

What led to the pursuit and deadly shooting began earlier in the afternoon in Norwalk, where city police say Soulemane made threats at an AT&T store while wielding a knife before he carjacked a rideshare driver.

The teen got into the white Hyundai Sonata, registered to a Bridgeport resident, and fled the area. Norwalk officers soon spotted the vehicle and briefly pursued Soulemane, before city police supervisors called it off.

Acting Chief State's Attorney John J. Russotto announced in a statement Saturday that inspectors from the Division of Criminal Justice will take over the investigation into the deadly shooting.

The Division of Criminal Justice, and, in particular the state's attorneys, are well aware of the concerns that have arisen concerning the investigation of the use of deadly force by a Connecticut State Police trooper, Russotto said. In fact, the state's attorneys in recent months had already initiated discussions on the best practices for conducting such an investigation.

The immediate concern has now brought this issue to the forefront and we are now implementing what was in the discussion stages in response to the immediate need to respond to this tragic incident in West Haven, Russotto added.

Inspectors regularly work with the states attorneys to prepare cases for prosecution in instances of homicides and other serious criminal offenses. Inspectors also have experience with investigative work in specialized units.

Kimber said he was concerned about how quickly the officer opted to pull the trigger.

They did not try to de-escalate this situation, Kimber said. They did not try to talk to this individual. The officer never said that he saw a knife until he shot the individual. What that means to me is that he was trying to justify the shooting. Its a terrible incident.

Kimber said the footage left family wondering why the video ended when it did.

State police previously said that after the shooting, West Haven and state police rendered medical aid to Soulemane until medics took over and transported him to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Where is the rest of the video after the shooting? Kimber questioned. I think its important to show what happened after.

Kimber said friends and family attended funeral services in the Bronx, N.Y. for Soulemane, a Notre Dame-Fairfield graduate who had family ties to Norwalk. The reverend said Soulemanes mother flew from Ghana, Africa  where Soulemanes family is from  after the shooting.

What do you tell a family who lost a 19-year-old by a police officer? Kimber asked Saturday.

Tahir Mohammed, Soulemanes uncle, said during the Friday press conference that his nephew battled schizophrenia. He said Soulemane was known to police in West Haven, New Haven and Norwalk.

The ACLU of Connecticut condemned state police for the pursuit in a statement Thursday, calling high-speed chases a dangerous and deadly pandemic.

Melvin Medina, public policy and advocacy director of the organization, questioned why state police opted to pursue the vehicle after Norwalk police had deemed it unsafe.

When police choose to chase someone in a car, they are escalating a situation and endangering the lives of police, pedestrians and all motorists on that road, Medina said.

State police pointed to the vital information that Norwalk provided about Soulemane being armed as the reason they pursued the vehicle.

The agency said its pursuit policy, adopted in September 2019, prevents troopers from normally chasing stolen vehicles unless the person has committed, is trying to commit or will imminently commit a crime of violence  actual or threatened.

The policy also allows troopers to pursue a vehicle if there is a need to take the person into custody in a timely manner because of the potential for harm to the public if they arent apprehended, state police said.

State police ask anyone with information on the shooting to call 860-706-5656.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 17/1/2020 (724 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

Sitting in a classroom, inside the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, I couldnt stop thinking about the Tragically Hip.

It was Friday afternoon, and the relentless afternoon snow was starting to gather in enormous drifts near the windows. Inside, more than 100 people had come to see a most remarkable sight: a panel of men who collectively spent decades in prison for crimes they did not commit.

The stories were harrowing: lost lives, lost opportunities, lost relationships. Although the cases were unique in their own ways, they all shared a common experience: a life profoundly interrupted and never properly resumed.

It got me thinking about one of the most famous lines uttered by frontman Gord Downie in the 1992 Hip song, Wheat Kings, a mournful account of David Milgaards 1970 wrongful conviction for murder: "Twenty years for nothing, well, thats nothing new / Besides, no ones interested in something you didnt do."

Over my career, I have reported extensively on five different cases of wrongful conviction, including the Milgaard case in the late 1980s and early 1990s, before it came to national attention. Those stories taught me a lot about society and human nature, including this harsh reality: as Downie so eloquently noted, far too few of us care about something someone didnt do.

When someone claims innocence in the court of public opinion, most citizens tend to wrap themselves in a cocoon of comforting disbelief. We do so because its easier to disbelieve someones incredible claims of innocence than to accept the justice system, the thing supposed to be our buffer between order and anarchy, could make such a horrible mistake.

Journalists who have worked on wrongful conviction stories do not fall prey to the same sense of disbelief. We are able to avoid it largely because we have one advantage the average person does not: we have looked deep into the eyes of the people claiming innocence.

Listen carefully, and victims of wrongful conviction will tell you about years lost to incarceration, ravages of prison life, stigma that stains them for years after they were exonerated. Listen closely to the tales of damaged relationships, estranged children and spouses, psychological trauma, and generally compromised health.

Then, and only then, can you grasp the magnitude of the inhumanity of wrongful convictions. Only then can you start caring about something someone didnt do.

This was no doubt one of the lessons learned by the 100 or so people who shared the CMHR classroom Friday for a special one-day conference to inform and encourage the federal government to create a better system for reviewing claims of wrongful conviction.

The cases highlighted at this conference spanned a period of nearly 50 years: Brian Anderson, convicted of murder in 1974; Milgaard; Thomas Sophonow, convicted of murder in 1982; Frank Ostrowski, convicted of murder in 1987; and James Driskell, convicted of murder in 1991.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The panel of guests during a special one-day wrongful conviction conference being held at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, (from left) Brian Anderson, Frank Ostrowski, and James Driskell.

It was a pleasant coincidence the conference took place just 48 hours before the federal Liberal cabinet gathers in Winnipeg for its annual policy retreat. A coincidence that could not have come at a better time for the victims of wrongful conviction.

In last falls federal election, the Liberals pledged to create an independent commission to review wrongful convictions, similar to one in the United Kingdom. This pledge is no simple matter.

An independent commission must come with adequate resources to investigate claims of innocence, and provide applicants with adequate legal representation, two things that do not exist now.

Currently, Ottawa can use a section of the Criminal Code to quash a conviction, order a new trial, or free an applicant and order that no further trial take place. However, applications can drag on for decades and, given no formal financial support is provided, applicants are often forced to seek a lawyer willing to work for free. That prevents many worthy applicants from getting their cases reviewed.

As the Liberal government moves towards an independent commission, it should remember two important realities.

First, in making this pledge, the Liberals are wading into an area of public policy where they will find little support. Except for the actual victims and their supporters, almost no one will laud you for creating a new agency that, if successful, will lead to a new raft of overturned criminal convictions.

Every confirmed case of wrongful conviction is a bruise on the integrity of the justice system. Even when it is the right thing to do, it makes people uncomfortable.

The second thing the Liberals should remember is expectations among the confirmed and likely victims of wrongful conviction are now running high.

Dan Lett | Not for Attribution A weekly look at politics close to home and around the world that is sent every Tuesday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

At the CMHR conference, the men who served time for crimes they didnt commit expressed unmitigated confidence the Liberals would deliver on their pledge.

Some, such as Anderson, have interpreted the promise as proof their plight has finally been acknowledged and accepted as a live issue of public policy.

"People didnt hear us back then," said Anderson, who has an application for review under the current Criminal Code process to have his conviction overturned. "People hear us now."

In making its pledge, the federal government has demonstrated it has heard the victims of wrongful conviction and their supporters.

But it should go further, meet with them, look deep into their eyes, learn to care about something someone didnt do.

dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca
The emotion crackles in Michael Lynchs voice as he describes the carnage he has witnessed.

Dr Lynch, Zoos Victorias chief vet, has spent long days tending to native animals, mainly koalas, at a field hospital outside Mallacoota this week.

An injured koala, nicknamed Princess Fiona, has been treated at the Mallacoota triage centre for burns to her face and paws. Credit:Rachel Mounsey

Of the injuries, most are hands and feet burns of varying intensity, he says. Some of these animals will take months to heal.

Far more than have been rescued  mainly larger animals such as kangaroos and wallabies  have been euthanised out in the bush, as they are too badly injured to be saved. And many more again are still stuck behind the flames.
A Meal With: Marc Landgraf Cluster General Manager of Paradise and TreeHouse Resorts on Koh Yao Noi

In a region of the planet renowned for hyperbole and exaggeration, it is refreshing to be seated in a lovely beachside restaurant at the Paradise and TreeHouse Resort in a stunning location overlooking the breathtaking limestone karst spires of Phang Nga Bay while having supper with the genial resident General Manager Marc Landgraf.



By Baz Daniel

Saturday 18 January 2020, 10:00AM

Marc Landgraf and Baz Daniel enjoy a meal and discuss the happenings about the Island



Indeed, that overworked word Paradise is entirely appropriate in describing these two lovely resorts and the pristine natural location in which I recently found myself grazing on delightfully fresh, healthy cuisine and sipping a particularly enlivening coconut juice.

Paradise Resort was opened in this fabulous spot in 2004 and became an immediate hit with discerning guests who appreciated quietude and natural splendour blended seamlessly with the epitome of service and style. Just this year, its sister resort TreeHouse Villas progressively opened with a marvellous selection of 32 Tree House, Hillside and Beachfront villas, each with its own pool and each uniquely designed by Phuket-based Australian creative guru John Underwood.

Talking recently with John, he explained that his intention was for each villa to sit harmoniously within the embrace of the surrounding natural environment, rather than imposing upon the environment as so many resorts do. Johns unique structures most certainly achieve this admiral goal, providing a romantic escape to the throngs of honeymoon and loved up couples who so readily flock to this idyll.

Marc Landgraf himself has a unique perspective upon the development of the Andaman region, having spent much of his stellar career working in hospitality in Thailand and the Andaman managing such iconic properties as the Outrigger Resort on Koh Samui; the Outrigger Phuket Laguna Beach Resort and Villas; and the Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort and Spa, not to mention stints in Brussels, the Dominican Republic, Luxembourg and France after graduating in International Hospitality Management from Lausanne in 1994.

We luxuriated in the wonderful supper before us, in this unrivalled setting as Marc spoke about the concept of escape from the stresses of todays world. We can almost see the sense of relief and relaxation that our guests go through when they arrive here by our transfer boat and start to embrace the reality of this magical natural environment. They stop their obsessive scoping of their iPhones and become much slower and more relaxed in their movements. Sadly, Phuket island itself still harbours most of the stresses of the big cities from which many of our guests have come.

Phuket has appalling traffic and road manners, plus pollution and crowds, so its only when they disembark into our Paradise that they truly start to feel they are escaping from all that and becoming one with nature. Marc himself feels much of this schizoid existence as he commutes back and forth to Phuket where his wife lives and his daughter goes to school. I feel myself changing up a couple of gears when our transfer launch comes back into the Yacht Haven. I have to crank myself up to face the traffic and stress of driving in Phuket. So many of our guests these days arrive for weekend escapes from Bangkok, or by private boat, all looking to re-charge in our slice of natural perfection prior to returning to the grind of their daily lives. Its a sad commentary on todays lifestyles.

I asked Marc about the changes in tourist profiles that the last few years gave brought to the Andaman region. We hear a lot about the way in which the raw numbers of arrivals, flights and hotel rooms keep on growing, but such simplistic numerical accounting misses the ways in which low-yield group tourism is impacting the market, bringing with it enormous environmental and structural costs.

Certainly, room rates and yield are being driven relentlessly down, while raw numbers of in-bound visitors rise. Some of the results are the traffic chaos, overloaded landfill sites, water shortages and stressed local populace and rising crime that now abound on Phuket island itself. We are really privileged to be out here, removed from all that looking back at it from, well, a slice of Paradise.

Charmingly, as a guest, one receives a printed paper into your Tree House each evening titled A Brief Overview of Tomorrow telling you about the lovely events and experiences awaiting you during your next day in Paradise.

I noted that I could do a sunrise beachside yoga class, or a enjoy massage and spa treatment prior to a lovely drawn-out beachside breakfast. I could take a bus tour into a local village and market, learning more about the quiet pace of life here on Koh Yao Noi.

I could go diving, or kayaking through the limestone karsts, or hopping around the island by bicycle and boat. The forecast daytime high temperature was scheduled to be 31C all week and an almost full Gibbous moon would be waxing that very night. Somehow it was all so reassuring that slices of Paradise like this really do exist so close to the madness of our main island, and we are blessed indeed to have them.

Bicycling Baz Daniel fell off his first bicycle aged three... a case of love at first slight. Since then he has spent a further 65 years falling on and off bicycles all over the world, but his passion endures. When not in traction, he found time to become Senior VP of the worlds largest advertising and communications group, finally retiring to Phuket in 2006. He has been penning his Blazing Saddles column, chronicling his cycling adventures in Phuket and beyond, since 2013.
Many of the 150 people who filled an Oakland restaurant Friday to see former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg were like Tria Cohn: She was Bloomberg curious.

The San Francisco copywriters favorite Democratic presidential candidates are Pete Buttigieg and Elizabeth Warren. But, she said, the electability question comes up. I dont know if they can beat (President) Trump.

It is the question that nags at many Democrats and other never-Trumpers less than three weeks before the Feb. 3 Iowa caucuses, which happen the same day early voting begins in California.

Bloomberg, the 77-year-old billionaire media magnate, is making those concerns the cornerstone of a campaign that is becoming a ubiquitous presence on the airwaves and social media. He has spent $24 million on TV ads in California alone since entering the race in November. The rest of the field has spent a combined $5 million here, according to the FiveThirtyEight website.

He jumped in when he grew frustrated that Democrats were pushing ideas that werent good, or could get through Congress or that we could afford, Bloomberg told The Chronicles Its All Political podcast after speaking for 20 minutes to a crowd that ate barbecue he bought them at Everett & Jones restaurant. I started looking and saying, These people could not beat Donald Trump, who I know very well.

That list includes former Vice President Joe Biden, whose more centrist policies are close to Bloombergs. But, Bloomberg said, We have different skill sets.

Im a manager, Bloomberg said. I was a mayor. I know how to deliver services and pull people together and get them to focus. ... I supervised 300,000 employees when I was mayor of New York.

Thats what I do well and thats what this job needs: It needs a manager, he said.

Bloombergs more measured policy approach was evident in a clean-energy plan he released Friday. He called for cutting the nations carbon emissions in half by 2030. That is not as ambitious as the Green New Deal that candidates including Warren and Bernie Sanders support. It calls for nationwide net zero carbon emissions within a decade.

You try to have a goal that is doable, Bloomberg told The Chronicle. If its so impossible, nobody really tries. ... Thats what legislators do: They promise the world, so that you never really try to do it and they dont have to pay for it and you cant measure whether it works.

Thats not the world I come from, he said. I do things. And you have to pick reasonable targets. If you can do it quicker than you thought, then you can always raise them later on.

Bloomberg faces concerns from core Democratic voters, particularly over his support for stop-and-frisk police policies during his 12-year tenure as New York mayor. Days before he said he would seek the Democratic nomination, he apologized for his support of the policy that disproportionately affected African Americans and Latinos.

Apologizing is a sign of maturity  if something doesnt work, to say Im sorry and then to change, Bloomberg said. And if you show me who is not willing to do that, I can (show) you somebody you shouldnt have at your company.

Former state Sen. Sandre Swanson, who backed California Sen. Kamala Harris until she dropped out of the race, said he accepted his apology for supporting stop-and-frisk. Now hes endorsing Bloomberg.

Once you get past that and you look at his record, its a good record, said Swanson, who is African American. Once Kamala and Cory Booker got out of the race, people like me have to stay engaged.

Bloomberg has adopted an unusual campaign strategy, bypassing early-voting states such as Iowa and focusing on the 14 states including California that hold contests March 3.

On Friday, he rode BART from San Francisco to Oakland, where he walked around Snow Park with Mayor Libby Schaaf. This was his third visit to the state since entering the race, but hes gained little momentum  hes in sixth place among Democrats in California, slightly ahead of Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, according to an amalgamation of top polls by RealClearPolitics.

But theres still time. Walnut Creek resident Ken Richard said he likes Buttigieg and Warren, but wanted to check out Bloomberg at his barbecue-restaurant event.

If Bloomberg gets some traction on March 3, Richard said, then Im in for him.

Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli
President Muhammadu Buhari and security chiefs met in Abuja on Friday to review the security situation in the country.

The meeting ended with a resolution that the security agencies would not allow any individual or groups to undermine the security of the country.

The meeting was held before Buhari jetted out of Abuja for the inaugural UK-Africa Investment Summit opening on Monday, in London, next week.

It also came amid the tension generated by the launch of a security outfit, Operation Amotekun, by the South-West states and the subsequent decision of the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN) to declare the outfit illegal.

However, the Chief of Air Staff, Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who spoke with State House Correspondents after the meeting, did not make a mention of Operation Amotekun.

He stated that the meeting did a general security assessment and concluded that the measures put in place so far to combat insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of security threats were working.

But, he added individuals or group of individuals likely to cause trouble for the country would not be allowed to do so.

The CAS said, You recall that we held a meeting on the 30th of December 2019, and today (Friday), we held another one. The essence of the meeting was to critically evaluate what the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as well as other security and intelligence agencies, are doing to ensure that the territorial integrity of Nigeria is not undermined by any individual or group of individuals.

Sadique stated that procurement of military equipment had been stepped up to confront kidnapping, banditry and other crimes, saying that some delivery had been done as of January 15.

He added, We also looked at the emerging situations in some areas particularly banditry in some of the north-western states and other parts of the country.

We have critically looked at everything and we are satisfied with the progress we are making. We are satisfied with the support the Federal Government is giving the armed forces and other security agencies in terms of procurement of platforms; a substantial number of these equipment are expected by the end of February.

Some of the equipment have started arriving for the Nigerian Air Force; two helicopter gunships had arrived on the 15th of January and we are now in the process of putting them together, which will add to whatever we have.

He said the meeting also touched on community policing, which had been approved by the regime, adding that it would be funded.

I am sure you are also aware of the policy on community policing that was approved by Mr President, and it is going to be funded.

The whole idea is to ensure that Nigeria is secure and Nigerians can go about pursuing their legitimate aspirations without any hindrance.

We want to reassure Nigerians that the armed forces of Nigeria, the security and intelligence agencies are going to continue to work round the clock to ensure that our country is secure and to ensure that nobody undermines the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of Nigeria, he stated.

Speaking specifically on the counter-insurgency operations of the government, the CAS explained that the meeting reviewed the situation in the North-East and convinced that insurgency would be brought under control with the equipment being procured.

We are doing everything with the other sister countries in the Lake Chad Basin to ensure that the Boko Haram terrorism is brought substantially to an end as quickly as possible, he added.

Sadique said the meeting called on all Nigerians, state governments, local governments and communities to support the federal government to ensure that our country is secured.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Donald Trump is like a cult leader and many Republicans are now too scared to go against him, according to an alleged former ally at the centre of the impeachment inquiry.

Lev Parnas claims to have been personally carrying out extensive efforts to discredit the Bidens in Ukraine at the direct behest of Mr Trump and his personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, of whom he is a known associate.

It was like being in a cult. When they say organised crime  I dont think Trump is like organised crime, I think hes like a cult leader, Mr Parnas claimed to MSNBC on Thursday night.

Right now the scary part  and what people dont understand, is theres a lot of Republicans that would go against him. The difference between why Trump is so powerful now  he wasnt as powerful in 16 and 17, he became that powerful when he got [attorney general] William Barr.

People are scared. Am I scared? Yes. I think Im more scared of our justice department than these criminals right now. Because the scariest part is getting locked in some room and being treated as an animal when youve done nothing wrong. And thats the tool theyre using. Because theyre trying to scare me into not talking  My wife is scared, my kids are nervous.

It is the Soviet-born businessmans first round of interviews since being indicted for allegedly violating campaign finance laws by making outsize donations to Republican causes after receiving millions of dollars from Russian sources.

He has pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy, making false statements and falsification of records after being arrested trying to flee the US.

Mr Parnas claims to have been on a mission in Ukraine to dig dirt on Joe and Hunter Biden since 2018, meeting with top officials on the presidents behalf. On Wednesday claimed Mr Trump was aware of all my movements.

I wouldnt do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani or the president. I have no intent, I have no reason to speak to any of these officials.

Story continues

I mean, they have no reason to speak to me. Why would President Zelenskys inner circle or Minister Avakov or all these people or President Poroshenko meet with me? Who am I? They were told to meet with me. And thats the secret that theyre trying to keep. I was on the ground doing their work.

Mr Trump has strenuously denied knowing Mr Parnas, despite there being extensive photo and video evidence of their having met on a multitude of occasions. Mr Parnas grew up in Brooklyn and has previously said he worked for the Trump Organisation in the Eighties selling real estate, but claimed he didnt properly get to know Donald until the 2016 campaign.

I dont even know who this man is. I take thousands of pictures with people, Mr Trump repeated on Thursday, having previously said: Maybe you will have to ask Rudy.

Speaking to CNN on Thursday, Mr Parnas addressed the presidents claims that they dont know each other, saying: I welcome him to say that even more. Every time he says that Ill show him another picture. Hes lying.

Mr Parnas gave the television interviews days after his lawyer submitted a series of documents from his client to Congress.

These included claims that Mr Giuliani told Ukrainian officials he was working on the presidents behalf and text messages suggesting Marie Yovanovitch  the ousted US ambassador to Ukraine  may have been under surveillance by a Republican donor named Robert Hyde.

It has been suggested that Ms Yovanovitch was removed because she would have blocked attempts by the Trump administration to pressure Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky into announcing an investigation into the son of Joe Biden, Mr Trumps potential 2020 election rival, who worked on the board of an energy company in Ukraine called Burisma.

While underplaying the gravity of the text messages, saying Mr Hyde was drunk the whole time, Mr Parnas did claim he witnessed a furious Mr Trump telling an aide to get rid of the ambassador during a private dinner in spring 2018, after Mr Parnas told the president she was badmouthing him in Ukraine.

Mr Giuliani has admitted he wanted Ms Yovanovitch out of the way, and she was abruptly recalled last year after a smear campaign against her  in which Mr Parnas appears to be admitting to having taken an active role.

I never thought I was doing anything wrong, he told MSNBC on Thursday. I regret certain things, like hurting the ambassador, because  when youre in a war, you think casualties and things like that.

Despite his assertions that he was fighting the presidents battles, Mr Trump and his allies have dismissed Mr Parnas claims as those of a desperate man seeking a plea deal.

After the businessman claimed vice president Mike Pence was also aware of what was happening in Ukraine, Mr Pences chief of staff said: This is very simple: Lev Parnas is under a multi-count indictment and will say anything to anybody who will listen in hopes of staying out of prison. Its no surprise that only the liberal media is listening to him.

But on Tuesday, the House of Representatives provided additional evidence to be used in the Senate trial alongside the articles of impeachment, including Mr Parnas newly submitted documents.

In an indication of Washingtons polarisation as the trial begins, many Republicans railed against the inclusion of new evidence, yet provided few solid reasons why.

When asked by CNN reporters whether the Senate should consider new evidence as part of the impeachment trial  such as Mr Parnas fresh documents  Republican senator Martha McSally replied: Man, youre a liberal hack, Im not talking to you.

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Trump rages as third Senate impeachment trial in history opens

Trump gives furious defence against impeachment as trial begins

Democrats need to use Lev Parnas and John Bolton wisely
Regional Medical Center announces that it is the first medical facility in the Tri-County region to offer robotic-arm assisted total knee and total hip replacements with Strykers Mako System.

This highly advanced robotic technology transforms the way joint replacement surgery is performed, enabling surgeons to have a more predictable surgical experience with increased accuracy.

The demand for joint replacements is expected to rise in the next decade. Total knee replacements in the United States are estimated to increase by 673 percent by 2030, while primary total hip replacements are estimated to increase by 174 percent. Yet studies have shown that approximately 30 percent of patients are dissatisfied after conventional surgery.

With Mako, we can provide each patient with a personalized surgical experience based on their specific diagnosis and anatomy, said Regional Medical Center President and CEO Charles Williams, FACHE. Using a virtual 3D model, Mako allows surgeons to create each patients surgical plan pre-operatively before entering the operating room. During surgery, we can validate that plan and make any necessary adjustments while guiding the robotic-arm to execute that plan. Its exciting to be able to offer this transformative technology across the joint replacement service line to perform total knee and total hip replacements.

The Mako Total Knee application is a knee replacement treatment option designed to relieve the pain caused by joint degeneration due to osteoarthritis. Through CT-based 3D modeling of bone anatomy, surgeons can use the Mako System to create a personalized surgical plan and identify the implant size, orientation and alignment based on each patients unique anatomy. The Mako System also enables surgeons to virtually modify the surgical plan intra-operatively and assists the surgeon in executing bone resections.

The Mako Total Hip application is a treatment option for adults who suffer from degenerative joint disease of the hip. During surgery, the surgeon guides the robotic-arm during bone preparation to prepare the hip socket and position the implant according to the pre-determined surgical plan. In cadaveric studies, Mako total hip replacement acetabular cup placement has been shown to be four times more accurate and reproducible than manual total hip replacement procedures.

We are proud to offer this highly advanced robotic technology in our area, Williams said. The addition of Mako to our orthopaedic service line allows patients to stay close to home for their care and treatment -- further demonstrating our commitment to providing our patients with access to the best health care available.

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In this Nov. 6, 2019, file photo, U.S. Ambassador to Seoul Harry Harris poses for photos during their meeting at the Foreign Ministry in Seoul. AP



Cheong Wa Dae openly reproached U.S. Ambassador Harry Harris for his remarks on President Moon Jae-in's stated plans to resume inter-Korean cooperation, calling them "very inappropriate."



"It's very inappropriate for the ambassador to make such comments to the media over remarks made by the president of the hosting nation," a presidential office official told reporters.



The official stressed that inter-Korean cooperation is a matter to be decided by the South Korean government, although Seoul "always" holds close consultations with Washington in making constant efforts for substantive progress in inter-Korean ties, and the early resumption of denuclearization dialogue between the United States and North Korea.



A spokesman at the U.S. Embassy declined to comment directly on the presidential aide's remarks.



"We are aware of the comments," he told Yonhap News Agency. "We have nothing to offer at this time, and would refer you to Ambassador Harris' recent public comments."



Harris reportedly urged Seoul to hold prior consultations with Washington in its pursuit of allowing Koreans to make "individual" tours to Mount Kumgang on North Korea's east coast.



It's "better" to run such an issue "through the working group" to avoid "misunderstandings" that might trigger sanctions, he reportedly told a group of foreign reporters here, referring to a working-level consultation channel between the allies on North Korea affairs.



His remarks were viewed by many as a thinly veiled warning and an attempt to put pressure on the Moon administration as it seeks to jump-start inter-Korean projects that are unaffected by U.N. sanctions on the North in a bid to help facilitate the Pyongyang-Washington nuclear talks.



The Ministry of Unification in charge of inter-Korean affairs earlier gave a terse response to the envoy's call as well.



"Our policy with regard to North Korea comes under our sovereignty," Lee Sang-min, the unification ministry's spokesman, said in a regular press briefing. "The U.S. has repeatedly made it clear through diverse channels that it respects South Korea's sovereignty related to its North Korea policy."






The parents of Nora Quoirin, a teenager who was found dead 10 days after disappearing in Malaysia while on a family holiday, have told of the harrowing moment they learned of her death.

Nora's body was found 2.5km from a holiday resort where she had been staying with parents Meabh and Sebastian Quoirin, and her two younger siblings in Dusun in August last year.

Meabh and Sebastien Quoirin said they were beginning to feel hopeful that Nora (15) would be found safe shortly before they were old the devastating news that her body was found.

"It happened at a time where we started to feel more optimistic because we thought if Nora hasnt been found within 7 days or 9 days, then shes not around. If shes not around, then shes been abducted," Sebastien told RTE's Late Late Show.

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"Therefore, lets play the waiting game sort of. Lets wait until the abductors come to us and ask for a ransom. In fact, we actually received a random email the previous evening of people saying they had Nora. "

Meabh recalled the moment police officers informed them of the discovery.

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"We just kept on believing.

"All of the support we were getting, people hoping with us, got us through the next day and the next day. The fact that they told us that they didnt know for sure it was Nora, although they felt very strongly it probably was, at first they could just tell us that the body of a young girl had been found.

"Of course, immediately we knew. I can still hear myself screaming 'no' at the police officers. We had to face the inevitable.

"Within a matter of hours, we were taken in a police convoy to the hospital where we had to identify Nora," she said.

Nora's parents first realised she was missing shortly after Sebastien woke to find she wasn't in her bed.

I think Ill remember this for the rest of my life. I looked at the bed, Nora was missing. I could feel it in my bones that, and you cannot underestimate the power of parental instinct, I felt and I knew immediately that Nora had been taken," he said.

I shouted for Meabh about the situation and then the panic started to search for Nora, running like a headless chicken, calling on staff for help. The stress level went through the roof at the time."

He continued: "The first couple of days were complete chaos. The local police force were not adequately prepared for this type of crisis.

"Thanks to the help of the Irish and French embassies, this crisis was escalated to national level."

Expand Close Malaysian authorities have not given the full post-mortem examination report to Nora Quoirins family (family handout/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Malaysian authorities have not given the full post-mortem examination report to Nora Quoirins family (family handout/PA)

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The Quoirins added that they believe Nora was abducted as she was born with a rare genetic condition called Holoprosencephaly, which means she "would have been physically and mentally incapable" of leaving the resort through the bedroom window, and wouldnt of even known a window was there, "she wouldnt of been able to see it."

They said they would like Malaysian police to reopen the case.

"We believe she was abducted, we believe she was kept in the jungle for the time that she was missing. I suppose we dont really feel its helpful to speculate beyond that because there are many theories as to why, and what exactly happened. I think at this stage whats important for us to let the police do their job," Meabh said.

"What were hoping they will reopen an investigation, were not detectives. Wed really like the Malaysian police to go back and properly examine all the angles of the case, and particularly, the criminal angles."

An autopsy showed Nora died from gastro-intestinal bleeding and an ulcer, which is likely to have been brought on by starvation and possible stress.

The Quoirins said they were shocked to learn that an inquest into her death would not be held.

"This news came as a shock to us," Sebastien said.

"The inquest is absolutely critical.

"Without the inquest, the case is closed. If the case is closed, there will be no truth, and we will be deprived from justice."
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 23:17:47|Editor: yan

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MOGADISHU, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- At least four people were killed and 18 others injured when a suicide bomber targeted Turkish contraction workers and Somali security forces in Mogadishu on Saturday.

Government spokesman Ismael Mukhtar Omar said two police officers and two civilians were killed when the militants targeted Turkish road engineers working on the key highway linking the capital Mogadishu and Afgoye town, about 30 km northwest of Mogadishu.

"Four people were killed and 18 others including seven Somali police officers, six Turkish nationals and five civilians were injured," Omar told Xinhua.

The police who did not want to be identified said the explosives blew up at the checkpoint.

He said some of the injured are in critical condition in the hospital and may need some specialized treatment in Turkey.

"I was on the same road when I heard a heavy blast and saw smoke rising up, it was a terrifying stance," Hassan Elmi, an eyewitness told Xinhua.

No group has claimed responsibility for the latest attack which comes after a truck bomb in the Ex-Control area killed more than 84 people in late December 2019 among them two Turkish nationals. More than 150 people were injured in an attack which was roundly condemned by the international community that the militant group claimed responsibility.

The extremists were forced out of the capital Mogadishu in late 2011 by the Somali army backed by African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom), but the militants still hold swathes of rural areas in central and southern regions conducting ambushes and planting land mines.
by Ray Schultz , January 17, 2020

ZINFI Technologies Inc. has updated its channel management platform with features that it says can help brands work in multiple channels.

Version 11 of ZINFIs SaaS tool allows firms selling through a channel to deploy automated through-channel automation (TCMA) capabilities, the company claims.

The channels covered include email, direct mail, web syndication, search and social, it adds.

Among the new applications are a campaign canvass and a drag-and-drop campaign creation tool that allows firms to utilize automated TCMA tools.

The firm hopes the update will help in democratizing channel marketing automation, making it accessible to partners of all sizes and capabilities, states Sugata Sanyal, founder and CEO of ZINFI.

Sanyal adds that vendors will be able to understand which campaigns are effective using marketing attribution practices, even as those campaigns are run by thousands of their partners globally.
At a time when most fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies are lowering their growth projections amid weak consumer demand, the Indian arm of the $8 billion German firm Dr Oetker registered its best year of operations, growing at a rate of 22-24 per cent.

The primary reason for this is its pure play into comfort food and focus on the taste-seeker category of consumers, which account for 56 per cent of the total base in the country. This year, it has been the strongest year for us in India and we fared well across the globe too. Although our sales numbers are yet to be ...
Yves here. This post confirms the suspicions some have voiced about similarities between Australias and Californias fires.

By Dana Nuccitelli. Originally published at Yale Climate Connections

Australias frightening bushfires, which kicked off an early fire season in September 2019, have already had cataclysmic effects, and the continent is still just in the early months of the southern hemispheres summer. The New South Wales Rural Fire Service has described the bushfires as unprecedented in size and scale, having burned more than 46 million acres (18.6 million hectares), killed at least 29 people, and destroyed more than 2,200 homes.*

Parts of Australia have had the worst air quality in the world. The air quality in Sydney has literally been alarming, having set off smoke alarms in buildings throughout the citys central business district and exceeded hazardous levels for more than 30 days. Military assets have been deployed in response to the fires at a scale not seen since World War II. Researchers estimate that more than a billion animals have been killed. Several species will likely be pushed to extinction.

The conditions and climate change-wildfire connections in Australia have been strikingly similar to those amplifying Californias record 2018 wildfire season, but on a much larger scale. Scientific unknowns remain regarding some of those connections, but others are a straightforward result of physics  more heat creates more wildfire fuel.

The politics and climate policy environment down under, on the other hand, more closely bring to mind those at the national level in the U.S. than to the situation in California.

How Climate Change Exacerbated Australian and Californian Fires

Despite widespread conspiracy theories about the bushfires, emerging science continues to find links between global warming and worsening wildfires, with the issue a focus of continuing investigation. As climate scientist Kevin Trenberth explained in a recent interview with videographer Peter Sinclair, global warming directly intensifies wildfires by drying out soil and vegetation, creating more fuel to burn farther and faster. Thats particularly a problem in drought-prone regions like Australia and California.

The Millennium drought in southeastern Australia from 1997 to 2009 was the driest 13-year period on record, according to a report by Australias Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The drought was broken by Australias two wettest periods on record in 2010 and 2011, but then came yet another intense drought from 2017 to the present. In fact, 2018 and 2019 were Australias hottest and driest years on record. On December 18, the continent had its hottest day on record, with an average high temperature of 107.4 degrees F. California experienced a similar weather whiplash, swinging from record-breaking drought in 20122016 to a very wet rainy season in 20172018. That combination generated growth of new plants that were subsequently dried out by record heat, creating fuel for the states record 2018 wildfire season.

Californias drought was made worse by a persistent high-pressure system off the coast known as the Ridiculously Resilient Ridge. That high-pressure ridge diverted storm systems to Californias north, leading to years of low precipitation. Researchers have suggested that climate change may cause such blocking systems to form more frequently. A 2018 study led by UCLAs Daniel Swain found that as temperatures continue to rise, California will see a shift to less precipitation in the spring and fall and more in the winter, lengthening the wildfire season.

The situation in Australia is again strikingly similar to that in California. Researchers have shown that global warming is expanding an atmospheric circulation pattern known as the Hadley cell. This circulation is caused by hot air at the equator rising and spreading toward the poles, where it begins to cool and descend, forming high pressure ridges. In Australia, this process creates whats known as the subtropical ridge, which as CSIRO notes, has become more intense as a result of global warming expanding the Hadley cell circulation. A 2014 study, CSIROs David Post and colleagues reported that stronger high-pressure ridges have been decreasing rainfall in southeastern Australia in the autumn and winter. The significance? The lack of rainfall creates more dry fuel for fires and lengthens the bushfire season.

Based on this scientific research, the latest IPCC report found in 2014 that fire weather is projected to increase in most of southern Australia, with days experiencing very high and extreme fire danger increasing 5-100% by 2050. And a 2015 CSIRO report concluded, Extreme fire weather days have increased at 24 out of 38 Australian sites from 1973-2010, due to warmer and drier conditions  [forest fire danger index] increase across southeast Australia is characterised by an extension of the fire season further into spring and autumn  partly driven by temperature increases that are attributable to climate change.

Australia Has Among the Worlds Worst Climate Policies

According to the Climate Change Performance Index created by environmental groups, Australia is 56th out of 61 countries evaluated. In the category of climate policy, Australia comes in dead last with a score of zero because experts observe that the newly elected government has continued to worsen performance at both national and international levels.

In 2014, the Liberal Party (which, confusingly, is politically conservative by U.S. measures) became the first in the world to repeal a carbon tax. Echoing an approach taken by Oklahomas U.S. Senator James Inhofe on the floor of the Senate in 2015, Australias current Liberal Party Prime Minister Scott Morrison brought a lump of coal to the floor of the Australian House of Representatives in 2017. The countrys climate negotiators were accused of sabotaging the international climate agreement in Madrid in 2019, as they tried to use old carry-over carbon credits from the Kyoto Protocol to meet current climate goals.

Australia is the worlds leading exporter of coal and the second-largest producer and exporter of liquid natural gas, and the government recently proposed opening new coal mines and ports in what would be one of the worlds largest fossil fuel expansions. According to a recent report produced by the United Nations Environment Programme, Australias fossil fuel extraction-based emissions will nearly double from 2005 to 2030. In November, the Swedish central bank divested from Australian government bonds because of the countrys high emissions. Despite all this, as record bushfires continue to rage, Liberal Party leaders have maintained their position that Australia does not need stronger climate policies.

In short, as the countrys citizens and many visitors get a glimpse at its potentially dystopian future of worsening droughts and bushfires, its political leaders are doing everything they can to increase the fossil fuel extraction and combustion that experts conclude are exacerbating these extreme events. If the Paris climate goals are exceeded, the current record Australian temperatures will become the norm for the country. The public appears increasingly concerned: In a November Guardian Essential poll, 60% of Australian voters said the government should do more to reduce risks posed by the warming climate, and this concern has been clear in U.S. network and cable TV coverage of Australian citizens reactions to the fires. But Morrison and his Liberal party nonetheless prevailed in the last federal election in May 2019, and barring an early dissolution, they wont face re-election until 2022.

Editors note: These numbers on impacts of the bush fires increase regularly. A useful resource for keeping track of those changes can be found on this page. Yale Climate Connections in the next few days will post an original video on the Australia bushfires.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: Women will be affected and will suffer more if the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) is implemented, MK Kanimozhi, DMK leader and MP, said at the womens meet organised by the Muslim Educational Society (MES) against the implementation of the Act and National Register of Citizens (NRC) at Ernakulam Town Hall on Friday.

The Act requires everyone to prove they are the citizens of India. The most important proof is having land. How many women in India own land? So they wont be included in the list. As women and children are easy targets, they will suffer the most, she said.

Kanimozhi said CAA is not just against the Muslims of the country. RSS is against anyone who thinks that India is a secular country. They are trying to implement their agenda. We are fighting for India, she said. The prime ministers remark that those opposing the CAA could be identified from their clothes didnt make any sense. India has always believed in unity in diversity and through CAA, they are trying to break it, she said. I cant see any difference between me and other persons. The difference is in the minds of the people who want to implement this Act. India exists as one in spite of all the differences. We should celebrate the differences. They are targeting it and breaking the harmony of the nation.

She alleged the Centre is trying to make India a Hindi-speaking, Hindu nation. It is mysterious that the government had hurried to pass the Act. Now the entire nation is out on the streets to protest against the Act. It is happy to see that many women are coming out on the streets protesting against this draconian Act.However, she also said, she was upset with the approach of the ruling AIADMK of Tamil Nadu. If AIADMK hadnt supported, the bill would not have been passed in the Rajya Sabha. You wont see any protests in Tamil Nadu against CAA as the government is backed by the BJP.

Break the silence

Kanimozhi urged the people to break their silence and voice their opposition strongly against CAA. All political leaders and civilians should understand that silence is not the answer for this Act. If you are against the bill and silent thinking that others are protesting, you are supporting the oppressors. The people at the Centre are recreating history. The situation is similar to that of Nazi Germany. Break your silence and come hard against the Act.

Praise for Pinarayi

Kanimozhi said she is very impressed by the way the people of Kerala took the stand against CAA. She said the women participation in the meet was the biggest she has seen in all CAA protest meetings. Many chief ministers have said they wont implement CAA and NRC in their states. We have to see how the Centre responds to it. However, we need to keep fighting. Today, the strongest voice among the CMs in the country comes from the CM of Kerala.
The UK high street has recorded its fifth consecutive year of falling sales, figures show.

BDOs High Street Sales Tracker (HSST) shows average annual like-for-like in-store sales for 2019 were down 0.6%.

While not a disastrous result on its own, the five-year run of negative figures will be of serious concern to retailers, the business advisory firm said.

Wages are rising, employment is high, and consumer spending power should have seen some improvement. However, uncertainty over when and how the UK will leave the EU cast a shadow over the UK retail sector

The poor figures follow restricted spending by consumers, who are instead channelling growing proportions of their income into services and experiences rather than traditional retail.

Record levels of employment and rising disposable income were not enough to raise consumer confidence amid ongoing political and economic uncertainty around Brexit.

According to BDO figures, the lifestyle category tumbled in 2019, recording 11 consecutive months of negative in-store sales results, with only December providing respite due to a buoyant Black Friday kicking off a period of sustained discounting.

Decembers positive in-store sales result was the first for lifestyle since January 2018.

Fashion remained volatile throughout the year, with six months of negative in-store like-for-like sales results. The sector capped the year off with a dive of 2.4% year-on-year from a poor base of negative 2% in the crucial December trading period.

However homewares had a strong 2019, finishing the year with four months of consecutive in-store sales growth.

Sophie Michael, head of retail and wholesale at BDO, said: 2019 was another tough year for the high street. There has been huge job losses across the country, with a number of high-profile brands disappearing from our high streets forever.

Wages are rising, employment is high, and consumer spending power should have seen some improvement. However, uncertainty over when and how the UK will leave the EU cast a shadow over the UK retail sector.

Both consumers and retailers are concerned about what 2020 has in store and it remains to be seen whether the Government fulfils its Future High Streets Fund plans to rejuvenate town centres across the country.
Charleville Heritage Society has had to postpone their January talk due to the unavailability of the speaker, but the talk on The History of Lace and Crochet Making in Charleville will be held at a later date.

The February talk will be on the Freemasons in Charleville from circa the 1730's and this will be on Thursday, February 27, and will be delivered by David Butler of UCC and UL.

This will be followed when the Society will welcome author Peter O'Shea to talk about his books on events in various parts of Cork county. The War of Independence in North Cork will be remembered in April, while in May the postponed talk on the aforementioned History of Lace will take place.

In June it is hoped to go on an outing to Lismore Heritage Centre and Lismore Castle, and the Society also hopes to be at Charleville Agricultural Show again.

There will be a break for the holiday months of July and participate in Heritage Week in August, but we will resume our own activities with our annual street collection and celebrate Culture Night in September, and also feature our annual Festival of History in September.

In October we will have a talk on the presence of the Hugenots in Charleville. These were the French Protestants who held to the Reformed tradition of Protestantism, which term has its origins in early 16th Century France.

Meanwhile, in other heritage news, the Society made a donation of 400 from the proceeds of their Christmas Market towards the cost of the Christmas lighting in the town when they presented the cheque to Cllr Ian Doyle, who co-ordinates the town lighting for the Christmas period.

The provision of a museum for the town moved a step closer when Cork County Council instructed a local builder to assess what needs to be done to make the upper storey of the former Market House ready for occupation. This portion of the building has been idle since the Court Service vacated the building in the late eighties.

175th anniversary of start of the famine

Charleville Heritage Society wishes to give advance notice to members that there will be an exhibition of the story of Irish Potato Famine on the second floor of the Stephen's Green Shopping Centre in Dublin from April 6 to September 25 next.

This year marks the 175th anniversary of the beginning of the famine which decimated the country's population through hunger, disease and emigration.

In Charleville alone some 400 people were evicted from their cabins in July 1847 to comply with the clearance programme of the then Earl of Cork and his local agent. They sought shelter among the grave stones in Holy Cross Cemetery before moving on to other parts of the town and district, so the exhibition will resonate with local people.

The display in the Dublin exhibition will include a Famine soup pot, which was used to feed people. In the summer months of 1847, approximately three million Irish People relied on soup from these pots for their survival. Many hundreds of these pots were employed and they became iconic of the famine.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 11:12:36|Editor: Xiang Bo

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HANOI, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- China and Vietnam should promote the sound and stable development of their relationship, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo has said.

Xiong made the remarks in a recent interview with Xinhua prior to the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries.

On Jan. 18, 1950, the newly-born People's Republic of China (PRC) became the first country in the world to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam, Xiong said.

"Over the past 70 years, despite wind and rain, the China-Vietnam relationship has grown mature, where friendship and cooperation have remained the mainstay," he said.

The "special friendship defined by comradeship and brotherhood", which is forged by older-generation leaders of the two countries, are valuable assets for bilateral relations and should always be cherished, the Chinese ambassador said.

Next month, the Communist Party of Vietnam will celebrate its 90th anniversary, with it being 90 years since the parties of China and Vietnam started friendly exchanges, Xiong said.

President Ho Chi Minh established Vietnam's communist party in Hong Kong, undertaking revolutionary activities in China for 12 years and forging deep friendships with the older generation of Chinese leaders, he said.

From the Ho Chi Minh sea trail to the site of the Vietnam Revolutionary Youth League in Guangdong, and the 40 cemeteries across Vietnam where 1,446 Chinese martyrs who fought with Vietnamese people against the U.S. invasion are buried, there are many historic examples of the China-Vietnam friendship, he said.

"The traditional friendship forged and fostered by the older-generation leaders of the two parties and two countries is a precious treasure of the China-Vietnam relationship, and is worth cherishing and remembering forever."

Despite twists and turns, the communist parties of China and Vietnam, facing a complex and daunting international situation in the 1990s, decided to strengthen their relationship and open a new chapter for its development, he said.

Since the normalization of the China-Vietnam relationship in 1991, both sides have upheld the principles of "long-term stability, future orientation, good-neighborly friendship and all-round cooperation," seeing each other as a "good neighbor, good friend, good comrade and good partner," Xiong said.

"Owing to the strategic planning and personal guidance of the top leaders of the two countries, the China-Vietnam relationship has moved in the right direction in recent years ... and achieved new results," he said.

Xiong said the two countries have maintained close high-level exchanges and communication, while their economic and trade ties are growing closer.

For years, China has been Vietnam's largest trading partner and largest source of foreign visitors, while Vietnam remains China's largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the eighth largest worldwide, he said, adding that overseas visits to Vietnam exceeded 18 million, with around one third from China.

"For 20 years, we jointly built a peaceful and harmonious border of friendly cooperation and brought important benefits to the two peoples," Xiong said.

"On top of that, people-to-people exchanges and mutual understanding between the two countries have also deepened," he said.

Noting booming exchange of visits between the two countries, he added that friendly exchange activities like the China-Vietnam People's Forum and Youth Festival have also played a positive role in strengthening people-to-people ties.

"The journey of the China-Vietnam relationship over the past 70 years has offered many important inspirations to both sides," Xiong said, adding that the destinies of the two parties and the two countries have always been closely entwined, influencing and reinforcing each other.

"Our inter-party and inter-state relationship resembles a community of shared future with strategic significance, a nature and unique advantage that distinguishes the China-Vietnam relationship from other bilateral relationships," Xiong said.

History shows that the two countries must show mutual respect if they are to strengthen their reciprocal cooperation and achieve shared development, he stressed.

Noting that the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, Xiong said "what stands in stark contrast with the disorder in many parts of the world are the effective governance of China and the stability of Vietnam."

China's economy has performed steadily and continues to be an important engine of the world's economic growth, while Vietnam has maintained an economic growth rate of 7 percent for two consecutive years, with its multiple economic indicators registering a new high, Xiong said.

Their communist leadership and socialist systems are fundamental drivers to promoting the sound development of the China-Vietnam relationship, Xiong added.

"Under new circumstances in the new era, the overall development of the China-Vietnam relationship and its strategic significance have become more outstanding," he said, stressing that this year is crucial to both countries.

China will eradicate absolute poverty and achieve its first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Meanwhile, Vietnam is stepping up its preparation for the 13th Party congress. It has assumed the role of ASEAN chair and non-permanent member of the UN security council, and will play a bigger role in international and regional affairs, he added.

"It is all the more important for China and Vietnam to strengthen their solidarity and cooperation, join hands to overcome difficulties and forge ahead, seizing opportunities for shared development," Xiong said.

The two sides need to consolidate their political mutual trust and make sure that the China-Vietnam relationship goes far and steady, Xiong said. "We need to maintain high-level strategic communication, always view the China-Vietnam relationship from a strategic height and broader perspective, and adhere to the right direction of our bilateral relationship."

Noting that both countries are at a crucial stage of promoting reform, Xiong said it is important to step up the fostering of the synergy between the Belt and Road and the "Two Corridors, One Economic Circle," and pursue a comprehensive approach to promoting cooperation in key areas, including infrastructure, production capacity, and cross-border economic and tourism cooperation.

He added that China supports Vietnam in fulfilling its important mandates as ASEAN chair and non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and is ready to work with Vietnam to uphold multilateralism and free trade.

The two countries need to effectively manage disputes and properly address sensitive issues, Xiong said, stressing that bearing in mind the long-term and broader picture while properly addressing the maritime issue is of paramount importance to the sound development of their bilateral relationship.

The two sides need to earnestly implement important high-level consensus of the two parties, two countries and relevant agreements, stay committed to friendly negotiations in properly managing disputes and not let the maritime issue affect the broader picture of their bilateral relationship, he said.

He stressed that it is important to actively engage in maritime cooperation, explore common development, create enabling conditions to the final settlement of the maritime issue and to comprehensively promote practical cooperation.

China and Vietnam need to attach more importance to people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, strengthen cooperation in culture, education, tourism, youth development and media, and hold more diverse friendly exchange activities welcomed by the people, in an effort to provide strong public support for the development of the China-Vietnam relationship, he said.

"The China-Vietnam relationship is at a new historical start," Xiong said.

And as long as the two sides continue to uphold the values of the relationship, "it will surely continue to ... bring more tangible benefits to the two peoples and make greater contributions to world peace, stability and human progress," he added. Enditem
Iran has confirmed it will send the black-box flight recorders recovered from a Ukrainian passenger jet that was shot down over Tehran on January 8 to Kyiv.



Hassan Rezaifer, head of the accident investigations unit of Iran's civil aviation authority, told the Tasnim news agency on January 18 that it had not been possible to read the black boxes in Iran.



He said French, American, and Canadian experts will work with the equipment after it arrives in Kyiv.



"If this effort is unsuccessful, then the black box will be sent to France," Rezaifer said.



On January 15, Oleksandr Ruvin of the Kyiv Research Institute of Forensic Studies said the international team would begin studying the black boxes on January 20.



Air-defense forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) shot down Ukrainian Airlines Flight PS752 shortly after takeoff, killing all 176 people on board.

Iran has said the downing was an accident.



The incident came shortly after Iran launched missiles at military bases in Iraq that hosted U.S. forces in response to an earlier U.S. airstrike that killed top Iranian military commander Major General Qasem Soleimani.

Based on reporting by AP, Reuters, and TASS


SKANEATELES  The partners behind Skaneateles Brewing thought for awhile how to name, and brand, their new business.

In time, though, they turned to the lakeside town where it's located.

Open since Dec. 13, Skaneateles Brewery celebrates that town in many ways. From its beer to its bar, the brewery is as local as can be.

The idea began with John Menapace, operations manager of Last Shot Distillery in the same building. Since opening that business in 2015, he's felt it would only be natural to add beer, he said.

Menapace soon recruited longtime friend Dan Welch and his partner, Dorothy Krause, as well as Sal and Hope Strods, into the project. All live in Skaneateles. Though the five are the brewery's partners, Sal is not officially an owner, making the brewery a majority women-owned business. The brewery is applying to be certified as such, the partners said.

Planning began toward the end of 2017. By the following summer, walls at the vast 4022 Mill Road space were being torn down. The partners worked with several artisans to transform the humble drywall office across from Last Shot's tasting room into a bar with rustic and industrial finishes. The bar itself is lined with thick steel cable, which Menapace said was leftover from milfoil removal efforts at the creek behind the building. Chandler Dickinson of Old School Forge welded the cable to the bar, while Jim Heuber fabricated the structure's copper surface.

If you go WHAT: Skaneateles Brewery WHEN: Open 3:30 to 8 p.m. Fridays, noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays WHERE: 4022 Mill Road, Skaneateles INFO: Visit facebook.com/skanbrew or restaurantji.com/ny/skaneateles/skaneateles-brewery-/ or call (315) 975-1747 NOTE: Brewery is pet-friendly

"We put a lot of time and craftsmanship into making it happen," Sal said. "Making this feel like a warm and inviting environment, versus just a box you sit in."

The taproom gives way to a second seating area with a shuffleboard and a view overlooking the brewery. There, the brewery's look becomes more modern.

Friend Mary Wiles, a beer industry veteran who now works for Brooklyn Brewery and F.X. Matt Brewing Co. (Saranac), steered the Skaneateles Brewery partners through their buildout. On her recommendation, they installed a "state-of-the-art" 7-barrel Prospero system, and the floors and walls were coated with urethane so as to minimize the risk of any bacteria infecting the beer.

The partners also heeded the advice of local brewers and built a spacious cold room that sits below the seating area overlooking the brewery.

Dan and Sal, who has home-brewing experience, make the beer. They're aiming for a variety of light-drinking styles, which include Hunsiker Hefeweizen, Lightning Lager and Short Line Stout.

"There's a lot of demand for just a nice-drinking lager," Sal said. "We're trying to get something that's going to draw in people who may not go to a microbrewery because they think it's all IPAs."

Those beer names pay tribute to Skaneateles as well. Hunsiker was the name of a brewery located a mile away in the 1800s, Lightning comes from the popular sailboat built in the area and launched on Skaneateles Lake in 1938, and Short Line references the rail line behind the brewery. The partners plan to build an outdoor seating area there with a view of the creek, they said.

Skaneateles also has an India pale ale, Willow Glen IPA, named for the hamlet where the brewery is located. That and the brewery's other beers are also local in the literal sense, as they're made with Skaneateles Lake water. Other ingredients are sourced exclusively from New York state per the terms of Skaneateles' farm brewery license.

With a Crowler machine in the taproom, customers can take beers like Lightning Lager home. The brewery also plans to distribute kegs to area bars in the near future, the partners said. Further down the line are canning and bottling, plus adding more fermenters. The brewery currently has a few, including one 15-barrel fermenter for double batches.

But before Skaneateles Brewery focuses on bringing its beer to people, it wants to work on doing the opposite. The partners feel their location away from the bustling village gives it an advantage with locals who want to go someplace quiet, with ample parking. When its creekside area opens, the brewery will offer one of the few outdoor drinking spots in the town as well.

The brewery currently offers snacks like pretzels and Chex Mix, though customers are welcome to bring takeout. Other menu items and food truck visits are in the works, Krause said. And in addition to its own beers, the brewery pours a few guest taps that include 1911 Hard Cider, and wines from local producers Anyela's and White Birch.

Taproom visitors will probably notice a wooden floor inlay, crafted by Ryan Goetzmann, that features Anita Dore's lake-inspired logo for the brewery. But the serene logo doesn't just evoke the setting of the business, Krause said. It also sets a tone the brewery wants its customers to feel as soon as they walk through the doors, she said.

"It's really important to us that people enjoy coming here and relaxing," Krause said. "It's just got that warmth."

Lake Life Editor David Wilcox can be reached at (315) 282-2245 or david.wilcox@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @drwilcox.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 01:21:58|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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Photo taken on Jan. 19, 2020 shows the commemorative stamp themed on the Year of Rat in Paris, capital of France. French postal service company La Poste issued two Year of Rat stamps in a ceremony here on Saturday to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. This year's stamps are designed by Paris-based Chinese artist Chen Jiang Hong. The first pane of 400,000 stamps depicts a rat with a lotus and the second set, containing 325,000 copies, features a rat bride based on Chinese folklore. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

PARIS, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- French postal service company La Poste issued two Year of Rat stamps in a ceremony here on Saturday to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year.

The initiative to issue Chinese zodiac stamps dated back to 2005. Each year the French postal service company celebrates the Chinese New Year by issuing the stamp featuring the year's zodiac animal.

The Chinese astrology has 12 animal figures and the rat is the first in the series, representing wealth and shrewdness in the Chinese culture.

This year's stamps are designed by Paris-based Chinese artist Chen Jiang Hong. The first pane of 400,000 stamps depicts a rat with a lotus and the second set, containing 325,000 copies, features a rat bride based on Chinese folklore.

The new stamps will be on sale on Jan. 20 in French post offices and the site of the postal service company.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Eoghan O'Brien has praised Swords and Swords Tidy Towns for the town being placed third of 40 towns surveyed in a 2019 'anti litter' survey by Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL).

The survey saw Swords achieving a 'Cleaner than European Norms' grading for 2019, placing the town amongst the cleanest of 40 towns and cities surveyed in Ireland last year.

Dublin Airport Environs also scored well, achieving 19th place out of 40 towns and cities surveyed and was also awarded a "Clean to European Norms" rating in the list.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Eoghan O'Brien, said: 'It is great to see Swords high up on the list and going beyond what is required to create and maintain a clean environment for everyone in the community.

'Swords Tidy Towns have been instrumental in this achievement, and I would like to thank them for all the work they have done.'

An Taisce, who carried out the surveys on behalf of IBAL, stated: 'A stellar showing for this large urban area on its return to the League. Swords is a model for others to follow.

'The River Walk and Castle Shopping Centre were top-ranking this time around, as was Swords Town Park (excellent in terms of presentation and maintenance), Swords Castle and the Main Street - the latter presented well with silver bollards, floral arrangements, traffic light box art, seating etc.'

David Storey, Director of Operations in Fingal County Council, also praised Swords for its achievement in the 2019 survey in keeping Swords tidy and litter free, and thanked 'everyone who has put the work into making this possible.'

IBAL is an alliance of companies sharing a belief that continued economic prosperity - notably in the areas of tourism, food and direct foreign investment - is contingent on a clean, litter-free environment.

As part of the IBAL Anti-Litter League, An Taisce monitors towns independently and in accordance with international grading standards. 2019 was the 17th year of the IBAL Anti-Litter League.
These are anxious times: anxiety is a leading mental health issue among Americans ages three to 17, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and clinicians and research suggest that anxiety diagnoses have increased in recent years. And its not just children: many parents, too, are dealing with their own mental health problems and may feel ill equipped to help their kids negotiate their fears.

Forthcoming titles explore the anxiety epidemic, offering advice for understanding and countering the causes of anxiety, whether in parent or child, as well as commiseration from writers whove been there. Theres a tsunami of mental health challenges coming our way, but we understand whats causing it, and we know what we can do to prevent it, says Christine Carter, author of The New Adolescence (BenBella, Feb.). Its scary, but its understandable, and theres a lot of hope in that.

Carter, a sociologist, focuses on teenagers in her book, which synthesizes psychology, sociology, and neuroscience with her experiences raising four adolescents. I watch all the parents around me struggle with problems that didnt exist when we were kids, she says, such as distractions from social media and health and safety concerns including sexting and vaping. These massive sociological changes are remarkable in human history. Were seeing anxiety and increases in mental illness across the board.

Carter wants parents to act as conduits of information to their children, both to reduce anxieties about parenting through unfamiliar terrain and to help ease teenagers anxieties about navigating the cusp of adulthood. Teens are flooded with information, and most of it is wrong, she says. They are making their own decisions, but theyre not informed decisions. The book is about giving information to teenagers so theyll listen and integrate it into their decision-making process.

Abigail Gewirtz, a child psychologist, considers the needs of children across a broad swath of ages in When the World Feels Like a Scary Place (Workman, July), offering age-appropriate conversation scripts designed to help parents and caregivers address big feelings around climate change, income inequality, gun violence, and more, says Maisie Tivnan, executive editor at Workman. Abigails message is, You dont have to be able to explain the world, but you can help children understand their feelings around it.  The author also emphasizes that what worries parents will preoccupy their child, Tivnan says. Children look to parents for guidance, so parents really have to manage themselves before they can help the kid.

Similarly, psychologist Madeline Levine, in Ready or Not (Harper, Feb.), offers what PWs review called a practical, wise manual aimed at helping anxious parents with their often equally anxious kids. Levine, whose previous books include The Price of Privilege (2006) and Teach Your Children Well (2012), sees overprotective parenting as a cause of childrens inability to cope with a rapidly changing world.

Parents have really doubled down on a model thats not good for their childrens mental health, she says. Theyre protecting their children from the wrong thingnormal developmental challenges. Parents are so vulnerable now. Its making them overly cautious, and theyre turning out children with accumulated disability, or the inability to cope with life.

Levine says her book helps parents inventory their own levels of anxiety and advises them to listen more to their children and talk less. I dont blame parents, she says. Im sympathetic. Nothing matters to parents more than their children.

Other titles focus on parental anxiety and postpartum mental health. In Ordinary Insanity (Pantheon, Apr.), Sarah Menkedick calls postpartum anxiety a crisis, elaborating through essay and reportage. (For PWs q&a with Menkedick, see A Silent Epidemic.)

The New Baby Blueprint by pediatrician Whitney Casares (AAP, Mar.) is a guide to baby care and also to self-care for the birthing parent, addressing the emotional ups and downs of new motherhood. Clinical psychologist Claire Nicogossian, in From Surviving to Thriving in Motherhood (Page Street, June), also tackles the complicated feelings of parenting, including those that may go unacknowledged: sadness, anxiety, anger, disgust, and embarrassment.

As parenting memes proliferate on social media, so too do books suggesting that what anxious parents really need is an unfiltered dose of honesty, delivered with a healthy serving of I feel you.

A pair of forthcoming Atria titlesYou Cant F*ck Up Your Kids (Apr.) by Lindsay Powers, founding editor of Yahoo Parenting, and Calm the H*ck Down (Dec.) by blogger Melanie Daletake a page from similar trends in the self-help category, says Sarah Pelz, executive director at Atria, with colorful language, a blunt tone, and a bit of attitude.

Powers covers such topics as breastfeeding and postpartum sex, and offers a judgment-free breakdown of popular parenting philosophies, Pelz says. She reminds parents that they really have strong instincts in the face of all the onslaught, and to trust their guts and to call out what doesnt make sense. Calm the H*ck Down advises parents to, as the subtitle says, let go and lighten up, and put less pressure on themselves and their children.

About the well-meaning guidance that family, friends, and even strangers aim at expectant mothers, Theres No Manual (Avery, Feb.) by Beth Newell, cofounder and editor of the Reductress, and Jackie Ann Ruiz, a performer and illustrator, has this to say: Fuck advice. The authors forgiving take: theres no single correct way to be pregnant or a new mother.

Those in the public eye, too, are striving for realness in their personas, and in their parenting advice. In You and I, as Mothers (Abrams Image, Apr.), actor Laura Prepon, known for her roles on That 70s Show and Orange Is the New Black, offers a personal take on what she calls momcare. Along with stress-reduction tips and nourishing recipes, she incorporates inspirational anecdotes from famous peers including Mila Kunis and Amber Tamblyn.

Shantelle Bisson, a Canadian actor and producer, calls herself a survivor of raising three children in Raising Your Kids Without Losing Your Cool (Dundurn, May). Bisson, whose husband is Yannick Bisson, of CBCs Murdoch Mysteries, writes that permissive parenting is fucking up our world and pissing her off, and she discusses the many anxieties associated with raising a family, such as screen time, discipline, and postbaby sex.

Hold On, but Dont Hold Still (Viking, Feb.) by Kristina Kuzmic, a parenting vlogger with 2.8 million Facebook followers, is a moving and hilarious memoir, PWs starred review said. Kuzmic writes of immigrating to the U.S. as a teenager fleeing war in Croatia, her struggles as a single parent, and her dizzying rise as an influencer. Shes happy to be the punch line to all the jokes, says Laura Tisdel, executive editor at Viking, and while she presents the image of being really put together, shes also ready to cop to her mistakes, reminding us that we dont have much control.

Natalia Hailes calls Why Did No One Tell Me This? (Running Press, Apr.), which she coauthored with fellow doula Ash Spivak, a no-bullshit guide. Hailes and Spivak, who cofounded the Brilliant Bodies birthing consultancy in New York City, had their friends in mind when they wrote the book. We wanted them to be empowered on their birthing journeys, Hailes says.

In the book, the authors discuss the perinatal period and consider how many expectant parents are divorced from their bodies, whether due to substandard sex education or sexual trauma. We want expectant parents to examine where these ideas about their bodies come from and make good choices as they go through their pregnancy, Hailes notes. As doulas, we see firsthand how impactful this lack of information and trust can be, and how it can affect the birth and parental satisfaction. 

Hailes and Spivak are part of a wave of authors whose books, Pelz at Atria says, offer something of a catharsis for readers. The main message of so many of these books, she says, is, Were all in this together and were doing okay.

Pooja Makhijani is a writer and editor in New Jersey.

Note: This article has been updated with a new pub date and cover for Calm the H*ck Down.

Below, more on parenting books.

A Silent Epidemic: PW talks with Sarah Menkedick

Redemption Out of the Darkness: PW talks with Mike Birbiglia and J. Hope Stein

Pop Culture: New Parenting Books 2020
By PTI

NEW DELHI: A delegation of JNU faculty members from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities on Saturday accused the university administration of discrimination against teachers and students from these underprivileged sections and requested Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan to take up the matter with the government.

After meeting the faculty members, Paswan said the allegations levelled by the delegation were serious and should be looked into.

They told Paswan that the recent hike in fee and reduction in seats have affected these underprivileged communities the most and that SC and ST teachers were not getting due promotions despite fulfilling the criteria.

Teaching posts reserved from these communities have been left vacant even though able candidates are available, Paswan said quoting them.

"The delegation's charges are serious. Attention will have to paid to them," he said.

In its memorandum, the delegation said SC and ST members of teaching and non-teaching staff and students have been facing discrimination from the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration headed by Vice Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar.
A person who was near a remote Hawaii site where a tour helicopter crashed and killed seven people last month told investigators that visibility was only about 20 feet at the time because of fog and rain, according to a preliminary accident report released on Jan. 15.

The unidentified person was on a hiking trail Dec. 26 in Kokes State Park on Kauai island and described hearing a hovering helicopter followed by a high-pitched whine, the National Transportation Safety Board report said.

The person was about 1.5 miles away from the remote mountain ridge where the helicopter went down. The witness tried to look for the helicopter but could not because of the weather conditions and fading daylight, the report said.

The NTSB report also said that the helicopters pilot was on his eighth and final scheduled 50-minute tour flight of the day. The report said the company operating the flight, Safari Aviation Inc., doing business as Safari Helicopters, was following procedures for visual flight rules.

The pilot, Paul Matero, did not have an instrument rating, which allows pilots to fly at night and in bad weather relying entirely on the helicopters flight instruments, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

A lawyer who has handled several helicopter crashes in Hawaii told The Associated Press shortly after the crash that the nature of helicopter tours require them to fly by visual flight rules.

Most of the pilots that fly tour helicopters in Hawaii either dont have an instrument rating or their instrument rating isnt current, said Ladd Sanger, the Texas-based aviation attorney and helicopter pilot. When you have dynamic weather conditions, where you have clouds and winds, it might be more prudent not to fly in those conditions.

Instrument-only tours would require a flight plan and altitude that would not be conducive to sightseeing, Sanger said.

Officials have said the helicopter hit a ridge at an altitude of 3,003 feet then fell about 100 feet. The report said the wreckage was consumed by fire.

The NTSB report said the closest official weather station, about 9 miles southwest of the crash site, reported rain and clouds moved in during the time between last contact with the pilot and when it crashed. About 30 minutes after that last radio transmission with the helicopter, the weather station reported overcast clouds at 3,000 feet with wind and rain.

The tour included the pilot and two families. Kauai police said the flight manifest listed a family of four from Switzerland as Sylvie Winteregg, 50, Christophe Winteregg, 49, Alice Winteregg, 13, and Agathe Winteregg, 10. Police identified a mother and daughter from Madison, Wisconsin, as 47-year-old Amy Gannon and 13-year-old Jocelyn Gannon.

By Caleb Jones
The death of a 24-year-old Chinese woman on Jan. 13 because of severe malnutrition is sparking widespread outrage against officials for failing to address persistent extreme poverty in the country.

Weighing 47 pounds and standing at 4 feet, 5 inches tall, Wu Huayan suffered from stunted growth and a host of health problems; she often couldnt afford her meals.

In October 2019, after Wu was diagnosed with heart disease, she appealed to the public for help to pay for an urgent operation via a crowdsourcing platform. While a charity foundation run by a central government ministry raised money on her behalf, her family said they received just a fraction of the money, local media reported. Many netizens suspect government malfeasance.

She died shortly thereafter.

Ironically, just a day before her death, the central government released a documentary about an official from the province where Wu lived, Wang Xiaoguang, who was convicted of corruption. Wang, a former vice governor of Guizhou Province, was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of 173.5 million yuan ($25.18 million) in April 2019 for embezzlement and bribery crimes.

Background

My grandma and my father died because we had no money to cure their diseases. I dont want to experience again the feeling of waiting for death because of poverty, Wu wrote on Shuidichou, a GoFundMe-like platform in China, on Oct. 17, 2019.

Her story spread quickly in China; dozens of Chinese media interviewed her and published her backstory.

Wu, who was from a small village in Songtao county, Tongren city, had been a junior studying at a local vocational institute when she died.

When Wu was 4 years old, her mom died suddenly from an unknown disease, Chinese media reported. The little girl lived in poverty together with her grandmother, father, and younger brother.

While Wu was in high school, her father was diagnosed with cirrhosis. Without money to pay for treatment, he died after half a year. Soon after, Wus grandmother also died from a chronic illness.

As teenage orphans, Wu and her brother moved to their uncles house. The local county paid them 300 yuan ($43.50) per month as part of a national poverty relief program.

During the most difficult times, I only had one steamed bun every day.  Because pickled chiles were cheap, I mixed it with plain rice as my meal. I ate this for five years, Wu said in a media interview.

Becoming Ill

When Wu was a senior in high school, the malnutrition caused her to begin losing her hair; soon, she lost her eyebrows. At the same time, her brother was diagnosed with psychosis.

My younger brother suddenly started to speak nonsense  he didnt recognize who I was, Wu said in a media interview. But I couldnt give up because he is my only family in this world.

Wu and her uncle borrowed 5,000 yuan ($725.60) to be able to send her brother to the hospital. After more than a year of treatment, his condition stabilized and he was allowed to go home.

Meanwhile, Wu couldnt afford to go to the doctor herself.

Fortunately, Wus teacher paid her high school tuition, and she worked two part-time jobs while in college, earning 600 yuan ($87) a month.

When a high school classmate visited her at the college, she found Wu had developed severe edema in her feet. Worried about Wus health, the classmate took her to the hospital, where it was discovered that three of Wus four heart valves were damaged.

Doctors told her that she needed an operation that would cost more than 200,000 yuan ($29,024).

Donations

The China Charities Aid Foundation for Children, a subsidiary of the national governments Civil Affairs Ministry, began asking for donations on Wus behalf on Oct. 25, 2019.

In the first five days, one fundraising campaign received more than 600,000 yuan ($87,070). Another raised more than 400,000 yuan ($58,050). Meanwhile, Wus family wasnt aware that the foundation had even been collecting money, state-run media Beijing News reported. Only 20,000 yuan (about $2,900) ended up in her bank account.

Ultimately, doctors said they couldnt operate because Wu was too weak to withstand the procedure. She died at the hospital.

Some non-governmental donation platforms also helped Wu to raise money. Her family confirmed donations of about 470,000 yuan ($68,210).

The foundation made a public response about Wus case on Jan. 14, explaining that the fundraising platform it operates charges 6 percent for handling fees, adding that disbursement of the remaining amount of donations will be discussed with Wus family.

This isnt the first time the foundation has faced scrutiny.

In December 2012, Chinese citizen Zhou Xiaoyun obtained a copy of the foundations annual report after submitting a legal request, according to a report by state-run Beijing News. Zhou found that the foundation had on one occasion spent 4.84 billion yuan ($702.4 million)far higher than the 80 million yuan ($11.6 million) total donations it collected that year.

Beijing News tracked down the foundations accountant, who claimed that she mistakenly input an extra zero. The foundation didnt provide any further explanation.

From The Epoch Times
By Express News Service

VIJAYAWADA: The high-power committee, which is looking into the reports of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and the GN Rao Committee, briefed Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday about its conclusions so far. The panel made a power-point presentation to the CM on regional disparities in the State since Independence and post-bifurcation effects on the State, panel member and Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister Bot-cha Satyanarayana told the media later. However, what caught the attention was his indication that the panel conveyed the crux of its recommendations to the CM on the proposed decentralisation of administration and three capitals for the State.

His remarks coupled with an official note released in the afternoon to the effect that the State Cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday 9 am has been advanced to Saturday 3 pm fuelled speculation that the Cabinet may take a call on the three capitals Saturday itself. However, later in the evening, another note was issued clarifying that the Cabinet will meet as scheduled on Monday 9 am a couple of hours ahead of the Assembly session. In between, yet another note surfaced wherein it was stated that the Cabinet meeting was advanced to Saturday from December 20! It is unclear if this note was an act of mischief or just a mistake. It caused confusion before government sources when contacted, finally cleared the air.

When contacted, an official source told TNIE that with the High Court on Friday directing the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) commissioner to receive representations from farmers within its jurisdiction till Monday afternoon, the high-power panel may delay submitting its report. Naturally, the high-power panel report may come up before the Cabinet only after Monday afternoon, the source said.

Earlier, Botcha said the panel discussed with the CM issues such as regional disparities in AP right from Independence and post-bifurcation effects on the State. Stating that concerns of the Amaravati farmers also came up for discussion, he said the CM suggested some recommendations to benefit the farmers.

Ryots get more time to send petitions to CRDA The AP High Court on Friday directed the CRDA commissioner to receive petitions and objections from Amaravati farmers until 2.30 pm on January 20. The petitioners counsel said that as there were three continuous holidays, farmers could not avail the opportunity in a large number.
Photo: Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash

Looking to mix things up this weekend? From an electronica concert to an African diaspora brunch, here are a few top (and free!) options to help you get social around town.

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

Embodying Tradition as Health Practice

From the event description:

In this inaugural event, ACTA will foreground the intersection of arts and health, as well as introduce three recognized artists and healers.

When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 1-3 p.m.

Where: Theatre of Yugen at NOHspace, 2840 Mariposa St.

Admission: Free

Click here for more details, and to register

Red Liners

From the event description:

Pushing the boundaries in the electronic scene. Red Liners will blow the speakers to get their message across.

When: Saturday, Jan. 18, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.

Where: 498 Broadway

Admission: Free

Click here for more details, and to register

The Diaspora Brunch

From the event description:

Join us as we explore all of the best dishes from the African Diaspora and celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.

When: Sunday, Jan. 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Trademark & Copyright, 1123 Folsom St.

Admission: Free

Click here for more details, and to register

John Smalley and Janis Mercer Perform Songs of Schoenberg and His Students

From the event description:

Sunday Concerts at Presidio Chapel presents pianist Janis Mercer and baritone John Smalley performing Second Viennese art songs by Schoenberg, Webern, Berg, Eisler and Ullmann, in a free concert.

When: Sunday, Jan. 19, 4-5:30 p.m.

Where: Presidio Chapel, 130 Fisher Loop

Admission: Free

Click here for more details, and to register

This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
Congress leader Hardik Patel was arrested on Saturday night from Viramgam taluka in Gujarat's Ahmedabad district for failing to appear before a trial court here in a 2015 sedition case, hours after a warrant was issued against him

Ahmedabad: Congress leader Hardik Patel was arrested on Saturday night from Viramgam taluka in Gujarat's Ahmedabad district for failing to appear before a trial court here in a 2015 sedition case, hours after a warrant was issued against him.

Patel's arrest was confirmed by DCP Rajdeepsinh Zala (Cyber Crime). "We have arrested Hardk Patel from near Viramgam after the court issued a non-bailable warrant against him. We will produce him before the court tomorrow," Zala said.

Patel had been previously arrested in connection with a sedition case filed by the local Crime Branch after violence broke out during a rally by the Patel community in Ahmedabad on 25 August, 2015. The Patidar leader was granted bail in July, 2016, and the court had, in November 2018, framed charges against him and other accused in the case.

On Saturday, Additional Sessions Judge BG Ganatra issued an arrest warrant against Patel, after accepting the government's plea against an exemption application moved by the Patidar leader's lawyer. The prosecution told the court the accused intended to delay the trial by seeking regular exemption from appearance.

The court also observed that Patel, who has to be cross-examined in the case, was flouting bail conditions by not remaining present regularly with the intention to delay trial.

Patel had joined the Congress ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
This time last year, Julie Tam was surrounded by hundreds of mourners grieving the shock death of her 22-year-old son after he took an "unknown substance" at a music festival.

On Saturday, she was surrounded by people working to prevent more young revellers like Joshua Tam dying from taking drugs they knew hardly anything about.

Julie Tam and her sister Karen met with health professionals who volunteered to do a training day hosted by The Loop Australia to learn about the advanced technology that can identify drugs and reveal their purity. Credit:Jocelyn Garcia

The Brisbane rugby player was one of six music festival revellers whose deaths prompted a high-profile NSW coronial inquiry recommending a raft of changes designed to save young lives.

Handing down her findings in November, Deputy State Coroner Harriet Grahame called for pill testing, a drug summit, consideration of decriminalisation, and the roll-back of policing powers at festivals.
An NYPD union boss and ICE chief have both blamed Mayor Bill De Blasio for the rape and murder of a 92-year-old woman by an undocumented migrant who had been let out of custody under the city's sanctuary status last year.

Maria Fuertes was sexually assaulted and strangled outside her Queens home earlier this month with a broken spine,rib fractures and bruising. She later died in the hospital.

Her alleged killer is Reeaz Khan, a 21-year-old immigrant from Guyana who had been let out of police custody six weeks earlier after being arrested on assault and weapon charges. Authorities say he followed the woman home then attacked her.

ICE had requested to be notified when he was released but because New York follows a sanctuary city policy for undocumented migrants, they never go the call.

He was freed back onto the streets of the city. ICE already issued a statement this week laying the blame for Fuertes' death at his feet.

Reeaz Khan, a 21-year-old immigrant from Guyana, is accused of raping and murdering Maria Fuertes, 92 was sexually assaulted and strangled outside her Queens home earlier this month

However they went further on Friday and were joined by Vincent Vallelong, Sergeants Benevolent Association Vice President, at a press conference to reiterate their fury.

Bill de Blasio was blamed for the woman's death by police and ICE bosses who say he should never have let Khan go free

'The mayor can say what he wants to say -- he owns this. He should step up and say these are his policies, he owns it,' said Vallelong.

Matthew Albence, the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said at a news conference Friday that the slaying could have been prevented if city officials had complied with a federal request to turn over the assailant, a Guyanese national, for deportation.

'It's unbelievable that I have to come here and plead with the city of New York to cooperate with us to help keep this city safe,' Albence said.

'Make no mistake.

'It is this city's sanctuary policies that are the sole reason this criminal was allowed to roam the streets freely and end an innocent woman's life,' he said.

Mayor Bill de Blasio has accused ICE of 'spreading lies' and employing 'scare tactics' that destroy trust in law enforcement.

He said on Twitter this week that the city has passed 'common-sense laws about immigration enforcement that have driven crime to record lows.'

'Fear, hate and attempts to divide are signatures of the Trump Administration, not New York City,' de Blasio spokeswoman Freddi Goldstein said Friday. "

Matthew Albence (right), the the acting director of ICE, slammed him at a press conference on Friday along with Vincent Vallelong, the Sergeants Benevolent Association Vice President

'We are the safest big city in America because of our policies, not in spite of them,' he added.

It is not the only policy of De Blasio's to be blamed for violent murder.

Last year, when 18-year-old Barnard College Freshman Tessa Majors was brutally stabbed in a park on the Upper West Side by a group of assailants who are yet to be caught, other NYPD union bosses said De Blasio's relaxed policy on marijuana.

He suggested Majors might have been in the park buying marijuana - an unverified claim and one that was heavily criticized by her family - and said that if it were not such an open market, she may never have been there in the first place.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to prove that the Citizenship Amendment Act would take away citizenship from Indian Muslims, as he advised him to read the act completely.

Terming those against CAA as "anti-Dalits", Shah said that there was no clause in the new act that takes away citizenship of Muslims, and accused the Congress and Rahul Gandhi of trying to create confusion.

"I challenge Rahul Gandhi...read the CAA completely, if you find anything that takes away citizenship of Indian Muslims....our Pralhad Joshi (Parliamentary Affairs Minister) is ready to debate with you," Shah said.

Addressing a public meeting here on the CAA as part of BJP's nationwide 'Jan Jagran Abhiyan', he accused the Congress of dividing the country on the basis of religion.

The BJP national president also accused the Congress, the Communist party, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the JDS, BSP, and SP of indulging in vote bank politicson CAA.

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, Union minister Pralhad Joshi and several BJP leaders attended the rally.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ministers have been accused of 'blighting' the lives of hundreds of thousands of children who are growing up in 'slum' homes.

Some 682,000 in England are living in private rental properties that are classified as 'non-decent', according to analysis by Labour.

That means they are cold, damp, unsafe or lack modern facilities, under the government's official definition.

Shadow housing secretary John Healey, who compiled the figures, also raised fears that local councils are being blocked from introducing their own measures to tackle housing quality issues.

He pointed to Liverpool City Council being prevented from continuing a licensing scheme to weed out bad landlords.

However, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) insisted it was 'committed to driving up standards across the rented sector'. It said councils already had strong powers to address abuses.

Some 682,000 children in England are living in private rental properties that are classified as 'non-decent', according to analysis by Labour

The figures, extracted from the most recent English Housing Survey last year, show 300,000 of the children in 'non-decent' homes are in the north and midlands.

Mr Healey said he would try to amend any suitable legislation in Parliament to introduce a 'property MOT', which could see the worst landlords facing 100,000 fines.

'Tory ministers are blighting the childhoods of kids growing up in slum rented homes,' he said.

'It's a bad start for Boris Johnson when the new Conservative government is giving a green light to slum landlords by vetoing council schemes designed to being homes up to scratch.

'They are letting down renters who need their help.

'Some of the worst conditions are in areas in the north and the midlands, where voters lent their votes to the Tories will end up bitterly disappointed by a Conservative Party unwilling to act on bad landlords.'

An MHCLG spokesman said: 'Children deserve the best possible start in life, which includes having a safe and decent home  that is why we are committed to driving up standards across the rented sector.

'Local authorities have strong powers to enforce against criminal landlords, including civil penalties of up to 30,000 and banning orders for the worst offenders.'
NAIROBI, Kenya - At least two people were killed and more than 20 others wounded when a suicide car bomber targeted a construction site along a highway outside Somalias capital, police said Saturday.

Six Turkish nationals were among the wounded, with two in serious condition, Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said.

The Turkish construction workers appeared to be the bombers target, Somali police Col. Abdi Abdullahi said.

Most of the casualties were police officers providing security for the Turkish workers constructing a highway between the capital, Mogadishu, and the agricultural town of Afgoye, 30 kilometres (18 miles) north of the city.

The al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab extremist group, based in Somalia, claimed responsibility for the attack, according to the the groups radio arm, Andalus. Al-Shabab often carries out such attacks in and near Mogadishu.

Turkey has invested heavily in Somalia, with technical and development assistance exceeding $1 billion, according to the Turkish government. Turkish companies run the international airport and seaport in Mogadishu, and in 2016 the Turkish president inaugurated Turkeys largest embassy complex in the world there.
(jckonline.com) - At the recent Dubai Diamond Conference panel on lab-grown diamonds, William Shor, managing partner of Caspian VC, one of the companies backing Diamond Foundry, made a startling suggestion. My colleagues would welcome the opportunity to co-market with [natural] diamond producers, he said. On one level, Shors suggestion makes no sense. His colleague, Diamond Foundry chief executive officer Martin Roscheisen, just wrote a magazine piece that accuses diamond miners of price collusion. (He provides no real evidence for this claim.) Doesnt look like hes ready for co-marketing. On another level, Shors suggestion makes all the sense in the world. Why cant the two sectors work together? Neither sector is going away. They both have money. They both need customers. A large number of companies currently sell both, including, of course, De Beers.
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- This Thursday, the coalition and Mayor Breed will cut the ribbon for Trans Home SF on Washington Street, San Francisco's first home for trans adults.

Trans Home SF on Washington Street is a transitional housing program that will provide much needed shelter and wrap around services to up to thirteen transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals annually. The home falls under San Francisco's new Our Trans Home program that will support hundreds of low income TGNC community members find or keep their housing through rental subsidies, housing navigation, and case management.

"Every day our trans community struggles to find affordable and inclusive housing. Despite Trumps ongoing attacks San Francisco continues to have some of the strongest non-discrimination protections, although our ongoing housing crisis continues to impact our diverse community," said San Francisco Mayor London Breed. "With one out of every two transgender San Franciscan having experienced homelessness, we knew we had to take bold steps to fix these inequities. I am honored to join the coalition to launch this first of it's kind program because everyone deserves a safe place to call home."

"We are grateful for Mayor London Breed's ongoing support and the groundswell of community support for Our Trans Home SF. San Francisco will invest over $2.3 Million to support trans housing and rental subsidies for our community," said Clair Farley, Director Of the Office of Transgender Initiatives and Senior Advisor to Mayo Breed. "This vital program will save lives and provide safe shelter as our community continues to face attacks from Washington and ongoing rollbacks of Obama era LGBTQ protections. We can make real progress to help end trans homelessness in our City."

The coalition partners includes St. James Infirmary. Larkin Street Youth Services, Transgender Advisory Committee SF, Our Trans Home SF, TAJA's Coalition, El/La para TransLatinas, TGI Justice Project, Trans Thrive, API Equality, Lyon Martin, Trans Health Consulting, Open House, SF LGBT Center, CUAV, SFAF, PRC, San Francisco Community Health Center and Transgender Law Center.

"We are honored to be the leader in the Our Trans Home SF initiative partnering with Mayor Breed and the community to address the housing crisis that is having a devastating impact on trans people of color across the Bay Area," said Toni Newman, Executive Director of St. James Infirmary and administrator of the new initiative. "As a Black trans-led nonprofit, we are hitting the ground running to provide housing to our community members who need it the most and will continue to lead the country in developing solutions for and by our community."

"We have no time to waste if we are going to address the root issues that are keeping our community in poverty and on the streets," said the members of the Our Trans Home Coalition. "We thank Mayor Breed and the Office of Transgender Initiatives for their support in resourcing our community so we flourish and thrive."

St. James Infirmary is also hosting an orientation to the Trans Home SF Rental Support Program, where providers and trans and gender nonconforming community members can learn about the program and enroll into the program on site.

The Trans Home SF Orientation takes place at Noon on Wednesday, January 29, in the Koret Auditorium of the San Francisco Main Public Library. Located on 101 Larkin Street.

Check out http://www.ourtranshomesf.org and http://www.stjamesinfirmary.org

Media Contact:

Maceo Persson

San Francisco Office of Transgender Initiatives

(415) 671-3073

Photos:

https://www.prlog.org/12806523

Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE San Francisco Office Of Transgender Initiatives
More than 300,000 people were killed, several hundred thousand were injured and nearly 1.5 million were left homeless when magnitude 7 earthquake hit Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/1/2020 (724 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

More than 300,000 people were killed, several hundred thousand were injured and nearly 1.5 million were left homeless when magnitude 7 earthquake hit Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010.

On that day, the workspace that my colleague Joseph Jr Clormeus, who co-authored this article, usually occupied at the Ministry of National Education completely collapsed. He witnessed an apocalyptic spectacle: colleagues had lost their lives while others were having limbs amputated to escape certain death under the rubble. Outside, corpses littered the streets of the capital while the horrifying spectacle of blood mixed with concrete and dust offered itself to the desolate gaze of a traumatized population.

Ten years later, Haiti hasnt recovered from this disaster, despite billions of dollars being spent in the country.

Two main factors explain, in our view, the magnitude of this tragedy: the weakness of Haitian public institutions and the disorganization of international aid, particularly from NGOs.

The weakness of the Haitian state

Haiti is vulnerable to earthquakes. Historically, they have been managed by the military, which played an important role in both national development and natural disaster management. But the speedy dismantling of the national army under Jean-Bertrand Aristides presidency did not allow for the transfer of the armys natural disaster management skills to other civilian public institutions.

Indeed, a great deal of know-how disappeared. Despite the presence of several government bodies that had tried to develop skills in relation to earthquakes, no reliable operational body was able to manage the institutional vacuum left by the army. Today, Haiti remains very vulnerable to natural disasters on its territory.

The succession of unstable governments over the past four decades hasnt helped either. These have significantly weakened the central administration, which then had little capacity to manage and control the countrys territory.

For example, Port-au-Prince, a city originally designed for 3,000 people, was home to almost a million. Ten years later, we can only note that nothing has really changed in this respect. The Haitian state has shown itself incapable of decentralizing and developing its rural environment, which is experiencing an exodus year after year.

The capital and its surroundings are overpopulated and there are no real urban planning policies to impose standards and counter the anarchic constructions that proliferate the city. In this context, any major earthquake could only lead to the disastrous consequences that the country has experienced.

Another problem: in 2010, the Haitian public administration, far from having been reformed, was mainly concerned with collecting taxes on property without any real control over the territory.

The combination of overcrowding, chaotic urban development without a regional development policy, a flagrant lack of resources to intervene on its territory and the skills of its staff has meant that the Haitian public administration has never been able to anticipate the impacts of an earthquake.

Disorganized international aid

The weakness of the Haitis public administration is compounded by the disorganization of international aid. Following a decree adopted in 1989 (which amended Article 13 of the 1982 law governing NGOs), responsibility for the co-ordination and supervision of NGO activities on the territory of the Republic of Haiti was entrusted to the Ministry of Planning and External Co-operation (MPCE).

In the aftermath of the earthquake, many studies reported on the presence of thousands of NGOs in the country. However, on its official list, the MPCE recognized barely 300 of them. It can therefore be concluded that the majority of these NGOs were operating in near obscurity.

Several studies have also shown, and weve seen on the ground, that the international communitys assistance deployed immediately after the earthquake failed to meet a humanitarian challenge of such magnitude. There was no co-ordination in the interventions of friendly countries in order to optimize the efforts on behalf of the victims. There was great humanitarian disorganization and even a failure on the part of the international community, which had to improvise ineffectively to co-manage a disaster.

With a presence on the ground as early as 2012, weve observed that the majority of NGOs arrived in Haiti not to respond to a need expressed by the Haitian government, but rather to serve their own interests, as Dr. Joanne Liu, former president of Medecins Sans Frontieres, reports.

There was no co-ordination between them, nor was there any co-ordination with the government. Furthermore, although UN forces deployed with MINUSTAH were present in Haiti, the forces were fragmented and operated under often incompatible models and values. Aid was inefficient, even harmful. The scandal of the reintroduction of cholera in Haiti underscores this reality.

Post-earthquake

Despite the fact that billions of dollars had been spent in the country, according to international reports, five years after the disaster, debris was still lying in the streets, thousands of people were still living in refugee camps and the majority of public buildings had not been rebuilt.

All of this testifies to the serious difficulties of co-ordination on the ground.

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A decade later, the challenges are still immense for Haiti since it must develop construction policies that fit into a certain vision of urban planning. It must also rebuild the archives of public institutions that have been damaged or have disappeared, and it must help post-earthquake generations learn from the past, develop and implement an emergency plan for natural disasters, and design and implement policies and spaces adapted for people with disabilities.

Today, international development practices are seen to be based on a wealth accumulation perspective, giving priority to private sector interests. Canadas initiatives to direct its aid to the development of the mining sector and free-trade zones in Haiti are evidence of this.

Whats more, Canadas decision to freeze funding for new projects in Haiti raises several questions: why leave Haiti in such a difficult position? Is the decision intended to make the Haitian state face up to its responsibilities or simply to take the Canadian government off the hook for the failure of international aid in that country? Is this an admission of powerlessness in the face of the profound institutional weaknesses in Haiti?

As we look back at Jan. 12, 2010, we raise a question as troubling as it is fundamental: has the Haitian government and the international community really learned any lessons from the earthquake?

Jean-Francois Savard is an associate professor and Emmanuel Sael and Joseph Jr Clormeus are doctoral candidates at Ecole nationale dadministration publique (ENAP, Universite du Quebec).

This article was first published at The Conversation Canada: theconversation.com/ca.
Commuters face a major shake-up of Sydney's ferry services next year when the Taronga Zoo and Mosman Bay routes are merged, raising fears it will result in longer journeys for many passengers.

The private operator of Sydney Ferries, French company Transdev, is also proposing to terminate all Parramatta River ferries at Barangaroo, instead of Circular Quay.

Residents fear the Balmain East wharf will face a major increase in commuters due to proposed changes to the ferry network. Credit:Sam Mooy

The proposed changes mean Balmain East wharf will become a busy interchange point for people travelling on Parramatta River ferries who want to get to Circular Quay or the lower north shore, sparking concerns the wharf will struggle to handle a large increase in commuters.

The biggest change to the network will be a merger of the F2 Taronga Zoo and F6 Mosman Bay routes into a "one-loop route". Ferries on the merged routes will run anti-clockwise in the morning from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo and Mosman, and then clockwise in the afternoon from 1pm.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 06:15:19|Editor: zyl

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department said Saturday that it had imposed sanctions on a brigadier general of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

The department said in a statement that it had blacklisted Brigadier General Hassan Shahvarpour, a commander in Khuzestan province, accusing him of commanding units blamed for killing protestors in Iran in November 2019.

Following the designation, the blacklisted individual, as well as his immediate family members, is ineligible for entry into the United States.

The latest move by the U.S. State Department came amid high tensions between Washington and Tehran following the U.S. killing of a top Iranian military commander and Iran's missiles attack on U.S. military bases in Iraq.
Already, Iran Out Of Comebacks

Trump fires back after Iranian leader condemns him on Twitter: 'Make Iran Great Again!' President Trump sent a scathing indictment of Iran's leadership on Friday when he told Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei to stop killing his people and to make his country "great again." "The noble people of Iran -- who love America -- deserve a government that's more interested in helping them achieve their dreams than killing them for demanding respect," Trump tweeted.

Team Trump Debuts

Trump chooses high-profile but controversial legal team Ken Starr, , Pam Bondi, Robert Ray and Jane Raskin will join White House counsel Pat Cipollone and Trump personal attorney in representing the president. The White House officially announced the additions to the president's legal team in a statement late Friday, revealing that Eric Herschmann of the Kasowitz firm would also play a role in Trump's defense.

Fighting Words???

Trump Called His Generals a 'Bunch of Dopes and Babies' in a Fit of Rage, Book Claims What exactly went down during a July 2017 meeting at the Pentagon between President Donald Trump and his military leaders has long been the subject of speculation. One of the tantalizing details that's been previously reported is that, whatever took place, it provoked then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to call his commander in chief "a fucking moron."

White House News Shout Out

Trump Tells CNN's Jim Acosta To Be 'Quiet' After Reporter Questions Him On Knowledge Of Parnas Politics REUTERS/Vincent Kessler, REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo President Donald Trump once again sparred with CNN White House Correspondent Jim Acosta on Thursday, this time over Trump's knowledge of key impeachment figure Lev Parnas. Trump denied knowing Parnas, and said he simply took a picture with Parnas at a fundraiser.

Prez Trump Feels The Bern???

Trump: Impeachment trial is a scheme to hurt Bernie Sanders' chances in Iowa "They are rigging the election again against Bernie Sanders, just like last time, only even more obviously. They are bringing him out of so important Iowa in order that, as a Senator, he sit through the Impeachment Hoax Trial," the commander-in-chief wrote on Twitter.

Prez Trump Talks Guns

Trump criticizes Virginia gun control measures, says rights under 'attack' WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States' Constitution, which gives Americans the right to keep and bear firearms, was being attacked in the state of Virginia. "Your 2nd Amendment is under very serious attack in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia," Trump wrote in a post on Twitter.

White House Nutrition B-Day Debate Teachable Moment

Trump administration signals rollback of Michelle Obama's school-lunch standards - on her birthday The Trump administration proposed loosening Michelle Obama's signature school-lunch standards Friday, the ex-first lady's birthday. Sonny Perdue, the agriculture secretary, said the changes would "empower schools," though critics chafed that the proposals could lead to less healthy meals landing on the lunch trays of America's youth.

Locals wanting to enjoy the weekend will be watching the Chiefs or venturing out to. Meanwhile, strident politically-charged Kansas City residents will dedicate more time to the fight against Prez Trump.There will be two Women's marches in the freezing cold, we'll have more but for now a quickie preview . . .Meanwhile . . .And then . . .And so we check the news links from "many sides" regarding Prez Trump and his reelection fight for 2020.Developing . . .
Tiffany Gilliam, 32, at her mother's house in Philadelphia, Pa., on Wednesday, January 15, 2020. Gilliam was shot in the face by her ex-boyfriend in December. Read more

For now, when her daughters ask about the feeding tube that snakes from her nose to her belly, Tiffany Gilliam tells them that Mommys sick.

One day, but only when she has to, the 32-year-old mother of five will tell them what she has already told police: Daddy shot Mommy in the face, and nearly killed her.

In the still-dark, early-morning hours of Dec. 10, Gilliam was leaving the West Philadelphia apartment she shared with a cousin to catch a ride to work at the post office where she had started a seasonal job.

She caught a shadow of a figure emerging from an alley behind her. She couldnt make out who it was, but she could see that the person was holding a gun.

Oh man, she thought, somebodys about to rob me.

As the person got closer, she realized it was her ex-boyfriend, the father of her two youngest children, ages 6 and 2. She tried to rush to a friends waiting car, but he sped up and cut her off, blocking her from her friends view.

Where you going? she recalled her ex asking.

Im going to work, she told him, telling him to go home.

No, he said, youre not.

Gilliam had been there before, she recalled when we talked this week, caught in the crosshairs of his accusations and anger.

She knew she was in trouble.

As he raised the gun, she lifted her arm to protect herself and bumped his hand. The bullet ricocheted off her phones purple cover, but hit her face  the flash of the gunshot caught on a surveillance camera from a nearby day care on 67th Street and Lansdowne Avenue.

I felt like my whole face exploded, she said.

As he ran off, Gilliam reached for her face and felt a rush of blood and bone and teeth that she ended up swallowing. She turned to her friends waiting car and banged on the windows, screaming that shed been shot.

All the way to the hospital, and while doctors rushed to treat her, she yelled:

Timothy McGorder shot me! My childs father shot me! He shot me in my face!

Gilliam thought she was going to die. She wanted to make sure he didnt get away with killing her.

Philadelphia police later arrested McGorder, 29, after he turned himself in. He is charged with attempted murder and other related charges. He is currently in jail, held on $1 million bail as he awaits a preliminary hearing later this month. His lawyer, William McFadden Davis, declined to comment.

At Jefferson Hospital, doctors attempted to put Gilliams face back together, stitching up her nose and mouth where the bullet blew a gaping hole above her top lip. The bullet broke bones in her face and shattered nasal passages, making it hard for her to breathe.

Gilliams mother, Tracy Brown, was on her way to celebrate her 49th birthday when she got the call. Tiffanys been shot! As she rushed to her side, she said she feared the man she had repeatedly begged her oldest daughter to leave had finally killed her. Shed come to Tiffanys aid in the past, she said. But hed always find his way back into her daughters life.

Sometimes, as court papers show, Gilliam would press charges. One time, Gilliam said, when police responded to her call and she hesitated to tell them what happened, her then-4-year-old stepped in: Daddy knocked her tooth out.

Gilliam finally decided she was done.

She just wanted her life back to normal and decided she wanted out, but he didnt want to let go, Brown said. After Gilliam was shot, and McGorders photo was plastered on TV and social media, people around her neighborhood realized that theyd recently seen him lurking around. Hed been watching her.

At the hospital, Gilliam remembers being in and out of consciousness until she awoke to one of her sisters caressing her head.

Sis, we have the kids. It was the last thing she remembers before slipping back under.

Gilliam needs extensive prosthetic and reconstructive surgery. Except for a few teeth held in place with wires, she lost all of them. Some procedures are covered by Medicaid, but shes already had to fight them for others, considered  outrageously  cosmetic. Without adequate health care and with no job, Gilliam and her children are being supported by her mother, a longtime employee of the postal service. Brown moved them back into her home, and started a GoFundMe to help her daughter.

At first, Gilliam was consumed with rage and thoughts of vengeance, especially when her daughters asked about their father. Mommy, wheres Daddy? Can we go home?

I dont know what to say, she said. I dont want them to be angry. I was in shock. Im still in shock. I want to know why.

But now, as Gilliam gets closer to surgery that might allow her to eat solid food again, shes turned more reflective. Last year, more women in Philadelphia were shot and killed then in any other year in more than a decade. Three months before Gilliam was shot, another Philly woman was shot in the face, killed with her 6-month-old son next to her.

That could have been her.
SANAA, Yemen  A missile attack launched by Shiite rebels in Yemen hit an army camp Saturday, killing at least 60 troops and injuring dozens of others, Yemeni officials and Saudi state television said.

The strike in the central province of Marib wounded about 10 others. Officials said they expected the death toll to rise as burn victims were rushed to hospitals. Marib lies about 70 miles (115 kilometers) east of the capital, Sanaa.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to talk to the media.

The Houthi attack on the military training camp followed an ongoing barrage of assaults by Saudi-backed government forces on rebel targets east of Sanaa. Those attacks killed at least 22 people on both sides, according to officials. The combat signaled a major escalation in the capitals eastern suburbs after months of relative quiet.

Also on Saturday, Houthi fighters and government forces traded heavy volleys of artillery fire just south of the Hodeida port, killing at least seven people, including two civilians, according to Wadah Dobish, a spokesman for government forces on Yemens western coast. The statement said residential areas were caught in the crosshairs due to indiscriminate mortar fire.
[January 17, 2020] Hikvision showcases latest innovative technologies at Intersec 2020

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Jan. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hikvision, the world's leading supplier of innovative security products and solutions, will be exhibiting its latest innovations at Intersec 2020, the largest security exhibition in the Middle East, January 19  21 in Dubai, UAE. Emerging technologies and applications opened up new possibilities for the security industry. This year, visitors can experience Hikvision's market-leading products and solutions for users across various industries. Multi-Dimensional Perception

Hikvision's multi-dimensional perception was created for a variety of security needs, reshaping security systems and providing customers with more comprehensive protection. At the show booth, visitors can see cameras with in-depth combinations of radar and video technology, showing the ability to perceive beyond the visual range in areas like traffic management. "We will integrate the Hikvision video surveillance technologies with multiple senses, like radar and related products, which cater to different client requirements and provide protection for users across multiple technologies," Binson Xu, Hikvision Middle East's Regional President said. Multi-Intelligence Cameras

Multi-intelligence technology supports multiple algorithms running simultaneously on one camera. Hikvision's latest multi-intelligence cameras can run several deep-learning algorithms in parallel for a host of complex scenarios. And at same time, these cameras visualize and analyze structured dataof various targets such as faces, bodies, and vehicles simultaneously. They were designed to boost situational awareness in scenarios such as urban roads, to identify violations and detect vehicle types and license plate numbers.



Furthermore, customers can also enjoy customized services provided by Hikvision such as applying various algorithms into security cameras according to the specific application scenarios proposed by customers, allowing customers to independently choose functions and create a bespoke solution for their needs. New and Cost-Effective Thermal Cameras

With breakthroughs in imaging, algorithms, and intelligent applications, Hikvision will showcase a new, cost-effective thermal camera, which is designed for perimeter protection and fire prevention. This thermal camera is specifically designed for short-range monitoring  up to 70 meters  and best suited for perimeter protection in residential areas, office buildings, and factories, to name a few examples.

Intelligent Vertical Solutions

Hikvision will demonstrate Artificial Intelligence industry solutions for vertical markets and applications. For example, Hikvision's smart retail solution enables retailers to get a clear understanding of their business's statistics by using intelligent cameras, NVRs and a video management system (VMS). Visitors will also be able to see how Hikvision's Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) recognizes vehicle license plates to manage roadway traffic and parking areas using the video sand box for demonstration. Binson explained: "We can now help banks protect employees, customers, branch offices, and ATM areas, as well as assist retailers to understand footfall in their stores and optimize their merchandising strategies, all the while helping city authorities reduce congestion and pollution with smart traffic management solutions." At Intersec, Hikvision will also showcase intelligent products, including cameras with AcuSense technologies, which can provide customer accurate intrusion prevention alerts; cameras with ColorVu technologies, to bring customers high-quality night-vision color imaging. In addition, visitors will also be able to see a wide range of new products and innovations, such as alarm products, face recognition terminals, automotive electronics, LED products, Hik-Central, and more. Visit Hikvision at Booth SA-C12 to explore additional information and opportunities. About Hikvision

Hikvision is a world leading provider of security products and solutions. Featuring an extensive and highly skilled R&D workforce, Hikvision manufactures a full suite of comprehensive products and solutions for a broad range of vertical markets. In addition to the security industry, Hikvision extends its reach to smart home tech, industrial automation, and automotive electronics industries to achieve its long-term vision. Hikvision products also provide powerful business intelligence for end users, which can enable more efficient operations and greater commercial success. Committed to the utmost quality and safety of its products, Hikvision encourages partners to take advantage of the many cybersecurity resources Hikvision offers, including the Hikvision Cybersecurity Center. For more information, please visit us at www.hikvision.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1078796/Intersec_2020_banner.jpg

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The Honor V30 phones were released a few months ago. The V30 Pro, in particular, is notable for being the first non-Huawei phone to sport the huge 40 MP IMX600. That move has paid off sweetly, too, as the phone manages to deliver excellent camera performance.

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Huawei launched the Honor V30 phones a few months ago in China. Just like the Mate 30 phones, the V30 devices do not ship with Google Play Services support, which makes them hard to recommend to potential buyers outside China. That aside, though, it would seem that the phones offer excellent camera performance. The Honor V30 Pro made the trip to DxOMark, and performed brilliantly.

The V30 Pro recorded an overall score of 122, which makes it the second-best camera smartphone on DxOMarks' leaderboard, one point less than the Huawei Mate 30 Pro 5G, and one point more than the regular Mate 30 Pro and Mi CC9 Pro Premium Edition.

In the still photography category, the Honor V30 Pro earned a score of 133, on par with the Mate 30 Pro 5G (134) and Mate 30 Pro (132). Some notable weaknesses include autofocus failures and blue color cast in shadow areas.

In the video category, the V30 Pro made off with a score of 100, on par with all the other top dogsMate 30 Pro 5G, Pixel 4, iPhone 11 Pro Max, and Mi CC9 Pro Premium Edition. Notable weaknesses include autofocus issues and denoising artifacts in low-light conditions.

It's no surprise that the V30 Pro performs this well, as its camera hardware is almost on par with that of the Mate 30 Pro. For one, it's the first Honor phone to feature the 40 MP IMX600. The IMX600 is a huge 1/1.7" sensor with a binned pixel size of 2.0m.
New Delhi, Jan 18 (IANSlife) Jewellery can be a mans best friend too, especially on his wedding day.

Rohan Sharma, RK Jewellers South Extension, New Delhi suggests how to style men's jewellery for different looks.

Wedding look:

Many couples set dress codes for a wedding day, and there can be three broad wedding styles for men: Indian, Indo-Western and Western. If you are going with Indian or Indo-western outfits, accessories can upgrade your style statement.
Elizabeth Stanton of the United States was one of the pioneers of the women liberation movement that swept across the country like a wild fire in the heady days of the latter part of the 19th century. The Seneca Falls convention held in New York which she spearheaded largely opened up the movement as the idea spread to other parts of the European continent.

Today, the result of that vision which Stanton didnt live to see is the popularization of the feminist movement which has now gained deep roots in Africa.

Radical feminism is the type that espouses that women dont need men  it is an open secret that there are many sperm banks in different parts of the world where successful women purchase sperms according to their desires as they dont need the father to be part of the childs upbringing.

Linda Ikeji

Linda Ikeji, the Queen of blogging in Nigeria needs no introduction at least to the average literate Nigerian. Her forte is gossip and light hearted news and she has become a billionaire in naira for this. She was among the pioneers of blogging and the vision has since paid off after she got her first advert after four years of consistent blogging. Once upon a time she was overtly critical of baby mamas and praised herself to the High Heavens for her ability to abstain from sex. She never failed to tell her readers that she was a secondary virgin and she never really enjoyed intercourse as a result of a female circumcision she was subjected to in her much younger years. She urged young girls to keep their bodies holy for their future husbands and they shouldnt succumb to the lure of pre marital sex no matter how tempting it may be. She even said one time that she cannot marry a man who doesnt have at least five hundred million naira in the bank and that she cannot live in a flat in Lekki. To the shock and chagrin of her followers who are mostly women, she became pregnant for Jeremy Sholaye, a Lagos based businessman. She had become one more baby mama; why didnt she practice what she preached? Why lead impressionable girls and leave them in the lurch after securing her own nest? Alas, she is still a celebrity who can do no wrong and so in our collective short-sightedness, her sins are forgiven.

Grace Ajilore

Grace Ajilore is a relationship expert who has garnered a massive following on social media especially on Instagram. Her vlog is a must watch for many young and even mature single ladies who want to know the latest in dealing with their boyfriends or potential dates and spouses. She is well known as a man basher who views all men as scum and encourages her listeners to do the same. To the surprise of her teeming viewers, she went away on leave and then resurfaced some months later with a pregnancy for an undisclosed man. The level of hypocrisy is extremely sickening. Why does she bash men and still open her legs for the same men that she so ferociously attacks?

Females in Nigeria can be quite impressionable and vulnerable and there is need for them to be cautious about the activities of these so called social media influencers who may be nothing short of being wolves in sheep clothing.

These female celebrities most times live a fake life as they do so for the camera so as to rack up more followers and views which will ultimately translate into more money for them. These naive followers should be wary of their heroines as the latter doesnt have their best interest as they view the former as just one more follower, subscriber or view  the sad testimony of being a mere statistic.

Professor Wole Soyinka called my generation a wasted one; much as I was furious at the Nobel Laureate, it is sadly the stark reality as many of us especially the females prefer to be slay queens rather than combining their God given beauty with brains like Dr. (MRS) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Oby Ezekwesili, Amina Mohammed, Ibukun Awosika amongst many other Amazons.

It is high time young girls in the country evolve into a critical thinking force as we cannot allow this generation to be populated by Bimbos who have nothing other than their bodies to offer.

China, Singapore, Malaysia had a great leap forward on the back of their brains  the women inclusive and not on sensationalism that the likes of Ikeji and Ajilore peddle.

Nigerian girls please be wise!

Tony Ademiluyi wrote from Lagos and edits www.africanbard.com
After months of threats, hoaxes, and fury at the prospect that Virginias new Democratic majority might restrict gun rights, the Virginia Citizens Defense League, a pro-gun group politically to the right of the NRA, is planning to descend on the state capital in a major rally on Monday.

Since the fall election, the rhetoric around guns in Virginia has dramatically intensified. Memes appeared on the internet claiming that Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam was going to shut down the internet, cut off utilities, and seize guns. Since November 2019, more than 100 counties, cities, and towns in Virginia have declared themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries and have vowed to oppose any new restrictions on guns which they deem to be unconstitutional. Some proponents have even resurrected words like nullification and interposition, terms first used extensively by Southern secessionists prior to the Civil War and more recently during the massive resistance to federal laws requiring desegregation in the 1960s. Gun groups became further incensed in December when Democratic Congressman Donald McEachin suggested that if people did not follow the law, Northam should use the states National Guard to make them do so.

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Despite the rhetoric about gun confiscation and governmental overreach, most of the measures proposed by Democrats are widely supported by Virginians. A December poll indicated that universal background checks, one of the first measures that will be enacted, are supported by 86 percent of Virginia voters. A bill that would allow courts to temporarily prevent the dangerously mentally ill from having access to firearms, the so-called red flag law, enjoys the support of 73 percent of Virginians, and similar measures have been passed in seventeen states and D.C., including Florida, Nevada, New York, and Colorado.

Concerned about rising tensions and false statements online, Northam, in an unprecedented move, used his annual State of the Commonwealth Address to the joint assembly last week to assure Virginians that no one is calling out the National Guard. No one is cutting off your electricity, or turning off the internet. No one is going door-to-door to confiscate guns. That effort has not, however, stemmed the tide of controversy. Even Liberty University President, Jerry Falwell, Jr., has gotten into the act, stating that the Second Amendment is sacred and that the state is going to be faced with civil disobedience, not just by citizens but by police officers. And I think its what they deserve.

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Mondays protests are expected to be so volatile that even the National Rifle Association has distanced itself, directing supporters to attend a separate lobby day last week, when hundreds of Virginians peacefully and respectfully argued against the legislation.

Still, Mondays action is expected to draw a larger crowd than the NRAs lobby day, and the governor says he has received intelligence that some groups that came to Charlottesville for the Unite the Right rally in 2017 will reappear in Richmond. Militia groups across the country have promised to protest in Richmond, dressed in military camouflage and outfitted with sophisticated assault weaponry. White supremacists have been using their internet sites to issue threats and mobilize; similar activity preceded Charlottesville. The Justice Department said Thursday that three men taken into custody by the FBI amid an investigation into the white nationalist group called The Base had weapons and were considering attending the rally in Richmond. Some Antifa groups, who frequently organize in an effort to repel, with violence if needed, those on the right with whom they disagree, were purportedly ready to engage as well.

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The potential for mayhem is so acute that the governor has declared a state of emergency and banned weapons of any kind from Capitol grounds through the evening of January 21. Before the ban, Philip Van Cleave, the head of the VCDL, urged supporters not to bring assault-style rifles to the rally, but had not discouraged them from bringing handguns; he continues to complain that protestors will be defenseless without having the right to carry weapons to the demonstration. Legal challenges by the VCDL to the ban in the courts have now stalled; the Virginia Supreme Court ruled on Friday evening that it will not overturn the governors action. It is not clear whether the group will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. And it is not clear how protestors will respond to the ban.

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Legislators are worried, but continue their work. The Virginia Senate passed gun safety measures on Thursday: one to restore the states previous one-handgun-a-month rule, another empowering local governments to ban guns in public buildings, parks and at permitted events like political protests, and the third requiring background checks for all gun sales. The House, after years of attempts, was finally able to engineer a prohibition to ban firearms in the Capitol and in the House gallery, joining many other southern legislatures that have adopted such measures. The other House Democratic initiatives will be heard in subcommittee late next week and, given the energy around gun safety measures evidenced in the last election, many will likely pass.

January 20 is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at the Capitol, and it is typically the time when many school children come to see how government operates. Not so this year. Instead, Capitol Square will likely be filled with loud and angry gun advocates claiming that their rights are about ready to be severely compromised by the Virginia General Assembly. State officials are determined to prevent a replay of Charlottesville; whether protesters will cooperate remains to be determined.
With the new school year about to start, many parents are looking for ways to ease the financial burden of getting their children ready to return.

The cost of uniforms, school shoes and stationery can often add up to hundreds of dollars.

Savvy financial adviser and mum Lee Nickelson knows how to save on the costs of getting her five-year-old daughter Scarlett ready for school. Credit:Paul Jeffers

At a time when wages for most people are barely growing, every dollar of savings on back-to-school spending counts.

Here are a few tips that might help you keep some cash in your pocket.
For some, their first encounter with jungles and wildlife was a much-watched animation series aired on weekends called Jungle Book. An Italian-Japanese anime that was extremely popular in its dubbed version in India, the 52-episode cartoon feature was based on English author Rudyard Kiplings 1894 collection of short stories, The Jungle Book.

Born in Mumbai, on December 30, 1865, Joseph Rudyard Kipling was an English novelist, journalist, and author of several short stories, who was one of UKs most popular writers.

The author, whose prolific career saw a number of novels, short stories and poems, passed away on January 18, 1936. He was named after the Rudyard Lake in England, where his parents John Lockwood Kipling and Alice Kipling had courted before marrying and moving to Mumbai in 1865.

Rudyard Kipling was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1907, becoming the first English-language writer to receive the prize. At 41, he is also the youngest recipient of the recognition till date.

On the authors 84th death anniversary, we look at some of the authors works:

The Jungle Book: In 1894, Rudyard Kiplings The Jungle Book was published, going on to become one of the most famous works of childrens literature. It was adapted on the screen several times over the years. Even though the narrative follows a man-cub Mowgli and his life in the jungle, raised among animals, the books major theme is abandonment with the animals embodying human archetypes.

Kim: Published serially from December 1900 to October 1901 in a magazine, the story of the novel unfolded against the backdrop of the political conflict between Russia and Britain in Central Asia and is noted for its portrait of the people and culture of India.

Something of Myself: The autobiography of Rudyard Kipling that was written in the last year of the authors life, the unfinished text was edited and prepared for publication by his wife Caroline Starr Balestier. The book though is largely secretive about his private life.

Barrack-Room Ballads: Published in 1890, and written in regional languages, the series of songs and poems by Kipling includes the works Gunga Din, Tommy, Mandalay, and Danny Deever.

One of Kiplings most famed works is the poem If written around 1895 as a tribute to Lean der Starr Jameson, who was the leader of the failed Jameson Raid against the Transvaal Republic to overthrow Paul Krugers government, the political tension which led to the Second Boer War.

Even though Kiplings works fuelled debates, with George Orwell once saying the author was morally insensitive and aesthetically disgusting, they still are incredibly interesting conversation starters.

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Here are a few quotes by the great author to mull over:

Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.

Were all islands shouting lies to each other across seas of misunderstanding.

If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.

A womans guess is much more accurate than a mans certainty.

Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are our own fears.

There is no sin so great as ignorance. Remember this.

We have forty million reasons for failure, but not a single excuse.

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The current conflict itself is largely a result of Mr. Trumps renouncing the nuclear deal President Barack Obama achieved in 2015 along with Britain, France, China, Germany and Russia, and then reimposing crippling sanctions on Iran. And the targeted killing of General Suleimani was not only dubious in legal and moral terms, but also an act that may well backfire before long with some vicious retaliatory strike by Iran or one of its proxies.

The killing, moreover, served to further distance Washington from its European allies, none of which were notified in advance of a potentially incendiary action, and none of which endorsed it after the fact.

The subsequent decision by Germany, France and Britain to formally accuse Iran of breaking the 2015 deal by announcing it was no longer bound by its limitations, setting off a dispute mechanism, may not have been the show of solidarity that it seemed to be at first. While the Europeans were considering the action, the Trump administration had secretly threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on their automobiles if they didnt take the action, The Washington Post reported.

The killing had all the hallmarks of the Trump administrations disjointed approach to foreign affairs. Assassination is illegal in international law and taboo American foreign policy, facts Mr. Trumps national security team seemed to acknowledge when it initially issued inconsistent and unsubstantiated claims that General Suleimani was killed to prevent a big strike in which many Americans would have died. Mr. Trump ended the charade on Monday when he tweeted that it doesnt really matter what the Iranian was up to. Bad person, killed a lot of Americans, killed a lot of people. We killed him, was the presidents typical sledgehammer response to dealing with the outside world.

That explanation pleased hawks who chafe at any restraint on the use of American muscle. To put it simply, as Senator Tom Cotton, the hawkish Republican from Arkansas, wrote in The Times, the ayatollahs are once again afraid of the United States because of this bold action, which is forcing them to recalculate their odds.
Today

Partly cloudy skies. Low around 50F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low around 50F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.

Tomorrow

Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. High 74F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.
Last year, Ukraines State Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting banned the import 151 Russian publications into the country. In total, the Ukrainian department issued 2171 bans "due to non-compliance with the criteria for evaluating publishing products" that were allowed to be distributed on the territory of Ukraine, an analyst of Vestnik Kavkaza news agency Matvey Katkov told in the National Question program on Vesti FM.

The expert drew attention to the fact that a total of about one million Russian books fell under the ban. Derzhkomteleradio of Ukraine uses the concepts of "anti-Ukrainian propaganda" and infringement upon the territorial integrity of Ukraine" as a justification for the ban.

The main problem, in my opinion, is not even such wordings, but the lack of clear criteria. For example, one can disagree with Kyivs position regarding Crimea, however, a ban on the import of books in which the peninsula is called Russian can be justified legally. But besides books that mention Crimea, printed materials containing quotes and statements by Russian and Soviet statesmen, books on the history and even culture of Kievan Rus, in which monuments of middle ages are innocently called Russian are also banned. And the Ukrainian supervisory authorities have virtually no clear criteria for identifying banned literature,  the analyst said.

He noted that the publications banned in Ukraine are not aiming to Russify the country. For example, if we talk about works on history, their authors do not set themselves the goal of Russifying Ukraine.

The expert also drew attention to the fact that even children's literature published in Soviet times could fall under the ban. On the one hand, we know that Soviet symbols are officially banned on the territory of Ukraine, but things are not so obvious with books, especially children's ones. Everyone understands that these works are not anti-Ukrainian, but because of the adoption of relevant laws Ukrainian officials are forced to ban them, "Matvey Katkov said.

According to the analyst, these prohibitions do not always have clear criteria, unlike, for example, terrorist materials banned by the Ministry of Justice of Russia.

Meanwhile, last year the State Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting allowed the import of more than 4.6 thousand Russian publications into Ukraine. There is a demand for Russian printed materials in Ukraine, Russian publishers generally manage, especially in the last three years, to find loopholes in Ukrainian legislation, to get to the local market. The problem, in my opinion, is Kyivs official policy, which does not fully reflect the interests of citizens of the country, and uses not the most effective bureaucratic tools, Matvey Katkov concluded.
"All For Nothing," a new single from sister duo Alicia & Whitney, is set to go for adds today to Christian INSPO/Soft AC and Christian AC-formatted radio outlets. The song also is releasing today to iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon and all other digital platforms.

"All For Nothing," written by Alicia McDermott-Yanik and Whitney McDermott, and produced by Sean Hill, follows "New Thing," the duo's first single. "New Thing" debuted at No. 1 on CRC Weekly and hit No. 4 on the CRC Monthly chart.

The sisters, who grew up in a musical family, have been singing since they were young. The death of their father when the sisters were young adults rekindled a passion for songwriting as they worked through their grief by writing songs. It was during this time that the young women felt God urging them to go back to the core of who He created them to be and to help others come to know Him and the purpose He has for each person. Their debut album, "Core," is a collection of songs meant to help others reflect and heal from the inside out through the love of Jesus.

In recent years, Alicia & Whitney have toured throughout the United States, sharing their ministry of music and speaking. They also have traveled internationally to Honduras, Tanzania and Israel.

In addition to writing and performing music, Whitney is an author. Her debut book, "Beauty for My Ashes," was written to help people cope with grief in a healthy way after losing a loved one. Her second book, "Occupy While Waiting," is a singles guide to pursuing God, purpose and healthy relationships.

To learn more about Alicia & Whitney, visit aliciaandwhitney.com, like the duo on Facebook and follow on Instagram and Twitter. Subscribe to Alicia & Whitney's YouTube channel here.

Tags : Alicia & Whitney Release New Single "All for Nothing" Alicia & Whitney "All for Nothing" Alicia & Whitney Alicia & Whitney new single
A status yellow low temperature warning is in place across Leinster and Connacht until 11am this morning.

Met Eireann has confirmed temperatures have dropped as low as -4C in Athenry in Co Galway.
In 2019-2020, 132 Ukrainian servicemen and women were killed in Donbas, 716 more were wounded.

"In total, in 2019-2020, 101 servicemen and women were killed and 519 more were heavily wounded as a result of constant attacks of the illegal armed formations in the territory of Donetsk region; 31 servicemen and women were killed and 197 were heavily wounded  in Luhansk region," the Prosecutor General's Office reports.

As noted, the Prosecutor General's Office closely follows the progress of investigation and judicial inquiry into the deaths of servicemen and women as a result of attacks of the illegal armed formations of the so-called Donetsk Peoples Republic and Luhansk Peoples Republic in the Joint Forces Operation area.

In particular, the National Police investigators initiated pre-trial investigation into the criminal proceedings opened under Part 3 of Article 258 of the Criminal Code upon the DPR fighters attack on the industrial zone of the village of Avdiivka in Donetsk region on January 15, 2020, which resulted in killing the Ukrainian Armed Forces serviceman.

In addition, on January 16, 2020, Ukrainian serviceman was killed in the village of Novozvanivka in Luhansk region as a result of sniper firing from the direction of the occupied Kalynove. Criminal proceedings were initiated under Part 3 of Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

"In order to establish and prosecute the persons involved in the commission of these crimes, necessary investigative actions are being carried out," the Prosecutor General's Office added.

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Not joining any party; I'm a doctor, would like to remain so: Kafeel Khan

Radiologist Dr Sonal Mahalwar talks about the improvements needed in the field in India

Dr Amir Feily: A sought-after doctor in dermatology, the world needs to know more about

Maha doctor detained by MP ATS over suspicious envelopes to Pragya Thakur

India

oi-PTI

Aurangabad, Jan 18: The Madhya Pradesh Anti- Terrorism Squad (ATS) has detained a doctor from Nanded district of Maharashtra for allegedly sending suspicious envelopes to controversial BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur, police said on Saturday.

Thakur had lodged a complaint with the Madhya Pradesh police on Monday alleging that she had received some envelopes containing poisonous chemicals in them. Police had seized 3 to 4 envelopes from the BJP MP's residence, some of which had letters written in Urdu.

Talking to PTI, inspector Pradeep Kakade of Itwara police station in Nanded said that during its probe, the MP ATS found that Dr Sayyed Abdul Rehman Khan (35), who runs a clinic in Dhanegaon (in Nanded district), had sent these suspicious envelopes to Thakur.

"The MP ATS detained Khan on Thursday evening from Dhanegaon. He had been on the police's radar for the last three months, as he had previously written letters to some government officials, claiming that his mother and brother had terror links and they should be arrested," Kakade said.

Sadhvi Pragya alleges receiving envelopes with chemicals

Nirbhaya's parents slam Indira Jaising for suggesting to pardon Nirbhaya case convicts|Oneindia News

The officer said that Khan was previously arrested for writing these letters.

"The police tried keeping a tab on him using his mobile phone location. However, he would leave his phone at home and travel to Aurangabad, Nagpur and other cities to post these letters," Kakade added.

Khan also had a dispute with his brother and was earlier arrested for assaulting him, the official added.

Based on Pragya Singh Thakur's complaint, Kamla Nagar police in Bhopal had registered a case against an unidentified person on charges of criminal intimidation and voluntarily causing grievous hurt.

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Story first published: Saturday, January 18, 2020, 14:04 [IST]
by Nirmala Carvalho

The conference took place from 13 to 15 January in Palghar district, sponsored by the Catholic Bishops Conference of India. The topics covered included the protection and development of tribal rights, women, arts and language. This is part of the mission of the Church and it is the message of Jesus and the values of the Gospel, a priest says.

Mumbai (AsiaNews)  Thousands of tribal people met for Eighth Tribal Cultural Integration Conference. The goal of the three-day gathering (13-15 January) in Palghar, a district in Maharashtra, was to reiterate tribal unity and desire to preserve indigenous cultures.

Fr Nicholas Baria, executive secretary of the Tribal Affairs Committee of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), spoke to AsiaNews about it.

I am a Catholic priest, a member of the Church and an [ethnic] Orao, he said. As a member of an indigenous group, I am also a tribal leader, who was able to realise himself through education. I believe it is important that tribal people unite to promote their socio-cultural traditions.

The Adivasi Ekta Parishad and Advasi Samania Bharat, two national tribal groups, organised the conference, attracting at least 200,000 people from all over the country and from abroad, especially Nepal, the United States and New Zealand.

"We talked about tribal unity, identity, self-respect, art, culture, traditions, history, self-sufficiency, coexistence, cooperation and protection of nature, said Fr Baria. We are happy, he added, because Phoolman Chaudhary, vice president of the United Nations Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues, also attended.

Participants took part in a number of workshops, that looked, among other things, at the impact of tribal culture and religious organisations.

Other issues examined included the problems of tribal women and possible solutions; balancing tribal self-sufficiency, economy and nature; mainstream development; tribal self-government; constitutional, international and human rights; declaration of tribal unity and the liberation movement; education and health; climate change and solutions for everyday life.

On the side-lines of the conference, organisers put on exhibits on indigenous literature, arts and skills.

Fr Baria, who has been involved with the indigenous cause for seven years, notes that even the Supreme Court of India acknowledged that the survival of the tribal groups is at risk.

To this end, the presence of the Catholic Church is fundamental to support the marginalised and the excluded as well as uphold their 'ethos', philosophy and lifestyle.

Conferences like this serve to keep the linguistic traditions and culture of small communities alive, as well as preserve them, increase the awareness of the rights of these groups, celebrate their sacred days, as well as express their opinions and culture through songs and dances.

All this is part of the mission of the Church and is the message of Jesus and the values of the Gospel. It is important for the Church to be present.
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Automakers have faced complaints about their vehicles suddenly accelerating before, but it has proved difficult to determine whether a defective design or the driver was at fault. Jason Levine, the director of the Center for Auto Safety, said the amount of data Tesla collects on its vehicles could lead to greater clarity, and he hoped NHTSA would force them to turn over the information.
Hughesy We Have A Problem Credit:

HUGHESY, WE HAVE A PROBLEM

Series return 

Monday 20 January 9pm, Ten

This likeable series returns with a few little tweaks (like a mystery celeb) but basically sticking with the formula that has worked so well for it. That is, Hughesy inviting his mates along to see who can make whom laugh the hardest. Tommy Little, who features in this episode, is great value because everyone makes him laugh (and hes 100 per cent up for being mocked and ridiculed). But theres also fun in seeing who can make Arj Barker crack.
Councillors have called on Louth County Council to drop the proposal to turn Mount Avenue into a cul de sac as part of the plans to develop a new link road between the Carrick Road and the Castleblayney Rd in order to open up lands for housing development.

Several councillors expressed concern over this proposal, which would block the road and cut the community in half, arguing that it should stay open to facilitate local traffic.

At presentation at last week's meeting of the Dundalk Municipal District outlined how for the road dated back to the 2006 Dundalk Master Plan for the area which would see 43 hectares of zoned land opened up for residential development.

The new link road, which is being funded under the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund, will run through the Lis na Dara estate, before joining up with the Castleblayney Road. The plan will see the creation of a cul de sac at the Mount Avenue sub-station.

The meeting heard that the concerns of residents from Lis na Dara over the road running through their estate had largely been addressed with the promise of traffic calming measures, but the proposal to turn Mount Avenue into a cul de sac was 'now one of the main cruxes.'

They urged that this proposal be dropped, and at the very least the road be kept open with a one way traffic system, but were told that local residents hadn't made any submissions objecting to the proposal.

Funding for the 3.3million project had been approved in March 2017 in order to allow the development of lands at Mount Avenue which had lain dormant and would provide over 200 housing units.

The meeting heard that the Council intends progressing with the scheme as approved in 2007 and that site investigations, including an archaeological survey, is on-going.

Cllr Maria Doyle thanked the officials for listening to the concerns of the Lis Na Dara residents, which did iron out some of the issue regarding road safety,

However, she said, that if Mount Avenue is turned into a cul de sac, it would see traffic using the road through Lis na Dara or the Ecco Road. She asked that the local authority wait until the Western By-Pass is complete before turning Mount Avenue into a cul de sac. She also recalled that in the original plan Mount Avenue would be a local connector road and she feared that Lis Na Dara was oing to get a huge increase in traffic.

Cllr Sean Kelly branded the plan to turn Mount Avenue into a cul de sac as 'one of the main cruxes' to the project.

'The cul de sac issue is huge - it is cutting the community in two,' declared Cllr Marieanne Butler. She said it residents would have to 'go round the world' to access local schools, churches and shops. She saw this issue as being 'the deal breaker' and called for the road to remain open to single way traffic or pedestrians at the very least. 'This is going to discommode so many people - it's cutting the road in half.'

Councillors were told that the local authority is progressing with the scheme as approved by Dundalk Town Centre in 2007. The council hadn't received any submissions from residents along that section looking to keep it open.

Cllr Kelly pointed out that when the scheme was approved, it had been intended that the Western By-Pass would be built but that was not going ahead.

Cllr Doyle added that when it was approved 13 years ago, many of the people now living in the area, weren't at the time.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 10:20:32|Editor: huaxia

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by Xinhua writer Wang Lei

BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- As China and Vietnam mark the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, the two close neighbors and long-time friends are expected to embrace a bright future marked by deeper mutual trust and a growing cooperative partnership.

Sharing a "comradely and brotherly" friendship and broad common interests in development, China and Vietnam have made notable strides in promoting mutual understanding between the two peoples and strengthening bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperation in many fields from economy to culture.

The two countries have also maintained frequent high-level contacts. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong of the Communist Party of Vietnam exchanged visits in 2015 and 2017, and jointly created a blueprint for stronger relations.

Nguyen Xuan Phuc also visited China several times as Vietnamese prime minister and attended the first China International Import Expo as well as the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, showing the country's firm support for China's efforts in building a more open and connected world.

Thanks to the guidance of the leaders, the China-Vietnam relationship has been enjoying a sound momentum of growth since its normalization. China has been, for more than a decade, the largest trading partner of Vietnam, while Vietnam is China's biggest trading partner in Southeast Asia.

In 2018, the two-way trade value climbed to nearly 150 billion U.S. dollars with an increase of over 20 percent, according to China's Ministry of Commerce. China has also been Vietnam's major source of foreign tourists.

As Beijing-Hanoi ties enter a new decade and the world is undergoing profound changes, the two sides, with similar political systems and growing complementarity in economic development, are both at a critical moment of reform and development.

In this regard, China and Vietnam need to seize this opportunity and work together to follow the agreements reached by the two countries' leaders to make sure their relations stay on the right track.

In his phone conversation with Trong, who is also the Vietnamese president, ahead of the 70th anniversary of China-Vietnam ties, Xi called on the two sides to continuously consolidate political mutual trust, carry forward the long-standing friendship, and strengthen the foundation of bilateral ties.

Looking ahead, pragmatic cooperation is promising. With the better alignment of their development initiatives, namely the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and Vietnam's "Two Corridors and One Economic Circle" plan, the potential in their mutually beneficial cooperation will be further unleashed.

Although the two countries have differences over some issues, they should always settle their disputes via dialogue and properly manage their differences in a peaceful way.

This year, Vietnam holds the rotating presidency of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It provides a chance for the two countries to advance all-round cooperation and boost their ties within the China-ASEAN (10+1) framework and other mechanisms.

As long as the two countries remain committed and make concerted efforts, a vibrant China-Vietnam relationship will benefit the peoples of both nations and contribute to peace and development in the region and the rest of the world.
(Newser)  Kansas City radio lovers can now hear six hours of Russian state-owned media per day, the Hill reports. That's because a Florida-based company, RM Broadcasting LLC, has agreed with Radio Sputnik to broadcast its Russian media through the Alpine Broadcasting Corp, which airs on three frequencies around Kansas City and in Washington, DC. The Kremlin mouthpiece can be heard from 6am-9am and 6pm-9pm every day of the week. According to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Sputnik and another Russian state media outlet played a role in influencing the 2016 federal election.

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Now Arnold Ferolito, the man behind RM Broadcasting, is chafing under a federal requirement that his company register as a foreign agent. "Ninety percent of the programming is generated right here in the United States," Ferolito tells the Kansas City Star, which broke the story. "I just sell airtime that's all I do. The government put a gun to my head and forced me to sign." When registering in 2019, RM Broadcasting said it made $1.43 million in the deal, though Ferolito insists he's not turning a profit. "The American dream is dead in a lot of ways," he says. "There's people hell bent on Russia, Russia, Russia. One of these days it's going to be China." (Read more Russia stories.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 07:30:18|Editor: zyl

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SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- A skier was killed and another severely injured Friday in an early morning avalanche at a Lake Tahoe ski resort in Northern California, police said.

The Placer County Sheriff's Office in North Auburn, California, confirmed that 34-year-old Cole Comstock from Blairsden, a census-designated place in Plumas County, Northern California, was killed in the avalanche that occurred at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe.

The Sheriff's Office said search has been called off and there were no further victims, except for the one fatality and the second skier who suffered serious injuries.

"Search has been stopped. We believe all victims have been recovered at #AlpineMeadows," it tweeted.

Local media said the injured man was transported to Tahoe Forest Hospital in Truckee to receive surgery for severe lower-body injuries.

A fierce winter storm swept the Tahoe area on Thursday and dumped 25 inches (about 0.63 meters) of snow on the Squaw Valley area, northeast of California capital Sacramento.

The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning and an Avalanche Watch for the Lake Tahoe area on Thursday.
Huawei has released its performance for 2019 to the Chinese media. It claims it shipped approximately 240 million units in total that year, 6.9 million of which had 5G. For context, Samsung has announced that it shipped about 6.7 million of the same kind of phone in the same time-frame.

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Huawei has detailed its financial results for 2019. It has reported smartphone shipments of approximately 240 million in total - about 60 million less than earlier estimates had the US government's trade ban not kicked in. Then again, the company did exceed its own most pessimistc estimate of 230 million units shipped in total for the year.

Therefore, Huawei remains the best-performing OEM in its native China, despite its global woes. It has also stated that its non-smartphone business also did well: for example, it shipped about a million units of its FreeBuds 3 in its first month of release. The OEM has also asserted that 6.9 million of these shipments were of the 5G variety. This exceeds Samsung's own estimates for this market by about 200000 units.

Then again, this Korean electronics giant has also found that 5G devices still make up only 1% of their overall market. However, this might change into the coming year with a greater diversity of products. Examples of these include the upcoming new version of the Galaxy Tab S6 with this connectivity, which may compete with the corresponding SKUs of Huawei's own MatePad Pro.
The U.S. response to Iran killing 176 people when it shot down a Ukrainian airliner last week has been relatively quiet. President Donald Trump largely distanced himself from the incident, Democrats havent turned it into a talking point and cable news coverage has mostly moved on to impeachment.

The downing of Flight 752 has been a more potent issue in Canada, where 138 passengers were heading after a connection in Ukraine. A total of 57 Canadians died in the crash, creating a national tragedy and prompting widespread outrage at not only Iran but also the Trump administration.

Community leaders and politicians have demanded a full accounting of what led to the plane being shot down after it took off from Tehrans airport and have vowed that Iran will be held accountable and compensate for the losses. But there has also been frustration and resentment at the Trump administrations escalation of tensions with Iran. After a U.S. airstrike killed an Iranian military commander Jan. 3, Iran retaliated Jan. 8 with missile strikes at Iraqi bases. Iran later said it was braced for the U.S. reaction to that attack when its military mistakenly shot down the commercial airliner.

All immediate blame lies with the Iranian government. Nobody is exonerating them at all, said Mehrdad Ariannejad, a community activist and CEO of the Tirgan cultural organization. But the reason were here is because of the tension, is because we were headed towards war.

Several prominent Canadians have criticized the U.S. for its role in the tensions preceding the crash, including CEO Michael McCain of major meat processor Maple Leaf Foods who used the companys main Twitter account to condemn Trump. Canadians died because of a narcissist in Washington who tears world accomplishments apart; destabilizes region, McCain tweeted, calling the downing of the plane the result of irresponsible and dangerous U.S. actions.

Canadians needlessly lost their lives in the crossfire, including the family of one of my MLF colleagues (his wife + 11 year old son), McCain said. We are mourning and I am livid.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has received a boost in public support following the crash, also blamed tensions between the U.S. and Iran for ultimately leading to the tragedy. He called for de-escalation and warned that innocents bear the brunt when conflict arises.

If there was no escalation recently in the region, those Canadians would be right now home with their families, Trudeau said during a televised interview this week.

A "Seventh Day Vigil" is held Tuesday for the plane crash victims at Civic Plaza in front of North Vancouver City Hall in British Columbia. (Photo: Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Many of the Canadians killed were university students and staff returning from winter break, devastating campuses and faculties across Canada. One university in western Canada lost 10 of its staff and students in the crash. Other victims included families coming back from visiting relatives, newlyweds returning from a wedding and a 9-year-old girl and her mother.

Iranian-Canadians, in particular, watched closely as the conflict between the U.S. and Iran continually escalated since President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear deal in May 2018. The killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani dramatically increased the tensions as 3,000 more U.S. troops were sent to the region and Irans Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed revenge. Many Iranian-Canadians grew anxious that the standoff could boil over into more direct conflict.

Anything that threatens innocent lives in Iran fundamentally affects Iranian-Canadians lives, said Pouyan Tabasinejad, vice director of the Iranian Canadian Congress, a nonprofit organization.

The plane crash brought unexpected tragedy to the Iranian-Canadian community, but the immediate grief after what initially seemed like a mechanical failure became more complicated when U.S. and Canadian intelligence officials revealed that they believed the plane was brought down by a missile. Iran declared Saturday that it had accidentally shot down the plane, blaming human error.

That feeling of grief turned into anger and outrage. People wanted to know what happened and wanted justice, Ariannejad said.

Canadians have responded with vigils and memorials to the victims, with community leaders saying there have been widespread outpourings of support for Iranian-Canadians. The countrys universities held a moment of silence earlier in the week, flags were flown at half-staff and a foundation for victims relatives has raised more than $400,000. Trudeau announced Friday that the government would give $25,000 to Canadian families of the victims to cover funeral and transportation costs.

Though the shooting down of the plane has left Iranian-Canadians reeling from the loss of family members and loved ones, community leaders say it has also highlighted how deeply rooted Iranian-Canadians have become in the country.

Iranian-Canadians are a relatively new community to Canada, Tabsinejad said. What we saw was other Canadians in that moment, when the community needed it the most, coming out and showing us that the Canadian-Iranian community does have a place here, we are Canadians and we will be supported and mourned.

Related...

Iran Admits It Shot Down Ukrainian Plane By Mistake

Video Appears To Show Iranian Security Forces Shooting At Protesters

Iran Announces Arrests Over Accidental Downing Of Ukrainian Jet

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 19:56:26|Editor: Xiaoxia

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TEHRAN, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Saturday warned against any attempt to politicize the recent Ukrainian passenger plane crash in the outskirt of capital Tehran, state TV reported.

"Politicizing this tragedy" must be avoided, he said, adding that the focus should be directed on the victims' families.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday said that the Iranian "enemies" used the passenger plane crash to "tempt and provoke" anti-government sentiments and to undermine the assassination of the Iranian senior commander by the United States.

On Jan. 8, a Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 passenger plane crashed near Tehran, and all of the 176 people onboard were killed. The incident coincided with Iran's missile attack on the U.S. military base in Iraq.

Later, Iran's armed forces confirmed that an "unintentional" launch of a military missile by the country shot down the Ukrainian airliner.
Two teenage killers were filmed bumping fists shortly after they had stabbed an 18-year-old man to death.

William Haines, 18, and a 17-year-old accomplice launched an unprovoked attack on victim Yusuf Mohamed in Shepherd's Bush, west London, on June 26, 2019.

William Haines, 18, and a 17-year-old were filmed bumping fists after the attack (Picture: PA)

Haines was convicted of murder and knife possession at the Old Bailey on Friday, while the 17-year-old, whose details have been omitted for legal reasons, was found not guilty of murder after already admitting manslaughter and possessing a knife.

Both of them will be sentenced on February 24.

William Haines, 18, was convicted of murder (Picture: PA)

In CCTV footage played in court, the suspects were seen bumping fists after running from the scene of the stabbing.

Mr Mohamed was attacked "for no obvious reason" while walking with friends on Uxbridge Road, the court heard.

Haines attacked him first after crossing the street, stabbing him in the heart with "brutal efficiency".

Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones told jurors: "Yusuf Mohamed had no time to run away, he had no time to do anything to protect himself. Unlike his attackers, he was not carrying a weapon.

He stood no chance."

Yusuf Mohamed, 18, was killed in an unprovoked attack (Picture: PA)

Mr Jones added: "Seeing Yusuf collapse to the floor, and as Yusuf desperately tried to retreat, crawling backwards on his elbows, (the 17-year-old) took out his own knife and followed him, stabbing him in the leg as he lay defenceless.

"As the two young men ran away, tucking their knives back out of sight, they gave each other a fist bump as if to say, 'Well done us'."

Mr Mohamed died from his injuries in the hospital later in the night.

Detective Chief Inspector Rob Pack, from Specialist Crime, who led the investigation, said: This was a savage and callous attack where a young man was set upon in the street and lost his life in a matter of seconds.

READ MORE YAHOO UK NEWS HERE:

Police hunt eight Aston Villa fans after stewards are attacked when goal is disallowed

Boy, six, who went missing from motorway service station found safe and well nine hours later following huge search

Story continues

'Lovely' factory worker stabbed to death and another man injured in confrontation outside pharmaceutical plant

To this day, the motive for the killing is unclear.

Both defendants clearly felt they could carry and use knives with impunity.

That they congratulated themselves with a fist bump and smiles having so brutally taken a life is beyond comprehension.

Todays conviction brings justice for Yusuf and his family and, again, highlights the Mets determination to tackle the scourge of knife crime.
Defending the CAA, BJP leader Ram Madhav on Saturday said even Austria had amended its law to grant citizenship to Jews and asserted that people coming to India for genuine reasons can seek to become its nationals.

The stand that persecuted religious minorities fleeing Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh should be accommodated and provided citizenship was echoed by leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Pranab Mukherjee and even the CPI(M), he said.

Persecution of minorities in such neighbouring countries was an "established fact," he said.

Addressing a meet here on the contentious law, the senior Saffron party leader said: "Austria amended its citizenship Act to grant citizenship to children, grand children and great grand children of Jews."



Asserting that the Citizenship Amendment Act only fast tracked grant of citizenship to minorities from neighbouring countries, he said the protests against it were not happening for "valid reasons and they are misinformed."



"I appeal to our Muslim brethren to not fall prey to false propaganda. The CAA does not apply to any Indian citizen, but only to those coming from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh," he said.

He said people coming to India for "genuine reasons" from anywhere can seek citizenship.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Democrats, including Beto ORourke, are ramping up their efforts to unseat freshman U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, making an ambitious play for a historically bright red district they say is trending in their favor.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, House Democrats campaign arm, on Thursday added Crenshaws 2nd Congressional District to its list of 2020 targets, making it the seventh GOP-controlled seat in Texas to garner the groups attention. The move signals that the DCCC, which last week announced a $125 million fundraising haul in 2019, intends to put resources into flipping the district.

A day before the announcement, Democratic candidate Sima Ladjevardian  a former ORourke adviser  announced she had raised more than $407,000 in the first three weeks of her campaign. On Tuesday she held a formal campaign kickoff attended by ORourke and a handful of local officials.

The guy who is in there right now, Dan Crenshaw, this is Trump's guy in Texas, ORourke told a crowd gathered in front of Ladjevardians new campaign office. He has the Trump embassy right here in Houston. He has the Trump seat in the United States House of Representatives.

Ladjevardian introduced herself by saying, For those of you who don't know, my name is Sima, and together we're going to unseat Dan Crenshaw.

Also running in the Democratic primary are Navy veteran and science teacher Elisa Cardnell and former Homeland Security Department employee Travis Olsen. Both projected confidence about their chances of winning the seat after the DCCCs announcement.

Austin drew our district to create a safe Republican seat, Cardnell wrote Thursday on Twitter. But now the tide is turning, TX-02 is in play, we are going to win, and we are going to end gerrymandering.

ORourkes trip to the district also appeared to generate a fundraising boost for Crenshaw, a Houston Republican whose campaign said it took in $50,000 from Tuesday night through the end of Wednesday. Crenshaw will report a $1.6 million haul during the final three months of the year, according to his campaign, bringing his total fundraising to $4.3 million in 2019.

Crenshaw campaign spokesperson Kerry Rom said the freshman Republicans opponents are going to waste a lot of Democrat donor money attacking the incumbent.

They know hes been extremely effective, so theyre going to throw anything and everything at him and try to distort his record as a hardworking advocate for the people of TX-02, Rom said in a statement.

Crenshaw won the seat in 2018 by about seven percentage points, succeeding longtime Humble Republican Ted Poe. The district, which wraps around Harris County from Montrose to Kingwood and Atascocita, long has voted overwhelmingly for Republicans, though ORourke lost the district to Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz by just 1.2 percentage points.

jasper.scherer@chron.com
Then in September, Russian mercenaries emerged on the Tripolis front lines. With their help, Hifters fighters managed to push forward. By late November, frustrated by the absence of condemnation of Hifter and the Russians by Europe and the United States, the Tripoli government turned to Turkey for help. They dangled the eastern Mediterranean drilling rights as an incentive, angering the Europeans, as well as Egypt, which also covets the seas resources.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D.  It's 6 p.m. on a Wednesday, and Greg and Denise Patton are wedging a vial full of bedbugs between their couch cushions.

"You had bedbugs in this couch?" Denise says, the most common question she gets from guests. "It always requires that we explain what's going on ... sometimes we don't think to tell people they're in vials."

It's something the couple has done since they started Dakota Bedbug Detection in 2011.

Around that time Denise, an entomologist with the city and self-described "bug person" said she'd been hearing more and more questions from friends concerned about bedbugs.

Bedbugs are stored inside of a vial used for training purposes on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 at the Patton's home in Sioux Falls.

It felt like there was something they could do to help, she thought, and a new business was born.

Most people might not know, Denise said, that their job detecting bedbugs is "about 50% counseling." Not everyone is a bug person like she is.

"It literally brings them to tears," she said about some people's reaction to bedbugs. "Not understanding things about the bugs can be super terrifying."

Texas school board starts 'new age of understanding': Drops Confederate song 'Dixie' after years of criticism

How do they find the bedbugs?

After some research (as well as a healthy dose of convincing Greg, a business professor who "hates bugs") Denise came across IronHeart Training Center.

Bo the beagle sniffs out bedbugs on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 at the Patton's home in Sioux Falls. Bo is a certified bedbug detection dog and is able to find even a lone bedbug that could be hiding in a small area.

IronHeart trains dogs to find drugs, bombs, accelerants, mold, termites, currency and, of course, bedbugs.

And that's where they found Bo, an energetic beagle who can sniff out the insects with the best of them. It's also where they got another beagle, the calmer B.G., a few years later.

To be ready to head off to a handler, it takes about four to six months of training, said Matt Skogen, IronHeart's director of training, but it doesn't stop there. Regular maintenance training is needed to ensure the dog stays at the top of their game.

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And that's why almost every day, Bo and B.G. put on their green work vests, get leashed up and search their home for bedbugs.

When they're working for real, they've checked houses, hotels, apartment complexes, nursing homes, dorms and more. Some of their visits are regular preventive checks; some are homeowners who suspect an issue but want to be sure.

Bo the beagle signals to entomologist Denise Patton that he has found the hidden vial of bedbugs on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 in Sioux Falls. Beagles Bo and B.G. work as bedbug detection dogs for the Patton's company, Dakota Bedbug Detection.

Whether it's practice or a real job, hunting for bedbugs involves both dog and handler.

Denise or Greg walk around with a metal pointer, constantly tapping the areas that Bo or B.G. should be searching.

It has to be a fairly directed approach, because the dog will need to get within 6-8 inches of a bedbug in order to smell it, Denise said.

Once they smell a bedbug  and they can smell a single one, in any stage of life  they'll immediately sit, as well as expect a treat.

Most coffee makers are crawling with germs and growing mold: Here's why

Greg and Denise Patton pose for a portrait with their bedbug detection beagles, Bo and B.G., on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 in Sioux Falls. The couple started Dakota Bedbug Detection in 2011 and use their certified beagles to sniff out bedbugs.

How the Pattons keep bedbugs in their home

It's a good thing that the dogs have to get close to smell bedbugs  because the Patton home is also often the home of "the colony," a collection of 5,000 to 10,000 bedbugs that live in three Mason jars.

Of course, if you want to keep that many bedbugs alive, they're going to need to eat.

Bedbugs want to feed on warm, oxygenated blood. The trainers at IronHeart had used pinky mice  what you might feed a snake  but Denise and Greg had trouble finding enough.

B.G. the beagle sniffs for the hidden vial of bedbugs on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 in Sioux Falls. Beagles Bo and B.G. work as bedbug detection dogs for the Patton's company, Dakota Bedbug Detection.

But, Denise realized, there was already a source of warm, oxygenated blood: herself.

The bedbug-filled jars, which have medical mesh stretched over the top, are flipped over and Denise places them onto her forearm. The bugs are able to feed through the mesh without escaping.

It's a little strange, yeah. But she's not in any danger  while bedbugs can carry disease, they can't spread it.

From that same colony, they'll even sell bedbugs to researchers or other companies training dogs (and they'll check to make sure you're not someone looking to plant them in a hotel to get a free room.)

More than anything, Denise and Greg just want to help people. Sure, they might not make everyone "bug people." But you can get them less fearful, less worried.

Because there can be a stigma around bedbugs as well, Denise said, one that can prevent people from looking for help in a belief that if they have bedbugs they've done something wrong, or they're not clean.

But it's not true, she said. Rich, poor, clean, dirty, it doesn't matter. Anyone can be affected by bedbugs, she said.

"It's not anything to be ashamed of," she said.

More: How an Indiana doctor found a medical mystery in Michelangelo's 'David'

Flu blinds, nearly kills 4-year-old girl: 'There were no warning signs,' mom says

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Sioux Falls, South Dakota couple keep thousands of bedbugs in home
In early 2019, the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt trade group changed its name to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books & Mediaa move made to reflect the new areas in which the publisher has been investing. Weve become a multichannel publisher, said Ellen Archer, president of HMH Books & Media. The name change came shortly after the division formed HMH Audio and followed the 2018 move of HMH Productions from the companys now-shuttered consumer group to its trade division.

Under the direction of Caroline Fraser, HMH Productions arrived at HMH trade with a deal to produce a 10-part animated series for Netflix based on the companys Carmen Sandiego franchise. The series first ran in early 2019, and a second 10-part series ran in the fall; in a recent quarterly financial filing, HMH said the division earned $7.7 million from the deal through the first nine months of 2019. Though no new seasons for the animated show have been announced, a live-action feature film is in development at Netflix, with Gina Rodriguez to star. To take advantage of Carmens Netflix run, HMH Productions produced a web series, Fearless Kids Around the World, and HMH Books for Young Readers released eight new Carmen titles last year, with two more coming out in fall 2020.

Carmen also featured prominently in HMH Books & Medias increased merchandising push. Last fall, HMHs first Carmen products went on sale; among those were a board game with Goliath Games at Walmart, an electronic toy with Basic Fun, and costumes with Spirit. The company also has an agreement for apparel with Bio World, and more deals are in the works.

Archer sees HMHs approach to Carmen as something of a model it can apply to other properties, where the company can develop a brand from a variety of angles. HMH is working on bringing back another earlier hit, Oregon Trail, and TV and game deals are expected to be announced soon.

A spokesperson said HMH also has another, unannounced animated book-based series in production, as well as another animated series in development with a major distributorthis one in collaboration with a house author.

HMH also has a pipeline of more than 20 projects in development for film and TV coming out of its in-house original IP collaboration between HMH Productions and the Books for Young Readers editorial team. This is in addition to media development for a variety of existing books, including projects for B.E.S.T. World and Ghosted.

HMH jumped into the digital audiobooks business last year, and HMH Audio has released 40 titles since its launch, including Dads Maybe Book, narrated by National Book Awardwinning author Tim OBrien, and The Best American Short Stories 2019, guest edited by Anthony Doerr and read by a full cast. Under the direction of Tommy Harron, HMH Audio has its studio in HMHs New York City offices. It will do 4050 books per season.

An initiative that has contributed a number of successful projects is what Archer calls HMHs talent hivea group of consultants, whose ranks include freelance editors, bestselling authors, and a film producerwho curate talent and bring exclusive deals to HMH. Veteran publisher David Rosenthal is a hive member, and his first book, Joni Mitchells Morning Glory on the Vine, was released last October. Other Rosenthal books set for the first half of 2020 are Final Draft: The Collected Work of David Carr, edited by Carrs widow, Jill Rooney Carr, and Chasing the Light by Oliver Stone.

Science fiction editor and hive member John Joseph Adams, who has had an eponymous imprint at HMH since 2016, signed HMHs big book for spring: Chosen Ones, the first adult novel by Divergent author Veronica Roth. Another productive hiver is author Kwame Alexander, who launched the Versify imprint last year as a part of the Young Readers Group. The first lists have been well received. And producer and new hive member Michael Sugar has hired Angela Ledgerwood as editorial director for his Sugar23 Books.

In terms of its book publishing program, Bruce Nichols, senior v-p, publisher of the companys general interest publishing arm, said he has cut back a little on the number of titles he is doing in order to provide more focus to new and backlist books. Matt Schweitzer, senior v-p of marketing, explained that the HMH marketing team is applying more commercial and strategic promotional campaigns to get books in the hands of more readers. In 2020, the company will launch a number of initiatives to promote frontlist and backlist titles in book clubs and at retail, including the Book Club @ HMH and Revisit a Classic campaign featuring titles such as The Things They Carried and Wild Game.

HMH is also intent on expanding is its popular Little Blue Truck childrens franchise. The company backed the holiday launch of Good Night, Little Blue Truck with what it called its largest marketing campaign for that brand to date, including story-time events, influencer campaigns, and traditional and social media ads. The childrens group also saw the late 2019 launch of Etch, a young adult graphic novel imprint.

Archer said she is proud of HMHs ability to react quickly to current events. In particular, she pointed to Impeach: The Case Against Donald Trump by Neal Katyal, which went on sale 30 days after HMH received the manuscript. Archer attributed the quick turnaround to the close working relationship the different departments have within the company.

HMHs 2020 got off to a strong start, with The Defined Dish by Alex Snodgrass reaching #1 on PWs January 13 hardcover nonfiction bestseller list. Defined Dish is part of HMHs Whole30 line, which has been a mainstay of its list for several years.

The new year also saw HMH add two editors. Millicent Bennett joined the company as editorial director and reports to Nichols. Previously an executive editor at Grand Central Publishing, Bennett will oversee HMHs fiction program and acquire and edit select fiction and nonfiction. Also new to HMH is Sarah Pelz, who is executive editor and reports to Deb Brody. Pelz will focus on acquiring lifestyle nonfiction.

Archer said HMH will continue to look for new partners and utilize new technologies to give its authors as many platforms as possible to reach readers, viewers, and, listeners.
A delegation from the U.S. Congressional Hispanic Caucus helped a 6-year-old migrant girl with Down Syndrome and a heart condition get paroled in the United States on Friday, members of the caucus said.

U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, said he and other members accompanied the girl to a Port of Entry in Brownsville, Texas, and asked federal immigration authorities to allow the girl into the country to seek medical treatment. The girl and her Salvadoran family had previously been denied entry. She, her mother and her brother has been placed in Mexico to await rulings that would decide their eligibility.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Lujan said he and Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, stayed behind with the girl and her family as the delegation crossed back into the U.S. after a tour of migrant camps in Matamoros, Mexico. After speaking with the Department of Homeland Security officials, the girl and her family were allowed into the U.S.

There are exemption for vulnerable people in place the Trump administrations Remain in Mexico policy for migrants seeking asylum.

Lujan said he was disturbed that it took members of Congress to get someone like the girl paroled into the U.S. as allowed by law. If someone like her isnt vulnerable, I dont know who is, Lujan said.

Castro tweeted: We were able to get a young girl with a heart defect and Downs Syndrome allowed into the United States with her family while their asylum claim is considered,

A spokesman for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not immediately return an email and phone message seeking comment

The Hispanic congressional leaders had gone to Matamoros on Friday to tour the conditions in migrant camps.

Lujan and Castro said they found inhumane conditions and human right violations there.

The migrants were living in makeshift shelters made of old trash bags, old tarps, and cardboard, Lujan said. Their clothing was being washed in the river and hung on bushes to dry.

Castro tweeted that migrant children were living in squalor with no running water.

___

Russell Contreras is a member of The Associated Press race and ethnicity team. Follow him on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/russcontreras
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 21:35:37|Editor: Xiaoxia

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DAMASCUS, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Intense airstrikes and shelling targeted rebel-held areas in the western countryside of the northern province of Aleppo on Saturday, a war monitor reported.

Russian warplanes heavily struck rebel positions in the western countryside of Aleppo while the Syrian forces fired artillery on the positions of the rebels in that area, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Battles also have been reported in the nearby countryside of Idlib province in northwestern Syria, according to the Britain-based watchdog group.

On Jan. 15, the pro-government al-Watan newspaper said that the Syrian army is bracing to launch an assault to retake the road connecting Hama province with Aleppo, which passes through Idlib.

It said that the imminent military operation aims to secure the Hama-Aleppo road as part of an agreement reached in Russia's Sochi in 2018 that aims to secure the official road to Aleppo, which extends all the way south to the capital Damascus.

Since the Hama-Aleppo road is under rebel control, people have traveled to Aleppo through another extension of the road.

The army is now prioritizing the recapture of the entire road between Hama and Aleppo, which will enable the travel movement to return to its pre-war time from Damascus in the south to Aleppo in the north without rerouting to other roads.
Three current and former Liberal Party members have slammed the party's new national code of conduct for threatening members who speak out, suggesting it puts people at risk outside of party events and offering little protection for staff.

After more than a year of controversy over its handling of sexual harassment, assault and poor behaviour by members, the Liberal Party federal executive has left it up to the state divisions to enforce the code and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Kate Johnson was fired from her role after raising bullying allegations about another staff member. Credit: Sam Mooy

The "best practice" guidelines would see Liberal Party members face being hauled before third-party investigators and committees, and expelled for breaches such as posting explicit posts on social media or sexual harassment  but three women say they have little chance of being enforced.

The code states it does not operate as a term of any contract of employment or service unless agreed by the employer and the employee, and that it should only be applied "wherever possible". It also urges any assault allegations to be made directly to police.
When youre dying, you dont see your life flash before your eyes, instead you see everything worth fighting for, says Mark Daniels.

Mr Daniels was 23-years-old and serving in the Australian Navy, when his life changed forever.

He joined the Navy at 19, leaving behind his family in Queensland to move to Perth and in 2015 he shipped out for a four-month deployment.

On returning to Perth in December 2015, he was spending the day with his brother and father on board the ship to celebrate the last day at work. Later that day, Mr Daniels decided to visit a friend he hadnt seen in months.

Mark Daniels had just returned home from a four-month deployment, when a driver changed his life forever. Source: Facebook/Mark Daniels Motivation

He jumped on his motorbike, to catch up with his friend, suiting up in his protective gear.

About a minute away from his friends place, a distracted driver struck Mr Daniels, T-boning him and throwing him to the road.

Its like someone has stolen your identity, Mr Daniels told Yahoo News Australia.

You wake up, your legs gone, and my first words were Oh, crap, how do I do this?

I didnt want to be a burden

The crash left Mr Daniels with a broken neck, a broken hand, a ruptured kidney, punctured lung, a split femoral artery and 11 broken ribs.

The surgeons decided to amputate Mr Daniels leg below his left knee on December 23, years later he decided to amputate above the knee.

Mark Daniels suffered serious injuries from the crash and it was decided his leg from the knee down would have to be amputated. Source: Facebook/Mark Daniels Motivation

I didnt want to be alive, I didnt want to be a burden on my family or society, he said, saying he had suicidal thoughts on waking up in hospital, eventually trying to take his own life, despite fighting so hard to make it to hospital after the crash.

Everyone says when youre dying your life flashes before you. It doesnt, its every reason you want to live, every regret you have, every bad decision youve ever made you wished you had made different.

I promised myself I wasnt ready to die, he says, reflecting on that night where he was bleeding out on the side of the road.

I guess as much as I didnt want to die, I accepted I was dying.

To this day, Mr Daniels still battles with PTSD and suicidal thoughts, he says you never really get over it, rather you learn to deal with it.

Story continues

He says you try not to become the victim of your own circumstances, and elect to surround yourself with people to get through the hardship.

Pictured is Mark and his girlfriend Cayley at an Injury Matters event for World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Source: Supplied/Stefan Gosatti

But ultimately, you get tougher.

Things that would ruin a normal person, you deal with a lot better, he says.

Mr Daniels is now the ambassador for Road Trauma Support WA, although he didnt use the group himself, he says they offer an amazing service.

My mum took it probably the hardest, she was dealing with that much built up anger, Mr Daniels explains.

I guess when we think of road trauma, we dont really think of the families. Everyone would say Youre the lucky one, you survived, youre to lucky to survive.

But, they werent the ones in the hospital bed, next to me.

It took a toll of Mr Daniels mother, who stayed with him at the hospital, while he was handcuffed to the bed, to stop him from harming himself, she was angry at the driver, who had ruined her sons life.

A police officer referred Mr Daniels mother to Road Trauma Support WA, the group not only aids road trauma victims, but also their families and first responders.

Mark Daniels now speaks to people about road trauma and the impact it has on people's life. Source: Supplied/Steffan Gosatti

One thing that helped Mr Daniels recovery was exercise, and since the crash he has gone on to compete as a professional athlete.

Mr Daniels is trying out for the 2020 Invictus Games, having already competed in the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney, for wheelchair rugby where his team won gold, sitting volleyball and at indoor rowing where he won a bronze medal.

For the rehabilitation initially I had it in my head I was going to be running within a month, walking within a week, Mr Daniels said.

What I didnt realise was the extent of my injuries, which was the biggest setback.

Six months following the crash, Mr Daniels got a prosthetic leg, and soon learned walking in one was not easy, he had to learn how to walk on it, balance, step over things and control it.

Everyone just thinks when you get a prosthetic leg you just put it on and off you go.

Its not, its painful.

Now, he has six prosthetic legs, which comes to the total of $440,000. Each leg serves a different purpose for Mark Daniels.

They last between three to six years, so basically youre getting a house every three to six years, he explains.

Which is something people dont really talk about. All my friends go on holidays and travel and I make the decision to get the legs I need.

Mr Daniels appreciates how lucky he is to have the prosthetic legs, he was able to secure some funding from the Navy, and there has been some crowd funding which enabled him to buy the legs he needs, whereas there are people around the country who are not able to

Once he started getting more physical in his life, Mr Daniels started looking at what he could do, looking at gym and fitness.

It really helped me. The days I was depressed and suicidal, I would find this outlet in the gym and people on the street looked at me like I was a freak because Im covered in scars.

When you go to the gym people are looking at you like youre a freak because youre lifting more than them on one leg.

Since the crash and the subsequent amputation, Mark has been competing professionally in a variety of sports. Source: Mark Daniels Motivation/Facebook

The consequences of actions

By complete accident, Mr Daniels fell into motivational speaking and now speaks in front of thousands of people and students.

When he speaks to the masses, he speaks of the consequences of actions.

Imagine if you killed your girlfriend, your boyfriend, your mum or dad, the person closest to you. You then have to spend your life living with that.

This is what people need to think about is, its someone elses life that you are responsible for when youre driving that car.

You can send a text, change the song on the radio, turn around to yell at the kids in the backseat... or you can ruin a life, change a life forever or take a life, Mr Daniels wrote on his Facebook page, Mark Daniels Motivation.

Someones inattention for just 10 seconds changed my life forever. Yes, I have achieved so much in the last four years and had so many great opportunities that I wouldnt of received with two legs but theres also been so much pain and hardship.

The recovery process is ongoing for Mr Daniels, at the end of 2019 the had to undergo another surgery on his leg.

Life doesnt mend after something like this, he says.

A lot of the time we focus on the negatives. But at the end of the day, if you have a support network of people, thats the most crucial thing, and youre able to return back to a normal life.

Mr Daniels says he wont let what happened to him define him, and he strives to lead a normal life.

Right now, it is pretty tough for Mr Daniels, who is not able to walk yet following the surgery and has recently been medically discharged from the Navy.

But he has a supportive partner Cayley who supports him through everything.

Mark Daniels is an ambassador for Road Trauma Support WA, after his mother found resources available to her following thee crash. Source: Supplied/Stefan Gosatti

No matter how stupid the idea is, he laughs adding he is now closer than ever with his family.

This year Mr Daniels is launching a program called the Warrior Wellness Project which will partner with RSLWA to empower veterans in Western Australia.

But his main focus for the year is learning to love himself and be happy with the life he has now.

I spent so long fighting the term and being disabled, that Ive killed my body trying to prove I am just as good as an able bodied person, he explains, saying in 2020 he is going to focus on his mental recovery.

If you or someone you know has been affected by road trauma, contact Road Trauma Support WA on 1300 004 814 or visit www.rtswa.org.au.

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.
Get me pregnant

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You and me both!



*hangs head in shame*

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get tony pregnant first!

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Perfect first comment

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i'm so grateful that chris evans wants to fix what is broken in washington. he seems v smart/talented/from boston and capable of figuring out complicated problems that other people with advanced degrees and years of political experience would never be able to tackle. i especially love his 'both sides' hot takes when he's not taking his valtrex

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You had me in the first half, not going to lie. Even checked if someone was impersonating you.

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Nnnn

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I'm a Chris Evans stan but I cackled reading this

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Lmao.



Thank you for this. His posts here are a trip.

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why doesn't someone force him to get a spray tan. That pasty doughy look makes him look like he's dying.

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After reading this, I don't think he's stupid or dumb, etc. like I originally thought as well. But I do think he's naive and uninformed.



I think with the fact-checking -if done well and correctly- could shatter his vision of "both-sides."

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I want to get lobster rolls when Im in Boston. I was into politics when I was in high school but when I took an honors poli sci class in college I was so intimidated. I have my views but I also know Im not excited enough on some issues, so to hear from my reps in an accessible way is interesting to me.

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I want to get lobster rolls when Im in Boston.



Me too, I need some suggestions on where to go that are close to my hotel near the Seaport. I feel like if I leave without having one did I really visit Boston?

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i had a really good one @ legal harborside! they're expensive but good quality seafood and the server was really cute.

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Yoooo which hotel are you staying at? Ill be at Aloft!

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i visted in october and really liked boston, it's super white but i had a lot of fun.





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I went to Cape Cod/Marblehead/etc. this past summer. Get the lobster roll dressed in just butter and lemon, not the mayo kind.

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this site will fill the Verrit shaped hole in my heart

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lmao

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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

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jfc, fire the dude who didn't want fact checking. no one involved with something like this should ever question the most necessary thing we need, especially right now in this political nightmare.

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UMMMMM why would you want to partner with someone who didnt care about fact checking? lmao. so your partner initially wanted to help regurgitate political lies to be easier to understand?

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Well, this friend did connect him with the third partner who knows all about the tech stuff. And of course, they all put in money.



Edited at 2020-01-18 07:45 pm (UTC)

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i mean the mission/goal of the website comes under scrutiny if you dont fact check and allow lies. that should be a deal breaker in the partnership as the main mission becomes muddied and turns into a propaganda mouthpiece.



basically, dont allow others to invest in and spearhead your mission if they go against the spirit of your mission in the first place.

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mte

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God he's so dumb with the both sides bullshit, I don't want to hear Republicans make up excuses for running concentration camps.

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the fact that he kept on w kassen who didn't want to fact check and then a few bullet points down it says how they're taking into account the number of fans chris has who might/will visit the site........hm



on one hand i like that he said that the site will have no comments section but on the other hand....what if a lot of people have the same sort of follow up questions or need clarification to what a politician has said in their video?

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Thank god for no comment section. It'll be filled with, "I LOVE YOU, CHRIS!" instead of discussion.



Also, if constituents have questions, there will be a section where people can find who their representative or senator is, and contact them.



However, it is unknown if it's just an email or phone number that's already on the politician's website.

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I love you Chris! would be the tamest of it. Going by the responses on his Twitter account it would probably be filled with Split me open Daddy! type bullshit. LOL!

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If people have questions they can contact the politician directly from the site.



Not that the politician is gonna answer but that would be the case no matter what site you contacted them from.

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I'm curious to know if one party's videos will outnumber the other's after the fact-checking is complete. And if so, would they be offended and accuse him of bias?

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I'm glad he won the fact-checking but the fact his friend . . . wooh boy.

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I mean, Republicans make it very clear what their views on certain issues are, do we really need to give them another platform to share their ignorant ideas?



Sorry Chris, you're not hot enough to make me agree with this.

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i'm tired of his stans propping him up as this political advocate for justice or some bullshit just because he played a character in a comic book.



he really should've just taken that marvel money, shut the fuck up and look pretty

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Omicron variant of COVID-19 identified in Antrim, Charlevoix counties

The omicron variant of COVID-19 has been identified in one Antrim County resident and one Charlevoix County resident.
The Midland Public Schools District, in partnership with Dow, has announced Amy Beasley, Ph.D., will assume an assignment as diversity, equity and inclusion consultant for Midland Public Schools.

Beasley is Dow's North American inclusion leader and will serve as a consultant to MPS in a seconded capacity. She will support the district through the end of 2020 and will resume her Dow career at the conclusion of this assignment.

"We are happy to have Dr. Beasley join our team and bring her diverse experience to MPS," said Michael Sharrow, superintendent of Midland Public Schools. "Over the past year, our district team has been focused on developing our DEI strategy. With support from Dow and Amy's leadership and direction, we are confident that we will accelerate our focus in this area and ensure that our district offers an inclusive learning environment for all students."

Karen S. Carter, Dow's chief inclusion officer and chief human resources officer, said Beasley will be able to share her experience at Dow to support the district's diversity and inclusion efforts.

"At Dow, inclusion and diversity is a business imperative," Carter said. "We strive to create an environment where every member of our team is respected and valued. We are pleased to build on our strong partnership with the Midland Public Schools District to make our community more welcoming to all."

Beasley, a resident of Midland, is also a parent of two MPS graduates. Over the course of the next year, she will provide leadership, insights and support the DEI strategy and will partner with MPS stakeholders to accelerate the district's vision. Beasley will lead several infrastructure teams as part of the collaborative strategy and will serve as a parent and community liaison for the district's DEI efforts.

Beasley will collaborate most closely with Penny Miller-Nelson, associate superintendent of curriculum at MPS, and will report directly to Sharrow. Beasley will provide monthly updates to MPS administration. In addition, the superintendent will provide opportunities for the consultant to communicate with the board of education so it is kept informed of progress being made in implementing the DEI strategy.

Beasley joined Dow in 2015 as a scientist in the Environmental Health and Safety organization. In this role, she provided technical expertise in human and environmental risk assessment, exposure assessment, and biocidal product safety.

She represented Dow externally with the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry and the Health and Environmental Sciences Institute. Prior to joining Dow, Beasley held positions in sales leadership, training, and project management.

She earned a bachelor of science in biology/genetics in 2011 and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biosciences with a concentration in environmental toxicology from Middle Tennessee State University.
Brexit 1) We will not be a ruletaker, Javid declares

Sajid Javid, the UK chancellor, has delivered a tough message to business leaders to end their campaign for Britain to stay in lock-step with Brussels rules after Brexit, telling them they have already had three years to prepare for a new trading relationship. In an interview with the Financial Times, Mr Javid quashed any prospect of the Treasury lending its support to big manufacturing sectors  which include cars, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and food and drink  that favour alignment with EU regulations. There will not be alignment, we will not be a ruletaker, we will not be in the single market and we will not be in the customs union  and we will do this by the end of the year, Mr Javid said, urging companies to adjust to the new reality.  Financial Times

My battle plan for EU trade talks  Ben Habib MEP, Daily Telegraph

Free trade is not a vote-winner  Philip Stephens, Financial Times

Germans regret UKs departure  Daily Express

>Today: David Gauke on Comment: As a non-Tory at the last election, my worry is that this Government wont be Conservative enough

Brexit 2) Johnson to open trade talks with the US before the EU

Boris Johnson is expected to formally open trade talks with the US before he begins discussions with the European Union, the Telegraph has learned. US diplomats believe the Prime Minister is poised to seek Cabinet authorisation to open trade talks directly with America on a visit to Washington next month. British civil servants have drawn up advice for ministers on the pros and cons of starting trade talks with America before beginning them with the European Union, the Telegraph understands. A UK government source who has seen the advice said the argument for going to the US first is to show: We mean business and were not messing around. It would also aim to avoid becoming trapped by Brussels negotiators like Theresa May was, and negate some of the concerns of the EU trying to play the ball in the way they want, the source said.  Daily Telegraph

Farmers demand law to ensure chlorinated chicken is banned  The Times

Brexit 3) Forsyth: The EU shouldnt have signed up to a December deadline for a trade deal if it was not possible

This week, the European Union Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan said it is just not possible to conclude everything on the UKs future relationship with the EU by the December 2020 deadline for the end of the transition period. But the UK and the EU both agreed to that timeframe in the political declaration.The EU shouldnt have signed up to it if they didnt think it was possible to agree things by that date. Boris Johnson is determined not to extend this transition period. He feels the whole process has gone on too long already. So there needs to be some compromise to keep things moving. What is key is that at the end of this year the UK is no longer sending millions to the EU every day; the UK determines its own immigration policy; and the role of the European Court of Justice in the UK ends on all matters other than the rights of EU citizens.  James Forsyth, The Sun

Brexit 4) Countdown clock to illuminate Downing Street

A clock counting down to the moment the UK leaves the EU on 31 January will be projected on to Downing Street as part of government plans to mark Brexit Day. The clock will tick down to 23:00 GMT, while Prime Minister Boris Johnson will give a special address to the nation in the evening, the government said. A special 50p coin will also enter circulation to mark the occasion. Meanwhile, a campaign to find 500,000 to make Big Ben ring when the UK leaves the EU has raised more than 200,000.  BBC

A unifying speech outside No 10 is a must  Leader, The Sun

Lets give our ringing endorsement  Leader, Daily Telegraph

Bring on the bongs if it ends the culture war  Janice Turner, The Times

>Today: ToryDiary: The Commons should vote on the Big Ben bing bang bong bung

>Yesterday: Rebecca Ryan on Comment: Help us to get Big Ben bonging for Brexit

Brexit 5) Moore: Its not just Big Ben, spending on Parliaments building works is out of control

Obviously the cost of 500,000, if correct, is a big sum (nearly 50,000 per bong), but it is typical of lumbering institutions that they love to skimp on a one-off cost yet happily pour unaccounted millions into grandiose projects. The current restoration of Big Ben  which has silenced the bongs  was estimated at 33 million when it began three years ago. The latest private estimate puts it well over double that, with wider Commons capital spending also racing ahead. This excess is as nothing beside the colossal ambition of the restoration and renewal (R & R) project for the Houses of Parliament themselves. This includes the total evacuation of the present chambers and the construction of an unnecessarily permanent new extra chamber on the Richmond House site off Whitehall. Critics naturally fear that the existence of the new chamber will be used as an argument for never going back into the old ones. Under R & R, Parliament will literally have been re-formed, without any properly debated decision about whether this is right.  Charles Moore, Daily Telegraph

MPs 500,000 bill to sound Brexit bongs is 35 times more than chiming Big Ben on New Years Eve  Daily Telegraph

Atkins speaks of her experience of sexual harassment

Women and Equalities Minister Victoria Atkins has spoken of her experiences of workplace sexual harassment, as she urged others to share their stories. In one example, the minister revealed, someone had sent her an email that showed a great interest in my footwear, after a public appearance. That was something that made me feel uncomfortable, she told LBC radio. The government is surveying 12,000 people to find out the extent of workplace harassment. The Government Equalities Office survey is part of an initiative to tackle the problem, including a new statutory code of practice for employers. Ms Atkins said common sense was needed to determine what qualified as sexual harassment in the workplace.  BBC

Starmer takes big poll lead over Long-Bailey

Sir Keir Starmer has increased his lead in the race for the Labour leadership, according to a poll of the partys members. The latest YouGov survey for The Times indicates that the shadow Brexit secretary would beat his closest rival, Rebecca Long-Bailey, in the final round by 63 per cent to 37 per cent if the contest were concluded today. A poll conducted last month had Sir Keir beating Ms Long Bailey by 61 per cent to 39 per cent once other candidates had been eliminated, indicating that the lefts candidate is losing ground in the early stages of the race. The first survey of Labour members views on the deputy leadership contest strongly suggests that Angela Rayner, the shadow education secretary, is set for an emphatic win. Some 57 per cent of those surveyed say that they will back Ms Rayner, putting her on course for a first-round win on April 4. Richard Burgon, on 15 per cent, comes a distant second.  The Times

Police chief admits sexual abuse of children was ignored to avoid racial tensions

A senior police officer admitted that his force ignored the sexual abuse of girls by Pakistani grooming gangs for decades because it was afraid of increasing racial tensions, a watchdog has ruled. After a five-year investigation, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) upheld a complaint that the Rotherham officer told a missing childs distraught father that the town would erupt if it was known that Asian men were routinely having sex with under-age white girls. The chief inspector is said to have described the abuse as P*** shagging and to have said it had been going on for 30 years: With it being Asians, we cant afford for this to be coming out. His incendiary language features in a confidential report by the watchdog that upholds six complaints against South Yorkshire police by a former child victim of sexual exploitation.  The Times

Violent offenders avoiding prosecution

Violent offenders, burglars and thieves are being allowed to escape prosecution if they agree to rehabilitation as part of a deferred charge scheme that may be extended nationwide. The Telegraph has established that up to 10 police forces  almost a quarter of the total in England and Wales  have adopted deferred prosecution schemes where offenders are offered four months rehabilitation to which they have to agree for the prospective charges to be dropped. If they complete the four months without re-offending or breaching the rehabilitation contract with police, the prosecution is waived and they avoid a criminal conviction. If they do not, they are prosecuted.  Daily Telegraph

Dont scrimp on justice  Leader, Daily Telegraph

Home Secretary out on the front line with police in Liverpool  Daily Mail

We must show the thugs in our prison who is in charge  Richard Madeley, Daily Express

Ballantyne fighting to win Scots Tory leadership

Scottish Tory leadership contender Michelle Ballantyne has revealed that she entered the race to prevent a coronation of her competitor Jackson Carlaw, she now wants to win to revolutionise her party and Scottish politics. Ballantyne, who has been an MSP for two and a half years, said she wants to galvanise her partys membership to create a blue collar revolution in Scottish voters. She said the Scottish Government was too focused on quick wins and as a result had too many failing policies, that politician on politician attacks were a smokescreen to avoid scrutiny, and that Holyrood needed to be braver in doing the right thing, rather than the immediately popular thing. Ballantyne, who was criticised for her support of Boris Johnson in last years UK Tory leadership contest  which put her at odds with Ruth Davidson  also said she still believed he was the right man at the right time.   The Scotsman

Actors TV comments prompt racism debate

Laurence Fox is standing strong in the face of a left-wing Twitter mob accusing him or racism following his Question Time slanging match with an ethnicity lecturer over Meghan Markle. The 41-year-old accused Rachel Boyle, an academic at Edge Hill University on Merseyside, of being racist after she called him a white privileged male for denying the Duchess of Sussex was hounded from Britain for being mixed-race. As the row continued today he quoted Martin Luther Kings 1963 I have a dream speech about living in a nation where children will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character. He said: This is the position I took last night and I live by in life. If you can improve on it, Im all ears. Or you can keep screeching Racist! at me and I can carry on having a jolly good giggle at your expense. The tide is turning.  Daily Mail

Equity issue rebuke  The Times

He perfectly captured the backlash against stultifying wokeness  Madeline Grant, Daily Telegraph

Piers Morgan joins the tributes  Daily Express

Parris: We should welcome a united Ireland

Beset by corruption and by politically driven public spending on hopeless investments, the province and its people are victims of a political class that Westminster keeps paying not to be difficult, thus engendering a culture of threatening to be difficult. We throw money at them to go away. They are not loved across the water and they know it. Its a wretched and humiliating fate visited on them, and its partly the fault of the English who, to adapt one American journalists words, will do anything for Ulster except read about it. It isnt working. Not far south of Belfast, in the Republic, it is. Neither side has much by way of natural resources but, instead, tremendous human resources, which only one side has learnt to harness. Meshing the two together will be painful  look how difficult it has proved in Germany  but it can be done; and done better without us.  Matthew Parris, The Times

News in brief
Arrah, Jan 18 : The semi-nude body of an unidentified woman, seemingly in her late 20s, was found near a police station in Bihar's Bhojpur district on Saturday morning.

According to the police, prima facie it appears that the woman was raped before being murdered.

The local police station in-charge Harendra Prasad told IANS that the police had recovered the body from the backyard at the Kali temple near the Jogveer and Sikriyan railway line.

He said that the woman was shot in the neck.

The body has been sent to Arrah Sadar hospital for post-mortem, the police added.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 21:40:38|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Myanmar Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Min Aung Hlaing in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, Jan. 18, 2020. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

NAY PYI TAW, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Myanmar Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Min Aung Hlaing here on Saturday, saying that the development of bilateral ties depends on cooperation of the two peoples from all walks of life, as well as the military-to-military exchanges.

Xi said this visit is the first state visit to Myanmar by a Chinese president after an interval of 19 years and also his first overseas trip this year, which shows the high level of the current bilateral ties.

Over the past 70 years since the establishment of China-Myanmar ties, despite changes in the two countries and ups and downs of bilateral ties, China and Myanmar always managed to eventually get on the right path of close cooperation and mutual support, Xi said.

The two sides should well safeguard and develop the precious "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship and promote the practical cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to achieve results at an early date and benefit people, Xi said.

Xi expressed hope that the Myanmar commander-in-chief of defense services and the Myanmar military would strengthen exchanges with the Chinese military, so as to jointly advance the building of a China-Myanmar community with a shared future, adding that joint efforts should be made to safeguard peace and stability of the border areas, and create favorable conditions for promoting economic development of border areas.

Xi stressed that both China and Myanmar are champions of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

China, Xi said, has always adhered to non-interference in other countries' internal affairs, respecting the development path chosen independently by the people of various countries.

He called on both sides to keep understanding and supporting each other, strengthen coordination, staunchly safeguard their respective sovereignty, security and development interests, safeguard their common legitimate rights and interests, and safeguard basic norms governing international relations.

China will continue to speak out for justice for Myanmar in the international arena, Xi added.

For his part, Min Aung Hlaing noted the special timing and great significance of Xi's visit to Myanmar, adding that the visit has yielded fruitful results and fully demonstrated the height and depth of bilateral relations.

Xi's attendance at the celebration events marking the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties on Friday and the announcement of jointly building the Myanmar-China community with a shared future are of great historical significance to bilateral ties, he said.

Myanmar felt sincere happiness for China's great success in development and is thankful to China's long-term assistance in Myanmar's economic and social development and national defense building, Min Aung Hlaing said, adding that his country looks forward to learning from China's success experience and realizing Myanmar's national peace and development.

The Myanmar military staunchly abides by the one-China principle and considers issues relating to Hong Kong and Xinjiang as China's internal affairs, he said, urging other countries to stop interference.

Min Aung Hlaing pledged to continue to deepen the Myanmar-China "Paukphaw" friendship and bilateral military relations, actively support the joint construction of the Belt and Road and the Myanmar-China Economic Corridor, and forge ahead with the building of the Myanmar-China community with a shared future.

Xi arrived in Nay Pyi Taw on Friday for a state visit to Myanmar.
It was an opening gambit designed to show he was serious about his threat to quit The Firm and give up the trappings of Royalty.

At the summit in Sandringham to decide his future, Prince Harry almost immediately offered to pay back the more than 2.4million of public money that went into the renovation of his Windsor home, Frogmore Cottage, The Mail on Sunday understands.

He put it on the table very quickly. It certainly got things moving, one royal source said of the dramatic offer. It was clear he was serious.

The move helped get discussions progress a rapid pace on Monday  as the Queen had wanted  until inevitable snags delayed the announcement of a deal into this weekend.

At the summit in Sandringham to decide his future, Prince Harry almost immediately offered to pay back the more than 2.4million of public money that went into the renovation of his Windsor home, Frogmore Cottage, The Mail on Sunday understands

And while yesterdays announcement still leaves questions, it marks a significant step in Harry and Meghans ambition to step away from the royal front line.

They made it clear they wished to go their own way back in May  just a year after they wed in the glorious Windsor sunshine.

It is understood that since making that decision they had been frustrated by the slow speed at which the Palace machinery operates, while those close to the Firm were frustrated by the lack of detail coming from the Sussex camp.

Before Christmas, Harry had begged to meet his grandmother early in the New Year, hoping to move matters forward.

There was added tension over the New Year when a long-planned climate announcement by Prince William was overshadowed by an impromptu Instagram snap of baby Archie in Canada

But he was told that his slapdash plans to simply quit were not up to scratch and the meeting was cancelled. He was, instead asked to outline his plans with his father, Prince Charles, first.

There was added tension over the New Year when a long-planned climate announcement by Prince William was overshadowed by an impromptu Instagram snap of baby Archie in Canada. But no one had expected a frustrated Harry to light the touchpaper in quite such spectacular fashion.

The Prince felt forced to go public  in defiance of the Queen  to get his family to take his threat to walk away seriously.

Four days after his bombshell statement plunged the Monarchy into its most high profile since the death of Diana, he was summoned to Sandringham to thrash out his exit terms.

Joining the blue blood gathering was the Queens private secretary Sir Edward Young, Prince Charless principal private secretary, Clive Alderton, and Williams right hand man Simon Case representing the Firm.

As a civil servant veteran of gruelling Brexit negotiations with Brussels and Dublin over Northern Ireland, Case was particularly well placed to forge even the toughest of deals.

And in the corner of the breakaway Sussexes was relative Palace newcomer, the ex-Ambassador Fiona Mcilwham. But the former diplomat ensured the talks were friendly and constructive.

The Prince felt forced to go public  in defiance of the Queen  to get his family to take his threat to walk away seriously

Harry was presented with options and alternatives. Then, having been finally been given a clearer direction of what was wanted without the need to patch in Meghan by phone from Canada, the four were tasked with making the Princes wishes work, and fast. The offer on Frogmore helped the negotiations advance, and over five frantic days, the various incarnations of the deal were circulated in paper form and via encrypted email back and forth, with the HRH titles understood to be particular sticking point.

The private secretaries and aides gathered yesterday morning at Buckingham Palace hopeful that Fridays promise of an imminent breakthrough could finally become a reality. By lunchtime, it was clear enough kinks had been ironed out of the Megxit deal to go public.

The Queen was alerted at Sandringham and a final draft of statements were circulated for remote sign off as far as Charless seat in Birkhall, Scotland.

However some awkward issues around whether Harry will revoke his British residency, where he will pay tax and whether the pair will be allowed to continue using the Sussex Royal website have been kicked into the long grass.

There has been a growing row about who will pick up Harry and Meghan's annual security bill as they split their time between the UK and Canada (the couple are pictured last week)

Courtiers insist that the pair will always be members of the Royal Family, but the use of the royal moniker in a solely commercial enterprise is likely to become a running sore. The headache of who will pay for the pairs security also remains answered.

But it was decided these awkward details could be ironed out during a transition period of the next few months into the spring  the start of the new tax year.

Each private secretary spoke to their boss, and finally got the nod on Saturday afternoon, as spin doctors prepared to send the news around the world. A statement in the name of Her Majesty the Queen is a rarity, so to have two issued in a week shows just how devastating the impact of Megxit has been to her family

But it was last nights statement that revealed how long this saga has really rumbled on when it stated: Following many months of conversations and more recent discussions. Even months may be an understatement, with the strain becoming evident even before Meghan and Harry walked down the aisle.

In November 2016, Harry blasted the medias coverage of his new girlfriend, and particularly the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments. And over the years there were hints about Harrys discomfort about being a member of the royal family.

It had been hoped that giving the Sussexes their own Royal Household last year would give Harry and Meghan the freedom that they wanted.

But their plans to establish their own independent court at Windsor was thwarted by the Queen and Prince Charles who jointly agreed that the household should remain under the auspices of Buckingham Palace.

The couple have also faced public criticism, such as the news in April last year that 2.4 million of taxpayers money had been spent renovating Frogmore.

Then a group of Meghans closest friends gave anonymous interviews to People magazine in the US alleging that the negative publicity had put the pregnant Duchess under a level of emotional trauma and suggesting she had had to endure lies and untruths being written about her.

In an ITV documentary last October, filmed during a visit to Africa, she revealed that she had tried to adopt the stiff upper lip, saying: Not many people have asked if Im OK in an apparent swipe at her royal relatives.

And Harry spoke about the rift with his brother, saying that he and William were certainly on different paths at the moment while insisting that: Were brothers, well always be brothers. I love him dearly.

Yesterdays deal caps 20 months of bitterness, with Palace insiders hoping this move will actually bring the brothers back together.

Indeed the pair could come face to face tomorrow as Harry is expected to take part in one final Royal duty before joining his wife and son in Canada, The Mail on Sunday has learnt, at the UK Africa Investment Summit.

However there is anger that Meghan will not be joining him as planned as part of the major drive for post-Brexit trade championed by three Government departments.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will host a reception at Buckingham Palace on behalf of the Queen, and it is understood that the Duke of Sussex will take part in a private event during the summit.

A Government source said: Harry and Meghan were meant to be the star turn but obviously that has gone down the pan.

With a transition period to ease them out of public life, there will be plenty of changes needed for the Sussexes in the coming months starting with removing their HRHs from the Sussex Royal website.
Police are searching for two men who allegedly used knives to threaten staff at a brothel in Sydney's inner west on Friday afternoon.

It is alleged the men entered the business on East Street in Five Dock about 3:30pm, threatening three staff members with knives and demanding money.

The men then left the premises with cash and have not been seen since.

Police officers were called to the business and established a crime scene. Further investigation and police enquiries are ongoing.

Both have been described as being of Caucasian appearance and about 170-180cm tall. They were last seen wearing dark coloured hoodie jumpers.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan.18

By Leman Zeynalova - Trend:

The international community should redouble their efforts for the soonest resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Assistant of the President, Head of Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan Hikmet Hajiyev told Radio France Internationale (RFI), Trend reports.

Security and peace in Caucasus region has been undermined by the existence of Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Short history of the conflict is that simply, Armenia by use of force occupied sovereign territories of Azerbaijan. First it is illegal and it is violation of international law. UN Security Council adopted four resolutions condemning Armenias occupation of Azerbaijani territories and demanding withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Other international organizations, including European Parliament, OSCE, European Council and some others have also adopted similar resolutions and documents demanding Armenia to stop this conflict and withdraw its troops. But unfortunately, we dont see any particular breakthrough in the conflict, he said.

Hajiyev went on to add that Armenia continues to preserve the status quo based on occupation, keeps Azerbaijani IDPs and refugees out from these territories that are under occupation.

In Azerbaijan, we have 1 million refugees and IDPs, who have the right to return back to these territories. Therefore, our appeal to the international community, including the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair countries is that they should redouble their efforts for the soonest resolution of the conflict based on the norms and principles of the international law and also bearing in mind the fundamental principle of justice. Of course, they are doing their work and we appreciate that Minsk Group co-chair countries are engaged in the resolution of the conflict in the status of mediators. But of course, more needs to be done. We, of course, always support substantive negotiations. What we see is that Armenia always tries to run away from the substance. What is the substance of the conflict? For the substance of the conflict there are fundamental root causes of the conflict. The fundamental root cause is the occupation of Azerbaijani territories, noted Hajiyev.

He pointed out that there should be strong demand, political diplomatic pressure by co-chairing countries and they should demand from Armenia to fulfill its obligations under the international law.

Everything should start from de-occupation. We have also UN Security Council resolutions and they must be respected and fulfilled by all countries, added Hajiyev.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
MBABANE  Are Eswatini pupils ready to be taught by robot teachers? Education and Training Minister Lady Mabuza said this is one of the dreams that the country was working towards achieving.



One robot teacher comes at a cost of about E89 000.

An education official, who was engaged on this, said robot teachers could be much better because they would not complain about health insurance, sick leave and severance packages, or leave for a better-paying job.



All you need is a repair and upgrade every once in a while.

This year, neighbouring South Africa is piloting a robotic curriculum that it started putting in place in 2019.

This will see computerised machines in the form of robots standing in front of pupils and imparting knowledge and assessing them at the same time.



South Africas Education Minister Angie Motshekga said, It considers individual student aptitude, learning speed, background, response and other variables.

It processes the data in real-time and provides feedback to the teacher, so that the teacher can recognise flagging student attention or poor response immediately, and take corrective actions. This will improve student participation and, in the process, the overall results.



Motshekga reportedly pointed out that teachers are going to be key in teaching this new subject, and the plan is to train at least three teachers in each of the 16 000 primary schools to teach coding.



The implementation of coding in the system will start with a pilot in 1 000 schools in 2020 in five provinces for Grade VII to IX, she concluded.

The SA government has developed curricula for coding and robotics for grades R to IX.



Minister Motshekga said, The curriculum will provide learners with an understanding of coding and robotics, and will develop their skills and competencies to prepare them for the fourth industrial revolution. The curricula will ensure our schooling system produces learners with the foundation for future work, and equip them with skills for the changing world, the minister said.



Minister Mabuza said Eswatini would also reach a similar stage, but not anytime soon.

The minister said even though she was not proudly saying this, it was a fact that counted a lot before one could even think about robotics in schools.



Goal



She pointed out that there was a whole lot that needed to be done in order for the country to meet that goal. As we speak, we are struggling with internet in most rural schools. Actually, I can safely say that we have not even completely embraced the third industrial revolution.



Mabuza said the country was lagging behind even in the basic digitalisation of the education system to facilitate digitalised teaching and learning.

She said some pupils were still using chalk and blackboards, an indication that the country had not even achieved going paperless. Otherwise we are working on it. It is even contained in our strategic planning.



According to Motshekga, the coding curriculum will develop learners ability to solve problems, think critically, and work collaboratively and creatively; function in a digital and information-driven world; apply digital and ICT skills; and transfer these skills to solve everyday problems.

She added that learners would also become a new generation of creative, innovative thinkers that can use coding to express their ideas, and adopt a culture of being self-directed, life-long learners.



This will improve student participation and, in the process, the overall results. The machine learning will be able to explain the concepts as well as set goals for individual students. Teachers will be able to track whether the students are able to digest the concepts, the South African minister reportedly said.



It was said based on that feedback, educators could change or modify the methodology, curriculum or topics accordingly, and the result is more accurate and targeted for individuals. In simple terms, machine learning does the analytics based on individual student data, and makes the decision-making process automatic and uniform.

An education official said, Children may feel less nervous talking to robots than a real person.



Coding



The coding platform will be available in all 11 languages, ensuring rural and township children will be introduced to coding and robotics in their mother tongue, in line with governments mission to provide an inclusive education accessible to all.



In South Korea, almost egg-shaped robots started teaching English at primary schools in 2010.

The 3.3ft high machines have a TV panel that displays a female Caucasian face and can wheel around the classroom while speaking to the students.
President Donald Trump, left, sits with Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, during a full honors welcoming ceremony for Esper at the Pentagon, Thursday, July 25, 2019, in Washington.

AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Pentagon leaders didn't know US troops were injured in an Iranian missile attack on US and coalition forces until a week after the attack, the Defense Department said Friday.

Eleven service members with concussion symptoms were transported to facilities in Germany and Kuwait for additional screening and treatment, US Central Command said Friday.

The revelation comes days after President Donald Trump insisted that "no Americans were harmed" in the attack.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Pentagon leadership had no idea that nearly a dozen US troops were injured in the Iranian missile attack on US and coalition forces in Iraq until a week after the attack, the Department of Defense said Friday.

Despite President Donald Trump's assurances that "no Americans were harmed" in the barrage that damaged parts of two Iraqi bases housing US and coalition forces, US Central Command revealed in an emailed statement that "several [US service members] were treated for concussion symptoms from the blast and are still being assessed."

Eleven service members who were at Al Asad air base the night of the attack were transported to either Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany or Camp Arifjan in Kuwait.

Some observers suggested that the Pentagon intentionally sat on this information, possibly for political reasons. But a Pentagon spokesperson insisted that was not case.

"This idea that there was an effort to de-emphasize injuries for some sort of amorphous political agenda doesn't hold water," the spokesman said, according to Reuters.

The Pentagon said Secretary of Defense Mark Esper was not aware of the injuries until Thursday, one week after the attack.

Esper was informed by Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. John Hyten, who interrupted a meeting Esper was in to give him an update from Central Command, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman and Defense Department press secretary Alyssa Farah told reporters Friday, according to Task & Purpose.

Story continues

Farah said that typically only cases where life, limb, or eyesight are threatened are reported to the Pentagon. Hoffman added that some service members did not show or report symptoms until later.

The spokesman added that Trump would not have known about the injuries because he gets his information from Esper.

The Iranian missile attack was a response to a US drone strike a week earlier that killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who led Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force. After the missile attack, Brig. Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Forces, claimed without evidence that "tens of US troops have likely been killed and wounded."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Nathan Rice was in the flat when Padraig Fox was attacked

A father-of-two who admitted causing the death of a vulnerable Co Down man in a "one-punch" incident will be sentenced for manslaughter later this month.

During a hearing at Belfast Crown Court yesterday into the December 2018 death of Padraig Fox, it emerged that Donach Rice slashed his arm with a machete in a bid to create a "self-defence scenario" and wrongly blame the deceased.

Rice (22) from Kilkeel Street in Annalong initially lied to police about how Mr Fox died, but later admitted punching the 29-year-old in the face, which caused him to fall back and hit his head.

Mr Fox lived alone in a flat at Burrendale Road in Newcastle, and the day before he lost his life he had been with neighbour Paul Magennis (28), who lived in the flat above, and cousins Donach and Nathan Rice (21).

The men spent Friday, December 7 drinking and taking drugs including acid in Magennis' flat. This went on into the following morning, and some time around 8am and 9am, Mr Fox lost his life.

Saying Mr Fox's death was set against a backdrop of "the disorderly lifestyle these young men had", Crown prosecutor Rick Weir QC said that in the flat "tensions were raised and altercations ensued".

Following the discovery of Mr Fox's body and due to the Rice cousins and Magennis initially lying to police, officers had to piece together what occurred in the flat.

Mr Fox's body was discovered at 1.45pm on Saturday 8 by a man seeking Magennis, and when police arrived at the scene, they observed a lifeless body in the kitchen.

He was found lying on his back with a machete underneath his left hand, and his T-shirt pulled over his face with his chest exposed.

A post-mortem was conducted the following day, with the cause of death attributed to blunt force trauma.

He suffered a bleed to the brain and a fractured skull, with the pathologist concluding his ability to breathe whilst on the ground would have been compromised due to a broken nose and consequent bleeding into his airways.

Mr Weir - who described Mr Fox as "vulnerable" - revealed that a solicitor for the Rice cousins contacted the PSNI on December 8 to say they had been in the flat with Mr Fox and they wanted to assist police.

Both Donach and Nathan Rice, from Saul Street in Downpatrick, provided statements claiming they saw Magennis throw the fatal punch. The cousins later admitted this was a lie, and admitted a charge of perverting the course of justice.

The prosecutor said that following a detailed investigation, the true picture emerged of what occurred both before and after the fatal punch.

Mr Weir said that during the course of Friday night and early Saturday morning, Mr Fox sustained a facial injury after he was assaulted in the flat. After that, at around 5am, he walked to the Slieve Donard with the Rices.

The two cousins broke into the hotel and stole three bottles of alcohol, and the trio returned to Magennis' flat where the drinking continued.

Shortly after 8am there was an altercation between Donach Rice and Mr Fox, when the deceased was punched once and fell.

Mr Weir said Mr Fox "showed no signs of life after this assault". Nathan Rice then left the flat, while Donach Rice and Magennis remained there for 13 minutes before leaving and involving themselves in further crime.

They accosted an elderly man at an ATM on the Dundrum Road at 9.25am, while at 9.50am Donach Rice cashed in a betting slip for 7.80 that belonged to the deceased Mr Fox.

All three men were subsequently arrested and interviewed. Magennis was interviewed 12 times and claimed Donach Rice firstly assaulted Mr Fox causing an eye injury, and that the fatal punch was administered in a second assault by Rice.

He also admitted staying behind after the fatal punch, and said he and Rice "sliced" themselves with the machete before the weapon was placed under Mr Fox's hand to make it look like self-defence. He is due to be sentenced for two counts of perverting the course of justice.

Donach Rice was interviewed nine times, and admitted breaking into the Slieve Donard with his cousin. Despite initial denials, he admitted punching Mr Fox in the face. He later pleaded guilty to manslaughter and other offences.

Nathan Rice admitted proving a false statement and said this was to protect his cousin. He also admitted breaking into the Slieve Donard, and said he left the flat in a panic after the fatal punch.

Eugene Grant QC, representing Donach Rice, said that when his client finally admitted throwing the fatal punch he immediately expressed remorse and told police "there was no malice, I didn't mean for him to be dead".

The barrister told Mr Justice Colton that Rice's memory of what happened in the flat was "extremely vague", and he has since said there was "no excuse" for his behaviour.

Gavan Duffy QC, acting for Magennis, said that when his client "came clean" with police he "immediately started to exhibit remorse" for the death of a man he considered to be a friend.

Mr Duffy revealed issues in Magennis' childhood resulted in poor mental health. He added that during his time on remand his client is attending education courses and has passed five drugs tests.

Grey Berry QC, representing Nathan Rice, pointed out his client played no part in the attack and left the flat in the immediate aftermath. The barrister also spoke of his client's difficulties which include a low IQ and "easily being led by peers."

Mr Justice Colton said he would pass sentence on January 28, and while Donach Rice and Magennis were remanded back into custody, Nathan Rice was released on continuing bail.
NEWTOWN - Newtown police traveled to a Massachusetts Correctional Facility where they took custody of David Anderson, 51, formerly of Newtown, and charged him with possession of first and third-degree child pornography.

Anderson was transported him back to Newtown where he is being held on $150,000 bond. He will will be arraigned Friday in Danbury Superior Court.

The warrant stems from an investigation that started back in November 2012, after a complaint was made to the Newtown Police Department.

Anderson was arrested by Newtown police in November 2012 after his estranged wife found hundreds of images on his computer, including pictures of children as young as 3 years old being sexually abused, authorities said.

Some of the photographs of young women who were either naked or partially clothed, were taken surreptitiously in the bathroom of the family cottage in Salisbury, Mass., police said.

That led Newtown detectives to contact Salisbury authorities, who said they conducted a search on the cottage on Nov. 14, 2012 the same day Anderson was being arraigned in Danbury Superior Court on possession of child pornography charges.

Police said at the time the search yielded "hundreds, if not thousands" of images on two hard drives, including video of women secretly recorded as part of a scheme in which Anderson portrayed himself as a doctor conducting research.

Anderson was later sentenced in Massachusetts in that case.

More for you Newtown man faces child porn charge

Newtown police Lt. Aaron Bahamonde said, the investigation by our detectives crossed state lines into Massachusetts and New York. Anderson was arrested in Massachusetts and subsequently served seven years in prison.

Anderson waived extradition and was brought back to Connecticut to face additional charges for the crimes that took place here in Newtown.

"Detectives did an excellent job working with other state agencies, conducting computer forensics, and putting a case together to put this predator away," Bahamonde said.

Our community is made safer when individuals such as Anderson are identified and taken out. Anderson is in a place where they cant victimize unsuspecting residents and receiving the rehabilitation he needs."
Tara Sutaria is amongst the newcomers in Bollywood, debuting in 2019 with Student of The Year 2. The stunning actor earned applause from the audience for her performance in the film. However, Tara had already established herself in the industry as she was seen in some popular Disney shows.

The Student of the Year 2 actor is often pictured in the city by paparazzi. She has been on top of her fashion game since coming into limelight.

Tara Sutaria Looks Divine In These White Outfits, See Pictures

Tara then went on to star in Siddharth Malhotra-starrer Marjaavaan. Tara Sutaria has set the internet on fire with her pictures. She is currently chilling in Heritance Aarah island in the Maldives.

Times Tara Sutaria's Love Affair With Tube Tops Inspired Her Fans; See Pics

In this picture, Tara is snapped in a pool in the Maldives. She was pictured swimming in a big pool by the ocean. She captioned the picture by just putting the word Mermaiding. Recently actor Sara Ali Khan posted pictures of her wearing a bikini and swimming.

Tara Sutaria's Student Of The Year Vs Marjaavaan Box Office Collection Comparison

In this series of pictures posted by Sara Ali Khan on Instagram, Sara is seen wearing a green striped bikini. Sara enjoyed the sun and went for a swim. Sara looked stunning as ever in this bikini.

Tara Sutaria And Aadar Jain Return To The City From Their Year-end Vacation In London

Tara Sutaria seems to have taken some inspiration from fellow actor Sara Ali Khan. Sara also posted several pictures from her yachting and vacations with captions like "jalpari Mai chali". Here are some posts of Sara which might have posed as an inspiration to Tara.

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.
New Delhi, Jan 18 : A video of a Disney themed proposal is doing the rounds on the Internet in which a Hollywood filmmaker is re-animating his girlfriend's favourite movie to propose to her.

As the video went viral it seems that the proposal has found a new fan in Anand Mahindra.

The Mahindra Group chairman has liked the thoughtful wedding proposal so much that he says it has given him an inferiority complex.

He shared the video on Twitter and wrote "This clip has been going viral globally. This gent apparently hack-animated a disney movie to propose to his childhood sweetheart... And I thought I had done a good job 40 yrs ago with my proposal. Now I have an inferiority complex!" His tweet went viral, leading to some hilarious jokes, memes and really good sarcasm on Twitter.

A user on micro-blogging Twitter said, "40 years back love story ! Twitter friends will read your love story, we had sufficient time, post your love story sir...... Proposal to your wife or hidden loved?...Conditions apply: Tag to your wife...." "Could you please tweet out ur proposal (i m sure video wouldn't be available then) at least that could serve as a second best option for millennials to propose since hacking movie wouldn't be everybody's cup of tea?" asked one user.

"It just gave me an inferiority complex for the life..." wrote another.

A post read, "Sir...We may not have made this kind of elaborate proposal to our spouses...but our marriages are SOLID...lasted 40 years in your case...and 35 in mine."
A less than two-hour flight whisks us from Delhi to Paro, Bhutan, and I spend most of the journey with my mouth agape, because on the other side of my window, the peaks of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga seem to get ever closer.

The scenic beauty doesnt end there: when we land, we are treated to unbelievable views of mountains at the airport, and then the river on the five-minute ride to our hotel, our home for the next two days.

The Paro perspective

Mountains will naturally fill your mind when you think of Bhutan. The countrys food? Not so much. Chances are all you know of Bhutanese cuisine is the cheese and chilli dish ema datshi, but Bhutan cooks up more exciting food than that.

Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tigers Nest Monastery is a must visit (Randal Whelpdale)

Still, Id been introduced to ema datshi on one of my trips to Kolkata, and had become quite fond of it. So the moment we settle in, I look for the authentic version. But first I need a cup of suja chai, light pink in colour from the tea leaves and salty owing to the butter. I learn that this tea, which is not allowed to boil to prevent the butter from curdling, not only boosts energy, but helps guard against chapped lips. I am a convert!

Paro is a big tourist attraction; it is a pretty town built around a river, and it has a charming centre complete with quaint handicraft shops best discovered on foot.

However, we are in the car, and there is an awed hush: this passionately lush landscape has stunned us all. Windows are my new best friends: they keep the nippy weather out and the view picture-perfect. But the stomach then gets in the act, so we tumble out at the market for a meal.

Our first stop is the bustling Momo Corner. I have one bite of a beef momo and the juice squirts out. Its moist, full of flavour, and decadent. The cabbage and cheese momo is equally delicious, and six plates of all varieties disappear in no time.

Paro also has quaint shops selling handicrafts that are best explored on foot (Rupali Dean)

The market is delightful and a great place to haggle over keepsakes. Akanksha, my daughter, buys a Kira (traditional dress), and I choose a prayer wheel. Meanwhile, my husband Bakshish finds his cordyceps, otherwise known as caterpillar fungus or white gold, the most expensive mushrooms in the world.

Meanwhile, I notice how raptly the driver of our hired car is chewing something that looks a lot like saada paan, and demand to know whats in it. Its betel, the man says, called doma in Bhutanese, and mixed with lime and other spices, it helps keep them warm. A bite of a doma later, I figure out why its so popular. Sure, it releases heat, but it also has a mildly intoxicating effect that Id rather do without now, thank you!

Early next morning, we are off to explore Paro, starting at the famed Tigers Nest, after which we stop for some Wai Wai, thukpa, and a drink called singchang, which is basically the liquid that seeps from a mass of fermented grains. One of the earliest forms of alcohol  ah, lifes simple pleasures!

There is a splash of colour to my left where red chillies are drying on rooftops; on my right is a temple where flags add more colour. I want to stop here for a bit and go on a trek in the mountains around us, but I am hungry and we intend to lunch only after visiting the National Museum (where I am more enthralled by the views than by the artefacts on display), and the Rinpung Dzong, the monastery with perhaps the most stunning architecture in Bhutan.

Bhutanese cuisine is much more exciting than its chilli and cheese dish ema datshi (Rupali Dean)

As the sun lowers, Sonam Trophel comes alive with foreign tourists clutching dog-eared copies of guidebooks. This quaint restaurant has a basic set up and meals that are local and delicious. We are ravenous after all that walking and start with momos  big, juicy and the best I have ever had, followed by phaksha paa, a classic stew of slow simmered boneless pork with radish, ginger, local spinach and red chillies, and ema datshi which is made with yak milk cheese and is many scoops better than the ones I have had before.

Tantalising Thimpu

It is still early when we leave Paro the next morning and head for Thimpu, Bhutans capital, on a four wheel drive, passing by rice paddies flowing down glorious mountains and the pristine river that flows through Paro and Thimpu. We are almost at our destination, and as I sip the lovely white peach wine from this region, I can finally spot the sun.

With several monastries present, monks are a big part of the population (Rupali Dean)

Sitting through a traditional meal is one of the essential experiences here: food is so important that most people take a long lunch break. Executive chef Sunil Jajoria of Le Meridien Thimpu suggests Babesa Village, where the food on offer is intended to be shared and therefore has family style service.

In a delightful traditional setting, the restaurant opens out onto a sort of three-storied house with a definite Renaissance influence in the doors, and a casual veranda. On the menu there are many varieties of datshi (cheese as we all know by now), so we order kewa datshi, which has potatoes, chillies, cheese and onions and is yummy. The rest of the meal comprises sikam paa, which is air-dried pork, nakey paa, which are boiled fiddlehead ferns, mengay, the first harvest rice mixed with egg, butter, perilla seeds and garlic, and gondu fried, a tasty, crispy fried egg with local greens.

Bhutanese food is heavily cheese-oriented but a meal is never complete without vegetables and thingnay  a kind of dried pepper  on the side. The components come together and play with one another to create a harmonious and unique dining experience that makes us linger longer over the meal; our server seems in no hurry to whisk us out. Stomachs happy, we stroll around the Norzin Lam, Thimpus commercial district, and visit the farmers market and Memorial Chorten before calling it a day.

Paro offers some breathtaking scenes due to the lush landscapes all aorund (Rupali Dean)

Chef Jajoria fixes us a local breakfast of datshi buckwheat pancakes with fresh banana and honeycomb butter, which are as delicious as they sound, beautifully light and fluffy, and the yak cheese really works well in the hot pancake. He also serves us a warm bathup, a cheesy soup with some vegetables, butter and noodles thrown in, and suja tea to wash it all down. We are ready now to visit the famous Dochula pass, where we catch spectacular panoramic views of the mountain range that forms a grandiose backdrop to the calmness of the 108 chortens perched on the slopes. Its beautiful: we hike up for pictures, spot a movie being shot and have suja and chips sprinkled with chilli powder from a street side tea stall.

Suja chai has butter that energises and also prevents chapping of lips (Rupali Dean)

Of course we head up to see the golden Buddha Dordenma statue on our way back. Lunch is momos and thukpa en route to Tashichodzong, a monastery and fortress. I bite into the dried yak cheese which my guide gives me to try, and I must say it has to be one of the best cheeses I have ever tasted; it melts in my mouth, not too soft, mildly milky, almost perfect. I make a mental note to buy it on my way out of the country and turn my attention back to the monastery.

Incredible. Stunning. Awe-inspiring. Every word is too small, too scant for this landscape. I need new words to describe what is around me. The beauty of Bhutan, its cuisine and culture has completely thrilled me.

From HT Brunch, January 19, 2020

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Fresh off an impressive win over Dalton last Friday, the GPS Swimming and Diving program kept their momentum moving forward in another home meet tonight. This time, rather than a state powerhouse program from Georgia, the victim in the final team scoring was nationally-ranked Harpeth Hall from Nashville. The Bruisers once again used their depth to pick up key wins throughout the night and ended with a 100-86 triumph over the Honeybears.

GPS won all 11 swimming events for the second meet in a row with victories from five different swimmers.





Emma Scruggs, Ellie Taliaferro, and Brighton Smith each won two individual events in addition to assisting on various first place relay teams. Scruggs won the 200 Yard Free and the grueling 500 Yard Free events. Taliaferro won the 100 Yard Fly by almost 10 seconds and also captured the 100 Yard Backstroke. Smith collected winning times in the 200 Yard IM and the 100 Yard Free.

Additional first place finishes were turned in by Keller Williamson in the 50 Yard Free (26.26) and by Catherine Lynch in the 100 Yard Breast (1:11.58). Jordan Billups from Harpeth Hall won the 1-Meter Diving competition with a final score of 161.30. Ninth grader Kendall Rizer was the top finisher from GPS in that event with a mark of 136.85, good enough for third place overall.

With the final result of the meet still in doubt, GPS closed out the meet with a dominating first place finish in the 400 Yard Free Relay. Smith, Williamson, Scruggs, and Alana Ratchford finished the race in 3:53.59, just over 25 seconds better than the closest foursome from Harpeth Hall.

Next up for the Bruisers is a meeting with the Baylor School next Thursday.
Several dozen protestors against pension reform have attempted to disrupt a Paris theatre performance attended by President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte. A journalist has been taken into police custody for questioning, after he alerted the public to the president's presence on Twitter.

Several dozen demonstrators shouting "All together, general strike" and "Macron resign" faced a large contingent of police outside the Bouffes du Nord theatre in the tenth district of the capital on Friday night.

An attempt to enter the building was blocked by security forces, and the performance went ahead unhindered.

Later in the evening, the first couple left under police escort, with protestors still shouting slogans.

Twitter journalist arrested for questioning

The journalist who sent the Twitter message indicating that the president was in the audience, Taha Bouhafs, has since been arrested and is being questioned by police. He is suspected of having been part of a group which planned to cause violence and damage to property.

The message gives the name of the theatre and the nearest metro station, adding that "militants" are in the area and are calling for "everyone to come".

The tweet ends "Something is cooking . . . the evening looks like being turbulent."

The strike against government plans to reform retirement pensions entered its 45th day on Saturday.

With public transport in the capital showing signs of a return to normal on Thursday and Friday, there were a number of protests by small groups, including a blockade by strikers which temporarily closed the Louvre museum in Paris, and the invasion of the premises housing the offices of the moderate CFDT trade union.

Widespread condemnation of protest action

Junior ecology minister, Emmanuelle Wargon, has been among those to condemn Friday's protests, saying they show "the collapse of the social fabric".

Story continues

Speaking on French radio on Saturday morning, Wargon said "You don't have to agree...that's understandable. But you have to show some respect, at least for the basis of our democratic society. Otherwise, what have we got? A rebellion?

"And if you overthrow this government, how will you name a new one? Who is going to decide who rules?" the junior minister asked.

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen has also condemned Friday night's attempt to disrupt a theatre performance. But the National Rally president went on to blame the government for the "social tension" which, according to Le Pen, has been building for the past 18 months.
Actor and another person were injured in an accident on the in Maharashtra's Raigad district on Saturday, the police said.

Azmi was rushed to MGM Hospital in Navi Mumbai and was said to be out of danger, said a police official. Her husband and lyricist Javed Akhtar, who was traveling with her, escaped unhurt.

The incident took place near Khalapur, over 60 km from Mumbai, when the Tata Safari car in which they were traveling to Pune rammed into a truck, said Raigad Superintendent of Police Anil Paraskar.

A local police official said the car driver was apparently trying to overtake another vehicle and rammed into the truck.

One more person who was travelling in the car sustained minor injuries, he said. His identity was not known yet.

Azmi's spokesperson said the actor was undergoing a check-up. "She is fine, nothing to worry about," the spokesperson added.

Javed Akhtar celebrated his 75th birthday on Friday.

" injured in on OMG! Praying so hard," actor Swara Bhaskar tweeted.

Azmi is known for her path-breaking roles in films such as "Arth", "Ankur", "Paar", "Masoom" and "Godmother".
The Yemeni Houthis pounded a military training base in the Yemeni city of Marib on Saturday with missiles, killing at least 30 coalition servicemen, Trend reports citing Sputnik.

The military installation is reportedly located in al-Meel area. The Houthis have not claimed responsibility or confirmed the allegation.

Earlier this month, the Houthis reportedly launched a ballistic missile at a Saudi-led coalition military base located in the southern province of Dhalea, killing 10 soldiers.

The Saudi-led coalition has been carrying out airstrikes against the Houthis, at Hadi's request, since March 2015.

The conflict in Yemen, the poorest nation in the Middle East, has been described by the United Nations as the worlds worst ongoing humanitarian crisis, with nearly 80 percent of the population of 24-million currently in need of aid and protection.
MILWAUKEE  An Oak Creek man was arrested by federal officials on Friday in connection with the investigation of anti-Semitic graffiti spray-painted outside Racines Beth Israel Sinai Congregation.

According to the press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Yousef O. Barasneh, 22, of Oak Creek, is charged with conspiring to violate citizens rights to use property free from threats and intimidation.

The criminal complaint alleges that Barasneh is a member of the violent white supremacist group called The Base. Between Sept. 15 and Sept 23, Barasneh allegedly conspired with other Base members to vandalize minority-owned property, including property used by Jewish citizens.

Barasneh is accused of vandalizing the exterior of Beth Israel Sinai, 3009 Washington Ave., with spray-painting swastikas and anti-Semitic words, which were discovered on Sept. 22. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Three other alleged members of The Base were also arrested on Friday in Georgia.

The three men are accused of plotting to commit murder and of belonging to a criminal street gang. On Thursday, three other alleged members were arrested in Maryland and are facing charges ranging from illegal transport of a machine gun to harboring aliens.

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An RSS functionary here has lodged a complaint with Ahmedabad police against unidentified persons for allegedly circulating a "fake and misleading" booklet titled the "New Constitution of India" with the picture of Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on it, an official said on Saturday.

An office-bearer of the RSS's Maninagar unit in Ahmedabad, Dinesh Vala, on Friday lodged the complaint with Cyber Cell police here.

The complaint says that the 16-page booklet, which has gone viral on social media, claims to be a concise form of the new Indian Constitution being drafted by the Narendra Modi government, which empowers people as per their position in the caste system.

The booklet mentions that as per the new Constitution, people from Brahmin community will dominate the country, and powers of citizens will be determined by their place in the caste system. It also says that the voting rights of women and untouchables will be taken away, the complainant said.

In the complaint, Vala said that the booklet says that a detailed Constitution was being drafted, for which people could send in their ideas and suggestions to the Prime Minister's Office, New Delhi.

"People will have to send a copy of their suggestions to the RSS office in Nagpur. A good suggestion will get an reward of Rs 10,000," the complaint quotes the booklet as saying.

"I received this booklet in PDF format on my WhatsApp account. When I went through it, I grew suspicious about its authenticity. I forwarded the copy to a senior RSS functionary, who told me that it was fake. After that, I decided to lodge a complaint," Vala, a lawyer by profession, said.

The cyber crime police said they have registered an offence under sections IPC sections 153 (provocation with intent to cause riots) and 505 (1)(b), 505 (1) (c) (inciting public or community to commit an offence), and section 66 (C) of the Information Technology Act (electronic message meant to cause annoyance or mislead).

The RSS had on Friday made it clear that it had nothing to do with the booklet and even alleged that it was an attempt to defame the organisation.

The RSS had even lodged a complaint over the booklet with the Kotwali Police Station in Nagpur, where the organisation's headquarters is located.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Armed police have sealed off a Tesco store after receiving reports that a man with a gun was spotted on the roof.

Officers raced to the scene of the Tesco Extra supermarket in Shrewsbury around 4pm after the man was spotted on the roof of the store's petrol station.

Witness said dozens of police secured the scene after receiving the emergency call.

Armed police have secured a Tesco Extra supermarket in Shrewsbury after receiving reports of a gunman who was spotted on the roof of the store's petrol station

According to West Mercia police, officers, including firearms units and the police helicopter attended the scene and cordoned off the area.

Superintendent Jim Baker said: 'Due to the nature of the report we have received it is important we respond accordingly to ensure there is no risk to the wider public and as such armed officers have been deployed and are carrying out a search of the area.

'I know this will cause some disruption to local residents and would like to thank them for their patience and understanding while we deal with this incident and ensure there is no risk to the wider public.'

Superintendent Jim Baker said a full search is being carried out of the area. He apologised to shoppers that the shop on Whitechurch Road, Battlefield, Shropshire would remain closed until the alert was lifted

While no-one was found on the roof, police have said the call was made in good faith, Metro reports.

In a statement released shortly before 10pm last night, a West Mercia Police spokesperson said: 'A challenging search environment for the team this evening in Shrewsbury.

'It took a while but we had to be thorough. Sorry for the delays.'
C-Level View | Feature

Bringing Students On Board for Portfolios

A Q&A with Chelsea Goza

Henderson State University wants every student to have a job offer before graduation. A big part of their strategy in approaching that ideal is including career-building skills and tools  like portfolios  in the curriculum. Here, CT learns more about Henderson's portfolio plans from Chelsea Goza, who is the director of internships in the School of Business and assistant director of Henderson's Center for Student Excellence.

"Ideally, we would like to see every Henderson State University student receive a job offer before reaching his or her graduation date."  Chelsea Goza

Mary Grush: You've said that "Henderson State University is dedicated to helping students not only learn, but learn how to build their careers." Could you tell me more about HSU's emphasis on empowering students with career-building skills, and where that priority comes from?

Chelsea Goza: At Henderson State University, we are striving to build a culture centered on career development. We believe that strong academics plus career opportunities for students equals success. Ideally, we would like to see every Henderson State University student receive a job offer before reaching his or her graduation date.

I personally believe that this priority of empowering students with career-building skills originates from our university motto, "The School with a Heart." We are passionate about seeing our students succeed and accomplish their goals, and we genuinely care about their futures.

Henderson State University is dedicated to helping students not only learn, but learn how to build their careers.

Grush: What are some of the skills for career development in today's world, and how does the university offer students the tools they need for this?

Goza: In regards to career-building skills that are applicable in today's world, we often teach our students to establish a competitive advantage. What sets them apart from their competition? We encourage students to further develop their transferrable and soft skills while also preparing them to develop a sustainable job application packet and practice proper interview techniques.

At the Henderson State University School of Business, we provide career development education through our Center for Student Excellence. Through the Center, we offer a series of 1-hour classes each semester to all business students. Typically, the first two classes are taken during a student's freshman year, and the last two classes are taken during a student's sophomore year. The curriculum for the classes is designed to instruct students on professionalism, skills assessment, job application packet creation, and mock interview practice. After completing the series of classes, students are highly encouraged to participate in internships.

Because we have seen much success through our Center for Student Excellence model, we are now in the process of developing an online learning tool through our learning management system so that we can provide the same educational resources to the entire Henderson State University student population.

Grush: Is it your plan, then, to emphasize portfolio skills throughout the curriculum at HSU?

Goza: Yes. As a part of our instruction for job application packet creation, we teach students to develop an electronic portfolio. In addition, we teach students how to best package the electronic portfolio on their resumes and link their portfolio to other sites appropriately.

Grush: What is your portfolio platform?

Goza: Portfolium is the platform that we use. We present Portfolium to all freshman students during freshman orientation each fall semester. We also present Portfolium curriculum through the series of 1-hour business classes and through Canvas online learning.
Iraqi security forces killed at least one protester and wounded 25 others on Friday when they launched tear gas canisters to break up a crowd trying to breach Baghdad's Sinak bridge, security and medical sources told Reuters.

The bridge is close to the capital's central Tahrir Square where thousands have been camped out for months, with recent clashes causing the authorities to restrict access to the crossing. The protester died after a tear gas canister was launched directly at his neck, the medical sources said.

"Saboteurs attacked the barricades in the Sinak bridge area and security forces have been using non-lethal methods to stop them for hours," said a spokesman for the prime minister.

Mass protests have gripped Iraq since October 1 and protesters, most of them young, are demanding an overhaul of a political system they see as profoundly corrupt and keeping most Iraqis in poverty. More than 450 people have been killed.

Despite numbers recently dwindling, protesters took to the streets again last week, determined to keep up the momentum of their protests despite attention turning to the threat of a U.S.-Iran conflict after Washington killed Tehran's top general in an airstrike inside Iraq.

Gunmen killed two local journalists covering protests last Friday in the southern city of Basra.
New Delhi, Jan 18 : Pakistan resorted to an unprovoked ceasefire violation across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday with firing of small arms and mortar shelling, the Army said.

The Army said in a statement that the ceasefire violation in the Mendhar sector took place from 12.30 p.m., to 1.15 p.m., adding that the Indian side "retaliated befittingly".
Apart from Motunrayo Afolayan, a 400-level student of the Department of International Relations, Faculty of Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, who accused a lecturer, Olabisi Olaleye, of sexually harassing her; other victims have narrated their shocking experiences with the same lecturer.

PREMIUM TIMES has also obtained part of the audio recording of the lewd conversations between the lecturer and Ms Afolayan.

The audio recording is part of the evidence presented by Ms Afolayan before the panel set to probe the allegations.

In the seven minutes recording, the lecturer was allegedly heard in Yoruba language demanding for hugs from Ms Afolayan. He also accused the student of refusing to cook for him from the excess money she receives from her parent, and that she also didnt want to sleep with him.

Mr Olaleye also asked Ms Afolayan when she would be free to be with him but the student said she wanted to write another examination.

But in his response, Olaleye told the student he wasnt expecting her to be with him forever. Or are you bewitched? he asked the student angrily.

The lecturer also threatened to tear the students cloth if she refused to hug him, adding that something must come from the girls Nazareth.

Meanwhile, a male student of the department identified as Sikiru, was heard in the audio recording assuring Ms Afolayan of good results if she agreed to Mr Olaleyes overture.

If you score B, Uncle Bisi can change it to A for you. Just be sure that you cannot know uncle B and still fail on this campus, Sikiru said.

Meanwhile, efforts to speak with Sikiru were unsuccessful as the number provided as his mobile number did not go through.

Other victims narrate ordeal

Meanwhile, across major social media platforms including WhatsApp and Twitter, other students and alumni of the department have narrated their experiences with the lecturer, showing evidence including screenshots of messages reportedly exchanged between them and Mr Olaleye.

For instance, one of them, identified simply as Chisom, shared in a WhatsApp group the screenshots of messages exchanged between her and Mr Olaleye, where the lecturer asked her to send her nude pictures, and how much horny he feels whenever he sees the students picture.

Another student, who expressed regret that she allowed Mr Olaleye to sleep with her, shared her message with the lecturer, saying the sexual relationship they were into was against her faith. But Mr Olaleye allegedly continued to pester her to send him pictures of her private part, even when the student said she was menstruating.

A female student, who doesnt want to be named, wrote; This one that I bought Joven (brand of wine) for (sic) severally, slept with me and still gave me E.

Another student wrote anonymously; I cant even remember how many times this mad man has slept with me. I didnt want to have extra. Paying school fees wasnt easy. I pray Ogunbodede (the vice-chancellor) puts this one away. He is a virus, he feeds on our fears.

University halves lecturers salary

Having established a prima facie case against him, the management of the university said it had halved the lecturers salaries pending the outcome of the matter before the panel.

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, the universitys spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju, said the university took the decision after it had confirmed the authenticity of the evidence presented by the accuser.

That is the tradition here. This does not mean that the matter has been concluded but based on the preliminary report presented by the gender centre, where the student had reported the matter, Mr Olarewaju said.
The New York Times opinion section under editor James Bennet ostensibly aims to challenge the papers predominately liberal readers by presenting them with thoughtful critiques of their worldview. In practice, it runs pieces like this recent argument that launching a war against Iran would end attacks against American interests in the Middle Eastwhich was written by a veteran of the Bush administration who had predicted confidently in a 2003 piece also published by the Times that launching a war against Iraq would end attacks against American interests in the Middle East. There was no acknowledgment in the new piece of the old one, as an opinion section committed to intellectual honesty might require, nor was it particularly challenging in the sense of being difficult to rebut. But it did make people on the left feel bad, and like they were losing their minds, which is the bar that Bennets section requires an argument to clear.

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The essay Im a Liberal Who Thinks Immigration Must Be Restricted, published in the Times Thursday, may represent the nadir of this approach. It makes a familiar argument: that the left believes in a post-national system of open borders which sacrifices the interests of native-born working Americans to the interests of low-skilled foreign immigrants who drive down wages and disrupt the cultural cohesiveness of their communities. It argues for respecting a distinction between legal and illegal immigration and asserts that Donald Trumps position on immigration can be appreciated, in a non-racist way, as a patriotic battle to defend common people. It accuses Trumps critics of having had their minds addled by tribal passions and a fetish for conflict between ethnic groups, and it proposes a conciliatory policy that would offer amnesty to existing undocumented workers but institute a crackdown regime of visa enforcement that would prevent future undocumented individuals from finding jobs.

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The familiarity of the articles arguments is matched by the familiarity of its flaws. While large-scale immigration is, in fact, believed by some non-racists to flatten wages at the bottom of the pay scale, its also known to accelerate rather than retard economic expansion overall, and tends to be supported by progressives who advocate for other means of increasing working-class wages and sharing the benefits of GDP growth. The distinction between legal and illegal immigration is not some ancient, race-agnostic pillar of global affairs, but rather a concept that was instituted in the United States in the early 20th century to explicitly discriminate against Asian, southern European, and eastern European individuals and expanded in the 1960s to explicitly discriminate against Mexicans. Trumps support is strongest in areas where there are fewer undocumented immigrants, not more, and he lost four of the five states that have the highest undocumented populations per capita. Many of the most immigration-heavy and ethnically diverse cities in the U.S. are also the safest and wealthiest and are considered so desirable to live in by migrating native-born Americans that they are experiencing housing crises.

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As to whether criticizing an administration that instituted the premeditated, systematic separation of young children from their parents after they applied legally for asylum is a matter of unseemly tribal passions, or whether support for the principles of inclusive American citizenship described on the Statue of Liberty constitutes post-national anti-patriotism, perhaps we can agree to disagree.

More concerning than any of these specific problems, though, is the pieces provenance: Its written by someone named Jerry Kammer, a fellow at a think tank called the Center for Immigration Studies. Kammer has made a career out of covering immigration policy, he writes, for two reasons: I was fascinated by its human, political and moral complexity. I also wanted to push back against the campaign by activist groups to label restrictionism as inherently racist. He expresses regret that odious people with white-power affiliations have given the cause of cutting back on immigration a bad name.

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What neither Kammer nor the Times discloses is that the Center for Immigration Studies was in fact founded by these people, most prominent among them a white nationalist named John Tanton who died last year. Tanton, as the Southern Poverty Law Center has documented, believed that the United States needed to maintain a European-American majority, and a clear one at that; he founded CIS, he wrote in the 1980s, in order to give his ideas the appearance of independent credibility.

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Kammer does write that he disagrees with some of the centers hard-line positions. Among his more hard-line colleagues at CIS are a writer named Jason Richwine, who contributed to a journal founded by white supremacist Richard Spencer and who has said that IQ is the most important difference between racial groups. (As the SPLC has documented, CIS has circulated literally hundreds of articles by explicit white supremacists like Spencer via links in its weekly newsletter. Its director once accused Barack Obama of trying to foment race war.) A statement of purpose on the CIS website is credited to longtime Tanton collaborator Dan Stein, who once complained that mass immigration was a tool developed by Ted Kennedy and his political allies in approximately 1958 to retaliate against Anglo-Saxon dominance.

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In 1997, the Wall Street Journal wrote about Tanton in a piece called The Intellectual Roots of Nativism. It was a scathing article which noted that Tanton had once described the immigrants contribution to society as defecating and creating garbage and looking for jobs. The piece expressed concern that otherwise sober-minded conservatives and reasonable critics of immigration were affiliating themselves with his ideas. The author of that WSJ article, a 28-year-old journalist named Tucker Carlson, has since made the career-advancing decision to embrace Tanton-style nativism; he was in the news not too long ago for complaining in his role as a Fox News host that immigrants make the United States physically dirtier.

Whatever space ever existed between mainstream conservatism and white-power nationalism, Carlson demonstrates, has collapsed. And it turns out that the odious people that Kammer references in the Times are actually his colleagues and forebears, who created his organization so that policies intended to perpetuate European-American and Anglo-Saxon superiority could be laundered into the respectable discourse. What else is there to say but: It worked!
We dont know who to trust, said Mia, the daughter of a Chicago police officer. We see police cars ride by with the words written on them ... to serve and protect, but Im not so sure anymore with all the bad news I hear about them and see about them on TV. Not all police officers are bad, just like ... all people are not all bad. But a change definitely needs to take place. How do we change this pattern of self-inflicted pain? Im glad you asked."
Theres a part of you that feels like youve completely failed, says Terry Jindrick, who showed up for a Stronger Together event Tuesday on the University of Wisconsins satellite campus in rural Richland Center. It drew nearly a dozen farmers to a white-walled conference room, men and a few women with stolid faces who listened to a presentation about how to better respond to pressures and breaking the cycle. They were given paper plates and asked to write the joys in their lives on one half and the stresses on the other half. Stress outnumbered joy on most.
Speaking at a pro-Citizenship Amendment Act rally on Saturday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath challenged Congress, SP, and BSP to reveal their connection with SIMI and PFI. He contended that the oppositions support for such anti-social elements reflected its true character. Moreover, the UP CM accused the opposition of instigating anti-national elements in the garb of protesting against the CAA. Thereafter, he called upon every citizen to reject the conspiracy of the opposition parties.

Read: In Pro-CAA Rally, Amit Shah Blames Congress For Dividing Nation On Religious Lines

UP CM Yogi Adityanath said, Congress, SP, BSP, and other opposition parties should reveal what their connections with SIMI are. Supporting banned terror organizations such as SIMI and elements such as PFI who are involved in anti-social activities ignoring and supporting this, standing in solidarity with elements that chant anti-India slogans has brought the real character of Congress, SP and other opposition parties to the fore. We have come here to make this appeal-the CAA is a law to grant citizenship. It is not against any caste, opinion, religion, language, and region.

He added, There is an attempt to present this law in a distorted way. In the garb of misleading the people on the CAA, there is an attempt to inspire and instigate anti-national elements, anti-social elements. It is the responsibility of every Indian to ensure that they should not fall prey to the conspiracy of Congress, SP, BSP, and other political parties.

Read: Amit Shah Gets Unique 'Sardar Patel Portrait' Gift From Tejaswi Surya In Bengaluru

PFI and SDPI under police scanner

The UP police has blamed the PFI and SDPI for the violence that erupted in the state during the protest against the CAA. On December 31, DGP OP Singh formally wrote to the Ministry of Home Affairs seeking a ban on the PFI. Many workers belonging to these organizations have been arrested as well. Meanwhile, the governments of Karnataka and Assam are also contemplating a ban on these organizations.

Read: 'They May Not Be Talking To Each Other': NCP's Sule Claims PM & Shah Differing On NRC

The 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.

Read: Tejashwi Yadav Counterattacks After Amit Shah Declares Nitish Kumar As Bihar's NDA CM Face
Stephanie Keith/Getty

New documents turned over to the House Judiciary Committee on Friday night include messages between Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas and Derek Harvey, an aide to Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA). The Daily Beast was first to report that Parnas helped arrange meetings and calls in Europe for Harvey in 2018 to help the lawmaker's investigative work, and it appears the practice continued into 2019.

The exchanges between Parnas and Harvey, which span several months in early 2019, show the two arranging several meetings and phone calls to discuss two claims that have been central to Trumpworlds dirt-digging mission in Ukraine and the presidents subsequent impeachment: supposed corruption by former Vice President Joe Biden and a plot against Trump by Ukrainian officials during the 2016 election.

We need to set a time for Skype w your four people, Harvey wrote in an April 2019 message to Parnas, apparently referring to former Ukrainian officials claiming to have information on Biden.

It looks like we can get all the interviews set up for Tuesday or Wednesday whatever works better for you, Parnas wrote back.

Wednesday would be best here, Harvey wrote. It allows me to prep a staff lawyer to assist. Any suggested line of questions? Full names of who we will interview?

Parnas responded, Sounds good will put together there (sic) names and questions that I recommend.

Parnas then sent Harvey a list of names including several widely discredited former Ukrainian officials who were shown to be in close contact with Trump's personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, for a dirt-digging mission against Biden that is at the heart of the impeachment.

In addition to setting up interviews and arranging meetings, the messages between Parnas and Harvey also show the two exchanging several news articles critical of Biden and his son Hunter.

In another message in March, Harvey appeared to task Parnas with doing research on claims the Ukrainian government worked with Hillary Clintons allies in 2016 to find compromising information on then-Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, a conspiracy theory frequently espoused by Trump and his allies.

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Harvey also mentioned Parnas working through (John) Solomon, a former columnist at The Hill who had been in contact with Nunes, Giuliani, and Parnas. The Daily Beast reported that Solomon sent a version of his article last year to Parnas and Trumpworld lawyers Joe diGenova and Victoria Toensing before it was published on the The Hill's website.

A lawyer for Parnas, Ed MacMahon, told The Daily Beast previously that his client aided Nunes in arranging meetings and calls in Europe in 2018. Congressional records show Nunes, Harvey, and two of Nunes' other aides went to Europe in late 2018 for four days, using over $63,000 of government funds for the trip.

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LUCKNOW: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat has pressed for a law for controlling the burgeoning population of the country, reigniting a debate that the lawmakers should bring a legislation in Parliament in this regard.

"We feel this is the need of the hour though it is up to the government to take the final call on this. This law will not have any relation to any particular religion and will be applicable to all," the Sangh Parivar chief said at a meeting of about 40 senior RSS functionaries.

Bhagwat's remark has triggered speculation that a law making the two-child norm mandatory, not temples in Varanasi and Mathura, are next on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) agenda.

Live TV

The RSS chief, who is on a four-day visit to Moradabad, said that law for two children should be brought in to ensure proper development of the country.

Addressing a gathering at the Moradabad Institute of Technology (MIT), Bhagwat said that RSS will support any law that calls for two children only.

Underlining the need for population control, he said that India was a growing country but uncontrolled population growth was not healthy for development. Bhagwat, however, said the final decision in this regard is to be taken by the government.

The RSS chief also supported the central government on the issue of CAA but said that there was a need to create awareness on this issue.

Talking about the Ram temple, Bhagwat said that the role of the RSS on the issue was only for the temple was formed. "We will disassociate ourselves from the temple construction once the trust is formed. He added that Mathura and Kashi are not on the RSS agenda.
The man faces imprisonment from two to six years

Police detained a Kharkiv citizen on the suspicion of knowingly false reports about the mining of the market. The communications department of the National Police in Kharkiv region reported that.

The police got the message about the mining of the market on the Avenue of Heroes of Stalingrad in Kharkiv on Friday around 15:05.

Law enforcement officers examined 25 thousand square meters of territory; 1,500 people were evacuated. Police found no explosive devices or hazardous substances.

"A 44-year-old man committed an offense while intoxicated. Law enforcers seized his cell phone, from which the call was made," the report said.

Criminal proceedings were opened under Part 1 of Art. 259 ("Knowingly false report about a threat to the safety of citizens, destruction or damage to property") of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The sanction of the article provides for punishment in the form of imprisonment for a term of two to six years.

As we reported, the Security Service of Ukraine has exposed a corruption scheme for the appropriation of more than $450 thousand of the utility company Odesa International Airport during repairs on the site.
FBI officers have arrested more alleged members of a racially motivated and violent extremist group that a former Manitoba reservist has been accused of recruiting for  and court documents tell a chilling tale that includes plans to murder a married couple and overthrow the U.S. government.

In separate sweeps Friday, American law enforcement arrested three men in Georgia and another in Wisconsin.

The arrests came just one day after three alleged members of The Base were arrested in Delaware and Maryland  including 27-year-old Patrik Mathews. The Manitoba man had been missing for nearly five months, ever since he was accused of recruiting for a global neo-Nazi group, while at the same time serving in Canada's army reserves.

Mathews is believed to be connected to the group arrested in Georgia, based on an affidavit used to secure the arrest warrants, which was released by the Floyd County police.

It describes an unnamed member of The Base who "crossed into the United States illegally." That detail, along with others in the affidavit, match the description of Mathews from the FBI complaint against him filed in court.

Although the document suggests the group member believed to be Mathews stayed with a Georgia cell member for months, he is later reportedly characterized as "incompetent" and "stupid" and is seen as a liability to the local group. In fact, he eventually becomes a new potential murder target.

Local police and the FBI believe the headquarters for The Base's paramilitary training camp was a home and 105-acre tract of land in Silver Creek, Ga.

Gary Solilak/CBC

That's where Luke Austin Lane, 21, was arrested on Wednesday. Michael John Helterbrand, 25, and Jacob Kaderli, 19, were scooped up shortly after. They are charged with conspiracy to commit murder and participation in a criminal gang known as The Base.

Undercover operation detailed in affidavit

The underground FBI operation began in July 2019 when an undercover agent underwent an online vetting interview for admission into The Base using an encrypted online messaging app, according to the affidavit.

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The agent was admitted to the members-only chat room and was soon invited to an in-person meeting with two members of The Base later identified as Lane and Kaderli.

The next day, they were joined by two other members for firearms training.

"Based upon previous discussions with members of The Base online, the UCE (undercover employee) believed the intended purpose of those drills were to prepare for the 'boogaloo,' a term used by members of The Base to describe the collapse of the United States and subsequent race war," the affidavit states.

At the end of the training, the members posed for photos, wearing tactical gear and balaclava hoods. The photos were later used for propaganda.

In early October, the undercover agent met again at the Georgia home with Kaderli, Lane and another member of The Base "who crossed into the United States illegally" and is referred to as TB.

Floyd County Police/The Associated Press

It's believed TB is Mathews, who was last seen in Manitoba at the end of August. Court documents filed in support of his arrest say he had met up with two members of The Base in Michigan. He was living in an apartment with one of them in Delaware when they were arrested. TB also lived with Lane in Georgia for several months before that.

During that October meeting, TB talked about a journalist believed to be Ryan Thorpe of the Winnipeg Free Press, who exposed Mathews as a Base recruiter in newspaper stories published last August.

"The TB member further characterized the journalist who doxed him as 'essentially Antifa' and others like him as enemies of The Base stating, '[A]ny engagement in anti-fascist activity will carry the death penalty,'" the affidavit reads.

A larger group of about a dozen members, including TB, met again between Oct. 31 and Nov. 3. After putting their cellphones in airplane mode, Lane allegedly told the undercover officer about a plan he and TB had been discussing, targeting members of Antifa who lived nearby.

"Lane said he decided against carrying out the plan with the TB member because he felt the TB member was incompetent and believed they would get caught," says the affidavit.

One month later, Lane told the group about a "camping trip" planned for Dec. 13. They were instructed to bring two sets of clothing, leather gloves, and firearms and ammunition.

The undercover officer arranged to meet with Lane, who told him "his plan was to kill two high-ranking Antifa members," a married couple who lived nearby.

"Lane believed killing the couple would ultimately send the right message and show that the previous actions taken by antifascists like VICTIM 1 and VICTIM 2, such as doxing white supremacists, would not continue to go unpunished," the affidavit says.

Lane told the undercover officer he believed Kaderli and Helterbrand would be "solid."

He allegedly also told the undercover officer that he wanted to kill TB and a member of The Base in Maryland because they knew about the plan to murder the couple in Georgia. He worried that they had already told a third Base member, something that could cause problems for the cell in Georgia.

The next day, the undercover officer picked up Land and Kaderli and drove them to the couple's home to do reconnaissance.

The plan was to use a "lock pick gun" to gain entrance to the front door and kill the couple with revolvers because they don't leave shell casings at the crime scene.

They planned to rent cars and use licence plates from a different state, put Vaseline on their eyebrows and eyelashes to prevent leaving evidence, and rent a cheap motel so they could shower after the murders.

At meetings later that week, they continued to solidify their plan, which included setting the victims' house on fire.

However, Helterbrand said he was getting back surgery on Dec. 27 and would need about six weeks to recover. The group later discussed carrying out their plan between Feb. 22-23.

That never happened, as FBI officers began arresting them this past week.

Autonomous cells

"Investigation of The Base indicates that various cells have a significant degree of autonomy regarding their activities, and criminal conduct is typically not centrally co-ordinated in order to foster plausible deniability among those not directly involved," the affidavit says.

That strategy can be seen in the affidavit supporting the arrest Friday of another member of The Base, Yousef Omar Barasneh in Wisconsin.

He's accused of conspiring to injure, oppress, threaten and intimidate Jewish citizens by vandalizing private property, a synagogue and a temple in two Wisconsin communities between Sept. 15-23.

"Officers saw swastikas, the symbol for The Base, and anti-Semitic words spray painted on the exterior of the building," court documents say.

Barasneh is accused of being a member of the North Central region of The Base, also known as the Great Lakes cell. Members organized an armed training session in Wood County, Wis., and posted photos on social media, according to the affidavit supporting Barasneh's arrest.

In this case, FBI officers gathered evidence during a search of two people's homes and electronic devices. According to the affidavit, the undercover officer involved in the Georgia sting saw Barasneh, who was known as "Joseph," participate in firearms training at The Base headquarters in Georgia.

Arrests ahead of pro-gun rally in Virginia

The Base was founded in July 2018 to unite white nationalists to "prepare for a violent insurgency against various targets, including the United States government and non-white majority groups," according to the affidavits.

Investigators say leadership has cautioned its members to be "as covert as possible" during this phase.

However, according to court documents, law enforcement authorities were concerned some members, including Mathews, were planning to attend a pro-gun rally at the Virginia state capitol on Monday.

RCMP

On Wednesday, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said he had received credible evidence of out-of-state "armed militia groups storming our capitol." He declared a state of emergency and imposed a temporary ban on all weapons, including firearms, around the capitol building until the day after the rally.

"Let me be clear. These are considered credible, serious threats by our law enforcement agencies," Northam said at a news conference.

Anti-fascist activists believe the arrests of members of The Base this week could galvanize like-minded people, raising concerns about a repeat of the violence that killed one person and injured 28 in Charlottesville, Va., in 2017.

"It's possible that they were going there to try to create a sense of disorder," said Joshua Fisher-Birch, a researcher at the Counter Extremism Project in New York.

"They are an accelerationist group. They want to create chaos that will help lead to the breakdown of order in the government. So in a situation like this, any disorder benefits this group."

"If they can inflame tensions whether it's between pro-firearms groups and law enforcement or between pro-firearms groups and gun control groups, this is something that really benefits them," he said.
Over a short period of time, the partnership between Future Females and Ideas Cartel has quickly shown the benefit of connecting like-minds in inspiring spaces, with expansion just around the corner.

From a team of two in 2017 to a present state of 26 chapters across Africa, Australia, Europe and North America; a growing online community of 30K female entrepreneurs, and now a thriving local coworking space, Future Females is a Cape Town success story worth paying attention to.

For early-stage solopreneurs, the process of starting a business can be a lonely one, and getting stuck in your own head is almost unavoidable. The growth of Future Females has helped combat this; the community weve created is a source of support, advice and encouragement that would otherwise be absent.

~ Lauren Dallas, Co-founder of Future Females

Apart from the obvious numbers-based growth, the real power of their rise comes from what underlies it: a shared vision for a platform that empowers female entrepreneurs to connect, be inspired, inspire others, and feel supported to create, fail and ultimately win. The movement is underpinned by a framework that helps members to maximise their four scarce resources  time, money, energy and relationships  to transform their businesses, careers and lives.

The Future Females community isnt only forward thinking in what they work for, but also how they work. Inner City by Ideas Cartel (http://bit.ly/2Rl9DKq) has been a crucial growth partner in this regard; providing a beautifully curated, inspiring work environment in which the company could not only comfortably scale, but thrive in the process.

Were so proud to have Future Females as part of the entrepreneurial community at Ideas Cartel. Their story is inspiring, and has also acted as a proof point for us  that the Inner City spaces weve built are doing their part to create connection, drive innovation and support growth.

~ Schuyler Vorster, Founder of Ideas Cartel

As one of Ideas Cartels four business pillars, Inner City focuses on creating thoughtful, resilient workspaces for ambitious entrepreneurs, freelancers, creatives and business travellers. These inspiring spaces are intentionally crafted to facilitate an essential element of innovation: connectionconnection with people, places and spaces; of ideas, perspectives and purpose.

In September 2019, Future Females moved into their own private space to launch one of the first female-focused South African workspaces, at Ideas Cartels 113 Loop Street premises. The design of the space was based on feedback from a co-creation workshop held with potential tenants, to ensure it met the requirements of the community it would serve.

Launching on 1 February, 2020, the expanded coworking space includes Hot Desks at R1,700 per month, Fixed Desks at R2,600 per month and Private Offices starting from R12,500 for two people. For an additional R250 per month, Future Females members can also access the rooftop pool.

You become like the people you surround yourself with. Weve created a space where everyone shares the same vision and is there to support one another on the entrepreneurial journey.

~ Sasha Zakharova, Program Manager of Future Females

Future Females and Ideas Cartel share a belief in the entrepreneurial lifestylea wholesome, holistic approach to working life, fueled by passion and a desire to drive change in the world. The Future Females coworking space is a reflection of this belief, where everyone is supported in working towards their goals

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Middle school isnt easy, but it does help shape us into the adults. That is especially true of 12-year-old Elena Canero-Reed, who is navigating middle school, boys, friends, and her family. (But she does grow up to be the president, so it cant be all bad!) Heres what you mightve missed during the Hello World episode of Diary of a Future President.

This article contains major spoilers from the first episode of Diary of a Future President. Read at your own risk!

Tess Romero and Gina Rodriguez of Diary of a Future President | Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Fans first meet Elena on one of her first days in the White House

Theres a high priority package traveling to the president. After being a civil rights attorney, congresswoman, and activist for education, Elena Canero-Reed is ready to be the next president of the United States  but not without a reminder from her mom about where she came from. The package holds Elenas diary from middle school and she starts to read it.

Its then that viewers learn what it was like for Elena in middle school. She lived with her mom, Gabi Canero-Reed, and her older brother who is a bit private. Still, Elena is very focused on her education and her family. While shes getting dropped off for school, Elena sees her former best friend Jessica. Not Jessie, Jessica. And she has a new best friend, named Melissa.

In homeroom, Elena finds out something about her World War II presentation

Although things may be complicated with Jessica, Sasha is a true best friend. The two are giggling about boys when they overhear Melissa and Jessica talking about their periods. Theyre interrupted by the cute boy, Joey, who asks about the World War II presentation. Elena likes that hes getting a head start, but then she realizes its actually due today. Its a disaster.

Back with Elenas mother, shes dating a new guy named Sam, and shes worried about telling her kids. Its been a few days since her husband died, but shes worried it might be too soon. Just then, the phone rings and its Elena, asking to transfer schools. When her mom obviously says no, Elena heads to the bathroom, where she hears Jessica and Melissa bragging about their periods again.

Once Melissa leaves, Elena notices that Jessica didnt throw out her wrapper thing. She lied about having her period! Just like she lied about being Elenas best friend! The two confront each other and Jessica asks Elena not to tell and, of course, she doesnt. Meanwhile, Elenas mom takes Sam home for lunch and they kiss in the kitchen, just as Elenas brother walks in. Thankfully, hes pretty relaxed about it.

Michael Weaver, Ilana Pena, Tess Romero, Agnes Chu, Gina Rodriguez, and Charlie Bushnell attend the Premiere Of Disney +s Diary Of A Future President | Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images

There are plenty of curveballs in Elenas life

Its finally time for Elenas presentation. She decides to talk about the Allies and Axis powers. Because they rose above their differences, the Allies eventually defeated the Axis powers. After class, Jessica stands up for Elena and Sasha. Could Jessica be an ally for Elena? She runs home and starts writing in her diary.

Elenas mom is still downstairs with Sam and decides that maybe he should meet Elena another time. He says thats fine and as theyre kissing goodbye, Elena walks into the living room and sees. How will Elena handle this news? Is she ready for lifes new curveball? Fans will just have to wait until the next episode premieres on this streaming platform.

Diary of a Future President is available exclusively with a subscription to Disney+. To learn more about Disneys streaming platform, visit their website.
Pakistan FM Qureshi Urges U.S. To 'Remain Engaged' In Rebuilding Afghanistan

By RFE/RL January 17, 2020

Pakistan's foreign minister said during his visit to Washington that the United States should remain engaged in Afghanistan even if it eventually pulls its troops out of the war-torn country.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who is scheduled to meet with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on January 17, cautioned Washington not to return to a policy of neglect of Afghanistan in the manner seen after 1989, when Soviet troops pulled out under pressure from U.S.- and Pakistan-backed Islamic guerrillas.

"Do not repeat the '80s," Qureshi said at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

"Even if there is a successful agreement, challenges will remain there, so the United States and its friends and coalition partners will have to have a more responsible withdrawal," he said.

"They should remain engaged -- not to fight, but to rebuild," he said.

U.S. forces have been in Afghanistan since their 2001 invasion to drive out the Taliban following the September 11 terror attacks in the United States. The Taliban controlled Afghanistan at the time and harbored Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the attacks.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to remove the estimated 13,000 U.S. troops remaining in Afghanistan in America's longest war.

Over the past year, Islamabad has helped facilitate the talks between U.S. negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad and the Taliban in Qatar, where the militants have a political office.

But the talks have repeatedly stalled, with Washington calling on the group to reduce violence, among other things.

Earlier in the day, Qureshi said in a video message that the Taliban has shown "willingness" to reduce violence in Afghanistan, calling it a "step toward" a peace deal between the militant group and the United States.

Pakistan was the main backer of the former Taliban regime and maintains contacts with the extremists.

The Taliban militants have given Khalilzad an offer for a temporary cease-fire in Afghanistan that would last between seven and 10 days, AP reported, citing Taliban negotiators.

"They are pragmatic and not foolish. They are also fatigued," Qureshi said of the Taliban.

With reporting by AFP, dpa, and AP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-fm -qureshi-urges-us-remain-engaged- rebuilding-afghanistan/30382290.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.

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More than a month after requesting information from the Department of Justice about the presidents decision to give clemency to convicted or accused war criminals, two Senate Democrats continue to be stonewalled by the administration, The Daily Beast has confirmed.

In November, senior Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats Patrick Leahy (VT) and Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) wrote to acting Justice Department pardon attorney Rosalind Sargent-Burns inquiring about what advice President Trump receivedand from whomin deciding to exercise his clemency powers following his decision to pardon Army Lt. Clint Lorance; pardon and preempt the military trial of ex-Green Beret Maj. Matthew Golsteyn; and restore the rank of Navy SEAL Edward Gallagher.

Instead of an answer, they have been stonewalled, according to three sources familiar with the communication, only receiving a brief missive Tuesday that the DOJ intends to respond but providing no timeline as to when it will.

One of these sources with knowledge of the situation added that Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee are also considering introducing additional legislative recourse for addressing the lack of transparency regarding President Trumps decisions on this matter.

The lack of answers from the Justice Department, which is supposed to play a key role in pardon reviews, is likely to fuel allegations that Trump recklessly decided on a round of clemency that has disgusted many in the military community. Eugene Fidell, a prominent military attorney, told Military.com that Trumps actions may have blown a hole in the prosecution of war crimes by this country. At the same time, clemency for Lorance, Golsteyn, Gallagher, and others accused or convicted of war crimes has become a cause celebre on Fox News, where top talent have for many months publicly urged and privately counseled the president on war crimes pardons.

Congress would be correct to engage in further oversight activity and explore legislative options that would help provide more transparency regarding President Trumps unusual decisions, said Benjamin Haas, advocacy counsel at Human Rights First and a former Army intelligence officer. Trumps decision to intervene in these war crimes cases, as well as his contemplated actions on the Blackwater case, are a flagrant snub to human rights and the ideals that the U.S. military seeks to uphold.

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The senators, in a Nov. 26 letter, asked Sargent-Burns if the White House reach[ed] out to your office about the clemency and, if so, what recommendation her office provided. They noted the strong opposition to the pardons from within the Pentagonclemency to Gallagher led to Navy Secretary Richard Spencer losing his joband asked if Sargent-Burns office coordinated any such recommendations with the Defense Department.

The two senators cited a department manual instructing the pardon office to review all petitions for clemency and in every case prepare recommendations. They referred to the pardon office as an institutional safeguard against abuse of a broad presidential authority. If your office did not provide recommendations in these three cases, why not? their letter asked.

Leahy and Whitehouse gave the Justice Department a deadline of Dec. 13 to respond, which came and went. The Justice Department did not respond to a request for comment on this story on Wednesday.

Soon after pardoning Lorance and Golsteyn and restoring Gallaghers rank, Trump mused to associates about the three joining him at 2020 campaign appearances. Early this month, The Daily Beast also reported that Trump is still quietly considering additional pardons for crimes committed in war, including one for Nicholas Slatten, a Blackwater contractor and ex-soldier convicted of murder in a prosecutorially tainted case stemming from the 2007 Nisour Square massacre of Iraqi civilians.

But the Justice Departments response, or lack thereof, to Senate Democrats pardons inquiries thus far fit with Team Trumps broader pattern of telling liberal lawmakers on Capitol Hill to get lost.

The Trump administration and White House have a well-established track record of stiff-arming congressional investigators and Democratic lawmakers requesting documents and testimony, particularly on issues related to probes aimed at the presidents inner circle, Trump himself, and scandals and major catastrophes of the era such as Trumps management of the response to the hurricanes that ravaged Puerto Rico. This tactic has even led to an article of impeachment for obstruction of Congress.

And despite the domestic and international backlash to the presidents decision to grant clemency to alleged and convicted American war criminals, Trump is promoting his decision as a significant accomplishment of his administration. Indeed, hes already firmly integrated the topic into his campaign-trail pitch to voters.

I will always stick up for our great fighters, the president assured the crowd at a Florida rally in November. People can sit there in air-conditioned offices and complain, but you know what? It doesnt matter to me whatsoever.

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Major spoilers for Sex Education season 2 below.

When George Robinsons character, Isaac, pops up during Sex Education season 2, theres finally someone in town with a razor-sharp wit that can hold his own against resident genius bad girl Maeve Wiley. Isaac moves into the caravan park next to the Moordale student and is unafraid to push her buttons and pull pranks. But much like we saw with Maeve during the first season of the hit Netflix series, Isaacs walls begin to crumble and we get to see more into what makes him tick.

With Maeve, Isaac feels like he wants to drop that side and sort of express himself. Because what Isaac seems to do is deflect quite a lot while he projects his actual feelings, George tells Teen Vogue. With Maeve, he seems to have found someone who he feels like he can express himself truly.

Isaac is one of the new characters introduced to Sex Education that shakes things up for the beloved core cast from the first season. His addition does much more than just complicating the love triangle between Maeve and Otis; Isaac uses a wheelchair, furthering the series dedication to showing the multiplicity of todays world through the microcosm of a horny secondary school in the United Kingdom. To George, it seemed like a no brainer that the show would explore disability considering how unapologetically diverse it is. George, who uses a wheelchair in real life as well, was also relieved that they were going with an actor who actually has a disability.

Everyone pretty much knows someone who has a disability and yet the representation in media doesn't seem to be there in the same way, even though its certainly changing, he says. Theres been the precedent in the past of having wheelchair characters not being played by people in wheelchairs. I just thought that was such a refreshing thing when I got the call.

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Ever since Sex Education released first-look images of his character, George has received many lovely messages from people sharing their pride and relief that the show is incorporating a disabled character portrayed by a person with a disability. He points to movies such as Me Before You and The Upside as stories about disabled people that werent authentically cast.

I haven't seen either of those films just because they don't really interest me as a thing. So I'm sure that the actors in question probably smashed it, he says. But there's always that thing in the back of your mind. Just thinking, yeah, it doesn't seem genuine. They've all seemed to be a medium through which an actor can flex their acting muscles. While nothing authentically portrayed the story of a disabled person.

Originally from outside of Peterborough, England, about four years ago when he was 17, he was on a school rugby tour in South Africa when he threw himself into a tackle during a match in which he broke his neck between the C4 and C5 vertebrae. He had always loved the collaborative art of acting and performed in some school productions, but after his injury he took some time off.

I thought to myself, do I want to pursue acting again? With acting, I just found such joy beforehand that I didn't want to lose that after, George says, who is now 22. That was an aspect of myself that I didn't want to lose. So I just thought, suck it up, George. This is the new you. Be comfortable with yourself. Like I say, throwing myself into it. I throw myself into everything, which is probably one reason why I'm in this chair.

The actor sees that sense of humor as something that he shares with his character, downplaying difficult situations with dry jokes. He said he could certainly empathize with Isaac, and dialed up some of those parts to portray him, which makes for quite the comical performance in the series. Theres one scene when Maeve and Isaac show up to a party at Otiss house which require stairs to get down to. Isaac jokes about the situation and then cooks up a solution, which includes asking Maeves ex Jackson and the other athletes for some help down the stairs without realizing their history. Once he does, he of course brashly ups the awkwardness of it all by asking, so, who broke whose heart?

George also notes how fantastic it was working with Emma Mackey in most of his scenes and that he learned so much while working with her. Shes both incredibly talented and generous on screen, which helped him feel comfortable on set. While he says he wasnt really nervous about his first day on set because it was such a new experience, he wanted to immerse himself as much as possible and that he probably irritated director Ben Taylor a bit with all his questions.

Isaac also plays a huge part in the finales cliffhanger. After Otis (Asa Butterfield) leaves Maeve a voicemail confessing his love for her, Isaac intercepts the message and deletes it. Its a move thats sure to drive Otis and Maeve shippers into chaos, but George stands by his characters actions.

If you look over the entire show, it could be seen to be an underhanded thing to do, he says. From Issac's point of view, the only interaction that he has had with Otis is at the party where he's being a bit of a dick and he's being quite nasty to Maeve. So when Issac hears this voicemail, he sort of just thinks, well I'm going to protect Maeve from that. I'm always going to be team Issac on this. I think it's a job as an actor to be their representative, to be their lawyer.

A third season of Sex Education has yet to be formally announced, but in the likely case it does, George cant wait to explore the fall out. Hed also like his character to have interactions with some other characters, including Aimee, an example of two polar opposites that make for quite the hilarious pairing as seen briefly during one scene in the party episode. He has complete trust in creator Laurie Nunns stellar writing and hopes that Isaac gets to interact with any of the other well-drawn characters.

As for things in Georges future, he has some ideas.

If they're ever going to do a Professor X reboot, I'm always available. I've got the razor ready for the head, he jokes. But yeah, I'm really open-minded about anything, to be honest. Whether that be a comedy or anything, I'm all in. I'm not going to limit myself in terms of what a role is ... I mean, a Martin Luther King biopic is probably out of the question, but you know.

Related:

-Sex Education Returns With a Stellar Sophomore Season

-Hot Robin Arryn Graces Our Screens in Sex Education Season 2

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 17:55:14|Editor: Wang Yamei

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MOGADISHU, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Somali security forces killed 16 al-Shabab militants and injured 20 others in intense clashes in the southern Middle Shabelle region on Friday night, a military officer confirmed on Saturday.

Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud, commander of unit 27 of the Somali National Army (SNA), told reporters that the militants launched an attack on a base used by Somali forces in the Haji Ali area, but the army fended off the attack and inflicted casualties on the fighters.

The army killed 16 militants and injured 20 others, the commander said.

"Our army is now pursuing the remnants who ran to the forest," he added, noting that four government soldiers were killed during the fighting.

However, the al-Qaida allied terrorist group said they overran the army base and killed five soldiers.

The group claimed that its fighters also seized two military vehicles, guns and ammunition.

On Jan. 10, Somali national forces killed three al-Shabab militants and captured another during an operation in the Lower Juba region in the southern part of the country.

Somali troops have intensified operations against al-Shabab in southern regions where the militants still hold swathes of rural areas, carrying out ambushes and planting landmines.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 16:41:08|Editor: Xiaoxia

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TOKYO, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- A group of four men on Saturday attacked and wounded three people with knives in a restaurant in Tokyo, Japan and fled the scene.

According to NHK, the culprits disguised as customers and entered the restaurant in Shinjuku district on Saturday morning and attacked three people working at the restaurant.

The attackers pretended to be guests and demanded to talk with the person in charge of the establishment. Later, they stabbed three male waiters in the chest and feet with knife-like objects, according to the police.

One of the employees suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries, and the other two victims were slightly injured. Nine customers were at the scene but unhurt.

The four men who escaped were in black and gray, three wearing face masks and one wearing a hat.

The metropolitan police department is currently investigating the attack as an attempted homicide.
A delegation from the U.S. Congressional Hispanic Caucus helped a 6-year-old migrant girl with Down Syndrome and a heart condition get paroled in the United States on Friday, members of the caucus said.

U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., said he and other members accompanied the girl to a Port of Entry in Brownsville, Texas, and asked federal immigration authorities to allow the girl into the country to seek medical treatment. The girl and her Salvadoran family had previously been denied entry. She, her mother and her brother has been placed in Mexico to await rulings that would decide their eligibility.

Lujan said he and Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, stayed behind with the girl and her family as the delegation crossed back into the U.S. after a tour of migrant camps in Matamoros, Mexico. After speaking with the Department of Homeland Security officials, the girl and her family were allowed into the U.S.

There are exemption for vulnerable people in place the Trump administrations Remain in Mexico policy for migrants seeking asylum.

Lujan said he was disturbed that it took members of Congress to get someone like the girl paroled into the U.S. as allowed by law. If someone like her isnt vulnerable, I dont know who is, he said. Castro tweeted: We were able to get a young girl with a heart defect and Downs Syndrome allowed into the United States with her family while their asylum claim is considered.

A spokesman for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not immediately return an email and phone message seeking comment.

Congressmen help migrant girl with Down syndrome get into US

EXCERPT: Girl and her family had previously been denied entry
When you discuss space exploration, one name stands out among the rest and that is Neil Armstrong.

Born August 5, 1930 in Wapakoneta, Ohio, USA, not only was he an astronaut, aeronautical engineer and the first person to walk on the moon; he was also a naval aviator, test pilot, and university professor.

Neil acquired his love of flying at a young age and went on to earn his pilots license when he was just 16 years old. This love of flying pushed him to study aeronautical engineering at Purdue University on a US Navy scholarship in 1947.

The breakout of the Korean War meant an interruption to his studies and in 1949 he was sent overseas. As an active pilot for US Navy, he flew a total of 78 missions during the war.

After he finished his studies, Neil joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later was changed to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

As part of his employment with NASA he worked as a test pilot, he worked on and tested the X-15 high speed aircraft which reached a top speed of 4,000 miles per hour.

1969 was to be Armstrongs most extraordinary year. Along with Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin he led NASA's first manned mission to the moon. It was here that he said his now famous line, That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind as he made his famous first step on the moon.

Armstrong remained with NASA until 1971 where he worked as the deputy associate administrator for aeronautics. He followed this up by becoming a professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati. One of his most difficult professional times was when he served as vice chairman of the Presidential Commission 1986. Armstrong along with the committee led the investigation into the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger, which claimed the lives of its entire crew.

In August 2012 he underwent bypass surgery to relieve coronary artery disease, unfortunately he developed complications due to the surgery and died on August 25, aged 82.

In a statement released by his family they stated the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.

Limerick Astronomy Club meet the first Thursday of every month in room G10 in Mary I: email limerickastronomyclub @gmail.com
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After Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) threatened to sue Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) for defamation, Rep. Lieu told Nunes to shove it.

Rep. Lieu tweeted both the first page of the letter from Nuness lawyer and his reply:

Attached is the first page of a five page letter in which the lawyer for @DevinNunes threatens that Rep Nunes will sue me. Attached is my response. pic.twitter.com/bWAqdRhq97  Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) January 17, 2020

Lieu closes his reply by writing, I welcome any lawsuit from your client and look forward to taking discovery of Congressman Nunes. Or, you can take your letter and shove it.

This whole fiasco began when Rep. Lieu accused Nunes of conspiring with Lev Parnas:

Amazing Lev Parnas interview on #Maddow. Also, Im disclosing that the lawyer for @DevinNunes wrote a letter saying Rep Nunes will sue me if I didnt apologize for saying last month that Nunes conspired with Parnas. Devin, Im adding to my statement: Your pants are on fire. https://t.co/2nptREunSk  Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) January 16, 2020

According to Parnas, Nunes was conspiring with him on the Ukraine plot, We dont have too much of a relationship. We met several times at the Trump Hotel, but our relationship started getting basically where it expanded was when I introduced to his aide, Derek Harvey, and the reason why Derek Harvey I was told because Devin Nunes had an ethics, an ethics committee, he couldnt be in the spotlight. He was kind of shunned a little bit and that he was looking into this Ukraine stuff also, wanted to help out.

Nunes was conspiring with Parnas, and if he really wants to sue Rep. Lieu, he can, but he is not going to like where it goes when Lieu starts forcing him to turn over information in discovery.

Devin Nunes is Trumps corrupt House boy. He is already on thin ice, and Rep. Lieu spoke for most Americans when he told Nunes attorney to shove it.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

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President Donald Trump recounted the minutes leading up to the deadly US strike on top Iranian leader Qassem Soleimani during remarks to GOP donors at his Florida resort on Friday night, according to CNN.

The president recalled how US military officials counted down the seconds leading up to the strike, which also killed a top Iraqi militant leader and several others, outside the Baghdad International airport.

Trump remarked that he assassinated "two for the price of one" and noted that the strike, which dramatically escalated tensions between the US and Iran, "shook up the world."

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

President Donald Trump recounted the minutes leading up to the deadly US strike on top Iranian leader Qassem Soleimani during remarks to Republican donors at his Florida resort on Friday night, according to an audio recording obtained by CNN.

Trump told the crowd at a GOP fundraising event at Mar-a-Lago that Soleimani, Iran's top military general and the second-most powerful leader in the country, was "saying bad things about our country" before the strike.

"How much of this shit do we have to listen to?" Trump said, according to CNN. "How much are we going to listen to?"

The president recalled how US military officials counted down the seconds leading up to the strike, which also killed a top Iraqi militant leader and several others, outside the Baghdad International airport.

"They're together sir," Trump said he was told of the two leaders. "Sir, they have two minutes and 11 seconds. No emotion. '2 minutes and 11 seconds to live, sir. They're in the car, they're in an armored vehicle. Sir, they have approximately one minute to live, sir. 30 seconds. 10, 9, 8 ...' "

He went on, "Then all of a sudden, boom. 'They're gone, sir. Cutting off.' "

Story continues

Trump remarked that he assassinated "two for the price of one" and noted that the strike, which dramatically escalated tensions between the US and Iran, "shook up the world." And the president reportedly called Soleimani a "noted terrorist" who "was down on our list" of enemies.

The administration hasn't released any evidence to support the claim that Iran was planning such an attack on the embassy, or any other imminent attack. And Defense Secretary Mark Esper said he hadn't seen any intelligence backing up Trump's claim that Soleimani had been planning attacks on four US embassies.

Read the original article on Business Insider
By Express News Service

VIJAYAWADA: Kadiyam station in Rajahmundry section of Vijayawada Division earned a rare distinction of being the first Energy Neutral station in the entire South Central Railway zone by meeting all its electricity demands through solar energy. This rare feat is accomplished with the installation of 10 kWp On-Grid Solar power plant on the rooftop of building with bi-directional net-metering.

The station runs on solar energy during the day and excess units generated from the solar plant are fed to DISCOM (Distribution Companies) through net-metering. Similarly, during the night the power requirement for the station is taken from DISCOM, which will be deducted from unites supplied to DISCOM during the day, hence the energy consumption charges paid to DISCOM remains zero.

As per the information provided by the SCR officials, the solar power plant was installed at a cost of Rs 6.5 Lakh with 25 years warranty period for solar panels and the payback period is just four years by saving Rs 1.6 Lakh per annum.

This solar plant is also resulting in a reduction of 14.7 tonnes of carbon footprints per annum. The station is already equipped with energy-efficient electrical equipment like LED lights, BLDC (Brushless DC electric motor) fans, star rated pumps to minimize the electrical consumption. An action plan was formulated by SCR to convert one station in each division into Energy Neutral Station during the year 2019-20.

Accordingly, first, in South Central Railway, Kadiyam station in Vijayawada Division is declared as Energy Neutral station by SCR General Manager Gajanan Mallya in the presence of Principal Chief Electrical Engineer (PCEE) AA Phadke last month during the annual inspection of Duvvada-Rajahmundry section. On similar lines, Dwarapudi and Godavari stations were also developed as Energy Neutral Stations. As a result, Vijayawada Division has successfully converted three stations as Energy Neutral Stations as against the target of one for the year 2019-20.

Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) P Srinivas complimented Senior Divisional Electrical Engineers (DEE) MV Venkata Ramana and his team for their dedicated hard work and achieving this rare feat. DRM also said such cost-efficient initiatives not only brings down the maintenance cost but also contributes to a clean and green environment.
A father-of-three who once rescued his neighbour from a burning house has been spared a prison sentence for taking advantage of a Good Samaritan and repeatedly stealing from his bank account.

Darren Kyle Hunter, 31, was involved in an incident at Spearwood Tavern in April 2017 and was helped by a man who offered his iPhone so Hunter could call a taxi, the Western Australia District Court heard on Friday.

But Hunter stole the phone, then accessed the victim's bank account through an app to pay the taxi driver.

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Darren Kyle Hunter, 31, helped a neighbour steal $17,000 after a Good Samaritan lent Hunter his phone so he could call a taxi

Hunter later showed his neighbour how to withdraw money from the victim's ATM, prompting the neighbour to steal $500.

The neighbour then accessed the victim's account to redraw $17,000 and withdrew $2000 before the transaction was reported as fraudulent.

Around the same time, a further $500 was transferred into a bank account belonging to Hunter's wife.

Hunter initially denied any involvement but later pleaded guilty to one count of stealing and four counts of fraud.

Hunter initially made headlines last year after he smashed a glass door and dragged an unconscious 60-year-old woman from a burning home

He initially made headlines last year after he smashed a glass door and dragged an unconscious 60-year-old woman from a burning home in Mandurah.

The court heard Hunter, who has a criminal record and has been an alcohol and drug user, had turned his life around since September 2017 when he had a naltrexone implant.

'I do accept that you've had some real problems coping and you've felt left out of the world a great deal,' Judge Wendy Gillan said.

'But the psychologist quite rightly points out your strong desire to make positive changes in your life.

'But also, you did take advantage of someone who was doing you a kindness, and your offending did continue over some time, and you did bring in your neighbour.'

Hunter was sentenced to 18 months behind bars, suspended for 12 months.

'You've done very well to turn your life around. I'd like to see you continue with that. I don't want to see you back here,' Judge Gillan said.
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After 30 years, Hank Azaria will no longer voice Indian immigrant and Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu on The Simpsons.

The 55-year-old actor told Slashfilms the news on Friday, though he will continue to voice other characters on the long running Fox show.

In recent years the character Apu has come under fire for perpetuating racial stereotypes and Azaria has openly expressed willingness to step aside

Despite the characters South Asian ethnicity, Azaria comes from a Sephardic Jewish family and himself described the accent he gave Apu as 'stereotypical.'

In the actor's statement it was unclear as to what the fate of the character might be, and if the role would be recast or written out.

Apu no more: Hank Azaria revealed on Friday that he will no longer voice Indian immigrant and Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu on the Simpsons after 30 years

'All we know there is I wont be doing the voice anymore, unless theres some way to transition it or something,' Azaria said. 'We all made the decision together We all agreed on it. We all feel like its the right thing and good about it.'

He added: 'What theyre going to do with the character is their call. Its up to them, and they havent sorted it out yet. All weve agreed on is I wont do the voice anymore.'

Will Apu be back?In the actors statement it was unclear the fate of the character, if the role would be recast or written out

Azaria first debuted as the character during season one in 1990.

Accusations against the show of perpetuating stereotypes heightened in 2017 with the release of documentary The Problem With Apu.

The doc's writer Hari Kondabolu told BBC '[Apu's] funny, but that doesnt mean this representation is accurate or right or righteous. It gets to the insidiousness of racism, though, because you dont even notice it when its right in front of you.'

Azaria expressed on Late Show with Stephen Colbert that he was 'perfectly willing to step aside,' as he worried about doing harm by reinforcing stereotypes.

While creator Matt Groening brushed off concerns with Apu in 2018 and told USA Today 'I think it's a time in our culture where people love to pretend they're offended.'




Haiti - FLASH : Arrest of the 2nd Secretary of the Embassy of Haiti in DR





Friday morning, the Haitian-Dominican Kerby Alcante Desormeaux (born in Haiti), 2nd Secretary at the Embassy of Haiti in the Dominican Republic, who was the subject of a wanted poster (# SEI / 12-23-004 ) of the Investigation and Investigation Service (ESI) of the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) in the context of a corruption scandal involving 7 employees of diplomatic staff https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29569-haiti-flash-7-employees-of-diplomatic-staff-suspected-of-corruption-in-dr.html , was arrested at Toussaint Louverture International Airport by immigration officials, when he returned from the Dominican Republic on an Air Century flight.



Recall that Kerby Alcante Desormeaux also known as Kerby Alcantara Desormeaux (Dominican entrepreneur), is accused of forgery and use of false in the context of an investigation by the Investigation and Investigation Service of the ULCC. He had already been arrested on December 30, 2019 and then released a few hours later on the orders of Me Jacques Lafontant, Commissioner a.i. of the Government of Port-au-Prince.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29569-haiti-flash-7-employees-of-diplomatic-staff-suspected-of-corruption-in-dr.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29586-haiti-flash-the-chancellery-reframes-the-ulcc-in-the-case-of-corruption-of-diplomats-in-dr.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29509-haiti-flash-the-unit-against-corruption-has-taken-up-the-case-of-the-consul-of-haiti-in-santiago.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29469-haiti-diplomacy-incident-involving-the-consul-of-santiago-the-chancery-precise.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29458-haiti-flash-towards-a-new-scandal-in-haitian-diplomacy.html



SL/ HaitiLibre


















Sofia Cautious On Reports Tying Soleimani To 2012 Bulgaria Bombing

By Ron Synovitz Boris Mitov January 17, 2020

SOFIA -- International media organizations have reported on ties between assassinated Iranian Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani and a 2012 terrorist bombing in Bulgaria that killed five Israeli tourists and their Bulgarian bus driver.

But Bulgaria's current political leadership and its judicial system are not making the link -- backtracking from statements made by previous government officials.

"We cannot make such a connection," Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov told reporters in Sofia last week after consultations with his National Security Advisory Council.

"This is related to a publication in foreign media that is making this link, and it is retransmitted here in Bulgaria," Borisov said. "So the more quiet and the more careful we are in our statements.... Peace and diplomacy are our aims."

Borisov did not specify which "foreign media" he was referring to that was linking the 2012 bus bombing to Soleimani, who was killed on January 3 by a U.S. air strike near Baghdad International Airport.

Iran's alleged links to the July 18, 2012, suicide bombing at Burgas Airport have been reported by The New York Times, the BBC, Britain's The Guardian, The Jerusalem Post, France24 television, and others.

Those reports implicate Soleimani through his ties to proxy fighters in the military wing of Lebanon's Iranian-funded Hizballah.

As commander of Iran's Quds Force, the foreign operations branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), Soleimani had coordinated operations involving Hizballah. He also was responsible for coordinating operations with Tehran's other proxy militias in the region -- in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and the Palestinian territories.

Both Iran and the Lebanese Shi'ite militant group deny any involvement in the Bulgarian bombing.

But the Burgas bombing has played a role in a European Union decision to blacklist Hizballah's military wing as a terrorist organization.

Senior officials in previous Bulgarian governments also have accused Hizballah of carrying out the bus bombing in the Black Sea resort city.

In February 2013, Bulgaria's then-Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov announced that two suspected accomplices in the attack were Hizballah operatives of Lebanese descent.

In July 2013, on the first anniversary of the bombing, Bulgaria's Interior Ministry said it had no doubt the Iranian-funded Hizballah was behind the attack.

It said intelligence agencies from other European Union countries, the United States, Israel, Australia, Canada, and Lebanon had all helped in the investigation.

Bulgarian prosecutors and the state security agency DANS later identified the suspected accomplices as Meliad Farah, an Australian, and Canadian Hassan El Hajj Hassan.

Bulgarian investigators in 2014 also announced that the suicide bomber had been identified through DNA analysis of his fingers as Lebanese-born French citizen Muhammad Hassan el-Husseini.

They said Husseini was using a fake driver's license from the U.S. state of Michigan with the name Jacque Felipe Martin when he carried out the attack.

Bulgaria has issued warrants for the arrests of both suspected accomplices and has notified Interpol that they are wanted for extradition.

Both are thought to have lived in Lebanon for several years before the attack but are no longer residing there. Their current whereabouts are unknown.

In early 2018, a special court in Sofia began a trial in absentia against them.

That court is allowing civil claims of more than $60 million to be made against the suspects.

But the Bulgarian court is refusing to allow financial claims against Hizballah on the grounds that Hizballah was not named in the indictments.

Relatives of the Israeli victims are demanding that the Bulgarian court also hold Hizballah accountable -- urging in July for the Bulgarian government to "overcome its political considerations and add the Hizballah terrorist group to the indictment."

Israel was the first to blame Iran, claiming just a day after the bombing that the attack had been carried out under orders from Tehran by Iran's proxy fighters in Hizballah.

Israeli intelligence reportedly received that information from an informant within Hizballah.

Israel said it was just one in a series of terrorist attacks around the world carried out by Iran's Quds Force and Hizballah operatives.

"The time has come for all countries that know the truth to speak it," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on July 19, 2012. "Yesterday's attack in Bulgaria was perpetrated by Hizballah, Iran's leading terrorist proxy."

The New York Times reported the same day that senior officials in then-U.S. President Barack Obama's administration had corroborated Netanyahu's accusations -- saying the suicide bomber was a member of a Hizballah cell in Bulgaria that was looking for Israeli targets.

One U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The New York Times that the attack was carried out by a Hizballah bomber "acting under broad guidance" from the militant group's main sponsor, Iran, to strike Israeli targets when opportunities become available.

Washington also has linked the Burgas bus bombing to a wave of attempted attacks by Hizballah operatives under the Quds Force command who "have been caught preparing attacks as far afield as Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Cyprus, Egypt, Peru, and Thailand."

Israel says a coordinated twin magnet-bomb attack against Israeli motorists in Tbilisi and New Delhi in February 2012 also was part of the global terrorist campaign by Hizballah and the Quds Force.

Such attacks are seen as retaliation by Tehran, which blames Israel for the February 2008 assassination in Damascus of Imad Mughniyeh, Hizballah's second-in-command, and the killings of four Iranian nuclear scientists from 2010-2012.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/sofia-cautious-on- reports-tying-soleimani-to-2012-b ulgaria-bombing/30383260.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.

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House Democrats were preparing to outline their case for removing President Donald Trump from office in a legal brief due Saturday, as opposing sides in the impeachment case look ahead to the opening of the historic trial in the Senate.

Trump on Friday appointed several nationally known lawyers to the team that will defend him in the proceedings, set to open Tuesday afternoon.

The submission of the legal brief, due by 5 pm Saturday, follows the latest revelations in the case against Trump.

Democrats on Friday released more information documents, text messages, audio and photos turned over by Lev Parnas, an indicted associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani.

The release included multiple photos of Parnas, a Soviet-born Florida businessman, posing with Giuliani or Trump or Donald Trump Jr., the president's son.

It included messages between Parnas and a staff member for Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., a Trump ally who opposes the president's impeachment by the House.

Parnas appeared to be connecting the staff member to Ukrainian officials who pushed unfounded corruption allegations against former Vice President Joe Biden.

The documents also raised more questions about the surveillance and security of former Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch. In them, an unidentified individual with a Belgian country code appears to describe Yovanovitch's movements.

The document release followed Thursday's announcement by the Government Accountability Office that the White House violated federal law by withholding congressionally approved security aid to Ukraine, which shares a border with a hostile Russia.

In response, the White House disagreed and said it does not have to follow decisions by the accountability office because it is an arm of Congress. White House officials also have noted that Trump eventually sent the USD 400 million in aid to Ukraine.

But the GAO report and Parnas documents intensified the pressure senators have been under to call more witnesses for the trial, a major source of disagreement between Democrats and Republicans that has yet to be resolved.

The White House has instructed officials to disregard subpoenas from Congress seeking for them to appear as witnesses or turn over documents or other information.

Trump on Friday named Ken Starr, the prosecutor whose investigation two decades ago led to the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, along with former Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz, to his defense team.

The additions bring experience in the of impeachment as well as constitutional law to Trump's made-for-TV legal team. Both Starr and Dershowitz have been fixtures on Fox Channel, Trump's preferred television network.

Dershowitz said he will deliver constitutional arguments defending Trump from allegations that he abused his power.

Trump is also accused of obstructing Congress as it sought to investigate pressure he applied on Ukraine's president to announce an investigation into Trump's political rivals as the president withheld the security aid and a White House meeting as leverage.

Trump says he did nothing wrong and argues that Democrats have been out to get him since before he took office.

A legal brief from the White House laying out the contours of Trump's defense was due by noon Monday, and White House attorneys and Trump's outside legal team have been debating just how political the document should be.

Some in the administration have echoed warnings from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., that the pleadings must be sensitive to the Senate's more staid traditions and leave some of the sharper rhetoric exhibited during the House proceedings to Twitter and cable

Dershowitz is a constitutional expert whose expansive views of presidential powers echo those of Trump. Starr is a veteran of Washington's partisan battles after leading the investigation into Clinton's affair with a White House intern.

The House impeached Clinton, who then was acquitted at his Senate trial. Trump is expecting the same outcome from the Republican-led chamber.

Still, the lead roles for Trump's defense will be played by White House counsel Pat Cipollone and Trump personal lawyer Jay Sekulow, who also represented Trump during special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation.

Dershowitz sought to play down his role in the case in the hours after he was named to the team, saying he would be present for just about an hour to make the constitutional arguments.

I'm not a full-fledged member of the defense team," he told "The Dan Abrams Show" on SiriusXM.

White House lawyers succeeded in keeping Trump from adding House Republican lawmakers to the defense team, but they also advised him against tapping Dershowitz, according to two people who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal discussions.

They're concerned about the professor's association with Jeffrey Epstein, the financier who killed himself in a New York City jail cell last summer while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

A Fox host said on the air that Starr would be parting ways with the network as a result of his role on the legal team.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Democratic presidential candidate and billionaire Michael Bloomberg was flummoxed by a San Francisco's subway turnstile Friday, despite his famously taking the subway to work while he was mayor of New York City.

Bloomberg was in the midst of a tour of the Bay Area when he, and a gaggle of aides and press, descended into a San Francisco BART - Bay Area Rapid Transit - station to hop a ride to nearby Oakland, California, Friday morning.

In a video, shot and tweeted out by San Francisco Chronicle reporter Joe Garofoli, Bloomberg can be seen holding a plastic Clipper fare card as he approaches a subway turnstile.

Much cleaner. Much more modern. @MikeBloomberg on how BART compares to NYC subway after he rides from SF to Oakland pic.twitter.com/ZTbF7oCs1p  Joe Garofoli (@joegarofoli) January 17, 2020

Michael Bloomberg was caught on video attempting to insert a contactless fare card into a turnstile while at a San Francisco BART station Friday

It took several seconds before an aide rushed over and showed him where to tap the card

Bloomberg was trying to use the BART to get from San Francisco to Oakland, California

Bloomberg's forward motion comes to an abrupt halt, though, as his attempt to get through the turnstile is stymied by his not knowing how to use the fare card properly.

Instead of 'tagging' the contactless Clipper card on the designated spot on the top of the turnstile, Bloomberg tries to shove the card into a slot on the side of the machine.

It takes several seconds for an aide to rush over and show him what he needs to do with the card, before he's able to make it through the turnstile.

The San Francisco Chronicle pointed out that Bloomberg was attempting to put the Clipper card into the slot where paper tickets are supposed to go.

Bloomberg posted this photo of himself at the subway station and said that he is a 'big believer in public transportation'

Bloomberg also noted that reducing carbon pollution by investing in public transportation is part of his campaigning points

Bloomberg is seen here in 2014, after successfully swiping his MetroCard through a New York City subway station turnstile

Bloomberg (in 2002) is seen riding a New York City subway. He famously used the train to get to work and home while he was mayor

Bloomberg posted a photo of himself at the BART station on Instagram, writing that he's 'a big believer in public transportation and its ability to reduce our carbon footprint. Thats why Im making investing in public transportation a centerpiece of my strategy for cutting U.S. carbon pollution by 50% by 2030.'

Bloomberg was known for taking the subway to work while he was mayor of New York City from 2002 to 2013. But, unlike in San Francisco, the MTA requires passengers to swipe a MetroCard through a reader on the top of the turnstile.

The billionaire's BART issue, however, echoed a similar subway fare payment problem that Hillary Clinton had in New York City in 2016, when she was on the campaign trail prior to the 2016 presidential election.

Clinton, surrounded by press and aides, was caught on camera, suffering the humiliation of having to swipe her MetroCard through the turnstile nearly five times before it went through while she was at a subway station in the Bronx.

Bloomberg took the BART to Oakland, where he met with Mayor Libby Schaaf outside the popular Beautys Bagel Shop, before heading to Monterey, California, where he talked about climate change and his plans to plans for reducing carbon emissions and protecting natural resources, according to the Mercury News.
Local supporters plan to join hundreds of thousands of pro-life activists by taking to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Friday to commemorate the 47th March for Life.

The annual event protests Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Courts 1973 landmark ruling that legalized abortion in the U.S.

For Rosemary Moenssen, a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, attending the annual March for Life is something she automatically adds to her calendar. She has made the trip for more than 15 years, traveling the 13 to 14 hours on a bus throughout the night to arrive in Washington the next morning.

We are totally exhausted when we arrive, said Moenssen. It is a great trip though as we spend the travel time praying, watching pro-life films and getting to know the others on the bus.

On a couple of the trips, we were fortunate to have young women with us who shared their personal experiences having undergone abortions. They confided in us how they coped with their decisions and then what it took to bring about healing and forgiveness, she said.

Moenssen said that, in the beginning, the bus demographics consisted of about 75 percent adults and 25 percent students, but now that has changed to reflect the opposite.

This is a promising time for the future of the pro-life movement, she said.

A family tradition

A few years after my first trip to Washington D.C., my oldest daughter and sometimes her husband and their daughter would make the trip from their home in North Carolina to join me. My daughter has since become very involved in the pro-life movement and she blames it all on me.

As Moenssen turns 80 in March, she no longer wishes to endure the lengthy bus trip, so she will fly to this year, where her daughter will pick her up from the airport and they will continue their March for Life tradition.

According to Dan Miller, state director for Milwaukee-based Pro-Life Wisconsin, the interest in eradicating abortion has grown and more busloads than ever are transporting pilgrims to this type of event.

Pro-Life Wisconsin will bring three buses to Washington, D.C., and we brought eight buses to the Chicago event, he said. I attribute this increase in attendees to people waking up to this evil.

Predict the end of Rove v. Wade

With several states such as New York, Virginia, New Jersey and others passing pro-abortion laws, allowing abortions up to birth as well as infanticide, Miller said states are doing so because they see the end to Roe v. Wade in their future.

It was spelled out from the beginning in cases such as Doe v. Bolton and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. Roe v. Wade was vague in the definition of health of the mother. Subsequent Supreme Court cases that came later to define the health of the mother, opened up abortion to all nine months, he said.

They did say in the subsequent cases that states could regulate abortion the third trimester and we have seen instances of that in great examples in the partial birth abortion ban, but essentially all that happened with that ban is they told them how you cant kill the baby. They found another way to do it to get around the law, Miller said. A misnomer about the whole partial birth abortion ban is that it doesnt outlaw the practice in general, it outlaws it in a very specific way.

What Miller is seeing are the egregious attempts to overtake state legislation by creating pro-abortion states and sanctuary cities of abortion.

Becoming more involved

Moenssen said she is encouraged by the growing number of younger people involved in the pro-life movement and believes they will be instrumental in changing the hearts, minds and laws of the country.

In the meantime, we can continue to pray and participate in pro-life activities, she said. I have a special fondness for newborns and wanted to do even more in that respect.

I heard about our local crisis pregnancy center, CareNet Family Resource Center about 10 years ago. After learning more about their mission and going through their special training, I became a volunteer educator at the Kenosha Clinic, Moenssen said. What I discovered was that although loving babies and children is certainly important in this position, it is equally important to love and care for their moms and dads who are seeking healthy and safe lives for their children.

Knows their efforts have an impact

While it is not always apparent whether attending the March for Life or praying outside an abortion clinic makes a difference, Moenssen knows her efforts have had an impact.

Shortly after moving back to Wisconsin in 1995 from Michigan, I was encouraged by my soon-to-be Washington, D.C., travel companion to pray in front of the Planned Parenthood facility in Kenosha. I was a bit nervous at first but was determined to stick with it because of my love for babies, she explained.

A few years ago, when a small group of us were again praying, a young woman came up to us. She was just standing near us and watching us pray. Finally, I asked if we could help her. She said that four years previously, she has driven past the corner. When she saw our signs and noticed we were praying, she changed her mind about having an abortion.

She then said, I want to thank you for saving my 4-year-okd son. We were speechless and brought to tears. That single moment makes all of our efforts worthwhile, Moenssen said.

On another occasion, a woman stopped her car and thanked Moenssen and the other volunteers for saving the life of her grandchild who was due to be born the next spring.

Her daughter had contemplated aborting her unborn child and changed her mind after seeing us praying outside the Planned Parenthood facility, she said, adding, This is why we continue to pray in the snow, in the rain, in the heat or gloom of night.

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TORONTO and NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sprott Inc. (TSX: SII) (Sprott) announced today that it has successfully completed its previously announced acquisition by Sprott Asset Management LP (SAM) of Tocqueville Asset Management LP (Tocqueville) gold strategies for total consideration of up to US$50 million, comprised of a payment at closing of US$12.5 million in cash and US$2.5 million in Sprott common shares based on a five-day volume weighted adjusted price. Tocqueville is also eligible to receive contingent consideration valued at up to an additional US$30 million in cash and Sprott common shares valued at US$5 million, subject to the achievement of certain financial performance conditions over the two years following closing. This transaction adds approximately C$2.3 billion (US$1.8 billion) to Sprotts total Assets Under Management (AUM).



The completion of this acquisition is a significant milestone for Sprott and the result of months of integration and planning, said Whitney George, President of Sprott. With the addition of John Hathaway and Douglas Groh, we believe we now have the worlds leading gold investment team in terms of sector experience, depth and technical expertise.

We are delighted to join Sprott, a globally-recognized organization with a long history in precious metals investments, said John Hathaway, Senior Portfolio Manager of Sprott. We believe that combining our teams will enhance our investment capabilities and sector expertise as we continue to seek out compelling long-term opportunities for our clients.

This acquisition adds meaningful scale to our managed equities business and complements our other resource investment strategies at a time when gold is becoming an increasingly important component of investors portfolios, said Peter Grosskopf, CEO of Sprott. Sprott has now built a global full service platform to offer a broad spectrum of precious metal investment strategies, ranging from bullion to private equity, to investors in North America, Europe, the United Kingdom and Asia.

Preliminary AUM Update

Sprott estimates that its AUM as of January 17, 2020, is approximately C$14.8 billion (US$11.3 billion) (unaudited), an increase of approximately 40% from December 31, 2018. In addition to the acquisition of the Tocqueville gold strategies in Sprotts Managed Equities segment, the increase is largely attributable to market value increases in Sprotts Exchange Listed Products segment and new capital raised in the Companys Lending segment.

Fund Reorganization and Name Changes

Effective January 17, 2020, both classes of the Tocqueville Gold Fund (TGLDX and TGLIX) have been successfully reorganized into classes of the Sprott Gold Equity Fund (SGDLX and SGDIX). The Falcon Gold Equity UCITS Fund has been renamed the Sprott Falcon Gold Equity UCITS Fund and Sprott will also sub-advise the Falcon Gold Equity Fund.

About Sprott

Sprott is an alternative asset manager and a global leader in precious metal and real asset investments. Through its subsidiaries in Canada, the US and Asia, Sprott is dedicated to providing investors with specialized investment strategies that include Exchange Listed Products, Lending, Managed Equities and Brokerage. Sprotts common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol (TSX:SII). For more information, please visit www.sprott.com .

Investors should carefully consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other important information is contained in the fund prospectus which should be considered carefully before investing. Call 888.622.1813 to obtain the prospectus. Sprott Global Resource Investments Ltd. is the Funds distributor.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking information (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. 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, intends, anticipates, or believes or variations (including negative 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. In particular, but without limiting the forgoing, this press release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to the acquisition of the Tocqueville gold strategies asset management business, the AUM added as a result of the transaction, the impact of certain portfolio managers joining SAM and the impact of the transaction on Sprotts business and strategies. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Sprott to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risk and uncertainties that are inherent in the nature of the transaction, including: failure to realize anticipated synergies; risks regarding integration; incorrect assessments of the values of the acquired assets and revenue growth of Sprott. As a result of the foregoing, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release concerning the completion of the transaction or the timing thereof.

Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release and Sprott disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. 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. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances, managements estimates or opinions should change, except as required by securities legislation. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Investor contact information:

Glen Williams

Managing Director

Investor Relations & Corporate Communications

(416) 943-4394

gwilliams@sprott.com

Media contact information:

Dan Gagnier / Jeff Mathews

Gagnier Communications

(646) 569-5897

sprott@gagnierfc.com
Demonstrators shouted slogans denouncing the police, President Macron and his pension reforms on Saturday.

French police have fired tear gas at protesters hurling projectiles and arrested dozens of people as thousands of yellow vest anti-government protesters returned to the streets of Paris.

Demonstrators on Saturday shouted slogans denouncing the police, President Emmanuel Macron and his pension reforms that have triggered the longest French transport strike in decades, which has snarled public transportation for millions of commuters in the French capital for 45 days.

With sirens wailing, dozens of vans carrying riot police fanned out the route along which thousands of protesters marched.

Young people wearing masks shouted revolution as tear gas drifted by the Bastille, the square where the French revolution erupted in 1789.

The street is ours, some protesters chanted. Macron, were going to come for you, in your home.

At the Gare de lEst railway station, dustbins were set on fire and windows were broken, according to local broadcaster Franceinfo. Fires were also reported near the Gare de Lyon.

The police said at least 32 people were arrested.

https://twitter.com/sahouraxo/status/1218574334844973057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

While the Yellow Vest movement has held demonstrations every Saturday since November 2018, the numbers have swelled in recent weeks as union members opposed to Macrons proposed pension reform have also taken to the street.

The Yellow Vests are named after the high-visibility security bibs drivers in France are required to keep in their car and accuse Macron of ruling on behalf of an urban elite while ignoring people in the provinces and the countryside.

The march came a day after Macron and his wife Brigitte had to be rushed briefly from a Paris theatre after protesters tried to burst in and disrupt the performance.

Musicians perform in front of the Palais Garnier during a demonstration of striking employees of the Opera Garnier and the Comedie Francaise [Stephane de Sakutin/ AFP]

Macrons reforms aim to forge a single pensions system from the countrys 42 separate regimes.

The various systems currently in place offer early retirement and other benefits to some public-sector workers as well as lawyers, physical therapists and even Paris Opera employees.

Critics say the reforms will effectively force millions of people to work longer for a smaller pension.

Annie Moukam, a 58-year-old teacher, said too many people in France were suffering.

Were suffocating with this government who wants to put us on our knees, Moukam said.

Its out of the question that he [Macron] touches our pensions. We have worked all our lives to be able to leave with a dignified retirement, she said. Its exactly that that he is challenging.

However, after six weeks of labour strikes, there are mounting signs of splits within the movement.

Train services that had been severely disrupted by walkouts had seen notable improvements in recent days. On Saturday, Pariss metro drivers union, UNSA, announced that drivers had voted to suspend their action starting on Monday.

The Louvre in Paris, the worlds most visited museum, reopened on Saturday after being shut down by workers opposed to the pension overhaul.
By PTI

SURAT: Union Minister of State for MSME Pratap Chandra Sarangi on Saturday said the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was a way to "atone for the sin of Partition" committed by the Congress.

He said the Act, which seeks to give citizenship to non-Muslim minorities when entered India before December 31, 2014, from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, should have been passed 70 years ago.

"CAA should have happened 70 years ago. CAA is a way to atone for sin committed by our forefathers, a select few leaders. It is atonement for the sin of Partition. And we should congratulate PM Narendra Modi for this. The Congress committed the sin, and we are atoning," Sarangi said.

He also said Partition, which took place on a communal basis, was "not unavoidable", and questioned then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for entering into an agreement with people who propounded the two-nation theory.

"The Partition did not take place on any political, economical, geographical, or historical basis. It was done on a communal basis. We never said we cannot live with Muslims. We lived with them for thousands of years," Sarangi said.

"But who compelled us enter into an agreement with the people who propounded the two-nation theory? Partition was not unavoidable. Who compelled Nehru? The country is nobody's paternal property. Nobody had the right to divide it," he added.

Sarangi said the religious division of the country caused crores of Hindus to stay back in Pakistan, and later in Bangladesh when Pakistan itself was broken up (in 1971), but the numbers of Hindus reduced due to "massive religious conversion, rapes, murders, atrocities, and forcible expulsions".

"Mahatma Gandhi had said it is the government's moral responsibility to provide citizenship and jobs to those who fled to India because of religious persecution. Our government passed CAA to give rights to minorities from those countries," he claimed.

Sarangi accused the Congress of spreading disinformation about the CAA and causing unrest in the country.

"Those who set the country on fire are not patriots. Those who do not accept India's freedom, unity, Vande Mataram, have no right to stay in the country. They should go wherever they can," he added.

Speaking on the economic downturn, Sarangi said the country was going through the "darkest time before dawn".

"Dawn is not far away. New developments are being initiated across the country. From MSME, animal husbandry to agriculture, new life has been infused in all departments. Even on the world level, there is infinite possibility of growth in trade and commerce, and this is going to happen. Our products are being marketed across the world," he claimed.

Sarangi said the global slowdown has impacted India but "despite that, our basic structure has not been destroyed and we will move ahead and achieve this on our own might."
Citing federal regulations, the University of Maryland said on Friday that it will close its Confucius Institute, the earliest of its kind in the United States.

Why it matters: It is the latest in a string of U.S. universities to end their partnerships with Chinese government-funded language and culture programs.

The big picture: Amid allegations of censorship and U.S. government scrutiny over its activities, these Chinese government-funded language and culture programs face growing barriers in the U.S.

On Jan. 17, University of Maryland President Wallace Loh wrote in a campus-wide email that it was no longer possible for the school's Confucius Institute (CI) to continue to operate, due to U.S. government regulations.

The program will close at the end of the 2019-2020 academic year.

In 2004, the University of Maryland became the first U.S. university to host a Confucius Institute. Now, it is only the latest school to close its Confucius Institute due to U.S. government pressure.

Confucius Institutes have faced growing criticism for censoring speech on U.S. campuses and for prohibiting politically sensitive topics in language classrooms.

Critics say the programs allow Chinas authoritarian government to censor American students on American campuses.

But proponents argue that Confucius Institutes offer valuable language education, particularly at schools that otherwise cant afford to offer Chinese language classes.

Details: The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act prohibited universities that receive funding for language programs through the Department of Defense from also accepting Chinese government funding for Confucius Institutes.

What theyre saying: After evaluating the impact of this legislation on UMD, it became evident that we can no longer host Confucius Institute at Maryland, wrote Loh. We have notified CI Headquarters in Beijing that we are ending our agreement.

Background: Confucius Institutes are funded by through the Chinese Ministry of Education, which also provides textbooks and teachers.

The institutes are embedded on the campuses of universities around the world. At their peak, there were over 100 such institutes as US colleges and universities.

The programs offer Chinese language and culture classes and programming.

The bottom line: Engagement with China was once seen in a positive light. But as Chinas government has taken a hard authoritarian turn, and as the U.S. mood toward China has soured, its gotten harder for joint U.S.-China programs to survive.

Go deeper:
The California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA) goes into effect in 2020, and other state and federal laws are on the horizon  but is it possible that these state laws will really provide us privacy?

For instance, how many readers take the time to read the privacy policy (or click agreement) when they download a new version of an app on their smartphone or tablet? Probably none. What are the consequences?

Well, we all know that it is great to share our GPS location with the apps so they know where we are to give directions on maps  or recommend restaurants, since the apps know our eating preferences. Given the use of cells, tablets and social media, everyone shares all kinds of personal data.

New laws will not replace the social needs we have created in using cells, tablets, and social media, because everyone shares that information for their personal convenience.

Where Do Laws Come From?

Its common knowledge that laws are based on what society thinks is socially acceptable in a particular community. What is socially acceptable in New York City dictates the laws in New York City, but whats acceptable in Beijing, Moscow or London may be different and dictate different laws. The local law makers (think legislatures or dictators) decide the law, and then the local court systems get to interpret the local laws when challenges are presented.

Privacy always has been important to people in the U.S., and since the Constitution was enacted in 1789, the First Amendment has allowed for free speech. The courts have interpreted what free speech is and how that relates to privacy, which may be at the heart of any particular dispute challenging the First Amendment.

The Federal Trade Commissions Role

The FTC is charged with protecting privacy in the U.S., and it regularly files lawsuits to enforce the federal privacy laws under the 1934 FTC Act. For instance, on July 24, 2019, the FTC announced a $5 billion penalty and sweeping new privacy restrictions on Facebook:The $5 billion penalty against Facebook is the largest ever imposed on any company for violating consumers privacy and almost 20 times greater than the largest privacy or data security penalty ever imposed worldwide. It is one of the largest penalties ever assessed by the U.S. government for any violation.Also, on Dec. 18, 2019, the FTC reached a settlement In the Matter of Cambridge Analytica, LLC, although the original complaint filed alleged that Cambridge Analytica employed deceptive tactics to harvest personal information from tens of millions of Facebook users for voter profiling and targeting.

Clearly the FTC actively is protecting privacy for U.S. citizens, but as states create their own privacy laws  like the CCPA  you should expect the courts to be involved in deciding which law applies to a particular alleged violation between the FTC Act and CCPA (and other laws that will be enacted in the future).

How Does the European Union GDPR Fit In?

The 2018 EU General Data Protection Regulation regulates the transfer of personal data outside of the EU and European Economic Area, and requires controllers of the EU personal data outside the EU to apply GDPR to allow EU citizens to opt out, delete data, and exercise the right to be forgotten.

A legal complication is whether the courts in the U.S. will enforce the GDPR for EU residents who happen to be in the U.S. At the time of writing this column we do not know, but at some point courts will let us know. So stay tuned.

Will Chinese Lack of Privacy Invade the US?

Chinese authorities are spying on nearly 1.4 billion people, The New York Times has reported, using both old and state-of-the-art technologies  such as phone scanners, facial-recognition cameras, face and fingerprint databases, and many others  to establish authoritarian control.

Can this happen in the U.S.? Probably not, given the FTC and state laws, but it is a scary threat  reminiscent of George Orwells Big Brother in Nineteen Eighty-Four  that keeps many people awake at night. How do people in China feel about the lack of privacy? Does anyone outside the country really know the answer?

China is a totalitarian state, not a democracy like the U.S., which of course makes a huge difference. The U.S. is governed by a constitution that provides all citizens rights and privileges, including privacy protection, which is regulated by the FTC as noted above.

Still, if people in the U.S. are not careful, they will they lose all privacy.

Does Big Data Compromise Privacy?

A few years ago, the FTC issued Big Data  A Tool of Inclusion or Exclusion,a report that highlights consumer privacy, particularly under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

You may not be aware that there are no laws in place to require data aggregators to verify the accuracy of the data that they buy and sell. So if your private data is included, and it is inaccurate, what can you do?

How Does Artificial Intelligence Affect Privacy?

AI relies on a machine learning process using big data, and the privacy question is whether the data contains your private information. How will that impact AI?

Its a good question. Think about the fact that McDonalds is turning to artificial intelligence and machine learning in the hopes of predicting what customers want before they decide, according to a New York Times report published on Oct. 22, 2019.

The article, entitled Would You Like Fries With That? McDonalds Already Knows the Answer includes these comments:Over the last seven months, McDonalds has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to acquire technology companies that specialize in artificial intelligence and machine learning. And the fast-food chain has even established a new tech hub in the heart of Silicon Valley  the McD Tech Labs  where a team of engineers and data scientists is working on voice-recognition software.

At some drive-throughs, McDonalds has tested technology that can recognize license-plate numbers, allowing the company to tailor a list of suggested purchases to a customers previous orders, as long as the person agrees to sign away the data.

As the evolution of the McDonalds drive-through shows, the internet shopping experience, with its recommendation algorithms and personalization, is increasingly shaping the world of brick-and-mortar retail. Restaurants, clothing stores, supermarkets and other businesses use new technology to collect consumer data and then deploy that information to encourage more spending.How do you feel about any retailer (no matter what product or service is involved) knowing so much about you and your private life?
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 18)  Very complex.

This was how a state volcanologist described the current developments around and in Taal Volcano in Batangas for the past three days.

Nandito tayo sa perception na humuhupa versus naman sa subsurface activity na hindi, Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum said in a briefing on Saturday.

[Translation: Our perception now is that the volcanos activity at the surface level is weakening versus the subsurface activity that it is not.]

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), in its latest advisory, said that Taal was having "infrequent weak explosions," emitting ash plumes up to 600 meters into the air, and sulfur dioxide at an average of 360 tons a day," lower compared to other days.

Despite these, Solidum said there is still no definite trend showing that Taals activities would stop anytime soon, meaning a hazardous eruption may still occur within hours to days.

Wala pa tayo nakikitang definite trend using our Taal volcano monitoring network na humina siya. At habang may paggalaw ng magma, 'di pa talaga siya humuhupa" Solidum said.

[Translation: We are not seeing any definite trend using our Taal volcano monitoring network that the volcano is calming down. And as long as there's movement of magma, the activity has not stopped.]

On Friday, Mariton Bornas, chief of Phivolcs Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division said that they were in talks with their international counterparts to get an outside-in perspective on Taals restlessness. Bornas said that so far they have not missed anything.

Solidum said that unlike other volcanoes in the Philippines such as Mt. Mayon, Taal erupts in a more complex way because of how its magma reaches the surface.

Lahat ng volcanoes sa Pilipinas  naggegenerate ng magma at ang magma ay didirecho sa ilalim ng bulkan at pupunta sa magma chamber. Kapag nagkaroon ng pressure doon, gagaan ang magma at aakyat kesa sa paligid. Almost ganoon din ang Mt. Pinatubo.

[Translation: All the volcanoes in the Philippines generate magma and this magma goes directly underneath the volcanoes and they get stored in magma chambers. Once theres pressure, the magma will weigh lighter, move upward and not go sideways. Mt. Pinatubo is almost like that.]

The scientist explained that Taal expanded when the Macolod Corridor or the rift zone which the small but destructive volcano is part of, collided with Mindoro Island.

Ang Taal, complex 'yan kasi overall ang Macolod Corridor, kasama Taal mayroong pagbuka ng kaunti. Di mapapansin na di yan delikado.

[Translation: Taal is complex because, overall the Macolod Corridor, which Taal is part of, has a small opening.]

He said that before the collision happened, Taals magma or hot liquid rock rose and escaped through vents and the main crater using a vertical tube like straw. Now that tube appears sideways and swollen, making the volcano unpredictable.

Yung source dati ng Taal na directly sa ilalim, noong bumangga sa Mindoro ay wala na directly sa ilalim pero ang pagsabog paling ang source.

Pero noong bumunggo ang Mindoro Island sa Batangas parang sinuntok 'yung pisngi, lalapad siya, magflatten at mag-eexpand ganoon nangyayari nag-eexpand.

[Translation: But when it collided with the Mindoro Island, Taal expanded like a swollen face after getting punched.]

After decades of slumber, Taal began spewing smoke and ash, which reached parts of Metro Manila on Sunday. On Monday, its activity progressed, emitting weak lava flow. But since Thursday, state volcanologists noted a quieter volcano but with frequent earthquakes.
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Linkedin Robert Hazell and Bob Morris (The Jakarta Post) -  Sat, January 18, 2020 10:56 724 48be62e941b44f04afae568c322a4842 3 Entertainment royals,Meghan-and-Harry,Meghan-Markle,Prince-Harry,United-Kingdom Free

Prince Harry and Meghan Markles decision to step back from royal duties has been described as a crisis for the monarchy, but they are the ones who are most likely to suffer the damage.

Members of the royal family are in a conflicted position. They lead lives of great privilege, but they also lack fundamental freedoms. They arent free to choose a career, they cannot speak freely and they have limited freedom to privacy and family life, which the rest of us take for granted.

Harry and Meghan are not alone in finding that frustrating, Prince Laurent of Belgium is another who is visibly unhappy in the role.

The harsh reality is that younger sons are spares who are ultimately dispensable from a hereditary monarchy: it is only those in direct line of succession who count. As spares they are subject to the same personal restrictions as the immediate heirs, without either the prospect of succession or the freedom to develop truly independent careers of their own.

Other European monarchies (encouraged by parsimonious governments and legislatures) have learned to keep the core team as small as possible. It can be just four people  in Norway and Spain it is the king and queen, the heir and their spouse. In 2019, the King of Sweden removed five grandchildren from the royal family, under parliamentary pressure to reduce its size and its cost.

The UK has a larger population  over ten times the size of Norway  and it could therefore be contended that it makes sense for its royal family to be larger to carry out necessary duties. A bigger team is also required given the realms: the queen is head of state of 15 countries other than the UK, and Prince Charles and his sons make regular visits to countries such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand. In total, 15 members of the British royal family conducted almost 4,000 royal engagements in 2019 alone.

Cutting the spares

Prince Charles is said to want a smaller, streamlined monarchy, perhaps just the core team of the queen, Charles and Camilla, William and Kate: but with a smaller team they could accept fewer royal patronages and fulfil far fewer engagements. It is not clear how far Prince Charles has thought through such consequences any more than Harry and Meghan have thought through the consequences for others of what they want.

The media has portrayed this as a crisis for the monarchy, and it is indeed a family crisis, but the monarchy as an institution will suffer no serious or lasting damage. Opinion polls consistently show between 70 and 80% support for preserving the monarchy  popularity ratings politicians would die for.

The damage is more likely to be suffered by Harry and Meghan, who may have misjudged the extent to which their celebrity is independent of their royal status. Their 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. 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.

Can you ever really leave?

There are two levels of difficulty. The first is sharing the load. All members of the royal family who carry out public duties do so on behalf of the queen, and must be willing to undertake their fair share of the duties assigned to them. The second is the risk that becoming financially independent will involve exploiting their royal titles and royal connections for commercial gain. Other members of the family who accept the constraints will understandably feel aggrieved if Harry and Meghan are allowed to pick and choose.

The Sussexes nevertheless deserve our sympathy. In a comparative study of the European monarchies, due to be published in our upcoming book The Role of Monarchy in Modern Democracy, we argue that it should be possible for minor royals to opt out of the gilded cage if they find the restrictions too great. But opting out would need to be total: giving up not just their public duties but their public funding, their royal titles, their security  trying as far as possible to become private people.

It would not be easy to undergo such a complete change of lifestyle. And it may not prove possible: the public might still consider them to be a royal couple, and the media might continue to portray them as such  keeping them in the spotlight, whether they want to be or not.

---

Robert Hazell, Professor of British Politics and Government & Director of the Constitution Unit, UCL and Bob Morris, Honorary Senior Research Associate, Constitution Unit, UCL

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. 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.
Raut is scheduled to address an event in Gogte Rangmandir auditorium this evening and his visit to Belgaum has evoked excitement among the local Marathi-speaking population.

Mumbai, Jan 18 (IANS) Anxiety gripped the Karnataka government and the police as Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday crossed the border from Maharashtra to enter Belgaum which is the subject of a bitter dispute between the two neighbouring states.

Not willing to take any chances, the Karnataka Police have permitted the Sena MP's entry and event on the condition that he will not speak on the lingering border dispute between the two states.

From the local airport to the Marriot hotel, Raut was taken under tight police security and the venue of his function in the evening has also been placed under stringent security measures. A large number of Shiv Sainiks who had come to welcome him were also dispersed by the police.

Raut's visit comes a day after Maharashtra Minister of State for Health Rajendra P. Yadravkar was on Friday prevented by the police from addressing a meeting of Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES).

Yadravkar, who was allowed to lay a wreath at the martyrs' memorial, was later escorted out of the city and dropped of at the state border, even as various Maharashtra parties like Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party and Congress accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Karnataka of playing foul.

The MES had organised its annual event to commemorate the first Samyukta Maharashtra Andolan of January 17, 1956, and pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives in the long struggle and Belgaum remains a bone of contention between the two states.

qn/kr
Union ministers will visit different districts in both the divisions of the Union Territory. (Photo Credit: PTI)

New Delhi:

A group of 35 Union Minister will start their seven-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir today. The ministers will visit different districts of newly-formed the Union Territory to spread words about government policies, particularly those taken after the abrogation of Article 370. According to sources, there will be eight visits to Srinagar and 51 to Jammu. Union Minister Ashwini Choubey is expected to visit Samba, Arjun Ram Meghwal to visit Samba's Puramandal area, while MoS for Development of North Eastern Region Jitendra Singh will visit the Jammu region.

Sources said that Railway Minister Piyush Goyal will visit Jammu's Akhnoor region while his cabinet colleague will be in Katra and Panthal areas in the Reasi district. Similarly, Mahendra Nath Pandey will be in Jammus Dansal and V Muraleedharan in Kathuas Bilwar.

Whereas Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy will be in Ganderbal on January 22 and Manigam on January 23, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will visit Sopore in Baramulla district on January 24.

General (retired) VK Singh is scheduled to visit Tikri in Udhampur on January 20 while Kiren Rijiju will go to Suchetgarh in Jammu on January 21.

Besides them, Union ministers Giriraj Singh, Anurag Thakur, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Pralhad Joshi, and Jitendra Singh are among other ministers who will visit different districts during the period.

Spread the message of development PM tells union ministers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday told the group of union ministers visiting Jammu and Kashmir to spread the message of development among the people not only in the urban areas but also in the villages of the Valley, sources said.

At a meeting of the Council of Ministers in New Delhi, the prime minister asked the ministers to spread the message of development during their interaction with the locals, the sources said.

He said the ministers should not restrict themselves to the urban areas but meet people in villages also to inform about the developmental work carried out by the central government in Jammu and Kashmir.

With PTI Inputs

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The police watchdog is under fire for a 'whitewash' report which cleared 17 officers of misconduct over a serial killer who murdered four young men.

The officers were accused of a series of blunders that may have hindered the investigation into Stephen Port, who went on a year-long killing spree before he was caught in September 2015.

All but two of the 17 officers investigated for alleged misconduct by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) refused to answer questions when quizzed by investigators.

The police watchdog is under fire for a 'whitewash' report which cleared 17 officers of misconduct over a serial killer who murdered four young men (stock image)

After an inquiry lasting three-and-a-half years, all were cleared of wrongdoing in the watchdog's initial response to the murders committed by Port.

The IOPC announced last July that no officers would be disciplined over the case.

The watchdog said its probe had identified 'systemic failings' within the Metropolitan Police, and nine officers had been told to 'improve their standards'.

But a well-placed source with knowledge of the IOPC investigation last night branded it a 'whitewash'.

And a barrister revealed that a former partner of one of Port's victims is sending a dossier on the watchdog's handling of the case to MPs investigating the running of the IOPC.

Met reports itself again over 'VIP ring' Scotland Yard has again reported itself to the police watchdog over claims of more blunders in the disastrous investigation into false allegations of a VIP paedophile ring. The Metropolitan Police confirmed it would make a voluntary referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over complaints that it failed to fully investigate two other men for lying about being abused as children. The news comes after the head of the force, Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick, was also referred to the IOPC for her involvement in Operation Midland. She was responsible for supervising the senior investigating officer in the case who said allegations made by fantasist Carl Beech  later found to be false  were 'credible and true'. A report by retired judge Sir Richard Henriques recommended that 'offences of attempting to pervert the course of justice be considered' against two men, known as A and B, who gave false accounts that appeared to back up Beech. Commenting on the new referral, the Met said: 'Records show a clear rationale for not commencing an investigation, but not of the explicit recording of this to the standard required.' Advertisement

The Port case is the second major embarrassment for the IOPC after it faced widespread criticism over its decision to clear five officers of alleged misconduct in Operation Midland, Scotland Yard's disastrous VIP child sex abuse inquiry into lies peddled by Carl Beech, the man once known as 'Nick'.

MPs announced in October that they will investigate the running of the watchdog, headed by former council boss Michael Lockwood, including its probe into Operation Midland.

Port, 44, from Barking, East London, was jailed for life in 2016 after being convicted of murdering four young men. He killed them by giving them overdoses of a date rape drug.

Between June 2014 and September 2015, he murdered Anthony Walgate, 23, Gabriel Kovari, 22, Daniel Whitworth, 21, and Jack Taylor, 25.

The first victim was found outside Port's flat and the other three either in or next to a nearby churchyard.

Anton Van Dellen, who is representing Ricky Waumsley, who had a relationship with Mr Whitworth, said: 'My client will be submitting evidence to the home affairs select committee on the following in their investigation into the IOPC: failure to engage with him, failure to respond to correspondence, failure to interview under caution, failure to recommend disciplinary action and the length of time taken to conclude investigation.'

An inquest next January into the deaths of Port's four murder victims will examine in detail alleged police failings.

The Metropolitan Police made a referral to the IOPC in October 2015 after identifying concerns about the initial investigations into the men's deaths.

Ten officers were served with misconduct notices and a further seven with gross misconduct notices.

The Port case is the second major embarrassment for the IOPC after it faced widespread criticism over its decision to clear five officers of alleged misconduct during Scotland Yard's disastrous VIP child sex abuse inquiry into lies peddled by Carl Beech

In response to questions about the Port case, the IOPC said: 'Our investigation report will be published at the conclusion of all proceedings.

'All 17 officers provided written accounts.

'One officer was not interviewed because their written account was sufficient; one gave answers to questions in interview; 15 officers gave no answers to any questions during interviews.'

Asked why it took so long to finish its inquiry, the IOPC added: 'Certain aspects of our investigation could not be completed until the criminal proceedings were concluded.'
Also history - of the living ilk - is this particular red-painted Dodge Viper, for two reasons: its the very first to leave the assembly line and it had one owner throughout its entire life. That owner is Lee Iacocca, who sadly passed away on July the 2nd, 2019.

The Dodge Viper came in a time when Chrysler was associated with people carriers and compact front-wheel drive cars. It was first shown in concept guise back in January 1989 after just one year under development and the first customers got their Vipers in the early months of 1992. The rest, as they say, is history.

Why isnt this thing in a museum by now?

Yes, we agree, the 001 VIN number (1B3BR65E5NV100001, more exactly) Viper should be kept in a museum, under some sort of bodyguard protection. Luckily, its not, so someone (rich) got the chance to buy it and, thus, own a piece of automotive history. Mind you, that didnt come cheap: according to Bonhams, the car sold for $285,500.

Coming back to the car itself, youre looking at a 1992 Dodge Viper RT/10 with less than 6,500 miles on the odometer, as per its card on the Bonhams website. Obviously, if theres any Dodge Viper worth having, this is the one. And not just because of its status as the first Viper to be produced, or its savage 8.0-liter, 400-horsepower V-10 developed with a lot of input from Lamborghini, or its immortal design, or the sheer rawness it offers.

This one was looked after and owned by none other than Lee Iacocca, who had massive input in the development of the Mustang during his time with Ford but also in Chryslers return to healthy business in the mid-1980s. He also gave the Viper the green light, albeit with some persuading from his good old friend Carroll Shelby.

Whats more, Iacocca was the man who made the Viper acquainted to the world during the 1990 Detroit Auto Show and the one who uttered what is perhaps the best way to describe the Dodge Viper:

If this doesnt excite you then check your pulse because you arent feeling too damn well this morning.

In case youre wondering how Iacocca got his hands on the VIN 001 Dodge Viper, well, theres an anecdote that tells the whole story. Back in the 60s when the Shelby Cobra was concocted, Carroll Shelby took the first one built and offered the second to Iacocca, who passed, arguing that its a lousy car. But during the cars reveal press conference, Iacocca famously pointed at the red Viper saying I am not making the same mistake twice!, this one, this one right here is mine!

We just hope the new owner treats the car properly. That is, by driving it on a regular basis. Wed hate to see it become a garage queen.
An alleged fraudster who posed as the abductor of the child, Gold Kolawole, stolen from Sotitobire Miracle Centre in Akure, Ondo State, last November, has been arrested by the Ondo State Police Command.

Elike Chubize wanted to dupe the family of the missing child by posing as a kidnapper in custody of the child while demanding for N800,000 as ransom, the police said.

News of the development had filtered into Akure on Friday, after reports were rife that the kidnapper of the child had been found.

Gold Kolawole was abducted on November 10 at the Sotitobire church on a Sunday morning after his parents dropped him off at the childrens department.

Efforts by the police and the State Security Services to unravel the mystery behind his disappearance had failed to yield results.

However, the SSS is prosecuting the founder of the church, Alfa Babatunde, and six other church members for alleged involvement in the abduction of the boy.

The prophet and his other co-suspects were remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre on Friday after the court adjourned till the 5th of February pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

While that was ongoing, PREMIUM TIMES gathered that Mr Chibuzor was trying to make some money from the situation, by posing as a kidnapper willing to release the child on the payment of the ransom.

He was said to have been traced and arrested by the police, but was found to be a fraudster who did not have the child in his custody.

Confirming the development, the police public Relations Officer, Femi Joseph, said it was untrue that the kidnapper of the child was arrested.

He clarified that the man arrested was a self-acclaimed abductor of the child and was actually not the actual kidnapper.

READ ALSO:

What we have in our custody now is a self-confessed scammer and serial fraudster, one Chibuzor Elike,39years, of Etche town in Cross River, who wanted to take advantage of a bad situation to defraud the people, said Mr Joseph.

The man who said he heard about the kidnap of young Gold via the social media confessed that he actually called some people and sent some text messages where he stated that he had Kolawole Gold in his custody and will only release him after collecting N800,000.

He also confessed that he was not sent by anyone to implicate Pastor Babatunde Alpha of Sotitobire Church as earlier stated in his numerous calls and text messages.

Finally he said that he was just looking for a cheap way to make money as he knew nothing about the kidnap or the whereabouts of the little boy.

Mr Joseph further said the suspect would appear in court on January 20.
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Does a Christian need education? Before answering, let's look at the history of this question. For almost the entire twentieth century, humanity has lived under the banner of scientific atheism. People were told that faith in God was supposedly incompatible with scientific knowledge, and therefore only backward, semi-literate people supposedly believe in Him.

But if that were true, then each person, regardless of character and other personal qualities, would automatically become an atheist after accumulating a certain amount of knowledge. However, this does not happen. On the one hand, many well-educated people believe in God, and on the other, many such people do not aspire to any knowledge, and at the same time consider themselves convinced atheists. Is Christian education important today? Of course, yes, because it leaves its mark on a persons lifestyle, his worldview and the opportunities that he can open before other people.

Christian Education Explains the Laws and the True Causes of Things

If we are striving for truly Christian education, then we must focus on the divine origin and explanation of the world in every subject. In the course of history, for example, it is necessary to emphasize the fact that behind all the events that have taken place over the centuries, there is a clear pattern. History is not driven by chance, but by God's purpose. He "rules over the kingdom of man" and does "everything according to His will." It is important to see the hand of the Lord and His sovereign goals in everything that happens.

The same can be said of the natural sciences. In Christian education, we cannot approach the study of phenomena from the so-called neutral positions. The neutral position does not exist. The world around it arose either as a result of chance, as unbelievers believe, or it was created by our God. And if the world is His creation, governed by His sovereign power, then we reject and insult God, not recognizing this in all the events that take place, whether in physics, biology, chemistry or any other science. An education that does not recognize the Creator God and the role of providence in maintaining a certain order in this world cannot be called Christian.

Christian Education Teaches Truth and the True Path

Sometimes parents believe that a secular environment will strengthen their children, teach them to defend their views. But the Word of God does not confirm this point of view. It does not say: "Let the youth twelve years follow the unrighteous path to strengthen him." God teaches us something completely different: Teach a young man at the beginning of his path: he will not deviate from the righteous one when he grows old (Prov. 22: 6).

Secular education is just the case when young people are allowed to follow any path  the path of cruelty, bullying, self-centeredness, disrespect for elders and violence. There is not one such verse in Scripture that would say that secular education will strengthen Christian children, except in the sense in which stale bread is strong. Yes, it will make them callous and sin will seem normal to them. It will make them firm, and they will care more for worldly things than for God. It will make them insensitive to evil and it will be quite comfortable for them in a world that sins against their Lord every second. But secular education will not strengthen them as Christians, therefore, "teach a young man at the beginning of his path".

This is like a poor translation of an important document - it only seems that the meaning of the written is preserved, but in fact, it is hopelessly lost. To get a high-quality translation of, for example, a marriage certificate, which, as we know, are concluded in Heaven, you need to contact The Word Point translation service. And to strengthen your Christian soul, it is necessary to receive a religious education.

Christian People Can Give the World a Chance

So, what is the role of a well-educated person in the church of Christ? Generally speaking, the role of a well-educated believer is the same as the role of any Christian - to carry the gospel to a perishing world. Such is the nature of man  he best perceives spiritual information from those who are equal to him both in rank and in education. Therefore, the role of a well-educated Christian is to bring the message of salvation to the society of well-educated people and to acquire at least some of them for Christ. The Apostle Paul was a well-educated man for his time. That is why he was to preach in Athens - in the center of ancient science and culture.

Scripture says that the whole world is controlled by evil. (1 John 5:19). Every believer should not only move away from evil but also expose this evil. And a well-educated Christian has to expose the evil that takes place among scholars. For example, now there is much debate about both cloning and experiments on pillar cells, that is, on cells of the human embryo, to obtain which this embryo needs to be killed, that is, an abortion is performed. And this is just the tip of the iceberg: modern science often goes beyond morality. And it is precisely well-educated believers who must raise their voice against this kind of lawlessness. And to see the boundary between the permissible and the immoral, you need to know the Scriptures.

Conclusion

Christian education is important, and most importantly, it should begin in childhood. In modern schools, much attention is paid to the development of mental and physical abilities, and this is good. It is bad that spiritual needs, which are very significant throughout the life of a child, do not develop, and therefore in our society, there are many spiritually and emotionally lonely people. The lack of religious education in childhood certainly affects the character of a person: in the mental warehouse of such people, a certain breakdown is felt. The child is unusually susceptible to religious impressions: he instinctively reaches for everything that reveals the beauty and meaning of the world. Take it from the child - and his soul will fade; the child will remain in a deserted world with his petty everyday interests.
Culpeper (United States) (AFP) - When Sheriff Scott Jenkins swore to protect the US Constitution, he swore to protect the Second Amendment -- even from new laws in Virginia that he says threaten to deprive citizens of their right to bear arms.

Since December, he has become a key figure in a pro-Second Amendment protest movement that has organized a protest in Richmond, the state capital, on Monday. At least 10,000 supporters plan on attending, according to media reports.

"The Constitution is very clear: the Second Amendment grants every citizen to bear arms, specifically against a tyrannical government," said the officer from Culpeper County, a rural region about 60 miles (100 kilometers) southwest of Washington.

Virginia, which has traditionally leaned conservative, flipped in November and passed into Democratic hands. State Democrats promised to tackle what they considered the laxity surrounding carrying laws, particularly after a May 2019 shooting in Virginia Beach that left 12 dead.

- 'Struck a nerve' -

The Second Amendment, which states that "the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed," has proved controversial over the years and has been subject to many different interpretations. The Supreme Court has ruled that individuals have the right to keep firearms in their households, but left it to states to determine how the weapons could be transported.

New laws under consideration in Virginia would prohibit magazines with more than 10 rounds, the purchase of more than one weapon per month, and permit judges to seize weapons from individuals deemed dangerous.

A draft ban on the sale of semi-automatic rifles, however, has been abandoned.

"We have good enough laws already on the book that do a fine job of restricting dangerous weapons, and there is no need for further restrictions," said Jenkins.

The imposing sheriff, who believes in the right to self-defense, said that limiting residents' right to own firearms would allow potential criminals to do even more harm.

Story continues

Throughout the state of Virginia, more than 100 counties and localities -- including Culpeper -- have proclaimed themselves as sanctuaries, threatening not to apply the new laws.

Jenkins, who prefers the term "constitutional county," promised that if the bills were adopted, he would deputize anyone who wanted to do so, and who fit the conditions, allowing them to legally keep their weapons. He said he already has several thousand candidates from all over the state.

"I'm not saying that I will not enforce duly enacted laws, but I'm not saying that I will," he said.

"Much more Libertarian than Republican," Jenkins supports a minimal government role in order to prevent too much "interference" in Americans' daily lives.

For him, the controversy over gun ownership illustrates the divide between urban and rural environments.

"Most urban areas are leaning left and (have) liberal ideology," he explained. "Here, people grew up with guns. Hunting, sporting are just part of our culture."

While many of his fellow Second Amendment defenders have never voted and "probably are not even registered," Jenkins said, Democratic governor Ralph Northam "has struck a nerve that is so sensitive, so deep and meaningful to the majority of Virginians, it has awakened people."

- Outside the law -

In Warrenton, about 20 miles from Culpeper, the owners of the family-run gun store Clark Brothers applaud Jenkins's decision.

"He has been sworn in to uphold the Constitution, and that's what he is doing. I absolutely would be his deputy if he asked me," said Allison Clark, the proprietor's wife. She stands behind a counter case, in which pistols, revolvers and rifles of all calibers are on display.

But in Culpeper, not everyone is on Jenkins's side. "Common sense, gun safety is not against the Second Amendment," said Phoebe Muenger, a retiree.

"It is the right of the citizens to be safe. It is the right of the children not to be afraid to go to school," she said, referring to the school shootings that seem to happen semi-regularly in the US.

For Richard Schragger, a law professor at the University of Virginia, one must look at the history of the state -- the cradle of slavery in the US, capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War and a bastion of violent opposition to desegregation during the 1960s -- to explain residents' propensity to proclaim themselves outside the law.

"Certain communities or people are going to refuse to abide by duly enacted laws, after a fair election," he said. While such groups are a minority, "what they're really talking about is picking and choosing which law they abide by."
Kate Hudson, Jennifer Aniston, Ed Sheeran: they've all got them. A home yoga or contemplative space, that is.

'Sacred rooms' - as they are sometimes called - are handy for those who risk being snapped by paparazzi in public classes, but now they're spreading far and wide.

For, not only could they save you class fees, but you're more likely to persevere with that yoga or meditation practice in these dark days of winter if you can incorporate it easily into your day.

More and more people are adding a 'sacred' room to do yoga and meditation in to their homes

Which assumes, of course, that you have a sufficiently inviting sacred room. Some are creating these rooms via home extensions, separate buildings or even plumbed-in tree houses.

Ed Sheeran's new place of worship, recently granted planning permission, is effectively a private church complete with stained glasses windows - only boat-shaped and with what appears to be a truncated cone in place of a spire.

Research by John Lewis last year revealed that one in five of us are now practising activities such as yoga and meditation at home, and the interiors website Houzz reports that searches for yoga were up 89 per cent last year.

The Cheshire-based Swift Organisation builds standalone structures that can be dedicated to yoga, prayer or whatever your heart desires for upwards of 25,000.

Yet you needn't break the bank. Indeed, your soul may be equally well served using a more modest approach.

The first challenge is locating that dedicated room, or at least a place free of clutter a corner of a busy playroom may not prove conducive to soul-searching.

If you're using it for yoga, it helps to have enough space for arm or leg extensions. Stubbing a toe, or, worse, crashing a heel through a window at six in the morning is no fun.

Does the room face east? Sun salutations, which feature in most yoga practices, were devised to greet the rising sun.

Whatever the room's primary purpose, colour and light will be key. Creams and soft tones are considered ideal. That old decor may need to go. Or will it?

Once a trendy feature of celebrity homes these rooms are now common

The Beatles helped popularise yoga and meditation in the West while exploring various flavours of psychedelia, and some Seventies trends can prove positively useful (mirrored walls or ceilings, for example, enabling you to check for postural alignment).

Generally, though, the calmer the decor, the better.

Next comes the turbulent subject of air quality. To burn or not to burn, that is the question.

Debate has flared up in the wellness world around the possible risks of scented candle 'soot' and pollutants.

It can all become quite confusing and stressful. If in doubt, consider investing in an air purifier (Dyson models cost from about 400), and, in any event, ensure that the space isn't cold or damp.

Another debate swirls around the possibility that the electromagnetic fields of our handheld devices might be interfering with our so-called 'subtle bodies' energy.

For some, it is imperative to incorporate a tablet or TV, to follow a favourite YouTube guru, or at least select some music and imagery harmonious with mood.

Companies such as Pro Display supply screens incorporated into mirrors, making them less intrusive.

However for those determined to meditate without distraction, it may prove necessary to opt for a bigger-ticket purchase.

Jonathan Marcoschamer started Florida-based Open Seed after a ten-day 'vipassana' silent retreat, determined to create the ultimate place of stillness that could calm even the most febrile among us.

The resulting Mediation Pod combines womb-like design, therapeutic LED lighting, essential oils-based aromatherapy and immersive sound.

Anyone able to accommodate the 8 ft width and 9 ft height, and afford the cost (more than 15,000), can enjoy the experience at home.

Others might make do with an aroma diffuser and a house plant. The fortunate may only require a meditation cushion or yoga mat (from 48, Lululemon).

For these blessed individuals, the motto might be: 'Wherever I lay my mat, that's my room.'
M illionaire Brexiteer Arron Banks has donated 50,000 to see Big Ben chime as the fundraising total nears 250,000.

The businessman, along with the Leave Means Leave group, gave the fundraiser a massive boost on Friday, Mark Francois claimed.

The Conservative MP told BBC Radio 4s World At One: "Following telephone calls this morning, Leave Means Leave and Aaron Banks have now donated 50,000 towards the campaign.

We are now not far short of 220,000, and by the end of the day we probably wont be a million miles away from having raised half the total in two days.

Members of the public are still pouring their hard-earned cash into the fundraiser, hoping Big Ben will be allowed to chime in celebration of the moment the UK will legally leave the European Union - 11pm on Friday, January 31.

Mr Banks gave the fundraiser a cash boost - but will it be enough? / REUTERS

More than 12,000 individuals have donated to the cause.

The Stand Up 4 Brexit "Big Ben must bong for Brexit" campaign is hoping to raise 500,000 to pay for the celebratory chiming.

However, Boris Johnson's spokesman said there could be "potential difficulties" in accepting the donation, so the money could ultimately be rejected.

But the Prime Minister's official spokesman on Thursday said: "The House of Commons authorities have set out that there may be potential difficulties in accepting money from public donations.

"I think the PM's focus is on the events which he and the Government are planning to mark January 31. It's a significant moment in our history and we want to ensure that's properly recorded."

Campaign organiser Rebecca Ryan said the cash would go to veterans charity Help for Heroes if it did not go towards Big Ben.

Time might also be a factor in whether the campaign will be successful as Ms Ryan warned that some time would be needed to "make necessary preparations" and said they would need to hit their target by this weekend.

Ms Ryan posted on the GoFundMe page on Friday, writing: "Were a third of the way there!

"This is a people-powered campaign that been enthusiastically supported by the public with over 10,800 people donating since the initiative was launched - showing Britons can-do-it spirit in the face of anonymous briefings that the parliamentary authorities would not be able to accept any cash.

"As youll have seen on the campaign if we dont make the target donations will go to Help for Heroes. But stand firm.
An operation which doctors claimed was the first ever in the world to fit a prosthetic limb to a tiger was unsuccessful on Saturday after the big cat rejected it.

The operation was carried out in Maharashtra's Nagpur.

Tiger 'Sahebrao' lost his front left paw after it got entangled in a steel trap set by poachers in Palasagaon forest range in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Chandarpur district in 2012.

A team of orthopedic surgeon Shushrut Babhulkar, veterinary doctor Shirish Upadhyay, medical personnel from Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries Science University (MAFSU) besides experts from IIT-Bombay and abroad had collaborated over the past two years on the prosthetic limb project.

Speaking to PTI, Dr Babhulkar said, "In Saturday's operation, the tiger was tranquilised and the prosthetic limb was attached. However, Sahebrao took it off when it regained consciousness. Since the tiger was not feeling pain from the amputation anymore, we believed there were chances it would reject the prosthetic limb."



He said the operation started at 8am and lasted till 10:30am on Saturday.

"It is the first time something like this is happening anywhere in the world," Dr Babhulkar had claimed on Friday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Adams Looks to Spur Development Through Zoning Changes



Community Director Donna Cesan explains the reasoning behind making zoning changes to promote business. ADAMS, Mass.  Community Development Director Donna Cesan took center stage at Wednesday as the town continues to beat the bushes for new growth opportunities.

Cesan presented the Board of Selectmen with statistics regarding the current zoning bylaws as contrasted to surrounding municipalities. Adams has experienced little new commercial growth over the past several years while its neighbor North Adams has seen massive investment on both a private and public scale.

The initiative to revamp the town's zoning practices is another effort to stem the rise of property taxes and lessen the financial burden on homeowners. The process is an intricate one which involves both local and state participation plus the commonwealth's attorney general.

Cesan knows the process will be difficult but sees it as the next logical step in the town's business friendly campaign.

"For the past couple of years the board has had discussions about improving the business climate in Adams. We've discussed how to streamline our permitting processes, talked about an enhanced level of customer service and assistance to persons hoping to open a business in Adams, and we're trying to focus on providing improved staff support to the parties on the review board," she began. "But certainly one of the most important things the town can do to promote economic development is to ensure an adequate supply of commercially and industrially zoned sights. We also want to ensure that the supply of commercially and industrially zoned property is located in areas with good access and certified public infrastructure."

According to numbers supplied by Cesan and her team, over 40 percent of land in Adams is protected open space and unavailable to develop. And although the town has almost 1,600 acres of land zoned commercial or industrial only about 400 of those have access to town water and sewer.

Cesan also pointed out Adams' challenging terrain as an impediment.

"In addition to the lack of utilities, on that northern section on either side of Route 8 you start to get into some uplands and the land is a lot of times unsuitable because of topography. So opportunities are severely limited in these areas."

Cesan is concerned not only with Adams falling behind now but that the town's lack of commercial space compared to others around Berkshire County will be a hindrance in the future.

"Only 1.4 percent of land in Adams is zoned commercially and that is in comparison to Great Barrington at 3.3 percent, Lenox 4.2 percent, and Williamstown 3.0 percent. These factors together, the amount of protected lands, the limited amount of commercially zoned lands, and the limited amount of industrial land served by public utilities makes it much harder for Adams to attract new commercial development," she told the board.

Some of Adams' zoning quirks also make it difficult for developers to navigate their way through the process.

"Many of our commercial properties are split zones. A lot of them are commercial on the frontage portion but the rear part of the same parcel is zoned [residential]. That goes back decades ago when zoning was first done in the county. You have these awkward situations and I know for a fact it has hampered businesses from expanding. We were surprised at how many of these parcels there really are," Cesan said.

Selectman Joe Nowak agreed with the need for a re-evaluation of the town's commercial zoning by-laws.

"If we're going to advance this community, one of the key points is to lessen the tax rate. [Zoning changes] are certainly well overdue. Our zoning is archaic compared to most others."

Some but certainly not all of the bullet points from Cesan's recommendations:

Redevelopment of underutilized or blighted properties

Bring entire parcels and lots under common ownership under commercial zoning if already partially zoned commercial

Review proposals on a more case-by-case basis and consider rezoning commercial if the lots are within primarily commercial or industrial zoned areas

Town Administrator Jay Green took an overview of what the process moving forward would require and how the town might handle it.

"We know when we take on some of these things we do get some pushback. What's our responsibility as town government to communicate why we do these things? It's not always easy to comprehend," he said. "Our next step in this process, in order to effectively communicate why we're doing this and what it entails, is going to be a public information session. The question of why we are not attracting development or business here in the Town of Adams ... there is not just one answer."

The board voted unanimously to send the zoning project along to the Planning Board. The Planning Board will hold public hearings and then make specific recommendations. Those recommendations would go on a warrant to town meeting, where they would need a two-thirds vote approval. The proposed changes would then go to the attorney general's office for a 30-day reviewal. If there are no issues from the AG's perspective, the changes would then become law.

In a bit of surprising news, Police Chief Richard Tarsa submitted a letter to the board informing them of his intention to retire at the end of June. This will coincide with the end of his second three-year contract and give him a total of six years as Adams' top law enforcement official. Tarsa has spent his entire career with APD, first joining the force in 1984. The board plans to recognize his years of service at a future meeting. Stay tuned to iberkshires for further coverage of this story.

Adams has new eatery. Timothy Samson opened The Pitch Fork at 85 Commercial St. The space adjacent to the Viking Pub has changed hands frequently over the past several years but Samson feels his experience and price points give his venture a fighting chance.

"The Pitch Fork is going to offer a family budget menu. Working at the Berkshire Food Project in North Adams for so long I was able to work with a lot of different situations and foods. It was something that I wanted to do, especially in the Town of Adams. Chicken fingers, soft and hard tacos, fancy cheeseburgers, hot dogs. It's a simple menu, everything we all like. It's definitely affordable for most families," he said.

His hours will be Tuesday through Sunday 3 to 11 p.m.

Newly hired Department of Public Works Director Robert Tober started Monday and stopped by to get appointed to the Safety and Traffic commissions, which is the norm for the position. He gave the board a quick update on how his first few days have gone.

"It's only been three days but I've already seen a lot. There's a lot of work to be done and that's already been done. It's going to be a big challenge and it's going to be a lot of work but I'm looking forward to it," he said.

Nowak is part of the Adams Suffrage Centennial Celebration Committee and announced a fundraising gala to be held at Berkshire Hills CC. The Red & Black Gala will be on Feb. 15, which is Susan B. Anthony's 200th birthday. The banquet will include music, silent auction, and dinner. For those interested in buying tickets you can visit celebratesuffrage.com.

Chairwoman Christine Hoyt announced that her Vice Chairman James Bush will be receiving the 2020 Peacemaker Award from the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition for his work throughout the region. The award is presented as part of the celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King and is made to a person or a group who have worked with people and/or neighborhoods to provide for greater tolerance, understanding, and caring and exemplify the teachings of Dr. King.

The next meeting of the Adams Board of Selectmen will be Wednesday, Jan. 22.
That creates a challenge for Rogers and MayberryMcKissack, who will compete against the likes of megawatt celebrity Rihanna, who has successfully wooed women to her high-end Fenty Beauty brand, a partnership with LVMH. Fenty turned the industry on its head in the fall of 2017, introducing 40 shades of foundation  there are now 50  highlighters, lipsticks and other makeup products designed to illuminate a diversely hued cosmetics audience that was often ignored or marginalized by other beauty brands. Forbes predicted Fentys sales would soar to more than $200 billion by 2025.
Provided

ALBANY  Just 48 hours after a new law was signed allowing people who were adopted to request their original birth certificate, more than 3,600 people have filed requests with the Department of Health, the office of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Friday.

Effective Jan. 15, people who were adopted could file a request with the New York health department for their original, pre-adoption birth certificate. The health department accepts requests from those 18 or older who live outside New York City.
Many electric car fans advocate switching over from petrol or diesel, citing the high cost of fuel and relatively low cost of electricity.

This may be true for certain vehicles, but hybrid petrol cars are often inexpensive to run.

According to a comparison written by Anton Wahlman and published by SeekingAlpha, Teslas Model 3 electric vehicle is actually more expensive to drive than a new hybrid sedan.

This is discounting the price difference between the two vehicles  the Toyota is significantly cheaper than the Tesla.

Tesla vs Toyota

The comparison looked at the fuel efficiency of one of the best-selling petrol-fueled sedans in the United States  The Toyota Camry LE hybrid  with the Tesla Model 3.

A new Tesla Model 3 is priced at $41,190, while a Toyota Camry LE costs only $29,385. These prices are sourced from the manufacturers websites and include delivery fees.

This means the Toyota Camry LE hybrid is $11,805 cheaper than the Tesla.

The latter would not be able to make up this cost through fuel savings, as it is actually more expensive to drive than its petrol-fueled competitor.

Using Teslas Supercharger rate of $0.28 per kWh and the Model 3s 26kWh capacity drain per 100 miles travelled, Wahlman found that the Tesla Model 3 costs $0.07 to drive one mile.

He also calculated the fuel economy of the Toyota Camry LE hybrid using the current United States fuel price. He found that the Camry LE hybrid only costs $0.05 per mile  cheaper than the Tesla Model 3.

This means that Tesla Model 3 owners would never be able to earn back the initial extra cost of their vehicle, and they would continue paying more to run their cars than Camry drivers.

Even if electricity were free, Wahlman noted, it would take 20 years to make up for the extra initial cost of the Model 3 compared to the Toyota.

Tesla scaling up

Despite the fact that electric cars are, in at least some cases, not cheaper to drive than petrol-fueled vehicles, there are many Tesla fans around the world who would pay a premium for their Model 3.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is attempting to scale up the companys production of these electric sedans by assembling vehicles in China, where electric vehicle sales are expected to fall for the third year in a row.

Analysts said that Tesla hopes to start delivering vehicles in more countries around the world before other brands launch their competing electric cars.

Its an attempt to conquer the market, LMC Automotive analyst Zhang Yan told Bloomberg.

Others are worried that while demand for Teslas Model 3 may be very high outside of the United States and Europe, many people may simply not be able to afford the vehicle.
Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) chief Prakash Ambedkar on Saturday said that the state High Court should direct the Maharashtra government to divert the funds allocated for the construction of Baba Saheb statue for Wadia Hospital.

He said that the "High Court had earlier observed that you can give money for the construction of a statue but not to a hospital".

"I would like to appeal the High Court lordship to direct the government to give the money they are spending on the Baba Saheb's statue to Wadia hospital. There is more need for the hospital. Statues can be constructed any time," Ambedkar told ANI.

Talking about "Maharashtra Bandh" called on January 24 against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and Register of Citizens (NRC), he said that "they have appealed banks, LIC, other businesses, Muslim communities, etc to participate in the Bandh on January 24. We hope that the Bandh is peaceful."

Ambedkar said that as many as 35 different organizations will be participating in the Bandh.

"Hindus are thinking that the CAA and NRC will not affect them. However, only five lack of the 19 lakh people, who were left out of the NRC, were Muslims," he claimed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Several Chinese and South Korean trekkers went missing in Nepal's Annapurna trekking route after a part of the circuit was hit by an avalanche. While talking to an international media outlet, Deputy Inspector General of the Gandaki Province, Binod Sharma Ghimire said that the missing trekkers included four South Korean citizens and a Chinese citizen who was accompanied by a local porter.

According to reports, the Annapurna circuit trekking route was hit by an avalanche on January 17 after the area received heavy snowfall. Ghimire said that a search and rescue operations had already begun but the continuous downpour had hampered their efforts to gather any kind of information about the missing foreigners.

Government of Nepal to set up new rules for trekkers

After the death of nine climbers in 2019, the Government of Nepal announced that they will be setting up new rules that would require climbers to disclose there full medical history. The rules if approved will come into effect only from the next climbing season i.e. the spring season (March-May). The death of nine climbers on Everest was the highest ever recorded in the last four years. According to the director at the tourism department, Mira Acharya, the cause of deaths was health issues, prompting the Nepal government to announce strict measures to ensure the safety of climbers.

Read: 41 Trekkers Rescued In Ladakh, Chadar Trek Suspended For Two Days

Read: Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju Welcomes 2020 With A Trek & Some Adventure

Climbers would have to provide proof of insurance if they wish to climb mountains in Nepal, including the Mt Everest. The insurance will also partially cover the retrieval of the climber's bodies in the case of death. The cost of retrieving a body above the death zone of 8,000 meters is estimated to be around $200,000 while the cost of the rescue below the death zone is $20,000-$60,000. Before the announcement of the new rules, only people below the age of 16 and people with serious diseases and criminal records were barred from scaling Mt. Everest as well as other mountains.

Read: Bhrigu Lake Trek Itinerary; Here Is How One Can Reach This Beautiful Lake On Foot

Read: Five Things You Should Know Before Trekking Up The Breakneck Ridge
Swastika badges and rings being sold as war memorabilia at a Melbourne trash and treasure market has angered the Jewish community and reignited debate about banning the items.

It comes as residents of the small Victorian town of Beulah, where a couple had been flying a Nazi flag over their home this week, sparking outrage from the Premier, gathered for a peace rally on Saturday.

Anti-Defamation Commission chairman Dvir Abramovich visited the stall Wantirna Trash and Treasure market and saw the items for sale after being contacted by a concerned member of the public on December 29 last year.

A photo of the stall shows rings featuring swastikas and Iron Cross badges, as well as badges commemorating the Berlin Olympics, for sale alongside coins and Swiss army knives.
Explained: Can Mukul Roy be disqualified as MLA for jumping from BJP to TMC

Bengal BJP leader Mukul Roy interrogated in hawala case by Kolkata police

India

oi-Mousumi Dash

Kolkata, Jan 18: West Bengal BJP leader Mukul Roy has been interrogated by Kolkata Police in connection with hawala case in Kalighat Police Station, Kolkata on Saturday.

Earlier, a court had ordered the police to file an FIR in the case. He has been named accused in the FIR by Kolkata Police. Roy's interrogation is underway.

In September 2019, Roy appeared before the CBI probe team to face questioning in connection with Narada tapes scandal, as per agency sources.

As per the Narada sting operation, in the footages of the sting operation, persons resembling senior Trinamool Congress leaders were seen accepting money from the representatives of a fictitious company in return for favours. Roy, who was then a TMC MP, was purportedly shown conversing with Mathew Samuels who claimed to have conducted the sting operation in 2014.

Narada sting case: BJP leader Mukul Roy appears before CBI for questioning

In July 2019, a Kolkata court issued an arrest warrant against Roy in connection with a cash recovery of Rs 19 lakh from a person in Burrabazar area in 2018.

The Hawala scandal or the hawala scam was an Indian political and financial scandal involving payments allegedly sent by politicians especially black money through four hawala brokers, namely the Jain brothers. It was a US$18 million bribery scandal that implicated some of the country's leading politicians.
The latest Cambridge Analytica leaks show just how compromised voting  one of the pillars of democracy  has become.

In the early hours of January 1, 2020, a Twitter handle, @hindsightfiles, allegedly run by Brittany Kaiser, a former employee of Cambridge Analytica, shared confidential documentation regarding the involvement of SCL Group, a now-defunct British firm, in numerous elections around the world.

The significance of these documents seems to be lost at a time when World War III was a top trending topic on social media. But parsing through the documents and pairing them with broader contextual developments, it is clear that foreign interference in politics, and especially elections, are entering a new level.

Kaiser worked on many of the projects but eventually decided to blow the whistle on her former employer. Some of the information about Kenya contained in the data leaks was already in the public domain, particularly on the firms now-deleted website.

For example, the papers allege that in 2012 the firm undertook an unprecedented, large and wide-ranging political perception survey of 47,000 households across the country. Then, they built a political party and a communications strategy around it.

For the 2017 election, Cambridge Analytica proposed a similar plan of action that paired these analogue strategies with digital strategies to help Uhuru Kenyatta win the election under his new party, Jubilee. Kenyatta would eventually win that election as well, but revelations about the firms practices would only further undermine a suspect process.

For the last 30 years, proponents of good governance as a gateway to economic development and other goods have been hedging their bets on free and fair elections as the starting point. But with companies like Cambridge Analytica getting involved and tipping the scales towards wealthy political parties in secretive and convoluted ways, it is clear that fair elections are increasingly elusive, and democracy is at risk.

With regards to Kenya, the leak confirms that a somewhat unqualified British firm was able to penetrate the highest levels of political office in Kenya fairly easily and secure massive payouts by offering pretty basic social science research.

Notably, the Kenyan president is the highest-profile individual named, his identity used to draw other people in, for instance, solicitation emails to teams around people like former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Koroma.

There are also telltale signs of how little they value African clients based on these amateurish solicitation emails. For example, in an email reaching out to Koromas cousin John Sisay, SCL CEO Mark Turnbull clearly added to a forwarded email without changing the colour of the text  the final email that goes out is in two colours.

Significantly, the leaked documents confirm what the firm and its subsidiary Cambridge Analytica have roundly denied  that the firm was in fact actively involved in the Brexit campaign in the United Kingdom. In an email from September 23, 2016, Turnbull asserts: Our recent track record includes advising the Brexit campaign which saw the UK vote to leave the EU 

Whether or not this was true, considering how emphatically they have denied their involvement in the campaign, it points to a culture of deceit within the firm and raises the question: what else are they lying about? If this is the material contained in official documents, what is contained in unofficial information? It underscores that the ethical environment around elections is far more compromised than the average voter realises.

The data leaks also show that the Jubilee administration has, since 2012, spent large amounts of money on this one company. Between December 2015 and April 2016, the party paid SCL $1.25m of a $1.3m contract. The first version of the 2017 election proposal contains a budget of $3.9m, but press reports put the final figure spent on the firm at approximately $6m.

Elections around the world are big business, and increasingly becoming a game for the rich, eroding the idea that parties are led by the best people, not just the wealthiest. More importantly, elections can no longer be held up as absolute protection against politicians displacing important social priorities in favour of personal political gains.

Moreover, in his book about Cambridge Analyticas work, whistle-blower Christopher Wylie states that an unnamed African country moved similar money out of its health ministry in order to pay for the firms services.

With a budget of $500m for 19 million voters, at just more than $25 a head, the Kenyan election in 2017 was already by some estimates the most expensive election in the word per voter. Yet the value of these elaborate processes must be questioned if they only lead to more political and social uncertainty, as they did in Kenya.

The part of the Cambridge Analyticas work that has come under the highest levels of public scrutiny is its digital strategy, where the firms secretive psychometrics approach relies on digital techniques to enhance survey data and produce political profiles of voters to help with targeted messaging.

In one draft of the Kenya pitch documents, under the digital strategy subheading, the author left seven Xs XXXXXXX as if this opaque element would be tagged onto the election strategy when the person drafting the strategy understood it better. Wylie and other whistle-blowers suggest that these digital strategies are a spectrum of shadowy digital practices and that in other countries the company certainly crossed the line.

On Trinidad and Tobago, for example, Wylie writes that the government made terabytes of critical personal digital information  locations, IP addresses and deanonymised census data  available to the firm to help craft the governing partys political campaign. Wylie points out that based on the information given to the firm by the government, he was, from his computer in London, able to log into a private computer on the island and see what an individual was watching or looking up.

Nothing contained in the Kenya documents appears illegal, although much of it is unethical particularly the broad-ranging data collection by a foreign entity with little apparent oversight from the Kenyan authorities. Kenya may have been shielded from some of these extremes by the sheer size of the population that is not online, with 10 million active Facebook users for a country with a population of 47 million. But as I point out in my book, Digital Democracy, Analogue Politics, that number is rising dramatically year on year.

Looking at these documents in isolation, it is tempting to shrug them off as another group of British quacks using delusions of white superiority in the postcolony to make a quick buck. Certainly, between the condescending way in which these white actors speak about people of colour behind their backs and the clearly inflated sense of self-importance betrayed in these documents, there is an element of what Frantz Fanon calls in his book Black Skin, White Masks collapse of the ego  where the black man stops behaving like an actional person  since only the Other can enhance his status and give him self-esteem.

But when read against the entirety of Kenyas political landscape, the immediate threats to the future of elections all over the world are starker. The governing party in Kenya exerts an outsized influence on the media and other key institutions, like the electoral commission. Combined with these shadowy practices, the entire electoral edifice looks less stable. The point is how these actions interacted with the existing dynamics in the political space to produce an outcome that has ultimately compromised the integrity of democracy in Kenya.

Certainly, it is nearly impossible to overcome the unfair and insurmountable advantage that a survey of 47,000 households provides to a political party that can also compel every major media outlet to repeat their messaging across the country, for example. It should be read alongside the partys ability to influence the electoral commission, as when the capitals gubernatorial candidate was able to get a ticket to run for office even though he may have escaped from prison, which would disqualify him under the ethics provisions of the constitution.

A foreign company conducting such large and unchecked data collection must also be viewed against the lack of data privacy laws at the time to protect the information collected by this survey, whose protocols, results and outcomes are now the property of a private corporation domiciled outside the country.

You could also point to the damage done to democracy wholesale when obscene amounts of money are siphoned outside the country and diverted from social programmes, and how it hollows out accountability and makes a mockery of any efforts to establish a fair contest.

Facebooks head of augmented and virtual reality, Alan Bosworth, was quoted as saying that Cambridge Analytica was essentially selling snake oil and that they routinely overstated the ability of their psychometrics approach to influence political behaviour. Bosworth may be right about the firms ability to move individual political opinion, but the Kenya data underscores that he is missing the overall point.

The XXXXXXX psychometrics of Cambridge Analyticas work does not operate independently of the firms other work, nor should the impact of Facebooks role in this space be seen in isolation. We have entered the era of the corporate elections, where polls are not arguably the pinnacle of democratic participation but are instead another business subject to the vagaries of domestic and international interference, and purely for profit.

The future of elections is at stake, and this is just one part of the emerging picture.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
Memorial, the Russian human rights monitoring group, has identified another group of political prisoners in the prosecution of anti-fascists in Penza and St. Petersburg. According to Memorial, the eight young men had created an organization called Network in which they trained for possible confrontation with radical nationalists in street disturbances. They have all been charged with setting up or belonging to a banned terrorist and anarchist association, and some face weapons charges as well as possession of drugs and explosives. But Memorial reports all the defendants and four witnesses against them were subject to torture by Russian authorities; the case was wholly built on the testimony obtained under torture. The evidence includes planted weapons and fabricated documents, Memorial said. Moreover, the Network was just talk; the group never actually did anything. In studying their cases, we found no evidence that their actions constituted any danger to the public, Memorial declared. The criminal cases are a complete fabrication.
New Delhi, Jan 18 : Legal experts believe that if the government is willing, then it is free to recover remuneration received by Jitender Singh Tomar during his tenure as MLA in the Delhi Legislative Assembly. The Delhi High Court on Friday set aside his election over false declaration on his educational qualification in the nomination papers for the Assembly polls in 2015.

The High Court observed that Tomar indulged in corrupt practices. "It is held that the respondent no.1 (Tomar) published statements of fact which were false and which he did not believe to be true in relation to his educational qualifications and to unduly influence the voters/electors in his election... which amounts to a corrupt practice." The High Court set aside his election in 2015, but did not disqualify him from contesting again. Tomar is again contesting the Delhi Assembly polls in February on an AAP ticket from the Tri Nagar constituency.

Senior advocate Narender Hooda said, insisting on a lacunae in the law, the Delhi High Court has just set aside his election, but did not disable him from contesting again despite a finding that he had indulged in corrupt practice to influence voters. "The High Court has given no direction to refund the remuneration. Therefore, this is hardly a punishment in an electoral offence", said Hooda.

The High Court held that "the false declaration by the respondent no.1 of his educational qualification and vocation has resulted in inducement and thwarted free exercise of electoral right of the voter." Tomar was accused of submitting forged degree certificates while enrolling with the Bar Council of Delhi. In the chargesheet, the police have alleged Tomar forged graduation degree from Avadh University and used it to get admission in a law college under Tilka Manjhi University, where he managed LLB degree without appearing in the exams.

The High Court noted that no merit was found in Tomar's plea on the veracity of declaration required to be made in Form 26, to be filled in by the candidate at the time of seeking election, being not in the domain of an election petition. Senior advocate Puneet Mittal said if the government wants, it can recover the funds received by Tomar during the tenure as MLA. "The Delhi High Court has set aside his election, then whatever benefits he had received fall under the ambit of recovery", said Mittal.

The Delhi High Court passed the 40-page judgement on a plea by BJP leader Nand Kishore Garg alleging Tomar's 2015 election "materially affected by deliberate concealment, misrepresentation, wrong declaration and wilful suppression of the educational qualification in the affidavit filed along with the nomination form".
Halstatt, Austria. Photo: Sven Hansche/Getty Images/EyeEm

Swarms of Frozen fans are descending upon a quaint Austrian village, seemingly because they believe the picturesque hamlet looks like the fictional kingdom in the 2013 Disney blockbuster. And, according to the New York Times, the locals cant take it anymore.

Every year, 1 million people inundate the hamlet of Hallstatt  a significant number for a village with a population of 780. While the Times doesnt break down how many of those visitors are there because they think Hallstatt resembles the kingdom in Frozen, the report suggests that percentage is significant.

Many visitors only have a short time and only come to take some pictures, a representative for Hallstatts tourism board told the Times. The number of tourists is simply too much.

Per the Times, this influx of tourists is disrupting locals lives. According to local news reports, some churches have had to hire bouncers to turn away tourists from walking into funeral services. A reporter for Business Insider who visited the village last year also noticed a number of signs instructing tourists that they couldnt use drones, which suggests that was once a problem.

But its a new year, and Hallstatt has a plan to get the problem under control. In an attempt to cut the number of visitors by one-third in 2020, local officials are reducing the number of tourist buses allowed to drive through the village; additionally, the tourism board will soon start encouraging visitors to stay longer than two hours, in the hopes that travelers will stop by and support Hallstatts restaurants and stores.

At least the tourists arent taking evocative photos in front of the site of a nuclear catastrophe, I guess?

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Christianity Today published its first issue in October 1956 and first mentioned Martin Luther King Jr. 14 months later in December 1957. Heres how the magazine covered the minister and civil rights leader during his lifetime.

Christianity Today first mentioned Martin Luther King Jr. 14 in its coverage of the Triennial General Assembly of the National Council of Churches of Christ.

After a student was expelled from Vanderbilt University Divinity School for organizing a sit-in, Martin Luther King, Jr. said he was especially disappointed at the universitys action because it came from a Christian institution.



Christianity Today assigned four of us to cover the massive civil rights demonstration in Washington on August 28. Our job was to analyze the religious element of the march. An abundant sprinkling of piety was promised, and organized religion seemed eager to assume a major role in the days activities. But did the religious element have a genuine spiritual under-girding, or was it a mere form of godliness with the power thereof implicitly denied?

In the midst of tension between the FBI and MLK, this editorial concluded, No stable solution can be found to the vexing social problems of our age apart from a sustained dedication to the whole range of spiritual prioritiestruth, righteousness, and love included.

A look at the Christian leaders who joined in the Selma to Montgomery march

In Flood Tide In Selma (scroll down), this editorial opined, The use of tear gas against unarmed men and women, the attack upon them with clubs, whips, and ropes, the scores of casualties seem like an episode out of Nazi Germany rather than news from an American city.

In his write-up of the Selma to Montgomery march, the reporter noted, The extent of evangelical involvement is believed to have been without precedent in the current civil rights movement. Never before have conservative Protestants identified themselves so demonstratively with the Negro struggle for liberty.

A broad range of responses followed Christianity Todays coverage of Selma.

Christianity Today responds to an intense April that saw President Johnsons withdrawal from the election campaign, his peace overture toward Hanoi, the brutal and outrageous murder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the widespread rioting and destruction that swept scores of American cities.

This is how Christianity Today remembered MLK after he was assassinated on April 4, 1968.
A 30-year-old man was arrested from south Delhi's Chhatarpur in connection with vehicle lifting cases, police said on Saturday.

The accused, identified as Nazir, is a resident of Chhtarpur and was carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 on his arrest, they said.

He had been evading arrest since November, 2019, the police said.

The arrest was made on Friday after police received information that Nazir would be coming to Chhatarpur. A trap was laid and Nazir apprehended, said AK Singla, Additional Commissioner of Police (crime).

Nazir was riding a motorcycle which was stolen from Jamia Nagar area, he said.

During interrogation, Nazir disclosed that he leads a gang that steals vehicles and sells them using forged documents, the officer added.

Two of Nazir's associates were arrested last November and 11 stolen vehicles recovered from them, the police said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Alphabet Inc.s Waymo took a big step forward last fall when it began ferrying riders around the Phoenix, Arizona, area in robotaxis without human safety drivers. Humans have been behind the wheel for almost all of the 20 million miles of testing the company says its completed on public roads.

The driverless rides in Arizona dont mean the end for Waymos human operators. Last summer, the company quietly finalised a multi-year contract with Transdev North America, which provides bus drivers, streetcar conductors and other transportation workers to airports and cities. The partnership is an acknowledgement that Waymo will be relying on test drivers for many years to come.

For the foreseeable future, as we expand and are driving in some of these new areas, its critical that we have vehicle operators, said Rocky Garff, Waymos head of operations. Theyre part of the equation that gets us to fully self-driving.

Rather than supply Waymo with contractors for its driving operations, the deal provides test-driving as a service  a subtle but key distinction. Transdev replaces a handful of staffing companies that have subcontracted drivers to Waymo. Under those previous arrangements, drivers could work for only two years at a time with six-month breaks between stints-a rule meant to shield Waymo from claims that it was their employer.

The partnership puts more legal space between the drivers and Waymo, allowing them to stay on indefinitely, as employees of Transdev. The value of the deal in its first year is in the tens of millions of dollars, and could eventually reach nine figures, according to someone with direct knowledge who asked not to be named discussing private business details.

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

For the new contract, Waymo required bidders to guarantee theyd hire drivers as full-time employees and to articulate a strategy for career development, according to a person familiar with the process. Were working on having a much clearer career path for these operators, Mr Garff said.

Before Transdev, the goal for many safety drivers was to get hired as a Waymo employee, also known as a white badge, before the clock ran out. Everyones dream is to become a full-time employee through Waymo, said Morgan, a 26-year-old driver who was provided by the company for an interview and who asked to be identified by only his first name. Morgan started driving for Waymo in the summer of 2018 through Adecco USA, a staffing company that supplies about 70,000 temporary workers to hospitals, warehouses, factories and call centers. Until the Transdev deal, Adecco served as Waymos chief source of drivers.

Morgan said hes glad for the change to Transdev. As he approached his one-year anniversary, hed begun looking for other work. I was definitely excited because I was kind of getting to that not-quite-panic point, he said. He also said that Adecco oversold the possibility of getting hired by Waymo. I remember in my interview, they were like, Three people just got hired on full time, but they didnt mention the size of the fleet, the positions they got hired for and what kind of experience they had. Adecco, in an emailed statement, said this does not square with its policies and procedures. We are very clear that our roles at Waymo are temporary, not temp-to-hire positions, the statement said.

Two former drivers who worked under Adecco told Bloomberg theyd also held out hope of direct employment at Waymo. (The drivers spoke under condition of anonymity for fear of hurting future job prospects.) But staff positions were scarce and the competition fierce. The promotion process, according to the former drivers, was opaque. Adecco managers were formally in charge of performance reviews but were rarely around. I dont think I even went to an Adecco office ever, except to turn in my badge and equipment, said one of the drivers. It was all Waymo all the time.

Feedback from our associate base has been largely positive, and our employee care teams are entirely dedicated to addressing their questions, input or concerns, Adecco said in its statement.

Transdevs record as an employer isnt without its own controversies. Its faced multiple strikes in recent years from unions representing workers in public transportation services it operates in the US, including a weeklong strike in Phoenix in 2015, where talks stalled over salary, the companys approach to benefits and its bathroom break policy. Transdev also faces several open National Labour Relations Board complaints about working conditions.

In a statement provided by Waymo, Transdev North America Chief Executive Officer Yann Leriche said the partnership would create a high functioning operating environment focused on safety, quality, employee engagement and a positive customer experience. A Transdev spokesperson declined to answer additional questions.

Veena Dubal, a law professor at the University of California at Hastings who specialises in gig work and the tech industry, said technology companies want to directly employ as few people as possible in part to avoid liability, a consideration thats particularly germane in a field such as autonomous vehicles, where theres inherent physical risk. If a self-driving car with a test pilot is involved in an accident, Dubal said, Waymo could argue it hired Transdev specifically for its expertise in test-driving. They could just employ everyone, protect them and say, This is the cost of doing business in the autonomous-driving world,  she said. Waymo declined to comment on whether liability concerns were a factor in retaining Transdev.

Despite their complaints about Adecco, the drivers who were interviewed said Waymo test-pilot gigs arent bad. Not only do I get to drive around in a cool car all day, said Morgan, Im doing something that I think is going to change the future. And its going to hopefully make roads safer for not only myself, but hopefully for my kids and for everybody elses kids.

Under Adecco, pay started at about $20 per hour. Most time was spent as a passenger, being driven around the sunny Phoenix suburbs. I was telling my friends it was the greatest scam I had ever uncovered, said one former driver. It was an awful lot of money for an awful little bit of work.

The greatest difficulty of the job, according to multiple former drivers, is staying alert through the dull, repetitive hours of cruising. One took breaks to do jumping jacks, rolled down the windows and turned up the radio to combat drowsiness. You really go into podcasts, said another. Still, the driver said, not everyone stayed alert all the time. We even had people eat full meals behind the wheel, which is not safe.

Drivers are keenly aware of the contradiction at the heart of their jobs. The whole goal is to work to eliminate your own position, which is a really weird thing to come in every day thinking, said one former driver.

Withholding the white badge is one of many ways Waymo reminds its drivers that its looking forward to the day when theyre no longer around. Both drivers and riders are instructed to keep interactions minimal. It was a very awkward experience, said a former driver. Theyre instructed not to talk to you. Theyre supposed to treat it like its a completely unmanned vehicle.

You could say hi, said another. And then you would be quiet to try to simulate an actual self-driving car.

Bloomberg
Four killed in blast claimed by al-Shabab that apparently targeted Turkish engineers working on a road near Mogadishu.

At least four people have been killed and 15 others wounded in a suicide car bomb attack claimed by the al-Shabab group near the capital of Somalia, according to authorities.

Both Turkish and Somali officials said those injured in Saturdays attack near the town of Afgoye, about 30 kilometres (18 miles) southwest of Mogadishu, included Turkish engineers as well as Somali nationals working on a road in the area.

Turkeys Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said six Turkish nationals and nine Somali citizens were wounded in the bombing, with two in critical condition and undergoing surgery.

The AFP news agency said at least four people were killed, citing local police officer Abdirahman Adan.

A speeding suicide car bomb rammed into a place where the Turkish engineers and Somali police were having lunch, a different police officer, Nur Ali, told the Reuters News Agency.

Somalia-based al-Shabab armed group, which has stepped up activity in the East African country and neighbouring Kenya in recent weeks, claimed responsibility for the attack on their media outlet, Radio Andalus.

We are behind the martyrdom of the suicide car bomb in Afgoye, said Abdiasis Abu Musab, spokesman for the group.

We targeted the Turkish men and the Somali forces with them. There are casualties of death and injuries.

The blast was huge

Local residents described a massive explosion followed by clouds of smoke.

Before the blast, several Turkish engineers and well-armed convoy of Somali police were at the scene, Farah Abdullahi, a shopkeeper, told Reuters from Afgoye. We see casualties being carried but we cannot make if they are dead or injured.

Another witness, Muhidin Yusuf, told the AFP news agency: The blast was huge, it destroyed a container used by the Turkish engineers who work on the Afgoye road construction.

Turkey has been a significant source of aid to Somalia following a famine in 2011 as Ankara seeks to increase its influence in the Horn of Africa to counter Gulf rivals such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Turkish engineers have been helping with road construction in the country in recent years.

On Twitter, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense decried the attack. We curse and condemn in the strongest terms the bomb terror attack which targeted innocent civilians in Somalia, the ministry said.

This is the latest in a string of attacks by the al-Qaeda-linked group since the beginning of the year. The group has been fighting for supremacy in the Horn of Africa country for years.

Al-Shabab controls large areas in the south and centre of Somalia and repeatedly attacks security forces and civilians there and in neighbouring Kenya.

In December, a group of Turkish engineers was among those hit in a blast at a checkpoint in Mogadishu that killed at least 78 people.

On January 5, al-Shabab stormed a military base used by US forces in Kenyas coastal Lamu region, killing three Americans.

Last week, the group warned Kenya will never be safe, threatening tourists and calling for more attacks on US interests.

Kenyan and US forces have assisted the Somali government in its fight against the armed group.
The contentious Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, an amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955, aims to fast-track citizenship for six persecuted minority communities -- Hindus, Parsis, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Christians -- who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014 from Muslim-majority Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The conferment of a person, as a citizen of India, is governed by Articles 5 to 11 (Part II) of the Constitution of India. The legislation related to this matter is the Citizenship Act 1955, which has been amended by the Citizenship (Amendment) Acts of 1986, 1992, 2003, 2005, 2016 and 2019.

The Act came into force on January 10 when the Ministry of Home Affairs made the announcement through a gazette notification -- almost a month after it was passed by Parliament on December 11, 2019 during the winter session -- which triggered widespread violent demonstrations in the Northeastern state of Assam as protesters feared it would convert thousands of illegal migrants from neighbouring Muslim-majority Bangladesh into legal residents.

The Act got President Ram Nath Kovind's assent on December 12.

There has been disapproval on may grounds by political parties as well as some certain groups of people on every occasion whenever the Central government carved deep into the basic legal fabric of the principal Citizenship Act, 1955 to change the criteria qualifying a person as a citizen of India.

At the first hearing on petitions challenging the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, the Supreme Court declined to stay the contentious law but asked the Centre to file its reply against the petitions that say it violates the Constitution.

The petitioners say the Act discriminates against Muslims and violates the right to equality enshrined in the Constitution. The petitions against the Act are listed for hearing on January 22.

What is Citizenship Act, 1955?

The Act regulates that a person may become an Indian citizen if he is born in India or has Indian parentage or has resided in the country over a period of time. However, illegal migrants are prohibited from acquiring Indian citizenship.

An illegal migrant is a foreigner who:

(i) enters the country without valid travel documents, like a passport and visa, or

(ii) enters with valid documents, but stays beyond the permitted time period.

Illegal migrants may be imprisoned or deported under the Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920. The 1946 and the 1920 Acts empower the central government to regulate the entry, exit and residence of foreigners within India.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 1986

As per the law amendment, it is no longer adequate to be born in India to be granted Indian citizenship. At the time of birth either one of the parents has to be an Indian citizen for the person to become a citizen of India.

The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 1992

The Act provides that a person born after January 26, 1950 but before the commencement of the Act shall be a citizen of India if the father is Indian at the time of birth; after the commencement of the Act, the person shall be Indian if either of the parents is Indian. Also replaces references to "male persons" with "persons".

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003

The Act was passed by the Parliament in December 2003, and received presidential assent in January 2004. It is labelled "Act 6 of 2004". The Act amended The Citizenship Act, 1955 by introducing and defining a notion of "illegal migrant", who could be jailed or deported.

Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2016

In 2015 and 2016, the central government issued two notifications exempting certain groups of illegal migrants from provisions of the Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920.

These groups are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014.

This implies that these groups of illegal migrants will not be deported or imprisoned for being in India without valid documents. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was introduced in Lok Sabha on July 19, 2016 to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955. It seeks to make illegal migrants belonging to the same six religions and three countries eligible for citizenship.

(Rajnish Singh can be contacted at rajnish.s@ians.in)
Visitors learn about AI-applied ICT services produced by a Vietnamese tech company at an ICT event in Ha Noi. - Photo ictvietnam.vn

Digital transformation is creating new development spaces  digital economy, digital society and e-government  based on rapid expansion of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, Big Data, machine learning, deep learning, block chain, cloud computing and the Internet of Things.

This process opens up a great opportunity for Viet Nam to make breakthrough developments, quickly catching up with developed countries which have already started the transformation.

The Vietnamese Government was pushing this process and digital enterprises  which adopt, transfer, study and develop products, platforms and solutions based on digital technology  would play a key role in the transformation process, the directive said.

It asked Vietnamese digital firms to take the lead and create a breakthrough in the implementation of the Made in Viet Nam strategy  an important policy which encourages Vietnamese enterprises to make products instead of assembling, gradually mastering creation, design and production, while creating new services, solutions and business models.

By 2030, Viet Nam needs at least 100,000 technology businesses to develop the digital economy, build smart cities and e-government, promote the adoption of digital achievements in all fields and implement nationwide digital transformation.

The directive points out four types of digital businesses that need to be focused on. They are big corporations, commercial and services enterprises that shift operations to digital technology and conduct research and investment in core technology; IT firms that have built brands and pioneered in researching and developing digital technology and production; startups that apply digital technology to create new products and services; and innovative startups in digital technology.

These firms are expected to help Viet Nam become an industrialised country with rapid and sustainable development, reaching the goal of becoming a high-income economy by 2045.

12 solutions

The Prime Minister asked ministers, heads of ministerial-level and Government agencies, provincial authorities and leaders of State economic corporations to focus on 12 solutions.

Among them is building a national strategy for the development of Vietnamese digital enterprises by 2030, which will be submitted to the Prime Minister this year. Each sector and localities need to build their own action plans for 2021-25 and 2026-30.

One of the most important tasks is to develop a controlled test policy framework for new products, services and business models that apply digital technology and submit them to authorities for promulgation in 2020-21.

Authorities should formulate policies and solutions to create markets for digital enterprises, including startups developing programmes and projects related to e-government, smart cities, smart production and agriculture.

Studying and proposing a development fund for Vietnamese digital enterprises with private capital mobilisation and reporting to the Prime Minister this year was also on the list. In the next five years, the programme must support at least 5-10 companies to develop a number of key digital products which will become the pillar of Viet Nams tech enterprise ecosystem.

The directive also required developing at least 5-10 digital technology platforms that could be shared to promote the application of digital products in socio-economic fields and put in use before 2025.
Ultimately three buildings were erected in the complex with the two major structures connected overhead. The Nash Blocks were immediately leased to M. E. Smith & Co. then noted as manufacturers of Ideal Brand shirts, pants, overalls and Duck clothing.

In 1969, with A. C. Smith still president and W. M. Burgess vice president, and now with 400 employees, a separate company, Burgess-Nash Department Store, was created through the purchase of Orkin Bros. store. The new retail venture expanded into a nine-story, block-long presence between 16th and 17th streets on Harney. The department store was, though large, never very successful.

In 1922 M. E. Smith & Co. was declared insolvent. Mark Woods of Lincoln was invited to Omaha hoping that he would invest capital to resurrect the firm. Ultimately the Woods brothers agreed to invest $500,000 if additional funds could be obtained. The firm was reorganized in 1924 but the following year was declared bankrupt.

In the 1930s portions of the Nash Block were leased to McKesson-Robbins a wholesale drug distributor from New York, but in 1979 they vacated the building moving to LaVista. The north half of the twin building and the third structure were razed as part of the Leahy Mall in 1981, but the south building survived and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. The extant south building was totally renovated in 1987, converting it into the Greenhouse apartments and offices remaining the only survivor of Omahas Jobbers Canyon, which originally filled over six square blocks bordered by Eighth, 10th, Farnam and Jackson streets.

Historian Jim McKee, who still writes with a fountain pen, invites comments or questions. Write to him in care of the Journal Star or at jim@leebooksellers.com.

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New Delhi: Historian Ramchandra Guha on Saturday clarified that his comments on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi were cherry picked and distorted. He wrote on Twitter, My talk was a defence of constitutional patriotism against Hindutva jingoism. I am sorry that a reporter has cherry picked two sentences out of a one hour talk to distort its meaning (sic).

Addressing the crowd at the Kerala Literature Festival he had said, Kerala, you have done many wonderful things for India, but one of the disastrous things you did was to elect Rahul Gandhi to the Parliament.

In an hour-long talk on Patriotishm vs Jingoism he had said, I have nothing against Rahul Gandhi personally. He is a decent fellow, very well-mannered. But young India does not want a fifth-generation dynast. If you Malyalis make the mistake of re-electing Rahul Gandhi in 2024 too, you are merely handing over an advantage to Narendra Modi.

In his clarfication Guha also tweeted, That said, I do believe that the countrywide movement against Hindutva is handicapped by the fact that the party of the freedom movement is so closely controlled by a single family, he also tweeted.

I ended my KLF talk by saying that even if the Congress may not be up to the task, ordinary citizens will carry on the struggle in defence of constitutional values. As they have done so admirably in the protests against the CAA.

Many on the social media criticised Guha for taking on Gandhi while praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his talk Guha further said, Narendra Modis great advantage is that he is not Rahul Gandhi. He is self-made. He has run a state for 15 years, he has an administrative experience, he is incredibly hard working and he never takes holidays in Europe. Believe me I am saying all this in all seriousness.

Guha has been critical of Modi in the past and even called him a man with dictatorial qualities.

Last month, he had also accused the Modi government of using CAA which offers citizenship to undocumented migrants of multiple faiths other than Islam, from Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan to divert attention from a sinking economy.
At least seven new cases of the Wuhan novel coronavirus were reported on Saturday including three unconfirmed cases in the cities of Shanghai and Shenzhen even as a new analysis by the Imperial College, London, said many more people could have been infected by it than the number currently reported.

Chinese health officials confirmed four more cases in the city of Wuhan in central China on Saturday, taking the official number to 47 including two deaths; three more cases have already been reported from Thailand and Japan.

The Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that three suspected cases had been found in the financial capital Shanghai and in the city of Shenzhen in southeastern China.

Officials declined to confirm the three cases.

Meanwhile, a new analysis by Imperial Colleges MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis said the Wuhan novel coronavirus, a virus previously unknown, could have infected many more people than the number currently reported.

It could well be over 1700, the researchers said.

The statistics of the infected shared by the Chinese government, in fact, leaves one question unanswered: If at least three patients of the coronavirus were detected in Thailand and Japan  all three travelled from Wuhan  how is it possible that the rest of China doesnt have a single case officially?

And, at a time when hundreds of millions of Chinese are travelling within and outside the country for the Chinese New Year (CNY) holidays?

How many persons have been infected with the coronavirus which originated from the central Chinese city of Wuhan until now?

The total number of confirmed cases now stands at 47 in China, according to the Wuhan health commission.

The source of the outbreak is still under investigation in Wuhan. Preliminary investigations have identified environmental samples positive for nCoV in Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan City, however, some laboratory-confirmed patients did not report visiting this market. To date, there is no reported infection among healthcare workers in China, Thailand or Japan, according to an update from WHO on Friday.

Until Friday, authorities in Wuhan had also traced 763 people who had close contact with the patients till Wednesday night; 313 of them are under medical observation, according to state media.

But is that all? Especially given the fact that both the WHO and Wuhan health authorities havent ruled out the possibility of human-to-human transmission of the virus.

There could many more cases, said the reputed MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis.

We estimate that a total of 1,723 cases of 2019-nCoV in Wuhan Cityhad onset of symptoms by 12th January 2020 (the last reported onset date of any case), the Centre said in an analysis released early on Saturday.

The estimate is based on Wuhans population of 19 million, a mean 10-day delay between infection and detection and four-five delay from the onset of symptoms to detection and hospitalisation.

The five researchers involved in the report also took into account the total volume of international travel from Wuhan over the last two months, which have been 3,301 passengers per day (as per IATA data.)

It is likely that the Wuhan outbreak of a novel coronavirus has caused substantially more cases of moderate or severe respiratory illness than currently reported, the report said.

The estimates presented here suggest surveillance should be expanded to include all hospitalised cases of pneumonia or severe respiratory disease in the Wuhan area and other well-connected Chinese cities.

The researchers added: This analysis does not directly address transmission routes, but past experience with SARS and MERS-CoV outbreaks of similar scale suggests currently self-sustaining human-to-human transmission should not be ruled out.

As in all outbreaks, the relevant health authorities (in this case, Chinese health officials) are the primary source of data on cases. WHO is continuing to work closely with the Chinese authorities as they conduct further investigations into the outbreak, the WHOs China media team told HT in an email.

The cases have been linked to exposure at a seafood market in Wuhan which has been closed since 1 January 2020 in efforts to contain the outbreak.

According to state-run China Daily, authorities in Wuhan, Hubei province have intensified efforts to prevent the spread of a virus that has caused a pneumonia outbreak in the city.

All outbound travelers from Terminal 3 of Wuhan Tianhe International Airport, a major airport in Central China, have had to receive temperature tests before boarding flights since Wednesday, and those displaying fever symptoms are quarantined, the airport authority said on Thursday.

At Wuhan Railway Station, employees told the newspaper that they had received notification from the authorities to start checking travelers temperatures.

The clinical signs and symptoms reported are mainly fever, with a few cases having difficulty in breathing.
Not many know that New Delhi is also the spiritual capital of Indian Sufi mystics and is historically revered among the South Asian Sufis as Bais Khwajaaon ki Chaukhat (the city of the 22 most prominent saints). New Delhis most prominent Muslim mystic of the Chishti Sufi order was Hazrat Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki.

Kaki emerged in India as one the major proponents of Wahdatul Wajud (unity of existence) which goes concurrently with the Vedic notion of Advaita or non-dualism. Popularly known as Qutb Saheb, he was the spiritual and intellectual successor of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz Moinuddin Chishti of Ajmer. In fact, the great mystic gave him the epithet of the Qutb, which means pole in Arabic and is referred to the head of a regional hierarchy in Sufism. Qutb saheb is also particularly known for two reasons: his close personal relationship with the divine and mankind and mystical worship. Most of his devotional practices remained unknown to the exterior. He never liked to make a show of his spiritual engagements. In fact, worshipping Allah in secret and solitude is the spinal column of Sufism. Therefore, this mystic of Mehrauli Sharif is also called Qutb-ul-Aqtab (the greatest Qutb) in India much like Moinuddin Chishti is known as the greatest Khwaja (Khwaja-e-Khwajagan). When the young, sincere seeker  Kaki fell at the feet of the great spiritual master and benefactor Khwaja Gharib Nawaz, he was affectionately embraced, blessed and thus enlightened. Having been raised in Khwajas disciplehood, he was taught: Never turn your face from the light of truth and prove yourself to be a brave man in the divine path.

After Khwaja Gharib Nawazs demise, Khwaja Kaki became the head of the Chishti Sufi order in the subcontinent and carried forward his legacy with complete devotion. Baba Fareeduddin Ganj Shakar was among his most beloved disciples and direct spiritual successors. Despite the hostility the Chishti saints faced in the reign of Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish, both Bakhtiyar Kaki and Baba Farid continue to be deeply endeared by Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Let alone the common non-Muslims, even our Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, credited Khwaja Kaki as one of the key influencers on his spiritual thoughts. On January 27, 1948, Gandhiji held his last public address at the Mehrauli shrine of Khwaja Bakhtiyar Kaki. The late Khushwant Singh recounts it in his book, The Novel: Gandhi bows to Kakis tomb. The Musalmans accompanying him request to utter al-Fateha. So the Mahatma raises his hand and recites: In the name of Allah the beneficent and the merciful. Just as, in his early life, he sought refuge in discourses of Shrimad Rajchandra as his guide in moments of spiritual crisis, in the last moments, only three days before his martyrdom, Gandhiji turned to the tomb of Kaki. He would often recite the Sufi poet Ahmad Jaans couplet:

Those who are shot dead with the dagger of surrender and pleasure are reborn in the unseen.
The mayor of Metz, Dominique Gros, has asked for tax compensation in line with Trier and Bitburg due to the "metropolisation" of Luxembourg. The expected sum is believed to reach 200 million euros.

For several months, Metz, Trier and Bitburg have been asking for tax compensation in Luxembourg to cope with the growing number of cross-border residents there. These municipalities wish to be able to benefit from the same advantages as the Belgian municipalities which benefit from an annual kickback of 30 million euros (which represents 14% of the budget of a city like Arlon.)

The European Council has also put pressure on Luxembourg, by adopting a draft project in October which recommends the transfer of a percentage of the wages of cross border workers to their country of residence. It is inspired by the model applied in the Canton of Geneva in Switzerland which pays 260 million euros each year to France.

On Thursday, the mayor of Metz, Dominique Gros, spoke to Radio 100.7, giving very concrete figures of 200 million euros. For the north Lorraine region alone, Luxembourg would have to pay 2,000 per cross-border worker, which would represent 10% of what the commuters pay in the Grand Duchy in taxes and other contributions.

Gros said half of Luxembourg's population was borne by the bordering regions, hence the request for fair tax distribution. He said the taxes paid in Luxembourg by the cross-border workers does not assist their place of residence, which to Gros was the main issue. He called it balancing a metropolitanised territory.

Although Gros admitted that everyone benefits from Luxembourg's healthy economic state, he pointed out the Grand Duchy was benefiting from skilled employees without training them or providing unemployment benefits.

 AFP

Gros described communities on the border as being in a workforce competition, citing the examples of bus drivers or nurses who leave Metz for Luxembourg, creating a gap in the market. He also referred to the cost of training a nurse, to then lose the employee to a different country.

He also spoke of cross-border workers expecting their places of residence to provide services corresponding to the higher standard of living afforded by their Luxembourg wages. However, many border municipalities, deprived of the taxes, struggle to provide these. Gros said if just 10% of cross-border workers were employed in Luxembourg it would be manageable, but some border municipalities have lost 80% of the workforce to the Grand Duchy. With 105,000 employees commuting to Luxembourg from Lorraine, a figure expected to rise to 110,000 by the end of 2020, Gros was adamant it was time for a "fair distribution" in line with the Belgians.
He's the no-nonsense celebrity chef who never holds back when it comes to food.

And Gordon Ramsay tested the local brew on Saturday, as he tentatively sipped on a takeaway coffee from Sydney Airport.

The 53-year-old cut a casual figure in a black puffer-vest over a matching t-shirt, pairing it with navy-blue chino slacks.

In town: Gordon Ramsay (pictured) appeared relaxed at Sydney Airport on Saturday

The Hell's Kitchen star donned a trendy Adidas cap and wore activewear from head-to-toe, adding navy-blue and black sneakers from the same brand to the ensemble.

The greying star couldn't choose whether or not to wear the cap, his blond quiff emerging from underneath as he chatted to an airport employee.

Gordon appeared tired at times, but he tossed back his cup of airport coffee without so much as a flinch.

Travel-ready: The 53-year-old cut a casual figure in a black puffer-vest over a matching t-shirt, pairing it with navy-blue chino slacks

Sorry I'm latte: Gordon tentatively sipped on a takeaway coffee from an airport cafe

Busy: Gordon appeared tired as he talked to an airport employee, tossing back the coffee

Activewear: The Hell's Kitchen star donned a trendy black flat-brimmed Adidas cap

The Scottish-born celebrity was in Australia to promote his Quick and Delicious recipe book.

Last week, Gordon transformed his Quick and Delicious book launch party into a fundraiser for the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund.

He also graciously took time out of his busy promotional schedule on Monday to volunteer at Foodbank Victoria, pitching in to help families devastated by the raging bushfires.

Chill! He was in laid back activewear from head-to-toe, wearing navy-blue and black sneakers

Gordon aided the food bank in packing vital supplies, including food and water, for people affected by the bushfire crisis.

On the Foodbank Victoria Facebook page, organisers wrote: 'Our staff and volunteers were treated to a surprise today as Gordon Ramsay popped in to thank them for all their hard work'.

Foodbank is the largest food relief charity in Australia and has been instrumental in delivering care packages to families impacted by the bushfires.
Arklow has received a welcome jobs boost with the announcement of up to 90 new jobs for the town.

Dubai-based Workz Group is set to open a tech support centre in Avoca River House in the coming months to provide support to the company's clients in Europe and the US.

Between 60 and 90 new jobs, primarily engineering roles, will be created in Arklow as the mobile technology firm expands its European operations.

A spokesperson for Workz said they anticipated between 60 and 90 people would be employed at their Arklow site in the short to medium term. The office is expected to open in the coming months.

'This is the next phase as we expand our operations in Europe and the US. Arklow will offer technical support to our clients,' the spokesperson said. 'We're very excited and the future is bright.'

Founded in Dubai, Workz Group specialises in the area of data security with clients including Vodafone and Orange. It is the world's largest manufacturer of mobile top-up cards and a top ten SIM card producer, according to the Nilson Report. It also provides services in the area of the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart devices.

The company opened its European headquarters in Dublin in April of last year after being acquired by Irish owners.

Councillor Pat Fitzgerald welcomed the announcement.

'As Cathaoirleach of Arklow Municipal District, I am delighted to hear that Workz is opening a new office in Arklow and will bring substantial employment to the area over the coming period. I had a meeting with the company last week and they are excited to open in Arklow. As a councillor, I am delighted to hear of an announcement that they will provide employment in Arklow.

'I think this will be the first of many good news stories in the coming months for Arklow. With work on the data centre due to start later this year, many jobs will be provided during construction and permanent jobs when it is open.'
Summaries of several gun-control initiatives are up for public comment, giving Oregonians two weeks to try to change the precise wording voters would see on the November ballot if the proposals make it that far.

The initiatives would create preconditions to buying semiautomatic weapons, ban all sales of semiautomatic weapons to people under 21 and ban magazines that carry more than 10 rounds. Semiautomatic firearms fire a round with each pull of the trigger.

The effort is the latest chapter in the effort by three Oregon faith leaders to increase state regulation of a class of weapons that have been used in mass shootings across the country.

Theres not a student in Oregon that has not had to deal with the threat of mass shootings, said the Rev. W.J. Mark Knutson, a pastor at Portlands Augustana Lutheran Church. We have to be concerned about life.

One of the initiatives deals with semiautomatic gun sales and another deals with magazine manufacture and sales. Another one combines both proposals.

Knutson and the rest of Lift Every Voice Oregon, the religious coalition behind the petitions, will gather signatures for only one of the three proposals, Knutson said. The group will decide which one after the proposal language for all three is approved for signature collection.

The Oregon Firearms Federations executive director, Kevin Starrett, objected to the initiatives.

We oppose any effort to limit peoples rights to protect their families, to punish the victims of theft while doing nothing to deter criminals or violate the very clear and unambiguous language of the Second Amendment, Starrett said in a written statement.

Here is what the proposals would do.

Initiative 60 would:

-- Allow only gun dealers to sell certain semiautomatic weapons. The gun dealer would have to confirm that the person buying the gun has gone through a safety training course and has passed a criminal background check.

-- Require a five-day waiting period from the day a background check is requested.

-- Make 21 the minimum age to buy a semiautomatic weapon.

-- Prohibit manufacturing and selling magazines with more than 10 rounds, except for law enforcement and armed forces.

Initiative 61 would do the same things as Initiative 60 except it drops the magazine provision.

Initiative 62 would only prohibit manufacturing and selling magazines with more than 10 rounds.

The comments people submit to the Secretary of States Office in the next two weeks could affect the initiative summary that voters may eventually see. The deadline to submit comments for the combined initiative is Jan. 29. The deadline for the other two is Jan. 31.

The Attorney Generals Office will review the comments then publish the final version of the ballot titles. If those versions dont satisfy somebody, they have 10 days to appeal to the Supreme Court.

That kind of appeal can substantially complicate the process. It takes time for the Supreme Court to review an appeal and, if the court rules for the people filing the appeal, it takes time for the attorney general to change the ballot title language. Lift Every Voice Oregon cannot gather signatures while the petitions are winding their way through the bureaucracy.

Thats exactly what happened in 2018, when several gun rights groups appealed Lift Every Voice Oregons petition to ban sales of certain semiautomatic weapons. The National Rifle Association, Oregon Hunters Association and Oregon Firearms Federation appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that the terms assault weapons and large capacity magazines were misleading.

The Supreme Court sided with the gun rights groups and ordered the attorney general to change to the ballot title. As a result, Lift Every Voice Oregon ran out of time to gather signatures by the deadline.

Thats unlikely to happen this year, Knutson said, because Lift Every Voice Oregon started the process earlier this time around.

The 2018 initiative was controversial in other ways. Rep. Bill Post, R-Keizer, published contact information for Knutson and the two other chief petitions, and urged gun rights supporters to personally contact them.

2020 is shaping up to be a busy year for gun control.

In addition to Knutsons semiautomatic gun initiatives, a ballot proposal to require guns to be locked up when not in use is making its way through the initiative process. And lawmakers are considering a legislative proposal that would do the same.

Comments can be scanned and emailed to irrlistnotifier.sos@oregon.gov; faxed to 503-373-7414 or mailed to 255 Capitol St. NE Ste 501, Salem OR 97310. They must be submitted by 5 p.m. of the deadline day.

Have a tip? Get in touch.

-- Fedor Zarkhin

fzarkhin@oregonian.com

call: 503-294-7674|text: 971-373-2905|tweet: @fedorzarkhin

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
But in Tripoli expectations are low.

None of the foreign powers engaged in Libya  motivated by commercial interests, geopolitical games or regional and ideological rivalries  have so far shown any willingness to back off.

Mr. Hifter has said he would participate in the conference, but has never shown a willingness to accept any deal that gives him less than full control of the country.

His main foreign sponsor, the United Arab Emirates, had urged him to keep fighting rather than accept a cease-fire, according to three diplomats familiar with the discussions.

Leaders of the United Nations-backed government in Tripoli have also shown a recent distaste for the need to compromise with Mr. Hifter, claiming that the new influx of Turkish support gave them the potential for military victory.

Turkey will help us as much as they can to defeat the advance of Hifters forces, Khalid Elmeshri, a top official of the provisional government, said in an interview on Thursday.

And Libyans fear that even if the international summit meeting produces a new cease-fire, it may be no more than a pause before a new escalation of the war.

Renewed fighting could be even worse, many Tripoli residents said, because it would be between professional soldiers and trained mercenaries, not Libyan amateurs.
Turkey and Russia had earlier brokered a ceasefire in Libya between Fayez al-Sarraj and Khalifa Haftar. (Photo Credit: File photo)

New Delhi:

Just before the Libya peace conference in Berlin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Europe of threats from terrorist organisations if Libyas UN-recognised government under Fayez al-Sarraj fails in Tripoli. In an article published in Politico on Saturday, Erdogan wrote that if EU fails to support the Government of National Accord (GNA), it would be a betrayal of its own core values, including democracy and human rights.

The Libyan government recognised by the United Nations led by Fayez al-Sarraj has been under attack since April from strongman Khalifa Haftars forces based in the east of the country and the conflict has till now claimed the lives of over 280 civilians and 2,000 fighters.

Also Read: Syria Crisis: Cant Declare Ceasefire, Not Worried Over US Sanctions, Says Erdogan

Moreover, Turkey and Russia had earlier brokered a ceasefire in Libya between Fayez al-Sarraj and Khalifa Haftar but the later walked away from the talks in Moscow.

Ankara has accused Haftar of fleeing to Moscow and has vowed to teach (him) a lesson if he resorts to fighting again.

Taking a veiled dig at Haftar, the Turkish president said that to leave Libya at the mercy of a warlord would be a mistake of historic proportions.

Also Read: Turkey 'Won't Stop' Syria Operation Despite 'Threats': President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Europe will encounter a fresh set of problems and threats if Libyas legitimate government were to fall, Erdogan adds.

He also said, Terrorist organisations such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda, which suffered a military defeat in Syria and Iraq, will find a fertile ground to get back on their feet.

Ankara backs Sarraj and the Turkish parliament had earlier approved the deployment of troops to Libya after it signed the controversial security and maritime deal with Libya.

(With inputs from agencies)

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Editors note: Dr. King delivered his now famous I Have a Dream speech on Aug. 28, 1963 in Washington D.C.

I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

In a sense we have come to our nations capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked insufficient funds. But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check  a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of Gods children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negros legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.

As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, When will you be satisfied? We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied, as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negros basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating For Whites Only. We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.

Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of Gods children will be able to sing with a new meaning, My country, tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrims pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!

But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of Gods children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!

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Cronkite News

KYKOTSMOVI  Vanissa Barnes-Saucedo was 21 when military recruiters stopped her in a shopping mall, waving enlistment papers in front of her. Although she says she wasnt entirely sure what she was getting herself into, she signed the papers anyway.

For the next six years, Barnes-Saucedo was stationed around the world: Virginia, Colorado, South Korea, Kuwait and Iraq. However, by the time she was honorably discharged in 2014, she suffered from post traumatic stress disorder.

When she returned home to northeastern Arizona, Barnes-Saucedo had difficulty navigating the Department of Veterans Affairs  the government agency in charge of veterans health care. Shes Hopi, born and raised on her tribes ancestral lands. The nearest full-service VA center, in Flagstaff, is a two hour drive; the VA campus in Phoenix is a four hour trip.

It was very hard to get into, Barnes-Saucedo said of the VA system. Since I was freshly out of the military, I still had a hard time getting into a clinic down in the Phoenix VA.

Although she didnt mind making the trip, she said she was bothered by the treatment she received there.

They made me feel like  I was making up some of the issues I was having, she said. Barnes-Saucedo also wanted to make in-person doctor appointments but felt pressured by staff members to use the telemedicine service instead.

I felt helpless.  It was difficult, she said. Eventually, she decided to go to her local Indian Health Service center, a government-run agency tasked with caring for Native populations.

Vanissa Barnes-Saucedo says she hasnt received the same respect and resources as fellow Hopi veterans who are male. She is one of an estimated 133,899 Native American veterans. (Photo by Madeline Ackley/Cronkite News)

She said IHS helped her get the medications she needed to manage her PTSD, but staff members lacked the practical knowledge related to veteran-specific issues.

A lot of them arent trained to work with veterans, or they dont know how to personally speak with the veterans  especially with PTSD, Barnes-Saucedo said.

According to the 2015 American Community Survey on American Indian and Alaskan Native Veterans, she is one of an estimated 133,899 Native American veterans, most of whom are concentrated in the West and Southwest.

But for decades, Native veterans and their allies have clamored for Congress to address what they see as inequalities within the VA system.

Geographical barriers to VA services, long wait times, lack of cultural understanding, poor health outcomes and the confusing maze of tribal and federal bureaucracies are among the issues that have been raised over the years, with little effect.

For Clifford Balenquah, a Vietnam veteran who lives on the Hopi Reservation, the issue comes down to a lack of communication between the VA and the Native American veterans it serves.

"Unfortunately we are not honoring their service, Jestin Dupree of Fort Peck Tribes tells Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Dupree is veteran of US Army, serving in Bosnia, Afghanistan, and three times in Iraq. @IndianCommittee #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #NativeAmerican pic.twitter.com/2ZWBtC7gaX  indianz.com (@indianz) November 20, 2019

Nobody consults us minorities, or people living in remote areas, he said.

Balenquah was drafted into the Army in 1966 and spent almost a year in combat in Vietnam. He suffered nerve damage from falling on razor wire, suffered a traumatic brain injury and contracted five skin conditions he believes are a result of exposure to Agent Orange, a defoliant the U.S. military deployed in Vietnam that has been linked to various cancers.

Fifty-two years later, Balenquah suffers chronic discomfort from his wartime injuries and relies on medications to complete everyday tasks. As a member of the Hopi Tribal Council, he spends a lot of time in meetings, so he keeps his pain medicine close at hand.

I had surgery to my elbow to realign my nerves, Balenquah said. Now I have chronic pain in my jaw. I cant sleep, I cant talk, I cant chew.

Hes also dealing with the invisible scars of war, which he feels are not being adequately managed by the VA. Balenquah said he suffered PTSD after a friend  the only other Native American he served with  was killed in an ambush.

Some of the pills that I get from the VA are helpful, but theres nothing psychologically to help me, he said.

Although Balenquah has access to transportation, he noted that many Hopi veterans, the elderly in particular, do not. For years, the Hopi Tribe has bused veterans from the reservation to their respective VA clinics free of charge. But now, funding for the bus program and others that assist Hopi veterans and their families is evaporating, said Eugene Geno Talas, the tribes veterans coordinator.

The Hopi Reservation in northeastern Arizona covers 2,532 square miles and is surrounded by the vast Navajo Nation Reservation. Distance from Veterans Affairs services and lack of transportation plague many Native American veterans. Photo by Madeline Ackley / Cronkite News

Urban vets

About 61% of Native military veterans live in urban areas, but because of the long wait times at the VA, many prefer to access health care services through the Indian Health Service system.

But even if an urban-dwelling veteran lives within walking distance from an IHS facility, he or she still may need to travel long distances to be reimbursed for care, said Francys Crevier, the executive director for the National Council of Urban Indian Health in Washington, D.C.

Under the Affordable Care Act, qualified veterans can be reimbursed by the VA if they choose to visit an IHS facility  but only if the facility is in a rural area. Patients who visit urban IHS facilities generally arent eligible for reimbursement.

The way that the VA interprets that legislation is that they dont have authority to reimburse urban Indian health programs even though theyre part of the IHS system, said Crevier, who now is working with a coalition of lawmakers pushing a bill to expand the care.

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs is advancing 2 bills at business meeting:

*S.1853, BADGES for Native Communities Act, to improve law enforcement & #MMIW #MMIP response.

*S.2365, Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act, to pay for veterans care at urban Indian centers. pic.twitter.com/KnHYn82e6d  indianz.com (@indianz) December 11, 2019

Its what Michael Leon of Maricopa County Veterans Affairs calls a contracting issue. Although he has worked as the acting chief of social work services for the county VA system for more than five years, Leon said he wasnt aware of the IHS reimbursement issue.

Ill have to look into because thats thats a major  issue, Leon said.

Native Americans  if theyre eligible for care here, they get care here. I think that the biggest issue is trying to get them into the VA medical center.

But Crevier said many Native American veterans prefer to get treatment in a place thats familiar with their cultural beliefs.

bipartisan bill introduced in Congress in August aims to address some of the issues urban Native veterans have had for years. The Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act S.2365 ] would grant reimbursement for about three dozen Native American health care facilities across 20 states. Its sponsored by Democratic Sens. Tom Udall of New Mexico and Ro Khanna of California. Arizona Republican Senator Martha McSally signed on as co-sponsor in December.

For Hopi veteran Clifford Balenquah, the issue comes down to a lack of communication between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Native American veterans it serves. Nobody consults us minorities, or people living in remote areas, he says. Photo by Madeline Ackley / Cronkite News

Its not our war

Hopi isnt just the name of a tribe, its a way of life. Unlike their Navajo and Apache neighbors, the Hopi people do not have a tradition of warfare.

Because our tribe is not a warring tribe, Balenquah said, its harder for me to digest the trauma that you see in combat  for years and years, and even now, when Im driving down the road, I see a dead dog on the side of the road, or a dead animal, I think about Vietnamese children.

When I talked to a therapist, they cant understand why my culture is more sensitive to things like that.

For that, Balenquah relies on his faith.

We have the social dances, we have the butterfly dances, the buffalo dances, we have the kachina dances, he said. And there, Im in my most sacred spot and my best thinking.

But even so, his mind wanders to his time under fire.

When some of these aggravations come up, I cant help but think about my time in the service.  If I had never gone to Vietnam, I probably would have never been like this.

When Balenquah returned from the war, he participated in a cleansing ceremony and was given a new name.

Barnes-Saucedo also has trouble reconciling her military and Hopi backgrounds.

It was always told to me that women arent supposed to be in battle or war, she said. When the (Iraq) war first started  they used to always say  thats the white mans war. Its not our war.

Barnes-Saucedo wasnt allowed to participate in the cleansing ceremony that Balenquah went through. That is just for the men, she was told.

People look at me, but  they wouldnt know what Ive done or where I served at, she 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

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Boeing Co said on Friday it is addressing a new software issue discovered during a technical review of the proposed update to the grounded Boeing 737 MAX in Iowa last weekend.

"We are making necessary updates," Boeing said. Officials said the issue relates to a software power-up monitoring function that verifies some system monitors are operating correctly. One of the monitors was not being initiated correctly, officials said.

The Federal Aviation Administration did not immediately comment.

Also read: Boeing's ousted CEO departs with $62 million, no severance pay

Also read: Vistara starts phasing out 9 Boeing 737 planes
Lion Air passengers suffering from Influenza A; no other virus By Kumudini Hettiaarachchi View(s): View(s):

A 71-year-old Lion Air passenger who was admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) in Angoda, has tested positive for Influenza A and no other virus and is recovering, a high-level health official said. His son who was also ill and admitted to the IDH has recovered and would be discharged shortly.

Two Indonesians had already died when the charter plane was diverted to Sri Lanka for an emergency landing enroute to Indonesia. Their bodies, which were brought to the Negombo Hospital, were later handed over to Indonesian embassy official. The remains were to be sent back to their home country. No autopsy was carried out in Sri Lanka. The two patients at the IDH and the two deceased passengers had gone on pilgrimage and were returning to Indonesia.

The elderly patient remains intubated and in isolation but is getting better, Health Services Director-General Dr. Anil Jasinghe told the Sunday Times.

Lion Air Flight JT85 which left Saudi Arabia for Indonesia made the emergency landing at the Bandaranaike International Airport on January 13.

The news of the emergency landing over a health issue created some concerns in Sri Lanka, in the light of illnesses such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS); Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the new coronavirus identified in Wuhan, China. With regard to influenza viruses, the World Health Organisation (WHO) states that they are classified into types A, B and C, with only types A and B causing human disease of any concern.

An acute respiratory infection of varying severity, ranging from asymptomatic infection to fatal disease, the typical influenza symptoms include fever with abrupt onset, chills, sore throat and non-productive cough. It is often accompanied by headache, coryza (catarrhal inflammation of the mucous membrane in the nose), myalgia (muscle pain) and prostration (weakness and exhaustion), states the WHO.

While respiratory transmission occurs mainly by droplets through unprotected coughs and sneezes, short-distance airborne transmission of influenza viruses may occur, particularly in crowded enclosed spaces. Hand contamination and direct inoculation of virus is another possible source of transmission, it is learnt.

This illness, meanwhile, tends to be most severe in the elderly, infants and young children and those who are immune-compromised. Death resulting from seasonal influenza occurs mainly in the elderly and in individuals with pre-existing chronic diseases, the WHO adds.
Data has proven that the rich have a longer life expectancy than the poor in the US and UK. Now a new study shows that wealthy men and women generally have eight to nine more years of disability free life after age 50 than the poorest American and English adults.

The findings were published Wednesday in the Journals of Gerontology: Series A. Researchers sought answers to two main questions: What role do sociological factors play in how long people live healthy lives? And do English adults remain disability-free longer than American adults?

Disability-free life expectancy estimates according to social class and age, men and women in England and the United States (20022013). Credit: The Journals of Gerontology: Series A

Researchers from University College London, Harvard University and institutions in three other countries utilized two already existing data setsone in the US, one in the UKof more than 25,000 people over age 50. While life expectancy is a useful tool for measuring health, health experts increasingly recognize that the quality of life of later years is equally crucial.

The two sets of data on aging were from the Gateway to Global Aging Data, which included 14,803 men and women aged 50-plus from the US Health and Retirement Study (HRS), and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), which including 10,754 English individuals aged 50-plus. HRS began in 1991; ELSA began in 2002/2003.

To maximize comparability of the two studies, other data was used from the Gateway to Global Aging Data from 2002/2003 to 2012/2013. Due to the makeup of the data sets, the findings apply only to individuals who identify as white, although the study authors estimate that the outcomes would be similar for non-white ethnicities as a sample that included these groups showed.

The new research divided individuals into three equal groups according to household wealth: poorest, middle and richesthousehold wealth was defined as the sum of net financial wealth and net housing wealth, less all debts.

They were also assigned one of three levels in the following categories:

* Educational attainment: (low) less than high school; (medium) high school graduate and some college; (high) college degree or more

* Occupational social class: (low) routine, manual, elementary occupations; (intermediate) administrative, secretarial, personal services, sales; (high) managers, professionals, technical

Health expectancy, or quality of life, was measured according to the presence of disability. These disabilities include difficulty in performing daily personal care, preparing a hot meal, shopping for groceries, making phone calls, taking medications, managing money, and other routine tasks.

Research showed that the absolute difference in disability life expectancyhealthy living vs. poor quality of lifewas largest for wealth in England and for wealth and education in the United States. In other words, in both countries the most economically advantaged groups could expect to live longer without disability than the most disadvantaged groups (see graphs).

The delivery of health care is different in the United States and England. In England, healthcare is publicly funded through the UKs National Health Service (NHS), although there have been deep attacks on the health system through privatization. Service through the NHS has been plagued by budget cuts, understaffing and privatization. There have been numerous cases of patients dying while waiting for emergency care.

According to NHS England, the health service recently missed all targets for Accident and Emergency (A&E) care, operations and cancer treatment. Cuts, underfunding and understaffing are reaping a terrible human cost, with many needlessly dying or suffering life-threatening diseases and illnesses that could have been contained if acted upon earlier. The Conservative government of prime minister Boris Johnson threatens even bigger attacks on the NHS, with the ultimate aim of complete privatization. Labour has done nothing to fight this assault.

In the US, health coverage is provided through private health insurance for many working-age adults and their families, and through publicly funded health care for the poor (Medicaid) and for those 65 and older and the disabled (Medicare). Currently an estimated 13.7 percent of the US population is uninsured.

The Affordable Care Act, signed into law by Democratic President Obama in 2010, lowered the uninsured rate somewhat. However, the legislation known as Obamacare was not a public program. It required individuals without insurance to purchase health coverage from private insurers under threat of a tax penalty.

Those buying in were subject to skyrocketing premiums and deductibles. Under the Trump administration, the uninsured rate has begun to rise. It is now clear that Obamacare was part of a deliberate drive by the ruling class to lower the life expectancy of working people.

The Medicare for All plans advanced by Democratic presidential candidates Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders are not the solution to this healthcare and quality of life crisis. They constitute a fraud which the two senators know will never be implemented because the private insurance companies and pharmaceutical industry will not allow their own expropriation.

The bottom line is that despite the differences between the US and UK in health care delivery, it is the working class that is subject to inadequate medical care. In many cases this care is either substandard and of poor quality or nonexistent altogether. On the other hand, the rich in both countries are able obtain the finest-quality private medical care that money can buy.

This stark disparity is shown in the current study findings. At the age of 50, men and women in the lowest social class group compared to those in the highest group could expect to live five fewer years free from disability in both the US and England. These disparities between rich and poor lead not only to added years of disability and suffering, but to premature deaths.

Overall life expectancy in the US fell from 2014 to 2017, a streak unprecedented among advanced economies in the modern era. US life expectancy peaked in 2014 at 78.9 years; by 2017, life expectancy had fallen to 78.6 years. In the UK, life expectancy has leveled off during this same period, and stands at about 80.9 years. The drop in life expectancy in the US and the stagnation in the UK are indicative of societies in deep distress.

High-quality, free medical care is a fundamental social right, but genuinely socialized medicine does not currently exist in any country on the planet. The fight for socialized medicine stands at the center of a socialist program, which must be fought for by the international working class armed with an internationalist and socialist perspective.
Buyers of Venezuelan crude oil have stopped dealing with the South American nation after officials started demanding payment of port fees in the countrys controversial Petro cryptocurrency.

Sources told media outlet World Oil that exports of at least a million barrels of oil were put on hold after the government announced the fees must be paid in Petro tokens.

Buyers were reportedly worried that paying in Petro may violate US sanctions.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has vowed to make a success of the controversial cryptocurrency.

Earlier this month, he announced Venezuela will sell oil and part of the gold it produces for Petro.

He told local newspaper El Nacional: We will sell Venezuelan oil in exchange for Petros. We already sell Venezuelas iron ore and steel for Petros.

We have already signed contracts for the sale of oil, steel, iron, and aluminum, and we will sell part of the gold for Petros.

On Tuesday, the leader announced the controversial crypto will also be used for passport fees, taxes, utility bills, and more in his state of the union address.

oil-backed cryptocurrency

Maduro also announced that all fuel sold for international plane travel must be paid in cryptocurrency.

Were opening a path to a new economy, to break old protocols and bureaucracies, Maduro said.

Maduro announced the launch of the national Petro cryptocurrency in October 2017. It was introduced to sidestep US sanctions and sales began in February 2018.

Millions of Venezuelans have left their country since 2013 as its economy crashed, with schools and hospitals unable to provide basic services.

They fled to neighbouring countries such as Peru, which has given residency to nearly 70,000 Venezuelans.

The post Oil buyers steer clear of Venezuela over Petro payments appeared first on Coin Rivet.
Babu Owino a member of the Embakasi East Parliament has been arrested by police over a shooting incident in a club at Kilimani on Thursday.

Owino was caught on tape shooting DJ Evolve at a club in Kenyan.

Read Also: Don Jazzys DJ Big N Arrested By Police After He Was Caught Shooting Gun At Nightclub

Kenyans have since taken to social media to call for justice for the victim while dragging Owino.

A Twitter user wrote;

You elect babu to improve healthcarehe shoots you n pays the hospital bill#justicefordjevolve

Another person tweeted;

With cocaine-addicted hooligans like Babu Owino shooting unarmed civilians with impunity, absolutely no one except law-enforcement officers in Kenya should be allowed to carry guns in public or inside restaurants, clubs, supermarkets or public offices. #justicefordjevolve

See more tweets below;
Faizan Mustafa By

In an unprecedented initiative, ministers in the Modi government are going house to house and claiming that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act does not harm already-existing citizens, that it merely seeks to provide citizenship to the refugees belonging to religious minorities from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. If this is so, the NRC should have preceded the CAA. The BJP is making a distinction between illegal migrant and refugees, with the former being termite to be deported and the latter being welcomed.

The language of persecution and refugees is borrowed from international legal frameworks for refugees. While the language used in the CAAs defence is borrowed from international law, there is little else that is borrowed from legal principles. Unlike the CAA, international law does not frame the question of persecution solely on religious terms. The UN Convention on Refugees, 1951 incorporates a comprehensive set of grounds, including race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, for a person to be recognised as a refugee.

Secondly, while the CAA presumes that any person belonging to a religious minority in these three countries is persecuted on the basis of religion, international standards point to a more complex understanding of how persecution operates. It would be incorrect to argue that these standards are not binding on India. Principles such as non-discrimination and non-arbitrary deprivation of citizenship are part of customary international law, and the international community must conduct themselves in accordance with these standards.

ALSO READ | No right to live in India if you can't accept Vande Mataram: Pratap Sarangi amid anti-CAA protests

Besides the guarantee of equal protection of laws under Article 14, the Constitution requires that procedures adopted by governments do not result in arbitrary treatment between people. Furthermore, Article 15 prohibits discrimination on specific grounds, including race and religion. Although restricted to citizens, it may be important to understand the import of a law that incorporates religion as the basis of gaining citizenship itself violates the fundamental principles of our republic. Citizenship is not just a territorial idea. It involves membership of a political community that has come into being with certain non-negotiable values.

The courts may uphold the CAA by examining its constitutionality from the narrower and legalistic prism of classification but any conferment of benefit or exclusion only on the basis of religion is not only contrary of citizenship debates but also incompatible with our Constitution. Most importantly, the CAA itself does not use the words religious persecution or refers to any procedure by which such a determination must be made. Instead, it provides a path to citizenship to the specified religious minorities who were previously exempted under the Passports Act and Foreigners Act.

It is in these similarly-worded exemption notifications that we see the borrowed language of religious persecution. For example, on September 7 2015, the MHA exempted Bangladeshis and Pakistanis belonging to the said religions, who were compelled to seek shelter in India due to religious persecution or fear of religious persecution The UN Convention on Refugees defines a refugee as someone who owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion is outside the country of his nationality

Except for the similarity in the keywords, there is little else borrowed from international safeguards. The UN Convention lists religious persecution as one of the grounds on the basis of which one may be considered as a refugee. Remember, a person may face persecution for more than one reason. The understanding of persecution is complex than categories of minority and majority. For example, the UNHCR Handbook for refugee status determination says: it will be necessary to take into account the personal and family background of the applicant, his membership of a particular racial, religious, national, social or political group [] in other words, everything that may serve to indicate that the predominant motive for his application is fear. In contrast, the CAA places no additional burden on the government to investigate properly and determine if there is a well-founded fear of persecution.

ALSO READ | After Kerala, Punjab, now Maharashtra mulls resolution against CAA

It makes another departure from international standards. While internationally the determination of persecution is more complex, the CAA merely equates the purported religious identity of a person to assume persecution. In contrast, the UNHCR Handbook is clear that mere membership of a particular religious community will normally not be enough to substantiate a claim to refugee status.

Therefore, even a factual determination on religious persecution requires one to demonstrate something more than just the fact that they belonged to a religious minority in a Muslim-majority country. Instead, religious persecution should necessarily include individuals who may have converted to another religion or because of their non-adherence to certain religious practices or their embrace of another sect. Moreover, the UNHCR recognises that identity is multifaceted. Frequently, religion and ethnic/racial identities of persecuted communities are blurred. For such instances, the UNHCR states that one may not even enquire into the bone fides of an applicants adherence or belief in a particular religion. The mere fact that an identity is attributed to a person may be sufficient.

What does the UNHCR guidance tell us? Firstly, that determination of persecution and compulsion is a question of fact, not of law. The fact whether one faces persecution depends on subjective and objective elements, a determination as to ones persecution cannot be based solely on the fact that they were minorities. The CAA framework does not require any of these determinations to be made by the government. In fact, it prevents authorities from distinguishing between genuine refugees who have faced persecution and those overstaying due to conducive rules.

The opposition to the CAA framework is not opposition to India hosting refugees. It is opposition to treating asylum-seekers unfairly and discriminatorily. It is incorrect to say that the CAA only excludes Muslims. It excludes Tamil Hindus, Bhutanese Christians, Rohingyas Muslims who fled from countries because they faced persecution on grounds other than religion. They, too, deserve a fair and objective determination as to their refugee status and a path to citizenship.

Faizan Mustafa, constitutional law expert. Aymen Mohammed, the second author, is Research Scholar, Nalsar University of Law, Hyderabad.
Of the shows that dominated the discourse around Sydney theatre in 2019, many had one thing in common.

From Belvoirs surprise hit musical Fangirls to Sydney Theatre Companys The Beauty Queen of Leenane, there was a prevailing similarity  they had strong female characters and strong female performers, and leading from the front was a strong female director.

Paige Rattray has "always been interested in the why, what leads someone to do something so awful." Credit:James Alcock

Paige Rattray is fast becoming one of Australias leading theatre directors for the choices she makes both on stage and behind the scenes.

In Beauty Queen, under Rattrays gentle hand, Yael Stone made a triumphant return to the Australian stage as the wildly unhinged Maureen in the Martin McDonagh classic.
Joe Giudice is praising his eldest daughter.

On Saturday, the 47-year-old reality star  who has been living in Rome since being deported to Italy last year  shared a photo of Gia, 19, making friends with a python. In the picture, Gia is seen laughing as she holds the yellow striped snake wrapped around her neck.

In the caption, Joe  who shares daughters Gia, Gabriella, 16, Milania, 15, and Audriana, 11, with ex Teresa Giudice  commended his daughter for her bravery.

A Python wrapped around Gia looks brave and bold which that she is! I dont know where my daughter gets it from but she is a lot braver than I am !!!! he wrote, adding maybe her mom likes snakes I know I dont !!

The father of four also included the hashtags brave and bold and beautiful in the tribute.

RELATED: Joe Giudice Says Hes Helping Renovate Italian Town, Including Home Belonging to Teresas Dad

Then, Giudice responded to a fan who claimed his caption about snakes was not very nice.

I agree bold like her mom I dont like snakes. My girlies a reflection of us both bold mom and her charm like dad. They all have great qualities I am proud of them and my family, he commented.

Ex Teresa also shared in the comments section, writing: Thats my girl not afraid of anything like her Mama.

Joe later commented on his own post, opening up his social media presence amid his turbulent year. I want you all to know its all cool  we all got our own spin on things! Im here unedited  to display true joe giudice! Sit back  and ! #facts. he added.

Story continues

RELATED: RHONJs Teresa Giudice Says Her Daughters Take Joe Giudices Side: It Hurts Me Tremendously

Joe Giudice/Instagram

This isnt the first time the RHONJ alum has been candid about moving forward following his recent split from Teresa.

Dont fall in! Whatever happens in our future, remember we were friends to begin with. We will always stay strong. Its not distance that breaks a couple its actions! he wrote on Instagram earlier this month while opening up about the future of his family.

Im growing and learning more from todays generation. egocentrism was thing in baby boomer and gen x era. Now, Millennials believe in joint effort not separating roles. Not, that I didnt love my era I see the ego thing got in my way like a trap. one bedroom is good, he added.

Joe went on to explain that his priority will always remain his family.

Today, simplicity, girls and family first, and actions speak louder than a car or big things., he concluded.

In December 2019, PEOPLE exclusively confirmed the reality stars were separating after 20 years of marriage.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo.
Historian Ramachandra Guha said on Saturday his comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress Rahul Gandhi were just a part of his long talk at a literature festival in Kerala.

The 61-year-old author had said people in Kerala had done a disastrous thing by electing a fifth-generation dynast Rahul Gandhi to Parliament as compared the Congress leader against the hard-working and self-made Prime Minister.

After making the comments during his talk, Patriotism vs Jingoism at the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF), Guha sent out several tweets to issue a clarification.

I did say in my #KLF talk that Rahul Gandhi was a fifth generation dynast, but I said much, much, more he tweeted along with the text on which his talk was based.

Watch: Ramachandra Guhas fifth generation dynast jibe at Rahul Gandhi

My talk was a defence of constitutional patriotism against Hindutva jingoism. I am sorry that a reporter has cherry picked two sentences out of a one hour talk to distort its meaning (sic), he wrote.

He had talked about the differences between the former Congress president and the Prime Minister, as well as, listed some of Modis qualities.

Narendra Modis great advantage is that he is not Rahul Gandhi. He is self-made. He has run a state for 15 years, he has administrative experience, he is incredibly hard-working and he never takes holidays in Europe. Believe me, I am saying all this in all seriousness, he had said, according to news agency PTI.

Guha also said that even if Gandhi was much more intelligent, more hard-working, never took a holiday in Europe, as a fifth-generation dynast he still will be at a disadvantage against a self-made person.

Guha has been critical of Modi in the past and even called him a man with dictatorial qualities. Last month, he had also accused the Modi government of using CAAwhich offers citizenship to undocumented migrants of multiple faiths other than Islam, from Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistanto divert attention from a sinking economy.

The historian said he stood by his comments on the Congress party and the rise of Hindutva in the country.

That said, I do believe that the countrywide movement against Hindutva is handicapped by the fact that the party of the freedom movement is so closely controlled by a single family, Guha also tweeted.

I ended my KLF talk by saying that even if the Congress may not be up to the task, ordinary citizens will carry on the struggle in defence of constitutional values. As they have done so admirably in the protests against the CAA.
Piers Morgan responded to Buckingham Palace's historic announcement last night that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be retiring from royal life by suggesting the Queen had told them to 'sling their part-time royal hook'.

The TV presenter, who has made no secret of his dislike for the Duchess of Sussex's behaviour since she ghosted him, tweeted his thoughts immediately after the Megxit deal was revealed.

He wrote: 'BREAKING: The Queen's told Megan/Harry to sling their part-time royal hook.

'Well done, Your Majesty - right decision. Only surprised it took her so long to get Harry to ditch his family, the Monarchy, the military and his country.

'What a piece of work.'

Piers Morgan has taken to Twitter to respond to Buckingham Palace's bombshell announcement last night that Prince Harry and Meghan will be stepping down as Royal Highnesses

The enraged Good Morning Britain host continued to vent his outrage by saying: 'Bottom line: Meghan/Harry wanted to have their cake and eat it, but the Queen just took the cake back to the royal kitchens'

The enraged Good Morning Britain host continued to vent his outrage by saying: 'Bottom line: Meghan/Harry wanted to have their cake and eat it, but the Queen just took the cake back to the royal kitchens.'

Morgan then began replying to other Twitter users with his opinion on certain aspects of the couple's new role.

In response to ITV News's Royal Editor Chris Ship, who tweeted a quote from the former Head of the Navy on the topic of Harry stepping down, Morgan wrote: 'Staggering that Harry would turn his back on the military like this.'

Piers Morgan took to Twitter to respond to Buckingham Palace's bombshell announcement last night

Due to Harry giving up his military ranks, he will pass on the position of Captain General to the Royal Marines which he took on from his grandfather, Prince Philip, who had held it from 1953 to 2017.

Piers Morgan said: 'Philip must be devastated.'

However he took some solace in the situation and said: 'On a positive note, this spells the death on arrival of Meghan and Harry's plan for a 'progressive' new Monarchy.

A statement from Buckingham Palace (pictured) read: 'Buckingham Palace does not comment on the details of security arrangements. There are well-established independent processes to determine the need for publicly-funded security'

'So they thankfully won't be 'woking' the Windsors after all.'

As a teaser to his next MailOnline column, the TV presenter replied to a tweet from a fan which read: 'Am I the only one waiting for Piers Morgan to publish an article?!'

Morgan responded ominously to say: '36 hours...'

Alastair Bruce, a commentator on the royals, told Sky News: 'I think the queen has dealt with this crisis because she has absolutely drawn the line: you can be private people, but you cannot be royal at the same time

Meanwhile, the decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to walk away from the monarchy will 'avoid catastrophe', royal commentator Penny Junor said.

After days of crisis talks following Harry and Meghan's announcement that they would be stepping back as senior royals, Buckingham Palace announced the pair will stop carrying out royal duties from the spring.

They will stop using the HRH title and will repay the taxpayers' millions spent on their Berkshire home, and will no longer formally represent the Queen.

Royal author Junor said the split was 'good news' for the pair.

She said: 'I think it is the best possible outcome, and an outcome which will actually avoid catastrophe.

'The country was so divided about this and so angry and so upset, so I think it was all a big mess and it was getting nastier by the day.'

The announcement from the palace on Saturday confirmed that the duke and duchess will continue their private patronages and associations with the Queen's blessing.

Ms Junor added that it would have been 'tragic' if the pair had to give up their patronages, particularly if Harry was made to leave the Invictus Games after founding it.

'They're hanging onto their patronages which I think is absolutely terrific because they both care passionately about making the world a better place,' she said.

She went on to praise the agreement that Harry and Meghan will be stepping back from royal duties and will not receive public funds as a clean break for the pair.

'There are no blurred lines. They are starting afresh and they are going with the Queen's blessing, I think it is the best of all worlds,' the royal commentator added.

Ms Junor went on to say that the choice to retain, but not use, the HRH title was significant.

'There is greater prestige to the HRH, it is the title of a working member of the royal family,' she said.

'I think holding onto it is very very good because it means that if something was to happen in the future, and who knows what might happen in the future, circumstances might change and they might want to come back.

'They might want to do royal work again, they might be needed. I think not to burn bridges is a good thing. It does mean that they won't be able to cash in, one would hope, on their royal status.'

However, the royal expert added it was 'currently ambiguous' whether the pair would be able to use the term Sussex Royal, including on their official website Sussexroyal.com.

Although she praised the agreement as positive for both the couple and the royal family, Ms Junor said: 'The British public have lost out because these are two fantastic people who sprinkle fairy dust wherever they go and we are going to miss that, but clearly it was not making them happy.'
If I could ask Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his cabinet one question before their Winnipeg retreat this weekend, it would be: Would you shoot the children?

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/1/2020 (724 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

If I could ask Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his cabinet one question before their Winnipeg retreat this weekend, it would be: "Would you shoot the children?"

I admit this is a brutal way to start a column. But it does cut away the fluff and go straight to the heart of the problem.

As this is being written, RCMP officers in full tactical gear have barricaded the traditional territory of the Wetsuweten in British Columbia, and blocked journalists from entering the area. We dont know what orders have been issued around the potential use of lethal force against anyone who breaches their lines.

Forget the unresolved issues of Indigenous land claims, the court cases still unfolding, the opinion of human rights tribunals, and any other number of issues. The pipeline goes through. Period.

Forget the climate crisis, the need to keep the oil in the ground, and especially forget we signed the Paris Agreement to limit global warming. Ignore the fires in Australia  and ignore that, except for a miracle, the same fires could have burned in dry northern Manitoba this past summer. Spin the issue of carbon tax some more, offer smoke and mirrors, distract the crowds with bread and circuses, and make sure the pipeline goes through. Period.

Around the world, children are staying out of school, by the millions, to strike for the climate. Greta Thunberg became the face of that global movement, but there are many other young people, including right here in Canada, who will fight just as hard for their future.

But what does that mean? Will it mean the kind of civil action that #ExtinctionRebellion has led elsewhere? Does it mean there will be demonstrations, blockades, protests  attempts to block pipeline construction, among other things?

Of course, it will. The global system is not working. We are literally burning up our childrens future and yet somehow still avoid dealing with what is so obvious to them. There are very few predictions of what lies ahead past 2050, when todays teenagers will only be middle-aged. We dont even talk about that nightmare, anymore.

Young people can see we are not making decisions that respect the land and all of the children of Earth, as we should. Forget considering the seventh generation  we cant even manage to care for the next one.

Because of our lazy luxuries, our sluggish and indolent response to the climate crisis, their future  and that of their own children and grandchildren  is going up in flames, as surely as that Australian bush.

Why should we expect them to say nothing, in response? Why should we expect them to do nothing, either?

Thankfully, the protests so far are non-violent  the next generation has learned what happens when popular opposition resorts to violence. The young people march instead.

But when young people take to the streets in increasing numbers, as they will  supported by the adults who care for them and understand their concerns for the future  what will our leaders do?

Will they order out the riot police, in mirrored helmets, to beat them down with clubs? Gas them? Use water cannons? Fire rubber bullets to maim them? Perhaps shoot to kill?

Before you say such things could never happen here, remember how the Harper government dealt with the G20 protests in Toronto a decade ago.

When unjust social or environmental policies are enforced by the machinery of the state, confrontation is inevitable. People may get hurt or die as a result. Situations such as the one on Wetsuweten land are the result of our failure to find another, better way forward, one that not only respects everyone involved, but offers ecological justice, too.

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Political leaders who raise their own children to respect other people and the Earth they share can expect tough days ahead, because the next demonstration may see their own kids in the front row, walking toward those same riot police.

One way or the other, children are preparing for the future we have created for them. They would be in school, studying, if we had solved the climate crisis. But the fact they are on the streets instead is a sign of our failure, our cowardice, our hypocrisy  and whats worse, makes me wonder about our apparent willingness even to use force against them rather than change the course of our society toward a sustainable future.

So, Trudeau, as the movement for climate justice grows, do you plan to deploy RCMP tactical squads or the Canadian Armed Forces to suppress Canadians, including children who object to government policies or protest government inaction?

Or will you publicly commit, here in the Heart of the Continent, to finding another way, one without such dangerous potential for us all?

Dance on a cliff, and someone certainly will fall.

Peter Denton is Manitoba activist, author and speaker.
Todd McFarlane talks about his first Spawn team book and the culmination of the 'Year of Spawn'

The comic book icon looks back at the 'Year of Spawn' and forward to his first-ever team book The Scorched
New Delhi:

Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Saturday said there is no way a state can deny the implementation of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) when it is already passed by the parliament. He added that denial of the legislation would be unconstitutional. If the CAA is passed no state can say I will not implement it. It is not possible and is unconstitutional. You can oppose it, you can pass a resolution in the Assembly and ask the central government to withdraw it, Kapil Sibal, who was addressing Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) said.

#WATCH Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal in Kozhikode, Kerala: Constitutionally, it will be difficult for any state government to say that 'I will not follow a law passed by Parliament'. #CitizenshipAmendmentAct pic.twitter.com/tNeSt5h0e5  ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2020

"But constitutionally saying that I wont implement it is going to be problematic and going to create more difficulties", Sibal added.

After the passage of the contentious legislation, Kerala became the first first state government to challenge the act and the Kerala Assembly was the first to pass a resolution against the law.

Earlier, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan penned a letter to 11 non-BJP chief ministers citing the resolution passed by the state demanding scrapping of the amended Citizenship Act and asking them to take similar steps against the contentious legislation.

Along with Kerala, several states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Maharashtra have also voiced their opposition against the law as well as National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR). On Friday, the Punjab Assembly also passed a resolution demanding to scrap the contentious law.

Also Read: Citizenship Amendment Bill: India's Muslim Not Afraid Of You, Kapil Sibal To Amit Shah In Rajya Sabha

Sibal explained what do states mean when they say, they wont implement it, adding, "So what is being said is that we would not allow a state level officer to cooperate with the Union of India. That is what is being said, practically if this is possible or not I am not sure. But constitutionally it would be very difficult for the state govt to say that I will not follow a law passed by the Parliament."

Also Read: Don't Want To See Rest Of Film: Kapil Sibals Dig At PM Modi Over 'Trailer' Remark

The theme of the four-day long Kerala Literature Festival 2020 is environment and climate change.

Historians such as Ramachandra Guha, William Dalrymple, novelists like Benyamin, Namita Gokhale, Chetan Bhagat and journalists Karan Thapar and Rajdeep Sardesai are among the many other writers who will be attending the four-day festival.

(With PTI inputs)

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi, Jan 18 : Even as the Citizenship Amendment Act has become a reality and opposition to the controversial law continues to simmer, some BJP-ruled states have begun to set the wheels in motion.

The BJP-ruled state of Uttar Pradesh had already started the process of identifying people who qualify for citizenship under the provisions of the CAA.

In the second week of January, Uttar Pradesh minister Srikant Sharma said that more than 40,000 people have been identified from 21 districts in the state in the first list prepared by the state's home department.

The Yogi Adityanath government has sent a report on the matter, to the union government.

The CAA primarily aims to help non-Muslim minorities fleeing religious persecution in neighbouring countries of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

The opposition to the controversial law has so far been spearheaded by Muslim community worries over their future, in the context of a possible National Register of Citizens.

However, there are also apprehensions in some quarters about the impact the law will have on non-Muslim components of Indian society, such as tribals and people of northeastern states.

There are worries that the refugees can be settled in areas that are the traditional home-lands of tribals in regions like Jharkhand and Chattisgarh.

The Northeast saw sporadic violence breaking out when the Bill was introduced and later when it became law. Assam in particular saw people block roads, attack government buildings and resort to violence.

The resultant crackdown by authorities saw at least five people losing their lives. The Assamese, who have been opposing the influx of Bangladeshi migrants for decades, fear being swamped by the Bengali culture with the influx of refugees that the CAA is likely to unleash.
President Trump upbraided the health and human services secretary on Thursday over his administrations ban on most flavored e-cigarettes, a proposal that Mr. Trump had vacillated over for months but ultimately endorsed, according to three people familiar with what took place.

The call occurred during an evening meeting the president held in the Oval Office with a large group of campaign advisers, according to the people familiar with the events.

After one of Mr. Trumps pollsters, Tony Fabrizio, described the importance of health care as an electoral issue, Mr. Trump reached for the phone on the Resolute Desk and called Alex M. Azar II, the secretary of health and human services.

I never should have done this vaping thing, Mr. Trump said, adding an expletive, according to two of the people familiar with what happened.
Naaz Ghani By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Traditionally a farmers festival to celebrate the years first harvest season, Pongal is celebrated in every Tamilian household. Through the three-day festivities, people thank the Sun God, the flora and fauna, the cattle and nature for its bounties. It is also the time of the year when the aroma of sweet pongal made using boiled milk, jaggery and rice wafts through most kitchen windows.

Almost every house entrance is decorated with sugarcane to signify the new harvest. The second day, Maattu Pongal, celebrates cattle and the third day of the festival, Kaanum Pongal, is for spending time with family and rejoicing the years harvest with a picnic of sorts.

Low-key affair

The story is slightly different for the fishing community that resides near the Ennore Fish Market. A year back, we were moved from our homes near the toll gate at Kasimedu to quarters at Ennore. We were around 100 families residing together at Kasimedu. The government split us up while relocating us.

Now my sister stays at Perumbakkam and my friends stay near Ambattur. The shift is one of the reasons we stopped celebrating Pongal like we usually do. In 2017, we were asked to move and in 2018, we evacuated our home of over 16 years, Kavita tells us.

Kanagha, wife of a fisherman, says that the celebrations have become a low-key affair over the years. "For the last two years, many in our community have stopped celebrating Pongal with much pomp and show. Kavitas is one of the three houses that even puts sugarcane outside their doors," says Kanagha.

Kavita, who is originally from Mylapore, but has been residing in north Chennai after her marriage, says, "Pongal has become a private affair for us. Everyone cooks pongal in their houses and prays to Perumal. Few people draw kolams outside their houses. Before we moved here, all of us used to meet on Pongal and share food and sweets. Now, only the children run around the streets singing Pongal songs for fun."

Like the farming community, the fishing community also burns old possessions like clothes on Bhogi. "We clean our houses and purchase new vessels and clothes for Pongal. We also respect our ancestors by casting their possessions into the sea. We offer sweets, dry fruits and chakkarai pongal to the sea. The ritual is expected to bring peace to their souls," says Ishwari, a fish vendor at the Ennore Fish Market.

Drums of joy

For Lakshmi Devi and Chitra who reside at the Tsunami Quarters in Tondiarpet, Pongal is a more joyous experience. "We are not the only community which resides here. Everyone celebrates Pongal together but a little differently. We celebrate Bhogi and Maattu Pongal more enthusiastically than other communities," says Lakshmi, who used to reside in Kasimedu before she was relocated, nine years back, to make way for the Chennai port.

"On Bhogi, we sing Pongal songs and celebrate by throwing old possessions in the bonfire. Everyone from the quarters gathers between 4 am and 5 am at the bonfire. In the evening, the children from our community sing songs and beat drums too," says Chitra, another resident.

Of prayer and hope

On Maattu Pongal, the fishing communities at Ennore and the Tsunami Quarters prepare non-vegetarian dishes. "Around ten years back, we would prepare large fish varities caught by our husbands for Maattu Pongal. Now, we cook smaller fish like matti, sankara and nethilli, because they are inexpensive," Chitra says.

"We are around 50 families residing at the Ennore quarters. All of us prepare chicken and fish dishes in the evening. Like the farmers worship the cow on this day, we prepare fish and thank Perumal for blessing the sea," says Ishwari.

But not all is well. Around 85 families remain abandoned on the banks of the north Chennai shore near Nalla Thanni Kuppam. "We have been waiting to be allocated quarters for 11 years now, but we still have no confirmation of when it is going to happen," says Selvaraj, a fisherman residing in the small cluster of temporary houses at Sugandharapuram.

"We havent had a proper Pongal celebration in years. Earlier, the entire village would come to a common space and prepare Pongal together. All the men would go fishing together for Maattu Pongal preparations. The women and children would sing songs in worship of Perumal. Now, most families here just celebrate Pongal in their houses and go out to the movies or the beach in the evening. Nowadays, many men get drunk in the evening and walk around the highway," he says.

The families live in clusters of ten or thirteen, with the N4 highway on one side and the raging ocean on the other. "We only few garments on Bhogi, because we cannot afford new ones," says Vigneshwar, a resident who has left fishing in search of better job opportunities.

The festival signifies the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. For the fishing communities of north Chennai, its an allegory - a time to wither their difficulties in salt and look forward to a better future.
Four Indonesian sailors kidnapped off the east coast of Malaysias Sabah state by suspected Islamic militants in the southern Philippines return to a Jakarta airport, May 13, 2016.

Updated at 1:25 p.m. ET on 2020-01-18

Authorities on Saturday said they suspect a Southern Philippine kidnap-for-ransom group kidnapped five Indonesian fishermen from Malaysian waters in eastern Sabah earlier this week.

Malaysian police reported the abduction occurred around 8 p.m. Jan. 16 when six masked gunmen boarded a boat containing eight men near Tambisan island and headed toward Philippine waters. Philippine authorities could not immediately be reached for comment on the report.

The kidnappers took the captain identified as Arsyad Dahlan, 41, and four others, Arizal Kastamiran, 29, La Baa, 32, Riswanto Hayano, 27, and Edi Lawalopo, 53, boarding their own boat and releasing three of the fishermen who returned to Sabah the next day. The three were identified as Abdul Latif, 37, Daeng Akbal, 20, and Pian Janiru, 36.

Hazani Ghazali, chief of the Eastern Sabah Security Command, confirmed the incident.

We suspect that this was done by a kidnap-for-ransom group, he told BenarNews when asked if the kidnapping was carried out by Abu Sayyaf Group or a different group operating from Philippines islands bordering Malaysia.

Hazani confirmed reports that the fishing boat was detected at 9:10 p.m. Friday as it returned to Malaysian waters and the three fishermen were detained by marine police to be questioned about the kidnapping.

Authorities have not determined the group responsible for this latest kidnapping, the first in 2020.

Abu Sayyaf has been blamed for a spate of kidnappings in the region in recent years where Malaysian and Indonesian sailors and fishermen have been taken hostage. Suspects in previous kidnappings would demand ransom for their release.

In September, three Indonesian fishermen were abducted from their boat off Sabahs east coast near the border with the Philippines. On Wednesday, Philippine officials announced security forces rescued the third Indonesian fisherman weeks after authorities said he was recaptured by Abu Sayyaf captors while his two compatriots were rescued in southern Sulu province.

Earlier in the same month, Malaysian police said security forces gunned down two suspected Abu Sayyaf members during a shootout at sea off the Sabah state.

Founded in the early 1990s, Abu Sayyaf is notorious for kidnappings, bombings and beheadings carried out in the southern Philippines over the past two decades. The group, based in and around Jolo and Basilan islands in the southwestern part of the Philippines, has been blacklisted by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization.

Sabah has been under a dusk-to-dawn sea curfew during the past few months as authorities took steps to curtail movements of armed groups involved in kidnap-for-ransom activities.

Malaysia signed an agreement with the Philippines and Indonesia in 2017 to launch trilateral patrols in the region aimed at reducing the risk of kidnapping and other terrorist acts.
By Express News Service

MUMBAI: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has defended the Maharashtra governments decision to declare Pathri as Sai Babas birthplace and develop amenities for devotees even as people in Shirdi have given a call for a shutdown while opposing the decision.

NCP legislator Durrani Abdullah Khan on Friday said that there is enough evidence to prove that Saibaba was born at Pathri and the governments decision to grant Rs 100 crore for the development of Pathri is being opposed due to fear that if this town in Parbhani district is developed, the importance of Shirdi, which has a grand temple of the saint, will fade.

While Shirdi is Sai Babas karmabhoomi (workplace), Pathri is the janmabhoomi (birthplace) and both these places have their own importance, Durrani said.

He was reacting to a call for a bandh given by the people of Shirdi in Ahmednagar district against the governments decision.

Devotees in large numbers throng the Shri Sai Janmasthan Temple at Pathri and during a recent visit there, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had announced a grant of Rs 100 crore for development of the town, Durrani said.

The Chief Minister has agreed to grant Rs 100 crore to Pathri. People of Shirdi dont have an issue with the funds. They just don't want Pathri to be called Sai Babas birthplace, he added.

Shirdi houses a huge Sai Baba Temple that draws lakhs of devotees. It is one of the most popular pilgrim destinations in the country and was brought on the aviation map last year on the occasion of the Samadhi centenary of Sai Baba.

While giving a call for a shutdown, Shirdi residents said there is no evidence of Pathri being the birthplace of Sai Baba except a non-authentic biography, adding that they had defended the case of Shirdi in the past even before the President.
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders stepped up his pitch to women in early-voting New Hampshire on the heels of a squabble over sexism in politics with fellow progressive and 2020 rival Elizabeth Warren.

The Vermont senator delivered a brief speech Saturday at the Seacoast Womens March in Portsmouth, saying thatwe are in this together.

Men, if you think abortion rights, if you think equal pay for equal work is just a womens issue, you are dead wrong, Sanders said. It is a human issue and the men have got to stand with the women.

Sanders did not stay to march, heading instead to the next campaign stop. His remarks at the event came a day after his campaign released two television ads in New Hampshire. The states primary is set for Feb. 11, eight days after the Iowa caucuses lead off the nominating contests.

One of those ads, Our Side, says that, under President Donald Trump, womens rights are under attack.

Bernie Sanders is on our side and always has been, a female narrator says over images of Sanders campaigning with and posing for pictures alongside large groups of supporters, most of them women. Fighting to protect a womans right to choose, to fully fund Planned Parenthood, make child care affordable and guarantee paid family leave and equal pay.

Sanders efforts underscore the important role women will play in choosing the Democratic presidential nominee in the early states and beyond. But that message may be especially scrutinized given this weeks feud with Warren.

In Portsmouth, Sanders said, What the Womens March, and what we are all about, is saying that it is the women of this country who have the right to control their bodies, not politicians.

He didnt mention Warren or the flare up-with his longtime friend, a Massachusetts senator who overlaps with him on many policy initiatives that seek to overhaul the nations political and economic system. Warren said this past week that, during a private meeting between the two in 2018, Sanders disagreed that a woman could win the presidency  a charge hes denied.

That has raised deeper questions about societal misogyny that female candidates have to overcome. The senators then clashed about the he said, she said feud during a debate last week. Warren refused to shake Sanders hand afterward as both of them called the other a liar.

They were in the Senate for the start of Trumps impeachment trial on Thursday and said theyd not subsequently spoken about the inciden t. Since then, both have declined to comment further about it.

Sanders told voters at a later New Hampshire stop, I think the best thing for all Democratic candidates, and what were going to do in our campaign is, you heard me tonight, you didnt hear me say a word about any of the other candidates.

That might have been true in front of campaign audiences, but, even before the dust-up with Warren, Sanders spent weeks criticizing former Vice-President Joe Biden as the two compete fiercely in Iowa and beyond. On Saturday, Biden called for Sanders camp to disown what he calls doctored video that some of the senators supporters say shows the former vice-president endorsing Republican calls to cut Social Security and Medicare.

A short time later, Sanders campaign manager, Faiz Shakir, responded that Biden needed to be honest about his record on Social Security.

Also Saturday, Warren campaigned in Iowa and addressed abortion rights, speaking to Planned Parenthood activists at a private home. She told the crowd that she intentionally wore a pink Planned Parenthood scarf to Trumps inauguration, fashioned in such a way that the logo would show up any time she was photographed, according to a pool report of the gathering.

One of the people asking a question at the Planned Parenthood event, Tanya Keith of Des Moines, told Warren of the spat with Sanders:I believe you 100%.

Because I looked at you and I looked at him and Im like, he did that. I know that Bernie Sanders said those things to you, because I have seen your body language and Ive seen his body language, Keith said.

Warren responded, Bernie and Ive been friends for a long time.

We fight for the same issues, she added. Weve been allies in these fights long before I ever got into politics.

___

Weissert reported from Des Moines, Iowa.
Students from various colleges across the state participate in the first police hackathon organised at the Kotla Vijay Bhaskar Reddy stadium in Yousufguda on Saturday. (Photo: S. Surender Reddy)

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad city police hosted a police hackathon on issues of cyber crimes, women safety, road safety and social media monitoring, including fake news. Around 400 participants from various technical colleges, start-ups and corporate entities formed 99 teams to participate in the hackathon.

Inaugurating the event, home minister Md. Mahmood Ali said, The state government is providing sufficient funds for modernisation of police towards ensuring safety of citizens. He asserted that the hackathon will prove to be a great learning experience for the younger generation.

Speaking about the objective of the two-day hackathon, additional commissioner of police (crimes) Shikha Goel said, The aim of the event is to generate coding solutions for problems in different areas like cyber crimes, crimes against women and children, road safety and awareness, and social media monitoring. Based on the coding solutions which stand out, we will design products to improve policing functions, she underlined.

Hyderabad commissioner of police Anjani Kumar emphasised: Deriving technological solutions using machine learning and artificial intelligence is need of the hour. We would like the participants and young minds of the state to arrive at innovative solutions for addressing the most pertinent problems and improve

policing.

The overall winner of the 36-hour hackathon will receive a cash award of Rs 1 lakh, while the best entry in every problem category will get a cash prize of Rs 20,000 each.

The top 10 solutions will be mentored by knowledge partners in addition to a six-month incubation with the We Hub and Hyderabad police.
Ben Margot /Associated Press

An undergraduate student at Stanford University was found dead at a residence on campus Friday morning, the school confirmed in a statement.

The student was apparently found unresponsive before being pronounced dead by first responders at 10:21 a.m., the San Francisco Chronicle reported. A preliminary investigation into the death showed "no signs of foul play" the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office said.
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There was pandemonium in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, as the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) office in the area was set ablaze by suspected arsonists.

According to reports, the unfortunate incident happened over the forthcoming local government election in the State in which parry aspirants have accused the party hierarchy of favouring a particular candidate.

Read Also: PDP: We Will Not Allow Judiciary Become Departments Of APC

Confirming the incident to journalists, Mr. Fabian Onah, PDP chairman in Nsukka LGA said:

When I got the call, I immediately rushed to the party office to see for myself the level of the inferno and damages done by the incident.

The target was my office as everything in my office was destroyed by fire.

All the chairs, tables, documents and other office equipment were destroyed.

I wonder what is the intention of those behind putting the PDP office on fire.

Other parts of the party office were not touched as those behind the crime concentrated in my office where vital documents were stored, he said.
Dear Tripped Up,

Our family home in the Bahamas was recently destroyed by Hurricane Dorian. Nobody lost their lives, but the physical damage was catastrophic and the emotional trauma is ongoing. I am writing on behalf of my parents, who live there full time.

Our family was scheduled to go on a trip of a lifetime and sail the Baltic Sea with Norwegian Cruise Line, but now those funds are needed to begin rebuilding. I have written to Norwegian and CheapCruises.com (where we purchased five cruise fares in full) asking for a refund. So far, my request has been denied.

Margo

Dear Margo,

When I received your email, on Sept. 15, American media reports about Dorian had subsided. By that point, the rain-slicked TV anchors had turned their cameras toward the next storm.

But your story has stayed with me. When I spoke with your mother by phone a couple of months ago, I learned that your parents waited out the storm in their cellar until the home they thought had been built so well, as she described it, finally gave way.
De Caluwes background could not immediately be verified. Past online postings indicate that he has worked on business ventures related to finance and renewable energy in Central America, and has gone by the names Anthony Hemelrijk or Heavenrich. Turk confirmed that he has used the name Hemelrijk but said his legal name is De Caluwe. She did not respond to questions about the Heavenrich name.
National Agency for Public-Private Partnership no more By Bandula Sirimanna View(s): View(s):

Sri Lankas National Agency for Public-Private Partnership (NAPPP) operated as a unit of the Ministry of Finance with World Bank assistance is to be disbanded shortly by the new government.

The NAPP headed by Thilan Wijesinghe, former Board of Investment Chairman and business professional with 20 member staff, will be wound up after over two years in existence, official sources said.

According to the cabinet paper presented by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa this unit is no longer necessary since the government is taking action to streamline its activities and consolidate functions.

The cabinet has approved the proposal recently to close down the operations of the agency established by the previous regime in 2017 to fast-track Sri Lankas economic development agenda .

The World Bank had financed the provision of recommendations and carrying out of capacity-building activities on the PPP legal and regulatory framework including on PPP-related guidelines.

It has also funded the organisational structure of the NAPPP, its staffing and knowledge building and management, and the development of tools for the prioritisation of possible PPP transactions and for the assessment of their level of readiness.

The total commitment of the World Bank facility was around US$25 million for the whole project and out of it a sum of $0.29 million had been disbursed last year and the allocation for this year is $2.94 million, official data revealed.

Its Project Development Objective was to support the preparation of Public-Private Partnerships that will enable the Government of Sri Lanka to facilitate private sector financing for the development of its priority infrastructure and services.

Sri Lanka is implementing seven PPP projects worth $1,231 million including Kandy Mahaiyawa Urban Housing Project, Gampaha waste water collection, treatment and disposal system, new inland water transport system, Port city tunnel, recreational beach area development Colombo south, sea water desalination in Puttalam District and the elevated express way from Kelani bridge.

The Pettah Multimodel Hub, Ekala Aero City Project, Convention Centre Port City, Medical Complex port city, School at Port City, Dedduwa integrated tourism development project, Colombo Port cruise terminal, renewable energy park in Pooneryn, are some of the PPP projects in the pipeline in the country.
Thakur had lodged a complaint with police, alleging that she received envelopes by post which had poisonous chemicals on them. (Photo Credit: PTI)

New Delhi:

The Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has detained a doctor from Nanded district of Maharashtra for allegedly sending suspicious envelopes to controversial BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur, police said on Saturday. Thakur had 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 MPs residence and some of these contained letters in the Urdu language.

The MP ATS found that Dr Sayyed Abdul Rehman Khan (35), who runs a clinic in Dhanegaon (in Nanded district), had sent these suspicious envelopes to Thakur, inspector Pradeep Kakade of Itwara police station in Nanded to news agency PTI.

The MP ATS detained Khan on Thursday evening from Dhanegaon. He had been on the polices radar for the last three months, as he had previously written letters to some government officials, claiming that his mother and brother had terror links and they should be arrested, Kakade said.

The police tried keeping a tab on him using his mobile phone location. However, he would leave his phone at home and travel to Aurangabad, Nagpur and other cities to post these letters, Kakade added.

Pragya Thakur Greeted With 'Aatankwadi Wapas Jao' Slogans

The Bhopal lawmaker once again found herself in a sticky situation outside a prominent university in her constituency. In an incident that took place on December 25, the BJP MP was greeted with terrorist slogan when she was meeting two students of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication in Bhopal. Right outside the university gates, she was surrounded by students, many of them belonging to NSUI. They didnt let the MP to enter the university. They raised aatankwadi wapas jayo" and "Pragya Thakur go back" slogans. She retreated and left the place. However, afterwards, she said that she will consult legal experts and subsequently take legal action against all those involved.

During her campaigning days, the Malegaon blast accused had said that former Anti-Terrorist Squad chief Hemant Karkare died in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks as she had cursed him for treating her very badly while she was in custody in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. Hemant Karkare falsely implicated me. He died of his karma. I told him, he will be destroyed. I told him his entire dynasty will be erased. Maine kaha tera (Karkare) sarvanash hoga, she had said. Pragya had also stirred some controversy during her oath-taking ceremony in the Lok Sabha.

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Tammin Sursok has revealed her terrifying birth experience with daughter Lennon, now one.

On Friday, the former Home and Away star took to Instagram to share a snap from the day her girl was born, revealing that having a C-section saved their lives.

The 36-year-old said in her lengthy post that all mothers should do what is best for them and their baby when it comes to labour.

'My C-section saved us': Tammin Sursok revealed on Friday her terrifying birth experience with daughter Lennon, one (both pictured)

'As a woman I thought that a natural birth was what my body was ''meant'' to do,' Tammin began her candid post.

Tammin said that while she had a C-section with her first child, daughter Phoenix, six, she was adamant she wanted a natural birth for Lennon.

But she said that after her doctor urged her to have a C-section to no avail, she one day woke up knowing that she had to have the procedure.

Candid: Tammin said that while she had a C-section with her first child, daughter Phoenix, six, she was adamant she wanted a natural birth for Lennon

'Two days before she were born something hit me physically in the gut,' Tammin said.

'I shot up in my bed. Something said, "I need to get her out." Via C-section.'

All had gone well with the birth, but Tammin said her doctor told her afterwards that the birth was risky, saying his words were 'chilling.'

'Lennon's face had almost ruptured through my scar,' Tammin said.

'She was hours away from ending up in my stomach. The likelihood of survival of that situation is low. For both of us.'

Honest: Tammin said she woke up one day and knew she had to have a C-section

The Pretty Little Liars star added: 'There are no symptoms. He said that if Phoenix had jumped on me, or I had laughed too hard or gone into labor that would be that.'

She finished: 'My C-section saved us. And many others. We did not fail. We chose what was best for us'.

Tammin shared the story a year on from the birth, on her daughter's birthday.

In the post, she sweetly decried her daughter as her 'world.'

It isn't the first time the US-based actress has spoken about the difficulties she has had in bringing her children into the world.

In November, she spoke to the The Daily Telegraph about how having multiple miscarriages had left her feeling like her body 'was letting her down.'

'I started getting scared because I kept getting pregnant very easily and I lost a few back-to-back, so I was pregnant for almost two years on and off,' she told the publication.

She also revealed that the experience has strengthened her relationship with husband, Sean McEwan.

'[Sean] was unbelievable. I would wake up sometimes and he would just hold me,' she said.

Tammin and Sean, 47, tied the knot in a dreamy Italian wedding back in 2011 and live in Los Angeles with their two daughters.
VICTORIALong before a certain duke and duchess ever set foot in Victoria, Britain had a way of turning up there.

Take, for instance, the one unique feature of Mike and Betty Hubbards home that Mike just couldnt live without.

An engineer by trade and a collector by passion, he would install a bar somewhere in each home he and his wife, Betty, lived. Hed stock it full and add kitschy British trinkets acquired at souvenir shops to already-elaborate decorations amassed over the years.

It was his Victorian, marine-themed English city pub, Betty Hubbard said.

He loved it. He was very proud of it, she said, sitting by the electric fire in the last pub her late husband assembled during their 45-year marriage.

The wooden bar stools, rare collection of Scotches and portrait of the Queen: Those were his way of always carrying with him a piece of the country where he was born and raised.

Betty and Mike Hubbards pub was the couples personal slice of Britain in a city teeming with nostalgic references to the country. In Victoria, a small provincial capital on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and named after a queen, nearly two thirds of all residents have British heritage.

When Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, spent their Christmas holidays in the Victoria area, then announced their plan to move to Canada part time, speculation began to fly in both Canada and the United Kingdom about whether the senior royal couple might make a more permanent home in or near the city. Having professed a desire to live more independently in a progressive relationship to the royal family, a move across the ocean to Victoria would definitely give them distance from Buckingham Palace.

But it would also take them to a place with a reputation for being more English than the English.

Victoria is a city that attracts tourists from around the world for afternoon tea at a famous imperial hotel, The Empress, and where room-temperature English ale pours through taps at local pubs in defiance of the unofficial coldness laws governing Canadian brews. British accents make up a major part of the local sounds heard on the street. Even the sweet-smelling gorse shrub, native to Britain but invasive on North Americas West Coast, engulfs rocks and park surfaces.

The more English than the English saying started when the artist Emily Carr described her father  and his relationship to the city of Victoria that way, because of his desire to create, in Victoria, an English ideal. Local historian Terry Reksten then wrote about it in her locally famous 1986 book, which uses the quote as its title.

What he hoped to find was a town in which British traditions were combined with American progressiveness, a city that represented the best of both worlds, Reksten wrote. And, to some degree, he did.

Its been 150 years since Emily Carrs father, Richard, lived in Victoria, but to author Rosemary Neering, who helped update Rekstens book in 2011, Victorias connection to Englishness still rests on the nostalgia of its British residents.

Were talking about the between-the-wars ideal, the kind of ordered society that you see on the historical dramas like (Downton Abbey), Neering said. Thats the old England that people are referencing when they talk about Victoria.

But Neering sees that aspect of Victoria, very much alive in its tourist attractions, as a fading part of the citys larger story. Increasingly, she said, the young people in Victoria are promoting a culture of hiking and enjoying the citys stunning, meandering coastline. Theres a sense of newness and adventure that was also part of the stories of the first English people to come to Victoria.

One of the things that strikes you over and over and over again is how many of them came from England but could not have made a success out of being in England, Neering said. Although this was a place that was English in those days, it was a place that had room for the individual expression of the people who ended up here, many of whom were neer-do-wells or second sons.

As for whether Harry and Meghan may be able to do the same thing in Victoria, Neering was less sure.

I think theyll go to Toronto, she said.

However Victorias relationship to England evolves, there are still those committed to preserving a sense of English heritage.

A few years after Mike died in 2014, Betty Hubbard took on his former role leading the local chapter of the Royal Society of St. George  an international organization dedicated to Englishness with chapters around the world.

There is a lot of English people here, she said. Ive got something upstairs that says people that are not interested in their culture and their heredity are like a tree without roots.

To that end, several times of year Hubbard runs events for dozens of English Victorians  sometimes afternoon tea, sometimes a dinner. On Saturday, she planned to hold a brunch. Theres no agenda, and the attendees dont always talk about England, but she likes to keep the group involved.

Likely, she said, they would drink tea, and they might also discuss Meghan and Harry.

Read more about:
Before the Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Singh had threatened to field HYV candidates against BJP nominees. (Photo Credit: Facebook/Sunil Singh)

New Delhi:

Former chief of Hindu Yuva Vahini (HYV) Sunil Singh on Saturday joined the Samajwadi Party in the presence of party chief Akhilesh Yadav and party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav. Sunil Singh, who was once widely known as Yogi Adityanaths right hand at least till he became Uttar Pradesh chief minister, was expelled from the HYV, formed by Adityanath in 2002, on charges of indiscipline in 2017. He later created Hindu Yuva Vahini (Bharat) along with several other HYV rebels and declared himself as its president.

On the induction of Sunil Singh, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said, The days of the Adityanath government are numbered and the countdown has already begun.

The former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav said that the workers of HYV were with SP now and that they would unmask the real intentions of the BJP. He also accused the BJP government of slapping cases against opposition leaders for protesting against its policies.

Earlier, HYV was founded to promote Hindutva and nationalism and it went on to play a crucial role in Adityanaths increasing cult in Uttar Pradesh.

The strains between BJP and HYV became apparent when HYV members sought to contest Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in 2017, a demand which was earlier rejected by the BJP.

Also Read: Uttar Pradesh bypoll results: BJP wins back Kairana, Gorakhpur and Phulpur seats

Just before the Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Singh had threatened to field HYV candidates against BJP nominees to protest the denial of tickets and thus, was removed from the Hindu outfit.

Singh's proximity to the Samajwadi party started growing after he was also slapped with the National Security Act and was jailed for his alleged involvement in violence at Gorakhpur in 2018.

Also Read: BJPS Ravi Kishan wins Gorakhpur seat, defeats SP's Rambhual Nishad by 3,01,664 votes

He wanted to file his nomination for the 2019 Lok Sabha election from the Gorakhpur constituency as a candidate of the Hindustan Nirman Dal launched by Pravin Togadia, the former Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader. However, the district magistrate and returning officer of Gorakhpur K Vijayendra Pandian ordered the cancellation of his nomination on technical grounds, prompting Singh to allege that it was done at the behest of Adityanath.

(With PTI inputs)
In an unusual building where customers were once greeted by a statue of the Shoneys Big Boy, visitors are now met by busts of Chopin and Beethoven.

It is all part of the look now that Summitt Pianos reopened in recent months at 3889 Hixson Pike in the uniquely roofed and glass-faced structure that historic preservations consider one of the best examples of mid-century modern commercial architecture remaining in Chattanooga.

If you are from Chattanooga, you know this building, said store manager Buddy Shirk with a laugh during a recent tour of the place that opened about 60 years ago as a Shaps Big Boy Drive In.

It is an architectural wonder, if you will.

I think its perfect. Its got beautiful windows.

Many might argue that the building  which has also served as everything from a hair salon to an archery store to a stone supplier in recent decades  is also perfectly suited to be a piano store. Not only does its gently lifting roofline slightly mirror a grand piano  a comment Mr. Shirk said he has heard often since the relocation  but the building also hints of being a miniature Sydney Opera House.

The way the high ceiling slopes upward on the inside does create a good acoustical effect, and Summitt has been able to continue its tradition of hosting recitals, concerts and auditions. In fact, its first event late last spring  a few days before its actual opening  was the national guild audition competition the store has traditionally hosted.

Summitt Pianos decided to relocate following an arson-related fire at its store at 6200 Lee Highway in January 2018. The firm had evolved from the Lansford piano business that for decades was on Cherry Street downtown.

Ted Summitt Sr. had been a tuner and technician with Lansford  which had been the oldest continuous Baldwin dealer in the nation  and Mr. Shirk crossed paths with him while running the sales floor there in the 1970s.

Mr. Shirk later worked in the piano retail business in Atlanta with Baldwin before returning to Chattanooga.

After Mr. Summitt Sr. bought the business in the early 1990s and following other phases of change, it is now owned by Ted Summitt Jr. and his wife, Julie. The store is open every day except Saturday, due to the Summitt familys Seventh-day Adventist Church beliefs.

The store  which is the only piano retailer in Chattanooga now that Bill Jones Music in Ooltewah closed in late December  has been the exclusive local Steinway & Sons dealer since 2002. Steinway, of course, is considered the Mercedes-Benz or Cadillac of pianos.

The firm also sells the mid-level and Japanese-made Boston pianos and the beginning-level and Chinese-made Essex brand. Both are designed by Steinway, but in contrast to the custom-made style of Steinway that uses the highest quality materials, the other two are mass produced, Mr. Shirk said.

One Steinway grand piano on the floor at the store was for sale for $71,800, while the comparably sized Boston instrument was about a fifth the cost, and the Essex less than that.

Mr. Shirk said the quality of a top-level grand piano compared to others can be found in part in the extra rich sound of the bass notes when those keys are played.

He added that his firm usually sells about four Steinway grand pianos a year on average.

Also in the building last week was a concert grand piano used by the Chattanooga Symphony. It is stored there and moved back and forth from the Tivoli Theatre, he said.

Summitt Pianos also operates the Choo Choo Moving and Piano Moving Plus businesses out of the building.

The store also sells vertical pianos and such other brands as Baldwin, Pearl River, Kawai and Yamaha, among others. Both new and used instruments are part of the stores offerings, he said.

Also on display in the store were a Steinway & Sons vertical piano from more than 100 years ago, and an organ that was used in recent years at Engel Stadium during tours.

While national news reports have said fewer people are playing the piano in recent decades, Mr. Shirk said Chattanooga has a rich musical tradition and many families are still wanting to continue having a child learn to play this instrument that cannot be carried by hand.

He said the business has been good since they relocated, due in part to its somewhat central location in town to potential customers. It is also near music stores Giant Steps just south and Mountain Music just north in Highland Plaza.

Besides helping customers figure out their financial numbers in looking for the ideal piano, Mr. Shirk is also known for being able to play musical numbers. He is one of the more familiar organists in town and is active in several guilds and music groups and often plays the Mighty Wurlitzer before movies at the Tivoli.

He is also involved in music events and festivals such as the MAINx24 parade, In fact, he can often be seen outside at a festival or event as much as a food truck, playing a piano or encouraging others to play.

Everybody loves to play outside, he said of his motivation.

Mr. Shirk grew up playing the organ first and said that is his better instrument.

I learned to play as a child on a Hammond organ, he said. I didnt get a piano until years later.

He said playing a piano is actually different from playing an organ, even though accomplished musicians can often play both. A piano you play but an organ you manipulate, he said with a smile.

And officials with Summitt Pianos have been able to manipulate and refurbish this building as well to fit their needs, giving it a cleaner look to complement the pure sounds of the Steinways coming out of it.

Although they initially looked to see if it was salvageable, they have since done much repair to the interior low ceiling area in the back, painted the exterior tan brick white, and sandblasted and painted gray the expansive former blue roof.

The parking lot was also black topped, and now they feel they have the perfect retail stage, if you will, to encourage people to tickle the ivories.

It is quite a cool building, said Mr. Shirk. It would have been a shame to have seen it torn down. It is in the perfect location for a piano store.

Jcshearer2@comcast.net
56D: This is probably my favorite self-contained (encysted?) wordplay of the day, as I was tickled by the vehicular misdirect (as high as my car insurance is, I often wonder what happens to people after a couple of fender-benders). Crashes happen onscreen, too, all the time, which is why a lot of programs have tacitly acknowledged their inevitability by adding an AUTOSAVE feature. I still manage to lose work, though! Cant always undo those DELETES!

Todays Theme

The theme for this Biotechnology puzzle takes a bit of unraveling, but thats completely suitable.

First of all, you will notice four sets of four bubbles in todays grid, one in each corner, running diagonally  an unusual configuration. Theres also a scattering of eight entries, running both across and down, that are simply clued with a . Theyre at 29A and 29D, 32A and 32D, 117A and 117D, and 120A and 120D. A pass through the grid will indicate to you that the clue numbers for those entries all correspond to the lowest bubbled letter in each quadrant. In other words, those entries start at the end, the bottom step of those four bubbles running downstairs.

But wait! Theres another set of scattered clues to worry about, these seemingly straightforward, that end at the start of those bubbled sequences. Look at 4D and 24A, 14D and 24A, 57D and 98A, and 84D and 101A. Notice how each of them shares a last letter, and that its the first circled letter in that corner?

If you havent gotten the full theme yet, I would be amazed if any of those entries made a lick of sense. Thats a lot of real estate, even on a bigger grid, and it also means that the first and last bubbles of every set of bubbles are hard to figure out. What I had, at one point, seemed to be suggestive  a lot of matching Es in the second spots and Ns in the third spots  but inconclusive.

So thank goodness for the revealer in the center at 71A! Its not the type of revealer that flings open the door to realization, or at least it wasnt for me. But it does provide entry to the lobby of this grid, I guess you would say. Figuring it out prepares us to move forward, at least, although there are still choices to be made and more doors to unlock. Fortunately, the clue for the revealer isnt too hard, and, fortunately, its crossed by normal fill, nothing to do with the theme, so its deducible. Biological manipulation suggested four times by this puzzle is GENE SPLICING.
They asked us why we were out there and said things like, Women here have it better than anywhere else in the world, be grateful,  Elizabeth Beaty said. It made me think how the women who fought for the right to vote stood out there for two years  we did it for two hours and that was tough.
Johannesburg , January 16, 2020 (SPS)- The African National Conference called on the international community to honour a promise made twenty eight years ago to the Saharawi people on the refferendum for self-determination.

The ANC reaffirmed, during the 15th Congress of the POLISARIO Front held from the 19th -23rd December 2019 in Tifariti, liberated territories of Western Sahara, its principled support to the Saharawi people.

"The 15th Polisario Congress takes place during a critical juncture whereby MINURSO is almost 30 years old without fulfilling one of its core mandates of organising a referendum of self-determination for the Saharawi people. The people of Western Sahara have been waiting for the United Nations to fulfil its promise and responsibility towards the peace-loving people of Western Sahara" stressed the ANC in a statement.

The ANC noted in its 54th National Conference that Western Sahara is the only remaining colony on the African continent, and further reaffirmed the inalienable right of the Saharawi people to self-determination and independence.

"It is a lamentable fact that Western Sahara remains the only country still suffering under the yolk of colonialisation and subjugation despite a clear legal precedent as provided for by resolution 1514 of 1960 on the right to self-determination and independence" added the statement.

The conference of the ANC reaffirmed that its position is further consistent with the 1975 decision of the International Court of Justice and related resolutions that Morocco has no legitimate territorial claim over Western Sahara. Accordingly, it reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen and intensify South Africas support for the Saharawi people in their quest for self-determination.

"The ANC pledges its continued solidarity with the peoples of Western Sahara and further calls on the International Community to expedite the resolution of the conflict of Western Sahara and bring an end to inhumane and prolonged suffering of the people of Saharawi people" concluded The statement . (SPS)

090/110
In the United States and other parts of the world where freedom of speech is highly valued and emphasized, people usually do not have to worry that voicing their opinions about the government or its policies could lead to punishment. However, this is not the case for people in China.

For years, the popular Chinese messaging app WeChat has been making headlines for censoring its users content and sharing it with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Those who were found guilty of spreading messages deemed sensitive by the regime might have to face imprisonment.

This illustration picture shows the logo of the Chinese instant messaging application WeChat on the screen of a tablet. (MARTIN BUREAU/AFP via Getty Images)

Monitoring Calls and Messages

For instance, Taiwanese activist Lee Ming-che was arrested in 2017 when he arrived in China. He was later convicted of subversion after being found guilty of sending pro-democracy messages to others through WeChat and other messaging platforms.

There is simply no privacy in China. Social media, calls and messages on mobile phones are all under surveillance, said a former employee of China Mobile Online Services Company to Bitter Winter, a magazine on religious liberty and human rights in China. The company is a subsidiary of China Mobile Limited, the state-owned and largest telecommunications service provider in China.

The former employee, who requested to remain anonymous, was one of the at least 500 staff members tasked with monitoring calls and messages. He went on to reveal how the Chinese regime has been controlling its citizens.

China Mobile advertising board on the side of a building. (DANIEL SORABJI/AFP via Getty Images)

If one says anything deemed unfavorable to the CCP, he or she will be punished. Every person is monitored and controlled under the pretext to crack down on harassment, he disclosed.

Sensitive Words

The man told the magazine that words like Almighty God and Falun Gong were classified as sensitive. Even phrases that indicated withdrawal of membership from the Communist Party and its affiliated organization, the Communist Youth League, are monitored closely.

He added that immediate measures will be taken to intercept messages that mention the CCPs organ harvesting from Falun Gong practitioners to prevent leaks.

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is an ancient spiritual discipline based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and consists of five sets of peaceful exercises. Introduced in China in 1992, the practice spread by word of mouth as people benefited both physically and morally. However, in 1999, a massive campaign of suppression was launched after the regime saw at least 70 million to 100 million of its citizensmore than the CCPs membershiptake up Falun Gong.

After the persecution started, numerous Falun Gong practitioners were arrested and detained in prison, labor camps, and brainwashing centers, where they were repeatedly tortured. In recent years, media outlets worldwide have reported that the Chinese regime has been harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience, with the majority being from Falun Gong practitioners.

Falun Gong practitioners perform the fifth exercise of Falun Dafa. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

The former staffer said that a system is put in place to detect any sensitive information, and those users who were found to share such nature of information would face punishment, with the company cutting off their service.

If any sensitive words were detected during phone calls, in MMS, SMS, or messages on social networking sites like WeChat, the system would automatically intercept the information and users services would be deactivated instantly, disabling these people to make phone calls or send messages, he said.

In order to use the service again, the users would have to visit the service center of the telecommunications company with their ID card and write a statement promising never to share any sensitive information again. However, the deactivation of the service is considered a minor punishment.

In one instance, the staffer said that a man in Fujian Province was prohibited from traveling and had his passport destroyed because he was found to have made comments that were insulting to the government and disturbing the public order.

The level of monitoring by a telecommunications company can be quite shocking to those who are not familiar with the Chinese regimes tactics. However, there is actually more to it.

Anonymous I.T. Experts Warning

The Epoch Times previously reported a warning posted by a Falun Gong practitioner in China who worked in the I.T. industry. He shared anonymously on the internet how the use of cell phones could put other Falun Gong practitioners lives in danger.

The expert said that the regime has been collecting a wide range of information on its citizens. Some of the information includes a users location and travel routes, pictures taken with phones (the regime can hack into the cameras and take additional pictures and videos), fingerprints from the unlock-with-fingerprint function, voice-prints, chatting information, websites and services that the user had accessed, and contact information from address books.

Journalists visit the Huawei Digital Transformation Showcase in Shenzhen, Chinas Guangdong province. (WANG ZHAO/AFP via Getty Images)

He also explained how an idle phone can become a listening device: the phone will be activated upon detecting a trigger word in a persons conversation (though the person is not on a call) and proceed to record the chat and send the entire conversation to the regime.

From then on, this cellphone is set for long-term monitoring, using the various aforementioned monitoring methods, he wrote. Through the phones address book, call recording and chat software, the CCP then locates other practitioners to monitor.

He added: Anyone who buys a cell phone in China is buying a device that enables the CCP to spy on him or her. The phone comes with spying software that was installed at the factory. Thus, restoring the factory settings cannot solve the problem.

Mandatory Facial Scans in China

In attempts to tighten the control of cyberspace, from Dec. 1, 2019, the Chinese regime required all telecom operators to collect facial scans of those applying for a new telephone account. This measure has raised surveillance concerns among experts and residents. One man, surnamed Wang, from Chinas Nanjing City, told Radio Free Asia: The facial recognition system is very scary. After 5G [new telecom generation] network was installed in most regions of the country, they [the government] can find you any time.

He also added that two other colleagues had to undergo facial scans when applying for new cell phones.
Yonaguni Megumi, a Japanese dancer, enjoys Shen Yun at the Fuchu-no-Mori Art Theater, in Fuchu, Japan, on Jan. 16, 2020. (Xue Juan/The Epoch Times)

FUCHU, JapanYonaguni Megumi, a dancer who does the regional folk dance known as the Okinawan dance, was amazed at the different dances performed by Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Fuchu-no-Mori Art Theater on Jan. 16, 2020.

The body movements of the male dancers are very masculine. Their jumps, backflips, and leaps are done with such skill, Megumi said.

As for the female dancers, Megumi said their hands, feet, and all other body gestures were done with such beauty and delicacy.

New York-based Shen Yun is a classical Chinese dance and music company. Since its inception in 2006, the company has now developed into seven equal-sized companies, and they make annual tours around the world every year.

The dance form showcased by Shen Yun is called classical Chinese dance, which dated back thousands of years and based on ancient Chinese culture. According to Shen Yuns official website, the dance is rich with expressive power, capable of bringing out the inner meaning of thoughts and feelings and reflecting the peculiarities of human nature.

The dances history and expressiveness resonated with Megumi. She said that she did see Chinese cultures richness from the dances.

Without speaking and having only dance moves, the dancers were able to communicate [with the audience] what they wanted to express. This is a high-level art performance, Megumi said.

Before coming to see Shen Yun, Megumi stated that she wasnt aware there were different Chinese folk dances. But now, she said these dances brought her on a trip through China, allowing her to appreciate how the Chinese have lived.

Chinese folk dances are dance forms that have been passed down among the majority Han ethnicity, according to Shen Yun. Aside from these dances, Shen Yun also showcases different ethnic dances, given how Chinas population includes over 50 different ethnic groups, such as Mongolian, Tibetan, and Yi.

Megumi expressed her desire that Shen Yun performers will continue to pass on Chinese history and tradition.

Shen Yun will now continue its tour of Japanese cities of Sakai, Fukuoka, Tokyo, and Kyoto, before traveling to South Korea.

With reporting by NTDTV and Frank Fang.

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.
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, tragically deserted her infant daughter Kristina who was so hungry she tried to eat washing powder, a Russian court has heard.

The girl was found naked having starved to death in a cold room in a rubbish-strewn apartment having eaten the small amount of food - yoghurt, chicken and sausages - her mother had left her.

Before leaving for her party week coinciding with Valentines Day last year, Plenkina turned off the water in the flat.

The girl's 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 - now faces from eight to 20 years in jail for the cruel murder of her child.

Maria Plyonkina with baby Kristina. Source: Australscope

A criminal investigation into murder with extreme cruelty proved that Plenkina locked her daughter in the flat from 13 February and only returned on 20 February last year.

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 friend.

Anastasia told investigators that she paid for her friends 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.

Sobbing as she appeared in court, she said: 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.

Maria Plyonkina is facing 20 years in jail. Source: Australscope

The childs distraught grandmother said she could have cared for the child if only she knew her daughter was leaving.

Story continues

She lied to me that everything was fine, she said. She lied to everyone.

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, the grandmother claimed.

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.

- Australscope

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.
COLUMBIA  The S.C. House has unanimously approved a resolution calling for state-owned utility Santee Cooper to completely transition to clean energy by 2050.

Whatever happens to Santee Cooper this spring, we can all agree this utility should be leading the way on clean energy, not lagging behind. Clean energy creates thousands of new jobs and lowers power bills across this state, Rep. Russell Ott said. The St. Matthews Democrat is co-chair of the S.C. Energy Caucus.

The resolution also calls for a fair and equitable transition to a clean energy future for energy workers and presses for more transparency and accountability in all energy decisions, according to a release from caucus Co-Chair Rep. Nathan Ballentine, R-Chapin.

House members pointed to a 2019 study that shows Santee Cooper can transition to 85 percent clean energy by 2030 and save ratepayers $360 million over business-as-usual practices.

They also noted that a solar business predicted creating over 10,000 jobs from solar development in the state and has invested in a workforce development program at Greenville Tech to fill these roles.

Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg, said, South Carolinians deserve nothing less than to live in pollution-free communities fueled by a 100 percent clean energy economy.

We must reduce air and water pollution from the dirty fossil fuel plants, create jobs across our state and improve public health and quality of life. This is the direction Santee Cooper should head in.

Sen. John Matthews, D-Bowman, said, Advancing the economy and protecting the environment are keys to South Carolinas continued success.

A 100 percent clean energy Santee Cooper will supercharge creation of clean energy jobs and protect our environment by eliminating dirty and dangerous emissions. I call on more of my Senate colleagues to join me in committing to advance this goal.

The future of Santee Cooper will be discussed in the 2020 legislative session.

State officials will release a report detailing private bids to buy or manage Santee Cooper sometime between mid-January and mid-March, according to the Associated Press. Santee Cooper officials spent much of last year working on a plan to show they can improve without being sold.

The S.C. Energy Caucus was founded by members of the S.C. General Assembly after the shutdown of the V.C. Summer nuclear power plant in August 2017. It is a bicameral caucus made up of Republicans and Democrats who support clean energy alternatives.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 18:45:18|Editor: huaxia

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by Xinhua writers Zhao Manjun and Huang Yaoteng

NANNING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Khin Cho Aye, still in her white lab coat at 9:00 p.m., stood beside a huge apparatus continuously humming rapid staccatos. Test results of heavy metal elements illuminated an attached screen, as the Myanmar woman took out another box of soil samples.

As the Lunar New Year approaches, many scientists and engineers at Bossco, an environmental solution provider based in southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, are working against the clock.

EXCHANGE OPPORTUNITIES

For the past two years, hundreds of Myanmar students and scientists gained opportunities to study and do research in China under programs sponsored by the Chinese government and companies in a bid to promote people-to-people exchange in science and technology between the two countries. Many of them chose Guangxi, the only region in China that boasts water and land gateways to ASEAN countries, according to the regional government.

Khin Cho Aye had worked for Myanmar's education ministry as a senior researcher and lecturer in biotechnology and focused on remediation techniques for heavy-metal contaminated soil. "My grandparents are farmers. Since I was a kid, I have seen soil quality deteriorating," said Khin Cho Aye, noting that the issue was related to the overuse of chemical fertilizers.

In May 2019, she got an opportunity to participate in a one-year program launched by the regional government of Guangxi and joined the Bossco team. In Guangxi, she tested lab findings in an experimental plot and operated a set of cutting-edge apparatus, which will help her fulfill her dream to restore the soil quality of the cropland back in Myanmar, said Khin Cho Aye.

Such exchange experiences can help Chinese and Myanmar researchers understand each other's values, lifestyles and methodologies, facilitating better scientific and technological cooperation, said Zhu Hongxiang, technical director of Bossco and Ph.D. supervisor at Guangxi University.

EXPLORE NEW REALMS

In a laboratory of microbiology and plant resource utilization in the School of Marine and Biotechnology of Guangxi University for Nationalities, Myanmar researchers Thaw Thaw Han and Khaing Phyo Wai swiftly smear bacteria on Petri dishes.

"Back in Myanmar, inoculation is very time-consuming. We used a metal smear loop to plant bacteria on a dish, after which we burned the loop with a lab burner to sterilize it. The worst part is that before applying again, we need to wait until the loop cools down," said Khaing Phyo Wai.

"Chinese researchers inoculate much faster," she said, noting that each time the Chinese researchers use a sterilized bamboo stick instead of a loop. "After the experiment, they have dozens of contaminated sticks. They sterilize them in a bundle and store up for the next time. No burning, no waiting."

"We absolutely would recommend the technique to our colleagues once back home," she said, adding that now she has skillfully maneuvered this technique.

Thaw Thaw Han and Khaing Phyo Wai used to work for Myanmar's Education Ministry. In China, their research focuses on finding plant-growth promoting microbial strains and cultivating more effective bio-fertilizers to make green agriculture more affordable.

The two researchers are among the beneficiaries of the Talented Young Scientists Program launched by China's Ministry of Science and Technology in 2013. The program was under the framework of the BRI Action Plan for Science and Technology Innovation, promoting in-depth scientific and technological exchanges between China and developing countries.

Like China, Myanmar has booming agriculture and a pressing need to ensure healthy food for the people, they said. "I know a brand-new research area after studying here, such as extracting microbial strains from the ocean for bio-fertilizer development. Myanmar also has a long coastline, and I hope to delve deeper in this regard," Thaw Thaw Han added.

Soe Thet Naung, the Myanmar consul general to Nanning, said Guangxi's climate is similar to that of the Shan and Kachin states of Myanmar, an aspect that could help fructify and deepen bilateral exchanges in agricultural research.

He highly valued the bilateral cooperation in agricultural research between China and Myanmar, noting that the two sides have kicked off a series of projects, including the China (Guangxi)-Myanmar Crop Excellent Varieties Experimental Station in Naypyidaw, the Myanmar capital and China-Myanmar Agricultural Science and Technology Demonstration Base.

In 2020, we will mark the 70th anniversary of China-Myanmar diplomatic relations, said Soe Thet Naung.

"Myanmar has always supported the Belt and Road Initiative. At the same time, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi personally led the active participation in the Belt and Road cooperation with China," he said.
Lara Trump criticized former Vice President Joe Biden for his speech on the debate stage.

Speaking at a "Women for Trump" event in Iowa, the president's daughter-in-law said she felt "sad" for Biden, Newsweek reported.

"Every time he comes on stage and they turn to him, I'm like, Joe can you get it out, let's get the words out, Joe," she said. "You kinda feel bad for him."

Lara Trump, who also serves as a campaign adviser for the president, also took aim at the Democratic Party, calling them "desperate" and suggested that the party had no chance of winning in 2020 if Biden is their frontrunner.

"That is why they have tried since the day he came down the escalator to stop Donald Trump," she said, referencing the moment in June 2015 when Donald Trump descended the Trump Tower escalator to announce his candidacy.

Biden has been open about his past struggles with a speech impediment. In a recent interview with the Atlantic, he opened up about his struggle with stuttering as a child. When politics editor John Hendrickson, who also has a stutter, told Biden he noticed he has trouble saying the letter "r," the former vice president responded he didn't notice.

"I consciously think of it anymore," he said, referring to his stutter.

This isn't the first time Biden has been mocked for his speech. Former White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a now-deleted tweet, "I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I hhhave absolutely no idea what Biden is talking about," during a December debate.

"I've worked my whole life to overcome a stutter," Biden tweeted in response. "And it's my great honor to mentor kids who have experienced the same," Biden responded on Twitter to Sanders' tweet. "It's called empathy. Look it up."

When asked by the Atlantic if he was worried that Trump would mock his stutter if he becomes the Democratic nominee, Biden said he didn't think he was.

"If you ask the polls, 'Does Biden stutter? Has he ever stuttered?,' you'd have 80 to 95% of people say no," Biden said. If Trump was to attack his verbal slips, "it'll just expose him for what he is."
State sector appointments; old wine in new bottles View(s):

It was just too good to be true. The Presidential announcement that a committee would select the right man or woman for the right job was, no doubt, taken with a pinch of salt by those who had heard this refrain before.

The previous Government, in fact, said about the same thing when it took office back in 2015. It said state sector top jobs would be selected on a scientific basis. The highfalutin pronouncement came crashing down not long after it was made when the Ports Minister appointed his unqualified brother as Ports Authority chairman. The floodgates opened for similar appointments to other state institutions.

Now, after initially making some seemingly non-political appointments, this Government, too, has gone the way of its predecessors. This committee vetting applications and making appointments after asking gullible citizens to submit their CVs and apply for posts, has become another cruel joke and in the process become the butt of humour on the one side, and blistering criticism on the other, especially on social media.

The pressure on politicians to appoint their supporters, their financial backers and even their kith and kin to Government posts is understandable, to a point. This is more so in economically poorer countries, though not exclusively limited to them. There is the added ego trip involved in holding a top Government job, or going as an ambassador.

A politician in office would rather have a faithful loyalist even at the expense of efficiency and suitability because the appointee could be depended upon to do the bidding of the politician  right or wrong. It can be annoying for a political leader to be told no, it cannot be done or that some request is against the law.

The entire issue of Government officials carrying out illegal orders of the politicians surfaced during the tenure of the former Administration. Regrettably, a senior administrator got scapegoated for this and it sent a chill down the spine of the public service. They didnt know how to, or how not to react to the diktats of their political masters.

In the past, a strong PSC (Public Service Commission) was capable of defending the interests of officialdom. Politicians in turn respected the PSC. With the growth of the state sector within the confines of the economy and numerous corporations and state-financed ventures mushrooming  almost every one of them running at a loss  politicians used these to pack them with their choice of men and women.

There was hardly any scouting around for the great and the good. Not only was the workforce in these state enterprises filled to over-capacity, but their directorates comprised largely incompetent misfits who might well have performed reasonably efficiently in some other venture, except that the Minister in charge of that subject had to fulfil the demands of his own relatives and constituents.

This hire-and fire approach of politicians through the years is not limited to the domestic front. The recent recall of the countrys High Commissioner to the United Kingdom with no official reason trotted out by anyone sends the wrong signals to what is a professional service.

Moves to de-politicise at least the Foreign Service have been short-lived. The eventual result is that the age-old saying that a career diplomat must be one who is a carrier of the politicians bags, seems to hold true even today. It need not be so. How the Indian Foreign Service is treated by its politicians of whatever hue is worthy of emulation. Professionalism is given priority with political appointments having to be justified to the country, not based on the pure whim and fancy of the political masters of the day.

The formula for good governance is usually simple if the basic rules are followed. What is difficult is to keep it simple.

Lankas neutral diplomacy

Four senior leaders from four major powers including two Foreign Ministers descended on Colombo this week. It was a rare event. Somehow it seemed to give meaning to the expression that Non-alignment has been the golden thread that runs through the fabric of Sri Lankas foreign policy.

The visits of the Foreign Ministers of Russia and China were shrouded in a veil of secrecy. The Japanese state minister came earlier in the week, but the visit of a US bureaucrat from the State Department seemed to be a virtual smoke-screen for the presence of a Deputy Assistant to President Donald Trump who is also senior Director at the White House and the US National Security Council, who seems to have led the delegation when meeting President Rajapaksa.

These visits, apart from the sheer coincidence of the timing, cannot signify nothing. Why they have been downplayed is anybodys guess. Maybe there was nothing deliberate in it, and the host Government was not up to it to play these visits up. But it ended almost like when ambassadors accredited to this country are called up on one given day to present their credentials to the President of the Republic.

Yet there was nothing ceremonial about these visits. They were aimed to touch base with the new dispensation in Sri Lanka. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa continues with his practice of meeting these foreign leaders without officials, and without note-takers. These are not mere courtesy calls after all, and Sri Lankas position during these talks does not make it to the public domain. Nor will it be available for the institutional memory and the preservation of date for future reference.

It was only from the media releases of the Ministry of Foreign Relations that the public got to know at least of the usual sanitised version of the talks that were held between the Russian and Chinese Foreign Ministers and their Sri Lankan counterpart.

Furthermore, neither did the Chinese nor Russian Ministers meet the Leader of the Opposition. This is the usual protocol and courtesy in a democratic Sri Lanka. Not a whimper of protest has emanated from the Opposition over the snub to the Leader of the Opposition. The US officials managed to get a word in sideways just before they emplaned, meeting the media at the airport.
Anyone attempting to bring in weapons will be turned away, but police will not confiscate those items, officials have said. Demonstrators who do not want to part with their guns may remain armed on city streets. Authorities say they will cut off admission to the rally once the crowd hits a certain number, which they have declined to disclose.
Since Neven and Amelda Maguire took over MacNean House & Restaurant in 2001, they have grown the family business to become not just one of Ireland's essential destination dining stops, but a national treasure.

Set in the tiny border village of Blacklion, Co Cavan, here is an establishment with "beautiful rooms, fantastic staff and amazing food", you told us (not to mention "great gin recommendations"). Visitors can look forward to "fab food" and "spotless B&B rooms" that are "stylish" and "quaint"... with bonus "homemade cookies".

Now, it's been named Ireland's Favourite Small Stay in our Reader Travel Awards 2020.

Several of you mentioned the "homeliness" and "superb welcome, great atmosphere" of a place that "has brought valuable employment to a high unemployment area".

Read the full results of our Reader Travel Awards 2020

The food is justifiably famous. "Simply sublime", as one reader put it. Our judges noted that Neven has been a tireless supporter of local Irish produce, since long before it was fashionable. And don't forget the breakfast (a previous winner of, and this year a finalist in, our 'Best Irish Breakfast' category). Even simple dishes like porridge with Irish Mist make a big impression.

Finalists: Ireland's Top 5 Small Stays for 2020

Expand Close Winners: Weekend editor Rachel Dugan (left) with (centre) Neven and Amelda Maguire and travel editor Pol O Conghaile. Photo: Fran Veale / Facebook

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Whatsapp Winners: Weekend editor Rachel Dugan (left) with (centre) Neven and Amelda Maguire and travel editor Pol O Conghaile. Photo: Fran Veale

MacNean House & Restaurant, Co Cavan Hidden Valley Holiday Park, Co Wicklow Castlewood House, Co Kerry Dunbrody House, Co Wexford Marlfield House, Co Wexford

MacNean House is "small but perfect", you told us, with several rooms above the restaurant embellished with little touches like retro radios tuned to Lyric FM. There's also a three-bed townhouse nearby, but advance planning is essential - rooms book out months ahead, even if it is always worth a quick call in case of cancellation.

All this, and that's not even starting on the cookery school, the expert wine choices from sommelier Blaithin McCabe, encounters with the man himself, and cosy drinks at the bar before taking your seat.

"It's totally personal, yet each client is treated the same", you said. "The food is delicious and the ambience so relaxing." Long may it continue.

Contact (071) 985 3022; nevenmaguire.com

Ask Neven: Q&A

We spoke to Neven Maguire about what goes on behind the scenes at Irelands Favourite Small Stay, in Blacklion, Co Cavan.

Whats changed since you opened?

My mum and dad started the business in 1989, and my wife Amelda and I took over in 2001. There have been great changes in that time, even when it comes to the Irish palate. Diners are a lot more adventurous and sophisticated  there arent nearly as many requests for well-done steaks now!

Have you ever considered making this small stay, well...any bigger?

We closed last January to extend the restaurant and redo the kitchen. We were tempted to add on more rooms, but decided we were happy with 19. We wanted to keep it the right size. The rooms are key for us, because then people can enjoy the whole experience.

Bookings are made notoriously far in advance. How can we get a room?

People book months ahead. Most weekends could be booked out a year or two in advance. Of course, peoples plans can change, but we always have a waiting list. One of the best things weve done is putting our cancellations online. If any dates become available, theyre snapped up within the hour, which is brilliant.

How many people work for you?

We have 75 staff going through the payroll, which is incredible, in the small little village of Blacklion. We treat our staff like family  theyre not just employees, and we want them to be happy in their work. We have a very loyal core team  one woman has worked with us for over 45 years. Shes an incredible woman.

Where do you go to eat out?

Ireland is a beautiful country, and the quality of the food has gotten so good. Were spoiled for choice. Theres a lovely place up in Moville, Co Donegal, called the Foyle Hotel, run by Brian McDermott, a great friend of mine. My old head chef Glen Wheeler has opened up 28 Darling Street in Enniskillen, and we love to go in there for a Sunday lunch or dinner. The twins love it, and its very family friendly. Its great to see him doing so well.

How do you and Amelda balance all of this with your main job... as parents?

Our family work balance has gotten an awful lot better! We always have Monday and Tuesday off, and I take every second Sunday lunch off so we have time together. All our twins want is the time with us. Were very lucky, and were very happy. We never take it for granted.

- In conversation with Nicola Brady

NB: The Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards 2020 are sponsored by Iarnrod Eireann. Read the full list of winners here and share on social using the hashtag #indotravelawards.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday told the group of union ministers visiting Jammu and Kashmir to spread the message of development among the people not only in the urban areas but also in the villages of the Valley, sources said.

As part of a massive outreach programme, 36 central ministers will visit Jammu and Kashmir starting from Saturday.

At a meeting of the Council of Ministers here, the prime minister asked the ministers to spread the message of development during their interaction with the locals, the sources said.

They were also asked to spread the message about the various central schemes which will benefit at the grass-roots level. He said the ministers should not restrict themselves to the urban areas but meet people in villages also to inform about the developmental work carried out by the central government in Jammu and Kashmir.

The 36 Union ministers will visit different districts in both the divisions of the Union Territory starting from January 18 to January 24 and the home ministry is coordinating it.

(With inputs from PTI)
A 46-year-old American woman, Jeanine Delsky, has arrived at Panshekara, a suburb of Kano, to marry her 23-year-old online boyfriend Sulaiman Babayero Isa.



Ms Delsky, who lives in California, USA, landed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on Saturday and went straight to Panshekara to meet the parents of her lover.

The two lovers met on Instagram one year ago, exchanged pictures and started online courtship.

In an interview, Ms Delsky said she decided to follow her boyfriend to Kano because of her love for him.



She said many people had courted her online but she found Mr Isa as the most loving and sincere.

The mother of two said they both agreed to get married and fly to the US where they intend to settle.

Holding the hands of her beau and smiling, Ms Delsky said she realised her dream by meeting the love of her life.

He messaged me on Instagram saying Hi, she said in a separate interview with Kano Focus.

I didnt respond because I have had experiences with Nigerian scammers.

But there was a guy messaging me and Sulaiman knew he was a scammer so he said get a job and quit scamming innocent people. So I thought he sounded like a nice guy.

Mr Isa, who has just finished secondary school, said that he is ready to follow his girlfriend to America to settle and build a family.

He said he was not bothered about the age gap, adding that its even the Sunna of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, Peace be Upon Him, to marry a woman who is far older than you.





Mr Isa, a barber, expressed optimism that Ms Delsky would one day accept Islam and become a Muslim.





Mr Isas mother, Fatima Suleman, said she had no objection to her sons relationship with American girlfriend, noting that she would pray for them to have a happy married life in America.





The wedding is expected to hold in March.









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A POCSO court convicted two men on Saturday for raping a five-year-old girl in east Delhi in 2013, saying the case had shaken the collective conscience of the society.

New Delhi: A POCSO court convicted two men on Saturday for raping a five-year-old girl in east Delhi in 2013, saying the case had shaken the collective conscience of society.

Additional Sessions Judge Naresh Kumar Malhotra convicted Manoj Shah and Pradeep Kumar in the case, saying that the child experienced exceptional depravity and extreme brutality.

Shah and Kumar had raped the minor at Gandhi Nagar area and shoved objects in her private parts on 15 April, 2013. They had fled after committing the crime and leaving the girl at Shah's room after believing her to be dead. The child was rescued 40 hours later on April 17, 2013.

"Collective conscience of the society shaken. In our society, minor girls are worshipped as goddess," the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court said. "The child, who was just 5 years old, experienced exceptional depravity and extreme brutality."

The father of the survivor expressed satisfaction on finally getting justice for his daughter.

"Though the trial should have been completed in two years, we are happy we got justice after six years," he said.

The court fixed 30 January for arguments on quantum of sentence.

Shah and Kumar were arrested by Delhi Police separately from Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga in Bihar respectively in 2013.

The charge sheet was filed on 24 May that year and charges were framed by the court on 11 July.

It took more than five years to complete the recording of the statement of 57 prosecution witnesses in the POCSO court.

Some media persons were on Saturday allegedly assaulted by one of the convicts. Shah allegedly struck some senior reporters while he was being taken out of the courtroom.

The issue was brought to the notice of Additional Sessions Judge Naresh Kumar Malhotra, who asked one of the senior woman reporters to give a written complaint to the Station House Officer.

The judge then sent her for medical examination.
3 1 of 3 John Badman | The Telegraph Show More Show Less 2 of 3 John Badman | The Telegraph Show More Show Less 3 of 3





SOUTH ROXANA A vehicle crashed into the currently closed Dee-Lux Diner on Illinois 111 at Old Edwardsville Road in Roxana Friday as it was attempting to elude police.

South Roxana police had tried to stop the Buick Regal in connection with a domestic dispute, but had discontinued the pursuit for safety shortly before the driver of the car crashed through the kitchen of the restaurant, which is currently closed for renovations.
Tourism director receives inaugural NC Champion Award

Henderson County Tourism Development Authority Director Beth Carden accepts North Carolina Champion Award from Visit NC Director Wit Tuttell.

Henderson County tourism director Beth Carden received the inaugural North Carolina Champion Award on Thursday in a surprise presentation during the Tourism Development Authority's eighth annual tourism conference at Blue Ridge Community College.

Wit Tuttell, executive director of Visit North Carolina, presented the award to Carden, who was appointed to lead the county's tourism agency in 2012.

Beth Carden has been a great partner to Visit North Carolina, Tuttell said. Whenever we have needed anything at all, her answer has always been yes. Henderson County tourism has experienced strong growth during her tenure and that is a direct reflection of her leadership.

The Champion Award honors leaders who have provided outstanding service to the tourism industry over an extended period of time. It recognizes individuals whose commitment has led their organization to new heights through sustained excellence. Tuttell praised Carden for her vision and strong leadership as executive director of the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority for the past seven years. It was an especially poignant given that Carden plans to retire in September.

Keynote speaker Chris Cavanaugh of Magellan Strategy Group in Asheville also praised Cardens leadership during his presentation about the changing landscape in tourism marketing. Cavanaugh touched on technology, the advent of online travel planning and the rise of a new traveling population made up of millennials and multi-cultural travelers.



The conference, which drew a record crowd of 200, was attended by people from all aspects of the tourism industry, including hotels, attractions, breweries, wineries, cideries, restaurants and retail shops. It also attracted tourism executives from other areas of the state.



Following the keynote presentations, the tourism industry people attended professional development sessions that allowed to learn more about certain aspects of the tourism industry. Henderson County is the only county in North Carolina to host an annual tourism conference, and it is free to all members of the local tourism industry.
A man in India has been killed during a cockfight after a sharp blade tied to a rooster cut his abdomen.

The cockfight took place in Pragadavaram village in West Godavari, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, despite a Supreme Court ban on the practice.

Cockfight organisers tied the razor-sharp blade to the leg of the rooster, police said.

The fatal injury was reportedly inflicted as one of the organisers held the animal in his hands, waiting to release it into the arena to fight.



Without warning, the bird suddenly struggled against his grip in a bid for freedom, and the blade fatally pierced the abdomen of a spectator who was standing nearby, inflicting a deep wound.

The victim has been named by local media as Saripalli Venkateswara Rao, 55.

The ban on cockfighting was defied in several areas in East and West Godavari, as part of celebrations for Makar Sankranti, a festival day in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to the deity Surya.

Makar Sankranti was this year celebrated on Wednesday, January 15.

The Supreme Court of India has banned cockfighting as a violation of the 1960 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Despite this, the activity has remained popular, especially in the rural coast of Andhra Pradesh around the time of the Sankranti festival, with large amount of betting involved.

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New York's luxury real-estate market has been in freefall for years, and now the city's super-luxe buildings are sitting empty  even as property prices in the city remain stubbornly high, prompting 300 New Yorkers to move out of the city every day, and filling the homeless shelters to capacity and beyond.



New York  like most overpriced cities  has failed to build enough low- and middle-income housing of the sort that people use to live in, and has grossly oversupplied itself with the kinds of safe deposit boxes in the sky that oligarchs use as a form of medium-term asset class, possibly without ever occupying it.

The luxurification of cities isn't an accident. When Michael Bloomberg was mayor of New York, he explicitly encouraged "bluelining"  designating whole regions as luxury-only, aimed at the global super-rich  saying that he wanted New York City itself to be viewed as a luxury good.

The problem with this plan  apart from it being an inhumane form of ethnic cleansing that chases working people out of our cities  is that it only works if there are enough global oligarchs chasing these super-luxe condos to keep the market inflated and liquid (oligarchs have viewed luxury property in big cities as being nearly as liquid as cash, because for a time, you could flip them on just a few days' notice).





But three of the most important centers of oligarchic capital have dried up: China instituted strict currency controls and its economy is slowing, and Saudi and Russian oligarchs are much less flush than they were when oil prices were at their peaks.

The result is a death-spiral for super-luxe property: as bidders dry up, more oligarchs decide that real-estate isn't basically a form of cash that you can spend a weekend in from time to time, and put their properties on the market. The supply increases, driving down prices, and that prompts more absentee owners to list their properties, hoping to get out before the market craters altogether. Meanwhile, property developers have new units coming into the market, and resort to bulk-sales to investment trusts, or simply buying the units themselves in a paper shuffle meant to inflate prices.

It's not just New York, of course  London's going through the same process, accelerated by Brexit.





It would be funny if it wasn't for the housing priorities that languished while the world's Bloombergs were remaking our cities into investment opportunities instead of places to live and work. New York's got 80,000 people living in shelters or sleeping on the streets. Los Angeles has so many homeless people that it distorts the national average, and it's creating a public health crisis as typhus spreads through the sprawling, semi-permanent homeless camps.

Seattle is scarred with massive homeless camps where life is a grinding misery, and thanks to Amazon's lobbying, the best chance the city had at relief was killed.

San Francisco is in the fourth decade of its homelessness crisis with no end in sight: efforts to do something about the crisis have been sabotaged by corporate money from Lyft and Stripe; the city spends $65m/year just cleaning up human shit (but only allocated $3.1m/year to providing toilets); and local vigilantes punish the homeless rather than demanding a fix from the city.

A decade ago, a housing bubble was weaponized to destroy the entire world economy, kicking off instability and chaos that we're still living through to this day. And yet, our governments at all level are insisting that it's up to the market to supply low-income housing, while our neighbors are left to sleep and shit and die in the streets, in the shadows of empty super-luxe buildings that not even plutes want anymore.



From any rational perspective, what New York needs isn't glistening three-bedroom units, but more simple one- and two-bedroom apartments for New York's many singles, roommates, and small families. Mayor Bill De Blasio made affordable housing a centerpiece of his administration. But progress here has been stalled by onerous zoning regulations, limited federal subsidies, construction delays, and blocked pro-tenant bills. In the past decade, New York City real-estate prices have gone from merely obscene to downright macabre. From 2010 to 2019, the average sale price of homes doubled in many Brooklyn neighborhoods, including Prospect Heights and Williamsburg, according to the Times. Buyers there could consider themselves lucky: In Cobble Hill, the typical sales price tripled to $2.5 million in nine years. This is not normal. And for middle-class families, particularly for the immigrants who give New York City so much of its dynamism, it has made living in Manhattan or gentrified Brooklyn practically impossible. No wonder, then, that the New York City area is losing about 300 residents every day. It adds up to what Michael Greenberg, writing for The New York Review of Books, called a new shameful form of housing discrimination"bluelining."



Why Manhattan's Skyscrapers Are Empty [Derek Thompson/The Atlantic]



(Image: Michael Vadon, CC BY, modified)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 18

By Elchin Mehdiyev  Trend:

The January 20 tragedy was not just the tragedy experienced by the Azerbaijani people; this was a bloody crime, Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister, Deputy Chairman and Executive Secretary of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party Ali Ahmadov said.

Ahmadov made the statement in Baku at a memorial ceremony at the partys office dedicated to 30th anniversary of the January 20 tragedy, Trend reports on Jan. 18.

The deputy prime minister said that the perpetrators of this crime were the then Soviet empire and those who ruled it.

In history, there are practically no references to the cases in which perpetrators of crimes remained unpunished, Ahmadov said. However, none of the perpetrators of this tragedy as well as none of those who ordered to commit the crime and those who committed it have been punished up till now.

The day after the tragedy, national leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev decisively blamed real culprit of the tragedy, Mikhail Gorbachev, who was then the leader of the Soviet Union, demanding a political and legal assessment of those events, the deputy prime minister said.

I think that we must not consider the date of the tragedy committed 30 years ago only as a day of sorrow in the Azerbaijani history, Ahmadov said.

This is one of the glorious and bright pages of the fight of the Azerbaijani people for freedom, Ahmadov added. Thirty years have passed, and today Azerbaijan is an independent country. About a year after those events, the Soviet Union collapsed and Azerbaijan gained independence.

Today, we emphasize that on the way of Azerbaijans gaining independence, the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the January 20 tragic events played a crucial role in making our choice of the independent path of development. The Azerbaijani people do not forget and will never forget this tragedy and its victims, " the deputy prime minister said

While delivering speech at the event, Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection Anar Aliyev stressed that the January 20 tragedy has been inscribed in the history of the Azerbaijani people as the bloody January tragedy.

The events of January 20, 1990, the sudden military aggression that the Soviet army committed against the Azerbaijani people are a heinous crime against humanity, Aliyev added.
The document suggests taking measures to "reduce the likelihood of escalation of the conflict with the Russian Federation."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on January 17 chaired a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) to discuss the National Security Strategy of Ukraine "Security of a Person is Security of a Country."

The president said the meeting was advisory so that all NSDC members could express their opinions, comments and suggestions on the future document, the presidential press service said.

"I heard there are many different remarks. We have met now, we can discuss this strategy after the NSDC Secretary presents it," Zelensky said at the beginning of the meeting.

Read alsoUkraine's public, international partners to be involved in drafting new bill on Donbas status  Razumkov

He suggested that all participants in the meeting elaborate the draft strategy within a week and submit their proposals. "And then we'll meet and approve the document," he added.

NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov said that the draft National Security Strategy of Ukraine was developed in accordance with Article 26 of the Law on National Security of Ukraine. The document was based on the presidential election program, which was supported by the vast majority of the country's population. The National Institute for Strategic Studies, government bodies, civil society institutions, as well as foreign experts were involved in the preparation of the project.

Oleksiy Danilov emphasized that the key aspects of the strategy are a person, human life, health, honor, dignity, integrity and security. The ultimate goal of its realization is to promote a free, prosperous, safe, law-abiding country where everyone can exercise their talents and abilities.

"The strategy will be the basis for the development of other strategic planning documents in the fields of national security and defense that will determine the ways and instruments of their provision," the NSDC Secretary said.

According to Oleksiy Danilov, in particular, it is a human development strategy, a military security strategy, a public security and civil defense strategy, a strategy for the development of defense-industrial complex, an economic, environmental, information security strategy, a cybersecurity strategy, a national intelligence program, a foreign policy security strategy, national security strategy, counter-intelligence and counter-terrorism, etc.

Director of the National Institute for Strategic Studies Oleksandr Lytvynenko said that the draft strategy had been elaborated by an appropriate working group and presented, in particular, at NATO Headquarters in Brussels last December, where it received a commendable evaluation.

It is proposed to base its activities on three main principles: the development of defense and security capabilities that would prevent armed aggression against Ukraine by increasing the price of that aggression; the ability of society and the state to respond swiftly and adequately to changing security environment and to maintain sustainable functioning of their basic mechanisms; development of strategic relations with key foreign partners, first of all with the European Union and EU Member States, NATO, the United States, pragmatic cooperation with other countries and international organizations based on the national interests of Ukraine.

The priority areas of national security policy in the draft strategy are ensuring independence and state sovereignty, social development, first of all development of human capital, protection of rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of Ukrainian citizens, European and Euro-Atlantic integration (creation of necessary conditions for full membership in the EU and NATO), restoration of territorial integrity within the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine.

The realization of these priorities will be ensured through the restoration of peace and state sovereignty in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, implementation of the complex of international legal, political, diplomatic, security, humanitarian and economic measures "Crimea is Ukraine".

"It is also proposed to take measures to reduce the likelihood of escalation of the conflict with the Russian Federation and tension in bilateral relations," the presidential press service said.
WILLIAMSPORT -- A federal judge has held a Sunbury psychologist in contempt and sanctioned her $8,288 for failing to comply with a subpoena and a court order in a civil case stemming from a 2016 traffic crash.

U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann, in an opinion issued Friday, said he has never encountered the obstinance displayed by Donna Pinter of Psychological Services Clinic Inc.

He called Pinters defiance extraordinary and pointed out that she never objected to the validity of the subpoena or court order and did not provide an adequate excuse.

She forced the parties and this court to waste significant and limited resources litigating these motions and convening two hearings for what should have been a routine document production, he wrote.

The defendants sought information about Kenneth Kerlin of Middleburg from Pinter because she has treated him for years and in his suit he claims the crash, which involved two tractor-trailers, has caused him mental suffering.

Kerlin sued Philip Howard of Spencer, W. Va., and Knight Transportation Inc. of Phoenix, Ariz., over a Feb. 29, 2016, crash on Route 254 near Interstate 80 in Northumberland County.

The crash occurred as Howard, driving a rig owned by Knight, was attempting to turn onto Route 254 after leaving Interstate 80. Kerlins rig struck the rear of the trailer on Howards rig.

Kerlin, who was injured, is seeking unspecified damages and says the crash was Howards fault. The defense contends Kerlin had plenty of time to avoid the collision.

Another reason the defendants say they want Kerlins psychological records is that commercial drivers must meet certain physical and mental requirements.

Kerlin, 72, acknowledges he receives psychological counseling first as court ordered and later voluntarily, court documents state.

Pinter on June 17 was served with a subpoena for Kerlins records but did not produce them, respond to a Sept. 12 court order to do so or respond to Kerlins faxed authorization to do so, Brann said.

She finally responded Nov. 14 that she would provide some data but believed Kerlins treatment had nothing to do with case and said copying records is a hardship and a waste of trees, the opinion states.

After she told the defense she would allow them to view he records only in her office, Brann ordered her to appear for a Dec. 19 hearing. She did not.

The judge issued an arrest warrant and when marshals went to her office and home they learned she had left the country without advising the court.

Pinter produced 200 pages, or about half of the Kerlin file, on Jan. 7 but there were substantial redactions, Brann wrote.

At a sanctions hearing Tuesday at long last she appeared with her counsel and produced the files, Brann wrote.

The $8,288 Pinter is ordered to pay covers the legal costs incurred by the defendants in obtaining the requested records.
The Enforcement Directorate has attached assets worth Rs 5 crore of former Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Rangnath Mishra in connection with a money laundering case, the agency said on Saturday.

Mishra was the minister for secondary education and home in the 2007-11 Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) government headed by the then Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) said it has issued an order under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to provisionally attach a residential plot at George Town Extension, Tagore Town in Allahabad.

The market value of the asset is Rs 5 crore. The agency's probe is related to an alleged disproportionate assets case against the former minister, it said.

"These properties were acquired by Rangnath Mishra in his name and in the name of his family during the year 2010," the ED said in a statement.

It added that the probe against Mishra was initiated after studying an FIR filed against him by the Uttar Pradesh vigilance department.

"Probe revealed acquisition of disproportionate assets by the ex-minister during his tenure as secondary education and home (minister) during 2007-2011," the statement said.

"Further investigation in respect of sources of the properties acquired and purchased by Mishra and his family members in the name of trust, 'samiti', and institutes is under progress," it said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Title: The Diary of Anne Frank is a Tony-award winning play, by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett adapted by Wendy Kesselman, that showed the daily horrors real people faced to survive the Holocaust. It is based on the diary of a girl who spent two years in hiding with her family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. This poignant story is one that still resonates until today, reminding people of a time in history that must never be repeated.

For the first time ever, Cebu will see the story performed by a local castwith most of the productions team aged under 30. Brought on stage by Broadway Youth Cebu, the creative direction is a collaboration between Cebuano international director Allan Nazareno and Cebuana debuting director, Tiffany Neri.

As for the cast, heres a sneak peek of who they are, the characters they play, the challenges theyve faced, what they have learned and why Cebu should see The Diary of Anne Frank.

Yna Margaret A. Cajipe Anne Frank

As an actor and a student at the same time, I find it quite challenging to manage my time. Memorizing lines is also a challenge for me since I have a lot of lines yet so little time to memorize them. But with the help and guidance of our mentors, I was able to push through. Through the play, I have learned that it is important to be hopeful in difficult times and that we should always see the goodness in the hearts of people. I hope that in the future, people will appreciate and give more support to the Cebuano Theatre Community.

Andre Matthew G. Ceniza Mr. Otto Frank

As an actor who has only experienced portraying comedy/comedic characters in theater, it is my very first time portraying a serious-toned character so even if this is a personal challenge, I believe it will spark growth and is an opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone.

This is proof of our sacrifice and dedication. In spite of being busy students, we strive to deliver this play that has inspired usnot only to be on stage, but to also move the hearts of the audiences by producing a quality play.

Story continues

Cebu has produced several theatrical plays that have truly deserved to shine in the spotlight, if not only held back by the lack of support from audiences. Just as any local artist would wish to achieve, I hope that in time the inspiration that has put us theater actors on the stage would also inspire and spark the interest within audiences to appreciate theater in all of its shapes and forms; whether it brings out the feelings of positivity or negativity; whether it entails a musical score or simply the raw acting of a straight play; whether it relates to the experiences of the current society or not and all the other aspects that is brought forth by the story.

Jabez Siao Mrs. Edith Frank

Through the story, I learned that the Jews really had it hard during the Holocaust. The Franks and the Van Daans didnt even have it as hard as those who were discovered or caught. Their freedom was stripped away and they were cast out to go into hiding and live in a box for years. It was such a shock for them that one day they were living normal lives being able to do what they wanted when and how they wanted to but then, in a snap, they had to be very careful with every move they made and even every breathe they took. They had lived their last days tiptoeing and living on the edge.

Rafaella Louisette P. Inguito Margot Frank

Theres a bit of pressure in portraying a real person, much more a character as intriguing as Margot. Many people say its just like putting yourself in ones shoes and doing a ton of research, but frankly, it takes so much more than that to fully emulate the role youre given.

I hope that Cebu theatre becomes inclusive. A lot of people who want to see shows or even become a part of them are denied these ventures because many of them are incapable in different aspectslack privilege, financial capabilitiesI hope the Cebuano theatre community forms an initiative so it can open its doors to everyone.

Art is something wonderful, even life changing, so I strongly believe all should have the opportunity to experience it even once in their lives.

Raphael Prince P. Dayanan Mr. Jan Dussel

My character is the one considered as the outsider of the Secret Annex. He is a man in his 50s and a dentist by profession. I feel very honored to play Mr. Dussel, and I love how I can be very blunt and very nervous at the same time with his character. The challenge I face in portraying Mr. Dussel is making Charlotte, his beloved, seem like a real person I leave behind.

Want to watch Anne Frank?

Aligned to the BYC mission of using theatre as a teaching tool to expand the capacity for empathy among young people, The Diary of Anne Frank will be showing at 7 p.m. on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 2020 at the University of the Philippines Cebu Performing Arts Hall. #WeMustNotForget
LiveTiles, the global tech company that established a presence in Sligo in 2018, is bringing United Nations backed Artificial Intelligence conference to Sligo

In conjunction with IT Sligo, the IDA, Sligo County Council, The Western Development Commission and Tech Northwest, LiveTiles presents AI for Good Global Visions, three days of conference and activities, from March 25-27 at IT Sligo which is celebrating its 50th year.

AI for Good Global Visions is in full collaboration with the United Nations and aims to connect innovators in artificial intelligence (AI) with problem owners to solve national and global challenges.

The conference will showcase the development in AI that Ireland has to offer and how regions like Sligo can benefit from and harness the power of AI while playing its part in helping to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs.

The conference offers a unique and exciting programme with an exceptional line-up of international and national speakers and panellists, amongst them academics, entrepreneurs, AI trail blazers, and international and national policy makers. Keynote speakers include Neil Sahota, Global Lead for IBM Watson, Alessandra Sala from Nokia Bell Labs, and digital inclusion advocate Joanne O 'Riordan. Topics that will be covered include: AI for everyone, the Future of Work, and a Future Ready stream that will look at how different industries can accelerate their AI journey.

With many international delegates slated to attend, this event will provide a platform to showcase Sligo to the world.

"Sligo has all the amenities, a beautiful stunning backdrop to wow international delegates plus a thriving ecosystem of companies and talent, both indigenous and FDI, with a hugely collaborative base providing support to make this a successful international event." says Elaine Murphy, Senior Vice President, LiveTiles, Europe.

AI for Good Global Visions will be sure to put Sligo firmly on the map, not just for its stunning location but as a platform for cutting-edge innovation, creativity and academic excellence.

Early bird tickets for this event are now on sale, see www.aiforgoodsligo.ie for more details.
The students of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) here chose a novel way to register their protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the Register of Citizens (NRC).

After the Friday prayers, they took out a balloon march against CAA, NPR and NRC. They also protested against the Vice Chancellor (VC) and the Registrar of AMU and burnt their effigies.

A large number of students took part in the protest at Babe Sayeed and took out the balloon march, saying that they also prayed for those who were injured and killed during anti-CAA protests.

"We have offered prayers here for the students who were injured and killed during the protest against the CAA," a student told ANI.

On December 15, clashes broke out between the police and the students protesting against the amended citizenship law. The police fired tear gas shells outside the AMU after stones were pelted on them.

Protests are being held in different parts of the country against the CAA which grants citizenship to the non-Muslim refugee from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who came to 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.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 04:32:12|Editor: yan

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KUWAIT CITY, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Overseas Chinese in Kuwait on Saturday celebrated the upcoming Chinese New Year in the capital Kuwait City.

More than 300 overseas Chinese, including representatives of Chinese companies and students studying in Kuwait, participated in the event.

Cheng Yongru, economic and commercial counsellor at the Chinese embassy in Kuwait, said China and Kuwait have achieved steady development in trade cooperation in the past year.

"Currently, China is the largest exporter to Kuwait and also Kuwait's largest non-oil trading partner," Cheng said.

"In 2020, I hope the cooperation between China and Kuwait will make more achievements and Chinese citizens living in Kuwait would make greater efforts to the development of the relations between the two countries," he added.

Zhang Yongda, a representative from a local Chinese community, expressed hope that overseas Chinese in Kuwait could make efforts to help promote the friendship between China and Kuwait.

"In the new year, we will work harder to contribute to the cooperation between China and Kuwait under the Belt and Road Initiative," he said.

Redha Alnaqi, a Kuwaiti enthusiast of the Chinese culture, said China has achieved great achievements in fields of culture and economy.

"I have visited some cities of China in the past years and I witnessed the development of China," he noted.
The Director of Airporter has welcomed as great news the announcement that British airline Flybe has been rescued from the brink of collapse.

Derry woman Jennifer McKeever said the connectivity offered by Flybe is vital for thousands of local passengers, as well as many North West businesses.

It emerged at the beginning of the week that Flybe was on the brink of collapse, however, the British government stepped in and agreed a rescue plan for the regional airline.

The deal includes a loan of approximately 100m and/or a possible short-term deferral of a 106m air passenger duty bill, plus a vow to review taxes on domestic flights before the March budget.

The firm's owners have also agreed to pump more money into the loss-making airline.

The government's proposal to cut air passenger duty, was attacked by the trade body for the rail industry as well as climate campaign groups who say it flies in the face of commitments made to tackle to climate crisis.

Crucial

Commenting, Jennifer McKeever, Director of Airporter, which provides a bus service to Belfast and Derry airports said: The news that Flybe has been saved from administration is hugely welcome. This is great news for the many passengers and businesses from Derry and Donegal who use these routes to reach regional airports across the UK. It is now crucial that measures are put in place to secure the long-term future of Flybe.

The issue of Air Passenger Duty has not gone away though and the Government must act on the removal of domestic APD as a long-term solution to ensuring connectivity across these islands and particularly to the North West.

Connectivity is absolutely crucial, whether its to encourage inward investment, to encourage indigenous business to expand and sell to other markets, or to encourage more visitors to the region, flights into and out of Northern Ireland are key to investment, business growth and tourism.

She added: Flybe provides an important service for thousands of commuters who use the airline on a regular basis to travel from Northern Ireland to work in Britain or further afield.

The airline also provides many important connections that are industry-specific - many people in Northern Ireland who work in the oil and gas industries regularly use Flybe routes which are not provided by any other airline.
SAN CARLOS (BCN)

A San Mateo pastor was arrested Thursday after allegedly threatening to shoot members of another church, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.

Paul Michaelson, 79, an outreach and visitation pastor for Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church in San Mateo, is suspected of writing four threatening letters and hand-delivering them to the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in San Carlos.

The letters stated that he would shoot members of the San Carlos congregation this Sunday, according to the sheriff's office.

Michaelson is a former member of the San Carlos church and he had a personal disagreement with members of that congregation, the sheriff's office said. No details of the dispute were released.

Church leaders at Hope Evangelical and Holy Trinity did not immediately return calls for comment on Friday.

Michaelson, a San Carlos resident, reportedly penned and delivered the letters between Jan. 7 and 16, the sheriff's office said Friday.

Authorities searched his home and property and didn't find any firearms, the sheriff's office said.

Michaelson was booked on Thursday into the Maguire Correctional Facility in Redwood City. The sheriff's office said he was also served a gun protection order prohibiting him from buying a firearm in the future.

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.
Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan Saturday held discussions with Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on issues related to the hydrocarbon sector in the state.

Several oil and gas projects under implementation in the state were also reviewed by them and discussions on further strengthening the oil and gas infrastructure in the state was held, an official release said.

Sonowal thanked the union minister for the recent decisions of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sanctioning feedstock subsidy to BCPL for the next 15 years for oil and gas exploration in the state, it said.

The CCEA had also approved the Viability Gap Funding for setting up of the Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL) in the North East region, the release said.

Representatives of Assam Petrochemicals Limited (APL) and Assam Hydrocarbon and Energy Company Limited (AHECL) also called on the union minister and submitted separate memoranda outlining demands of both the PSUs.

The APL delegation requested Pradhan for sanction of a subsidy from the central government in line with the feedstock subsidy to BCPL, the release said.

The AHECL delegates requested the union minister for approval of 10 per cent participating interest in OIL as a measure to make the PSU more viable, it said.

Pradhan underlined the potential of the hydrocarbon sector in the north east and assured to look into the demands of both APL and AHECL.

He also asked the state government to carry out a financial impact study of AHECL and take up the matter with the central government, the release added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
One question is highly relevant to predict China's future: How deep are the pockets of Chairman Xi Jinping, recently promoted to People's Leader of Communist China? Beijing's status in the world may depend on the answer. Though today it looks as if Xi's 'pockets' have no bottom, the question remains, can it last forever?

Arms race

Take the Shandong, the first-generation Chinese aircraft carrier which was launched in April 2017 by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). It is China's second aircraft carrier after the Liaoning. The conventionally powered ski-jump carrier with a 70,000 tonnes displacement was commissioned on December 17, 2019 at Sanya (Hainan) by President Xi. It probably costs far more than the estimated cost of $9 billion. A third aircraft carrier, Type 003, is already under construction and may have a displacement of 85,000 tonnes.

For the first time, a catapult-assisted takeoff barrier arrested recovery (CATOBAR), like on the most-modern US carriers, will be used. The PLAN broke all the records by launching 28 ships in 2019. The list of the new ships was recently published on Twitter: Two Type-055 destroyers, Eight Type-052D destroyers, 16 Type-056 corvettes, one Type-075 LHD 1 (a multi-purpose amphibious assault ship capable of receiving helicopters and a well deck, known as a 'landing helicopter dock') and one Type-071 LPD (amphibious transport dock, also called a landing platform/dock). This is only one field. Another domain of 'investment' for the Chinese Government are foreign projects like the Belt and Road Initiative and the flagship China Pakistan Economic Corridor; the latter alone is estimated to cost $62 billion. If one adds international projects (some undertaken in India's neighbourhood i.e. in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh or Nepal), but also in Central Asia, Africa or South America, deep pockets are definitively required to finance all this, even if some of the 'generous' gifts are loans-in-disguise.

China is also pouring yuans in infrastructure, particularly in Tibet and Xinjiang. In the last five years, it has relentlessly developed the infrastructure on the 'Roof of the World'. In 2017, China Tibet News announced the reconstruction and an extension of Lhasa Gongkar Airport. In April 2019, Xinhua wrote: "As one of the region's key projects during China's Five-Year Plan, the estimated investment reaches 3.9 billion yuan ($634 million) for the new terminal building construction." The main body of the construction was completed at the end of 2019 while the new terminal building is scheduled to be opened in 2020.

Infra push

Take the railways, on January 2, it was announced that most of the Lhasa-Nyingchi railway (north of Arunachal) had been completed; the balance is expected to be operational in October 2021; its total length will be 213 km. This massive requires money, as do the three new airports on the plateau, to be completed in 2021 or the railway to Kyirong at the Nepal border. Another 'investment' is the relocation of population on the Indian border. On January 6, Tibetan Autonomous Region's (TAR) government Chairman Che Dahla (or Qizhala)said that Tibet would start a pilot scheme for constructing 30 towns on the border: "In developing a group of border towns and villages into centers of commerce, logistics hubs or tourist destinations, Tibet will proceed from local conditions, pool strength and resources to upgrade infrastructure, improve public services. A few billions more! It is not only national defence, international cooperation or internal development which require billions and billions of yuans, internal security too. In 2019, The Nikkei pointed out: "Beijing has actually been pouring even more resources into domestic security than external security." The figures are flabbergasting: China's annual spending on domestic security has more than tripled since 2007, to reach $193 billion in 2017.

"The government of what is formally the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region said last month that its security spending alone rose 92.8 per cent last year from 2016 to reach 57.95 billion yuan. It had spent only 5.45 billion on security in 2007," as per a research published by Adrian Zenz of the European School of Culture and Theology in Korntal, Germany. And what about the billions of dollars poured into propaganda by the United Front Work Department to project China's 'peaceful rise'?

The question is: Can the spending spree continue forever; the answer: It cannot. The Chinese economy is said to have only progressed by 6.0 per cent in 2019; it was the weakest growth rate since the first quarter of 1992. The trade war with the US, the weakening global demand and alarming high borrowings by local governments are responsible for the slowdown. "With the economic slowdown in China, the Chinese government is strictly controlling the volume of capital flowing out of China, making Chinese investors work much harder than before to shrink the debt level and difficult for Chinese investors to pay back the debts acquired overseas," according to Singaporean newspaper Lianhe Zaobao. The Communist country's pockets definitely have a bottom.

(Courtesy of Mail Today)

Also read: 2020: A Do-or Die Budget for the Indian government
Isolated One Shot holds the centre stage By Gamini Weerakoon Doublespeak View(s): View(s):

Actor and politician, One Shot Ranjan Ramanayake, truly lives to the words of William Shakespeare  All the worlds a stage

Last week, he pushed out the high and mighty setting Lanka on a paradisiacal course from the front pages and prime time TV, despite having shot himself in the foot. And he did it with aplomb. Arrested on being taken out of his residence by the police, he did not go into standard gestures of arrested politicos exhibiting their manacles to photographers. Instead, he hugged lovingly a cop in the posse that has come to arrest him. It is quite unusual for a Sri Lankan police officer trying to arrest a criminal to be embraced in a loving manner. And, according to a news report, the officer has been questioned by the authorities on why he did not resist One Shots advances! Poor officer!

In our opinion, One Shot should be invited by the police to give lectures on improving police-public relations. We are not focusing on the alleged offences for which One Shot was taken in  interfering with the judiciary  but on his showmanship during the week during which he was tried and condemned by politicians  even Ranjans own UNP  some in the media and the prissy law-and-order types who found his unorthodox behaviour unacceptable. But he did warm the cockles of the hearts of those observers bored by daily reports of bitter acrimony that pervades our political scene.

One Shot was no doubt on centre stage but having shot off from the lip and aimed pot shots at many others, had shot himself in his foot. He was formally arrested and charged for interfering with the judiciary  by no means a laughing matter.

We will refrain from commenting on the legal proceedings regarding the offence which One Shot is charged with.

However, since his arrest he has been put on trial in the media and by some media institutions, politicians and also vigilantes of public morality, law and order for interfering with the police in attempts to subvert the course of justice.

This columnist has not heard or read about the alleged recorded conversations of One Shot with some members of the judiciary and police top brass which is the point at issue but we find this hullabaloo over the allegation of political interference of police officials by One Shot somewhat bizarre. Certainly such interference is taboo and cannot be condoned.

But arent politicians interfering with the police not only in matters of lesser significance but serious crimes such as murder, a fact of Sri Lankan life? There are plenty of such cases that were taken to courts and are being heard now.

In this context these questions are relevant.

Why do politicians prefer to have their favourites as key police officials in their electorates? Is it to cover up their tracks; for better policing or having the electorate under their thumb? Isnt the practice of acceding to requests of politicians to have key police posts in their electorates filled with those of their choice, tacit approval of political interference?

An MP is expected to play many roles in his electorate including that of a guardian angel of voters although often he is an absentee Guardian Angel. When a poor hapless voter falls foul of the police, he goes to his MP to help resolve the issue although such help may not be forthcoming, particularly so if he belongs to the rival political camp.

The social barriers that earlier kept out the judiciary and even the officer cadres of the armed forces and police away from the masses, no longer exist because there is today a good mixture of all classes in the professions and institutions who are speaking in the same language  their mother tongue.

Yet, members of these professions and institutions are expected to function as their predecessors did 40 to 50 years ago  keeping away from the hoi polloi. But we have had peoples governments since the mid-fifties and peoples representatives have crept into every nook and corner. Thus, is there a way telling One Shot  with his king-sized ego and conviction that the world is at his feet  that he cant bulldoze his way through?

We have not had access to the recorded telephone calls allegedly made by One Shot and recorded by him. Some of these calls are said to have gone viral in the social media which this columnist has not seen. The recordings seized by the police, the police claim, are with them and they have not been released to any source.

There are reports of a fairy tale discovery by a well-meaning three-wheeler driver. He is reported to have found in the back seat the hard disk containing the recordings made by One Shot. He said he had handed it over to the police. The identity of the Three-wheeler driver had not been established at the time of writing these comments.

How did these alleged recordings of One Shot get into the Social media? Did One Shot for inexplicable reasons release them himself  many of One Shots actions being inexplicable. Was One Shots motive sinister, aimed to destroy the new government as alleged? Or was it an international conspiracy against the Pohottuwa government as claimed by a monk? An international conspiracy against the Pohottuwa is a convenient substitute when reasonable explanation is not possible.

Some have alleged that this was an attempt to smear the image of the Criminal Investigations Department that had the cleanest record of all police departments. These pundits were apparently not born or were infants during the days of the Dodampe Mudalalis case. Dodampe Mudalali and another Corporal Tilekewardene died after falling from the CIDs Fourth Floor while being interrogated over an alleged Lavatory Coup.

All these factors and much more not recorded here would make an excellent thriller of a story for actor One Shot Ranjan Ramanayake to make a film.

We end this chapter of One Shot, the actor and politician with a quote from Donna Brazzie, an American political strategist, campaign manager, Member of the Democratic Party, Political Analyst for CNN and former contributor to Fox News.

Acting and politics both involve fooling the people. People like being fooled by actors. They probably like being fooled by politicians, even more. A skilful actor will make you think. But a skilful politician will never have to make you think.
New Delhi [India], jan 19 (ANI): The Jawaharlal Nehru University A(JNU) administration on Saturday strongly refuted some media reports claiming that there is discrimination against students and teachers belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe category in the varsity.



"The JNU Administration strongly refutes some media reports that there is discrimination against members of the JNU community belonging to SC and ST category. Such allegations have no evidence and are clearly made to vilify an institution that has always stood for all marginalised section of the society," said JNU Registrar Pramod Kumar in a statement.

This comes in response to media reports claiming that a delegation of JNU faculty members from the SC and ST communities has accused the university administration of discrimination against teachers and students from these underprivileged sections. The delegation also requested Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan to take up the matter with the government.

The administration said that the JNU's admission policy and practice have successfully given every opportunity and relaxation to SC and ST students, while seeking to fill up the vacant seats.

"All SC andST candidates who qualify in the written examination in the entrance test are called for viva voce without shortlisting. In the hostel allotment every year, the first step has invariably been to allot rooms to SC and ST students," Kumar said.

Stating that SC and ST posts have been filled up in the non-teaching staff category, the Registrar said:, "Full-speed efforts are being made by the administration to fill up the vacant teaching posts."

"The university also started a special drive to fulfill the backlogs in SC/ST teaching positions in recent past," he added.(ANI)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- For the fourth year in a row, thousands of people around the country joined together to rally for equality, unity and solidarity during the Womens March 2020.

With the theme this year of Rise and Roar," two womens march groups -- Womens March NYC and Womens March Alliance -- in New York City joined efforts to rally for change."

Staten Islanders braved the weather an attended to 2020 Women's March in Manhattan. (Courtesy of Michael Fischetti)

Borough-based organizations like Move Forward Staten Island and Staten Island Women Who March traveled to the march via the Staten Island Ferry.

We Staten Island women who march first found each other at the 2017 womens march, and weve been marching, rallying, and organizing here on Staten Island ever since, said Nikki Negron, communications director of Staten Island Women Who March (SIWWM).

Staten Islanders braved the weather an attended to 2020 Women's March in Manhattan. (Courtesy of Michael Fischetti)

In 2020 our focus is primarily on engaging our community to march to the polls and to ensure they receive the representation and resources we deserve on Staten Island. Lots of our members are out today for this empowering tradition, to reinvigorate our resistance and remind us of the power of our collective voice, she added.

Julienne Verdi, chair and founder of Move Forward Staten Island, which also had a large contingent of members walking in the 2020 Womens March, said there are many issues at the forefront of this years event.

Move Forward Staten Island is proud to be participating in the Womens March in New York City for the fourth year in a row," she said.

Staten Islanders braved the weather an attended to 2020 Women's March in Manhattan. (Courtesy of Michael Fischetti)

"[This year] 2020 is sure to be a consequential year for women. With the Census, the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, a host of legislative issues on the agenda, important cases potentially making their way up to the Supreme Court, the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment, and of course, most importantly the election, the time to get active in the movement is now. Together, well march for the issues that matter most to us and cheer on two of our own, added Verdi.

Two events, featuring performances and speakers, took place simultaneously on Saturday at Foley Square from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Columbus Circle from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. NY1 reporter Amanda Farinacci and Amoy Barnes, who works for the Department of Education, were Foley Square event speakers; both have Staten Island ties.

Staten Islands own @amandafarinacci will be speaking at this years NYC Womens March! Join @MoveForward_SI, @SIWomenWhoMarch and other #StatenIsland orgs at the SI Ferry terminal on Saturday at 9AM to travel in together! pic.twitter.com/2Sol51Civt  MoveForwardSI (@MoveForward_SI) January 15, 2020

The New York City March was was of many across the country, including the largest that is held yearly in Washington D.C.

The Womens March first began in January 2017 as a protest to the inauguration of President Donald Trump. It was the largest single-day protest in U.S. history, according to The Washington Post, with over 3 million people attending.

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New Delhi, Jan 18 : With less than a month to go for the Assembly polls in Delhi, the Congress Election Committee held a meeting at the residence of interim party chief Sonia Gandhi to discuss the names of party candidates.

According to Congress sources, senior party leaders A.K. Antony, Mukul Wasnik, Rajiv Satav, Delhi Congress chief Subhash Chopra and city in-charge P.C. Chacko attended the meeting with Sonia Gandhi to discuss the names of the party candidates.

According to Congress leaders, the meeting lasted for over an hour. A senior Congress leader said that the list of candidates will be released later on Saturday.

He also said that about 60 out of 70 seats have been finalised and now "issues are on the remaining 10 seats, as Congress has decided to give four seats to the Lalu Prasad-led RJD".

He also said that the party will put up as candidates some of the rebel AAP MLAs who are set to join the party.

The election for the 70-member Delhi Assembly is scheduled on February 8 and counting of votes will take place on February 11.

The Congress despite ruling the national capital for 15 years from 1998 to 2013 was reduced to zero in the 2015 polls. The AAP won 67 seats while the BJP bagged three seats.

AAP has announced candidates for all the 70 seats while the BJP has announced a list of 57 candidates.
As buzz-kills go, this weekend a century ago was one for the record books.

Tee-totalers whooped and souses sobbed as Prohibition went into effect nationwide on Jan. 17, 1920. Mock funerals were held and tombstones raised to John Barleycorn, the symbolic source of Gods worst enemy and hells best friend.

Booze.

Crusaders of the movement, including dry reformer and superintendent of the New York Anti-Saloon League, William Anderson, envisioned a new era of clean thinking and clean living, according to historian Michael A. Lerner, author of Dry Manhattan: Prohibition in New York City.

Thanks to an extended heads up before the law slammed down, however, individuals and business owners who didnt subscribe to such views had plenty of time to prepare for legislated morality. They hoarded alcohol, the supplies needed to make and package it, and remodeled to create furtive gathering spots where libations could continue to be enjoyed on the down low.

As soon as the 18th Amendment became law in America, sneak-arounds to the ban on the manufacture, sale and transportation of intoxicating beverages  a federal bid to better the moral fabric of a nation many saw as trending toward turpitude  were getting a workout.

In Colorado, however, such dynamics were already old hat.

Centennial State residents voted to enact anti-alcohol laws four years before the rest of the nation. And in Colorado Springs, founded in 1871 by famous abstainer Gen. William Jackson Palmer, alcohol had always been a no-no.

Colorado as a whole always was leading the way, on womens rights and on various other things, said Suzanne Schorsch, of Old Colorado City History Center Museum. A chapter of her soon-to-be-released book on the history of the Colorado Territorys first capital is devoted to Prohibition.

There were many towns in Colorado founded as dry towns, including Colorado Springs, she said. Then they would immediately try to make everyone around them dry, too.

Residents of Colorado City, now known as Old Colorado City on the west side, ultimately voted to go dry in 1914, and three years later to become part of Colorado Springs.

The decades before, however  with a dry Springs and an unabashedly wet neighbor to its west  provided insight into how Prohibition would play out nationwide.

First, though, even during Prohibition, the kibosh on alcohol didnt extend to medicinal or sacramental uses.

In Colorado Springs, it was a well-known fact that if you knew the proper wink, you could get medicinal alcohol in any drug store. So if you have a little bit of indigestion, you could wink wink wink get something for that, Schorsch said. Thats why if you look in the Polk directories of the day, why there were so many drug stores.

Prior to the 18th Amendment, if malingering for tipples wasnt your bag you only need trek slightly west for a good time in a city that, after the Cripple Creek Gold Rush, had grown accustomed to catering to the pleasures of out-of-towners  including thirsty residents of its stuffier sister city.

Colorado City was around before Colorado Springs. There were always one or two places where you could wet your whistle in Colorado City, but it wasnt a wild town until Colorado Springs was founded in 1871, Schorsch said. When they struck gold in Cripple Creek and tons of people were coming into the area, we had 20 bars in a three block area in Colorado City. It wasnt our people that were drinking, it was the teetotalers from Colorado Springs that came over here to drink. And thats one of the reasons we had tunnels in our city.

Yes, tunnels.

Being spotted in a saloon was enough to sully a good name. A visit to the Oxford Club, in the Templeton Building on N. 25th St., however, allowed one to keep up appearances.

You go into the Oxfords Gentlemens Club. Youre going to go read your newspaper at your gentlemens club. Well, you could take a tunnel from there and go to a bar ... or a bordello ... and you could come back and you leave from the Oxford Gentlemens Club, said Schorsch, whose history center hosts a summer tour of the locations with sub rosa routes called Tales of the Tunnels. Every business over here would like to think they had a tunnel, but we only do it (the tours) where we can verify that, historically, there was one.

As soon as Colorado City voted to go dry in 1914, watering holes moved four blocks up 24th Street to an area around what's now known as Thorndale Park.

If you dont allow it one place, theyll find another place to have it, Schorsch said. The town of Ramona was born. It was only there a couple years, because then Colorado as a whole went dry and that town kind of disappeared.

When Colorado went dry, Ramona dried up. Where alcohol production continued, it did so primarily as a domestic endeavor.

Then everybody started, grandmothers were making wine at home. People will always find a way to go around things, Schorsch said.

Distillers also did their thing, in the backwoods of Colorado.

In the Monument, Palmer Lake area, there were stills. Literally, stills in the hills around here, said Douglas County historian and filmmaker Jim Sawatzki. The locals had potato patches, and they grew potatoes specifically for their stills in the hills above Palmer Lake and west of Monument. There was plenty of bootlegging going on around here, and you could discreetly get what you wanted.

If you ran in the right, moneyed circles during Prohibition in Colorado Springs, you may have had access to a generous stash amassed by one of Prohibitions most vocal critics, Spencer Penrose, founder of The Broadmoor hotel. Its said his massive stockpile of liquor was so voluminous it outlasted Prohibition.

Spencer Penrose was very much against the law going into enactment, and he was a bon vivant and he was very much the entertainer, said The Broadmoors public relations and communications manager Krista Heinicke. He really wanted it (Prohibition) to be repealed, and so he was excited that it was.

The Broadmoor was among a number of locations that celebrated the holiday in ironic style, with special gatherings and cocktails.

In our little humorous way we were celebrating the enactment (of Prohibition), by actually having libations. Because they wouldnt have had it 100 years ago, Heinicke said. Basically its more just acknowledging that (Prohibition) was enacted 100 years ago this month and this week, so it was just sort of a way for us to acknowledge it, in hopes it never comes back again.

In a world where being sober-curious is a thing, its hard to imagine not being able to get the sauce you want, right when you want it. But its kind of fun to empathize, when you're beyond the hurt.

At least the clothes and the music were good during Prohibition, said Mike Bristol, whose Bristol Brewing Co. hosts an annual themed party in April celebrating the repeal. Other than that, it seems like a really dark time to me. The rise of organized crime as we know it, making citizens criminals for having a drink, and the economic impact on tax revenue and employment were all significant consequences of prohibition. Lets not ever try that experiment again.
Iran is sending to Ukraine the black boxes of the Ukrainian passenger plane that its military accidentally shot down this month, Reuters reports with a reference to Tasnim news agency.

The Iranian authorities are also prepared for experts from France, Canada and the United States to examine the data from the boxes, the semi-official news agency said.

All 176 people aboard the plane were killed when the Ukrainian International Airlines flight was shot down on Jan. 8 shortly after take-off from Tehran en route to the Ukrainian capital Kiev, Reuters recalls.
Perez Hilton is a notoriously controversial celebrity gossip guru, known the world over - and he's about to head into the South African jungle.

On Saturday, the American blogger was announced as a shock I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Australia intruder.

The 41-year-old will arrive in the camp on Sunday - and he is already stirring the pot, dishing his contentious opinions on the romance between contestants Charlotte Crosby and Ryan Gallagher.

Incoming! American gossip blogger Perez Hilton (pictured) was announced as a shock I'm A Celebrity intruder on Sunday

After claiming he hadn't heard of any of his soon-to-be celebrity campmates, the gossip-monger alleged the pair are 'stealing' air-time.

'I feel like Charlotte and Ryan have been sucking way too much of the oxygen in the room and stealing way too much on-air time,' he told Sunday Confidential.

The scandal-maker added: 'That is to the detriment to some of the other camp mates like Myf [Warhurst].'

Not a fan! The 41-year-old will arrive in the camp on Sunday - and he is already stirring the pot, dishing his contentious opinions on the romance between contestants Charlotte Crosby (left) and Ryan Gallagher (right)

Attention! 'I feel like Charlotte and Ryan have been sucking way too much of the oxygen in the room and stealing way too much on-air time,' Perez told Sunday Confidential

The scandal-maker added: 'That is to the detriment to some of the other camp mates'

Perez's apparent solution for some campmates not having enough airtime is to take some for himself.

'My dream scenario would be to get out of the jungle and hear that I am Australia's new sweetheart, that would be delightful,' he explained.

His second, perhaps more 'realistic' goal, is to 'help with ratings' for the show. '

Perez's wants airtime for himself: 'My dream scenario would be to get out of the jungle and hear that I am Australia's new sweetheart, that would be delightful,' he explained

It comes after comedian Dilruk Jayasinha was the first celebrity to be evicted from the jungle.

The 34-year-old comedian hit back at claims that Ryan and Charlotte's flirtation was just a 'showmance' on Friday, insisting the relationship 'is very real'.

'I can give a first-hand account that it's very real, and kind of disgusting,' Dilruk told News.com.au.

Out! It comes after comedian Dilruk Jayasinha (pictured) was the first celebrity to be evicted from the jungle
Even though marijuana stocks had a miserable 2019, cannabis momentum marches on in North America. For instance, by no later than April 30, we should see Mexico officially become the third country in the world to legalize adult-use weed. That follows the country's Supreme Court ruling mandating that Congress come up with rules to regulate a retail cannabis market in Mexico.

We also witnessed a marijuana first in June, with Illinois legalizing recreational cannabis entirely at the legislative level (i.e., without putting it to vote with residents of the state). Although Vermont did the same in early 2018, adult-use sales aren't yet legal in the Green Mountain State. Thus, Illinois became the first state to OK adult consumption and the retail sale of the product at the legislative level. Furthermore, the Land of Lincoln's law also calls for the potential expungement of cannabis use or possession convictions for nearly 800,000 residents.

Best of all, more history could be written in 2020 for the pot industry. Perhaps most surprising is the latest state to announce that it'll be voting on a marijuana amendment come November.

No joke: Mississippi could be "going green" this coming fall

Of the 17 U.S. states that haven't legalized medical marijuana, the least surprising is arguably Mississippi. I say "least surprising" for one pretty substantive reason: Mississippi is a heavily Republican-leaning, conservative state. That matters, because Gallup's national polls have shown that people who identify as Republicans and/or conservative in ideology are far less likely than self-identified Democrats or independents to be in favor of legalizing recreational or medical cannabis.

But that could be about to change come November.

A little more than a week ago, the Secretary of State's office in Mississippi certified that more than enough signatures were gathered to get Ballot Initiative 65 in front of voters this coming November. Initiative 65 would establish a medical marijuana program in the Magnolia State for people with a "debilitating medical condition." The definition of a debilitating medical condition tends to vary by state for those that have approved medical cannabis, but for Mississippi it will include more than 20 initial conditions, such as cancer, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder, to name a few.

According to the provision, the state's Department of Health would be tasked with implementing the program, with possession limited to 2.5 ounces. Furthermore, no more than 2.5 ounces are permitted to be distributed to patients in a 14-day period.

In spite of the fact that Mississippi is a conservative state, proponents of the initiative have suggested that, via polls, 77% of surveyed Magnolia State residents support the idea of giving physicians the ability to prescribe medical marijuana.

Residents in these two states will be voting on cannabis legislation, too

However, Mississippi won't be the only state voting on a cannabis initiative come November. There are two other states where residents are guaranteed to be voting on marijuana, with perhaps more to follow.

Residents of New Jersey, for instance, will be voting on a recreational-cannabis measure in their state. Legislators in New Jersey came awfully close to agreeing on the framework of an adult-use cannabis bill last March, but it fell apart when some lawmakers pushed for an expungement clause, similar to what would pass in Illinois just three months later. As a state that generally votes with a Democratic lean, New Jersey is seen as having a strong likelihood of becoming the 12th overall state to OK the use of recreational cannabis.

The other state where marijuana is guaranteed to appear on the ballot is South Dakota, another one of the 17 states where medical marijuana is currently illegal. South Dakota will be making history as the first state to have a medical pot measure and adult-use weed measure on the ballot for vote, although these are two separate measures. Ohio had tinkered with the idea of trying to legalize both medical and recreational pot at the same time a few years ago, but a ballot measure never came to fruition.

There are other states angling to get cannabis on the ballot as well. For example, residents in Nebraska and Missouri are currently gathering signatures for measures that would legalize medical pot in Nebraska and recreational weed in Missouri. Arizona, a state that narrowly voted down adult-use marijuana in 2016, also looks to be a serious contender to legalize recreational marijuana in 2020.

Will MSOs' aggressive expansion tactics pay off?

Even though the U.S. federal government is unlikely to change its tune on marijuana anytime soon, it's pretty clear that momentum at the state level is going to continue throughout 2020. The big question now is, will the aggressive expansion efforts of vertically integrated multistate operators (MSO) pay off?

I can say with a relatively high degree of certainty that states like South Dakota and Mississippi aren't exactly on the radars of large-scale cannabis stocks. Even if these states were to give the green light to cannabis, the peak sales potential may not be enough to encourage MSOs to buy their way in.

However, it's a different story when talking about New Jersey, Arizona, or New York, all of which could make recreational marijuana legal in 2020. According to the "State of the Legal Cannabis Markets" report, all three states are on track for at least $1 billion in annual pot sales by 2024. This has been more than enough reason for some of the largest license-holding MSOs, such as Harvest Health (OTC:HRVSF) and Curaleaf (OTC:CURLF), to get aggressive.

Both Harvest Health and Curaleaf have primarily grown through acquisitions, with Harvest Health in the midst of an all-share buyout of privately held Verano Holdings, and Curaleaf purchasing Cura Partners for its popular Select brand and privately held MSO Grassroots. When these deals are fully closed, Harvest Health and Curaleaf should have around 130 and 131 respective retail licenses, with Harvest Health sporting a significant presence in Arizona, and Curaleaf already having a presence in New Jersey.

These ongoing state-level legalizations are important to the needle moving in the right direction for MSOs in 2020 and beyond.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has stressed on Islamabad's commitment toward "security and stability" in South Asia as he met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo here and held wide-ranging talks on bilateral issues, the situation in Afghanistan and the Middle East.

Qureshi called on Pompeo on Friday during his two-day visit to the US. He is scheduled to meet US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien. On Thursday, he met lawmakers at the US Capitol.

"In my meeting today with US Secretary of State @SecPompeo, discussed engagement between Pakistan and the US, its mutual benefit, along with it being a factor for stability in South Asia. Exchanged how stronger trade & investment is imp for an enduring partnership," Qureshi said in a tweet after the meeting.

Qureshi also expressed his "deep concerns" over the situation in Kashmir and said that "peace in South Asia is elusive until this is resolved in accordance with UN resolutions & wishes of Kashmiris."

Qureshi, while addressing the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) think-tank here on Thursday, reiterated Pakistan's demand that US President Donald Trump should mediate to resolve the Kashmir issue.

Ties between India and Pakistan came under severe strain after New Delhi revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status and bifurcated it into two Union Territories on August 5, evoking strong reactions from Islamabad.

Pakistan has been trying to rally international support against India on the issue. However, India has maintained that the move was "entirely an internal matter".

On the Afghan peace process, the two leaders termed it as a "shared responsibility" and spoke about the importance of US-Pakistan cooperation to bring peace in the region.

"The convergence between Pakistan & US stands as a unique opp for peace in Afghanistan, ultimately a shared responsibility," he said in another tweet.

They also discussed about the latest developments in the Middle East arising out of the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani by a US drone strike and the Gulf country reiterating with hitting the US airbases in Iraq.

"Discussed recent developments in ME and reiterated Pakistan will continue to play a part for peace in the entire region. We are committed to security & stability," Qureshi said.

State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said that "Iran's malign activities in the region" and bilateral economic ties were also discussed.

Pompeo, in a tweet, said they "discussed countering Iranian aggression, the Afghan peace process, trade ties, and regional stability."

According to the Dawn newspaper, Qureshi also briefed Pompeo about discussions held during his recent visits to Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Controversy erupted after Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray announced a grant of Rs 100 crore for development of facilities at 'Sai janmasthan' (birthplace) at Pathri in Parbhani district.

Shirdi: A 'bandh' has been called at Shirdi in Maharashtra on Sunday over a controversy related to the birthplace of 19th century saint Saibaba, even as Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said he would be holding talks to defuse the row.

Local residents and leaders in Shirdi are demanding that Thackeray withdraw his official statement where he described Pathri in Parbhani district as Saibaba's birthplace. It was at Shirdi in Ahmednagar district where Saibaba, whose devotees cut across religious lines, spent much of his life.

Bandh would be observed in surrounding villages too, sources in Shirdi said. But the grand Saibaba temple which is visited by lakhs of devotees every year would remain open, said Deepak Mugalikar, CEO of Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust.

Former Maharashtra minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, who is the local BJP MLA, said he supported the bandh call.

The controversy began after chief minister Thackeray announced a grant of Rs 100 crore for development of facilities at "Sai janmasthan" (birthplace) at Pathri. Local residents and leaders in Shirdi took exception to the chief minister's announcement, saying the birthplace of the famed saint was not known, and Pathri can not make a claim to being his birthplace.

Thackeray will hold talks to resolve the controversy on Monday, his office said in a late evening statement. He would hold a meeting with all the concerned parties at the state secretariat in Mumbai, an official statement said.

Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil said he supported the call for shut-down given by the local people. "The chief minister should withdraw his statement that Pathri was Saibaba's birthplace," he demanded.

"Pathri only has one of several Sai temples in the country. All Sai devotees are feeling hurt," the former state minister said.
No prior sanction required to try retired government official: Supreme Court

Phoolan Devi raped, murdered accused no more; verdict of 39 years old Behmai massacre today

Explained: What is the Behmai massacre

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 18: A special court is expected to pronounce its verdict here on Saturday on the massacre of 20 people in Behmai village in Kanpur Dehat district, allegedly by bandit Phoolan Devi nearly four decades ago.

"We have much hope that the trial court is likely to deliver its judgment in Behmai massacre today," District Government counsel (criminal) Rajeev Porwal told PTI on Friday.

Porwal said that defence counsel Girish Narain Dubey has submitted certain rulings of the Allahabad High Court and the Supreme Court before the trial court with a request to take cognisance of those rulings while delivering its judgment against the alleged accused.

The court is now expected to give its verdict on the role of the four surviving accused - Posha, Bhikha, Vishwanath and Shyambabu.

While Posha is still in jail, Bhikha, Vishwanath and Shyambabu are out on bail.

Three other dacoits including Man Singh are still absconding.

Indira Jaising to Nirbhaya's mother: Pardon convicts just like Sonia Gandhi|Oneindia News

The special court for hearing dacoity-related cases was expected to deliver the verdict in the 1981 Behmai massacre case on January 6, but it allowed the defence counsel to submit its written arguments by January 16, District Government counsel Raju Porwal said.

Phoolan Devi raped, murdered accused no more; verdict of 39 years old Behmai massacre today

Defence counsel Dubey had appeared before the court on January 6, seeking more time to submit written arguments and was granted 10 more days, the Government counsel said.

"Bandit Queen" Phoolan Devi, who later turned to politics, along with her gang members were accused of killing the 20 people belonging to the Thakur community at Behmai village in Kanpur Dehat on February 14, 1981.

The non-descript Behmai village, that shot into prominence after the killings, is 170 km from state capital Lucknow and over 400 km from national capital New Delhi.

Phoolan Devi had stormed into Behmai in what was described as an attack to avenge her alleged rape there by two other bandits - Lala Ram and Sri Ram - both Thakurs, a dominant caste in the village.

Two years after the incident, she had surrendered to the Madhya Pradesh police in 1983 and went on to become a Lok Sabha MP from Mirzapur. She was shot dead outside her MP bungalow in New Delhi on July 25, 2001.

Initially, 35 people, including Phoolan Devi, were named as accused in the case. Eight of them were reportedly killed by police in separate encounters. Three others were reportedly absconding.
Of the dozen candidates left in the Democratic primary race, Faircloth told me, only Buttigieg, a Naval Reserve veteran who served in Afghanistan, has the kind of conciliatory message and even temperament that just might push me over the edge. (Though the caucuses are technically open only to Democrats, Republicans and independents are allowed to participate if they switch their registration, and they can do it as late as the night of the caucuses.)
Millennial companies like Tesla have become an existential threat to bigger marques like Audi, BMW , and Mercedes . But, this has opened doors to a lot of new companies that are trying to make a name for themselves. One such company is Lightyear, started by a bunch of University students from the Netherlands back in 2016.

There is no dearth of electric cars in the market today. The technology related to EVs is still developing and every automaker has to start from scratch. Perhaps, that is why you can see a lot of new automakers here.

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The founders of Lightyear have been actively involved in building green cars since the start of the previous decade. The engineering students won the World Solar Challenge race in 2013, 2015, and 2017.

Lightyears first project, called Lightyear One, came into the spotlight when the company claimed a 450-mile range. It didnt just end there; Lightyear also said that the car will feature solar panels all around its body and will charge the battery significantly on the go. Does Lightyear have what it takes to succeed in the long run?

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Exterior

* LED light runs across the tip of the hood

* Has a strong Mazda Miata vibe

* Claimed to have the lowest drag coefficient of all production cars

* Uncanny resemblance to the McLaren Speedtail in the back

* Solar panels on the roof and hood

Upfront, the Lightyear One seems to wear a simple, sleek design that looks futuristic, but something that will blend with the current generation of combustion vehicles as well.

There are not many elements on the cars face and that makes it a very plain-Jane appearance. An LED light strip runs across the tip of the hood and integrates flawlessly into the headlight clusters. The headlight clusters are quite sleek and find themselves sitting on the farthest end of the face. It has a strong Mazda Miata vibe to it.

Fog lights are placed barely a few inches below the headlights. The bottom half of the bumper comprises of a big air dam in the middle with a lip underneath it. This lip is neatly designed and forms aero flaps on either end that help reduce wind resistance. The hood is not painted in black; that is one of the solar panels found all over the car. More of this is covered in the Drivetrain section.

Step to the side and youll realize that this is not your conventional car or what it seemed to be from the front.

Lightyear has put in a lot of effort to bless this a car with one of the lowest drag coefficients on the planet today. That was done to make this car as efficient as possible. So, this has got to do a lot with how the One is shaped. Lightyear has used a mix of lighter building materials like aluminum and carbon fiber while maintaining rigorous safety standards. The wheel arches are sculpted and almost touch the hood of the One. The design, like the front, doesnt involve a lot of cuts and creases of any sort. Instead of wing mirrors, Lightyear engineers have installed sensors that will relay the data inside the cabin. A good move, both in terms of function and aesthetics.

Forget about doors handles that sit flush with the body; Lightyear has used small buttons of sorts that need to be pressed to access the doors. Fancy!

The roof slowly rakes downwards and extends to the very end of the car. It looks like a fastback from here. The best part is the way that Lightyear has executed the design without making it look out of proportion and weird. The roof, right from the windshield to where it hits the tailgate is a solar panel. As for the wheels, the rear set gets a cover on the top half, which will draw polarizing opinions. Im honestly not much of a fan of those.

Move to the rear and the first words to come out of your mouth will be 'is this a McLaren Speedtail?'

There is a very strong resemblance to the British car. The One features a slim LED taillight that runs from the side of the body to the back, and wraps around at the other end. There is a lip on the upper half that looks subtle but makes a world of a difference to the overall appearance. The whole bumper is painted in black and adds to the sporty element. There is LIGHTYEAR branding under the slim LED taillight strip in a classy font. A stoplight can be also seen right above it. Overall, Lightyear One is an absolute looker and will draw more positive responses than negative ones in terms of aesthetics.

Lightyear One Dimensions

Length 5,057 mm Width 1,898 mm Height 1,426 mm Cargo Space 27.5 cubic feet

Interior

* Cameras for outside rearview mirror

* No steering-mounted controls

* The infotainment system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

* Wireless charging pad

* Wide armrest

On the inside, the One clearly looks to be lightyears (pun intended) ahead of the current crop of cars.

It seems spacious, but the sloping roofline at the back is sure to get intrusive for taller passengers. Another interesting design element is that the rear seats dont get headrests per se. The back is completely covered with the seating material and there is no view of the action behind the One. Unless Lightyear integrates a camera and provides a rearview mirror that relays the display on here, I think this is a big safety issue. As for the outside rearview mirrors, Lightyear has placed cameras instead of conventional units, and the display for the same is integrated in the door handle cluster. It is not a big display and it raises doubt of its functionality, but the good thing is that its surrounded by a piano black finish and that helps you see the display clearly.

The Lightyear One is actually quite handsome on the inside as well.

A sufficiently meaty flat-bottomed steering wheel features thumb contours and wooden elements. The wheel is devoid of any buttons. You can see honeycomb design embossed onto the material on the dash and the armrest. A large display sits behind the steering wheel. The HVAC vents are quite unorthodox and a tad bit smaller than the ones we see in regular cars.

The center armrest is large enough to let the driver and the passenger rest their arms simultaneously. This, too, has wooden elements in between with indents to rest stuff like a wallet or a mobile phone. Unlike the majority of EVs, the One doesnt feature a larger-than-life touchscreen system. It is a decent-sized unit that supports Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto. Lightyear has also provided a wireless charging pad on the One.

Drivetrain

* Powered by four e-motors

* In-wheel hubs instead of the conventional setup

* 0-62 mph in 10 seconds

* Claimed range of 450 miles

* 16 square feet worth of solar cells

* Can replenish 354 miles per hour through fast charging

The Lightyear One comes with four in-wheel hub motors. This is a unique approach by Lightyear because it has not been prioritized by other EV manufacturers for mass production.

With in-wheel hub motors, the company will have to make use of custom brakes as well. On the flip side, these motors offer better maneuverability and reduce energy consumption. Even the company says that in addition to lowering the weight and improving control, it means that no energy is lost in transit from the motor to the wheel.

Lightyear is yet to announce the power output figures, but we can safely assume that it wont be a rocket by any means since the focus is to make it an efficient car and extract every last mile possible from the battery. The only performance figure we know is that the One will take 10 seconds to sprint to 62 mph from a standstill.

The One is essentially a solar car. There is an in-built battery in the car but the capacity isnt revealed yet.

Lightyear says that the One will offer a range of 450 miles. This is aided by the five square meters of solar panels on the roof and hood that are expected to add 7.5 miles in an hour to the battery.

The solar car is not a gimmick with some solar cells placed in and around the roof. The roof and hood are covered with 16 square feet of solar cells covered by a safety glass to protect them from damage.

Lightyear claims these solar cells are 20-percent more efficient than traditional models. Also, if the sunlight is falling merely on half of the hood, or just on a few parts of the car, the charging will still continue unlike traditional panels wherein you need an optimum amount of sunlight on a certain area (generally the full patch) to charge the battery.

Like any other EV, the Lightyear One can also be plugged in and charged. The car supports charging through domestic plugs, public charging stations, as well as fast charging.

The company states that the charging speeds vary depending on the source:

3.7 kW through a 230v plug  22 miles per hour

22 kW (public station)  130 miles per hour

60 kW (Fast charging)  354 miles per hour

Solar Charging  7.5 miles per hour

There are a few other vehicles that will be offered with solar charging. The respective companies claim the following range:

Tesla Cybertruck  15 miles per day with panels. 30-40 miles with panels and fold-out solar wings per day

Sono Sion  18 miles per day

Fisker Ocean  1,000 miles annually

Prices

Lightyear has already opened the order books for the first 500 One cars. Over 100 have already been pre-ordered. The One is quite an expensive car, to say the least. It is priced at 149,000 (approximately $166,000). You can reserve the car for 119,000 (approximately $133,000).

Competition

Porsche Taycan

The Taycan turned a lot of heads not only for its design and performance specs but also for its poor range. This is exactly the opposite of what the Lightyear One is. The Taycan is based on the Mission E concept and has a lot of 911-inspired features. The profile looks very similar to the Panamera and also has a sweet sporty rear diffuser. On the inside, it has stuff like a digital instrument cluster and a 10.9-inch infotainment screen. It is powered by two electric motors and comes in different trims and power outputs. The best of the lot sprints to 60 mph from a standstill in 2.6 seconds. However, the mile range is an absolute disaster. The Taycan Turbo is rated at 201 miles, whereas the Taycan Turbo S at 192 miles. The Porsche Taycan starts at $150,000 for the base trim and goes all the way up to $185,000.

Conclusion

The Lightyear One is a sweet looking car and one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in the market today. The interior is plain and simple but has its own bits of unorthodox touches all around. It is not a performer by any means as it takes 10 seconds to hit the 62 mph mark, but the One is perhaps the most energy-efficient car in the market today.

Solar charging is a bonus and is expected to add approximately 12,500 miles annually. The 450-mile range is obviously the cherry on the cake. The steep price will surely not find a lot of buyers, but the Lightyear One is a niche in itself with no real competition as of yet. The company, however, has said that it has plans to build affordable EVs as well in the future. That would better happen soon because no company that started off with an expensive car has really succeeded in the market; unless it shifted its focus (see Rivian or Fisker).
The cause of the fire is still the subject of investigation, and it is unknown whether any homes or buildings have been lost. The blaze started on Ridge Track and began burning in a southerly direction towards McLeods Road. The fire on French Island. Credit:Nine News Residents on the island were urged to leave their homes, while fire trucks were being ferried to the island two at a time. As well as 119 residents, French Island is home to a strong koala population, which is sometimes used to repopulate other areas because of its chlamydia-free status.

Mim Hope, owner of French Island Glamping, said she could see the fire build quickly from her property about five kilometres away. "It's really quite smoky now," she said on Saturday afternoon. She said she wasn't too worried about the fire coming close to her, as it was spreading in the other direction towards Tankerton. "Friends have already called and said they will send boats and jet skis or anything to get us off if we need to go," she said.

"It's a 12-minute crossing, we'll be right." Nicole Cullen arrived on the island on Saturday afternoon for a holiday and said it was a stressful situation. "We arrived and went straight to the cricket ground, as you do," Ms Cullen said. "We were watching the match and you could see the plume of smoke gradually build. One of the players and a spectator who are both in the CFA actually had to leave. "It was a bit surreal, this is such a resilient community and everyone was really calm. The cricket match actually even finished."

After the match, Ms Cullen and her husband took a drive and the severity of the fires was quickly apparent. "We could see flames swooping up and beautiful native trees being burned," she said. "The smoke continued to build, too. There's a large koala population on this island and it would be just devastating to think that had been impacted."

Tanya Le Serve, owner of the French Island General Store, said the community was rallying together. "We've got a fantastic local CFA unit here on the Island fighting the fire and we've gained mainland support from other local brigades across Bass Coast with trucks coming on from Corinella by barge this afternoon," Ms Le Serve said. "We're all on high alert and the French Island General Store is offering assistance to the community as needed during this stressful time." The island is only accessible by boat, so trucks were taken across from the mainland on a barge, two at a time. The barge can only operate in certain tidal conditions. A water-bomber was also used to fight the fire.

French Island is Victoria's largest island and is only accessible via the barge or a passenger ferry that run from Stony Point on the Mornington Peninsula and Cowes at nearby Phillip Island. Residents of French Island mostly live in solitude, with Kylie Minogue one former homeowner. The roads on the island are dirt tracks. There are no police and many of the vehicles are unregistered. It is also known for being free of introduced animals, such as foxes.

The bushfires that have scorched millions of hectares of land in the past few months have been particularly devastating for animals. On Kangaroo Island in South Australia, it's estimated that as many as half the 50,000 koalas there have been wiped out by fire. There were 15 bushfires still raging in Victoria on Saturday afternoon, predominantly in East Gippsland and the north-eastern alpine regions. Incident management specialists from the US and Canada arrived at Melbourne Airport on Saturday morning, before being deployed to the state's north-east and East Gippsland.
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 01/17/2020



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So did Anna and Mursel's relationship really end, or did the couple somehow still get married? Are they still together now?

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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

couple Anna Campisi and Mursel Mistanoglu appeared to break up as Mursel was shown heading to board a flight back to his native Turkey on the show's most recent episode -- so did their relationship really end at that point, or did they still somehow end up getting married and staying together?Anna, a 38-year-old mother of three from Bellevue, NE, and Mursel, a 38-year-old from Antalya, Turkey, are one of the couples starring on 's seventh season, which has been airing for over two months.Prior to meeting Mursel on Facebook, Anna had a relationship that ended badly with a "controlling" man -- the father of her three sons: Joey, 15, Gino, 14, and Leo, 6.Mursel seemed "kind and sweet" compared to her ex, and he and Anna bonded over their shared passion for beekeeping.The couple therefore continued talking and sending photos to each other despite the language barrier between them and cultural differences.Mursel, for example, is Muslim and doesn't drink, but she had faith things would work out.Anna's first meeting with Mursel in Turkey surpassed her expectations, and so she returned to America and applied for his K-1 visa, which was later approved.Anna acknowledged flying Mursel to America was a huge risk and might flip her family's lives upside down, but she was optimistic her family would come together.Anna had hope her three sons would grow to like and accept Mursel into their family. She felt she was meant to marry Mursel.But Gino and Joey weren't looking forward to having a new authority and father figure in their lives whom they didn't know at all.When Mursel met the boys, it was a little awkward for everyone involved.A couple of Mursel's comments led the boys to believe he was going to view everything in the United States inferior to what he was used to in Turkey.Mursel's meeting with Anna's sons "didn't go well," according to Anna, and then he had to meet her mother, Charlene, at a restaurant. Anna expected her mother to be blunt and a bit harsh with Mursel."How does Mursel's family feel about your kids?" asked Charlene, who wasn't happy about the idea of Mursel trying to control her daughter's household."They don't know about them... because Mursel does not want to tell his family," Anna replied."That's messed up," Gino announced at the table.Mursel explained he loved Anna so much but his family would disapprove of him marrying a woman with children.Mursel therefore planned to keep Anna's sons a secret from his family as to not bring shame upon them.Best case scenario, Mursel hoped to tell his parents about Anna's kids in about 10 years.Mursel said his parents would forgive his sins during their last moments on earth and that is the time to be totally honest and forthcoming about things.Mursel insisted he felt sad and guilty about the secret, but then he made it known if he had things his way, Anna would come to Turkey with him -- which made her sons feel like Mursel didn't care about them at all.Anna was starting to realize she might have to choose between the love of her life and her boys.Once Mursel had been in America for about a month, he and Anna began planning their wedding. Anna put together little honey favors, while Mursel was constructing a "honeycomb altar" made of wood.Mursel admitted he was a little nervous about the wedding and had concerns because he had heard Joey and Gino talking about how he's "stupid." Mursel also thought they were "spoiled."Anna asked Mursel to discuss the issue with her sons, but he didn't really want to.Anna worried she and her fiance were using their language barrier as an excuse not to talk to each other about serious topics. Anna was tired of hearing "yes" and "no" answers from Mursel all the time, but Mursel was afraid of sparking an argument.Anna felt she and Mursel needed to work on their own personal communication, but Mursel didn't seem receptive to her desire to work on things.Anna insisted Mursel never listened to her, and so she was second guessing whether they should even get married.Later on, Anna went shopping for a wedding dress with her friend Viviana, but Anna admitted she should be happier at this time in her life.Anna picked out the strapless dress of her dreams with lace and a lot of beading.Anna cried when she had found the perfect dress, but it was unclear where those tears were really coming from. Anna seemed to be doubting her decision to marry."I'm good," Anna assured her friend Viviana in tears, as if she was trying to convince herself that was the case. "He's The One. It just seems like nothing is going right... [but] we'll get it all figured out."But Anna's son Joey didn't care to have a relationship with Mursel at all because of the big secret Mursel was keeping."Do you want this wedding?" Mursel asked Joey."No," Joey replied."Why?" Mursel asked."Because it's stupid," Joey replied. "I think marrying Mursel would be even more of a burden for my mom, and I think my mom is able to change her mind if she wants to."Anna asked Joey to put his feelings behind him and focus on the future, but he refused."Your situation does not make me happy," Mursel said. "You never give me good energy. You don't try to be nice. If you don't want me, I can go.""It's that easy?!" Joey asked his mom. "Okay, situation solved!"Mursel started questioning why he should stay in the United States if Anna's kids didn't want him around, but Anna was certain they could work something out."The boys mean everything to me. My life revolves around them, but I don't think they appreciate everything I've given and sacrificed for them. And at some point, I want to be happy too," Anna said in a confessional.Anna, however, had already sent out the wedding invitations, so she felt a lot of pressure to go through with the nuptials.After receiving some guidance and words of wisdom from her friends at her bachelorette party, Anna demanded Mursel come clean with his family and tell them about her children.Anna told Mursel that he had put her in an uncomfortable position and was acting very selfish.Mursel, however, said his family wouldn't talk to him again if they found out he planned to marry a woman with kids."If I had known Anna was going to make me tell my family about her kids, I would not have come," Mursel confessed to the cameras.Mursel refused to be honest with his parents, so then Anna threatened to cancel their wedding."We're coming towards the end of his 90 days, and we're about to call [the wedding] off," Anna told the cameras. "I didn't think we'd be in this situation."Anna didn't think the situation was fair, but Mursel said he had made a lot of sacrifices to be with her -- including quitting his job in Turkey and leaving everything behind. As a result, Mursel expected Anna to sacrifice for him as well.But since Mursel didn't want to lose Anna, he finally decided to reveal the truth to his parents via video chat."She took you for a fool!" Mursel's father said after hearing about Anna's past.Mursel's mother then scolded Mursel and told him that he needed to return to Turkey, where he could still find a good-paying job and nice woman.Mursel said he understood and then ended the call."I was expecting this, but did not expect it to be this bad. They perceived her as a bad woman. I mean, incredibly bad," Mursel said. "They want me to go back to Turkey. They tell me what I did is nonsense."Mursel told Anna the conversation didn't go well and he must return to Turkey, which made Anna cry. Anna admitted she was feeling "devastated" and loved Mursel, but she was realizing love may not be enough.Anna was angry with Mursel's family for not accepting her three sons, and Mursel admitted his family was "very bad" and "very aggressive."Anna was disappointed that age 38, Mursel wasn't willing to stand up to his parents and just marry her for the sake of their love and happiness.But Mursel's plan was to return to Turkey, and then Anna told her mother Charlene that the wedding was off.Charlene called the drama "bullsh-t," especially since Mursel had known about Anna's boys before traveling to the United States.Charlene accused Mursel of breaking her daughter's heart and going back to Turkey as if nothing was wrong. Charlene was angry, but Mursel explained his family needed to come first.Anna's two youngest boys, Leo and Gino, heard the news as well, and they looked pretty upset -- which made Mursel feel guilty.Anna's youngest son Leo was especially sad and didn't understand why Mursel couldn't be a man and just stand up to his parents. Gino thought Mursel was annoying sometimes, but he had grown accustomed to the idea of Mursel sticking around."I thought he would help me a lot, and now he's leaving," Gino vented to the cameras.Charlene bragged she had known all along Anna's romance would "end up in tragedy," so her only concern going forward was figuring out how to get Mursel "the hell out of here."Anna later told her son Joey that the wedding was off. Mursel was staying in a hotel before his trip home, and Anna admitted to her son that she was angry because Mursel wasn't making decisions for himself.Joey agreed Mursel's parents shouldn't control him, but he thought Anna's romance was a bad idea to begin with.Joey accused his mother of never thinking things through or considering all possible outcomes, and so he was disappointed in his mom for putting the family through all this."[Joey] got his wish. Mursel is leaving," Anna said in a confessional.Anna was furious at Mursel and called him "weak," so she kicked him out of her house and sent him to a hotel, where she intended he would live until his flight back to Turkey."If we really cannot be together, I want you gone," Anna told Mursel via text.Mursel said he felt lonely and sad in the hotel room. He was in a foreign land and wished he could spend his final days in America with Anna, but she continued to write him angry messages and ignore his phone calls.But at one point, Anna took Mursel's call and simply said on the other line, "I don't like you. We are finished."Mursel cried in his hotel room, but Anna continued to insist their relationship was over."I want to kiss her because I love her. I couldn't sleep at all. All the time I am thinking about this. I am physically finished," Mursel vented in a confessional.In the latest episode of , 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 for a conversation, 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.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.Since Mursel is 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, but he didn't leave until running back to Anna again for another hug."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 ran out of the airport quickly."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."Anna revealed November 25, 2019 on Instagram that she and Mursel got engaged on September 8, 2018.Anna announced the news as part of her explanation as to why she and Mursel appear to wear wedding rings on 's seventh season."I finally got the ok! I've gotten a lot of questions about the rings Mursel and I wear. In Turkey it is customary to have an Engagement ceremony. This involves exchanging rings," Anna captioned a series of photos of the couple celebrating at a fancy event."A red ribbon is tied to both rings and the Elder of the family says a prayer and some words to bless the Engagement and the ribbon is then cut. Then the couple goes around and kisses the hands of the Elders. It is also customary for the guests to pin money on the newly Engaged couple."Anna concluded, "We didn't go through the whole engagement custom which would also involve both families meeting and getting a blessing due to my family not being in Turkey. We were engaged September 8 2018! Hopefully this clears some questions."Anna and Mursel then reportedly got married a year after their engagement.Anna and Mursel tied the knot in Nebraska on September 8, 2019, according to court records obtained by Starcasm.The couple has refrained from sharing photos or writing messages about each other on social media, but Mursel recently changed his home state to Nebraska on his Facebook.Anna also hinted she's still with Mursel when she wrote his name as a hashtag in a mid-December 2019 post on Instagram."We need more days till Christmas! #notready, #90dayfiance, #oldestboy, #mursel," Anna captioned a photo with her son.In addition, Anna revealed how to say the word "turkey" in Turkish in honor of Thanksgiving. She apparently continues to learn the language and appreciate Mursel's culture.Anna owns Beauty and the Bees Honey, a business which sells honey and a wide array of bees wax products.Mursel studied at California State University, Northridge, according to Starcasm, but it's unclear whether Mursel came to America for the program or participated in online courses.Want spoilers? Click here to visit our Spoilers webpage!
New Delhi, Jan 18 : Hundreds of Congress activists on Saturday staged protests outside party interim chief Sonia Gandhi's residence over ticket distribution and the alliance with the RJD for the Delhi Assembly polls.

Hundreds of Congress workers from Patel Nagar, Karawal Nagar and Kirari Assembly constituencies arrived outside 10, Janpath and raised slogans against the party over its alliance with Lalu Prasad-led Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on four seats.

The party workers demanded that it should not have any alliance with the RJD in the national capital. The Congress is yet to release its candidate list. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has released its candidate list for all 70 seats while the BJP has announced candidates for 57 seats.

The Congress despite ruling Delhi for 15 years from 1998 to 2013 was unable to win a single seat in the 2015 polls. The AAP had won 67 while the remaining three seats were won by the BJP. Delhi will go to polls on February 8 and counting of votes will take place on February 11.
It seemed clear that Harry and Meghan wanted to keep at least some part of their titles  and hardly surprising given that they use SussexRoyal on their Instagram and website, and are reportedly trying to register that as part of a global trademark.
Allison Bernard, 23, was last seen leaving a Coen, Queensland, pub in February 2013

The sister of slain Brisbane woman Allison Baden-Clay has called for an inquest into the suspected death of a young woman who has been missing for seven years.

Vanessa Fowler joined a long list of advocates demanding an inquiry into the mysterious disappearance of Allison Bernard, who was last seen leaving a Queensland pub in 2013.

Ms Bernard, 23, from Kowanyama, is believed to have left with a white male who allegedly drove her to a quarry about one hour away, and she was never seen again.

The woman's case has since gone cold, as her body has never been found and police have found no evidence she could have been murdered.

Allison Baden-Clay was discovered in Kholo Creek Bridge near Brisbane, in April 2012 after her husband Gerard reported her missing. He was charged with her murder nearly two months later and found guilty in 2014 after a one-month trial

Ms Bernard's case struck a nerve for Ms Fowler, whose sister - who shares the same name as the missing woman - was found dead ten days after she disappeared.

The body of Allison Baden-Clay was discovered in Kholo Creek Bridge in April 2012 after her husband Gerard reported her missing.

An investigation later revealed he had killed his wife in their Brookfield home and dumped her body near a creek before calling the police.

He was charged with her murder nearly two months later and found guilty in 2014 after a one-month trial.

Ms Baden-Clay's sister Vanessa Fowler (pictured outside of court in 2016) has joined a long list of advocates demanding an inquiry into the mysterious disappearance of Ms Bernard

Ms Fowler admitted one of the most harrowing challenges the family faced following her sister's disappearance, was the 'not knowing', and now hopes Ms Bernard's family can receive answers after all these years.

'Closure is such an important step for families who are missing loved ones and if an inquest is a way to receive closure, then it would be something you support,' she told The Sunday Mail.

Ms Fowler's calls for an inquest follow those from the Morcombe family, whose son Daniel was killed in 2003, as well as women's advocacy group, Sister Inside.
When Parliament-Funkadelic, George Clintons sartorially adventurous music collective, played arena shows in the 1970s, the boisterous crowds would reach a fever pitch midway through the concert when a fire-spitting flying saucer descended from the rafters, landing onstage amid smoke and blaring horns.

Most of those fans probably didnt know that the prop  the Mothership, it was called, one of the most outlandish stage effects in a decade full of rock spectacles  was the work of a noted Broadway lighting designer, Jules Fisher, and a four-time Tony Award-winning set designer, Peter Larkin.

When it landed, Mr. Fisher recalled in a telephone interview, a door opened and George Clinton came out. At the shows end, it blasted off and disappeared skyward.

The Motherships co-designer, Mr. Larkin, died on Dec. 16 at 93 at his home in Bridgehampton, N.Y., Marla Strick, his daughter-in-law, said. He had designed sets for 45 Broadway productions and worked as production designer on more than two dozen movies, including Tootsie (1982), House of Cards (1993) and Miss Congeniality (2000).
San Jose Police Department

A 14-year-old girl was kidnapped and brought to a San Jose motel, but police said the teen used the social media app Snapchat to free herself from the kidnappers.

The San Jose Police Department said in a news release that the 14-year-old, whose name was withheld, encountered 55-year-old Albert Thomas Vasquez in Capitola on Tuesday. Vasquez allegedly "gave the victim drugs," and with the assistance of 34-year-old Antonio Quirino Salvador and 31-year-old Hediberto Gonzalez Avarenga, put the incapacitated victim in a vehicle against her will.
Deadline? What Deadline? North Korea, US Try New 'Strategic Patience'

By William Gallo January 17, 2020

In April, just weeks after his summit with U.S. President Donald Trump collapsed in Hanoi, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un decided to ramp up the pressure on Washington.

"We will wait for a bold decision from the U.S. with patience till the end of this year," Kim said in a speech to North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly.

Just three weeks later, Kim launched his first missiles in nearly a year and a half and would conduct 12 more rounds of launches in 2019, underscoring the urgency of his year-end deadline.

At one point in early December, North Korean state media published near-daily warnings of Kim's deadline, including one threat from a Foreign Affairs Ministry official regarding a potentially sinister "Christmas gift" for the U.S.

The top U.S. Air Force general in the Pacific region said he expected North Korea's gift to be a long-range missile launch. The U.S. increased surveillance flights around the Korean peninsula, apparently on alert for weapons tests.

The Christmas gift never came, though.

Maybe, some analysts said, North Korea was waiting for Kim's annual New Year's speech to unveil a major, provocative announcement.

That didn't really happen either. Kim's New Year's comments were relatively restrained, striking a more pessimistic than provocative tone.

All of this raises questions. Why did North Korea steadily raise tensions for much of 2019, only to let them apparently fizzle out once the deadline passed, and what does that say about how North Korea will act in 2020?

North Korean 'strategic patience'

The short answer is that nobody knows.

One big clue is Kim's New Year's remarks, which came at the end of an important meeting of ruling party politicians in Pyongyang.

Kim warned the world would soon witness a "new strategic weapon" and said he no longer feels bound by his moratorium on long-range missile and nuclear tests, which he unilaterally declared in April 2018, just as his diplomacy with Trump was beginning.

Kim did not formally abandon nuclear talks, though. Instead, he said their progress depends on the U.S.  progress that won't likely come anytime soon, he added. North Korea, he said, should be prepared for a "long-term" standoff with Washington.

That could be North Korea's version of "strategic patience," according to North Korea analyst Koo Kab-woo. That is a reference to former U.S. President Barack Obama's attempt to apply carefully calibrated economic and military pressure until Pyongyang was ready to make concessions at the negotiating table.

For North Korea, strategic patience includes emphasizing "self-reliance, an increase in its nuclear deterrent, and stronger diplomacy that could bring about the denuclearization [of North Korea] if the U.S. lifts its confrontational policies," said Koo, a scholar at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, at a recent conference.

While that strategy may include more weapons tests, as hinted at in Kim's speech, North Korea may be reluctant to cross any "red line" that would prompt a major reaction by Washington, Koo said.

An intercontinental ballistic missile or nuclear test could also upset China and Russia when both countries are pressuring the U.S. to relax sanctions on North Korea, analysts have said.

As a result, North Korea may not fully provoke or fully engage the U.S. in the near future  a policy of intentional ambiguity, Koo said.

Bigger moves coming?

Not everyone agrees with the strategic patience analogy, though.

"Strategic patience implies that North Korea has expectations from U.S.-DPRK diplomacy," said Rachel Minyoung Lee, an analyst for the North Korea-focused NK News online publication, using the abbreviation for North Korea's formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

According to Lee, Kim's New Year's comments signaled he has "little to no hope" for a diplomatic breakthrough.

"My feeling is that he is buying time for himself, not because he is hopeful of concessions from the U.S., but because he is not ready to showcase the 'new strategic weapon' yet," she said.

There's still a possibility that North Korea may act more forcefully this year, Lee said.

"It could be that Kim feels it's not the right time to provoke. It could be the China factor, it could be that Kim is waiting for the right moment in the U.S. presidential election, or it could be that he wants to see some progress on the problems on the economic front," she said.

Status quo

If North Korea is reluctant to upset the status quo for now, though, that may be just fine for Trump, who is entering a more intense phase of his reelection campaign and has been focused on other foreign policy issues, such as Iran.

"As long as North Korea doesn't launch long-range missiles and doesn't test nuclear devices, I think Trump can claim that everything is alright," said Artyom Lukin, an international relations scholar at Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok, Russia.

Trump's reelection campaign has portrayed the North Korea talks as a major foreign policy win, and Trump remains publicly optimistic about their eventual success, even as North Korea stormed away from talks and conducted a near-record number of weapons tests in 2019.

However, there does appear to be a limit for Trump. Last month, he signaled he would be disappointed if Kim resumed ICBM or nuclear tests. "He knows I have an election coming up. I don't think he wants to interfere with that, but we'll have to see," Trump said.

Trump may be employing his own version of strategic patience, according to Lukin, describing the approach as: "We are ready to talk when you are ready, but we can wait."

Who will move first?

If both the U.S. and North Korea are showing signs of "strategic patience," the big question is: Who can afford to wait longer?

In Lukin's view, the situation is much more urgent for North Korea.

"Any radical move they make is only going to make their position worse. If they start testing long-range missiles, it will carry all sorts of risks for them. If they start real denuclearization, it's also a very risky thing," Lukin said.

"The only thing that's left for Kim Jong Un is to wait, wait, and wait. But you could wait a long time  you could wait forever and nothing could happen, actually," he added.

Signs of frustration

One sign of North Korean frustration came last week, when senior North Korean Foreign Affairs Ministry official Kim Kye Gwan accused the U.S. of taking advantage of the relationship between Trump and Kim.

Though the Trump-Kim relationship remains "not bad," it is also not enough to ensure the talks progress, he said.

"Although Chairman Kim Jong Un has ... good personal feelings about President Trump, they are, in the true sense of the word, 'personal,'" the diplomat said.

Nuclear talks can only resume, Kim said, once the U.S. agrees to totally accept all of North Korea's demands.

"But we know well that the U.S. is neither ready nor able to do so," he added.

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They have touched down in Paris for Men's Fashion Week.

And Gigi Hadid, 24, and sister Bella, 23, showed off their style credentials as they left their five-star hotel, Le Royal Monceau, on Saturday for another action-packed day in the French capital.

The model wore a blue patchwork cardigan while Bella, who took to the catwalk for the Berluti show on Friday, fuelled up on coffee.

Fashion maven: Gigi Hadid, 24, showed off her style credential as she and sister Bella, 23, left their hotel on Saturday for another action-packed day in the French capital

Gigi looked casually-cool as she layered the loose-fitting cardigan atop of a plain white T-shirt.

The American beauty complemented her Parisian ensemble with bootleg jeans and tan heeled ankle boots.

Gigi wore her blonde hair in a swept-over parting and accessorised her outfit with a gold clutch bag and black sunglasses.

Caffeine kick: Bella, who took to the catwalk for the Berluti show on Friday, fuelled up on coffee

She's got style: Gigi looked casually-cool as she layered a patchwork cardigan atop of a plain white T-shirt

American beauty: Gigi wore her blonde hair in a swept-over parting and showcased her radiant complexion witha minimal make-up look

Strutting her stuff: The American beauty complemented her Parisian ensemble with bootleg jeans and tan heeled ankle boots

Radiant: The star looked gorgeous as she strutted in the City of Lights

Bella, whose mum Yolanda previously labelled the model as a "black swan", showed off her own individual style as she left the hotel.

The brunette beauty channelled seventies' wallpaper vibes with her floral high-collared T-shirt, which she teamed with high-waisted trousers and a waxwork jacket.

Slicking her hair back into a tight bun, Bella completed her Fashion Week outfit with orange tinted aviators, gold hoop earrings and yellow patent handbag.

Throwback: The brunette beauty channelled seventies' wallpaper vibes with her floral high-collared T-shirt

Fashion maven: Bella teamed the look with high-waisted trousers and a waxwork jacket, which came complete with a faux-fur collar

Bella has been hitting the catwalk in Paris for several days.

She headed down the runway in an electric blue suit for the Berluti show on Friday, and on Thursday wore a bulletproof-inspired vest for Tatras' showcase.

Bella also sat on the front row for Louis Vuitton's Fall/ Winter 2020/ 2021 show.

All in the details: Bella completed her Fashion Week outfit with orange tinted aviators, gold hoop earrings and yellow patent handbag

Off she goes! Bella was joined by a burly bodyguard as she left the luxury hotel, where she always stays for Fashion Week

Gigi, meanwhile, was spotted arriving at Charles De Gaulle airport on Friday morning in the same outfit she wore to the courthouse for Harvey Weinstein's trial.

The model was dismissed as a juror and went on to travel to France through the night, before making a quick change into a tailored white blazer.

Court officials confirmed she was cut from the list of potential jurors, an expected development following the attention her presence in court generated.

Model of the moment: Bella has been hitting the catwalk in Paris for several days

Ready to hit the catwalk: The model is yet to make her runway Fashion Week debut

She caused a stir on Monday when she emerged as a potential juror, telling the judge she had met Weinstein but could be impartial.

The model also said she had met actress Salma Hayek, a potential witness.

Weinstein, 67, is accused of raping a woman in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and sexually assaulting another in 2006.

Judge James Burke has said he expects a panel of 12 jurors and six alternates to be seated in time for opening statements and evidence on January 22.

The judge told prospective jurors he expected the trial to finish up in early March.
Dateline What Will 2020 Mean for Myanmars Democracy?

The Irrawaddy

Kyaw Zwa Moe: Happy New Year to you all! The new year has started with new problems. As everyone knows, fighting has begun between the US and Iran. We will discuss if there will be new problems or if old problems will continue to exist in Myanmar. As everyone knows, three fundamental problems continue to exist: democratization is still fragile, there is still no tangible improvement in national reconciliation and the internal peace process is at risk. Including these, we are likely to experience around four or five problems in 2020: the ICJ [International Court of Justice] is likely to deliver rulings regarding the genocide allegations against Myanmar in January; the conflict over constitutional amendment is likely to continue between the Myanmar military and the NLD [National League for Democracy] government; and we will see if the fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army [AA] in Rakhine State will intensify, and how the general elections, the most important event in 2020, will turn out. Writer U Kyaw Win and Lower House lawmaker Ma Zin Mar Aung [of the NLD] join me to discuss these. Im The Irrawaddy English editor, Kyaw Zwa Moe.

The new problem for the world is war between the US and Iran. And for Myanmar, those problems which I have mentioned may continue, and new problems may also arise from nowhere. What are your expectations for this year, and what is your assessment regarding the ICJ?

Kyaw Win: [The Gambia] proposed five or six provisional measures [against Myanmar]. If [the ICJ] rules against them, these problems can be averted. If the ICJ approves, applying some or all provisional measures, the problem with the ICJ is that it only has authority to give rulings and does not have authority to enforce the rulings. So, it must go through the UN Security Council. If so, Myanmar can only rely on China and Russia. This will increase Myanmars dependency on China. This is not good. We need to maintain friendly ties with all the countries. Thinking optimistically, [the ICJs rulings] will help improve relations between the government and the military. But again, closer ties between them, against the backdrop of Burmanization, will increase the concerns of ethnic groups. Their cooperation, if made in the spirit of the Union, can however help ease the concerns of ethnic groups.

KZM: Ma Zin Mar Aung, suppose international pressures like that from the ICJ push the military and the government closer, and ethnic people feel neglected due to their cooperation and the perceived Burmanization: is this because the ethnic affairs policy or the idea of federal democratic Union articulated by the NLD is not convincing enough to ethnic parties?

Zin Mar Aung: The NLD was the first to support the Mae Thaw Rah Hta Declaration [by ethnic armed groups] under the military regime, at a time when even speaking of federalism was strictly prohibited. The NLD stood by ethnic people. Some of the political leaders of the NLD from that time are still around, but some are no longer [in the party]. There was a strong bond between ethnic leaders and founding members of the NLD when the party was part of the opposition. But after the party came to power, their relations have become a little bit icy. When they see each other personally however, they still recount the past and treat each other warmly. As long as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is in the NLD, national chauvinism will not rise in the party. I say so because we can see a balance in her speeches and writing. She advised us against doing politics in Myanmar without knowledge of ethnic issues. She is in the government for various reasons and she has to engage with the military around the topic of national reconciliation. As long as her leadership is with the NLD, I believe national chauvinism will not rise in the party.

KZM: Speaking of the problems Myanmar is likely to face in 2020, there are four problems: the ICJ, the constitutional crisis, the peace processparticularly between the Myanmar military and the AAand the election. What is your overall assessment of them and do you think there will be bigger problems?

KW: I am saddened by the Rakhine issue. It should have never taken place. So, lets take a look at why it happened. It is fair to say that last year started with Rakhine and ended with Rakhine. I am very pleased with the NLD government and I strongly support it, but I have some frustrations, particularly [around its failure to amend Article 261]. Frankly speaking, Article 261 paves the way for the unitary state. It is unacceptable. The NLD itself proposed amending it under the previous government. But after it came to power, it ignored [the article]. But it is understandablethey might have concerns that if both the Rakhine State Parliament and the Rakhine State government are dominated by the Rakhine party, they will become uncontrollable and the Rohingya issue will get worse, attracting greater international pressures. I dont think it is a cause for concern. My suggestion is that we follow the example of India. In India, parliaments are allowed to operate freely, but are checked and balanced by state governors appointed by the president. We have no governor position, but have the General Administration Department (GAD). The GAD is now under the control of the civilian government. The President can appoint one of the reliable administrators as the state governor. This idea may work if there is coordination. So, my suggestion is for the NLD to take a moderate approach on Article 261 rather than totally rejecting it. In the 2010 general election, the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party contested and did well. In 2015, it merged with the Arakan League for Democracy and contested as the Arakan National Party. It won a majority in the Rakhine State Parliament. But it cant form the state government because of Article 261. Many Rakhine youth have monitored this with keen interest. And most of them have now joined the AA. So, Article 261 is partly to be blamed for the AA becoming this strong in such a short period of time. The youth, if convinced that they cant rely on the legal and democratic framework as expected, will be captivated by armed struggle. I have experienced the same phenomenon. So, I sympathize them and I dont want to blame them.

KZM: What you said is reasonable. This issue is connected with charter amendment. To us, it appears that the NLD is trying to amend the whole Constitution, not just Article 261. I heard that the bill to amend the Constitution will be submitted to the Parliament when it resumes later this month. As you know, it is hard to win the support of more than 75 percent of lawmakers and hold a referendum [to approve the amendments]. Ma Zin Mar Aung, how large will the constitutional crisis get in 2020? What do you think of the points made by U Kyaw Win?

ZMA: Article 436 (a) and (b) are not much different(a) requires an additional referendum [to amend certain sections of the Constitution] and (b) requires only the support of 75 percent of lawmakers [to amend the remaining sections]. So, any amendment needs the approval of military lawmakers [who are guaranteed 25 percent of the seats in Parliament]. Thats why the NLD took a moderate approach, also allowing the military and other parties to take part in the amendment process. When the NLD was in the opposition, it prepared amendments it wanted to make to the Constitution. But it has now proposed different amendments as it seeks a moderate approach in order to cater to the military. Amending Article 59 (f) [which bars anyone with parents, a spouse or children who are foreign citizens from holding the presidency] needs a referendum, in addition to the vote in the Parliament. Other amendments can be made with only 75 percent of the votes in the Parliament. The secretary of the Charter Amendment Committee Dr. Myat Nyana Soe recently said that both kinds of amendments will be submitted. This years Parliament session will start with a debate on the Constitution, and it will be intense.

Regarding Article 261, we have concerns. Though the party has not discussed this officially, we individual lawmakers in the party have concerns because there are also military lawmakers in regional and state parliaments. We have concerns that ethnic parties may not benefit at all if the military lawmakers, who also hold 25 percent of seats in regional parliaments, ally with a particular party. We have discussed the potential of a package deal to amend Article 261 along with a plan to reduce the militarys seats in the regional parliaments over time. Ethnic allies of the NLD are frustrated with the amendments proposed by the party. They think the NLDs proposed amendments are not very strong for federalism.

KZM: Clashes may continue if the AA, or Rakhine youth who support the AA, feel frustrated about constitutional amendments, as U Kyaw Win suggested. Civilians were killed in recent mine blasts. To what extent can this impact the election? Elections could not be held in certain places in northern Shan State [in 2015]. If elections cant be held in Rakhine State due to the clashes between the Myanmar military and the AA, and if there are no lawmakers elected as a result, there might be other forms of administration. What is the worst-case scenario in your view?

KW: I wish there were a [democratic] alliance led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. But this wont happen and ethnic parties will be frustrated about it. Ethnic parties may also be unhappy that the NLD did not do anything about Article 261 after it came to power. The party focuses too much on statuary rather than the spiritI mean regarding the bridge [named after General Aung San] and the statues [of General Aung San which the NLD built in ethnic areas]. Everyone respects him. They especially want his pledges fulfilled [for equal rights and political autonomy for ethnic nationalities]. But [the NLD] unnecessarily focuses on statue making and people are frustrated by it. Recently, an NLD spokesperson said democracy will be given precedence over federalism. Again, the party also recently said that it would not ally with anyone but will work alone. Ethnic people will not be happy about that. Taking these into consideration, in some regions, the NLD will definitely win the election because Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has tremendous influence. But in [ethnic majority] states, especially where ethnic parties have merged, ethnic parties will have a better chance. The NLD will win the election, but it may not be able to form the government. If it can form the government by itself, it will be OK. But if it has to form a coalition, it has to choose between allying with ethnic parties or other forces. There will be different problems based on its choices. To establish a federal Union, it has to partner with ethnic parties. It is the only option, I think.

KZM: Ma Zin Mar Aung, the NLDs popularity in ethnic states has declined in recent years as U Kyaw Win has suggested. Do you think the NLD may not win enough seats to form the government by itself?

ZMA: It is difficult to say, as proper surveys have not been conducted. But we are aware of the situation. It will not be as easy for us as in 2015. New elections are always challenges for ruling parties. So, there are greater challenges for the NLD than for other parties in 2020. The NLD lost most of the seats in ethnic majority areas in the by-elections. We need to take lessons from this. We need to be very careful with regard to the party policy and choosing candidates. We need to review our strategies regarding relationships with ethnic parties. Each constituency is unique and only when we can meet specific needs of specific constituencies can we achieve an electoral victory similar to that in 2015.

KZM: I believe the 2020 election will be the second free and fair election since 1960 whose results will be honored. The first was the 2015 election. The 1990 election was free and fair, but [the military] did not recognize the results. Ma Zin Mar Aung, how much do you think the NLD still needs to do to win? If we say the main problem is national reconciliation, the elected government and Tatmadaw [military] leaders are the key players. And the Constitution is also key. How can [the party] deal with national reconciliation and power sharing if the NLD cant form a government by itself?

ZMA: As far as national reconciliation is concerned, unlike other countries, we have many parties involved. We have to work with at least three parties. It is very difficult to negotiate. If we prioritize a particular issue, some may feel that other issues like ethnic ones are not important. If we build trust with only one party, we seem to distance ourselves from another party. We need to be cautious about such problems. There are too many issues to mention. I think only after we have undergone another two election terms progressing towards democratization, without a U-turn, will we be able to lay the firm foundation for democracy and a federal system. If we get nowhere during that period, it is difficult to predict. However, federalism and democracy are two sides of a coin and we cannot regard them as separate issues. If we move forward two more election terms after dealing with all the issues as a whole, then we will be able to lay a sound foundation.

KZM: U Kyaw Win, as you just said, our transition at present has been slowed. Peace and national reconciliation are up in the air. Democratic transition has gotten nowhere. Will peace, national reconciliation and transition be affected if the NLD does not win enough votes to form a government?

KW: It depends on the steps taken by the NLD to win the next election.

KZM: I dont think the NLD will change its main policies.

KW: What do you mean by main policies? Do you mean the policy of not allying with ethnic parties or others?

KZM: Politically, the NLD will have to ally with some parties to form the government. Only then will the NLD be able to form the government. If the NLD does not win a landslide victory as it did in 2015, will the democratic transition be affected?

KW: It depends on the decision of the NLD, whether it will ally with ethnic parties or another political force. Frankly speaking, another political force means the Tatmadaw, which already has its place in the legislature. However, it should therefore not try to take control of any more members in the cabinet beyond the three ministries it already controls. That is the best choice for the Tatmadaw. Therefore, the NLD should think about allying with ethnic parties. The NLD needs to review its decision not to ally with any political force. If the NLD allies with ethnic parties, it will be stronger. The transition will be better.

KZM: So, it will be better if the NLD does not win in a landslide?

KW: Yes, if it does not win a majority. There is a lot of dissatisfaction on the side of the ethnic groups. Frankly speaking, if we compare the two parliaments of the previous and current governments, the voices of ethnic parties are less represented in the current Parliament than they were in the previous parliament. We need to listen to the voices of ethnic groups in Myanmar. As Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said in the past, we cannot go into politics if we cannot understand ethnic issues. If the NLD listens to the voices of ethnic groups openly, the alliance could be more beneficial for the transition.

KZM: Some people have said the Tatmadaw is the most powerful and strongest institution in Myanmar. Its leadership is interested in politics and constitutionally involved in politics. What would happen if the Tatmadaw wants to get a hold of a political post like the presidency?

KW: Frankly speaking, it doesnt matter if military leaders take the presidency or any other post, as long as they have resigned from the military. The Tatmadaw as an institution, however, should not take more posts, as it has already taken three ministerial posts and its share of seats in the Parliament. It is better for the Tatmadaw not to take any more posts in the government. The NLD does not need to think much but to ally with ethnic parties.

KZM: Ma Zin Mar Aung, the transition means the gradual reduction of the political role of the Tatmadaw, in my opinion. That is why the constitutional crisis is so aggravated. How tense will the confrontation between the two sides become?

ZMA: I have discussed this in previous years. In my opinion, there has not been enough space for political dialogue between top leaders. There are many stakeholders in the [21st-Century] Panglong [peace conference]. They convey the voice of their respective groups but they are not decision-makers. We have a leader with a mandate from the people for state building. The Tatmadaw also has its structure and mandate. This is also the case with the EAOs. Although there are debates in the Parliament, as long as there is no genuine political dialogue among civilian leaders, military leaders and EAO leaders outside the Parliament, the problems will persist. This was stated in previous years in peace negotiations. As long as we do not have genuine political dialogue, the problems will persist.

KZM: Do you think there will be genuine dialogue in 2020?

ZMA: It depends on the how much the people push for it. We are doing as much as we can. Since Daw Aung San Suu Kyi relies on the public, it depends on what the public calls for and how rulers care for the will of the people. Frankly speaking, the public has to push for changes in some cases but final decisions will be made by leaders. Therefore, if there are common visions and missions shared among the leaders and they hold negotiations, there will be a clear future for the country. At present, we can just guess what will happen to the country. Today, we have a [Joint-Ceasefire Implementation Coordinating Meeting]. We have to pray that they reach agreements at the meeting. It is difficult to predict. [Note: For an update on the meeting, please see here.]

KZM: There are uncertainties for our country in 2020. U Kyaw Win, what do you think are the advantages and disadvantages facing our country in 2020?

KW: I would not like to answer the question directly. I would like to think about what Ma Zin Mar just said. We dont have much doubt about the position of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. She intentionally stood with the Tatmadaw at the ICJ to prevent its reputation from being damaged. It was good of her but some people do not like her position. However, I like this because Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is a politician. She thinks politically. She is not looking for the absolute truth but engaging in politics. I agree with her but there is a problem among the NLD sympathizers. Some are launching attacks on the Tatmadaw without rhyme or reason. If swearing at the Tatmadaw can help improve the country, we will also join them in swearing. However, nothing will be achieved from swearing at the Tatmadaw. To the contrary, swearing may make the Tatmadaw have doubts about Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. They may think she is ambiguous. We need to take such things into consideration. The leadership of the NLD needs to control them. It is concerned with the relations with the Tatmadaw. Meanwhile, the NLD needs to try to eliminate doubts among the ethnic groups. It is necessary for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to try to solve these issues. If the NLD is able to maintain such relations with both sides, it will be beneficial for the country. Otherwise, the country will get nowhere. There will be no progress.

KZM: It seems that there is no trust among political forces and leaders including the Tatmadaw, the NLD and ethnic groups. They have their own reasons. Thanks for your contributions.

You may also like these stories:

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The newly-signed US-China trade agreement will help relieve some uncertainty that has hindered worldwide economic growth, International Monetary Fund Executive Director Kristalina Georgieva said at a think tank event on Friday.

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He signed a Phase One trade pact that many hope will help de-escalate the multi-year tariff war.

"We have some reduction of this uncertainty but it is not eliminated. A trade truce is not trade peace," Georgieva told guests at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington.

The IMF annual Economic Outlook to be released on Monday will project improvement in the years ahead from 2019, when IMF estimated trade tensions cost the economy about $700 billion or 0.8 per cent reduction in collective gross domestic product, she added.

That estimate, she said, captures just one-third of the impact of ongoing trade wars with the remainder reflected in a difficult to measure impact on global business due to investor uncertainty.

Trump and Liu signed of the first of a two-part trade agreement on Tuesday pushing global stock markets into positive territory and providing an early indication of a rebound in investor confidence, analysts say.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
S elfie seekers attempting to take photos of the Taal volcano have been accused of delaying eruption relief efforts by creating extra traffic.

Hundreds of thousands of people living near the Philippines volcano have fled amid fears of an imminent and potentially fatal eruption - with ash clouds coating sites with volcanic dust for miles around.

However, this has not put off curious tourists from heading towards the area in the hope of taking pictures of the dramatic scene.

This has led to increased traffic in affected areas which are already struggling to cope with the extra vehicles from the emergency response, according to locals.

Philippines: Taal Volcano aftermath - In pictures 1 /26 Philippines: Taal Volcano aftermath - In pictures Getty Images Getty Images AP Reuters Getty Images Reuters Reuters Reuters Reuters Reuters Reuters AFP via Getty Images AP Reuters Reuters AP AP AFP via Getty Images via Reuters via Reuters

"The roads are already narrow and more and more people are driving in to take pictures of the volcano erupting and take selfies with the big cloud behind them," Maria Amurao, who lives near to the volcano in the Philippines, told the Standard.

"The Filipino roads are already famous for being bad in traffic, so the tourists coming in are delaying the help from coming in.

"It's a bit sick to think that people are coming over during a dangerous time when we, the residents, are trying to get to safety."

Philippines volcano: Satellite images show Taal eruption

Masks to protect people who would be forced to breathe in the particulates are in short supply, Ms Amurao said

"There is now shortage of masks and so more are supposed to come in but because the roads are blocked, it is taking ages for that kind of help to come in," she said.

Philippines: Taal Volcano eruption - In pictures 1 /34 Philippines: Taal Volcano eruption - In pictures Getty Images The volcano is in the middle of a lake. AP Lightning strikes beside the ash cloud as Taal Volcano erupts AP Randolf Evan Photography Around 8,000 people have been evacuated Getty Images Randolf Evan Photography Getty Images AP AP Getty Images AP AP AFP via Getty Images Getty Images AP Ezra Acayan/Getty Images AP JPL YEN via Reuters AP Ezra Acayan/Getty Images AFP via Getty Images Ezra Acayan/Getty Images AP Ezra Acayan/Getty Images AFP via Getty Images JPL YEN via Reuters

Photo-seeking tourist Honey Rose Isturias visited Tagaytay from nearby Cavite to witness the volcanic activity and to take selfies.

She told Al Jazeera: "We climbed Taal last year and saw its crater up close.

"We thought it would be nice to come back.

"It's a bit scary, but also terrifyingly beautiful."

About 125,000 people have fled their homes in hardest-hit Batangas province, south of Manila, taking shelter across at least 373 evacuation sites.

The volcano has remained at alert level four which is the second-highest warning.

It indicates a hazardous explosive eruption is possible in hours or days.

Last week, a set of dramatic wedding photographs captured the moment the volcano suddenly flared into life.

Despite the growing threat, Chino Vaflor and Kat Bautista Palomar continued with their wedding ceremony at a venue overlooking the island.
FORT MYERS, Fla.  Eighteen months before he died, Oak Gregg-Donaldson wrote a letter to his wife.

"I know that this time is hard for you and I'm sorry for that," he wrote to Teri Gregg-Donaldson in June 2018 as he prepared for shoulder surgery. "...but I want you to be happy.

If that means you being a widow or getting remarried either is fine with me. You are stronger than you realize and don't you ever let anyone tell you otherwise!"

Written in the event of his death during the surgery, that letter  as well as two others her husband wrote the same day to their six other children, all younger than 10  now provide strength in the face of the unspeakable loss the family faces.

While the surgery was a success, Oak died unexpectedly at home in his bed Dec. 5 of a cardiac blood clot.

It was hours after the couple had welcomed their seventh child, Rowan. Teri didn't find the letters until after his death, as she was looking through documents for the title to his motorcycle.

"He had told me they existed prior to his surgery," she said. "They were together with the title. It took me about two weeks to find the courage to read them."

Some of the things he wrote in his letter cut straight to her heart.

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Jan. 13: Dad dies from injuries suffered during New Zealand volcano eruption

"I know we had a future together," he wrote. "And I still want you to go for it."

Teri Gregg-Donaldson talks about how the family is doing and what the money raised for her family means to her in 2020. Oak Gregg-Donaldson, father, died hours after their seventh child was born in 2019. Their Community rallied and raised $75K, and the baby is about to come home after weeks in hospital.

A future cut short

The couple's last night together was limited to just 20 minutes with 4-pound, 14-ounce newborn Rowan, Teri said, because her husband wasn't feeling well. Still they had a wonderful time, she said, eating dinner, watching TV, cuddling and making a belly cast.

Oak went into detail in the letter, urging her to parcel out any leftover life insurance money for the children for college, or for something near and dear to his heart: scouting dues and camping.

Story continues

"This is my legacy to them and will create memories for them for a lifetime," he wrote.

His wife said he used to joke with friends about dying.

"He'd say, 'I'm not going to live past 40'," she said. "He used to joke about his funeral, but it was a joke; we had plans." His 41st birthday would have been at the end of this month.

Tears are never far away for Teri, even when she's thinking happy thoughts or when her second-youngest child, Ash, 1, displays one of his toddler smiles.

Her husband was the anchor of the growing family as a stay-at-home dad and Cub Scout leader. Teri still has uncertainties facing her.

"It's hard to think of future plans because we had future plans," the 36-year-old Cape Coral mother of seven said, her voice thick with emotion. "It's going to have to be different now."

She and the other six children have moved in with her mother, Patti Armbruster, in her three-bedroom, two-bath 1,695-square-foot home not far from where they had been living.

Teri's mother, Patti Armbruster, feeds one-year-old, Ash. Teri has let her daughter's large family move into her home after Oak Gregg-Donaldson, father, died hours after their seventh child was born. Their Community rallied and raised $75K and the baby is about to come home after weeks in hospital. Teri Gregg-Donaldson said the family will start therapy and they are trying to get back to their new normal as they move into her mother, Patti Armbruster's, home.

"That was immediate," Teri said. "I came right here. I couldn't bring myself to go to the house to get my clothes."

She has since been back to the house the family rented, though it wasn't easy.

"I've been back," she said. "I can go there and be there for short periods of time. But I'll just wander around."

Flu blinds, nearly kills 4-year-old girl: 'There were no warning signs,' mom says

She's thankful that her mother had the space and was willing to take on the brood. Four of the Gregg-Donaldson children were adopted through the foster care system.

Teri remains on medical leave with pay and has yet to return to her job as a claims adjuster for Progressive Insurance.

The future

There are also new roles for Teri, many more than the sole wage-earner she had before.

"Now, day care will be in play. Once I go back to work, I won't be here to get them off the bus, the big kids," she said. "There's a lot of outside child care. We never had to do that before because Oak was there."

She said her children have been supportive. When she started taking the kids to school for the first time after her husband's death, she got confused and lost.

"I didn't know what I was doing," she said. "I went the wrong way. I had never done that before."

Her oldest daughter, Alexis, shrugged it off.

"'They're just going to have to get over it'," Teri recalled her saying about anyone who might have cast a bad eye on her wrong-way school visit. "Because you're new," Alexis told her.

The children are in counseling at Valerie's House, a Fort Myers center that helps families deal with the loss of a loved one.

"I personally don't feel ready," she said. "But I'll do what I have to do for my kids."

She's relying on her friends as well.

Carime Harvill has been a constant companion, even before Oak Gregg-Donaldson died, often visiting at the hospital before Rowan was born.

A GoFundMe started by Armbruster has raised over $75,000, an amount that blew her away.

"I feel almost unworthy," Teri said. "So many people have so many tragedies."

Oak's letter, which Teri treasures as a tangible, last bit of words from her husband, is also evidence that he's now her guardian angel.

"I will continue to watch over you and guide things from the other side," Oak wrote, "but you'll be my voice from here. I love you."

Follow Michael Braun on Twitter: @MichaelBraunNP

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida mom of 7 finds letters from husband after his unexpected death
GOODHUE -- It's safe to assume Thomas Steger knows more about the natural resources in Goodhue County than most.

As a soil conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Steger has helped farms with gullies after a rainstorm, establish contour buffer strips, and reduce soil erosion for the past 30 years.

Steger retired this month, ending a four decade career spanning five counties.

Growing up on a farm near Prairie du Chien, Wis., was Steger's first insight into how soil conservation works. He remembers laying contour buffer strips and putting in small dams to reduce soil erosion. The engineering aspects of the job aligned with his interests in science and math.

After stints in Wisconsin and the Red River Valley, Steger came to Goodhue County. If you've never called someone like Steger or another United States Department of Agriculture employee, they usually assist in a couple ways:

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Helping a new landowner find the best ways to manage property.

Assessing land after a storm causes damage.

Lately, Steger said they've helped people implement USDA programs on their farm or property.

When he started, Steger estimated that 99% of the calls were about soil erosion. In Goodhue County, Steger said the area is prone to soil erosion because of the hilly topography. The area has well draining fields and fertile soil, but can be have run-off or other issues from time to time.

In the last five or six years, a more widely discussed term is soil health, keeping the natural resources as healthy as possible while also maximizing yields.

Assisting farmers and people to be good stewards of the land was his favorite part of his job, Steger said -- whether that meant discussing cutting down on pesticides or designing a small dam to limit runoff.

"Helping people in whatever manner it is is what makes me work, makes me go," Steger said.

Aside from the friendships and camaraderie in the county he's been able to forge, Steger said he can still see the contour strips he's laid and other projects still holding up on people's land.

His impact will be felt for decades to come and has made Goodhue County a healthier and sound place for not just farmers, but all.

Steger said he looks forward in tackling projects he previously didn't have time for in his retirement.

And he'll even come check out a field or two, if you ask nicely.
New Delhi: Actor Ishaan Khatter fondly remembered his and Shahid Kapoor's maternal grandmother Khadija Azeem, who died on Saturday. In a lengthy Instagram post, he wrote, "Ammi.. you instilled wit, fire, knowledge, perseverance, purpose and meaning in all of us. Freedom fighter, writer, translator, editor.. sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, friend, confidant - you were so many things and more."

He also shared a few pictures of Khadija Azeem with her family members and daughter Neelima Azeem (Shahid and Ishaan's mother) and added, "They don't make them like you anymore. Blessed to have had you in my life. I'll carry a small piece of your vast presence with me always. You'll never be forgotten by anybody whose life you deeply impacted."

Here's how Ishaan paid his tribute to his grandmother:

The first picture of Khadija Azeem features her with her sister, the second one is a photo of her with her children and the third with aunt and mother.

Shahid's wife Mira Rajput commented on Ishaan's post by sharing a heart emoticon and so did his 'Dhadak' co-star Janhvi Kapoor.

Ishaan's actor father Rajesh Khatter also paid a tribute to Khadija Azeem and wrote, "An accomplished woman. Her zest for life was infectious, she & her husband Anwar Azeem saheb's influence on my life just seeped in organically & somewhere helped in making me the person I am today. Rest in peace Ammi. You will always be in our hearts."

On the work front, Ishaan will be next seen in 'Khaali Peeli', opposite Ananya Panday while Shahid is currently recovering from an injury. He got injured while shooting for 'Jersey' and got some stitches on the lips.
President Donald Trump gave new details about the airstrike that killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani at a private dinner with donors Friday night at his Mar-a-Lago resort. Amid a dramatic retelling of events, the commander in chief appeared to give a new justification for killing Soleimani and never mentioned that it was because he posed an imminent threat to U.S. interests or embassies as he has said previously.

According to audio of Trumps remarks obtained by CNN and the Washington Post, Trump told donors he heard about two weeks go that the United States had Soleimani under surveillance and he was talking about bad stuff. Soleimani was saying bad things about our country, like were going to attack, were going to kill your people, Trump said. I said, listen, how much of this shit do we have to listen to, right? The crowd applauded Trumps words that appeared to amount to a new justification for the Jan. 3 airstrike. Trump also described Soleimani as the father of the road side bomb and said he was to blame for every young, beautiful man or woman who you see walking around with no legs, no arms.

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Trump proceeded to give a dramatic retelling of the final minutes before the strike and erroneously said that Soleimani was meeting the head of Hezbollah. In reality, Soleimani was met by Iraqi paramilitary leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the head of Kataib Hezbollah. With the airstrike, the United States killed two for the price of one, Trump told donors. The president described how he listened to military oficials as they watched the strike unfold from cameras that are miles in the sky.

 Sir, they have two minutes and 11 seconds. No emotion. Two minutes and 11 seconds to live, sir. Theyre in the car, theyre in an armored vehicle. Sir, they have approximately one minute to live, sir. 30 seconds. 10, 9, 8  Then all of a sudden, boom, he said. That is when the person who was keeping the president updated said Soleimani and the Iraqi military leader were gone and hung up. I said, Where is this guy?  Trump said. That was the last I heard from him.

Earlier in the week, Trump said in a tweet that it doesnt really matter whether Soleimani posed an imminent threat to the to the United States because of his horrible past. He also pushed back against criticism, saying that his administration had been totally consistent. He added: Heres whats been 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. We killed him. And when the Democrats try and defend him, its a disgrace to our country.
[January 18, 2020] Beijing Summit of Global Sharing Economy Forum Held Successfully!

The "Double 50% Reduction 2030 Initiative" Arousing a Hot Debate Again BEIJING, Jan. 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 16, The "Great Sharing, New EconomyBeijing Summit of the Global Sharing Economy Forum" was held at the China National Convention Center. It was sponsored by China General Chamber of Commerce and China Association for the Promotion of Industrial Development, organized by ToJoy, and received strategic cooperation and support from the Global Alliance of Sharing Economy (GLASE) and the Institute of Industrial Economics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the School of Humanities and the School of Social Sciences of Tsinghua University, Renmin Business School, and the School of Management at Xi'an Jiaotong University, among others. The Summit not only received support from attendees including Zhenghua Jiang, Vice Chairman of the 10th NPC Standing Committee; Hengshan Fan, former Secretary General of the National Development and Reform Commission; Xinhong Zhang, Chief Information Officer of the National Information Center and Director of Sharing Economy Research Institute; Min Wang, Executive Vice Chair of the China General Chamber of Commerce; and Xiaojun Li, Vice President of China the Association for the Promotion of Industrial Development. Also attending were heavyweights including Junqing Lu, Executive Chairman of GLASE and Chairman of the Board of Directors of ToJoy; Jun Ge, Secretary General of GLASE and Executive Director and Global CEO of ToJoy; Boris Tadic, Executive Chairman of GLASE and former President of Serbia; Jose Maria Figueres, Executive Chairman of GLASE and former President of Costa Rica; Enrico Letta, Co-Chair of GLASE and former Prime Minister of Italy; Werner Faymann, Chairman of GLASE in West Europe and former Austrian Chancellor; and Yves Leterme, Senior Advisor of GLASE and former Prime Minister of Belgium. Kevin Rudd, Chairman of GLASE and former Prime Minister of Australia addressed the Summit through video. At the same time, experts and scholars including Zhanbin Zhang, head professor of the Marxist School of the Party School of the Central Committee of C.P.C. (National Academy of Governance); Xiaoqiu Wu, Vice President of Renmin University of China; Dezhi Lu, Chief of the Huamin Foundation; and Yuming Zhang, a professor of the School of Management, Shandong University; as well as guests from all circles, including foreign and domestic enterprise elites and media reporters were also invited to the Summit. The guests conducted discussions around two topics: "The Great Sharing Economy and the Development of Unicorn Enterprises" and "The Great Sharing Era and the Advanced Topics on Sharing Economy Theory". A Strategic Departure for 2030 According to numerous opinion polls in recent years, China is expected to go beyond the US in terms of GDP around 2030, becoming the world's largest economy. Meanwhile, China's response to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, is that the "principle of wide consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits" advocated in the Belt and Road Initiative would be an effective tool that advances this UN Agenda. Today, at the start of 2020, th Beijing Summit of The Global Sharing Economy Forum also established another historical waypoint for 2030.



At the Summit, Jun Ge, Secretary General of GLASE and Executive Director and Global CEO of ToJoy, together with many foreign and domestic experts, released an exciting mid- and long-term initiativethe strategic vision of "Dual Reduction". This means the reduction of global new resource consumption and labor time by 50% respectively, expected to be realizable by 2030. In addition to the huge breakthrough and milestone of the age of the Great Sharing Economy represented by this concept, this initiative was also lauded as one of the driving forces in the ascent of China's economy.

Behind the seemingly simple phrase "Dual Reduction" is a wealth of propositions as the sustainable development, the Belt and Road Initiative, forging a community of shared future for mankind, and the new era of global innovation. The Dual Reduction concept is a result of various policies working together. The "Dual Reduction" is a strategic vision first proposed on the basis of insights into the trends of human commercial civilization at the First Global Sharing Economy Forum held in Vienna on November 29, 2019. In the model of the Great Sharing Economy, global new resource consumption and labor time will be gradually reduced by up to 50% respectively by means of sharing and efficient utilization of global resources. Ge expressed his views, saying, "We are confident that the innovation economy driven by platform empowerment will significantly increase the utilization efficiency of global resources, and significantly save laborers' working hours. It can be said that the realization of Dual Reduction will be a goal to achieve over the next decade. This will also be an age for enterprises to release their innovative strength in a concentrated way." China is transforming from a traditional economy to an innovation-based economy. The national strategy of "China Sci-Tech Innovation 2030" will be a huge boost for accelerated realization of "Dual Reduction". In his keynote speech, Hengshan Fan, former Secretary General of the National Development and Reform Commission, was also confident in China's innovation potential. He believed that the Great Sharing Economy can accelerate the process of supply-side reform and help China's GDP transform from high rate to high quality. High quality is based on high innovation, which means China's innovation opportunities will come. In addition to the increasingly mature external environment, some experts and scholars at the Forum noted: "China's economy urgently needs to be aware of the environment, and Dual Reduction reinforces this. This should be an opportunity to boost the harmonious, sustainable development of all fields." To support the development of the Great Sharing Economy, and allow the whole world to enjoy the dividend of sustainable development brought by it. The "Global Alliance of Sharing Economy Award" ("GLASE Award") was announced on the day of the Summit. GLASE will evaluate candidates for three awards: the Best Theoretical Research Award for Sharing Economics, the Best Business Model Award for Sharing Economics, and the National Ranking Award for Sharing Economics. This is to encourage and support corporate development, project innovation, theoretical research, academic study, and model exploration, etc. in the field of sharing economy. More importantly, ToJoy invested 100 million yuan for sponsorship of the first GLASE Awards. In the sub-forum "The Great Sharing Economy and The Development of Unicorn Enterprises" directly related to the development of enterprises and new economy, Yong'an Sun, Co-President of ToJoy Aviation Service Consulting Group; Xuliang Hu, founder of 365 Internet of People; Weikai Jin, founder of www.ilvdo.com, and other guests shared their corporate innovation practices for the new economy. They used their own experiences as examples of best practices of "sharing economics" and "unicorn companies". In their opinions, the Great Sharing Economy is a decisive driver for the large-scale and explosive development of unicorn companies. In turn, the success of unicorns is a verification of the effectiveness of the Great Sharing Economy. Yves Leterme, Senior Advisor of GLASE and former Prime Minister of Belgium, also took part in the discussion, and gave high affirmation to the outcome of the forum. He said, "Those who master the sharing economy will master the essence of creating a unicorn. This is the best of times for every entrepreneur." Boris Tadic, Executive Chairman of GLASE and former President of Serbia, also agreed, saying, "Noone could have expected that the future of the sharing economy is now in the hands of China and Chinese enterprises. This will be an advantage that cannot be ignored." From theory to practice, from vision to model, from the past to the future, Beijing Summit of the Global Sharing Economy Forum generated a more detailed and concrete roadmap of the coming age. Undoubtedly, China will be a mainstay for the globalization of the Great Sharing Economy, and the Global Sharing Economy Forum will rely on the fruits and achievements of the Beijing Summit to go deeper around the world, and help all countries access borderless sharing. As an international metropolis, Beijing will lead the development direction of the Great Sharing Eocnomy, innovating at the top of the Internet, IoT, AI and other fields. China is in a new period of reform and opening up and will further draw on and accept the successful experiences of other countries while conducting open sharing of its own global resources. The Great Sharing Economy , supported by the resource and market from the super economy of China, will realize leapfrog development, and benefit the world soon. At last, as for the long-run realization of the vision of Dual Reduction, the exchange of needed goods between businesses, markets and continents will also help increase both resource efficiency and innovation effectiveness for humanity in the next decade. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1078823/Foreign_and_domestic_elites.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1078824/Speech_by_Jun_Ge.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1078825/The_Chinese_Edition.jpg

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Donald Trumps administration is considering making changes to a law that makes it illegal for American companies to bribe foreign officials in exchange for business.

In a press conference at the White House on Friday, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told reporters the administration was looking at the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).

I would just say: We are aware of it, we are looking at it, and weve heard complaints from some of our companies, said Mr Kudlow in response to a question about the FCPA.

I dont want to say anything definitive policy-wise, but we are looking at it.

Mr Kudlow would not go into specifics about the possible changes and told reporters to wait until we get a better package, according to CNBC.

All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Show all 6 1 /6 All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Alan Dershowitz Dershowitz is a controversial American lawyer best known for the high-profile clients he has successfully defended. Those clients have included OJ Simpson, Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein. One longtime Harvard Law associated told the New Yorker Dershowitz "revels in taking positions that ultimately are not just controversial but pretty close to indefensible." Getty All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Ken Starr Starr became a household name in the 1990s as the independent counsel who led the investigation that led to Bill Clinton's impeachment. That investigation began as a look into a real estate scandal known as Whitewater, and eventually led to impeachment after Mr Clinton lied under oath about having an affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. AP All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Jay Sekulow Sekulow is the president's longtime personal attorney, and, now, personal lawyer in the White House. He has been accused by former Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas of being "in the loop" during the Ukraine scandal. Getty All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Pam Bondi Bondi is the former attorney general in Florida, and a longtime backer of the president's. She made a name for herself in Florida for taking hyper partisan stances on issues, and her penchant for publicity. She is likely to be a prominent public-facing figure during the trial. AFP/Getty All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Pat Cipollone Cipollone is the White House counsel, and leading the president's defence team. Getty All the president's lawyers: The team fighting Trump's impeachment Rudy Giuliani While not officially named as one of the president's impeachment lawyers, it is hard to ignore Giuliani's outsized role in this process. The former mayor of New York has been making headlines for months as he defends his client, and for his apparent role in the effort to compel Ukraine to launch the investigation into Joe Biden. We'll see how he figures in the actual trial, which he has said he would like to be a part of. Reuters

Concerns surrounding the state of the FCPA were prompted after the Washington Post revealed excerpts from an upcoming book, titled A Very Stable Genius, by the newspapers reporters Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnig.

According to Mr Rucker and Ms Leonnig, Mr Trump expressed his unhappiness at the FCPA, calling it unfair.

The FCPA was established in 1977 and states it is unlawful for certain classes or persons and entities to make payments to foreign government officials to assist in obtaining or retaining business.

Mr Trump in 2017 reportedly told former secretary of state Rex Tillerson: Its just so unfair that American companies arent allowed to pay bribes to get business overseas.

Were going to change that.

Mr Trump reportedly told Mr Tillerson to get rid of that law, which Mr Tillerson said would be almost impossible to get Congress to do.

The president then reportedly instructed Stephen Miller, a senior policy adviser, to draft an executive action to repeal the FCPA.

Mr Trump has had a longstanding problem with the FCPA and expressed his displeasure in the past. In 2012, he told CNBC is was a horrible law and the world is laughing at us for obeying it.

His disdain for the anti-corruption law appears to be at odds with one of his main defences against impeachment.

According to the New York Magazine, Republicans have argued Mr Trump withheld military aid from Ukraine and requested to investigate the Bidens as part and parcel of his general anti-corruption concern.

A Very Stable Genius is due for release on Tuesday.
South Korean director Bong Joon-ho, one of the most sought-after filmmakers in Hollywood right now, has once again ruled out a plunge into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as he believes the studio and him are not "suitable for each other".

The director, whose filmmography boasts of movies such as "Memories of Murder, "Parasite" and "Snowpiercer", is currently in the centre of attention in Hollywood owing to the smash-hit success of his class satire "Parasite".

The film, which won the coveted Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, is currently vying for six Oscars at the 2020 Academy Awards.

Marvel has a history of being able to seduce indie filmmaker to come into its fold and direct superhero films.

But it seems getting Joon-ho will be a tough cookie to crack for the studio.

"I don't think Marvel would ever want a director like me. I don't expect any offers from them anytime soon," the filmmaker told Variety during the latest episode of its "The Big Ticket" podcast.

Joon-ho said he liked the works of James Gunn and James Mangold on "Guardians of the Galaxy" series and "Logan", respectively, but he is not so inclined to go their way.

"I think there are great directors who can handle great projects like that. The film industry seems complicated, but I think it's quite simple for directors.

"It's just best to do what you're good at. And so I don't really think Marvel and I are suitable for each other. That's something I just intuitively feel," the filmmaker added.

The filmmaker had previously said he hoped to maintain a distance from superhero movies as he was averse to people in tight-fitting clothes.

"I have a personal problem. I respect the creativity that goes into superhero films, but in real life and in movies, I can't stand people wearing tight-fitting clothes. I'll never wear something like that, and just seeing someone in tight clothes is mentally difficult.

"I don't know where to look, and I feel suffocated. Most superheroes wear tight suits, so I can never direct one. I don't think anyone will offer the project to me either. If there is a superhero who has a very boxy costume, maybe I can try," Joon-Ho had said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The National Archives aren't exactly archiving everything.

In an exhibit meant to document the Women's March that took place in 2017 the day after President Trump's inauguration, the National Archives blurred some parts of an image that showed anti-Trump messages, The Washington Post reports.

The 49-by-69-inch photograph contrasts the large-scale march to a 1913 image of a women's suffrage march. But while the photo shows the thousands of demonstrators who showed up in Washington, D.C., many in protest of Trump's presidency, it obscured some key details.

A sign reading "God Hates Trump" was blurred so that it simply reads "God Hates," the Post reports. Additionally, a sign reading "Trump & GOP  Hands Off Women" has "Trump" blotted out, and one reading "This Pussy Grabs Back" is edited to eliminate "Pussy."

"As a non-partisan, non-political federal agency, we blurred references to the President's name on some posters, so as not to engage in current political controversy," said Archives spokesperson Miriam Kleiman. The Post notes David Ferriero, the archivist appointed by former President Barack Obama, participated in discussions about the editing and supports the blurring of the words.

The spokesperson said the image wasn't presented as an artifact, and said the reference to women's genitals was erased because of young visitors to the Archives. "Modifying the image was an attempt on our part to keep the focus on the records," she said. Read more at The Washington Post.

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Lahore, Jan 18 : A Lahore court has granted the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) a three-day physical remand of a journalist whom the agency has accused of sharing "anti-state" content on Facebook, it was reported.

Azharul Haq Wahid, who has remained associated with Channel Five and the 'Khabrain' Urdu newspaper, was arrested by the FIA on Thursday and an FIR was also registered against him, Dawn news said in a report.

The FIR states that "during scrutiny of social media that anti-state and defamatory material against the public functionaries and state departments is being uploaded through a Facebook ID" in the name of Wahid.

The FIA presented the journalist before Judicial Magistrate Yasir Arafat on Friday. The counsel for the agency requested physical remand of Wahid, saying it needed to further interrogate him for "sharing anti-state material on Facebook".

It was unclear what the "anti-state" content contained.

The suspect also shared an "offensive, edited" version of the country's national anthem on his Facebook page, the lawyer said, adding that a raid had also been conducted at the journalist's residence after obtaining search warrants.

After hearing all arguments, the court sent Wahid into FIA's custody on a three-day physical remand, with the agency directed to produce him again on January 20.

Meanwhile, the Lahore Press Club issued a statement on Friday saying its office-bearers "strongly condemn" Wahid's arrest.

The press club demanded Prime Minister Imran Khan to ensure the journalist was immediately released and the FIA should issue an apology, saying journalists would otherwise stage countrywide protests.
A dirty motorbike and clothes covered in mud and dust and soil have become the norm for teacher Dinh Thi Giang Tam, who has to travel 100km to Tran Quoc Toan Primary School in Cu Rut District, Central Highlands Dak Nong Province, every day.

Tam (centre, third row) with her students at Tran Quoc Toan Primary School in Cu Rut District, Dak Nong Province.  Photo giaoduc.net.vn

The sacrifice is worth it, though, because the students and other teachers love her due for the enthusiasm and dedication she brings to her job. The school has become a second home for many of her students.

She wakes up at 4am every day to prepare food for her family and then goes to school, leaving her own children to fend for themselves.

Teachers in the region have to overcome many difficulties to teach students at substandard facilities.

After lunch, Tam takes a rest at the school before taking on the 100km journey home.

Due to her long commute, her five-year old motorbike is practically falling apart.

Tam said she borrowed money from a bank to buy the motorbike on a five-year deal. Now she will have to take out a new loan to buy another one.

But these problems do not diminish Tams enthusiasm and passion for teaching.

This is an ethnic minority area, so teachers teach both language and life skills.

It is not about winning awards, it's about connecting with the students. That is my happiness, Tam told Giao duc Viet Nam (Viet Nam Education) online newspaper.

According to Tam, for ethnic minority children the most important thing is to help them understand why they have to go to school. Why do they have to try to study hard? When do they need to say thank you or apologise? Why must we unite and love people?

With students who struggle, she tries to find the cause of the problem and solve it.

Tam said she had one student who hated studying maths and literature but loved drawing.

Tam spoke to her in depth and the girl said she wanted to be an artist.

"I tried to explain to her that becoming a painter was great, but first she had to learn about literature and maths. She would not be able to enter contests without knowing how to read."

Since then the girl has tried harder, but Tam still spends time developing her drawing skills.

She said she does not want to impose on her students.

During lessons, she always creates conditions for students to express their skills by guiding them to talk and communicate amongst themselves.

This is extremely difficult for ethnic children because their Vietnamese language skills are limited.

That's why she has worked on this during lessons, and only taught what the students needed to move on in life.

She often asks students' parents to pick them up 20-30 minutes after school so she can give them some additional lessons.

After school, many students don't want to go home, and some say they want to stay with Tam.

After years of working with ethnic minority children in disadvantaged areas, she understands and sympathises with their unfortunate lives.

She has established a club to call for support from organisations and individuals for the poor students in the province.

Teaching the ethnic students is not easy. But I have a love with the students and their parents. I will try my best to help them have a brighter future, Tam said. VNS

Teacher helps eradicate illiteracy in remote Hoa Binh areas With love for teaching and a desire to help others, Ha Thi Hang has helped all ethnic students of a school in the northern mountain province of Hoa Binhs Mai Chau District escape illiteracy.

VN's boarding school model encourages more students to class School has become a second home for many ethnic minorities students in the mountainous districts of Cao Bang Province in recent years.
The Madhya Pradesh Anti- Terrorism Squad (ATS) has detained a doctor from Nanded district of Maharashtra for allegedly sending suspicious envelopes to controversial BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur, police said on Saturday.

Thakur had lodged a complaint with the Madhya Pradesh police on Monday alleging that she had received some envelopes containing poisonous chemicals in them. Police had seized 3 to 4 envelopes from the BJP MP's residence, some of which had letters written in Urdu.

Talking to PTI, inspector Pradeep Kakade of Itwara police station in Nanded said that during its probe, the MP ATS found that Dr Sayyed Abdul Rehman Khan (35), who runs a clinic in Dhanegaon (in Nanded district), had sent these suspicious envelopes to Thakur.

"The MP ATS detained Khan on Thursday evening from Dhanegaon. He had been on the police's radar for the last three months, as he had previously written letters to some government officials, claiming that his mother and brother had terror links and they should be arrested," Kakade said.

The officer said that Khan was previously arrested for writing



these letters.

"The police tried keeping a tab on him using his mobile phone location. However, he would leave his phone at home and travel to Aurangabad, Nagpur and other cities to post these letters," Kakade added.

Khan also had a dispute with his brother and was earlier arrested for assaulting him, the official added.

Based on Pragya Singh Thakur's complaint, Kamla Nagar police in Bhopal had registered a case against an unidentified person on charges of criminal intimidation and voluntarily causing grievous hurt.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen

17.01.2020 LISTEN

Government is set to invest $79 million from the World Bank-funded Ghana Economic Transformation Project, to support the development of Industrial Parks and Special Economic Zones being developed by private sector investors and the Trade Ministry.

The package is part of a new World Bank project known as Ghana Economic Transformation Project (GETP) for the development of Ghanas industrial landscape.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen disclosed this at the signing ceremony of four projects including the Ghana Economic Transformation Project, Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development Project, and Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project in Accra.

He stated that, the Ministrys collaboration with the World Bank Group in the past to build industrial development capacities in Ghana resulted in the establishment of the Tema Export Processing Zone.

This time the Ministry aims to scale up to cover One-Region-One Park (1R1P) being implemented under the Governments 10-point Industrial Transformation Agenda the Trade Minister stressed.

The guiding principle of this project, he stated, is to promote and strengthen a growth model that is conducive to economic transformation to achieve higher rates of investment and productivity growth across the economy, especially in non-resource-based sectors.

Mr. Kyerematen emphasised governments resolve to develop the industrial land banks into Special Economic Zones that necessary to engender improved export trade performance, particularly the non-traditional sector and take advantage of initiatives such as AGOA with the United States, the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Trades Minister added that the comprehensive economic transformation model will support key activities organied under three complementary components.

Mr. Kyerematen thanked World Bank for accepting the challenge to fund the Ghana Economic Transformation Project as a term loan to be dedicated to the productive sector of the Ghanaian economy and urged the beneficiary private sector businesses to take advantage of this opportunity by the Akufo-Addo administration.

Myjoyonline.com
A Sinn Fein councillor caught up in a series of controversial comments has now been suspended from the party.

South Dublin county councillor Paddy Holohan, a former UFC fighter whose nickname is 'Hooligan', was forced to issue an apology on Thursday after he called Taoiseach Leo Varadkar "of Indian blood" on his podcast, and for saying he would prefer for the leader of the country to be a "family man".

He said his comments were "misinterpreted" in a statement on Twitter, but further comments emerged yesterday.

The councillor said if he ran an all-women MMA class it would be supported, but an all-male class would be criticised.

Mr Holohan said he would be criticised for "hating women" if he ran an all-male class.

Scum

"If I put that out there my business would be affected and I would be affected. I would be slated, 'he hates women', or they wouldn't say, 'he hates men'," he said.

Terry McMahon, being interviewed on the podcast, says he understands some women wanting female-only MMA classes if they have been attacked in the past, because there are "scum men".

Mr Holohan adds: "There is some f**king scum women out there as well.

"I just wanna say to you, a situation I heard during the week where somebody was under-age, the person didn't know they were under-age, the girl had pursued the guy, got whatever she needed, had pictures, had videos and then said, 'I want 10 grand'.

"And that wasn't the first person, there were loads of them. What kind of situation is that, that is going on in society now?"

Sinn Fein issued a statement yesterday to say it has suspended the Tallaght councillor.

"Paddy Holohan has been suspended from Sinn Fein with immediate effect and a disciplinary process has been initiated," the party said.

Speaking in Bray, Co Wicklow, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said disciplinary action would be taken against Mr Holohan, adding: "Obviously the comments are offensive, they are beyond offensive, I actually find them upsetting.

"I am very, very shocked at the comments made, and the party's disciplinary procedure is now activated as we speak."

She said she regarded it as a "gross breach" of Sinn Fein's code of ethics and said she was "as shocked as anybody" to see the comments, having only learned of them 40 minutes before she spoke to journalists while canvassing.

Mr Holohan could not be reached for comment.
Second Person in China Dies After Exposure to Mysterious Virus

Sputnik News

06:26 17.01.2020(updated 07:19 17.01.2020)

BEIJING (Sputnik)  An unknown strain of a viral pneumonia was reported in Wuhan in early January. Those infected reportedly display symptoms typical of pneumonia and other acute respiratory diseases. The outbreak was confirmed to be a new type of coronavirus last week.

"At the moment, 41 cases of infection of the new coronavirus have been registered, with 12 people having been released from hospitals. Five people remain in critical condition, two people have died, and others are in stable condition", the Healthcare Department said in a statement.

The second victim is a 69-year-old man who died on Wednesday. The first fatal case was reported on 11 January.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has vowed to closely monitor the possible spread of the coronavirus in China and across the world as Chinese people will actively travel during the country's upcoming Lunar New Year holidays in late January.

The Japanese Health Ministry earlier announced the first detected case of the Chinese coronavirus in the country, contracted by a man who had visited the city of Wuhan.

 Sputnik

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Peter Taylor and Keeli Burlingham, both 33, abused five young girls (Picture: Police)

A couple who filmed themselves sexually assaulting young girls have been jailed for 26 years.

Peter Taylor and Keeli Burlingham, both 33, were called predatory by a detective assigned to the case after they were sentenced for abusing five girls at Manchesters Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday.

The couple used their phones to film and photograph their victims, the court heard.

Several phones and a computer were seized from Taylors address in Dukinfield on April 6, 2018, following intelligence received by the police he was involved in the downloading of indecent images.

Messages on the devices revealed he had encouraged Burlingham to sexually assault one of the young victims and send pictures to him.

The couple were sentenced at Manchesters Minshull Street Crown Court (Picture: Getty)

Detective Chief Inspector Judith Holmes of Greater Manchester Polices Public Protection Unit said: Taylor and Burlingham knew how old their victims were.

They have absolutely no excuse for their grossly inappropriate and predatory behaviour towards children.

This pair subjected innocent children to sickening abuse. Prison is absolutely where they belong.

Discussions between the two planning the sexual abuse found on their phones were some of the most appalling conversations I have seen in my career.

I hope todays result helps the victims and their families move on from what must have been an incredibly traumatic experience.

Police found more videos on their phones and computer showing other assaults they had carried out.

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Taylor, from Dukinfield, was sentenced to 15 years, plus three years extended sentence.

He was found guilty of arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence; sexual assault of a child under 13; taking indecent photographs of a child; making indecent photographs of a child; intentionally encouraging the commission of an offence and encouraging the commission of an offence believing it to be committed.

Burlingham, from Dukinfield, was sentenced to 11 years, plus one year extended sentence.

She was convicted of arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence; Sexual assault of a child under 13; taking indecent photographs of a child; making indecent photographs of a child; Assault of a child under 13 by penetration and distributing indecent photographs of a child.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 18

By Leman Zeynalova - Trend:

Azerbaijan sees a lot of potential for security cooperation and defense cooperation with France, Assistant of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Head of Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev told Radio France Internationale (RFI), Trend reports.

He noted that France and Azerbaijan have friendly relations based on understanding and mutually beneficial cooperation.

France is an important partner for us within the European Union. France is also an economic and trade partner for Azerbaijan. France is a Minsk Group co-chair country. In general, we always say to our French colleagues that President Emmanuel Macron has an open invitation to Azerbaijan, because we have friendly relations. Previous presidents of France, President Sarkozy, President Hollande visited Azerbaijan and last year Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev was in France. First Vice-President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva paid a visit to France. She pays special attention to French-Azerbaijani cooperation and particularly, cultural component of the cooperation, said Hajiyev.

He pointed out that based on these positive notes the two countries can move forward.

We see a lot of potential for political discussions, structured dialogue, security cooperation, defense cooperation. Already French energy companies, including Total are present in the Caspian Sea. French companies are also actively involved in the civilian projects in Azerbaijan. The government subsidized contracts, which also provide opening of new jobs in France. There is mutual love story between Baku and Paris. We would like to further strengthen this cooperation, added Hajiyev.
The Catalyst, a sustainability-focused accelerator supported by Masdar and BP, has announced three new companies for its second cycle of funding, training and mentorship.

The announcement was made at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2020, the regions largest sustainability gathering, taking place this week in the UAE capital, said a Wam news agency report.

According to a statement released by Masdar, all three start-ups will receive funding and training, access to The Catalysts mentor network, and office space at Masdar Citys Tech Park or Accelerator Building.

"We are pleased to welcome our new companies to The Catalyst, the regions first clean technology accelerator focused on sustainable growth. Masdar City is the natural home of innovation in Abu Dhabi and all these businesses will benefit from its R&D facilities and the award-winning business services of Masdar City Free Zone  for long after they have completed their acceleration period," said Cinar Kurra, Chief Executive Officer, The Catalyst.

One of the three start-ups is Seramic Materials, which converts industrial waste such as fly ash or steel slag into value-added ceramics. It has been granted $150,000, along with a two-floor laboratory space, and office and showcase space in the Tech Park, the statement noted.

The second start-up, Key Technologies, is a company developing a high-tech, autonomous, ultra-long-distance surveillance system, which has been granted $190,000 and an office space at Masdar City.

Volts, the third start-up to receive Catalyst support, is developing a smart battery management system that can power an entire house from a renewable energy source. It has been granted $175,000 and a space for laboratory testing.

"BP is excited to see the success of this partnership with Masdar and the progress made since we first established The Catalyst. The three new start-ups are a testament to the continuous hard work by The Catalyst team, who are focused on sustainability and attracting the best start-ups, which will be showcased at WFES 2020," said Salem bin Ashoor, General Manager and Chief Representative of BP UAE.

More than 700 companies currently operate at Masdar City, including start-ups, SMEs and multinational companies, with tenant registrations increasing by over 15 percent in 2019.

The Masdar City Free Zone announced new free zone packages at last years Gitex Technology Week, offering start-ups and companies competitive leasing and registration fees. The free zone is also expanding its operations with the development of a new Accelerator building, which will provide an additional 4,370 square metres of space.

Catalyst accepts applications from local and international entrepreneurs with start-up projects in the fields of aggrotech, biotech, electric mobility, energy efficiency systems, and food waste management systems. The accelerator provides up to $190,000 in grant funding per company, as well as training, one-on-one mentorship, and access to the support of the award-winning Masdar City Free Zone.
The largest water park in Hanoi operates without a certificate. Source: tuoitre.vn

On January 15, the interdisciplinary delegation in Hadong district, Hanoi has dispatched 100 workers to demolish Thanh Ha Water Park, located in Phu Luong ward, invested by Cienco 5 Land.

In a talk with media, vice chairman of Phu Luong ward, Hadong district, Duong Ngoc Thoa said that the reason for the order is that Thanh Ha Water Park does not have a construction permit. Phu Luong ward implements the measure under the direction of Hadong District People's Committee.

Earlier, on December 24 last year, Hadong District People's Committee issued a decision to force the implementation of remedial measures at Thanh Ha Water Park. It ordered the coercion for Cienco 5 Land at Lot A2.2 CCDDT01, Thanh Ha in Cienco urban area with 19 buildings violating regulations dismantled, such as the river, wave pool, slide system, fountain, or the operator room.

Thanh Ha Water Park is advertised as the largest water park, four-season swimming pool, and gymnasium complex in the capital, built on an area of 3 hectares with a total of nine categories of adventure games, speed games, and zones reserved for families and children.

Thanh Ha Water Park officially opened its gates to guests in June 2019. However, as of the end of September last year, the park had to stop operations after two children drowned short after it was launched.
The first trailer for the BBCs adaptation of Sally Rooneys best-selling novel Normal People has been released.

In the new footage, Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar Jones can be seen as the couple at the centre of the story, Connell and Marianne.

The trailer shows a montage of their lives intersecting, with a phone call playing over the top in which Marianne asks Connell if they could try to "do the whole friendship thing".

Rooneys book follows two teenagers from very different backgrounds embarking on a difficult relationship as they finish school and leave their small town in the west of Ireland for university.

The author has written the screenplay for the upcoming BBC3 adaptation, which will also air on Hulu in the US.

Books of the decade Show all 40 1 /40 Books of the decade Books of the decade Toni Morrison  God Help the Child (2015) Toni Morrison died in August; her final novel, 2015s God Help the Child, displays her award-winning powers of elegant prose and imagination. Children are mistreated and prejudice abounds in this disturbing modern fairy tale set around the enigmatic character of Bride, who makes a mistake that has devastating consequences. (MC) Books of the decade Ian McEwan  Solar (2010) Solar, which was partly based on Ian McEwans own experiences during a trip to the Arctic island of Spitsbergen, is a darkly comic novel. Against the backdrop of the battle against climate change, McEwan tells the story of middle-aged Nobel laureate Michael Beard, a self-serving physicist whose own world is in danger of meltdown. (MC) Books of the decade Manning Marable  Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention (2011) Columbia University professor Manning Marable died on 1 April 2011, just days before the publication of his Pulitzer Prize-winning biography Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention. Marable drew from letters, diaries and FBI files for a meticulous, incisive and balanced account of the life of the civil rights leader. The book cuts through the myths to reveal Malcolm X in all his conflicted complexity. (MC) Books of the decade . Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey  She Said (2019) They wrote the story that changed the world and now theyve explained how they did it. In She Said, the Pulitzer Prize-winning duo explain how they managed to barge through Hollywoods ironclad gates and break the Weinstein story, publishing allegations from several women accusing the disgraced producer of sexual assault in The New York Times. While the details are sparse in terms of sources and specific tactics, there are some startling revelations, including how Gwyneth Paltrow became a helping hand and the extreme lengths Weinsteins team went to in order to thwart both reporters and silence the alleged victims. (OP) Books of the decade Emily Witt  Future Sex (2016) Future Sex is perhaps one of the few nonfiction books about sex and relationships that came before #MeToo and somehow remains relevant today. Finding herself suddenly single at the age of 30, Witt immerses herself in the sexual subcultures of San Francisco, trying her hand at everything from polyamory to orgasmic meditation. Its a fascinating piece of work, one that illustrates Witts talents as an essayist and gives plenty of room to many astute observations on sexual liberation. (OP) Books of the decade Yuval Harari  Sapiens (2011) Every now and then a book comes along that tilts your perspective on the world. This internationally best-selling phenomenon is one of them. Covering just about the entire sweep of human history, it makes you understand the fits, starts and savagery of progress. (CR) 36. Emily Witt  Future Sex (2016) Books of the decade Emma Cline  The Girls (2016) The Girls is about exploring the appeal of being in a cult. Inspired by Charles Mansons murderous family, the book serves up a more tense, richer depiction than Quentin Tarantinos Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, one that puts women at the centre, examining what motivates and captivates them. (OP) Books of the decade Marlon James: A Brief History of Seven Killings (2014) The Booker-winning A Brief History of Seven Killings, by Jamaican-born Marlon James, follows the lives and deaths of seven of the would-be killers in the failed 1976 assassination attempt on Bob Marley. The novel cleverly weaves fiction and fact  and the language has a musical rhythm. Some of the epiphanies in the book are linked to songs. (MC) Books of the decade Raynor Winn  The Salt Path: A Memoir (2018) Terminal illness and bankruptcy shouldnt make for an inspiring read but they somehow do in Raynor Winns poetic, provocative memoir. After losing the family home, Win and her husband set out to walk the South West Coast path, shaking a fist at his grim diagnosis. Its as much a meditation on the power of nature as Books of the decade Nina Stibbe  Love, Nina: Despatches from Family Life (2013) Theres deadpan and then theres Nina Stibbe, who proves herself the heir to Adrian Mole in this novel written in the form of letters to her sister from a child-minding job in London. A provincial girl grappling with the strange salads of the metropolitan literary elite, Stibbe is comic gold. (CR) Books of the decade Patrick deWitt  The Sisters Brothers (2011) The assassins Eli and Charlie Sisters were played by John C Reilly and Joaquin Phoenix in the film version of Canadian-born writer Patrick deWitts second novel. The narrator Eli captures the lawless, unpredictable nature of frontier life in the mid-19th century. The Sisters Brothers is a compelling, unsettling tale of the Gold Rush era. (MC) Books of the decade Gail Honeyman  Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine (2017) Every office has its misfit, and this is the funny, deeply touching story of a woman whose aversion to social niceties and the work Christmas lunch hides a traumatic past. Common acts of kindness rekindle the protagonist in this beautifully told debut. (CR) Books of the decade Anna Burns  The Milkman (2018) Anna Burns became the first writer from Northern Ireland to win the Man Booker Prize, when she triumphed with The Milkman in 2018. Burnss challenging, intriguing novel presents an unnamed 18-year-old girls perspective of her life during the Troubles in the Seventies. The 41-year-old paramilitary leader known as the Books of the decade Sophie Mackintosh  The Water Cure (2018) Thanks to Margaret Atwood and the state of the world, feminist dystopian fiction is having a moment and Sophie Mackintoshs The Water Cure is a notable contribution to the genre. It is perhaps one of the most creative of additions, cleverly weaving mystery and murder with sex and sisterhood, all while Mackintosh seduces the reader into her Shakespearean realm. (OP) Books of the decade Anne Tyler  A Spool of Blue Thread (2015) Anne Tyler is a master of stories about family life in middle-class America. A Spool of Blue Thread, the 20th novel from the author of The Accidental Tourist, adroitly shines a light on sibling rivalry, family secrets and the wounding power of grief. Her tale of four generations of the Whitshanks demonstrates again her gift for comic detail. (MC) Books of the decade Anne Enright  The Green Road (2015) The Green Road, by Dublin-born Anne Enright, is set in County Clare, a wild place geographically and emotionally. Enrights keen gift for observation is at play in this family saga based around Hanna, Dan, Constance and Emmets Christmas return to the home that their scary matriarch, Rosaleen, is selling. A funny, painful tale of selfishness and compassion. (MC) Books of the decade Amor Towles  A Gentleman in Moscow (2016) The gentleman in question is Count Rostov, a bon vivant and aristocrat placed under house arrest in a fancy Moscow hotel after the communists seize control. His wit and enduring humanity make this charming, quirky novel sing. (CR) Books of the decade Elif Batuman  The Idiot (2017) When fact meets fiction, the result is almost always fascinating as the reader spends hours trying to discern which is which. Such is the appeal of The Idiot, Elif Batumans debut novel, which tells the semi-autobiographical tale of a young woman studying at Harvard in the mid-Nineties. After pontificating on the purpose of email, she soon becomes obsessed with an enigmatic Hungarian student whose insouciance will leave you spinning in a state of total frustration. (OP) Books of the decade Orhan Pamuk  The Red-Haired Woman (2016) Nobel Prize winner Orhan Pamuks 10th novel was the short, stunning The Red-Haired Woman, which is at once a fable and a gripping tale of youthful obsession, exploring protagonist Cem Celiks desire for the red-haired, enigmatic member of a theatre troupe. The father-son relationship in the novel also allows Pamuk to deftly explore the changing nature of Turkey. (MC) Books of the decade Ariel Levy  The Rules Do Not Apply (2017) A dazzling insight into the mind of one of The New Yorkers most prolific writers, Ariel Levys memoir will seem relatable to all those who have at one time or another felt a startling sense of dissociation from their life, which is probably most of us. Levys personal tragedies will leave readers reeling. There is one passage in particular that will stay with you for months in which Levy describes how she suffered a miscarriage on a hotel room floor while on an assignment in Mongolia. She was 19 weeks pregnant at the time and her son, born alive, died in her arms. It is a story of resilience to the highest degree. (OP) Books of the decade Marilynne Robinson  Lila (2014) Lila was the third novel in Marilynne Robinsons Gilead Chronicles  following Gilead (2004) and Home (2008)  and tells, in unflinching terms, the story of Lila, the young woman who married the elderly Reverend Ames in a dusty Iowa town. Robinson writes beautifully and, as a sophisticated religious thinker, asks searching questions about faith and doubt. (MC) Books of the decade David Sedaris  Calypso (2018) There are few writers as gloriously strange, acerbic, funny and faintly ruthless as Sedaris, who once again mines his family history in this collection of autobiographical short stories. It includes a tale in which he feeds his Books of the decade Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie  Americanah (2013) Both a love story and a look at how racial divides play out in the UK and the USA, Americanah is as enchanting as it is thought-provoking. Its impossible not to root for Ifemelu, the clever Nigerian ingenue who ends up struggling to find a minimum wage job as she studies in America. (CR) Books of the decade Julian Barnes  The Sense of an Ending (2011) Julian Barness novella The Sense of an Ending is a subtle examination of the search for answers to lifes unresolved relationships. The divorced sexagenarian protagonist Tony Webster, is thrown into emotional turmoil when he receives an unexpected bequest that prompts him to reconnect with a college girlfriend. He is forced to face up to the accumulation, the multiplication, of loss. (MC) Books of the decade Tara Westover  Educated (2018) No matter how many documentaries you watch or books you read on Mormonism, its almost impossible to understand such a community from the outside. Tara Westover opened peoples eyes with Educated, explaining how she went from growing up in a Mormon fundamentalist family in Idaho to studying for a PhD at the University of Cambridge. Its an inspiring story of grit and determination that doubles up as an homage to the power of self-education and, well, reading. (OP) Books of the decade Maggie Nelson  The Argonauts (2015) Few things reinforce tired gender cliches like marriage and parenthood, so huzzah for Maggie Nelson with this subversive memoir. It subjects romantic love, pregnancy, motherhood and all the attendant tedious cultural baggage to an intensely intelligent, glittering critique. (CR) Books of the decade Richard Ford  Canada (2012) In Canada, retired English teacher Dell Parsons, the son of hapless bank robbers, looks back on the heart-breaking events of his teenage years and tries to take account of how his life was shaped. The settings include Great Falls, Montana, and Saskatchewan in Canada, but its Richard Ford sure-footed journey over emotional terrain that is so utterly majestic. (MC) Books of the decade Donna Tartt  The Goldfinch (2013) A 13-year-boy survives a terrorist bomb that kills his mother at an art museum, and as he stumbles through the wreckage, he takes a small painting called The Goldfinch. The tiny relic of the Dutch Golden Age becomes a source of both solace and enigma in Tartts superb, Pulitzer-winning third novel. (CR) Books of the decade Jonathan Franzen  Freedom (2010) Walter and Patty Berglund, the seemingly perfect couple who meet at college in the 1970s, are at the heart of Jonathan Franzens fourth novel. The story of their unravelling marriage is explored in a rich, nuanced novel. Freedom is more than just a tale of wedded unbliss: it is about the messiness of love and longing in the modern world. (MC) Books of the decade Elif Shafak  Honour (2011) A sprawling, multi-generational tale of a Turkish family who make a new life in London, this novel has a so-called honour killing as its centre of gravity. Shafak, a best-selling author in Turkey and many other countries, conjures up the hypocrisy that holds women to different standards, with devastating results. (CR) Books of the decade Helen Macdonald  H Is for Hawk (2016) When Helen Macdonald lost her father, she acquired a hawk. This idiosyncratic approach to grief makes for a lyrical, moving probe into both the process of mourning and our relationship with the natural world. (CR) Books of the decade Margaret Atwood  The Testaments (2019) Not just a novel but a fully fledged cultural phenomenon, the sequel to the Handmaids Tale was met with midnight readings and fans decked out in the creepy red and white gowns from the TV adaptation of the original. A superb and suspenseful expose of misogyny and the moral ambiguity at the heart of a fanatical regime. (CR) Books of the decade Jennifer Egan  A Visit from the Goon Squad (2010) Time is a central theme of Jennifer Egans vibrant A Visit from the Goon Squad, which interconnects stories involving Sasha, a kleptomaniac New Yorker in her mid-thirties, and her music business boss Bennie Salazar. The problems of relationships are explored in a witty novel that has interesting things to say about the loss of vitality in the digital world. (MC) Books of the decade Matt Haig  Reasons to Stay Alive (2015) Theres a reason why Matt Haigs writing on mental health has earned him such high praise, with the Duchess of Sussex among his fans. And it all started with this bestselling memoir in which the childrens fiction author describes falling into a deep depression in his early twenties that left him contemplating taking his own life. Its not an easy read, but in a society where suicide remains grossly misunderstood and gender stereotypes hinder men from speaking openly about their mental wellbeing, its a crucial one. (OP) Books of the decade Arundhati Roy  The Ministry of Utmost Happiness (2017) Twenty years after her stunning debut The God of Small Things, Arundhati Roy followed up with the mesmerising The Ministry of Utmost Happiness. With biting ironic wit, Roys epic dissects life in India in the wake of the partition conflict. The characters, including the transgender woman Anjum, are intimately drawn. Roys novel challenges you to care about life. (MC) Books of the decade Sally Rooney  Conversations with Friends (2017) The feted 27-year-old author has acquired a reputation as a millennial literary powerhouse since her debut in 2017. While Rooney has gone on to publish a second novel, Normal People, which was shortlisted for this years Man Booker Prize, Conversations with Friends remains her best work. With its snappy short sentences, sophisticated plot and characters so complex that its hard to like any of them, the novel established Rooney as one of the most exciting new writers around. (OP) Books of the decade George Saunders  Lincoln in the Bardo (2017) Lincoln in the Bardo tells the story of a single night in the life of Abraham Lincoln  when his 11-year-old son was buried  through an experimental tale involving 166 narrators in the bardo, the transitional state between ones death and rebirth, according to Tibetan Buddhism. George Saunders enchanting tour-de-force won the 2017 Man Booker Prize. (MC) Books of the decade Lisa Taddeo  Three Women (2019) In 2019, female desire warrants shrewd examination more than ever. Thank goodness, then, for Lisa Taddeo, who spent eight years documenting the sexual experiences of three very relatable but very different women. The result is a powerful collection of interspersed narratives that probe the most intimate corners of the female psyche. I can think of nothing like it. (OP) Books of the decade Paul Beatty  The Sellout (2015) An outrageous satire of contemporary race relations, Beattys The Sellout tells the story of a black man called Bonbon who is seeking to reinstitute slavery and segregation. When it won the Booker, the chair of the judges compared Beatty to Swift and Twain. (CR) Books of the decade . Hilary Mantel  Bring Up the Bodies (2012) The sequel to Mantels Booker-winning Tudor tour de force, Wolf Hall, Bring up the Bodies did not Let Down the Readers. Her immersive prose takes us back into the poetic, rigorous mind of the archetypal career politician, Thomas Cromwell. The subject is the stuff of school days  Henry Tudors marriage to Anne Boleyn, and her fatal failure to produce a male heir. To allow another marriage and safeguard the stability of the country, Cromwell engineers Boleyns downfall, constructing capital charges against the queen along with a few of his old enemies to boot. Despite the biggest spoiler in history, Mantels novel is so finely pitched that we feel all the tension of the luxurious, blood-tinged Tudor court. (CR)

In Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal, I feel I have found two young actors who can vividly capture Marianne and Connell and bring alive the profound and beautiful relationship at the centre of the story, said director Lenny Abrahamson, when casting was announced.

First-look pictures from the forthcoming series were unveiled in October.

Normal People will air on BBC3, BBC1 and Hulu in spring 2020.
Javed Akhtar, who was also travelling with his wife Shabana Azmi, is safe, as per reports.

Actress Shabana Azmi and another person were injured in a car accident on Saturday afternoon on Mumbai-Pune Expressway in Maharashtra's Raigad district.

Her lyricist-husband Javed Akhtar, who was also travelling with her, is safe, reports Mumbai Mirror.

The incident occurred near Khalapur, over 60 kilometres from Mumbai, when the Tata Safari car in which they were traveling to Pune rammed into a truck, said Raigad superintendent of police Anil Paraskar.

Azmi's spokesperson said the actor was undergoing a check-up. "She is fine, nothing to worry about," the spokesperson added. Javed Akhtar celebrated his 75th birthday on Friday.

A local police official said the driver was apparently trying to overtake another vehicle and rammed into the truck. One more person who was travelling in the car sustained minor injuries, he said. His identity is not yet known.

Azmi was admitted at Kokilaben Ambani hospital in suburban Andheri after initial treatment at MGM Hospital in Navi Mumbai.

"She is stable and under observation," said Dr Santosh Shetty, Executive Director and CEO of Ambani Hospital in a statement late in the evening

Azmi is known for her path-breaking roles in films such as Arth, Ankur, Paar, Masoom and Godmother.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam, Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor, filmmaker Hansal Mehta, and actors Neena Gupta, Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor and Swara Bhasker wished a speedy recovery to the veteran actor on Twitter.

The news of @AzmiShabana Jis injury in an accident is distressing. I pray for her quick recovery.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 18, 2020

Came to know abt Shabana Azmi jis accident. I pray to God for her fast recovery and good health.  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 18, 2020

Praying for fast recovery of Shabana Azmi who is seriously injured today in a road accident on Mumbai-Pune expressway.#ShabanaAzmi  Sanjay Nirupam (@sanjaynirupam) January 18, 2020

Spoke to @Javedakhtarjadu. She has suffered some injuries &is being moved to a bigger hospital in Mumbai. Further scans will be required, but he has been assured she is out of danger. I have assured him of all our prayers & best wishes for her speedy recovery. https://t.co/0XPwGys3hq  Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) January 18, 2020

Thank god we pray fr u shanana https://t.co/ULfIDu6SI6  Neena Gupta (@Neenagupta001) January 18, 2020

To all my dear friends in the media if someone has met with an accident please do not splash their pictures all over it can be extremely distressing to their family and loved ones.This is just a humble request thank you   Varun SAHEJ Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) January 18, 2020

This is a request to all our friends in the media if someone has met with an accident please dont put up those photos.Please have some empathy and sensitivity and think how distressing this can be to their family members and loved ones.Please take it down immediately.Thank you.  Shraddha (@ShraddhaKapoor) January 18, 2020

Shabana Azmi injured in road accident on Mumbai- Pune Expressway OMG! Praying so hard  https://t.co/zV4XRo2pqH  Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) January 18, 2020

(With inputs from Press Trust of India)
She's gained a legion of followers thanks to her incredibly fit figure and enviable Gold Coast lifestyle.

And on Saturday, Skye Wheatley took to Instagram Stories to flaunt her extremely dark skin after using a $30 'Bali Body' self-tanner mousse.

The 25-year-old tilted her pert derriere towards the mirror to take a selfie, scantily clad in a green g-string and white cropped t-shirt that exposed her toned midriff.

Dramatic: Former Big Brother star Skye Wheatley (pictured) took to Instagram to show off her incredibly dark tan and skimpy outfit in an Instagram snap shared on Saturday

Her Gold Coast mansion was 'leaking' because of torrential rain in the region, shje explained, but Skye stayed optimistic.

'Least my tan cute?' Skye captioned the snap.

In later pictures, her ultra-dark tan becomes far more apparent, with the reality star pursing her plump pout while she took a full-body shot in the car, donning a tartan miniskirt and a tie-up white crop.

Changes: Skye flaunted her extremely dark skin after using a $30 'Bali Body' self-tanner

Racy! The 25-year-old tilted her pert derriere towards the mirror to take a selfie, scantily clad in a green g-string and white cropped t-shirt that exposed her toned midriff

The former Big Brother star stopped for another selfie in a public bathroom mirror.

Her accessories highlighted her skin's darker tone, donning a 'Skye' pendant necklace, translucent specs and dangling hoop earrings.

It comes after Skye asked her Instagram followers for medical advice on Thursday night after suffering from the 'worst UTI of her life'.

Ouch! It comes after Skye asked her Instagram followers for medical advice on Thursday night after suffering from the 'worst UTI of her life'

The influencer revealed she 'couldn't walk' due to the pain but was unable to leave the house because her baby son, Forest, was still asleep and her partner, Lachlan Waugh, wasn't at home.

'What do I do to help the pain? I'm in the shower with warm water and just took two Neurofens but this is a pain like nothing else,' she said.

After appealing to her fans for help and saying she might 'need an epidural', Skye revealed that her boyfriend wasn't being helpful and expected her to cook dinner.
Our relationship to privacy is inseparable from our idea of trust. If you trust someone, you may be more willing to divulge personal information to them. If you are highly protective of your privacy, you may seem to others to be distrustful.

This is a normal social dynamic. But it is being cynically manipulated by the sharing or trust economy  where we trade homes, cars or belongings through third-party administrators such as Airbnb  in ways that threaten our privacy.

The chief executive of Airbnb, Brian Chesky, has said that we dont think you can be trusted in a place where youre anonymous. In order to participate in services like his, Mr. Chesky argues, you need to expose yourself. Its a model of consumerism that depends on customers transparency.

Its also a model of consumerism that makes our traditional idea of trust irrelevant. To trust someone is to assume that you can rely on them  that they do not need to be monitored or policed. But the infrastructure of the sharing or trust economy is largely a series of technical advances that enable us to track people constantly, removing any need to trust them.
Amid escalating tensions between Karnataka and Maharashtra over the Belagavi border issue, Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut on Saturday asked members of the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti to wait till the issue is settled by the Supreme Court.

Raut had reached Belagavi amid escalated tensions between Karnataka and Maharashtra over border dispute.

"Since the matter (of Belagavi) is sub-judice, I ask the membersof Pro-Marathi leaders to wait for the Supreme Court verdict," he told reporters here.

He arrived at Belagavi a day after Maharashtra minister of state Rajendra Patil Yadravkar was detained by police and sent back to Maharashtra for attempting to take part at an event organised by MES in Belagavi.

Lamenting that none from the MES got elected to the karnatAssembly, Raut reminded the MES members to unite.

He recalled that there was a time when six MES MLAs were get elected to the Assembly, whereas there were none today.

Maharashtra claims Belagavi, part of the erstwhile Bombay Presidency, but currently a district of Karnataka, on linguistic grounds.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had in December 2019 appointed ministers Chhagan Bhujbal and Eknath Shinde as co-ordinators to oversee his government's efforts to expedite the case related to the boundary dispute with Karnataka.

MES has been fighting for the merge of 800 odd villages with Maharasthra.

On the differences between Shiv Senas former ally BJP, Raut said his party supported abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir, but slammed the Centre for not handling the issue properly, as "even today the Kashmiri Pundits are refugees and bullets are still being fired."



He added that taking back Pakistan Occupied Kashmir has been on Shiv Senas agenda, but underlined that there was a need to look into its practicality.

On the issue of CitizenshipAmendment Act, Raut clarified that his party opposes the law.

He hailed the Uddhav Thackeray led Maharashtra government for handling the situation in Maharashtra 'tactfully' by holding disussions with Muslim community religious leaders.

This effort resulted in no incident of riots in the state, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Saturday said the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will take over the security related duties being performed by the local police at Srinagar and Jammu airports by the end of this month.

However, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will continue to provide security at these two vital installations as per the existing mechanism, an official spokesman said.

"Acting upon the inspection of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and to bring the Union Territory of J and K at par with the rest of the country, process has been initiated for the CISF to take over the security related duties being performed by the J and K Police at Srinagar and Jammu airports by January 31, while the CRPF will continue to provide security as per the existing mechanism," he said.

The spokesman said suitable arrangements, accordingly, are underway for deployment of the CISF personnel at the two airports.

"Given the expertise of the CISF in the field of aviation security, all airports across the country handling the passenger traffic are being provided security by the force," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Torrential rainfall has blanketed Queensland in a 'once every 100 years storm', with major highways closed and homes left without power.

Thousands of residents on New South Wales' south coast are suffering power cuts, with the worst of the dangerous storms yet to come.

Flash foods have caused havoc in southeast Queensland after rain poured down.

Residents have even taken to escaping via boat and floating down the street, after a month's worth of rainfall fell overnight - more than 300mm in some areas.

Scroll down for video

Saturated fields on the Gold Coast on Saturday (pictured) are seen after heavy rain lashed down on the area, causing flash floods

A torrential rain bomb hammered down on Queensland and NSW on Saturday, with the Gold Coast the worst affected (pictured)

Dangerous floods have prompted authorities to issue warnings throughout NSW and Queensland, particularly on the Gold Coast (pictured)

Warnings have been issued for flooding near the Orara and Bellinger rivers in NSW, as well as for a severe thunderstorm over the Cape York Peninsula.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Kimba Wong said said the storms were a 'one-in-100-year event'.

Huge deluges hammered the Gold Coast, while Clothiers Creek in NSW recorded recorded 78mm of rain in just one hour.

'The highest total that we have recorded is 330mm at Loder Creek on the Gold Coast, so some very heavy rainfall there,' Ms Wong told ABC.

'We did have an emergency warning in place for that rainfall because we had some reports of flash flooding in some locations and in some locations it was a one-in-100-year event.'

The rain can be seen engulfing the Queensland and NSW coast (pictured) throughout Saturday

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued (pictured), with 74mm of rain recorded at Kingscliff in just one hour

A car is seen by submerged by flash-flooding on the Gold Coast (pictured) on Saturday, as heavy rain lashed down on Queensland and NSW

A Facebook user reported seeing a shark (pictured) floating past is flooded street in Burleigh Heads, a suburb of the Gold Coast

A resident of Burleigh Heads in Queensland even posted a picture showing what he claimed to be a shark floating down his flooded street.

The Facebook user wrote: 'Nothing like a shark swimming down the street.

'Ahhhh, Australia. Burning one minute. Sending killing machines to swim into your living room the next.'

While it's unclear if it is a shark, the area is known to have bull sharks in the nearby Burleigh Lake.

Meanwhile the Bureau of Meteorology predicted Sunday to be a complete washout, with rainfall increasing across NSW - particularly in Sydney, Wollongong, Narrabi and Moree.

Theme parks MovieWorld and Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast were shut on Saturday due to the flooding (pictured)

A car disappears under flash floods on a Gold Coast road on Saturday morning (pictured)

Meteorologist Sarah Scully said: 'Hopefully some of this heavy rainfall will fall over the fire sites, and help control - and even extinguish - some of those fires.

'But it's a bit of a double-edged sword, as heavy rainfall and gusty thunderstorms bring the potential for flash-flooding - particularly in the burnt-out areas of NSW and Victoria, which are now vulnerable to land slips.'

Two people were rescued after trying to drive through floodwater on the Gold Coast, with police receiving more than 50 reports of flooded roads across the city on Saturday morning.

Around 325mm of rain fell at Loders Creek and more than 200mm in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Theme parks Warner Bros Movie World, Dreamworld and Whitewater World Theme Park were closed.

1,500 NSW volunteer firefighters at the One Mile Fire near Port Stephens (pictured) rejoiced in the rain which helped put out 49 fires

Torrential rain pelted southeast Queensland (pictured) on Saturday, with conditions still expected to get worse

Flooded roads on the Gold Coast (pictured) have proved a nightmare for drivers, with emergency services warning motorists not to take the risk

A warning was also issued for the Gold Coast (pictured) after 90mm of rainfall was recorded in Coomera in just one hour

The Gold Coast suburb of Coomera, southeast of Brisbane, was inundated with 90mm of rain in just one hour, the Bureau of Meteorology reported.

'Very dangerous storms are producing intense rainfall around Coomera,' the Bureau warned on Twitter.

'Dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding is likely.'

Queensland Fire and Emergency tweeted a reminder to motorists not to drive onto flooded roads.

'If it's flooded, forget it,' QFES wrote under a picture of a road underwater.

'Fast-moving water can be extremely unpredictable and have devastating consequences.'

Chaos hit Queensland roads as the rain bomb caused flooding on the Gold Coast (pictured)

Heavy rains tested Sydney's storm water drains, as a car struggle to pass through a huge puddle in Surry Hills (pictured)

RAINFALL TOTALS SINCE 9AM FRIDAY QUEENSLAND Gold Coast region average ranged from 150mm to 250mm 330mm - Loder Creek Dam. This station is inland from the Gold Coast Seaway 306mm - Loder Creek 301mm - Carrara 297mm - Evandale 291mm - Burleigh Waters 266mm - Clearview 246mm - Worongary Creek 239mm - Tallebudgera Creek Road 238mm - Mudgeeraba. This station is inland from the Gold Coast 224mm - Monterey Keys. This station recorded 146mm of this total in just two hours which exceeded a one-in-100-year event and caused flash flooding Source: Bureau of Meteorology Advertisement

The rain bomb comes as gentler falls over the past few days have helped exhausted volunteer firefighters extinguish 49 bushfires down the east coast of New South Wales.

More than 1,500 firefighters were working to contain 69 bushfires in NSW on Saturday evening, of which 19 were uncontrolled.

Last Saturday when there were 124 major fires burning in the drought-ravaged state, of which 47 were out-of-control.

Bureau of Meteorology NSW duty forecaster Rob Taggart said the rains so far had been heavier in the state's northeast.

'For the last 24 hours, the firegrounds blessed with the most rainfalls are on the north coast and mid-north coast,' he said.

The rain had brought relief to the monster Gospers Mountain blaze - which has destroyed an area six times the size of Singapore - and has been burning northwest of Sydney since October.

'Some areas in there have had up to 50mm,' Mr Taggart said.

Mr Taggart said good falls of up to 53mm had fallen on the border of the Currowan fire on the NSW south coast, north of Batemans Bay.

A bewildered kangaroo stands in the floods on Saturday at Helensvale, Queensland (pictured)

A social media users from Helensvale shows a road near the Gold Coast completely flooded (pictured) on Saturday

But the rains have been light and patchy on the far south coast, bringing little relief to the fire-ravaged area.

'Some parts of the fireground may have missed out,' he said.

'The firegrounds in the south coast area and in the Snowys area haven't picked up as much rainfall.'

This is likely to change on Monday, Mr Taggart said, when another weather system comes through that is more promising for the southern firegrounds including the southwest slopes and Snowy Mountains area.

The widespread showers and thunderstorms that have brought relief to the state over the past week are forecast to continue until Tuesday.
The complaint, first published in The Australian, was referred to the AFP after Indigenous businesswoman and lawyer Josephine Cashman wrote to Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton accusing Professor Pascoe of dishonesty offences. She disputes Professor Pascoes Aboriginal heritage and says he has benefited financially from government grants, university appointments and literary prizes awarded to Aboriginal people. Professor Pascoe said he had not sought legal advice, although this might change if he was contacted by the AFP. I didnt worry too much when I did start thinking about it, because I know who I am and I know who my family is and I know my place in the community and that place is very, very important to me and my extended family because we are all in it together. Professor Pascoe, 72, grew up unaware of any Indigenous heritage and did not identify as Aboriginal until he was 32.

He began researching his heritage after a conversation with his uncle. Professor Pascoe has said he found Indigenous ancestors from both sides of his family, tracing from Tasmania, the Yuin people from the south coast of NSW and the Boonwurrung (commonly written as Bunurong) people. Bruce Pascoe on Genoa River. Credit:Rachel Mounsey The widely accepted definition of Indigenous heritage in Australia comprises three parts: self-identification, evidence of descent and community recognition. Yuin elder, Pastor Ossie Cruse, questioned why Professor Pascoes Aboriginality was being disputed when he was accepted by his community.

It does concern me because I dont think anybody needs that, whats the gain in it, particularly a person who has really had a hard life and found out they were of Aboriginal descent, Pastor Cruse told The Sunday Age. Bruce has done a tremendous job to identify a lot of culture of significance to our people and thats coming from his desire to identify. I have a lot of respect for him. However, the Boonwurrung Land and Sea Council says it does not accept Professor Pascoe as possessing any Boonwurrung ancestry whatsoever. We have a sophisticated (and utilised in a recent Federal Court of Australia matter) ancestral database of all peoples/families who can rightfully claim to be of Boonwurrung (aka Bunurong) descent, chairman Jason Briggs said in a statement. We believe that Mr Bruce Pascoe should come clean about his real ancestry and stop abusing and benefiting from our communitys cultural integrity.

(Professor Pascoe responded by saying his connection to the Bunurong is through the Tasmanian family not through Central Victorian Bunurong.) Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania chairman Michael Mansell disputes that Professor Pascoe has Tasmanian Aboriginal ancestry. We are such a small community down here  we know who has Aboriginal ancestry in Tasmania, Mr Mansell said. Hes obviously a nice bloke who has a real sentimental connection with wanting to be Aboriginal, but thats not the same as being Aboriginal. Ms Cashman, who has called for a formal register to assess peoples Aboriginality, said she was not available to speak to The Sunday Age.

Last November Ms Cashman tweeted that Professor Pascoe was not Aboriginal. Bruce Pascoe is not Aboriginal. My son is Yuin and his father doesn't know who is. Our communities find this offensive. Shame! she tweeted. She has also tweeted that there are at least two published books disputing Professor Pascoes historical evidence. Dark Emu is a fictional distortion. Pascoe claims Aboriginal people were not hunter-gatherers, distorts explorer records and claims Australian history is incorrect, she tweeted. This creates devastating harm and Pascoe is benefiting financially.

Ms Cashman told Sky News she made the complaint after being contacted by Aboriginal people in NSW and Victoria. My motivation is from my people, those people who are voiceless or who dont have access to a voice and arent heard, Ms Cashman said. Professor Marcia Langton, the foundation chair in Australian Indigenous Studies at the University of Melbourne, rejected questions about Professor Pascoes Aboriginality and says all the references in Dark Emu are correct. I don't agree with running a campaign against an individual like this, I think this is unconscionable behaviour and I think most Aboriginal people would agree, not something that another Aboriginal people would do knowing what our history has been, she told National Indigenous Television.

We all know that it is very difficult for some Aboriginal people to prove they are Aboriginal because of lack of records, because of members of the family lying, because of shame about having Aboriginal ancestry, because of the hatred of Aboriginal people. She said as far as she was concerned the issue of Professor Pascoes Aboriginality was settled. Professor Pascoe has acknowledged his links are distant, writing in his latest essay collection Salt that clinical analysis of genes says Im more Cornish than Koori''. I am sure a lot of non-Aboriginal people think that pale-skinned Aboriginal people shouldnt identify, especially when it goes back to great grandmothers and great grandfathers and I understand that, Professor Pascoe told The Sunday Age. I think Australians have the right to know that Aboriginal people who claim to be Aboriginal are actually Aboriginal but I think that conversation needs to be a decent conversation.

Professor Pascoe told The Sunday Age it seemed to be a common ploy to question the identity of Aboriginal people but the community he belonged to was totally supportive. If they decided you had to have a percentage of blood quantum to be declared an Aborigine or go on some sort of register (and) I wasnt on it, my life wouldn't change at all because I am so deeply involved in the community and the community expect me to be involved, he said. Professor Pascoe said he had been very moved by the support of Indigenous Australians Minister Ken Wyatt. Loading Not just Ken Wyatt but local Aboriginal man Ossie Cruse came out and said the same thing and my cultural leader, Uncle Max Harrison, said the same thing.

So many Aboriginal men and women have come out and supported me, people who know my family history and have helped me in the past identify lines in our Aboriginal family, those people have come out and reaffirmed what they told me 20 years ago. Professor Pascoe said he doesnt know Ms Cashman. He said the controversy started with a website called Dark Emu Exposed, which claims peer-reviewed studies confirm Australian Aboriginal society was a classic Stone-Age Hunter Gatherer Society prior to British settlement, with albeit a glimmer of an expected Neolithic advancement. I am not saying Aboriginal people were like white farmers, what I am saying is they were engaged in a form of food production which is unlike hunting and gathering. We did hunt, we did gather, we still do, Professor Pascoe said. He said he had used the proceeds of Dark Emu to employ Indigenous people to use methods of traditional Aboriginal horticulture.
Dmitry Medvedev, who resigned as the head of the Russian government, said that he did not consider the cabinets resignation as anything special, thus, one should be calm about this.

Maybe, in recent years, this has not been very common, but, nevertheless, this is a completely ordinary event, the former prime minister emphasized.

According to him, when the government is formed, the president and prime minister always discuss not only the appointment of the cabinet but also the issue of potential resignation, RIA Novosti reports.
Stepping on to the village green at Taurangas Historic Village last week, I turned to find Wentao Zhang swirling past me, holding aloft a large golden ball spinning on top of a pole he was carrying.

Following him and well above my head, a long colourful dragon was swerving and weaving as it chased the ball. A red lion also leaped past me, twisting below the mythical creature.

Wentao Zhang

Wentaos wife Suhua Yang was directing the dragons nine dancers, all fluidly moving to the drumming and music, as they wrapped the dragon body into a giant coil to try and trap the ball. In the middle Wentao was beaming, his face lit up in a broad smile of delight.

This was just the dress rehearsal. I cant wait for the actual event on January 25. This is the first time that the Chinese New Year is going to be celebrated in Tauranga, followed two weeks later by the Te Puke Chinese Lantern Festival on February 8 at Jubilee Park.

Wentao and Suhua arrived in NZ about five years ago, and Wentao secured his permanent visa last year. They both love it here. Their daughter Tina Zhang is president of the NZ China Friendship Society Tauranga, which has been organising popular events that showcase Chinese culture and arts.

Their Mid Autumn Festival in September 2019 featured Beijing Opera, Chinese instruments, kung fu and traditional dances. Prior to that, a Chinese Friendship Celebration was held in Te Puke in August with performances, providing an opportunity to see the art of making Chinese tea, demonstration Tai chi and a traditional Chinese fashion show.

Tina Zhang

Along with the Mid Autumn Festival, two of the other most popular festivals held in China are the Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival.

Last year when I was talking with the Tauranga City Council Community Development advisor Haidee Kalirai, she asked me why we dont have a Chinese New Year celebration, says Tina. The Chinese population has increased here so it would be good to let people know more about our culture.

It is unclear when exactly the celebration of the New Year began in China. It is said to have originated during the Shang Dynasty of 1766 BC - 1122 BC.

The lion and dragon have a long history in Chinese culture.

Chinese people like to say we are dragon people, says Tina. So thats why at every Chinese New Year we have the dragon dance and the lion dance.

She imported the dragon costume from China.

Normally we would have a longer dragon. You would usually have 11 or 20 people - we have nine.

The dragon wants to catch the ball, so he always chases it.

The lion is a significant part of the dance.

When people in China have a celebration for New Year or the Mid Autumn Festival they always have a lion dance.

Tina has lived in NZ for about 12 years, originally coming from her home city of Shen Yang in China to study here when she was about 20 years. She is now teaching the Chinese language and managing the Tauranga Chinese Language School in Bethlehem. Both Kiwi and Chinese children attend the school, and its open to anyone who wants to learn the language.

The Chinese New Year Festival on January 25 runs from 5pm  9pm, beginning with a village street event featuring traditional Chinese food. The lion and dragon dance will be performed at 6pm after which Tauranga Mayor Tenby Powell will speak. At the Te Puke event on February 8 which also runs from 5pm  9pm, Western Bay of Plenty Mayor Garry Webber will speak at 8pm. Following both mayoral speeches, 100 doves will be released.

At the Tauranga Historic Village event, there will be also be a performance at one of the street corners by a young lady, a single lady, says Tina.

She will throw a ball from the upstairs balcony into the street below. Chinese tradition is that whichever single man catches the ball will marry the lady.

In China a long time ago, maybe 1000 years or 5000 years ago, if the girl wanted marriage with a man she would throw the ball to him.

There will be no marriage here.

Just a game, says Tina. Wed like our local people to know our history, and part of our culture.

I ask her if there will be lots of young men ready to catch it.

We dont know  well just call out  who is ready to catch the ball? says Tina.

There will also be plenty of childrens activities and a calligraphy demonstration.

Tina thinks there are about 2000-3000 Chinese living in the Tauranga region.

Maybe not all of them will come, as I know some have gone back to China for Chinese New Year. This year its early and some children will be on holiday still so thats why they will be taking them back to China. Normally our Chinese New Year is in February.

The Tauranga Chinese New Year Festival will be held on January 25 from 5pm  9pm at the Tauranga Historic Village. The Dragon and Lion Dance is at 6pm and a cultural performance from 8pm  9pm.

The Chinese Lantern Festival which also includes the Dragon and Lion Dance will be held on February 8 from 5pm  9pm at Jubilee Park, Te Puke. Entry to both events is free, everyone is welcome and the food and games will be cash only.
Ban the box, a policy that prohibits employers from asking upfront about criminal records, is often proffered as a remedy. However, this policy has had mixed results, unintended negative consequences and has not been tested through a full business cycle. Our own work suggests that the optimal solution relies on an employer who approaches second-chance hiring with a conscious plan to support the needs associated with this demographic (e.g., a time or place to meet with a parole officer). Ban the box does little to drive this formula for success. Ultimately, second-chance employers do get to the point where the box is an irrelevancy in the hiring process, but the key is establishing a route to that level of comfort.
New guidelines for Int'l travellers: From South Africa to Mauritius, here is a list of at-risk countries

India-Iran should expedite Chabahar project: Afghanistan

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Mumbai, Jan 18: Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Friday said India and Iran need to work together to expedite rail connectivity to Afghanistan and procurement of equipment for the development of Chabahar Port.

The minister who was in the city said that India has good relations with Iran as well as the US and can play a role in bringing both the countries to negotiating table.

Despite the US exempting India from sanctions imposed on Iran for the development of the port in November 2018, the European and Chinese suppliers who had bagged contracts to supply equipment for the port have been reluctant to deliver, fearing the adverse impact on their business with the US.

"Chabahar Port is essential for Afghanistan and Central Asia. There are several problems and we made several advances on them. One of them is that our Parliament has recently approved the expansion of the free zone," he said.

Indian firm takes over ops of Chabahar port in Iran

Zarif noted that the problem in the progress of the project is that India has found difficulty in procuring the necessary equipment for the port despite the exemption.

"The other issue is connecting Chabahar to Afghanistan and to Central Asia through rail. We need to complete the Chabahar-Zahedan rail network. We have the infrastructure for that, but we need rails. We are in negotiation with India for providing rails. We produce our own rails but not at the scale we need. So, Iran and India need to work together on procurement of equipment for the port as well as finishing the rail link," he added.

Indira Jaising to Nirbhaya's mother: Pardon convicts just like Sonia Gandhi|Oneindia News

The minister further said Iran was not interested in renegotiations with the US but if India wants to work in preventing the unrest and bringing the US back to the negotiating table, it would be ready for dialogue.

"India is a dear friend of Iran and has good relations with the US, so it can get the latter to come back to the negotiations. But the most important priority for Iran is to have good relations with neighbours, stability in the neighbourhood and attract more investments in the country. We want to take a leading role in peacebuilding," Zarif added.

The Chabahar Port complex, backed by India, on Iran's coast along the Gulf of Oman is being developed to provide an alternative trade route between India and Afghanistan.

In May 2016, India and Iran signed a bilateral agreement under which India would refurbish one of the berths at Shahid Beheshti Port, and reconstruct a 600-meter long container handling facility at the port.

Iran announces arrests over downing of Ukrainian plane that killed 176 people

Under the agreement, India would build a 600-metre (1,969 feet) cargo terminal and a 640-metre container terminal.

However, only a portion of the two berths has been finished because of deteriorating relations between the US and Iran after the election of US President Donald Trump in November 2016 that culminated with the reimposition of economic sanctions in 2018.

In December last year, India took over operations of part of Shahid Beheshti Port.
The family of missing fisherman Willie Whelan have spoken of their heartbreak as the search continues for the 41-year-old Saltmills man.

Willie's stepmother Maggie said: 'It's getting harder with every passing day as the reality of (what has happened) sinks in.'

Both she and his father Joe have been deeply heartened by the efforts of everyone from the Navy, the Coastguard, the RNLI crews and volunteers over the past nine days since Willie went missing on the night of January 5 while out fishing for scallops with Joe Sinnott.

Mr Sinnott was laid to rest amid heartbreaking scenes a he was given an incredible tribute in his native village of Kilmore Quay on Wednesday.

The search operation for Willie had to be called early off on Sunday afternoon due to the worsening weather as Storm Brendan was approaching.

Joe Whelan, who runs M&J Fish with his wife Maggie and his sons, said he was speaking with Willie on the night he went missing.

That night the emergency services were alerted at 10.45 p.m. when the EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) from the fishing vessel, Alize was activated.

'I was speaking to him at 8.45 p.m. on the phone. He was on his last haul. He said he would round off what he had and I said that was good fishing. He told me he'd tell me how much he had landed when he got home. We would always have the auld craic. He was the nicest chap. He never, ever was in bad humour going to work. If he went down the cement road he would come back with scallops.'

Joe travelled out to the Hook and saw the lights of three trawlers out at sea. He rang Wilie at 9.45 p.m. but there was no answer.

'I knew he was doing something and would call back.'

At 10.30 p.m. Joe and Maggie received a phone-call from the Coastguard. 'I didn't realise how serious it was but Maggie knew.'

Willie's wife Mandy was also contacted.

Joe called a friend who checked to see if there were three lights out on the water but there were only two.

'There had been discussions between the skippers of the three and it was agreed Hugh Burke, who was on the other boat, was to come in first. There had been no sign of any problem. Between Joe and Willie there would be about 50 years experience. Nobody knows what happened.'

Joe and Maggie thanked everyone who has in any way helped in the search, and to support the family.

'People can't do any more than what they are doing. Unfortunately he's just not found at the moment. They will never put an end to the searching. It's just to have a burial plot.'

Joe said the Alize trawler which the Samuel Beckett Navy crew are searching for on the sea bed, was '120 per cent'.

'She was rebuilt five years ago at a cost of 500,000.'

Malcolm and Ciaran have been out searching for their brother. Joe and Maggie thanked the Navy, the RNLI crews, the gardai, the staff at University Hospital Waterford, the Hook Lighthouse team for providing everyone with food and all of the organisations and individuals involved in the search.

'You don't realise how good people are until something like this happens.'

They both attended a prayer ceremony at Hook Head on Sunday, where Joe's great-grandson Jayden, who was born on January 14, 2018 and only lived to be two hours old, was also remembered. Sgt Eddie Wilde said there are three strands to the search: the naval ship the Samuel Beckett under Lieutenant Commander Diarmuid O'Donovan are searching underwater, a large search over water by the Navy, volunteers on fishing boats, Kilmore Quay, Dunmore East and Fethard-on-Sea and the Coastguard, the RNLI and Wexford Civil Defence are coordinating the coastline search.

Sgt Wilde said all of the organisations are doing trojan work. 'It's very hard and tiresome work. Members of the Whelan family are also involved in the search so a huge effort involving a number of agencies is ongoing.'

Speaking on the search and recovery operation, Sgt Wilde said varying possibilities about where the Alize is are being explored, adding that the area picked up by the EPIRB has been searched, but the depth of water has made it very difficult for the naval officers to investigate.

'We are keeping the family updated on what is happening. The family are very decent people who are dealing with a huge tragedy with tremendous dignity.'

Specialist drone technology was used last week off of Kilmore Quay as part of the search along with rescue helicopter 117. It is still unknown when naval divers can reach the stricken vessel which lies on the seabed around 60 metres below the surface.

According to Minister of State Paul Kehoe, volunteers are using specialist drone technology to scour the shoreline over a two-kilometre area.

Under the direction of Wexford's Civil Defence Officer Peter O'Connor, the volunteers will resume their efforts tomorrow as they operate their drone between Kilmore Quay and Cullenstown.

Sgt Wilde urged people not to do 'solo runs' putting themselves at risk, and to let the many organisations involved in the search carry on with their work.

The weather is dictating the search operation, driving search teams towards the Saltee Islands. The Waterford Estuary has also been searched. People are being urged to take extra caution on the shoreline due to the stormy weather this week.
An NIA spokesperson said that it has re-registered the case against Singh and the three terrorists, who were arrested along with arms and ammunition while travelling in a car.

New Delhi, Jan 18 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday said that it has taken over the probe against the arrested Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy SP) Davinder Singh and three Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists.

The NIA registered the case after it received orders from the Union Home Ministry.

Earlier, a team of NIA officials, including an Inspector General rank official, reached Srinagar and collected all the information from police in Jammu and Srinagar.

Singh was arrested on January 11 with top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Naveed Babu, his accomplice Rafi and a lawyer named Irfan from a car on the highway near Kulgam.

He was allegedly taking Babu to Jammu to help him travel to Pakistan in connivance with Irfan.

As per police sources, a sum of Rs 12 lakh may have been given to Singh to move out the two Hizbul militants to Jammu on their way to Chandigarh and onward to Delhi to carry out attacks on or before the Republic Day.

Singh, who was posted in the anti-hijacking squad at the Srinagar international airport, was suspended from service on Monday and is likely to be stripped of all his awards, including a gallantry medal, for anti-militancy operations on August 15, 2019.

aks/ksk/
The dynamic team at the Jam Factory set a high bar in 2019 with over 100 musical events to dive into. There was everything from funk to classical music, Australian blues to French Gypsy Swing, Rockabilly Brawls to Sounds of India.

Pop, soul, electronic fusion, folk - its not just the quantity and diversity, but theyve successfully landed Tauranga as a top destination on the international and national music touring map attracting bands, duos and solo acts from around NZ, USA and Australia.

Groups and solo acts are loving the intimate space complete with kauri floor, a high ceiling, rugs, lamps and seating for about 50-60 people. Previously Otumoetai Primary School's old music room, the 100-year-old building is now dedicated to gigs and connecting the local music community.

The Jam Factorys 2020 calendar is already looking full for the next month with over 15 live shows pencilled in, including Paul Ubana Jones, Askya, Kingsley Spargo, and the Alex Ventling Trio. At regular lunchtimes theres opportunities to bring your sandwiches along and be entertained by local performers at the Jam Sandwich Sessions, and once a month the Improv Comedy Jam group Honest Liars will be in the house.

In early February, New York based banjo and fiddle Americana duo Richie and Rosie will be touring the country, with eight NZ concerts from Rawhiti in the north down to Wellington, and, thanks to The Jam Factory, theyll be descending on Tauranga.

Performing music rooted in the Americana tradition, this promises to be a treat. Richie Stearns family founded the iconic GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance, which he is now president of, and by her junior year of high school, Rosie Newton was playing fiddle and touring with folk rock band The Mammal. Together they will bring their original songs, blending traditional and contemporary sounds, punk banjo, and evocative fiddle with sweet vocal harmonies.

One of the greatest experiences of our lives has been being invited to New Zealand - on our last trip - and Rosie and i are so excited to return.

We fell in love with your amazing country and its beautiful inhabitants! We are so proud of the way your nation presents itself in the world, truly inspiring, and our country could learn so much from paying attention. It is fairly possible we wont want to go home! Looking forward to sharing our heartfelt music with youall. Please come up and say hello!

Richie, whose career has spanned decades, is an innovator of 5-string banjo much loved for his mantra-groove spooky-banjo style" and has performed internationally with legends like Bela Fleck, Pete Seeger, David Byrne, Billy Bragg & Wilco, and Joan Baez. Rosies fiddle playing has been called ferocious, spanning many musical styles. Together they push the boundaries with their instrumental arrangements and harmonies.

For this dynamic junction of American, old-time and folk, come along and hear them perform at The Jam Factory in 17th Ave on February 7 at 7pm. Tickets are $20.
Kansas State University

More than 4,220 Kansas State University students have earned semester honors for their academic performance in the fall 2019 semester.

Students earning a grade point average for the semester of 3.75 or above on at least 12 graded credit hours receive semester honors along with commendations from their deans. The honors also are recorded on their permanent academic records.
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The German government has agreed to a 40bn ($44.38bn) deal to help workers and companies as part of plans to end the use of brown coal power plants by 2038.

The deal, which was announced by economic minister Peter Altmaier today, is part of a package of measures which will enable Europes largest economy to cut fossil fuel emissions to 55 per cent of their 1990 levels by 2030.

In talks which lasted most of the night, the government agreed to pay up to 14bn to coal-mining states Brandenburg, North-Rhine Westphalia, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt until 2038, a statement from spokesman Steffen Seibert said.

Other measures, worth up to 26bn, would be commissioned by the federal government to help brown coal regions in the same time period.

Seibert also announced that energy-intensive companies would be provided with annual subsidies from 2023 to help ease the burden of higher electricity costs caused by the coal exit.

The combined sum of the compensation will be 4.3bn, finance minister Olaf Scholz said in a press conference.

Sources told Reuters that the government plans to pay supplier RWE roughly 2.6bn in compensation for shutting down its coal powered plants.

The firm will cut 6,000 jobs  roughly a third of its workforce  by 2030. Chief executive Rolf Martin Schmitz told a media briefing: RWE stretches to the limits of what is possible. We will bear the majority of the burden the German government demands for the coal phase-out.

The firm had estimated it would receive compensation of 3.5bn, excluding lost profit from its power stations.

Mibrag, a Czech-owned mining company which operates in the east of the country, is expected to get 1.7bn in compensation.

The accompanying legislation for the transition away from coal power is expected to be brought before the government on 29 January.

Altmaier told reporters: What we have here is a good agreement for climate protection because it makes it clear that we are taking it seriously.

Brown coal, or lignite, is considered the most harmful form of coal in terms of emissions, in part due its low heat content, which means more must be burn.

The substance makes up 19 per cent of Germanys electricity capacity.

By CityAM

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
N ew York is the one destination I head to time and time again where my entire schedule is focussed around eating.

The city has something for even the pickiest of foodies; upscale Michelin starred menus, hyped up pop-ups, boundary-pushing food trucks, century old pizza parlours, delis to die for and everything in between.

After a decade of regular visits, extended stints and work trips here, Im sharing a list of some of my favourite places to eat. Some are new, some are old, some Ive been to time and time again and some Ive not long discovered, but each are worthy of a spot on the list.

King Restaurant, SoHo

On King Street SoHo lies a modest but heaving restaurant with a menu that changes daily between lunch and dinner. The focus is simple, seasonal Italian produce. Hearty, fresh dishes and irresistible desserts, its incredible dining. A small ever evolving menu sings with all the notes youd want each dish to hit. The space is pared back, wine is carefully selected and service swift. The open kitchen where female duo Shadbolt and De Boer reign is where they bring together their passion for home cooking whilst drawing on their shared experiences at Londons renowned River Cafe. Given the chance, Id dine here daily. This restaurant should be at the top of your list.

King (Anna Barnett)

Waverly Inn, West Village

The New York institution owned by ex Vanity Fair Editor Graydon Carter is still bursting with charm and is a firm favourite of NYC celebs. Low lit with plenty of open fires and a menu that will warm your soul, its a winter must and the perfect date spot. The infamous $50 Mac and Cheese is no more but the classic chicken pot pie is still on the menu and worth a visit alone. All ingredients are organic and the wine list mixes old and new world stars. For those with a ghoulish interest, rumours abound of frequent sightings of the Waverly Inn ghost which has been known to light candles and the fireplaces to help the staff at busy times!

Misi, South Williamsburg and Lilia, Brooklyn



Both Misi and Lilia are creations of Missy Robbins, a revered chef on the New York food scene (in 2018 she won best chef in New York City by the James Beard Foundation). Anyone with a passion for pasta should head to either the Brooklyn or Williamsburg locations where handmade pasta, as well as wood fired seafood and seasonal vegetables make up standout menus.

Misi focusses solely on antipastas and pastas whereas Lilia offers a broader menu featuring secondi of fish and meat. Book both well in advance, arrive hungry and consume as many different dishes as you can. Each is as exciting, balanced and bursting with flavour as the next. Pastas at each location are buttery smooth, delicately rich and impressively moreish. Misis celebrated rigatoni, 30 clove pomodoro and basil is proof that the most simplest of dishes are often the best. The spinach and mascarpone filled tortelli with brown butter, ricotta salata was joyous and vibrant mint leaves elevated this vegetarian delight.

Misi (Anna Barnett)

Freemans, Lower East Side

Once a hidden spot for only those in the know, Freemans is now a Lower East Side institution. Despite its rapid growth in popularity, the celebrated baked artichoke dip remains as great as it ever was and its the same with the cocktails. Recent renovations mean theres now even more room to bring a gaggle of friends too. Expect wood panelling, a generous array of taxidermy and a chic fashionable crowd.

The Lowell, Upper East Side

The Lowell is a recent find of mine and is an elegant gem hidden away on a quiet (yes quiet!) Upper East Side street in amongst stately townhouses. Just a five minute walk from Central Park, this boutique hotel is beautifully and classically designed with rich upholsteries and open fires throughout. With 47 suites and 27 deluxe rooms, The Lowell offers timeless residential style living and a chic refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Ground floor restaurant Majorelle is worth a visit alone and is the perfect spot for special occasions. Head chef Emmanuel Niess serves up French classics with a Mediterranean influence. Wines are paired, waiters wear white tuxedos and theres not a thing they dont know about the menu. Book ahead and request a table in the glass conservatory where youll be able to dine beneath the stars.

Majorelle at The Lowell (Anna Barnett)

La Mercerie, SoHo

Part high end interiors store and part French cafe, La Mercerie offers a glamorous refuge for tired SoHo shoppers. Both coffee and pastries are excellent and its a popular spot for lazy weekend brunches. Luxe velvet clad banquettes dominate the vast cafe space and the double height, high gloss, wooden panelled ceilings add a further layer of richness. Beautiful, earthenware crockery adorns each table accompanied by delicate linen napkins. This may well be the most picturesque of all the places to dine in NYC. Open for breakfast through to dinner.

La Mercerie (Anna Barnett)

Cafe Dante, Greenwich village

Originally opened in 1915, this small Italian restaurant, clad in white subway tiles has had many a reincarnation but none as successful as the last. 2019 saw Cafe Dante named the worlds best bar. Its prestigious cocktail list speaks for itself, but its the negronis that everybody stops by for. On our last visit we stumbled upon live jazz, incredible Italian small plates and rose on tap. Theres nothing we didnt love about this unassuming haven.

Le Coucou, SoHo

Located just a few blocks from La Mercerie, Le CouCou is its older, slightly more formal sibling serving up French fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each site is headed up by one of acclaimed husband and wife duo Daniel and Marie-Aude Rose. Le CouCou, with Daniel at the helm, is all about classic French cookery with copper pots, linen table cloths and suited staff. Its hard to decipher which is more impressive; the dining space with high ceilings, statement chandeliers, brass lamps and that instafamous bar area full of hand painted trees and opulent marble, or the food itself which arrives richly indulgent and classically refined. Im so keen on this spot that Ive returned as a solo diner to sample the lunch menu which only reconfirmed how much of a treat it is to dine here.

Le CouCou (Anna Barnett)

Momo Sushi, Bushwick

This lowkey sushi joint is just a stones throw from famous pizza spot Robertas. My best advice would be to bypass the queues there and head straight to Momo Sushi instead. Next tip is to opt for whatever the staff recommend that day, you wont be disappointed. Its lively with communal tables which undoubtedly will lead to over ordering to avoid food envy. Theres a generous vegetarian offering. The thick homemade tofu cream cheese and shiso impressed, as did the Vegan Eel bomb.
An artist has created a stunning sand picture of a koala in honour of the millions of animals who died in the bushfire crisis.

The little koala is seen clinging to a burning tree in the artwork, which was created on a beach in Geelong, Victoria.

On its Instagram page, artist Breathe a Blue Ocean shared a picture of the work and explained it aimed to raise awareness of the huge loss of animal life.

'We were all smelling the smoke the fire today and not seeing the sun at times,' the caption read.

The stunning koala sand mural in Geelong, Victoria (pictured) showed the animal clinging to a burning tree

'Surf Coast and Geelong Beaches "closed". Wildlife death toll estimated over one billion animals - some species may now become endangered.'

The artist, whose Instagram page is dedicated to intricate sand artwork, doesn't use any ropes or anchored rakes to make the pictures.

Thousands of koalas are believed to have died in the blazes, particularly those on Kangaroo Island.

Koala numbers have plummeted by a third in the 20 years between 1990 and 2010 due to habitat destruction, deforestation, fragmentation, cars and dogs.

The koala mural (pictured) in Geelong, Victoria, was in honour of the millions of animals who have died in the bushfire crisis

Due to the destruction of their native habitat, the Australian favourite is on track to become completely extinct by 2050.

Experts fear this process will only speed up after huge swathes of the koala population were wiped out by bushfires.

Australian Reptile Park curator Hayley Shute warned: 'Unfortunately for koalas their habitat is just being destroyed,.

'And so the population in Australia isn't great. That's just due to the habitat destruction, so we just need to make sure that we're not cutting down their trees and we're planting new ones.

'They say they will genetically extinct by 2050, because the populations still there are just becoming smaller and smaller. It's very sad.'

Experts at the WWF Australia now estimate around one billion animals have perished in the fires.

'Australia is a land of bushfires, but this season's unprecedented mega fires are not normal.

'Climate change does not cause bushfires, but it does make them much worse,' WWF Australia CEO Dermot O'Gorman said in a statement last week.

A koala mural (pictured) has popped up in Melbourne's Hosier Lane, after thousands were killed in the devastating bushfires

'This heart-breaking loss includes thousands of precious koalas on the mid-north coast of NSW, along with other iconic species such as kangaroos, wallabies, gliders, potoroos, cockatoos and honeyeaters.'

The loss of wildlife comes alongside the enormous damage to national forests and millions of trees, releasing enormous volumes of carbon dioxide that are already affecting air quality.

The bushfires, which began in September, have claimed 28 lives and are estimated to have killed more than a billion animals across eastern and southern Australia.

Wet weather this week has given exhausted firefighters a huge boost, helping to reduce or contain some blazes.

But dozens of fires remain out of control, and authorities have warned the crisis could worsen again with Australia only half way through its summer.
Prince William and Kate Middleton are expected to visit Ireland in March, with preparations being but in place for a trip to Dublin.

Sources told Independent.ie talks between Irish officials and Buckingham Palace are ongoing. Cork is also likely to feature as part of the visit.

Officials here usually get advanced notice of Royal visits and itineraries prior to trips for security arrangements to be put in place. However, these are currently at an early stage, said a source who added the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will certainly visit Dublin during their stay.

Cork has been the focus of talks about a second Irish city to be taken in as part of the trip.

Expand Close The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte arriving to attend the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk. Joe Giddens/PA Wire / Facebook

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Whatsapp The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte arriving to attend the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk. Joe Giddens/PA Wire

Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip famously visited Corks English Market in 2011 during a State visit, the first by a reigning monarch for 100 years. This paved the may for numerous follow up visits by various member of the Royal family since including a mini-moon for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after they married in 2018.

They visited Dublin on their first trip to Ireland as a royal couple just weeks after Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles, the Duchess of Cornwall, travelled to Cork retracing the Queens call to the English Market.

A source with knowledge of the plans for William and Kate to travel to Ireland said Cork has been high on the Royals list since the Queens State visit.

It is likely William and Kate will go somewhere else too [outside Dublin].

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Cork has been mentioned and that seems to be somewhere they like. Charles and Camilla were keen to go there after his mother went to Cork.

The Department of Foreign affairs declined to comment on the impending visit. Buckingham Palace told Independent.ie it generally does not comment on such matters.

Expand Close Helping hand: The Duchess of Cambridge with Sorayah Ahmad (18 months) during a visit to a Khidmat centre in Bradford. Photo: Charlotte Graham/PA Wire / Facebook

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Whatsapp Helping hand: The Duchess of Cambridge with Sorayah Ahmad (18 months) during a visit to a Khidmat centre in Bradford. Photo: Charlotte Graham/PA Wire

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The visit comes as Buckingham Palace prepares to undergo a period of transition" that will allow Meghan and Harry to move to Canada.

The Queen held talks with her family last week to discuss a new role for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex after the couple declared an intention to step back as senior Royals and become financially independent.
Rosario Dawson Redefines Investigative Standard in NBCs Modern-Day Murder Mystery Briarpatch

Its hard to find a killer when everyones a crook is the moniker that describes NBCs newest show, Briarpatch, a murder mystery meets killer feminine energy and kick-a** content.

The anthology series has a literary origin written by Ross Thomas and features the leading role as a man, but Briarpatch program creator Andy Greenwald had other plans, imploring veteran actress Rosario Dawson to take reign as the lead in the NBC series. Referenced by the cast as a modern-day murder mystery, Dawson stars as Allegra Dill, a seasoned criminal investigator whos ready to face her fears and find out who killed her beloved sister. Returning to her roots in San Bonifacio, Texas, Dawsons character is set to turn the town upside down with drilling truth and a unique twist of thrill, mystery, crime and pulp fiction.

In an exclusive, I asked the Luke Cage actress just how important this character is for her as a woman of color being casted in a lead investigative role. Dawson says she believes representation is important, but also ownership and that serving as not only the lead, but as a producer, all while having a female director on the project added to the overall vision.

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Were just people who are contributing our talents, and our experience and our ideas and having spaces where that is respected, Dawson added.

Dawson also credits Greenwald for having the wherewithal to change the scope of stories generally sculpted for highly predictable candidates, White men.

Weve seen the murder mystery with the white guy, over and over and over again. Weve seen him be able to grapple with the loss of family members, but I couldnt think of anytime Ive seen a woman do it, Dawson proclaimed.

Highlighting the 100 years that womens suffrage has been enacted and the recent 400-year anniversary of slavery, Dawson says were still pushing for equality. I think that there are a lot of stories, a lot of perspectives and narratives that need shifting, she said. The controls of our culture have been dominated for a very long time, from a very specific perspective and now with how much things have changed, with technology and with access and the spaces that need more and more content, theres just different voices that are allowed to rise, Dawson continued. Were no longer going, you need to create what that is, its actually, you tell your own story, I dont have to tell it from my perspective for you.

Dawson added that culture precedes legislation and that we must continue to push back on the gate keepers of culture in order to change how women and people of color are represented in the boardroom, the studios, in the arts and with whom gives the green light.

You can catch Dawson fighting crime this fall on NBCs USA Network.
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Sydneysiders have enjoyed their first weekend without controversial lockout laws limiting late-night fun, but the festivities hardly got off to a bang.

The laws, which were introduced in 2014 after the deaths of one-punch victims Thomas Kelly and Daniel Christie, were rolled back on Tuesday across the city except for one former hotspot.

Kings Cross - once known as 'The Golden Mile' for its endless number of neon nightclub signs - will continue to be affected by the strict laws.

Revellers braced the rain on Saturday evening as they flocked to bars and nightclubs along Oxford Street, a once prominent nightspot hoping to rediscover its vibrancy.

But while the usual rabble enjoyed a night on the town, there was no sign of the raucous parties that the city used to see.

Revellers pose for the camera on Saturday evening as they enjoy the first weekend free from controversial lockout laws

Dressed to impress! People cross the road on Oxford Street on Saturday evening, where they were promised a good night after the strict lockout laws were finally lifted

A lengthy queue of revellers (pictured) wait patiently to get into Cliff Dive, a popular bar off Oxford Street in Sydney's CBD

The rejuvenated nightlife proved too much for one woman, who required a quick rest on the gutter's edge along Oxford Street

Partygoers are now allowed allowed to enter CBD venues after 1.30am and order drinks until 3.30am.

The city was once famous for its bustling and vibrant nightlife until the strict lockout laws were enforced in the CBD in 2014 in a bid to curb alcohol and drug-fuelled violence.

But the crackdown brought the city's lively night-time economy to an abrupt halt, and forced almost 200 licensed venues to close their doors.

Excited at the relaxing of the lockout laws, thousands of punters donned their best dresses and button ups as they hit the town.

Decent queues extended out of bars along Oxford Street, including the always popular Cliff Dive.

A small number of keen partygoers continued to spill out of several late night venues even after the sun had risen on Sunday morning.

Police were out in force patrolling the streets, with a NSW Police spokesperson saying the total number of arrests are currently unknown.

On Friday - the first official night of lockout laws being wound back - the city was busier than it had been for a long time, according to hospitality regulars.

The relaxing of the lockout laws meant patrons did not have to fear being refused re-entry to bars or pubs after the 1.30am deadline.

This meant that often there were just as many revellers outside on the street as inside venues, enjoying the ability to smoke on the street or buy food.

Her brief nap caught the attention of two police officers, who came over to check on her wellbeing before helping her up

Partygoers, who donned their best dresses and button ups, were allowed allowed to enter CBD venues after 1.30am and order drinks until 3.30am

One couple enjoyed the freedom to move between venues without the threat of being locked out after 1.30am hanging over their heads

Extra security were on hand to deal with an increased number of punters at The Argyle, one of the popular bars in The Rocks

A trio of friends hold hands as they walk down the drag in Darlinghurst on Saturday evening

A group of partygoers wave their hands in the air as they brace rainy conditions on Oxford Street in Sydney

Revellers braced rainy conditions as they flocked to bars and nightclubs along Oxford Street on Saturday evening, to make use of the new freedom

A group of friends opt for a rest on the ground as Sydney tries to recreate its once bustling nightlife on Saturday

The lockout laws were introduced by the NSW Government with the aim to reduce alcohol-fuelled violence following the fatal one-punch attacks.

Under lockout laws, nightclubs and bars in the city, Kings Cross and Darlinghurst areas were required to deny entry to punters after 1.30am and stop serving alcohol at 3am.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian in November announced the changes would also remove restrictions on serving cocktails, shots and drinks in glasses after midnight, and scrap the 10pm curfew on bottle shops.

Night Time Industries Association chair Michael Rodrigues said removing the lockout laws was a 'turning point' for the city to get it back on track.

'It's fantastic, the city will entertain locals and visitors in a diverse and inclusive nightlife without being rushed around venues closing early,' he said in a statement on Monday.

'It's the beginning of Sydney getting its mojo back.'

One reveller dressed to impress in an animal print bodycon dress with matching nude high heels

Sydney was once famous for its bustling and vibrant nightlife until the strict lockout laws were enforced in the CBD in 2014

Partygoers opted for bodycon dresses and high heels despite gloomy rain on Saturday evening

The lockout laws were introduced by the NSW Government with the aim to reduce alcohol-fuelled violence following the fatal one-punch attacks

Crowds queue up out of the pouring rain, a sign of the return of a thriving nightlife which has deserted Sydney for many years

Lord Mayor Clover Moore declared: 'Sydney is open again.'

'We know the lockout laws were an overreaction when what we needed was 24-hour public transport and a stronger liquor licensing system to support well-run venues, penalise rogue ones, and spread venues out across the city,' she said in a statement.

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.

'While the extended trading hours will provide a boost for the night-time economy, community safety will always be a focus,' Ms Berejiklian said.

A group of revellers wait in line to be checked by security before attempting to enter an establishment in Darlinghurst

A woman in a red dress talks to her friend, who appears to take a break on the concrete amid celebrations in Sydney on Saturday

We're open! Crowds were forced to wait in line as Sydney opened for its first weekend after the lockout laws were lifted

She said the aim was 'to ensure Sydney has a thriving, safe and diverse night-life that can be enjoyed by all'.

Ms Berejiklian previously said that the lockout laws made Sydney safer but it was now time to encourage the city's 24-hour economy.

'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.

A group of punters gather outside a Tandoori restaurant in the early hours of the morning. Under the relaxed lockout laws, re-entry to venues is available after 1.30am
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The current protests that are happening at several places in India against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act seem to have added after a long time, if not for the first time, a new meaning that makes the understanding of public protests quite expansive. These protests offer us expansive meanings in two distinct senses. First, the normative thrust of these protests is to bring to the centre of public attention what could be seen as the Gandhian notion of nation, which is based on the twin values of peace and social harmony. Second, these protests also invoke B R Ambedkar who, among other things, is known for producing the constitutional moment. The constitutional moment involves his concept of constitutional democracy as well as democratic nationalism.

Constitutional democracy makes it legally mandatory for the ruling authority to protect the rights of individuals and minorities. In Ambedkar, there is a unique conception of democratic nationalism, which makes the meaning of nationalism complete on account of the latter being infused with the democratic value of equal respect for human beings. Both M K Gandhi and Ambedkar, therefore, offer access to the universal truth that entails within it the normative conception of the nation based on peace, and of a nation that draws its essence from democratic values such as freedom. Arguably, since both these thinkers are an embodiment of the universal truth, both are universalizable.
The Hong Kong police said on Friday that they have seized more than 500 bullets and firearm parts in parcels and arrested a male for possession of firearm without a license.

The police mounted an intelligence-led operation on Friday morning and arrested the male who had one suspected pistol and about 100 rounds of ammunition in his flat.

Senior Superintendent Li Kwai-wah of the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB) said at a media briefing that the case was detected based on an organized crime case in December 2019.

Based on intelligence gathered in the December case, the police intercepted from Jan. 8 to Jan. 10 a total of 10 parcels from the United States which contained 362 long gun bullets, 150 short gun 9mm bullets, 99 detonating wires, as well as some gun parts.

Superintendent Yeung Yiu-chung of OCTB said the arrested male was suspected to be associated with a criminal group and was making firearms for the group members.

Li said the existing intelligence did not clearly indicate how the firearms would be used, but the group had planned to use firearms and explosives during assemblies and processions with an intention to create chaos and attack police and facilities.

Possession and use of firearms are serious crimes in Hong Kong, Li stressed, adding that according to Hong Kong's Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance the offense could lead to 14 years' imprisonment.
New Delhi, Jan 18 (IANS) In a major blow to the Congress ahead of the Delhi Assembly polls, senior party leader and former Delhi Assembly Speaker Yoganand Shastri on Saturday said he has quit the party over differences with city unit chief Subhash Chopra.

Speaking to IANS, Shastri said, "Yes, I have quit the party and I have sent my resignation to P.C. Chacko."
At least two demonstrators were killed and 24 others hurt during clashes with security forces in central Baghdad in a new flare-up of protests against the countrys political elite and widespread corruption.



Security sources told Western news agencies that one protester was killed on January 17 as demonstrators attempted to cross the strategic Sinek Bridge in the center of the capital.



Security forces fired tear gas as they sought to prevent protesters from crossing the bridge, with one canister hitting a demonstrator in the chest and killing him.



Iraq late last year was shaken by three months of mostly leaderless anti-government and anti-Iranian protests that led to the deaths of hundreds of people and injuries to some 25,000 amid a violent crackdown by authorities.



Protesters have demanded sweeping political reform, better job opportunities, improved public services, and the elimination of foreign influence in the country, along with the resignation of the

governmental leaders.



Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi was forced out by the public pressure, although he has said he will remain on in a caretaker capacity.



In recent days, the protests have been overshadowed by the January 3 killing of a senior Iranian commander, Major General Qasem Soleimani, in a U.S. air strike in Baghdad, sparking concerns that Iraq could become the battle ground in a conflict between Washington and Tehran.



Iran on January 8 fired a series of ballistic missiles at Iraqi military bases that were hosting U.S. and other international troops, further raising tensions.



Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, has blamed the government for the "bloodshed" during the recent unrest on Iraqi streets.

Based on reporting by AFP, AP, Reuters, and dpa
For several hours on National Bagel Day, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio found himself embroiled in a baked goods scandal. Bagelgate began when the mayor tweeted that his favorite bagel shop in the city is Park Slopes Bagel Hole, and that his go-to order is whole wheat, toasted with cream cheese. The toasted comment raised some eyebrows among bagel purists, but then came the real rub: it was revealed that Bagel Hole doesnt even have a toaster! De Blasio promptly deleted his tweet and replaced it with an identical one that excluded the word toasted. De Blasio later tried to play off the mistake with a joke, saying he had a hole in (his) memory. But the people dont want quippy puns, the people want the warm, chewy truth. For all other nonbagel-related news of the week, keep reading.

De Blasio presents his budget

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio proposed his $95.3 billion preliminary budget, only about 2.7% more than he proposed last year. That represents the smallest percentage year-to-year increase in a preliminary budget since de Blasio took office. Although Gov. Andrew Cuomo has not presented his executive budget yet, de Blasio said he was keeping in mind likely cuts from Albany in light of the $6.1 billion shortfall the state faces. It was also the reason that major spending proposals were also absent from the mayors presentation.

Impeachment trial gets rolling

The U.S. Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump has officially begun. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appointed seven impeachment managers who will act as prosecutors during the trial, laying out the case to remove Trump from office. They include New Yorks own Reps. Jerrold Nadler and Hakeem Jeffries. The House voted to approve the impeachment managers and to send two articles of impeachment to the Senate on Wednesday, setting into motion a series of ceremonial formalities before the trial gets underway. It began with the impeachment managers physically delivering the articles to the Senate, followed by Chief Justice John Roberts swearing in each senator on Thursday.

State Legislature gives green light to limo safety bills

Keeping a promise from last session, the state Legislature has approved a package of 10 limousine safety bills. The state Senate passed them shortly before the end of the session last year, but they didnt make it through the Assembly. Now, shortly after the 2020 session began, both chambers of the state Legislature and Gov. Andrew Cuomo reached an agreement on the bills. The package has passed in both the Assembly and the state Senate, and is now awaiting Cuomos expected signature. The new regulations will include seat belt requirements, new penalties for illegal U-turns and special licenses for limo drivers. The legislation is largely in response to an upstate limousine crash in October 2018 that killed 20 people.

The Brooklyn Democrats get a new boss

Its a time of change at the Brooklyn Democratic Party as Frank Seddio, who has led it for the past seven years, announced that he is stepping down as chairman. His hand-picked successor, Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte, faces no opposition in the race to replace him and is expected to get the committees rubber stamp on Monday. Seddio attempted to make headway with reformers in the party during his tenure, a departure from his scandal-scarred predecessor Vito Lopez. But he is hardly leaving with the best reputation. The cash reserves of the party have drastically decreased under Seddios leadership, as has the county organizations power. He also had a penchant for remaining loyal to Democrats facing widespread criticism.

Tish James investigates the NYPD

State Attorney General Letitia James has opened an investigation into the New York City Police Department to determine whether its officers are biased in enforcing fare evasion in the subways. A spokesperson for the department said that all officers enforce every law fairly and equally without consideration of race or ethnicity. The announcement from James comes several weeks after several NYPD officers alleged in a federal lawsuit that their commanding officer instructed them prioritize black and Latino turnstile hoppers.

Flavored e-cigarette ban overturned

A state Supreme Court justice ruled in favor of the vaping industry and overturned Cuomos administrative ban on flavored e-cigarettes. The decision comes after a previous ruling that temporarily stopped the ban from taking effect. It also follows a partial ban imposed by the federal government earlier this year. Despite the setback, state lawmakers are still trying to end the sale of flavored vaping liquids through legislation. A group of legislators called on their colleagues to quickly pass bills that would ban all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes.
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Earlier this month, Jodine Mayberry wrote an editorial in these pages, rushing to the defense of Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner (or Uncle Larry, as hes known to violent criminals) and accusing me of playing politics with justice. As U.S. Attorney, I am focused on only one thing  public safety, which is not a partisan issue. This puts me at odds with Mr. Krasner, who is using his position to advance his radical, anti-law enforcement political ideology under the guise of so-called reform. In any event, Ms. Mayberrys piece is littered with so many factual misstatements that a brief response is in order.

The editorial begins by suggesting that I have stretched a supposedly little-known federal statute, the Hobbs Act, to cover violent acts that the statute wasnt designed to address. This demonstrates an ignorance of federal law. The Hobbs Act is the primary weapon that the U.S. Department of Justice has used for decades to combat violent crime. There are literally thousands of Hobbs Act prosecutions every year  many of them quite similar to the one against Jovaun Patterson that my office charged after Krasner agreed to a ridiculously lenient state sentence for Mr. Patterson.

There is no way to justify Krasners agreement to a 3 1/2-to-10-year sentence for Mr. Patterson, which is why not even Krasner has tried to justify it. After the U.S. Attorneys Office stepped in to right this wrong, Krasner claimed that his office had made a mistake and that he welcomed the federal involvement. Incidentally, he also threw the assistant district attorney on the case under the bus by conveniently blaming her for this supposed mistake. This provided a useful glimpse into Krasners leadership style, in which the only person who doesnt shoulder any responsibility is himself.

And then there is Francisco Ortiz, who was allegedly involved in the murder of two toddlers while out on bail because the District Attorneys Office agreed to cut the bail on a gun charge in half. One of Krasners top priorities is decarceration  or, in other words, emptying the jails  so it is no surprise that violent felons like Mr. Ortiz would be roaming the streets. Thats just how Krasner wants it.

The piece also objects to my condemnation of Krasners half-hearted efforts to oppose the endless court filings of Mumia Abu-Jamal, who murdered Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner in cold blood. Naturally, Krasner sympathizes with Abu-Jamal: he is, after all, a convicted murderer. But it is astounding that the district attorney in Officer Faulkners hometown wants to open the prison doors and watch Abu-Jamal walk free. That is nothing less than Krasner pandering to dangerous criminals and thumbing his nose at victims and our community.

Is it any wonder that violent criminals affectionately refer to Krasner as Uncle Larry? We hear them joking and laughing about Uncle Larry after arrests, during interviews, even on wiretaps. You should see their disappointment, however, when they realize that theyre not facing Uncle Larry and the District Attorneys Office, but federal prosecution instead.

My job as U.S. Attorney is to do everything in my power to keep the community safe, advocate for victims and ensure justice is done  and I will do that all day and every day for as long as I occupy this position. Thats not politics. Thats called doing what a responsible prosecutor is supposed to do. Krasner should give it a try.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi here on Friday, discussing Afghanistan and bilateral ties, according to a statement released by the U.S. State Department.

The two sides talked about a range of issues, including Iran, U.S.-Pakistan cooperation on the Afghan peace process and building bilateral economic ties, the statement said.

Qureshi embarked on a three-day visit to the United States on Wednesday for talks on the tension in the Middle East that poses danger to regional security.

The visit also came as the Taliban and U.S. negotiators were reportedly finalizing a peace deal that could end the over 18-year war.
The China Cultural Center in Fiji and Post Fiji jointly launched the Year of Rat stamps in Suva on Friday to celebrate the arrival of the Chinese New Year which is to fall on Jan. 25 this year.

Speaking at the launching ceremony held in the China Cultural Center in Fiji, Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Qian Bo highlighted the importance of the stamp launching, saying that "the zodiac stamps have witnessed the friendship between China and Fiji, deepening cultural exchange between our people."

For his part, Joseph Nand, the assistant minister of the Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts, said that launching the stamps is an event that reflects the strong relationship shared by the China Cultural Center in Fiji and the ministry.

Sun Jie, director of the China Cultural Center in Fiji, said that the center has cooperated with Post Fiji for the stamp launch for five years now, and he is happy that they are able to launch the Year of Rat stamp this year.

The Rat is the first of the 12 zodiac animals in the Chinese zodiac cycle, symbolizing wealth and surplus in Chinese culture.
Washington

President Donald Trump's legal team for his upcoming Senate impeachment trial will include former Harvard University law professor Alan Dershowitz and Ken Starr, the independent counsel who investigated President Bill Clinton.

The team will also include Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general and a Trump ally, according to a person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the person wasn't authorized to speak on the record.

The lead roles for Trump's defense will be played by White House Counsel Pat Cipollone and Trump personal lawyer Jay Sekulow.

In adding Dershowitz and Starr, the president is turning to a pair of brand-name attorneys who have experience in some of the more consequential legal dramas of recent American history. The additions give the president additional experience both in constitutional law and in the politics of impeachment. Starr's investigation into Clinton's relationship with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky helped set in motion Clinton's impeachment, the last such case before Congress.

Dershowitz confirmed his role in a series of tweets on Friday, saying, he would "present oral arguments at the Senate trial to address the constitutional arguments against impeachment and removal."

Dershowitz said of himself: "While Professor Dershowitz is nonpartisan when it comes to the Constitution  he opposed the impeachment of President Bill Clinton and voted for Hillary Clinton  he believes the issues at stake go to the heart of our enduring Constitution."

A Fox News host said on the air that Starr would be parting ways with the network as a result of his role on the legal team.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Other members of Trump's legal defense include Jane Raskin, who was part of the president's legal team during special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation, and Robert Ray, who was part of the Whitewater investigation of the Clintons.

Trump was impeached on charges of abuse of power and obstructing Congress, stemming from his pressure on Ukraine to investigate Democratic rivals as he was withholding security aid, and obstructing the ensuing congressional probe..

The U.S. Senate opened the trial on Thursday and senators were sworn in as jurors. The trial resumes Tuesday.

The president insists he did nothing wrong, and he dismissed the trial anew on Thursday at the White House: "It's totally partisan. It's a hoax."
Once seen as the right hand man of Yogi Adityanath, at least till he became the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister three years ago, former chief of Hindu Yuva Vahini (HYV) Sunil Singh on Saturday joined the Samajwadi Party.

Singh was inducted into the SP in the presence of party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Some Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leaders also joined the SP at the party headquarters here.

Singh along with some others were expelled from the HYV, formed by Adityanath in 2002, on charges of indiscipline in January 2017. He had then created a splinter outfit and declared himself as its national president.

Welcoming Singh and others to the SP fold, Akhilesh Yadav said, "The days of the Adityanath government are numbered and the countdown has already begun."



He said the BJP government has slapped cases against opposition leaders for protesting against its policies.

"The government is doing injustice from day one and false cases are being lodged for protesting," said the former chief minister, adding the BJP only promoting communalism and creating a Hindu-Muslim divide.

Akhilesh said he was happy that HYV workers were with the SP now and hoped that they would unmask the real intentions of the BJP.

On the occasion, Mulayam Singh Yadav termed the youth as the future of the SP and said that farmers, youth and traders have to be strengthened to make India a developed country.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
There was a time when Democrats like Bill Clinton recognized that Washington cant do everything. Not Warren. I am so tired of hearing what the richest country on the face of the earth just cant afford to do, she says. And: I dont understand why anybody goes to all the trouble of running to be the president of the United States to talk about what we really cant do.
Cotonou, Benin (PANA) - The Beninese government will release in the next few days 6,233 million CFA francs for the reconstruction of a market in Houndjro in the historic city of Abomey, 140 km from Cotonou, the economic capital, official sources told PANA here Saturday
Japans environment minister has been praised for announcing his decision to take paternity leave, making him the first cabinet minister to do so in the country.

Shinjiro Koizumi, who is expecting his first child with wife Christel Takigawa, revealed in a staff meeting earlier this week that he will take two weeks off following the birth later this month.

The 38-year-old explained that he hoped his decision would encourage other new fathers to follow his example and also take paternity leave.

Despite Japan having one of the most generous paternity leave allowances in the world, with fathers entitled to take a year off work, many dont exercise their rights due to work pressures and financial concerns.

According to health ministry data released last year, just one in 15 men took paternity leave in Japan in 2018.

Thousands of mothers stage climate protest in London Show all 8 1 /8 Thousands of mothers stage climate protest in London Thousands of mothers stage climate protest in London AFP/Getty Images Thousands of mothers stage climate protest in London AFP/Getty Images Thousands of mothers stage climate protest in London REUTERS Thousands of mothers stage climate protest in London AFP/Getty Images Thousands of mothers stage climate protest in London AFP/Getty Images Thousands of mothers stage climate protest in London REUTERS Thousands of mothers stage climate protest in London REUTERS Thousands of mothers stage climate protest in London REUTERS

Hence why Mr Koizumis decision is all the more significant, despite the fact that he will only take two weeks off instead of the allocated 12 months.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr Koizumi said: I intend to take a total of two weeks of paternity leave in the three months after childbirth, during which the mother bears the heaviest burden, on the condition that I prioritise my official duties and thorough crisis management, as I have done.

I hope my taking paternity leave will lead the way of working styles to one where everyone can easily take child-care leave without hesitation in the environment ministry.

Recommended Female staff at shop in Japan asked to wear badges if on their period

The environment minister added that he will not miss important public duties during his leave period and will split the two weeks leave over a period of three months, Japan Times reports.

News that Koizumi will be taking his paternity leave has sparked positive feedback on social media, with many users praising his decision as progressive.

Every father should have time dedicated to loving and caring for their child, tweeted one person while another pointed to the significance given that very few people take childcare leave in Japan.
Hyderabad: If there is one area that shows how unplanned development can take place without proper checks and balances as people rush to build businesses and homes, it is area that falls under the Badangpet Municipal Corporation (BMC). The area witnessed a steep growth curve ever since it was first declared a municipality five years ago and then upgraded to a municipal corporation.

These two developments, coupled with Hyderabad towards growing towards its outskirts resulted in haphazard growth and property development in the eight villages that comprise the BMC in Ranga Reddy district.

The massive growth also saw the likes of TCS and Tata Aerospace setting up their facilities in this municipal corporation limits.

As has been the case with several other gram panchayats around the city, Badangpet too was a witness to approval of illegal layouts. The result is that several colonies that have mushroomed lack infrastructure, particularly sewerage connectivity and suffer from narrow roads that span a width of 25 feet which are inadequate for current traffic load.

Next to lack of sewerage is the lack of public transportation. Though in the past some TSRTC buses plied up to Nadergul, particularly for carrying vegetables to the citys markets such as Madannapet Mandi, the recent withdrawal of about 1,000 services has hit this area hard. Residents now depend on shared autorickshaws to reach the Nagarjunasagar highway or the inner ring road from where they can catch buses.

We have no bus facility or any other public transport system. We want the political parties to solve this issue, Ravi Kumar, a resident of Nadergul, employed at a private firm at Jubilee Hills, said. It takes hours sometimes to get to our destinations, he said.

The groundwater is getting polluted by sewerage. The roads connecting difference pockets need widening to accommodate increasing traffic, Suresh, another resident of Nadergul said.

Proper street lights, parking bays, piped water, contemporary sewer system, wider roads, public transportation are much in demanded by the public in this corporation limits.

The voters here appear fed up with lack of public transportation, and pathetic condition of roads. E. Mahipal, a resident of Balapur, struck a somewhat different line, saying thanks to the democratic system and the Constitution which ensures compulsory elections to the local bodies, we have got CC Roads in the most of the colonies in our area.

Despite many colleges coming up in the area, other than the 19 government schools, there are no government run colleges.

Our municipal corporation falls under the constituency of the education minister Sabitha Indira Reddy. We demand government intermediate and degree colleges in this area, one of the residents said.
Authorities discovered a mass grave after raiding the premises of the obscure cult in Ngabe-Bugle region 250 kilometers from Panama City, according to an article by CNN. Seven bodies, including a pregnant woman and six children, were found tortured, slaughtered and buried as part of a grim ritual.

The police arrested ten amateur preachers who called themselves followers of the New Light of God, who require locals to "repent their sins" or else be killed by sect members who felt they had been given a "message from God." One of the suspects was the grandfather of some of the murdered victims.

Authorities said the bodies belong to three boys and three girls -- two 9-year-olds, plus others aged 1, 3, 11 and 17 - and 32-year-old mother of five of the children, who was between four and six months pregnant.

According to BBC, the preacher group had been in the area for some three months but matters deteriorated the previous Saturday when one cultist, convinced God was telling them to do so, kick-started the kidnappings of locals.

The police have rescued 15 other people whom they believe were next in line for a similar murder. They found sufficient evidence to connect them to the killings, including machetes, other tools, as well as a bible and a goat used for sacrifice.

"It appears they were members of a religious cult that carried out rituals and they were apparently responsible for the crime," said Rafael Baloyes, the region's public prosecutor.

Baloyes added that authorities conducted investigation in local communities to see whether anyone else was missing, but didn't find any more victims.

According to the Associated Press https://apnews.com/2fa3043d322547dcfdd65db330d92168, local leader Ricardo Miranda of the Ngabe Bugle called the sect "Satanic."

"We demand the immediate eradication of this Satanic sect, which violates all the practices of spirituality and co-existence in the Holy Scriptures," he said.

Diomedes Blanco, a member of the community who helped police in the rescue, said that two people in the sect told him about what they were doing shortly before the killings.

"The reason for committing that kind of sacrifice was that God had anointed them as prophets," he claimed two brothers had told him.

"The purpose of all of that was to destroy the community. Why? Because the community didn't want to believe in God."

Ngabe Bugle is the country's biggest Indigenous group. Although fanaticism was behind the incident, the area's isolation, poverty and lack of government services for the indigenous peoples, played a role.

"I need the government to help people in remote areas with little access, where you have to walk so far," said Gonzalez.

Aside from that, Ngabe Bugle also suffers from inadequate social services, worse labor conditions than their non-indigenous counterparts and child labor.

Andrew Chesnut, a professor of religious studies specializing in Latin America at Virginia Commonwealth University, said the sect appears to be a "syncretic cult" adopting a "hodgepodge of beliefs stitched together" with Pentacostalism at its core but also incorporating elements of indigenous beliefs and even New Age philosophy.

Chesnut added that the ritually sacrificed goat found at the site is "anathema to any Christian practice, seen as idolatry."
It was called the Centre Block Master Plan for Sligo, a supposed retail par excellence earmarked for Wine Street Car Park since 1999 but not one block was laid and the controversial Treasury Holdings project was put out of its misery after being tossed about for ten years.

Now, it appears council officials want to reassess what to do with Sligo's main car park. At one stage there were plans by Dunnes to expand and the centre piece was to incorporate a new shopping centre with pedestrian walkways to adjoining streets with up to 2,000 car parking spaces at one stage being mooted throught a multi-storey car park.

The only development that took place in the area was the Johnston Court one with Dunnes and Tesco not proceeding with plans, though the latter had wanted to build on a new site at Carraroe, a proposals which also fell by the wayside with plenty of objections not least of which was the fact it was against the city's retail strategy of developing from the core outwards.

Back in 1999, the Centre Block was heralded as the one project which would make Sligo stand out as capital of the North West. It was on the agenda of every monthly meeting of the Borough Council for updates and there were plenty of presentations from the preferred developers, Treasury Holdings but the project never got off the ground despite many promises.

Treasury Holdings, which had acquired properties in the car park, was subsequently liquidated. In the end, the car park itself was brought back into the ownership of the council.

Three years ago a meeting of the county council was told by Director of Services, Tom Kilfeather that the Council had concluded negotiations in respect of the last remaining interest to be acquired within the Wine Street car park.

"The Council will proceed without delay to have the car park lands vested in the Council's name," he said in response to queries from Councillor Declan Bree.

There hasn't been much of an update since but this week, the council is taking a look once more at what can be done with the car park, which incidentally, recently underwent major resurfacing.

The Planning Section of Sligo County Council has commenced what it says is the preparation of a master-plan for the and has engaged consultants Building Design Partnership (BDP) to develop the plan.

The aim of the new plan, say the council, will be to guide the re-development of this area into a vibrant addition to the existing commercial core of Sligo.

The BDP team, led by Landscape Architect Mehron Kirk and Architect/Regeneration Expert Sebastien Pollet, will carry out an initial stakeholder consultation, this evening, Tuesday 14th January 2020 at 6.30pm in the Council Chamber, City Hall.

And, there seems to be a link with the past in the council's thinking with an eye on creating a new plan for the area.

It says that the Masterplan prepared for the area in 1999 had established a set of principles to govern the future development of the area.

"Its purpose was to create a clear framework under which developers, traders and retailers could invest with certainty with regard to land use, design and other planning considerations.

"The Centre Block Master Plan proposed the location of large-scale retail development combined with multi-storey car parking.

"The Plan highlighted the importance of the creation of a high quality urban environment.

"In order to create an attractive and successful public realm for the pedestrian, all bulk servicing of the commercial units was to be from Adelaide Street only.

"Since 1999, several developments have been permitted by the planning authority in compliance with the provisions of the Masterplan.

"However, to date, only one of these permissions has been implemented (Johnston Court).

"Having regard to the time that has elapsed since the CBMP was originally prepared and the limited quantum of new development that has occurred, Sligo County Council consider it necessary to review the provisions of the Plan in light of current planning and economic circumstances.

The council aims to:

1. Review of the existing Centre Block Masterplan and the extent of implementation to date.

2. Consultation with relevant landowners, existing traders, the elected members and the public

3. The preparation of a new Centre Block Masterplan which provides a viable framework for the development of this block into a vibrant addition to the existing commercial core of Sligo. The new masterplan should encourage the provision of a range of exciting commercial and residential experiences.

In accordance with the National Planning Framework's strategic outcome of compact growth, the redevelopment of this area is seen as a unique opportunity to enhance the overall attractiveness of Sligo City Centre as a place to live and work and promote the city as a regional and national shopping and holiday destination, according to the council.

Its language which was used before in 1999 when the idea was first suggested for the area.

Everyone, public and politicians became weary very quickly with the manner in which the first plan proceeded and it took the counciil over a decade to extricate themselves from the preferred developer.

While there's a new council now in place, there's still enough of the old guard about as they say to remember the disaster Treasury and its Centre Block plan became and it should certainly not happend a second time.
Martin Kingston resigned as a director of South African Airways on Friday as the state-owned airlines administrator scrambles for cash to keep it going.

There is no need for me to be on the board given the appointment of the Business Rescue Practioners, Kingston, the executive chairman of Rothschild & Co.s South African unit, said in a text message. I will continue to offer input to the extent required.

The loss-making carrier has been under voluntary business rescue, a local form of bankruptcy protection, since December as the administrator tries to nurse the company back to health.

Finance Minister Tito Mboweni on Thursday said that National Treasury and the Department of Public Enterprises are trying to find additional funding for the airline.

SAA has not received 2 billion rand ($138 million) from Treasury that is needed to keep the carrier operational, Business Day reported on Thursday, citing the airlines administrator.

It may suspend flights if it doesnt receive the money by Sunday, the Johannesburg-based newspaper said.
Taxpayers who weren't happy with the size of their refunds last year could be similarly disappointed this year unless they they changed the amount of tax withheld from their paychecks. Taxpayers often judge their tax preparer based on the size of their refund, Kerr said, even though it has more to do with how much they did or didn't have withheld.

At the start of last tax season, the average refund was nearly 9% lower than in 2018, before the tax overhaul took effect. That gap largely closed by the end of 2019, but some taxpayers were startled by how the tax cuts and withholding rate changes meant they ended up with a much smaller refund than usual, even if they paid less in federal tax overall.

The IRS at the start of this year made it slightly easier for taxpayers to more accurately calculate how much employers should take out of their paycheck, according to Pete Isberg, vice president of government affairs for Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

The agency released a new Form W-4 that aligns with the 2017 tax code changes. It eliminates using so-called "allowances" to determine the withholding rate. Instead, the form asks for information about income sources, dependents and anticipated deductions.
Nguyen Duc Toan, deputy director of VEAM Motor, a subsidiary of state-owned agricultural machinery manufacturer VEAM, has been arrested for alleged embezzlement.

An arrest and search warrant on suspicion of embezzlement was issued and executed Thursday against Toan and Tran Thi Thanh Tam, a subordinate official at automobile maker VEAM Motor in the central province of Thanh Hoa.

Nguyen Duc Toan, deputy director of VEAM Motor, was arrested on January 16, 2019 for suspected embezzlement.

Police said they searched the residence and offices of both suspects and seized some documents and items, but did not provide further details.

The scope of the embezzlement investigation, which was begun last October, has been expanded and efforts are on to trace misappropriated assets.

VEAM Motor was built by Vietnam Engine and Agricultural Machinery Corporation (VEAM), under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in 2008. The factory, which has an annual capacity of 33,000 vehicles, was built at a cost of around VND680 billion ($29.3 million).

In May 2019, the Inspectorate of the industry ministry had found "many violations in the organization of personnel, use of capital, handling of assets and debts, causing loss and waste of state assets" at VEAM.

Specifically, the agency had found that the management and use of capital at some of VEAMs units had led to VEAM Motor losing VND331 billion ($14.26 million) worth of equity between 2010 and 2018.

The ministry, which owns nearly 89 percent of VEAM, ordered the corporation to carry out internal investigation of these violations, but also transferred a few cases to the Ministry of Public Security to investigate.

The police has since arrested a number of former VEAM executives including former chairman and former general director Tran Ngoc Ha and former general director Lam Chi Quang on charges of violating regulations on the management and use of state assets, causing losses and squandering state assets.

Ha, for instance, was found to have acted outside his power by buying car components exceeding production plans and without the approval of VEAMs board, and appointing officials in contravention of regulations.

VEAM is the Vietnamese joint venture partner in Toyota Vietnam, Honda Vietnam and Ford Vietnam.
(Newser)  Canada will offer compensation to families of those killed when Iran shot down a Ukranian airliner to help with travel and funeral expenses, the National Post reports. The government will offer the families $25,000 per victim  about $19,000 US  and will continue to pressure the Iranian government to provide compensation, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday. The crash killed 57 Canadians and 29 permanent residents. "We expect Iran to compensate these families, but they cant wait weeks," Trudeau said. "They need support now." If they receive money from Iran, the families will not have to repay the Canadian government. To help the families travel, Trudeau said Canada will expedite visas and waive fees.

story continues below

The prime minister and several cabinet members have been traveling Canada since the plane was shot down Jan. 8, attending vigils and meeting with the victims' families, per the New York Times. Canada's foreign affairs minister's office issued a statement saying that he had met with "deeply hurt and angry" families, per CNN. None has received their family members' remains yet from Iran. Canada's Transportation Safety Board is involved in the investigation of the crash with Iran, though the two nations don't have diplomatic relations. Trudeau said Canada and Iran are still negotiating where the plane's black boxes and other data will go for the investigation. (A video shows a second missile striking the Ukrainian airliner.)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 18

Trend:

Under the support of Azerbaijans Ministry of Economy and Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO), Azerbaijani companies participate in the 85th traditional exhibition International Green Week that opened in Germanys Berlin city on January 17, Trend reports via Azerbaijans Ministry of Economy.

The Azerbaijani exposition is located on an area of 98 square meters. It presents 180 types of products of 11 participating companies.

Over 1,500 companies from more than 70 countries participate in the exhibition.

Minister of Economy Inam Karimov and the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Germany Ramin Hasanov attended at the opening of Azerbaijans exposition.

Within the framework of exhibition, the parties become familiar with the products of Azerbaijani companies, and held several meetings.

International Green Week is one of the largest agricultural exhibitions of the world that held in the famous Messe Frankfurt complex.

For the first time, the exhibition was held 94 years ago in 1926.

Azerbaijan is presented for the 12th time in the exhibition.
Air quality monitoring stations to be constructed in Kyiv in 2020  KCSA

Four air quality monitoring stations will be constructed in Kyiv in 2020, the press service of Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA) has said.

"The first four air quality monitoring stations will be constructed on the left bank [of the Dnipro River] in Kyiv in 2020. The construction of a chemical treatment system will also be launched at the Energia incineration plant," reads the statement.

Kyiv City Council has allocated funds from the budget for the construction of the air quality monitoring system, the press service said.
The ongoing Australian bushfire crisis, which has so far claimed at least 28 lives, destroyed more than 2,600 homes and devastated millions of hectares of bush and pastoral land, has revealed the immense gulf between the vast mass of working people and the establishment political parties and institutions, all of which are beholden to the profit interests of a minuscule financial and corporate elite.

The Liberal-National Coalition government responded to the crisis with unconcealed indifference. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has become a central target of popular anger, after taking a secret holiday to Hawaii as the country burned. His government has since initiated a desperate campaign of damage control, announcing a series of inadequate funding promises.

The bushfires have revealed the political weakness of the Coalition government, which barely scraped into office in a federal election last May that was characterised by a mass repudiation of all the official parties.

Under conditions of the governments first serious political crisis since the election, the opposition Labor Party has stepped forward to try to dampen down popular anger. Labor, one of Australian ruling elites primary political instruments, is no less fearful than the Coalition that the fires could become the focal point for mass social and political struggles directed against the entire parliamentary set-up.

Throughout the fire disaster, which has been unprecedented in scale and duration, Labor leader Anthony Albanese has limited his public remarks to the most tepid criticism of the government. He has stated that Labor is concerned, above all, with ensuring national unitya codeword for preventing the eruption of the immense social opposition revealed by the fire crisis.

In early November, Albanese told a press conference in the northern New South Wales town of Nimbin that it was not the time to engage in party politics. He declared: This isnt a party political point here, this is people trying to do their best. Im not seeking to politicise this at all.

His comments provoked at least one local resident to shout shame on you at the Labor leader, over his refusal to say anything about the inadequate government response to the fires.

On December 20, at the height of popular anger over Morrisons secret holiday, Albanese told commercial radio that he would not make further comment while the crisis is ongoing. He stated: Ive had some criticism for not attacking the prime minister, but I just think politicians yelling at each other is not whats needed at the moment.

Albanese offered the government a life-line at the beginning of the year, proposing a meeting between the federal government and Labor opposition, and the state and territory governments. This was aimed at blunting widespread denunciations of the Morrison government for failing to develop any cohesive national plan for tackling the crisis.

While the government rejected the proposal, Labor has remained muted. Earlier this month, Albanese said the lack of federal action prior to January was a mistake.

The Labor leader and senior parliamentarians have sought to outflank the government from the right, condemning it only for taking too long to mobilise the military. As the WSWS has warned, the used of the armed services in the bushfire crisis is an indication that authoritarian measures will be deployed in every situation when the ruling elite faces social unrest.

Labor MPs have said nothing also about the fact that the use of the defence force demonstrates that firefighting and relief organisations have been gutted and underfunded by successive governments, Labor and Liberal-National alike, at the state and federal levels.

Labors response is in line with its attempts to present itself to big business as the party most capable of advancing the corporate elites interests and ensuring stability.

Labor ascribed its May federal election defeat to former leader Bill Shortens tepid populist rhetoric, which included demagogic denunciations of the big end of town and vague promises to increase social spending. In reality, Labors vote collapsed because after decades of imposing the dictates of big business, millions of workers and youth viewed its election pledges as lies that would do nothing to improve the lives of ordinary people.

Labor has responded to its defeat by shifting even further to the right. Albanese, who was installed unopposed after the election, declared an end to class war rhetoric and insisted on the need to promote growth in collaboration with big business. This is a clear signal that a Labor government would intensify the assault on public spending, in line with the dictates of the banks and corporations.

As part of this pitch, Albanese has rejected calls for decreases in coal production, which is one of Australias largest exports. Taking a line identical to that of the Coalition, he declared in December that to immediately stop exporting coal would damage our economy. Coal is a major contributor to carbon emissions, which are driving global climate change and a key factor in the severity of the current bushfires. The Queensland state Labor government has similarly rejected calls to block the new Adani coal mine in the centre of the state.

Similarly, Labor has done nothing to reverse climate change when it has been in federal office. In 2012, the Greens-backed Labor government of Julia Gillard introduced a carbon tax that was touted by its proponents as a major step in tackling global warming. In reality, under the governments own modelling, carbon emissions were set to increase under the measure. Labor also has promoted various international summits, at which governments make marginal emission reduction pledges that they are free to violate at will.

Labor governments, like their Coalition counterparts, have failed to develop a cohesive response to disasters such as bushfires. Instead, they have implemented decades of cuts to healthcare, welfare, education and other social services, creating a social crisis that is greatly intensifying the hardship caused by the fires.

Labor governments have presided over woefully inadequate responses to fire and flooding crises in the recent past. The party was in office at the state and federal level in 2009, when Black Saturday fires in Victoria claimed the lives of 173 people.

Testimony later made clear that the damage wrought by the fire was exacerbated by the shambolic official response of the state Labor government. Victims of the blaze who survived were left to the predations of the insurance companies and were largely abandoned.

In 2011, the state and federal Labor governments response to a flooding crisis in Queensland was similar to Morrisons handling of the current fires. Labor effectively placed the military in charge of emergency relief, in a bid to intimidate widespread anger. It stonewalled calls for an examination of why little had been done to prepare for the disaster and greenlighted the refusal of the insurance companies to make whole those who had lost everything.

The record underscores the fact that Labor, no less than the Coalition, is a party of big business, hostile to the interests of working people.

The author also recommends:

The Australian fire crisis and the necessity for socialism

[11 January 2020]
A controversial property tycoon and former business partner of Prince Andrew who has donated 6 million to the Conservative Party secretly flew to North Korea in a bid to become a private banker for the family of brutal dictator Kim Jong Un.

Millionaire financier David Rowland held talks with North Korean leaders in the capital Pyongyang about managing the personal fortunes of the rogue state's ruling family and helping the Communist regime set up companies abroad, according to documents seen by The Mail on Sunday.

It has long been believed the Kim family has stashed billions of pounds abroad in a network of secret accounts.

Experts say such accounts are used to fund their luxury lifestyle and as a way of dodging sanctions, although there is no evidence Rowland was ever aware of this.

Day at the races: Former business partners David Rowland and Prince Andrew at Royal Ascot in 2006

Rowland's close links to Prince Andrew were revealed by the MoS last month. We exposed how the pair co-owned a company in a tax haven and how, in the years before the North Korean trip, the Duke of York had been using his position as Britain's trade envoy to plug a private Luxembourg-based bank for the super-rich owned by Rowland and his family.

The MoS can also reveal that wealthy Hong Kong socialite Dr Johnny Hon, who paid Sarah Ferguson and Zara Tindall hundreds of thousands of pounds for introducing contacts and giving advice, was the key fixer behind the controversial discussions.

In an email seen by this newspaper, Hon promised that Rowland's trip to North Korea would be kept under the radar.

Rowland and Hon's involvement with one of the world's most repressive states is likely to horrify both senior Tories and Buckingham Palace officials. Rowland, who owns a sprawling estate in Guernsey, donated thousands to the party as recently as last year.

The mysterious talks are detailed in a report posted online by David Rowland's son Jonathan, who also took part in the visit, and in a series of documents attached to an email that he sent to an MoS journalist. They reveal how:

The Rowlands and Hon were treated as VIPs and driven to meetings on a highway that only the regime's leaders are allowed to use;

North Korea's National Symphony Orchestra held a concert in their honour;

The Rowlands discussed 'banking facilities' for the Kim family and the country's 'major state-owned enterprises';

They also discussed investment into North Korea's iron ore and gold mines. The UN later slapped sanctions on the export of these materials in a bid to stop the regime funding its nuclear missile programme;

The talks included the proposed listing of North Korea-related companies on Hong Kong's stock exchange and presenting them as Chinese firms;

A proposal to open a casino in the state was also discussed;

Hon boasted that his relationship with North Korea's leaders was so strong that they once ordered Pyongyang's airport to remain open until 3am so he could fly home.

Hon, who has visited North Korea more than ten times, last night insisted that 'no actual business resulted from the talks' but a UN sanctions expert described the discussions as 'extremely alarming and troubling'.

Hugh Griffiths, who between 2014 and last year was the coordinator of the panel of UN experts that monitors sanctions on North Korea, said: 'If they had set up the mechanisms that were outlined, then they would have almost certainly been abused by North Korea for the purposes of sanctions violations, smuggling and the illicit cash transactions connected to that.' A charismatic entrepreneur who built up the Global Group of companies, Hon, 48, was a guest at the wedding of Prince Andrew's daughter, Eugenie, in 2018 and has struck lucrative deals with prominent Royals, paying for them to make connections for him and offer their advice.

Kim Jong-Un during a 2013 ceremony in Pyongyang to commend the officials, captains and fishermen in fisheries of the Korean People's Army (KPA) who distinguished themselves in making big fish hauls

Last year, it emerged that Zara Tindall was paid 100,000 a year by a company owned by Hon.

The Duchess of York, meanwhile, was given an advance of 290,000 to kick-start her tea firm Ginger & Moss by a company once chaired by the businessman. She was also a 72,000-a-year non-executive director of Hon's Hong Kong-based film investment company.

Hon's links with North Korea date back to at least 2005 when he launched a bank  Koryo Global Credit Bank  from a Pyongyang hotel. He reportedly broke off business ties when the US imposed sanctions in 2008 in connection with North Korea's nuclear programme.

But between 2007 and 2012, Hon also chaired a foundation which promoted the 'philosophy' of Kim Il-Sung, North Korea's ruthless first leader who established an authoritarian regime and imprisoned hundreds of thousands in work camps.

Hon worked with Keith Bennett, a supporter of the Communist Party of Great Britain (Marxist-Leninist), to introduce David and Jonathan Rowland to senior members of the regime. Mr Bennett, who was Hon's deputy chairman in the UK, previously assisted MPs and peers on the all-party group on North Korea.

As well as having close links to Prince Andrew, David Rowland, 74, is one of the Conservatives' biggest backers, having donated 6.1 million to the party since 2009. In 2010, he quit as Tory party treasurer amid controversy surrounding his status as a former tax exile.

The documents show that the Rowlands began exploring doing business with North Korea in May 2011. An email written by Hon detailed how David Rowland had outlined a plan to establish a financial arrangement called a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to help the regime's ruling family manage its money.

The proposal was drawn up six months before Kim Jong Il, the regime's second dictator, died and was succeeded by Kim Jong Un. 'DJR [David Rowland] told me a structure where he can help them (I really do not want to put this on an email but he mentioned to me using a SPV that controls [sic] by him),' Hon wrote.

According to the emails, the North Koreans were interested in the proposal  and on June 13, the Rowlands received an official invitation, via Mr Bennett, to visit the so-called 'hermit kingdom' the following month. They were due to meet senior leaders of the regime, including Ri Chol, also known as Ri Su-yong, North Korea's foreign minister between 2014 and 2016.

The invitation followed years of rising tensions on the Korean peninsula. In May 2009, North Korea shocked the world by claiming to have successfully tested a nuclear weapon as powerful as the atomic bomb that destroyed Hiroshima. Just over seven months before the Rowlands flew to Pyongyang, North Korean artillery fired dozens of shells at a South Korean island, killing two soldiers.

Last year, it emerged that Zara Tindall was paid 100,000 a year by a company owned by Hon

Days before the trip, Jonathan Rowland appeared to have misgivings. 'I just want to check that you think this trip to North Korea makes sense,' he wrote to Hon. 'You always suggested we met Ri Chol out of the country and I don't want to make any mistakes at this stage.'

Hon, apparently worried about offending his volatile North Korean friends, made it clear that it was too late to back out, highlighting how Ri Chol had cancelled a trip abroad so he could meet them. He reassured the publicity-shy Rowlands that the totalitarian regime would ensure the trip remained secret.

'The government there has ordered a media blocked out [sic] so no one will know that you guys are there. If we cancel the trip now, they will be pissed with me,' Hon wrote.

After the group returned from the extraordinary visit, Hon wrote a report. It has been seen by the MoS and details how the two Rowlands, Hon and another Hong Kong businessman flew by private jet from Beijing on July 1, 2011, and were given a 'VIP reception' when they arrived at 10am. 'A high level of protocol was maintained throughout the day, with a convoy including courtesy lead car and police escorts,' Hon wrote.

'A special road, normally used only by the top leadership of the country, was taken between the airport and the centre of Pyongyang.'

The group was whisked to a military-guarded guesthouse which is 'reserved for senior guests of the country'. 'The hosts informed us that this guesthouse would henceforth also be at the disposal of the Rowland family on future visits to the country,' Hon added.

They were then taken to the Supreme People's Assembly, the regime's imposing 'parliament', for a series of talks, the most important of which was with Ri.

Hon reported how the 'business talks' with Ri 'covered six main areas', including 'banking facilities for the General and the members of his family', as well as 'banking facilities for the country's major state-owned enterprises'.

Experts say the provision of banking facilities to the regime's leaders would be hugely controversial. Kim Jong Il reportedly had 3 billion in secret accounts in European banks when he died. After his death, Kim Jong Un is believed to have inherited the slush funds and the small group of trusted bankers who manage them.

Hamish Macdonald, an expert in North Korea at the Royal United Services Institute think-tank, said it was 'exceptional' for the Kim family to discuss private arrangements with outsiders and it showed that Hon was likely to be 'highly trusted' by the regime.

Dr Johnny Hon paid Sarah Ferguson and Zara Tindall hundreds of thousands of pounds for introducing contacts and giving advice

There is no suggestion the Rowlands discussed anything that would have breached the then UN sanctions regime or that they knew the North Koreans would use any banking facilities that they put in place for illegal activities.

Hon's report reveals that the Rowlands went on to discuss 'strategic investment' in North Korea's gold and iron ore mines, including the vast Musan iron ore mine in the north-east of the country.

Experts believe North Korea uses revenue from its mines to fund its nuclear weapons programme. Following North Korea's fourth nuclear test in January 2016, the UN slapped swingeing sanctions on the regime, banning the export of iron ore and gold. However, there were no such sanctions when the Rowlands and Hon visited.

The talks, which continued with Ri over lunch at the guesthouse, included how the regime could be helped to list North Korean-related companies on the Hong Kong stock exchange. 'These may be packaged and presented as the listing of Chinese companies with substantial assets in the DPRK (North Korea),' Hon's memo stated.

Mr Griffiths warned that North Korea used companies listed in Hong Kong to violate sanctions. There is no evidence the Rowlands and Hon intended to assist the regime in breaking sanctions.

'Hong Kong is one of the main gateway points for North Koreans to move money internationally and then stash it in private bank accounts in Chinese banks, held by Chinese citizens but de-facto control resting with North Koreans,' he said. 'Even if these arrangements were in good faith on the part of the British businessman, it is certain they would have been abused.'

Later in the day, the British businessmen met another senior figure in the regime called Kim Yong Nam, who Hon described as 'one of the most respected veteran leaders of the country'. During this meeting the Rowlands presented gifts for Kim Jong Il and his son.

The delegation later attended a concert and a banquet and visited a casino at the Yanggakdo International Hotel, the largest in North Korea, before returning to China.

Two days later, Hon forwarded the Rowlands two stories about the group's visit from North Korea's state-controlled news agency. As he had promised, the Rowlands' involvement had gone below the radar.

There is no suggestion that Zara Tindall or Sarah Ferguson knew about Hon's links with North Korea, nor is there any suggestion that Andrew knew about the Rowlands' trip to Pyongyang.

Jonathan Rowland said last night: 'We have never had any business dealings with anything to do with North Korea.'

Dr Hon said last night the visit 'aimed to encourage and facilitate the opening of the country's economy', adding: 'All this was intended to ensure that such resources could be used for the long-term benefit of the country and its people.'

Dr Hon added that the 'political situation' in North Korea was 'quite different in 2011' and that nothing 'contemplated or discussed' during the talks 'was in breach of UK, EU or international law or regulations at the time'.
RICHMOND, Va. - The Virginia Supreme Court has upheld Gov. Ralph Northam's temporary ban on guns in Capitol Square, which went into effect Friday at 5 p.m. and will continue through a major gun rights rally scheduled for Monday.

Concern about the rally, which organizers warn could attract tens of thousands of armed protesters, escalated in Richmond on Friday when President Donald Trump drew attention to it on Twitter.

"Your 2nd Amendment is under very serious attack in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia," Trump tweeted. "That's what happens when you vote for Democrats, they will take your guns away. Republicans will win Virginia in 2020. Thank you Dems!"

Northam, a Democrat, announced the ban Wednesday as part of declaring a state of emergency, citing "credible intelligence" that some groups had threatened violent demonstrations against gun-control laws being considered by the legislature.

On Thursday, the FBI arrested three alleged members of a white-supremacist group on gun charges, partly out of concern that they planned to attend the Richmond rally and incite violence.

Two gun advocacy groups had filed suit to challenge the ban, arguing that it violated constitutional rights to free speech and to bear arms, as well as a state law restricting the governor's power to ban guns during an emergency.

A Richmond Circuit Court judge upheld the ban Thursday, ruling that the governor was within his authority to protect public safety on the grounds around the Capitol. Lawyers for the Virginia Citizens Defense League and the Gun Owners of America immediately appealed Circuit Judge Joi Jeter Taylor's ruling to the state Supreme Court.

If the ban were enforced, the lawyers said in their appeal, thousands of citizens would be "wrongfully and unlawfully denied entry to the grounds of the Virginia State Capitol merely because they are exercising their preexisting rights."

They also noted that a law passed by the General Assembly in 2012 specifically forbids the governor from using a declaration of emergency to ban guns, except within emergency shelters. Both Northam and state Attorney General Mark Herring, a Democrat, they pointed out, were state senators at the time and voted in favor of the policy.

Lawyers in Herring's office said they worked through the night to write a response to the appeal. They also requested permission to file a longer brief "because the haste with which the plaintiffs are proceeding means this is the first and likely only opportunity for the Commonwealth to file a brief on this matter," according to a statement from Herring's office.

The state invoked the violent "Unite the Right" rally in 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia, in which armed militias clashed with counterprotesters. One woman, Heather Heyer, was killed when a white supremacist drove his car into a crowd, and two state police officers died when their helicopter crashed nearby.

"Determined to prevent another tragedy, the Governor issued a carefully limited Executive Order," the state lawyers argued. "The Order does not prevent anyone from speaking, assembling, or petitioning the government. Instead, it temporarily precludes private possession of firearms in a sensitive public place during a specified time to protect public safety."

In refusing to overturn the ban, the Supreme Court faulted the pro-gun lawyers for failing to include enough information to merit taking action. They noted that the lawyers had alternately referred to what they sought as a "temporary injunction" and a "preliminary injunction," and that there was no transcript provided of the hasty hearing held in Circuit Court the day before.

"The only information we have on which to resolve the weighty issues raised by the parties are pleadings accompanied by cursory attachments. Accordingly, the petition is refused," six of the court's seven justices wrote.

Democrats won control of both chambers of the General Assembly in elections last fall, partly based on campaign promises to enact gun-control measures. The issue took on urgency after a gunman killed 12 people in a Virginia Beach municipal complex in May.

The state Senate passed three gun-control bills Thursday, sending them to the House for its consideration. They would require background checks on all firearms sales, cap handgun purchases at one per month, and let local governments ban weapons from government buildings, parks and certain events.

A Democratic-controlled rules committee last week imposed a permanent ban on carrying guns inside the Capitol and a legislative office building; this week's court cases did not challenge that measure.

The prospect of Democratic action, after 26 years of Republican control effectively blocked all gun restrictions, has stirred anger among gun advocates in Virginia and beyond. In recent weeks, militias and extremist groups across the country have urged thousands of people to descend on Richmond on Monday to protest. Law enforcement officials say they've been monitoring threatening language on websites and social media, including threats of violent insurrection and civil war.

Organizers are trying to get more than 50,000 people to attend, and authorities are taking that prospect seriously.

Northam's office planned to brief Republican and Democratic leaders Friday afternoon on the law enforcement intelligence that went into the declaration of emergency.

Capitol and state police have had a major presence at this year's General Assembly session, and they have installed metal barricades and other security measures around the Capitol grounds in preparation for Monday's rally.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 17, 2020 / Lucky Minerals Inc. ("Lucky" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its plans to advance its properties. Lucky will be focusing its efforts on gold exploration in 2020 as it seeks a joint venture partner for the advancement of known copper opportunities on its 550 km2 Fortuna Project in Ecuador.

Lucky CEO, Adrian Rothwell, stated "Fortuna is a large project, with multiple known copper-moly-gold porphyry type exploration and high sulfidation epithermal gold targets located on the twelve concessions. We believe that a project of this size offers the potential for multiple partners. Our strategy to focus our capital on gold discovery and to use partnerships to explore for copper deposits should allow us to quickly showcase the potential of the Fortuna Project."

Lucky Appoints Exploration Manager

Lucky is pleased to welcome Mr. Victor A. Jaramillo, M.Sc.A, P.Geo. as Exploration Manager and Qualified Person. We thank Mr. Alain Moreau, formerly the Company's Vice President of Exploration, and member of the Technical Advisory Board for his services to the Company over the past three years. Mr. Moreau was part of the discovery team on the El Buitre Cu-Mo-Au porphyry target and was instrumental in the Company's acquisition of the Fortuna Project.

Mr. Jaramillo is an international geological consultant with over 30 years' experience in regional exploration, mineral property evaluation, resource estimation and mine operations and focused on precious metal deposits and porphyry systems. He was instrumental in the discovery of the La Langosta (Mexico) Cu-Au porphyry, Santa Rosa Au mine and Las Lomas Au porphyry (Peru) and has previously held positions in Canada, the United States, Mexico, and South America with major and junior mining companies as exploration manager, senior project geologist and chief mine geologist. Mr. Jaramillo is a Professional Geoscientist, registered with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia. He is a Fellow of the Geological Association of Canada and Fellow of the Society of Economic Geologists. Mr. Jaramillo holds an M.Sc.A. degree in Mineral Exploration from McGill University.

Story continues

Lucky CEO, Adrian Rothwell, stated "It is a privilege to work with someone with such extensive experience in porphyry and epithermal systems in this region of the world. His experience in project review, and diligence in planning and execution will be a welcome addition to the team."

Capital Plan

Subsequent to the Company's news release dated December 5, 2019, the settlement of a total of $1,569,993 in debts through the issuance of 31,399,851 common shares of the Company has been completed.

The Company intends to close the balance of the debt settlement transaction to American CuMo and certain directors and officers of the Company of an aggregate of $114,057 of debt consisting of $4,584 as to technical committee fees, $53,113 as to directors fees, and $56,360 as to consulting fees, through the issuance of 2,281,144 common shares of the Company (the "Final Shares") at a deemed price of $0.05 per Final Share (the "Transaction") upon receipt of shareholder and final TSX Venture Exchange approval. All of the Final Shares of the Company issuable in connection with the Transaction will be subject to a four month hold period.

This settlement was necessary to make future capital available to execute the Company's operating plan, including exploration of Fortuna.

Illustration 1: Fortuna Concession Map

Illustration 2: Fortuna Regional Map

Fortuna

The Fortuna Project is comprised of twelve concessions and occupies 550 square kilometers within the central cordillera in the heart of a proven and highly mineralized Miocene age volcanic belt which extends from Chile and Peru into Ecuador where significant Porphyry copper deposits have been found. The recently discovered (2018) El Buitre Porphyry System, is a Tertiary (Mid-Miocene) intrusion, which is located along a major NNE regional fault which lies at the junction of a major EW fault. Terra-Spec and multi-elements assays have defined a significant alteration footprint, comprising a phyllic (quartz-sericite-pyrite) and potassic (secondary biotite and k-spar) altered envelope. This alteration coincides with Mo-Cu-Bi anomalous rock Geochem samples which cover an area of more than 2 square kilometers.

Mapping and surface sampling completed to date on the El Buitre Porphyry system, is contained within the Fortuna 3 concession. It lies approximately 60 km north-west of the Fruta del Norte mine. At the present stage, the El Buitre Porphyry is an almost ready Cu-Mo-Au drill target. Ground geophysics (IP/res) is planned to help locate the best drill locations.

The Company has signed Non-Disclosure Agreements with several major publicly traded and private mining groups to explore the possibility of entering into strategic partnerships, joint ventures or working alliances.

While Lucky's management team and board of directors continue discussions with these interested parties, a number of site visits are planned to observe and evaluate the potential scope of the porphyry targets.

Exploration Focus for 2020

Priority exploration targets include:

Epithermal Precious Metal Exploration: A total of 7 dome-like features within a NE trending altered volcanic belt (Fortuna 8, 9 and 10) have been outlined. Within this belt, are areas of quartz stockwork veinlets in kaolinite and alunite altered volcanic rocks. Some of the quartz veinlets show banded and vuggy textures. Also, coincidental anomalous Au, As and Sb rock chip geochemistry corroborates the location of these highly prospective areas. Initial work will include detailed geological mapping and rock chip and soil sampling.

El Buitre Porphyry Exploration: Satellite imagery has identified a caldera-like feature which overlaps the Fortuna 1 and 3 concessions. It contains an extensive phyllic altered area with quartz stockwork veinlets and breccia zones within an area of approximately 3 x 2km. This alteration zone is coincidental with rock chip Cu, Au, Mo and Bi Geochem anomalies.

The company and/or a partner, intend to complete an infill rock and soil sampling program followed by ground 3D IP / res geophysics. This work will assist in locating the best drill locations.

Emigrant Project Update

In November 2015 the Company submitted an application for an exploration license to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality ("DEQ"). Lucky sought and received an exploration license to conduct a modest, first pass, exploration effort on the St. Julian claim block, private property located in the Emigrant Mining District, near Emigrant, Montana. Despite the fact that Lucky only proposed very minor exploration and that the DEQ concluded the work proposed had no material impact on the environment, two local environmental activist groups, Park County Environmental Council and the Greater Yellowstone Coalition (the "Plaintiffs") sued in district court claiming violations of Montana's Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) including constitutional implications.

The lawsuit proceeded in Park County district court where the local judge found in favor of the Plaintiffs and ruled against Lucky Minerals, the DEQ, and Montana's Attorney General Tim Fox's request that the district court deny the Plaintiffs' complaint and Plaintiffs' motion for vacatur of Lucky's exploration license and thereby uphold Lucky Mineral's private property rights. The district court ruled that not only did DEQ err in granting Lucky's license, but also that the provision in MEPA that limited Plaintiffs' remedy to remand to the agency was unconstitutional. Based on Montana's law and constitution, Lucky and the State Defendants believe the district court was incorrect and have appealed the matter to the Montana Supreme Court.

Further to the announcement in the Company's news release on April 23, 2019, whereby the Company stated that it was considering its options regarding the court order for Vacatur of Exploration License, the parties are currently briefing the matter which is likely to be completed in February 2020, with a final decision expected sometime prior to the 2020 field season in Montana. Lucky is optimistic that a favorable ruling from the Supreme Court will allow it the right to continue exploration in due course.

Pending resolution of this matter in the Supreme Court, the Company has invoked Force Majeure provisions of the option agreement on the St Julien Claims. Accordingly, option payments falling due and payable prior to resolution of the lawsuit shall be given an extension equal in length to the period of the delay resulting from the lawsuit.

Certificate of Default Judgement

On January 9, 2020, the Company received a Certificate of Default Judgement for non-payment of a services agreement in the amount of $2,931.35, which was in dispute. The Company did not expend any time or resources on the legal matter as it was considered a minor matter that would be resolved. The Company has since paid the amount of the judgement in full.

About Lucky

An exploration and development company targeting large-scale mineral systems in proven districts with the potential to host world class deposits. Lucky Minerals owns a 100% interest in the Fortuna and Emigrant Projects.

The Company's Fortuna Project is a royalty-free 550km2 (55,000 Ha, or 136,000 Acres) exploration concession. Fortuna is located in a highly prospective, yet underexplored, gold belt in southern Ecuador.

The Emigrant Creek Project covers a 15 km2 area in an intensely altered and mineralized porphyry copper-gold-molybdenum system in southern Montana.

The Qualified Person as per NI 43-101 is Mr. Victor Jaramillo, P.Geo. who is responsible for the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Adrian Rothwell"

Chief Executive Officer

Further information on Lucky can be found on the Company's website at www.luckyminerals.com and at www.sedar.com, or by contacting Adrian Rothwell, President and CEO, by email at info@luckyminerals.com or by telephone at (866) 924 6484.

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 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. Such factors include, but are not limited to: uncertainties related exploration and development; the ability to raise sufficient capital to fund exploration and development; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; increases in input costs; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological or operational difficulties or inability to obtain permits encountered in connection with exploration activities; and labor relations matters. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations also include risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulations.

The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information 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 as expressly required by Canadian securities law.

SOURCE: Lucky Minerals Inc.





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Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has suggested those opposing the Bharat Ratna for VD Savarkar should spend some time in the Cellular Jail in Andaman and Nicobar, in what could be seen as a veiled jibe at the Congress party.

Rauts statement could once again trigger tensions between the two alliance partners, who are the part of the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

The senior Sena leader was speaking after Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan said that the Congress party will oppose the Bharat Ratna to Savarkar.

Watch | Those opposing Savarkar should be put in Cellular jail for 2 days: Sanjay Raut

Those who oppose Savarkar, whether it is due to ideology or differences, should be made to spend time at the Cellular Jail. Savarkar spent 14 years facing huge hardship. These people will realise the sacrifice and hardships he faced there, said Raut.

Sena scion and state environment minister Aaditya Thackeray distanced his party from the statement.

It is his (Rauts) personal opinion, Aaditya Thackeray, who is also the son of Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, said.

The Shiv Sena-Congress alliance is strong and we came together for the development of the state. We may have different views on certain issues but this is what democracy is. Instead of history, we need to talk of current issues, Aaditya Thackeray said.

Savarkar is revered by the Shiv Sena and recent comment by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on the Hindutva ideologue and a pamphlet circulated by its Sewa Dal had riled the regional party.

Sanjay Raut had hit out at Rahul Gandhis comment in December last year that he will not apologise for his Rape in India comment against the government and that his name is Rahul Gandhi and not Rahul Savarkar.

Reacting to Rauts remarks, the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJPs) leader Kirit Somaiya asked the Sena if its leader was targeting Rahul Gandhi.

The Shiv Sena has found itself in a tough spot on several political issues after it formed an alliance with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to form a coalition government in Maharashtra.

Its leaders, especially Raut, have spoken and reacted against issues that have brought the parties at loggerheads several times. Last week, Rauts statement on former prime minister Indira Gandhi drew a sharp reaction from the Congress.

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KATHMANDU, Nepal - An avalanche swept a popular trekking route in Nepals mountains, leaving at least four South Koreans and three Nepali guides missing, authorities said Saturday.

Nepals Department of Tourism official Meera Acharya said at least one Chinese national injured in the avalanche was rescued by helicopter.

The avalanche hit along the popular Annapurna circuit trekking route, which encircles Mount Annapurna.

Acharya said efforts were being made to rescue the others. So far, rescuers have been able to pluck 30 trekkers who were trapped by the avalanche blocking the trail and flew them to a safe area.

Weather conditions were poor with temperature dropping in the last two days, making the operation more difficult.

The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the avalanche hit at an altitude of 3,230 metres (10,600 feet) before noon Friday. It said five other South Korean members of the same team were safe and taking shelter in a lodge.

The missing trekkers  two women in their 30s and 50s and two men in their 50s  were teachers who were staying in Nepal for volunteer work, the ministry said, according to South Koreas Yonhap news agency.
NAYPYITAW, Myanmar (AP)  China's President Xi Jinping was given a lavish welcome to Myanmar as he arrived Friday for a state visit meant to deepen bilateral relations at a critical time.

The visit nominally marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar, but also carries the promise of significantly boosting China's profile and future investments.

Xi's arrival was greeted with dancing children and youths waving the national flags of both countries and cheering, "Long live China-"Myanmar friendship" and Health to President Xi."

China's ambassador to Myanmar, Chen Hai, told Chinese journalists last week that during Xi's two-day visit, the two countries would sign agreements "covering politics, economy, livelihoods and regional cooperation." Some are expected to expedite major infrastructure projects that will extend Beijing's strategic presence to the Indian Ocean.

A complicating factor is Myanmar's general election, scheduled for late 2020. Too much wheeling and dealing with China could leave the government of the de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi', vulnerable to accusations by political opponents that it is selling out the country.

The trip is Xi 's first to Myanmar as president and his first foreign visit this year. Jiang Zemin was the last Chinese president to visit Myanmar, when he signed several economic and border agreements in 2001.

Chen, the ambassador, said Xi will meet with Myanmar's President Win Myint, State Counselor Suu Kyi and military chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, lawmakers and other opinion-makers.

Myanmar is a linchpin of China's geopolitical ambitions. It offers access to the Indian Ocean that could allow its sizable oil and gas imports from the Persian Gulf to bypass going through the Strait of Malacca. It's also a bridge to South Asia and beyond in Beijing's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative to build railroads, highways, ports and other infrastructure connecting China with other points in Asia, Europe and Africa.

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China serves as a no-questions-asked ally to Myanmar, giving it diplomatic cover as the country faces widespread condemnation over its human rights record. It is threatened with Western economic sanctions over a brutal counterinsurgency campaign that has driven more than 700,000 members of the country's Muslim Rohingya minority to flee for safety in neighboring Bangladesh.

Last month a case charging Myanmar with genocide came before the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands.

China for years has defended Myanmar in forums such as the United Nations, and Myanmar has returned the favor by following Beijing's positions on issue such as China's claims over territory in the South China Sea.

More importantly, China as a top investor and trade partner with Myanmar offers economic insurance if Western nations do impose sanctions.

Just days before Suu Kyi went to The Hague in December to lead her country's delegation at the initial hearings of the International Court of Justice, she met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The court holds another hearing next week.

Xi is visiting Myanmar at the very right time. And Myanmar wants to show the Western world that China is backing them," Germany-based Rohingya activist Nay San Lwin told The Associated Press. "I think it is not a coincidence. Myanmar wanted to say to the West to be careful if you impose any sanctions."

Beijing in recent years has vied with Washington for influence in Southeast Asia.

China also uses its influence with various Myanmar ethnic rebel groups based along the countries' border who are battling battle for autonomy from the central government.

While China has promoted peace talks between the the rebels and Myanmar's government, its close ties with some of the rebel groups allow it to retain the option of threatening violence by using ethnic guerrillas as proxies.

What appears to be a mutually beneficial quid pro quo with China won't necessarily play well domestically, a worry for Suu Kyi and her ruling National League for Democracy party as it faces new elections. A longstanding, strong undercurrent of anti-Chinese sentiment in Myanmar has grown in response to sometimes heavy-handed implementation of Chinese-backed projects that run roughshod over local communities, provoking allegations of land-grabbing, environmental damage and selling out the country's resources.

Myanmar's previous military-backed government was forced by popular demand to suspend plans for the massive $3.6 billion Myitsone hydroelectric dam project in 2011, but it has not been canceled. Activists plan a protest against the project on Saturday outside the Chinese Embassy in Yangon.

Hurdles may be cleared during Xi's visit to give the go-ahead to another project arguably more important to Beijing, the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone on the Bay of Bengal. With a deep-water port, it is the terminus of the 1,700-kilometer- (1,055-mile-) long China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, a major link in the Belt and Road Initiative whose other end is in China's Yunnan province.

It includes cross-border oil and gas pipelines that have been operating for years. An industrial park and major railway are planned, though projected high costs have given pause.

Amnesty International is among the critics of the Chinese-assisted projects.

"With major economic and infrastructure agreements expected to be signed during President Xi's visit, the absolute lack of transparency over such agreements is deeply disturbing," the human rights group said in a statement Thursday. Investment in infrastructure can help raise living standards and realize human rights through improved access to basic services and employment.

But these benefits are not delivered if those who bear the heaviest cost  the women, men, and children whose homes, health, livelihoods are be affected  are not adequately consulted before construction starts and protected from potential harm. Human rights, transparency, and consultation with communities should be at the heart of these projects.



Associated Press writer Grant Peck in Bangkok contributed to this report.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 17, 2020) - GreenStar Biosciences Corp. (CSE: GSTR) (OTC Pink: GTSIF) ("GreenStar" or the "Company"), announces it has granted stock options to acquire a total of 1,900,000 common shares of the Company to certain officers, directors and consultants of the Company. The options are exercisable at a price of $0.14 per share and expire five years from the date of grant. The options are subject to various vesting provisions where 1,650,000 of the options granted vest immediately on the grant date, and 250,000 options vest as to 50% immediately and 50% vest on the first anniversary of the grant date.

About GreenStar

GreenStar is a growth-oriented technology and services company that provides real estate, financial, management, IP and branding support to licensed cannabis businesses in the United States. The Company operates a growing portfolio of tenant partner companies in the United States. GreenStar applies refined strategies tested in the Washington State market to help partner companies reach their full potential. Based in Vancouver, BC, GreenStar intends to facilitate growth through acquisitions and development of additional assets, products and technologies in legal cannabis markets by leveraging its capital markets, branding and operational expertise.

For further information please contact:

GreenStar Biosciences Corp.

Rahim Rajwani, CEO

info@greenstarbiosciences.com

Tel: (604) 834-9499

THE CSE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Disclaimer for Forward Looking Statements

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As unprecedented wildfires threaten large parts of Australia, the nations agriculture industries are counting the cost of the blazes that have scorched pasture, destroyed livestock, and razed vineyards.

With the fires still burning and fears of more to come, its too early to quantify the damage, analysts and industry officials said. Its likely the countrys dairy supply will be hit hardest, with key milk-producing states Victoria and New South Wales suffering the greatest loss of farmland and infrastructure damage. Meat, wool, and honey output may also dip.

More than 11.4 million hectares (28 million acres) have been blackened. Thats about 1.5 per cent of the countrys land area, an expanse greater than Scotland. Over half the ground burned is in New South Wales and Victoria, and its mostly dense native vegetation, forests and national parks, as opposed to crop-growing farmland and areas of intensive agriculture.

Heres what we know so far about the impact on agriculture:

Dairy: While fewer than 100 farms have been burned so far, wildfires have ravaged drought-affected dairying regions, including Victorias East Gippsland and Bega Valley, in New South Wales state, where two industry veterans were killed, according to Peter Johnson, a group manager of farm profit and capability at Dairy Australia Ltd.

Some farms are disposing milk in areas with power outages or where access issues are preventing tanker pick-ups, or low power supply is preventing the cooling of milk, Johnson said.

Bega Cheese Ltd.s shares plunged 9.3 per cent on Monday last week after fires threatened the town of Bega and ravaged Cobargo, a town about 30 kilometres north, earlier this month. The stock has since gained about 14 per cent.

About 900,000 litres of milk couldnt be collected from farms and as much as 1 million litres of additional supply may be threatened, the company said Thursday. That compares with an annual intake of about 1 billion litres, and the milk losses will have no material overall impact on Begas operations, the processor said.

Fonterra Cooperative Group, which collects milk in Gippsland, said on Monday that its farmers remain unaffected as the fires havent spread into its dairy regions.

Meat: Both New South Wales and Queensland, where 2.5 million hectares have been razed, are key producers of red meat. About 80,000 ranching properties are in the countrys main affected areas, industry group Meat & Livestock Australia said Tuesday.

The extent of the full impact to livestock is unknown and will take time to understand, said Jason Strong, the groups managing director. Our latest information is that 9 per cent of the national cattle herd live in regions that have been significantly impacted and a further 11 per cent in regions partially impacted.

Losses of about 1.7 million sheep and 450,000 head of cattle are likely, according to Matt Dalgleish, an analyst at Mercado. That would result in a 2.4 per cent reduction in the national sheep flock and a 1.8 per cent drop in the total cattle population in 2020, he said in a note.

Cheryl Kalisch Gordon, a senior analyst for grains and oilseeds at Rabobank, echoed that view, saying significant livestock losses are expected in eastern Victoria.

Wool: Wool is produced across Australia, with the exception of the Northern Territory. New South Wales produces the most, followed by Victoria.

About 13 per cent of the national sheep flock is in regions that have been significantly impacted and a further 17 per cent in regions partially impacted, according to Meat & Livestock Australia.

Wildfires will reduce the countrys wool production, which has already been declining because of drought. The output of shorn wool is forecast to drop 9.2 per cent to 272 million kilograms in 2019-2020 from a year earlier, Australian Wool Innovation forecast in November.

Fruit: Vitalharvest Freehold Trust, which leases farms to Australias largest listed fruit and vegetables grower Costa Group Holdings Ltd., said this month that the fires burning in southern New South Wales damaged packing equipment and several vehicles at its Tumbarumba berry farm.

Family-owned W.F. Montague Pty, which owns 75 hectares of apple orchards in the fire-ravaged town of Batlow in New South Wales, reported only minor damage, according to the Weekly Times. Some 5,000 apple trees on the Montague propertys boundary were damaged out of a total of about 200,000 apple trees, Managing Director Scott Montague told the newspaper.

Wine: It will be several weeks before its possible to get a real picture of the impact of wildfires in the affected areas, Wine Australia chief executive officer Andreas Clark said Tuesday.

A review of fire maps suggests as much as 1,500 hectares of vineyards are within fire-affected regions. Even if all those vineyards were fire-damaged  and thats not the case  it would account for about 1 per cent of Australias total vineyard area, he said.

In some areas where people have been evacuated, it will be some time before it is safe to access vineyards, Clark said in a statement. There is also the fact that assessment of the impact on vines is complex. It is easy to see when vines are burned, but often it takes much longer to establish the damage caused by heat.

New South Wales is the largest wine-producing state after South Australia and contributes a third to the countrys output.

Individual vineyards and wineries have suffered devastating damage, which would take years to recover, according to Wine Australia. Affected areas include the Adelaide Hills in South Australia, and the Shoalhaven Coast and Tumbarumba wine regions of New South Wales, and parts of Victoria and Queensland.

Sorghum: Sorghum is the key summer crop in Australia in terms of area sown and the quantity of grain produced. Its mainly harvested in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland. Extended dry periods have been reducing sorghum output for years.

The area planted to the grain crop will fall by 51 per cent this summer to 241,000 hectares. Early planting was minimal and late planting would require significant rainfall, which is unlikely given the latest three-month seasonal outlook issued by the Bureau of Meteorology. Production is forecast to more than halve to a record-low 398,000 tons, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural & Resource Economics and Sciences said last month.

Cotton: Cotton is grown in the inland regions of southern, central and northern New South Wales and central and southern Queensland, with crops planted from around September and picked at the of April. The country is the worlds fifth-largest exporter of cotton, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

While theres been no information reported about the impact on cotton from the wildfires, its expected crops are mostly too far away from the major affected areas, and the irrigated nature of production should buffer output.

Honey: Australia is facing dwindling honey production as natural disasters, including droughts and wildfires, reduced the pollen and nectar honeybees require to survive and make honey.

In New South Wales, which produces 45 per cent of the countrys honey, thousands of hives have been burned and many thousands have been damaged, Stephen Targett, president of the New South Wales Apiarists Association Inc., said Friday.

The states honey production will be 30 per cent below the historical average for the next 10 years, he said. Field bees that collect nectar and pollen have been hardest hit by the wildfires. Sugar is being offered to starving bees, and some hives have been relocated to unaffected national parks.

Very little honey will be collected between now and spring, nine months away, Targett said. The loss of bees will hurt pollination-dependent industries, including almond-growing in the New South Wales Riverina and Sunraysia area of northwestern Victoria.

Grain: Large cropping areas have mostly escaped fire damage, according to Rabobank. In eastern Victoria though, the bank expects the loss of fodder and stored grains as well as widespread pasture loss.

We will see a proportionally higher loss of feedstock, than loss of livestock, so that the impact of the fires will be a further tightening element to the already tight grain and fodder balance sheet, Rabobanks Gordon said in an email last Wednesday.

Due to harvest being complete in most areas and the fires not being in areas that will affect crops or supply routes to delivery, the impact of the fires on Australias grains markets is limited to what the fires mean for livestock feed demand from these affected areas.
One Ukrainian soldier was wounded in action on Saturday, January 18.

Russia's hybrid military forces on January 17 mounted eight attacks on Ukrainian Army positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.

Read alsoOSCE spots tanks transported by freight train in occupied Donbas

"On January 17, armed formations of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire eight times. The enemy used 120mm and 82mm mortars, which are banned under the Minsk peace agreements, as well as grenade launchers of various systems, heavy machine guns, and other small arms," the press center of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Headquarters said on Facebook in a morning update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on January 18.

Five of the attacks were reported in the Skhid [East] tactical grouping responsibility zone: near the town of Krasnohorivka (a tripod-mounted man-portable antitank gun), outside the village of Shyrokyne (grenade launchers of various systems, heavy machine guns, and small arms), not far from the village of Pavlopil (two attacks, using an 82mm mortar, grenade launchers of various systems, small arms, and heavy machine guns), and near the village of Vasylivka (small arms).

Three attacks were recorded in the Pivnich (North) sector: near the village of Orikhove (twice, using 120mm mortar and grenade launchers of various systems), and outside the village of Luhanske (a hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher and small arms).

There were no Ukrainian army casualties in the past day.

"Since Saturday midnight, Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions near the village of Pisky, using small arms. One Ukrainian soldier was wounded in action," the update said.
KAMPALA  Mr. Gordian Kyomukama has been appointed new MTN South Sudan CEO, effective 21 January 2020, the group announced on Thursday.

Kyomukama has close to three decades of experience in the sector, mostly with MTN Group in Uganda and outside.

He started in MTN Uganda and has also been seconded to Rwanda, Cameroon and Ivory Coast. Before returning to Uganda, he was Chief Technology and Information Officer (CTIO) of MTN Liberia.

MTN Group CEO Rob Shuter said, I would like to congratulate Gordian on his new role, and I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Lily Zondo, who has been holding the fort as acting South Sudan CEO over the past few months. Lily will resume her role as MTN South Sudan Chief Financial Officer with immediate effect.

Lily Zondo, who has been holding the fort as acting South Sudan CEO over the past few months, will resume her role as MTN South Sudan Chief Financial Officer with immediate effect, MTN Group CEO Rob Shuter said.

MTN Cameroon CEO, Hendrik Kasteel, will be leaving MTN at the end of March, due to personal reasons, the telecoms firm said, adding he would serve out his notice over the next two months and a successor would be announced when finalised.

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New Delhi, Jan 18 : Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi on Saturday condoled the demise of Ashwini Chopra, a former BJP MP and senior journalist and resident editor of Hindi daily Punjab Kesari.

In a statement, she said Chopra's long and distinguished innings as an editor, as a social worker and as a MP will be long remembered.

"His friendship cut across political boundaries and he was known for his forthright views on most issues undeterred by the opposition he faced," she said.

She also extended her heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Chopra.

He passed away in Gurugram on Saturday, his family confirmed.

Speaking to IANS, his son Akash Chopra said the former Lok Sabha MP from Karnal was suffering from cancer.

"About 1.5 years ago he was diagnosed with cancer. The treatment was going on. The medicines had stopped working. He passed away on Saturday at 11.40 a.m. at Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon," he told IANS.

Ashwini Chopra, born in 1956, was a senior journalist. He was elected to the 16th Lok Sabha from Karnal in Haryana as a BJP candidate. Prior to entering journalism full-time, he played under the name of Ashwini Minna for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy.

He is survived by his wife, Kiran Chopra, and three sons -- Arjun, Akash and Aditya Chopra.

The cremation will take place at Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi at 10 a.m. on Sunday, according to the family.

During the days of terrorism in Punjab, his grandfather Lala Jagat Narain and father Romesh Chander were assassinated in 1981 and 1984 respectively.
'It's the best Christmas present ever,' says Blackrock resident Cliff Waijenberg, who received a kidney transplant just after Christmas.'

Cliff, who was diagnosed with Iga Nephropoth, a chronic degenerative kidney condition, was still in hospital when he launched a fund-raising appeal for the Irish Kidney Association.

The Dutch native, who has lived in Blackrock with his wife Louise and family since 2006, had been living with Iga Nephropoth since 2001, when his health began to deteriorate last year.

'It is a slow progressing chronic kidney disease which cause inflammation and scarring of the kidney and high blood pressure,' he explains. 'Over the years I was able to manage this disease quite well but in the last 14 months my kidney disease got progressively worse to the point that my kidney function was less than 12%. '

'I was starting to feel really tired and energy levels started dropping significantly. It is not entirely clear why or how I got this disease but most likely it started when I had a very severe streptococcal throat infection in 1998.'

Cliff was facing the prospect of having to go on dialyses early this year but was extremely lucky to get a kidney so soon after being put on the transplant list at the end of October 2019.

'There are about 400 on the waiting list and the average waiting time is 3 years! Kidney transplantation is dependent among other things on tissue typing and blood group compatibility. I feel extremely lucky and blessed to not have to go through dialyses at all,' he says.

He received a call at 3.30am on December 27 lat from the Transplant co-ordinator of the Beaumont Kidney Transplant team, telling him to go to the hospital. 'We arrived in Beaumont at 4.30am and after some blood tests to make sure I was a compatible match, I was on the operating table at 10am.

Cliff woke up at 3pm, having received the life changing gift of a kidney,

'Although this is great news for us, please also bear in mind the grieving family who lost a loved one at this time,' he says.

He praised the staff, saying they were 'absolutely brilliant'.

While he was in hospital, his wife Louise and their children were able to stay at the house provided by the Irish Kidney Association in the grounds of Beaumont Hospital for the families of transplant patients.

'The IKA) are absolutely fantastic,' says Cliff. 'Their volunteers, who are all post transplant patients, were also very welcoming and offered emotional support and advice to my family.

'This helped me feel comforted knowing that they had support while I was recovering in hospital.'

While still in hospital, Cliff set up a fundraising page for the IKA on Facebook and is delighted with the aim of raising 1,500. So far he has raised almost 1,300 and is grateful to all those who have donated.

He is, however, most grateful to his donor and their family. While the identity of the donor is never revealed, he says he will write a letter to the donor family at some point and this will be passed on through the transplant co-ordinator team.

'They may or may not answer but if they do we can arrange to meet if they are willing,' he says. 'I certainly would be very happy to meet them, if it helps them in any way with their grief and loss. It certainly is not lost on me that the gift I received comes with someone else losing a loved one.'

He is also urging people to carry donor cards so that more people like him can benefit from the live-saving gift of a transplant.

'I am still recovering and in hospital twice a week to check bloods and kidney function etc. Due to the immunosuppressant medication I am very vulnerable to infections etc. This risk is increased forever and especially the risk of skin cancer. This is something I need to be extremely careful of going forward. Thankfully I am recovering very well and everything indicates that the donor kidney is doing its work as expected.'

Having worked with Vesta as call centre manager, Cliff left in 2011 to set up his own business, Walking Holiday Ireland (walkingholidayireland.com) which brings tourists from around the world to the Cooley and Mourne mountains for hiking tours, as well as walking tours from Wicklow to Antrim. He is looking forward to getting back to work and welcoming these visitors to Ireland.
JERSEY CITY  A 64-year-old Guttenberg man was handed essentially a life sentence Friday when he was sentenced to 60 years in prison for the repeated rapes of two pre-teen girls who considered him their grandfather.

One of the two victims, who is now 21, broke into tears reading a statement to the court.

I want you to know that he took my innocence, said the girl, who was victimized between 2004 and 2010 by the man who was married to her grandmother. "That is something a child should never go through.

Oscar Castaneda was sentenced to 45 years in prison for the sex assaults on the younger girl, who was 5 years old when it started in 2013; and 15 years for the older girl.

The disparity in the sentencings are based on the fact that one occurred before the Jessica Lunsford Act became law in New Jersey and the other one after. The law, named for a Florida girl who was raped and murdered in 2005, sets the sentencing guidelines at 25 years to life in prison when the crime involves a child under 13.

He must serve 55 years of the consecutive sentences before being eligible for parole, under the Lunsford Act and No Early Release Act.

The victims father, speaking through an interpreter, said We still need the justice of God. We all know this kind of person, if set free, will do the same or worse.

Assistant Prosecutor Karen Kazanchy said the man and his victims were not blood relatives, but "he was the only grandfather they knew.

Hudson County Superior Court Judge Patrick Arre, who presided over the trial in September, called the crimes sinister.

He was trusted with the care of those girls and exploited it, he said.
Daniel was choked to death in Queensland's Sunshine Coast in December, 2003

Teenage troublemakers are using the tragic murder of a 13-year-old boy as an excuse to avoid paying for their public transport fares in Queensland.

TransLink officers claim teenagers have started blatantly avoiding bus and train fares by taking advantage of a policy that was introduced after the death of Daniel Morcombe.

The latest excuse making the rounds is, 'You gotta let me go, 'cause of Daniel Morcombe,' transport officers told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

Daniel was just 13 when he was abducted from a bus stop and choked to death in Queensland's Sunshine Coast in December, 2003.

Following the teenager's death, the Queensland Transport department implemented a policy called 'no child left behind' in a bid to get children safely onto buses even if they had no money or bus pass.

Under the policy, drivers are encouraged to use leniency and put safety before revenue.

Teenagers on the Gold Coast are using Daniel Morcombe's death as an excuse to not pay for their fares

Officers fear if they let the child ride public transport for free while already on it then there could be a similar case to Daniel's (pictured) death

But officers from Operation Sierra Luminous, a crackdown on fare evaders, found that kids were using Daniel's death as a reason for not having paid for a bus fare a 'worrying' amount of times.

Gold Coast Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler said teenagers were educated enough to use the system to their advantage.

'They do learn the system, very well and very quickly, in terms of using the Morcombe scenario and just in general,' he told the publication.

TransLink officers and police said they feared the potential backlash if they chose to kick a child off public transport in light of the 'no child left behind' policy.

'A lot of them are given warnings. There's an unspoken rule, if they're not causing s*** get them home. What's the alternative?' one TransLink officer said.

Operation Sierra Luminous was reviewed by police who said they would need to be flexible with all the scenarios they deal with.

Brett Peter Cowan was handed a life sentence in 2014 for Daniel's murder and cannot apply for parole until he has served 20 years.

The Daniel Morcombe foundation was launched in 2005 to educate and protect children and young people from abuse.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 11:07:36|Editor: Xiang Bo

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A man visits a photo exhibition celebrating the 70th anniversary of China-Myanmar diplomatic relations in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, Jan. 17, 2020. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua)

NAY PYI TAW, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- A photo exhibition in commemoration of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Myanmar opened here Friday, bringing visitors back to historical moments of the two neighboring countries during the past 70 years.

A total of 46 precious photos were on display with captions in both Chinese and Myanmar languages in the Myanmar International Convention Center 2.

The exhibition consists of three parts, namely high-level visits, economic and trade ties, and people-to-people exchanges. It reviews the friendly relations between China and Myanmar, shows mutually beneficial cooperation, and tells the stories about China-Myanmar "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship.

One of the pictures shows the first flight between the two countries arrived at Yangon airport in 1956. U Yin Htwe, an official from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population, said he had not known the two countries launched the first flight more than 60 years ago until he saw the picture.

As more and more Chinese visited Myanmar, U Yin Htwe said he looks forward to closer people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

U Aung Phyo Myat, Nay Pyi Taw regional director of the Myanmar Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, said he believes the friendship between the two countries will be handed down from one generation to another.

The exhibition was held by the Chinese State Council Information Office and the Myanmar Ministry of Information and organized by China Image Group of Xinhua News Agency and the Myanmar International Convention Center 2.
Since her election to the House of Representatives, Ilhan Omar has had a knack for generating national headlines. Initially, the headlines were positive. Here was a young Muslim woman who had come to this country at age 10, after having escaped the Somali civil war with her family and then spending four years in a Kenyan refugee camp. Omar is also extremely photogenic and had impeccable progressive credentials. She was a perfect fit for Minnesota's 5th District, which encompasses Minneapolis and surrounding areas.

The last time the 5th District sent a Republican to the House of Representatives was in 1960. The same district has also begun to boast a large Muslim population in recent years. Indeed, it has the largest concentration of Somali immigrants in America. As of 2016, there were estimated to be between 40,000 and 52,000 Somalis, both immigrants and first-generation children, in Minneapolis, with some putting the number as high as 80,000.

Omar's problem has been that, since her ascension to the House and her high profile in "the Squad" of four newly elected Progressive young women, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, she's been dogged by controversy. She's proven herself to be extremely hostile to Jews and Israel, so much so that the House tried to censure her specifically for that anti-Semitism, only to collapse before the rising anti-Semitism in the entire body. Instead, it issued a vague pronouncement saying, essentially, that it hates hate.

Omar also aroused the wrath of many Americans when video footage emerged showing her at a CAIR event describing 9/11 as a day on which "some people did something." That statement came wrapped in a package of complaining that Muslims in America have been "second-class" citizens since 9/11, never mind that not a single law or other government initiative has passed downgrading Islam in America. It was a false, whining, disrespectful thing to say.

Just recently, Omar joined with other Democrats in expressing outrage that Trump would dare kill an Iranian terrorist. She also showed what's becoming common with her, which is a signal lack of intelligence, when she confused copper nickel mining with oil mining.

Given Minneapolis's true blue politics, none of the above should affect her standing with voters there. On the things that matter to them, she has a perfect record political slate: she supports student loan debt forgiveness; Medicare for All (i.e., socialized medicine); open borders; ending ICE; anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism; LGBT rights; high minimum wages; and, of course, she despises Trump. Indeed, through tweets, she's occasionally entered into a war of wits with Trump, despite the handicap that she is manifestly unarmed.

The big problem for Omar now is that she's being investigated by the FBI and other federal agencies for immigration fraud, tax fraud, and student loan fraud. It's entirely possible that the federal government, because she's in a protected class under the progressive rubric, will back down from the investigation, just as the British police refused to look into all the child-trafficking and sex abuse in Rotherham and Manchester. It wasn't politically worth it for them to run afoul of Britain's Muslim community, and the feds may feel the same about America's Muslim community vis-a-vis Omar's potentially criminal actions.

Still, it's a stain on Omar's record. Moreover, scuttlebutt has it that many in Minneapolis's Muslim community are not happy with Omar's progressive politics or her increasingly open America hatred.

Enter Dalia al-Aqidi. Dalia is also a Muslim refugee, having left war-torn Iraq for American when she was a child. Unlike Omar, Dalia loves her new country. She became a journalist and covered the Middle East, especially Iraq. She understands what happens when a political party is dedicated to tearing the country apart.

Dalia is running as a Republican to take Omar's seat. She exploded into national awareness Friday when she posted an extraordinary campaign video, one in which she celebrates America's virtues and promises, if elected, to work for, not against, America and its values:

Being a Republican in Minneapolis is a handicap, but Dalia is attractive and a fighter, and she should appeal to the more conservative element among the city's Somali voters, as well as disaffected Democrats who, while liberal in their values, have tired of the newly woke Democrat party's hard leftism.
Asia

India: Mumbai hospital workers and retirees protest non-payment of wages and pensions

Current and retired workers from Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital and Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children in Mumbai began a three-day protest on January 13 against hospital management, the Mumbai Municipal Corporation and the Maharashtra state in southwest India. Workers and retirees have not been paid for the past month.

Mumbai General Kamgar Union, which is affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, the trade union wing of the Communist Party of India, demonstrated on hospital premises chanting slogans against the authorities.

The hospitals, which operate as a joint venture between the Wadia family, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and state government, face a major financial crisis and have not received funds for the last two years. Doctors, nurses and other supporting staff participated in the protests.

Finance sector workers continue protests in Kerala

Workers from Kerala-based Muthoot Finances are continuing a hunger protest they began on January 1, following the sudden termination of 166 workers. Workers say that the sackings were directed against employees that led a 52-day strike from August 20 last year. The protest is being organised by the Non-Banking and Private Finance Association.

Management bogusly insists that the industrial action is violent activity and shut 43 branches across the state, claiming they cannot function because of the protests.

According to the workers, management selectively targeted workers in branches where the union secretary and workers are active members of the union.

Anganwadi workers continue their protests

Anganwadi (childcare) workers are maintaining a month-long protest in Dehradun, capital of Indias Uttarakhand state. As well looking after the children, the low-paid, mainly women workers have to clean the centres, collect health data statistics and other tasks. They are only paid 3,500-rupees ($US49) per month.

Uttarakhand has over 20,000 anganwadi centres across 13 districts. The workers have been protesting at Dehradun since the first week of December demanding a pay rise and improved benefits. Similar protests were held in Haridwar during December.

Powercom contract workers protest in Punjab

Powercom Contractual Employees Union members demonstrated outside the chief engineers west zone office in Bathinda, in Indias Punjab state, on January 10. They were demanding payment of all outstanding salaries and benefits, job permanency and regular training.

The workers, who have not been paid their December wages, want ongoing training for contract workers in order to reduce the number of electrocution incidents and other health and safety injuries. After demonstrating outside the west zone office they moved to the chief engineers office in Bathindas Thermal Colony.

Pakistan transit workers strike over unpaid salaries

Metro Bus transit workers shut down services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on January 9 to demand immediate payment of three months outstanding wages. The four-hour strikebetween 6 and 10 in the morningimpacted on some 110,000 daily commuters.

The Metro Bus Authority, which is responsible for transit services, blamed the outsourced companies for their failure to pay the workers. Services resumed after the workers were told that their wages would be paid before January 22.

Renault Samsung Motors autoworkers strike in South Korea

Renault Samsung Motors partially shut down its Busan factory last week in response to an ongoing strike by unionised workers. The workers want an eight percent salary increase and improved benefits. The company had previously conducted a partial lockout targeting industrial action last June.

The factory suspended its night shifts to reduce losses after 30 percent of the workforce joined the stoppage. Renault Samsung Motors claims the strike has cost it $100 million by disrupting the production of more than 6,000 vehicles over the past two weeks.

Kia autoworkers hold one-day strike for higher wages

Kia autoworkers in South Korea held an eight-hour strike Monday, the latest in a series of partial walkouts that began last month, to demand improved wages. Kia employees have called for a narrowing of the gap between their pay and wages at larger affiliates, such as Hyundai. An offer was rejected in December, leading to three rounds of partial strikes. Workers were set to vote on the new offer accepted by the union on Friday.

Taiwanese couriers protest pay cut

Foodpanda delivery drivers protested across Taiwan on Thursday against a planned pay cut. One demonstrating worker in Taichung City claimed commission payments would drop from $NT70 per delivery to $NT57. The changes are due to come into effect on Thursday. The labor affairs bureau, however, has stated that Foodpanda does not have the legal right to unilaterally change the terms of its contracts.

Indonesian workers and students protest labour laws

Hundreds of workers and students marched on Monday to the lower house of the Indonesian parliament in Jakarta against plans by President Joko Widodo to legislate an Omnibus Bill. In the name of job creation, the bill, which will be brought before parliament next week, attacks workers conditions.

Demonstrations were also held on the same day in South Sumatra, East Java and Central Java. It followed various protests and a strike in the capital last week. More actions are planned leading up to the resumption of parliament on January 20.

The demonstrations were called by Indonesias three major trade union confederations and various student groups. While details of the law are not officially public the unions have pointed to the minimum wage and severance pay as Omnibus bill targets. They have also warned that it will facilitate outsourcing and uncontracted work.

Union officials have complained that they were not consulted in the drafting of the laws. Their primary concern is that Widodos pro-investor program threatens their own privileged positions.

Cambodia: Strike ends at Phnom Penhs NagaWorld

Three thousand workers at the NagaWorld hotel and casino complex ended a two-day strike late last week after management agreed to reinstate union president Chhim Sithar, who was suspended last September.

The Hong Kong-based firm, which reported a revenue of $US1.8 billion in 2019, also agreed to wage increases of between 18 and 30 per cent. The deal, brokered by the union and government labour officials, fell far short of the 100 percent pay rise demanded by workers.

Nothing was agreed on workers demands for greater organising rights, improved conditions and an end to company harassment. Management had obtained a court injunction declaring the stoppage illegal and threatened to sack the striking workers.

Australia

Australian tram drivers vote for industrial action

Some 1,500 Melbourne tram drivers and customer-support workers have voted in favour of industrial action on January 28 and 29 as part of their dispute with Yarra Trams over a new enterprise agreement.

The company, which is contracted by the state Labor government to operate tram services, is offering wage increases of just 3 percent annually over four years. It wants to increase the proportion of part-time employees from 4 percent to 15 percent and introduce more flexible rosters. Workers say the changes will reduce take-home pay, job security and quality of life.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union has restricted industrial action to limited strikes. It has sought to prevent a unified struggle of the tram drivers with train staff, who are also locked in an enterprise agreement dispute. At the same time, the union has made clear its willingness to negotiate further sell-out deals in the transport sector, which has been hit by decades of cuts.
A top Pakistani minister and a close aide of Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Saturday that Islamabad had shown weakness on Kashmir, contradicting his governments claim that it has succeeded in internationalising the issue.

Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid said the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government will hold rallies in the country till February 5 to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

I think so far we have shown weakness on the Kashmir issue. I have spoken (on it) in the Cabinet meetings, Rashid told reporters.

Rashids remarks have come days after Prime Minister Khan reaffirmed Pakistans support for the Kashmiri people.

J&K dispute must be resolved in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions & the will of the Kashmiri people. We will continue to provide moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people..., Khan said in tweet on Thursday.

An internationally recognised dispute, J&K remains on the Security Councils agenda & its consideration by the Council reflects a recognition of the seriousness of the prevailing situation, he said.

In a special address to the nation in August last year, Khan said that Islamabads Kashmir policy was at a decisive point and his government had succeeded in internationalising the issue of Kashmir.

We have succeeded in internationalising the issue of Kashmir, we talked to world leaders and embassies. The UN for the first time since 1965, convened a meeting on Kashmir issue. Even international media has picked it up, Khan had said.

On Friday, Khan chaired a meeting on the situation in Kashmir, which was attended by Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence Lt Gen Faiz Hamid, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mehmood and other senior military and civilian officials.

They discussed the preparations for the Kashmir Day observed on February 5 every year to express solidarity with the Kashmiris.

This years Kashmir Day would have added significance as it would be the first such observance after Indias August 5 decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcate it into two Union Territories, evoking strong reactions from Islamabad.

India has defended the move, saying the special status provisions only gave rise to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

The country took the decision of abrogation of Article 370, which had only given separatism and terrorism to that state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at a function in October last year.

Earlier in December, minister Rashid had said that the opening of the historic Kartarpur Corridor was the brainchild of Pakistan Army chief General Bajwa, contradicting his governments assertion that the idea behind the initiative was of Prime Minister Khan.

On November 9, prime minister Khan inaugurated the Kartarpur Corridor to facilitate the visa-free entry of Indian Sikh pilgrims to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev.

Rashid, a known motormouth, said the corridor will hurt India for ever.

India will remember forever the kind of wound inflicted on it by Gen Bajwa by opening Kartarpur corridor, he had said. PTI MZ MRJ MRJ MRJ
UP Police is busy, opening fire at CAA, NRC protesters and asking them to go to Pakistan and so on. So other lesser important things like women's safety have taken a back seat.

The Uttar Pradesh Police which had come under heavy criticism after a 23-year-old rape victim was set ablaze by five men, including two of them whom she had filed a rape complaint and was out on bail has not learned their lessons yet.

AFP

In yet another shocking crime which is almost a repeat of the horrific incident in Unnao, a 40-year-old woman was beaten to death by six men, who were accused of molesting her daughter who was 13 years old at the time, in 2018.



Last Thursday, the men who were out on bail barged into the home of the minor girl and asked the family to withdraw the case, and when they refused, the accused beat them up with sharp weapons leaving the girl's mother and another relative badly injured.

The complainant's mother, who was also a witness in the molestation case died in the Lala Lajpat Rai hospital in Kanpur on Friday. In a short video that was shot by unidentified people from the locality, the woman in a red kurta lying on the ground as a man dressed in a white kurta and trousers kicks her face.

"The incident took place in Chakeri area. The accused in the molestation case of 2018 was out on bail. There was a dispute between the accused and the victim's family while the accused were drinking liquor. The accused along with other people attacked the two witnesses of the molestation case," Kanpur SSP Anant Dev Tiwari said. He said, "In the attack, a woman was seriously injured and was admitted to the hospital. After spending over a week in the hospital, she succumbed to her injuries on Friday."

Following the death of the woman, four of the six accused Abid, Mintu, Mahboob, Chaand Babu have been arrested by the police. There are also reports that the two others, Jameel and Firoz were in an encounter with police.

AFP

This is the second such crime that was reported from UP after the Unnao incident. Last month an 18-year-old girl was allegedly raped and set ablaze at a village in Fatehpur district. The 22-year-old accused is her distant relative, who allegedly raped and set the girl ablaze when she was alone at her house.



AFP

There was also another incident in Baghpat UP where a rape complaint was threatened a 'worse than Unnao fate' if she dares to testify in the case. The rape complaint's family found a note pasted outside their house which said that if she testified in the court on, consequences will not be good. They may be worse than Unnao.


" " Rosa Parks is fingerprinted by police. Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty images

The Supreme Court had struck down the "separate but equal" precedent of Plessy v. Ferguson with their decision in the Brown v. Board of Education case, making segregation illegal. But were states actually following orders?

Many people know the story of Rosa Parks. On Thursday, Dec. 1, 1955, after a long day at work as a seamstress, Mrs. Parks boarded a bus in Montgomery to go home. She sat in the fifth row with three other Blacks, the farthest row forward Blacks could legally occupy. As the bus filled up along the route, however, more whites entered the bus. Eventually, one white was left standing. According to Alabama law during the '50s, Blacks and whites couldn't occupy the same row. When told by the bus driver to give up the row to the white man, three of the Blacks left for the back of the bus, but Mrs. Parks simply refused. She was quickly arrested and sent to jail.

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Rosa Parks remains one of the most iconic figures of the civil rights movement, and the steps she took changed American life. But her story isn't as improvised as it sounds. In fact, Mrs. Parks' arrest, which led to the famous Montgomery Bus Boycott, was planned from the beginning. Parks was an NAACP member with interest in the segregation situation, and she had completed a workshop on civil disobedience before she was arrested. After hearing of the Supreme Court's decision in the Brown v. Board of Education case, Jo Ann Robinson, a Black woman and professor at the all-Black Alabama State College, had decided the time was right to test the law.

After the arrest, Robinson and other prominent ministers and civil rights activists, including E.D. Nixon and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., gathered to discuss a boycott. Handouts were made urging Blacks to stay off of buses the following Monday.

The first day of the boycott was a huge success, with empty buses rolling through the streets of Montgomery. The group met again that night and quickly formed an organization, calling themselves the Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA) and electing King as president. After some discussion, the MIA agreed to continue the boycott, which would last for a little more than a year.

" " Rosa Parks, center, one of the most famous figures from the civil rights movement, helped spark the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Don Cravens/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images

Whites tried every way possible to break up the boycott. First they tried nonviolent means. When Black cab services began undercharging other Blacks with a 10-cent fare, the city announced that any cab charging less than 45 cents would be stopped. Companies began canceling insurance polices on cars used for carpooling. Mrs. Parks was arrested for not paying her fine, and King was arrested several times, usually for minor trafficoffenses. When these tactics didn't work, whites then turned to violence. Bombs went off in Black homes, King's house was shot at and the Ku Klux Klan marched around to protest.

The city was beginning to suffer financially from the boycott, and news of the case made its way to the Supreme Court, which had recently declared segregation illegal in Brown v. Board of Education. The Court ordered full integration in November 1956, and by Dec. 21 of that year, Blacks ended the boycott and started riding the buses again.

The boycott marked the first important involvement of the public in the civil rights movement and the emergence of Martin Luther King Jr. After success in Montgomery and gaining national attention, King soon became a major leader of the movement, moving to Atlanta and starting the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

Bernalillo County Commissioner Debbie OMalleys push to get a West Central Route 66 Visitor Center feasibility study completed before construction began did not go over well with some people, including one state lawmaker.

In what OMalley called an inappropriate series of emails, state Sen. Jacob Candelaria, D-Albuquerque, questioned her understanding of the project and accused her of failing her West Side constituents.

Candelaria, however, said his criticism is justified since OMalley, a fellow Democrat, had insulted the community members driving the project.

Candelarias messages to OMalley  on which he copied several other local elected officials  began after the Journal reported that OMalley had recommended a third-party analysis to determine the market for some of the centers proposed uses.

The story quoted OMalley saying she thought the county had missed a step by proceeding without such a study.

But Candelaria wrote to say he was sincerely disappointed in those comments, calling them unfair to the community that had worked for years on the project.

I believe the statements you made reflect a lack of understanding rather than a true criticism of this project, he wrote Nov. 29 in an email chain obtained by the Journal. Though he said he agreed with having a broader conversation about the centers mission, he said he had not seen OMalley support the project and pointed out that her district includes parts of West Side Albuquerque.

OMalley responded that she was sincerely disappointed in (Candelarias) accusatory tone and that a feasibility analysis would inform the county about a facility it will own.

If you would have been paying attention, you would know that I have supported this project and continue to support it, she wrote. That does not mean that I dont have legitimate concerns or questions.

Candelaria followed by calling OMalley an ineffective county commissioner who does not step up for the westside and blamed her for what he deemed the countys limited influence among state lawmakers.

Your behavior and lack of commitment and support for the westside is A matter of record. You dont work collaboratively, and you throw bombs because you feel you know better than all of us and our communities, he wrote, adding that he was happy that she was term-limited.

OMalley told the Journal in a recent interview that the messages surprised her. She said she does not have an antagonistic relationship with Candelaria, and she was disappointed that he chose to email a group of officials rather than call and speak to her directly. She also defended her work to benefit the West Side, citing as an example her support for the expansion of Atrisco Vista Boulevard.

That was just really out of left field and I thought it was very inappropriate, OMalley said of Candelarias response.

Candelaria, meanwhile, said he stands by the messages because he thinks OMalley disrespected the Southwest Albuquerque communitys grassroots effort to bring the project to fruition. Candelarias state Senate district covers the project site, and he has helped fund it through his state capital outlay funds.

Just because the planning wasnt run by her office and doesnt meet her quote-unquote idea of planning, its still disrespectful for her to say this planning, quote-unquote, wasnt done or that steps were missed, he said.
A representative from Bus Eireann outlined a number of changes they plan to implement to bus routes providing services in Wicklow during a presentation at Monday's meeting.

A new timetable is expected to be introduced on March 22.

The 133, 132 and Expressway service to Dublin Airport are all operated by Bus Eireann.

Stephen Kent, Chief Commercial Officer for Bus Eireann, said Bus Eireann plan to increase morning and evening services during peak times. The service will start at 5 a.m. rather than 5.30 a.m. and will feature departures every 20 minutes rather than the current 30 minutes.

'We have spent months working with the NTA and have a timetable approved, We will be engaging with staff this week over the changes. We expect the timetable to be implemented on March 22. We believe it will be a more reliable and efficient service,' said Mr Kent.

Around 300 trips are made every week from Wicklow to Dublin. Journeys are also up 5 per cent compared to a year previous. The 132 service had delivered around 15 per cent growth over the past year.

'Traffic congestion has been our biggest bug bearer over the past three months. We have to deal with congestion, particularly in the Greater Dublin Area. It's no different to what you experience in your cars,' added Mr Kent

The 133 service has a 98 per cent reliability rating, while the rating for the 132 stands at 99 per cent.

Councillors thanked the Bus Eireann delegation for their attendance but weren't shy of critiquing some failings in the services provided.

Cllr Paul O'Brien said most of the problems involving the 133 service seemed to take place in Dublin rather than Wicklow.

'I got an email from a woman this morning that could not have been more appreciative of the service from Wicklow. However, there were problems on the return leg from Dublin. People are told the bus will be there in five minutes and it never arrives at all.'

Cllr Jennifer Whitmore pointed out that the 133 was the most complained about bus route in the country. It received 899 complaints per 100,000 passengers in 2018 - by far the largest number nationwide. Nationally, the average was 40 complaints per 100,000 passengers.

'The 133 is a huge problem,' said Cllr Whitmore.

'I have had contact about teenagers left on the side of the road in the dark, people leaving their jobs because the service is so unreliable and other people having to purchase a second car. If the service isn't frequent and reliable then people won't use it.'

She also requested that Bus Eireann look into the 133 also stopping at Aughrim.

Last year Cllr Mary Kavanagh presented Bus Eireann with a petition signed by over 1,000 people seeking improvements to the bus service.

'One woman's comment stuck in my mind. She said late buses were not only affecting her husband's work, they were also affecting his mental health. There seems to be a big gap between how Bus Eireann think they are doing and how the public think they are doing.'

Cllr Derek Mitchell said the vast majority of his constituents in the Greystones area use the 84X bus, for which he hears very few complaints. However, some constituents in Willow Grove and Newtown use the 133 service and had numerous complaints.

'People are being left at the bus stops for a very long time not knowing what is going on. We need a more frequent service at peak hours and need to get traffic off the N11.'

Cllr Steven Matthews inquired if there were any plans to use hard shoulders on the N11 or for a park and ride.

Cllr Lourda Scott said delays to bus arrival times was causing considerable hardship.

'Parents with young children are standing outside the Parkview at 6 a.m. only for the bus to pass right by them. Then they have to wait an delay going to work by another hour. There are also real failings in the complaints service and actually responding to complaints.'

Cllr Rory O'Connor recalled an encounter he had with a couple while recently waiting to catch a bus.

'They asked me what time the next bus they needed was at and I showed them on my App. They said they couldn't wait that long but the bus actually ended up coming 90 minutes early, without updating the App.'

Cllr Dermot O'Brien said it was difficult to encourage people to use the service when there were so many complaints about it.

Cllr Sylvester Bourke felt the service had improved since he first became a Councillor 20 years ago, but that further improvements were still required.

'I use the service often. I do find it frustrating when waiting for a bus more than five minutes than the stated time. Also I noticed that family prices can be quite high. I have a family of five and the price for five people is often dearer on the bus than it is to take the car.'

Cllr John Snell heard one ten-year-old describe the 133 as the 'worst service in Ireland' to his mother.

'Bus Eireann will be in trouble if the next generation are already thinking that in their mind,' said Cllr Snell.

Cllr Peir Leonard called for a stop that had been discontinued in Arklow to be reinstated while Cllr Pat Fitzgerald stated that the cessation of certain services to St Vincent's Hospital meant some patients, mostly elderly, had to order a taxi from the bus stop at UCD.

Mr Kent said a park and ride service would be in the best interests of Bus Eireann.

'We would be very supportive where we can get them in. But, in reality we aren't in control. We are only a consultee.'
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-17 20:52:16|Editor: Xiang Bo

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Nurses play with Wint Nadi Hlaing, who is recovering from the surgery, at Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 3, 2020. Khant Thurain Phyo, who had been diagnosed with serious CHD, arrived in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, with his mother a month ago, for free treatment sponsored by a rescue action plan under the Belt and Road Initiative. The action plan was launched by the China Charity Federation, Yunnan Charity Federation and the FYCH in 2018 and has so far treated 15 Myanmar children with CHD. (Xinhua/Jiang Wenyao)

by Xinhua writers Zeng Wei and Zhao Peiran

KUNMING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- In a ward at Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital (FYCH), a nurse comforted 2-year-old Khant Thurain Phyo with a toy car. His mother Zar Yi Myint was jollily making a video call with her husband and daughter back in Myanmar.

Khant Thurain Phyo, who had been diagnosed with serious congenital heart disease (CHD), arrived in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, with his mother a month ago, for free treatment sponsored by a rescue action plan under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The action plan was launched by the China Charity Federation, Yunnan Charity Federation and the FYCH in 2018 and has so far treated 15 Myanmar children with CHD.

Looking at her son who can now jump like a playful deer, the 28-year-old mother was grateful for the Chinese doctors. "They gave my child a second life."

"He was skinny at birth. He frequently suffered from difficulty breathing," the mother said.

When the diagnosis came out, the poor boy could only rely on medicine to stay alive due to inadequate medical conditions for surgery. But the high medical costs almost pushed the family to the brink of collapse.

Upon hearing the news that a hospital in neighboring Yunnan was willing to offer free treatment to children with severe CHD, the struggling family saw a glimmer of hope.

In 2018, a Chinese medical team arrived in Yonjin Children's Hospital in Myanmar's Rangoon. They checked 58 children diagnosed with CHD and took 15 seriously ill patients back to Kunming for treatment.

The team arrived in Myanmar again last year. After examining 25 children with CHD, they took eight back for treatment on Dec. 4. Khant Thurain Phyo was one of them.

His mother spent a sleepless night outside the operating room, staring at the electronic screen while praying. After five grueling hours of waiting, she was told that the operation was successful. She burst into tears of joy.

"We customized treatment and operation plans for each child based on their own conditions," said Ma Linkun, deputy director of the FYCH.

According to Ma, operations on the eight children have been successful. Four have been discharged and returned to Myanmar.

Myint Myint Khine is the director of Yonjin Children's Hospital. After visiting the FYCH, he said that the cooperation on treating children with CHD has deepened bilateral relations and mutual trust.

Hnin Le Phyu, a nurse sent by the Yonjin hospital, has just finished a one-month training at the ICU department of the FYCH.

Medical institutions from Laos, Cambodia, Bangladesh and other countries that visited the FYCH also recognized the successful practice of the action plan, and showed a willingness to cooperate as well.

"I believe that my son will have a bright life after this. And I want to refer more Myanmar children with the disease to the program," the mother said.
Sajid Javid will travel to Davos next week for the World Economic Forum (Victoria Jones/PA)

Chancellor Sajid Javid has warned manufacturing leaders that there will be no alignment with EU regulations once Britains exit from the European Union is made official.

The Treasury would not lend support to manufacturers that favour EU rules as the sector has had three years to prepare for Britains transition, Mr Javid said in an interview with the Financial Times.

There will not be alignment, we will not be a ruletaker, we will not be in the single market and we will not be in the customs union  and we will do this by the end of the year, Mr Javid said.

Once weve got this agreement in place with our European friends, we will continue to be one of the most successful economies on EarthSajid Javid

Were  talking about companies that have known since 2016 that we are leaving the EU.

There is concern among some UK business sectors about leaving the current trading partnership without a new deal to reduce border friction.

Mr Javid admitted that some businesses may not benefit from Brexit, but added that the UK economy would ultimately continue to thrive in the long-term.

Once weve got this agreement in place with our European friends, we will continue to be one of the most successful economies on Earth, he said.

Mr Javid will have the opportunity to sell his vision for Britains economy post-Brexit when he travels to Davos next week for the World Economic Forum.

But the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) said that no regulatory alignment with the EU after Brexit could lead to price rises.

Its chief operating officer Tim Rycroft added: Food and drink manufacturers will be deeply concerned by the Chancellors suggestion that there will not be regulatory alignment with the EU post-Brexit.

This represents the death knell for frictionless trade.

It will mean businesses will have to adjust to costly new checks, processes and procedures, that will act as a barrier to frictionless trade with the EU and may well result in price rises.

The Chancellor also hinted that there might be tax rises in the March Budget or autumn, telling the Financial Times that he was determined to take the hard decisions you need to sometimes, especially at the start of a new government.

But when asked specifically about taxation he said: Youll have to wait for the Budget.
The Kano State police command has arrested an academic, Professor Solomon Musa Tarfa over an alleged baby factory operating in the state.

Reports have it that nineteen inmates of both sexes and various ages were rescued in a raid carried out on December 25, 2019 at the orphanage home called Du Mercy Children Development Ministry.

Tarfa has reportedly been operating for over two decades and was working alongside one Chidi Christopher who runs a maternity clinic at Nomansland area of Kano.



The pair would allegedly steal newborn babies from their parents after birth and according to Kano Police Spokesperson, DSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, one Dr Nwoye who is currently at large gave ante-natal care to pregnant women after which he handed over their babies to the orphanage home.

Professor Tarfas wife, Mercy was also accused of facilitating the procurement of kids through other illegal means.

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In the light of this hope I accept the topic which not only usage but the nature of our association seem to prescribe to this day-the American Scholar. Year by year we come up hither to read one more chapter of his biography. Let us inquire what new lights, new events, and more days have thrown on his character, his duties, and his hopes.It is one of those fables which out of an unknown antiquity convey an unlooked-for wisdom, that the gods, in the beginning, divided Man into men, that he might be more helpful to himself; just as the hand was divided into fingers, the better to answer its end.The old fable covers a doctrine ever new and sublime; that there is One Man-present to all particular men only partially, or through one faculty; and that you must take the whole society to find the whole man. Man is not a farmer, or a professor, or an engineer, but he is all. Man is priest, and scholar, and statesman, and producer, and soldier. In the divided or social state these functions are parceled out to individuals, each of whom aims to do his stint of the joint work, whilst each other performs his. The fable implies that the individual, to possess himself, must sometimes return from his own labor to embrace all the other laborers. But, unfortunately, this original unit, this fountain of power, has been so distributed to multitudes, has been so minutely subdivided and peddled out, that it is spilled into drops, and cannot be gathered. The state of society is one in which the members have suffered amputation from the trunk and strut about so many walking monsters-a good finger, a neck, a stomach, an elbow, but never a man.In this distribution of functions the scholar is the delegated intellect. In the right state he is. In the degenerate state, when the victim of society, he tends to become a mere thinker, or, still worse, the parrot of other men's thinking.The first in time and the first in importance of the influences upon the mind is that of nature.Yet when this spiritual light shall have revealed the law of more earthly natures, he shall look forward to an ever-expanding knowledge as to a becoming creator. He shall see that nature is the opposite of the soul, answering to it part for part. One is seal and one is print. Its beauty is the beauty of his own mind. Its laws are the laws of his own mind. Nature then becomes to him the measure of his attainments. So much of nature as he is ignorant of, so much of his own mind does he not yet possess. And, in fine, the ancient precept, "Know thyself," and the modern precept, "Study nature," become at last one maxim.The next great influence into the spirit of the scholar is the mind of the Past-in whatever form, whether of literature, of art, of institutions, that mind is inscribed. Books are the best type of the influence of the past, and perhaps we shall get at the truth-by considering their value alone.The theory of books is noble. The scholar of the first age received into him the world around; brooded thereon; gave it the new arrangement of his own mind, and uttered it again. It came into him life; it went out from him truth.Or, I might say, it depends on how far the process had gone, of transmuting life into truth. In proportion to the completeness of the distillation, so will the purity and imperishableness of the product be. But none is quite perfect. As no air-pump can by any means make a perfect vacuum, so neither can any artist entirely exclude the conventional, the local, the perishable from his book, or write a book of pure thought, that shall be as efficient, in all respects, to a remote posterity, as to contemporaries, or rather to the second age. Each age, it is found, must write its own books; or rather, each generation for the next succeeding. The books of an older period will not fit this.Yet hence arises a grave mischief. The sacredness which attaches to the act of creation, the act of thought, is instantly transferred to the record. Henceforward it is settled the book is perfect; as love of the hero corrupts into worship of his statue. Instantly the book becomes noxious. The guide is a tyrant. We sought a brother, and lo, a governor. The sluggish and perverted mind of the multitude, always slow to open to the incursions of Reason, having once so opened, having once received this book, stands upon it, and makes an outcry if it is disparaged. Colleges are built on it. Books are written on it by thinkers, not by Man Thinking, by men of talent, that is, who start wrong, who set out from accepted dogmas, not from their own sight of principles.Hence, instead of Man Thinking, we have the bookworm. Hence the book-learned class, who value books, as such; not as related to nature and the human constitution, but as making a sort of Third Estate with the world and soul.Books are the best of things, well used; abused, among the worst. What is the right use? What is the one end which all means go to effect? They are for nothing but to inspire. I had better never see a book than to be warped by its attraction clean out of my own orbit, and made a satellite instead of a system. The one thing in the world of value is the active soul-the soul, free, sovereign, active. This every man is entitled to; this every man contains within him, although in almost all men obstructed, and as yet unborn. The soul active sees absolute truth and utters truth, or creates.Undoubtedly there is a right way of reading, so it be sternly subordinated. Man Thinking must not be subdued by his instruments. Books are for the scholar's idle times.It is remarkable, the character of the pleasure we derive from the best books. They impress us ever with the conviction that one nature wrote and the same reads. We read the verses of one of the great English poets, of Chaucer, of Marvell, of Dryden, with the most modern joy-with a pleasure, I mean, which is in great part caused by the abstraction of all time from their verses. There is some awe mixed with the joy of our surprise, when this poet, who lived in some past world, two or three hundred years ago, says that which lies close to my own soul, that which I also had well-nigh thought and said.Of course there is a portion of reading quite indispensable to a wise man. History and exact science he must learn by laborious reading. Colleges, in like manner, have their indispensable office-to teach elements. But they can only highly serve us when they aim not to drill, but to create; when they gather from far every ray of various genius to their hospitable halls, and by the concentrated fires set the hearts of their youth on flame. Thought and knowledge are natures in which apparatus and pretension avail nothing. Gowns and pecuniary foundations, though of towns of gold, can never countervail the least sentence or syllable of wit. Forget this, and our American colleges will recede in their public importance, whilst they grow richer every year.There goes in the world a notion that the scholar should be a recluse, a valetudinarian-as unfit for any handiwork or public labor as a penknife for an axe. The so-called "practical men" sneer at speculative men, as if, because they speculate or see, they could do nothing. As far as this is true of the studious classes, it is not just and wise. Action is with the scholar subordinate, but it is essential. Without it he is not yet man. Without it thought can never ripen into truth.The mind now thinks, now acts, and each fit reproduces the other. When the artist has exhausted his materials, when the fancy no longer paints, when thoughts are no longer apprehended and books are a weariness-he has always the resource to live. Character is higher than intellect. Thinking is the function. Living is the functionary. The stream retreats to its source. A great soul will be strong to live, as well as strong to think. Does he lack organ or medium to impart his truth? He can still fall back on this elemental force of living them.This is a total act. Thinking is a partial act. Let the grandeur of justice shine in his affairs. Let the beauty of affection cheer his lowly roof. Those "far from fame," who dwell and act with him, will feel the force of his constitution in the doings and passages of the day better than it can be measured by any public and designed display. Time shall teach him that the scholar loses no hour which the man lives.I have now spoken of the education of the scholar by nature, by books, and by action. It remains to say somewhat of his duties.They are such as become Man Thinking. They may all be comprised in self-trust. The office of the scholar is to cheer, to raise, and to guide men by showing them facts amidst appearances. He plies the slow, unhonored, and unpaid task of observation. In the long period of his preparation he must betray often an ignorance and shiftlessness in popular arts, incurring the disdain of the able who shoulder him aside. Long he must stammer in his speech; often forego the living for the dead. Worse yet, he must accept-how often!-poverty and solitude.For the ease and pleasure of treading the old road, accepting the fashions, the education, the religion of society, he takes the cross of making his own, and, of course, the self-accusation, the faint heart, the frequent uncertainty and loss of time, which are the nettles and tangling vines in the way of the self-relying and self-directed; and the state of virtual hostility in which he seems to stand to society, and especially to educated society. For all this loss and scorn, what offset? He is to find consolation in exercising the highest functions of human nature. He is one who raises himself from private considerations and breathes and lives on public and illustrious thoughts. He is the world's eye. He is the world's heart. He is to resist the vulgar prosperity that retrogrades ever to barbarism, by preserving and communicating heroic sentiments, noble biographies, melodious verse, and the conclusions of history. Whatsoever oracles the human heart, in all emergencies, in all solemn hours, has uttered as its commentary on the world of actions-these he shall receive and impart. And whatsoever new verdict Reason from her inviolable seat pronounces on the passing men and events of to-day-this he shall hear and promulgate.In self-trust all the virtues are comprehended. Free should the scholar be-free and brave. Free even to the definition of freedom,Brave; for fear is a thing which a scholar by his very function puts behind him. Fear always springs from ignorance. It is a shame to him if his tranquility, amid dangerous times, arise from the presumption that like children and women his is a protected class; or if he seek a temporary peace by the diversion of his thoughts from politics or vexed questions, hiding his head like an ostrich in the flowering bushes, peeping into microscopes, and turning rhymes, as a boy whistles to keep his courage up. So is the danger a danger still; so is the fear worse.For this self-trust, the reason is deeper than can be fathomed-darker than can be enlightened. I might not carry with me the feeling of my audience in stating my own belief. But I have already shown the ground of my hope, in adverting to the doctrine that man is one. I believe man has been wronged; he has wronged himself. He has almost lost the light that can lead him back to his prerogatives. Men are become of no account.Historically, there is thought to be a difference in the ideas which predominate over successive epochs, and there are data for marking the genius of the Classic, of the Romantic, and now of the Reflective or Philosophical age. With the views I have intimated of the oneness or the identity of the mind through all individuals, I do not much dwell on these differences. In fact, I believe each individual passes through all three. The boy is a Greek; the youth, romantic; the adult, reflective. I deny not, however, that a revolution in the leading idea may be distinctly enough traced.One of these signs is the fact that the same movement which effected the elevation of what was called the lowest class in the state assumed in literature a very marked and as benign an aspect. Instead of the sublime and beautiful, the near, the low, the common, was explored and poetized. That which had been negligently trodden under foot by those who were harnessing and provisioning themselves for long journeys into far countries, is suddenly found to be richer than all foreign parts. The literature of the poor, the feelings of the child, the philosophy of the street, the meaning of household life, are the topics of the time. It is a great stride. It is a sign-is it not?-of new vigor when the extremities are made active, when currents of warm life run into the hands and the feet.Man is surprised to find that things near are not less beautiful and wondrous than things remote. The near explains the far. The drop is a small ocean. A man is related to all nature. This perception of the worth of the vulgar is fruitful in discoveries. Goethe, in this very thing the most modern of the moderns, has shown us, as none ever did, the genius of the ancients.Another sign of our times, also marked by an analogous political movement, is the new importance given to the single person. Everything that tends to insulate the individual-to surround him with barriers of natural respect, so that each man shall feel the world is his, and man shall treat with man as a sovereign state with a sovereign state-tends to true union as well as greatness. Help must come from the bosom alone. The scholar is that man who must take up into himself all the ability of the time, all the contributions of the past, all the hopes of the future. He must be an university of knowledges. If there be one lesson more than another that should pierce his ear, it is-The world is nothing, the man is all; in yourself is the law of all nature, and you know not yet how a globule of sap ascends; in yourself slumbers the whole of Reason; it is for you to know all; it is for you to dare all.Mr. President and Gentlemen, this confidence in the unsearched might of man belongs, by all motives, by all prophecy, by all preparation, to the American Scholar. We have listened too long to the courtly muses of Europe.The spirit of the American freeman is already suspected to be timid, imitative, tame. Public and private avarice make the air we breathe thick and fat. The scholar is decent, indolent, complaisant. See already the tragic consequence. The mind of this country, taught to aim at low objects, eats upon itself.We will walk on our own feet; we will work with our own hands; we will speak our own minds. Then shall man be no longer a name for pity, for doubt, and for sensual indulgence. The dread of man and the love of man shall be a wall of defense and a wreath of joy around all. A nation of men will for the first time exist, because each believes himself inspired by the Divine Soul which also inspires all men.
Italy "just wraps itself around you", you told us.

"From the history of Rome to the style of Milan, the wonder of Venice to the beauty of Puglia and the islands that surround it. You can go on the cheap or spend a fortune."

In naming Ireland's Favourite Overseas Holiday in our Reader Travel Awards 2020, you sang the praises of Lake Como, the rolling hills of Tuscany, the art of Florence, "gritty and intriguing" Naples and sublimely beautiful Sorrento.

"And then come back to Ireland refreshed to plan another holiday to Italy."

Themes of diversity, beauty and romance infused your comments on a destination voted Ireland's top overseas trip for the second year running. "Plenty to do and plenty of opportunities to do nothing," as one reader put it. And that's not even starting on the weather.

Judges noted growing air access (Aer Lingus launches new routes to Puglia and Sardinia this year), and the country's unique combination of "authentic charm" and aspirational travel. Hubs like Venice and Sorrento may struggle with overtourism, but readers were also quick to share stories of lesser-explored places - like Bologna, or Minori and Majori on the Amalfi Coast.

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Read the full results of our Reader Travel Awards 2020

Prices are keen ("when you use local transport and non-touristy restaurants"), and finding "the real Italy" is important to you - be it through character, culture, art, heritage or food.

And what food! Italy is "foodie heaven", you told us, from pizza, pasta and gelato to great wines and excellent gluten-free options ("a great country for coeliacs").

You also showed a real warmth towards Italians themselves - "stylish" folk that show "genuine hospitality" to visitors. "They're like us but happier," one of you noted.

Of the other finalists, Portugal (2) had a particularly strong showing among readers this year, Spain (3) remains the country most visited by Irish holidaymakers, and the Canary Islands (4) and France (5) were followed closely by Croatia, Turkey and Greece.

Expand Close Ireland's Favourite Overseas Holiday: Italy. Sinead Ryan, Barry Kenny (Irish Rail), Flavio Zappacosta and Stefania Gatta, from The Italian National Tourist Board and Pol O Conghaile at The Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards 2020. Photograph: Fran Veale / Facebook

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But for now, Italy remains "good for the soul", as you describe it.

"After 23 holidays there over many years, mi piace molto l'Italia! It's the people, the architecture, the passiagata, the pasta, the vino and the daily 'opera' of life."

Buon viaggio!

NB: The Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards 2020 are sponsored by Iarnrod Eireann. Read the full list of winners here, and share on social using the hashtag #indotravelawards.
A local court in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district has sentenced a man to 10 years in jail for raping a minor girl two years ago.

Special Judge (POCSO Act) Amit Kumar Pandey on Friday sentenced the man to 10 years of rigourous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 20,000 was slapped on him.

Prosecution advocate Munnu Lal Mishra on Saturday said that the man had raped the victim on May 26, 2018 in a village under Risia police station area.

The convict was caught red-handed by the girl's family and a case of rape had been registered against him under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the advocate said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)




A Zimbabwean trainee lawyer in the United Kingdom has been jailed for 14 years after he dragged a student to a wooded area and sexually attacked her.





Wilfred Marodza (28), from Eastbourne in East Sussex, targeted the woman in the early hours of July 20 after she spent the night celebrating getting a first in her degree.





He threatened to kill her before making her strip and raping her in woodland in Borough, south east London.





The girl managed to escape, but he chased her and told witnesses they were having a domestic before raping her again. She fled for a second time and got into a taxi that took her to a police station.





An hour later, Marodza targeted a second woman (25), who was waiting at a bus stop in Borough High Street. He put his hand over her mouth and forced her into Globe Street, but ran away when she started screaming.





Marodza was caught after leaving his rucksack which contained his ID for his offices with law firm Cripps Pemberton Greenish. A doorman at a bar where he had been drinking described Marodza as having an attitude and harassing people.





Prosecutor Edward Lucas said: Random females described unwanted sexual advances before asking for numbers, grabbing bottoms, gripping arms and boasting how much money he earned that week.

He went out with one purpose and one purpose in mind.





Speaking about the attack, Mr Lucas said: She describes being at a pub and on her mobile phone on the High Street. He grabbed from behind with his hand on her mouth saying: Shut the up . . . If you scream Im going to kill you.

She felt herself being dragged through the church square to Dickens Field, not far from this court. He told her to take her clothes off, told her he was going to kill her and bury her there.





He told her to make sexual noises. Following the attack she ran away, but he caught up with her and orally raped her again. She believed he was going to kill her as he said Im going to have to bury you now.





She was able to recall the defendant arguing with himself saying I dont want to do this and was somehow angry with himself.

The woman managed to get away from him and ran off, shouting for help. It was pouring with rain and she was totally naked, running from the defendant screaming: Help me.





Marodza admitted four counts of rape and one of kidnapping.

Detective constable Jonny Norman said: These two young women were subjected to ordeals that no person should ever have to endure. Marodza is a dangerous predator whose actions left both victims in fear of their lives.





Marodza will now, I hope, face a substantial amount of time behind bars, and I am sure London will be all the safer for it.- Metro.




Andrew Yang's wife Evelyn says she was sexually assaulted by her doctor during pregnancy originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

Editor's Note: This story contains graphic details of alleged sexual assaults.

Presidential candidate Andrew Yangs wife, Evelyn Yang, claims she was sexually assaulted by her OBGYN while she was pregnant with her first son, revelations she said she shared on CNN on Thursday to help other women.

In the interview, the candidate's wife said she faced months of abuse as a patient of Dr. Robert Hadden.

It started with inappropriate questions around how intimate I was with my husband, sexual activity, just very inappropriate, probing questions that were unrelated to my health, she told CNNs Dana Bash. The examinations became longer, more frequent, and I learned that they were unnecessary most of the time.

Yang said the abuse escalated when she was seven months pregnant.

I was in the exam room, and I was dressed and ready to go. And then at the last minute, he kind of made up an excuse. He said something about I think you might need a C-section. And he proceeded to grab me over to him and undress me and examine me internally, ungloved. And at first I was a little bit like what's going on here? she said.

Evelyn said that the outpouring of support for her and Andrew Yang on the campaign trail has inspired her to speak up about the assault, but says that at first she didnt even tell the presidential candidate what had happened.

I certainly didn't want Andrew blaming himself not being able to go with me to these doctors visits because, honestly, if he was with me in the room, if anyone was with me in the room this, obviously, wouldn't have happened. And at the time, he was traveling a lot for his nonprofit, she said.

Months after the abuse she said she learned that Hadden had been accused of assaulting other women after Googling him when she received a notice in the mail that he had left his practice. It was at that point that she told her husband about the abuse.

Story continues

He cried. And he wasn't bawling. There were tears. And he said it's because he remembered when I told -- when I came home one day ranting about pervy doctors I said something like, why do they let men be gynecologists? It makes no sense. And he remembered that I had made this comment and he felt so bad. He felt guilty that he didn't make the connection or ask anymore, she said.

PHOTO: Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang and his wife Evelyn campaign at the Sidekick Coffee house in Iowa City, Iowa, Dec. 14, 2019. (Jeff Topping/Polaris, FILE)

Yang says she joined the Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vances case against the doctor, along with 17 other women, accusing the doctor of sexual assault. The doctor pleaded guilty to two charges involving two of the women, but Yang wasnt one of them, according to CNN.

According to court documents, Hadden pleaded guilty to sexually abusing two patients, one by licking her vagina during a purported vaginal examination and another by sexually abusing a female patient the doctor knew to be HIV positive, with his ungloved hand.

The district attorney agreed to a plea deal with Hadden and the doctor lost his medical license, registered as the lowest level sex offender, and avoided jail time, according to CNN.

In a statement provided to ABC News, District Attorney Vance said, "Dr. Hadden was a serial sexual predator who used access and power to take advantage of women in their most vulnerable states. We support all of his survivors, and applaud their strength and courage. Because a conviction is never a guaranteed outcome in a criminal trial, our primary concern was holding him accountable and making sure he could never do this again  which is why we insisted on a felony conviction and permanent surrender of his medical license. While we stand by our legal analysis and resulting disposition of this difficult case, we regret that this resolution has caused survivors pain.

Six weeks before Yang says she was assaulted, police arrested the doctor after a patient told them he sexually assaulted her and licked her vagina during an exam. His arrest was voided and he continued seeing female patients, according to CNN.

There are now 32 women who accused Hadden of sexual assault.

The allegations leading to Robert Haddens 2016 guilty plea and allegations contained in subsequent complaints are abhorrent, and we deeply apologize to those whose trust was violated, the university told ABC News in a statement.

Attorney Isabelle Kirshner, who previously represented Hadden declined to comment when reached by ABC News.

As the story aired on CNN, Andrew Yang tweeted, I love my wife very much.

Im extraordinarily proud of Evelyn for telling her story, and my heart breaks every time I think of what she had to experience. She is my best friend and the bravest woman I know. No one deserves to be harmed and treated the way she and countless other women have been. When victims of abuse come forward, they deserve our belief, support, and protection. I hope that Evelyns story gives strength to those who have suffered and sends a clear message that our institutions must do more to protect and respond to women, Andrew Yang said in a statement to ABC News.

PHOTO: Democratic Presidential Candidate Andrew Yang's wife, Evelyn Yang listens as he prepares to speak to voters at a rally in Iowa City, Iowa, Dec. 14, 2019. (EPA via REX/Shutterstock, FILE)

Evelyn Yang, who previously fought to keep her name anonymous says she is speaking out now because she has a platform to talk about it.

I need to use that voice. I feel like its something thats an obligation but also a privilege and a gift that I get to share my story now and also help other women. The process of getting to this point is very hard. You know, like I haven't slept in days. This is very hard to come out, she said.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In honor of one of our countrys greatest civil rights leaders, an interfaith candlelight vigil will be held on Monday to condemn recent hate-based attacks throughout the Tri-state area.

On the evening of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, community members and local religious leadership will gather in New Dorp, where a set of flyers promoting a New Jersey hate group were found earlier this month.

The For The Love of Each Other candlelight vigil will be held on Monday at 7 p.m. in the St. Charles Church parking lot, located on Hylan Boulevard, between Penn Avenue and Tysens Lane.

The event, hosted by the Staten Island Inter-Religious Leadership coalition, will feature leaders from various faiths coming together to condemn racism and anti-Semitism in all forms.

The vigil comes following a series of attacks on Jewish communities over the past month in the New York metro area, including the December machete attack in Monsey, N.Y.

Grafton Thomas allegedly carried out the attack in Monsey on a rabbis home during celebrations for the seventh night of Hanukkah. Ahead of the attack, Thomas used the internet to search for a number of Jewish sites, including Zionist Temples of Staten Island," according to a federal criminal complaint.

Temple Israel Reform Congregation in Randall Manor, headed by Rabbi Michael Howald, is one of the local sites that appears in such a search on Google.

I wanted to make sure that people understand that an attack on anyone in the Jewish community is an attack on us all, Howald said when community leaders gathered in St. George to speak out against hate. "It was very scary for me and for our members as well to think that were all so vulnerable in the lives that we lead.

He said their synagogue on Forest Avenue has stepped up security in recent months. They now lock their doors during Saturday services, requiring those who want to come in to utilize a special entry system. He has also engaged with Rep. Max Rose (D-Staten Island/South Brooklyn) to see if more can be done with grants at the federal level.

Rose along with other members of the citys congressional delegation urged New Yorks non-profit institutions to take advantage of a $90 million increase in security grant funding passed as part of the remaining fiscal year 2020 budget.

Last week, elected officials, Jewish community leaders and members of the NYPD were joined by over 150 borough residents 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.

Earlier this month, 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.

In response to the increased attacks, 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.

Assistant Chief Kenneth Corey, the NYPDs borough commander, has 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.
The frontiers of the Libyan capital, Tripoli, will witness the end of the myth of the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, where the last stronghold of terrorist groups is located. Despite the declaration that Turkish troops have been shipped to Libya, and thousands of mercenaries were brought from the northern parts of Syria to give a helping hand to Libyan terrorists led by the Muslim Brotherhood in Tripoli, the Libyan armys march to liberate the capital have not been deterred.

On the eastern side of Tripoli lies the city of Serte which was easily liberated by the Libyan army, thus weakening the tight grip of Islamists on the Libyan soil to only five percent. This government has occupied the capital with the help of armed gangs that have been fighting each other and competing to dominate each and every district in the capital to seize private and public properties and spread terror and corruption all over the place, but it could not stand for long in front of the Libyan army. The government in Tripoli opened fire at Libyans who went out asking to get rid of these gangs.

Within this terrorist framework, Libyans have to fight back and resist armed gangs and the government that has been protecting them.

Under the banner of Islam and the establishment of the Islamic Caliphate, President Erdogan of Turkey has been looking forward to what many Turkish officials call the historical legacy of the Ottoman Empire in the eastern parts of the Mediterranean and the region as a whole. Thus, he found the chance to strike a deal with the weak Libyan government led by Fayez Al-Sarrag, to control the regional and international water stretching out from Turkey to Libya.

The illusions of reviving the Old Ottoman Empire that invaded our countries centuries ago, promoted by the Turkish president, seem to have given him the right to inherit our lands, take over our resources and use terrorists to empower him as the new caliph of the modern occupying power.

Moving the defeated mercenaries from Syria to fight the Libyans in front of the world community is one of the most abhorring human crimes ever committed. Erdogan is leading a network of multinational mercenaries but his troops, as he claims, are only there to train and arm the government of Al-Sarrag. The Turkish president, who is scared to be defeated in Tripoli, should be tried first and foremost by the Turks as acriminal of war according to international law when his illusions drop out along the coasts of the Mediterranean.

Now Erdogan is already losing most of his friends and the opposition is growing fast within his own Justice and Development Party as many of its leading figures left the sinking ship.

To save what remains of his legacy, Erdogan is looking for a new adventure in Libya. But the success of this adventure is the zero-sum of his many attempts to survive his failures in his country and abroad. Looking for a safe haven, Erdogan asked Russia to interfere and find a way out for his miserable position in Libya and a way to save face and take a piece of the cake.

But what he has been asking for proved to be a part of his illusions; the man is talking as if he is victorious, capable of occupying Libya and the waters of the Mediterranean with all the resources lying at the sea bed, especially with the new gas discoveries. When Erdogan was disappointedhe couldnt find gas near his shores, he dreamt of taking the lions share of the resources of other countries. His maps ignored two sovereign states (Cyprus and Greece), cutting out parts of the Libyan coast. His claims of historical properties are nothing but myths.

His demand for Russian mediation tells volumes. Erdogan has realised that he will be defeated sooner than later and his attempts to control greater parts of Libya to move towards the oil fields are to no avail. Due to the increasing human causalities and the destruction of Libyas infrastructure, the Russians worked hard to get Colonel Khalifa Haftar, the commander of the Libyan army, to the negotiating table.

As was the case in Iraq and Syria, Erdogan cares about nothing but his myth of the Ottoman legacy. He has been manipulating Islamists and draining his countrys resources to pay mercenaries from all over the world to establish his caliphate. But Erdogan, who claimed that he will be praying at Amway Mosque in Damascus and get the Ottomans share of Kirkuk oil when reaching Mosul in Iraq, will soon be defeated in Tripoli as has always been the case.

I do not believe that Russia which had to put an end to Erdogans dreams in Syria, will take his side in Libya. The Turkish plight in Libya is glaringly obvious. In Syria and Iraq, his claims that he has the right to fight the separatist Kurds had given him some time to pull out of the two countries but not in Libya where there are no Kurds or even joint borders. Turkey and Libya are separated by one of the biggest seas in the world and Tripoli has no Turks to be protected and will never form a threat to the Turkish state. There are no standing pretexts for Erdogan to invade Libya but his dreams of the caliphate and his greed to control the resources of the Arabs.

On the other hand, Egypt shareslong borders with Libya and very strong historical relationships with the Libyans. There are many tribes living along the two countries borders, half of whom are Libyans and the other Egyptians. Libyans took part and fought along the Egyptian army in the October 1973 War against Israel. They have also been fighting terrorism hand-in-hand with our army. Therefore, Libyas national security is part and parcel of the policies of Egypts national security.

The Libyan army is strong enough to fight Erdogans mercenaries and tighten its grip on the capital. The mercenaries will be left with no option but to surrender and Erdogan will win nothing but a new defeat. At the frontiers of the Libyan capital and on the Mediterranean shores, the Turkish president, just like all occupiers, will learn the hard way that the Ottoman legacy ended centuries ago and can never be revived.



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Iraq protester killed in Baghdad clashes



Baghdad, Jan 17 (AFP) Jan 17, 2020



An Iraqi demonstrator was killed during clashes with security forces on a key Baghdad bridge on Friday, months into a protest movement that has waned amid soaring US-Iran tensions.

Clashes flared suddenly Friday evening as demonstrators attempted to cross Al-Sinek Bridge in the heart of the Iraqi capital, a security source told AFP.

Security forces, charged with preventing demonstrators from reaching the other side, fired tear gas, with one canister hitting a demonstrator in the chest and killing him.

A medical source said 24 people were also wounded or suffered breathing difficulties.

Angry demonstrations have rocked Baghdad and Iraq's south for the last three months, denouncing the country's political system which is seen as among the most corrupt in the world.

Since October, the unrest has seen around 460 people killed and some 25,000 wounded, the vast majority of them demonstrators.

The movement, seeking sweeping political reforms, and better jobs and services, has also faced a campaign of intimidation, abductions and assassinations.

But protests have been overshadowed by the January 3 killing of senior Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike in Baghdad, sparking fears Iraq would become embroiled in a conflict between Washington and Tehran.

The strike also killed top Iraqi paramilitary commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy head of the Hashed al-Shaabi military network, which is dominated by pro-Iran factions.

Iran responded by firing missiles at Iraqi bases where American soldiers are deployed.

US Central Command said Thursday at least 11 American troops were injured.

Iraq firebrand Shiite cleric and political figure Moqtada Sadr has called for a "million-strong march" on January 24 to condemn the US military presence in Iraq.
Pentagon Placing New Restrictions on International Military Students

By Carla Babb January 17, 2020

The Pentagon is placing new restrictions on all international military students at American bases in response to a December shooting by a Saudi trainee that killed three sailors in Florida.

Garry Reid, director of defense intelligence at the Pentagon, said the restrictions would include limits to students' ability to possess and use firearms, along with control measures limiting their access to military installations and U.S. government facilities.

Act of terrorism

Earlier this week, the Department of Justice called the December 6 attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola an act of terrorism.

Twenty-one Saudi trainees were returned to Saudi Arabia after an investigation found they had either jihadist sentiments on social media pages or contact with child pornography. Officials did not accuse any of them of having advance knowledge of the shooting or helping the gunman.

Updated software will help

Senior defense officials say the U.S. military will more closely control foreign trainees' access to facilities on military bases by using a software application known as the Defense Bio-metric Identification System, which could code foreign students' access credentials to prohibit their entry into buildings not used for their training.

Trainees will now be continuously monitored while enrolled in U.S.-based training programs, according to a defense official.

"When these procedures are in place, the military departments will be authorized to fully resume the training that has been suspended since the attack at Pensacola," Reid said. That suspension has applied to about 850 Saudi trainees.

Updated policies for current and new students

The new policies will be applicable to all current student populations in addition to new students.

In the last 20 years, more than a million students have gone through the United States' International Military Students program.

There were no "serious security incidents" until the December 6 shooting in Pensacola, according to defense officials. During that attack, Saudi Air Force officer Mohammed Alshamrani, 21, killed three U.S. sailors and injured eight other people.

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The petition sought direction to the Delhi Police Commissioner to withdraw the closure of Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh Stretch and Okhla underpass, which were closed on 15 December, 2019, for ongoing protests against CAA and NRC.

New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Friday appealed to agitators to unblock the Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch due to which the residents of Delhi and NCR are suffering, officials said.

The protesters, who are opposing the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and a proposed pan-India National Register of Citizens (NRC), have been siting on protest at Delhi's Shaheen Bagh for over a month. The road is a key link between Noida and Delhi and has been closed by the Noida Traffic Police in view of the ongoing protests.

"We appeal to agitators at Road No 13-A, Shaheen Bagh to understand the sufferings, the complete highway blockade is causing to the residents of Delhi and NCR, senior citizens, emergency patients and school going children," a police statement said.

The matter had also come up before the High Court. "We again urge protesters to cooperate and clear the road in larger public interest," it stated.

Saying that it is the responsibility of the police to manage traffic, the Delhi High Court on 14 January disposed of an application seeking directions on the removal of barricades from Shaheen Bagh-Kalindi Kunj stretch, which has been closed since 15 December due to ongoing protests against the CAA.

The petition sought direction to the Delhi Police Commissioner to withdraw the closure of Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh Stretch and Okhla underpass, which were closed on 15 December, 2019, for ongoing protests against CAA and NRC. It was a temporary measure but has been extended from time to time.
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A winter storm that brought snow and sleet to the Midwest and Plains created travel headaches Saturday after airlines canceled flights and officials shut down major roads.

The storm system began moving through the Plains and Midwest on Friday, leading to trouble at airports in Chicago and Kansas City. It spread to the Northeast by Saturday evening.

In Newfoundland, the Arctic blast buried cars and left thousands without power. The storm dumped as much as 76.2 cm (30 inches) of snow on capital St. John's, forcing businesses and the international airport to close.

Commenting on the scale of the blizzard, Natural Resources Minister Seamus O'Regan said: 'It's snow and a hurricane, and snow and a hurricane shuts down a city.'

Further south, blizzard conditions with powerful winds were reported in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa.

Officials in South Dakota shut down most of Intestate 29 and a 72-mile portion of Interstate 90 Friday night. Both highways were open by Saturday afternoon, although no traffic was advised to travel on those roads.

Most of I-29 in North Dakota and a 200-milestretch of I-94 remained closed. Farther west in Wyoming, officials closed down stretches of Interstate 80 due to the weather and as a precaution against travelers becoming stranded without services.

The danger on the roads was highlighted by dashcam video recorded from a delivery truck and made public by the Iowa State Patrol. The video shows a state trooper and a person who had been involved in a crash along Interstate 80 near Council Bluffs in western Iowa on Friday looking at the damage when another truck loses control on the slick interstate and barrels into the crash scene, barely missing the trooper and other man.

Much of the northern half of the country has been blanketed by snow with the northern plains experiencing heavy snowfall

As the storm moves through the northeast, damaging freezing rain will fall in the Midwest, along with heavy snow in the Great Lakes. Wintry conditions will return with a vengeance in the coming days

A blizzard packing winds of 50 mph or more reduced visibility to near zero at the intersections of Interstate 94 and Interstate 29 in Fargo, North Dakota on Saturday

Residents in Fargo, N.D., attempt to jump-start a vehicle with a dead battery in the middle of a snowstorm

A group of people cross North Michigan Avenue during a snowstorm in Chicago

In Nebraska, the winter storm that pummeled the state Friday was blamed for at least one death on Interstate 80, the Nebraska State Patrol reported Saturday. The patrol said the driver was killed Friday when the pickup he was driving spun out of control, crossed the median and slammed into a semitrailer. Nebraska troopers responded to more than 200 weather-related incidents across the state. Most of those were to assist stranded motorists, but 55 were crashes, the patrol said.

More than 1,000 flights have been cancelled and SpaceX rocket launch in Florida postponed as crippling winter storms crash through the Midwest, causing several cities to declare snow emergencies and leaving millions of people affected by the weather.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued winter weather advisories, saying the storm will create hazardous travel conditions from the Plains into the Northeast through the weekend, putting as many as 90 million people under a weather alert.

A cow doesn't seem to mind the snow on its face as it eats hay at a farm near De Soto, Iowa, on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020. A new round of winter weather dumped several inches of snow across much of central and northern Iowa

A Streets and Sanitation snow plow works East Wacker Drive during the snowstorm which caused trouble at airports in Chicago and Kansas City and bringing blizzard conditions to the Plains and Midwest on Saturday

A worker clears a sidewalk on North Michigan Avenue during the snowstorm which could dump up to a foot of snow in parts of the Northeast on Sunday

Heavy traffic is seen on Interstate I90/I94 in Chicago during rush hour on Friday. Hundreds of flights were canceled as the winter storm hit the city during the evening commute creating a sloppy rush hour

At least 1,081 flights have stranded travelers at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport since a bitter winter weather began blasting the region on Friday night.

As of Saturday afternoon, three inches of snow covered the O'Hare Airport and Midway was bogged down by just over two inches.

'If there is travel you dont need to make, consider postponing it,said meteorologist Ricky Castro.

In the Northeast, snow totals were expected to reach a foot (30 centimeters) or more in parts of Vermont and New York state. But most areas in the region were expected to get just a few inches. On Saturday, snow fell from Buffalo to New York City as the storm tracked across the state.

On Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration halted all flights in and out of Chicago's O'Hare Airport for several hours, and a plane slid off an icy taxiway at Kansas City International Airport. The Chicago Department of Aviation reported about 200 cancellations at O'Hare on Saturday morning out of nearly 2,000 total flights, and the FAA said some flights were being delayed because of the weather.

After the storm, temperatures were expected to drop to the single digits and even below zero (-18 degrees Celsius) in parts of the Plains and the Midwest.

A semi tractor trailer remains jackknifed in the median of westbound I-80 near Newton, Iowa, on Saturday

The winter storm that brought snow and sleet to the Midwest and Plains was creating travel headaches Saturday

There were a number of accidents in Iowa with freezing temperatures leading to slick roads

Heavy snow falls as people make their way home in downtown St. Cloud, Minnesota

Traffic was rerouted on the eastbound lane of Interstate 80 near Adel, Iowa, after a semi truck jackknifed and took up both lanes of the freeway

A resident makes their way through the snow in St. John's, Newfoundland on Saturday in the highest snowfall since April 1999

A resident digs a path from his house in St. John's, Newfoundland. The state of emergency ordered by the City of St. John's is still in place, leaving businesses closed and vehicles off the roads in the aftermath of the major winter storm

The major winter storm hit the Newfoundland and Labrador capital

Incredible photos were shared on social media after the heaviest snowfall ever recorded in St. John's

Some houses appeared to be completely buried by a snowdrift in Newfoundland, right, while the imprint of a door could be seen, left

Several people in Newfoundland found that upon opening their front doors, they were simply greeted by a wall of snow

One person opened their garage door to find their home was literally an igloo as they were encased by snow

The show was so high in some parts that people were able to walk as high as the streetlights in some areas

One Twitter user put together a Google Street view image that revealed just how high the snow had actually risen

Only the very tops of cars could be seen in some parts of Newfoundland after a colossal amount of snow fell

On Saturday Newfoundland's premier asked for the Canadian military's help as residents of the province's capital struggled to tunnel out from homes buried by the heaviest snowfall ever recorded in St. John's.

Premier Dwight Ball said he had asked for the federal government's assistance, including mobilizing the armed forces, after the blizzard battered eastern Newfoundland.

Rob Carroll, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, said St. John's had experienced a one-day snowfall of 76.2 centimeters (30 inches), breaking the previous record of 68.4 centimeters (27 inches) on April 5, 1999.

St. John's Mayor Danny Breen said he has lived in the city most of his life and has never seen a storm of this magnitude.

'I've never seen the combination of the amount of snow, the rate of snowfall and the wind speed that we've had here over the past couple of days,' Breen said.

Winds at the St. John's International Airport were recorded at between 120 and 157 kph (75 and 98 mph) at the height of the storm.

A street covered in snow in an aftermath of a blizzard is seen in St John's, Newfounland and Labrador, Canada

St. John has declared a state of emergency, ordering businesses closed and vehicles off the roads as blizzard conditions descended on the Newfoundland and Labrador capital

A man walks down the middle of New Gower St. as snow falls in St. John, Newfoundland

A snowplow clears the road in St. John's Newfoundland. The province's premier asked for the Canadian military's help Saturday as residents of the province's capital struggled to tunnel out from homes buried by the heaviest snowfall ever recorded in St. John's

Two all-terrain vehicles cruise through downtown St. John's Newfoundland on Saturday

Early Saturday morning when the snowplow came to clear his street, Breen said, he could hear the vehicle but he couldn't see it because there was so much snow.

He said he is about 178 centimeters tall (5-foot-8), and 'the snow in front of my front step is over my head. I can't see either one of my cars in the driveway.'

Intense snowfall brought St. John's and many other communities to a standstill Friday, then slowed overnight and ended in the capital Saturday morning.

Minister of Natural Resources Seamus O'Regan said the federal government was already working to deploy all available resources on the ground. He said the federal government was still working out exactly how the military would be able to help the city

The City of St. John's and several nearby communities declared states of emergency late Friday morning that remained in effect, Breen couldn't say when officials might lift the state of emergency order, which required businesses to close and all non-emergency vehicles to stay off streets.

'The roads are impassable and that's it, there's nothing that can be done,' Andrew Piercey, a dispatcher with Jiffy Cabs in St. John's, said at midday.

He described an exhausting walk through snowdrifts to get to work, spending more than an hour to travel about a mile. When he got to work, he realized there were no taxis to dispatch.

Even snow plows were forced of the roads during the height of the storm due to the severity of the wintry conditions

Residents in Newfoundland attempted to dig their way out of their homes. Some described an avalanche of snow that had hit

A snow plow clears a path through the snow in St. John - or at least tries to...

'I've done some stupid things, but that was the dumbest thing I've ever done in my life,' he said.

Widespread power outages were reported. Newfoundland Power said during the night that its crews were working to restore electricity for about 21,000 customers.

At the peak of the storm, which some people described as being like a blizzard in a hurricane, even snowplows were pulled off roads as zero-visibility dropped to near zero. Plowing resumed in St. John's overnight.

Christina Smith, 60, a St. John's, resident, described the snow piled ``up to your neck,'' in some areas, as the musician and her husband attempted to clear passages to their home in the Outer Battery area.

Her neighborhood was hit by an avalanche at the height of the storm on Friday night. Residents were able to escape without injury.

St. John's Fire Chief Sherry Colford said that considering the amount of snow that fell and the intensity of the winds, damage in the city had been minimal.

Travelers sit as they wait for their flight at O'Hare airport in Chicago, Friday. Hundreds of flights were canceled as a winter storm hit the city

A man shovels snow off a sidewalk in Chicago, Illinois, on Saturday as a winter storm slams through the region and leaves behind chilly weather

Camden Bryant, 15, of Kingston, Pa., sleds down a hill in the snow in Kirby Park in Kingston

First snow of the Year Hits New York City on Saturday which saw people head out to the city parks to enjoy the white stuff

Sophia Selman, 6, of Appleton gets a face full of snow while sledding with her mother Maria Jahnel at Grignon Park following a snowstormin Kaukauna, Wisconsin

A woman poses in Dumbo, Brooklyn as New York gets hit by the first snowfall of the year

Snow fell in New York including Central Park where the horses had to wear coats to shelter them

A plow clears snow along Capital Drive during a snowstorm in Appleton, Wisconsin

Snow is cleared for a northside business during a snowstorm Saturday, in Appleton

Cassie Solem shovels snow in front of Jules Salon along W. Glendale Avenue during a snowstorm in Wisconsin

A pedestrian walks through heavy snow in St. John, Newfoundland on Friday

Tony Abts of Appleton shovels snow from the bed of his pickup truck during a snowstorm on Saturday

Earlier on Friday, a plane slid off an icy taxiway at Kansas City International Airport. The Delta Air Lines flight was taxiing to be de-iced before flying to Detroit when the nosegear slipped off the taxiway, said Delta spokeswoman Martha Witt.

There were no reports of injuries aboard the Airbus A319, which was carrying 123 passengers and a crew of six. Witt said the airline was trying to put passengers from Delta flight 1114 on other planes.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, departures scheduled to land at Newark International Airport in New Jersey will be delayed due to ice and snow.

John F. Kennedy Airport in New York has a similar warning, with both airports experiencing delays at nearly two hours.

In Cape Canaveral, Elon Musk's SpaceX was forced to cancel an in-flight abort test after strong winds and rough seas surrounded the region.

'Standing down from today's in-flight Crew Dragon launch escape test attempt due to sustained winds and rough seas in the recovery area. Now targeting Sunday, January 19, with a six-hour test window opening at 8:00 a.m. EST, 13:00 UTC,' they wrote on Twitter.

SpaceX announced that their scheduled in-flight launch was cancelled on Saturday morning, due to rough seas and strong winds in the region

The launch has been moved to Sunday morning at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, from 8am to 12pm

The Falcon 9's initial launch window was set from 8am to 12pm, with the company saying they would most likely launch an hour before the window would close, weather permitting. They have rescheduled for Sunday at Kennedy Space Center.

The launch was supposed to purposefully trigger an abort to test the astronaut spacecraft's emergency abort system, while also destroying the rocket over the Atlantic Ocean.

In a video shared by the Iowa State Police on Twitter, a state trooper was helping a delivery driver whose car was stuck in snowy grass off Interstate 90 on Friday.

Suddenly, a white pickup slides off the highway and barrels towards the truck as the delivery man lunges out of the way. No one was injured.

The Iowa State Police shared a video of a pickup troop sliding off an interstate roadway before almost hitting a state police officer and a delivery driver caught in the snow

Iowa State Police wrote on Twitter: 'Shocking video today from a delivery truck on I-80 in Western Iowa. The AMCON Distributing driver, State Trooper, & occupants in the pickup truck were not seriously injured. If you have to be out driving during inclement weather- slow down and be aware of the road conditions.'

The department also revealed that between 8am Friday and 8am Saturday there were 371 total calls for service, with 150 crashes covered and 221 motorists assisted.

On Saturday, parts of Iowa dropped to negative one degrees. In Des Moines, residents can expect a low of negative four degrees on Sunday and negative fourteen on Monday.

Conditions were comparably bad in Illinois, prompting state police to caution drivers against speeding while driving and remaining vigilant.

'It's a hat and gloves and don't-crash-or-slide-into-the-ditch-cause-you're-going-too-fast-in-the-ice-snow-rain-sleet kinda weekend. Do your bestest,' they wrote on Twitter.

Illinois State Police cautioned residents drive safely and avoid speeding as roadways became covered in ice and snow

Residents in the Chicago area will see a 36 degree high before falling to around 25 degrees and ending the day at a bone chilling low of 9 degrees over the weekend

North Dakota officials said that there were several car crashes, and I-29 between Grand Forks and South Dakota is currently closed. They've issued a no travel advisory to residents.

A blizzard warning was issued until early on Sunday morning for parts of North Dakota as wind gusts approaching 50 mph made travel impossible in open areas and even difficult in the cities.

In Minnesota, at least 230 vehicles have spun off the road and around 218 crashes were reported throughout the state from Friday to Saturday.

Mike Augustyniak, WCCO director of meteorology, Minnesota may receive an additional half-inch of snow and high winds that will whip through the state.

Winds gusts have reached 40 mph in cities like Worthington and Marshall on Saturday.

Both Minneapolis and St. Paul declared snow emergencies at 9.30am, as well as several other cities who were caught in the bad weather.

Minnesota State Patrol tweeted the photo above. A semi truck went off the road into the median I-94 near West Union

By 6am Saturday, nearly five inches of snow had fallen in the Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport and the National Weather Service's regional office in Chanhassen.

For upstate New York and central New England, winter storm watches went into affect at 1pm EST on Saturday until Sunday at 1am.

According to the National Weather Service, an estimated six to eight inches is expected to fall in parts of Central New York by Sunday morning.

But on Tug Hill, an upland region in Upstate New York, residents can expect as much as two feet of snow.

Street performer Naked Cowboy stands outside in the snow in Times Square on Saturday afternoon in New York City

Keith Mathias (right) takes his dog Fluffy for a walk in the snow as temperatures dip to a shocking negative one degrees on Saturday night

In New York City, snow began to fall around 1pm as temperatures dropped to 25 degrees on Saturday afternoon

Between one to three inches of snow fell across the five boroughs before the snow mixed with rain, creating sleet, according to Accuweather. On Sunday, temperatures will fall into the 20s.

Upstate and New England are looking at anywhere from three to six inches.

Overnight, the snow is expected to transition into rain by 3am with a 90 percent chance of precipitation.

The storm originated as a bomb cyclone in the West, bringing snow to the cities of Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington, as well as rain to California.

A blast of Canadian air they force the storm system to travels to the Plains and the Midwest, causing blizzard warnings to be issued.

Heavy traffic is seen on Eisenhower Expressway in Chicago, Friday. The storm originated as a bomb cyclone in the West, bringing snow to the cities of Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington, as well as rain to California

The city of Lee's Summit near Kansas City, Missouri, shared this photo of a toppled fire engine on Friday as the storm hit the area
What makes a great Irish welcome? The initial greeting, of course. But it goes beyond that.

A genuine cead mile failte is about warmth - a natural, unforced interest that makes people feel at home without being fawned over or hovered around. It's an authentic helpfulness; an intuitive, human connection in a world of systems and screens.

Cork's Hayfield Manor ticks all the boxes, you said, naming Ireland's Best Welcome in our Reader Travel Awards 2020. It provides "the friendliest, warmest welcome around".

The five-star hotel's staff are "all suitably friendly in a very genuine way", offering a mix of "excellent customer service and experience". This is a place where guests are "always met with a fantastic welcome", you told us - a fact verified by one of our judges on a visit just last month, when "lovely, really warm hospitality" was on offer.

Set beside University College Cork, Hayfield Manor took on life as a hotel when it was acquired by Joe and Margaret Scally in 1995 (their collection also includes the Killarney Royal and Great Southern hotels).

Read the full results of our Reader Travel Awards 2020

Those who have stayed will be familiar with Hayfield's easy mix of traditional manor-house charm and city-hotel cosmopolitanism, as well as the effortless warmth of its staff - an effortlessness, of course, that takes a lot of effort to pull off.

Expand Close Best Irish Welcome: Hayfield Manor, Cork. Sinead Ryan, Cormac Bourke, Editor, Irish Independent, Claire Scally and Pol O Conghaile at the Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards 2020. Photograph: Fran Veale / Facebook

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Whatsapp Best Irish Welcome: Hayfield Manor, Cork. Sinead Ryan, Cormac Bourke, Editor, Irish Independent, Claire Scally and Pol O Conghaile at the Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards 2020. Photograph: Fran Veale

"Hands down the best customer service I've had," one reader said. "High-end dining with a friendly relaxed atmosphere. No snobbery or stuffiness."

Another shared the story of a special anniversary visit: "It was the most welcoming place I've ever stayed, from start to finish. The reception staff, the man who brought our bags to our room, the waiter at dinner, the staff at the spa and the cleaning staff were amazing!"

With signs of a softening in overseas visitor numbers, Ireland's cead mile failte is more important than ever. If you need a reminder of its impact, here's where to start.

Contact 021 484 5900; hayfieldmanor.ie

The Hayfield Hello

Expand Close CMK 08012020 Irish Independent Frank O'Connell and Susan Flannery concierges, Hayfield Manner, Cork City Picture Clare Keogh / Facebook

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Whatsapp CMK 08012020 Irish Independent Frank O'Connell and Susan Flannery concierges, Hayfield Manner, Cork City Picture Clare Keogh

What makes an Irish hotel welcome special? We spoke to Susan Flannery, concierge at the award-winning Hayfield Manor, to find out.

Help us to understand the concierges job. How do you handle an arrival?

The concierge is the person at the front door of Hayfield Manor, so theyre the first point of contact. Were the first people to say hello and welcome guests to the hotel.

What makes our welcome so special? Its because our whole team is in sync with each other, and we all work well together. Everything works hand in hand.

Do you speak to guests beforehand?

Prior to their arrival, we would be in communication with our guests, most of the time over email, unless they prefer a phone call. We arrange any special requests that they have, dining reservations, or any surprises that they want to arrange.

Just recently we had a proposal that we set up in our greenhouse, for example, which we decorated for the occasion. It was very romantic, with small lights, rose petals everywhere, a red carpet and champagne.

Does a great welcome matter more to Irish or international guests?

The welcome is the guests first impression of the hotel when they come here. If theyre international, its probably their first interaction with Irish people  a lot of them come straight from the airport to the hotel, and its their first impression of our country.

But even for local guests, I think its really nice to have a warm welcome, a friendly face. Just someone to open the door and wish you a good day.

- In conversation with Nicola Brady

Finalists: Adare Manor, Co Limerick; Moher Cottage, Co Clare; Renvyle, Co Galway; Mount Juliet, Co Kilkenny.

NB: The Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards 2020 are sponsored by Iarnrod Eireann. Read the full list of winners here and share on social using the hashtag #indotravelawards.
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Saturday urged all opposition parties, who are against the Citizenship Amendment Act, to come together on one platform.

"I want all opposition parties to realize the gravity of the issue at stake and come together on one platform," Chidambaram told media here.

"The Congress party's position on the Citizenship Amendment Act and the Polulation Register are quite well known. We had a Congress Working Committee meeting last week... Our position is that the CAA is discriminatory and divisive. It must be taken back. It must be scrapped," he added.

The former Finance Minister said Population Register (NPR) is disguised Register of Citizens.

"NPR is nothing but NRC. It is a disguised NRC. There is no real difference between NPR and NRC. We will not agree to NPR being rolled out on April 1, 2020," he said.

"We are fighting CAA and NPR. Sometimes we fight together, sometimes separately. Congress party in Bengal is working with other Left parties in fighting CAA and NPR. At the district level, Congress is working with other Left parties," Chidambaram said.

"For the sake of the country, all parties which are opposing CAA and NPR should come together... Far more important issues are at stake... The larger picture is we are fighting to save the Constitution of India. We are fighting to save the enduring values embodied in the Constitution of India. So, all those who fight for these values must eventually come together on one platform and I am confident they will.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
After failing to garner a vote from Republican members last year, the Senate plans to take up discussion on one of eight bills aimed at assisting the states homeless population.

The legislation, part of a GOP-led package of bills that has been available to the Senate since it passed the Assembly back in June, represents only a portion of the $3.7 million set aside in the state budget for homelessness initiatives.

Its something that Democrats and the governor have been asking for a few months now, said Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-West Point. The money will help, but the Republicans should have been there a long time ago on this issue. They werent.

Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke, R-Kaukauna, the bill packages sponsor, heralded the bill on Tuesdays agenda as a crucial piece of the package.

We must not lose sight of the fact that theres no one solution to ending homelessness, Steineke said in a statement. He applauded Senate lawmakers, noting that the bill will help individuals become less dependent on government services.

However, this bill is not a silver bullet, Steineke said, adding he will continue to work with members of the Senate to try to get other bills in the package to Evers desk.

Boost for program

The bill would allocate $500,000 per year over the next two years to a grant program that supports emergency homeless shelters. The state grant program has not seen a funding increase in 25 years, said Joe Volk, executive director of the Wisconsin Coalition Against Homelessness.

Volk, who said funds will help add beds to existing shelters or potentially open up new shelters in more rural areas, said he was encouraged to see the bill on Tuesdays agenda, but added he was disappointed to see the remaining seven bills left out.

Hopefully, this is a break in the logjam in terms of getting these bills to the floor and making sure funds get out as soon as possible, Volk said. Were hoping that this is the start of the state Senate taking seriously this issue and taking seriously the emergency situation in the state of Wisconsin in terms of not having enough shelters for people and homeless families with children to be able to get out of the cold.

Stalled in Senate

Despite passing the Republican-controlled Assembly in June, the bills stalled in the Senate, with proponents trying in vain last year to get them passed before winters cold arrived. Some Republicans in the Senate raised concern over the cost and effectiveness of the proposal.

Had the Senate acted at that point, these funds would already be allocated under a contract and new beds would be available right now to make sure that, especially in the cold weather, that those shelter beds would be available, Volk said.Unfortunately that didnt happen.

In a November session, Democratic members of the Senate asked their GOP colleagues to add the homeless shelter bill to the agenda, a move that would have required approval from two-thirds of the Senate. However, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, encouraged Republicans to vote against suspending the rules to take up a vote on the bill, which they ultimately did.

After the vote, Fitzgerald said he was not certain there was majority support for the entire package of bills.

Fitzgerald had not returned a request for comment.

Special report

The issue of homelessness has been in the headlines across the state over the last year due to an effort by the Wisconsin Newspaper Association and journalists at the Wisconsin State Journal and other publications to draw attention to an estimated 20,000 adults and children living without permanent housing.

A special report, Homelessness in Wisconsin  State at a crossroads, highlighted how Wisconsin spends far less than neighboring states on the issue. But bipartisan efforts to increase funding for various programs have stalled.

The package of eight homelessness bills is based on recommendations from the Interagency Council on Homelessness, which was formed under former Republican Gov. Scott Walkers administration.

In addition to the shelter support legislation, other bills would provide short-term grants or loans to defray housing costs; help struggling people find housing; create more beds at emergency shelters; pay for skills training to escape homelessness; and assist landlords with repairs to low-cost housing.

Evers picks

The Senate also on Tuesday will vote on two of Evers appointed cabinet heads  Joaquin Altoro, executive director of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, and Caleb Frostman, secretary of the Department of Workforce Development. The appointment of Darrell Williams as administrator of the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management also is on the agenda.

Republican lawmakers in the Senate have been in no rush to take up votes on several of Evers appointed cabinet heads, with some legislators raising concerns over a few of the secretaries who have not yet been approved by the full Senate.

While not receiving confirmation can create uncertainty for secretaries, Senate Republicans last year took matters a step further when they voted to fire Agriculture Secretary Brad Pfaff, something that has not happened since at least 1987, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Senate Republicans have raised concern with Tourism Secretary Sara Meaney, Safety and Professional Services Secretary Dawn Crim, Transportation Secretary Craig Thompson and Health Services Secretary Andrea Palm.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 12:07:41|Editor: Xiang Bo

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MEXICO CITY, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- A new migrant caravan that left Honduras on Wednesday is nearing Mexico's southern border, the Mexican Interior Ministry said on Friday.

Mexico's National Institute of Immigration (INM) will deal with applications for temporary employment or asylum, and the migrants will be restricted to the southern area while their immigration requests are processed, the ministry said in a release.

"Those who freely and voluntarily decide to do so may remain in Mexico as temporary workers in the southern part of the country," the release said.

Hundreds of migrants including children joined the caravan in the northwestern Honduran city of San Pedro Sula on Wednesday, with many of them hoping to reach the U.S.-Mexican border.

On Wednesday, Mexican Interior Minister Olga Sanchez Cordero ruled out granting entry to those trying to reach the U.S. border via Mexico.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Friday that the caravan has between 2,500 and 3,000 Hondurans and Salvadorans, and that Mexico will offer them jobs, shelter and medical attention in the border area.

Media reports said the new caravan from Honduras was convened through social media as the previous ones. Central American migrant caravans increased in number at the end of 2018 and beginning of 2019, sparking tensions between Mexico and the United States.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 18)  Detained Senator Leila de Lima on Saturday denied allegations she was behind lawyer Jude Sabio's complaint against President Rodrigo Duterte in the International Criminal Court (ICC).

She added that in fact, she felt Sabio's complaint was not strong enough so she filed her own.

"As to Sabios Communication to the ICC, I was not 'behind' that, but I was aware of it. While substantially correct, I felt it needed enhancement," De Lima said in a statement sent from her detention cell at the Philippine National Police's Custodial Center, where has been held on drug charges since 2017.

De Lima said she filed a complaint, formally called by the ICC as a communication, in October 2017 to complement the allegations made by Sabio, and former lawmakers Antonio Trillanes and Gary Alejano. Sabio's communication included statements of self-confessed hitman Edgar Matobato and retired police officer Arturo Lascanas, that they killed people in Davao City upon the orders of then Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. Trillanes and Alejano said thousands more were killed in the war on drugs since Duterte became president in 2016.

The Commission on Human Rights previously told CNN Philippines that more communications were filed by non-government organizations and concerned individuals asking the ICC to look into the Philippines' situation.

In February 2018, the ICC launched a preliminary examination which will determine whether or not it will proceed with a formal investigation into alleged extrajudicial killings in the Philippines. The tribunal targets to wrap it up this year.

Early this week, Sabio said he is withdrawing his complaint, telling the ICC that it should be "set aside and trashed" because it was being used by Duterte's critics for political propaganda, particularly De Lima and Trillanes. Sabio alleged that De Lima managed to get involved in the scheme while in detention. He added it was also De Lima who ordered him to submit Matobato's complaint against Duterte before the Philippines' Office of the Ombudsman.

De Lima did not deny helping Matobato, a witness she presented before the Senate Justice and Human Rights Committee as she led a legislative inquiry into drug war killings in 2016.

"There is nothing illegal or wrong with me helping Matobato file the charges. But I anticipate that my oppressors will again file charges against me, on top of the 14 cases (11 pending, 3 dismissed) they already orchestrated to be filed against me," De Lima said.

She added that Matobato, unlike Sabio, stands by his statements up to this day. She stressed that Sabio's turnaround will not affect the ongoing preliminary examination at the ICC.

The ICC Office of the Prosecutor earlier told CNN Philippines that no communication before them can be withdrawn, and that any supposed withdrawal would not have any impact at all to its ongoing assessment. It added that the ICC has a "wide range of reliable sources" and is not confined to information in the communications alone.

Duterte earlier pulled the country out of the ICC and repeatedly warned Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda against setting foot on the country. The ICC said it will continue looking into the Philippines' situation despite Duterte's threats and the Philippines' exit from the tribunal.
European shares touched a record high after Phil Hogan, the EU trade commissioner, struck a positive tone on talks with Washington, soothing some concerns over a possible escalation in trade tensions between the cross-Atlantic allies.

The pan Stoxx-600 index rose as much as 0.8% to a record high of 423.80, and was set to mark its best week since late-December.

Each of the main European exchanges were up by around 1%.

Mr Hogan said he had a good exchange of views with US trade representative Robert Lighthizer in Washington, under-scoring Brussels desire to negotiate solutions for several open trade disputes

between the US and the EU.

The meeting is a step forward in addressing long-standing issues such as a French digital tax and aircraft subsidies. It also added to investor optimism after the US and China signed an interim trade deal earlier in the week.

The positive comments surrounding one of the United States other trade conflicts  with the EU  it just adds to the overall feeling of relief, said Connor Campbell, analyst at British financial spread better Spreadex. Mr Campbell also said signs of improvement in the Chinese economy following an in-line GDP figure and strong industrial production data was helping risk appetite, with demand in the worlds second-largest economy looking to pick up in 2020.

However, a more comprehensive trade deal between the US and China is unlikely, a global trade expert said, adding that the recently-agreed phase one deal lacks teeth and is too ambitious

in its scope.

Chris Rogers, research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligences supply chain analysis group Panjiva, said the countries will find it tough to address the core issue of the long-standing trade dispute  state support of enterprise in China.

In the near term, the US may re-examine trade ties with other Asian countries as the presidential election nears, Mr Rogers said.

Data showed that Chinas economic growth cooled to its weakest in nearly 30 years in 2019 at 6.1%, amid the bruising trade war with the US. But figures also showed the worlds second-largest economy ended the rough year on a somewhat firmer note as the trade truce revived business confidence and earlier growth boosting measures finally appeared to be taking hold.

Meanwhile, France has warned the US retaliation will come fast if Washington puts more tariffs on French products and escalates the digital tax dispute between the two countries.

But French finance minister Bruno Le Maire also said that he sees a possible compromise with the Americans that avoids a broader transatlantic trade war.

Mr Hogan said US president Donald Trump was obsessed with the goods trade deficit between the US and the EU as he focuses on re-election in November.

Transatlantic trade in goods and services is worth more than $3bn a day, according to Mr Hogan.

Sounds like a fairly healthy relationship to me, he said. So why put tariffs on these EU products to make them more expensive for your people?

Mr Le Maire and US treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin are due to meet next week on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Reuters
https://www.aish.com/tp/i/oai/48948576.html

"The Nile will swarm with frogs, and when they emerge, they will be in your palace, in your bedroom, and [even] in your bed. [They will also be in] the homes of your officials and people, even in your ovens and kneading bowls." (Exodus 7:28)

The second plague which God brought upon the Egyptians was frogs. These frogs invaded every place in Egypt, including the ovens fired up for baking.

The Talmud (Pesachim 53b) relates that the frogs were the inspiration for Chananiah, Misha'el and Azaryah.

What did Chananiah, Misha'el, and Azaryah see that caused them to enter the fiery furnace of Nebuchadnezzar? They reasoned a fortiori from the frogs of Egypt. If frogs, which are not commanded to sanctify God's Name, entered the fiery furnace in order to sanctify God's Name, how much more so should we, who are commanded to sanctity God's Name, do so.

This Talmud raises the issue of how nature can serve as a means of coming to the knowledge of God. Let us consider some of the uses and misuses of the contemplation of nature.

Maimonides in Sefer HaMitzvot says that the path to love of God is through Torah learning. Yet, in Foundations of Torah, Maimonides says that contemplating the natural world and its awe-inspiring wonders leads one to love of God. The fact is that both of these paths are ultimately one. The Torah was the blueprint for the creation of the world, and thus nature is merely the physical manifestation of Torah. The Ten Commandments (Aseres Hadibros), in which the entire Torah is alluded to, correspond to the Ten Utterances (Asarah Ma'amaros), with which the world was created. Nevertheless, there is a crucial difference between nature and Torah as paths to God.

The Midrash says that the Almighty did not create the world with the first letter, aleph, for it signifies "cursed," but rather with the second letter, bet, which signifies "blessing." But to placate the aleph, which felt slighted, God began the Ten Commandments with an aleph - ano'chee.

When it comes to using nature as a path to God, one's explorations must be carefully guided, so that one indeed finds God through his observation of nature. As King David proclaimed, God is to be found in nature:

"When I see Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, I am inspired to realize my insignificance in relationship to God, Who is overwhelming." (Psalms 8:4)

But there remains a danger in the observation of nature as the Torah warns us:

"Lest you raise your eyes heavenward and observe the sun, the moon and the stars, and you are enticed to bow to them and serve them." (Deut. 4:19)

Yuri Gargarin, the first Soviet cosmonaut, announced upon returning to Earth that he was now sure that God did not exist (God forbid), because he did not see Him. On the other hand, American astronauts on one of the Apollo missions transmitted breathtaking views of the earth from space, and recited Psalm 119, "The Heavens declare the glory of God...." Two observations of the same thing, two divergent responses.

The bet of "blessing" must be clear and decisive when it comes to observing God through nature. However, the path of Torah is not fraught with such danger. Quite the contrary, the inner light of Torah study guides one toward the good. When it comes to Torah, even that which can potentially be a curse, the aleph, can be inspired and directed by the inner light of Torah for the good. For this reason, Torah study must always be the primary path, the aleph. Only one steeped in the study of Torah can truly and properly utilize the path of observing nature, the second path, the bet.

Two blessings precede the Shema, which contains the Mitzvah of love of God. The first, Yotzer Ohr, deals with nature and all of its aspects. The second, Ahava Rabba, deals with Torah study. Creation precedes the giving of the Torah chronologically, and hence the blessing on nature is first. The blessing of nature, however, begins with a bet - boruch atah - while the blessing of Torah begins with an aleph - ahava rabba. In actual practice, the study of Torah must be given priority.

The custom is to recite Barchi Nafshi after Mincha on Shabbos during the winter, and to learn Pirkei Avos during the summer months. Barchi Nafshi represents the path toward God through nature, and Pirkei Avos the path of Torah study. In the winter, nature is dormant, while Torah study is at its peak, since the long nights are conducive to the study of Torah. Therefore the path of nature must be emphasized through the recitation of Barchi Nafshi, which speaks of the wonders of nature. In the summer, however, the opposite is true. Nature is in its full glory, but the nights are short and Torah study is at its low ebb. Hence the need to learn Pirkei Avos which emphasizes the path of Torah. Here, too, Barchi Nafshi, nature, begins with a bet, and Avos begins with an aleph, to inform us which path must always be primary.

All creation was designed to inspire and lead us to love God. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 31a) says that on the fifth day of the week, we recite Chapter 81 of Psalms, "Sing out to the God of our strength," for on this day birds and fish were created to praise God's Name. Rashi explains that it is not the birds and fish themselves which sing God's praises; rather when people observe the birds and fish, they give praise to the One Who created them. Similarly, Perek Shira, which relates the songs of various animals, plants and inanimate objects, is explained by Rabbi Yosef Mitrani, in his work Beis Elokim, as referring not to the utterances of these creatures and objects, but to the responses the natural phenomena evoke in the human beings who observe and study them.

The accessibility of nature to our physical senses is an important supplement to our knowledge of God. As physical beings, we are affected more by what we see, hear, touch, smell, and taste than by what we know intellectually. Although Moses was informed of the sin of the Golden Calf by God, he did not actually break the Tablets until he personally observed the sin himself.

Faith and love of God must be made as real and intense as that which we experience with our senses. The Torah manifested in nature helps one concretize his faith.

Entering the fiery furnace to sanctify God's name required great strength and commitment. Unless Chananiah, Misha'el and Azaryah had reached a level where their knowledge of God had become concretized by their senses and observed as a fact of nature, they might have shied away from taking that awesome step and wrongly justified themselves by misapplying the command to "live by them." They saw in nature the sanctification of God's Name by the frogs, and this supplemented their knowledge of the mandate to sanctify God's Name. Their new knowledge gave them the courage and will to fulfill that which they knew to be intellectually binding. By seeing sanctification of God's Name represented in nature, they sensed it, they felt it. If frogs have the strength to do this, they reasoned, surely that same strength exists within us.

May we steep ourselves in Torah learning so that in observing the world around us, we can be inspired, encouraged and strengthened to navigate our paths to faith and love of God.
Trump impeachment trial complicates 2020 Democrats' time on campaign trail originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

President Donald Trumps Senate impeachment trial has scrambled the Democratic primary, forcing senators in the race to overhaul their schedules in the final stretch before the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary.

At a time when presidential candidates traditionally camp out in early voting states, the four senators will spend their afternoons at their desks in the Senate chamber, sitting in silence for six days a week, listening to evidence and debating over whether Trump abused his power and obstructed Congress in efforts to investigate the Ukraine affair.

(MORE: Trump's impeachment trial: How we got here, what happens next and what to watch)

I would rather be in Iowa today, theres a caucus there in two and a half weeks, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., told reporters Thursday at the U.S. Capitol amid impeachment proceedings. But I swore a constitutional oath as a United States senator to do my job.

PHOTO: Sen. Bernie Sanders talks to reporters during a break in the procedural start of the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 16, 2020. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

He is hosting a rally in Iowa Wednesday evening and his campaign has said he's willing to go back-and-forth to continue to squeeze in events during the trial.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., who has made face-to-face campaigning and selfie lines a signature part of her campaign, is expected to supplement her time in Washington with virtual town halls, and plans to return to the trail when possible throughout January.

With a four-way race emerging between Warren, Sanders, former Vice President Joe Biden and South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg at the top of the field, the trial has obvious implications for the senators.

"It's a challenge. There's no doubt about it, Matt Paul, a prominent Democratic strategist who led Hillary Clintons Iowa efforts in 2016, told ABC News. From a campaign standpoint, it comes at a very difficult time for them.

The race is still competitive and many voters havent settled behind a single candidate.

Story continues

One recent poll of Iowans by Monmouth University showed Biden leading the pack, followed closely by Sanders, Buttigieg and Warren, while a CNN poll out days earlier showed Sanders in front, followed by Warren, Buttigieg and Biden. Both found that roughly 6 in 10 voters dont have their minds firmly made up on a candidate.

President Trump and Republicans have hoped for a speedy trial that would conclude before the Feb. 4 State of the Union Address. But the push from Warren and other Democrats to seek additional witnesses and records could extend proceedings through Iowa and New Hampshire, and well into February.

It is a tough time to be stuck in Washington, said Howard Dean, a former Vermont governor and Democratic National Committee chair who ran for president in 2004 and came in third in the Iowa caucuses after being considered the front-runner. And its going to be just as painful in New Hampshire and South Carolina as Iowa.

The fact that there are four [primaries] in a row and they can be taken out of all four primaries, that is some of concern, he added.

(MORE: Articles of impeachment delivered to Senate, triggering historic trial of President Trump)

Biden and Buttigieg will spend the next few weeks on the ground, engaging with local press and voters in churches, diners and town halls across Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada.

PHOTO: Sen. Elizabeth Warren leaves after after being sworn in for the impeachment trial of US President Donald Trump, on Capitol Hill, Jan. 16, 2020, in Washington, DC. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

Sanders and Warren will be forced to lean heavily on key campaign surrogates to spread their message and keep them on voters minds on a day-to-day basis.

I told her, sign me up, former presidential candidate Julian Castro, now a key Warren supporter, told ABC News Rachel Scott in Iowa about helping the senators campaign. Every minute counts, and Im going to do whatever Im asked between now and the Iowa caucus.

For Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., who is staking her campaign on a strong performance in Iowa, and Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., who is hoping to do the same in New Hampshire, the Senate trial could undermine plans for a late resurgence ahead of early voting.

Ive got to be there. At the same time, Im going to get here. And I do things like get five hours sleep. I do things like I get on a plane like I did today at 6 a.m. I just keep going, Klobuchar told ABC News Rachel Scott in Iowa last week.

We're just going to have to adjust," she said. "We don't know what the schedule is going to be, but I just think we have to have as fair a trial as possible with the four witnesses that we've asked for, and the chips will fall where they may when they come to this campaign.

(MORE: Warren says Sanders disagreed about woman being able to win presidency in private meeting)

In 2016, when Clinton narrowly defeated Sanders and his stronger-than-expected campaign in the caucuses, the former secretary of state was able to adjust her schedule and spend more time in Iowa when it became clear that the result could be close, according to Paul, her 2016 Iowa state director.

We added events in Iowa, and added her time in Iowa, and, you know, that was critically important to winning in Iowa, he said.

The rules of the impeachment trial, which force senators to sit in silence and submit written questions to Supreme Court Justice Roberts, will also limit the opportunities for Democrats to seize the spotlight, as Klobuchar and Sen. Kamala Harris of California did in the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Chief Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2018.

PHOTO: Sen. Amy Klobuchar signs the oath book after being sworn in for the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 16, 2020. (Senate Television via AP)

But Zac Petkanas, a Democratic strategist who served as Clintons rapid response director in 2016, argued that the historic nature of impeachment proceedings will play in the senators favor.

All eyes are going to be on this impeachment hearing, especially amongst caucus-goers who are die-hard Democrats, he said. After the trial each day, they will be able to go on cable news and give their reactions and stay at the center of the conversation.

The campaign operations, he added, wont be dormant in the early voting states while the senators are on Capitol Hill.

Its not like them not being there means theyre going to vanish, he said. Candidates will be there every time they turn on the TV and radio.

ABC News' Sasha Pezenik, Adam Kelsey and Beatrice Peterson contributed to this report.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: A few non-BJP-ruled states on Friday raised objections over the new methodology to be adopted in the NPR exercise but the central government defended the steps saying certain answers to be given by people are not mandatory but voluntary.

The objections by Rajasthan and a few other states were raised at a day-long conference convened by the Union Home Ministry to discuss the modalities to be adopted during the house listing phase of the Census 2021 and the National Population Register to be carried out from April 1 to September 30, 2020.

Rajasthan Chief Secretary D B Gupta said he and the representatives of a few other states raised objections to a few questions to be asked by enumerators to people during the NPR exercise.

"We said certain questions in NPR are impractical, like questions related to the birthplace of parents. There are many people in the country who even don't know what was their birthplace.

ALSO READ: Kerala government asks officials not to carry out NPR process, warns of 'disciplinary action'

"I don't know what is the purpose of such questions and we have told the meeting to remove such questions," Gupta told reporters after the meeting.

He said the central government officials told them that answers to all such questions are not mandatory but voluntary and no one is going to force anyone to reply any question.

"They said such questions were asked earlier also and this time they have just linked with an individual's place of birth with his or her parent's place of birth. But they said answer to this question is not mandatory," he said.

Rajasthan is ruled by the Congress, which has announced its opposition to the NPR exercise.

Assemblies of Kerala and Punjab have adopted resolutions announcing their opposition to the exercise.

During the meeting, presentations were given on the objectives of the census and the NPR exercises and their benefits.

Also, presentation was given on the use of mobile app, which will be used in the census for the first time in its history.

The conference was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai and attended by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, chief secretaries and census directors of many states.

A few states were represented by principal secretary, instead of the chief secretary.

No official from the West Bengal government attended the meeting, an official said.

In his inaugural address, Rai put the emphasis on the need for conducting Census 2021 and the role of the states in doing the same.

He said the data collected in the census will help the country in framing policies for the welfare of the people.

The minister also inaugurated the Official 'Mascot' for Census 2021.

The Union home secretary remarked on the vastness of this exercise and involvement of the state functionaries.

A few state governments, including West Bengal, have declared that they will not participate in the NPR exercise now as it is prelude to a country-wide National Register of Citizens.

Officials said the objective of NPR is to create a comprehensive identity database of every usual resident in the country.

The database would contain demographic as well as biometric particulars, they said.

The notification for the house listing census and NPR exercise came recently amid furore over the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

The ministry officials said most of the states have notified provisions related to the NPR.

The NPR is a register of usual residents of the country.

It is being prepared at the local (village/sub-town), subdistrict, district, state and national levels under provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955 and the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003.

The rules have a provision for fine of up to Rs 1,000 on those violating it.

The data for NPR was last collected in 2010 along with the house listing phase of the Census 2011.

Updating of this data was done during 2015 by conducting door to door survey.

While updating the register in 2015, the government has asked details like Aadhaar and their mobile number.

This time, the information related to their driving licence and voter ID card may also be gathered, the officials said, adding that PAN card details will not be collected as part of this exercise.

For the purposes of the NPR, a usual resident is defined 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.

The law compulsorily seeks to register every citizen of India and issue a national identity card.

Assam has been excluded because the National Register of Citizens exercise has already been conducted in the state.

The demographic details of every individual are required for every usual resident: name, relationship to head of household, father's name, mother's name, spouse's name (if married), sex, date of birth, marital status, place of birth, nationality (as declared), present address of usual residence, duration of stay at present address, permanent residential address, occupation, educational qualification.

The Union Cabinet has approved Rs 3,941.35 crore for the NPR exercise.

Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India Vivek Joshi made a brief presentation on the Strategy for Census 2021.
There was high drama in Belagavi on Friday as Maharashtra Minister of State for Public Health, Medical Education, FDA and Textiles Rajendra Patil-Yadravkar who had come to the city to participate in Maharashtra Ekikaran Samitis (MES) martyrs day programme was detained by the police and escorted back to the states borders on Friday.

MES had organised its annual martyrs day programme at Hutatma Circle here. The district administration and city police had asked MES leaders not to invite political leaders from Maharashtra since they could create law and order problems with their statements.

Patil-Yadravkar had managed to sneak into the city through a road which was not manned by the police and arrived at the venue in an autorickshaw. The police took him into their custody and escorted him back to the states borders with Maharashtra at Kognoli on the Pune-Bengaluru national highway.

MES leaders alleged that the police personnel violated protocol by taking a minister into their custody and that they roughed him up.

All vehicles entering the city were screened to prevent political leaders from the neighbouring state from attending the programme.

It is not clear whether Patil-Yadravkar landed in the city on Thursday and managed to reach venue without getting noticed by travelling by an autorickshaw.

Belagavi District Kannada Organisations Action Committee president Ashok Chandargi Patil-Yadravkars act of sneaking into the city was objectionable. As a minister, he should have informed the district administration about his visit.

Maharashtra ministers coming to the city without prior information and using private vehicles was nothing new. It also indicates the agenda of the Shiv Sena-led coalition government in Maharashtra. Karnataka needs to take the development seriously. Organisers of anti-state events not giving correct information to the administration was also not new, he said.

Act of terror: Raut

Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut termed the act of the Karnataka police who detained Patil-Yadravkar, an act of terror.

In a tweet, he dared the Maharashtra BJP unit to condemn it.

He further stated that he would visit Belagavi on Saturday and said: lets see what happens.

Raut, also a Rajya Sabha member, will visit Belagavi on Saturday to participate in an award presentation programme organised by Sarvajanik Vachanalaya.
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If physicians are muggers and co-conspirators in taking money away from the rest of us, then journalists and economists are pontificating parasites who produce no goods or services of any real value.

I dont think either is true, but the recent attacks on physicians by economists Anne Case and Angus Deaton, and media professional Cynthia Weber Cascio, deserve to be called out. You could make a case for consigning them permanently, along with the anti-vaccination zealots, to a healthcare-free planet supplied with essential oils, mustard poultices, and leeches.

My real quarrel with them  and with the Washington Post, which published their comments  is that they have the courage of the non-combatants: the people who criticize but have no idea what its like to do a physicians work. More about that in a moment.

Ms. Cascio was enraged by the bill from her general surgeon, who wasnt in her insurance network at the time she needed an emergency appendectomy. She doesnt care  and why would she?  that insurance companies increasingly wont negotiate fair contracts, and it isnt the surgeons fault that Maryland hasnt passed a rational out-of-network payment law like New Yorks, which should be the model for national legislation. She doesnt care that Marylands malpractice insurance rates are high compared with other states, averaging more than $50,000 per year for general surgeons. She just wants to portray her surgeon as a villain.

The two economists are indignant that American physicians make more money than our European colleagues, though they dont share our student loan debt burden or our huge administrative overhead for dealing with insurance companies. They resent that some American physicians are in the enviable 1% of income earners. But do they have any real idea what physicians do every day?

Stress? What stress?

I wonder sometimes what it would be like to go to work in the morning and NOT have to worry that I might kill someone. If journalists or economists get their facts or predictions wrong, it might be annoying, but it wont be fatal.

If anesthesiologists have trouble getting enough oxygen into a patients airway for very long, permanent brain damage or death result. Every time we put in an epidural, for a woman in labor or a patient who needs one for post-surgical pain control, we know the epidural needle is mere millimeters from the spinal cord. Our ever-present fear is that we might injure our patients.

Thats a stress level most people wouldnt even want to think about.

My stress level, though, is arguably less than the surgeons  especially when their day involves using a saw to cut directly through the breastbone, taking care not to saw through the heart in the process, or dissecting out a brain tumor millimeter by millimeter, where the smallest error could leave the patient unable to think or speak.

Even routine operations can turn quickly to disaster. Gynecologists perform laparoscopic procedures every day  but could puncture a hole in the aorta with their instruments. The gynecologist and the anesthesiologist are well aware of that, but we try not to dwell on it, or we wouldnt have the nerve to come to work.

Ms. Cascio, in her Washington Post column, sounded irked that her operation only took 35 minutes, as if that somehow justified less payment. In fact, thats a sign of an efficient and experienced surgeon, who didnt puncture her intestines or her liver in the process, and kept her from being under anesthesia longer than necessary.

The primary care physicians arent exempt from fear and stress either. Think about it. A patient comes in with a persistent cough, and the internist or the family practice physician ponders whether this could be lung cancer, and how much grief the insurance company is going to cause if they try to get authorization for a CT scan. The pediatrician sees a child with a fever, and always has to worry if this is a self-limited viral illness  or the beginning of meningitis that could lead to death within a day.

I wish the economists, the journalists, the pundits, and the lawmakers could watch a busy OR getting started for the day. The ritual of putting on hats, masks, gowns, and gloves always reminds me of girding for battle. Everyone knows all that can go wrong, and well do all we can to make sure that none of it happens that day, on our watch.

Even more gallant are the young interns and residents who are starting out in their careers. Theyre often moving from one moment of anxiety (or terror) to another, before they start to gain some confidence and hit their stride. Our role as faculty is often to reassure and cheer on as much as to teach, and to let them know that we have their backs.

Regrets over choosing medicine

The tragedy thats happening in medicine today is that the loss of respect and the constant threats to fair payment are making physicians regret that they ever chose medicine. They were fascinated with science and wanted to help people, and their reward is insult.

Its no wonder that some newly trained physicians leave anesthesiology quickly; theres little risk to running a hangover clinic in Las Vegas. Many physicians from all specialties get MBAs because they see that the real rewards in healthcare lie in becoming a CEO. Look at the salaries of top executives: the CEO of Anthem made more than $14 million in 2018, as an example, while insurance companies did everything they could to avoid or delay signing fair contracts and paying clinical physicians for patient care.

There is a growing shortage of physicians, not just in primary care but in specialties too. The American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) estimates that the US will be desperately seeking surgeons in the next 10 to 12 years, and looking for more anesthesiologists to work with them. As older physicians retire, and younger ones arent willing to work the long hours that used to be routine, this will only get worse, while increasing numbers of older Americans will need more complex medical care.

Maybe your barber will learn to operate on you, just like the barber surgeons of old, and your local gun store will sell you a bullet to bite on. Best of luck.

Karen S. Sibert is an anesthesiologist who blogs at A Penned Point.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
OTTAWA  The federal Liberals havent given Manitoba a penny of the $247-million they pledged for Premier Brian Pallisters legacy flood-channel project.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 17/1/2020 (724 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA  The federal Liberals havent given Manitoba a penny of the $247-million they pledged for Premier Brian Pallisters legacy flood-channel project.

Ottawa is withholding the money that it announced with great fanfare in June 2018, over its concerns the province botched consultations with Indigenous groups.

The project is supposed to reduce the risk of Interlake flooding.

Pallister plans to discuss the project when he meets with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Winnipeg Monday, during the Liberal cabinet retreat.

The fact funding has been withheld was revealed in a letter obtained through a freedom of information request.

"Manitoba is seeking to expedite the signature of this contribution agreement to submit claims. However, delays in negotiations have been encountered," reads an August 2019 letter written by then-infrastructure minister Francois-Philippe Champagne to Municipal Relations Minister Jeff Wharton.

In June 2018, Ottawa unveiled it would split the cost of the $500-million Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin outlet channels with the province.

Infrastructure Canada confirmed Friday the contract remains unsigned 19 months later. Manitoba has spent $50 million on the project, which it estimates will cost $540 million.

In order for the money to flow, Manitoba has to pass its environmental assessment, which centres heavily on finding out how the channels will affect Indigenous communities, and the plans to mitigate those effects.

The Pallister government has decried the regulator for adding more reserves and towns to the list of groups Manitoba must consult, and beefing up the requirements for those consultations.

However, the province submitted an environmental assessment in August 2019 that makes it clear Manitoba officials hadnt done consultations with some of the reserves on the original list issued by the federal government in May 2018.

That assessment omitted technical reports, had vague contingency plans, and even had an inaccurate table of contents.

Two provincial ministers declined interview requests, but a Tory spokeswoman noted the Liberals promised funding in March 2016, before actually earmarking it in May 2018.

"Delays in finalizing the formal contribution agreement raise additional concerns about whether the federal government fully appreciates how critically important this flood protection project is for all Manitobans," wrote the spokeswoman.

"Our own governments consistent and ongoing efforts to expedite federal action will continue."

In the past, the federal Liberals insisted the $247.5 million they pledged in spring 2018 shows theyre committed to the project, which they note is the first of a landmark disaster-mitigation program.

Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

The August 2019 letter lays out a proposal the Liberals made to the Pallister government "to reduce our respective governments legal, financial and reputational risks," but bureaucrats censored those details under freedom of information exemptions for federal-provincial deliberations.

Neither government would specify Friday what side-deal Ottawa had proposed, nor whether Manitoba accepted it.

"The government of Canada recognizes the importance of timely decision-making in the face of continued vulnerabilities and flood mitigation needs" in the Interlake, Infrastructure Canada spokeswoman Lama Khodr wrote.

Manitoba Tory MP Candice Bergen said, an "ever-changing goalpost" threatens a project that federal parties started promising in the 2015 election.

"There is no way that this should be taking so long," said the rural MP.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
Vodafone and BT are expected to call for Boris Johnson to allow Chinese firm Huawei to have involvement in Britains 5G mobile phone network.

The two telecoms giants are preparing to write to the Prime Minister to warn that the UKs digital economy risks being stunted if the manufacturer is banned.

Mr Johnson is said to be comfortable with allowing Huawei a limited role  excluding it from contracts involving the most sensitive parts of the network

Mr Johnson is poised to allow the firm, which has close links to the Chinese state, to have a limited role in the 5G network, despite warnings that it will lead to a rift with President Donald Trump.

The US administration has threatened to limit security co-operation over the issue.

But Mr Johnson is said to be comfortable with allowing Huawei a limited role  excluding it from contracts involving the most sensitive parts of the network  after assurances from British security officials.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) meets with Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof in Nha Trang city on January 17 (Photo: VNA)

The two expressed their delight at the new development in the relations between the two countries, especially since the establishment of their comprehensive partnership in 2019.

Minh proposed that the two sides continue to closely coordinate in implementing the outcome of the visit by the Brunei Sultan, towards bringing bilateral trade revenue to 500 million USD in 2025.

The Brunei minister congratulated Vietnam on its recent development and integration achievements, expressed his belief and pledged to support Vietnam to successfully shoulder the roles of the ASEAN Chair 2020 and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in the 2020-2021 term.

The two agreed that Vietnam and Brunei should continue taking measures so as to accelerate their comprehensive partnership, increase the exchange of experiences, and coordinate the stances of the ASEAN 2020 Chair and the ASEAN 2021 Chair on international and regional issues, including the consolidation of the central role of ASEAN in the region, the response to traditional and non-traditional security challenges, the maintenance of peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and aviation, respect to the law in the East Sea, the acceleration of the negotiations for an effective and practical Code of Conduct of the Parties in the East Sea (COC) in line with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.
Berlins bid comes after a recent attempt by Russia and Turkey to broker a truce failed, raising fears of a prolonged conflict.

Germany is set to host a meeting to try and persuade a promise from foreign countries to end their involvement in the war in Libya. A recent attempt by Russia and Turkey to broker a truce failed, raising fears of a prolonged conflict.

Al Jazeeras Hashem Ahelbarra reports from Berlin.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - An Alaska dentist, who gained notoriety after he was seen in a video riding a hoverboard and pulling teeth, was convicted Friday of defrauding the Alaska Medicaid program.

Seth Lookhart was convicted of 46 counts, including felony medical assistance fraud and scheming to defraud, and misdemeanour counts of illegally practicing dentistry and reckless endangerment, prosecutors said.

The conviction followed a five-week bench trial before Anchorage Superior Court Judge Michael Wolverton, who said in a written finding that he found the states evidence simply overwhelming.

He also said Lookharts own text conversations were persuasive. Friends had asked Lookhart how he got away with some of his practices.

Dr. Lookhart responded, in effect, that unless someone was standing right next to him at the time, no one would ever know, Wolverton wrote.

The judge also convicted Lookharts corporation, Lookhart Dental LLC, which did business as Clear Creek Dental, of 40 criminal counts.

Lookharts office manager, Shauna Cranford, previously pleaded guilty to medical assistance fraud as part of a plea agreement.

Lookhart in 2014 was a new dentist who took a job working for two established dentists. He was to be paid either $240,000 a year or 30% of the money he brought in, whichever was higher, assistant attorney general Eric Senta said.

Cranford persuaded Lookhart to offer intravenous sedation to Medicaid patients as an alternative to less costly anesthesia. The cost of IV sedation generally is not included in a patients $1,150 annual limit for non-emergency dental procedures.

The practice became lucrative for Lookhart, prosecutors said, and his practice in 2016 accounted for 31% of all Medicaid payments for IV sedation.

Lookhart also schemed to cut out his partners by billing Medicaid under a different provider identification and having payments sent directly to his home, prosecutors said.

Since Lookhart obtained an IV sedation license in 2015, prosecutors said, Medicaid paid him about $1.9 million for IV sedation services.

The felony medical assistance fraud, theft in the first degree, and scheme to defraud charges carry a possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000 and restitution. The top counts for the business carry a potential fine of up to $2.5 million.

Cranford is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 3. Lookhart is scheduled to be sentenced April 30.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, pictured arriving at District Six in Cape Town, on the first day of their South African tour in September 2019 - Reuters

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will need to be protected at taxpayers expense against the threat of terror attacks and kidnap for years to come, security experts have said.

Police and former security chiefs fear the couple will continue to be at risk from organised terror groups, political fanatics and lone obsessives long after they separate from the Royal family.

Talks are understood to be taking place at senior levels over the best way of providing protection for Meghan and Prince Harry as they divide their time between Britain and their new life in North America.

But there are fears among some experts that palace and government officials may be underestimating both the potential threat and what is required to protect the couple against it.

Dai Davies, who was Head of Royal Protection from 1994 to 1998 and former Chief Superintendent (Divisional Commander) Metropolitan Police Service, said: We have to learn the lessons of history and act on them. Anyone in charge of security has to think the impossible and then think it again and I fear there is not enough of that going on by the experts currently in charge.

One thing you can be sure of is that terrorists and others who pose a threat are thinking about it all the time.

Mr Davies said the three main threats come from jihadist terrorists targeting Prince Harry, who also served in Afghanistan; lone fixateds and royal obsessives; and right wing extremists with an hatred of Meghan as a woman of colour marrying into the royal family.

Minister and senior police officers are thought to be determined to avoid the mistakes made over Diana, Princess of Wales, who in 1993 turned down publicly funded police protection except when she was with her sons William and Harry or staying at Kensington Palace.

That left her relying on private security at other times, leading to her being in the hands of the Ritz Hotels head of security Herni Paul on the night she died when their car crashed in the Pont de l'Alma underpass as he tried to evade photographers following Diana.

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Her bodyguard, Trevor Rees-Jones was badly injured in the crash, on 31 August 1997.

Ken Wharfe, who served as Diana's royal protection officer for six years, resigned from the position in 1993, has since said that if he and his team were working with the Princess in 1997, they may have been able to prevent her death.

Mr Davies, who said there have been far more plots against the Royals than publicly acknowledged, added: We don't want the situation where Harry and Meghan are being followed, without protection, by paparazzi or people with a fixation and we need to be sure that protection is of the highest level.

But he added that the high cost of providing security may cause resentment among British taxpayers if the Sussexes begin to earn large sums of private income outside of any Royal duties they continue to carry out.

The question is whether the British public will wear the cost of security, even if it is miniscule in real terms, over a long period, said Mr Davies, who was in charge of protection for the Queen and the Royal family throughout the UK and worldwide.

Lord West of Spithead, who was a security minister from 2007 to 2010, said that Harry and Meghan would be expected to make a contribution towards the cost of their security should they start earning a large amount of private income.

But he said there was no question that high levels of police protection would have to be provided by the British government into the future.

We have got an obligation to provide security for one of the Queens sons and his family and thats a long term obligation, he said. It would be nice to work out an arrangement with the Canadians, but we cant not provide that protection ourselves, regardless.

Mike Penning MP, who was police minister from 2014 to 2016 and went on to serve as justice and Armed Forces minister, said: It doesnt matter who they are, if they are at risk we have a duty to protect them, its as simple as that. That requirement should be based on any risk assessment made by our intelligence services and by the Canadians.
Four family members have been fatally shot and a fifth relative was injured in a shooting believed to have been carried out by a teenager at a home in Utah Friday night.

The incident, which is being investigated as a homicide, took place at a residence in Grantsville, Utah, Friday at about 7.30pm.

Grantsville Mayor Brent Marshall confirmed that the four victims - which include children - and the shooter, a male, are family members, but did not specify their exact relationship to each other, according to Deseret News.

Four family members are dead and a fifth relative wounded following a shooting at a home in Grantsville, Utah, Friday night. Grantsville Police Cpl. Rhonda Fields is pictured here on the street where the shooting occurred

Police were seen outside the home where the shooting occurred as the investigation goes on

Police blocked off the entire street surrounding the home where the shooting occurred Friday

Police towed a grey car (center) connected with the shooting from the parking lot of the hospital where the injured victim was taken late Friday night

'Its an unfortunate tragedy that has taken place here this evening,' Marshall told reporters at the scene, adding that 'Im sure it will take days or even longer to try and piece together what brought all of this one and why it happened, if we ever get to know why it happened.'

He said that 'This is normally a very quiet neighborhood, and any time you have children involved in something, it becomes very emotional, very fast.'

Police have not yet released the names, ages or relationship between the four people who were killed, but did state that an injured adult male was taken to Mountain West Medical Center in nearly Tooele, Utah.

He was said to be in stable condition, but not awake as of Friday late evening, KUTV reported.

Police said that the suspected shooter was taken into custody and that there is no threat to the public as of 9.10pm.

The shooting suspect is reported to be a teenager and was said to have been taken to the hospital, although he was not injured during the incident and it's unclear if he is still there.

KUTV reported that it was possible that the suspected shooter was apprehended at the hospital.

Police told FOX 13 that a car connected to the fatal shooting investigation was towed from the hospital parking lot later Friday night.

The shooting victim was taken to the Mountain West Medical Center in nearby Tooele, Utah

The shooting was said to have occurred at a home on this 'small' street in Grantsville

Police care are pictured near the scene of the suspected homicide. Neighbors said they heard gunshots, although it's unclear if the call to police came from neighbors or inside the home

Grantsville Police Cpl. Rhonda Fields said that multiple agencies responded to the scene and that neighbors had heard gunshots, according to Deseret News.

She said it was unclear whether the police were called about a suspected homicide at the home by someone who was inside the house or by a neighbor, however.

Utah governor Gary Herbert tweeted that 'Our hearts are broken by the horrible news coming out Grantsville tonight. We mourn over the loss of innocent lives.'

He also tweeted: 'Parents and grandparents, secure your firearms! Everyone, hug your loved ones tight. And remember love, not hate, will heal broken individuals and families.'

Police are waiting to reveal the identity of the victims until their family members have been notified, which they are in the process of doing.

Fields noted that the shooting was 'very uncommon behavior for our small city, for our neighborhoods' and that although it happened on 'a small street' and at one home, 'its a large scene.'
For women with uterine factor infertility, uterus transplantation is potentially a new path to parenthood  outside of adoption and use of a gestational carrier  and its the only option which allows these women to carry and deliver their babies, said Dr. Kathleen ONeill, who is an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and who helps run the trial.
Dividend paying stocks like Tian An China Investments Company Limited (HKG:28) 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. If you are hoping to live on the income from dividends, it's important to be a lot more stringent with your investments than the average punter.

In this case, Tian An China Investments likely looks attractive to investors, given its 5.9% dividend yield and a payment history of over ten years. We'd guess that plenty of investors have purchased it for the income. Some simple research can reduce the risk of buying Tian An China Investments for its dividend - read on to learn more.

Click the interactive chart for our full dividend analysis

SEHK:28 Historical Dividend Yield, January 18th 2020

Payout ratios

Dividends are usually paid out of company earnings. If a company is paying more than it earns, then the dividend might become unsustainable - hardly an ideal situation. So we need to form a view on if a company's dividend is sustainable, relative to its net profit after tax. In the last year, Tian An China Investments paid out 24% of its profit as dividends. Given the low payout ratio, it is hard to envision the dividend coming under threat, barring a catastrophe.

Another important check we do is to see if the free cash flow generated is sufficient to pay the dividend. Tian An China Investments paid out 1275% of its free cash last year. Cash flows can be lumpy, but this dividend was not well covered by cash flow. Paying out such a high percentage of cash flow suggests that the dividend was funded from either cash at bank or by borrowing, neither of which is desirable over the long term. Tian An China Investments paid out less in dividends than it reported in profits, but unfortunately it didn't generate enough free cash flow to cover the dividend. Were it to repeatedly pay dividends that were not well covered by cash flow, this could be a risk to Tian An China Investments's ability to maintain its dividend.

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Remember, you can always get a snapshot of Tian An China Investments's latest financial position, by checking our visualisation of its financial health.

Dividend Volatility

From the perspective of an income investor who wants to earn dividends for many years, there is not much point buying a stock if its dividend is regularly cut or is not reliable. For the purpose of this article, we only scrutinise the last decade of Tian An China Investments's dividend payments. The dividend has been cut on at least one occasion historically. During the past ten-year period, the first annual payment was HK$0.03 in 2010, compared to HK$0.20 last year. Dividends per share have grown at approximately 21% per year over this time. Tian An China Investments's dividend payments have fluctuated, so it hasn't grown 21% every year, but the CAGR is a useful rule of thumb for approximating the historical growth.

Tian An China Investments has grown distributions at a rapid rate despite cutting the dividend at least once in the past. Companies that cut once often cut again, but it might be worth considering if the business has turned a corner.

Dividend Growth Potential

With a relatively unstable dividend, it's even more important to evaluate if earnings per share (EPS) are growing - it's not worth taking the risk on a dividend getting cut, unless you might be rewarded with larger dividends in future. It's good to see Tian An China Investments has been growing its earnings per share at 33% a year over the past five years. Earnings per share have grown rapidly, and the company is retaining a majority of its earnings. We think this is ideal from an investment perspective, if the company is able to reinvest these earnings effectively.

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 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, Tian An China Investments 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.

See if management have their own wealth at stake, by checking insider shareholdings in Tian An China Investments stock.

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.
A 9-month-old sitting in a stroller was shoved into a busy Ohio intersection while two adults were being assaulted and robbed.



Police said the incident happened in Colerain Township, Ohio near Cincinnati a few weeks ago.
The Dispensable Man. Photo: The Washington Post/The Washington Post via Getty Im

As news broke on Friday that Ken Starr and Alan Dershowitz would be joining President Trumps legal team for the Senate impeachment trial, Preet Bharara, former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, tweeted, Please add Rudy. Please.

Bharara and The Resistance and anybody on the sidelines who lives for drama has something in common with the former mayor: we all want him to be a part of the presidents defense.

The last time New York caught up with Giuliani, over bloody marys at The Mark Hotel in December, the trial was on his mind. He talked wistfully about his days as a prosecutor. He said he knew how to crack witnesses, knew how to defend the president better than anybody else.

I hate to sound like a ridiculously boastful lawyer, he said. Its the thing I do best as a lawyer. He claimed the structure of the defense was being sorted out by Lindsey Graham and Mitch McConnell. Earlier this week, CNN reported that Giuliani has been lobbying to join the team.

On Friday, Giuliani told New York that the decision to include Starr and Dershowitz was excellent, because, one has been through impeachment and other is an expert on Constitution. Starr served as the independent counsel during Bill Clintons impeachment, and Dershowitz is a Harvard Law professor famous for representing the infamous. (Both men worked for Jeffrey Epstein).

Asked for an update on his own participation in the trial, Giuliani said, I am a potential fact witness. I think very potential but still leaves you unable to appear.

But Graham and McConnell both told New York that Giuliani has never come up in discussions with the president about who will serve on his legal team.

Reached by phone early Friday evening, Graham said that, in his conversations with Trump, hes stressed the importance of presenting the case in nonpartisan terms, though wasnt sure that Trump would listen to him in the end. Well see! Well see in the coming days! he said, laughing.

But he was hopeful. I think hes got a good team, but nobodys ever asked me about having Rudy be a part of it, Graham said.

The president did ask Graham for his opinion on Dershowitz, Pam Bondi, and Jane Raskin, however.

Its the president who determines who his team is. He asked me about different lawyers, and how that helps. You know, youve got a handful of persuadables on both sides, so your legal team has to be set up in a fashion to maximize your votes if youre President Trump, Graham said. Dershowitz seems to be above politics in the traditional sense a guy like him can talk about the ramifications to the presidency as an institution.

He added that it was important to get out of the red, blue team stuff. For instance, Jay Sekulow, the presidents other personal attorney, is a constitutional lawyer and well respected conservative, so people on our side know him. But for an impeachment trial, the best case for the president to make is that its about the office, not just him. That the office would be diminished if either one of these articles were ever approved. Thats been my pitch. The more its not tainted by all the battles were in, the better.

A spokesman for McConnell also told New York, The leader never had a discussion about Rudy.

When asked if hed spoken to the president lately, Giuliani claimed that he doesnt discuss his conversations with his clientwhich isnt true. I told him that he in fact often does discuss them When I clear them, he said. And after your article I have no reason to push the envelope with you.

He wouldnt say whether he was feeling betrayed lately, with his associate Lev Parnas campaigning against him in the media. Not commenting, he said, before commenting: He is only hurting himself. No reason to add to it. It will all work out.
A total of 1,471 irregular migrants were held off Turkeys Aegean and Mediterranean coasts over the last one week, Anadolu Agency reports with a reference to the Turkish Coast Guard.

A total of 1,471 irregular migrants and 1 migrant smuggler were captured by the Coast Guard Command in 41 incidents between 10-16 January 2020 within the scope of anti-irregular migration activities, the coast guard said on Twitter.

As many as 12 dead bodies were also recovered during the same period, it added.

Turkey has been a main route for irregular migrants trying to cross into Europe, especially since 2011, when the Syrian civil war began, Anadolu Agency reminds.
A 36-year-old woman was beaten to death by men who were accused of molesting her minor daughter and were out on bail, a senior police official said on Saturday.

The women and her sister, who were witness in the 2018 molestation case, were assaulted by the men and admitted to hospitals here. The woman succumbed to her injuries at Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital on Friday while her 26-year-old sister is battling for life at a private hospital in Chakeri.

Superintendent of Police (East) Raj Kumar Agarwal said, "Three persons have been arrested and raids are being conducted for the arrest of another elusive accused, Chand Babu."



The police had arrested all the four accused in the molestation case after registering a case under IPC and POCSO Act, but the accused got bail from court.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Narsinghpur (Madhya Pradesh): A couple in Narsinghpur who tied the knot on January 18 here, extended their support for the Citizenship Amendment Act in a unique manner, printing the same on their wedding card.

Prabhat, the groom from Narsinghpur district said: "I want to spread awareness about CAA. I want people to understand the facts about the Act"

Just recently, another couple in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district also displayed their solidarity with the government for National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Mohit Mishra and Sonam Pathak, who are getting hitched on February 3, have put a Hindi line in bold letters on their wedding invite "We support CAA and NRC."

Several protests had erupted across the country after the implementation of CAA, which grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

The NRC is a register maintained by the government containing names and certain relevant information for the identification of all genuine Indian citizens. On the apex court's order, the NRC identified illegal immigrants from Assam. Though this has been a state-specific exercise to keep its ethnic uniqueness unaltered. Since its implementation, protests have erupted in several parts of the country.


Vehicles and road construction machinery were set ablaze on Saturday by Naxals in Sukma district in Chhattisgarh, police said.

Naxals stormed a road construction site near Chidpal village under Tongpal police station limits in the afternoon and burnt down two trucks, a water tanker and a concrete mixer machine belonging to a private firm, an official said.

"The work underway is part of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Despite the contractor being warned not to carry out work until adequate security is in place, he continued construction activities. His vehicles were seized recently for ignoring security warnings applicable to conflict-ridden areas," he said.

A police team is at the site and efforts are on to nab the culprits, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
This is part of a series on the B.C. victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, which crashed near Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 8, 2020, killing all 176 people on board.

The family and friends of Daniel and Faye Saket, whose lives were cut short earlier this month when their flight was shot down over Tehran, describe them as a committed and loving couple with a zest for life and adventure.

The couple, who were in their 30s, lived in North Vancouver where Daniel worked for a developer and Faye was an assistant to a cardiologist at St. Paul's Hospital.

What seemed to be a charmed life for the pair  drawn to Canada by its beauty and promise  ended in tragedy. The Sakets were two of the 176 people killed when Ukrainian Airlines Flight 752 was shot from the sky shortly after takeoff from Tehran, Iran's capital, on Jan. 8.

The couple were making their way home from holidays in Iran, where they were visiting family when they were killed.

Submitted by Farzad Taheri

Abo Tehari, Daniel Saket's uncle, spoke about the couple at a memorial held in North Vancouver on Jan. 11.

"They were just a match, sometimes two people become one and Daniel and Faye, they were those people ... two bodies in one spirit," he said.

Tehari said Daniel, who had a master's degree in mechanical engineering and a PhD in engineering, moved to Montreal from Iran in 2017. A three-day visit to Vancouver convinced him this was the region of Canada where he most wanted to live. He joined his uncle working at Denna Homes and settled into North Vancouver.

"Nothing less than a son to me and my family," said Tehari, adding that Daniel was a kind and often smiling man, willing to help family, friends and neighbours. "He was just one of a kind."

Doug Kerr/CBC

Tehari had one piece of advice for his nephew upon arriving on the West Coast: Marry Faye. "She was so kind  a very good person," he said about her.

So after moving to North Vancouver, Daniel returned to Iran, where Faye, nee Kazerani, was still living. A few weeks later, Tehari said an invitation arrived for the couple's wedding, which he attended.

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The couple then returned to North Vancouver and settled into life in Canada by exploring the outdoors, particularly around Vancouver and the North Shore. They lived in a building Daniel Saket helped construct.

Doug Kerr/CBC

Creative spirit

Sydnie Nicoll became friends with Faye Saket through her husband's Persian family. They also ended up living in the same building.

"She was extremely smart, she was a professional," she said.

Nicoll said Faye left her country when she was 17 to pursue school and work. It was originally reported that Faye Saket worked as a dental hygienist, but Nicoll said that wasn't true.

She had hoped to get more schooling in Canada and further her career in the medical field. She had no family in Canada, while Daniel had just his uncle, aunt and cousins.

Nicoll said Faye had a creative spirit, posting inspiring poetry on her social media accounts and doing amazing things with makeup for herself and others.

"She was an artist with it," she said. "She played a lot and was a very curious person."

Nicoll also said Faye helped her understand Persian culture and integrate with her in-laws in addition to being kind, a good listener and joyful about life.

"She really lived it  she embodied it and so I think what she leaves behind is living life to the fullest and leaving room for play and enjoyment."

Denna Homes is dedicating a bench to the couple at the Denna Club development on Hunter Street in North Vancouver.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 05:39:16|Editor: ZX

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CAIRO, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- A reception was held Saturday night in Egypt's capital Cairo by the Chinese Embassy in Egypt to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year.

Around 700 Chinese nationals, including employees of Chinese companies in Egypt, teachers of Confucius institutes in Egypt, and Chinese students studying in Egypt, were invited to the reception.

Before dinner, a wonderful performance including various dances, singing, Chinese traditional talk show Xiangsheng and a flute solo was put on stage, winning wild applause from the audience.

Delivering a speech at the reception, Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang said the bilateral relations between the two countries have made a great leap in the past year amid high-level exchange of visits.

Noting that the bilateral relations are in the golden age, Liao said the Chinese Embassy in Egypt will work harder to promote China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership, deepen cooperation in various fields, and promote stability and long-term relations between China and Egypt.

To celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year which is the Year of the Rat and falls on Jan. 25 this year, the Chinese Embassy in Egypt and the Chinese Cultural Center in Cairo will hold a number of events including symphony concerts, a dragon-boat contest and a Chinese food workshop.
T he Government will project a clock onto Downing Street to count down the minutes until Britain leaves the EU  but Big Ben will not bong, according to government plans.

Boris Johnson appealed to the public on Tuesday to bung a bob for a Big Ben bong to mark the historic moment, but has since withdrawn his support for the bid after Commons authorities said they were unwilling to accept public donations.

Instead, a light show will be held around Whitehall on January 31, featuring a clock ticking down to 11pm GMT.

Union Flags will be flown on all the poles in Parliament Square and the Prime Minister will give a "special" address to the nation in the evening.

However, the celebratory plans do not include Big Ben chiming, fuelling outrage among Leave campaigners who have accused the government of being embarrassed by Brexit.

The Elizabeth Tower, which houses Big Ben, is undergoing refurbishment / AFP via Getty Images

The House of Commons Commission estimates it would cost up to 500,000 to get the bell to bong, and has raised concerns over the "unprecedented approach" of using donations to fund the project.

Staunch eurosceptic Mark Francois has accused the authorities of inflating the figure and has called on spending watchdog the National Audit Office to investigate.

Meanwhile he has spearheaded a fundraising appeal to cover the estimated costs, titled The Big Ben must bong for Brexit campaign. It has raised more than 251,000 in three days from donors including business secretary Andrea Leadsom.

Boris Johnson says they are 'working up a plan so that people can bung a bob for a Big Ben bong'

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has invited the government to table a motion on Monday if it wants to push ahead with the Big Ben pans, which he described as highly political and a matter for MPs.

But the government has sought to distance itself from the campaign, arguing there is no guarantee that the Commons authorities will accept the public donations.

A No 10 spokesman insisted that, instead, the Prime Ministers focus would be on the days confirmed Brexit festivities.

These will include the introduction of a commemorative 50p Brexit coin and a special Cabinet meeting chaired by the PM in the north of England, where ministers will discuss plans to spread prosperity and opportunity across the UK.

Downing Street said it will use the "significant moment in our history" to "heal divisions, re-unite communities and look forward to the country that we want to build over the next decade."

But Brexit leader Nigel Farage has hit out at Mr Johnson, criticising him for "misleading" the public with his silenced bung a bob suggestion.
A century after Thomas Manns novel about a German who travels to the Swiss resort to visit his ailing cousin, the well-healed are still trekking to the Alps for treatment, with burnout and depression among the reasons. While some former sanatoriums like the Schatzalp, thought to be the setting for Manns book, now host vacationers and conference attendees, the century-old Hochgebirgsklinik is one of several in the region offering mental ...

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South Korea has opened up its market to Vietnamese rice, setting the annual import quota of Vietnamese rice at 55,112 tons, according to the Import-Export Department at the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Vietnamese rice traders can now access the South Korean market as the Northeast Asian country has offered an annual import quota of 55,112 tons for Vietnamese rice

South Korea will comply with the World Trade Organizations (WTOs) commitments and international practices to ensure transparency for rice bidding.

To make sure Vietnamese rice traders can take this opportunity to access the Korean market, the Import-Export Department has sent an official dispatch to the Industry and Trade departments of cities and provinces in the country and the Vietnam Food Association asking them to promptly inform Vietnamese rice exporters of the new Korean decision.

Rice traders can get more information about the Korean market, quota and rice bidding sessions on the website of the Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs at http://www.mafra.go.kr/english.

For more details or in case of facing problems with bidding, rice traders should email to the Import-Export Department at xnk-ns@moit.gov.vn.SGT
Mississippi police have arrested a pediatric doctor who previously worked at Childrens of Alabama and charged him with sexual battery of a minor after allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old girl.

The suspect has been identified as Neelesh Tipnis, 49, who is a board certified pediatrician and is described on UABs web site as a professor specializing in pediatric gastroenterology who worked at Childrens of Alabama.

UABs media relations team said that Tipnis no longer works at UAB and that the university is aware of and looking into this extremely troubling situation. A spokesperson for Childrens of Alabama referred inquiries to UAB.

The arresting officers said Tipnis now lives in Madison, Miss., just north of Jackson.

The Madison Police Department says their investigation began after a concerned parent reported to them on Friday that their 14-year-old daughter was having inappropriate electronic communications with an adult male.

Police say their investigation revealed that the male subject had inappropriate contact with the victim in December 2019 and January 2020.

Further investigation revealed that during an encounter between the adult male and juvenile female, while within the City of Madison, the male subject allegedly committed sexual battery against the juvenile, the department said. The subject was identified and upon obtaining an arrest warrant he was located and arrested.

Tipnis was arrested and charged with one count of sexual battery. He is being housed at the Madison County Detention Center awaiting his first court appearance. Madison police say the Madison County Sheriffs Office and the Mississippi Attorney Generals Office Cyber Crimes Unit are assisting with the on-going investigation and more charges are possible.

According to Mississippi law sexual battery is when a person engages in sexual penetration with a child more than 14 but less than 16 years of age if the person is three years older than the child, or if the victim is under the age of 18 and the person is in a position of trust or authority over the child, including physicians.
BUFFALO  As state hearings on the tribally contested water permits sought for Keystone XL Pipeline construction and man-camps in Lakota Territory continued into Round 3 on January 13-14, the city fathers of this little Northern Great Plains town closed a deal with the lines Canadian proponent to supply its private needs from a public well.

They approved it even before South Dakota Chief Engineer Jeanne Goodman had recommended the state Water Management Board accept Buffalo Water Superintendent Ryan D. Smiths request for a new Well # 8 to boost the citys capacity by 82-acre feet per year.

The local newspaper of record shows that the Board of Trustees of the Town of Buffalo (population 213) unanimously approved the agreement with TC Energy Corp. (formerly TransCanada Corp.) on December 17, 2019.

Goodman made the recommendation on January 2, 2020, as documented by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The paper, Nations Center News, also reported unanimous board approval during the same regular meeting date for a right-of-way agreement favoring the hazardous materials pipeline that would deliver tar-sands crude from Canadas oilfields to refineries and export facilities on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Numerous other permits opposed by tribal governments and organizations would be needed for the line to be built across the 1868 Ft. Laramie Treaty territory states of Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska, so it could link existing infrastructure to serve its purpose.

The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Yankton Sioux Tribe, Dakota Rural Action and individual intervenors are contesting state water permit applications for four TC Energy Corp. contractors man-camps, including one on the outskirts of Buffalo.

Contact Talli Nauman at talli.nauman@gmail.com

Copyright permission Native Sun News Today

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His remarks were made at the Third National Congress of Peruvian Professionals (Conaprof 2020).

"The Bicentennial is not a simple ephemeris. In addition to the historical circumstances, we can take a decisive step to leave a legacy of values. Peruvians require our commitment and loyalty to build the country that we want, through consensus that can be reached by everyone," he expressed.
Gautam Pingle By

Monarchies dominated traditional governance systems. The will of the sovereign, technically paramount, was limited by tradition, religious law and the established rights of the nobles and provinces. When the Parliament of Castile offered the crown to Charles V, they stated: We, who are worth as much as you, make you our King and Lord, as long as you respect our charters and liberties. The king had to swear to uphold the charters and liberties. It is another thing that later, his main aim was to try and evade the limitations imposed on him. The kings advisers, the priesthood, his queen, the adult princes and bankers had a policymaking role along with the more powerful nobles.

A Hindu king at his coronation would declare: I am the power! but the Brahmin raj guru would wag his finger at the king and say, No, dharma is the power. And the king had to repeat (in acceptance): Dharma is the power! The ritual could then proceed. The Hindu king was an upholder of dharmic order. There is no such thing as absolute power.

The breakdown of governance in ancient times was primarily due to unresolved dissent within the state structure. This was mainly due to the failure of dialogue between the monarch and a small but influential group. In democratic societies, where the entire adult population is involved in governance, dissent is likely to be more extensive. Regularly elected parliaments, written constitutions, independent judicial and religious institutions, and freedom of expression are ways of harnessing this dissent by interaction through dialogue.

We Indians find ourselves in an extraordinary situation where the old paradigm of politics has given way to a new paradigm approved in two successive general elections. Many are concerned where the new electoral majority will take the country. Uncertainty tends to create fear; fear causes anger; anger leads to violence and violence dissolves into chaos.

Dissent is essential to protect the majority from making mistakes, and relying solely on its mandate and agenda. But dissent without dialogue is a recipe for disaster. Productive dialogue requires all interlocutors to exercise discipline. Dialogue has to be sober and consistent, and allow for a detailed examination of facts and reasoned argument. Above all, speech, to be persuasive, must be polite and the persons concerned must be respectful of the viewseven of extreme viewsheld by their interlocutors. Every relevant view needs due respect, time and attention. All sides must observe these rules. Otherwise, the dialogue becomes dysfunctional with personal attacks, dishonesty, abuse and anger.

What do we see and hear? In Parliament, opposition members seem to think shouting and interrupting speeches compensates for their lack of numbers. The government members disdain to take the oppositions views seriously and tend to shout them down. If only the presiding officers expelled the offending member(s) for a duration long enough for it to be a punishment, perhaps things would improve. But this is seldom done. Maybe our parliamentarians should be forced to watch the proceedings of the UK House of Commons, whose procedures and discipline our Parliament adopted but fails to uphold.

Two recent cases highlight the general problem. The first was an extraordinary incident faced by the Kerala Governor at the Indian History Congress. The eminent historian from AMU, Professor Irfan Habib, launched an unscheduled political diatribe on the CAA. The Governor, Arif Mohammed Khan, who is an erudite scholar, gentleman and a constitutionalist, naturally had to defend the law established by Parliament. The 88-year old Habib then made two attempts to try and stop the Governor from speaking! The country saw the unseemly fracas on TV. The conduct of the eminent professor is inexcusable. Those in academia must maintain dignity and decency in discussion and dialogue.

The second case is the violent encounters in JNU, the pre-eminent institution in the country. It appears that encouraged by their professors, students of different political factions not only attacked each other violently but also got outside elements to assist them. If students and professors behave like this, civilised dialogue disappears from academia.

The current problem is due to the new political order initiated by the electorates preferences. The two-term BJP government has an overwhelming majority in Parliament, and there is a strong likelihood of it remaining in power for the foreseeable future. This prospect has caused considerable dismay and heartburn among the political, bureaucratic and academic elites that were part of the established political order. But this is no reason for anti-government elements to create disorder. The elected majority is then encouraged to stamp out minority views. The checks and balances of a democratic order, based on respect for all views and interests, will cease to operate.

The dissenting minority has more at stake than the overwhelming majority in maintaining civilised dialogue. The majority has the support of an electoral mandate, but on many issues, dissident views may be useful for the majority to consider before making decisions. The minority must consider the overall picturethat is the only way in which it can meet the majority on level ground. An opposition that represents only minority interests and views cannot convince the vast majority.

The Constitution provides for tests of legislative (and bureaucratic) decisions by establishing judicial review. The majority and minority must finally accept the Supreme Courts verdict on the constitutionality of any law or act of government. Then dissent must end. Unless and until this approach becomes the norm in our society, this young democracy is doomed.
Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivers his sermons of Friday prayers at the Tehran University campus in Tehran. AP photo

Tehran: Iran's supreme leader said Friday that demonstrations at home over the accidental downing of a Ukrainian airliner were unrepresentative of the Iranian people and accused the country's enemies of exploiting the disaster for propaganda purposes.

Leading the main weekly Muslim prayers in Tehran for the first time since 2012, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the January 8 incident was a "bitter" tragedy but should not be allowed to overshadow the "sacrifice" of one of Iran's most storied commanders, assassinated in a US drone strike.

His sermon came after a traumatic month for Iran in which it approached the brink of war with the United States and mistakenly shot down the Ukrainian jet, killing all 176 people on board.

"The plane crash was a bitter accident, it burned through our heart," Khamenei said in an address punctuated by cries of "Death to America" from the congregation.

"But some tried to... portray it in a way to forget the great martyrdom and sacrifice" of Major General Qasem Soleimani, the head of the foreign operations arm of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards who was assassinated in Baghdad on January 3.

Khamenei said Iran's enemies had tried to use the plane tragedy to undermine the Islamic republic.

"Our enemies were as happy about the plane crash as we were sad," he said.

"The spokesmen of the vicious American government keep repeating that we stand with the people of Iran. You're lying," Khamenei said.

He also slammed Britain, France and Germany, which on Tuesday decided to trigger a dispute mechanism in the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, following US threats to impose tariffs on European cars.

"It has been proven now, after about a year, that they are, in the true sense of the word, America's lackeys," he said.

President Donald Trump reacted by tweeting that Khamenei should watch his words.

"The so-called 'Supreme Leader' of Iran, who has not been so Supreme lately, had some nasty things to say about the United States and Europe," Trump tweeted.

"Their economy is crashing, and their people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words!"

'The deceived ones'

The air disaster triggered scattered protests in Tehran and other cities, but they appeared smaller than nationwide demonstrations in November in which Amnesty International said at least 300 people died.

On Friday, anti-riot police staged a massive deployment in Tehran, an AFP correspondent said.

Khamenei said the protesters were unrepresentative of the Iranian people, who had turned out in their hundreds of thousands in what he called a "million-strong crowd" for Soleimani's funeral.

Praising the slain general, Khamenei said his actions beyond Iran's borders were in the service of the "security" of the nation and that the people support "resistance" against its enemies.

It was people like Soleimani, not the protesters, who had devoted their lives to Iran, Khamenei told thousands of worshippers who crammed into the mosque and spilled into the snowy streets outside.

'Divine help'

Khamenei's sermon came at a tumultuous moment for Iran, which had seemed headed for conflict earlier in January after Soleimani was killed on January 3 outside Baghdad airport, prompting retaliatory strikes against Iraqi bases housing US troops.

Khamenei hailed the strikes as a "sign of divine help".

"It was a strike to their reputation, to America's might. This cannot be compensated by anything ... sanctions cannot return the lost prestige of America," he said.

The animosity between Washington and Tehran has soared since US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from a landmark nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed biting sanctions.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday urged a "de-escalation" of the tensions and an end to the "constant threats".

The plane tragedy "is a very serious red flag and signal to start working on de-escalation and not on constant threats and combat aviation flights in this region", Lavrov said.

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Friday he had met his Canadian counterpart Francois-Philippe Champagne in Oman to discuss cooperation among nations affected by the disaster.

The Boeing 737 was carrying 63 Canadians among other nationalities when it was shot down.

"Politicisation of this tragedy must be rejected. Focus on victims' families," Zarif tweeted.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged Iran to hand the plane's black boxes to France, saying it has one of the few laboratories capable of properly examining them.

In June 2019, Iran and the United States had also appeared to be on the brink of direct military confrontation after Tehran shot down a US drone it said had violated its airspace.

Trump said he called off retaliatory strikes at the last minute.

President Hassan Rouhani said Thursday that Iran was "working daily to prevent military confrontation or war", and maintained that a dialogue with the world was still "possible".
If you think it is impossible to sink lower than CNN, well have a look at a piece up over at NBC News by Noah Berlatsky: Trump Voters Motivated by Racism May Be Violating the Constitution: Can They Be Stopped?

The article goes on to report on the reasoning of Terry Smith, a visiting professor of law at the University of Baltimore Law School (I never heard of him either), which Berlansky describes as follows:

Terry Smith, a visiting professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law, offers a different response in his new book, Whitelash: Unmasking White Grievance at the Ballot Box. Rather than excuse racist voters or try to figure out how to live with their choices, he argues that racist voting is not just immoral, but illegal. The government, Smith says, has the ability, and the responsibility, to address it. This sounds radical. [Editorial comment: Why, yesyes it does sound radical.] But Smith argues that its in line with the Constitution and with years of court rulings. For example, Smith points out that racist appeals in union elections are illegal and that an election in which one side uses racist appeals can be invalidated by the National Labor Relations Board. Similarly, in the 2016 case Pena v. Rodriguez, the Supreme Court ruled that when a juror expresses overt bigotry, the jurys verdict should be invalidated. When voters go to the booth, theyre not expressing a mere personal preference, Smith told me. According to Smith, voters who pull the levers to harm black people are violating the Constitution. If the Constitution means that overt racist appeals undermine the legality of union elections, it stands to reason that they undermine the legality of other elections, as well.

This plumbs news depths of idiocy, confusion, and crackpot lefty ideology, which readers wont have much trouble sorting out for themselves. (One might start with a question: if it is illegal for a white to vote against black interests, why isnt the reciprocal equally true for Al Sharpton?) The implication is nonetheless clear: Voting for Republicans should be illegal and therefore prohibited.

Berlatsky and Smith avoid the clear implication of their ridiculous view with lots of evasions and process arguments that all have the same tendency: changes that will result in the election of more Democrats (not necessarily black Democrats, though). How conveeeenient.

Heres some more of this hot mess which NBC thinks is a hot take:

The usual remedy for racial discrimination is censure or fines . . . Its more difficult to censure voters who have violated their constitutional duties. Nullifying elections would be essentially impossible. But Smith argues that there are other options. I think we can dismantle some of the features of the electoral system that encourage racialized decision-making, he says. For instance, you only get a partisan gerrymander by moving people in and out of districts on the basis of their race. Ending this practice at the state and federal levels would be a big step toward reducing the power of racism at the ballot box, as would ending the use of Voter IDs intended to disenfranchise black voters.

Of course, moving people into districts on the basis of their race is the very premise of the Voting Rights Act, but in any case right after saying dont move people in and out of districts on account of their race, Berlatsky and Smith call for . . . moving people in and out of districts on account of their race. Really, you cant make this up:

Smith suggests expanding the Voting Rights Act to address the racist patterns of voting in Senate elections in the South. Because the majority of white voters in the South vote Republican, and because they outnumber black voters, there isnt a single Democratic senator from the Deep South other than Doug Jones in Alabama, who may well lose his seat in 2020. Smith argues that we could remedy these disparate, racially motivated outcomes by creating Senate districts. Presumably, that would make it at least possible for black voters to elect a senator who would support their interests.

And NBC News thought this drivel worthy of pixels? And wonder why people think they are a joke?

Finally, here is Berlatskys bio from the end of the piece:

Noah Berlatsky is a freelance writer and cultural critic based in Chicago. He edits the website The Hooded Utilitarian and is the author of several books, including most recently Wonder Woman: Bondage and Feminism in the Marston/Peter Comics, 1941-1948.

The Hooded Utilitarian? Seriously, does he not know thats the perfect description of not just the sartorial preference but in fact the philosophy of the KKK?

Maybe Berlatsky is conducting a years-long hoax on everyone, in which case Ill tip my hat to him for bringing down NBC News.
Police are scouring the internet for clues about plans for mayhem, workers are putting up chain link holding pens around Virginia's picturesque Capitol Square, and one lawmaker even plans to hide in a safe house in advance of what's expected to be an unprecedented show of force by gun-rights activists.

What is provoking their anger in this once reliably conservative state is the new Democratic majority leadership and its plans to enact a slew of gun restrictions.

This clash of old and new has made Virginia - determined to prevent a replay of the Charlottesville violence in 2017 - ground zero in the nation's raging debate over gun control.

The Virginia Citizens Defense League's yearly rally at the Capitol typically draws just a few hundred gun enthusiasts.

Barriers set up near the Capitol in Richmond, Virginia, on Saturday ahead of Monday's rally

The town is bracing itself for an unprecedented coming together of activists on both sides of the gun debate

This year, however, thousands of gun activists are expected to turn out. Second Amendment groups have identified the state as a rallying point for the fight against what they see as a national erosion of gun rights.

'Were not going to be quiet anymore. Were going to fight them in the courts and on the ground. The illegal laws theyre proposing are just straight up unconstitutional,' said Timothy Forster, of Chesterfield, Virginia, an NRA member who had one handgun strapped to his shoulder and another tucked into his waistband as he stood outside a legislative office building earlier this week.

VCDL president Philip Van Cleave said he's heard from groups around the country that plan to send members to Virginia, including the Nevada-based, far-right Oath Keepers, which has promised to organize and train armed posses and militia.

The Capitol building in Richmond, Virginia, where a pro-gun rally is scheduled to take place on Monday

A tent is set up to house metal detectors at the entrance to Capitol Square in Richmond, Va., Friday, Jan. 17, 2020. Everyone attending the rally must pass through this point

Extremist groups have blanketed social media and online forums with ominous messages and hinted at potential violence. The FBI said it arrested three men linked to a violent white supremacist group Thursday who were planning to attend the rally in Richmond, according to a law enforcement official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss an active investigation.

Democrats have permanently banned guns inside the Capitol, and Gov. Ralph Northam declared a temporary state of emergency Wednesday that bans all weapons, including guns, from Capitol Square, during the rally to prevent 'armed militia groups storming our Capitol.' Gun-rights groups asked the Virginia Supreme Court to rule Northam's declaration unconstitutional, but the court on Friday upheld the ban.

Northam said there were credible threats of violence - like weaponized drones being deployed over Capitol Square. On Friday, t he FAA issued a temporary flight restriction, including for drones, over Capitol airspace during the rally.

The governor said some of the rhetoric used by groups planning to attend Monday's rally is reminiscent of that used ahead of the white nationalist rally in Charlottesville in August 2017. One woman was killed and more than 30 other people were hurt when a white supremacist drove his car into a crowd of counter protesters there.

The Virginia State Police, the Virginia Capitol Police and the Richmond Police are all coordinating the event and have plans for a huge police presence at Monday's rally that will include both uniformed and plainclothes officers. Police plan to limit access to Capitol Square to only one entrance and have warned rally-goers that they may have to wait hours to get past security screening.

Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins is an avid supporter of the 2nd amendment and he has been instrumental in the pro-guns movement that is behind the rally. It is unclear if he plans to attend the Richmond event which is happening 90 miles from where he works

Anti-fascist protesters are also going to attend Monday's rally in Richmond

Nonessential state staff were being told to stay away. Del. Lee Carter, a Democratic Socialist, said hes planning to spend Monday at an undisclosed location because of threats he has received.

'I aint interested in martyrdom,' Carter tweeted.

Northam lamented that such precautions were necessary for what's been a peaceful yearly event, but said pro-gun activists have 'unleashed something larger, something they may not be able to control.'

The pushback against proposed new gun restrictions began immediately after Democrats won majorities in both the state Senate and House of Delegates in November. Much of the opposition has focused on a proposed assault weapons ban, which would affect thousands of owners of the popular AR-15-style rifles. One version of the bill, which Democrats later disavowed, would have required current owners of the rifles to turn them in or face felony charges.

That bill was the spark that created the massive pushback, according to Sen. Creigh Deeds, one of the few moderate Democrats left in Virginia who represents rural areas.

Luke Austin, left, Jacob Kaderli, center, and Michael Helterbrand have all been arrested . They have links to a violent white supremacist group, according to police

'That allowed people who like to inflame passions to say, `Look, theyre really coming after your guns, they're coming after you,'' Deeds said.

Thousands of gun owners from around the state packed municipal meetings to urge local officials to declare their communities 'Second Amendment Sanctuaries' opposed to 'unconstitutional' gun restrictions like universal background checks. More than 125 cities, towns and counties have approved sanctuary resolutions in Virginia.

Patrik Matthews was also arrested on January 16

Gun-control advocates, meanwhile, have also been flocking to Richmond to show their support for the proposed legislation. More than 200 volunteers with Moms Demand Action held a rally on Jan. 6. Gun control became a leading issue in the 2019 Virginia legislative elections after a city employee in Virginia Beach opened fire on his co-workers in May, killing 12 and injuring four others.

Janet Woody, a retired librarian from Richmond and a Moms volunteer, said she believes the proposed package of legislation can help reduce gun violence.

'I just feel so angry and helpless because of all these massacres,' she said. 'You can call your legislator or write, but there comes a point where you just have to get out in the street.'

One figure who is central to the movement Scott Jenkins, a sheriff from Culpeper County.

Since December, he has become a key figure in a pro-Second Amendment protest movement that has organized a protest in Richmond, the state capital, on Monday. At least 10,000 supporters plan on attending, according to media reports.

'The Constitution is very clear: the Second Amendment grants every citizen to bear arms, specifically against a tyrannical government,' said the officer from Culpeper County, a rural region about 60 miles (100 kilometers) southwest of Washington.

Virginia, which has traditionally leaned conservative, flipped in November and passed into Democratic hands. State Democrats promised to tackle what they considered the laxity surrounding carrying laws, particularly after a May 2019 shooting in Virginia Beach that left 12 dead.
January 18 : Did you ever imagine that you can get the same benefits of a good workout without even moving an inch?

A University of Michigan Medicine study found that Sestrin, a protein that is naturally created in the body, can mimick the benefits of exercise like brisk walk or high intensity workout at the gym.

Researchers at Michigan Medicine University found that the naturally occurring protein called Sestrin can give out the same benefits that we get from exercising. The researchers came to this conclusion while performing some tests on flies and mice. The findings can help scientists combat muscle wasting due to aging or other causes.

Sestrins apparent link to exercise

Myungjin Kim, research assistant professor in the Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, explained that Sestrin gets accumulated in muscles after we do workouts. The researchers encouraged a bunch of flies to do some exercise. They found that Drosophila flies usually climb up and out of a test tube. This observation led collaborators Robert Wessells and Alyson Sujkowski of Wayne State University in Detroit to develop a kind of fly treadmill. The team then trained the flies for three weeks and found that they were able to make Sestrin. The flies which did not exercise lacked the ability to make Sestrin, and, as a result, did not improve with exercise. The researchers found that when they overexpressed Sestrin in the normal flies, they developed the abilities of the trained flies, even without exercising.

Beneficial effects of Sestrin

Sestrin can, therefore, improve endurance. It can do more than just improving endurance. This, the researchers found when they tested it on mice. They found that mice that lacked Sestrin did not have the improved strength, improved respiration and fat burning capability, which we usually experience after exercise.

Professor Jun Hee Lee explained that Sestrin can impact these biological activities by turning on or off different metabolic pathways. He said that Sestrin alone can produce many benefits of exercise and other physical activities.

As Sestrins are not small molecules, the researchers are working to find small molecule modulators of Sestrin. Myungjin Kim added that scientists are still not sure how exercise or physical activities produce Sestrin in the body. This can prove critical for future study and help scientists find a treatment for people who cannot exercise, Kim concluded.
A woman deliberately drove her car into the path of an oncoming vehicle to test her faith in God, police say.

Nadejda Reilly, 31, from Drums, Luzerne County, allegedly caused the crash on Route 93 near Weatherly, Pennsylvania, on January 7.

State police say Reilly told them she had driven round for a few hours, waiting for a calling from God.

When no calling presented itself, Reilly told officers she decided to drive into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

When police arrived on the scene, the suspect reportedly told them she was not remorseful for the people injured in the crash because: 'God would have taken care of them'.

A Pennsylvanian woman deliberately drove her car into the path of an oncoming vehicle on Route 93 (pictured) to test her faith and then said she didn't care if people were injured because 'God would have taken care of them', police said (file image)

When police arrived on the scene, the suspect told them she was not remorseful for the people injured in the crash because 'God would have taken care of them'

'Reilly related God took care of her by not having her injured,' said Trooper Bruce Balliet in an arrest affidavit.

'Reilly expressed no concerns or remorse for the victims. Reilly also stated she did not care if the other people were injured because God would have taken care of them.'

Two people in the other vehicle were taken to hospital for treatment for their injuries.

Reilly has been charged with aggravated assault and other offenses over allegations she purposely caused the crash.

Her $50,000 bail had been revoked, according to an online court docket on Wednesday.

The suspect's lawyer, Andrew Theyken Bench, filed a notice with the court that she plans to waive her formal arraignment in Carbon County court.
The taxpayer will continue to pay Prince Harry and Meghan's 7.6million-a-year security bill, it appears, even though the couple have dropped their HRH titles.

There has been a growing row about who will pick up the couple's annual security bill as they split their time between the UK and Canada.

But Buckingham Palace's bombshell announcement yesterday evening didn't directly address the issue.

Meghan's team including a personal protection officer accompany her in London. Security costs the taxpayer in excess of an estimated 100 million a year for the royal family

The statement read: 'Buckingham Palace does not comment on the details of security arrangements.

'There are well-established independent processes to determine the need for publicly-funded security.'

A security expert has warned it could cost as much as 7.6million annually.

Chris Matthews, formerly of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and who worked in the protection of visitors to Canada such as the Royal Family, has estimated the security measures required for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would be similar to those of the Prime Minister.

Meghan is whisked away by a police protection officer during a visit to Fiji in October 2018

But he warned, in an interview with The Globe and Mail, Canada's biggest newspaper, that security would be more costly as they would have to set it up from scratch.

He said: 'They need personal body guards all the time. You have to pay those peoples' salaries. You've got to pay for the vehicles they travel in and the aircraft they travel in. You have to pay for the communications equipment they require because it has to be sophisticated so that you can't listen to it.'

Mr Matthews also warned that their residence would need to have fences installed, alongside CCTV and alarms - adding to the cost of their security.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has assured the Queen that the family will be safe while in his country, with Canada expected to pay around half of an estimated 1million ($1.3million) annual bill - a figure based on the cost of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's current UK security bill.

His comments come as The Globe and Mail also, in a scathing editorial, slammed the Royal couple of thinking they could split their time between the countries.

During Harry and Meghan's South Africa trip a fleet of armoured Land Rover Discovery's was shipped out for the official visit because vehicles that met their requirements could not be found locally

It said: 'Canada is not a halfway house for anyone looking to get out of Britain while remaining a royal.'

Canada's prime minister Justin Trudeau tweeted before Christmas that Harry, Meghan and eight-month-old Archie 'were among friends, and always welcome here'.

There is an ongoing Whitehall review into who gets armed protection from the Metropolitan Police, with the threat assessment judged by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee led by independent retired official Sir Richard Mottram.

A statement from Buckingham Palace (pictured) read: 'Buckingham Palace does not comment on the details of security arrangements. There are well-established independent processes to determine the need for publicly-funded security'

Sources have told The Mail on Sunday that Security Minister Brandon Lewis and Home Secretary Priti Patel have stressed the importance of continued  if reduced  protection for the pair.

Yet the couple may have their security downgraded with protection squad officers armed only with tasers instead of guns.

The 'range of possibilities' have been drawn up by royal courtiers and government officials for the Queen, William, Charles and Harry to review.

The Sussexes will be told their protection team is likely to be scaled back if they take part in fewer Royal events.

The security level for Royals is increased due to the fact that their engagements are published in advance, leading to a greater threat.

There has been a growing row about who will pick up Harry and Meghan's annual security bill as they split their time between the UK and Canada (the couple are pictured last week)

However it is understood that the Metropolitan Police is keen to see the number of Royals and Ministers receiving the protection scaled back due to concerns about the spiralling security budget.

Nearly three quarters of Canadians do not want to pay for Prince Harry and Meghan's move to the country or to pay for their security arrangements, a new poll has found.

Seven-in-ten (73 per cent) said that they would prefer Canada not pitch in any money. For one-in-five (19 per cent), some cost sharing is appropriate, while only a handful of Canadians would willingly pay for all costs (3 per cent).

The survey was conducted was conducted from January 13-14 this year by a randomised sample of 1,154 Canadian adults.
I say if the campaign doesnt reflect what hes doing, then how is his national agenda going to reflect the inclusion? Roberson told the Tribune. So, if you cant include (minority inclusion) in your campaign, how are you going to do it on the national level?
A delegation of the United States Quincentennial Commission visits the White House after delivering their 267-page preliminary report, Jan. 15, 2020. From left: U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey R-Pa.; U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R.-Ala.; Lynn Forney Young, president general, Daughters of the American Revolution; David L. Cohen, Comcast Corp. executive, and chair, Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania; Cathy Gillespie, chair, Consulting America; U.S. Vice President Mike Pence; James L. Swanson, writer; Dan DiLella, principal, Equus Capital Partners, and commission chairman; Rosie Gumataotao Rios, former Treasurer of the United States; Frank Giordano, executive director of the commission Read more

The business leaders and politicians charged with marking the nations 250th birthday say theyre looking for party and project ideas. From all over, including Vice President Mike Pence.

All 50 states, cities, the territories, the Native reservations, foreign countries, says Dan DiLella, the Newtown Square-based developer (he heads Equus Capital Partners) who chairs the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission board, appointed by the president to get plans moving for America 250 events.

The city where the Declaration of Independence was signed has played a lead role in past anniversaries, and each left a mark. Fairmount Park was formed around the Centennial fairgrounds from 1876. The South Philly stadium complex site was first developed for the Sesquicentennial in 1926. Independence Mall was cleared in advance of the Bicentennial in 1976, making way for todays Liberty Bell Center, National Constitution Center, Independence Visitor Center, and Presidents House-and-slave quarters attractions.

And Philadelphians were prominent in the commissions nine-member delegation that called on Pence at the White House on Wednesday. One goal was to follow up on its new, congressionally mandated, 276-page framework for projects and parties, to culminate on July 4, 2026. The report was sent to the White House last Dec. 31.

Still, this is not just about Philadelphia, commission member U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R., Pa.) noted after the visit. While Philadelphians hoped for a big commemoration in 1976, Toomey recalled how New York with its tall ships and fireworks ended up with the most memorable party. This time, Philadelphia has a unique role. But it is a national event.

This is not going to be a Philly-centric celebration, though obviously we think Philadelphia will play a role," added another commission member, David L. Cohen, the Comcast executive and University of Pennsylvania trustees chair.

The commission is collecting cash to inspire proposals that educate, engage and unite groups of Americans around common themes of liberty, diversity, inclusion and innovation, as DiLella put it  from brick-and-mortar infrastructure to parades and parties.

According to its report, members hope to raise up to $225 million in federal appropriations and at least $250 million in corporate and private grants as sweeteners to attract funding for local projects and pay its own $100 million operating budget.

The commission is still working on its systems for collecting proposals.

An initial $3 million was appropriated in this years federal budget. There were also donations from Comcast, Citizens Bank, Essential Utilities (the newly renamed Aqua America) and others; personal grants from DuPont boss Ed Breen, Phillies owner John Middleton, and others; and aid from Pepper Hamilton, Reed Smith, Deloitte, Edelman, and other professional firms. A new America 250 Foundation  Cohen is on the executive committee  will help raise more money.

The commissions top staffer is another Philadelphian, Frank Giordano -- he built his fathers garage into a large truck-leasing business, and is, like DiLella, is a former president of the Union League, a connection they worked at the White House visit: The pair reminded Pence that the Union Leagues portrait of his favorite president, Calvin Coolidge, is on loan to Pences working office, across the street from the White House. So thats where the vice president took the delegation to pose for pictures.

Pence was very gracious, enthusiastic, took a lot of pictures, said Toomey.

The vice president, a former Indiana governor, also offered to make some calls: He said, I know a lot of governors," and added some lessons learned when his state planned its own bicentennial, according to Cohen.

Pennsylvania and New Jersey are among a handful of states that have already created their own America 250 commissions to seek federal funds and private funding, and draw up plans. Pennsylvanias is headed by Delaware County supermarket owner and developer Pat Burns.

The national commissions initial report, Inspiring the American Spirit, is a guideline to forming such groups, and contains few specific proposals, only examples: refurbishing the Smithsonian Institutions historic castle on the Mall in Washington, or helping upgrade the First Bank of the United States building in Old City (a project already partly funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Park Service, plus private grants.)

The commission numbers 16 private citizens (most represent potential donors), eight members of Congress, and nine federal officials. Six of the 33 are from Pennsylvania. DiLella is chairman; besides Cohen and Toomey, members include U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D., Pa.); Penn president Amy Gutmann; and Andrew Hohns, an infrastructure-finance investor who founded the nonprofit USA 250 group in the late 2000s to spark interest in the anniversary.

I asked DiLella and Cohen how the politicians and employers hope to ensure that masses of Americans feel represented by the decisions of the elite commission. Through the state and local commissions, they said.

This has to be everyones celebration, Cohen added. The design weve laid out is meant to engage.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday launched an attack on the opposition over anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests and said that these agitations are not only a protest against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), but also a conspiracy against the country.

"The ongoing protest over CAA is not only a protest against the BJP but it is also a conspiracy against the country. This law is for granting citizenship and not for taking away citizenship. The opposition parties are provoking people as they are afraid of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," said Adityanath in a public meeting organised in support of the CAA at Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya ground here.

"The character of all the opposition parties, including Congress, SP that are supporting anti-India slogans, has been revealed. Under the guise of CAA, chaos is being promoted. Efforts are being made to present this law in a twisted manner," he said.

The Chief Minister said that the government has taken stern action against those provoking protestors and causing chaos.

Stressing that people have come forward with cheques to pay fines in lieu of damage to government property, he said, "The Constitution of the country gives us fundamental rights so we should also understand the fundamental responsibility. The responsibility is that if the country is being misled, then we have to come forward and make people aware."

Adityanath alleged that the opposition supported those who raised "anti-India slogans".

Cornering Congress, he said that when there was a terrorist attack on Mumbai in 2008, the people of the country wanted action against Pakistan but the then government failed to act.

"Now when the government is giving Pakistan a befitting reply, then a conspiracy is being hatched against the Modi government," the Chief Minister said.

Protests broke out in different parts of the country against and in support of CAA which grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and who came to 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.)
Sheryl Sculley was in the house on Wednesday afternoon when the City Council got a briefing on Pre-K 4 SA.

It was a rare Council Chamber appearance by the former city manager, but it made perfect sense, given the crucial role she played in implementing former Mayor Julian Castros legacy program.

The briefing  from Dr. Sarah Baray, the early education programs CEO, and Elaine Mendoza, its board chair  was partly an update on Pre-K 4 SAs achievements and partly an introduction to this years referendum campaign to get it renewed. (An election that is expected to happen in May.)

Pre-K 4 SA gets its funding from a 1/8-cent per dollar sales tax approved by voters in November 2012. The eight-year funding cycle expires next year and the program will shut down if voters decide to cut off its revenue stream.

Various council members acknowledged Sculleys presence in the audience for Wednesdays B-Session. But the most colorful anecdote came from Manny Pelaez, the councils raconteur in chief, who recounted a blistering hot afternoon in 2012, when he came out of a downtown lunch spot and encountered Sculley and then-Councilwoman Ivy Taylor.

Pelaez offered Sculley and Taylor a ride back to City Hall. On Wednesday, he recalled his embarrassment over the Cheerios all over the floor of his car. He also remembered Sculleys enigmatic answer when Pelaez, in an effort to break the ice, asked the generic Whats new? question.

In his telling, Sculley, after a pause, responded, Well, I guess Im going to run a municipal pre-k independent school district.

Pelaez couldnt tell if Sculley was expressing resentment or steely determination. (Her body language at Wednesdays council meeting, as she listened to him tell the story, indicated that it was the latter.)

Pelaezs anecdote gets to the heart of a couple of issues: first, what a bold, risky, outside-the-box endeavor Pre-K 4 SA was from the start; second, why traditionalists expressed something between nervousness and full-on outrage at the thought of our municipal government getting in the education business.

On ExpressNews.com: S.A. mayor navigating troubled waters over aquifer protection funding

History tells us that opposition to ambitious new government programs tends to recede after people start to see the programs in action (assuming that those programs are effective). In the 1936 presidential election, Republican opponents of Franklin Roosevelts newly passed Social Security program called it Social Insecurity, a cruel hoax and a fraud on the American people.

Before long, however, it became an accepted fact of American life. There was no longer a debate over whether it should exist, but merely over the details of how it should be administered.

Thirty years later, the same thing happened with Medicare.

Pre-K 4 SA passed by a fairly slim margin in 2012 (53.6 percent to 46.4 percent). At that point, Castro had to convince voters to impose a new tax on themselves and add a new item to the city portfolio. It required a leap of faith. It required a willingness to rock the boat.

In 2020, the political task will be less daunting. The pro-pre-k campaign will merely ask voters to keep an already existing tax, to preserve a program that has produced results. To avoid rocking the boat.

The obvious political snag is that only 2,000 children per year are served at the four Pre-K 4 SA centers, and, in a city of 1.5 million people, its tempting for some voters to see the program as a citywide tax that serves only a small percentage of the city.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio mayoral runoff will impact the fate of Pre-K 4 SA

Thats a narrative Baray effectively countered on Wednesday, by pointing to the ripple effects  in terms of workforce development, reduced drain on social services and improved public-health outcomes  that the program produces.

She talked about lesser-known facets of the Pre-K 4 SA mission: early education training for teachers, $21 million in competitive grants to schools and child development centers, and early efforts to spread the Pre-K 4 SA educational model by replicating it at public schools.

Eight years ago, state Rep. Lyle Larson and County Commissioner Kevin Wolff co-signed a letter to Castro, questioning the need for his plan.

(Pre-k) availability is less the problem than is parental failure to take advantage of existing programs and to get their children to the schools and agencies offering the programs, the letter said.

Larson revived that argument over the past week in a letter to Mayor Ron Nirenberg. Larson urged Nirenberg not to follow through with his bid to find additional mass-transit revenue by shifting the burden of the citys aquifer-protection program to the San Antonio Water System. Larson suggested that a better route to transportation funding would come from letting Pre-K 4 SA expire.

Nirenberg, like Castro, will ignore Larsons advice. But Larsons letter is a reminder that even after eight years, not everyone is comfortable with the city of San Antonio running its own municipal pre-k independent school district.

@gilgamesh470

Gilbert Garcia is a columnist covering the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | ggarcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @gilgamesh470
MATTOON  Student Brandy Verdin had an easy commute from her classroom to her workplace during her 2019 spring and fall semesters at Lake Land College.

The Mattoon resident's workplace was on campus in the TRiO Student Support Services office, where she answered the phone, scheduled appointments, filed paperwork, and recruited students for this program.

"It was fun. I got to meet a lot of nice people. I got to make friends along the way," Verdin said. The social work major has completed her studies at Lake Land and has transferred to Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

Eastern and Lake Land offer opportunities for students to work part time on campus in a variety of positions.

Linda Holloway, interim director of business services and human resources at Eastern, said their range of student worker positions include clerical, technology support, building service, and food service jobs.

"Students also play an important role in developing our residential communities," said Mark Hudson, director of Eastern's housing and dining services.

Hudson said students work as resident assistants, living on the floor with their residents and helping them deal with adjustment issues to college. He said they also work as front desk assistants, summer conference assistants, cleaning service staff, and more.

"The night assistant job is often something they may not expect. These 45 students work in every residential area and serve as security from 11:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. seven nights a week while school is in session," Hudson said.

Dustha Wahls, director of human resources at Lake Land, said the top three job sites for student workers on campus are the bookstore, print shop and physical plant, where students help with groundskeeping.

Wahls said students also work in various offices, the library, tutoring and testing center, and fitness center. She said campus worksites are conveniently located for students and accommodate their class schedules.

"If you can get you education and make some money while doing it, it's a win-win," Wahls said. She added that, "We love to provide that experience to students, not just the education, but the career experience as well."

Verdin, who used TRiO's support services as a student, said she was an undecided major when she arrived at Lake Land. She said her work in the TRiO office help her decided on her path.

Now, Verdin plans to pursue a bachelor's in psychology and a master's in college student affairs at Eastern.

Hudson said for many students, working on campus is their first job. He said it's a great way to learn the importance of being on time and working hard with a good attitude. He said there are also opportunities to take on leadership positions.

For example, Hudson said Panther Dining student managers oversee hundreds of student workers. He said resident assistants provide leadership on their floors, provide crisis response, and are part of managing a large facility.

"We get great feedback from employers who rave about the quality of these students and are appreciative of the training they received and the self-confidence these students developed," Hudson said. He added, "Data shows that having a campus job is a positive factor in the retention of students as it gives them financial support but also a group they feel affiliated with."

Contact Stroud at (217) 238-6861.

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18.01.2020 LISTEN

In some parts of Ghana, it is believed that the soul of a dead person will wander around in the land of the living until there is a proper burial.

For many families, apart from giving their beloved one a befitting goodbye, a funeral will serve as a source of closure for family members.

But what happens when there is the uncertainty over whether to mourn a person as dead or to keep searching because there is no confirmation of the death.

Based on the story of some 44 Ghanaians who were killed in the Gambia in the year 2005, African Network against Extrajudicial Killings and Enforced Disappearances (ANEKED), a Non-Governmental Organisation based in The Gambia, has put together a documentary, detailing the struggles of families who feel broken because they were not given the body of their loved one for burial.

The 27-minute video, starring Isaac Mensah, a young man whose father was murdered en route to Europe by the "Junglers", a death squad reporting directly to Yahya Jammeh, Gambia's dictator at the time; tells of the struggles families have had to endure each day just because they have not been given justice.

Although evidence has since emerged that Yahya Jammeh gave the orders to have the men killed, nothing has been done to the ex-president who is now in exile in Equatorial Guinea.

Produced and directed by Nana-Jo Ndow, a half Ghanaian, half Gambian lady, the documentary seeks to put pressure on the Ghanaian government to reopen the case involving the killings, demand justice for the victims and help the families to get closure.

Watch the full documentary below:



---myjoyonline
President Trump Delivers Remarks at the Pentagon, Image Source: Flickr

Trumps brain is not his own.

Its antisemitism time. If you criticize Israel and the cadre of chickenhawk neocons steering Donald Trumps foreign policy, you will be pilloried and exiled to the political wilderness, forever condemned as a white supremacist.

Scratch a little bit beneath the surface and you will discover at the core of this anti-free speech campaign a rabid Zionist, the same Zionist agitators responsible for advocating and organizing the murder of over a million Iraqis.

Its no longer permissible to criticize Jewish neocons. The very word neocon is considered an antisemitic slur because most of these chickenhawk war criminals are Jewish. It is never mentioned in the NYT or WaPo that the second Iraq mass murder campaign was strictly a Zionist (another word that will get you labeled an antisemite) affair designed to benefit Israel at the expense of the United States.

Jon Schwarz, writing for The Intercept, tells us something many of us already knewthe forever war neocons are embedded deep within the Trump administration, led by David Wurmser.

An influential neoconservative in President George W. Bushs White House who became a significant force behind the push for war with Iraq in 2003, Wurmser has recently been serving as an informal adviser to the Trump administration, according to new reporting from Bloomberg News. In that capacity, Wurmser helped make the case for the recent drone strike that assassinated Iranian Gen. Qassim Suleimani, Schwarz writes.

During the reign of the second dynastic Bush, Wurmser advised Dick Cheney on how best to destroy Iraq and immiserate millions of people and kill what turned out to be a million and a half Iraqis, the vast majority innocent civilians.

Wurmers inside man in the Trump WH was John Bolton, Trumps former national security adviser and one of the most vociferous and hateful non-Jewish individuals within the creative destruction klatch. Boltons over the top calls for endless violence, cruelty, and his apparent inability to kowtow to the narcissist Trump resulted in his departure from the administration.

Bolton may be gone but the Zionist blueprint for undermining Israels neighbors and gobbling up as much land and expelling (in addition to torturing and murdering) as many native inhabitants as possible. This is being driven from afar and in secret by David Wurmser and his equally repugnant wife, Meyrav, from the heights of the vile Zionists outfit, the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Meyrav helped found the organization. As well, she is the director of the Center for Middle East Policy at the neocon-infested Hudson Institute.

Her husband played a key role in the pro-Zionist formulations at the American Enterprise Institute, the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, and the Institute for Advanced Strategic and Political Studies. The Wurmsers are rock-ribbed Zionist provocateurs.

David Wurmser might be considered a guardian of the neocon mission. In 2018, he sent a letter to Newt Gingrich demanding then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson purge all staffers at the State Department not sufficiently loyal to Trumpthat is to say, not sufficiently loyal to the neocon cause, which is Israels cause.

He is responsible in large part (along with his wife, Paul Wolfowitz, and Richard Perle) for A Clean Break: A New Strategy for Securing the Realm, a document prepared for incoming Likud PM Bibi Netanyahu. The document recommends working closely with Turkey and Jordan to contain, destabilize, and roll back regional threats (for instance, advocating on behalf of the Palestinians) and using Israeli proxy forces based in Lebanon for striking Syrian military targets in Lebanon.

If that should prove insufficient, [Israel should strike] at select targets in Syria proper. It argues Israel can shape its strategic environment, in cooperation with Turkey and Jordan, by weakening, containing, even rolling back Syria. This would create a natural axis between Israel, Jordan, a Hashemite Iraq, and Turkey that would squeeze and detach Syria from the Saudi Peninsula, which could be the prelude to a redrawing of the map of the Middle East, which could threaten Syrias territorial integrity.

The staying power of the neoconsanalogous to the grip of a pit bullis one of the more remarkable political stories of our time. The exit of the neocons during the second term of George W. Bush was viewed by many as a purge from the government of a group of fanatical ideologues doing the work of a foreign government.

The neocons, of course, didnt disappearthey slunk back to their think tanks and foundations and conspired with more politically palatable (and more skilled at telling lies) humanitarian interventionists in the Obama administration.

The result was 30,000 dead in Libya, the engineered influx of crazed Wahhabi mercenaries in Syria (over 600,000 Syrians killed thus far) under the direction of the cackling war criminal Hillary Clinton, then-Secretary of State.

Obama also continued and expanded Bushs illegal drone murder program and intensified the war against whistleblowers such as Julian Assange and Edward Snowden. Obama redoubled the war on investigative journalism. Despite all this, Democrats consider Obama a saint.

It has been obvious for many months that Donald Trump is nothing if not an automaton for the Israelis. He routinely fawns over Israeli war criminals and medieval Saudi head-choppers. He has given Israel whatever it wantsbillions of dollars a year, recognition through an embassy in contested Jerusalem, a thumbs-up for Israels theft of around 700 square miles of land in Syria, encouragement to finally annex the West Bank and squeeze out the Palestinians, considered drugged cockroaches in a bottle by the Zionist settler-racists, and a program aimed at the heart of the Bill of Rights in America to stifle any criticism of this brutal little racist state and its war on Palestinian women and children (along with shooting, killing, and maiming activists, medics, and journalists).

Of course, Donald Trump is a dupe for fanatical Zionists determined to expel all Arabs and non-Jewish goyim from its half-pint country established on mass graves and the bloody remains of terror attacks (the King David Hotel, Deir Yassin, Lydda, al-Dawayima, Qibya, and many others).

Trumps brain is not his own. It is owned by his orthodox Jewish son-in-law and his converted wife. The presidents obsessively self-referential brain is influenced by Sheldon Adelson (he gave Trump over $100 million during the campaign) and his wife Miriam (who wants a Book of Trump inserted in the Old Testament), in addition to other Jewish mega-donors, and a groundswell of enthusiastic support among orthodox Jewish voters.

Thus it is hardly a surprise the neocons neocon, David Wurmser, is a puppet master driving USG foreign policy in the Middle East. He has the chops, the experience, the appetite for dispossessing and arranging the murder of Palestinians, Iranians, Syrians, and Lebanese.
Van Lew spent her family fortune buying entire families of slaves and freeing them. She set up a spy network during the Civil War that Union spymaster George Sharpe estimated shortened the Civil War by two years and saved hundreds of thousands of lives. She rescued dozens of Union prisoners of war and prevented them from being shipped to the Confederate stockade at Andersonville, Ga., which had a mortality rate of nearly 30 percent. When Richmond fell in 1865, Gen. Ulysses S. Grant took a side trip to Richmond to pay his respects to Van Lew before he returned to pursuing the remnants of Robert E. Lees army.
By Express News Service

MALAPPURAM: Muslim organizations plan to reduce use of loudspeakers at mosques for prayer calls and other religious programmes



The Muslim organizations in Kerala have come forward to restrict the use of loudspeakers at mosques for prayer calls (banku vili) and other religious programmes including religious speeches and meetings. The Muslim Service Society (MSS) will hold a meeting of the Muslim organizations in Kozhikode next week to take a final call on the matter. The MSS state general secretary, T.K. Abdul Kareem told TNIE the representatives of all religious groups - EK Sunnis, AP Sunnis, Mujahid, Jamaat-e-Islami - will participate in the meeting.



According to the MSS, the firm stands earlier taken on the matter by Panakkad Sayed Hyderali Shihab Thangal, the Kerala State president of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the vice president of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, a supreme body of an Islamic scholar's council in Kerala and C Muhammed Faizy, the state haj committee chairman, inspired them to organize the meeting of the Muslim organizations.



Thangal in a statement earlier said when conducting prayers and other religious ceremonies, the volume of the loudspeakers should not disturb the people who are not part of the function. Muhammed Faizy said some mosques in the state use loudspeakers which creates more volume than actually required for the area. "Loudspeaker with a capacity to call 1000 people are being used in some areas, where we actually need to call just 100 people," Faizy said.



Explaining the agendas of the meeting, Abdul Kareem said the meeting aims to reduce the use of loudspeakers at the mosques. "At present, 5 or 6 mosques in a small area give prayer calls at different times - in a gap of a few minutes. We plan to introduce a rotation system for prayer calls for a particular area. If there are many mosques in an area, we will grant permission to one mosque to give a prayer call for a certain term. The prayer call from the particular mosque - it may be a mosque of the Sunnis, Mujahid, or Jamaat-e-Islami - should be taken as the call for all groups in the area. Through it, we can reduce the number of prayer calls through loudspeakers at a time," Kareem said.



Kareem also said they would urge the mosques to conclude the religious speeches and other functions at the mosques on or before 10 PM. "The religious programmes - especially the ones with speakers or loudspeaker - should be concluded at 10 PM to avoid inconvenience to other people," he said. He also noted these are just plans of the Muslim religious organizations, but the final decisions on these views will be taken at the next-week meeting of the Muslim organizations.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 03:42:00|Editor: Xiang Bo

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Gao Jing (4th R, Front), CEO of Danke Apartment, rings the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, the United States, on Jan. 17, 2020. Phoenix Tree Holdings, a leading Chinese apartment rental service provider operating under the name of Danke Apartment, rang the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) opening bell on Friday in celebration of its initial public offering (IPO). (Danke Apartment/Handout via Xinhua)

NEW YORK, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Phoenix Tree Holdings, a leading Chinese apartment rental service provider, rang the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) opening bell on Friday in celebration of its initial public offering (IPO).

The company, trading under the ticker symbol of "DNK," announced its IPO of 9.6 million American depositary shares (ADSs), each representing 10 Class A ordinary shares of the company, at a price to the public of 13.5 U.S. dollars per ADS.

Citi, Credit Suisse and J.P. Morgan acted as lead managers on the deal.

The stock started trading at 13.50 dollars per share on Friday, and declined 3.56 percent from its pricing to trade at 13.02 dollars apiece around midday.

The firm, operating under the name of Danke Apartment, was founded in 2015. The Beijing-based company, which had established operations in 13 cities across China as of Sept. 30, 2019, is one of the largest co-living platforms in the country with rapid growth, said its prospectus, citing consulting firm iResearch.

Gao Jing, CEO of Danke Apartment, told Xinhua that China's residential rental market is huge and fast-growing, providing tremendous opportunities for his startup.

Calling the company's debut on the U.S. exchanges "a milestone," Gao also expects the move would help the company's brand building and attract more talents.

China's residential rental market is expected to grow to 3.0 trillion yuan (or about 437 billion U.S. dollars) by 2023 from 1.8 trillion yuan in 2018, according to iResearch.

The number of Chinese firms listed on the U.S. exchanges has increased in recent years. As of Thursday, the S&P U.S. Listed China 50 index, which is designed to track the performance of the 50 largest Chinese companies listed on U.S. exchanges by total market cap, stood at 3,429.36, marking an 8.28-percent gain for year-to-date returns.
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Parkland Fuel Corp. (TSX: PKI), a Canadian fuel distributor and seller, will acquire Kellerstrass Oil, growing its retail and commercial footprint and tanker fleet in the United States.

Alberta-based Parkland announced the deal to buy Salt Lake City's Kellerstrass on Thursday without disclosing terms.

The acquisition will expand Parkland's presence in the Western U.S. with 84 dealer locations and add approximately 63 trucks to its fleet, based on U.S. Department of Transportation records.

Parkland is purchasing Kellerstrass through its U.S. operation, Parkland USA.

"We expect this acquisition will support the growth of our North America diesel platform, create supply efficiencies and deliver logistical benefits," Doug Haugh, president of Parkland USA, said in a statement.

Kellerstrass builds on the November acquisition of Montana-based Mort Distributing.

Parkland said its U.S. operations will generate an estimated C$70 million in EBITDA with the addition of Kellerstrass.

The company expects the deal to close during the first quarter.

Parkland operates retail, commercial and wholesale fuel businesses in Canada, the U.S. and the Caribbean. It also markets Chevron and Esso fuel products.

Image Sourced from Pixabay

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By Easton Sanders Jan. 17, 2020 | 04:00 PM | MCCRACKEN COUNTY





At the Thursday meeting, board member Steve Shelby nominated fellow board member Kelly Walker to serve as chair, while Vice Chairman Melanie Burkeen nominated Chris Taylor to continue serving as chair.







After voting commenced, Shelby and Walker voted to have Walker serve as chair, while Taylor and Burkeen voted to allow Taylor to remain chair. Three votes are required to elect a chairman, so voting was left in a deadlock due to board member Tiffany Watson not being present at the meeting.







There was no previous policy in place for a situation like this, and with the board stuck in a deadlock, School Board attorney Gorman "Butch" Bradley, Jr. recommended amending board policy 01.41, which states the following:







"At the first meeting in January the board shall elect a chairperson and vice chairperson, then the chairperson and vice chairperson shall serve one year terms beginning at the meeting following their election."







Under Bradley's recommendation, the policy would be amended to the following:







"At the first meeting in January the board shall elect a chairperson and vice chairperson. If the board is not able to elect a chairperson and vice chairperson, the current chairperson and vice chairperson shall continue to serve until the next regular meeting of which a chairperson or vice chairperson is elected. The terms of the chairperson or vice chairperson will begin immediately following their election and will continue until the first meeting in January following the election."







The board adopted the revision, and approved it unanimously.







West Kentucky Star spoke with Shelby about why he chose to nominate Walker.







"She has the most applicable education and experience on the board. Not to take anything away from anyone else that has an expertise in their field, but Kelly Walker's is a 34 year field of education. She's a graduate of Baylor University with honors, and a 4.0 in communication's with a Master's from Murray State University. It's hard to argue with that." Shelby continued, "I feel that the people in my district voted for me to make the best decision for children, teachers, and taxpayers. That's why I nominated Kelly Walker."







When asked about his thoughts on the postponed nominations, Taylor didn't offer an opinion, but deferred to Bradley, who said in order to go forward and do their business, the policy had to be amended.







"This is a weakness in the policy we weren't aware of until it came up this time. So we just revised the policy, and in the future this situation won't arise." Bradley continued, "This allows the board to continue their business. Pay the bills, you've got to do that."







The next School Board meeting is scheduled for February 27 at 5:30 pm.

At the McCracken County School Board meeting, nominations were held for chair and vice chair, but a deadlock in voting has pushed the election for the posts to February.
The company said it will focus instead on fulfilling contracts with military and police customers for rifles. Photo: PA

Gun-maker Colt is suspending its production of rifles for the civilian market, including the popular AR-15 used in several mass shootings.

Colt attributed the move to changes in consumer demand and a market already saturated with similar weapons.

But some observers said it risked alienating its customer base if it was seen to be giving in to advocates of gun control.

The company said it will focus instead on fulfilling contracts with military and police customers for rifles.

"Over the last few years, the market for modern sporting rifles has experienced significant excess manufacturing capacity," Colt's chief executive officer, Dennis Veilleux, said.

"We believe there is adequate supply for modern sporting rifles for the foreseeable future."

Mr Veilleux said the company remains committed to the Second Amendment, which enshrines the right to bear arms. It is expanding its lines of pistols and revolvers.

Colt's decision seems driven by business considerations rather than politics, said Adam Winkler, a gun policy expert at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law.

However, he added: "If they [buyers] think a company is disrespecting their identity or giving in to the other side, Colt's likely going to see serious damage to its other firearms brands too."

The debate on gun control has focused in particular on assault-style rifles like AR-15s. Democratic presidential hopeful Beto O'Rourke has been pushing for mandatory rifle buybacks over the last few weeks.
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- Huawei Technologies Co. has become very much the U.S.s whipping boy in the battle to nip Chinas technological ascendancy in the bud. President Donald Trumps administration has slapped sanctions and curbs on the Shenzhen-based company and lobbied allies to do the same. Last month growing resistance against Huawei among lawmakers in Germanys governing coalition sparked threats of retaliation from the Chinese ambassador.

But whats happening next door in the Netherlands has higher stakes for China.

There, Beijings envoy this week said there will be negative consequences if the Dutch continue to block the export of a single piece of high-tech manufacturing equipment made by ASML Holding NV. According to Reuters, the U.S. has exerted pressure to prevent the sale to a Chinese firm. But its not just any machine. Its a $150 million state-of-the-art apparatus that could ensure Moores Law  which says that processing power doubles every 18 months  continues apace, and the microchips powering our smartphones, computers and networks get ever smaller.

Like with Huawei, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo cited intelligence concerns, though Reuters didnt specify what they are. The Hague subsequently rescinded an export license it had previously granted for the machine.

Any individual nation state cutting Huawei, the worlds largest networking business, out of the supply chain for its 5G networks will of course be a blow to the Chinese firm. But the impact on China as a whole will be limited. Beijing will still be able to build its own next-generation telecommunication networks, and losing a few exports will have a minor effect on the economy as a whole. Huaweis sales in Europe, the Middle East and Africa totaled $31 billion in 2018.

A ban on buying machines from ASML is potentially far more significant, because it will hinder Chinas ambitious goals to strengthen its super high-tech manufacturing industry.

Story continues

As far as tech giants go, ASML doesnt have the global brand cachet of an Apple Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. or Amazon.com Inc. Thats partly because its products are two steps removed from the electronic devices that reside in consumers pockets, on their desktops or in their living rooms: ASML builds the machines that make the semiconductors that go into their devices. But its one of Europes biggest three technology companies, and its top customers include chipmakers Intel Corp., Samsung and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., which is known as TSMC and makes chips for Apple and Huawei alike.

The Dutch firm stands out from rivals Nikon Corp. and Canon Inc. because its alone in having mastered an approach known as extreme ultraviolet lithography, which is needed for the manufacture of the next generation of chips. Lithography is the process by which circuit patterns are etched onto silicon wafers, and the EUV process will allow the printing of circuits that are more than 10 times smaller than the current standard.

QuicktakeHow Chinese Technology Grew to Rival Silicon Valley

So you can see why China would be particularly interested in using ASMLs equipment. Although the country is a hub of electronics manufacturing, much of that is simply assembling iPhones, laptops, smart speakers and the like. The underlying tech is often imported, including some $200 billion-worth of semiconductors each year.

Beijing wants to reduce that dependence on imports by investing $150 billion over a decade in an effort to take the lead in technology design and manufacturing. Access to machines made by ASML will be essential to achieving that. By the end of next year, as much as half of TSMCs revenue will depend at least partly on some EUV processes, according to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Masahiro Wakasugi. That could be $18 billion worth of chips. TSMC said on Thursday that its deployment of EUV machines was on schedule, advancing at a similar rate to earlier technologies, as it reported earnings that exceeded analyst expectations.

While it could take a decade and more than one EUV machine for Chinese firms such as Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. to rival that, that is clearly the long-term goal. (SMIC is reportedly the company that placed the order at the heart of the current spat.)

Dutch newspaper Het Financieele Dagblad reported last year that ASML was the target of theft by a rival with ties to the Chinese state, though the company later said that any suggestion that we were somehow victim of a national conspiracy is wrong. Chief Executive Officer Peter Wennink surely doesnt want to lose Chinas business: Its ASMLs fastest-growing market.

What makes the Dutch move so remarkable is that the U.S. can only unilaterally block sales abroad if components or R&D contributions originating domestically exceed 25% for the relevant product. Here, it seems to have succeeded in leaning on the Dutch government to prevent the sale even though, according to press reports, ASMLs extreme ultraviolet lithography machine doesnt meet that test. An even greater risk would be that other important suppliers of underlying technology follow suit, whether under U.S. duress or not.

(Adds TSMC comment on latest technology in fourth-to-last paragraph.)

--With assistance from Tim Culpan.

To contact the author of this story: Alex Webb at awebb25@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Melissa Pozsgay at mpozsgay@bloomberg.net

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Alex Webb is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Europe's technology, media and communications industries. He previously covered Apple and other technology companies for Bloomberg News in San Francisco.

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion

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The implications of Brexit may have far-reaching effects on Irish business. Louth County Council and the Local Enterprise Office are working hard to prepare SMEs for the return of customs controls.

Business owners and managers are invited to a free "Preparing Your Business For Customs" workshop in Drogheda (16th Jan), Dundalk (24th Jan) and Ardee (12thFeb).

Head of Enterprise in Louth Thomas McEvoy explains "Brexit is now fast approaching. Lots of small business owners have not yet grasped the impact that customs will have on getting goods in and out of Ireland. And unfortunately, many of will only discover it when it is too late."

He continues, "These workshops are free to attend and really, really practical. They are aimed at small business owners who will have to manage these things themselves and want to minimise disruption to supply chains. The workshop will help ensure that SMEs in Louth are working to best practice."

At the end of the workshop, business owners will understand the potential impacts and the formalities and procedures to be adopted when trading with a third country. The workshop will highlight the Customs facilities available to importers and exporters, opportunities to minimise import duty payments and ensure compliance with customs procedures.

Thomas concluded "This is a really valuable learning opportunity for SMEs. Places are free but pre-booking is essential. Book your place on www.localenterprise.ie/Louth"
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 18) - Employees who would go to work on April 9 are entitled to triple pay, said the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) in its social media site.

If you report to work, you are entitled to 300% of your daily wage rate, said NWPC in its Facebook page.

Based on Proclamation 845 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in November last year, two regular holidays will fall on April 9: Araw ng Kagitingan and Maundy Thursday.

Meanwhile, those availing of the holidays are entitled to 200% of their daily wage rate.

Maundy Thursday is the fifth day of the Holy Week, wherein Roman Catholics commemorate the washing of the feet of Jesus Christ and the Last Supper.

Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) commemorates World War II veterans.
KAMPALA  The Acting Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, Dr. Chen Huixin has lauded President Yoweri Musevenis wise leadership that, he noted, has created a conducive environment that has attracted investors into the country.

Dr. Huixin hailed the relationship between China and Uganda and pledged to further strengthen cooperation in the mutual development areas.

The Chinese envoy was speaking during the commissioning ceremony of the China-aided Machining Manufacturing Industrial Skilling Center that is based at Namanve in Mukono District.

The US$30 million project is funded by the Government of China and is designed to combine industrial skills training with apprenticeship to garner the necessary capacity to create employment to trainees.

The production facility is also intended to make high quality precision machine parts and accessories.

President Yoweri Museveni also hailed the Peoples Republic of China for the cooperation and support to Uganda in different projects such as electricity generation, modern railway, airport building, the Entebbe Express way, the underground ICT backbone as well as different agricultural undertakings, among others.

I thank the Chinese Government for this support and other support for other things in the country, he said.

President Museveni said that the Chinese Government has done a great job in supporting the Chinese private sector, which has in turn, boosted the Chinese Investments in Uganda thereby creating import substitution base, export promotion as well as job creation in our country.

He explained that the first time he went to China in 1989 he held talks with the leaders and introduced to them Ugandas need to have a facility for food processing as well as that for metal work which the Chinese Government fully funded. He, therefore, asked Ugandans to fully utilize the Namanve-based facility by developing skills that will help them achieve prosperity.

Africans have slept enough. You should wake up and dont miss out. Use this important facility because it can make many things including designing and machines, he noted.

Mr. Museveni said that the reason Africa lagged behind was because the continent did not take part in the machine use revolution (industrialization) only remaining in manual labour for so may years.

He commended Prof. Charles Kwesiga, Executive Director of Uganda Industrial Research Institute, for following up the project to its reality.

The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Hon. Matia Kasaija, thanked the President and the government of China for prioritizing industrialization.

He said that the project is one of many that will go a long way in solving the challenge of unemployment especially among the youth. He pledged his Ministrys support for the facility to realise its full potential to help Ugandans.

Prof. Kwesiga, on his part thanked the President for the support especially in securing the Chinese grant that has seen the project reach the phrase it is on now. He commended the team that has seen the project reach its fruition stage.

Related
Facebook has apologised after the site translated Chinese leader Xi Jinping's name to 'Mr S***hole'.

The posts on the social media platform had been translated from Burmese into English as President Xi Jinping continued his state visit in Myanmar, Southeast Asia.

Facebook Inc has since apologised for any offence caused and said that the problem has now been fixed.

The error came to light on the second day of President Xi Jinping's state visit during which he and state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi (pictured together) signed dozens of agreements covering massive Beijing-backed infrastructure plans

A Burmese to English translation, which Facebook states was a technical error, of a Facebook post by Myanmar State Counsellar Office about a visit by China's President Xi Jinping in Myanmar

The error came to light on the second day of the Chinese leader's visit during which he and state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi signed dozens of agreements covering massive Beijing-backed infrastructure plans.

A statement about the visit published on Suu Kyi's official Facebook page was littered with references to 'Mr S***hole' when translated to English.

A headline in local news journal, the Irrawaddy, also read: 'Dinner honors President S***hole.'

It was not clear how long the issue had lasted but Google's translation function did not show the same error.

A statement about the visit of Xi Jinping to Myanmar published on Aung San Suu Kyi's official Facebook page was littered with references to 'Mr S***hole' when translated to English

Facebook Inc has since apologised for any offence caused by the translation of 'Mr S***hole' and said that the problem has now been fixed. Pictured: President Xi Jinping at a bilateral meeting

It was not clear how long the issue had lasted but Google's translation function did not show the same error. Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping (centre) alongside Myanmar's President Win Myint (right)

In a statement, a spokesperson for Facebook said: 'We have fixed an issue regarding Burmese to English translations on Facebook and are working to identify the cause to ensure that it doesn't happen again.

'This issue is not a reflection of the way our products should work and we sincerely apologise for the offence this has caused.'

Facebook has faced numerous problems with translation from Burmese in the past.

Facebook has faced numerous problems with translation from Burmese in the past. Pictured: Myanmar's army chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing (left) speaking with the Chinese leader (right)

In 2018 it temporarily removed the function after a report showed the tool was producing bizarre results.

An investigation later documented how the company was failing in its efforts to combat vitriolic Burmese language posts about Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims - around 730,000 of whom fled a military crackdown in 2017 that the U.N. has said was conducted with 'genocidal intent'.

China is Facebook's biggest country for revenue after the United States and the tech company is setting up a new engineering team to focus specifically on the lucrative advertising business there.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- I never get sick anymore. So, when a bug caught me right before Thanksgiving, I was both annoyed and worried. Getting sick before a family holiday is a big drag, because you want to be with your family, you just dont want to leave them with whatever it is youve got.

When I taught, I was constantly ill. Kids are mobile petrie dishes. I even developed pneumonia from my kids once, a fact my then Principal seemed unaware of when she questioned my six day absence. She also seemed unaware that pneumonia is contagious.

...Sigh...

I dont miss being in that type of environment. I do miss my kids, especially around the holidays.

I read on the WeAreTeachers Helpline Facebook page recently that administrators seemed to be coming out of the walls at one school, making surprise  visits into classrooms. Probably looking to catch somebody with their feet on their desk showing a video, like in that movie Bad Teacher.

Yeah. Cause, you know, the day ends at three and we have summers off.NOT!!!

I always played it a bit looser during the holidays because I love celebrations. And, for some of my kids, family holidays werent always that great. So, we created an alternate family in our room. We ate food and watched movies and wrote about the holidays. And, we laughed. A lot. Because, laughter is the way to a persons heart.

And, I mean, you really had to laugh. Here we were, fifteen kids and one teacher stuck in a windowless room by the gym. Hardly anybody knew where we were, unless we called for help. We were an island unto ourselves.

And, I was trying to show my kids how to celebrate. For a lot of them, life was hard. Learning should be both rigorous and joyful. It should never be difficult.

I cant get over the fact that, when I was working, staff were encouraged to come in sick, which is a huge mistake. Youre not at your best, and you need to be because teaching is totally unpredictable. Secondly, youre exposing your kids to germs as well as receiving several handfuls from them. Bad, all the way round. Im glad that the effort to ensure paid sick days is gathering steam. And teachers have 10 sick days a year, which is one a month. But, as one principal told me, that doesnt mean you should use them.

...Sigh...

A teachers job is not to make things easier for their administrator. It is to teach their students how to become compassionate, intelligent, mature individuals in a complex world. Anything else is just window dressing or worse.

So much for Memory Lane. Back to aging.

What are the risk factors for people over 65? According to WHO (The World Health Organization), theres a lot to be concerned about. Injury due to falls is high up there. Patterns of what they term harmful behavior can lead to illnesses later on. Five chronic conditions (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and mental disorders) account for 77% of illness and 85% of death rates. Poverty is higher among older women than older men. Social isolation and exclusion and elder maltreatment often occur.

So, what can we do to stave all of this off? As you know, Im a big believer in preventative medicine, seeking help and treatment before the problems arise. I also believe strongly in acupuncture, chiropractic medicine, massage therapy and good oral health care. All of these factor into general wellness and a breakdown in any part of your system as you age can also affect other areas of your body.

A friend who is exactly 24 hours younger than me (we were born in the same hospital 24 hours apart and only met in 1977!) told me recently he had pneumonia and bells went off in my head. I told him post haste to seek treatment and that pneumonia was nothing to **** with. Trust me, it only gets worse with age, as many things do.

I dont want to sound alarmist, but if we dont take extraordinary care of ourselves now, we wont be around for the really great things in life like grandchildren, cruises, binge watching Netflix and just doin nuthin. This is the time of our lives when all that and more should be available to us and well want to take advantage of them. But, to paraphrase a Billy Joel tune, no sense having an expensive car if you cant drive it because your back problems are too severe.

You have to get proactive because, sadly, our health care system in America is profit driven and there is no profit to be made in a cure. So it benefits certain parties if we all remain sick.

The best way to care for yourself is to listen to your body. You pretty much know when things are off, much as you do with the car you drive. If something feels amiss, have it checked out. Better a false alarm than alarming news.

Be kind to yourself and to others. And, hold those grey heads up!
Mt. Halla is covered with snow on Jeju Island, Jan. 15. Yonhap





From next month, hikers wanting to climb to the top of Mount Halla, South Korea's highest mountain on Jeju Island, will be required to book a visit in advance, the provincial government said Saturday.







The Jeju government said it plans to run a pilot reservation system for hikers and tourists hoping to reach the 1,950-meter-high Baekrokdam, a crater lake on Halla, from February to December this year to better protect its ecology and prevent environmental pollution.







There are currently five major climbing courses on Mount Halla  Seongpanak, Gwaneumsa, Eorimok, Yeongsil and Donnaeko trails.







Of them, Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa, the only two trails leading directly to Baekrokdam, will be affected by the reservation system, the provincial government said.







Under the new policy, only 1,000 visitors a day will be permitted to access Seongpanak, the longest and gentlest trail that takes three to four hours one way; and 500 visitors for Gwaneumsa, a steep but scenic trail.







Reservations can be made online or by phone on a first-come, first-served basis  the three other trails will remain open to all hikers.







The provincial government said the reservation system is being introduced, as the scenic mountain's ecology and environment have been threatened by a rapid growth in hikers and tourists. Congestion on mountain roads and a severe shortage of parking space have also caused headaches for the authorities.







The number of visitors to the five Mount Halla trails reached a record 1.25 million in 2015 after topping 1 million in 2000. The visitor numbers have fluctuated since then, ranging from 1.06 million in 2016 to 840,000 last year, but the handling capacity has already been exceeded, triggering growing calls to regulate the number of visitors.







The Jeju government said it will formally implement the reservation system for hikers next year after the 11-month pilot period.







In addition to the reservation system, the government will seek to build a large transfer parking lot for Halla hikers at the foot of the mountain. (Yonhap)


On the footsteps of Comoros and Gambia, Gabon is the next African state to take its support for Moroccos territorial integrity to the level of opening a consular representation in the Sahara region.

Moroccan news portal le360.ma relayed the news, which may further irk the Algerian regime and its puppet the Polisario militia who have protested in vain against the move by Comoros and Gambia.

A diplomatic source told the media that other African countries may follow suit in another blow to the separatists who have been unsettled by Moroccos return to the African union and the growing support for Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara.

Moroccos return to its African institutional family, the African Union, has served it as a bulwark against the Algerian clan, which has for long used the continental organization to promote separatism in the Sahara.
Advocate readers may submit stories of about 500 words to The Human Condition at features@theadvocate.com or The Advocate, Living, 10705 Rieger Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. There is no payment, and stories will be edited. Authors should include their city of residence, and, if writing about yourself, a photo.
Bird Box writer Eric Heisserer will produce an English-language version of Hugo Cardozo's Paraguayan thriller Morgue. The writer of other faves like sci-fi thriller Arrival and horror flick Lights Out will produce under his Chronology banner. Deadline reported yesterday thatwriter Eric Heisserer will produce an English-language version of Hugo Cardozo's Paraguayan thriller. The writer of other faves like sci-fi thrillerand horror flickwill produce under his Chronology banner.

The synopsis from Chronology: After hitting someone with his car and fleeing the scene, a freelance security guard is assigned to cover a night shift at the hospital where he discovers the body of his victim in the morgue. As the night progresses, he is tormented by his guilt or something more sinister.

Cardozo wrote, produced, and directed Morgue. He will stand in as an executive producer with his producing partner, Guido Rud (You Shall Not Sleep) from Film Sharks in Argentina.
Fort Bend ISD students and teachers will have a shorter summer break this year compared to years past according to the recently proposed 2020-21 calendar. If approved by trustees, summer break will include slightly more than 10 weeks for students and a nine-week break for teachers scheduled to report to school for a week-long session of professional learning days before classes start on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

When reviewed at the Jan. 13 workshop, the proposed calendar generated minimal discussion. According to agenda documents, the proposed calendar was the favored option of two calendar proposals brought before a committee of parents and community members for input earlier this year.

Related: Did Fort Bend ISD administrators ignore community input for Lakeview Elementary re-build?

However, one trustee voiced concerns a shortened summer break could create difficulties for the districts chief operations officer, Oscar Perez.

My only comment is that it puts more pressure on Mr. Perez who is trying to open a new school or do major renovation works over the summer because thats a pretty early start in August, trustee Jim Rice said, thought he said he wasnt asking administrators to change the schedule.

Outside the board meeting, a number of the district's teachers were also concerned about a shorter summer break according to Glenda Macal, president of Fort Bend Association of Teachers, who said she had already heard complaints from Fort Bend ISD educators about the possibility of a shorter summer break.

Teachers need time in the summer to recharge, they really do, Macal said.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Ceremony held for Sugar Land 95 remains despite backlash from community

The Texas Education Agency put new rules in place that allows Fort Bend ISD and other districts new flexibility in creating their calendars several year ago, Macal.

At first it sounded like a great idea, she said. But what it has amounted to is the school year had been extended each year and the summer break is shortened.

One reason Macal says teachers need more time to recharge is because the current school year brought new initiatives that have meant extra duties and longer hours for many Fort Bend ISD teachers.

Related: Witch hunt? Truancy case lawyers allege Fort Bend ISDs demand for legal fees politically motivated

For one, Macal said a new initiative that requires more documentation for lessons plans has forced many teachers to work longer hours and attend extra meetings. Additionally, teachers this year were also challenged by a new district initiative that seeks to integrate special needs students into regular classrooms, a measure which also means additional reporting duties and extra paperwork.

In essence, this new initiative is good because we want to include our special education students in the mainstream as much as possible. Macal said. The problems stem from placing special needs students into a classroom without giving teachers the necessary training and not offering the support thats needed, especially when there are students involved that have emotional and developmental issues that can cause disruptions from disciplinary issues, which teachers must navigate in addition to their normal teaching duties.

Macal said she is hearing reports from many teachers who say this year, they are spending 75 percent of the classroom time dealing with disciplinary issues related to the new special needs student integration initiative. Even worse, many teachers had complained the new lesson planning requirements had tripled their work load this year.

Im hearing from teachers every day who say the heavier work load this year is causing stress and health issues, Macal said. Consequently, what Im seeing are teachers who are unhappy and leaving in the middle of the school year. Teachers report they are having stress-related health problems and increasingly I see teachers who are leaving the district because physically and mentally they cant do it anymore.

Other districts were facing similar challenges caused by the extra work for teachers this year, she said.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Civil rights probe shows Fort Bend ISD disproportionately disciplined black students

Many districts, including Fort Bend ISD, are now utilizing the clause in the teachers contracts requiring other duties as required to add extra responsibilities such as before-school group tutoring duties and overseeing extracurricular programs for students on top of their regular classroom work.

In the past thats been implemented in ways that are reasonable, such as once-a-month after-school meeting with parents. Teachers understood that such meetings are part of being a teacher. But, when you have administrators that require teachers to have three or four extra-curricular activities after school or before school in addition to the new lesson planning initiatives, it can mean teachers forced to work a week of 12 to 14-hour days with no extra compensation. Its grim. Its pretty grim, Macal said. These new initiatives that are coming to the district are based on good intentions, and in theory it is good for students. However, the way the new initiatives are being implemented by administrators and principals is punitive to the teacher.

Fort Bend ISD trustees will consider final approval of the proposed calendar at the Jan. 20 school board meeting.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Fort Bend ISD still disproportionately disciplines black students, advocacy groups say

Highlights from the proposed 2020-21 school calendar

Classes begin on Wednesday, Aug. 12. Students will have a break for Fort Bend County Fair Day on Sept. 25 and will be out of class while teachers report for a professional learning day on Oct. 9.

Schools will be closed for a district-wide holiday on Friday, Oct. 30.

Thanksgiving Break is scheduled Nov. 23 to Nov. 27.

Holiday Break: Students will be out of school for more than two weeks for winter break starting Dec. 21 with classes scheduled to resume on Jan. 6.

A school holiday is scheduled for Martin L. King Jr. Day on Jan. 18.

Students will have a break on Friday, Feb. 12 when teachers will report to school for a professional learning day. Schools will be closed the following Monday, Feb. 15 for Presidents Day.

Spring break is March 15 to March 19

School will be closed for a holiday on Friday, April 2. Students will be out of school on Monday, April 19, with teachers scheduled to report for a teachers professional learning day.

The last day of school for students is Friday, May 28.
A slow Sunday shift for north Bethlehem Dominos delivery driver Nyles Harris took a wild turn when a customer decided to get in on the 2020 tip challenge by giving him a $2,020 tip.

Harris turned up on Gabi DeMartinos doorstep toting her large pizza without a clue that this customer happened to be a YouTube star with 3.1 million subscribers and a wish to make someones day.

The Bethlehem native first learned of the 2020 tip challenge when Harry Styles left a $2,020 tip while dining with James Corden and Adele in the Caribbean and it inspired DeMartino to kick off 2020 by spreading some good karma.

The social media tipping campaign can be traced back to a Michigan server, who on New Years Day first received a $2,020 tip on a $23 bill. Then, Donnie Wahlberg surprised an IHOP server with a $2,020 tip and urged others to pay it forward. Its sparked a spate of big celebrity tips and regular folks leaving behind outsized gratuities for their servers.

I saw that price and I was like, I spend that money and I spend that money on dumb stuff, DeMartino, who is a graduate of DeSales University, said. It would feel really cool starting the year to spend that amount of money on something that is good. Something that is not for me, that is not selfish.

DeMartino did not pick Dominos at random. Shes got a serious addiction to the chain pizzeria to the point its a running joke with her boyfriend, who sometimes takes her to a Dominos shop on dates so she can watch them sling pies.

My boyfriend and I have this joke, I am a YouTuber and I am a public figure, DeMartino, 24, said. If I could work anywhere I would work at Dominos because I love making pizza.

The YouTube star splits her time between Los Angeles, New York City, the Bahamas and her home in Bethlehem. When she decided to join the tip challenge, DeMartino knew it had to be someone from her native Lehigh Valley.

There are some hard working (people) there, she said of her hometown. If I did a tip like this in L.A. someone is just going to buy a bag with that money. It felt better to do it here.

While waiting for her order, DeMartino prayed that the delivery person would benefit from the money. She was thrilled when she opened the door and saw the 20-year-old Harris on her doorstep. Harris has worked for the north Bethlehem Dominos franchise for about two years to earn money while he is in school at Northampton Community College.

The Liberty High School graduate didnt know about the 2020 tip challenge and couldnt process what was happening when DeMartino, who was wearing pajamas, handed back the credit card slip with a $2,020 tip.

I didnt believe it until I got back in my car, Harris recalled his disbelief. I looked at it and I was like, Nahhh. I started driving and I was like, I dont know.

Harris, who has kept the massive tip largely under wraps, called a friend who reminded him that Dominos has a tip limit of 400% of the bill. He called his franchise owner Bill Morris to share what happened.

I said, Are you sure this is real? He said, I think so, I think so, it seemed legit, they had a camera there and stuff, Morris said relating his conversation with Harris. Once we determined it was a legitimate tip, I found out my tip maxes out at 400% through my credit card system. It was a $22 order, I think, and it would only give him $88. It broke our systems.

Morris ran things up the chain through Dominos corporate offices, determined Harris would see the money.

I was insistent it was not a joke, Morris, who owns three Lehigh Valley Dominos stores, said. This had not happened anywhere (in the company)... This was such an amazing thing to have happen and I didnt want the driver to miss out on that. Hes a good kid. It couldnt have happened to a nicer person, a more positive person.

Nyles didnt tell his coworkers what happened when he returned to the store.

At the end of the night you have to check out and the manager goes through the tips and thats when she saw it and thats when she knew, Harris recounted. It was havoc.

After about two days, Morris managed to get Harris the money.

I am a regular person, so I gave some to my mom, Harris said. I am in school currently and I used some for school and Ive got bills.

He had set some personal savings goals for 2020 and was hustling to achieve them, working five days a week while going to school full time. DeMartinos kind gesture gave him a major boost.

It felt like the world was like, I see what youre doing, Harris said.

Working as a delivery driver for two years, Harris has his fair share of stories of angry customers, bad weather and terrible tips, sometimes no tip. DeMartinos intimately familiar with those experiences because her boyfriends worked in the restaurant industry while attending school. Shes seen him come home and cry after getting no tips on a bad Sunday.

The YouTuber hesitated to share the tip on her channel, because she worried it looked like she was fishing for accolades. Ultimately, she decided to incorporate it into one of her vlogs in hopes that 2020 tip challenge makes others dig a little deeper in their wallets next time they dine out.

People dont understand what those in the restaurant industry go through, she said.

While Morris says he cant quite afford a $2,020 tip challenge, its opened his eyes to a wonderful pay it forward trend hell try to join in his own way.

You see it in the news occasionally, but you never think it is going to happen to you or somebody you know, he said. It is pretty cool when it does.

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A 54-year-old man has been arrested by the crime branch for allegedly preparing bogus government documents, a Mumbai police official said on Saturday.

Crime branch sent a decoy customer to the accused, Dayanand Pandey, in suburban Goregaon on Friday and asked him to make a bogus voting card with the address of Mulund, the official said.

Pandey was arrested from the spot after he prepared a forged card demanded by the official in disguise for Rs 500.

The accused used to make fake electricity bills, birth as well as death certificates, ration cards, domicile certificates etc, the official said.

He was remanded in police custody till January 22.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A 26-year-old man, suspected to be an arms supplier, was arrested from Dwarka here, police said on Saturday.

Rahul alias Tunna, a resident of Kadipur village in Gurgaon, procured arms from Bihar and supply it to various Delhi-based criminal groups, they said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Anto Alphonse said the anti-snatching team received a tip-off on Thursday that a man supplying arms in Delhi and NCR would come at Bamdoli Chowk, Sector-28, Dwarka, at about 4 pm along with a firearm.

Subsequently, he was arrested and a loaded country-made pistol was seized from him, Alphonse said.

During interrogation, Rahul told police that due to financial crisis, he started



supplying fire arms to various criminals groups, he said.

In 2013, he was arrested by the Bihar Police while supplying arms in Shashtri Nagar there. After he got bail in the case, he came to Delhi with his family and started supplying arms, the DCP said.

In 2016, he was arrested by the Delhi Police for possessing a firearm and was also arrested in cases of armed robbery in 2017 and 2018 respectively, Alphonse said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Charles Darwin said: "It is not the strongest species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change." Or to put it another way: adapt or die.

I thought of the phrase this week reading about the latest antics of ex-Pope Benedict and his reactionary views. Benedict is offering unhelpful opinions to that odd constituency of conservative Catholics who believe going back is the new going forward. They might do better to read 'The Origin of the Species' rather than the 'Bible' to remind themselves of the consequences of a failure to adapt: extinction.

I'll get to his comments in a minute, but first I want to acknowledge how depressing it must be for regular priests when these rows erupt.

Unlike some of those writing gleeful comment pieces about the Catholic Church, I go to Mass occasionally and understand the reality of ordinary parishes.

That reality is that most priests do a very lonely, but badly-needed job and they deserve a lot of help and support - emotional and practical. I couldn't help noticing that the three RTE stars who died recently - Gay Byrne, Marian Finucane and Larry Gogan - had full Catholic funerals.

For those who question the purpose of the Church in a modern society, that is the answer. Because at the end of the day, and despite the sad and bitter legacy of an authoritarian past - which is in the past - we still need someone to bury our dead. One is terribly enlightened, rational and secular right up until the point when mortality beckons and even those who ignored religion most of their lives realise they need someone to help them in their last days and final hours. When all the priests are gone, who will do that for us?

So I often think of the dwindling number of priests we have left, who spend their days bearing witness to grief, comforting the bereaved, visiting the sick and absorbing all that sadness. The last thing they need is a stupid theological row in the papers about - of all things - a solution to the problem of not enough priests.

So what did Pope Benedict say about the issue?

The row appears to originate in a Vatican conference held in October, which recommended that Pope Francis lift the restriction on married priests in remote areas of the Amazon region. There is a severe shortage of priests in the area, meaning that parishioners might not see a priest for months on end.

In this and other similar regions around the world, bishops have asked that married men of good standing be ordained to ease the crisis.

Apparently Pope Francis is inclined to agree and is working on a document that would turn the recommendations from the Amazon bishops' conference into Church law. The dying of Brazil need the sacraments and there is no one there for them. And while it's the Amazon today; it'll be Allenwood tomorrow.

It appears Benedict was reacting to this prospect when he collaborated with Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea in a new book. The former pope defended priestly celibacy, thus contradicting Francis and encouraging opposition to this and many other necessary reforms.

The fact that I'd never heard of this controversial Cardinal Sarah before exposes the dramatic gap between ordinary parishioners and the high politics of hierarchical cabals of Rome. But it appears Cardinal Sarah has form. Patsy McGarry in 'The Irish Times' reported that, in 2016, he asked all "Catholic bishops and priests to begin celebrating the Mass ad orientem (with their back to the congregation) wherever possible", and recommended that people receive communion while kneeling, as was done prior to Vatican II.

Dragging people back to pre-1960s is a very long way from the great humour and warmth of the friendly Saturday night Mass I attend occasionally.

The relaxed informality of our Mass is its principal charm.

Pope Francis understands perfectly well that old-fashioned rigid rituals and the associated dogma is the opposite of what most people want. So he summoned Cardinal Sarah, who was ordered to row back on his instructions.

But the cardinal is determined to oppose him and has now joined forces with Benedict to prevent the ordination of married men. I'd love to be in the room when the inevitable conversation has to be had about the ordination of women. I wonder if women priests offered to swear off sex would it help the likes of him adjust? Somehow I doubt it.

The fact is that the Church needs priests. I understand it's hard to see how one can manage his or her duties and maintain a family. But the celibate life is too lonely and deprives the priest of the comfort of a spouse and children. If people choose celibacy, that's fine obviously. But to make it a condition of the priesthood is unhealthy and excludes too many people in a time of great need. If Protestants can manage married priests, so can Catholics.

The sad part about Mass is the spaces formerly occupied by friends. The congregation is literally dying. Between that and the shortage of priests, I don't know what the future of the Church looks like. But I do know that while people's needs are very different today than yesterday, they still have needs. To survive and meet them the Church must adapt or die.
Platinum Breaks $1000 On Big Rally - What's Next Forecast

Certain precious metals, Gold, Silver, and Platinum, have shown moderate upside price trending over the past 20+ months while Rhodium and Palladium have skyrocketed higher. These more precious metals, Rhodium and Palladium, have many industrial and consumer uses. Rhodium is used in electronics and plating and Palladium is used in a variety of consumer products from Automobiles to Medical Devices.

Still, the rally in Rhodium (over 300%) and Palladium (over 70%) over the past 12 months has been more than impressive. Whey are we not seeing a similar rally in Gold, Silver, and Platinum yet?

The reality is that we are seeing a similar price rally in Rhodium and Platinum as we saw in 2004~2008  just prior to the Global Credit Crisis. Take a look at the composite chart below.

There are few interesting components of these charts that show how precious metals reacted throughout the 1997~2000 rally and the 2005~2008 rally  both of these events set up a bubble burst reversion event.

_ Rhodium rallied extensively in 2005 through 2008  peaking at levels near $10,000 just before the credit crisis bubble burst.

_ Palladium rallied a moderate amount in 2005 through 2007, then sold off as the bubble burst. Then rallied to over $800 after fear set into the markets.

_ Platinum began a rally in early 2000 that propelled it to a peak in 2007 (just before the peak in the US stock market). Since then wild price rotation and a moderate reversion to levels near $1000 have set up a massive basing pattern.

_ Gold, like Platinum, began an incredible upside price rally in early 2000 and continued to rally till the peak in 2010

_ Palladium, being an industrial use metal and being deployed in a variety of advanced technology, would tend to rally as demand for technology products and consumer products associated with Palladium components are in very high demand. Much like what happened in 1998~2000.

_ Rhodiums rally is very likely related to manufacturing and institutional demand across the globe.

_ Platinum and Gold may be set up for an incredible upside price rally should Rhodium and Palladium extend their rallies even further.

_ We find it incredibly fascinating that Rhodium rallied nearly 1000% from 2004 to 2009  just before the peak in the global stock markets and the start of the Global Credit Crisis.

_ We also find it incredibly interesting that Palladium rallied over 1000% from 1995 to 1999  just before the DOT COM bubble burst.

_ We believe the rallies in Rhodium and Palladium are early warning signs that cant be overlooked by skilled traders/investors.

The recent upside breakout of Platinum falls into the same category as the late 1998 Platinum rally as the valuations of the DOT COM rally began to overextend. We believe this shift into high-value risk protection began to take place as investors fear levels increased in the late 1990s. As we suggested recently  a shifting of the undercurrents in the markets.

The current rally above $1000 in Platinum suggests a new upside price rally is taking place after an extensive basing pattern (2015 to now). Should Platinum rally above $1200 per ounce, a new technical bullish trend will be confirmed.

Our proprietary Fibonacci price modeling system is suggesting price targets on the Weekly chart of $1090, $1130 and $1215. Pay very close attention to this rally in Platinum as it could become the catalyst for a much bigger move in many of the major precious metals. The Platinum rally in 1997 began an upward price advance of nearly 600% over the next 10 years. A similar move today would put Platinum near $6000~$7000  Gold would be near $3200+ should this happen.

Our belief is that the rally in Platinum will continue as valuations in the global markets push higher. Fear is creeping back into the markets as investors are expecting some type of price reversion event. We believe the current setup is very similar to a mix of the events weve highlighted in the composite metals chart, above. A mix of what happened in 1995~1997 and a mix of what happened in 2005~2007. Platinum and Gold are acting very similar to what happened in 1995~1997. Palladium and Rhodium are a mix of 1995~1997 and 2005~2007. Overall, the rallies in Rhodium and Palladium are strangely similar to peak everything bubbles.

Watch how this plays out over the next 12+ months. Gold and Silver should begin to move higher as Platinum extends the rally. Fear is starting to re-enter the markets as traders and investors extend their belief that a reversion event is setting up.

Join my Wealth Building Newsletter if you like what you read here 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.

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 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




A day after a Maharashtra minister was detained in Belgaum in neighbouring Karnataka, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday said the Supreme Court's verdict on the dispute between the two states over the region would be acceptable to all.

Maharashtra claims Belgaum, part of the erstwhile Bombay Presidency, but currently a district of Karnataka, on linguistic grounds.

The issue is being heard by the apex court.

Talking to reporters in Belgaum, some 490 kilometres from here, Raut said, "Our country is run on laws. The Constitution is supreme. The Supreme Court is hearing the case and whatever the court decides will be acceptable to all."



Queried on local outfit Karnataka Navnirman Sena opposing his visit to the region, Raut said Belgaum police have made appropriate arrangements (for his safety).

On Friday, Maharashtra minister of state Rajendra Patil Yadravkar, MLA from Shirol in Kolhapur, had gone to Belgaum to pay tribute to the martyrs of the movement for the merger of Marathi speaking villages there into Maharashtra.

A gathering is organised every year to honour those who died during the first 'Samyukta Maharashtra Andolan' on January 17, 1956.

Karnataka has a BJP government.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi: On Friday, in the last segment of the family round, Sidharth Shukla and Paras Chhabra's mothers came to meet their sons while Rashami Desai's nephew and niece paid a visit to the Bigg Boss house. While some got subtle warnings, others got some serious advise.

For the second round of the task, as the buzzer rang and Sidharth's mother walked in. She hugged Sidharth and broked down. He introduced her to everyone and when he came to Rashami, she told his mother that they both take care of each other putting aside all the needs. Sidharth's mother said that she is extremely proud of him and he is doing great on the show. She advised him to continue entertaining everyone with his funny side as it is being loved by the audience.

Next, it was Paras' turn. His mother entered the house and met everyone and later insisted on having a word with him in private. Without mincing words, she told him that she is very unhappy with the way he is portraying himself currently and playing on backfoot. She asked him to stop being a godfather to the other contestants as he is losing track of his own game in the bargain. Paras' mother also warned him to maintain a distance with Mahira and reiterated the fact that she is not comfortable with their closeness. She told him to take the decisions wisely or else he might have to regret later.

Meanwhile, Rashami turned emotional as till now, no one from her family came to meet her. Shefali and Sidharth consoled her and asked her to have patience.

After Paras' mother left, Rashami's niece and nephew entered the house. She ran towards them and hugged them tightly. The duo motivated Rashami to do well and asked her to stay strong and not cry. They also asked Rashami to rekindle her friendship with Sidharth and took her to him.

Later in the day, a fight broke out between Aarti and Vishal when she said that he is not even ashamed of being punished for his fight with Madhurima. Vishal got angry and told her that she has a habit of getting into other people's fights.
By Steve Scherer

OTTAWA, Jan 17 (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday urged Iran to send the black boxes from the passenger plane shot down by its forces to France for analysis and said the first remains of victims should soon arrive back in Canada.

Trudeau told a news conference in Ottawa that France was one of the few countries with the ability to read the flight and cockpit data recorders from the jet, which he said were badly damaged.

Iran says it shot down Ukrainian International Airlines flight 752 last week by accident, killing all 176 people aboard, 57 of whom were Canadian.

"Iran does not have the level of technical expertise and mostly the equipment necessary to be able to analyze these damaged black boxes quickly," Trudeau said.

"There is a beginning of a consensus that ... (France) would be the right place to send those black boxes to get proper information from them in a rapid way and that is what we are encouraging the Iranian authorities to agree to."

In the week since Tehran said its military had shot down the aircraft, Iran's government has said international authorities looking into the tragedy would have access to the black-box data, but that has yet to happen, slowing the investigation.

More than two thirds of Canadians are not confident there will be a full and accurate account of the disaster, an Angus Reid Institute poll released on Friday said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif held a rare face-to-face meeting with his Canadian counterpart, Francois-Philippe Champagne, on Friday in Muscat, Oman. The two countries have not had diplomatic relations since 2012.

In a statement, Canada's foreign ministry said Zarif agreed on the need for "a transparent analysis of the black box data," and that the ministers "discussed the duty Iran has towards the families of the victims  including compensation".

Zarif wrote on Twitter after the meeting that both countries' experts would continue to exchange information, adding "politicization" of the tragedy must be rejected and that the focus should be on the victims' families.

Story continues

'BITTER TRAGEDY'

In Ottawa, Trudeau told reporters his government would provide C$25,000 ($19,100) in immediate aid to the families of the victims, but he added that Canada expects Iran to offer compensation.

Trudeau said about 20 families of Canadian victims had requested the return of the bodies and that he expected the first remains to be repatriated in the coming days. He gave no further details.

The bodies of all 11 Ukrainians who died in the crash have been identified and will be transported to Ukraine on Jan. 19, the interior ministry in Kiev said in a statement.

With Iran facing a deepening crisis as it grapples with unrest at home and rising pressure from abroad, the Islamic Republic's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered his first Friday prayers sermon in eight years.

He described the shooting down of the plane as a "bitter tragedy that burned through our heart". But he stopped short of offering a direct apology for the disaster and instead urged Iranians to unite and show solidarity by turning out in numbers for the February parliamentary election.

Tension between Tehran and Washington has ratcheted higher since 2018 when the United States withdrew from Iran's nuclear pact with world powers and reimposed sanctions that have hammered the Iranian economy.

The standoff erupted into tit-for-tat military strikes this month, when Washington killed Iran's top general Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike at Baghdad airport on Jan. 3, then Iran launched missile strikes at U.S. targets in Iraq on Jan. 8.

In the tense hours following those strikes, the Ukrainian airliner was shot down in error as it took off from Tehran.

Russia lent Iran some support over the disaster, saying on Friday that the airliner had been shot down when Iran's military was spooked by reports of advanced U.S. F-35 stealth fighters in the air in the Iranian border area.

"I'd like to underline the edginess that always accompanies such situations," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in Moscow, adding that the incident was human error and that he was not trying to excuse anyone for what happened.

The White House declined to comment, and the Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment.

($1 = 1.3066 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Steve Scherer; Additional reporting by David Ljunggren and Kelsey Johnson in Ottawa, Parisa Hafezi and Babak Dehghanpisheh in Dubai, Alla Swilam in Cairo, Andrew Osborn in Moscow, Steve Holland and Phil Stewart in Washington, Matthias Williams in Kiev, Tim Hepher in Paris, and Tracy Rucinski in Chicago; Editing by Howard Goller and Daniel Wallis)
Pompeo Says Gangland-Style Hit on Soleimani Was "Restoration of Deterrence"



By Mike Whitney

January 18, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - Americas shadow president, Mike Pompeo, has acknowledged that the assassination of Irans highest-ranking military general, Qassem Soleimani, was part of a broader strategy to restore real deterrence by eliminating presumed enemies of the United States. Pompeos comments at Stanford Universitys Hoover Institute on January 13, put to rest earlier claims that the Iranian general had been killed to prevent imminent attacks on U.S. targets. Those claims have since been discredited by independent journalists and mainstream publications that have shown that the assassination was prepared months in advance. In truth, Soleimani was killed to roll back Irans influence in Iraq and to reverse the effects Washingtons catastrophic counterinsurgency operation that removed the mainly Sunni-Baathist party from power creating a vacuum that was filled by Iranian-backed militias. The Solemani assassination was just the latest transgression in a conflict that dates back 17 years.

Pompeos hand in the assassination is not really in doubt. As the New York Times noted in an article two weeks ago: Pompeo was the loudest voice in the administration pushing President Trump to kill Irans most important general. The Times also credits the blustery Pompeo as the chief architect of the rising tensions between the United States and Iranhe is in the unusual role of shaping national security policy. (Pompeo Upended Middle East by Pushing Trump to Kill Iranian General, New York Times)

Pompeo is the chief architect of the administrations failed Iran policy. It was Pompeo who pushed Trump to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, and Pompeo who promoted the economic blockade that has strangled the Iranian economy. Pompeo has also been the biggest proponent of Trumps extrajudicial assassination policy whose first notable trophy was Irans most decorated and revered general, Solemani. The incident has set the Middle East ablaze. Even so, Pompeo has never shown the slightest sign of remorse nor has he offered his condolences to the millions of people across the Middle East who poured out into the streets to mourn the passing of their beloved hero. Their anguish means nothing to Pompeo who believes he is carrying out Gods work by eliminating anyone who stands in the way US ambitions in the region.

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At the Stanford confab, Pompeo announced that he intends to move ahead with his plan to reestablish deterrence to discourage Tehrans malign activity. Regrettably, Pompeos grasp of deterrence bears no resemblance to the original political and military doctrine. Traditionally, deterrence is a strategy under which one power uses the threat of reprisal effectively to preclude an attack from an adversary power. In practice this means that Country A will build up its nuclear arsenal with the intention of deterring Country B from launching an attack. The strategy is aimed at preserving the peace and avoiding unnecessary bloodshed. Pompeos interpretation of deterrence is aimed at liquidating the enemy not deterring him. It is a form of aggression that bears no resemblance to the original military doctrine. Heres more from Reuters:.

President Trump and those of us in his national security team are re-establishing deterrence  real deterrence  against the Islamic Republic of Iran, he said. Your adversary must understand not only that you have the capacity to impose cost but that youre in fact willing to do so, Pompeo added. (Pompeo says Soleimani killing part of new strategy to deter U.S. foes, Reuters)

Once again, Pompeo is twisting words to confuse his audience. Sure, its true that Your adversary must understand not only that you have the capacity to impose cost but that youre in fact willing to do so. But its also true that the goal of deterrence is to deter the enemy from engaging in hostilities to begin with. That is the polar-opposite of killing the enemy. Pompeo appears to be stuck on this point.

In any event, a gangland-style hit that is illegal under US statutes and international law is not an example of deterrence. Its barbarism masquerading as foreign policy doctrine. Pompeo knows that, just like he knows that targeted assassinations are powerful provocations that lead to over-reaction, tit-for-tat retaliation, and eventually a full-blown regionwide conflagration. Which seems to be the point. Pompeo wants to confront Iran in the one area in which the US excels, war. Why else would he kill Irans most admired leader?

Heres more from Pompeos speech:

We saw, not just in Iran, but in other places, too, where American deterrence was weak. We watched Russias 2014 occupation of the Crimea and support for aggression against Ukraine because deterrence had been undermined. We have resumed lethal support to the Ukrainian military. Chinas island building, too, in the South China Sea, and its brazen attempts to coerce American allies undermined deterrence. The Trump administration has ramped up naval exercises in the South China Sea, alongside our allies and friends and partners throughout the region. (The Restoration of Deterrence: The Iranian Example, US Embassy and Consulates)

Now were getting down to brass tacks. This isnt about Soleimani at all. Its about the long list of foreign policy challenges the US now faces as new centers of power emerge (primarily Russia and China) putting more pressure on the post-WW2 liberal world order and hastening the decline of an aging hegemon who is fast losing its grip on global power. That is why Pompeo is invoking a new and more vicious foreign policy. Washington powerbrokers seem to believe that they need to take more reckless and violent measures to reverse present trends that are steadily eroding US power clearing the way for an emerging multi-polar world order. Taking these things into account, the Soleimani assassination can be seen for what it really is, a desperate attempt to turn back the clock to the early 1990s following the dissolution of the Soviet Union when America ruled supreme and think-tank pundits proudly boasted of the end of history and the beginning of a glorious American Century, none of which has worked out according to plan.

The importance of deterrence isnt confined to Iran, Pompeo said. In all cases, we must deter foes to defend freedom. Thats the whole point of President Trumps work to make our military the strongest its ever been. (Reuters)

Pompeo wants a stronger and most costly military. He wants to use all the tools at his disposal to maintain Washingtons dominant position in the world, especially the instruments of coercion that can used to force rivals to comply with Washingtons diktats. And, he has invoked a new doctrine, The Pompeo Doctrine, to provide ideological cover for the anticipated bloody assault on foreign leaders and dignitaries. So far, no one has challenged Pompeos alarming policy-shift. There appears to be consensus among elites that the only way to arrest Americas relentless decline is by escalating the hostilities, intensifying the violence and widening the wars.

Pompeos announcement puts the country on a path to bigger and bloodier confrontations but, as yet, no one has lifted their voice in opposition.
UNITED NATIONS, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Jan, 2020 ) :While Yemen is experiencing the "quietest" week in its five-year-long war that triggered the world's largest humanitarian crisis, concerns persist about safe access to reach millions of people requiring urgent assistance, senior UN officials have told the Security Council.

Martin Griffiths, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen said that de-escalation commitments are holding, the frequency of air strikes has dramatically dropped and fuel shipments are arriving in Hudaydah ports.

Moreover, he said, despite the recent crisis in the Gulf, there have been no major acts of military provocation in Yemen, thanks to regional and Yemeni leaders who are deliberately exercising restraint.

Griffiths was on Thursday updating the Council members on developments towards ending the war between Yemeni Government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, and the rebel group commonly known as the Houthis, which reportedly has links with Iran.

He stated that "no major acts of military provocation" occurred in Yemen during the latest Gulf crisis, which was sparked by the killing of a top Iranian general in a US strike.

"Indeed, it has been one of the quietest weeks of the war in Yemen since the war began, with only one airstrike, very limited military movement on the ground and no drone or missile attacks on neighbouring States", he said.

"This achievement has not come by chance. Yemeni leaders and leaders from the region have deliberately exercised restraint and withheld from acts of provocation." Griffiths said the country "has been brushed by potential tragedy from regional tensions and, so far, appears to have emerged from it unscathed. This is evidence of its leaders' desire to keep Yemen safe from such tensions but also to restore to its people, this year, the peace they so evidently deserve." The Envoy noted that the tensions overall have tested the resilience of efforts to de-escalate military hostilities and implement two peace agreements.

Warring parties met in Sweden in December 2018 for UN-brokered peace talks which led to a ceasefire in the rebel-held port of Hudaydah, critical for aid flows into a country that is experiencing the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Griffiths underlined that although implementation has been unsatisfactory, the UN and both sides remain committed to the Stockholm Agreement.

"Though violence unfortunately continues in the southern districts, the relative calm at the frontlines in Hudaydah city shows that the measures to enhance the de-escalationthe ceasefire mechanismis working, and this is something we can, and should, build on," he said.

Yemen also is now less dangerous for civilians than prior to the Stockholm Agreement, according to a senior official with the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA.

Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of the Coordination Division at OCHA, told Council members that casualties last year were about 35 per cent lower than in 2018, while fatalities dropped by nearly half.

"But it is still a very dangerous place", he said, pointing to deadly attacks and flare-ups along several front lines.

"Every day we receive reports of civilians killed or injured when shells land on their homes, snipers fire on their communities, or landmines or other munitions explode. These smaller-scale incidents occur in a constant stream and receive less attention than they should." Last November, the UN Special Envoy welcomed the signing of the Riyadh Agreement, aimed at ending infighting between the Yemini Government and separatist allies in the south, known as the Southern Transitional Council.

Fighting broke out between the two sides in August when the Southern Transitional Council seized control of the city of Aden, where the Government is based.

"The parties' recommitment recently to time-bound measures to support implementation of the Riyadh Agreement is a very positive sign", Griffiths said.

He also reported "relative" improvement in the security situation in Aden, and that "key appointments" there could be announced in the coming days.

"Overall, this is good news, of course, but not least because it is also a starting point for opening a new page to be dominated, and noted, and themed, by sincere consultations between the Yemeni parties to reach a political solution to end the Yemeni crisis," he stated.
There was some off-screen romance happening on the set of the latest Hallmark movie. Real-life couple Colin Donnell and Patti Murin co-star in the networks new original film Love on Iceland, premiering Sat. Jan. 18. But the pair of married actors dont fall in love in the movie, which is part of the channels Winterfest programming event.

Ex-college sweethearts reconnect in Love on Iceland

[L-R] Patti Murin and Colin Donnell | 2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Lilja Jonsdottir

In Love on Iceland, Kaitlin Doubleday plays Chloe, a podcast producer in need of a break from her crazy life. She and her friends Isabella (Murin) and Kenneth (Preston Sadleir) take a trip to Iceland. But to Chloes surprise, theres a fourth person in their group: her ex-boyfriend Charlie (Donnell), a travel photographer. While the exes try to steer clear of each other on the trip, they cant avoid each other completely. As they take in Icelands stunning landscape, they find themselves falling for each other again.

The movie was filmed on location in Iceland  a first for Hallmark. It was gorgeous, Doubleday said in an interview with Hallmarks Home & Family.

Colin Donnell and Patti Murin also worked together on Chicago Med

Love on Iceland isnt the first time that Donnell and Murin  who married in 2015  have worked together. They fell in love while appearing together in a musical production of Shakespeares Loves Labours Lost. They also shared the screen in Chicago Med. Donnell played Dr. Connor Rhodes on the NBC series until last year. And Murin had a recurring role on the series as Dr. Nina Shore from 2016 to 2019.

However, even though Donnell and Murin were working on the same show, their characters didnt really interact. They only spoke to each other once, according to One Chicago Center, in a brief scene when Shore gave Rhodes the autopsy report on his father. Even though they dont play a couple in their new Hallmark movie, it seems likely theyll share a bit more screen time this time around.

Murin plays Anna in Frozen on Broadway

In addition to her work in television, Murin has a high-profile role on stage. Shes currently playing Anna in the Broadway production of Disneys Frozen. She originated the role in the musical, though shell be leaving it behind come February 2020.

Murin  who has been open about her experiences with anxiety and depression  has said that she loves that Anna has given her a platform to talk about real-life struggles.

The great thing about Anna is that she is socially awkward but she is also incredibly determined and incredibly optimistic, and so just embodying that character thats already touched so many lives is incredible, the actress told Deadline.

[I]t also means so much when people say, I love how open you are with your struggles and with your life, showing that princesses and Disney characters and people who are lucky enough to star in a Broadway show are still human, she added.

After leaving Chicago Med, Donnell also returned to the stage. His played rock star Russell Hammond in a musical production of Almost Famous at San Diegos Old Globe theater in the fall of 2019.

Love on Iceland airs Saturday, Jan. 18 at 9/8c on Hallmark Channel.
A former chairman of the BBC has launched a scathing attack on the way the corporations management is desperately pursuing younger audiences, saying it weakens the case for the licence fee.

Sir Michael Lyons, who oversaw the corporation for four years, claimed the broadcaster was fixated on young people and chases them as if its chasing revenue.

He said that in the fullness of time people could end up seeing the BBC as no different from commercial players.

Sir Michael Lyons, who oversaw the corporation for four years, said that as these people got older they could end up regarding the BBC as just the same as all the private competitors and not being distinctive

Sir Michael, 70, who was chairman of the now defunct BBC Trust between 2007 and 2011, also criticised the broadcasters sense of entitlement and described it as a rather complacent organisation.

Delivering a devastating critique of the BBCs current management, led by director general Tony Hall, he said he suspected a weakness of confidence in the BBC, as you move northwards, was probably growing again.

This week it emerged that older viewers are to be given fewer shows that appeal to them, after Lord Hall revealed a big shift in money and hours towards younger audiences.

The corporation is desperately trying to stop youngsters deserting it in their droves to streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify  a similar service to Netflix but for music.

Sir Michael claimed the broadcaster was fixated on young people and chases them as if its chasing revenue. He said that in the fullness of time people could end up seeing the BBC as no different from commercial players

A recent report from media regulator Ofcom warned that the BBC might not survive in its current form if it did not move to win back a lost generation of younger audiences.

But any reduction in popular content for older age groups will be a blow for them, particularly as the BBC is stripping many of the over-75s of their free TV licences this year.

The BBC is also facing huge question marks about its future after Boris Johnson said it was worth looking at potentially abolishing the licence fee. The Government is also considering decriminalising non-payment of the licence fee.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Sir Michael said: Firstly, it is legitimate that the BBC should make sure that it is speaking to and heard by  if it is a national institution  every group in Britain.

But the BBC does become fixated on young people and it chases them as if its chasing revenue and that is one of my anxieties. Because you might do different things for young people, but if youre just trying to get them for eyes on screens and bums on seats, youre not really serving anybody very well.

Sir Michael said that as these people got older they could end up regarding the BBC as just the same as all the private competitors and not being distinctive.

Hired to tackle Auntie's gender wage gap, the firm that pays women 18% less than men! The BBC is facing a backlash for hiring an employment consultancy firm  which has a bigger gender pay gap than the broadcaster itself  to help resolve its equal pay claims. Corporation chiefs turned to Croner in 2018 to help manage complaints that female staff were being paid less than men for equivalent work. Victorious: Presenter Samira Ahmed won an equal pay case against the BBC The BBC row erupted after Carrie Gracie resigned from her role as China editor in January 2018 when she learned that she was taking home tens of thousands less than US editor Jon Sopel. Since then, the BBC has seen a flurry of claims from female employees. Only last week, Samira Ahmed won a landmark employment tribunal against the corporation. The tribunal found that she should be paid the same amount as fellow presenter Jeremy Vine for doing very similar work. Croner, which is based in Leicestershire, has played a key role in helping the broadcaster tackle its gender pay crisis, according to the Financial Times. Staff from the consultancy sit on corporation panels that deal with equal pay grievances. But BBC female employees are up in arms after learning that the median pay gap between men and women at Croner was 18 per cent according to 2018-2019 figures. That is more than double the 7.6 per cent the BBC posted in the same period. A spokesman for Croner admitted to the Financial Times that it has a gender pay gap, but said it was committed to achieving gender balance at all levels of our business. A BBC spokesman said: We want anybody who goes through a formal pay grievance to have full confidence in our processes and appointed Croner to be an independent expert on the decision-making panel. Advertisement

He added: So if in the fullness of time, even if you have retained young people, they dont see you as any different from Capital Radio, they just see you as another choice, then actually there is no reason for paying the licence fee.

And, of course, there is a bit of the British public of all ages who feel exactly like that because they dont think the BBC is for them and I suspect thats got worse in the last couple of years.

A BBC spokesman said: The BBC needs to serve everyone, but weve been clear that we need to do more for young audiences in particular so everyone gets value from the licence fee  Ofcom has also challenged us to do more.

The BBC is used by 93 per cent of adults every week and our plans for iPlayer, Sounds and News will ensure all audiences continue to get real value from the BBC  and this week Tony Hall set out plans to do even more for the whole of the UK, with the ambition of two thirds of the BBC being outside London by 2027.
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], Jan 18 (ANI): In the wake of Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut's veiled jibe at Congress over conferring Bharat Ratna to Veer Savarkar, another party leader Aaditya Thackeray on Saturday asserted that their alliance with Congress is strong despite having a different stance on certain issues.



"Sanjay Raut mentioned in what context he spoke. Shiv Sena-Congress alliance is strong and we came together for the development of the state. We may have different views on certain issues but this is what democracy is," Thackeray told the media persons here.

His remarks came hours after Raut retorted strongly to those opposing Bharat Ratna for Veer Savarkar and said that such people should be put in jail for two days.

Several leaders across the political spectrum have pushed for Bharat Ratna award to be accorded to Savarkar.

Congress, on the other hand, has time and again sparked controversy on Sarvarkar's name. Recently, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi refused to apologise for his "rape in India" comment saying that his surname was Gandhi, not Savarkar.

The Congress party had also come under attack over its booklet which claimed that Nathuram Godse and Savarkar had a physical relationship.

"Those who oppose Bharat Ratna for Veer Savarkar should be put for two days in Andaman's cellular jail where Savarkar was lodged. It is only then that they will realize his sacrifice and contribution to the nation," Raut had said earlier today.

Reacting on this, Thackeray urged people to talk about current issues like plummeting GDP and unemployment instead of history. "We should learn from history and move forward," he added. (ANI)


Berlin (AFP) - International players must stop meddling in the Libyan conflict, the UN's special envoy told AFP on Saturday, on the eve of a summit of world powers to try to bring peace to the North African nation.

"All foreign interference can provide some aspirin effect in the short term, but Libya needs all foreign interference to stop. That's one of the objectives of this conference," Ghassan Salame said in an interview ahead of the Berlin summit.

Leaders of Russia, Turkey and France are due to join talks in Berlin on Sunday held under the auspices of the United Nations, which wants to extract a pledge from foreign powers wielding influence in the region to stop meddling in the conflict -- be it by supplying weapons, troops or financing.

Both leaders of the warring factions -- strongman Khalifa Haftar and the head of Tripoli's UN-recognised government Fayez al-Sarraj -- are also expected at the first gathering of such scale on the conflict since 2018.

Libya has been torn by fighting between rival armed factions since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi and toppled his regime.

More recently, Sarraj's troops in Tripoli have been under attack since April from Haftar's forces, with clashes killing more than 280 civilians and 2,000 fighters and displacing tens of thousands.

- 'Vicious cycle' -

Although Sarraj's government is recognised by the UN, some powerful players have broken away to stand behind Haftar -- turning a domestic conflict into what is essentially a proxy war with international powers jostling to secure their own interests from global influence to oil and migration.

Alarm grew internationally when Ankara ordered in troops early January to help shore up Sarraj, while Moscow is suspected of providing weapons, financing and mercenaries to Haftar -- something Russia has denied.

"We must end this vicious cycle of Libyans calling for the help of foreign powers. Their intervention deepens the divisions among the Libyans," said Salame, noting that the place of international players should be to "help Libyans develop themselves".

Story continues

The UN envoy said Sunday's meeting will also seek to "consolidate" a shaky ceasefire.

"Today we only have a truce. We want to transform it into a real ceasefire with monitoring, separation (of rival camps), repositioning of heavy weapons" outside urban zones, he said.

The UN had sought on multiple attempts to bid for peace, but talks have repeatedly collapsed.

- Erdogan issues warning -

On the eve of the Berlin talks, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Europe to stand united behind Sarraj's government, as Tripoli's fall could leave "fertile ground" for jihadist groups like IS or Al-Qaeda "to get back on their feet".

Erdogan also played up Europe's fears of a repeat of the 2015 refugee crisis in his commentary for Politico news website, that further unrest could prompt a new wave of migrants to head for the continent.

Accusing France in particular of siding with Haftar, Erdogan said leaving Libya to the general would be a "mistake of historic proportions".

France has denied it was backing Haftar. But a diplomatic source noted that the fact that the general already controls 80 percent of Libya needed to be taken into account.

The European Union is watching with growing alarm at the escalating strife on its doorstep as it counts on Libya as a gatekeeper deterring migrants from crossing the Mediterranean.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 14:57:55|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Central Military Commission (CMC) has released a set of revised outlines on strengthening the military at the primary level.

The outlines, approved by Xi Jinping, chairman of the CMC, will take effect on Feb. 1.

The move aims to build primary-level military units that listen to and follow the Party, is capable of fighting and winning and maintain good discipline and excellent conduct.

The CMC called for earnest efforts to study and implement the outlines.
By PTI

INDORE: Runway repair work at the AAI-managed Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar International Airport has forced the flag carrier Air India to cancel its Dubai flight from the city for three months, starting February 1, a source said on Saturday.

The airline, however, said it is taking "necessary steps" to ensure the flight continues to operate as per its schedule.

The national carrier operates from Indore a daily non-stop service to Dubai and back.

In a statement on Saturday, Air India chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani said the airline is in "consultation" with Airports Authority of India on this issue.

"Due to runway repair work at Indore airport, Air India's Dubai-Indore flight is getting affected," Lohani said.

"The airline (is) in consultation with airports Authority of India (on this issue) and is taking necessary steps to ensure the continuance of this flight," he added.

According to a source, the national carrier has been forced to cancel its Dubai-Indore and connecting Indore-Delhi flight for three months, starting February 1 due to the runway repair work.

However, since the repair work is to be carried out during the night time, the Indore-Dubai flight, which departs in day time, will continue to operate as per schedule, he said.

The source said Air India has also offered as an option to the Indore-bound passenger to book on its Delhi or Mumbai flights from Dubai, from where it will fly them to their destination on its domestic network.

"We have been informed by Indore airport authorities that they are trying to give special permission to Air India to operate Dubai-Indore flight.

if we get the permission, the flight will be reinstated," the source added.
A six-year-old boy has been found safe sitting on a block near motorway roadworks after disappearing from an M1 service station when a school trip coach made a toilet stop.

Police and volunteers from the local community carried out a nine-hour search, involving a helicopter, overnight. The boy was found near Newbolt Close, a ten-minute walk and half a mile away from the service station where he disappeared.

Aadil Umair Rahim disappeared at Newport Pagnell Services, Milton Keynes, on the M1 motorway on Friday evening. Thames Valley Police have confirmed he was on a school trip heading home from London to Nottingham.

Aadil Umair Rahim has been found safe after sparking a mass search, involving a 'large number of officers' and a police helicopter. He was reportedly found sitting near roadworks

A CCTV image of Aadil from when he was at the service station earlier, which was circulated by police. He was wearing a green jumper, a grey long top, grey trousers and a white skull cap

According to the Milton Keynes Citizen, the boy was found sitting on a block near roadworks by a large search party, wearing only a jumper to protect him from the cold. He has reportedly been taken to hospital, but there is no cause for serious concern.

He was located just off the M1 northbound carriageway, in an area which houses the Matrix system, close to a footbridge near Newbolt Close.

Thames Valley Police began a search at around 7.15pm and announced Aadil had been found nine hours later, shortly after 4am on Saturday.

Graphic shows the boy was found near Newbolt Close, a ten-minute walk and half a mile away from the service station in Milton Keynes

The force said a large number of officers were involved in the search, as well as a helicopter from the National Police Air Service, which is believed to have directed officers to the area where the boy was located.

After Aadil was found in the local area, his father Umair Rahim wrote: 'My son has arrived and he is safe now. Thanks for the prayers. Shukar to Allah.

'Thanks to Thames Valley Police helicopter services fire department and safe and rescue department who worked tirelessly for 9 hours and found him safe.

Emergency services pictured during the major search that took place last night. The six-year-old was found safe and well overnight after going missing from Newport Pagnell Services

Police have located the missing boy who wandered away from the service station. He was reportedly found sitting on a block near M1 roadworks

Search and rescue volunteers explore the surrounding area. After being found his father, Umair Rahim, thanked the 'local community' and police for helping in the search

'There was more than 1,000 people looking for him I'm thankful to everyone.'

Thames Valley Police Superintendent Amy Clements thanked the officers and members of the public involved in the overnight search.

She said: 'This was a very difficult operation involving a very young boy and we are relieved to say that Aadil has been found safe and well.

'I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the local community, who immediately offered help in trying to find Aadil.'

Emergency services during the search. When he went missing, the six-year-old was believed to be on a school trip when they made a stop at the service station

Bucks Search and Rescue, a volunteer organisation, helping in the search. Thames Valley Police Superintendent Amy Clements thanked the officers and members of public involved

When he went missing, the six-year-old was believed to be on a school trip when they made a stop at the service station, according to social media reports.

He was wearing a green jumper, a grey long top, grey baggy trousers and a white skull cap.

Khalil Rafiq told the Mirror Online that his son was on the same trip and had been visiting the Museum of London.

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter helped in the search.

A CCTV image of Aadil from when he was at the service station was also circulated by police.
Tottenville grandma attacked by intruder with baby granddaughter present

One of the most frightening things a homeowner could imagine turned into reality for a Tottenville woman on Monday morning, as she came face to face with an intruder in her home with her baby granddaughter present.

At approximately 9:15 a.m., the woman, who requested her name not be published, answered the door, figuring it was a man who recently did work on their Manhattan Street house. What happened next is something shell remember forever.

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Woman uses brass knuckles to beat down co-worker at strip club, cops say

Call it a bad day at work. A woman grabbed another womans hair, pulled her to the floor and pummeled her with brass knuckles in a beatdown at a strip club in Charleston, authorities allege.

Samantha Candelaria, 22, of the 500 block of Manor Road in Castleton Corners, was arrested on Monday afternoon at the 123rd Precinct stationhouse in Tottenville in connection with the incident at Allure Staten Island, 2945 Arthur Kill Road, according to the criminal complaint and police. Both the suspect and the victim work at the strip club.

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Senior allegedly used cane to whack man who served him divorce papers

A 70-year-old man literally raised cane when he was served with court papers in Dongan Hills, authorities allege.

The assault occurred when a 42-year-old man carrying legal documents showed up at the home of Jose Lugo, 70, on the 400 block of Raritan Avenue on Jan. 6 at about 2:25 p.m., according to the criminal complaint and police.

Lugo decided that the best defense was a good offense when he allegedly used a cane to smack the man in the head and back.

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Travis man sentenced to prison, stiff restitution in virtual-currency scam

A Travis resident was already on the hook for nearly $300,000 in restitution, plus $871,000 in fines in a civil case for bilking investors in a virtual-currency scam.

Now, Patrick McDonnell has added another $224,000 to his restitution debt, and will spend 33 months in prison after being sentenced Thursday in his criminal case.

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A loaded gun in his pocket lands felon back behind bars

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. He was found with a loaded semi-automatic handgun in his front right pocket.

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15 year-old girl attacked with bleach, hair removal product after school dismissal, mom says

A 15-year-old girl was sprayed with bleach and a hair removal product and punched in the head when she was attacked by a mob of teens during a melee near New Dorp High School after dismissal last Tuesday afternoon, the victims mother told the Advance.

The frightening incident happened at the corner of Hylan Boulevard and New Dorp Lane, when one girl poured a bottle of water filled with the chemicals on the 15-year-old girls head, chest and sweater, the mother said.

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14-year-old arrested, charged after police allegedly find imitation pistol in his possession

A 14-year-old boy was arrested and charged Wednesday morning after police found him to be in possession of an imitation pistol and marijuana, according to an NYPD spokesman.

The 14-year-old faces charges including criminal possession of a weapon and unlawful possession of marijuana, the spokesman said.

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Shots fired in New Brighton; 2nd such incident in 24 hours

The NYPD converged on a dead-end street in New Brighton Monday night after shots were fired by an unknown individual.

Multiple police vehicles and an NYPD Emergency Service Unit cordoned off a section of road on the 100 block of Harvard Avenue, near Skyline Park, at around 7 p.m.

An NYPD spokesman said that shots were fired by an unknown perpetrator before the person fled.

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Shocking photo shows suffering opossum after stabbing

A disturbing photo of an opossum with a knife sticking out of its face shows the suffering animal moments after it was stabbed Sunday night on a residential street in Sunnyside.

The young opossum died on Monday night.

A Cheshire Place resident, where the stabbing allegedly happened, said he started hearing some yelling on the street at around 10 p.m. Sunday and witnessed a quick scuffle with two men.

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Man, 24, robbed at gunpoint in Mariners Harbor

A 24-year-old man was robbed at gunpoint in Mariners Harbor early Thursday morning, according to police.

The victim told police he made a deal to purchase an iPhone on Letgo  an app that allows users to sell items locally. The sellers profile, which didnt include a full name, purported that he is from New York, according to police.

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Convicted of kidnapping girlfriend, man still denies guilt at sentencing

Despite a jury convicting him of kidnapping and other crimes for holding his girlfriend against her will in his car in 2018 while choking her with a cell-phone cord, Carlos Guzman insisted he was innocent at his sentencing Wednesday.

I know I didnt do anything,'' said the dark-haired New Brighton resident through a Spanish interpreter. I thought I was going to win my case. Im very upset because things didnt work out. Im guilty of everything even though I didnt do anything. All Im saying is please be lenient.

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While the threat of a full-blown war between the US and Iran has been averted, the Iranian regime will not give up on the policies that brought one perilously close

The Iranian regime hardly wastes any time in stirring up a new regional conflict, and it has been doing so on a regular basis for over four decades. Whether attained through taunting a superpower such as the United States and its European allies or through threatening the stability of Middle Eastern countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the story has been much the same.

Iran has been in a four-decade state of war through its militant franchises such as Hizbullah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen and the Iraqi Popular Mobilisation Forces. It has become customary for the Iranian supreme leader to issue threats during his public speeches, especially during his Friday sermons, and then indulge in a state of victimisation and announce that the world powers are marked for destruction. This kind of political war dance has characterised the Iranian regimes policies and placed it on a collision course with others.

A war dance is a form of pre-war tribal ritual that dates back millennia and is carried out by indigenous tribes in Africa, the Americas, and even sometimes the Middle East. It is usually led by the tribes leader and includes a large number of its warriors with the intention of invoking their fighting spirit before facing an enemy, usually a neighbouring tribe. Initiated by the late Ayatollah Khomeini and followed by his successor Ayatollah Khamenei, this type of war dance is done in Iran through blazing speeches at large rallies. During these, the countrys supreme leader threatens Irans enemies  numerous thanks to Irans foreign policies  with annihilation.

The war dances can turn into action, such as has been the case in Irans exploitation of the current uprising in Iraq. One 27 December, an Iranian-backed militia in Iraq launched missile strikes on an Iraqi base that had American citizens living in it. The attacks resulted in the killing of an American contractor and the injuring of four others. As a result, the US launched retaliatory strikes on the Iranian-backed Hizbullah and the Iraqi Popular Mobilisation Force, killing 25 militants and injuring 25 others. Following the attacks, Iranian-backed Iraqi protesters stormed the US Embassy in Baghdad, resulting in the US administrations ordering a missile strike against Iranian military leader Qassem Suleimani, the mastermind behind a number of militant and terrorist groups in the Middle East region.

Suleimani was targeted by a drone attack at Baghdads International Airport and was killed instantly along with four companions on 3 January this year. In response to his death, Iran fired a barrage of rockets at US bases in Iraq, all of which missed their targets, as well as against a Ukrainian civilian airplane that has just taken off from Tehran International Airport, killing all 176 passengers and crew members on board who included 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians and members of other nationalities. After the downing of the plane, Iranian officials at first denied responsibility and issued a wide range of conspiracy theories while refusing to present the black box of the airplane to a neutral investigative team. On 11 January, Iran finally succumbed to international pressure and announced that the plane had been downed by its air defences by mistake and issued an apology.

The Iranian regime has once again performed a war dance and poured oil on a fire that was already alight in Iraq, believing that it could gain the upper hand by creating problems for the United States such that it would be forced to withdraw its troops in a similar manner to what happened in 1983 when a truck bombing killed 241 US servicemen in Beirut in Lebanon. The Lebanon attack was believed to have been orchestrated by the Iranian-backed militia Hizbullah, and it resulted in the then US president Ronald Reagan withdrawing US troops from Lebanon. That hardly happened this time around, however, as US President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of another 3,000 US troops as reinforcements in Iraq.

Suleimani is known to have been the mastermind behind the present chaos in Yemen, Syria, Iraq and other countries, and he has been treated as a martyr by the Iranian media and regime as well as, ironically, by some in the Western media and some Western politicians who have chosen to ignore the war crimes and acts of terrorism he either planned or committed. Suleimanis handiwork shows that he was a terrorist in an Iranian military uniform, and his death befits the life he chose for himself and was a natural outcome of the years of mayhem and destruction he caused around the region.

Yet, despite all this, Irans incessant war dance is continuing in the region, and there have been indications that the Iranian regime is preparing to restart its peaceful nuclear programme. Given that this is a regime whose military cannot distinguish a hostile cruise missile from a civilian airplane that has just taken off from its own capitals airport and then shoots it down, it is imperative that all the necessary measures are now taken to stop Irans nuclear programme. There is no telling what a hostile regime that stirs up trouble and threatens the annihilation of others might do if it feels cornered.

The Iranian regime has been opposing any form of peace between the Arabs and the Israelis over recent decades, and it has financed all sorts of terrorist groups that have contributed to destroying any efforts towards that goal. It should be mentioned that Egypt is the only country in the Middle East that has no diplomatic ties with the Iranian regime, and it has been adamant about keeping things this way until major changes happen in Iran.

The current political situation shows that Iran will likely keep its war dance going, and while cool heads prevailed during the recent crisis from igniting a full-blown war, there is no indication that the Iranian threat to the region is gone. Though the killing of Suleimani sent the message that the US will not tolerate Irans using its militants against its troops in the region, there is no indication that Iran will not attempt to do something similar again soon.

For the moment the threat of a full-blown war in the region has been averted, but the Iranians will not give up the policies that easily that still may trigger a war. Despite overblown estimates of Irans military capabilities, the United States is more than capable of bombing Iranian military installations to smithereens, but it is unlikely to do that for the moment. The reason is that this would not help to resolve the situation and would likely create adverse effects, halting US long-term plans to replace the present Iranian regime with a friendlier one. The human casualties of such a bombing campaign would also be huge, even if it were directed only at military installations and personnel.

War is never a game, and as in most regional wars unforeseen circumstances may emerge to change the situation, including the rise of unforeseen military or terrorist groups that thwart plans to prevent a war. When the US invaded Iraq in 2003 on false pretences and intelligence, it did not foresee the amount of resistance displayed by local militias and jihadist groups that rallied from the four corners of the world to fight the invasion.

As the Iranian provocations continue along with its war dance, the region will still need to brace itself for a possible war that could ignite at any time. As a result, great vigilance is required on the part of the international community to minimise the possibility of a fully-fledged war occurring. However, these efforts will not materialise as long as some European countries, as well as Russia and China, continue to try to appease the Iranian regime and exploit the situation economically by entertaining a narrow political vision of one of the vilest and most tyrannical regimes on the planet today.

The writer is a political analyst and author of Egypts Arab Spring and the Winding Road to Democracy.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 16 January 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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They enjoy a jet-set lifestyle and regularly head to Paris for fashion events.

And Victoria Beckham and her husband David made a typically stylish appearance in the city on Saturday, as they made their way to a show at Mens Fashion Week.

The fashion designer, 45, stood out from the crowd in a yellow polo neck which she teamed with a pair of equally vibrant wide-legged green corduroy trousers, in the outfit from her new Pre Autumn/Winter 2020 collection.

Style queen! Victoria Beckham and her husband David made a typically stylish appearance in the city on Saturday, as they made their way to a show at Mens Fashion Week

Victoria layered her ensemble with a brown tweed coat with a subtle hounds tooth print, which was belted around her svelte waist and highlighted her lithe frame.

The mother-of-four wore her brunette tresses in a loose, flowing style and shielded most of her face with a pair of giant two-tone square sunglasses.

She toted her belongings in a black leather crocodile effect bag.

Chic: The fashion designer, 45, stood out from the crowd in a yellow polo neck which she teamed with a pair of equally vibrant wide-legged green corduroy trousers

Glam: Victoria layered her ensemble with a brown tweed coat with a subtle hounds tooth print, which was belted around her svelte waist and highlighted her lithe frame

Winter look: The mother-of-four wore her brunette tresses in a loose, flowing style and shielded most of her face with a pair of giant two-tone square sunglasses

Details: She toted her belongings in a black leather crocodile effect bag

Are you coming? David turned around to check if Victoria was following closely behind

Meanwhile, David looked equally stylish in a brown leather jacket which he teamed with a pair of camel coloured chinos and crisp white pumps.

He accessorised his daytime look with a black beanie hat and a pair of funky square glasses, while carrying a textured black leather holdall in his hand.

Their outing comes the morning after they were spotted cosying up at the Dior Homme Menswear Fall/Winter 2020-2021 show on Friday night.

Strut! The couple treated the pavement as their runway as they strode to the show

Rare PDA: On Friday Victoria cosied up to David at the Men's Dior fashion show

Sharp! David looked equally stylish in a brown leather jacket which he teamed with a pair of camel coloured chinos and crisp white pumps

Glowing: Victoria highlighted her radiant complexion with light touches of make-up

David sweetly slung his arm around Victoria's shoulders in an affectionate manner as they stood at the side of the room at the show.

Before the show, the fashionista revealed that the sportsman had helped her tie her shoelaces as her trousers were too tight in a hilarious Instagram video.

Taking to Instagram to share the fun video, which saw David helping her out as she wrote: 'Backstage at @dior! Thanks davidbeckham for tying my shoes when my pants r so tight I can't bend down x'

Busy: Victoria and David appeared to go unnoticed by most as they strolled through the city

Helping hand: Before the Dior show, David hilariously helped her tie her shoelaces as her 'trousers were too tight'

Hot mama! Victoria showcased her killer look before going to check out the new men's range

Handsome: David appeared as if he had just stepped off the catwalk with his fashionable look

Helping hand: David held the door as Victoria eased herself out of the car
Victims of increasing jihadist attacks, African states bordering Libya are pushing for more say in efforts to end the crisis in their northern neighbour whose conflict risks becoming a growing source of regional instability.

European powers, Turkey and Russia will join a Libya peace conference in Berlin this weekend, the latest international effort to end fighting between eastern commander Khalifa Haftar and the UN-recognised government in Tripoli.

African Union Chairman Moussa Faki will also join the Berlin talks hoping to bring a focus on the continent's perspective, but it will not be an easy mission.

"The neighbouring countries like Chad, Sudan, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, fellow AU members and beyond are suffering the consequences" of the crisis, said Ebba Kalondo, Faki's spokeswoman.

"The AU has consistently asked for a more central role in the processes underway, but has consistently been ignored."

Sahel and African nations have long been at the sharp end of Libya's crisis.

After the NATO-backed rebellion ousted and killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, Libya collapsed into a conflict of competing armed factions vying for control.

In the chaos, Islamist militants and migrant smugglers expanded their influence.

Libya's security vacuum allowed the spread of fighters, arms and explosives across its borders into Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, which face increasing jihadist violence despite a regional campaign to counter Islamist militancy.

The North African state remains in chaos, mostly split now between Haftar's forces in the east and the UN-recognised government in Tripoli. Haftar's forces launched an offensive on the capital in April.

"The international community is responsible for what is happening to us through its disastrous decision to intervene in Libya," Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou said in December, referring to the 2011 NATO campaign.

"Libya is African, we cannot solve the Libyan problem by keeping the AU on the sidelines," he told AFP.

Chad President Idriss Deby said solving Sahel violence was directly linked to ending Libya's instability.

"Libya's chaos... remains the main source of destabilisation for the whole of the Sahel," he said in Rome in December.

In 2019, jihadist attacks killed 4,000 people in Burkina, Mali and Niger, despite the presence of several thousand French troops, a UN peacekeeping mission in Mali and the G5 Sahel cooperation among the armies of five regional nations.

"Africa is looking to get more of a hearing now with the deterioration of the security situation in the Sahel," a Western diplomat said.

One sign of possible increasing African involvement is that the African Union's Libya committee, inactive for months, has been back in session in recent weeks led by Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso.

"Libya is an African country and the victims are essentially in Africa. So any strategy to end the Libya crisis that marginalises the African continent would be ineffective and counter-productive," Sassou Nguesso said earlier this month.

An emissary of the Congolese head of state this month travelled to Algeria, a key country in negotiations between Libyan rivals, to discuss how to "energise" the peace process, the Algerian presidency said.

The Algeria talks also discussed the role of AU on reviving Libya's peace process. Algiers has been long been involved in negotiations with Libyan factions.

But the UN is organising the Berlin talks and takes a central role in negotiations.

"This is and remains a process that is in UN hands and under UN leadership. So this has meant that the AU has been sidelined," said Claudia Gazzini at International Crisis Group. "The UN does not necessarily see the AU as a decisive voice in the process."

The AU push for more say comes as Libya's conflict has already split North African and Middle Eastern states between those who back Haftar's forces who control the east near Egypt and the government of Fayez al-Sarraj, recognised by the UN and based in Tripoli.

But the AU is also "divided" over how to handle Libya, one Niger official source said.

"Egypt does not want the AU to take charge of this," as it backs Haftar as sees Libya as part of its domestic security border, the source said.

That situation has been further complicated by the entry of new international players. Russia backs Haftar while Turkey, an ally of the Tripoli government, recently agreed to send Turkish soldiers to Libya to support Sarraj.

Haftar's offensive on Tripoli since April is just the latest wave of fighting to wrack Libya since 2011.

More than 280 civilians and 2,000 combatants have been killed since Haftar's assault began, according to the UN. Some 146,000 Libyans had to flee the fighting.

A cessation of hostilities has been in effect since Sunday. But Haftar has so far refused to sign a more permanent cease-fire deal initialed by Sarraj.

"This involvement of the new players further complicates the Libyan crisis," warned Ibrahim Yacouba, a former Niger foreign minister.
New York, US (PANA) - The world should not accept the dire and untenable situation facing children in war-torn Libya, Executive Director of the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) Henrietta Fore said in a statement here Friday
NEW LONDON  Paige Knobel, a Colchester resident, hasnt seen or heard from her father, who is the subject of an active silver alert in New London, in well over a month.

That made it especially hard, she said, to watch the coverage that unfolded as allegation that Anthony Tony Todt, who owns Family Physical Therapy in Colchester, killed his wife and three kids surfaced this week. Todt is charged in Florida with four counts of murder.

Knobels search is not connected to the Todt case, but Knobel lives down the street from Family Physical Therapys Park Avenue location, she said.

The search for her father, Thomas Doolan, 59, who was also born and raised in Colchester, has gotten sporadic media attention. Though it gained some attention around New Years week, there have been no new reports in the last couple of weeks, an online search indicates.

Knobel last heard from Doolan on Dec. 6, when he called her in what sounded like a highly upset state, according to Knobel, who said Doolan suffers from mental health conditions.

For Knobels entire life, Doolan has been consistent about checking in with her, she said, adding that he typically doesnt go more than two or three days without contacting her.

Doolan had been staying at a sober house at 57 Berkeley Ave. in New London when he went missing, according to his daughter. He left all his belongings at the house, she said, a big red flag  he has always been careful with his things.

Doolan had been sober for 18 months, the longest span of time in Knobels memory that her father had been so, she said. He was very proud of himself.

Its out of character for Doolan to fall off the map, Knobel said. Even more worrisome is that he missed Christmas and his grandsons birthday.

Knobel has two sons  one is 6 years old, and the other is about to turn 2 . Theyre his [Doolans] whole world, she said. He is all about his grandsons, and watching them grow up.

Knobel tried calling her father every day after Dec. 6, but when he didnt answer, she assumed he was at the doctors, or asleep, or that his phone battery was dead. She got really worried on Dec. 19, when a nurse who knew Doolan called her and said she also had not heard from him, Knobel said.

That was when she asked the police to conduct a wellness check, Knobel said. Afterward they told Knobel theyd been informed that Doolan had moved out of the sober house on Dec. 6.

The next day was Knobels sons birthday, and Doolan wasnt there.

That was really hard, Knobel said, adding that she reported her father missing to police on Dec. 23.

He just vanished, Knobel said.

The New London Police Department issued a silver alert on Dec. 31, its Facebook page indicates.

Knobel spoke highly of her father. Hes funny, she said, and its easy for her to talk to him about everything.

My dad is an awesome person. Hes a pain in the butt sometimes, but hes got a very big heart.

The New London Day published a piece about the familys search for Doolan on Dec. 30, and other outlets posted stories about the silver alert the next day.

But since then there hasnt been much in the news, and Knobels father still hasnt turned up.

New London police Capt. Brian Wright, who runs the investigative services division, confirmed Thursday that Doolans silver alert remains active.

Police posted the alert to social media and contacted the sober house where Doolan had been staying, according to Wright.

Though they got a few leads, nothing panned out, the captain said.

Its an unfortunate situation. But we remain vigilant, Wright said.

Meanwhile, Knobel is not giving up on finding her father.

She headed to New London Saturday morning with around seven family members and friends to put flyers up throughout the city and search for her father, she said.

They searched all over downtown New London, she said, but had no luck.

I hope that we can find him, good or bad, she said Friday evening. Im hopeful that well find him alive but, again good or bad  I just want to have that closure.

meghan.friedmann@hearstmediact.com
A soldier scans his sector of fire during a base defense exercise at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, on Jan. 2, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Derek Mustard/Public Domain/File)

Iraqi Air Force Destroys ISIS Camps in Northeast Iraq Amid Reports of Anti-ISIS Operations Resuming

The Iraqi Air Force earlier this week destroyed an ISIS terrorist training camp in al-Shay valley in the Hamrin Mountains, a small mountain ridge in northeast Iraq, killing several terrorists, amid reports that military operations against the terrorist group have resumed.

Taking to Twitter, the Iraqi Air Force confirmed that airstrikes conducted by its F16 jets destroyed the Labwah camp, killing ISIS terrorists in the camp.

Based on accurate counter-Daesh [ISIS] intelligence, @iqAirForce F16s conducted airstrikes in Wadi al-Shay in the Hamrin Mountain range, resulting in the elimination of the Labwah camp & all the terrorists inside it, Iraqi Ministry of Defense spokesperson Yehia Rasool wrote on Twitter.

Based on accurate counter-Daesh intelligence, @iqAirForce F16s conducted air strikes in Wadi al-Shay in the Hamrin Mountain range, resulting in the elimination of the Labwah camp & all the terrorists inside it. pic.twitter.com/zlVkSJjOaN    | Yehia Rasool (@IraqiSpoxMOD) January 16, 2020

The Iraqi Security Media Cell also notified of the strike on the ISIS camp in a statement to Iraqi News Agency INA.

The communications center also announced earlier on Thursday that Iraqi security forces arrested a senior religious Islamic official in eastern Mosul. According to a statement translated by Kurdish broadcast news station Kurdistan 24, the Iraqi Security Media cell said that the Nineveh Police Commands SWAT team arrested a so-called sharia official and mufti of ISIS called Abu Abd al-Bari in the Mansour neighborhood after continuous investigations and accurate information.'

He is known for his provocative speeches against the [Iraqi] security forces, and he was inciting affiliation and allegiance to ISIS and educating extremist ideology during ISISs control over Mosul, the Security Media Cell added, according to the news station. He is considered one of the leaders in the first row of ISIS gangs, and he is responsible for issuing fatwas regarding the execution of a number of scholars and clerics who refrained from pledging allegiance to ISIS.

Iraqi security forces also arrested a prominent terrorist in southern Mosul, Kurdistan 24 reported, citing an announcement on Jan. 14 by Iraqs Interior Ministry.

Mosul was one of ISISs strongholds before Iraqi forces, with support from the U.S.-led forces and the Kurdistan Region Peshmerga, recaptured the region in July 2017.

News of the airstrike and arrests come as reports from The New York Times and The Associated Press appeared to indicate that U.S.-led forces will resume military operations against ISIS as soon as possible. Citing unnamed U.S. military officials, the two media outlets reported that the U.S. military is resuming operations against ISIS and will soon restart training Iraqi forces. The Epoch Times could not independently verify the reports.

The U.S.-led coalition, Combined Joint Task ForceOperation Inherent Resolve, (CJTF-OIR) announced on Jan. 5 that it was pausing its operations against ISIS and that it was fully committed to protecting its bases after repeated rocket attacks over the last two months from pro-Iran militias.

The announcement came just minutes after the Iraqi parliament indicated in a non-binding vote on Jan. 5 that it wanted to expel U.S. troops from the country, just days after the United States killed Qassem Soleimani, the leader of Irans elite paramilitary forces and intelligence agency, in a targeted airstrike in Baghdad on Jan. 2.

Outgoing Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi on Jan. 10 asked U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to work out a road map for a troop withdrawal. However, the United States has not yet moved to pull the more than 5,000 troops out.

Iraq has found itself in a predicament as an ally of both Iran and the United States. Experts told The Epoch Times that Iraq was trying to strike a balance between its two opposing allies after the death of Soleimani.

Pompeo recently said that Abdul-Mahdi is under considerable pressure from Tehran.

Abdul-Mahdi, who resigned as prime minister in November 2019 but then became the acting prime minister, said on Wednesday that he would leave a decision on whether to expel American troops from the country to his successor.

I request that the president, parliament, and political parties nominate a new prime minister, a new government that has full authority because these difficult, complicated circumstances, especially with pulling [out] of the troops  that needs a government with full authority so it can go forward, the outgoing prime minister said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
AUSTIN, Texas  Martha Paz left Mexico with her family when she was 3 months old.

For most of her life, Paz lived in a small town outside of Dallas with her parents and younger siblings. She worked hard to get good grades in school, eventually graduating from high school as one of the top 10 students in her class.

When she was 16, Paz was among the more than 124,000 Texans to receive initial approval under President Barack Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, according to data from the Pew Research Center. Under the designation, Paz was temporarily protected from deportation. She got a drivers license and a work permit, and with her black belt in karate, she began teaching self-defense classes to young children.

Now a student at the University of Texas, Paz is working toward a degree in management information systems. But as early as this month, the U.S. Supreme Court could issue a decision that would mean the end of deferred action for Paz and hundreds of thousands of other young immigrants.

It does scare me, she said. Its scary that I wont be able to use my degree for whatever Im going to work for.

Their lives are worlds apart: One sister has DACA status, the other doesn't.

Dr. Octavio Martinez, director of Hogg Center for Mental Health at the University of Texas, has written about the need to support DACA students at universities in Texas. The disruptions from worrying about how theyll be able to complete their studies if DACA is revoked can lead to severe distress, depression and anxiety.

The threat of losing everything  imagine what that does to an individual person, Martinez said. And a lot of them internalize it and ask themselves, What have I done wrong? What did I not do? And the environment is not looking very hospitable.

A 2009 study found the threat of deportation or detention can cause long-term stress that seriously affects brain development. A 2017 study, published shortly after President Donald Trump announced he would end DACA, found the program actually alleviated many of the stressors young undocumented people were feeling.

Story continues

Demonstrators stood in the cold and rain outside the Supreme Court in November during oral argument on the Trump administration's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

At the time the Trump administration rescinded DACA, then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the program was a unilateral executive action, taken by Obama only after Congress refused similar action multiple times. The program was inconsistent with the Constitutions separation of powers, Sessions said.

The effect of this unilateral executive amnesty, among other things, contributed to a surge of unaccompanied minors on the southern border that yielded terrible humanitarian consequences, Sessions said in his 2017 remarks. It also denied jobs to hundreds of thousands of Americans by allowing those same jobs to go to illegal aliens.

The Trump administrations decision to end DACA has been put on hold by several courts across the country. But after hearing oral arguments in November, the nations highest court will issue the final ruling on DACA early this year. Terminating the program could trigger a public health crisis, the 2017 study said.

Martinez argues that college campuses have a responsibility to provide DACA recipients, often called Dreamers, with emotional support.

Deferred action: Who are the DACA DREAMers and how many are here?

When she first arrived at Texas, Paz said she attended an orientation with other international students, many of whom were undocumented. Through this, she joined the University Leadership Initiative, a group of undocumented students and allies that works to educate students about their rights and provides free forums and clinics.

Paz said she would like to see the university create a Dreamer resource center. The University of Texas-San Antonio has a one-stop resource center that provides mental health support, academic advising, legal assistance, career counseling and social connections.

There are approaches that colleges and universities can do. They can definitely provide a safe environment, Martinez said. Let the DACA students know that they are welcome there, theye accepted, and that these resources are there and available for them.

Austin Community College offers an academic track, called Ascender, aimed at supporting Latino students and is developing a support group for DACA students.

The name of our institution says community, and we have to reflect our community, said Alejandra Polcik, ACCs supervisor of Hispanic outreach projects. And whether some people like it or not, we live with DACA students and undocumented students, and they contribute to society.

ACC enrolls about 40,000 students, roughly 1,200 of whom are Dreamers, Polcik said. One of them was 20-year-old Armando Sanchez, who just graduated with an associate degree and plans to continue his study of political science and communications at Texas State University in the spring.

Sanchez was brought to the U.S. when he was 6 months old. Hes seen other kids and his own family members get picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. Receiving DACA designation offered some relief, but as a possible end nears, the stress is beginning to weigh on him.

Ive spoken to a lot of DACA recipients, and many of them are scared. They believe they dont have the resources, or they dont know what resources they have, Sanchez said. Ive been doing a lot of great things these past few months. And to know that if it does overturn and my dream ends, just because of one person  for me, it brings me anger.

If DACA ends, it would mean some students could lose employment needed to pay for college or living expenses. If they are able to graduate, they might not be able to find work in their fields, Polcik said.

You might have attorneys and doctors working washing dishes and babysitting, she said.

Still, advocates say immigrants are resilient, and even if DACA is repealed, they will find a way to be successful.

DACA decision: Supreme Court leans toward Trump plan to end DACA program for nearly 700K undocumented immigrants

Montserrat Garibay, secretary-treasurer of the Texas AFL-CIO, is a Mexican immigrant and University of Texas graduate who works to promote opportunities for students, especially those from immigrant families.

Its very devastating, without a doubt, she said of the potential DACA shutdown. But I think thats just also one of the things about Dreamers: They have this power; they dont lose hope.

Paz is on track to graduate in two years. She hopes to find a company willing to sponsor her for a work visa. But if she cant get a job in the U.S., she said, shell probably try to get one in Mexico.

Until then, shes working on helping other students like herself. Shes creating a network of undocumented students in Texas to provide advice to others navigating college.

I believe undocumented students have been able to surpass a lot of challenges; that makes them good workers, Paz said. Helping people like that would help them in the future to advance in other ways.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Supreme Court DACA decision fills many college students with dread
Douglas "Doug" Baker, 39, a Butte resident, was killed in a snowmobile accident Sunday afternoon near Jackson.

Baker was snowmobiling with a group of friends in southwest Montana but later went missing, according to Beaverhead County Coroner Julie Briggs.

Briggs said Baker's friends found his body "off the beaten path," roughly 20 miles from Skinner Meadows Road.

Beaverhead County Search and Rescue and the Beaverhead County Coroner responded to the scene.

According to Briggs, Baker was traveling up a snow-packed incline when his snowmobile rolled over and trapped him underneath. Briggs said Baker died of asphyxiation.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The National Archives this week admitted that it altered a photograph from the 2017 Womens March that was critical of President Donald Trump, according to multiple published reports.

The National Archives said it altered signs held by marchers that said God Hates Trump and Trump & GOP  Hands Off Women. In addition, words on some signs that referenced female anatomy were also blurred.

As a non-partisan, non-political federal agency, we blurred references to the Presidents name on some posters, so as not to engage in current political controversy, Miriam Kleiman, Archives spokeswoman, said in a statement to The Washington Post.

The photographs were part of an exhibit marking the centennial of womens suffrage. And the news surfaced on the fourth annual Womans March, where thousands took part across the country.

Many took to social media to express their opinions about the action that is being called an "act of censorship.

What the National Archives is doing to blur these marchers' signs criticizing Trump is outrageous & unconscionable.

This is chillingly comparable to Stalin Soviet era where Leon Trotsky is expunged from official photos. I'm calling the Archives on Monday to express my outrage. https://t.co/LU2nAMjPcY  Charles Campisi (@1813Doncarlo) January 18, 2020

If the National Archives wants to blur Womens March images critical of Trump, let me make it clear:



1. This was my sign.



2. It was specifically directed at Trumps pussy grabbing; and



3. I plan to live a long time to remind everyone of it#NationalArchives #WomensMarch pic.twitter.com/hL2EK9SdFs  Josephine (@steelsnowflake1) January 18, 2020

I took this pic at the #WomensMarch . @realDonaldTrump is so fragile he has to have the National Archives blur images of women roaring!!! What a weak, impotent little mushroom  pic.twitter.com/sQhGK8NK44  Fran (@FranSipsWhiskey) January 18, 2020
Horror story: Sheila Caffell was murdered along with her twin sons Nicholas and Daniel and her parents

It was the smutty jokes Jeremy Bamber cracked during the funeral of his parents and sister that first raised alarm bells. Thirty-five years ago, in a crime that horrified and fascinated the nation in equal measure, three generations of his family were murdered at a farmhouse in rural Essex.

The infamous White House Farm massacre saw the then 24-year-old's adoptive parents, Nevill and June, sister Sheila Caffell and her twin sons, Nicholas and Daniel, both six, all shot dead at the isolated Georgian property.

Yet, while police quickly declared it a case of murder-suicide committed by Caffell - a former model suffering from schizophrenia - others soon started to have suspicions about her brother Jeremy.

A famous piece of news footage showed the former public school boy struggling through his family's funerals, his faced etched with apparent grief.

But, says Colin Caffell, ex-husband of Sheila and father of the murdered twins, as soon as the cameras stopped rolling, Bamber's whole demeanour changed.

"Jeremy started cracking jokes and laughing," he wrote in his 1994 book, In Search of the Rainbow's End, adding that he then began to make lewd comments about how "he couldn't wait to get back to the house with Julie Mugford (his then girlfriend) and have some fun".

It was the first crack in a facade that would soon come crumbling down - and end with this handsome, charismatic young man found guilty of wiping out his whole family during a summer's night of extraordinary violence.

"I think almost everyone who was around at the time still remembers it," says Carol Ann Lee, who wrote The Murders At White House Farm in 2015.

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"This was a wealthy family living what appeared to be an idyllic life in the countryside and that ended in what was essentially a bloodbath. It was shocking."

Police were first alerted that something tragic had occurred at the family home, near the village of Tolleshunt D'Arcy, in a call from Bamber himself in the early hours of on August 7, 1985.

He phoned Chelmsford Police Station from his home in the nearby village of Goldhanger, reporting that he had received a desperate call from his father who told him: "Your sister's gone crazy and she's got a gun."

The line had gone dead, he told officers, after the sound of a shot.

The scene that greeted armed police who attended the property was one of unimaginable horror.

Nevill (61) had been beaten and shot eight times - four of them in the head - in his own kitchen, while his wife June, also 61, was found to have seven bullets riddled throughout her body in the master bedroom.

One was right between her eyes, fired at point-blank range. Blood smeared across the floor and covering the carpets suggested she had made a futile attempt to drag herself away from her killer.

Her daughter Sheila - Bamber's sister - had been gunned down in the same bedroom. The children had both been killed in bed while they apparently slept. Daniel still had his thumb in his mouth.

Blood, contemporary reports suggested, was everywhere. The house was turned red.

Yet, despite this treasure trove of forensic evidence, police, influenced by Bamber's call, almost immediately pinned the blame on Caffell. Her body was found holding a semi-automatic .22 rifle, along with a Bible.

"Model goes berserk and massacres her family," ran one newspaper headline soon after. Yet, within days, such a theory was falling apart.

Bamber's behaviour at the funeral did not just raise suspicions with Caffell, a sculptor now aged 66.

At least two attendees later recalled that the young man's suit that day was a Hugo Boss number.

"Back at the farmhouse, he is said to have come down the stairs and opened his jacket to show guests," says Carol Ann Lee. "'Boss,' he said. 'That's what I am from now on.'"

More pertinently, perhaps, an inspection of the farmhouse by Bamber's own cousins days after the service uncovered vital evidence police had missed: namely a silencer for the murder weapon.

Because this had traces of Caffell's blood on it and because experts agreed she could not have placed it in the cupboard after shooting herself, it cast doubts on if she was really the killer. No traces of gun oil were found on her nightdress.

Bamber's behaviour again came under scrutiny some weeks later, meanwhile, when he contacted the Sun newspaper hoping to sell topless modelling shots of his dead sister. The newspaper declined - and, instead, ran a story about the bizarre approach.

But it was only a month later when Mugford - the now ex-girlfriend who had accompanied Bamber to the funeral - got in touch with police that the case against him really started to build.

She told officers he had previously spoken of killing his family to inherit the sprawling 500,000 farm estate.

On the night of the crime itself, she said, he had called to say, "It's tonight or never".

At about 3am, he phoned her again. "Something is wrong at the farm," he said. "I haven't had any sleep all night."

The pair's relationship had fallen apart by this point and Bamber has always maintained Mugford made up the allegations as revenge for him ending their relationship.

A jury in 1986 did not believe him. He was found guilty of the five killings and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The judge, Justice Drake, described him as "evil, almost beyond belief". Subsequent appeals have all been rejected.

"I have studied this case for years and never seen anything to suggest he is not the killer," says Carol Ann Lee.

"It is a compelling case, but I am certain the right person was found guilty."

The case is the subject of a six-part ITV drama, White House Farm, on Wednesdays at 9pm
Planned Parenthood Caught Telling Mothers Aborted Babies Used to Treat, Find Cure for Cancer

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Abortion giant Planned Parenthood is under fire again for the organization's controversial fetal harvesting consent form given to women considering abortion that falsely claims aborted babies' tissue has been used to "treat and find a cure" for diseases such as AIDS, cancer and diabetes.

The controversial form was reviewed during a hearing of the Select Investigative Panel on Infant Lives held on March 2 to examine the bioethics of fetal tissue harvesting and experimentation.

"Research using the blood from pregnant women and tissue that has been aborted has been used to treat and find a cure for such diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and AIDS," begins the language on a copy of the form.

The Center for Medical Progress, which posted a clip from the hearing on YouTube Tuesday, notes that no cures for the diseases listed on the consent form are available, and no therapies for them use aborted babies' tissue.

Dr. Lawrence Goldstein, a scientist from the University of California at San Diego, who was called by the Panel's minority to testify in support of Planned Parenthood's fetal tissue harvesting, said the statement on the form was "inappropriate" in the YouTube clip.

Goldstein, who uses aborted babies' brains and other body parts from a local Planned Parenthood clinic said the form would have never made it past his Institutional Review Board. He is also a longtime financial backer of the organization.

When asked by fellow Planned Parenthood supporter Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-N.J., whether Planned Parenthood misrepresented information on the form. Goldstein agreed under oath.

"Do you believe that anything on that form is creating an undue hardship or intimidation or misrepresentation to women who are being asked to consider whether they will donate this tissue?" asked Watson Coleman.

"If it's the form that says, therapies for diseases such as Alzheimer's and all the rest have already been found, I agree, that's an inappropriate statement that should not have been made on that form. I don't know who wrote it, that would not have made it past my IRB [Institutional Review Board] either," Goldstein said.

"Planned Parenthood's baby parts trafficking scheme cannot stand up to independent scrutiny. When a Planned Parenthood supporter and baby parts customer admits under oath that Planned Parenthood has been fraudulently inducing patient consent, it discredits all of Planned Parenthood's assurances that their baby parts scheme has operated legally and above-board," David Daleiden, CMP's project lead said in a statement to CP Tuesday.

"Law enforcement in Planned Parenthood-friendly jurisdictions should stop wasting taxpayer resources to assist Planned Parenthood in harassing citizen journalists, and should stop ignoring the evidence of real fraud, baby body parts trafficking, and criminal abortion practices right in their own backyard," he added.

Mary Kogut, a Missouri Planned Parenthood CEO, is now facing possible jail time after she refused to turn over abortion consent forms to the Missouri Senate, according to The Guardian.
By PTI

BHOPAL/RATLAM: The Congress government in Madhya Pradesh has suspended the principal of a government-run school at Malwasa in Ratlam district over the distribution of notebooks carrying the picture of Hindutva ideologue Veer Savarkar on the cover.

Principal R N Kerawat was suspended on Tuesday night, over two months after the notebooks were distributed to the students of his school by an organisation, an official said on Wednesday.

The move triggered a war of words between the opposition BJP and the Congress, with the saffron party accusing the Kamal Nath government of playing "petty politics", while the ruling party maintaining that the action was a part of "discipline".

"The divisional commissioner (Ujjain division) suspended R N Kerawat, principal of Malwasa's government high school, on Tuesday on the basis of an inquiry report," Ratlam district education officer KC Sharma said.

"An organisation named Veer Savarkar Manch had distributed free long notebooks to the students of the government high school on November 4 last year. These notebooks carried picture of Veer Savarkar on the cover," he said.

ALSO READ | Savarkar-Godse row: Congress insulting all leaders outside Nehru-Gandhi clan, says BJP

"Based on a complaint, a notice was issued to Kerawat. On the basis of his reply to the notice, an inquiry report was submitted to the divisional commissioner, who then took action against him," Sharma added.

BJP national vice president and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, however, strongly objected to the action against Kerawat.

Taking to Twitter, he said, "I am disturbed after hearing the news of suspension of a principal (Kerawat), who was honoured with the President's Award and ensured hundred per cent result in the examinations. It is very sad and condemnable. I strongly condemn this petty politics and demand his reinstatement."

The tweet carried the clipping of news about Kerawat's suspension.

In another tweet, Chouhan said, "Kamal Nath ji, you have been completely blinded by your hatred towards Veer Savarkar. You are insulting the great personalities of your own country because of the Congress thoughts. The state is embarrassed by your act."

However, the state Congress hit back saying there was nothing political in this action.

"Suspension of Malwasa's high school principal has nothing to do with politics. It is a matter of discipline and government rules," Congress spokesperson Narendra Saluja said.

He asked the BJP whether it was appropriate to distribute the notebooks carrying Savarkar's image without prior permission.

"After all, what did Veer Savarkar do in the interest of the country which merits that his literature should be distributed in schools?" he asked.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Jan. 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Missouri charter school students, parents, and community members from Kansas City and St. Louis will flock to the state's Capitol Rotunda for a rally leading up to National School Choice Week. Several hundred are expected to attend the event, including guests of honor Rep. Doug Richey, Rep. Michael O'Donnell, and Sen. Jamilah Nasheed.

The rally, which will be the first led by charter schools in several years, will kick off at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 22 with a student performance. Following the performance, Rep. Richey, Sen. Nasheed, and charter school parents will deliver remarks on the power of educational choice.

Families will have opportunities to meet with legislators before and after the event.

This event is planned to coincide with the history-making celebration of National School Choice Week 2020, which will feature more than 50,000 school choice events across all 50 states.

"Choosing the best school for your child is one of the most important decisions parents make," said Doug Thaman, executive director of Missouri Public Charter School Association.

This event is organized by the Missouri Public Charter School Association. The purpose of the Missouri Public Charter School Association is to improve student achievement by increasing access to high-quality charter public education options throughout Missouri.

The Missouri State Capitol Rotunda is located at 201 W. Capitol Ave.

As a nonpartisan, nonpolitical public awareness effort, National School Choice Week shines a positive spotlight on effective education options for students, families, and communities around the country. From January 26 through February 1, 2020, more than 50,000 independently-planned events will be held in celebration of the Week. For more information, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com/missouri.

SOURCE National School Choice Week

Related Links

http://www.schoolchoiceweek.com


Government railway police (GRP) in Dadar have arrested a snatcher who used to commit crimes only on Sundays.

Police said accused Shekhar Shinde (30), a resident of Bhoiwada, had recently lost his job as a security guard with a private company. After repeatedly failing to get a job, he resorted to snatching chains on suburban railways on Sundays. The officer also added that Shinde, who lives with his wife and two daughters, used to look for jobs on weekdays and travel on local trains on Sundays to snatch chains.

Police reached him after seven back to back complaints of chain snatching on local trains were lodged. After analysing the complaints the police realised that the victims are female travelling in male compartments and all of the crimes occurred on Sunday.

The GRP laid a trap and arrested Shinde after scanning the CCTV footage where they found a person loitering on the platform immediately before the incidents. Police recovered seven gold chains worth Rs 2.80 lakh and one mobile phone from him during the course of investigation.

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A former Marine arrested as he tried to enter the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May with a modified AK-47 rifle, handgun, body armor and ammunition faces federal weapons charges, officials said Friday.

Dustin Peters, 25, was initially charged with state offenses after security personnel discovered the arsenal in his car during a routine search at a gate of the Coast Guard facility Jan. 9, according to authorities. He was re-arrested on federal charges of unlawful possession of a firearm in a federal facility and one count of unlawful interstate transport of a machine gun.

A base security officer saw hollow point ammunition in his car during the check, leading to a further search of his Jeep, federal authorities said.

In the trunk, Coast Guard security personnel found a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, loaded with seven live rounds, including one round in the chamber, an FBI agent wrote in a criminal complaint. The AK-47 and several magazines were in the same area.

Peters gave police permission to continue searching the vehicle, according to the complaint. A bayonet knife, hatchet, gas mask, ballistic vest, fire resistant hood, a medical kit, flare gun and numerous types of ammunition were among items authorities said were recovered during the search.

In an interview with police, Peters said he loaded the items in his vehicle and drove from North Carolina, through Virginia to Cape May for a "family event at the Coast Guard base.

Though he claimed to have no permanent residence, Peters last lived in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Peters also told police he bought the AK-47 rifle in Virginia, but modified the weapon to fire fully automatic, according to the FBI agents account. He admitted to knowing the modifications were illegal.

During questioning, Peters also said his father warned him against taking the weapons onto the Coast Guard base, authorities said.

Peters acknowledged that he did not listen, stating that he knew it was possible that he may be stopped, but was not expecting that to actually happen, an agent wrote in the complaint.

After his arrest, Cape May County authorities said Peters was planning to attend a graduation at the base and it was unclear why he arrived with the weapons.

The Coast Guard has no reason to believe that this individual is a threat to the command or local community and we will continue to work to keep our community safe, the service said in a statement last week.

Cape May County jail records show Peters remained in custody on state weapons offenses. He was scheduled to appear in Camden federal court Tuesday. Attorney information for him was not immediately listed.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Around the time that a whistleblower turned U.S. President Donald Trumps world upside down last summer, three local whistleblowers approached the Winnipeg Free Press to tell the stories of what happened to them when they attempted to reveal wrongdoing. One blew the whistle on past financial corruption at the Middlechurch nursing home, one exposed questionable surgical-instrument cleaning practices and one raised allegations that some Grace Hospital employees were threatening patient care by taking extra-long breaks or ending shifts early.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 17/1/2020 (724 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Around the time that a whistleblower turned U.S. President Donald Trumps world upside down last summer, three local whistleblowers approached the Winnipeg Free Press to tell the stories of what happened to them when they attempted to reveal wrongdoing. One blew the whistle on past financial corruption at the Middlechurch nursing home, one exposed questionable surgical-instrument cleaning practices and one raised allegations that some Grace Hospital employees were threatening patient care by taking extra-long breaks or ending shifts early.

Manitoba has had whistleblower protection legislation since 2007. An amended version of the Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act came into effect in December 2018. But the three whistleblowers  and several experts in the area  say PIDA and Canadian whistleblower-protection laws, in general, fail to adequately shield those who call out public-sector wrongdoing.

Following a whistleblowers complaint, the Manitoba Ombudsmans Office found evidence of gross mismangement of public funds by the then-executive director of the Middlechurch care home. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press)

She did the right thing and was punished for it.

Eight years after sounding the alarm on financial corruption at the West St. Paul nursing home where she worked, Jean (not her real name) is unemployed, living on the kindness of family members and mistrustful of the institutions that ought to have protected her.

Law 'completely ineffective' Click to Expand Since Manitoba's whistleblower protection law came into effect in 2007, the Manitoba Labour Board has received 12 complaints of reprisal against people who have attempted to expose wrongdoing. None has been upheld. The board dismissed nine of the complaints and three were withdrawn. Under the amended law that took effect in December 2018, reprisal complaints must now first be made to the provincial ombudsman's office. To date, the office has not found that a reprisal, as defined by legislation, has occurred. David Hutton, a former management consultant who has assisted whistleblowers for the past dozen years, said the fact that nobody has been punished for taking reprisals shows the law is "completely ineffective." "If there's no mechanism to provide a remedy to prevent these reprisals, then what is the law there for?" he said. Hutton said he's not aware of any case in Canada where someone has been punished for taking reprisals against a whistleblower. He described the federal whistleblower protection law as "one of the worst pieces of legislation in the world." Under the national Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act (2005), there have been hundreds of reprisal complaints made by whistleblowers. In only one instance has a complainant completed the onerous and costly tribunal process, and the tribunal ruled against the whistleblower, Hutton said. He and Allan Cutler, a former federal civil servant who helped expose the sponsorship scandal in the early 2000s, say whistleblower-protection laws should place the onus on the employer to prove that reprisals are not taking place against an employee who has come forward to disclose alleged wrongdoing. Such so-called "reverse-onus" provisions are common in whistleblower protection laws outside of Canada. Meanwhile, Cutler said those charged with receiving disclosures of potential wrongdoing should be completely independent from government. And instead of passively accepting disclosures from employees, they should be actively encouraging them to come forward, he said. Legislation should also protect whistleblowers who disclose wrongdoing to the media, Cutler said. He said he has worked with whistleblowers to get their message out by becoming an intermediary between them and the press. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca

In December 2011, Jean met with then-Winnipeg Regional Health Authority CEO Arlene Wilgosh and the WRHAs internal auditor to express her concerns about financial wrongdoing at the Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg. She provided documents to back up some of her allegations.

Shortly thereafter, the WRHA urged her to disclose her concerns to the office of the Manitoba Ombudsman in the belief she would be given a higher level of protection against reprisal. She did so.

In her disclosure, Jean made numerous allegations of financial mismanagement and nepotism against Middlechurchs then-executive director, Laurie Kuivenhoven, and its board of directors. Repair and maintenance contracts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars were issued, often without proper tender, to companies owned by Kuivenhovens husband and her brother-in-law.

The allegations were chronicled in a 70-page ombudsmans report completed in October 2012. It found evidence of "gross mismanagement" of public funds and significant breaches of WRHA and Middlechurch care home policies committed by Kuivenhoven  whom it did not refer to by name  and the board of directors at the time.

But there was little vindication for Jean.

"I made the ethical decision to do the right thing and acted in good faith," she said. "That one decision completely altered and destroyed every aspect of my life and consumed it for eight years."

She said the WRHA and ombudsmans office investigations took an immense toll on her mental, emotional and physical well-being.

Middlechurch threatened to pursue legal action against the person who had initiated the investigation.

At one point, Jean, who had taken a leave from her job, was under so much stress that she lost three-quarters of her hair.

She attempted a return to work in early 2013, after the ombudsman issued its report, because her employer had cut off her benefits but the atmosphere was toxic. She was formally terminated in 2014. By that time, the care home had come under direct management of the WRHA.

If that indignity wasnt enough, the WRHA allegedly released documents identifying Jean as the whistleblower to her disgraced former boss and three local lawyers. The alleged privacy breach occurred when Kuivenhoven sued the WRHA for wrongful dismissal.

The alleged privacy invasion  revealed to Jean verbally by a WRHA employee  caused her to feel victimized by the very people who should have been protecting her, she said.

Jean has since filed a lawsuit alleging that her identify was not protected, violating a previous court order. The case is still before the courts.

Her case is bolstered by a second Manitoba Ombudsman investigation that found her personal information had been disclosed in a manner that would identify her as a whistleblower.

Advocates for whistleblowers say those who come forward to disclose wrongdoing often suffer grave consequences.

"My experience with whistleblowers is that in almost every case theyre ordinary people doing their job who see something wrong (and) have a belief that if they do the right thing and tell about it, it will get fixed. It doesnt," says Jim Turk, director of the Centre for Free Expression at Ryerson University.

"If they persist, they then start suffering sanctions, and it almost always turns out badly for them."

"People who come forward are typically the best and the brightest. These are the people who are competent, theyve been successful in their jobs. They dont feel vulnerable, and theyre maybe a bit naive in that respect," David Hutton says. (Supplied photo)

David Hutton, a once-high-priced management consultant who has devoted the last dozen years of his life to fighting corruption, has come into contact with hundreds of whistleblowers.

He describes them generally as "people of conscience" who witness wrongdoing and feel compelled to do something about it.

"People who come forward are typically the best and the brightest," he said. "These are the people who are competent, theyve been successful in their jobs. They dont feel vulnerable, and theyre maybe a bit naive in that respect."

The Ottawa-based Hutton advises whistleblowers and would-be whistleblowers. Too often, though, they come to him after theyve taken the plunge, made mistakes and realize the dangerous path theyve set for themselves.

Folks about to blow the whistle on wrongdoing in a public institution need to understand what theyre up against and move forward very cautiously, he said. They need to gather evidence and make sure that evidence is secure.

That is just like a bear trap. Its a big hole that youre going to fall into and never come out of.  David Hutton

Going though official channels  disclosing wrongdoing to a superior or someone designated under legislation, such as Manitobas Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act  can be hazardous, Hutton said.

"That is just like a bear trap. Its a big hole that youre going to fall into and never come out of," he said.

Senior managers tasked with the responsibility of receiving disclosures under whistleblower protection legislation are often compromised in some way, he said, adding they may see the whistleblower, rather than the wrongdoer, as the problem.

"Even if theyre a completely decent person... its very embarrassing that (the alleged wrongdoing) happened on their watch," he said.

The risk of reprisal against whistleblowers is great, Hutton said.

"These are calculated reprisals. Theyre designed to harm the person every way possible: financially, their careers, psychologically, their social circle, their family," he said.

Legislation should also protect whistleblowers who disclose wrongdoing to the media, Allan Cutler said. (Justin Tang / Winnipeg Free Press)

Would-be whistleblowers in Manitobas public sector can make disclosures to their supervisors, to someone designated within their workplace to receive disclosures or to the provincial ombudsman.

Since the provinces whistleblower protection law (PIDA) was enacted in 2007, the ombudsmans office has received 187 disclosures (through December 2018), opened 26 investigations and found just four cases of wrongdoing as defined by the act.

Cutting cleaning corners L.D. began raising concerns about contaminated surgical equipment with staff at Health Sciences Centre around 2004. A senior surgical-instrument repair technician, L.D., whose name is being withheld at his request, noticed that some devices were not being properly cleaned. Blood was allowed to dry on instruments, making them difficult to clean. Where instruments had to be disassembled to be properly cleaned, that wasn't always being done. "The hospital was not following the validated reprocessing and sterilization methods supplied by the medical device manufacturer," L.D. said. "This is a proven process that medical devices must have to be licensed for sale by Health Canada." Rather than disassemble some instruments to clean blood off properly, he said the hospital would employ a method known as flash sterilization  steam heat at a temperature of 132 C for four minutes  to do the job. Considered acceptable practice in emergency situations, flash sterilization does not always remove all traces of blood, leaving an instrument contaminated. In one instance, L.D. said, a laparoscopic coterie forceps failed due to improper cleaning, causing a hole to be burned into a woman's bowel during surgery, leading her to suffer a major infection. Blood residue had fused the forceps' insulation to the stainless steel sheath, rendering it useless. The defective instrument was one of numerous examples of faulty equipment maintenance he witnessed in his decade at the hospital, he said. L.D. started photographing examples of improperly cleaned instruments and taking them to supervisors. But his concerns about patient safety mainly fell on deaf ears, he said. "It was like spitting into the wind. It just came back into my face," he said. Instead of taking his concerns seriously, his superiors started to treat him like a troublemaker, he said. His workplace became toxic. His small unit was left short-staffed for extended periods. He said he was "being documented" by superiors. "I lost over 50 pounds and wasn't sleeping," he said. Ultimately, he went on stress leave, received a buyout and resigned. In the fall of 2010, while still with Health Sciences Centre, he filed a whistleblower complaint with the office of the Manitoba Ombudsman. click to read more L.D. began raising concerns about contaminated surgical equipment with staff at Health Sciences Centre around 2004. A senior surgical-instrument repair technician, L.D., whose name is being withheld at his request, noticed that some devices were not being properly cleaned. Blood was allowed to dry on instruments, making them difficult to clean. Where instruments had to be disassembled to be properly cleaned, that wasn't always being done. "The hospital was not following the validated reprocessing and sterilization methods supplied by the medical device manufacturer," L.D. said. "This is a proven process that medical devices must have to be licensed for sale by Health Canada." Rather than disassemble some instruments to clean blood off properly, he said the hospital would employ a method known as flash sterilization  steam heat at a temperature of 132 C for four minutes  to do the job. Considered acceptable practice in emergency situations, flash sterilization does not always remove all traces of blood, leaving an instrument contaminated. In one instance, L.D. said, a laparoscopic coterie forceps failed due to improper cleaning, causing a hole to be burned into a woman's bowel during surgery, leading her to suffer a major infection. Blood residue had fused the forceps' insulation to the stainless steel sheath, rendering it useless. The defective instrument was one of numerous examples of faulty equipment maintenance he witnessed in his decade at the hospital, he said. L.D. started photographing examples of improperly cleaned instruments and taking them to supervisors. But his concerns about patient safety mainly fell on deaf ears, he said. "It was like spitting into the wind. It just came back into my face," he said. Instead of taking his concerns seriously, his superiors started to treat him like a troublemaker, he said. His workplace became toxic. His small unit was left short-staffed for extended periods. He said he was "being documented" by superiors. "I lost over 50 pounds and wasn't sleeping," he said. Ultimately, he went on stress leave, received a buyout and resigned. In the fall of 2010, while still with Health Sciences Centre, he filed a whistleblower complaint with the office of the Manitoba Ombudsman. In his disclosure, he said medical device "reprocessing errors" at Health Sciences Centre were putting patients at risk. "I feel there is an imminent threat to the health and safety of Manitobans that could ultimately lead to death due to complications arising from the use of contaminated and non-sterile surgical instruments," he wrote. Shortly after quitting his job, in early January 2011 he also took his concerns to the then-Opposition Progressive Conservatives and through them to the media. CTV Winnipeg aired his concerns. The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority responded publicly at the time by saying Health Sciences Centre conducted random testing of instruments. When contamination with materials such as blood or a strand of hair is discovered, the instrument is labelled "difficult to clean" and extra measures are then taken to ensure it is properly cleaned, a spokeswoman said. The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority investigated his whistleblower disclosure. In addition to examining cleaning procedures at HSC, it broadened its review to all other city hospitals. It also contracted the services of an outside expert to assist in its investigation. The WRHA issued a report and press release on May 11, 2011. The report said "many of the issues identified by the complainant relating to cleanliness and condition of instruments were serious concerns that were quite properly brought to the attention of site and regional management." However, it didn't blame supervisors, concluding there was "evidence of appropriate management oversight" in respect of those concerns. The report recommended that standardized instrument cleaning protocols be implemented at all hospitals. It said there was a need to update certain equipment and improve workspaces where instrument reprocessing was done. It called for the "appropriate cleaning" of all medical devices, especially those designated as hard-to-clean. It also recommended a review of the use of "flash" (immediate) sterilization of equipment. A machinist by trade, L.D. got into surgical-instrument repair after answering a hospital advertisement in 2000. Largely self-taught, he loved the work. Not only did he repair instruments, he was also asked by surgeons to modify and even create some devices. One of his proudest moments at HSC was when a pediatric surgeon asked him to custom make forceps for a procedure on a baby's gall bladder. "The surgeon is giving you a pat on the back and is actually impressed with your work. That's a huge reward," he said. But while the work was fascinating and the pay and benefits were great, L.D. said there's less stress in his life now that he's back in the private sector and establishing his own business. "I'm healthier now," he said. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca Close

During that same period, provincial government departments have received 21 disclosures of potential wrongdoing, conducted 15 investigations and found only one case of wrongdoing, according to the province. (The results of one of the investigations initiated during the last fiscal year is still pending.)

In the early 2000s, Jean Chretiens Liberal federal government was rocked by AdScam, a "sponsorship program" launched in the wake of the 1995 referendum on Quebec sovereignty to help promote federalism in that province. Money was supposed to be used to raise Canadas profile and investments in Quebec.

Former federal civil servant Allan Cutler, who worked at Public Works and Government Services Canada, where he was responsible for negotiating the terms and costs of federal ad contracts, blew the whistle about bid-rigging and political interference.

Cutler scoffs at how few instances of wrongdoing have been uncovered under Manitobas whistleblowing legislation.

"I would love to be in Manitoba where nothing is done wrong," he said, tongue firmly in cheek. "Thats Gods country."

The low numbers of disclosures, investigations and findings of wrongdoing show that would-be whistleblowers dont have faith in the system, Cutler said.

"When youre getting only 187 (disclosures) and youre only finding four instances of wrongdoing, what youre doing is youre telling people, Dont report," he said, referring to the ombudsmans statistics. "Why risk your job if nothing is going to happen?"

Cutler founded the non-profit group Canadians for Accountability, now called Accountability and Anti-corruption Canada, in 2008 to assist whistleblowers.

He said that under U.S. federal whistleblower legislation, which is considered by experts to be superior to Canadian laws, about one-quarter of all disclosures result in findings of wrongdoing.

Whistleblower protection advocates consider the Canadian whistleblower law that came into force under the Harper government in 2005 to be woefully inadequate. Provincial laws, largely patterned on the national one, also fail to protect whistleblowers, they say.

Cutler said disclosing wrongdoing to a supervisor or a designated officer, whose career depends on working well with senior government officials, is problematic.

Even turning to the ombudsmans office for help, he said, is not ideal unless there are rules in place to prevent senior officials there from one day working for the provincial government. In Manitoba, there are no such rules.

Asked to explain why there have been so few confirmed cases of wrongdoing under Manitobas whistleblower law, Ombudsman Jill Perron points out that the legal threshold is high. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press)

Asked to explain why there have been so few confirmed cases of wrongdoing under Manitobas whistleblower law, Ombudsman Jill Perron points out that the legal threshold is high.

To qualify as wrongdoing, the act (or omission) must create a substantial or specific danger to the life, health or safety of persons, or constitute gross mismanagement of public funds.

Ramifications for reporting Jason (not his real name) worked in the diagnostic imaging department at Grace Hospital for nearly 20 years. In the late 2000s, he observed that three technologists who worked evenings and weekends at the hospital had forged a pact. If two of them were on shift at the same time, one would take a two-hour dinner break  say, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.  and the other would go home at 9:30 or 10 p.m., when their shift was scheduled to end at 11:30 p.m. The department, already operating with a skeleton crew, would be short-staffed for up to four hours on a given shift. This backed up waits for X-rays and other diagnostic scans. "This went on for a long time with this group," Jason said. "I didn't like it. It made me upset that they were stealing time, and they were putting patients and patient care at risk because they wanted to go home early. I didn't do anything, because I feared reprisal." The technologists were his superiors. But then an incident occurred that prompted Jason to blow the whistle. One evening, at about 9:30 or 10, one of the technologists had gone home early while the other was called away to an operating room. The emergency department called with an order for an immediate CT scan for a possible stroke patient. Time was of the essence. The ER wanted to send the patient for the scan but Jason had to say no. The ER physician called twice to demand what the holdup was. click to read more Jason (not his real name) worked in the diagnostic imaging department at Grace Hospital for nearly 20 years. In the late 2000s, he observed that three technologists who worked evenings and weekends at the hospital had forged a pact. If two of them were on shift at the same time, one would take a two-hour dinner break  say, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.  and the other would go home at 9:30 or 10 p.m., when their shift was scheduled to end at 11:30 p.m. The department, already operating with a skeleton crew, would be short-staffed for up to four hours on a given shift. This backed up waits for X-rays and other diagnostic scans. "This went on for a long time with this group," Jason said. "I didn't like it. It made me upset that they were stealing time, and they were putting patients and patient care at risk because they wanted to go home early. I didn't do anything, because I feared reprisal." The technologists were his superiors. But then an incident occurred that prompted Jason to blow the whistle. One evening, at about 9:30 or 10, one of the technologists had gone home early while the other was called away to an operating room. The emergency department called with an order for an immediate CT scan for a possible stroke patient. Time was of the essence. The ER wanted to send the patient for the scan but Jason had to say no. The ER physician called twice to demand what the holdup was. Finally, more than an hour later, the lone technologist who had been called to the OR returned and the scan was done. "Conscience-wise, I had to bring it forward. I couldn't stay silent. So I brought it to my supervisor and I said, 'This is what's going on,'" Jason said. The hospital arranged to document the trio's comings and goings, and eventually all were called before management. Jason isn't aware of what discipline they faced but they all kept their jobs. All suspected that he had blown the whistle on them. One never made an issue of it, but the other two bullied and harassed him. "I would be just doing my job and I'd be laid into for no good reason," the whistleblower said. "Yelling, swearing, intimidation." In the years that followed, Jason also observed that members of his department were breaking the law by snooping into patient files, curious about the health of friends, family, co-workers and prominent people. He brought it to the attention of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority as well, in early 2015. The hospital made an example of one of the employees, firing him, but others kept their jobs. Folks within the department suspected Jason had alerted authorities as he had spoken out against snooping when he had witnessed it. The bullying he faced continued non-stop, he said. It took its toll. "I remember, one day, I was walking to work and I actually bent over and I started dry-heaving. I felt like I was going to throw up because I was so scared and torn up about having to go into work and be harassed," he said. Repeatedly, over the course of several years, he reported both to his direct supervisors and to the Grace Hospital's human resources department that he was being bullied and harassed, he said. "While the supervisors did what they could to address the situation, each report I made only resulted in the bullying, harassment and retaliation becoming worse," he said. The HR department seemed reluctant to intervene, he said, instead suggesting that he move on to a different position. Meanwhile, eight technologists, all of whom he had worked with on the evening shift, complained about him to management in early 2017, claiming he had gossiped about and spoken ill of a colleague. There was an investigation and Jason was suspended for three days without pay. He said the investigator appointed by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, a former WRHA employee, failed to speak to all relevant witnesses and didn't give him a full opportunity to respond. While the investigation took place, Jason was placed on administrative leave with pay for about two months. His union subsequently filed three grievances, including an appeal of the three-day suspension. Almost three years later, the grievances have yet to be resolved. The hospital sought to transfer him to a different department, but he feared continued retaliation from his former workers. Jason has not worked at the Grace since April 2017. When the hospital administration offered him no special protections upon his return, he went on stress leave. "At that point, I physically could not go back (to work)," he said. In early 2018, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority offered him a position at another hospital at a lower salary and with fewer hours. He would have lost thousands of dollars a year and refused to accept it. He was offered a second job at the same hospital that May, with even fewer hours. When he refused it, he was let go via email. Bronwyn Penner Holigroski, a spokeswoman for the WRHA, said she could not comment on specific human resource matters. It is the expectation of the WRHA that managers and supervisors would take reasonable and practical measures to address disrespectful behaviour among staff whether or not a complaint has been brought forward, she said in an email. Its important to note, however, that those who bring forward a whistleblower complaint are not as a matter of course identified to site or program leadership, making it difficult to conclude that their complaint would play a part in any disrespectful behaviour they may be experiencing, she added. She said the WRHA encourages employees who feel they are not being treated respectfully or fairly by managers or colleagues to bring those concerns to their supervisors or the human resources department. While his union is fighting his dismissal, progress has been slow. In the meantime, Jason has found work outside the health field. He claims that employees in his department continued to take extended breaks after he blew the whistle. He alleges that the hospital did not implement safeguards to ensure that employees worked their entire shifts. "All that changed was that (the employees) would threaten me and say, 'You better not say anything,'" Jason said. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca Close

If someone believes they have a disclosure under PIDA, they are considered a whistleblower and protected under legislation  even if their allegations do not meet the strict standards of the law, Perron noted.

If a matter doesnt meet the threshold of wrongdoing under the act, it doesnt mean that the matter is dropped, she said in an interview.

Often her office, in dealing with a complaint, will discover that an organization is failing to follow proper procedures or needs to improve employee training.

"We will make sure that the public entity is made aware of the concerns raised" and that corrective action is taken, Perron said.

Investigations are conducted in private and the results are generally not made public. If the ombudsman finds an instance of wrongdoing, as defined by the Act, a short summary will appear in her annual report  with names of the perpetrators and the institutions involved removed.

The 70-page report on the Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg was never intended to be made public. It was leaked to the media.

In the other three cases of wrongdoing found by the ombudsmans office, one involved the unauthorized use of government equipment and property by an employee for their own benefit; one saw a health-care facility using faulty respiratory equipment that put patient health and safety at risk; and one involved a government executive who gave advance notice to a company about a public-sector tender.

Perron, who was appointed to her post by the legislative assembly last May, said she would be open to publishing longer reports when wrongdoing under PIDA is found  as long as the identities of whistleblowers and witnesses were protected.

"If theres broader public value in terms of it being educative, instructive, yeah that is something we would have to consider," she said.

Despite all the personal distress shes suffered after blowing the whistle on financial mismanagement at Middlechurch, Jean said she would do it again.

"I would, because it was the right thing to do," she said.

To her chagrin, no charges were ever laid as a result of her decision to step forward.

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"Ive suffered more consequences than the people who did the wrongdoing," she said.

"Ive suffered more consequences than the people who did the wrongdoing."  Jean

While she still does not believe that Manitoba law offers sufficient protection to whistleblowers, shes proud that her case helped prompt several improvements to PIDA that came into effect in 2018.

Whistleblowers now have their identity protected in civil court proceedings, the ombudsmans office can now investigate complaints of reprisals, supervisors must pass on whistleblower complaints promptly to the appropriate office and a review of the act must now be carried out every five years.

"We need to do more to protect whistleblowers and hold others accountable for their actions," Jean said.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca
RAC President attends ARRL Board Meeting

Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) President Glenn MacDonell, VE3XN, attended the annual Board of Directors meeting of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) in Windsor, Connecticut, January 17-18



The RAC reports:



The ARRL Board Meetings are held twice each year, in January and July, and the current meeting will conclude Saturday, January 18.



The ARRL issued the following news release prior to the meeting:



Leadership Elections to Highlight January 17-18 ARRL Annual Board Meeting

The ARRL Board of Directors will elect League officers when it meets for its 2020 annual meeting on January 17 -18 in Windsor, Connecticut.



The Board will hear nominations and then vote, as necessary, for ARRL president, first and second vice presidents, international affairs vice president, secretary, treasurer, chief executive officer, and chief financial officer. The Board will also choose members to serve on the Executive Committee and on the ARRL Foundation Board. Successful candidates will take office after the Board meeting adjourns.

Some new faces will be around the table.



The ARRL Southeastern Division has entirely new leadership. In last years elections, Mickey Baker, N4MB, defeated Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, to become the new Southeastern Division Director, while James Schilling, KG4JSZ, won a three-way race for Vice Director.

In the Southwest Division, new Vice Director Mark Weiss, K6FG, was the sole candidate to succeed Ned Stearns, AA7A, who decided not to stand for another term.



The Board will hear officers reports and receive financial reports. Members will also hear reports from ARRLs Washington Counsel, David Siddall, K3ZJ, and from its Connecticut Counsel. The Board will also receive and consider reports and recommendations from committees and coordinators.



The Board will also consider recommendations of the Standing Committees, including the Executive Committee, the Administration and Finance Committee, and the Programs and Services Committee and consider additional recommendations as contained in reports. The meeting will hear any motions that the 15 individual Directors may offer for Board consideration.



For the original news item please visit:

http://www.arrl.org/news/leadership-elections-to-highlight-january-17-18-arrl-annual-board-meeting



Minutes of the meeting should be available after about 3 weeks at

http://www.arrl.org/board-meetings



RAC on Twitter

https://twitter.com/RACTWEETS
When my wife and I wrote about my old schoolmates who had died from deaths of despair, the reaction was sometimes ugly.

They killed themselves, scoffed Jonathan from St. Louis, Mo., in the reader comments. It was self-inflicted.

Ajax in Georgia was even harsher: Natural selection weeding out those less fit for survival.

Our essay, drawn from our new book, Tightrope, explored the disintegration of Americas working class through the kids on my old No. 6 school bus in Yamhill, Ore., particularly my neighbors the Knapps. The five Knapp kids were smart and talented, but Farlan died after years of drug and alcohol abuse, Zealan died in a house fire while passed out drunk, Nathan blew himself up cooking meth, Rogena died of hepatitis after drug use, and Keylan survived partly because he had spent 13 years in the Oregon State Penitentiary.

Working-class men and women like them, of every shade, increasingly are dying of deaths of despair  from drugs, alcohol and suicide. Thats why life expectancy in the United States, for the first time in a century, has declined for three years in a row.
Chinese New Year sparks full alert for coronavirus

NATIONWIDE: The Ministry of Public Health has implemented the highest level of precautionary measures at airports and hospitals across the country to minimise the possibility of a disease outbreak in response to the surge in Chinese tourists expected to arrive to celebrate Chinese New Year.

ChinesehealthSafetytourismCoronavirusCOVID-19

By Bangkok Post

Saturday 18 January 2020, 11:21AM

Around 1,400 people from Wuhan arrive in Thailand every day. Illustration: Bangkok Post Graphics (Source: Department of Desease Control)

Meanwhile, the countrys second case of a Chinese national infected with Novel Coronavirus 2019 was confirmed on Thursday night (Jan 16) while lab results for a Thai suspected of being infected are pending.

Speaking at a press conference, the ministrys permanent secretary, Dr Sukhum Kanchanapimai said public health authority teams have been set up to monitor inbound tourists at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi airports, which have direct flights arriving from China. Moreover, both state-owned and private hospitals are on alert to deal with the disease as medical treatment guidelines have been provided by the ministry and a patient-transfer system also arranged. A channel to report the disease if found among suspected sufferers has also been set up and linked to the ministry.

The country confirmed that the first case of Novel Coronavirus 2019 was found on Jan 13 in a 74-year-old Chinese woman from Wuhan. Presently, her condition appears normal and doctors are planning to discharge her from hospital within the next few days if laboratory tests show a reading of no disease-related viruses in her body.

Previously, doctors had confirmed that the woman, who on Monday had taken a direct flight from Wuhan -- the epicentre of the outbreak of a coronavirus from the same family as the Sars pathogen -- was experiencing a high fever and an infected respiratory system, all symptoms of the disease.

Public health officials at the disease control unit at Suvarnabhumi International Airport found that the woman had a temperature over 38C. During an initial investigation, officials found that her condition matched the precaution criteria at which point she was sent to the airports negative pressure room for monitoring. Doctors also checked 20 others who had been in contact with her but found no other cases.

"She is recovering now. If the virus is no longer in her body, she will be released from hospital. We are now on full alert to prevent a disease outbreak, especially during the coming Chinese New Year," Dr Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, head of the Department of Disease Control said.

"All passengers from Wuhan are checked by public health officials as the department has placed the highest level of precautionary measures in the Emergency Operation Centre," Dr Suwannachai added.

He added that the ministry has sent advisories to tour operators in case any sick person is found so that proper measures are taken. In addition, cooperation with the Chinese embassy is also in full swing.

The department is also monitoring a 70-year-old man in Nakhon Pathom province who developed a fever after visiting Wuhan. He is now being treated at Nakhon Pathom Hospital.

"We are waiting for laboratory results," Dr Suwannachai said.

Since the first case, the ministry has already screened 13,624 passengers arriving on 86 flights. Around 1,400 people from Wuhan  a number that is expected to increase by at least 50% during the festival  arrive in Thailand every day as the country is a preferred destination for tourists to celebrate New Year.

Meanwhile, Public Health Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, insisted that the ministry could control the disease as it had learned from the SARS outbreak in 2002.

"The outbreak is still limited. Patients found in Thailand are all from Wuhan. We have not yet seen any patients with a history of visiting the source of the disease. We cant say whether the outbreak is serious or not but we have tried our best to limit any damage to Thais and tourists," he said.

However, virus experts say that the disease is moderate which means the body can create immunity to kill the virus but there are fears that the virus can mutate and become more deadly in the future leading to a critical outbreak.

Read original story here.
Xi's Myanmar visit to unleash cooperation potential

Global Times

By Li Xuanmin in Naypyidaw and Chen Qingqing in Beijing Source:Global Times Published: 2020/1/17 22:05:05

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Naypyidaw Friday for his two-day state visit to Myanmar, unleashing promising prospect for further cooperation between China and the Southeast Asian country.

It is Xi's first overseas trip this year and the first visit to Myanmar by a Chinese president in 19 years.

Locals enthusiastically waited for President Xi's arrival and accorded him with a warm welcome. Hundreds of students gathered near Naypyidaw International Airport to welcome Xi, chanting "Long live China-Myanmar friendship!" and "Welcome President Xi!"

Some locals donning traditional Myanmar costumes performed traditional dances to welcome the Chinese president.

"It's a special day for Myanmar as the historical visit will further deepen the friendship between China and Myanmar and take bilateral relations to a new height," Pe Myint, Union Minister of Myanmar's Ministry of Information, told the Global Times on Friday in an exclusive interview.

The year 2020 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar.

Xi met with Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and had a cordial and friendly talk at Myanmar's presidential palace on Friday, the Xinhua News Agency said.

The two leaders agreed to have an in-depth exchange of views on China-Myanmar relations and issues of mutual concern on Saturday.

Before the talk, upon Xi's arrival at the presidential palace, Myanmar President U Win Myint hosted a grand welcome ceremony in his honor.

Xi was expected to attend several events, including official 70th anniversary celebrations and the opening ceremony of the China-Myanmar cultural tourism year on Friday.

U Tin Latt, deputy minister of Myanmar's Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, told the Global Times that Xi's visit, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, is a perfect time to send an important message to the world on the enduring friendship between China and Myanmar.

"The friendly relationship that can be traced back seven decades, was based on the consensus that both recognize the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence as an international rule. It has always been mutual trust and mutual respect. It is now heading toward mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation," Pe Myint said.

The two countries now have broad spectrum of cooperation in areas such as politics, investment, trade, technology, military, and people-to-people exchange.

For Myanmar, closer ties with China could alleviate their infrastructural shortage, create jobs, and improve the livelihood of its people. For China, Myanmar could also serve as a strategic gateway to the South Asian market and the Indian Ocean, U Ko Ko Hlaing, co-founder of Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies, told the Global Times.

The visit will boost the economic cooperation of the two nations under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), local officials predicted.

It is expected companies from both sides will sign a number of memorandum of understandings (MOUs) on projects under the BRI. Pe Myint said the agreement will speed up Myanmar's economic development.

"Respecting each other, mutual understanding, trust and win-win cooperation is and will be the key for the further development of good relations," U Tin Latt said.

U Tin Latt also hoped the opening of cultural tourism year will draw more tourists from China to Myanmar and lead to more cooperation in the bilateral tourism industries.

Last year, the number of Chinese travelers coming to Myanmar in 2019 reached 600,000, according to data provided by the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.

"We're not satisfied with this number," U Tin Latt said, taking the example of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, which he said received 1 million Chinese tourists every year. "If only one town in Cambodia can receive that number of Chinese, why not us with closer relations and long border?"

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Newly released text messages show the extensive communication between Rudy Giuliani's indicted 'fixer' Lev Parnas and an aide to Rep. Devin Nunes, the Republican ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee.

House Democrats released the messages in a document dump on Friday, showing Parnas texting with Derek Harvey, a top Nunes aide.

The messages show that Harvey was far more involved than previously known in Parnas and Giuliani's freelance investigation into Ukraine matters, including their theory that Joe Biden had corruptly influenced an investigation into a gas company where his son sat on the board.

Parnas was a fixer for President Donald Trump's personal attorney, Giuliani, in an alleged scheme to pressure the Ukrainian president to announce an investigation into Joe Biden and his son Hunter, which is the subject of Trump's impeachment trial.

Newly released text messages show the extensive communication between Rudy Giuliani's indicted 'fixer' Lev Parnas (above) and an aide to Rep. Devin Nunes

Rep. Devin Nunes is the Republican ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee

On April 10, 2019, Harvey sent Parnas his boss Nunes' contact information, the messages show.

A series of text messages follow, in which Parnas appears to be in Ukraine setting up interviews over Skype between Harvey and key figures there.

On April 17, Parnas appears to be prepping Harvey for a Skype interview with a Ukrainian prosecutor, Kostiantyn Kulyk, who led investigations into the firm where Joe Biden's son served on the board.

Parnas also sent Harvey websites with biographical information about former Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin, with the message: 'This is the general prosecutor that got fired by Biden.'

He also sends information about Yuriy Lutsenko, Shokin's replacement.

At one point, on April 19, Harvey tells Parnas that he believes 'we are best served by sending the official letter and receiving documentation before any more interviews.'

On April 30, Parnas tells Harvey that he has returned to Washington DC, and the two arrange to meet up at the Trump International hotel.

House Democrats released the messages in a document dump on Friday, showing Parnas texting with Derek Harvey (above), a top Nunes aide

Harvey also refers repeatedly to former The Hill columnist John Solomon, who wrote extensively on the theory that Biden was involved in corruption in Ukraine, and that the Ukrainian government meddled in the 2016 election on behalf of Hillary Clinton.

In one message Harvey asks Parnas, 'Any documents for us or are you going to keep working through Solomon?' In an April 12 text, Harvey says that 'Solomon needs to get me the material.'

On May 7, Parnas writes 'we are at trump [hotel] with Rudy and John Salomon [sic] and joe in private room.'

Rudy is presumably Rudy Giuliani, but it's unclear who the 'Joe' referred to is.

After House Democrats obtained phone records showing calls between Nunes and Parnas, he initially said he didn't remember speaking to Parnas and called it unlikely.

More recently Nunes has revised his story and says he does remember talking to Parnas, but says the call was 'odd' and that he directed Parnas to talk to his staff.

Parnas and his associate Igor Fruman are both currently under indictment on campaign finance charges, in part relating to donations to a Trump-supporting SuperPAC.
President on Friday warned Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to be "very careful with his words." "The so-called 'Supreme Leader' of Iran, who has not been so Supreme lately, had some nasty things to say about the United States and Europe," Trump tweeted of Khamenei's comments earlier Friday in Tehran.

According to Trump, Khamenei's blistering speech, in which he attacked the "vicious" United States and described Britain, France and Germany as "America's lackey's," was a mistake.

"Their economy is crashing, and their people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words!" Trump tweeted.
New Delhi:

United States President Donald Trump on Friday warned Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and stated that he needs to be very careful with his words. This comes after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei mocked the US president as a "clown".

In a tweet, President Trump said, The so-called Supreme Leader of Iran, who has not been so Supreme lately, had some nasty things to say about the United States and Europe. Their economy is crashing, and their people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words!

The so-called Supreme Leader of Iran, who has not been so Supreme lately, had some nasty things to say about the United States and Europe. Their economy is crashing, and their people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 17, 2020

While addressing Iranians after Friday prayers, Khamenei said defended Iran's military after it mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane. He further condemned Trump and the US for the deadly drone strike against a top Iranian general.

They lie, "Khamenei said. If you are standing with the Iranian people, it is only to stab them in the heart with their venomous daggers." "The villainous US government repeatedly says that they are standing by the Iranian people," he added.

The war of words between the two leaders began after the US forces assassinated a top Iranian commander General Qassem Soleimani. The US blames Soleimani for the killing of American troops in Iraq and accused him of plotting new attacks just before his death Friday in a drone strike at Baghdad's airport.

Also Read: US Announces More Sanctions Against Iran Targeting Its Top Military Commanders

Soleimani also led forces in Syria backing President Bashar Assad in a long war, as well as served as the point man for Iranian proxies in countries like Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. His slaying already has pushed Tehran to abandon the remaining limits of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers as his successor and others vow to take revenge.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
President Donald Trump made a stark appeal to black Americans during the 2016 election when he asked, "What have you got to lose?" Three years later, black Americans have rendered their verdict on his presidency with a deeply pessimistic assessment of their place in the United States under a leader seen by an overwhelming majority as racist.

The findings come from a Washington Post-Ipsos poll of African Americans nationwide, which reveals fears about whether their children will have a fair shot to succeed and a belief that white Americans don't fully appreciate the discrimination that black people experience.

While personally optimistic about their own lives, black Americans today offer a bleaker view about their community as a whole. They also express determination to try to limit Trump to a single term in office.

More than 8 in 10 black Americans say they believe Trump is a racist and that he has made racism a bigger problem in the country. Nine in 10 disapprove of his job performance overall.

The pessimism goes well beyond assessments of the president. A 65% majority of African Americans say it is a "bad time" to be a black person in America. That view is widely shared by clear majorities of black adults across income, generational and political lines. By contrast, 77% of black Americans say it is a "good time" to be a white person, with a wide majority saying white people don't understand the discrimination faced by black Americans.

Courtney Tate, 40, an elementary school teacher in Irving, Texas, outside Dallas, said that since Trump was elected, he's been having more conversations with his co-workers - discussions that are simultaneously enlightening and exhausting - about racial issues he and his students face everyday.

"As a black person, you've always seen all the racism, the microaggressions, but as white people they don't understand this is how things are going for me," said Tate, who said he is the only black male teacher in his school. "They don't live those experiences. They don't live in those neighborhoods. They moved out. It's so easy to be white and oblivious in this country."

3 1 of 3 Washington Post photo by Allison V. Smith. Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Photo by Justin Kase Conder for The Washington Post. Show More Show Less 3 of 3





Francine Cartwright, a 44-year-old mother of three from Moorestown, New Jersey, said the ascent of Trump has altered the way she thinks about the white people in her life.

"If I'm in a room with white women, I know that 50% of them voted for Trump and they believe in his ideas," said Cartwright, a university researcher. "I look at them and think, 'How do you see me? What is my humanity to you?' "

The president routinely talks about how a steadily growing economy and historically low unemployment have resulted in more African Americans with jobs and the lowest jobless rate for black Americans recorded. Months ago he said, "What I've done for African Americans in two-and-a-half years, no president has been able to do anything like it."

But those factors have not translated positively for the president. A 77% majority of black Americans say Trump deserves "only some" or "hardly any" credit for the 5.5% unemployment rate among black adults compared with 20% who say Trump deserves significant credit.

In follow-up interviews, many said former president Barack Obama deserves more credit for the improvement in the unemployment rate, which declined from a high of 16.8% in 2010 to 7.5% when he left office.

Others said their personal financial situation is more a product of their own efforts than anything the president has done.

"I don't think [Trump] has anything to do with unemployment among African Americans," said Ethel Smith, a 72-year-old nanny who lives in Lithonia, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. "I've always been a working poor person. That's just who I am."

Black Americans report little change in their personal financial situations in the past few years, with 19% saying it has been getting better and 26% saying it has been getting worse. Most, 54%, say their financial situation has stayed the same.

A similar 56% majority of African Americans rate the national economy as "not so good" or "poor," contrasting with other surveys that find most Americans overall rate the economy positively, although there are sharp political divides on this question.

Beyond questions about the economy, African Americans see a range of concerns impacting the country overall as well as their own communities.

Just 16% of black Americans believe that most black children born in the U.S. today have "a good opportunity to achieve a comfortable standard of living." A 75% majority think most white children have such an opportunity.

More than 8 in 10 say they do not trust police in the United States to treat people of all races equally, and 7 in 10 distrust police in their own community.

Black Americans also widely sense that their experiences with discrimination are underappreciated by white Americans.Justabout 2 in 10 say that most white Americans understand the level of discrimination black Americans face in their lives, while nearly 8 in 10 say they do not.

The starkly negative outlook appears to be a turnabout from previous points during both the Obama and George W. Bush presidencies, according to surveys asking related questions. A 2011 Washington Post-Kaiser Family Foundation survey found 73% of black women said it was a "good time" to be a black woman in America, while a similar survey in 2006 found 60% of black men saying it was a good time to be a black man.

Yet the Post-Ipsos poll also finds that 65% of black Americans say they feel optimistic about their own lives most or all of the time. This positive personal outlook crosses age and political groups, and while it peaks among those who are older and with higher incomes, roughly half of black Americanswith incomes under $35,000 annually say they feel optimistic about their own lives.

Dana Clark, a father of 11 children in Ontario, California, said he tells all of his children that it's possible to succeed in America, but that they'll have to work harder than the white children they encounter.

"I tell them we're going to set this plan up. Whatever you want to do you're going to be able to do it," he said. "But it ain't going to be easy, especially if [you] want to make some money because you're going to be in a world where they're not going to expect you to be there. You can get what you want, but you've got to work harder, faster and stronger."

The survey, by The Post and Ipsos, a nonpartisan research firm, is one of the most extensive recent surveys focused on views of the country and Trump among black Americans, who are often represented by only small samples in customary national polls. It was conducted among 1,088 non-Hispanic black adults, including 900 registered voters, drawn from a large online survey panel recruited through random sampling of U.S. households.

Few black voters responded positively to Trump's campaign appeal for their votes. Exit polls taken during the 2016 election showed just 8% of African Americans supported Trump and 89% backed Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, although black turnout was significantly lower than in 2008 and 2012 for the election and reelection of Obama, the country's first black president.

In the Post-Ipsos poll, roughly three-quarters of black adults say the things that Trump is doing as president are "bad for African Americans," while a similar majority says Obama's actions as president were good.

Kenneth Davis, a truck driver who lives outside Detroit, said that when Trump was elected, co-workers who secretly harbored racist thoughts felt emboldened to publicly express them.

"One gentleman is waving the Confederate flag on the back of his pickup truck," said Davis, 48, who is a Marine Corps veteran. "He was very brave to say 'Trump's president, I'm going to get my window (painted).' "

Retired federal prison warden Keith Battle said the political climate has exposed "unresolved racial issues" and that Trump has emboldened white supremacists. Battle, who lives in Wake Forest, North Carolina, said white supremacists "are not the majority of whites in America, but there is a significant amount still, I'd say 30%, and I think they're just leading the country down a path of, eventually, chaos. They're feeling jeopardized of losing their white privilege."

Survey respondents were asked to say how Trump's presidency has affected them personally or African Americans in general. The responses illuminated the data in the poll.

"Donald Trump has not done anything for the African American people," said one person.

"He has created an atmosphere of division and overt racism and fear of immigrants unseen in many years," said another.

A third said, "He has taken hatred against people of color, in general, from the closet to the front porch."

Others echoed that sentiment, saying that the president has emboldened those with racially prejudiced views and therefore set back race relations for years. "I sense a separation between myself and some of my white associates," one person wrote.

Trump's overall approval rating among black Americans stands at 7%, with 90% disapproving, including 75% who disapprove "strongly."

Similarly large majorities of black men and women disapprove of Trump, as do black Americansacross different age, education and income levels. Trump receives somewhat higher marks among self-identifiedblack conservatives, with 25% approving of his performance, compared with 5% of moderates and 3% among liberals.

Few black Americans appear open to supporting Trump's bid for reelection at this point. He receives between 4 and 5% support among black registered voters in head-to-head matchups against eight potential Democratic nominees. But the level of Democratic support depends on who is the party's nominee, peaking at 82% for former vice presidentJoe Biden and falling to 57% for former South Bend, Indiana, mayor Pete Buttigieg.

The Post-Ipsos survey was conducted Jan. 2-8, 2020, through Ipsos's KnowledgePanel, a large online survey panel recruited through random sampling of U.S. households. Overall results have a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points among the sample of 1,088 black adults overall, and four points among the sample of 900 registered voters.

- - -

The Washington Post's Emily Guskin contributed to this report.
Homes toppled, their occupants discarded without a second thought - thank goodness those days are gone. Evictions were a feature of Irish life under British rule in the 19th century but the past is a foreign country, they do things differently there.

Or do they? Evictions are back with a vengeance in the 21st century, with rough sleepers and their temporary shelters being swept away as eyesores. If people can't see the problem, it doesn't exist, right? So much for almost 100 years of self-government.

A general election campaign to vote in the 33rd Dail started officially this week and the standout image is the profoundly unrepublican treatment of a homeless man - his spine crushed by industrial machinery as State-backed powers set about demolishing his home.

This man's back wasn't broken by accident. It didn't happen as a result of some unfortunate sequence of events over which no one had control. He was injured because a clean-up was ordered along Dublin's canals where homeless people had pitched tents, and because inadequate checks were made to ensure those tents were empty.

Why was this unfortunate man sleeping under canvas in mid-January in the first place? Because of the outgoing Government's chronic inability to tackle the interrelated housing and homeless crises.

Something is ugly. Irredeemably, disfiguringly ugly. It's the policies which contribute to our homeless epidemic - not the supposed unsightliness of tents used to shelter human beings from the elements.

The usual verbiage about investigations and reports has been advanced and at least four inquiries are under way. But here's what we know already.

Waterways Ireland was intent on removing homeless people's tents from the Leeson Street area of the Grand Canal, brought in machinery to do it - and a man in his thirties has suffered appalling injuries.

Eviction notices were served the previous day. Legislative powers were on Waterways Ireland's side, of course. But there is a higher law and that's the law of common humanity.

Arriving with machinery to dispose of someone's shelter, however temporary, is a dehumanising exercise. Forcibly eliminating another person's home shows a lack of respect towards the individual.

A vehicle with a mechanical claw on the end of a metal arm was used. Was it really necessary to use machinery?

Why not just put on protective clothing and dismantle the tent, if it really had to be taken down?

The incident happened at lunchtime on Tuesday in broad daylight when it seems the tent was prodded but no one took the basic precaution of checking inside. Occupancy was only established when movement from inside the tent was noticed after it was lifted into the air.

This incident dishonours us all. The Taoiseach has said everyone "feels shame" at the homeless crisis. But not everyone is in a position to take direct action to effect change. He is.

According to the Central Bank, the economy grew by a healthy 8.2pc in 2018 and figures are expected to show it expanded by 5pc last year. But the rising tide isn't lifting all boats. As volunteer group the Homeless Street Cafe can testify.

It has posted online a photograph of an elderly woman eating her dinner on a Dublin street, using a windowsill as her table. Every week, her evening meal is taken outdoors.

The volunteer who put up the picture described it as heart-breaking that her "golden years" are being spent in such circumstances, added: "To be living in food or heat poverty at their age, relying on a soup kitchen for necessities, is horrifying to witness."

The Homeless Street Cafe charity, which sets up tables and feeds hot meals to homeless people on Tuesday nights on Grafton Street, also distributes clothes and toiletries. One of its posts refer to the work as "nothing but a plaster or a band-aid on what is just a horrific wound".

Three months ago, it circulated a photograph of a five-year-old boy eating his dinner from a sheet of cardboard on the pavement. At the same time, figures showed more than 10,000 people, including 4,000 children, were homeless. Everyone agreed this was a national shame. But the shame continues.

And now a man has a broken back as a result of policies which treat human beings as disposable.

Waterways Ireland said it had been working "in co-operation with the Dublin Region Homeless Executive to remove tents along the canals in Dublin where they have become a public safety hazard".

There have been problems with discarded needles and human faeces near tents by the canal, and this does impact on public safety.

But it's odd to be concerned about public safety in the abstract and take less care about it in individual cases.

Dublin City Council said every action by State services "is taken in the interest of health and safety of those individuals experiencing homelessness". Tell that to the man whose spine was crushed.

The fact that this unfortunate person appears to have been asleep, and unaware of what was happening, indicates he may have felt it safer to take his rest in daylight rather than after dark.

Some homeless people prefer to take their chances in doorways and tents rather than enter emergency accommodation. In return for shelter in hostels, they are expected to share rooms with strangers. They fear violence or robbery - with just cause.

And another thing. Even if the Grand Canal tent inhabitant had been absent during the clean-up, he would have returned to find his home dumped, along with anything it contained. Other homeless people must have had similar experiences.

There has been a certain amount of attempted victim-blaming from some quarters. It's beside the point to say the man had declined to go into a hostel, or that fair warning of the intended clean-up operation was given. Rough sleepers have a complex range of problems and it really doesn't look as if this was considered sufficiently when the so-called tidy-up got under way.

Homeless services need to be brought under the umbrella of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), guaranteeing regular inspections.

Meanwhile, it cannot be said too loudly or too often - social and affordable housing must be built as a matter of priority.

That's the issue on which voters ought to cast their preferences in the General Election.

Politicians who recognise our ongoing state of emergency and can commit credibly to delivering change - those are the ones we need in the 33rd Dail.

It's inhumane to carry on as we are. Where's the point in a thriving economy if the money generated isn't used to look after our people in need?
Everywhere you go, as parents, youre told to take time for yourself  to be good to yourself, because after all, we cant run on empty, now, can we?

Modern day life means its not easy to take time for yourself. Parenting in itself is a full-time job but, for many, theres another full-time job on top of that to contend with. Theres a mortgage to be paid. Theres food to be cooked. The house has to be cleaned. There are activities to ferry kids to and from. I could go on and on and on and on.

While it is difficult to make time for yourself, Im still a big advocate of it, all the same. I might not have a full-time job outside of the home at the moment, but nonetheless, Im busy. Very busy actually. I could, if I wanted to, spend from 9am to 2pm every weekday, when the kids are at school, doing endless amounts of housework. As it is, I do up to two hours every morning and it never feels like enough. Theres always something else to be done around the house but, considering the kids undo all of my good work when they return, whats the point in breaking my back!?

Every week, without fail, I make sure to do something just for me, though. I just feel its good for my head and I fear that, if I dont, my anxiety will return even worse than it was before.

Im not an expert in the field of mental health but according to the website Psychology Today, taking a break gives your brain a chance to reboot, improves concentration, increases productivity, helps you discover (or rediscover) your own voice, gives you a chance to think deeply, and helps you problem solve more effectively. It also gives you a better sense of balance and self-awareness that can lead to a better understanding of yourself  what drives you, what inspires you, what excites you. This, in turn, can have a positive effect not only on the quality of your relationship with yourself, but also on the quality of your relationships with others.

Taking time for yourself doesnt have to mean anything elaborate; it simply means you do something without the kids; something you like to do. So what is it I do? Well, its rarely ever anything that exciting.

Sometimes I just get in the car and drive into town for a browse around the shops. Sometimes I ditch the housework during the week and arrange to meet a friend for a coffee and a scone. Sometimes its as simple as leaving Daddy Chambers in the kitchen with the kids when I sit on my bed and have a cup of coffee. The latter is probably one of my favourite things to do, if Im honest.

I love hearing the chaos going on down in the kitchen, knowing that for 15 minutes I can ignore it and just enjoy the coffee.

Of course, then there are times when big plans are made, maybe once a year or twice at most. Last November, a group of us, all mammies from the school the kids go to, treated ourselves to a night away. We all left home early on the Saturday morning, travelled an hour and a half to our hotel, enjoyed lunch together and chilled for the afternoon.

We gathered together again for dinner and drinks that night and the following morning it was lovely to wake up naturally and not by a child begging for cereal at 6am. And thats even with a hangover!

Its important, too, to make time for just you and your other half, if you have one. For the past three years, Daddy Chambers and I have tried to escape without the kids in early January. Last year, we spent three blissful nights in Lisbon and recently we went to the UK with friends for two nights.

We hired a house in Devon and literally just chilled out, ate and enjoyed a drink or two for the weekend. I even had a two-hour bath one of the days, something that would just never happen at home.

I even think I might finally be getting sense. The night before we were due to go home, I had two small glasses of wine and headed for bed before 9pm.

It meant I felt great on my return to the kids and I was ready to face back in to making lunches, doing the school run and all that housework.

Be kind to yourselves mammies and daddies! Until next week folks!

You can contact me on ruth@itsjustaphase.ie; Twitter - @_itsjustaphase_; Instagram - @itsjustaphaseblog, or youll find more of my musings at www.itsjustaphase.ie.
MLB new meaning

Re: Scandal forces out Astros GM, manager, Front Page, Tuesday:

Like the college entrance scandal, its been going on a long time. Those who were caught  well, the door had to close sometime. The Astros were the best and they were caught. Knowing what type of pitch doesnt guarantee magic. Im sure others just didnt have the know-how or wouldnt stoop that low to win.

MLB is now Major League Bull.

Fred Machado

On ExpressNews.com: Finger: In Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal, no punishment quite fits

Voting made easier

Re: How Editorial Board selects candidates to recommend, Editorial, Sunday:

Your Editorial Board deserves credit for having the courage and dedication to publish voting recommendations  courage because you risk being accused of partisanship. But your recommendations are important because voters have neither the time nor inclination to study so many elections on their own, especially for lesser-known officials like judges and city agency leaders. This causes people to not vote or simply vote along party lines, risking the election of less competent candidates.

Voters should be aware of another option: The League of Women Voters publishes election information in the Voters Guide. Instead of making recommendations, it tells where candidates stand on issues in their own words  at least for candidates willing to reveal where they stand. To access this, log in at vote411.org just before you vote, and type in your address to see responses of candidates serving you personally. Printed guides are also available at public libraries.

Anything that improves participation of educated voters is critical in these troubled times, and using Express-News recommendations in conjunction with Vote 411 makes voting a lot easier.

Bill Altemeier

Save Arts S.A.

Re: Arts San Antonio halts operations, cancels shows, Front Page, Tuesday:

It is with sadness and surprise that I learned Arts San Antonio has halted its operations.

My husband and I have been season subscribers for years. We have enjoyed the variety of shows and have been exposed to many things that are not offered in this city by other organizations. Additionally, Arts San Antonio brought the arts to many students, providing them with exposure to the arts that is critical to being a well-rounded citizen.

The city, county and local corporations should act immediately to save this organization. It is vital to the soul of San Antonio to have this nonprofit arts organization adding to the cultural scene. Please find the necessary funding to save Arts San Antonio.

Jill Torbert
A peer nicknamed Lord Groper could be welcomed back by the Liberal Democrats after the party leader allegedly said: All that other stuff aside, [he] is a great campaigner.

The former Lib Dem chief executive Lord (Chris) Rennard was suspended from the party for eight months in 2014 after female activists accused him of being a sex pest.

Lord Rennard  once the partys top electoral strategist who was also nicknamed Lord Grabbyhands  later apologised if he had inadvertently encroached on their personal space, but following an outcry among members he stood down from the Lib Dems governing body in 2015.

Former Lib Dem chief executive Lord (Chris) Rennard (pictured) was suspended from the party for eight months in 2014 after female activists accused him of being a sex pest

Now new Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey has been accused of trying to bring Lord Rennard back into the fold, despite a new complaint of harassment against him.

Sources said Sir Ed, who took the top job after former leader Jo Swinson lost her seat at the election, was allegedly heard asking Lib Dem MPs and staff at a Christmas party what they thought of Lord Rennard, before declaring: All that other stuff aside, Chris is a great campaigner.

A Lib Dem source said: Everyone who heard Ed musing aloud came away disgusted and pretty angry. We were left in no doubt he wants to bring him back into the fold. You have to seriously question the judgment of the man.

Four women made allegations of sexual harassment against the 59-year-old peer, but despite a report finding that their complaints were broadly credible he remained in the party.

Now new Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey (pictured) has been accused of trying to bring Lord Rennard back into the fold, despite a new complaint of harassment against him.

The Metropolitan Police decided there was insufficient evidence to pursue any of the allegations.

However, the Mail can reveal a fresh complaint has been made by a Lib Dem staff member who accused him of being overfamiliar and creepy.

The new alleged victim complained the peer had harassed her during the partys 2018 spring conference in Southport. She said he followed her around, kept trying to talk to her and paid her unwanted compliments. It is understood she said she would withdraw the complaint if Lord Rennard apologised, but the peer has refused and the complaint is still active  despite it being made nearly two years ago.

Last night, Bridget Harris, a former adviser to Nick Clegg who complained that Lord Rennard had made sexual advances towards her, said: If the Lib Dems havent got the message by now that the days of casual sexual pestering are over, then theyre even more doomed than we thought.

However, sources said Sir Ed did not recollect the conversation, and would not give Lord Rennard a campaigning role.

Lord Rennard denies all the claims against him.

A Lib Dem spokesman said of the fresh complaint: Any allegations and complaints are treated seriously and investigated in line with the partys processes.
A man is being treated in hospital after a serious assault in Cork last night.

During the incident, two men were assaulted outside a house in Blackpool village shortly after 8pm last night.
In a story posted on its website, DW said the trade agreement would be the most ambitious the EU has ever negotiated with a developing country, which abolishes 99% of customs duties, eliminates bureaucratic hurdles by aligning standards for goods like cars and medicine, and ensures easier market access for both European and Vietnamese companies.

On January 21, the EU Parliaments International Trade Committee (INTA) will present a draft resolution of the EVFTA. If the European Parliament accepts the resolution during its plenary session in February, the EVFTA will come into force one month later.

The trade deal is a positive step for the economies of both Vietnam and the EU, DW quoted Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Nguyen Minh Vu as saying.

In the context of trade tensions and rising protectionism, the EVFTA provides a strong signal of support from both sides for globalisation and unwavering commitments to a free and rules-based trade system, he said.

The Vietnamese diplomat also believed that the pact will significantly deepen the strategic partnership between Vietnam and EU economically and politically.

Vietnams economy has grown by an average 6.5% in the last five years, and foreign direct investment has played a large part in this. The EVFTA is expected to serve as a boon for Vietnam to lure more foreign investment in the time ahead.

Currently, the EU is Vietnams 5th biggest foreign investors. It is reasonable to hope that the figure will increase significantly, Ambassador Vu said, adding 62% of investors from the EU have a positive opinion of doing business in the Southeast Asian country.

Meanwhile, Erwin Schweisshelm, former head of the Friedrich-Ebert Foundation in Vietnam said that the EVFTA is part of the EUs wider economic strategy in Southeast Asia. The EVFTA would be the EU's second free trade agreement with a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a bloc with ten members and a population of 600 million people. In November 2019, the EU-Singapore free trade agreement entered into force.

In long term, there could be an ASEAN-EU agreement, he said.

The article also said that Vietnam has already ratified six of eight International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards, and commended the countrys adoption of revised Labour Code in November 2019, allowing the creation of independent trade unions at the enterprise level that do not have to join the Vietnam trade union.
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New Delhi:

The candidates who are preparing for Jharkhand Board Class 12 examinations, we have some important news for you. The Jharkhand Academic Council is likely to announce the JAC Class 12 admit card today. Soon after the official release of the admit card, the same will be available on the official website of the council i.e. jac.jharkhand.gov.in.

For the convenience of the students, we have mentioned steps through which the candidates can download the admit card:

Step 1: Visit official website of the board i.e. jac.jharkhand.gov.in

Step 2: Find the direct link for admit card download

Step 3: You will be redirected to a new page with input fields

Step 4: Provide the information asked in the various fields on the homepage

Step 5: JAC 12th Admit Card 2020 will be displayed on the screen

Step 6: Download the hall ticket in PDF / softcopy format

Step 7: Take printout for future reference

The candidates must note that the admit card is one of the documents that the candidates must carry during examination. No students will be allowed to sit in the examination without the document.

As per the notification on the official website i.e. jac.jharkhand.gov.in, JAC 12th Admit Card 2020 will be released by the Jharkhand Board today. In all likelihood, the board will also publish and make available the Jharkhand 12th Admit Cards online through the same website. A direct link to JAC 12th admit card 2020 will also be made available here once it is released by the Board.

Students must note that the JAC 12th Admit Card 2020 is a mandatory document for the Jharkhand Intermediate Board Exam 2020 which are starting from 27th January 2020.
In a major development, the Centre has told the Supreme Court that it is agreeable to revisit its 2017 proposal to take over the management control of embattled realty firm Unitech Ltd and complete its stalled projects to bring relief to around 12,000 hassled home buyers.

The Centre, in its six-page note submitted to a bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud, said it is prepared to revisit its proposal of December 2017, to remove the existing management of Unitech Ltd and appoint ten nominee directors of the government.

The Centre, however, said it would not infuse any funds for completion of pending projects of the company. It said the court, while ensuring a period of calm should direct a moratorium for 12 months.

For the proposed board, the government also suggested the name of retired Haryana cadre IAS officer Yudvir Singh Malik, as chairman and managing director of the board and names of members including A K Mittal, ex-CMD of National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC), Renu Sud Karnad, Chairman of HDFC Credila Finance Service Pvt Ltd, Jitu Virwani, CMD of Embassy Group, Niranjan Hiranandani , MD of Mumbai-based Hiranandani Group.

It said the court may appoint a retired judge of the Supreme Court for supervising the resolution framework finalised by the proposed board of directors.

"That this court may allow the proposed board of directors to appoint key managerial persons, professionals (legal, insolvency, financial advisors, real estate professionals, etc) for assisting the government appointed board and payment of requisite professional fees including the legal fees, thereof from the company accounts," the Centre's note said.

It also sought directions to the promoters, the present management of the company, forensic auditors, asset reconstruction companies, banks and financial institutions and state governments to extend cooperation to the proposed board of directors.

"That this court may issue directions to restrain the promoters from alienating, mortgaging, creating charge or lien or interest in the movable and immovable properties owned by them," the government said, adding, services of the committee headed by Justice S N Dhingra, appointed to sell the company's assets, be put on rest.

The government also sought immunity for the proposed directors in respect of the numerous litigations pending across the country, involving the company, management and its promoters.

It also sought permission for the proposed board of directors to raise funds due from the home buyers, sell the unsold inventory, monetising the unencumbered assets for completion of the stalled projects.

"That this court recognizes and directs that without any prejudice to any order, the government has the right to refer the company to liquidation or Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), like resolution outside the framework of IBC, in case the assigned takeover is not viable in the absence of requisite resources, the government said.

On December 18, last year, the top court had asked the Centre if it was agreeable to revisit its 2017 proposal as there is urgent need for the projects of Unitech Ltd. to be taken up by a specialised agency, so as to ensure completion in a time bound schedule in the interest of the home buyers.

The top court had said, "Since the Union of India withdrew the application which it had submitted before the NCLT only for the reason that this Court was seized of the present proceedings, we are of the view that the Union of India should revisit the original proposal in the interests of home buyers and consider appointing independent Directors for the takeover of the management of Unitech Limited".

It had said that these deliberations may be conducted at the highest level and Attorney General K K Venugopal should apprise the court by January 15, about the modalities which have been worked out.

In 2017, the Centre had moved the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) seeking suspension of the current directors and an order of restraint on the alienation of assets by Unitech Ltd.

The NCLT in its order December 8, 2017, issued interim directions for suspension of directors of Unitech Ltd and restrained them from alienating, mortgaging, creating charge or lien or interest in the properties owned by them personally or that of the company till the conclusion of investigation.

However, the top court on December 13, 2017, stayed the NCLT's December 8, 2017 order and later the Centre agreed to withdraw its application from the tribunal.

In 2018, the apex court had directed a forensic audit of Unitech Ltd and its sister concerns and subsidiaries by Samir Paranjpe, Partner, Forensic and Investigation Services in M/s Grant Thornton India.

The forensic auditors have also submitted their report which said that Unitech Ltd received around Rs 14,270 crores from 29,800 home buyers mostly between 2006-2014 and around Rs 1,805 crores from six financial institutions for the construction of 74 projects.

The audit revealed that around Rs 5,063 crore of home buyers money and around Rs 763 crores of fund received from financial institutions were not utilized by the company and high value investments were made off-shore tax-haven countries between 2007-2010.

The top court ordered investigation into the omission and commission of promoters of Unitech Ltd under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Unitech promoters Sanjay Chandra and his brother Ajay Chandra are currently lodged in Tihar jail for allegedly siphoning off homebuyers' money.

ALSO READ: Office real estate in 2020: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi-NCR to dominate supply addition

ALSO READ: DDA reduces prices of CWG Village flats for first time; offers 30% discount

ALSO READ: SBI 'guarantees' to return homebuyers' money if builders fail to deliver on time
Iraq Captures Morbidly Obese Daesh Preacher 'Jabba the Jihadi' in Mosul, Netizens in Hysterics

Sputnik News

23:47 17.01.2020

Obesity is a global pandemic, particularly in the developed nations of the West. A recent anti-terrorist raid by Iraqi forces against remaining militant burrows, however, could partially dismantle suggestions that fat people only plague wealthy economies.

A staunch booster of Daesh* terrorists and their supporters, hate preacher Abu Abdul Bari, was reportedly taken by a surprise by Iraqi forces. Video from the scene - that almost instantly surfaced online - suggests, however, that even if the Daesh fanatic had been prepared, he would not have been able to do much more than vocally complain.

The Iraqi military was forced to deploy a flatbed truck to transport the extremely-fat 560-pound (254-kilograms) body of the Daesh terrorist, who has been nicknamed 'Jabba the Jihadi'.

Jabba the Jihadi is of course a reference to the notorious alien crime boss in George Lucas' universe of the Star Wars - Jabba the Hutt, who, like the captured Daesh preacher, also lives in a fictional universe.

Netizens instantly took to social media, producing tonnes of mocking memes about the fat Daesh mastermind.

Someone expanded the humor by recalling another evil character from the universe of DC Comics - the Penguin.

Despite the obvious hilarity of the situation, the pathetic 'preacher' was reportedly a formidable terrorist among the ranks of Daesh. According to Fox News, citing Iraqi authorities, Bari issued numerous fatwas leading to the execution of a number of scholars and clerics, as well as the bombing of a mosque.

"I'm delighted to say that the Islamic State's very own Jabba the Hutt has been captured in Mosul. Responsible for the execution of men, women, and children. This animal raped and murdered. Good luck hanging him Iraq", Macer Gifford, a British human rights activist who has a combat experience in Syria, tweeted.

*Daesh (ISIS, ISIL, IS, Islamic State) is a terrorist group banned in Russia and many other countries.

A Sputnik

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 21:12:35|Editor: Xiaoxia

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BANGKOK, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Thai armed forces on Saturday conducted the first parade of troops before King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

On occasion of the Thai Armed Forces Day, the troops of the armed forces were dressed in royal patterns and marched in the parade for review by the monarch at Fort Adisorn of the Cavalry Center in Saraburi province, about 120 kilometers north of Bangkok.

Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana and Princess Bajrakitiyabha accompanied the king to review the military parade, primarily designed to display their allegiances to the monarch and Royal Household.

Members of the National Police also joined in the parade of troops, conducted for the first time in the reign of the current king, who rose to the throne in late 2016.
Historical society names new leader

LAKE LUZERNE  Howard Schaffer of Lake Luzerne has been elected president of the Hadley-Lake Luzerne Historical Society, following outgoing President Joe Kavanagh, who has served for the past four years. The Historical Society, founded in 1973, is one the regions longest-standing historical preservation organizations and has been responsible for multiple conservation projects over the past half-century.

The group has played a key role in preserving the historic Hadley Parabolic Bow bridge as well as the Harmon House and the Gailey Hill Schoolhouse in the town of Lake Luzerne.

Schaffer previously served as vice-president and programming chair, coordinating monthly programming for guest speakers including authors and historians over the past three years. Professionally, he is founder of Media Marketing Inc. in Albany and has served as president of the Lake Luzerne Association, working on the effort to address milfoil and invasive species in the southern Adirondacks. He is a member of the Adirondack Mountain Club as well.

Also elected to the Society Board were Christine Blakely, secretary, and Kirstin Zehnter, director. Both Sally Goodhart, treasurer, and Ben Kemp, director, were re-elected to the board. Kemp serves as Internet Media contact. Other board members serving are Maureen Jones, co-chairperson of Program Committee, Sue Wilder, chairperson of Community Events and Gift Shop/Merchandising, Nan Plantier, media director, David Cranston, vice-president, and Joseph Kavanagh, past-president.

For additional information contact the society at kinnearmuseum@gmail.com.

12 students named to honor society

GRANVILLE  The Granville Chapter of the National Honor Society held its formal Induction Ceremony Jan. 9 in the high school auditorium. Twelve students from the Granville Jr/Sr. High School were inducted into the nations oldest, largest and most prestigious student recognition program, founded in 1921 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The Granville chapter has been inducting new members since May 16, 1963. Members must be juniors or seniors with a cumulative academic average of 89.5% or higher. Additionally, members must meet the highest standards of service, leadership and character. Students are selected by a faculty council consisting of five members of the faculty.

New members include Andrew Bacher, Owen Burnham, Haley Corlew, Hannah Festa, Laci Howe, Ryan Kunen, Myles Pauquette, Araeh Quinlan, Karley Streiber, Jenna Tooley, Cassandra Weeden and Tiernan Weeden.

Salvation Army, RSVP looking for volunteers

GLENS FALLS  Partnering with Warren/Washington RSVP since 1997, the Salvation Army of Glens Falls has relied heavily on volunteers who support its programs. Often referred to as the army behind The Army, volunteers play a crucial role in the Salvation Armys ability to provide quality social services for the community.

Volunteer opportunities include clerical, fund raising (including bell ringing and gift wrapping), preparing holiday baskets, and other special projects. For more information or to volunteer with the Salvation Army, contact RSVP at 518-743-9158 or rsvp@tricountyunitedway.org.

The mission of Warren/Washington RSVP is to engage men and women 55 and older in meaningful volunteer service that strengthens the well-being of both self and community.

Felt artwork featured in library art gallery

GLENS FALLS  Local artist Robin Blakney-Carlsons felt artwork is on display at the Friends of Crandall Library gallery through the end of January.

Blakney-Carlsons felt artwork is unique because it is produced with the a wet felting technique by using a combination of animal fiber, water, soap, hand rolling and manipulating until the fibers enmesh into a finished textile. This technique is called Nuno Felting. Blakney-Carlson studied fine arts at California College of Arts and Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute School of Art.

The gallery is located on the second floor of Crandall Public Library, 251 Glen St. The exhibit can be enjoyed from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Seniors plan trip to Eastern Europe

QUEENSBURY  The Queensbury Senior Center will host a travel presentation on the September trip to Prague, Vienna and Budapest from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday at 742 Bay Road. Learn about the places, food and experiences planned for the trip. The presentation is free to all.

The Queensbury Senior Citizens, established in 1980, is a nonprofit organization open to anyone 55 or older in the region. Its purpose is to promote the concept of living and aging well by providing social, educational, recreational, health-related, travel and volunteer service opportunities. For more information, go to www.seniorsonthego.org.

SGF church to serve turkey dinner Jan. 25

SOUTH GLENS FALLS  The South Glens Falls United Methodist Church will serve a turkey dinner from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 at 15 Maplewood Parkway. The menu includes turkey, stuffing, potatoes, vegetable, soup and homemade desserts. Adults cost $10; children ages 5-12 cost $5. Take-out and delivery are available by calling 518-793-1152.

Coffee shop to show veterans artwork

GLENS FALLS  An opening reception for the Glens Falls showing of Service, Symbols, Scenes & Stories, an exhibition of more than 50 original works of art by veterans from New York state, will be at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Spot Coffee, 221 Glen St.

The women featured in this exhibition originally created the works for a special exhibition hosted in the Vietnam Memorial Gallery in Albany. Due to the popularity of their work, the exhibition was requested by other locations, with Glens Falls becoming the newest place for these works of art to be displayed.

North Country Arts issues call for artwork

GLENS FALLS  North Country Arts is looking for artwork for its fifth annual Juried Art Show planned for May at the Shirt Factory Gallery, 71 Lawrence St. Applications can be submitted to onlinjuriedshows.com until the April 1 deadline.

A reception and awards ceremony is planned from 5 to 7 p.m. May 9 at the Shirt Factory. Fees are $25 for NCA members; $35 for no-members. For more information, email info@northcountryarts.org.

Community Hospice seeking volunteers

The Community Hospice serving Saratoga and Washington Counties is in need of volunteers who are available to make friendly visits and to provide emotional support to hospice patients and their families.

Information sessions will be held at 1 p.m. Feb. 18 at 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, and at 2 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Greenwich Library, 148 Main St., Greenwich.

A required 25-hour volunteer training will be provided in October. Call 518-581-0800 to register.

Brewfest tickets are on sale now

GLENS FALLS  Tickets for the 11th annual Glens Falls Brewfest on March 7 at the Queensbury Hotel are available.

The Glens Falls Brewfest is a beer, wine and cider tasting event featuring, local, regional and national breweries, as well as sampling wineries, and cideries. There will be live music, food sampling from local area restaurants, and some great local vendors to shop from while you sample a range of brews and get to speak directly with the brewers about their craft beers.

Tickets cost $45 per person in advance; $55 per person at the door; $99 per person for Taps & Apps and Brewfest. This event is a 21+ event. Follow the event page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/events/425063741615929/ for a list of breweries.

Support group to meet on Monday

SARATOGA SPRINGS  The Saratoga Parkinsons Disease Support Group will meet at 2 p.m. Monday at the Woodlawn Commons Building, 2nd floor at the Wesley Health Care Center, 156 Lawrence St. The meeting is free and open to anyone dealing with Parkinsons Disease, family members, caregivers and friends. Guest Speaker will be Ella DiPietro, a CBD oil expert from Saratoga.

Hometown is compiled by Gretta Hochsprung. If youd like to let her know about an upcoming event, email ghochsprung@poststar.com or call 518-742-3206.

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Hyderabad: The Siddipet police on Friday arrested Osmania University assistant professor Chinthakindi Kashim for alleged Maoist links after conducting sear-ches at his house on the campus from 7 am on Saturday.

The police arrested Mr Kashim, 43, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA-PA) and booked him for sedition, stating that he was a professional revolutionary.

Mr Kashim had been elected general secretary of Virasam (Vipl-ava Rachayitala Sang-am, revolutionary writers forum) last week.

The searches at the professors Osmania Univesity Quarters No. VI-9 and the arrest were carried out by a team led by Gajwel assistant commissioner of police Narayana.

Police said they found pro-Maoist materials like banned revolutionary literature, leaflets, pamphlets and compact discs (CDs) supporting Maoist groups when they searched OU assistant professor Chinthakindi Kashim

We informed his wife at about 10.15 am and took Kashim into custody. There is credible information that he had links with the Maoists Telangana state secretary Hari Bushan alias Jagan and central committee members. We suspect that with the money supplied by Maoists, he was organising programmes for them, said a police official.

The police has recently made a series of arrests including that of Telangana Vidyarthi Vedika president Bandari Maddileti, Telangana Praja Front state vice-president Nalamasi Krishna and Osmania University assistant professor K. Jagan on the charges of having links with the Maoists.

In 2018, Virasam leader and Telugu poet P. Varavara Rao was arrested by the Maharashtra police in the Bhima Koregaon case.

The atmosphere on the campus was charged as the news of the arrest of Mr Kashim spread. Many students took out a rally on the campus in protest. The Osmania University police detained some of them.

Ms Snehalatha, the wife of Mr Kashim, told the media, The police is claiming that he was absconding since five months which is baseless as he is a government employee and attended his duties every day. My husband is being targeted as he is writing and talking about social inequalities, problems of caste and unemployment.

Ms Snehalatha said Mr Kashims arrest was nothing but a continuation of the crackdown on dissenting voices in the state. I will move the High Court against his arrest.

The case relating to Mr Kashims arrest goes back to January 3, 2016, Shyam Sunder, an alleged Maoist sympathiser, was in a car that met with an accident. He abandoned the vehicle in which the police later reportedly found some revolutionary literature, letters, a pen drive and donation vouchers of Nadustunna Telangana, a monthly magazine.

Sunder later surrendered at the Mulugu police station in Medak district and reportedly confessed that he was working as a courier for the Maoists for 20 years. He stated that he used to facilitate the exchange of letters between Mr Kashim alias Kaarthik and Maoist central committee member Chandranna alias Aathram.

Subsequently, a case was registered by the Mulugu police, which is part of the Siddipet commissionerate.

The Siddipet police secured a search warrant from the Gajwel court to search the residence of Mr Kashim.

The case was registered against Mr Kashim under Sections 10 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) along with IPC crimes like criminal conspiracy, conspiracy to use criminal force and sedition.

Condemning the arrest, CPI leader K. Narayana alleged that the government was deliberately harassing intellectuals on the pretext of having Maoist connections and registering false cases against them.
A sprawling constituency that stretches from Mallow across to Mitchelstown and down to Midleton and Youghal, Cork East encompasses large swathes of Cork County Council's Kanturk/Mallow, Fermoy and East Cork electoral districts.

The constituency is more than capable of throwing up a few surprises, not least back in 2001 when, thanks to the prevailing unpopularity of Fianna Fail, the party did not return a seat in the Cork East for the first time in its history.

That ship was righted to a fashion in 2016 with Kevin O'Keeffe, the son of former Fianna Fail TD Ned O'Keeffe winning back a seat for the party and his running mate Barbara Ahern, the daughter of former TD Michael Ahern, narrowly losing as the count went right down to the wire.

"Fianna Fail are back in Cork East," were the words on the lips of every party member in the Mallow count centre.

As had been anticipated, Fine Gael's David Stanton retained his seat, albeit not as a poll topper as many had predicted. His running partner, Deputy Tom Barry, was not quite as fortunate, losing the seat he had taken in 2011.

Labour's Sean Sherlock defied his party's slide in the polls across the country to retain his seat, despite the early tallies causing his supporters a few anxious moments.

Perhaps the surprise package four-years ago was Sinn Fein's Pat Buckley who - despite rumblings within the party that led to the sitting Sinn Fein TD deciding not to run for re-election - was hoisted triumphantly on the shoulders of his supporters as dawn broke over Mallow almost 24-hours after the polling boxes were opened.

Fast forward to election 2020 and it would appear, at least on the face of things, that surprises may be in short supply once the votes have been counted.

Indeed, as we go to press, there are just eight candidates vying for the four available seats, a significant reduction on the 15 names on the 2016 polling card.

Given the seeming current upsurge in Fianna Fail's popularity, with many bookies tipping Micheal Martin to be the next Taoiseach, it would be a reasonably safe bet that Deputy O'Keeffe will retain his seat and may even bring newcomer Cllr James O'Connor over the line with him.

On the face of it, Deputies Stanton and Sherlock would also be viewed as being likely to retain their seats.

Perhaps the one surprise that may be on the cards will be Deputy Buckley, whose seat may come under some pressure from Cllr O'Connor or Deputy Stanton's running mate Pa O'Driscoll.

Although considered unlikely to secure a seat, the influence that the Green Party's Cllr Liam Quaide and Independent Mary Lenihan Foley could have on the final standings once transfers have been taken into consideration should also not be overlooked.

Cork East: the candidates so far

Sean Sherlock TD - Labour

Kevin OKeeffe TD - Fianna Fail

David Stanton TD - Fine Gael

Pat Buckley TD - Sinn Fein

Patrick ODriscoll - Fine Gael

Cllr James OConnor - Fine Gael

Cllr Mary Linehan Foley (Ind)

Cllr Liam Quaide - Green Party
Planeas engine was designed by CFM International, a joint company between French group Safran and US group GE Aviation. (Photo Credit: Reuters File)

New Delhi:

An Iranian official on Saturday said that Tehran will send the black box flight recorders of the Ukrainian airliner, Boeing 737-800, which was accidentally shot down by it, for further analysis to Ukraine, reports Iranian news agency. Hassan Rezaeifer, the head of accident investigations for the civil aviation, said that further analysis was not possible in Iran and experts from France, America and Canada will help analyse the black box in Kiev.

In case the analysis is not successful in Kiev, the boxes will then be handed over to France, news agency Tasnim quotes Rezaeifer as saying.

Canada Asks Iran To Send Black Box To France

Earlier on Friday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged Iran to hand over the damaged black boxes to France. Trudeau said France has one of the few laboratories capable of properly examining them.

"Iran does not have the level of technical expertise and mostly the equipment necessary to be able to analyse these damaged black boxes quickly," Trudeau said.

Also Read: Iran Plane Crash: Trudeau Urges Tehran To Send Downed Jetliner's Black Boxes To France

The plane, en route to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, was carrying 167 passengers and nine crew members from several countries, including 82 Iranians, at least 57 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians.

The other five nations have demanded Iran accept full responsibility and aksed it to pay compensation to the victims families.

Iran Accepts The Error

Three days after the incident, Iran had admitted responsibility after Western leaders said there was strong evidence the plane was hit by a surface-to-air missile.

Regretting the crash, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had offered condolences to the families of the victims.

Also Read: Watch: Exact Moment When 2 Iranian Missiles Hit Ukraine Jet That Killed 176

The planes engine was designed by CFM International, a joint company between French group Safran and US group GE Aviation. Experts from both the countries have been invited to probe the accident.

(With inputs from agencies)

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India pledged a USD 50 million assistance to Sri Lanka on Saturday as National Security Advisor Ajit Doval called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and discussed a range of bilateral issues, including strengthening cooperation in defence, intelligence sharing and maritime security.

Doval arrived in Colombo on Saturday on an official visit during which he will also meet several foreign diplomats and discuss important issues of mutual interest.

"A very cordial discussion was held with National Security Advisor of India, Ajit Doval today. Strengthening of bilateral cooperation on national security, intelligence sharing, maritime security & fostering of regional collaboration, were some of the key points of discussion," Rajapaksa said in a tweet.

The President's office said Doval pledged that India will provide USD 50 million to Sri Lanka to help the country purchase equipment for its security forces.

Doval has become the second highest ranking Indian official to visit Colombo after Rajapaksa assumed office in mid November.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was the first foreign dignitary to visit Sri Lanka.

Rajapaksa chose New Delhi for his first overseas visit after becoming the president.

India's pledge for enhancing defence cooperation comes days after Russia said it will assist Sri Lanka, which is seeking ways to consolidate its regional position through balanced diplomacy and attracting foreign investments, to improve its defence capacity.

"We have been providing Sri Lanka cooperation in defence and we will continue to do so," Russian Foreign Minister Serge Lavarov said here on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka has seen a flurry of visits from high ranking foreign officials this week, including from the US, Japan and China.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Russia is financing the "authorities" of the Donbas militants through the Bank of South Ossetia. This was reported in the Security Service of Ukraine press center. "Investigators of the special services found that in order to avoid sanctions against the banking sector, the Russian Federation created special financial institutions on its own territory and in the temporarily occupied areas of Donbas. Since 2014, after introducing the territory of the ruble zone into the so-called Luhansk People's Republic, Russia designed the financing mechanism of the authorities' apparatus. The SBU has documented for a long time that, to conceal the direct financial support of fake institutions in the occupied territory of the Luhansk region, Russia involved a financier South Ossetian banking institution, through which funds were transferred", the statement said.According to the SBU, the annual amount of financing of Donbas "authorities" by the Russian Federation exceeds 30 billion Russian rubles (490 million USD). It is noted that this amounts to more than two-thirds of the total needs of the so-called Luhansk People's Republic.
Practice makes breathlessly choreographed and nail-bitingly tense perfection in Sam Mendes's real-time thriller, inspired by stories of the Great War told by the director's grandfather, who served as a lance corporal.

Shot in real-time in several exquisitely staged single takes, which have been seamlessly stitched together by editor Lee Smith into a continuous fluid shot, 1917 is the product of six months of intense rehearsals and preparation, which included a physically gruelling training camp for hundreds of actors including leads Dean-Charles Chapman and George MacKay.

They undertook daily military drills in hobnail boots, acclimatising to the weight of uniforms and weapons before filming began so it would become second nature to check bayonets as hell unfolded around them.

This pre-production period allowed Mendes to work closely with Oscar-winning cinematographer Roger Deakins to meticulously map out the intricate camerawork of each sequence, which places us in the trenches with the characters or pirouettes around impossibly tight spaces as bullets scythe through the air and blood seeps into shifting seas of thick mud.

It's a tour-de-force of technical daring, which repeatedly dazzles and dumbfounds, juxtaposing heart-breaking brutality and self-sacrifice with moments of dreamy, poetic introspection.

Mendes's script, co-written by Krysty Wilson-Cairns, oscillates between agonising suspense (a sprint across No Man's Land littered with the corpses of fallen horses towards the German trenches) and ominous calm (a short journey in the back of a truck crammed with troops).

This is visceral, gut-wrenching film-making that marches us into battle in uncomfortable proximity to the characters, compelling us to hold our breaths for long stretches of the two hours.

Lance Corporal Tom Blake (Chapman) and Lance Corporal William Schofield (MacKay) begin April 6, 1917, in peaceful slumber against a tree as thunder rumbles in the distance.

The men are roused to receive orders from General Erinmore (Colin Firth), who must prevent Colonel Mackenzie (Benedict Cumberbatch) from leading the second Devons into a trap set by the Germans.

'We would lose two battalions - 1,600 men - your brother among them,' Mackenzie sombrely informs Blake.

The Germans have severed all telephone lines so the only way to warn the second Devons is to dispatch Blake and Schofield on foot into enemy territory to reach Mackenzie before dawn, when the fateful order will be given to attack the line.

1917 unfolds in real-time, pushing actors to the physical limit as we plunge headfirst through the emotional wringer with them, experiencing similar dizzying gut-punches as tragedy stalks their odyssey.

Thomas Newman's orchestral score possesses the urgency of a ticking pocket watch, underscoring Mendes's directorial brio and devastating performances from Chapman and MacKay.

Fleeting cameos from the likes of Andrew Scott, Mark Strong and Richard Madden don't distract from an intimate tale of valour and brotherhood under fire that sears into the memory.
Elvis loving Swords local Maurice Colgan has finally put on his 'Blue Suede Shoes' and unveiled his Elvis Presley Story Museum to the town, and he's 'All Shook Up' over the reaction he's had so far.

Maurice, from Mooretown, opened his shrine to the public in December and the Rock 'N' Roll people of Swords are already arriving in their droves.

A lifelong fan of The King, 67-year-old Maurice has been collecting rare Elvis memorabilia since the age of fifteen, which has now all but consumed his small Swords home.

Such is the popularity of Maurice's Elvis museum that he's had to ask visitors to 'Return To Sender', as there simply isn't enough room to meet demand.

Speaking last week to the Fingal Independent, an exhausted Maurice explained how the museum is faring so far.

He says: 'Where I live, it's a fairly small house, and the living room is totally covered in Elvis memorabilia.

'We'd been brought up on Sinatra and Bing Crosby and all the old crooners from all the old Hollywood films. The only really exciting one for me at the time was Frankie Laine and Johnny Ray, and Elvis was compared with them two when he first started, but of course he was far better than any of them.

'They (the fans) find out about it through the newspapers, like The Fingal Independent, The Irish Times and on the internet, because I'm on Facebook and I tell the story there. I'm also on Twitter and I tell the story there too and I'm also on Elvis forums.'

Since the collection was first featured in the Fingal Independent, Maurice has received extensive media coverage for his Elvis museum, with The Irish Times, The Daily Mail and RTE1 TV Cork all carrying stories of Swords' latest tourist attraction.Maurice is now hoping to find someone to finance a permanent residence in Swords, where fans in the town can appreciate the full extent of his collection. Like his idol, his ambitions are set high: 'The Daily Mail mentioned Harry Crosbie the businessman, he's a big Elvis fan and multi-millionaire and he'd probably have spaces. People like that or even Bono, who might sort of finance a small place, then I heard from the Irish Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame in Dublin and they're interested in maybe a couple of items.'

Maurice says he's not receiving any funding for the museum, which he says is costing him 'a fortune' to run. Despite this, he says, entry to the museum is completely free, with just a suggested contribution to cover insurance costs.

Asked on his plans for the future, Maurice says his target now is to find a permanent home for the Elvis Presley Story Museum, if only to allow him to navigate through his living room. He's quite happy, he says, to see out his days in Mooretown, even if he's left with just some of his collection when the museum relocates.
BRUSSELS (AP)  France made it clear Friday that it does not want to be shackled to the tight deadline British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is seeking to impose for the upcoming free trade talks between Britain and the European Union.

Johnson has said discussions about the future must be completed by the end of 2020 and that there is ample time to agree a wide-ranging deal.

France's EU minister was skeptical and said it could take three times longer.

Amelie de Montchalin said EU member states would bide their time even if that risks causing a chaotic no-deal transition at the end of the year.

If Boris Johnson says it must end in 11 months from now and we need 15, 24 or 36 months, the 27 will take their time, she said.

It has already taken the U.K. more than 3 1/2 years to leave the EU following its June 2016 Brexit referendum.

Britain is scheduled to leave the EU on Jan. 31 at which point it enters a standstill period whereby it remains within the European single market and customs union until the end of 2020. After Brexit day, official discussions are set to begin on the future relationship between Britain and the EU - since the Brexit vote in June 2016, discussions have only centered on aspects related to the divorce such as citizens' rights and Britain's financial liability.

Forging a comprehensive free trade agreement between the EU and a third country usually talks years, not months, and Johnson's timeline is viewed as unrealistic across the bloc.

The European Commission has said it might be possible to tackle some selected items in 2020, such as fishing rights, but that comprehensive discussions from trade to security would need longer.

French President Emmanuel Macron said earlier this week that in light of Johnson's insistence that negotiations on the future have to be over by the year's end, Britain will need to show flexibility in line with that ambitious schedule."

EU officials have also warned that negotiations will be made harder by the British government's insistence that it won't agree to keep EU rules and standards as they develop. Johnson has said he wants Britain to be free to diverge from EU regulations in order to strike new trade deals around the world. The EU has responded by pointing out that good access to the bloc's single market, the world's biggest, only comes if Britain agrees to maintain a level playing field on such issues as environmental standards and workers rights.

Story continues

If there is no deal when the U.K. transition deadline ends at the start of 2021, then Britain would leave the EU's economic arrangements with no deal, a development that would see tariffs and other impediments slapped on trade and potentially sink the British economy into recession.

Britain and the EU will have to strike deals on everything from trade in goods and services to fishing, aviation, medicines and security. The EU has said both sides would suffer  but that Britain would suffer more given the relative importance of the EU economy to the size of the British economy.

It is a major arm twisting game, de Montchalin said.

Without doubt, the most difficult issue during the Brexit divorce discussions was how to maintain a free and open border between EU member Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the EU. That issue was complicated further by the fact there had been no functioning devolved administration in Northern Ireland for three years.

However, t he looming Brexit date appears to have given new urgency to attempts to restore the Northern Ireland Assembly and executives. Political parties there were considering Friday a draft deal from the British and Irish governments to revive the Northern Ireland Assembly and executive.

The two governments urged the main pro-British and Irish nationalist parties to accept the deal. Northern Ireland's 1.8 million people have been without a functioning administration since the power-sharing government collapsed in January 2017.

___

Sylvie Corbet contributed from Paris; Lawless reported from London
Alan Dershowitz

Reuters/Andrew Innerarity

President Donald Trump has put the final touches on his legal defense team before oral arguments in his Senate impeachment trial kick off on Tuesday.

Trump's defense will include the attorneys Alan Dershowitz, Ken Starr, and Robert Ray. Starr and Ray both investigated President Bill Clinton during his impeachment in the 1990s.

The team will be led by White House counsel Pat Cipollone and Trump's personal defense attorney, Jay Sekulow. It also includes former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi.

Dershowitz later seemed to distance himself from claims, most of which he himself made, that he would be a full-time member of the defense team, telling Mediaite, "I will be there for one hour, basically, presenting my argument. But I'm not a full-fledged member of the defense team in any realistic sense of that term."

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President Donald Trump has put together his legal defense team before oral arguments in his Senate impeachment trial kick off on Tuesday.

The upper chamber officially opened its trial on Thursday and senators were sworn in even as new evidence against the president continued spilling out into the public. On Friday, the White House released a full list of the defense team, which again asserted that "President Trump has done nothing wrong."

Here's who's representing Trump:

Alan Dershowitz , a Harvard emeritus law professor and constitutional and criminal law scholar. Dershowitz has consistently defended Trump in appearances on Fox News throughout his presidency. He confirmed his involvement in the impeachment trial Friday, tweeting that he was "participating in this impeachment trial to defend the integrity of the Constitution and to prevent the creation of a dangerous constitutional precedent." Dershowitz said the crux of his argument against removing Trump from office is that abuse of power and obstruction of Congress  the two charges against the president  do not constitute "high crimes" and therefore do not warrant impeachment. Dershowitz has represented controversial figures in the past. He represented OJ Simpson in the 1990s, and he also defended the billionaire and sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein. Last year, Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's accusers sued Dershowitz alleging that she was forced to have sex with him when she was underage and recruited to work in Epstein's sex trafficking ring (Dershowitz has repeatedly denied the allegation). The judge in the lawsuit he's defending from Giuffre ordered him to submit an extensive response to the allegations by February 7. Dershowitz later seemed to distance himself from claims  most of which he himself made  that he would be a full-time member of the defense team. "I think it overstates it to say I'm a member of the Trump team. I was asked to present the constitutional argument that I would have presented had Hillary Clinton been elected and had she been impeached," Dershowitz told Mediaite. "I was asked to present my constitutional argument against impeachment," he continued. "I will be there for one hour, basically, presenting my argument. But I'm not a full-fledged member of the defense team in any realistic sense of that term."

Ken Starr , who served as independent counsel in the Whitewater investigation during Bill Clinton's presidency. Starr wrote the so-called Starr Report in 1998 that led to Clinton's impeachment. The document listed 11 possible impeachable offenses, including abuse of power, perjury, witness tampering, and obstruction of justice. Starr has been accused of going on a fishing expedition during the investigation, which began as a probe of the Clinton family's real-estate dealings and expanded to include lurid details of the president's sex life. He also drew some criticism for explicitly detailing the sexual encounters Clinton had with Monica Lewinsky, who at the time was a young White House intern. Lewinsky has said the negative publicity and bullying she endured during and after Clinton's impeachment made her feel like a "poster child for public humiliation."

Robert Ray , who succeeded Starr as independent counsel during the Whitewater investigation. Ray issued the final reports in the investigation, as well as the White House travel office controversy and the White House FBI files controversy. Ray also investigated Mike Espy, who served as Secretary of Agriculture under Clinton. Before that, he was an assistant US attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Pat Cipollone , who is Trump's current White House counsel and will be leading the president's defense in the impeachment trial.

Jay Sekulow , Trump's longtime personal defense attorney who also represented him in the former special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 US election.

Pam Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida.

Trump's main defense attorney, Rudy Giuliani, also lobbied hard to get on the president's impeachment defense team but was denied the role.

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Extinction Rebellion protest disrupts Brussels Motor Show



Brussels, Jan 18 (AFP) Jan 18, 2020



Police in Brussels said they arrested around 150 people at the Brussels Motor Show on Saturday after Extinction Rebellion campaigners smeared cars with fake blood and staged die-ins around the displays.

The activists would be released once they had given their identity, a police spokesman told AFP.

In a statement, the group's Belgium wing said it had called the protest "to correct the deceitful image the car industry portrays of itself.

"This action of mass civil disobedience aims at denouncing the many lies which car manufacturers keep selling to the public to increase their sales at the cost of the environment, people's health and social justice," the statement added.

Some of the activists unfurled a banner reading "Stop CO2 emissions" at the main entry of the show, while others carried out protests at selected stands inside.

A few chained themselves to the steering wheel of cars on display or sprayed them with blood-coloured paint.

One group staged a protest at the stand occupied by oil giant Shell, holding placards reading "Shell Kills", while others wore masks made out of the company's logo or handed out leaflets.

Although the group followed its usual practice of spreading different actions at targeted locations, police officers managed to intercept and arrest some of the activists before they could enter.

An Extinction Rebellion spokesman, who identified herself only as Sarah, told AFP: "We call it 'the Salon of Lies' because we absolutely don't believe the automobile industry can bring solutions to this ecological and climate crisis.

"It has already lied in the past, is still lying and will continue to lie to us if we don't stop it," she added, calling for a new model of transport that respected the ecological and social good.

bur-csg/jj/dl
A 'downright creepy' stalker who launched a campaign of harassment against a Queensland model claimed his mother pretended he had cancer as a child.

Mackay swimwear model Anna Malahoff was bombarded with messages on social media and even requests to see pictures in her wedding dress.

Adam Christopher Woods pleaded guilty to stalking at Mackay Magistrates Court, according to the Daily Mercury.

His lawyer told the court his mother, a nurse, fabricated a story to get money when he was a child where she pretended he had leukaemia.

Model Anna Malahoff (pictured) was bombarded with messages on social media in a 'traumatic' campaign of harassment

Woods, 35, sent dozens of messages to Ms Malahoff over a four year period, and even posed as her boyfriend.

In one frightening incident, he claimed to know where her mother lived.

The court heard he had a 'severely abnormal childhood' which affected how he perceived his relationships.

Woods blamed his actions on an 'inability' to deal with his feelings.

His barrister Matt Heelan told the court: 'His mother would frequently pull him out of school for doctor appointments, but instead would take him to the shop next to the doctor's office and buy her son a toy.

Adam Christopher Woods (pictured) pleaded guilty to stalking and was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and was given a five-year restraining order

'This went on for years and years; he barely went to school and to this day struggles to read and write.

'It was only when he went to the emergency room for an X-ray at 20 years-old, that Woods was told by doctors he had never had leukaemia.'

He claimed Woods was unable to cope when Ms Malahoff became engaged to another man.

Magistrate Damien Dwyer said the 'downright creepy' actions were 'traumatic' for his victim.

Woods was sentenced to six months imprisonment, wholly suspended for two years, and a five-year restraining order.
By Daniel McConnell and Juno McEnroe

Controversial Fianna Fail plans to allow the evidence of a Garda Superintendent to help convict someone of gangland offences have been sharply criticised.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan have slapped down the plans proposed by Fianna Fail's Justice spokesman Jim O'Callaghan.

Mr O'Callaghan said the evidence of a Chief Superintendent should be regarded as admissible. This, he said, would overcome the issue of witnesses being too frightened to give evidence in these cases. he believes the constitution is flexible to allow for this legislation but a referendum could also be held if it was required.

Mr Varadkar and Mr Charlie Flanagan rejected calls for garda opinions to be allowed to help prosecute criminals.The Taoiseach said:

They [gardai] say to me that they have adequate laws. We don't need a new law against murder or new law against drug dealing or a new law against directing a criminal organization because those things are already against the law.

Mr Flanagan went further and called the Fianna Fail proposals ill-thought out. While agreeing he may examine them, he added: If it's constitutional, we can have a look at it. But this isn't the first time these questions have been asked.

Meanwhile, Sinn Fain has departed from its policy to abolish the Special Criminal Court and now says the non-jury court should instead be put under review.

Party leader Mary Lou McDonald said the court was "not unproblematic" but said it would put its existence under review, rather than outright abolish it, if in government.
Newsnight star Emily Maitlis could never be accused of lacking chutzpah.

After her interview with Prince Andrew forced him to step back from public duties, Maitlis is apparently now trying to lure his former wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, on to TV.

Newsnight star Emily Maitlis could never be accused of lacking chutzpah. After her interview with Prince Andrew forced him to step back from public duties, Maitlis is apparently now trying to lure his former wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, on to TV

Pictured is Emily Maitliss interviewing Prince Andrew on Newsnight

I hear that Samantha McAlister, the same Newsnight producer who organised Maitliss interview with Andrew, contacted Fergies spokesman James Henderson this week in an attempt to persuade her to agree to the chat.

Henderson confirms McAlisters overtures, but declines to comment. Fergie is often accused of lacking judgment, but on this occasion she gave a polite but firm no.

Comic John Cleese has been married four times and all his wives look like blonde plastic dolls  thats the rather unkind opinion of fellow Python Terry Gilliam.

The pair first met when Cleeses university theatrical club, the Cambridge Footlights, visited Gilliams native America.

I got John to appear in a photo story in the magazine I was editing, Gilliam says. It was about a man who falls in love with his daughters Barbie doll and I got John to play the man.

The odd thing is, I think it had such an effect on him.

All of his subsequent wives looked like Barbie dolls.

Comic John Cleese has been married four times and all his wives look like blonde plastic dolls  thats the rather unkind opinion of fellow Python Terry Gilliam

They are both American divorcees who quit Britain after marrying into the Royal Family. But how far do the comparisons go between the Duchess of Sussex and the Duchess of Windsor?

Very far, according to publishing giant HarperCollins, which has brought forward by six weeks the U.S. publication of Anna Pasternaks biography of Wallis Simpson, who caused the 1936 Abdication crisis.

And the title has been changed from Untitled: The Real Wallis Simpson to The American Duchess.

This semi-abdication of Meghan and Harry is an echo of the Windsors, Pasternak tells me. But Meghan appears to be showing less respect and deference for the monarchy. The crucial difference is that Meghan wants Harry out, while Wallis wanted Edward to stay in.

How far do the comparisons go between the Duchess of Sussex and the Duchess of Windsor?

The late Earl of Snowdons life took many twists and turns, but even the celebrated photographer would have struggled to compete with his former confidante Marjorie Wallace, who has just become engaged at the age of 77.

I can reveal that the broadcaster and charity campaigner is to marry television shopping tycoon and ardent Brexiteer John Mills, 81, who donated millions to the Labour Party.

At our stage in life so many people are having memorial services and funerals, so we thought wed buck the trend, Marjorie tells me. My previous marriage was a register office affair and Id like a nice white wedding in a church.

Marjories first husband was psychoanalyst Count Andrzej Skarbek, while Johns wife, the former Director of Public Prosecutions Dame Barbara Mills, died in 2011.

Boris Johnsons father Stanley is among the guests expected at their engagement party tonight, when the couple will sing a version of the folk song Oh No John with personalised lyrics by Esther Rantzen.
On Friday night I headed for the Ballymascanlon Hotel to sample the best of the post-Christmas glitz and glamour, yes it was the Dundalk Grammar School Graduation Ball and the place was packed with young adults ready for an exceptional night.

I wasn't too long in when I met up with Ashley Myers from Hong Kong with Rory Nulty from Cavan and Elisa Olivares originally from Espania but now hanging her laptop in Castleross who were all looking extremely well and assured me they going to have a marvellous time. Yes, I did make the cab home joke to Ashley who seemed suitably unimpressed.

Rigid about their principles of making it 'their big night' were the lads on the BNO who weren't going to let the ladies distract them from an insane evening were Ben McQuaile from Demesne Road, Shane Bruton from Castleblaney, Finn Halpenny from Dromiskin and Eoin Rogers from Blackrock who were looking sharp and had an action packed evening planned.

After this I had the pleasure of meeting up with Andrea Stewart from St. Alphonsus Road, Onyi John-Emezi from St. Marys Road and Destiny Ajayi from Bay Estate who were looking stunning and let it slip it just could possibly have been a wild'n'crazy night.

Not too far away I then caught up with teacher Gillian Johnston from Termonfeckon who was with husband Mark and Marie and Damian Brady from Tenure, all of whom are parents of kids in the school and told me they were looking forward to a lovely evening with everyone there.

Making my way through the crowds I then had the pleasure of meeting up with Ruth Campbell and Laura McNally both from Monasterboice who were looking exceptionally well and said they were with Darren Malone from Dunleer and Eoin Brooks from Julianstown who were off amusing themselves somewhere, leaving the ladies to chat and have a laugh with all their friends.

One man who was certainly looking sharp on the night was Leo Mullen from Avenue Road who was with the lovely Clodagh Vaughan from Dromiskin who assured me they were there to party with all the party revellers.

Not too long later I got a quick word with Oisin Cairns from Kilkerley who was lucky enough to bring Hannah Turnbull from Knockbridge who was looking Rather well in her green dress and they agreed that the night certainly had potential.

After this I managed a few words with Evin McConnon and Tim Curran both from Drogheda who were with Louise Clarke from Monasterboice and Victoria Gilmore from Baileboro, Alison Bailey from Drogheda who had brought Joe Burns from Monasterboice who weren't too long in and trying to find all their mates to get the night going.

Next, I got a quick word with Darragh McCoy from Ardee who told me he was with Clara McArdle from Ardee, but as to who had brought whom, was a bit of a guessing games seeing that they are both in the same year!

One man who was on his best behaviour was Colm Bellew from Headford who was looking well in his blue suit and he told me he was delighted to have been brought by the lovely Annie Woods from Julianstown and said he was sure it was going to be a totally insane night.

After this I had the pleasure of talking to Loko Ashbire from Muirhevnamor who told me she was with Ollie Cowling from Dromiskin and Loko was having a laugh with Abby Murphy from Castletown Road who was with Alex Dergach from Tallanstown and they were definitely there to make the very best of the evening.

Not too far away I met up with Fionn O'Brien from Blackrock who was with Chloe Ticehurst from Ravensdale in a fantastic red dress who are in the same year and were there together for the ball.

Finally, before I departed, I met Orla West from Carlingford and Paddy Mulroy from Dunleer who were there as friends and not as a couple as I assumed, they were looking well and ready to have a great night together.
The Democratic National Committee on Friday announced its criteria for the first debate to be held after voting begins in the 2020 presidential campaign, including a new pathway to the stage based off delegate pledges.

As they have before, qualifiers will need to meet polling and grassroots funding thresholds to participate in the Feb. 7 debate in Manchester, New Hampshire. But new for next month is a pathway centered around delegates: Based off the results of the lead-off Iowa caucuses, any candidate awarded at least one pledged delegate to the Democratic National Convention, as calculated by the Democratic Party, will be able to participate.

Party officials are relying on the same polling and grassroots thresholds as for the January debate in Des Moines, Iowa: either receiving 5% in at least four national or early-state surveys approved by the party, or receiving 7% in two polls in early voting states. But for these calculations, only polls from New Hampshire, Nevada or South Carolina will be used, with the party saying it would rely on caucus results instead of polls to reflect a candidate's standing in Iowa.

Polls must be released from Dec. 13 to Feb. 6, the day before the debate.

In terms of fundraising, candidates must receive donations from at least 225,000 unique donors, with a minimum of 1,000 donors per state in at least 20 states.

Up until this round, the eighth of the Democratic campaign, party officials had steadily increased polling and fundraising thresholds, standards that had been scrutinized by candidates and party activists, as DNC Chairman Tom Perez has juggled the tasks of keeping a

The field of six candidates

All six onstage in Des Moines appear to have met the polling and grassroots thresholds for next month's debate. Businessman Andrew Yang, who failed to qualify for Des Moines, has met some but not all of next month's requirements.

ABC News, ABC's New Hampshire affiliate WMUR-TV and Apple News are co-hosting the debate at Saint Anselm College on Feb. 7, four days after the Iowa caucuses and four days before New Hampshire's votes are cast. Later debates will follow in Las Vegas on Feb. 19, and in Charleston, South Carolina, on Feb. 25.
Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings

18.01.2020 LISTEN

One person who has been at the forefront of promoting local textiles and fabrics is former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings.

There is never a single day that you wouldn't find something new in terms of local clothing on her.

She has explained why it is very unusual to see her wearing foreign designer clothes.

According to her, it is her personal decision to keep wearing local fabrics to, among other objectives, promote the local textile industry.

She made the revelation in an acceptance speech after receiving an honorary award at the 2019 Fashion Connect Africa event, which was held on December 30, 2019 at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel as part of events under the 'Year of Return' programme.

Thank you very much for this award. I just like to say that sometimes when you want to start a project, you dont know the end results until you get there. When I started wearing my local fabrics, GTP was almost a collapsed industry and I took a decision to keep wearing just local fabrics, she said after she was presented with the award at the event.

She also recalled how her decision to wear local fabrics went a long way to influence other African first ladies to patronise African fabrics.

So, we went to a conference in Egypt and all the first ladies were wearing their designer clothes and so on. And I came in my very nice (local) fabric and some were making negative passes at me, others were like I was looking nice, maybe they should also start wearing it. I said thank you and yes they should all start wearing it. And they said they will think about it. By the time my husband was leaving office in 2000, the whole of Africa was wearing local fabrics, I mean the first ladies, she disclosed.

Indeed, some love to wear fashionable clothes. Others make them, and one of such people who set fashion trends in Ghana is Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. With her impeccable sense of style, she steps up to every occasion with a fashion that does not go unnoticed. Her beautiful Kente outfits and fabrics with her usual headgear have no doubt become symbol to many in Africa and beyond.

It was due to some of these reasons she was celebrated at the Fashion Connect Africa event, which was aimed at bridging the gap between the global fashion industry and the indigenous African fashion industry.

The event brought a never-seen-before style and innovation to the African fashion runway and also showcased amazing collections from some of Africa's best designers like Chocolate Clothing, Duaba Serwaa, David Tlale and a host of others.

---Daily Guide
The UN High Commissioner of Refugees (UNHCR) said on Friday that about 150,000 civilians have been displaced because of the armed conflict in and around Libya's capital Tripoli.

"Since the onset of clashes in April 2019, some 150,000 civilians have been displaced from their homes. UNHCR continues to provide assistance for internally displaced persons across Libya," UNHCR said.

The UN relief agency said it had delivered core relief items, shelter kits and cash grants to thousands of displaced civilians and returnees in Libya.

More than 3,000 refugees and immigrants are being held in detention centers in Libya despite international calls for closing those centers, according to UNHCR.

The east-based army has been leading a military campaign since early April of 2019 in and around Tripoli, attempting to take over the city and topple the rival UN-backed government.

Because of the insecurity and chaos in the country since the 2011 uprising that toppled the late leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime, Libya is a preferred point of departure for illegal immigrants wanting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 17, 2020 / Mota Ventures Corp. (MOTA.CN)(FSE:1WZ:GR)(OTC PINK:PEMTF) (the "Company") announces that it has completed the acquisition (the "Transaction") of the online distributor First Class CBD, pursuant to the terms of a business combination agreement (the "Definitive Agreement") entered into with Unified Funding, LLC ("Unified"), and dated effective January 17, 2020. Unified is an arms'-length party which currently operates First Class CBD through its wholly-owned subsidiary, First Class USA, LLC ("First Class").

Based in Wyoming, First Class offers a CBD hemp-oil formula intended to provide users with the therapeutic benefits that hemp may offer. The hemp oil used in the product is derived from hemp grown and cultivated in the United States. The extraction process is designed to maintain all of the beneficial qualities that hemp may offer. First Class offers a range of products, which include CBD oil drops, CBD gummies, CBD pain relief cream and CBD skin serum.

First Class runs a successful direct to consumer online retail business in the United States. With a profit margin of approximately 14.0%, Unified generated net income of approximately US$2,700,000 from the operations of First Class in 2019. The Company cautions that figures for profit margin and income generated from the operations of First Class have not been audited and are based on calculations prepared by management of Unified. Actual results may differ from those reported in this release once these figures have been audited.

For more information on First Class, readers are encouraged to review their website, www.firstclasscbd.com.

Joel Shacker, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, commented "The acquisition of First Class is a milestone for the Company, and aligns with our goal of becoming a vertically integrated CBD brand. The revenue they generated in 2019 positions us to compete with the largest cannabis companies in the world, and the infrastructure they have in place is a key building block our organization can use to expand further in the US and Europe."

Story continues

Total consideration for the Transaction is US$32,000,000, of which US$1,500,000 was paid upon completion of the Transaction, US$1,500,000 is due and owing within six months, and the balance will be satisfied through the issuance of 47,125,000 common shares of the Company at an effective price of C$0.80 per share. Unified will also be paid a bonus of US$5,000,000 in shares at each level, if First Class reports gross revenues of $42,000,000, $52,000,000 and $62,000,000 in 2020. Share consideration to Unified will be subject to a thirty-six month pooling agreement, as well as a clawback right which allows Mota to retrieve a portion of the consideration paid to Unified if certain revenue levels are not met in 2020, as further described below.

Transaction Details

Total consideration for the Transaction is US$32,000,000 (the "Purchase Price"), of which US$1,500,000 was paid upon completion of the Transaction, US$1,500,000 is due and owing within six months, and the balance will be satisfied through the issuance of 47,125,000 common shares of the Company (the "Exchangeable Shares") at an effective price of C$0.80 per share. Pursuant to the terms of the Definitive Agreement, the Company acquired all of the voting share capital of First Class. Following completion of the Transaction, Unified will retain the non-voting share capital, which can be exchanged for the Exchangeable Shares at the discretion of Unified. Unified is not permitted to trigger the issuance of any Exchangeable Shares which would result in them holding more than 9.9% of the issued and outstanding common share capital of the Company.

The Exchangeable Shares are subject to the terms of a thirty-six month time-release pooling arrangement (the "Pooling Arrangement") during which time they may not be transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise traded by Unified. The Exchangeable Shares will be released from the Pooling Arrangement in tranches, of which ten percent will be immediately released, with the balance released in six equal tranches of fifteen percent. In addition to the Pooling Arrangement, in the event the Company contributes US$2,000,000 in working capital to further develop the operations of First Class within sixty days of completion of the Transaction, the Exchangeable Shares will be subject to a claw-back arrangement in which the total number of shares will be reduced in the event revenue generated by First Class in the 2020 calendar year does not exceed US$28,000,000.

In addition to the Purchase Price, Unified will also be entitled to a one-time bonus payment (the "Bonus Payment") based on the revenue and profitability of First Class in the 2020 calendar year. The Bonus Payment will be: (i) US$5,000,000, in the event gross revenue exceeds US$42,000,000 with a profit margin of at least ten percent; (ii) US$10,000,000, in the event gross revenue exceeds US$52,000,000 with a profit margin of at least ten percent; or (iii) US$15,000,000, in the event gross revenue exceeds US$62,000,000. The Bonus Payment will be payable in common shares of the Company (the "Bonus Shares") based on an exchange rate of US$1.00 to C$1.30 and the greater of: (i) C$0.80; and (ii) the volume-weighted average closing price of the common shares of the Company on the Canadian Securities Exchange in the ten trading days prior to the last trading day of 2020. Any Bonus Shares issuable by the Company will be subject to the terms of the Pooling Arrangement, with applicable release dates calculated from the date of issuance of the Bonus Shares.

In connection with completion of the Transaction, the Company issued 5,200,000 common shares (the "Finders Fee Shares") to certain arms'-length third-parties who assisted in introducing the parties to the Transaction and facilitating its completion. The Company also issued a further 520,000 common shares (the "Administration Fee Shares") to a third-party for successfully administering the Transaction. The Finders Fee Shares, and the Administration Fee Shares, are subject to a four-month-and-one-day statutory hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws. In addition, the Finders Fee Shares are subject to the terms of the Pooling Arrangement.

Following completion of the Transaction, Unified will continue to assist with the management of operations of First Class, and will be entitled to the reimbursement of operational expenses along with a service charge of twenty percent. The Transaction has not resulted in a reverse takeover or fundamental change for the Company under the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange, nor has it resulted in the creation of any new insider or control person of the Company. No changes to the board of directors, or management, of the Company resulted from completion of the Transaction.

About Mota Ventures Corp.

Mota Ventures is seeking to become a vertically integrated global CBD brand. Its plan is to cultivate and extract CBD into high-quality value-added products from its Latin American operations and distribute it both domestically and internationally. Its existing operations in Colombia consist of a 2.5-hectare site that has optimal year-round growing conditions and access to all necessary infrastructure. Mota Ventures is also seeking to acquire revenue-producing CBD brands and operations in both Europe and North America, with the goal of establishing an international distribution network for CBD products. Low cost production, coupled with international, direct to customer sales channels will provide the foundation for the success of Mota Ventures.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MOTA VENTURES CORP.

Joel Shacker

Chief Executive Officer

For further information, readers are encouraged to contact Joel Shacker, Chief Executive Officer at +604.423.4733 or by email at IR@motaventuresco.com or www.motaventuresco.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 press release, which has been prepared by management.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statement

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including with respect to the performance of the business of First Class and the entitlement to any Bonus Payment, the international distribution of CBD products and the creation or acquisition of CBD brands. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited those identified and reported in the Company's public filings under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has 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 as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.

The securities being offered have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or the securities laws of any state of the United States of America, its territories and possessions or the District of Columbia (the "United States") and may not be offered or sold in the United States unless exemptions from the registration requirement of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws are available. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state of the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

SOURCE: Mota Ventures Corp.





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/573420/Mota-Ventures-Completes-Acquisition-of-Profitable-CBD-Retailer-First-Class-CBD




I believe that Dr. Harless has truly positioned himself as one of the most well-respected doctors in our area, Hartsville business owner Jennifer Evans wrote in her nomination of Harless. People continuously talk about how wonderful he is as both a person, and a doctor, so much so that people of all ages are patients of his; everyone from children to adults. My entire family of five sees him, and he literally goes above and beyond to see that every one of our medical concerns is addressed, no matter what.

Evans wrote that Harless has a genuine and continuous interest in the well-being of our town and the people that live here. He continuously goes over and above to serve his patients, partners and his practice. He operates his business so well that people literally line up to be one of his patients.

Kelly concluded her remarks by saying, I would like to thank (Harless) for loving our children and caring for them like your own, for always doing your best to work-in any patient  If you can be here in 20 minutes, I can make it work!  and mostly for being a man of integrity and heart that makes our community a better place.

The meeting was Kellys first as chamber board chair. She will serve in the position throughout 2020.

During the meeting, Kelly reviewed the chambers accomplishments over 2019 and looked forward to what is ahead in the new year.
In this article:

Pete Souzas latest Instagram post is a real peach.

The Obama era White House photographer on Friday mocked President Donald Trump over his impeachment by posting an old image of then-President Barack Obama eating a peach.

POTUS with a peach as opposed to an impeached POTUS, Souza captioned the 2009 snap of Obama inside a Kroger supermarket in Bristol, Virginia.

Souza often uses his Instagram account to give his 2.1 million followers a glimpse at what life was like during Obamas presidency  and throw shade at the incumbent president.

Continue reading on HuffPost
With this announcement, Thomson TV-India has set a target of selling half a million units by the year 2021.

Thomson TV will be the first television player in the country to make the official Android software for its TVs in India. The company has recently acquired its license from Google.

In May 2019, Thomson entered the premium TVs segment by launching its range of Official Android TVs, first to be entirely made in India. Now, these will be supported by its Android software, which will be made in-house by the company. No other television player in India has ever acquired the license to make Googles Android software for its TVs.

This development further strengthens Thomsons backward integration capacity.

With this announcement, Thomson TV-India has set a target of selling half a million units by the year 2021.

Thomson entered India in 2018 and in less than a year the company became one of the most affordable television brands, without any compromise on quality. The company entered the premium TV segment with the launch of the first ever made in India Official Android TV range. Currently, Thomsons TVs are one of the highest rated and is amongst the top 3 online selling TVs in the country.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.
The grieving parents of a school girl murdered by her ex-boyfriend after she dumped him have slammed soft sentences for young killers, as it is revealed he could be released from jail before he is 30.

Carole and Matt Gould said they do not believe they have been given 'justice', adding the killer should 'never be released' as he is a 'danger to society'.

A court heard how Thomas Griffiths, 18, stabbed Ellie Gould repeatedly in the neck in a 'frenzied attack' in her own home in Calne, Wiltshire, after she ended their short relationship.

Ellie Gould (pictured left) was stabbed to death by her ex-boyfriend at her home in May. Her mother Carole (pictured right) and father, Matt, have slammed soft sentences for young killers

Griffiths was jailed for life at Bristol Crown Court and told he would serve a minimum sentence of twelve and a half years.

Ellie's parents told the Sun Online: 'Twelve and a half years for murder - that's the value our criminal justice system puts on a young girl's life.

'We don't believe we have been given justice for the brutal murder of our daughter in our own home, while she was sat revising for exams.

'The motive of the offender - he couldn't take rejection. He is a dangerous, violent, controlling individual who should never be released from prison as he is a danger to society and particularly women.'

Her parents had appealed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Attorney General to increase the teenager's jail term after he was sentenced last month.

They had said it was too lenient given the violence and ferocity involved in her death last May. Ellie was stabbed at least 13 times in the neck with a kitchen knife.

But her parents from Calne, Wiltshire, were told the case will not be referred to the Court of Appeal.

In a letter last month addressed to Carole, the Attorney General's office said that the jail term did not meet the threshold for undue leniency.

Thomas Griffiths, 18, on a bus home before he killed the schoolgirl on May 3. Carole and Matt Gould say they do not believe they have been given 'justice' for their daughter's death

Thomas Griffiths (left) who murdered Ellie Gould last year. He was told he would serve a minimum of 12 and a half years. Right: Carole with a photo of her and Ellie when she was two

It added the country's chief legal adviser, Geoffrey Cox QC, understood how disappointed the parents would be and that it wouldn't be the news they were hoping for.

Carole, 49, previously said: 'We've been completely let down by the judicial system. It feels like there's nothing else that we can do.

'He's committed a crime and he's not getting a fair sentence for it. Nothing makes sense any more.'

'How can he do something so callous and the Attorney General not change the sentence?

'In the original statement the CPS put out, they called the crime premeditated. Why does the sentence not reflect that?'

Ellie Gould's Essay: 'Should children who commit murder be held criminally responsible for their actions?' 'Children should be held criminally responsible as each person has the ability to act in a way which they believe is to be right or wrong. 'Children have this ability and they have the understanding that murdering a person is one of the most detrimental and heartless things a person can do. 'They are a danger to society.' 'They should [also] be held criminally responsible for their actions to give [James Bulger's] family the closure that they needed.' 'They were ordinary people who didn't deserve to go through all of that pain and suffering. 'Many people who commit crimes from a young age have natural desires to make bad choices and are not willing to change. '[Children] should be held criminally responsible to keep society safe to ensure that they cannot commit similar acts that could be detrimental to themselves or others.' Advertisement

Griffiths was jailed by Mr Justice Garnham in November after being convicted of Ellie's murder.

During his trial the jury heard that he went to her family home in Wiltshire and stabbed her in the neck multiple times, after she had ended their short-lived relationship.

The 18-year-old then placed her hand on the knife he had used in a bid to make her death look like suicide.

He was caught soon after despite trying to cover his tracks further by sending fake messages before being sent down for her murder at Bristol Crown Court.

Ellie's lifeless body was discovered by her dad, Matt, 52, - who described the scene as 'the most frightening, horrific and saddest' he had ever seen.

Carole has now released extracts from her daughters essay, written weeks before her death, that stated young people who kill are 'unforgivable'.

The essay, which was part of her Extended Project Qualification college project, was titled: 'Should children who commit murder be held criminally responsible for their actions?'

Ellie, who wanted to join the police, included details in the piece about the James Bulger case before concluding child killers should be held accountable for their actions.

One extract says: 'Children should be held criminally responsible as each person has the ability to act in a way which they believe is to be right or wrong.

'Children have this ability and they have the understanding that murdering a person is one of the most detrimental and heartless things a person can do. They are a danger to society.

'They should [also] be held criminally responsible for their actions to give [James Bulger's] family the closure that they needed.'
A good place to start is with a blog post written in 2012 by an assistant director in the admissions office at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which has never used legacy preferences. I personally would not work for a college which had legacy admission, wrote Chris Peterson, because I am not interested in simply reproducing a multigenerational lineage of educated elite. And if anyone in our office ever advocated for a mediocre applicant on the basis of their excellent pedigree they would be kicked out of the committee room. So to be clear: if you got into M.I.T., its because you got into M.I.T. Simple as that.
[January 17, 2020] Oratory Competition Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as Students Share a Vision for America in 2020

Elementary school students honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today during the final rounds of the Foley & Lardner MLK Jr. Oratory Competitions in Dallas, Houston and Chicago. The students channeled the late civil rights leader's passion and charisma in original speeches about what they think Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision would be for America in 2020. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200117005511/en/ Colin Harris, a fifth-grade student from J.P. Starks Math, Science and Technology Vanguard in Dallas, won first place in the 28th Annual Foley & Lardner MLK Jr. Oratory Competition, held Jan. 17, 2020 at W.H. Adamson High School. Colin relayed Dr. King's vision "to love one another." (Photo Credit: Rex Curry) The oratory competition is held in conjunction with Martin Luther King Jr. Day to encourage people to remember and pay tribute to the late civil rights leader's legacy. Foley established the event to encourage students to learn more about Dr. King and to help cultivate the writing and speaking skills of elementary school students. The competition was created in Dallas in 1993. The event's success led to the establishment of the Houston competition in 1997 and the Chicago competition this year. Winners of each of the competitions are Colin Harris, fifth-grader from J.P. Starks Math, Science and Technology Vanguard in Dallas, Brandon Curbow, fourth-grader from Crespo Elementary in Houston, and Mia Roberts, fourth-grader from Arthur Dixon Elementary in Chicago. Dallas student reminds us to "have compassion for each other, accept each other and coexist with each other in love." Dallas's first-place winner, Colin Harris, began his speech suggesting that Dr. King's Vision for America in 2020 would be for us to "strive to truly become the greatest nation." He went on to suggest that in order to meet that vision, "we would have to listen to one another, have compassion for each other, accept each other and coexist with each other in love." Colin said he believes the best way to honor Dr. King's legacy today is "to commit ourselves to his vision of nonviolence. Violence is not the solution to anything. Violence only breeds more violence." He closed his speech by encouraging the audience to never to stop moving forward until everyone is free, "free from hatre, free from violence, free from injusticefree from inequality."



"The competition in Dallas this year was incredible. The students' enthusiasm and passion for Dr. King's teachings were contagious," said Michael Newman, Foley's Dallas Office Managing Partner. "It is truly rewarding to hear these young orators relay Dr. King's message of respect and equality. Dominic Patermo, a fourth-grade student from Harry C. Withers Elementary, placed second in the Dallas competition, while fifth-grader Jasira King of William Brown Miller Elementary took home third place.

Houston fourth-grader shares vision to "make America safe again" Houston's first-place winner, Brandon Curbow, started his speech by taking the audience through the "longest three minutes" of his life, which was an active shooter drill at his school. He then questioned if this is how Dr. King would want to see the children of today - "taught to huddle in the corner in order to protect themselves." After sharing the range of emotions he felt that day, from scared to anxious, Brandon stated, "we are further from Dr. King's dream than ever." If Dr. King were alive today, "he would have a plan to make America SAFE again!" "This event is designed to honor Dr. King and recognize his continued importance in our country today," said Claude Treece, Foley's Chief Administrative Partner and longtime event chair of the Houston competition. "It's obvious that these students worked hard to study Dr. King and incorporate his ideals and his passion into their speeches." Ayomide Lawrence, a fourth-grade student from Blackshear Elementary, placed second in the Houston competition, while fifth-grader Jenny Teague of Sutton Elementary took home third place. Chicago fourth-grader dares crowd to "keep Dr. King's vision alive with new eyes in 2020" Chicago's first-place winner Mia Roberts broke down Dr. King's vision for 2020 with 10 simple tips for younger generations. "First, we need to start with self-love. If you don't love yourself, how could you possibly love others?" In her list of tips, she reminded the audience to listen, keep an open mind, stay positive and show interest in others. Mia ended her speech by challenging the crowd. "One person stood and changed the whole world. Dr. King stood for righteousness and equality so that all mankind would have a better life. Will you be the person who will love your neighbor as you love yourself?" "We are thrilled to bring this competition to Chicago, a city that played a key role in the civil rights movement," said Frank Pasquesi, the Chicago Office Managing Partner of Foley & Lardner. "These young students today showed great passion, knowledge and hope for the future. In a room where Dr. King himself once made history during his movement, it was empowering to see our next generation of leaders make some of their own history to celebrate Dr. King. The students were incredibly impressive and inspired us all." Malcom Rush, a fifth-grade student from Arthur Dixon Elementary, placed second in the Chicago competition, while fifth-grader Brianna Dawson of Robert Alfred Black Magnet Elementary took home third place. Each of the competitions began with in-school qualifying rounds, followed by semifinals in Dallas and Houston, and the final round of competition in each city on Jan. 17. At all levels of the competition, students were evaluated based on delivery, stage presence and decorum, content interpretation and memorization. During the finals, panels of locally renowned community and business leaders judged the students on their performances. ABOUT FOLEY & LARDNER LLP Foley & Lardner LLP looks beyond the law to focus on the constantly evolving demands facing our clients and their industries. With over 1,100 lawyers in 24 offices across the United States, Mexico, Europe and Asia, Foley approaches client service by first understanding our clients' priorities, objectives and challenges. We work hard to understand our clients' issues and forge long-term relationships with them to help achieve successful outcomes and solve their legal issues through practical business advice and cutting-edge legal insight. Our clients view us as trusted business advisors because we understand that great legal service is only valuable if it is relevant, practical and beneficial to their businesses. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200117005511/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
New Delhi: Actress Kangana Ranaut, who is currently occupied with the forthcoming film 'Panga's promotions, took off some time from her busy schedule to attend a family function in Himachal Pradesh. Pictures of Kangana from the ceremony have gone viral on social media. Kangana's team on Instagram posted that she and her family attended her cousin's engagement.

For the ceremony, Kangana wore a stunning black suit with golden patchwork with maroon dupatta. She accentuated her outfit with gold choker and a small black bindi.

Here she poses with her brother Aksht Ranaut and his fiancee Ritu Sangwan.

Kangana's sister Rangoli Chandel also shared a set of pictures from the ceremony and captioned them as, "Dear friends bless our brother Karan and his new bride Anjali, new member in our family they got engaged today and their families decided for them, arranged marriages are so much fun."

Dear friends bless our brother Karan and his new bride Anjali, new member in our family they got engaged today and their families decided for them, arranged marriages are so much fun pic.twitter.com/wuwHtKbETp  Rangoli Chandel (@Rangoli_A) January 17, 2020

Earlier this week, Kangana inaugurated her new studio Manikarnika Films, where she will work as a producer and a director. Her brother Aksht has also collaborated with Kangana and will look after legal and finance departments.

Tweeting a picture of the inauguration, Rangoli wrote "Today we inaugurated Kangana's studio, Manikarnika Films. Kangana will work as a producer and director and Aksht will look after legal and finance departments. He has studied film production in New York Film Academy."

Today we inaugurated Kanganas studio, Manikarnika films Kangana will work as a producer and director and Aksht will look after legal and finance departments he studied film production in New York film academy pic.twitter.com/HS1XRtMrHM  Rangoli Chandel (@Rangoli_A) January 15, 2020

On the work front, Kangana is currently awaiting the release of her film 'Panga'. She also has 'Thalaivi', a biopic on late politician Jayalalithaa, in her kitty.

'Panga' releases on January 24. It is directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari.
135,000 in various currencies was recovered during the house search

Four men were arrested on Thursday (9th) following an incident in Clonroche in which staff at a commercial premises were threatened by a gang wielding a hand gun.

The four are believed to have links with a biker gang well known to the gardai for alleged involvement in criminal activity around the country.

A spokesperson for the gardai said the incident in Clonroche occurred at around 10 a.m. when three men entered the premises, located on the outskirts of the village, while one man remained in the car.

It's understood the gang were searching for a partiuclar person and that when they pulled up the man they were after ran away across fields at the back of the building.

'Three of the men in the car entered the premises and threw a few things around and broke a window,' the garda spokesperson told this newspaper.

'They left the scene but returned a short time later and took the CCTV equipment,' he added.

'So far no official complaint has been made.'

The matter came to garda attention after a member of the public close to the scene reported it.

The caller to the gardai said one of the gang had a gun in his possession, however, no firearm was recovered during the investigation.

It's believed the gang and their intended victim are all from Dublin and are known to the gardai.

It's understood that after entering the Clonroche premises the gang threatened staff members.

However, no shots were fired and nobody was injured during the incident.

Later that same day Roads Policing Units observed the vehicle suspected of being used in the Clonroche incident, a silver Hyundai, travelling towards Dublin on the M9 motorway.

The car was intercepted a short time later near Naas by members of the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) the four occupants were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearms.

The four arrested are in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, and were detained under Section 30 of the Offences against the State Act, 1939, in garda stations in Wexford and Enniscorthy.

As part of the follow-up investigation detective units from Crumlin and Sundrive Road Garda Stations in Dublin, with assistance from local uniform members, the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, the ERU and the ASU, conducted a search on Friday (10th) and Saturday (11th), at a house in the Windmill Road area of Crumlin, Dublin 12.

During the course of that house search an estimated 135,000 in cash, in various currencies and denominations, was seized in addition to a quantity of cannabis (pending analysis), a van, and two motorcycles.
- Mogotio residents had formed a WhatsApp group meant to raise funds for Idriss Saidi Lutta, a bright young boy who scored 401 marks in the 2019 KCPE exams

- The residents said Atheists in Kenya president Harrison Mumia was added without their knowledge

- Noah Chepkech, one of the members said they would refund the society's contribution as it had ulterior motives

- Lilian Ayabei, they boy's mother had thanked God for the good gesture but upon being informed of the well-wisher's activities, she noted the intent was all that matters not the source

Residents of Mogotio sub-county in Baringo have rejected school fees aid for a needy student from the Atheists in Kenya society.

The residents had formed a WhatsApp group meant to raise funds for Idriss Saidi Lutta, a bright young boy who scored 401 marks in the 2019 KCPE exams at Emining Primary School.

READ ALSO: Nairobi street kids find home under busy Thika Super Highway

Baringo residents rejected school fees aid from the Atheists In Kenya president Harrison Mumia. Photo: Harrison Mumia.

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: I will not quit as deputy president despite humiliation - William Ruto

According to a report by Nairobi News on Friday, January 17, one of the members of the group Noah Chepkech said they ejected the societys president Harrison Mumia from the group and promised to refund his contribution claiming he had ulterior motives.

We formed a WhatsApp group with the sole purpose of assisting this bright, needy pupil who had not reported to school due to lack of fees. We managed to raise more than KSh52, 000 which we sent to the family.We were later surprised to learn through the media an organisation, atheists had also assisted the boy, said Chepkech.

Idriss Lutta has been admitted at Maranda High School courtesy of Atheists in Kenya Society. Mogotio residents said they will refund the organisation's contribution.

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Bilionea Mkenya Chris Kirubi akiri ilimchukua miezi kutambua Mungu ni mwenye nguvu

Chepkech said Mumia had been added to their group without their knowledge.

"We later came to know that Mumia, the president to the organisation had been in the WhatsApp group and we had not been informed earlier who he was. He was also not contributing to any of our conversation only to go and form a parallel contribution for the pupil. If he was of good intentions why did he not contribute in the group we were together yet he was a member?," He posed.

A file photo of Maranda School. Photo: Maranda High School.

Source: Facebook

Lutta has been admitted at Maranda High School after the residents said the atheists who raised KSh 38,000 sent contributions to a teacher in the school secretly after forming a parallel WhatsApp group.

Mumia confirmed he had sent KSh 27,000 for term one fees and additional KSh 8,000 for shopping.

Were not ready to hand over our son to the devil. That organisation had ill intentions because their president was in our group yet he was not contributing to any conversation only to learn through the media that the same guy had assisted the needy pupil through his organisation for our son," Chepkech added.

Another Mogotio resident Amkich Karanja also raised concerns their son may be brainwashed due to the society's generosity.

We also dont know the intentions of the organisation. May be they want to brainwash or recruit him into their beliefs and this may have a big impact on his religious beliefs. We fear these people had a vested interests, he said.

Idriss' mother Lilian Ayabei had thanked God for the good gesture but upon being informed of the well-wisher's activities, she noted the intent was all that matters not the source.

"I am grateful someone has offered to help. I was worried my son's education was coming to an end because I could not afford to pay school fees but now I am grateful to God. As long as they are not devil worshipers, we are grateful they have offered to help us and we accept. The intent is all that matters," she told The Standard.

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.

Babu Owino shoots a DJ at B-Club : Kenyans react | Tuko TV

Source: TUKO.co.ke
Manish Anand By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Despite travel advisories being issued by countries to create a bad perception about India, foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) increased between June to December last year as compared to 2018, said Tourism Minister Prahlad Patel on Friday.



According to data released by the Ministry of Tourism, India saw a spike of FTAs by over 4 per cent last year between June to December. While in 2019, India saw over 63 lakh foreign tourists within six months, it saw around 60 lakh foreign tourists in the corresponding period in 2018.

The highest number of foreign tourists received in the last six months was over 12 lakh in December as compared to 2018s over 11.91 lakh. However, in terms of percentage, the major increase was in November with a 7.8 per cent Octobers 6.1 per cent, followed by 5.4 per cent in June from 2018 to 2019. There was also a 12 per cent increase in foreign exchange in earnings as compared to 2018, according to the data shared by the ministry. The rise from November 2018 to the corresponding year in 2019 was by 19.6 per cent, followed by 16.1 per cent in December, according to the data shared.

According to reports, Singapore, Canada, Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia are among countries which issued travel advisories to citizens to be cautious or avoid tourist trips to specific regions in the country.

There have been nationwide protests since the CAA was passed in Parliament. Before the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, the Ministry of Home Affairs had ordered all tourists and pilgrims to leave the Valley due to security reasons. The advisory was later withdrawn in October.
Supreme Leader: Iran strongly responded to evil European plots regarding JCPOA

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Jan 17, IRNA -- The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei blasted the plots by three European countries namely the evil UK government as well as France and Germany in regards with Iran's nuclear as attempts to overshadow the recent events.

The Leader made the remarks during his first sermon delivered to the Friday Prayers attended by a huge number of people in Imam Khomeini Mosalla (prayers ground) in the capital.

They threatened that they will take Iran's nuclear issue to the United Nations Security Council again but fortunately, the Iranian officials gave them a resolute response, he said.

These are the three countries that helped Saddam Hussein with everything in their power during the imposed war against Iran, he said, noting that the German government provided it with chemical weapons to attack the Iranian cities and fronts the outcomes of which are still evident on the Iranian combatants.

"The French government provided him (Saddam Hussein) with Super Etendard war helicopters to target Iranian oil tankers and the British government was in the service of Saddam Hussein and our enemies," the Leader said.

"Following the US exit from the JCPOA, the three governments started to speak nonsense but I said from the beginning that they are not trustworthy, as they will do nothing and will be at the US service," he said, noting that today after a lapse of one year it was clear that they are the US errand boys.

The three contemptuous European governments expect to bring the Iranian nation to its knees but they are too small to bring the Iranian nation to its knees, he said.

Their negotiations are also intertwined with deception, as the same persons sitting on the negotiating table are the same terrorists operating in Baghdad Airport; they are the same but their clothes are changed, the Leader said.

On the assassination of the IRGC commander Gen. Soleimani, Ayatollah Khamenei went on to stress that "the very incident of this martyrdom itself was one of the cases where the will of the Almighty is revealed because the infamous US government caused a scandal for itself; they killed a person who was the strongest and most powerful commander leading the combat against terrorism. Martyr Soleimani was in the true sense of the word the most mighty anti-terrorism commander in the region who became well known for that. "

Elsewhere in his sermons, he said Martyr Soleimani was in the habit of entering a region which was completely under siege so the young people found hope when they saw the commander and then they embarked to break the siege and force the enemy ran away.

The US did not dare to confront him (Gen. Soleimani) on the battlefield but assassinated him in a cowardly manner and then admitted doing so. This served as an act of infamy for the US. Before this incident, (doing such things) was the special domain of the Zionist regime, they assassinated Hamas leader and Jihad leaders and said that they have done them. Americans killed huge numbers of people in Iraq and Afghanistan, assassinated as many as people they could but never admitted to them. But his time they confessed to doing this assassination, the Supreme Leader noted.

The Leader also noted that they announced that they will increase sanctions but they will not be able to restore the lost image of the US with these actions.

Noting that Martyr Soleimani should be viewed as a school of thought and a path, Ayatollah Khamenei said that the (IRGC) Qods Force is not an organization with administrative missions but an institution with great humanistic motivations.

The Leader also expressed condolences over the Ukrainian plane crash, saying that there are ambiguities surrounding the event.

He stressed that the issue of the air crash should be pursued and measures should be adopted to prevent the recurrence of the incident.

Describing public participation as the main source of power for the Iranian nation, Ayatollah Khamenei said that another instance of people's presence in various areas is in elections.

Public presence in elections will guarantee the country and disappoint the enemy, he warned against certain efforts underway to prevent people's enthusiastic participation in elections.

The enemies thought that they have gained a chance to question the IRGC and other armed forces, but they were mistaken and they failed to undermine them, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution underscored.

Reiterating that power is not limited to military power alone, He said that the country's economy should also be stronger and dependence on oil should end and efforts should be made to develop an economy weaned off oil revenues.

All these will materialize with public presence and the people and officials should try to make the country stronger through resistance and concerted efforts and avoiding laziness and if these happen, the Iranian people will be such that the enemies will even dare not threaten it.

8072**1424

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A long-term supply deficit has led prices of the metal, used mainly in catalytic converters to curb harmful emissions, to double over the last year. In the futures market, prices indicate buyers fear a lack of ready supply. Before this rally began, palladium prices had never exceeded $1,100. Already record-high prices have been driven up by 25% in just two weeks, accelerating a four-year rally and stoking expectations for further gains, analysts said.

Consumers' immediate needs are often met in the lending market, in which holders of metal put their stocks to work for a profit. However, rates charged to lease palladium have spiked in recent weeks, suggesting availability is tight.

Spot palladium broke above $2,500 an ounce on Friday  its highest ever - from less than $500 in January 2016. Before this rally began, palladium prices had never exceeded $1,100.

"There's no metal," said a trader in London. "Consumers are stockpiling. It's all been shipped to China."

The roughly 10-million-ounce a year market has been in deficit for most of the last decade. Standard Chartered analyst Suki Cooper said she expects 700,000 ounce shortfalls this year and in 2021, and for prices to rise.

South Africa, which produces two-fifths of the world's mined palladium, released data on Thursday showing its output of platinum group metals including palladium fell 13.5% in November compared to the same month in 2018.

On the demand side, emissions standards coming into force in number one car market China require 30% more palladium per vehicle, more than offsetting recent falls in numbers of vehicles sold, said Standard Chartered's Cooper.

Also helping boost prices, China and the United States signed a trade deal on Wednesday that could spur economic growth, and a Chinese auto industry group said vehicle sales would slow their decline.

Years of deficits have pushed down visible palladium stockpiles, with holdings in exchange traded funds (ETFs) at just over 600,000 ounces, down from 2.5 million ounces in mid-2015, removing a potential supply source.

Story continues

Potential threats to high prices are if carmakers begin to replace palladium with platinum, which at around $1,000 an ounce now looks cheap, or miners bring forward new production.

"To me it looks like a bubble," said Fritsch, predicting prices would return to around $1,500 by the end of the year.

However, plenty are still betting on further gains, at least in the next year or two.

"Palladium is just going to go up and up and up," said Frederic Panizzutti at Swiss dealers MKS.

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Immigration Judges are now subject to mandatory performance reviews and efficiency metrics, the association said in its brief. The Agency has increased control over the procedures and protocols of the judges courtrooms. It has implemented a restrictive public speaking policy, blocking judges from many speaking engagements, the unions brief said.
By WestKyStar & WKCTC Staff Jan. 16, 2020 | 12:18 PM | PADUCAH

The hour-long reception, which is free and open to the public, will be held January 22 in WKCTC's Matheson Library Reading Room beginning at 11 am. Refreshments will be served.





Fahrenheit 451, first published in 1953, is often regarded as one of Bradbury's best works. The novel presents a future American society where books are outlawed and "firemen" burn any that are found, and the effect this has on the main character and society.





The writing contest, which was a partnership between the Carson Center and WKCTC, was divided into four categories - ninth-twelfth graders and adults of all ages in both short story and poetry genres. Each contestant submitted an original poem or short story based on the opening and closing lines of Bradbury's book. A winner and runner up were selected from each category. Contest winners will be awarded gift cards and will read their winning entries during the January 22 reception.





For more information about the NEA Big Read, visit the Carson Center for the Performing Arts website or contact Josh Morehead, director of education and outreach, at 270-443-9932 x 235.





WKCTC will also host the finale to its 2019-2020 One Book Read of Nothing Like an Ocean by award-winning Kentucky author Jim Tomlinson, who will visit campus on March 17-18. Visit onebookread.com for author details and other One Book Read events leading up to Tomlinson's visit.



West Kentucky Community and Technical College will host a reception to recognize the winners of the recent National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read Paducah creative writing contest. The Carson Center for the Performing Arts is sponsoring the NEA's Big Read short story/poem contest that was based on Ray Bradbury's critically-acclaimed book, Fahrenheit 451.
ITV has been criticised by viewers for allowing Tom Bradby to anchor its flagship News At Ten bulletin despite having a major involvement in the Megxit story.

Mr Bradby  a long-standing friend of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex  sought to explain the couple's decision to step back from Royal duties in a newspaper article last weekend.

He also warned that a failure by courtiers to agree a deal with Harry and Meghan could see the couple give a 'no-holds-barred' interview that could damage the monarchy.

ITV has been criticised by viewers for allowing Tom Bradby to anchor its flagship News At Ten bulletin despite having a major involvement in the Megxit story

'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.

The comment provoked widespread media speculation, including several front-page headlines the following day, that Meghan might accuse the Royal Household of being racist and sexist.

His comments came on the eve of a Sandringham summit involving Harry, the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William.

Despite the controversy, ITV let Mr Bradby present Monday's News At Ten, in which the Megxit story was the lead item. The decision provoked complaints from some viewers on social media, including one accusing the 53-year-old news anchor of trying to 'blackmail' the Queen.

One said: 'I think Tom Bradby needs to keep his opinions and stories about the Sussex's [sic] to himself. He is becoming the news as well as reading it.'

Another asked: 'How does ITV News feel about their anchor being actively engaged in helping to blackmail the Royal Family, the General Public and 3 governments? Tom Bradby certainly isn't unbiased and shouldn't be presenting any news.'

Mr Bradby  a long-standing friend of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex  sought to explain the couple's decision to step back from Royal duties in a newspaper article last weekend

Intriguingly, when Harry and Meghan announced their decision on January 8 to scale back their Royal duties, Mr Bradby was deployed as a commentator while presenting duties were handed to Mary Nightingale and Rageh Omaar.

The unease about a potential conflict of interest is shared by some of Mr Bradby's colleagues.

One told The Mail on Sunday: 'We all thought the bosses were doing the right thing by having Tom as a pundit when the story first broke, but then all of a sudden he was reading the news again  and worse than that he was reading a story which he arguably contributed to by writing his piece in The Sunday Times. If it was politics, this would never have been allowed to happen.'

Mr Bradby became the main host of News At Ten, which is produced by ITN, in 2015. He developed a close friendship with Harry and Prince William during a stint as Royal Correspondent, and he attended their weddings.

It was in his documentary, Harry & Meghan: An African Journey, broadcast in October, that the Sussexes revealed to him the depth of their unhappiness.

ITV's staff handbook says employees should 'avoid any obvious or implicit conflict between their personal interests and those of the company'. An ITN spokesman said last night: 'Tom Bradby's presentation of News At Ten did not compromise the editorial integrity or impartiality of our news output.'
Judge Cheryl Albrecht: The chief criminal judge of Multnomah County Circuit Court has been an elected judge for 13 years and a lawyer in Oregon since 1993. She previously worked as a criminal defense attorney.

Prosecutors Jeff Howes and Don Rees: Both were admitted to the Oregon State Bar on the same date more than 24 years ago. The prosecutors have tried a wide variety of cases and currently hold upper management positions in the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office. They rarely try cases now but have taken on Christians high-profile and complicated case.

Defense attorneys Greg Scholl and Dean Smith: Both are public defenders who are assigned to only aggravated murder or murder cases, which can take years to go to trial. They have a long history of defending indigent clients. Scholl has been a licensed lawyer in Oregon for 24 years and Dean for 27 years.

-- Aimee Green

agreen@oregonian.com

o_aimee

Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox.
Backs have been pat, hands have been shaken, and a deal has been made.

After nearly two years of limbo, the US and China finally have a trade deal. Wella trade truce more like it.

There is still a little animosity between the two superpowers. Though this new 86-page agreement will go some ways to alleviate them.

Long story short, Trump will lift some tariffs on Chinese goods and China will buy US$200 billion of US exports. An outcome that should please both sides, at least a little.

For the most part its pretty cut and dry stuff.

However, there could be some interesting consequences. Even for nations other than the US and China

See, going through the announcement, one area stuck out to me in particular: dairy.

Under the terms of the deal, American dairy imports should now have an easier time getting into China. By the look of it, much of the red tape has been removed or streamlined. Meaning it should be far easier and quicker for US farmers to sell milk in China.

Thats not all either.

The US is also going after the infant formula market as well. Again, aiming to remove or speed-up any regulatory hurdles.

Now, this isnt out of the ordinary. In fact there are a whole range of agricultural goods getting a similar treatment in this deal. But, this could be the big one that hits local companies the hardest.

Formula frenzy

By now most local investors have probably heard about the story of The a2 Milk Company Ltd [ASX:A2M].

A2 has been one of the biggest success stories on the ASX in recent years. If not the biggest success story.

In 2015 the NZ-based company made the move to the Australian market. A bid to drum up more capital to fund their growing ambitions in the UK, the US, and China.

By the end of 2015 they had already tripled their share price. That was followed by a flatter 2016. Then, during 2017 and 2018 the stock went absolutely nuts

Around March of 2018, just three years after listing on the ASX, the stock had made a gain of 2,175%. The kind of trade that every investor dreams of.

The catalyst for A2s success was selling baby formula to China. A market that was clamouring for international dairy products.

Without Chinese demand A2 almost certainly wouldnt be as big as they are today.

A fact that many have taken notice of.

Thats why today we now have a plethora of baby formula companies on the ASX. Stocks like Bubs Australia Ltd [ASX:BUB], Synlait Milk Ltd [ASX:SM1], and the recently bought-out Bellamys.

Not to mention a raft of smaller, up-and-coming players looking to muscle in on the market.

Point is, baby formula has been a big market trend in recent years. A very lucrative trend at that.

Now though, I cant help but wonder how this new trade deal might affect these companies.

After all, we saw China crackdown on imported formula last year. Imposing new rules to restrict the supply and sales of these products. Through both direct channels and the infamous daigou. A common form of onselling between local and international Chinese.

As it stands, Australian suppliers are still subject to these stricter terms.

Conversely, US suppliers will not be. Once the trade deal comes into effect, anyway.

That could be bad news for local investors.

Spilt milk, or salvageable situation?

Now before you cash out of any dairy-related companies, know that things could change.

Youve got to remember that Australia still has a better trade relationship with China than the US. This deal hasnt resolved everything. We could just as easily see things break down again.

I wouldnt be counting on that to happen though.

Fortunately, it seems our trade minister is keenly aware of the ramifications. According to the AFR, Simon Birmingham will be doing his best to piggyback off the deal. Aiming to put our local industry on a level playing field with the US.

Whether we actually have the leverage to make it happen though is unclear. Here is how Birmingham was spinning it:

Its no secret there have been some companies frustrated with getting licensing approvals in those areas [dairy and baby formula] and we have taken that up with China. We would hope the same standard in terms of licensing and approvals will apply to all nations that can meet those standards and were confident Australia can do that. Thats certainly a message well be conveying and encouraging China to heed.

My concern would be whether our government is willing to play hardball to ensure we get it. Trump had to conduct a two-year long trade war to get this deal.

Simply conveying a message may not get us the result we need.

Right now it is hard to say how all of this will pan out. So, if you are invested in dairy or baby formula stocks, dont ignore this.

You wont want to be the one left crying over spilt milk.

Regards,

Ryan Clarkson-Ledward,

Editor, Money Weekend

PS: Discover the hidden treasures available to everyday investors from this often overlooked sector of the marketPenny Stocks. Download your free report now.
A woman was taken to an area hospital after being shot early Saturday afternoon in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania State Police report.

Police had one person in "investigative detention" following the incident at a home in the 1800 block of Troxell Street in Hanover Township, said Trooper Nathan Branosky, spokesman for Bethlehem-based Troop M of the state police.

What that means is the investigation is ongoing to try and determine how and why she was shot, he told lehighvalleylive.com.

There was no danger to the community, Branosky said via Twitter.

PSP Bethlehem is currently investigating a female who was shot in the 1800 block of Troxell Street, Hanover Twp., Lehigh Co. and transported to the hospital. There is no danger to the public.  Trooper Branosky (@PSPTroopMPIO) January 18, 2020

Police did not have the victims condition or further information to immediately release, including ages of those involved or whether it appeared to be a domestic incident.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Actors perform dragon and lion dance during a cultural event in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 17, 2020. The cultural event featuring handicrafts, snacks and folklore performances was held in Qingdao to greet the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival. [Xinhua/Li Ziheng]

Actors give a folklore performance during a cultural event in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 17, 2020. The cultural event featuring handicrafts, snacks and folklore performances was held in Qingdao to greet the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival. [Xinhua/Li Ziheng]

An actress performs folk dance during a cultural event in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 17, 2020. The cultural event featuring handicrafts, snacks and folklore performances was held in Qingdao to greet the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival. [Xinhua/Li Ziheng]

Overseas students from Qingdao University pose for photos with folklore performers during a cultural event in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 17, 2020. The cultural event featuring handicrafts, snacks and folklore performances was held in Qingdao to greet the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival. [Xinhua/Li Ziheng]

Actors perform folk dance during a cultural event in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 17, 2020. The cultural event featuring handicrafts, snacks and folklore performances was held in Qingdao to greet the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival. [Xinhua/Li Ziheng]

Actors perform lion dance during a cultural event in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 17, 2020. The cultural event featuring handicrafts, snacks and folklore performances was held in Qingdao to greet the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival. [Xinhua/Li Ziheng]

(Source: Xinhua)
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Mexico City, January 13, 2020The Committee to Protect Journalists today urged Mexican authorities to open a credible and transparent investigation into the death of reporter Fidel Avila Gome, whose body was found on January 7 near the state borders of Michoacan and Guerrero.

Avila, a manager and anchor for the La Ke Buena radio broadcaster in the town of Huetamo, in Michoacan state, went missing on November 29, according to local and national media. A family member, who spoke with CPJ today on condition of anonymity for their own security, said that Avilas work at the station may have put him in the crosshairs of the local organized crime group La Familia Michoacana. The relative said it was possible that issues of protection money or coverage of organized crime may have played a role in his killing.

The murder of Fidel Avila is a shocking and tragic start of the year for Mexico, which is already one of the most dangerous countries for journalists, said CPJ Mexico Representative Jan-Albert Hootsen. The government of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador can no longer ignore the epidemic of impunity plaguing the countrys press.

El Unversal reported that Avilas body was found in a ditch near the town of San Lucas in Michoacan state. The report, citing the state attorney generals office, said that Avila had been shot several times. The report did not state when the reporter was likely killed or whether state authorities had opened an investigation. No further information on the possible motive of the killing has been provided to local or national media. The relative said he was unable to provide further information on the possible time of death.

According to the websites of El Universal and Radio Formula, Avilas family reported him missing on December 2. Letra Roja, a news website, reported on January 8 that the journalist was last seen on November 29, when he was traveling to Ciudad Altamirano, in Guerrero state, to attend a cultural festival. CPJ could not determine if he was planning to cover the festival.

Letra Roja reported that armed individuals intercepted Avila en route and forced him into a white SUV. Several attempts by CPJ to reach Michoacans state attorney generals office for further comment by telephone between January 9 and 13 went unanswered.

Avila, 46, was a manager and news anchor for La Ke Buena, a radio broadcaster based in Huetamo. The journalists relative told CPJ that Avila worked for the station for about 20 years, managing the stations finances and regularly presenting news programs.

Several attempts by CPJ to reach La Ke Bueno for comment by telephone between January 9 and 13 went unanswered.

An official of the Federal Mechanism for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists, which provides journalists with protection, told CPJ on January 10 that Avila had not been enrolled in a protection program. The mechanism had no knowledge of threats against the reporters life, according to the official, who asked not to be named because he was not authorized to speak on the matter.

Huetamo is located in the so-called Tierra Caliente (Hot Land), a region in southern Michoacan where several organized crime groups are engaged in a war for territory. In the past few years, it has become one of Mexicos most violent regions, according to news reports. More than 1,300 people were killed in the state during the first three quarters of 2019, according to the Michoacan Citizen Observatory, the highest number in seven years.

The organized crime group La Familia Michoacana has been active in Michoacan for more than a decade. Such gangs are notorious for extortion rackets that include demanding the payment of protection money to businesses, according to numerous news reports. Failure to pay often results in abductions, torture, and murder.

The gang demands protection money from local businesses, and they knew that Fidel managed contracts for the radio station, the journalists relative told CPJ. We believe that they may have taken him because he was unable or unwilling to pay.

The relative added that La Familia Michoacana would sometimes demand that La Ke Buena broadcast or withhold information about organized crime in the region. Its possible that it may have played a role in his murder, but were not sure, the relative said.

Mexico is the deadliest country in the Western Hemisphere for journalists. According to CPJ research, at least five reporters were murdered in 2019 in direct retaliation for their work. CPJ is investigating another six killings to determine the motive.
McMinnville is one of those charming small towns that has the ability of making you feel like youre in a story book, as is so at the Atticus Hotel (375 N.E. Ford Street, McMinnville; 503-472-1975; atticushotel.com), located in McMinnvilles historic downtown. One of the biggest appeals at this elegant 36-room luxury hotel is its prime access to a plethora of nearby Willamette Valley wineries and restaurants. Although, an even more important standout is their topnotch hospitality which begins with a complimentary glass of bubbly at check-in. It doesnt end there folks, the hotels attention to detail is evident in more than their exemplary customer service, but also throughout the carefully and creatively designed and decorated rooms, luxury linens and toiletries (the Pendleton bathrobes are a nice touch), and locally-sourced artwork and product offerings. Added conveniences like Tesla charging stations, a business center, fitness room and the hotels drawing room which offers private dining make staying here a no brainer. The hotels Dutch-style bicycles and curated itineraries (booked with the concierge) make it easy to plan a day of exploration while complimentary wine tastings and in-room tubs and fireplaces make it easy to unwind at the end of the day. No matter your preference, the folks at Atticus are sure to help meet your needs.

This last spring, The Red Hills Kitchen (530 N.E. 4th street, McMinnville; 503-883-9199; redhillskitchen.com), sister property to Dundees popular Red Hills Market (155 S.W. 7th Street, Dundee; 971-8328414; redhillsmarket.com), opened its doors inside the Atticus Hotel and its been a perfect match ever since. Breakfast offers a little bit of everything whether youre craving a whole bucket of mini doughnuts, biscuits and gravy, or something on the lighter side such as avocado or house-smoked salmon toast; mimosas, bloody Marys and Oregon bubbly available too. But if you ask me, you cant go wrong with the Red Hills Market whiskey peppercorn bacon with toast and a glass of OJ. Lunch offerings include sandwiches and pork tacos, a signature burger served with delicious truffle fries, a variety of fresh crisp salads, chowder and shareable plates like the meat and cheese board, calamari and oysters on the half shell. Dinner is a play on lunch, but with savory additions like grilled tenderloin, dry aged ribeye, smoked lamb, a Josper roasted chicken and much more. Every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Red Hills hosts a special locals night where guests can enjoy a 3-course menu which includes an appetizer or salad, main course and most importantly  dessert for just $35. Restaurant hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

The all-new fourth edition of Gerry Franks Oregon guidebook is available through oregonguidebook.com; 503-585-8411; gerry@teleport.com; amazon.com; Macys; and P.O. Box 2225, Salem, OR 97308.
North Wales health board staff creating partnership links with Kenya Hospital

This article is old - Published: Saturday, Jan 18th, 2020

A team of nurses, doctors, consultants, public health specialists and researchers are working to create new health links between the region and Africa.

The Betsi Kenya Health Link was established last year when a group of four clinicians from the health board -along with two support staff  visited Busia County Referral Hospital in Kenya.

In Busia, the average life expectancy for women is just 53 years old. In Wrexham, its 83  a difference of 30 years.

Tony DaSilva, consultant general and vascular surgeon at Wrexham Maelor Hospital is the clinical lead for the project.

The aim of the link is to exchange skills and expertise between Wales and Africa, and to form a sustainable partnership to tackle health inequalities at home and abroad, he explained.

It is our intention, and that of our health board, to continue and to develop this link in support of one of the three pillars of Kenyan Government policy, health access for all.

Janerose Buyiekha from the health board corporate team is spearheading the partnership and links between the two organisations and has recently fundraised to support the project by walking up Snowdon.

She said: Here in Wales, we enjoy excellent healthcare free at the point of issue. People in Kenya are not so fortunate.

We would like to ensure we are able to support the staff and the hospital and help them to meet their needs by whatever means necessary  Snowdon was a breeze in comparison to the daily challenges they face.

All fundraising support received will help to ensure we can maintain these links and aim to purchase key items on their wish list, which can sometimes be as basic as hospital bed sheets.

Treatment is limited by individual poverty, and by a lack of staff, skills & equipment within their health service.

During their trips to Africa, the Health Board colleagues help to increase workforce capacity and capability, which in turn creates access to better quality healthcare in the host country. This can mean the difference between life and death to many people in less developed countries.

Humanitarian work also helps the health board and its patients. Colleagues gain invaluable experience of working in constrained environments and new cultures with many different types of patients.

This strengthens their skills set, generates new ideas for application back in Wales, and teaches confident leadership, resilience and resourcefulness. It also provides opportunities for gaining direct experience of global diseases that could pose a risk to Wales, as with the Ebola outbreak in 2014.

The Betsi Kenya Health Link projects healthcare needs and assets based assessment has been funded by the Welsh Assembly Governments Wales Africa Grant Scheme, administered by Wales Council for Voluntary Action.

However, the project team are actively fundraising to ensure they have the capacity to offer additional benefits through skills transfer, resources, enhanced facilities and the purchase of 200 bed sheets for Busia County Referral Hospital.

The link group is planning their second visit in May this year and would be very grateful to anyone who wishes to support this project through kindly fundraising or donating to this cause.

Text Awyr Las Sheet to 70500 to give 5 now or for more information and for your free fundraising pack please contact the Fundraising Support Team on 01248 384395 / awyrlas@wales.nhs.uk or visit https://awyrlas.org.uk/betsikenya
You probably remember the Rotherham child sex abuse scandal that came to light several years ago. Investigations have been ongoing since then, and one just-completed inquiry has made headlines in Great Britain. This is from the London Times: Rotherham police chief: we ignored sex abuse of children.

A senior police officer admitted that his force ignored the sexual abuse of girls by Pakistani grooming gangs for decades because it was afraid of increasing racial tensions, a watchdog has ruled.

After a five-year investigation, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) upheld a complaint that the Rotherham officer told a missing childs distraught father that the town would erupt if it was known that Asian men were routinely having sex with under-age white girls.

The chief inspector is said to have described the abuse as P*** shagging and to have said it had been going on for 30 years: With it being Asians, we cant afford for this to be coming out.

***

The Rotherham complainant was repeatedly abused over several years from 2003. The IOPC said it was very clear that you were sexually exploited by Asian men and upheld a complaint that police took insufficient action to prevent you from harm.

Until now police forces across the north and the Midlands have consistently denied that concerns about upsetting community sensitivities or accusations of racism were a factor in their past failure to tackle grooming gangs.
That boast of killing the general "because of his horrible past" sent off bells and whistles in the Department of Justice. Trump's retribution argument does not legally justify killing a person who is not engaged in violence at the time of the killing, and, arguably, is a war crime.





by Andrew P. Napolitano





When witnesses testify in a courtroom and offer varying, contradictory or even unlawful explanations of the events under scrutiny, juries tend not to believe them. The same is now happening with the Trump administration's defense of its killing Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani by the use of an unmanned drone while he was being driven peacefully along a public highway in Iraq two weeks ago. Why the shifting justifications?













Here is the backstory.





The general was the commander of Iran's elite military and intelligence forces. He was a fierce opponent of ISIS and the American military presence in Iraq. Iraq and Iran were belligerents for generations owing to, among other factors, ancient disputes between the two main branches of Islam, Shiite and Sunni. For generations, Iran's elites were predominantly Shiite and Iraq's were predominantly Sunni.





When the U.S., under President George W. Bush, invaded Iraq in 2002, pursuant to a congressional Authorization for Use of Military Force, the government did so by deceiving the American public and Congress into believing it was searching for weapons of mass destruction. Since none was there, none was found.





But it did destroy the Sunni government and its true target, the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. That created a power vacuum, which was soon filled by Shiite politicians. Slowly but inexorably, Iran's and Iraq's governments became friendly and they jointly sponsored militias against ISIS. Soleimani even consulted with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office about using these militias to topple ISIS.





The general's assassination was odd, out of place, untimely and unlawful. Odd, because the general's folks had worked with our intelligence folks in Iraq against ISIS. Out of place, because the Iranian general was welcomed by the Iraqi government and was not engaged in any violence or war crimes at the time he was killed. Untimely, because whatever he may have been planning to do was not an imminent attack on the U.S. or on Americans. We know this because Trump administration officials revealed that the president gave the kill order seven months ago, in June 2019. How imminent could an attack have been in June if it had not occurred by January?





And unlawful, because we are not at war with Iran, and political assassinations have been prohibited by still valid executive orders signed by Presidents Gerald R. Ford and Ronald Reagan. The U.S. Constitution limits the federal government's lawful power to kill to foreign troops in wartime and after due process, neither of which abides here. Moreover, international treaties to which the U.S. is party, as well as the laws of war to which the U.S. subscribes, prohibit preemptive killings except when the target is just about  "certainty" is the standard  to strike.





Now, back to the shifting sands of justification.





Shortly after the general's death, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo argued that Soleimani's attacks on Americans were imminent. President Donald Trump himself claimed Soleimani was planning to attack four U.S. embassies in the Middle East. When Secretary of Defense Mark Esper was asked if he saw any intelligence data about attacking four embassies, he said he had not. When Pompeo was pressed for his understanding of Trump's four embassies claim, he offered that the intelligence data did not reveal when or where or how, but he knew Soleimani was "probably" up to no good.





When the State Department spokesperson was asked if any alerts of likely attacks had been sent to any American embassies in the region, she said that none had.





Then the White House sent CIA Director Gina Haspel, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair General Mark Milley, and Pompeo and Esper, to brief members of Congress on the administration's intelligence, moral and legal justifications for killing the general. None of the briefers mentioned four embassies or any data showing where or when or how he might strike  just probabilities. When Republican Senators Mike Lee and Rand Paul challenged the briefers, the president weighed in with a startling tweet on Monday:





"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 doesn't really matter because of his horrible past!"





That boast of killing the general "because of his horrible past" sent off bells and whistles in the Department of Justice. Trump's retribution argument does not legally justify killing a person who is not engaged in violence at the time of the killing, and, arguably, is a war crime.





Thereupon, Attorney General Bill Barr revealed that the DOJ had been consulted on the lawfulness of the killing and signed off on it if the general's attacks on Americans were imminent. Now that the imminence argument had been undermined by the administration's own folks  including the president himself  the attorney general argued that Soleimani needed to die as a deterrence to others pursuant to the old 2002 AUMF.





These shifting justifications are contrary to reason and cannot survive a simple cross-examination. When did we start killing generals from countries with which we are not at war? Never in our history. When did we start killing foreign generals because of their "horrible past"? Never in our history. How can the government use the 2002 AUMF, whose stated target was Iraqi WMDs, but whose true target was Saddam Hussein, as a legal justification to kill a non-Iraqi general 18 years later? Except in the minds of extreme administration loyalists, it cannot legally or rationally do so.





Why is truth always the first casualty of government violence?




When her mother could not raise KSh 200 to pay for her Class Six exams, Pinky's life took a new twist.

The young girl dropped out of school with little hope for a bright future.

READ ALSO: I will not quit as deputy president despite humiliation - William Ruto

Pinky dropped out of Class Six after her jobless mum failed to raise KSh 200 for her exams. Photo: Bebeto Ogutu/TUKO.co.ke.

Source: Original

READ ALSO: Alice Wahome says Babu Owino is paying for his arrogance after shooting incident arrest

For two years now, she has been sleeping under the Roysambu bridge where basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing and healthcare are luxuries that are often too expensive to afford.

I was a pupil at Githurai Primary School in Class Six when my mother failed to raise KSh 200 to enable me do my exams, I was forced to drop out of school because of that small amount, she said.

The young girl has sought a new means of living under the Roysambu bridge on the busy Thika Super Highway at a tender age. Photo: Bebeto Ogutu/TUKO.co.ke.

Source: Original

READ ALSO: Wakazi Mombasa waapa kumpigia tena kura Rais Uhuru Kenyatta katika uchaguzi wa 2022

The kid had to move out of her home in Githurai, Kiambu county as she wanted to escape the many problems her family was going through at the time.

She sought a new means of living under the busy Thika Super Highway at a tender age.

I was introduced to this life in the streets by a friend in 2017 soon after dropping out of primary school. I mingled with other kids who were in a similar situation and that is how I met Saidi, a friend who has been helping since then, Pinky said during an interview with TUKO.co.ke.

That close friend has since gone back home after introducing me to drugs such as msii (aircraft oil) and other substances which I am now addicted to," she added.

After staying for some time in the streets, she met Saidi, a young boy who was abused by his step dad and had to run away from home when he was in Form Two.

Saidi was abused by his step dad and had to run away from home when he was in Form Two. Photo: Bebeto Ogutu/TUKO.co.ke.

Source: Original

Today, Saidi is Pinky's most trusted person and he occasionally gives her money for food and sanitary towels.

Saidi is my very close buddy, I share my problems with him and he always helps me by buying items such as sanitary pads, she said as she fought back tears.

The duo alongside many others face a myriad of challenges in their day to day life.

There was a time when a local TV station aired our story, the following day officers from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KenHA) raided the place we stay and took out all our things including out clothes and burnt them, Saidi narrated tearfully.

The duo is appealing for help from well-wishers as they would like to go back to school and get their lives back on track.

Pinky hopes to run a saloon business in future while Saidi hopes to resume his secondary school education.

They have no phones but can be found under the Roysambu bridge, the place they now call home.

They can be supported using the Paybill number 891300, account no. 37728.

Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly.

I chose rabbit farming over office job - Maureen Wanyaga | Tuko TV | Inspire Kenya.

Source: TUKO.co.ke
T he university lecturer who Laurence Fox accused of being racist on Question Time has thanked supporters, adding: "Having conversations with ill informed privileged people isnt easy."

Rachel Boyle had a heated exchanged with the actor on the BBC show during a discussion about the press coverage surrounding the Duchess of Sussex.

Responding to messages of support on Saturday, Ms Boyle, a race and ethnicity researcher, said: "Thank you for the amazing support that I have received after BBC Question Time.

"This work isnt easy. Being a Black academic researching race and ethnicity isnt easy. Having conversations with ill informed privileged people isnt easy. But THIS is what I came to do."

Discussing Meghans treatment by sections of the British press and public, Ms Boyle said: Lets be really clear about what this is, lets call it by its name  its racism. Shes a black woman and she has been torn to pieces.

The Lewis star responded: Its not racism. Were the most tolerant, lovely country in Europe. Its so easy to just throw your charge of racism at everybody and its starting to get boring now.

Laurence Fox made the comments on BBC Question Time / BBC

The row then heated up as she told him: "What worries me about your comment is is you are a white privileged male."

Rolling his eyes, the Rada graduate, who attended one of the countrys most exclusive private schools, retorted: I cant help what I am, I was born like this, its an immutable characteristic, so to call me a white privileged male is to be racist  youre being racist.

Mr Fox, who was previously married to Billie Piper, continued the furious debate online, later tweeting that he had spoken truth to nonsense and citing Martin Luther Kings famous I have a dream speech.

Rachel Boyle said Meghan had been "torn to pieces" in press coverage

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character, he quoted.

He captioned the excerpt with his own words, writing: This is the position I took last night and I live by in life. If you can improve on it, Im all ears.
MONTREAL - While former Quebec premier Jean Charest mulls a leadership bid for the Conservative Party of Canada, recently unsealed police warrants have given his political opponents plenty of ammunition.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/1/2020 (724 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Jean Charest is seen during a panel discussion at the Canadian Aerospace Summit in Ottawa on November 13, 2019. While former Quebec premier Jean Charest mulls a leadership bid for the Conservative Party of Canada, recently unsealed police warrants have given his political opponents plenty of ammunition. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

MONTREAL - While former Quebec premier Jean Charest mulls a leadership bid for the Conservative Party of Canada, recently unsealed police warrants have given his political opponents plenty of ammunition.

Charest, Quebec premier from 2003-12, and before that a federal cabinet minister and leader of the Progressive Conservatives, is seen as a well-known, experienced, bilingual and talented politician who can unite English and French Canada.

But he carries serious political baggage. He's been under investigation since 2014 by Quebec's anti-corruption unit for sitting atop the provincial Liberals while the party allegedly ran a pay-to-play scheme involving some of the biggest construction companies in Quebec.

And police warrants unsealed Thursday contain detailed affidavits from major construction industry officials who said they donated to the Liberals during Charest's tenure, and that they felt pressured by the party's top fundraiser to give money or risk losing influence with the Liberal government.

Charest has never been charged with any crime. And his lawyer, Michel Massicotte, told Radio-Canada in an interview Friday his client did not know major construction companies were illegally donating to the Liberals under Charest's leadership.

"We have always proclaimed our innocence regarding everything, to anyone who wants to hear it," said Massicotte, who declined an interview request from The Canadian Press.

While Charest proclaims his innocence, the warrants released Thursday are potentially damaging.

The warrants are connected to police searches involving Marc-Andre Bibeau, the former top fundraiser for the Liberals in the Charest era and a good friend to the former premier. Bibeau fought all the way to the Supreme Court to have the warrants kept under seal, but he lost Thursday when the country's highest court refused to hear his appeal.

The warrants were acquired through a court challenge by a consortium of Quebec media outlets  The Gazette, La Presse and QMI  and were viewed by The Canadian Press.

The documents date from 2016 and were prepared by police seeking search warrants against Bibeau as part of an ongoing investigation into him and Charest involving party financing between 2001 and 2012. They portray Bibeau as a man with significant influence in the party  and with Charest.

Pierre Anctil, who was an executive with SNC-Lavalin in 2014, is among the many businesspeople cited in the affidavits. He told investigators in writing on April 21, 2014 that the company paid about $150,000 annually to the Liberals under Charest. SNC-Lavalin would ask its employees to donate about $3,000 each, and they would be repaid through company bonuses.

The alleged scheme contravened provincial elections law, which prohibited political donations from companies and at the time limited donations from individual donors to $3,000.

Anctil said that in 2005, then-president Jacques Lamarre told him if the company didn't pay up to the Liberals, "it would be the only firm in Quebec that didn't."

In July 2014, Rosaire Sauriol, a vice-president at Dessau, a company that won major provincial government contracts, told police the firm ran a similar system to donate to the Liberals in the mid-2000s, reimbursing employees for political donations. He said the money  $100,000 a year  was requested by either Bibeau or the Liberals' director of financing at the time.

Paul Lafleur, president of engineering firm BPR, told police in writing in September 2014, that the Liberal requests for donations increased to $50,000 a year from $5,000. The affidavit says Lafleur "had the feeling he had to give" to the Liberals and "he never wanted to take the risk of no longer donating to the party."

Another police affidavit said George Dick, former president of engineering firm RSW, told investigators Bibeau visited the company to remind them of the contracts it received from the provincial hydro utility. Dick told police Bibeau told him "other companies had already contributed to the Liberals, and those companies showed interest in obtaining contracts from Hydro-Quebec."

A written statement Thursday from Bibeau's lawyer said Bibeau "wishes to reaffirm his integrity and maintains that he will continue to assert his rights." It added that his "political engagement has always been done freely, voluntarily, out of personal conviction and in accordance with the laws."

No one cited in the affidavits alleges that Charest knew about illegal party financing. But his name surfaces several times as having developed a strong friendship with Bibeau.

Massicotte told Radio-Canada that the details of the investigation into Charest have been leaking out to the media for years. Those leaks, he said, reveal a "frustration" within the ranks of the anti-corruption police, because they have no evidence with which to charge his client.

"They decided to do a trial by media," he said. He added anti-corruption investigators have still not submitted their file on Charest and Bibeau to prosecutors. Six years of probing is enough, he said, adding it was time to drop the case and clear Charest's name.

"We want an end to this investigation."

Duff Conacher, co-founder of Democracy Watch, an advocacy group promoting ethical politics in Canada, said the strong ties between Bibeau and Charest could prove damaging to a Charest leadership bid.

The Canadian Press has confirmed Charest is seriously considering a leadership bid, but he has yet to announce anything official. Conacher, a former part-time University of Ottawa law professor who is now a doctoral student at the school, said Charest retains appeal across the country, especially among older voters who vote in higher numbers.

But among the swing voters who decide elections, Conacher explained, ethical political behaviour is a major concern, and Charest could not credibly sell a Conservative platform that promises to "clean up" politics.

"The perception amongst (voters) who know Jean Charest would be misuse of the old-style, crony, unethical, secretive type of politics," he said. "And he's from that era."

This report was first published by The Canadian Press on Jan. 18, 2020.
The State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) and the Office of the President of Ukraine track the schedule of visits of fifth President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, the European Solidarity party has said.

"The public "invitation" for questioning on January 21 and 24, which is not envisaged by any regulations of the Criminal Procedure Code, was announced a day and a half after Poroshenko had booked tickets for a trip to Switzerland on January 21-25," the party's press service said in a statement.

The party said that Poroshenko has cancelled the trip in order to avoid speculations. However, he could come for questioning only of the SBI serves the summons in line with the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine.
Nay Pyi Taw:

China and Myanmar on Saturday inked 33 deals aimed at speeding up key infrastructure projects to provide Beijing a stepping stone to the Indian Ocean after a meeting between President Xi Jinping and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, as the Communist nation ramped up support to cement its hold over the Southeast Asian country under fire for its treatment of Rohingya Muslims. Holding talks with Xi on the final day of his two-day visit, Suu Kyi slammed the western countries for criticising Myanmar over the handling of the Rohingya issue.

Over 7.3 lakh Rohingya Muslims fled to neighbouring Bangladesh alleging attacks by the Myanmar army, triggering a global refugee crisis. Xi and Suu Kyi signed 33 agreements, covering areas such as politics, trade, investment and people-to-people communications, shoring up mammoth projects that are part of the flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Chinas vision of new trade routes described as a 21st century silk road.

Myanmar would like to promote the building of the Myanmar-China Economic Corridor, and enhance cooperation in transport, energy, production capacity, humanitarian and cultural exchanges, border areas and regional affairs, Suu Kyi told Xi during the talks.

Some countries intend to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries with such excuses as human rights, ethnicities and religions, and Myanmar will never accept such interference, she said.

Suu Kyi said Myanmar hoped China would continue to maintain justice for middle and small countries including Myanmar, state-run China Daily reported. The silence of Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace prize winner, over the Rohingya crisis has come under intense global criticism.

The International Court of Justice, where Gambia has filed a case of genocide against Myanmar, on Wednesday said it will deliver its decision next week on whether emergency measures should be imposed on Myanmar over alleged genocide of its Rohingya Muslims.

Xi, in his remarks, said China was a trustworthy friend of Myanmar and always respected the development paths of other countries by upholding the principle of non-interference in other countries affairs.

China will continue to maintain justice for Myanmar on the international stage, and it supports Myanmar in safeguarding its national sovereignty and legitimate interests, the Daily report quoted Xi as saying.

The main focus of the agreements signed after the talks between the two leaders appeared to be on the implementation of the China Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) which is akin to the USD 60 billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under which China looks to access Pakistans Gwadar port in the Arabian sea.

CMEC is also a giant connectivity project linking the landlocked southwestern China to the Indian Ocean. Details on agreements reached over CMEC were sketchy but they reportedly included a concession and shareholders agreement on the USD 1.3 billion Kyaukhphyu deep-sea port and economic zone.

Kyaukhphyu projects concerns India as it provides a stepping stone for China to the Indian Ocean. Besides Gwadar, China also acquired the Hambantota port raising concerns over the theory of String Pearls to encircle India by Beijing.

There was also a letter of intent for new urban development in Myanmars biggest city Yangon and feasibility studies for rail links. But both the countries skirted the controversial USD 3.6 billion Myitsone Dam which has been stalled since 2011 over public protests.

According to officials, no major new projects have been worked out as Myanmar goes to polls later this year. China, which for decades has maintained close ties with the Myanmar military even when Suu Kyi was incarcerated for years, has again become an important ally to fend off global isolation of Nay Pyi Taw in the wake of the Rohingya crisis.

In his talks with Suu Kyi, Xi said the two countries should speed up connecting development strategies. Conspicuously missing from his talks was the Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar (BCIM) corridor which China in the past vigorously proposed but apparently dropped it over Indias lukewarm support.

India has been severely critical of the BRI as CPEC which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is its flagship project.

On his arrival in Myanmar, the first by a Chinese leader in 19 years, President Xi received a royal welcome with two fighter jets escorting his plane after it entered the countrys airspace. As his plane touched down in Nay Pyi Taw, children presented him flowers before he was whisked off to a greeting party, Chinas state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

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The spokesman for President Hassan Rouhani administration says the hardliner dominated Guardian Council has "insulted" Rouhani by describing the President as "the forerunner of an anti-national project to undermine national unity."

Ali Rabiei, who responded to the accusation in a commentary in the administration's daily newspaper Iran on Saturday January 18, told Guardian Council Spokesman Abbas Ali Kadkhodai not to be the spokesman of "a certain minority."

Earlier, Rouhani had accused the Guardian Council of turning a sizeable political faction into "opposition."

Constant challenges by Iranian hardliners appear to have put President Hassan Rouhani at one of the weakest points of his presidency.

One of the latest challenges to Rouhani's authority as the officially designated figure to uphold the Constitution, came last week from the Guardian Council, a body that, among other things, vets candidates for the Parliamentary and Presidential elections.



Last week, Rouhani criticized the Guardian Council for disqualifying reformist and moderate candidates for the parliamentary elections that is scheduled to be held on February 21. Rouhani charged that "All of those whose qualifications are endorsed by the Guardian Council come from the same faction: the hardliners.

The Guardian Council responded that 90 current lawmakers who have been disqualified to run for the Parliament (Majles) are affiliated with various conservative parties. Kadkhodai told the Iranian state TV that the reason for their disqualification was their involvement in "financial corruption, crime, and other matters."

However, Rouhani on Wednesday criticized thje Council for disqualifying nearly all of the reform minded and moderate-conservative candidates. "All of those whose qualifications are endorsed by Guardian Council come from the same faction: the hardliners," Rouhani charged.

On the same day, the Guardian Council issued an official statement accusing Rouhani of "creating tension" and "not being well-informed." The statement added: "It is not good for an executive official to speak without researching."

Meanwhile, the spokesman for the Guardian Council alluded without naming anyone that Rouhani was angry because people close to him have been disqualified. Rouhani's own son-in-law is one of the disqualified candidates. But many reformists, even some incumbent lawmakers did not get through the net.

Rabiei said in his commentary published in the daily Iran saidthat the Guardian Council's supervision of elections is not according to the Iranian Constitutional Law.

Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei who has lost his position as an arbiter between political factions after he supported one faction against another in the 2009 elections, has remained silent about the dispute, four weeks ahead of the election. Strangely, he has not recently encouraged people to take part in the elections, as he did in the past.

In the meantime, some Iranian observers including reformist analysts believe Iran's hardliners are more or less certain about a landslide victory that would practically push relatively moderate politicians such as Rouhani out of power for many years if not forever.



The absence of well-known reformist figures among those qualified to run for the Majles, confirms Iranian political analysts' view about the possibility of a landslide victory for hardline conservatives in the upcoming elections.

During the past decade while Iranian reformists have shifted to the center of the political spectrum and formed a coalition with relatively moderate conservatives such as Rouhani and Majles Speaker Ali Larijani, Iranian hardliners moved under Khamenei's leadership to further right on the spectrum becoming more radical in both domestic politics and foreign policy.

At the same time, the hard core of power in Iran under Khameneis control has been getting thinner and smaller by alienating various moderates, pragmatists and reform-minded individuals and groups. Although Rouhani's shift to the right wing was quite visible during the past year and his views have been getting closer to hardliners, it appears that those remaining in the core of power still see him more as an instrument rather than an ally.

Yet another observation based on pictures and footage of the last public appearance of Iranian leaders, including the January 17 Friday prayers, reveal that there is discrimination even in alienating former top officials in favor of conservatives. While former reformist President Khatami is absent, former ultraconservative President Ahmadinejad has still a place in the front row, though within a meaningful distance of the center-stage.

While until last year, Rouhani was a hopeful contestant for succession as the Supreme Leader, his administration's performance as well as his own individual mistakes in various situations following recent protests and other key events, coupled with constant challenges by his political rivals, might land him on a seat at the Expediency Council alongside other retired politicians.
QUEENSBURY  Queensbury taxpayer advocate Travis Whitehead has not been reappointed to the Warren-Washington Industrial Development Agency, a decision that led to an angry public confrontation Friday between Whitehead and the man who removed him from the board.

Whitehead had been the only board member who was not a current or former elected official when he was appointed to fill a vacancy in October 2018.

The semi-retired electrical engineer has frequently clashed with elected officials over issues where he found waste of taxpayer funds or malfeasance, and he has been credited with unearthing numerous financial problems and potential criminal activity in Warren County in recent years.

Appointments to the bi-county IDA are made each January, with each county board chairman appointing five members, who are not compensated.

When Warren Countys appointments were announced Friday at the county board meeting, Whitehead was no longer on the list, with Daniel Bruno, a newly elected county supervisor from Glens Falls, as the new name from Warren Countys side of the aisle.

Stony Creek Supervisor Frank Thomas, chairman of the Warren County Board of Supervisors, said only that he appointed who he thought was best for the board.

But as the meeting ended, Whitehead walked up to Thomas in the meeting room, pointed at him and called him an ahole.

Whitehead took issue with the removal as well as the fact that he was given no notice that he wouldnt be reappointed. The Board of Supervisors resolution for appointments was not put on the county website before the meeting. It was added to the board calendar after the resolutions were posted, for reasons that werent specified, and the Personnel Committee did not discuss it as it had with other IDA appointments.

He said he had discussions with IDA Chairman David OBrien earlier this week about board issues, which included a request he take a look at an electrical substation, and there was no indication his tenure was ending.

Whitehead bucked his fellow IDA members on a number of decisions and procedural issues during his tenure, questioning the secretive handling of the sale of the former General Electric Co. dredging project dewatering site in Fort Edward. He said the decision not to reappoint him was clearly retribution for his efforts to shine a light on what was going on.

They dont like to be questioned, he said. Have I annoyed people? Yes I have. But Im the only person there who is asking questions.

Glens Falls 2nd Ward Supervisor Peter McDevitt said later that he did not like the way the appointment was handled, and Whitehead should be put back on the IDA.

It is difficult to attract talented, hard-working people to volunteer boards," he said. "Travis Whitehead is one of these people and deserves to be re-appointed to this board. This is a very negative way to start the year. This problem needs to be fixed."

Three supervisors voted against the IDA appointments: Queensbury at-Large Supervisor DougBeaty, who spoke out against the decision, as well as Queensbury at-Large Supervisor Rachel Seeber and Thurman Supervisor Susan Shepler.

Bruno, Queensbury at-Large Supervisor Michael Wild and Chester Supervisor Craig Leggett, who are on the IDA, abstained.

The decision to not reappoint Whitehead was also a topic of conversation at the Washington County Board of Supervisors meeting Friday, where Hebron Supervisor Brian Campbell, a reappointed member of the IDA, praised Whiteheads tenure.

I notice that Warren County did not send Travis Whitehead back and I appreciate what Travis brought to the IDA, Campbell said. Hopefully, Mr. Bruno is just as good. Ive never met him, but look forward to that.

The IDA appointments for 2020 include Bruno, Leggett, Wild, Horicon Supervisor Matthew Simpson and former Queensbury at-Large Supervisor Nick Caimano from Warren County, and Campbell, former Salem Supervisor Bruce Ferguson, Hampton Supervisor Dave OBrien, ARCC President Mike Bittel and Virginia Sullivan of Glens Falls National Bank.

Simpson, who is running for state Assembly, said he has asked not to be on the IDA this year, and Thomas has identified a potential replacement.

I agreed to stay on until he can nail it down, he said.

Post-Star staff writer Kathleen Phalen-Tomaselli contributed to this report.

Don Lehman covers police and court matters, Warren County government and the outdoors. He can be reached at 518-742-3224 or dlehman@poststar.com

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Donald Trump is expected to meet with EU leader Ursula von der Leyen in Davos, Switzerland, next week, three sources said on Friday, as tensions mount between the allies over tariff threats and the U.S. president faces an impeachment trial at home.

Just days after Trump scored big victories by inking a partial trade deal with China and passing a revamp of the North American Free Trade Agreement, he will travel to the World Economic Forum where he is expected to discuss deepening trade disputes with the European Commission president.

The White House and the European Commission did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Among the raft of trade issues dividing the allies, Washington's most immediate concern is France's plan to impose a 3% digital services tax, which the U.S. government believes would harm U.S. technology giants like Alphabet Inc's Google and Amazon.com Inc, with a host of other countries poised to follow suit.

In retaliation, the U.S. trade representative last month threatened to impose a 100% tariff on French Champagne, handbags, cheese and other goods and services. Trade experts say those tariffs could hit as soon as late January, given the lack of progress in negotiations.

"Things are not really going anywhere," said one of the sources, a European official, despite frequent talks between French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and top U.S. trade negotiator Robert Lighthizer. "The U.S. is not really ready to compromise in terms of having some sort of digital services tax," he added.

European Union Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan on Thursday, ended a round of talks with senior U.S. officials in Washington, saying that negotiations were off to a "good start" but there was more work to do.

Iran will also likely be high on the agenda, after Britain, France and Germany triggered a dispute mechanism in the 2015 nuclear pact with the country, following Tehran's decision to begin scaling back its compliance with the agreement.

The pact offered Iran sanctions relief if it curbed its nuclear work, but Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed U.S. sanctions, saying he wanted a tougher deal.

Tensions in the region have heightened after the United States killed Iran's most powerful military commander in a drone strike. Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, canceled plans to attend the forum.

Trump and von der Leyen, Germany's defense minister, know each other well after sparring over Berlin's failure to reach NATO's 2% defense spending target.

In a December 2016 interview, von der Leyen defended her shocked reaction to Trump's election, saying, "I am not a political machine, but a human being ... and I heard exactly what he said during the campaign, also as a woman."

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West Zone in-charge DCP, joint commissioner A.R. Srinivas said that Naidu wanted to throw a party to his distributors to increase his business.

Hyderabad: The managing director of an agro-product manufacturing company, its marketing manager and an event organiser were arrested by the Jubilee Hills police for organising a rave party at a pub to entice distributors.

The police rescued 21 women and arrested the accused, managing director Vattukuti Srinivas Naidu, 40, of Signova Agro Management Pvt Ltd, marketing manager Mohammed Moin, 36, and event manager Burri Prasad Goud, 43. However, Santosh Reddy, owner of the venue Affairs Pub and its manager Bharath are absconding

On January 12, teams from Jubilee Hills police raided the pub located at Road No. 10 in Jubilee Hills, on a tip-off that many women were indulging in obscenity at the pub. During the raids, the police rescued 21 women and admitted them to state homes.

A case was registered and the police subsequently arrested Srinivas Naidu and Moin, who hosted the party, and Prasad, who had arranged the dancers.

West Zone in-charge DCP, joint commissioner A.R. Srinivas said that Naidu wanted to throw a party to his distributors to increase his business.

Moin asked Prasad to arrange 30 women dancers to entertain their distributors and offered to pay Rs 3,500 for each dancer. Prasad collected Rs 55,000 in total and arranged the women. Pub owner Santosh Reddy and manager Bharath agreed to oblige, Mr Srinivas said.

The party started at about 5.30 pm and the pub was raided at around 7 pm.

Mr Srinivas said the pub has been closed. There are about 50 pubs in the West Zone. We are monitoring the activities at each pub and action will be taken if anyone is found involved in illegal activities, said the officer.
The new arrangements made for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle following their decision to step down as senior members of the royal family will be reviewed in a year, a royal source tells PEOPLE.

After a family summit on Monday, which saw the monarch, 93, Prince Charles, Prince William and Harry convene at her Sandringham estate, Queen Elizabeth revealed the conclusions to the family discussions on Saturday.

However, the new changes  which will take effect in Spring 2020, according to a statement from Buckingham Palace  will last for a year, at which point the royal family will revisit the arrangement, the royal source explains.

This review is likely to include the foursome who met at Sandringham: Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry.

At the moment, Harry and Meghan will continue to attend royal events at the invitation of the Queen.

Rosa Woods/Getty

RELATED: Queen Elizabeth Reveals Conclusion to Prince Harry & Meghan Markles Royal Exit for Peaceful New Life

Following many months of conversations and more recent discussions, I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family, the Queen said in her statement on Saturday.

Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family. I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life. I want to thank them for all their dedicated work across this country, the Commonwealth and beyond, and am particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family, the statement read. It is my whole familys hope that todays agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life.

According to a statement from Buckingham Palace, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are grateful to Her Majesty and the Royal Family for their ongoing support as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. As agreed in this new arrangement, they understand that they are required to step back from Royal duties, including official military appointments.

Story continues

The statement also said, They will no longer receive public funds for Royal duties. With The Queens blessing, the Sussexes will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations. While they can no longer formally represent The Queen, the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty.

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!

The palace also confirmed that Harry and Meghan will no longer be using their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family. They will still be referred to formally as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and will be called Harry, the Duke of Sussex and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have shared their wish to repay Sovereign Grant expenditure for the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage, which will remain their UK family home. Buckingham Palace does not comment on the details of security arrangements. There are well established independent processes to determine the need for publicly- funded security, the palace statement concluded.

Samir Hussein/WireImage

On Jan. 13, the Queen shared a rare and emotional statement following the royal familys 90-minute discussion, revealing that while she would have preferred to have the couple remain senior working royals, she supports her grandson and granddaughter-in-law.

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.

The monarchs statement continued: 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.

John Stillwell - WPA Pool/Getty

Palace sources told PEOPLE that the Queen ordered Harry, Prince William and Prince Charles to meet at her country home in order to talk things through.

Though it was previously reported that the Duchess of Sussex would join the meeting via phone from Canada, Buckingham Palace said in a statement that Meghan and Harry ultimately decided that it wasnt necessary for her to do so.

An insider previously told PEOPLE that Meghan and Harrys decision to step down left senior royals hurt and deeply disappointed.

RELATED: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Felt Their Hand Was Forced to Leave Royal Family Amid Bad Blood

While a rift developed between Harry and William, stemming from a conversation where William warned his younger brother against things moving too fast with Meghan, many imagined the siblings working shoulder-to-shoulder as they got older, a source tells PEOPLE in this weeks cover story. However, that proved to be more complex in reality.

When Meghan came around and she was interested in making changes, he welcomed it, says a friend. When Archie was born, the couples focus shifted even more to doing whats right for their family, adds another friend.

Though the particulars are still being worked out, Meghan and Harry want to focus on their own causes with a little less constraint and still be supporting the institution and the monarch, says a friend.

A royal source told PEOPLE on Saturday that Meghan and Harry will keep the titles of President and Vice President of the Queens Commonwealth Trust, and will continue to work in support for the Queen around the Commonwealth.

In addition, the patronages that Harry will leave are the three military patronages: Captain-General of the Royal Marines, Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Honington and Commodore-in-chief of Small Ships and Diving.
Michael Coard, a lawyer who led the fight to tell how George Washington held enslaved African Americans at the Presidents House at Independence National Historical Park, has called for Philadelphians to rethink the observance of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s birthday by refusing to attend the MLK Day of Service.

Coard said he is disturbed that the largest single event celebrating King was created and is led by a white man, Todd Bernstein, the president of Global Citizen and founder of the Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service.

I mean no disrespect to any white person, but we have to stop white people from appropriating Dr. King and get them to start appreciating Dr. King, Coard said in an interview Friday, three days before the national celebration of Kings legacy. You dont appreciate this radical, you dont appreciate this revolutionary, you dont appreciate this antiwar activist, this poor peoples leader, by forcing people to work, by forcing people to engage in service.

Dr. King never told black people to clean up. He told white people to straighten up."

Coard repeated his call later Friday evening to about 300 people at the third annual Radical MLK Symposium at the First United Methodist Church of Germantown. While the crowd predominantly consisted of black people, scores of white, Asian, and Latino people were there as well.

Do not attend the Day of Service, Coard told the crowd. If I as a man, and Im a feminist, show up at a womens meeting, Im going to sit in the back, listen and ask, What can I do to help? Im not going to take over the meeting.

He said he would rather see black Americans focus on a Day of Knowledge or political education where people discussed the speeches and books King wrote.

Bernstein, who began promoting the Day of Service program 25 years ago, said the event is not about me.

This is about 150,000 people of all ages and all backgrounds who have engaged in a community-building process of determining what is the best course of action in how to spend their day on Monday celebrating Dr. King," he said. "This is not about us.

People will gather at Girard College on Monday, and at other sites around the region, to participate in community service projects. Bernstein said there will also be panel discussions about black women in the suffrage movement.

The fact that votes are still being suppressed today and the importance of being counted in the 2020 census will also be on the program at the Day of Service, he said.

I understand there are people who feel that the radical side of Dr. King hasnt been recognized enough, Bernstein said. I think thats fair. But I dont think that should nullify the choice of tens of thousands of people who make a decision on how to celebrate his life and legacy by turning their community concern into citizen action."

In a Facebook post, Coard said one white man stopped him as he was leaving the Germantown church to tell me I was wrong and that he believes its acceptable for white people to lead Black events and also to lead Black movements. I almost had a Django moment. But I just shook my head and walked away.

Coard said he considers Bernstein to be a friend and had a cordial conversation with him Friday: We agreed to meet soon."
Its a good thing the new koala at the San Francisco Zoo is so cute, because koalas can use all the breaks they can get these days. Cute is what koalas do best, besides doing nothing.

The new one in San Francisco, a 2-year-old male newly arrived from the Los Angeles Zoo, spends most of his days dozing in a eucalyptus tree inside his enclosure and counting his good fortune in being neither in his ancestral homeland of Australia, which is being ravaged by wildfires, nor in Los Angeles.

Many Australian koalas are fleeing for their lives. Physical exertion, however, seemed the last thing on the mind of the new San Francisco koala.

He and his exhibit mate spent Friday napping  in the way of most koalas  while dozens of zoo visitors stared at them and said they wished they could pet them  in the way of most humans.

In Los Angeles, the do-nothing male koala was known as Flin. In San Francisco he is, so far, nameless. Thats to allow the San Francisco Zoo its traditional fund-raising perk of allowing donors to name new arrivals. The zoo is conducting a name-the-koala contest, the winning name to be selected next month from among those submitted online by donors.

Times are dire in Australia, where an estimated 1 billion animals have been lost to the wildfires. Theyre so dire that the zoo is sending all the name-the-koala donations to Australia wildfire relief funds instead of keeping the money for itself, which is what it usually does with donations.

And nobody was saying it in so many words, but the wildfires may actually work out to the new male koalas advantage.

At first, the new arrival was not considered a suitable genetic partner for its fellow San Francisco koala, a 9-year-old female named Cynthia. Thats because koala matchmakers with the Species Survival Plan of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums said the two animals genes were already sufficiently represented in the koala gene pool. And that meant the two would be prohibited from making amorous advances or  koalas being koalas  ever being left alone together.

But with times so tough for koalas everywhere, zoo director Tanya Peterson said she was hoping that the koala matchmakers will decide to make an exception enabling the nameless new male and Cynthia to hook up.

With such a crisis right now, the Species Survival Plan may have to reassess, Peterson said. We may receive a different recommendation. I hope so.

The final decision will be made by the keepers of the U.S. koala stud book. Such a volume indeed exists, and it is maintained by zookeepers in San Diego, who must grant a thumbs up to any and all koala lovemaking.

While the koalas await a decision on their fate from Southern California, their fans on Friday clogged the exhibit in San Francisco.

When youre that cute, you dont have to do much, said Nick Welzie of Maui, who was visiting with his wife, Chieko, and their 16-month-old son, Duke, who, like the pandas, was cute and asleep.

Three-year-old Charlie Prince of San Francisco, being carried in a pouch, marsupial-style, by his mother, Emma, said he liked the koalas almost as much as the flamingos and the kiddie train, which he acknowledged was not an animal.

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.

Its not a bad life, said koala keeper Morgan Pyeha. She is also charged with looking after the rhinos who, she conceded, were less cuddly. The hardest thing about caring for a koala is keeping up with its eucalyptus needs.

A koala eats nothing but the newest, most tender eucalyptus leaves. Theyre fussy and dont eat every species, and keepers scour San Francisco daily for hidden caches from no fewer than 15 eucalyptus varieties.

You can say a koala is a fussy eater, Pyeha said.

An entire branch with hundreds of leaves is presented. The koala eats a precious few leaves, rejecting the rest. The largely intact branch is then turned over to other zoo animals, particularly the Komodo dragons, who regard a koala-rejected eucalyptus branch as sensory enhancement and enjoying sniffing it, Pyeha said.

Peterson agreed that the new koala did not know what his name was, did not care what it was and would not come if called by either his old name of Flin, or by new name of whatever it might turn out to be.

Theyre complicated animals, she said.

Steve Rubenstein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com
The parents of Nora Quoirin, a teenager who was found dead 10 days after disappearing in Malaysia while on a family holiday, have told of the harrowing moment they learned of her death.

Nora's body was found 2.5km from a holiday resort where she had been staying with parents Meabh and Sebastian Quoirin, and her two younger siblings in Dusun in August last year.

Meabh and Sebastien Quoirin said they were beginning to feel hopeful that Nora (15) would be found safe shortly before they were told the devastating news that her body was found.

"It happened at a time where we started to feel more optimistic because we thought if Nora hasnt been found within 7 days or 9 days, then shes not around. If shes not around, then shes been abducted," Sebastien told RTE's Late Late Show.

Expand Close Nora's parents Meabh and Sebastien during the search for the tragic teenager. Photo: Royal Malaysia Police / AFP / Facebook

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Whatsapp Nora's parents Meabh and Sebastien during the search for the tragic teenager. Photo: Royal Malaysia Police / AFP

"Therefore, lets play the waiting game sort of. Lets wait until the abductors come to us and ask for a ransom. In fact, we actually received a random email the previous evening of people saying they had Nora. "

Meabh recalled the moment police officers informed them of the discovery.

"We just kept on believing.

"All of the support we were getting, people hoping with us, got us through the next day and the next day. The fact that they told us that they didnt know for sure it was Nora, although they felt very strongly it probably was, at first they could just tell us that the body of a young girl had been found.

Expand Close Maebh Quoirin with her daughter Nora who was found dead in the Malaysian jungle. Photo: Family Handout/PA Wire / Facebook

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Whatsapp Maebh Quoirin with her daughter Nora who was found dead in the Malaysian jungle. Photo: Family Handout/PA Wire

"Of course, immediately we knew. I can still hear myself screaming 'no' at the police officers. We had to face the inevitable.

"Within a matter of hours, we were taken in a police convoy to the hospital where we had to identify Nora," she said.

Expand Close Nora Quoirin had been missing for 10 days in the Malaysian jungle before she was found dead. Photo: Lucie Blackman Trust/Family handout / Facebook

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Whatsapp Nora Quoirin had been missing for 10 days in the Malaysian jungle before she was found dead. Photo: Lucie Blackman Trust/Family handout

Nora's parents first realised she was missing shortly after Sebastien woke to find she wasn't in her bed.

I think Ill remember this for the rest of my life. I looked at the bed, Nora was missing. I could feel it in my bones that, and you cannot underestimate the power of parental instinct, I felt and I knew immediately that Nora had been taken," he said.

I shouted for Meabh about the situation and then the panic started to search for Nora, running like a headless chicken, calling on staff for help. The stress level went through the roof at the time."

He continued: "The first couple of days were complete chaos. The local police force were not adequately prepared for this type of crisis.

Expand Close Nora Quoirin died while on holiday with her family in Malaysia earlier this year (family handout/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Nora Quoirin died while on holiday with her family in Malaysia earlier this year (family handout/PA)

"Thanks to the help of the Irish and French embassies, this crisis was escalated to national level."

The Quoirins added that they believe Nora was abducted as she was born with a rare genetic condition called Holoprosencephaly, which means she "would have been physically and mentally incapable" of leaving the resort through the bedroom window, and wouldnt of even known a window was there, "she wouldnt of been able to see it."

They said they would like Malaysian police to reopen the case.

"We believe she was abducted, we believe she was kept in the jungle for the time that she was missing. I suppose we dont really feel its helpful to speculate beyond that because there are many theories as to why, and what exactly happened. I think at this stage whats important for us to let the police do their job," Meabh said.

"What were hoping they will reopen an investigation, were not detectives. Wed really like the Malaysian police to go back and properly examine all the angles of the case, and particularly, the criminal angles."

An autopsy showed Nora died from gastro-intestinal bleeding and an ulcer, which is likely to have been brought on by starvation and possible stress.

The Quoirins said they were shocked to learn that an inquest into her death would not be held.

"This news came as a shock to us," Sebastien said.

"The inquest is absolutely critical.

"Without the inquest, the case is closed. If the case is closed, there will be no truth, and we will be deprived from justice."
Pushing doctor assisted suicide to increase organ transplants is wrong, doctor says

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A Canadian newspaper recently touted that one of the benefits of physician-assisted suicide is the increasing number of organs that are made available for people who need a transplant to survive. But justifying the killing of one person to extend the life of another raises concerns for one bioethicist who says the practice disregards the value of the donor.

Amid increasing acceptance and legalization of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide  often euphemistically referred to as medical aid in dying (MAiD) or death with dignity  the Ottawa Citizen reported that Ontarians who choose to end their lives through such means are also saving or improving the lives of others by including tissue and organ donation in their final wishes.

"Every 'new' effort to increase organ supply seems to consider recipient need and not the dignity of the donor, said Dr. Greg Rutecki, an emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic Internal Medicine program and emeritus fellow at the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity, told The Christian Post.

"Prior to this innovation, that is, using persons who have opted for death-hastening measures, the last attempt was utilizing persons declared dead by cardiac criteria, not brain death," Rutecki said, adding that it's crucial people understand that two human beings are involved in a transplant: the donor and the recipient.

A term used when the dying process is manipulated to get healthier organs for the recipient, possibly at the risk of the donors health and well-being, is called "titration of death.

"The initial period was comprised of how long after cessation of heart beat a person was dead and not dying. As things progressed, the organs from these donors were compromised by ischemia (decreased blood supply) and in many instances were not useable. But in this context, recipient need was considered a priority in contrast to donor dignity," Rutecki said.

"The ethical concern is that the dying process of the donor will be compromised in favor of a good organ, making the recipient more important than the donor. Rather than a dying experience with family and friends. The transition becomes a medical-technological spectacle, in essence focusing on a recipient and his/her organs rather than a human being who is dying."

The Ottawa Citizen described this practice as a "growing boon" in organ donation, reporting that "MAiD patients in the province accounted for 18 organ and 95 tissue donors, a 14 percent increase over 2018 and a 109 percent increase over 2017."

The article went on to explain that those who opt for MAiD are suffering from terminal diseases but are cognizant and able to make such decisions.

As an example, the publication cited the story of a woman who had been on dialysis for over 40 years and died in July 2019. The woman, Heather Janack, was quoted as recalling her "sense of elation" that her organs might be used to alleviate the suffering of someone on a transplant waiting list. Janack had worked for the Attorney General of Ontario whose office helped write the MAiD laws.

Medically-assisted death was decriminalized in Canada in 2016, but in September 2019 the Quebec Superior Court ruled that aspects of the MAiD regulations were unconstitutional.

Because dialysis patients suffer from conditions that compromise organ health, Rutecki does not believe the woman described in the Ottawa Citizen article would have healthy organs to donate to someone else. He said the article essentially set up a "straw man" as she was not a poster child for organ donation whatsoever.

While physician-assisted suicide used to be seen as unethical, "now people are trying to show that the victim of such a ghastly process can serve some good (donating an organ)," Rutecki said. "Those people do not need to donate an organ to be worthwhile. They were created in the image of God, and that alone is enough."

U.S. states that allow physician-assisted suicide include: Maine, Vermont, New Jersey, Washington state, Oregon, California, and Hawaii, along with the District of Columbia. Montana does not have a state law on the books but the option is legal in the state following a state Supreme Court ruling.
Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee president Manjinder Singh Sirsa alleged that the Meghwad sisters were kidnapped by Saleem and Abadin Anwar.

Sources in India government said that Pakistan has been conveyed the grave concerns as expressed amongst various quarters of the Indian civil society at such a shocking and deplorable incident involving minor girls from the minority Hindu community in Pakistan.

New Delhi: The ministry of external affairs on Friday summoned a senior official of the Pakistan high commission in New Delhi to lodge strong protest and share serious concerns about the recent cases of abduction of three Hindu minor girls in Pakistan.

According to reports, two sisters  Shanti Meghwad and Sarmi Meghwad  were forcibly abducted on January 14. They belong to Umar village of Tharparkar district of Sindh area in Pakistan. In another incident, a minor also belonging to the minority Hindu community was abducted from the Jacobabad district of Sindh province in Pakistan on January 15.

Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee president Manjinder Singh Sirsa alleged that the Meghwad sisters were kidnapped by Saleem and Abadin Anwar. He claimed that the parents of the girls were told they will be converted to Islam and married to these men.

Sirsa claimed that the parents of the third girl have been informed by her kidnapper named Ali Raza that she has been raped and dont think of getting her back.

The minors father told mediapersons in Pakistan that Ali Raza is a father of four and already has two wives.

The girl was abducted in the morning before she could go to school, he said. He has filed a complaint with the police in Pakistan.

Sources in India government said that Pakistan has been conveyed the grave concerns as expressed amongst various quarters of the Indian civil society at such a shocking and deplorable incident involving minor girls from the minority Hindu community in Pakistan.

The incidents have been strongly condemned and asked for immediate safe return of the girls to their families, sources said.

The latest incidents of kidnapping and forced conversion of Pakistani minority girls comes nearly four months after a Sikh girl was abducted and converted to Islam from Nankana Saheb.

The number of Sikh and Hindu girls kidnapped, raped and forcibly converted has now touched 50 in the last one year.

Sirsa claimed more than 1000 girls in Sindh region alone have been abducted, raped and forced into prostitution in Pakistan. He urged the Indian government to raise the matter with the United Nations against this crime against humanity.
Hitting back at Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut for his remarks on opponents of the Bharat Ratna honour for V D Savarkar, the Congress on Saturday said supporters of the Hindutva ideologue should visit the erstwhile Andaman Jail to understand the sacrifice made by those freedom fighters who never apologised to the British.

The Congress' reaction came within hours of Raut stating that those opposing the Bharat Ratna award for Savarkar should be made to spend at least two days in the erstwhile colonial prison to understand the hardships faced by him during his incarceration.

In a swipe, Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said the BJP can grant the highest civilian honour to Savarkar by virtue of majority at the Centre, if it is willing to ignore Savarkar's statements like calling B R Ambedkar a 'mathefiru' (fanatic) and Buddhists as "rashtradrohi" (pro- sedition)".

"Savarkar was different before 1911. The Congress is against his post-1923 ideology," Sawant said in a series of tweets.

"Savarkar had called Ambedkar a 'mathefiru', Buddhists as 'deshdrohi'. He had also criticised good deeds of Chhatrapati Shivaji," Sawant tweeted.

"Savarkar had also supported the movement opposing merger of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore with India," he stated.

Sawant said 149 persons were sent for "Kalapani" (Andaman Cellular Jail) during 1909-21, while the number was 30 during 1922--1931 and 386 between 1932 and 1938.

"Many freedom fighters like Yogesh Shukla had served the jail sentence there (in Andaman) and later took part in the freedom movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi," he stated.

Taking aim at Savarkar, Sawant stated, "All those who served the sentence did so with pride and without seeking mercy. Such people should be given the Bharat Ratna".

After his conviction for the murder of A.T.M. Jackson, Collector of Nashik district, Savarkar was brought to the Andamans in 1911.

A controversy rages on on whether Savarkar demanded clemency from the British for his early release from the cellular jail, notorious for its inhuman conditions.

"The freedom fighters who served their jail terms in the Andaman did not support the British. They did not take any honorarium from the British. If Savarkar supporters visit the cellular jail, they will realise the importance of sacrifice made by the great freedom fighters who laid down their lives without asking any pardon.

"Savarkar was different before 1911. The Congress opposes his ideology post 1923," the Congress spokesperson said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
U.S., Taliban Continue Meetings In Qatar On Joint Agreement

By RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan January 17, 2020

A representative of the Taliban says a second day of meetings between the group and a U.S. negotiating team led by Zalmay Khalilzad has been held in Qatar.

"Both negotiation teams also held productive talks yesterday & today. Talks will continue for several days & we shall share information about it at various intervals," Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said in a post on Twitter on January 17.

Shaheen added that the talks had been "useful" and that the sides are discussing the signing of a joint agreement and a related ceremony. He did not elaborate.

There was no immediate comment from U.S. officials, but Reuters quoted two unnamed sources as saying the Taliban will implement a 10-day cease-fire with U.S. troops, a reduction in violence with Afghan forces, and discussions with Afghan government officials if it reaches a deal with U.S. negotiators in talks in Doha.

Analysts say that if an agreement is clinched, it could revive hopes for a long-term solution to the conflict in Afghanistan.

U.S. forces have been in Afghanistan since their 2001 invasion to drive out the Taliban following the September 11 terror attacks in the United States.

The Taliban controlled Afghanistan at the time and harbored Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the attacks.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to remove the estimated 13,000 U.S. troops remaining in Afghanistan in America's longest war.

Over the past year, neighboring Pakistan has helped facilitate talks between Khalilzad and the Taliban in Qatar, where the militants have a political office.

But the talks have repeatedly stalled, with Washington calling on the group to reduce violence, among other things.

An Afghan presidency spokesman said a cease-fire was the only way to achieve sustainable and dignified peace.

"To achieve lasting peace, which is the demand of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the people, is the only way to achieve cease-fire," he said in a post on Twitter.

"Any cease-fire that is proposed as a fundamental step will be acceptable to the people and the government," he added.

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/u-s-taliban- continue-meetings-in-qatar-on- joint-agreement/30382828.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.

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(Bloomberg) -- The impeachment trial of President Donald Trump next week will transform the Senate into a packed but somber chamber where the most contentious matters will be hashed out behind closed doors.

Chief Justice John Roberts will preside over the entire trial where 100 senators will sit silently in their seats, separated from their iPhones -- a stark contrast to the usual lengthy speeches delivered by senators to a nearly empty chamber.

Here are some ways that the worlds greatest deliberative body will be transformed into a hushed courtroom:

Silence or suffer pain of imprisonment

Senators will be admonished at the start to keep silent, on pain of imprisonment. No talking or debate is allowed in the chamber during the trial. Theoretically, a senator could get thrown into the slammer for chatting up a neighbor or making an outburst during the proceedings. But its never been done before. Senators also are directed to stay in their seats throughout the proceedings -- no standing -- and have been told to restrict reading material at their desks to matters relevant to the trial.

Checking cell phones at the door

Senators, staff and the press are forbidden from carrying phones and other electronic devices into the chamber, though Democratic Senator Mark Warner of Virginia was seen stealing a glance at his Apple Watch. Large cubbyholes have been installed just outside the chamber and in the cloakrooms to store phones and other electronics.

Debating in secret sessions

Arguments by House prosecutors and the presidents lawyers will be televised, but the senators discussions on the most sensitive aspects of the trial will be in closed session. Under Senate rules, senators serving as jurors are supposed to listen, not publicly debate the trials rules or even Trumps guilt or innocence. The proceedings will go into secret session when the arguing takes place, unless most senators agree to an effort by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer or other Democrats to keep things open.

Story continues

Trial rules based on Clinton impeachment

Senate rules on impeachment trials date to 1986 and provide little structure. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will offer a resolution Tuesday to lay out the trials terms. He said it will largely follow the structure of President Bill Clintons 1999 impeachment, putting off the question of witnesses until after both sides present their case and answer senators questions, which will be submitted through the chief justice. McConnell said he will be able to pass the resolution with just Republican votes.

The first fight -- likely to take place out of public view -- will be over what amendments to trial procedures Schumer can offer, including his proposal to call White House acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney and former National Security Advisor John Bolton as witnesses. Based on the Clinton trial, the public will only see the roll call votes on amendments and McConnells resolution on trial rules.

Rare Saturday work days for senators

While the Senate is usually in session just four days a week, the trial is expected to keep the chamber at work every afternoon for six days a week starting Tuesday. But mid-trial procedural issues may give the senators -- including four who are seeking the Democratic presidential nomination -- a chance to leave town.

News media in velvet-roped pens

The level of security goes far beyond the Senates normal operations, with more Capitol Police, restrictions on staff and public spectators, and other rules senators say are intended to limit disruptions.

The news media must get special passes limiting who can roam around the Capitol, and theyll be almost entirely limited to talking with senators within velvet-roped pens, enforced by the Capitol Police. That will make it easier for senators to avoid being asked questions, although reporters can still catch senators boarding underground trains to their office buildings.

Casting a tie-breaking vote

With the Senate converted to an impeachment court, there are open questions about how Roberts will enforce the rules. One of the most important questions could be how to break a tie vote, especially on whether to call witnesses or seek documents withheld by Trump. This issue may be addressed in McConnells proposed ground rules.

All eyes will be on a handful of Republican senators to see if at least four will vote with Democrats on questions such as calling witnesses. Senator Susan Collins, who is seeking re-election in Maine this year, said shes likely to support new witnesses after both sides presentations and senators questions. Senators Mitt Romney of Utah, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska have also indicated they would be open to hearing additional testimony.

First we need to hear the case, Alexander said. That means hear the arguments, ask our questions and then be guaranteed a right to vote on whether we need more evidence. And that could be witnesses, it could be documents. Ill reserve that decision until I hear the case and I ask questions.

To contact the reporters on this story: Laura Litvan in Washington at llitvan@bloomberg.net;Steven T. Dennis in Washington at sdennis17@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Joe Sobczyk at jsobczyk@bloomberg.net, Anna Edgerton, Laurie Asseo

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

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Acting on a complaint by political activist Ravikrishna Reddy, the ED began investigating the matter.

Bengaluru: Will Sonia Gandhi confidante, senior Congress leader and former minister, K.J. George meet the same fate as D.K. Shivakumar, who was jailed during the course of investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED)?

Sources said George, who is accused of amassing properties worth millions of dollars in the name of his daughter and son-in-law in Manhattan, New York, seems to be in trouble.

Acting on a complaint by political activist Ravikrishna Reddy, the ED began investigating the matter. George, who appeared before the ED seemed to be confident that he would not be prosecuted. ED officers have asked George to furnish details of all bank accounts maintained by him and his family members, both in India and abroad.

They have also sought details of all movable and immovable properties in India and abroad owned by him, along with proof.

The ED also asked the Congress leader to produce Income Tax returns from the financial year 2005 onwards till date. Copies of Income Tax returns, audited balance sheet and P&L account, along with all the annexures filed by all your concerns for the financial year 2005-06 onwards and till date.

George, after being grilled for hours, stated that he will produce all documents sought by the officials, but refused to divulge any other details to the media.

Ravikrishna Reddy, the complainant, alleged that George, being a powerful politician since the 1990s has amassed properties in Manhattan area of New York city.
Parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan are in the midst of a deadly invasion by millions and millions of locusts, leaving the farmers there in distress. The invasion which began in October is said to be the worst in over six decades.

According to reports, crops of some 3.6 lakh hectares in 10 districts as western Rajasthan have been damaged by the locusts so far. The Locust Warning Organization (LWO) said that the current wave of attack was by Pink locusts which are flying in from Pakistan.

AFP

According to LWO, these are adult locust with very high capacity to eat and stamina for long-distance migration. The pink coloured locust is destructive among all breeds of locust. It is 30-45 days of age with very strong wings than the usual black and yellow ones. They fly in gregarious format with speed faster among all breeds and are fatal for rabi crops in progress.ML Gujjar, head of Locust Warning Organization told The Times of India.



A swarm of locust flying over a field in Jaisalmer, last week. Rajasthan is suffering the worst locust attack in last 60 years. This video cant capture the magnitude. They were all over the sky, on ground. They hit the windshield like thick raindrops during a very heavy shower pic.twitter.com/q59nLQPtHh  Rajesh Kalra (@rajeshkalra) January 18, 2020

AFP

According to farmers in Rajasthan, this is the second wave of locust attacks since May 2019, which is unprecedented. Farmers say that they have not been able to control the grasshopper due to the sheer number of the locusts flying in, often blanketing an entire area.

AFP

They also said that the local authorities are unable to prevent the attack as the locusts are breeding in Pakistan. The crop loss due to the locust attacks in Rajasthan alone is said to be around Rs 150-200 crores.



The situation in Gujarat is no different. Over 6000 hectares of farmland in Gujarat have been affected by locust attacks over the last two weeks. In Gujrat too the current locust attack is said to be the worst in recent times.

"The locust menace this time was unlike that seen in the region before. This time, it appeared the swarm of locusts would engulf entire north Gujarat, if not controlled," Gujarat, Agriculture Minister R C Faldu had said.

Earlier this week, the Punjab government had said that no incidence of locust attack has been reported in the state, and advises farmers not to get panicky. The state had also ordered a 24X7 surveillance ordered in districts bordering Rajasthan.

AFP

Locusts that fly in large groups invade an area and will eat up all the greenery there. While locust attacks are not anything new in Gujarat and Rajasthan the current spell is different. It is unseasonal and the magnitude is also unprecedented.
Contributed Photo / Getty Image

BRIDGEPORT  Bridgeport twins who were linked to the violent robbery and carjacking of an Ansonia delivery driver back in 2016 were sentenced to federal prison Friday, officials said.

Antoine Snell and Treyquane Snell, both 21 of Bridgeport, were sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to serve 64 months and 72 months in prison, respectively, a news release from the office of U.S. Attorney for Connecticut John Durham said.
In a major development, the Centre has told the Supreme Court that it is agreeable to revisit its 2017 proposal to take over the management control of embattled realty firm Unitech Ltd and complete its stalled projects to bring relief to around 12,000 hassled home buyers.

The Centre, in its six-page note submitted to a bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud, said it is prepared to revisit its proposal of December 2017, to remove the existing management of Unitech Ltd and appoint ten nominee directors of the government.

The Centre, however, said it would not infuse any funds for completion of pending projects of the company. It said the court, while ensuring a period of calm should direct a moratorium for 12 months.

For the proposed board, the government also suggested the name of retired Haryana cadre IAS officer Yudvir Singh Malik, as chairman and managing director of the board and names of members including A K Mittal, ex-CMD of National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC), Renu Sud Karnad, Chairman of HDFC Credila Finance Service Pvt Ltd, Jitu Virwani, CMD of Embassy Group, Niranjan Hiranandani , MD of Mumbai-based Hiranandani Group.

It said the court may appoint a retired judge of the Supreme Court for supervising the resolution framework finalised by the proposed board of directors.

"That this court may allow the proposed board of directors to appoint key managerial persons, professionals (legal, insolvency, financial advisors, real estate professionals, etc) for assisting the government appointed board and payment of requisite professional fees including the legal fees, thereof from the company accounts," the Centre's note said.

It also sought directions to the promoters, the present management of the company, forensic auditors, asset reconstruction companies, banks and financial institutions and state governments to extend cooperation to the proposed board of directors.

"That this court may issue directions to restrain the promoters from alienating, mortgaging, creating charge or lien or interest in the movable and immovable properties owned by them," the government said, adding, services of the committee headed by Justice S N Dhingra, appointed to sell the company's assets, be put on rest.

The government also sought immunity for the proposed directors in respect of the numerous litigations pending across the country, involving the company, management and its promoters.

It also sought permission for the proposed board of directors to raise funds due from the home buyers, sell the unsold inventory, monetising the unencumbered assets for completion of the stalled projects.

"That this court recognizes and directs that without any prejudice to any order, the government has the right to refer the company to liquidation or Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), like resolution outside the framework of IBC, in case the assigned takeover is not viable in the absence of requisite resources, the government said.

On December 18, last year, the top court had asked the Centre if it was agreeable to revisit its 2017 proposal as there is urgent need for the projects of Unitech Ltd. to be taken up by a specialised agency, so as to ensure completion in a time bound schedule in the interest of the home buyers.

The top court had said, "Since the Union of India withdrew the application which it had submitted before the NCLT only for the reason that this Court was seized of the present proceedings, we are of the view that the Union of India should revisit the original proposal in the interests of home buyers and consider appointing independent Directors for the takeover of the management of Unitech Limited".

It had said that these deliberations may be conducted at the highest level and Attorney General K K Venugopal should apprise the court by January 15, about the modalities which have been worked out.

In 2017, the Centre had moved the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) seeking suspension of the current directors and an order of restraint on the alienation of assets by Unitech Ltd.

The NCLT in its order December 8, 2017, issued interim directions for suspension of directors of Unitech Ltd and restrained them from alienating, mortgaging, creating charge or lien or interest in the properties owned by them personally or that of the company till the conclusion of investigation.

However, the top court on December 13, 2017, stayed the NCLT's December 8, 2017 order and later the Centre agreed to withdraw its application from the tribunal.

In 2018, the apex court had directed a forensic audit of Unitech Ltd and its sister concerns and subsidiaries by Samir Paranjpe, Partner, Forensic and Investigation Services in M/s Grant Thornton India.

The forensic auditors have also submitted their report which said that Unitech Ltd received around Rs 14,270 crores from 29,800 home buyers mostly between 2006-2014 and around Rs 1,805 crores from six financial institutions for the construction of 74 projects.

The audit revealed that around Rs 5,063 crore of home buyers money and around Rs 763 crores of fund received from financial institutions were not utilized by the company and high value investments were made off-shore tax-haven countries between 2007-2010.

The top court ordered investigation into the omission and commission of promoters of Unitech Ltd under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Unitech promoters Sanjay Chandra and his brother Ajay Chandra are currently lodged in Tihar jail for allegedly siphoning off homebuyers' money.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 20:59:33|Editor: huaxia

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SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Countries around the world are once again hopeful about the sound development of China-U.S. relations in the new year as the two leading economies have made fresh progress in resolving their trade frictions, a Chinese diplomat said here Friday.

In a speech celebrating the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Jan. 25, Chinese Consul General in San Francisco Wang Donghua told an audience of over 700 people that the year 2020 will be a key year in the development of China-U.S. relations.

"Both the Chinese and American people, as well as other countries in the world, are holding new hopes for the China-U.S. relations in the new year," Wang said.

He noted that China is willing to work with the United States to implement the phase-one economic and trade agreement signed this week so that their economic and trade cooperation can return to normal as soon as possible.

"We urge the United States to take a correct, objective approach to China and adopt a rational China policy, and to make joint efforts with China to bring their ties back to the track of a stable, healthy growth," he said.

The year 2019 marked the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, and achievements in the past decades have "fully" proved that the two countries are not strategic rivals, but cooperative partners, said Wang.

As the world's two largest economies, China and the United States are highly intertwined economically and share a lot of common interests as well as broad prospects for cooperation, Wang noted.

Marilyn Librers, president of China Silicon Valley, an organization that promotes cooperation between China and the U.S. tech hub, said she was excited to attend the Chinese Lunar New Year reception because she is optimistic about the future of the two countries.

"I see the future to be booming for both of our countries, which is very exciting," she told Xinhua, adding that both China and the United States are major countries with significant influence.

"We must trade and we must have commerce together," Librers said.

Geoffrey Wilson, president of the Physicians Organizing Committee, a San Francisco-based non-profit association which has committed itself to fighting for ethics in the health profession, said he was looking forward to "a great prosperous year" ahead for China and the United States.

Wilson said the phase-one deal will help improve the relationship between the United States and China because they can benefit a lot from cooperation that will continue in the new year.

He said China and the United States can benefit from each other in many ways and he expects trade to flow for both countries. "If we can remove the trade barriers, the entire world will benefit," Wilson said.
Shrimp exports to Australia increased strongly in 2019, expanding at a two-digit growth rate, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

Shrimp exports to Australia reached nearly 121 million USD by December 15, 2019, representing a rise of 12.6 percent over the same period of 2018  the highest rate among the top ten shrimp export markets of Vietnam.

Australia was the seventh largest shrimp export market of Vietnam, according for 3.8 percent of Vietnams total shrimp export revenue.



Shrimp exports to Australia have seen strong recovery since April 2019, after posting a decline in 2018.



Especially, July saw the highest increase of 56 percent, with November at a rate of 45 percent.



For many years, Vietnam was the largest shrimp exporter to Australia, accounting for 42 percent of Australias shrimp imports, followed by China with 23 percent and Thailand with 22 percent.



Both Australia and Vietnam are members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) which took effect from the beginning of 2019. Accordingly, shrimp exported to Australia would enjoy zero tariffs.

According to VASEP, Australia was among countries with strict requirements on food hygiene and safety.



VASEP urged firms to establish production chains to increase shrimp quality with clear origin to expand exports to Australia.

Shrimp export s to Australia hit 114.7 million USD in 2018, dropping by 4.4 percent against 2017.

Vietnams shrimp exports saw total revenue of 3.39 billion USD in 2019, a decrease of nearly 5 percent. VNA
Reuters

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Dutch navigation and digital mapping company TomTom on Friday said it has closed a deal with China's Huawei Technologies for the use of its maps and services in smartphone apps.

Huawei was forced to develop its own operating system for smartphones, after it was effectively blacklisted by U.S. President Donald Trumps administration last year out of concerns over national security.

This banned Huawei from using Googles official Android operating system, along with widely used apps such as Google Maps, in new phones.

The deal with TomTom means Huawei can now use the Dutch company's maps, traffic information and navigation software to develop apps for its smartphones.

TomTom spokesman Remco Meerstra said the deal had been closed some time ago but had not been made public by the company.

Meerstra declined to provide further details of the agreement.

TomTom, which is moving away from selling devices to offering software services, sold its telematics division to Japan's Bridgestone last year to focus on its digital map-linked businesses.

(Reporting by Bart Meijer; Editing by David Goodman)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
A CISF personnel posted in Odisha's Paradip allegedly raped his colleague's four-year-old daughter after luring her with chocolate to his quarter, police said on Saturday.

The accused hails from Tamil Nadu and was posted in the IOCL township here. He has been arrested, said BC Mishra, assistant superintendent of police, Jagatsinghpur district.

The accused knew the victim as she is the daughter of another Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel who is deployed at the Paradip Refinery Project of the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), police said.

The accused, a head constable in the CISF, allegedly lured the girl to his quarter with chocolate on Friday night and raped her, they said.

A case has been filed after the girl's family lodged a complaint at Abhaychandpur police station on Saturday, police said.

Medical examination of the girl has been completed and further investigations are underway, they added.

(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 Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday conducted raids in Delhi, Ghaziabad and Gurugram in connection with alleged irregularities in the evaluation of OMR sheets in examination for recruitment of constables in Border Security Force (BSF) by BSF officials as well as by an outsourced private firm based at Patparganj Industrial Area.

A case has been registered a case against Sh. Ravi Kumar, C.S. Datamation Research Services Pvt Ltd, Patparganj Industrial Area, New Delhi and unknown others.
New York, Jan 18 : The idea that someone can fake a positive attitude to elicit real-life benefits - often backfires when used with co-workers, a new study suggests.

Instead, making an effort to actually feel the emotions you display is more productive, according to the research, published in the Journal of Applied Psychology.

For the findings, the research team analysed two types of emotion regulation that people use at work: surface acting and deep acting.

"Surface acting is faking what you're displaying to other people. Inside, you may be upset or frustrated, but on the outside, you're trying your best to be pleasant or positive," said study researcher Allison Gabriel, Associate Professor at University of Arizona in the US.

"Deep acting is trying to change how you feel inside. When you're deep acting, you're actually trying to align how you feel with how you interact with other people," Gabriel added.

The study surveyed working adults in a wide variety of industries including education, manufacturing, engineering and financial services.

"What we wanted to know is whether people choose to engage in emotion regulation when interacting with their co-workers, why they choose to regulate their emotions if there is no formal rule requiring them to do so, and what benefits, if any, they get out of this effort," Gabriel said.

According to the researchers, when it comes to regulating emotions with co-workers, four types of people emerged from the study: Nonactors, or those engaging in negligible levels of surface and deep acting; Low actors, or those displaying slightly higher surface and deep acting; Deep actors, or those who exhibited the highest levels of deep acting and low levels of surface acting; and,Regulators, or those who displayed high levels of surface and deep acting.

In each study, nonactors made up the smallest group, with the other three groups being similar in size.

The researchers identified several drivers for engaging in emotion regulation and sorted them into two categories: prosocial and impression management.

Prosocial motives include wanting to be a good co-worker and cultivating positive relationships.

Impression management motives are more strategic and include gaining access to resources or looking good in front of colleagues and supervisors.

The team found that regulators, in particular, were driven by impression management motives, while deep actors were significantly more likely to be motivated by prosocial concerns.

This means that deep actors are choosing to regulate their emotions with co-workers to foster positive work relationships, as opposed to being motivated by gaining access to more resources.

The main takeaway is that deep actors - those who are really trying to be positive with their co-workers - do so for prosocial reasons and reap significant benefits from these efforts, said the study.

Deep actors also reported significantly higher levels of progress on their work goals and trust in their co-workers than the other three groups.

The data also showed that mixing high levels of surface and deep acting resulted in physical and mental strain.
Japan has confirmed a patient there tested positive for the new China coronavirus.

Its health ministry said the man in his 30s had recently traveled to the Chinese city that's thought to be the epicenter of the outbreak.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga released this statement on Thursday (January 16):

(SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) JAPANESE CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY, YOSHIHIDE SUGA, SAYING:

"It was confirmed yesterday that one person who had stayed in Wuhan city tested positive for the new coronavirus, and this is the first case in Japan. I heard this person has already been discharged [] we will steadily implement quarantine and we will keep dealing with it in a thorough manner."

So far one person has died from the strain.

The World Health Organization has said it could spread and has warned hospitals worldwide.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 00:43:55|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese President Xi Jinping holds formal talks with Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, Jan. 18, 2020. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

NAY PYI TAW, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- China and Myanmar have agreed to work together to build a community with a shared future, opening a new era of bilateral ties.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi announced the decision during their formal talks in the Myanmar capital of Nay Pyi Taw on Saturday.

Xi said that enjoying a profound "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship, China and Myanmar face new development opportunities in bilateral ties as both countries have entered a new stage of national development.

This time, the two sides have decided to jointly build a China-Myanmar community with a shared future, ushering in a new era of bilateral relations, Xi said.

The president urged efforts to implement the decision, systematically plan and deploy next-phase exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and strengthen political guidance for bilateral relations, so as to push China-Myanmar relations to a higher level.

Firstly, Xi said, the two countries should accelerate the alignment of their development strategies and put more efforts into the construction of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC).

The two sides should advance their five-year plan for economic and trade cooperation, effectively dovetail their development strategies, and well implement their economic and trade as well as production capacity cooperation.

Stressing the overriding importance of the CMEC in their Belt and Road cooperation, Xi said the two sides have started the substantive construction of the CMEC, adding that the two sides should work to increase the sense of gain of both peoples, the Myanmar people especially, as soon as possible.

Secondly, the two countries should focus on flagship cooperation projects to strengthen connectivity, Xi said.

China and Myanmar have agreed to allow the Kyaukphyu projects to play a demonstrative and driving role in the CMEC, and accelerate the construction of the China-Myanmar Border Economic Cooperation Zone and the New Yangon City, so as to complete the overall layout of the economic corridor supported by the north, east and west ends.

The two sides should also forge ahead with connectivity projects including highways, railways and power grids, in order to form a structural network for the corridor, Xi said.

Thirdly, China and Myanmar should expand trade and investment and boost local cooperation, Xi said, adding that China has always adhered to upholding justice while pursuing shared interests in its practical cooperation with Myanmar.

China welcomes Myanmar to increase exports to China, supports Chinese enterprises in increasing investment in Myanmar and is willing to enhance bilateral financial cooperation, he said.

Xi encouraged the two sides to give full play to the geographical advantage of their economic corridor and promote exchanges and cooperation between Myanmar and Chinese provinces including Yunnan Province, so as to contribute to the overall development of the two countries.

Fourthly, China and Myanmar should deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges and promote friendship and understanding between their peoples, Xi said.

He urged the two sides to make the celebration events for the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and the China-Myanmar Year of Culture and Tourism a success, and encourage more youths to carry out exchanges so as to pass on the "Paukphaw" friendship from generation to generation.

China and Myanmar should endeavor to improve people's livelihood, security and infrastructure construction along the CMEC, to deliver benefits to more Myanmar people as early as possible, he said.

Extending once again a warm welcome to Xi, Aung San Suu Kyi said Myanmar highly cherishes its friendship with China and hopes to continue to be a good friend of China.

Xi's visit, which has boasted milestone significance and yielded fruitful results, will greatly deepen the Myanmar-China "Paukphaw" friendship and promote their practical cooperation, she said.

The Myanmar side is ready to actively advance the construction of the Myanmar-China Economic Corridor, fully implement projects in Kyaukphyu and push forward cooperation in such areas as transportation, energy, production capacity, humanities, border and at local levels, she said.

Myanmar is ready to join efforts with China to forge ahead, build the Myanmar-China community with a shared future and better benefit the two peoples, she said.

Aung San Suu Kyi said that a prominent feature in Myanmar-China relations has been their mutual respect, understanding and support.

China has long been giving Myanmar precious understanding and support at both bilateral and international levels, and the Myanmar people will always remember that, she said.

China's support is not out of self-interest, but to safeguard fairness and justice, which is particularly precious to small countries like Myanmar, she said.

Currently, problems concerning world peace and development, as well as international fairness and justice are yet to be solved, Aung San Suu Kyi said.

Some countries have been wantonly interfering in the internal affairs of other countries in the name of human rights, ethnic or religious issues, she said, noting that Myanmar will never bow to such pressure and interference.

Aung San Suu Kyi expressed hope that China will continue to defend justice for small- and medium-sized countries including Myanmar on international occasions and play a constructive part in promoting the peace process in her country.

Stressing that time reveals a person's heart and adversity tries a friend, Xi said China is a good friend worthy of Myanmar's trust.

Noting that China and Myanmar have jointly championed and practiced the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, Xi said the two sides have not only trusted and helped each other and set a model for exchanges between countries, but also made historic contributions to the promotion of establishing a new type of international relations.

China has always adhered to respecting the people of all countries' independent choice of a development path suited to their national conditions, and insisted on non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, Xi said.

China will continue to speak out for justice for Myanmar in the international arena, and support Myanmar in safeguarding its national dignity and legitimate rights and interests, Xi said.

China supports Myanmar in advancing the domestic peace process and achieving national reconciliation, and is willing to continue to play a constructive role in this regard, he added.

After the talks, the leaders of the two countries attended a ceremony of exchanging bilateral cooperation documents, covering political, economic, trade, investment, humanities, local and other fields.

China and Myanmar also issued a joint statement on Saturday.

According to the statement, both sides agreed to continue to enhance coordination and cooperation in regional and multilateral fora such as the United Nations, China-ASEAN cooperation and Lancang-Mekong cooperation platform.

They agreed to render mutual support on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, to work closely on global issues concerning the challenges faced by developing countries, and to uphold jointly peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

The two sides will continue their close high-level interactions, reinforce mutual political trust, enhance strategic communication, deepen exchanges of experience in governance, and further promote friendly exchanges between their legislative institutions, political parties and localities, says the document.

They also pledged to continue bringing into full play the role of inter-governmental mechanisms for practical cooperation, such as the China-Myanmar Joint Committee on Economic, Trade and Technical Cooperation and China-Myanmar Agricultural Cooperation Committee, and deepen concrete cooperation in fields such as economy and trade, agriculture, forestry, industrial capacity, investment and finance.
Ian McEwan, the acclaimed Booker Prize-winning English author, has seen many of his novels adapted for the big screen, but it was watching then 12-year-old Saoirse Ronan on the set of Atonement - the film version of arguably his most popular book - that stopped him in his tracks.

"Even then," he recalled, years later, "she showed an extraordinary ability to take control of the material, to morph from a sparky Irish kid into an upper-class English girl with cut-glass accent to match.

"She knew how to convey a particular form of inwardness, of an imagination running riot. She also completely charmed and hypnotised the set."

And she charmed Academy Award voters, too, by receiving a nomination for Best Supporting Actress, becoming, at just 13, one of the youngest in movie history to achieve such an honour. She lost out to Tilda Swinton, but she had made an indelible mark.

Fast-forward to 2020, and the Bronx-born star has been nominated for an Oscar yet again. Remarkably, at just 25, it's her fourth nomination, for her performance in another much-loved literary novel - Louisa May Alcott's Little Women.

Ronan has quietly become one of the most revered actors of her generation - and a figure who has made the transition from child prodigy to adult leading lady with apparent ease.

Hollywood is littered with child stars who failed to make it in the business once they reached adulthood. Just ask where Corey Feldman (Stand By Me), Haley Joel Osment (The Sixth Sense) and Henry Thomas (ET) are now.

But there have been no such difficulties for Ronan. She may have grown up on screen, but she has remained grounded off it. And there has barely been a blip on the upward trajectory her career path has taken.

"Between 2010 and 2015," according to Review film critic Paul Whitington, "she had successfully negotiated that awkward bridge between child and adult acting, quietly impressing in films like Hanna, Byzantium and How I Live Now. Then, in the space of 12 months, she appeared in a remarkable string of quality movies that launched her career into full-blown stardom."

"It was intense," she told Whitington last month. "Everything was kind of changing for me and it felt like I was just sort of floating above my body that year, because there was so much going on. There was so much work, more than I'd ever done, and finishing it, and having the work turn out to be good, I was kind of like, 'Okay, that's the baptism of fire'."

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Although born in New York - and still an American passport holder - she was raised in Dublin and rural Co Carlow. With her father, Paul, an actor who still works, it was not surprising that young Saoirse would gravitate towards performance.

She began acting professionally aged just seven and first came to national prominence when she appeared in RTE's popular GP-set drama series, The Clinic. But it was beating hundreds of auditionees for the challenging role of Briony Tallis in Atonement that set her on the extraordinary run of films she has enjoyed since.

Ronan has credited dialect work she undertook for an aborted film around 2005 for helping with the audition for Atonement - and she must have wowed the casting director because film-maker Joe Wright had been on the lookout for a child who looked like Keira Knightley (who plays Briony's older sister in the film).

And the industry recognition has kept coming. In 2015, her portrayal of a homesick Wexford girl in Brooklyn - based on the Colm Toibin novel of the same name - won her a second Oscar nomination, this time in the best actress category.

Then, last year, she was Oscar-nominated for her role in the coming-of-age indie film Lady Bird, directed by Greta Gerwig. Her performance bagged a Golden Globe. And it's Gerwig who is at the helm of Little Women. The book has been filmed eight times previously, but Ronan signed up when it was confirmed that Gerwig would be directing and she could play the part of one of literatures great feminists, Jo March.

Ronan has been prolific and it's that appetite for work that has made her become a better actress, she feels. "The more you do it," she told the New York Times, "the more open you are to accessing feelings I've gotten to a point in my work where I need to stand firmly with decisions I've made or feel free to go in another direction - even if everyone around me is telling me to do the opposite."

And yet, she has known when to step back and recharge. She took six months out in 2018, immediately after completing On Chesil Beach - another McEwan adaptation.

In interviews, she has suggested that the struggles of her parents to make it in their chosen fields (her mother Monica also acted when younger) has helped to not just drive her forward, but to ensure that complacency doesn't set in.

"They had to struggle for a long time," she has said. "Ma watched Dad lose out on parts or star in shows off-off-Broadway and make buttons. I watched these really talented people never get the shot they deserved. So they prepared me to be realistic. And that's good, because the moment fame becomes a priority, you should give it up."

Her parents have been supportive of her daughter's acting work from day one, especially when it came to school. When Ronan began to feel that she was getting a hard time in the classroom, her parents opted for home-schooling instead.

"Some of the students were, you know, mean," she said recently. "But when your schoolmates recognise you before they've met you, and the teachers do too, it can make things very awkward and difficult."

Ronan has been hailed as one of the greatest screen stars of her generation; fellow Irish actor Colin Farrell has suggested that she "doesn't have a dishonest bone in her body, and that translates into her work, on the screen".

According to the Observer, her career choices have been impeccable. "With the exception of this little pop outing [in the video for Ed Sheeran's 'Galway Girl'] and perhaps her cameo in Muppets: Most Wanted, the actor is distinguished by a succession of rather sober career choices. She has taken risks with sophisticated screenplays, instead of opting for obvious crowdpleasers."

She has also succeeded on the stage. In 2016, she won praise from critics for her performance in a Broadway production of Arthur Miller's The Crucible.

Today, Ronan divides her time between New York - where she has a home - and Ireland, but the nomadic life of a major film star means she is often away for months at a time.

Ever busy, she has recently completed a pair of films, which will be released later this year. The French Dispatch, directed by Wes Anderson, will see her team up with Lady Bird and Little Women co-star Timothee Chalamet once more, while in period drama Ammonite she performs alongside Kate Winslet and fellow Irishwoman Fiona Shaw.
World leaders are preparing to gather in Berlin on Sunday to discuss concluding the nine-month conflict in oil-rich Libya and restoring peace and stability, Al Jazeera reports.

Why it matters: The conflict in Libya is among the most "intractable proxy wars" in the Middle East, pulling in Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Turkey, the New York Times reports.

The state of play: Foreign attraction to Libya stems from commercial interest, geopolitical games or regional and ideological rivalries.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said implementing a United Nations-arms embargo on Libya will be a top concern at the summit, per Al Jazeera.

said implementing a United Nations-arms embargo on Libya will be a top concern at the summit, per Al Jazeera. Hundreds of civilians have died since Libyan renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar began his siege in April, while hundreds of thousands have been displaced, according to UN data cited by Al Jazeera.

Key players:

Europe and the U.S. have been on the sidelines of the conflict without offering much intervention. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo plans to be in attendance, the Times notes.

Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Russia are backing Haftar, who is currently trying to gain control of the capital, Tripoli, per the Times.

Turkey is backing the UN-recognized government in Tripoli.

None of the primary players have expressed interest in backing out or stepping down.

The bottom line: The summit is expected to focus on diplomacy, but "the stakes are highest for civilians in Libya, where the effect of the conflict has been devastating," Al Jazeera writes.
Democratic presidential candidate Deval Patrick will attend Saturdays Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast.

Patrick will not be speaking at the event but will interact with fellow attendees.

I want to honor both the occasion and the community, Patrick said. I think it took a lot of years for Dr. King to bend the arc of the moral universe in America. And, of course, he didnt do it by himself. He did it with a lot of courageous partners whom he had to persuade so they could take charge of their own future.

I want to honor the community because some of those partners, some of those fellow drum majors for justice were from Orangeburg, or were thinking about Orangeburg when they were thinking about trying to bend the American arc, Patrick said.

The event, which is sponsored by the Delta Zeta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., will feature Academy Award-winning actor Lou Gossett Jr. as the speaker. The event is sold out.

The former Massachusetts governor said he is the legacy of Dr. King.

I was able to imagine my own place in the American Dream and to claim it because of the work that he did, and the dream he dreamt and people he inspired to get up and shape their own future. That is something I, frankly, have tried to live my own life to honor. And try to pass on just as he has to me and so many others, he said.

Patrick began his presidential bid on Nov. 14, getting a later start than many of the current candidates.

He said he is not concerned about the polling gaps between himself and his fellow candidates.

Im not campaigning for the polls. Do you know whats true? Ive never participated in a political poll, Ive never met anybody who participated in a political poll. I dont know why it is we wait for polls we havent seen and dont fully trust, or ought not to after 2016, when the real deal is standing right in front of you, and Im the real deal, Patrick said.

Ive said it before and Ill say it again, theres no other candidate in this race that has the range of life and leadership experience that I do, Patrick said.

This will be Patricks second visit to Orangeburg. Patrick discussed present-day political issues and his policy proposals with students from Claflin and South Carolina State universities in November.

Contact the writer: bharris@timesanddemocrat.com or 803-596-6530

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Lawyers in Herrings office said they worked through the night to write a response to the appeal. They also requested permission to file a longer brief because the haste with which the plaintiffs are proceeding means this is the first and likely only opportunity for the Commonwealth to file a brief on this matter, according to a statement from Herrings office.
Dimapur (Nagaland) [India], Jan 18 (ANI): The Mech Kachari community of Nagaland is all up in the state of much fanfare and merry as the community is soaked in the celebration of the post-harvest festival.



The festival which is also known as 'Aai Sagi' was recently organised by the Mech kachari public organisation in Nagaland's capital city of Dimapur.

The community celebrated the Aai Sagi with much gaiety at Kushiabill-Darogajan village ground in Nagaland.

Mech tribe, which is one of the scheduled tribes of India, belongs to Kachari group of tribes.

Aai Sagi that is celebrated with much happiness, is a mark to showcase gratitude to almighty for a bountiful harvest.

President of Western Sumi Hoho, Dr. Kakheto Zhimomi, graced the celebration that was organized by Mech Kachari Public Organization (MKPO).

Kachari Tribal Council Nagaland (KTCN), Ramesh Hasnu was also present in the celebration.

Addressing the festival, Zhimomi gave a strong emphasis on the need for preserving, promoting and sustaining the rich traditions and cultures of the Naga community.

Kachari dances and songs by cultural troupes are some of the main highlights of the celebration.

Donned in the traditional attire, women present and perform Mech Kachari cultural dance.

The community holds a strong belief that such festivals will help to maintain the culture, and makes the brotherhood of the region stronger. (ANI)


The texts also indicate that Parnas passed a copy of one of the Ukrainian prosecutors resumes in English to Harvey. Parnas also seemed to have sent him a copy of the Ukrainian passport of the tycoon who owns the gas company that placed Bidens son Hunter on its board. How the copy of the passport was obtained, and what Harvey was planning to do with it, if anything, is unclear.
He is used to gracing the red carpet in a series of sleek ensembles.

Yet Brad Pitt, 56, was going for a more edgy look on Friday as he was seen departing his art studio in Beverly Hills while going for a kooky style.

Wearing an ombre green sweater and his favourite pair of slouchy jeans, the film star cut a casual figure after spending hours in the studio where he sculpts.

Retreat to the studio: Brad Pitt, 56, was going for an edgy ensemble on Friday as he was seen departing his art studio in Beverly Hills while going for a kooky look

Brad first retreated to the art studio in 2017, locking himself away for long and lonely nights to channel his heartbreak over his divorce from Angelina Jolie.

He began working on sculptures under the direction of his friend, British artist Thomas Houseago, but has not revealed them to the public.

Now finished with the press surrounding his latest role in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood Brad has once again retreated to the studio to indulge his passion.

His outing comes after the Fight Club star found himself at the centre of a media storm following last week's Golden Globes when he was spotted heading to the same after-party as ex-wife Jennifer Aniston.

Away from the drama: The budding artist spent up 15 hours a day in the studio working until the early hours of the morning during his second divorce

The pair were seen heading to the CAA after-party at the Sunset Tower Hotel following the 77th annual Golden Globes at The Beverly Hilton Hotel hours before.

During his appearance on the red carpet ahead of his victorious stint at the show where he won Best Actor in a supporting role in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, Brad, 56, branded Jennifer, 50, a 'really good friend'.

Jennifer arrived at the bash hosted by talent agency CAA (Creative Artists Industry) alongside jewellery designer and good pal Jennifer Meyer, with whom she shared a tender hug before hitting the bash.

Sitting pretty: Inside the Golden Globes, the pair had been seen sitting just feet away from one another, with Brad and Jennifer placed on neighbouring tables

On his own: In his speech at the Golden Globes he joked about attending alone, saying: 'I wanted to bring my mom, but I couldn't because anyone I stand next to they say I'm dating. It'd just be awkward'

Shortly after, Brad made a solo arrival at the event while still looking sharp in a tuxedo, following his sweet tribute to his ex, despite their bitter split.

As he took the stage, Brad revealed his relationship with Jennifer is nothing but amicable as he called her a 'good friend'.

Jennifer and Brad were married from 2000 to 2005, splitting after Brad fell for his Mr. & Mrs. Smith co-star Angelina.

Attending the Golden Globes no doubt brought back memories for the exes, who famously attended the ceremony as a married couple back in 2002.

Separate arrivals: Brad called ex-wife Jennifer his 'good friend' as he was asked about bumping into her on the red carpet
Its not every day that a woman gets stabbed in a random Westport parking lot attack. In fact, I dont think thats ever happened here in the entire history of our town.

But it did happen last week. Suddenly, Westporters realized that we are not immune to any of the senseless violence that occurs everywhere else in the country.

This was as random and senseless as it gets. Its not clear what possessed an 18-year-old honor roll student and lacrosse player from Guilford  nearly an hour from Westport  to come here, lie in wait in a spa parking lot, open the car door and begin stabbing a 33-year-old Greenwich resident. Many people suspected drugs or a psychotic episode. The young mans own attorney said he was strongly concerned for his client.

Those things dont happen here. But they do.

People dont bring guns to school in Westport and shoot their classmates and teachers. But they do in schools all over the country, from Colorado and Florida to  so frighteningly close  Newtown.

People dont use hard drugs in Westport. At least, we think they dont. But they do. From time to time, police make arrests for heroin or cocaine. Sometimes the users or sellers are out-of-towners, passing through or visiting. Sometimes they are our neighbors, people down the street, or the sons or daughters of friends.

The opioid crisis has, thankfully, not struck Westport, we say. Except it has. Many of us know at least one person addicted to painkillers. Sometimes they get the kind of extended, expensive treatment available to very few Americans (unless they live in places like Westport). Sometimes they continue their habit, invisible to all but close friends and family members, because opioid addiction is not on our affluent suburban radar. Except it should be.

The same with teen drinking. Because we have not had a major incident in a while, its easy to think it has vanished. Except it hasnt. Alcohol is still the substance of choice for high school students. Its as much a part of teen life as texting and driving.

The good news is, teenagers today dont drink and drive. Decades of educational efforts have paid off in areas like designated drivers. The rise of Uber slashed drunken driving even more. But  as they have since, probably, Prohibition  Westport teenagers will find ways to drink. Just like teens everywhere.

Vaping is all over the news. People think my kid doesnt, except he or she does. Its easy to hide, and kids in Westport hide their devices, pods and cartridges as easily as they get them. Its just like the beer and weed their parents and grandparents used. Except its a lot easier to get away with.

The immigration debate plays out in places far from Westport too, we think. We are surrounded by men and women from other countries, of course. But they look like us and work alongside us in financial services firms, marketing companies and consulting businesses. We dont have those illegal people here, we think. Except we do.

They blow the leaves from our lawns, plow snow from our driveways. They cook the food in our restaurants. Some even live under our roofs, tending our children and cleaning our homes. We dont ask. They dont tell. But there is precious little separating people all around us from their countries of birth. And just as little separating the lives they make easy for us, and the chores we may otherwise have to do for ourselves.

Its even easy to think that climate change is something that happens to the rest of the globe. Wildfires in California and Australia may sear our consciences, but they dont burn our houses. Polar ice caps may melt, but theyre poles apart from us. Droughts may affect farms, but were not farmers.

Except we are all citizens of the Earth. We all eat food. We all breathe. None of us can escape rising temperatures and sea levels. Just ask anyone who lives on Saugatuck Island. Climate change is starkly evident there, and it will be in the rest of Westport soon, too.

So what does all this mean? Random violence, alcohol, drugs, vaping, immmigration, climate change  the real world is really right here, too. Its on the doorsteps of our large, beautifully designed, well maintained suburban homes.

Should we despair? No. Thats foolish, and it does solves nothing at all.

Of course, we cant embrace those things, either.

All we can do is realize that Westport is truly part of the world. We dont live in a bubble, nor can we.

We are all passengers on this planet, rocketing together through space. We must all fasten our safety belts. The ride will get even rockier, but we are all in it together.

Dan Woog is a Westport writer, and his Woog's World appears each Friday. He can be reached at dwoog@optonline.net. His personal blog is danwoog06880.com.
NEW YORK, Jan. 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Prudential Financial, Inc. ("Prudential" or the "Company") (NYSE: PRU) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, for the District of New Jersey, and docketed under 20-cv-00545, is on behalf of a class consisting of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired the securities of Prudential between February 15, 2019 and August 2, 2019, inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.

If you are a shareholder who purchased Prudential securities during the class period, you have until January 27, 2020 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

Prudential describes itself as providing a wide range of insurance, investment management, and other financial products and services to both individual and institutional customers throughout the U.S. and in many other countries.

The Complaint alleges that during the Class Period, defendants made materially false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose adverse information regarding Prudential's business and prospects. Specifically, defendants failed to disclose the following facts: (a) the Company's reserve assumptions failed to account for adversely developing mortality experience in its Individual Life business segment; (b) the Company was not over-reserved, but instead, its reported reserves, particularly for the Individual Life business segment, were insufficient to satisfy its future policy benefits liabilities; and (c) the Company had materially understated its liabilities and overstated net income as a result of flawed assumptions in calculating mortality experience. As a result of this adverse information being withheld from the market, the price of Prudential common stock was artificially inflated to more than $105 per share during the Class Period.

On July 31, 2019, after the close of the market, Prudential issued a press release announcing its financial results for the second quarter of 2019. The Company's financial results included EPS of $3.14, which missed analyst consensus estimates of $3.23 by $0.09. In addition, the Company reported it would take a pre-tax charge of $208 million as a result of its market experience update and that the Individual Life business segment had lost $135 million, but did not provide information concerning the impact of the revised mortality assumptions on the Company's financial performance going forward.

On August 1, 2019, Prudential held a conference call (with presentation slides) for analysts and investors to discuss the Company's second quarter 2019 financial results, including the $208 million charge to earnings because of changes in mortality assumption, which was entirely attributable to the Individual Life business segment. On the call, Defendants noted the impact of the change in mortality assumptions on the Company's quarterly results.

Following Defendants' prepared remarks, analysts sought further details regarding the surprise earnings miss, the reserve charge in the Individual Life business segment attributed to the changed mortality assumptions, including its impact during future periods, and why the Company was not updating guidance despite indicating the negative future financial impact of the reported results. Even more significant, Defendants explained that the change in mortality assumptions would require a negative earnings impact of $25 million per quarter for the foreseeable future, wiping out approximately one third of the earnings attributable to the Individual Life business segment.

On August 1, 2019, J. P. Morgan issued a report on Prudential and its second quarter 2019 results, titled "2Q Results Poor, 3Q Guidance Atrocious," which described the Company's second quarter results as "poor" and its "EPS guidance [as] even worse."

Also on August 1, 2019, Evercore ISI issued a report on the Company's second quarter results, titled "A Challenging Quarter," noting the significance of the "forward earnings drag expected" as a result of the changed mortality assumptions in the Individual Life business segment. Evercore also noted that the slides accompanying the conference call contained a new revelation that the Company was seeking to reinsure certain blocks of its Individual Life business segment.

As a result of these disclosures, including the $208 million reserve charge, the earnings miss, the negative $25 million earnings impact in each quarter for the foreseeable future, and the implied reduction in guidance, Prudential's share price declined more than 10%, from a close of $101.31 per share on July 31, 2019 to a close of $91.09 per share on August 1, 2019, on massive volume of more than 7.6 million shares traded.

On August 2, 2019, Prudential filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter of 2019, which provided additional details concerning the Company's adjustments to operating income by segment. As set forth in the Form 10-Q, the Individual Life business segment performed $178 million worse in the second quarter of 2019, as compared to second quarter of 2018, primarily due to the $208 million reserve charge from the annual review.

As a result of these further negative disclosures in the Form 10-Q, Prudential's share price declined another 5.64%, from a close of $91.09 per share on August 1, 2019, to $88.56 per share on August 2, 2019, and to $85.95 per share on August 5, 2019 (the next trading day), on massive volume of more than 4.2 million shares traded on each of August 2, 2019, and August 5, 2019.

On August 6, 2019, Deutsche Bank issued a report, titled "Lowering Estimates Post Earnings," which revealed that Prudential's Investor Relations had been in communication with sell-side analysts concerning their financial models for the Company and, as a result, Deutsche Bank was reducing its fiscal year 2019 EPS guidance for Prudential by more than 4% to $12.25.

These continuing disclosures revealing Prudential's true financial condition caused its share price to continue to decline, from a close of $86.23 per share on August 6, 2019 to a close of $85.17 per share on August 7, 2019, and to below $83.00 per share by August 15, 2019.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP

Related Links

http://pomerantzlawfirm.com


RADNOR  While the meeting at the Radnor Memorial Library Friday was billed as a discussion of equity in the workplace, Democratic congresswomen Mary Gay Scanlon, D-5 of Swarthmore, and Jackie Speier, who represents California, talked about many issues.

Before the meeting, Scanlon, who along with Speier voted to impeach President Donald Trump, said, there was serious evidence against the president for pressuring a foreign country for personal political favor and trying to cover it up. Now it is up to the Senate and she hopes it hears full evidence on it. Scanlon and her office have been trying to educate constituents on the impeachment process, which happens rarely and have held town halls.

Asked whether the senators who are vying for the Democratic nomination to run against President Trump in the fall should recuse themselves from sitting in judgement because of their conflict of interest, Scanlon, a lawyer, said, I dont they have a conflict, they will have to run against someone but I dont think thats in their choosing. I think the bigger issue is the senators who said came out and said, Im going to work hand in glove with the White House or I dont care what the evidence says. But those senators are not upholding their constitutional duty which is to hear the evidence and judge. Its not about the man, its about what is happening to the office of the president and are we going to have a democracy if there is a situation where the president doesnt follow the rule of law, doesnt allow Congress to know what he or she is doing, takes money that congress appropriated and refuses to use it. Thats what we saw yesterday when the GAO (Government Accountability Office) report found the president had violated the law by refusing to spend the money that had been allocated. So its about the rule of law its not about the person.

Asked about members of Congress who said immediately after he was elected that they would impeach Trump, Scanlon said it was only one or two.

I hope Republicans would not be held to what their wildest statements of its members, she said. At one point Leader (Nancy) Pelosi said, Hes going to impeach himself. If he hadnt done anything yet impeachable, this is someone who doesnt know how government works and he doesnt respect the rule of law or our constitutional limits.

There was also the Robber Mueller investigation underway and there was a lot of evidence in the press that there was impeachable conduct, added Scanlon, who serves as vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee.

Responding to a residents question, Scanlon said the House Judiciary Committee will continue to investigate the president and his administration regardless of the impeachment outcome.

During the first part of the session, Scanlon interviewed Speier, who shares a Washington, D.C., apartment with her. They spoke about the increasing numbers of women who were elected to office in 2018. Speier, who was elected in 2008, mentioned how having more women in creates a different atmosphere.

Newsweek named Speier as one of the 150 fearless women in the world, said Scanlon, and as one of the 50 most influential people in U.S. politics by Politico for bringing the Me Too movement to the House.

Twelve years ago there were just fewer than 100 women out of 435 members, serving in Congress. Now there are 102 women in the House and 25 women in the Senate.

The change that has been so remarkable is the change in climate, said Speier. Because we saw so many more women get elected to Congress.

She decried the lack of Republican women serving and said, What a difference it makes when you have the leader of your party, a woman.

Critical mass in equalizing a setting is 40 percent, but the House has 23 percent so were not there yet, she said. Women bring different perspectives, she said.

Meanwhile, there has been required sexual harassment training for the last two years, she noted. And the rules have changed for staff members who want to make a claim that they were harassed. They no longer have to go through a lengthy cooling off process and arbitration. And members are required to pay their own settlements in these cases, rather than the taxpayers.

Speier also discussed sexual assault on college campuses and in the military. More women are serving in the military, where she claimed there have been 20,000 to 25,000 sexual assaults annually but only 5,000 reported. Of those, 500 go to trial and 250 result in a sentence.

On college campuses women between 18 and 24 are three times more likely to experience sexual harassment or assault, she said. Speier introduced the Title IX protection Act for safety on campuses and the Hull Act that holds institutions liable for not providing protection to students. But these bills have not passed the House yet.

Speier said often alcohol is part of the problem but 20 percent of co-eds are either sexually assaulted or there is an attempted sexual assault. Also, one in 16 men is also assaulted.

There should also be a requirement for greater transparency so parents know whether campuses are safe.

There needs to be a recognition that often times this conduct goes onthere needs to be investigations the victim needs to be informed, she said. Also, the two parties need to be separated so the victim does not have to live in the same dorm with her assailant, she said.

Virginia last week became the 38th state to pass the Equal Rights Amendment and Congress is looking into extending the deadline for states to pass it so that it finally becomes a constitutional amendment. This year, 2020, also marks 100 years since women earned the right to vote in the U.S.

Congress had its first hearing on the ERA in 35 years, said Speier.

A woman who came with a sign that said Medicare for All asked about health care.

Speier said that the Affordable Care Act was a step in the right direction and that Medicare should be offered to those who do not have health insurance through their employers.

Another man said that he was worried about the November election, getting laughter and nods of agreement from the audience. If the Democrats run a far-left candidate they will not get independents and disaffected Trump voters, he said.

Scanlon said there is a sorting-out process going on but she is concerned about the effect of modern communication. Speier said she has a lot of faith in voters. But as a member of the Intelligence Committee, she is concerned about foreign interference in the election.

She also believes African-American voters will play a major role in the primaries.

I do think we have to get rid of the Electoral College and Im sick of the Iowa caucuses, she said to applause.
Pakistan on Saturday violated ceasefire by resorting to firing and shelling on forward posts and villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman said.

The firing and shelling from across the border started in Mendhar sector of Poonch and Lam in Nowshera sector of Rajouri in the afternoon, prompting befitting retaliating by the Indian Army, he said.

The spokesman said Pakistan resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation in Mendhar sector from 12.30 pm to 1.15 pm, but there was no report of any casualty on the Indian side.

In Lam area of Nowshera, Pakistani troops resorted to small arms firing and mortar shelling around noon, he said, adding the Indian army retaliated befittingly.

The cross-border shelling in the sector was going on when last reports were received, the spokesman said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Police have found a toddler whose disappearance from the Ipswich suburb of Raceview sparked an amber alert.

In an alert issued about 5.45pm on Saturday, police called for urgent public assistance to find the one-year-old boy, who they warned may have been at "significant risk".

Police said he was seen being pulled from his mother's arms at an address in Raceview about 11.30am on Saturday.

Shortly before 7.30pm, police confirmed the boy had been found.

"Police would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance," they said.
A former Shiv Sena corporator from Aurangabad in Maharashtra on Saturday claimed that his party's MLA Sanjay Shirsat and Deputy Mayor Rajendra Janjal thrashed him for submitting a bid for a road tender.

Shirsat, MLA from Aurangabad West Assembly seat, and deputy mayor Rajendra Janjal denied the allegations and claimed former corporator Sushil Khedkar was beaten up by party workers.

"MLA Sanjay Shirsat thrashed me on Saturday afternoon in his office. I had to get admitted in a government hospital. Shirsat has been putting pressure on me for a long time over a road work tender in Satara here," Khedkar told PTI.

"The MLA told me not to submit a bid for the tender which is worth Rs 2.25 crore but I did. Deputy Mayor Rajendra Janjal also beat me up along with Shirsat," Khedkar claimed.

Shirsat, in his defence, said, "Khedkar is arrogant and he had an altercation with party workers. They beat him up. I did not hit him."



Janjal too denied the allegations and said he had in fact tried to save a "drunk" Khedkar when he was being assaulted.

Khedkar said he has approached Vedant Nagar police station to file a case.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Oral traditions are incredibly important for Afghan author Jamil Kochai, who says he depended heavily on them for his debut novel and they sparked a new life in his book.

"If there hadn't been for oral traditions I grew up listening to, I am not sure whether I would have finished my book in its present form. The oral traditions sparked a new life in my novel," says Pakistan-born Kochai who grew up in the US.

His "99 Nights in Logar" blends the bravado and vulnerability of a boy's teenage years with an homage to familial oral tradition.

Kochai says his book is really rooted in this memory that kept coming back to him after he returned to the US from a trip to Afghanistan when he was 12 years old.

"Our family guard dog Budabash escaping from our compound in Logar (one of the 34 provinces of Afghanistan). He leapt over the wall and then ran away towards the village. My cousins and I set out to find him," he recalls.

"I kept thinking about the resulting search through mazes, into floods and unexpected confrontations with American soldiers, who were then stationed in Afghanistan. I wanted to tell about these exuberant adventure tales across Logar and thus the idea of the novel came," he says.

Questions cropped up in his mind about whether or not he knew enough of Afghanistan, has enough experience of Afghanistan or whether it was his right to write this novel.

"But these questions led me to focus a great deal on research, to focus on making sure that I have other people's narratives involved in my work," Kochai told PTI in an interview.

"If there was this sort of fear that as an Afghan who grew up in the US, I didn't have the right perspective or knowledge to write this novel, I made sure that the stories and the perspectives of my parents, my uncles and aunts, and my cousins who grew up in Afghanistan are also told."



A good deal of Kochai's research focused on talking and recalling stories and events to his parents, brothers, cousins, uncles and aunts and a great deal of work that went into the novel was just him sitting down and listening.

"One important aspect about the development of the novel was me able to take the time to hear the stories before I ended up writing them down or take them into a new direction," he says.

Kochai describes his novel, which took him two years to complete, as an adventure tale rooted heavily in oral traditions.

"99 Nights in Logar" was shortlisted for the 2019 DSC Prize for South Asian Literature, which was bagged by Amitabha Bagchi last month for his post-colonial novel "Half the Night is Gone".

"My book really was a result of my experience in Logar when I went there as a child at the age of six when the Taliban were in control and again when I was 12 years old during American occupation when there was violence," Kochai says.

Recounting those trips, he says they sort of lingered in the background of everything.

"I ended up having such a feeling of love and compassion and care from all of my family members. It was really one of the happiest times of my childhood. And it was from those feelings of joy and compassion that I started writing this novel," he says.

Kochai has formulated a strategy for creating characters: "look at people I know in my own life and try to fuse their characteristics together".

For him, it is important to put the characters, the family and day-to-day life in the front and centre whereas the war and the violence exist in the background.

He also rues that often Afghans are projected in literature and media as savages and essentially fundamentally violent people.

"It was very important for me when I was writing this novel to demonstrate the complexity of the Afghan society and also make sure that people are sort of humanised in the process," he says.

About his life in the US, he says, growing up there was difficult.

"When my family went to the US, I was a little less than two years old. We did not speak English at home. When I went to grade school for the first time, I knew no English at all. Learning the language was incredibly difficult for me just like trying to make friends was. When I was about seven years old, I picked up English for the first time," he says.

Kochai was still a kid when 9/11 happened.

"After that, I faced a great deal of bullying, insults and discrimination from students and even friends and some teachers at times. Growing up in America was difficult so was to have a feeling that I belong to America," he says.

Kochai, who has a master's in English from University of California, Davis and a bachelor's degree in English from California State University, Sacramento, is currently working on his second book.

"It is a collection of stories and I have taken a broader approach by setting the stories beyond Logar," he says.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
TROY  Careers in the technology sector are rapidly growing in the Capital Region and across the country, and corporations are heightening their recruitment efforts to keep up with a demand for talent.

But students from the Silicon Valley to the Hudson Valley say there's been a lack of conversation in their classrooms about the potential pitfalls and social implications of technology, and the morally dubious tasks some of the more well-known  and well-paying  tech companies may ask them to perform as employees.

One group at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute made its own space to host those discussions. Jacob Kaplan, an RPI senior studying computer science, created Rensselaer for Ethics in Science, Engineering and Technology (RESET) over the summer, disillusioned after seeing news reports of tech companies working with law enforcement and government.

We try to combat this whole idea of innovation for innovations sake, without really stopping to think what it is that were creating,'" Kaplan said. "Were just trying to promote peeling back the layers and really thinking about what it is were working on and what the effects are going to be.

The club was hatched after Kaplan posted on a local subreddit asking if others wanted to start a discussion group. The response was immediate, he said. About 10 people went to RESET's first meeting, a higher turnout than he expected during the school's quieter summer months. During a recent meeting, about 20 people gathered in a room at the university's library, exploring topics like Amazon's facial-recognition and Ring surveillance technology, and other corporations that contract with the federal government to develop weapons systems. The group has more than 90 members on the chat app Discord.

Other student groups have reached out to partner with RESET, and the club is now planning an alternative career fair, hosting what Kaplan described as "ethically minded companies, not these large behemoths."

"People are much more reluctant to want to go work for a big tech company nowadays, and I think thats probably why weve been getting a lot of traction," Kaplan said. "I think there is an increased awareness of these issues. People do see the need of having these kinds of dialogs."

This sort of skepticism  or "techlash"  can be complicated for students who have put themselves in debt going to school and are offered big-money jobs at companies with recognizable names. Kaplan said he knows people who studied aeronautics hoping to work in the space industry. But since the industry is hard to break into, they ended up working with ballistics technology.

"If they dont wind up sending rockets to the moon, they have to wind up sending rockets to Yemen, he said. Thats just the reality for them.

Eric Hagegard, a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering and philosophy, said the safety and money offered by those large corporations is tempting. "I think that its very easy to be brought under their wing and no longer consider the moral implications," he said.

But Hagegard said he enjoys RESET's meetings because they are usually attended by naturally skeptical people.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

"There were people who were really interested in critical thinking and taking things less at face value and more at analyzing things," Hagagard said. "It struck me as a really genuine attempt.

Discussions aren't held in a vacuum, and the club sees the same wide range of discourse that would be expected when any group of college students gets together, said Audrey Beard, a third-year computer science Ph.D student studying computer vision and machine learning.

"I see a lack of real, meaningful criticism of our fields," Beard said. "When I look at the discourse that occurs in these spaces, its often about technological solutions that dont fundamentally question power structures or dont really fold in discussions from outside of the field."

Beard said they have seen first-hand how STEM fields can sometimes be hesitant to open up to different political ideologies, or to the black, queer and feminine perspectives. RESET provides a springboard to hold the types of conversations that aren't generally discussed, they said.

"Generally speaking, everybody in the group notices problems in STEM, whether its at an industry level, an educational level, or an individual-development level, and fundamentally thats what brings us together and thats what spurs all of the discussion," they said. "I think that ultimately we have similar goals and similar ideas to problems that we see, and that's what this is about."

Michael.Williams@timesunion.com or 518-454-5018.
The cleanup of diesel fuel underground in downtown Mandan has reached a new milestone.

The Mandan Remediation Trust will meet Wednesday to talk about closing the Mandan Remediation site.

Diesel fuel was first discovered in downtown Mandan in 1984 as the new Law Enforcement Center was being built.

"We started doing some assessments right after that," said North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality Director David Glatt. "It started to point to the largest supplier of diesel fuel, which was Burlington Northern, pointing in their direction as causing the problem."

Glatt told Prairie Public radio it took some cajoling, but BN agreed to start recovery efforts, drilling a few wells. But he said that didnt do the job. Glatt says thats when the state began negotiations with BN.

What followed were court cases and arbitration.

Glatt said the railroad eventually paid $30 million, of which $24 million went toward the cleanup directly.

"We were able to get a comprehensive cleanup system in place," Glatt said.

Glatt said it took several years to get to this point, but it has been successful.

"We're at the point that there's no diesel fuel on the water table, and we're able to close down the site," Glatt said. "At this point, it is clean enough to meet the needs of downtown Mandan."

Glatt said BN turned out to be a great partner in the cleanup effort. He said these are the kind of success stories that have allowed downtown Mandan to begin to flourish again, and bring in new business.

"If you ask people in downtown Mandan about the diesel spill remediation, over half the time people respond with 'What?'" Glatt said. "They don't know anything about it. To me, that is a success."

The meeting is at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Veterans Conference Room of Mandan City Hall, 205 2nd Ave. NW.

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Fire fighters battled a blaze on Bray's Castle Street last Friday night (10th).

The fire broke out in a derelict building opposite Supervalu at around 9 p.m. Winds were high, fanning the flames, and the building quickly becoming engulfed by fire.

Bray fire crew attended the scene, supported by Greystones with a tanker, and a hydraulic platform from Wicklow town.

The street was closed until the area was made safe. Residents of Dwyer Park, adjacent to the fire, were evacuated from their homes until the fire was extinguished.

Witnesses said that the roof collapsed minutes after they noticed that the building, known as Jordan's Cottage, was on fire.

The empty building is located beside the old Heiton Buckley site. An alarm was going off at the building for several days prior to the blaze.

Residents were able to return to their homes at approximately 10.30 p.m.

No injuries were reported and the cause is still being investigated.
Who Is Indira Jaising To Suggest I Should Forgive My Daughter's Rapists, Asks Nirbhaya's Mother

BCCL

Asha Devi, the mother of the 2012 Delhi gang-rape victim has hit out at senior lawyer Indira Jaising after she suggested that Devi should forgive her daughter's rapists. "Who is Indira Jaising to give me such a suggestion? The whole country wants the convicts to be executed. Just because of people like her, justice is not done with rape victims," Asha Devi told news agency ANI. Read more.

Here are the other top news of the day:

Unnao Again? Kanpur Woman Beaten To Death By Men Out On Bail For Molesting Her Teenage Daughter

AFP

A witness in a molestation case succumbed to her injuries at a hospital in Kanpur on Friday, the police said. Anant Dev Tiwari, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), said: "Accused in the 2018 molestation case were out on bail. A clash broke out between the accused and the victim's family while the accused were drinking." "Subsequently, they attacked two witnesses in the case. In the attack, a woman was seriously injured and she succumbed to her injuries," he added. Read more.

Temple Town Shirdi To Remain Shut Indefinitely From Sunday After Row Over Sai Baba's Birthplace

BCCL

A call has been given for indefinite closure of Shirdi after Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's reported comment terming Pathri in Parbhani as Sai Baba's birthplace. "We have announced to close Shirdi against rumours, from January 19," said B Wakchaure of Saibaba Sansthan Trust. Read more.

As CAA & NRC Protests Continue, Delhi Police Can Now Detain Anyone Without Any Charge Under NSA

BCCL

Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has granted power of detaining authority to the Delhi Police Commissioner under the National Security Act, according to a notification. The NSA allows preventive detention of an individual for months if the authorities feel that the individual is a threat to the national security, and law and order, sources said. Read more.

Millions Of Locusts Are Wreaking Havoc In Rajasthan And Gujarat, The Worst-Of-Its-Kind Invasion

AFP

Parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan are in the midst of a deadly invasion by millions and millions of locusts, leaving the farmers there in distress. The invasion which began in October is said to be the worst in over six decades. According to reports, crops of some 3.6 lakh hectares in 10 districts as western Rajasthan have been damaged by the locusts so far. The Locust Warning Organization (LWO) said that the current wave of attack was by Pink locusts which are flying in from Pakistan. Read more.
Schenectady

On a brisk Saturday morning tens of dozens of women braved the cold -- some wearing pink caps to keep warm -- to participate in Schenectady's first women's march.

The march was organized by Angelicia Morris, executive director of the county Human Rights Commission. Morris is the first African American female and youngest person to oversee a county agency in the history of Schenectady. Marches were held nationally, including another in Saratoga Springs.

"You all came out to bring the fire for women's rights," Morris said, and cheers erupted from the audience.

She first thought of the idea while at an advisory council meeting for Planned Parenthood when the group was talking about women's issues. About a month later, Planned Parenthood called her back saying they wanted to do the march, and they also wanted Morris to plan it.

"I was so humbled when they told me that," Morris said.

They decided to host the march the Saturday before Dr. Martin Luther King Day, which was no coincidence. She pointed out that King was in the fight for women's rights from the beginning. During his time, he was the lone male and clergy member on the Planned Parenthood committee, she said.

"We wanted to do it on this weekend because Dr. King was a strong advocate and supporter of women's rights," Morris said. "Women were important to the civil rights movement for Dr. King. We wouldn't be here if it weren't for women."

During her remarks, Morris said women of all backgrounds need to stand together.

"We stand for all women. We stand for Jewish women. No longer will Schenectady will we stand for anti-Semitism or the in the nation," Morris said.

She also encouraged women to go to the polls in 2020. Near the end of her speech she had a simple message to those in power: "If you don't put women's values and rights before you in an elected office, we women will rise"

Women's issues were not the only topic touched on during the remarks. Hemavattie Ramtahal, who immigrated to Schenectady in 1999 and holds citizenship in the U.S., Guyana and Canada, spoke on immigration rights among other topics.

"Today we are here to deliver a message we must advocate for a more justice and a more equal world where everyone has access to education, citizenship and living wages ... and vital health care including safe and legal abortion," Ramtahal said.

She said the march is a symbol of collective resistance because everyone has a stake in the issues they raised.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

"We are here protecting the rights of others because immigration rights and reproductive rights are human rights," Ramtahal said.

Sally Courtright with Climate Reality Project discussed how climate issues should be another matter considered when going to the polls. She spoke about the fires in Paradise, Calif., causing many people to evacuate from their homes. She cited fossil fuels, industrial agriculture and destruction of forests as the three main causes to climate disruption.

"I no longer speak of climate change, I talk about climate disruption," Courtright said. "Finally as the disasters start to pile up some areas are going to become unlivable."

Lyndsay Grimes, who lives in Rotterdam, attended the last women's march in Albany. She said she is glad to have one near her hometown. She came dressed as the main character from the Handmaid's Tale, a novel and TV series about a dystopian society that treats women as property of the state.

"I thought it was fun and light," Grimes said of her outfit, and she held a sign that said "Never mistake a woman's meekness for weakness." She said she enjoys demonstrating and that the event inspired her to do more.

"I wish I could do even more than just show up," Grimes said.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Several protestors at Delhi's Shaheen Bagh on Saturday said that they have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi inviting him to join them for tea and listen to their concerns over the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The sit-in by the protesters has been continuing over a month now.

"I want the prime minister to make the effort of coming here and addressing our issues. Why has he not come here to meet us yet?" asked 80-year-old Bilkis.

Another protestor Sarwari (75) said she also wrote to the PM, urging him to rollback CAA and not implement NRC.

Ninety-year-old Asma Khatoon said she has invited the prime minister to join them for a cup of tea and address their concerns over the issue.

A 40-ft-long banner displaying India's map has been put up at the site with the slogan: "We the people of India don't accept CAA, NPR and NRC".

Several hawkers can be seen daily selling the tricolour at the protest site.

Mubarak (49) claimed that so far he has sold about 90 medium and big flags.

The Delhi Police on Friday had appealed to the agitators to unblock the Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch as the residents, senior citizens, emergency patients and school-going children of Delhi and NCR are suffering due to the blockade.

The matter had also come up before the High Court.

"We again urge protesters to cooperate and clear the road in the larger public interest," a police statement said.

However, the protestors refused to budge unless the government discards CAA and any NRC exercise.

Torab Niazi, a protester, said they will not leave the place unless their demands are met.

"We want the representatives of the government to visit the protesting women.

They are not going to move from here unless the prime minister or the home minister addresses their concerns about CAA and NRC," Niazi said.
New Delhi, Jan 18 : Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has written to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman regarding high Goods and Services Tax (GST) on cochlear implant accessories.

In the January 17 letter to Sitharaman, Gandhi said during his last visit to Kerala a delegation from the Cochlear Implantees Association and charitable societies highlighted the high cost of cochlear implants.

They said cochlear implants attracted 5 per cent GST, while the implant accessories that required periodic replacement were subject to 12-28 per cent GST.

The Wayanad MP also pointed out that as per 2011 census there were 1.26 million people with hearing disabilities and large number of them belonged to poor and vulnerable sections.

Cochlear implants, he said were assistive devices for people with hearing impairment and could improve their ability to comprehend speech.

"I request you to look into the matter," Gandhi urged Sitharaman and also attached a copy of representation from the association.
Asha Devi, the mother of the 2012 Delhi gang-rape victim has hit out at senior lawyer Indira Jaising after she suggested that Devi should forgive her daughter's rapists.

"Who is Indira Jaising to give me such a suggestion? The whole country wants the convicts to be executed. Just because of people like her, justice is not done with rape victims," Asha Devi told news agency ANI.

AP

"Cannot believe how Indira Jaising even dared to suggest this. I met her many times over the years in Supreme Court, not even once has she asked for my well being and today she is speaking for the convicts. Such people earn their livelihoods by supporting rapists, hence rape incidents do not stop," she added.



Asha Devi further accused Jaising of using "the garb of human rights" to make a living.

'People like her keep earning money under the garb of human rights. I do not need her suggestions... Just because of people who think like her incidents like rape keep happening, she is a disgrace to women," she said.

BCCL

It began on Friday after Jaising, quoting a tweet where Devi criticized the politics being played out in the name of her daughters' rapists execution suggested that she should follow the example of Sonia Gandhi who forgave Nalini, the LTTE terrorist who was convicted for the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.



BCCL

"While I fully identify with the pain of Asha Devi I urge her to follow the example of Sonia Gandhi who forgave Nalini and said she did not want the death penalty for her. We are with you but against the death penalty," Jaising said in the tweet.

While I fully identify with the pain of Asha Devi I urge her to follow the example of Sonia Gandhi who forgave Nalini and said she didnt not want the death penalty for her . We are with you but against death penalty. https://t.co/VkWNIbiaJp  Indira Jaising (@IJaising) January 17, 2020

This comes at a time when the family of the 2012 gangrape victim has been running from one court to another for the speedy execution of the four death row convicts.

AP

Earlier, on the complaint of Devi, a Delhi court had issued black warrants against Vinay Sharma, Mukesh Singh, Akshay and Pawan Gupta and had set January 22 as the day for the executions.



However, after one the convicts filed a mercy plea, which was rejected by the President of India, a fresh death warrant was issued on Friday.

According to the fresh death warrants the convicts will be hanged inside the Tihar Jail on February 1, 6 am. They were sentenced to death back in 2013, but the execution has been delayed due to the legal challenges the convicts had put up.
8250 Meadow Road. | Photo: Zumper

Curious just how far your dollar goes in Lake Highlands?

According to Walk Score, this Dallas neighborhood requires a car for most errands, has some bike infrastructure and has good transit options. Data from rental site Zumper shows that the median rent for a one bedroom in Lake Highlands is currently hovering around $1,000.

So, what might you expect to find if you're on a budget of $1,800/month? Read on for a roundup of the latest rental listings, via Zumper and Apartment Guide. (Note: Prices and availability are subject to change.)

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

8250 Meadow Road

Listed at $1,709/month, this 1,295-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit is located at 8250 Meadow Road.

You can expect to see a walk-in closet in the unit. For those with furry friends in tow, know that cats and dogs are allowed on this property.

(Take a look at the complete listing here.)

8213 Meadow Road

Next, there's this two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment located at 8213 Meadow Road. It's listed for $1,785/month for its 1,127 square feet.

Amenities offered in the building include secured entry and garage parking. The apartment also has hardwood flooring and a dishwasher. Good news for animal lovers: Both dogs and cats are allowed here. Expect a $300 deposit and $20 pet fee.

(Check out the complete listing here.)

8522 Park Lane, #6

Here's a 2,120-square-foot three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom condo at 8522 Park Lane that's going for $1,800/month.

In the unit, expect to see a balcony and a fireplace. The building offers secured entry, a swimming pool and garage parking. Pets are not permitted. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee.

(Check out the complete listing here.)

This story was created automatically using local real estate data from Zumper and Apartment Guide, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Additionally, if youre an agent or a broker, read on for real estate marketing ideas to promote your local listing.

Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
(Natural News) The Democratic defiance of the Constitution and the will of a majority of Virginia jurisdictions continues to spiral out of control, as newly empowered tyrants in the Donkey Party continue pushing restrictive new anti-gun measures.

On Thursday, Gov. Ralph Blackface Northam (D) issued an emergency edict barring Virginians from carrying firearms on the grounds of the state capitol during the annual gun rights lobbying event coming up on Monday.

In his declaration, Northam claimed that his edict only sought to enhance public safety after officials said theyd received credible and serious threats (whos really going to know whether or not thats true?). And yet, in all the years gun owners have descended on the capital for their annual event, not a single incident involving a firearm has occurred.

Whats more, Virginia state law recognizes the Constitutions shall not be infringed clause in allowing open carry of firearms without first having to obtain government permission by getting a license.

So clearly, Northams edict is not only a violation of state law, but it is a direct violation of the Second Amendment (which does not contain a provision allowing for some gun control but only if its done for the purposes of public safety).

Several gun rights groups immediately filed a lawsuit, CBS News reported:

A lawsuit challenging Northams decision was filed by Gun Owners of America, Inc. (GOA), Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL), and citizens Kenneth VanWyk, Erich Pratt, and John Velleco, who are all planning to attend Mondays rally, according to CBS Richmond affiliate WTVR. Of the three individuals filing the lawsuit, two are executive members of the GOA, and the third is a member of the VCDL.

But a state judge quickly upheld the governors edict because state power must be preserved at all times instead of the peoples rights.

Why are some laws valid and othersarent?

The suit challenged Northams authority to issue the edict, claiming it violates the First and Second Amendments, as well as his power as governor. But, The Associated Press noted, Judge Joi Taylor said in her ruling that the governor has authority under state law to take action pertaining to the safety and welfare of the state.

Translation: Some state laws must be enforced but not others, and being members of the states power structure, we will decide what laws those are.

The plaintiffs immediately filed an emergency appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court, but here, too, the Democrat tyrants intervened.

No sooner than the appeal had been filed, there was state Attorney General Mark Herring trying to deny them their day in court (another constitutional violation).

He issued a legal brief in which he used the prototypical public safety excuse to deny Virginians their gun rights. (Related: You have NO IDEA whats coming: Virginia Dems to unleash martial law attack on 2A counties using roadblocks to confiscate firearms and spark a shooting war.)

Determined to prevent another tragedy, the Governor issued a carefully limited Executive Order. The Order does not prevent anyone from speaking, assembling, or petitioning the government, he wrote. Instead, it temporarily precludes private possession of firearms in a sensitive public place during a specified time to protect public safety and safeguard the rights of all citizens to peacefully speak, assemble, and petition their government.

Republicans are no longer in the majority so they cant do much except complain.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is probably the first assault on the Second Amendment. And were going to see many after that, said GOP Sen. Bill Stanley, who further argued that the bill giving localities control over guns in public spaces would create little pockets here and there where guns are good and guns are bad.

Exactly.

If Northam gets away with an emergency edict to ban guns in on State Capitol grounds, whats to stop him from issuing similar orders  based on similar concerns about public safety  for the rest of the state? Where will it end? Will it end?

There can be no clearer example of why our founding fathers  many of whom hailed from Virginia  adopted the Second Amendment.

Sources include:

TheGatewayPundit.com

CBSNews.com

NaturalNews.com
STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP)  Rob Wolz is in his second year as a full-time aerospace engineering instructor at Mississippi State University.

The smattering of classes he teaches range from a senior lab and engineering mechanics to spacecraft propulsion. A cursory observation of his office on the third floor of Walker Hall gleans a picture of his more focused passion  Wolz is an airplane guy.

Prominent atop tables and file cabinets are airplane models, mostly Gulfstream. On the walls are framed commemorations of different aircraft models inaugural flights. Tucked away on a bookshelf behind his desk is a picture of an SR-71 jet signed by none other than Maj. Gen. Eldon Joersz, one of two pilots on a 1976 flight that still holds the world airspeed record of 2,193 mph.

These are some of what Wolz calls the tokens, the bits and pieces that remind him of his past and how he can maybe shape his students futures.

Part of what I want to do is share my experiences, Wolz said. Im also trying to get them excited about the career opportunities that are out there.

Wolz has plenty to draw from. In a 35-year career as an aerospace engineer for Savannah, Georgia-based Gulfstream, he helped design more than $70 billion in products. Planes that began as ideas in the capable minds of Wolz and his fellow designers have flown VIPs for every branch of the military, diplomats and other dignitaries, Congressional contingents and even U.S. presidents.

Thats pretty cool, Wolz admits when considering it. Thats fun.

If not for the waiting list to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Wolz would have taken a different path entirely.

Raised in Chester, Illinois, a town of about 5,000 residents just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Wolz said he picked up a love for art and working with his hands from his father  a dentist by trade who also dabbled in carpentry. His father, an Air Force veteran, was also a pilot with a private plane in which the younger Wolz often flew as a passenger.

By the time Wolz graduated high school, he had all the prerequisite approvals needed to enter the Air Force Academy, but being 50th on the waiting list, he decided to attend Mississippi State rather than waiting another year to start cadet training. In Starkville, he met his eventual wife, Melinda. After Wolz earned his degree in aerospace engineering in 1982, the two moved to Savannah where Wolz began working for Gulfstream  starting as a team member in development and design and working his way up to project management roles.

Most of his project designs  often for business clientele  helped produce planes that held fewer than 30 passengers, weighed less than 100,000 pounds, flew ranges of up to 7,000 miles at speeds between 80 and 90% the speed of sound (613 to 690 mph).

This required working closely with the production team to turn theoretical ideas into planes that would actually fly, a task Wolz said was sometimes easier said than done. It also took working with client needs and keeping an eye on the competition.

When it came to the competition it was a big chess game, Wolz said. Wed take information from brochures, newspaper articles, anything we could get our hands on. Then we talked about things like, Can they do it? and If they do it, how are we going to respond?

With each new design or modification, Wolz said, came higher performance standards, more safety features and more advanced technology. What once was a machine with independently operating mechanical parts evolved into a more integrated, computerized vehicle.

In the later years, since electronics were changing so much, we began thinking more like computer companies, Wolz said.  Bringing in technologies that were much more dependent on software was a challenge.
[January 17, 2020]

SHAREHOLDER ALERT: CLAIMSFILER REMINDS BZUN, FCAU, PRU, REAL INVESTORS of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuits

NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors of pending deadlines in the following securities class action lawsuits:



The RealReal, Inc. (REAL)

Class Period: shares issued in connection with its June 2019 Initial Public Offering.

Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: January 24, 2020

MISLEADING PROSPECTUS

To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-the-realreal-inc-securities-litigation

Prudential Financial, Inc. (PRU)

Class Period: 2/15/2019 - 8/2/2019

Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: January 27, 2020

SECURITIES FRAUD

To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/new-york-se-pru







Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCAU)

Class Period: 2/26/2016 - 11/20/2019

Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: January 31, 2020

SECURITIES FRAUD

To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/new-york-se-fcau

Baozun Inc. (BZUN)

Class Period: 3/6/2019 - 11/20/2019

Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: February 10, 2020

SECURITIES FRAUD

To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-baozun-inc-american-depositary-shares-securities-litigation

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TORONTO, Jan. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Euro Sun Mining Inc., (ESM.TO) (Euro Sun or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement financing of common shares (the Offering) for total gross proceeds of C$2,525,000.00. Pursuant to the closing of the Offering, the Company issued 10,100,000 units of the Company (each a Unit and collectively, the Units) at a price of C$0.25 per Unit for gross proceeds of C$2,525,000.00. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company and one half of a common share purchase warrant (each whole common share purchase warrant, a Warrant). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional Common Share of the Company at an exercise price of C$0.40 per Common Share until December 2, 2021, for Warrants issued under the first tranche of the Offering, or December 12, 2021, for Warrants issued under the second tranche of the Offering.

Euro Sun intends to use the proceeds of the Offering for the advancement of its Rovina Valley Project and for general corporate purposes.

About Euro Sun Mining Inc.

Euro Sun is a Toronto Stock Exchange listed mining company focused on the exploration and development of its 100%-owned Rovina Valley gold and copper project located in west-central Romania, which hosts the second largest gold deposit in Europe.

Further information:

For further information about Euro Sun Mining, or the contents of this press release, please contact Investor Relations at info@eurosunmining.com or +1 416.309.4299.

Caution regarding forward-looking information:

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the Offering and use of proceeds of the Offering. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including risks inherent in the mining industry and risks described in the public disclosure of the Company which is available under the profile of the Company on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.eurosunmining.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Story continues

The TSX does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) absent such registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements.
As a non-partisan, non-political federal agency, we blurred references to the Presidents name on some posters, so as not to engage in current political controversy, Archives spokeswoman Miriam Kleiman said in an emailed statement. Our mission is to safeguard and provide access to the nations most important federal records, and our exhibits are one way in which we connect the American people to those records. Modifying the image was an attempt on our part to keep the focus on the records.
Violinist Trinity Chen practices her solo for the All-State Middle School String Orchestra at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

There was Bach, there was jazz, there was talent. Out of over two thousand auditions, only 387 students across Michigan were chosen to be a part of the All-State Band and Orchestra ensembles.

In its 15th year, the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association put on the performances by a middle school string orchestra, a middle school band, a high school full orchestra, a high school band and a high school jazz ensemble.

Students started arriving at 6:30 a.m. to practice at the DeVos Place in Grand Rapids and the last performance ended at 4:30 p.m.

See some behind the scenes of the days events in our gallery below.

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Middle school students begin to arrive before their performance at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

Check out our full gallery where photos are available for purchase.

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Middle school students carry their basses off stage after performing at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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Bassist Troy Perkins waits to walk onstage with the All-State High School Orchestra at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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A violinist from the All-State Middle School String Orchestra holds the door open backstage at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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Bassist Troy Perkins waits to walk onstage with the All-State High School Orchestra at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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First-chair violinist Anna Lee takes a breath before practicing with the All-State Middle School String Orchestra at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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Middle school students begin to arrive before their performance at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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Bassist David Blakenship performs onstage with the All-State Middle School String Orchestra at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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Orchestra mom Jaeun Kim helps violinist Reina Li, 12, adjust her shirt before performing at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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Violinist Yuna Chung, 14, tunes her instrument before performing at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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Violist Sarah Li, 13, laughs at joke from the conductor at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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Violists Ashley Park, left, and Sophia Wang, right, laugh as they walk backstage before performing at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. Park and Wang met through the orchestra. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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Trombonist Kevin Clare, 17, practices at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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Grace Chae, 17, laughs with Catherine Pickens, 15, before performing with the All-State High School Orchestra at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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Conductor Alexander Jimnez directs the All-State High School Orchestra at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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Bassist Brianna Sabbagh,13, practices before performing with the All-State Middle School String Orchestra at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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A violin is rested on the stage at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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French hornist William Silvey, 17, chats at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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Violinists perform with the All-State Middle School String Orchestra at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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Band Conductor Randal Swiggum smiles for a photo at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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A violist arranges their music at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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Violist Alissa Cho, 12, watches the conductor during practice at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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Bassist David Blakenship applies rosin to his bow at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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The All-State Middle School String Orchestra performs at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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Bassoonists Nick Amkins, left, and Ashley Fan prepare their instruments for performing at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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Kevin Clare, 17, speaks with a friend at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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Bassist Melody Lebert, 16, poses for a portrait with her instrument at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)

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A trumpeter tunes their instrument at the 15th Annual Michigan Music Conference at the DeVos Place on Saturday, January 18, 2020. (Anntaninna Biondo | MLive.com)


Its shocking how life can be so unpredictable. Veteran actor Shabana Azmi, who was having a gala time at her husband Javed Akhtars 75th birthday last night got injured in a horrific car accident near a toll plaza at the Mumbai - Pune Expressway as her car rammed into a truck just few minutes back.



Shabana was also accompanied by her husband Javed Akhtar in the car, who fortunately managed to get away without hurting himself. It is said that the accident happened around 4 pm today after which Shabana was rushed for immediate medical care. Below are some pictures from the incident.















While we are yet to learn more about this, we hope that Shabana Azmi is now in a stable condition and we wish that she has a quick recovery.








Police in Uttarakhand will soon launch a mobile application with the help of Google Maps to alert drivers about blind turns on the states roads, especially in the hilly areas, in an effort to reduce the number of road accidents.

The application, Meri Yatra, is likely to be launched on January 31 and would alert drivers about the 673 accident-prone blind turns identified by the police across the state.

Kewal Khurana, deputy inspector general of the state traffic police department, said the main motive of the initiative is to reduce the number of accidents, especially those involving tourists visiting the state.

Usually, tourists coming to the state with their vehicles are unaware of the blind turns on roads in the hill areas. This mobile app, which would be associated with Google Maps, would alert them about any blind turn on their routes 400 metres before with a beep, said Khurana.

He also said the application would have the details of the number of blind turns in all the 13 districts of the state.

Traffic police data show the most number of blind turns identified were in Dehradun at 83 followed by 68 in Almora and 67 in Bageshwar districts.

Among the other districts, 65 blind turns were identified in US Nagar district, 63 in Chamoli, 61 in Tehri Garhwal, 55 in Pithoragarh, 54 in Nainital, 50 Pauri Garhwal, 37 in Haridwar, 27 in Rudraprayag, 28 in Uttarkashi and 24 in Champawat.

After identifying all the blind-turns, police personnel verified them with their latitude and longitude locations to be fed in the app in association with Google Maps for which we have already written to Googles India office, Khurana said.

After we receive its nod, the application would be likely launched on January 31 for free on Googles Play store. The trial run on the platform had already been done successfully.

He added the app will also have more details to help tourists on information about hotels and guidelines.

It would be a complete app to help the tourists in finding hotels with available rates and other related services. It would also provide guidelines to follow while driving on hilly roads or during trekking on a popular trek route in the state, the police official said.

The number of road accidents in the hill state has come down last year in comparison with the preceding year of 2018.

According to the traffic police data, the number of accidents from January to November 2019 came down to 1221 against 1314 accidents during the same period in 2018.

Similarly, the number of deaths in road accidents also reduced last year as 778 fatalities were reported against 952 in 2018.

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18.01.2020 LISTEN

In the past few weeks, the issue of the new voter register proposed by the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has become the most talked about topic on airwaves. There have been divergent views on Political Parties, the Civil Society Organization (CSO) and Think Tanks, Political Commentators among others.

Interestingly, opposing views on the creation of a new voters register are not technical but grounded on time factor, cost involvement and perception of collusion to rig election for the incumbent government.

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, the main opposition to the new voters register, claims that the new voters register is useless.

Theghanareport.com published that 18 CSOs reject the plan for a new voters' register. The publication also revealed the cost and suggested the EC opens the voters register for verification so that the person presumed to be dead can be deleted from the register. Also, it was suggested that the existing system should be updated to be more efficient.

Even though article 51 empowers the EC to perform its function effectively, article 297(c) provides the EC with implied and all powers needed and necessary for effective execution of duty given to its outfit by the constitution.

The trend in the political discourse for the rejection of the proposed new voters register is not witty and unfortunately, the media has been propelling a none informing conversation by interviewing the wrong people not experts in the field of Information Technology. This is because the reason for a new register is grounded on the technical function of the devices used for the election. It is as if the whole country is not listening to the Electoral Commission or Technical Department of the EC is barred from communicating to the public.

Accordingly, getting a new voters register is necessary once it is stated that the biometric devices have reached End of Life by the Electoral Commission. This is the key reason why the numerous demonstration by opposition to the creation of a new register should rather be focused on ensuring that the EC secures the quality and advanced system that can withstand the fast-growing technological space.

I have had the privilege to extend the discourse to Mr. Kingsley Mensah, a Ghanaian expert in Information Technologies at the Hubei University of Technology, (China) and a fellow at the Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation. The conversation was interesting and may disappoint because his position supports the creation of a new register. Here are a few reasons why there should be a new voters' register:

Updating existing software is impossible.

A software can indeed be updated to be more efficient. However, the software for the election devices is not open-source software. This means that no other individual can edit the software code to be efficient except for the manufacturer of the software. The situation faced by the EC is that the manufacturer says the software would no longer receive an update, upgrade, and assistance making it very difficult and impossible to be updated. I am sure you may be aware of the news that Windows 7 reaches its End of Life on 14th January 2020, therefore, Microsoft will stop releasing updates and patches for the operating system. This does not mean that Windows 7 won't work but it becomes vulnerable to security risk and virus because one would no longer receive software updates from Microsoft. Users of Windows 7 must change to either Windows 8 or 10. The EC is faced with a similar situation with Ghanas election software. The EC cannot do anything but change and get a new system. Those calling for the update have not been able to suggest how or ways the update can be done. It is only the vendor that can provide an update, and that will not happen because the vendor has made it clear that the software has reach End of Life.

What if the EC goes ahead and uses the same software for the election?

I am not sure if we are ready to pay the huge price of the unwanted restart, shutdowns, and glitches that may happen with the software during the election 2020. Election 2016 had the support, update and upgrade from the manufacturer, yet there was a great number of manually verified voters. This happened because the machines with support from the manufacturer could not verify the huge number of voters. In fact, in a press statement on 22nd December 2015, the EC approved manual verification ahead of election 2016 after an IPAC meeting. Manual Verification is done for people whose particulars appear on the voters register but who may be rejected by the biometric verification devices. This is strictly a machine problem hence the reason to allow Manual Verification. It would be worthy to add the Manual verification poses a potential loophole to rig an election.

I dont want to imagine the pressure that will unfold in the absence of support from the manufacturer if the EC decides to use the old software for election 2020. We have a total of 15,712,499 of registered voters which per the last election we can forecast that at least 68 percent will turn out to vote. We shall turn and blame the EC if we are unable to vote on election day because of technical glitches in the absence of the manufacturer to provide on-site support on election day.

Can the EC migrate voters data to a new system to save cost for a new register?

This depends on the kind of data being migrated. If it is data on personal profile including Name, Date of Birth, Address, Sex, Hometown, ID card Number among others  then I would say yes to the above question. Conversely, biodata like fingerprint must be wiped out, changed and replaced. So must we all queue only for our fingerprint data to be taken. Certainly not, because the new system must also overcome the challenge to be compatible with the old system before the migration of personal data can be possible and afterward queue for our biodata to be taken. It would be easier to get a new system for a new registration rather than trying to waste time to get a compatible system to migrate data.

Lets ask the Right Question

A Toyota car has different modules. Each of these modules can make right and left turn; each module has an engine, brake, and gears; each module has a dashboard and seats. But their performance, speed, and accuracy will certainly not be the same when comparing. This is a matter of quality assurance. Most people are worried about the cost that will be involved in the compilation of a new register. I am sure that parliament is much aware of the coffers of government in the face of the many political promises as well. Let's not focus so much on cost because of the cost of election misunderstanding out weights the cost of getting a quality system for election.

We only hear of a new register and system with little information on specification and technical features. Is the new system proposed by the EC having partial verification? This is important to know because partial verification comes with a sophisticated algorithm that makes it possible to verify someone even if he mistakenly places half or quarter of the finger on the verification machine. The EC must tell us the accuracy and performance level of the new systems. Election software and devices are not in regular use and come under excess pressure on election day. Therefore, it is important to access the specificity of the new system and how it can withstand pressure from about 15 million voting populace on election day.

Time is of Essence

Time is important for the compilation of the new voter's register, no two ways about that. Between January to October 2020 is 10 months which is not waiting for us. By opposing the new register makes one another hurdle for the EC to cross and time is not waiting for us. Now is the time to assist and help the EC so the register can be done on time. We can put pressure on the EC for the register to be done on time.

In all, if only we listen and know that the EC is not the manufacturer of the devices and software and once the manufacturer proposes the End of Life of the device, it is not a matter to be debated bring political commentators. The media should engage the right people with the technical know-how to propel informative discourse in the sphere of public policy.

Nathaniel Dwamena

Research and Development Manager, Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation.

[email protected]
TULSA, OK, Jan. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Laredo Petroleum, Inc., a Delaware corporation (NYSE: LPI) ("Laredo" or the "Company"), announced today the early tender results of its previously announced tender offers (the "Tender Offers") to purchase (i) any or all of its outstanding $450.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5 5/8% senior unsecured notes due 2022 (the "2022 Notes") and (ii) any or all of its outstanding $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6 1/4% senior unsecured notes due 2023 (the "2023 Notes" and, together with its 2022 Notes, the "Existing Notes").



According to information provided by Global Bondholder Services Corporation ("GBS"), as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on January 17, 2020 (the "Consent Date"), holders of the 2022 Notes and holders of the 2023 Notes had validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) the aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes set forth in the table below. Based on the tenders received, the Company has received the requisite consents to the proposed amendments described below.

Pursuant to the terms of the Tender Offers, the Company expects to accept for payment all Existing Notes tendered on or prior to the Consent Date, and each holder who validly tendered Existing Notes and delivered consents to the proposed amendments prior to the Consent Date (and did not validly withdraw) will receive the early tender premium, which is included in the total consideration below, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Title of Notes Aggregate

Outstanding Principal Amount

Tendered by

Consent Date Tender Offer

Consideration(1) Early

Tender

Premium(1) Total

Consideration(1)(2) 5 5/8% Senior Notes due 2022 $450,000,000.00 $428,858,000 $956.30 $50.00 $1,006.30 6 1/4% Senior Notes due 2023 $350,000,000.00 $299,392,000 $965.63 $50.00 $1,015.63

(1) Per $1,000 principal amount of Existing Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) and accepted for purchase by the Company.

(2) Includes the early tender premium for Existing Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) prior to the Consent Date and accepted for purchase by the Company.

As of the Consent Date, the Company had received consents to the adoption of the proposed amendments to the indenture governing the 2022 Notes and the indenture governing the 2023 Notes, respectively, to (x) eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants and certain events of default and related provisions contained in such indentures and (y) reduce from 30 days to 3 business days the advance notice period for optional redemptions contained in such indentures (collectively, the Proposed Amendments) from holders of (i) approximately 95% of the outstanding principal amount of the 2022 Notes not owned by the Company or its affiliates and (ii) approximately 85% of the outstanding principal amount of the 2023 Notes not owned by the Company or its affiliates. The Proposed Amendments for each series of the Existing Notes will become operative immediately after the tendered Existing Notes are accepted for purchase. In addition, the Company intends to deliver notices of redemption to holders of the remaining Existing Notes on January 24, 2020, in which case (i) any remaining 2022 Notes not tendered prior to 5:00 p.m. on January 17, 2020 will be redeemed on January 29, 2020 (the 2022 Redemption Date) at a redemption price of 100.000% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the 2022 Notes redeemed up to, but not including, the 2022 Redemption Date and (ii) any remaining 2023 Notes not tendered prior to 12:01 a.m. on February 4, 2020 will be redeemed on March 15, 2020 (the 2023 Redemption Date) at a redemption price of 101.563% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the 2023 Notes redeemed up to, but not including, the 2023 Redemption Date.

The Company has engaged BofA Securities to act as dealer manager in connection with the Tender Offers and has appointed GBS to serve as the depositary and information agent for the Tender Offers.

For additional information regarding the terms of the Tender Offers, please contact BofA Securities at 888.292.0070 (toll-free) or 980.388.0539 (collect). Questions regarding the Tender Offers should be directed to GBS at 212.430.3774 (banks and brokers) or 866.470.3700 (all others).

The full terms and conditions of each Tender Offer are described in the Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement for the applicable series of Existing Notes, dated January 6, 2020 (each an "Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation"), and the accompanying Consent and Letter of Transmittal with respect to such series of Existing Notes. Each Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation will expire at 12:01 a.m., New York City time, on February 4, 2020, unless either Tender Offer is extended or earlier terminated by the Company or, in the case of the 2022 Notes, all such notes are earlier redeemed (such date and time, as it may be extended, the "Expiration Date"). Holders of the applicable series of Existing Notes are encouraged to read these documents, as they contain important information regarding the applicable Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation. These documents are available at http://www.gbsc-usa.com/Laredo/ and may also be obtained by contacting GBS by telephone.

None of the Company, its board of directors, the dealer manager, GBS or the trustee for the Existing Notes, or any of their respective affiliates, is making any recommendation as to whether holders should tender any Existing Notes in response to the Tender Offers. Holders must make their own decision as to whether to tender any of their Existing Notes and, if so, the principal amount of Existing Notes to tender.

This press release is not an offer to purchase, a solicitation of an offer to purchase or a solicitation of consents with respect to any series of the Existing Notes. The Tender Offers have been made solely pursuant to the applicable Offers to Purchase and Consent Solicitation and the related Consents and Letters of Transmittal.

About Laredo

Laredo Petroleum, Inc. is an independent energy company with headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Laredos business strategy is focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties, primarily in the Permian Basin of West Texas.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and any oral statements made regarding the subject of this release contain forward-looking statements as defined under Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities that Laredo assumes, plans, expects, believes, intends, projects, indicates, enables, transforms, estimates or anticipates (and other similar expressions) will, should or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on managements current belief, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, among others, that the Companys business plans may change as circumstances warrant and that the Existing Notes may not be purchased because of general market conditions or other factors. General risks relating to Laredo include, but are not limited to, the decline in prices of oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas and the related impact to financial statements as a result of asset impairments and revisions to reserve estimates, the increase in service and supply costs, tariffs on steel, pipeline transportation constraints in the Permian Basin, hedging activities, possible impacts of litigation and regulations, the suspension or discontinuance of share repurchases at any time and other factors, including those and other risks described in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019 and those set forth from time to time in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). These documents are available through Laredos website at www.laredopetro.com under the tab "Investor Relations" or through the SECs Electronic Data Gathering and Analysis Retrieval System ("EDGAR") at www.sec.gov. Any of these factors could cause Laredos actual results and plans to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, Laredo can give no assurance that its future results will be as estimated. Laredo does not intend to, and disclaims any obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statement.
Beijings top diplomat to the Netherlands calls on country to allow the sale of cutting-edge equipment to China.

Chinas ambassador to the Netherlands said he hoped the stalled sale of a Dutch firms cutting-edge chipmaking machinery to a Chinese buyer wasnt due to political reasons, following a report that Washington aggressively lobbied Amsterdam to halt the transaction.

The story marks the latest chapter in an aggressive Washington campaign to keep advanced technology out of Chinese hands, aimed at thwarting Beijings efforts to build up a new generation of homegrown high-tech firms. China has responded by saying such efforts represent the politicization of commercial activity, and has said countries that tow the U.S. line could risk harming their relationships with China.

Chinese ambassador Xu Hong made similar remarks in an interview with Het Financieele Dagblad, one of the countrys leading financial publications, which was published (link in Chinese) on the embassys website on Thursday. His comments followed a Reuters report earlier in month saying the U.S. had lobbied heavily to stop the sale of cutting-edge chipmaking equipment to an unspecified Chinese buyer by Dutch firm ASML, one of the worlds most advanced makers of such equipment.

Reuters said the U.S. launched its campaign in 2018 after hearing about the sale.

In the interview, Xu expressed his hope that the Netherlands didnt refuse to export the machinery to China for political reasons or because of foreign pressure. He said he hoped the country could tune out such interference and make decisions based on what would most benefit Sino-Dutch relations.

The machinery in question involves a process called extreme ultraviolet lithography used to etch millions of tiny circuits onto silicon chips that power most electronic devices. ASML is one of the worlds leading makers of such machinery, and its most cutting-edge products can cost more than $100 million.

The decision on whether to let ASML export lithography machinery to China isnt a simple question of technology, Xu said. It involves the Dutch governments future policy orientation, and were watching this point very closely.

Xu said he had heard reports of U.S. pressure related to the stalled deal since the end of 2019 and made queries on the subject to the Dutch government. He said the Dutch government told him it hadnt made a final decision yet, and added his own view that in todays interconnected world the rupture of any links in such cross-border supply chains could have a snowball effect.

ASMLs technology is very advanced, among the worlds best, he said. But any product and technology cant be separated from market support. A loss of the China market would not only hurt its own welfare, but would also deprive it of an important platform for improving and developing its products.

The Chinese mainland was ASMLs fourth-largest market in last years third quarter, accounting for 7% of the companys product sales, according to the companys latest report. Its largest market was Taiwan, accounting for 54% of sales, followed by U.S. at 26% and South Korea at 11%. ASMLs major Chinese mainland customers include Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC), Yangtze Memory Technologies and Shanghai Huali Microelectronics.

The move is just the latest in an ongoing effort by the U.S. to keep cutting-edge technology out of Chinese hands. The U.S. has also banned a number of leading Chinese high-tech companies from doing business with American-based suppliers, dealing a blow to names like telecom equipment giant Huawei and surveillance-equipment maker Hikvision.

Contact reporter Yang Ge (geyang@caixin.com; twitter: @youngchinabiz)
Harish Chandra Meena, MLA and former DGP of Rajasthan supporting the campaign. Image Source: IANS News

Harish Chandra Meena, MLA and former DGP of Rajasthan supporting the campaign. Image Source: IANS News

Adarsh Sidhu, the Superintendent of Police in Tonk, supporting the campaign. Image Source: IANS News

Jaipur, Jan 18 : The #ZeroTeenMothers campaign launched by the Population Foundation of India on National Youth Day on January 12 is receiving enthusiastic support from Rajasthan's policy-makers.

The campaign is receiving strong support from political leaders cutting across party lines.

So far, the campaign has engaged influential names like Dr. Raghu Sharma, Health Minister; Subhash Garg, state minister; Rohit Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Health; Govind Pareek, Deputy Director of the Department of Information and Public Relations.

Among MLAs, Harish Chandra Meena from Deoli Tonk, Nirmal Kumawat from Phulera and Prashant Bairwa from Newai-Tonk have supported the campaign.

MLA Krishna Pooniya from Sadalpur Churu also backed the campaign and, like the others, shared a photograph of herself holding the placard (Zero Teenage Pregnancy) on social media. Pooniya is an international gold-medallist athlete and has been actively engaged in girl-child development initiatives.

Lending his support, Harish Chandra Meena, MLA and former DGP of Rajasthan, strongly advocated for education and health rights for youth.

He said that there should be no teenage pregnancy.

MLA Prashant Bairwa added on social media: "Healthy young people and adolescents are the base of a healthy society...much-needed push".

Govind Pareek, Deputy Director, Department of Information and Public Relations also backed the #ZeroTeenMothers campaign.

As per the National Family Health Survey-4 data, 35 per cent of girls in Rajasthan were married before the age of 18, and more than 6 per cent of these girls either had children or were pregnant at the time of the survey.

Nikita Srivastava, Senior State Programme Manager, Population Foundation of India said: "The aim of the campaign is to create greater awareness around teenage pregnancy in the state of Rajasthan and encourage important 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." The Zero Teenage Pregnancy campaign is a means of creating dialogue and combating teenage pregnancy in Rajasthan by engaging with not just the public but with the elected representatives, government officials and other community partners, she said.

Among other government officials who backed the campaign is IPS Adarsh Sidhu, the Superintendent of Police in Tonk District. Sidhu pledged support for 'child-rights'.
51A: I had this wrong three ways to Sunday. Im sure that plenty of people went with Dalmatian Coast, since thats what this region is  a slice of pretty land and islands on the Adriatic. Figuring out IRMA Thomas forced me into crest, because why not, and I was just about to accept cebs as something disposable at a barbecue when CROAT came to me.

Are there any dog-related misdirects I missed? One of my college roommates had a family Dalmatian that used to chase a neighborhood priest, who ran to stay in shape. It was a mutually beneficial relationship until a slower priest, aspiring to corporeal fitness, came along and proved too great a temptation for Earl the Dalmatian. Everything worked out fine; a fence was built.

2D: Another entry last seen in the 1970s, something ornate and frilly for a formal occasion, a LACE DOILY or several can serve as a table runner or coaster.

9D: Perhaps you have doilies at your WINE TASTING? You absolutely must have glasses for one. A good misdirect from Mr. McCarty.

35D: This is so funny! Notice the quotes around Emergency calls? Those are the calls you make when someone asks you to check in on them at 9 p.m. sharp just in case theyre on one of those BAD DATES, at which point they have a great excuse to leave their companion immediately. (Im so sorry, my dog bit a priest! Gotta go.) Ive seen calls like this in action at a restaurant here or there, and I dont think Ive ever been the cause of one, but I wonder if anyone really buys it and what a pain it is when something awful really does happen when youre on a great date  that must be the cause of many foiled great relationships. Shame, really.

Constructor Notes

Ive always found crosswords with diagonal symmetry to be aesthetically equivalent to those with rotational symmetry, and so I figured Id try making a puzzle with it (and without gimmick otherwise!). I ultimately left it up to the editing team to decide whether a standard themeless puzzle with this more unusual symmetry was acceptable, and happy (and a bit surprised) that they said yes. The design allowed me to intersect longer stacks in the NW without necessitating the same in the SE corner, giving some more flexibility with the overall grid. Im doubtful this will spur any revolution in grid design, but maybe well see a few more puzzles with diagonal symmetry than before! Some with critical eyes might wonder why I went for the GIL/DECAL cross over GIF/DECAF. The reality is I didnt even see the latter option until a few days ago, though to me its objectively better. Funny how that happens. I had been excited to include GIL Shaham (one of my favorite violinists) in the puzzle, though GIL Scott-Heron is in no way a bad alternative. He along with AL JARREAU and IRMA Thomas make this a very soulful puzzle. The puzzle is also throwing a lot of shade, with four references in the clues. Hope you enjoy!

Need to shed a little light on this grid?

Subscribers can take a peek at the answer key.

Trying to get back to the puzzle page? Right here.

What did you think?
A number of events are taking place in Drogheda Library during the month of January.

Thursday 16th January at 10.30am

Behaviour: is it a phase or is it a problem? A free information session for parents by the Changing Lives Initiative Psychologist on attention, impulsive and hyperactive behavior in children.

Thursday 16th January 10.30am-12.30pm

LMETB Louth Adult Education Guidance & Information Service, Information Morning. Drop in anytime during the session and find out about education, training and upskilling opportunities if you are seeking work or thinking of a career change.

Thursday 16th January at 6.30pm

A talk on Dyspraxia presented by the Dyspraxia Association of Ireland.

Saturday 18th January 11.30am

Storytime for Children - Farmyard Tales. There will be lots of great stories and songs from the farm. All welcome.

Wednesday 22nd January 10.30am

Baby Book Club . Be sure to join us for lots of stories, rhymes and songs for the little ones. The baby book club meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month.

Wednesday 22nd January 12noon-1pm

Getting Active/Staying Alive Physiotherapy Talk presented by Senior Physiotherapist from the Boyne Primary Care Centre.

Admission is free to all events and people can contact Drogheda Library on 9876162 for more information.
Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Friday said India and Iran need to work together on the procurement of equipment for the construction of Chabahar Port as well as the rail network connecting the Iranian port city to Zahedan. Responding to a question, Zarif said that the problem in the progress of the project is that India has found difficulty in procuring the necessary equipment for the port in spite of the US exemptions.

'We need to complete Chabahar-Zahedan rail'

"The problem is that India has found difficulty in procuring the necessary equipment for Chabahar Port in spite of the US exemptions on the same. The other problem is connecting Chabahar to Afghanistan and to Central Asia through rail. We need to complete Chabahar-Zahedan rail (network)," said Zarif.

"We have all the infrastructure for that. We need rails. We are in negotiations with India for providing rails. We produce our own rails but not as fast as we need for all the rail projects that we have around the country. So there are the two areas where India and Iran need to work together," he added.

'Want to take a leading role in peacebuilding'

The minister further said Iran was not interested in renegotiations with the US but if India wants to work in preventing the unrest and bringing the US back to the negotiating table, it would be ready for dialogue. "India is a dear friend of Iran and has good relations with the US, so it can get the latter to come back to the negotiations. But the most important priority for Iran is to have good relations with neighbours, stability in the neighbourhood and attract more investments in the country. We want to take a leading role in peacebuilding," Zarif added.

READ | Iran expects India to defy US sanctions to source its oil; devise new barter trade

The Chabahar Port complex, backed by India, on Iran's coast along the Gulf of Oman is being developed to provide an alternative trade route between India and Afghanistan. In 2018, Iran and India had signed an agreement worth USD 85 million to develop the Chabahar Port. In May 2016, India and Iran signed a bilateral agreement under which India would refurbish one of the berths at Shahid Beheshti Port, and reconstruct a 600-meter long container handling facility at the port.

READ | Trudeau urges Iran to send downed jetliner's black boxes to France

Under the agreement, India would build a 600-metre (1,969 feet) cargo terminal and a 640-metre container terminal. However, only a portion of the two berths has been finished because of deteriorating relations between the US and Iran after the election of US President Donald Trump in November 2016 that culminated with the reimposition of economic sanctions in 2018. In December last year, India took over operations of part of Shahid Beheshti Port.

READ | Russian Foreign Minister condemns US for pulling out of Iran nuclear deal

READ | Iran foreign ministry spokesman: Don't turn plane crash into political issue

(With agency inputs)
At least 10 children have died of a mysterious disease and six others taken seriously ill in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, a senior officer said on Saturday, as various teams of doctors are camping in the affected area to ascertain the cause of the fatal disease.

The deaths were reported from different villages of Ramnagar block of the district over the past fortnight after the children complained of fever, vomiting and low passage of urine.

"Our survey of the affected area revealed 10 children died due to the mysterious disease in the 40 kilometre radius in Ramnagar block. The symptoms of the disease are routine that include fever and vomiting followed by renal problem," Chief Medical Officer, Udhampur, K C Dogra told PTI.

He said six other children, all below the age of four, are still undergoing treatment at different hospitals -- three in PGI Chandigarh, two at SMGS Hospital Jammu and one in Ludhiana (Punjab).

"Various teams of doctors from Jammu, Udhampur and block level are camping in the affected area and we are trying to ascertain the cause of the disease," Dogra said.

District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, Piyush Singla had already directed the public health engineering department to collect samples of drinking water for laboratory testing and to ensure safe drinking water is provided to the public.

District health authorities have appealed to the public to not panic and consult doctors in nearby health institutions if there is any case having symptoms of fever, vomiting and low urine passage.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
At the dawn of the modern civil rights movement, the goal was to force the government to follow the Constitution, and specifically the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. The clause, which took effect in 1868, provides that "nor shall any State ... deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." In the 1970s, that morphed into the "make up for past discrimination" justification for racial and sexual preference affirmative action.

Today, the left has taken affirmative action full circle, and we're back to doling out college admission and professional jobs on the "Looks like Me" standard.

The "Looks like Me" standard has been actively promoted by prominent business leaders, politicians, and influential activists. After Kamala Harris ended her presidential campaign, California state senator Holly J. Mitchell said this: "I was saddened as a black woman elected myself. Every day I experience the double standard of being a woman, and a woman who looks like me, engaged in electoral politics." So much for the content of one's character.

Cory Booker had this to say after Harris dropped out of the race: "What message is that sending that we heralded the most diverse field in our history and now we're seeing people like her dropping out of this campaign?" Qualifications be damned if one doesn't pass the "Looks like Me" test.

Julian Castro often plays the "Looks like Me" card, especially in times of tragedy. "As we saw in El Paso, Americans were killed because you stoked the fire of racists," said Castro. "Innocent people were shot down because they look different from you. Because they look like me. They look like my family." "Looks like Me" allows you to play a kinder, gentler race card.

The Ivy League has promoted the "Looks like Me" narrative for some time now. For example, Cornell University's Center for Hospitality Research released a study in 2016 titled "Do You Look like Me? How Bias Affects Affirmative Action in Hiring" with predictable conclusions.

Here is an analysis of the study, by the Cornell Chronicle:

The report suggests that for organizations trying to improve the diversity profile of their workers, knowing the race of an applicant may help managers create a pool of desired applicants. But caution is required to prevent same-race bias or cross-race bias from becoming part of the hiring process. One approach to offset this effect is to recruit diverse candidates and add a blind evaluation component to the process to ensure that race is used to include, rather than exclude, qualified minority applicants, the researchers said.

In other words, the report recommends that employers practice, in effect, "inclusion through exclusion." By favoring an employment candidate's race and sex, individuals without "protected class" status  i.e., white males  become excluded with official approval. This type of policy leaves employers open for white male lawsuits under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.

Unfortunately, qualifications are being portrayed by academics and political demagogues as "white skin privilege." We have now entered a human resources Twilight Zone in which accomplishments are never honestly earned, and the government needs to pick winners and losers based upon identity-politics characteristics. The soft tyranny of the "Looks like Me" movement shouldn't be taken lightly. The demonization of any group of people is a trend that shouldn't be tolerated or celebrated, especially by government.

Michael A. Bertolone, M.S. is a freelance writer focusing on civil rights issues in the workplace. His other American Thinker pieces can be found here: https://www.americanthinker. com/author/michael_bertolone.

Image credit: White House via Wikimedia Commons, public domain.
La Serena launches assisted living option for resort-style post-retirement life View(s):

La Serena, Sri Lankas first ever retirement resort for independent senior citizens, has announced it is now offering an assisted living option to further accommodate the unique needs of its clientele.

La Serena is a purpose-built 44-unit beach-front facility styled on a resort hotel and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ceylinco Life, the company said in a media release.

Retirees over the age of 55 who consider La Serena, especially for the ideal amalgamation of privacy and companionship it offers, can now choose from two assisted living options offered by the Resort  one for those who are mostly independent but require assistive modifications to their unit that would significantly increase convenience in their living spaces with extra fittings such as grab bars and railings; and the second option of a dedicated live-in assistant who would help with daily activities such as washing, feeding and mobility within the resort.

Depending on the degree of assistance required, La Serena residents can choose the option most suited to them, or choose to live independently and enjoy the facilities of the Resort, until such time when assisted living may be required, the company said.

Modifications available to those with assisted living requirements include wider doorways to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs, grab bars and railings for the toilet, walk-in showers with a chair, wheelchair accommodation in the shower enabling direct transfer to the bath-chair, raised commodes and emergency alarms.

Commenting on the assisted living facility, La Serena Chairman R. Renganathan said: We believe the assisted living facility will provide senior citizens the confidence to choose to live by themselves, on their own terms, without being completely dependent on their families. The concept behind La Serena was always to be a home away from home, and now even those who need some extra care can benefit from it.

Recreational facilities available to residents at La Serena include a swimming pool and the beach, a library and reading room, common lounge for socialising, a mini gym, and jogging path.

Built on almost three acres of scenic beachfront land in Uswetakeiyawa, just 14 km north of Colombo, at No 562, Bopitiya Road, Uswetakeiyawa, the Resort comprises 28 single chalets and 16 double chalets. Each living unit has its own living room, dining area, kitchenette, Wi-Fi and Cable TV facilities, and en-suite bathrooms, one for every bedroom, cleverly designed and furnished for optimal use of space  535 square feet per single bedroom unit and 680 square feet per two bedroom unit.

A restaurant to dine in, room service for meals, laundry service, CCTV camera systems for security, janitorial services and the use of own vehicles are some of the additional perks of staying at La Serena.

The market leader in Sri Lankas life insurance industry for 16 of the 32 years it has been in operation, Ceylinco Life has close to a million lives covered by active policies and is acknowledged as a benchmark in the local insurance industry for innovation, product research and development, customer service, professional development and corporate social responsibility.
Federal Aviation Administration halted all the flights in and out of Chicagos OHare airport for hours on Friday night due to sprawling winter storm. Though the administration lifted the stop at 9:45 pm, it was too late as many flights had already been cancelled.

Plane skid off

Earlier on Friday, a plane skid off an icy taxiway at Kansas City International Airport. The Delta Airlines flight was scheduled to fly to Detroit when it skid off the runway, said Delta spokeswoman Martha Witt. There were no reports of injuries aboard the airbus A319 which was carrying 123 passengers along with six crew members.

Read: Chicago Cubs Keeping Options Open With Season On The Horizon

Read: Canada Declares Emergency Over Snowstorm

The airport resumed its operations in the noon but numerous flights were already cancelled in the morning. The Chicago Dept of Aviation at 9:00 pm reported the cancellation of nearly 690 flights at OHare and 169 at Midway Airport. The other airport affected by the storm was the Lambert International Airport in St. Louise, Missouri which reported the cancellation of more than 130 flights till Friday noon. Meanwhile, American Airlines suspended all flights to Missouris Columbia Region Airport until Saturday noon.

Read: Police: 2 Young Brothers Among 5 Shot In Chicago Barbershop

Read: US To Screen People At Airports After Mystery Coronavirus Claims Another Life

Meanwhile, the capital of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador declared a rare state of emergency on January 17 as blizzard conditions descended on the city and residents prepared for an intense storm expected to last into Saturday. Officials ordered businesses to closed and vehicles to remain off the roads. The nearby towns of Mount Pearl, Paradise, Torbay and Portugal Cove-St. Philip's followed suit shortly afterwards.

Environment Canada issued blizzard and wind warnings for much of Newfoundland and said strong winds and blowing snow might cause whiteout conditions until Saturday in some places. Footage filmed by St John's resident, Timothy Sacrey, 40, outside his home on Friday evening shows swirling snow and snowdrifts. "We are used to having tough winters, it's a rugged place, next to the ocean, with a lot of precipitation but this is ridiculous," Sacrey said. "There are people who have lived here their whole lives who are really frightened. It's the first time I have ever heard people being afraid of a storm," he said. Sacrey also told AP that power has been lost on the other side of his road.
London, Jan 18 : UK Chancellor Sajid Javid on Saturday warned manufacturers that "there will not be alignment" with the European Union (EU) after the country exits the bloc on January 31, and insisted that firms must "adjust" to new regulations.

"There will not be alignment, we will not be a rule taker, we will not be in the single market and we will not be in the customs union - and we will do this by the end of the year," Javid said.

"There will be an impact on business one way or the other, some will benefit, some won't," the BBC reported citing Javid as saying to the Financial Times newspaper.

Asked how differing regulations between the UK and EU may impact industries such as automotive and pharmaceuticals, he said: "We're also talking about companies that have known since 2016 that we are leaving the EU. Admittedly, they didn't know the exact terms." The government has not yet agreed a future trading relationship with the EU, but it plans to do so in the 11-month transition period which begins after the UK leaves the bloc this month.

During the transition period, the UK will continue to follow EU rules and contribute to its budget.

The Chancellor also said he that wanted to double the UK's annual economic growth to between 2.7 and 2.8 per cent.

Javid said the extra growth would come from spending on skills and infrastructure in the Midlands and the north of England.
The UAW announced Thursday the appointment of Gerald Kariem, director of Region 1D, as Vice President for the Ford Department. The job was left open after the elevation of Rory Gamble, the previous VP for Ford, to the position of International president. Gamble took over as president on an interim basis after the forced resignation of Gary Jones, who has been implicated in the growing corruption scandal.

Gerald Kariem

The appointment of Kariem elevates another member of the UAWs narrow inner circle into the unions top leadership. Kariem has a long resume in the UAW bureaucracy. Since landing a cushy appointment to the UAW international staff in 2001, under the administration of then UAW President Stephen Yokich, he has moved steadily up the unions ladder. He was appointed assistant Region 1D director in 2008 and later obtained the directors post. His mentor, Yokich, survived a US Labor Department investigation into corruption allegations from his time as the unions VP for General Motors.

As Region 1D director, Kariem hauled in $175,480 in 2018 and can expect a sizeable pay boost with his new job. He serves on the Alliance for Health Board of directors, receiving an undisclosed stipend, and has served as an instructor and conference coordinator at the University of Michigan Labor Studies Institute.

Like other top UAW leaders, Kariem is deeply embedded in the Democratic Party establishment in Michigan, having served on the transition team for Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Summing up his corporatist outlook, Kariem said in a statement following his appointment, I look forward to working with our members as well as the Ford Corporation, which has demonstrated good corporate citizenship in the past. He continued, We will also aggressively implement the new contract. Our members will benefit from the pathways to full pay they created and the launch of new products and technologies. This is an exciting time for UAW-Ford members.

The appointment of Kariem to a top UAW post comes as the union is wracked by a corruption scandal that has implicated the unions last two presidents, Gary Jones and Dennis Williams, and led to the conviction of other top bureaucrats. Among those sent to prison have been former UAW Vice President for Fiat Chrysler Norwood Jewell, who negotiated the 2015 sellout contract with Fiat Chrysler, and Joe Ashton, former head of the UAW GM department and briefly a member of GMs board of directors.

A February 2018 report in Automotive News named Kariem as one of at least seven UAW officials who allowed state registrations for their charities to expire starting in 2016, following the first indictments of UAW officials. Other charities named in the report were run by UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada, retired Vice President for Ford Jimmy Settles, Dennis Williams, Rory Gamble, Joe Ashton and Norwood Jewell.

Also on the list was UAW executive administrative assistant Chuck Browning, who was president of a charity believed to be affiliated with former UAW President Bob King. No public tax filings for No Greater Calling, Kariems charity, appear to be available and its website has been taken down.

Charities run by Jones, Settles, Estrada and Ashton have faced federal scrutiny for the possible misuse of donations. A charity run by the late UAW Vice President for Fiat Chrysler General Holiefield was used as a conduit for illegal payouts from the UAW-Chrysler joint training center as part of a scheme by management to obtain favorable contract terms, or in the words of one Fiat Chrysler executive, to keep UAW officials fat, dumb and happy. Holiefield escaped prosecution only due to his death in 2015.

Speculation recently has mounted that the federal government may move to impose some form of trusteeship over the UAW. In recently filed court documents, federal prosecutors accused former UAW Region 5 Director Vance Pearson of embezzling money in aid of a racketeering enterprise. While Jones and Williams have not themselves been indicted, government sources have confirmed to multiple news outlets that they are the unnamed UAW Official A and UAW Official B referred to in court documents. The use of the term racketeering in relation to the UAW indicates that federal prosecutors may be targeting the entire organization, not just individual leaders.

Gerald Kariem on the platform at the 2018 UAW convention

According to recent reports, Gamble and Settles are also under investigation for accepting illegal kickbacks from vendors who make UAW-branded merchandise. Settles, who was in charge of 2015 contract negotiations with Ford, was instrumental in ramming through a sellout agreement that allowed a vast expansion in the use of temporary workers. Workers accused Settles of using intimidation to secure ratification of the deal, which narrowly passed amid allegations of vote rigging.

Meanwhile, the rotten character of the 2019 contracts, which were passed in the aftermath of the UAWs betrayal of a 40-day national strike at GM, is becoming ever clearer. The GM deal sanctioned the closure of four GM facilities and provided a blank check to all three companies for the unrestricted use of temps. Bogus pathways to full employment for temps at Ford and GM, which require three consecutive years of service, will be unattainable for most, highlighted by the recent decision by General Motors to fire 240 temporary workers at its Fort Wayne, Indiana plant. The Fiat Chrysler contract does not even include such a fig leaf, allowing the company to maintain the cost advantages from its higher utilization of temps.

Meanwhile, hundreds of workers at the GM Detroit-Hamtramck plant will be forced to relocate or face layoff as the facility closes for an extended retooling. Under terms of the UAW-GM agreement, the plant, previously targeted for closure, will be re-opened as an electric truck facility. However, the number of jobs this will create is not yet known and it is not expected to restart production for another 18 months.

Kariem and Dennis Williams

Workers at a number of GM plants are on emergency status in the wake of the 40-day strike last fall. That means they are forced to work overtime, sometimes 12 hours a day, seven days a week, to make up shortages created during the strike. Those facilities under emergency status include the Flint Assembly Plant and a number of parts facilities.

The massive corruption that has been exposed in the leadership of the UAW reflects more than just the moral failings of individuals, but the transformed character of the organization itself, accomplished many decades ago. This is part of a universal process, in which the unions have been transformed into open agents of management with distinct socioeconomic interests opposed to the workers they claim to represent.

To organize a new struggle, and to mobilize the strength of the international working class, the World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter calls for the building of rank-and-file committees to take up the functions abandoned by the unions. These committees must link workers at different factories and join in common struggle with brother workers internationally.
Residents of Maharashtras Shirdi have called for an indefinite shutdown from Sunday after chief minister Uddhav Thackeray called Pathri in Parbhani as the birthplace of the 19th-century saint Sai Baba and said he will allot Rs 100 crore for its development.

The call for the shutdown in the temple town of Shirdi, famous for Sai Babas Samadhi which attracts millions of devotees from across the globe, has been backed by the residents of 25 villages.

A former trustee of Shirdi Sai Sansthan, Kailasbapu Kote, said locals and villagers from the neighbouring areas are upset with chief minister Uddhav Thackeray for referring to Pathri as the birthplace of Sai Baba.

There is no bonafide proof available to prove the birthplace. Sai Baba himself never shared any information about his birthplace or religion during his stay in Shirdi, Kote said.

We will observe an indefinite bandh to send a strong message to the government and the chief minister as it has hurt our sentiments. The entire bandh would be peaceful and aimed at conveying our resentment to the state, he said.

B Wakchaure of Saibaba Sansthan Trust said a meeting of villagers will be convened on Saturday evening to discuss the issue and decide the future course of action.

Local government officials said the Shirdi temple and all its units comprising Sai Prasadalaya, Sai Hospital, Sai Bhaktaniwas and medical shops wont be affected by the shutdown.

Private buses will run but public transport vehicles will be off the road, which might create commuting issues for tourists and devotees visiting Shirdi.

State minister Ashok Chavan has welcomed Uddhav Thackerays announcement.

A large number of Sai devouts visit Pathri and the decision to provide funds for the development of Pathri temple is aimed at the development of the area and a welcome step. Sai Bhakts cannot be kept away from development over the issue of the place of birth of Sai Baba, Chavan, a former chief minister, tweeted in Marathi.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP), James Oppong-Boanuh

18.01.2020 LISTEN

Inasmuch as the Ghana Police Service expects communities to use dialogue to settle their differences rather than resorting to violence, police officers who misconduct themselves will equally not be spared.

This is coming from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), James Oppong-Boanuh, ahead of the December 2020 General Elections.

He gave the assurance that no police officer would be shielded for any acts of misconduct.

Mr. Oppong-Boanuh was speaking at a durbar to commission a newly constructed Akropong District Police Headquarters at Akropong-Akuapem in the Akuapem North Municipality of the Eastern Region.

The Ghc 516,000.00 project was fully funded by the Church of Pentecost to help promote peace and security in the Municipality.

Mr Oppong-Boanuh commended the Church for the gesture and said it showed its commitment to national peace and security.

He said crime had become more sophisticated and the police needed the cooperation of all citizens to ensure crime was brought to the barest minimum.

He said policing flourished on the strong partnership between the public and the police and urged the people to support the police by volunteering information to purge society of criminals.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr. Eric Kwaye Darfour, said proper accommodation for security officers was vital to the security and must be at the heart of every individual.

He urged the police to maintain the building well to prolong its lifespan.

Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, the General Secretary of the Church Of Pentecost, said the project was the first of the three district police stations that the Church had planned to build under its Vision 2023 Project.

He urged the police and all workers to work with integrity.

Osaberima Ansah Sasraku, the Kyidomhene of Akuapem Traditional Area, who chaired the programme, called on all faith-based organisations to emulate the example of the Church of Pentecost.

He pleaded with the Police Administration to fix the faulty sewage system of the police command in the area.

---Daily Guide
A recent medal presentation night in the Rapparees-Starlights GAA club served a dual purpose as it also raised money for the Irish Pilgrimage Trust (IPT).

A cheque for 535 was presented to Fr Odhran Furlong and Patricia Byrne, from the IPT, to help send a child to Lourdes in 2020.

Medals were presented to the underage players by Wexford senior hurlers Kevin Foley and Seamus Casey, who took great delight in doing so. They complimented the players on their success last season and wished them the best of luck in their preparations for their campaign in 2020.

The money for the IPT was raised on the night through a raffle that was very well supported.

The club extended praise to everyone who supported the initiative through sponsorship of spot prizes or by purchasing raffle tickets for the worthwhile cause.

The money was handed over by the U13 squad mentors Tomas McVeigh, Johnny Hyland and Stephen Leacy, along with members of the squad.

The IPT thanked the club for its generosity and also acknowledged everyone who supported the fundraising efforts of the club.

The origins of the IPT goes back to 1954 in England when a small group of young people with special needs headed to Lourdes, led by a young doctor.

The IPT came into being as a result of the expansion of the original organisation, and in 1971 the first Irish group joined with the first Irish trip to Lourdes taking place in April 1972.

The Irish organisation grew in numbers and popularity and this led to it becoming its own Trust.

The influence of the Irish involvement in the Trust movement has over the years led to further expansion of the organisation into other countries and regions.

Run by a board of volunteer trustees, the IPT receives no public or state funding and relies instead on private donations and fundraising to ensure it's able to continue to bring children and young adults with special needs to Lourdes every year.
Prince Harry was spotted laughing and enjoying a low-key dinner with friends in a west London pub on the night before he announced he was quitting royal life.

The Duke of Sussex, 35, dined for around three hours at Brook House Pub in Fulham on Friday night ahead of the bombshell announcement that he and Meghan Markle would drop their HRH titles.

He wore a grey polo shirt to the New King's Road venue and was said to have been acting like a 'normal' customer before leaving at around 11pm.

The Duke of Sussex (pictured earlier this month), 35, ate for around three hours at Brook House Pub in Fulham on Friday night

He wore a grey polo shirt to the New King's Road venue (pictured) and was said to have been acting like a normal customer

A witness told Fabulous: 'He seemed very happy, relaxed.

'He was sat in the middle of seven guys and they spent a good few hours laughing and joking.

'He seems like he was just a normal guy enjoying a few beers and a meal with his pals.'

The eatery, which sits over the road from Eel Brook Common, offers main meals of up to 25 - for the roast Cornish cod.

Harry has previously been seen out drinking down the road in The Cross Keys in Chelsea, as well as Bunga Bunga just over the Thames in Battersea.

The Prince was spotted at the pub after it was revealed he had delayed flying back to Canada to be reunited with Meghan and baby Archie.

Tonight, it was announced that the couple will stop carrying out royal duties from the spring.

The couple will also repay 2.4million of taxpayers' money spent on renovating their Frogmore Cottage home and will known as Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

The announcement marks the conclusion of talks after days of wrangling with senior royals and aides.

The Queen appeared stony-faced as she drove through Sandringham on Saturday hours before the bombshell announcement

As she drove through Sandringham, the monarch was wrapped up against the winter chill in a patterned head scarf as she firmly gripped the steering wheel while wearing dark glasses and pink lipstick

The Queen, who wore a steely expression behind the wheel of her Land Rover at Sandringham on Saturday, had ordered courtiers to hammer out a plan 'in days, not weeks' for a stripped-back Royal role for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

As she drove through her Norfolk estate, Her Majesty wrapped up against the winter chill in a patterned head scarf and dark glasses.

Following a crunch summit between Princes Charles, William and Harry last Monday, the Queen agreed to let the Sussexes step back from official duties and tasked Palace aides with drawing up a blueprint for the couple's future in double-time.

Buckingham Palace had previously confirmed to MailOnline that Harry had further meetings in the UK on Monday.

This is despite his desire to return to Canada to be with Meghan and eight-month-old Archie, who he has not seen for almost two weeks.

Meghan Markle appeared fresh and happy as she drove herself to the airport in Canada on Friday, but was accompanied by a security guard

Harry had been expected to fly back across the Atlantic this weekend after hosting the Rugby League World Cup draw at Buckingham Palace on Thursday.

The last time he saw his son was at the $14million Vancouver Island mansion where he and Meghan spent Christmas - and Archie stayed when they returned to the UK to make their bombshell statement outlining their plan to quit as senior Royals.

Prince Harry was pictured in London on Friday after he attended an event at Buckingham Palace. The Queen had recently held a summit meeting with senior members of the royal family

As well as splits between the Palace and Sussex households, friends claim that Harry and Meghan are themselves divided over where in Canada to settle down.

The Duke is believed to be happy to continue living on the west coast near Vancouver, while his ex-actress wife is understood to favour Toronto, where she lived during her time filming Suits.

'Meghan has a lot of connections here. She finds it comfortable and believes it is somewhere they can develop new roles and pursue her interests,' a source told the Times.
Al Pacino has a long and storied career dating back to 1969, and with decades in the industry comes plenty of stories to go around.

The legendary actor, 79, stopped by Jimmy Kimmel on Thursday to promote his Netflix film, The Irishman, which earned him his ninth Oscar nomination.

He revealed that at just his second Oscars in 1975, he was so high on 'a few things,' that Jeff Bridges had to clue him in on what was happening at the award show.

Ninth nomination: Al Pacino stopped by Jimmy Kimmel on Thursday to promote his Netflix film, The Irishman, which earned him his ninth Oscar nomination

'I was sitting there and it wasnt at all like youd expect,' Pacino said. 'I went and I was sat there in this big event and I was with a friend. I had a few things, you know. I was not completely myself.'

He explained that after settling into the show, he thought was only an hour he turned to the Big Lebowski actor.

Adding: 'So everything was tolerable, you know? The nerves had calmed down. I was sitting there enjoying the show. I turned to Jeff Bridges  he was also nominated  and I said hi.'

I had no clue: He revealed that at just his second Oscars in 1975, he was so high on 'a few things,' that Jeff Bridges had to clue him in on what was happening at the award show

Almost over, sike: He explained that after settling into the show, he thought was only an hour he turned to the Big Lebowski actor

The Scarface star said: 'I didnt know him, but I knew he was Jeff Bridges, but I never met him. He said: "Yes? Hi. OK" I thought, "He hasnt seen my films".'

'But I said to him: "I dont think theyre going to get to the best actor category. Its an hour and they didnt get to that category,"' he explained. He gave me a look to this day  Ill never forget it  like, "Where do you come from, who are you?" and said, "Its three hours."'

At the 1975 awards Pacino was on his third nomination, for Godfather II, after being nominated for The Godfather and Serpico years prior. While Bridges was nominated that year for Thunderbolt and Lightfoot.

I don't know you: 'But I said to him: "I dont think theyre going to get to the best actor category. Its an hour and they didnt get to that category,"' he explained. He gave me a look to this day  Ill never forget it  like, "Where do you come from, who are you?" and said, "Its three hours"'

Last week he was announced to be nominated for his role in The Irishman, in which he starred along Joe Pesci and Robert DeNiro.

Al recently was all smiles at the TCA Winter Tour in Pasadena, California on Monday to promote Hunters, which debuts February 21.

Hunters marks Pacino's first ever series regular role in a TV series, though he did star in the 2003 HBO mini-series Angels in America and made his acting debut in a guest starring spot on N.Y.P.D. in 1968.

First time: Al recently was all smiles at the TCA Winter Tour in Pasadena, California on Monday to promote Hunters, which debuts February 21, his first regular series role

The series is set in 1977 New York City, centering on a team who discover a number of high-ranking officials who are secretly Nazis starting a Fourth Reich in America.

Pacino plays the leader of this team, Meyer Offerman, with a cast that also includes Josh Radnor, Kate Mulvany, Tiffany Boone, Greg Austin, Louis Ozawa Changchien, Carol Kane, Saul Rubinek, Dylan Baker and Lena Olin.

Creator David Weil revealed on the panel that, as a Jew growing up in Brooklyn, he heard stories from his grandmother who survived the Holocaust, and he thought her stories were, 'like the stuff of comic books and superheroes.'
She's no stranger to flaunting her sensational curves in swimwear.

And Demi Rose, 24, certainly set pulses racing as she donned a tiny pink bikini in a sizzling throwback Instagram snap shared on Saturday.

The Birmingham-born beauty later showed that her famous derriere requires some upkeep as she recorded herself having it contoured in London.

Wow! Demi Rose, 24, set pulses racing as she donned a tiny pink bikini in a sizzling throwback Instagram snap taken at Laguna Beach in California and shared on Saturday

Demi flaunted her hourglass physique in the sun-soaked picture and held onto the string sides of her barely-there bikini bottoms as she posed.

The halterneck top barely contained her ample assets as she worked the camera.

The brunette beauty wore her long tresses placed over one shoulder and rocked a full face of makeup including a pretty pink lipstick.

She decided to go without accessories for the sunny snap, which was tagged as being taken at Laguna Beach in California.

Giving her 12.2m followers another glimpse into her glamorous lifestyle, Demi shared that she was back in London after trips to Egypt, Tulum and LA.

Putting the work in: While in London Demi visited Shane Cooper for a bespoke body treatment where he worked on shaping her derriere

Bespoke: Shane explained that the brunette beauty's treatment was 'bespoke' and to 'target cellulite reduction and contouring'

During her stop off in the capital city Demi visited Shane Cooper in Kensington for a bespoke body treatment.

In two short clips shared to her Insta Stories the stunner is seen resting on her front while Shane worked on shaping her derriere.

Explaining on his account, Shane wrote: 'Demi Rose is back at my clinic for her regular, bespoke body treatments to target cellulite reduction and contouring. Every treatment we deliver is tailored and bespoke to each client.'

He then explained that: 'My medical platform machine uniquely combines two technologies: TriLipo Radiofrequency and TriLipo Dynamic Muscle Activation.

'Working simultaneously using a single applicator, they create a synergistic effect that delivers non-invasive fat removal and lymphatic drainage, as well as skin tightening.'

Demi has garnered the attention of 12.2million followers since she was propelled to fame after being romantically linked to Kylie Jenner's ex Tyga.

However recently she has been travelling the world following her split from DJ Chris Martinez. As well as visiting Bali, Demi has seen LA, Mexico, Jordan, and Las Vegas.

Sultry: Demi also showed off her hourglass physique wearing nothing but a pair of ripped jeans as she went topless on Laguna Beach in California on Tuesday

Despite the envy-inducing travels, 2019 was also a testing year for the beauty, with her reflecting on the highs and lows in a candid Instagram post.

She penned: 'Wow what a year. It definitely has been the hardest year of my life but the also the best year of my life.

'Im proud of myself for getting through the hurdles Ive faced and the growth that Ive experienced. Im ready to say goodbye to 2019 and Im SO excited for whats to come in this new year.

'I wish you all an amazing 2020 filled with lots of blessings and love. Thank you for all your support, always. Love you guys!'

Demi saw her career surge in 2019 as she booked several high profile modelling gigs, and launched a swimwear collection with Oh Polly.

However, Demi also struggled with an intense loss last year, announcing the death of her mother Christine Mawby who passed away aged 64 in July.

The tragedy came just eight months after her beloved father Barrie died in October 2018.
HDFC Bank reported a 32.8 per cent increase in its net profit for the quarter ended December 31, 2019. The private lender posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 7,416.5 crore in the third quarter of this fiscal, as opposed to Rs 5,585.8 crore in the corresponding quarter last fiscal.

Net interest income (NII), the difference between interest earned and interest paid, for Q3 FY20 increased 19.9 per cent to Rs 14,173 crore on the back of growth in advances. The bank had registered NII of Rs 12,577 crore in Q3 FY19, HDFC Bank reported in a regulatory filing. The net interest margin for the quarter under review remained stable at 4.2 per cent, it further added.

HDFC Bank's operating expenses for the December quarter this year were Rs 7,896.8 crore, following an increase of 17.5 per cent over Rs 6,7919.3 crore reported during the corresponding quarter last year. The cost-to-income ratio for the quarter came was pegged at 37.9 per cent, as opposed to 38.4 per cent in the year-ago period.

ALSO READ: Axis Bank corners a lion's share in HDFC's Rs 5,700-crore debt issue

Provisions and contingencies for Q3 FY20 increased 37.62 per cent to Rs 3,043.6 crore, as opposed to Rs 2,211.5 crore in Q3 FY19. "The specific loan loss provisions in the current quarter include one-offs of approximately Rs 700 crore, primarily relating to certain corporate accounts. Therefore, the Core Credit Cost ratio (i.e. excluding one-offs), was 0.92 per cent, as compared to 0.9 per cent in the quarter ending September 30, 2019, and 0.88 per cent in the quarter ending December 31, 2018," HDFC Bank said in its filing to the bourses.

The bank's capital adequacy ratio (CAR) was 18.5 per cent as on December 31, 2019, stated HDFC bank, as opposed to 17.3 per cent on December 31, 2018. The banks are required to maintain a CAR of 11.075 per cent.

ALSO READ: HDFC completes acquisition of controlling stake in Apollo Munich

HDFC Bank's gross non-performing assets (NPAs) were at 1.42 per cent of gross advances as on December 31, 2019, as against 1.38 per cent in the year-ago period. Net NPAs increased to 0.48 per cent of net advances during the quarter under review, as opposed to 0.42 per cent during the corresponding quarter last fiscal.

"The bank held floating provisions of Rs 1,451 crore and contingent provisions of Rs 1,457 crore as on December 31, 2019. Total provisions were 119 per cent of the gross non-performing loans as on December 31, 2019," HDFC Bank stated.

ALSO READ: HDFC to invest Rs 250 crore in govt-led stressed fund for realty sector, says CEO Keki Mistry
FILE PHOTO: Flowers and candles are placed in front of the portraits of the flight crew members of the Ukraine International Airlines plane shot down by Iran n, at a memorial at Boryspil International airport

By Tracy Rucinski and Tim Hepher

CHICAGO/PARIS (Reuters) - Families of the 176 people killed when Iran shot down a Ukrainian airliner face a complicated legal battle where backing from the victims' governments may be crucial as they seek damages, legal experts said.

Lawyers say many relatives will automatically be entitled to compensation equivalent to $170,000 from Ukraine International Airlines under the 1999 Montreal Convention, which establishes airline liability in the case of death or injury to passengers, and are entitled then to try to sue for more.

But others may be entitled to a much smaller amount.

Iran is not a member of the Montreal treaty but only its less flexible predecessor, known as the Warsaw Convention.

In theory, that means that while families of foreign-based victims who were returning home from Iran when the plane was shot down on Jan. 8 may get the full payout, those on a single ticket or who started their journey in Iran or Afghanistan - some victims were Afghans - may be entitled to only $25,000 under the Warsaw Convention, several lawyers said.

The airline, which mentions both treaties in its published rules, said it could not comment on which would apply until legal procedures were completed. Ukraine's government has so far said only that it will apply the Montreal terms to its citizens.

International rules do not allow an airline to be pursued for the most severe category of "punitive" damages. For that, most lawyers say families must embark on the tortuous process of suing Iran, for which political backing is seen as crucial.

"Iran has a moral obligation to the families and it will take political support of Canada, Ukraine and the other interested nations to ensure that Iran meets its obligation," said Justin Green of law firm Kreindler & Kreindler.

Iran shot down the airliner when its forces were on alert after firing missiles at U.S. targets in Iraq in retaliation for a deadly U.S. strike against one of its generals. It acknowledged making a mistake only after days of denials.

Story continues

Five countries whose citizens were killed have said Tehran should pay compensation to families of the victims, but have not said what support they plan to offer.

Iran has expressed "profound regrets" over the downing of the plane and promised to extend support to families, but has not yet formally addressed the issue of compensation.

Tehran has urged all countries involved in the crash to avoid turning it into a political issue.

SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY

Taking on any state as a private citizen faces huge barriers including the reluctance of many courts to challenge sovereign immunity. It is not yet known whether Iran will claim immunity.

For families inside Iran, already facing a potential disadvantage against their overseas counterparts on automatic compensation because of Iran's treaty memberships, suing the government is widely viewed as challenging, Iran analysts said.

Iran has described the crash victims as martyrs, making it difficult, if not impossible, to take action against the state because of sensitivities over the term, they said.

Some observers have drawn comparisons with the downing of an IranAir jet by a U.S. warship in 1988. Some 290 people were killed and Iran later sued the United States over the incident, which occurred at a time of tense relations.

The two sides reached a settlement in 1996 at the International Court of Justice in which the United States did not admit liability but agreed to pay up to $300,000 to families of each of the Iranian passengers.

Peter Neenan, partner at London law firm Stewarts, calculates a comparable payment today would be worth $400,000.

"I would like to see Iran make the first steps and say we want to compensate and here is a number  at least to get the conversation started," he said.

LOCKERBIE FALLOUT

The Iran Air case triggered a row over jurisdiction, with the United States unsuccessfully arguing that the world court should not intervene, while battles to find the best location are also common in civil disputes following air crashes around the world.

Others see in the volatile course of Middle East diplomacy a parallel with the legal fallout over the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am flight over Lockerbie, Scotland, in which over 250 died.

Green, whose firm Kreindler & Kreindler represented Lockerbie victims, said U.S. government pressure including sanctions against Libya was vital to ultimately winning a $2.7 billion settlement against the Libyan government.

The final part of the settlement was absorbed into a broader deal between Libya and the United States to ease years of tensions between the North African country and the West.

Tension between Iran and the United States has increased since 2018, when Washington withdrew from Tehran's nuclear pact with world powers and reimposed sanctions that have hurt the Islamic Republic's economy.

(Additional reporting by Natalia Zinets in Kiev, Allison Martell in Montreal, Parisa Hafezi in Dubai, Editing by Amran Abocar and Timothy Heritage)
Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock have teamed up to film a happy 98th birthday video for actor Betty White, with whom they starred in the hit 2009 romantic comedy, The Proposal.

Reynolds uploaded the video to his Instagram account on Friday, showing both himself and Bullock singing happy birthday to White in different clips.

The video cuts between both Hollywood stars, with Bullock teasing: Happy birthday from Sandy, who loves you more than Ryan.

Reynolds mimics Bullock by replying: From Ryan, who loves you so much more than Sandy.

As Bullock continues to sing the lyrics of Happy Birthday, the video frequently cuts back to Reynolds and his playful interjections.

Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Show all 15 1 /15 Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Facebook is born On 4 Feb, 2004, 19-year-old Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg launched a website called 'TheFacebook' from his dorm. Within 24 hours the college social network had more than 1,000 users Wikimedia Commons Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Winklevoss twins sue Zuckerberg Within one week of launching, fellow Harvard students Cameron Winklevoss, Tyler Winklevoss and Divya Narendra accused Zuckerberg of stealing their idea. It would be four years later when the resulting lawsuit was finally settled Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Open for business The social network finally opened it platform to everyone on 26 September, 2006. The move proved the catalyst in supercharging the site's already explosive growth PA Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Billion-dollar bid Yahoo offered $1 billion to buy Facebook in September 2006 but Zuckerberg turned it down. 'I dont know what I could do with the money,' Zuckerberg reportedly said. 'Id just start another social networking site' Reuters Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network In the money In September 2009, almost five years since the site launched, Facebook turned a profit for the first time Getty Images/iStockphoto Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Taking the lead Facebook overtook MySpace in 2010 to become the worlds most popular social network Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Taking on the tech giants In 2011, Google launched its own social network that it hoped would knock Facebook from its perch. Despite its initial success, Google+ ultimately failed and will be shut down completely in 2019 Getty Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Facebook goes public On 18 May, 2012, Facebook went public. The initial public offering raised $16 billion  the third largest in US history Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Gobbling up the competition Facebook acquired Instagram in April 2012 for $1 billion, consolidating its position as the world's leading social network Reuters Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network One billion users On 4 October, 2012, Zuckerberg announced that Facebook had hit 1 billion users. 'If youre reading this: thank you for giving me and my little team the honour of serving you,' he wrote in a blog post Getty Images Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Expanding its empire In February 2014 Facebook acquired the messaging app WhatsApp for $19.3 billion REUTERS/Dado Ruvic Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Two billion users In June 2017, Facebook passed the 2 billion user milestone REUTERS/Dado Ruvic Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Privacy scandal On 17 March 2018, news broke that UK firm Cambridge Analytica had harvested data from around 87 million Facebook users for the purpose of political profiling in the build up to the 2016 US presidential elections Shutterstock Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Record profits Despite the scandals and subsequent #DeleteFacebook campaign, Facebook posted record profits just before its 15th anniversary, the equivalent of $7.37 from each of its 2.32 billions users iStock/Independent Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Unhappy users A study found that people are happier when they dont use Facebook, adding to mounting evidence surrounding the impact social media has on mental health Rex Features

What does Sandy do you for you every year? Reynolds teased.

Does she, like, show up and hand-deliver flowers for you, wearing nothing but black socks and a dozen gold bracelets just like you requested? Doubt it.

Bullock concludes the video by telling White, I love you before giving the camera a kiss.

The video finally changes back to Reynolds, who pretends to sob.

Finally, the video closes with a birthday banner for the Golden Girls actor while the shows theme song plays in the background.

The video has already garnered more than 6.4 million views and thousands of comments from fans, including celebrities.

Mariah Carey wrote: Awww happy birthday Betty!! (Sidebar-you know I love that movie right??).

Meanwhile, David Beckham commented with a series of heart emojis.
Ahead of Maharashtra Navnirman Senas (MNS) first Maha-Adhiveshan conclave scheduled next week, various political leaders have started meeting party chief Raj Thackeray.

On Saturday, Harshvardhan Jadhav, the son-in-law of Union minister of state and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Raosaheb Danve, met Thackeray. Prakash Mahajan, the uncle of BJP leader Pankaja Munde, also visited Thackeray and expressed willingness to work with him. Both Danve and Mahajan had been MNS members in the partys initial years.

According to Jadhav, the visit was just a courtesy call. I have come to meet Rajsaheb. There is no such proposal of joining MNS, said Jadhav. Mahajan, meanwhile, said he was intrigued as Thackeray is reportedly set to veer towards the Hindutva ideology.

The meetings assume significance as Thackeray is said to announce his partys stand on Hindutva, and change the colour of his party flag to saffron on January 23  the birth anniversary of Shiv Sena founder and the MNS chiefs mentor Bal Thackeray. MNS is also said to be preparing to align with the BJP, and both Mahajan and Danve have good relationships with the top BJP leadership.

Jadhav, who was elected to the Maharashtra Assembly in 2009 on an MNS ticket, deserted the party and won the 2014 Assembly elections on a Sena ticket. After that, he resigned from the Sena and contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate. Although he was unsuccessful, he gained a substantial number of votes to ensure veteran Sena candidate Chandrakant Khaires defeat.

Mahajan was once a prominent leader of MNS before he was shown the door by Thackeray in 2009.

Will shift Parel chawl residents, then make Dr Ambedkar memorial

State housing minister Jitendra Awhad said residents of Bombay Improvement Trust (BIT) chawl number 1 at Parel will be shifted and the memorial of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar would be constructed there

Dr Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution, had lived in this chawl for 20 years. Awhad said the government would pursue the residents to move out by giving them bigger houses and only then build a memorial. Photographs and books of Dr Ambedkar along with other artefacts would be displayed there

Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray had in December announced that the chawl would be turned into a memorial.
Republican candidates running for Alabamas 1st Congressional District seat expressed differing philosophies Saturday over how the Interstate 10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project should be paid for moving forward.

The project, while declared dead by Gov. Kay Ivey in August, could be seeing a new life after an alternative freeway has surfaced. Also, renewed questions have surfaced over the amount of tolls that would be assessed on drivers.

State Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, said more of a financial responsibility should be placed on the federal government, while Mobile County Commissioner Jerry Carl said the state cannot rely on federal funds because the federal government is broke.

Businessman Wes Lambert, like Pringle, said the federal government should pick up the lions share of the tab, while military veteran John Castorani said the decisions lie with state government.

And former state Sen. Bill Hightower said that Alabama lawmakers need to fight harder to secure more funding for coastal Alabama.

The varying viewpoints were expressed during a GOP-sponsored debate in Daphne ahead of a March 3 primary in the Republican race to replace U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne, who is running for the Senate. A primary runoff would occur on March 31 if none of the candidates receive more than 50% of the vote.

The winner will face off in November against the winner of the Democratic primary which includes candidates Kiani Gardner, James Averhart and Rick Collins.

None of the five Republican candidates, when asked about the I-10 project, expressed support for a toll. But some of the candidates favored the latest alternative approach under consideration by local officials in Mobile and Baldwin counties that would be much cheaper than the $2.1 billion project backed by the Alabama Department of Transportation last year.

Under the alternative proposal, a new $1.1 billion freeway would be constructed over the Mobile Bay connecting Mobile and Baldwin counties. While its unclear if a toll would be assessed on the new bridge and freeway, the Wallace Tunnel would not be tolled and a free route would be part of I-10.

Alternative plans could be discussed by Metropolitan Planning Organizations  which oversee local planning for federally-funded transportation projects  next week. The Eastern Shore MPO and Mobile County MPO meet separately at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

We have worked toward downsizing the project where its affordable and where we can finance it, said Carl. Its premature now to talk about it and its why everyone is being a bit evasive. We have to get the Eastern Shore and Mobile County (Metropolitan Planning Organizations) to come together before we can submit (the final plan) to the governor.

Carl said the funding will have come from sources other than the federal government.

Theoretically, that sounds wonderful but the federal government is broke, said Carl. We need a bridge. If we need to wait on the federal government to do more than they have already done, we might get ourselves into waiting another 20 years. I dont think we can wait that long.

Pringle said he believes there should be more pressure exerted by the congressional delegation for the federal government to dedicate more direct funding for the I-10 project. He compared the situation to the $400 million deepening and widening of the ship channel overseen by the Alabama State Port Authority in Mobile. That project, Pringle said, is spearheaded by Republican U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, who is chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee.

Shelby pressured them to get the 75% (funded) for the ship channel and we need to use that leverage right now to get the federal government to pay for their fair share of the bridge, said Pringle.

Lambert, who owns the Dumbwaiter restaurants in Mobile and Fairhope, said the federal government needs to appropriate a large majority of the project. Before the $2.1 billion I-10 project was declared dead, it included few direct federal appropriations. Tax-exempt federal loans were part of an overall public-private financing proposal that included a mix of state, federal and private funding sources.

The federal government should pick up 80% of it, said Lambert. We also pay federal gas taxes  that money needs to stay in the counties where its generated in.

Hightower, meanwhile, said that the keys to the kingdom on this decision are in Montgomery." He recalled past struggles in coastal Alabama to secure more funding for the region, namely the legislative battles in 2016 for more of the BP oil spill settlement funds.

What bothers me is I think Alabama needs to fund this bridge, said Hightower. We are 12% of the population between Mobile and Baldwin counties, yet we generate 30% of the revenues in this state. We are the goose that laid the golden egg.

Other highlights during Saturdays debate include:

- None of the Republican candidates expressed interest in legalizing recreational marijuana, though most of them agreed it should be allowed for medicinal purposes.

- Some of the congressional candidates differed over their views over climate change. Carl called the issue a huge hoax and a huge liberal issue that is very profitable. Lambert said the only person making a killing off of the issue is former Vice President and climate change activist Al Gore. Hightower said the environment is an issue that is important for Alabama to set our own trajectory and to manage well.

- Castorani advocating for an overhaul of the Veterans Administration and to establish health savings accounts for veterans. Hightower said he would like to add psychological care and a pharmacy at the newly-opened veterans health clinic in Tillmans Corner. Lambert, however, said that coastal Alabama needs to have a new veterans hospital built within the region.

- On abortion, Pringle said that last springs legislative approval of the Human Life Protection Act  which implements stiff penalties on doctors who perform abortions in Alabama  was sponsored by a female lawmaker, co-signed by female lawmakers and signed by a female governor. He said the liberal press misrepresented the bill and that it wasnt a bunch of old men telling females what they can or cannot do with their bodies. The legislation was criticized nationally because Alabama has one of the fewest concentration of women elected to state government. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, only 15.7% of Alabama state lawmakers are women. Thats the fourth lowest in the country.

- The debate was similar to previous gatherings involving the same group of five congressional hopefuls and didnt involve any heated moments among the group. Terry Lathan, the chairwoman of the Alabama GOP, said shes been pleased with how the race has unfolded. Im very proud of this group, Lathan said. They are, at this time, being very statesmen about their campaigns.
The rising tensions in the gulf were, sadly, always going to result in death and destruction but the tragedy that unfolded in the skies above Tehran last week shows how military posturing can very quickly result in the loss of innocent lives.

The Trump administration's assassination of Iranian General and national hero Qasem Solemani prompted an international crisis and led to justifiable fears that another devastating war was about to engulf the middle east.

Although the Iranian's did react with attacks on US airbases in Iraq - a move it described as 'a proportional response' in language more typical of the US military - the fraught situation, and the risk of escalating violence appeared to have calmed when both sides dialled back on their aggressive rhetoric.

Tragically, there was to be another awful twist in the tale when, in the early hours of Wednesday morning, a Ukrainian airliner crashed soon after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport killing all 176 passengers and crew on board.

Though they initially denied responsibility the Iranian Goverment have now admitted that the plane was accidentally shot down by their military.

In the face of gorwing evidence Iran had argued that technical issues brought down the jet despite video footage and evidence from the US seeming to prove that it was hit by a surface to air missile shortly before it plummeted to earth engulfed in flames.

Even without Iran's admission it was easy to imagine how in the midst of massive tension - and with the US President threatening attacks on Iranian cultural sites - a highly stressed field commander could have mistakenly fired on the airliner.

That the missile appears to have come from a mobile launcher equipped with only basic radar systems - and likely with a relatively inexperienced crew - adds credence to the argument.

Such awful incidents are not without precedence and amid the 'fog of war' appalling mistakes are often made with lethal consequences.

Indeed, last week's tragedy over Tehran has much in common with a similar incident in the late 1980s when a US warship blew an Iranian airliner out of the sky over the Gulf.

It was July 1988 - towards the end of the Iran Iraq War - and the US Navy vessel the USS Vincennes was on patrol in the Strait of Hormunz as part of an operation to protect international shipping and oil supplies.

After moving into Iranian waters while pursuing Iranian gunboats the crew of the Vincennes - equipped with a new, ultra high tech radar system - somehow managed to misidentify an ascending civilian airliner for a fighter jet that was diving to attack them.

A missile was launched, the plane was obliterated and 290 lives were snuffed out in an instant.

We may never know exactly what happened over Tehran last week but it the tragedy shows once more that in the 'fog of war' is almost always the innocent who suffer most.
Jennifer Piallat, manager and owner of the 28-year-old eaterie Zazie, has sold her popular Cole Valley restaurant to three longtime employees who will continue business as usual.

Piallat made the announcement on the restaurants website and Facebook page, where she indicated that 75 percent of the business would be sold to general manager Mario Rojas, chef Francisco Romero, and server Megan Cornelius. The three took over Jan. 15.

Among the group, Rojas, with 21 years under his belt, has spent the most amount of years working at Zazie, followed by Romero at 17 and Cornelius with 12. Piallat has spent the last 20 years at Zazie, first as a general manager in 2000 and later as the owner in 2005. She will continue to have ownership of the business at 25 percent and will act as a consultant and advisor to the new owners moving forward.

"I'm so proud of these three, and of all my staff," Piallat wrote. "They are the heart of Zazie and with them together as a strong family, this place will continue to be Old San Francisco in a world of So Much Change."

The news comes about two months after Zazie was given legacy business status by San Francisco's Office of Small Business on Nov. 12, 2019. They recognized Zazie for its commitment to innovation and employee care.

"This award strengthens the sense of community and family that we have always worked so hard to develop among our staff and guests," Piallat told SFGATE on Nov. 27, 2019. "We feel like we won it as a group  all 37 of us."

We reached out to Piallat for comment on her decision to sell the business but did not hear back by the time of publication. She told KCBS that she "knew it was time to move on" but wanted to pass the business on to fellow employees, rather than selling it to someone else.

"I was approached by many people that wanted to franchise the business, and they would offer me insane amounts of money," Bennett told KCBS, but she ultimately turned down the offers. "We are a different style of a restaurant. So Im not worried about us moving forward as long as we stay on this path."

Piallat, who lives in Calistoga, has decided to live in wine country full time where she currently owns another brunch restaurant called Lovina, which opened in 2018.

Before Piallat took ownership of Zazie in 2005, the restaurant was owned by Catherine Opoix who opened the brunch spot in 1992.

Zazie is located at 941 Cole St.

Susana Guerrero is an SFGATE digital reporter. Email: Susana.Guerrero@sfgate.com | Twitter: @SusyGuerrero3
Several protestors at Delhi's Shaheen Bagh on Saturday said that they have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi inviting him to join them for tea and listen to their concerns over the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The sit-in by the protesters has been continuing over a month now.

"I want the prime minister to make the effort of coming here and addressing our issues. Why has he not come here to meet us yet?" asked 80-year-old Bilkis.

Another protestor Sarwari (75) said she also wrote to the PM, urging him to rollback CAA and not implement NRC.

Ninety-year-old Asma Khatoon said she has invited the prime minister to join them for a cup of tea and address their concerns over the issue.

A 40-ft-long banner displaying India's map has been put up at the site with the slogan: "We the people of India don't accept CAA, NPR and NRC".

Several hawkers can be seen daily selling the tricolour at the protest site. Mubarak (49) claimed that so far he has sold about 90 medium and big flags.

The Delhi Police on Friday had appealed to the agitators to unblock the Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch as the residents, senior citizens, emergency patients and school-going children of Delhi and NCR are suffering due to the blockade.

The matter had also come up before the High Court.

"We again urge protesters to cooperate and clear the road in the larger public interest," a police statement said. However, the protestors refused to budge unless the government discards CAA and any NRC exercise.

Torab Niazi, a protester, said they will not leave the place unless their demands are met.

"We want the representatives of the government to visit the protesting women. They are not going to move from here unless the prime minister or the home minister addresses their concerns about CAA and NRC," Niazi said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
COLUMBUS, Ohio  Ohio House Republicans are again trying to terminate the states prevailing wage law, which ensures that workers on large local government construction projects should be paid at least the average wage that local workers on similar jobs make.

However, like similar bills in the past, the measure is unlikely to pass, as House Speaker Larry Householder has pledged to oppose such legislation.

State Reps. Ron Hood and Bill Dean, in a letter to other lawmakers sent earlier this week, stated they will soon be introducing legislation that will completely liberate Ohio from our onerous and archaic prevailing wage law.

Hood and Dean argued that prevailing wages are a burden to local governments, as they are forced to pay electricians, plumbers, and other workers more than their normal market wage. One local fire chief, they stated, complained about his departments difficulties with building a new fire station because the prevailing wage law raises the cost of the project by more than 30 percent.

The prevailing wage laws are sometimes the difference between getting a project done and not doing it at all, the lawmakers wrote. This is especially true for our more rural and economically depressed areas.

However, Householder, a Perry County Republican, has long opposed efforts to repeal Ohios 89-year-old prevailing wage law. On top of that, Householder was elected speaker last year thanks to Democratic votes that were secured after he agreed not to let certain anti-union measures  including rolling back prevailing-wage laws  pass the House while in power.

In a statement Friday, Householder said: The world has known since 1998 where I stand on prevailing wage and my position has not changed.

Supporters of Ohios prevailing-wage law say its needed to ensure that construction workers are paid a fair amount and receive better training.

Heres the letter sent out by Hood and Dean:

Other recent Ohio political news:

Ohio governor to Major League Baseball: Save the Scrappers

Ohio lawmaker behind gun-control bill reports getting threatening message at his home

Gov. Mike DeWine to deliver 2020 State of the State address on March 31

New Ohio Parole Board members touted as bringing more diversity and transparency

Ohio medical marijuana 1 year in: What you need to know about successes, struggles of the states program
Scrubbing out negative comments about Trump is at least as disturbing, given the ballooning crisis of confidence in democratic institutions. America teeters on the precipice of authoritarianism, and that jeopardy affects every institution, no matter how seemingly detached from partisan politics its mission. The National Park Service was dragged into this vortex from the first day of Trumps term, when a government photographer cropped out empty space in an image of the Mall taken during the presidents relatively sparsely attended inauguration. Our armed forces were dragged into it as well, when the president used military hardware as a prop for a rally at the Lincoln Memorial last July 4. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration was entangled in the administrations tortuous relation to truth when it backed the presidents false claim, complete with an altered storm map, that a hurricane had threatened Alabama last year.
New Delhi : The office of Delhi police Commissioner has been granted emergency detention powers under the National Security Act ( NSA), 1980, beginning January 19 to April 18.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the the notification, issued on 10 January 2020, to the Home Department, stated that the LG of the National Capital Territory of Delhi directed that the Delhi police commissioner may exercise the powers of detaining authority under the NSA, for three months.

The NSA is a legislation which critics decry as draconian that allows preventive detention of people for up to 12 months without trial.

A detained person person can appeal before a high court advisory board they not allowed a lawyer during the trial.

Previous use of NSA

1. Bhim Army Chief Chandrasekhar Azad, was previously detained under the NSA from 2 November, 2017 to 14 September, 2018.

2.A similar order was also issued in Andhra Pradesh on 14 January.

3. The BJP government in Uttar Pradesh arrested three persons under NSA in connection with an alleged cow-slaughter incident.

However, the Delhi police said that it was routine order and is issued every quarter.

National Security Act

The National Security Act was promulgated on 23 September 1980 by the Indira Gandhi government and its purpose is to provide for preventive detention in certain cases and for matters connected therewith.It applies to the entirety of India.
The Mayor and Commission heard projects for the construction of a new park under the downtown Hot Corner mural, SPLOST-funded renovations to Dudley Park and a water recycling program for northeast Athens and the University of Georgia.
Stephanie Keith/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas was in contact with at least two major Trump campaign donors-- one with an official role in the Republican National Committee-- during his efforts to pressure Ukraine into opening politically motivated investigations, documents released by the House Intelligence committee this week revealed.



Parnas' interactions with the two men, Harry Sargeant III and Tommy Hicks Jr. -- who have given hundreds of thousands of dollars to fundraising vehicles for the president -- provides more fuel to assertions by the presidents critics that political motives  and not the nations foreign policy goals -- drove the efforts in Ukraine.



In an interview on CNN on Thursday, Parnas confirmed his work in Ukraine was all about ensuring President Trump remained in office.



It was all about 2020, to make sure he had another four years, Parnas said. That was the way everybody viewed it. That was the most important thing, for him to stay on for another four years and keep the fight going. I mean, there was no other reason for doing it.



A friend with a jet



The identity of those financing the work by Guiliani and Parnas during the months they spent traveling to Ukraine, Austria, and elsewhere, has remained largely opaque. Giuliani at one point told Reuters that the president was not paying for any of their efforts to see Biden investigated in Ukraine.



Nobody pays my expenses, Giuliani said in a Reuters interview in September. What does it matter if Im getting paid for it. Isnt the real story whether he (Biden) sold out the vice presidency of the United States, not whether I got paid for it?



The messages released on Wednesday suggest that Parnas was receiving at least some support from Sargeant, a Florida-based oil executive and former state Republican Partys finance chairman, who was funding at least some of Parnas' flights as he assisted Giuliani's efforts abroad.



In a message dated April 10, Parnas asks Sargeant about a trip that "just got canceled, adding that "we have people scheduled to meet on Saturday in Vienna."



"Just becoming expensive flying u guys everywhere LEV," Sargeant replied.



Parnas subsequently told Sargeant that "we" are paying him back for the flights and that he was never expecting [Sargeant] to pay for it." According to House investigators, Parnas flew to Ukraine four days after this conversation.



In another message, Parnas asks Sargeant to approve for his associate named Dave to pay for car service on cc [credit card], saying he got a deal from Rudys guys on lodging and taxis. Sargeant  an ultra-wealthy energy mogul -- replies, Dont bother w this stuff pls.



It also remains unclear how involved Sargeant was in directing Parnass efforts, though text messages between the two men suggest Sargeant was aware of Parnass activities. At one point, Parnas invited Sargeant to meet him in Ukraine, to which Sargeant responded, I could leave Thur and be there Friday maybe. Parnas then said, I think first Vienna and than Ukraine. At another point, Parnas sent Sargeant a photo he described as a Team trump dinner celebration and wrote: Im official part of team trump tomorrow big day my brother Ill call you tomorrow.



The two also exchanged articles about Hunter Biden, Joe Bidens son, and about the then-Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, with Parnas telling Sargeant he has some juicy stuff and that a bomb is dropping. When Yovanovitch is recalled to Washington in May, Sargeant texted Parnas with his reaction: "Perfect."



Sargeant's attorney Chris Kise told ABC News his client has not been to Ukraine in over a decade for any purpose. In a statement, Kise denied Sargeant had any involvement in any plan to remove Yovanovitch and said Sargeant loaned money for Parnas' air travel, but never offered to pay for it outright.



"As is evident from the texts, Mr. Sargeant loaned Lev Parnas small sums for travel expenses because Mr. Parnas claimed, perhaps falsely, he was broke, and promised to pay the funds back," Kise said. "But despite repeated requests by Mr. Sargeant, and continual promises of repayment by Lev Parnas, Mr. Parnas never repaid these expenses.



Sargeant's name has also surfaced in news reports and impeachment inquiry witnesses' testimonies related to Parnas and Frumans to attempts to reshape the leadership of Ukrainian state gas company Naftogaz in pursuit of natural gas business in Ukraine. Sargeants lawyer at that time denied his clients involvement in any Ukraine energy ventures.



Power Breakfast



Other material released by the House this week shows Parnas in contact with several people who play prominent roles in the presidents fundraising and re-election effort. Those includes texts between Parnas and Hicks Jr., a friend of Donald Trump Jr., who is the co-chairman of the RNC and chairman of pro-Trump super PAC American First Action.



Parnas and Hicks were in contact for at least four months, messages show, as the scheme to oust then-U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yavnovotich and pressure Ukraine to announce political investigations unfolded. At times, Hicks and Parnas exchanged articles about the Biden campaign and Ukranian election meddling conspiracy theories. Hicks appeared to offer Parnas guidance.



"Editor and owner of Daily Caller is a friend," Hicks told Parnas in a message alongside an article about Nellie Ohr and Fusion GPS. "We should let him know what we know at the right time," he suggested.



"100%," Parnas replied.



The messages also suggest the two joined conference calls to discuss the efforts.



"Great job on the conference call!," Parnas praised Hicks in one exchange. "Thanks," Hicks replied. "Short and sweet!"



Hicks at times appeared to want to keep his distance from Parnas, stating he wanted to "keep [his] hands clean" when Parnas asked him to retweet a since-deleted Sean Hannity tweet.



But Parnas kept Hicks up to date on the status of his efforts in Ukraine, informing Hicks in March that something was going to "break tomorrow. In May, Parnas told Hicks the ambassador "just got recalled."



Just a few weeks later, Parnas posted a photo on Facebook showing him at a breakfast with Hicks, alongside Donald Trump Jr. and fellow Giuliani associate Igor Fruman.



Parnas referred to the meeting as a "Power breakfast."



ABC News made attempts to reach Hicks by phone at his home and at the RNC but was not able to reach him for comment.



Have jr retweeted it?



Parnas also kept in touch with America First Action's director of development Joseph Ahearn, who kept Donald Trump Jr. updated on Ukraine matters, messages released by House committees this week show.



In a message dated March 20, 2019, Ahearn asks Parnas, "What should I send don to tweet" and Parnas sends a series of tweets and articles related to Ukraine officials' probe into U.S. elections. Parnas then asks Ahearn, "Have jr retweeted it" and Ahearn replies, "Sent."



Donald Trump Jr. retweeted one of the articles Parnas sent to Ahearn around the same time.



In another series of messages, Parnas also sent Ahearn a New York Times article from May that links Parnas to Giuliani's efforts in Ukraine for the first time, to which Ahearn says, "They started naming you here. Are you okay?"



Shortly after Parnas and Fruman were named as part of the House impeachment inquiry, the two were indicted in a separate campaign finance violation case in the Southern District of New York on charges related to alleged illegal straw contributions and foreign contributions. They both pleaded not guilty. Among Parnas' donations mentioned in the indictment is a $325,000 contribution to America First Action. Prosecutors accuse Parnas and Fruman of falsely reporting the origin of the payment as under the name of Global Energy Producers.



Of numerous outside groups raising and spending money to support President Trumps re-election bid, America First Action is the sole outside group the president has officially endorsed and approved as the trusted supporter of President Trumps policies and agendas.



ABC News reached out to America First Action for comment but received no response.



Parnass expanded political outreach



As an ardent supporter of Trump since the early days of his 2016 campaign, Parnass contact with wealthy Trump donors stretched far beyond his activities in Ukraine this year. But his donation to America First Action in early 2018 afforded him a new level of access to exclusive high-dollar events.



Parnas has since acquainted himself with a host of President Trumps wealthy supporters at close-door donor events, and then touted those very connections to pursue his personal business interests as well as political interests. During an interview on CNN, Parnas said he had so many photos of himself with Trump-world insiders hanging in his house, his wife thought it looked like a shrine to the President.



In 2018, Parnas cultivated a relationship and secured a $500,000 loan from New York-based lawyer and Trump donor Charles Gucciardo, his attorney told ABC News. Gucciardo's lawyer Randy Zelin said his client then gave the money to Giuliani, which kicked off the business relationship between the two in the fall of 2018. No apparent connection has been made between Gucciardos loan and Parnas's specific efforts in Ukraine.



Zelin told ABC News that his client made the payment as a "passive investor" in Parnas and Frumans company, called Fraud Guarantee, and that he decided to invest in the company because of an endorsement from Giuliani.



"Mr. Gucciardo invested because he believed that Mr. Giuliani  the former Mayor of New York City; former United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; and, the first name in cybersecurity -- was in front of, behind, and alongside the Company which would catapult the Company into the world of cybersecurity and investor protection," Zelin said in an email.



Copyright  2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
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In another change from past cycles, only members of alignments that are not large enough to reach the 15 percent threshold will be allowed to shift to other groups, a procedure known as realignment. For groups above the threshold, the count will be locked in, and those caucus-goers will be able to go home. Further, national delegates will be allocated once caucus-night results come in, rather than over the course of county and district conventions.
A 'bandh' has been called at Shirdi in Maharashtra on Sunday over a controversy related to the birthplace of 19th century saint Saibaba, even as Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray would be holding talks to defuse the row.

Local residents and leaders in Shirdi are demanding that Thackeray withdraw his official statement where he described Pathri in Parbhani district as Saibaba's birthplace.

It was at Shirdi in Ahmednagar district where Saibaba, whose devotees cut across religious lines, spent much of his life.

Bandh would be observed in surrounding villages too, sources in Shirdi said. But the grand Saibaba temple which is visited by lakhs of devotees every year would remain open, said Deepak Mugalikar, CEO of Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust.

Former Maharashtra minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, who is the local BJP MLA, said he supported the bandh call.

The controversy began after chief minister Thackeray announced a grant of Rs 100 crore for development of facilities at "Sai janmasthan" (birthplace) at Pathri.

Local residents and leaders in Shirdi took exception to the CM's announcement, saying the birthplace of the famed saint was not known, and Pathri can not make a claim to being his birthplace.

Thackeray will hold talks to resolve the controversy on Monday, his office said in a late evening statement.

He would hold a meeting with all the concerned parties at the state secretariat here, an official statement said.

Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil said he supported the call for shut-down given by the local people.

"The chief minister should withdraw his statement that Pathri was Saibaba's birthplace," he demanded.

"Pathri only has one of several Sai temples in the country. All Sai devotees are feeling hurt," the former state minister said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Once again, were heading into earnings season. All publicly traded companies are required by law to disclose their revenues, earnings, and other financial data quarterly, and the reports generally start coming in a few weeks after each calendar quarter ends. And now its time for the Q4 2019 reports to start coming in.

Earnings season always generates a spate of analyst predictions, and this time is no different. Looking back, market watchers note that 2019 saw a series of lackluster quarters  that nevertheless did not impede stock performance. Companies compensated by reducing their forward guidance and then clearing that lower bar.

So far, it seems that this is likely to happen once again. Bank of Americas securities strategists wrote, We expect to see a 2% beat in 4Q earnings. Estimates have reset sufficiently, in our view. At the same time, analysts are expecting stock prices to continue rising, with any pullback likely to be both shallow and short-lived.

Ahead of the earnings releases, three market giants have received recent upgrades or price-target hikes from top analysts. Rating upgrades are important, as they indicate a positive change in the likely direction a stock will take  and their timing is important, too, as an upgrade shortly before an earnings release will push investor expectations.

Using TipRanks' Stock Comparison tool, we lined up the three alongside each other to give us an idea of what the Street thinks is in store for the trio in the year ahead.

American Electric Power (AEP)

American Electric Power is one of the largest electricity providers in the country, with over 5 million customers in 11 states, some 26,000 megawatts of generating capacity, and a market cap of $47 billion. AEP is scheduled to release fourth-quarter earnings on February 20.

Ahead of the print, the company is expected to show EPS of 62 cents, down 10 cents from Q4 2018. In the last three quarters, AEP has beaten the forecasts by an average of 6.7%. For the full year 2019, EPS is estimated at $4.18. In Q3 2019, the last reported, AEP showed strong results. The Q3 EPS, $1.46, was far ahead of the $1.33 predicted.

Story continues

Like many utilities, AEP pays out a dividend to shareholders. The 70-cent quarterly payment annualizes to $2.80, with a yield of 2.9%. This beats the average S&P yield by a wide margin, and makes the stock more attractive despite a relatively low upside potential (more below). Better for investors, the company has a history of steadily increasing the dividend, and at 48%, the payout ratio indicates both sustainability and room for further dividend growth.

A reliable business base and solid earnings gave Shelby Tucker, 4-star analyst with RBC Capital, reason to upgrade his rating and price target on AEP. In his comments on the stock, Tucker pointed out the robust rate base and earnings growth, and noted, We view AEP as having best value in the same peer group of quality utilities and see it trading at an improved multiple.

Tucker moved his rating up to Buy, and increased his price to $103 (from $96). His new target suggests a modest, but likely reliable, upside of 5% for the stock. (To watch Tuckers track record, click here)

All in all, American Electric has a Moderate Buy rating from the analyst consensus. This is based on 9 recent stock reviews, including 5 Buys, 3 Holds, and 1 Sell. Tuckers upgraded Buy is the most recent of those ratings. Shares have an average price target of $97.25; this implies a minimal downside from the $98.55 trading price. (See American Electric stock analysis at TipRanks)

Apple, Inc. (AAPL)

Apple needs no introduction. Tim Cook's baby is a giant in every sense of the word. It is the worlds largest publicly traded company, and in summer of 2018 was the first company to every exceed a $1 trillion market cap. Apple is currently valued at $1.37 trillion. The company has a reliable  and loyal  customer base over 900 million strong, and saw over $265 billion in revenue in 2018.

2019 was challenging for Apple. A series of headwinds  the US-China trade tensions, maturation of the smartphone replacement cycle, slowing iPhone sales  combined to push earnings down and forced management to seek alternate strategies to maintain revenue growth. During the year, Apple shifted toward an emphasis on its Services and Wearables segments, along with revamping the Mac and iPad lines, to compensate for the decline in iPhone sales, and that strategy is bearing fruit. Outside factors  the switch to 5G, with its concomitant necessity for customers to upgrade devices, and the apparent success of President Trumps tariff strategy in forcing China into trade negotiations  are also looking better for Apple as 2020 opens.

Q3 2019 showed that Apples new strategy is working. While iPhone sales were lower than expected, 18% growth in Services and 54% growth in Wearables powered an overall gain in total revenue, to $64 billion. The $3.03 EPS was 6.7% above the forecast.

Looking ahead to Q4, analysts are sanguine. The final quarter is normally Apples strongest, and EPS is expected at $4.53. Since the December 2018 quarter, Apple has beaten earnings forecasts by increasing margins in each report.

Canaccord analyst Michael Walkley sees plenty of reason for optimism as Apple gears up for its January 28 earnings release. He points out Apples market leading Wearables position, with strong growth in the Air Pods and Watch, and says as well, We believe Apples ecosystem approach, including an installed base that exceeds 1.4B devices globally, is leading to record services revenue, and we expect the higher margin services revenue growth to continue outpacing total company growth. We are also encouraged by the strong demand for the iPhone 11 lineup and believe Apple will maintain its market share leadership of premium-tier smartphones that could be bolstered by a 5G upgrade cycle.

Walkley upgraded Apple to a Buy, and set his price target at $355, implying an upside of 11%. (To watch Walkleys track record, click here)

Overall, Apples 34 analyst ratings add up to a consensus view of Moderate Buy. The breakdown is 20 Buys, 11 holds, and 3 Sells. Apples rapid share appreciation in the past month has pushed the stock price above the average target, and the analysts have yet to adjust. Shares are selling for $318.73, while the average target is still at $296. (See Apples stock analysis at TipRanks)

Qualcomm, Inc. (QCOM)

It makes sense to talk about Qualcomm along with Apple. The chipmaker is Apples main supplier of smartphone modem chips, a factor that will be integral to both companies positioning in the global switch to 5G networks. In addition, Qualcomm and Apple ended a long-running legal battle last year with an agreed settlement that saw Qualcomm on the receiving end of a large  and undisclosed  lump sum.

2019 was volatile for Qualcomm, as it was for much of the chip industry, but the companys settlement with Apple and subsequent agreement to once again displace Intel as Apples prime modem chip supplier, gave the company a boost. QCOM shares ended the year with an impressive annual gain of 59%.

In 2H19, QCOM saw gains when it beat earnings estimates in calendar Q3. Despite year-over-year drops, both the top and bottom lines exceeded forecasts. At the bottom line, the 78-cent EPS was well ahead of the Streets 71-cent forecast, while the top-line $4.81 billion in revenues beat expectations by 2.3%. For calendar Q4 2019, QCOM is again expected to show a 71-cent EPS when the company reports on February 5.

Canaccords Walkley, quoted above, looked at QCOM shares, too, and had this to say: Given  75 plus 5G licenses, we believe Qualcomm has a strong chance to maintain its current licensing business and is well positioned to benefit with 5G network builds ramping around the world. Further, we believe the recent Apple settlement and Samsung and LGE renegotiations protect a strong portion of Qualcomms long-term licensing business model.

In line with his optimism, Walkley reiterated his Buy rating on the stock and increased his price target to $115. His new price target suggests an upside potential of 20%. (To watch Walkleys track record, click here)

Qualcomms Moderate Buy consensus rating is based on 18 analyst reviews, including 12 Buys and 6 Holds. With shares trading for $95.91, the $99.41 average price target implies a modest upside of 4%. (See Qualcomm stock analysis at TipRanks)
Donations to bushfire relief are fast approaching half a billion dollars to become what could be the biggest fundraiser ever in response to an Australian disaster as regulators warn they will step up scrutiny of how charities spend the money raised.

As donations continue to stream in, the national charities regulator has said it intends to use its investigative powers in coming months and years to ensure the money is well spent.

"We dont want to stop the money. Keep it coming in. But let's now make every dollar count," the head of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, Gary Johns, told The Sun-Herald and The Sunday Age in an exclusive interview.

As charities scramble to keep up to date with the donations pouring in, a list of announced donations by philanthropists, celebrities - including Nicole Kidman, Sir Elton John and Ellen DeGeneres - and companies compiled by The Sun-Herald and The Sunday Age shows major donation announcements have topped $225 million.
Active Retirement - The AGM of Gorey Active Retirement will be held in the Ashdown Park Hotel at 2pm on January 28.

Please note this new venue as the Loch Garman Arms is being renovated at the moment.

The Spring Break to the Great National Hotel, Ballina in County Mayo will start on April 26 for five nights.

Bookings at Loch Garman Arms on Fridays between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

A new year has just started and it's a time to consider changes to our lives to make them richer and more interesting.

Active retirement offers weekly events like Bowls on Monday, Darts and Go for Life on Tuesday, Walk on Wednesday, Art on Thursday, Irish Class on Friday. In addition, there are spring and autumn breaks, mystery trips, visits to theatres, horse and dog racing, tours to places of interest, tea dances, ten pin bowls and a Christmas Dinner Dance.

Non-members are very welcome to find out more about all the activities by dropping into Loch Garman Arms on Fridays between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and trying something new.

Comedy Club

Gorey Comedy Club recently held its the first show of the year at the Ashdown Park Hotel with resident MC Karl Spain.

The club is in the process of planning more events for the coming year.

Next up is 'I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here 2019' star Andrew Maxwell who will take to the stage in Gorey on Friday, March 7.

Tickets are available now for 25 from the hotel reception or from ticketstop.ie.

Search 'Gorey Comedy Club' on Facebook for updates.

Obituaries

This newspaper offers tribute pieces to bereaved family members within the local community who have recently suffered the loss of a loved one.

The service is available free of charge, and will be completed in a manner that is sensitive to your own personal wishes and requests.

Please contact the journalist whose details are listed above if this is something that interests you or something you would like to do.

Information evening

East Coast Samaritans will host an information evening at Gorey Library on Thursday, January 23, at 7 p.m.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a volunteer with the Samaritans, you can come and talk to members and find out all you need to know at this information evening.

All are welcome.

Acupuncture talk

Join Mairead Fahy of the Palms Health and Wellbeing Centre for a talk about acupuncture in relation to vision at Gorey Library on Tuesday, January 14, at 7 p.m.

Mairead will discuss how little is known by the general public on how effective acupuncture can be in treating vision issues in a safe and holistic way to those suffering degenerative and debilitating eye diseases.

All are welcome, but booking is essential.

Thank you

Special Olympics Club Gorey Area (SOCGA) would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped to make the gift-wrapping event such a wonderful success.

The team explained that it wouldn't have happened without all the fantastic volunteers, those who so generously contributed and also to Hickeys Pharmacy who sponsored all the wrapping paper.

A massive amount of 2,213 was raised.

Appeal response

Saint Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal Ballygarrett wishes to acknowledge and thank everyone for their generous support at the recent collection.

In total, 1,109.80 was collected and this enabled the team on your behalf to bring the spirit of Christmas joy and good will to many families in the parish.

To access assistance, contact SVDP on its confidential helpline on 085 1159495.

Social night

Naomh Eanna GAA social night will take place in the Ashdown Park Hotel on Saturday, February 1 at 7.30 p.m.

It will be a dinner and disco in celebration of the senior camogie team.

Tickets are 20. Tickets can be got at The Hair Gallery Gorey or the The Complex Bar. You can also contact Aoife on 0894544741.

Classical Connections

All are welcome to join in on this special recital and talk with Dr Noel Culleton in Gorey Library on Tuesday, January 28, at 7 p.m.

Author Dr Noel Culleton will discuss the lives of the composers contained within his book 'Classical Connections', which describes 50 fateful encounters that changed the course of music history.

During the talk there will be the opportunity to listen to short excerpts from relevant pieces by these composers.

This eclectic and entertaining mix of stories will appeal to music fans, young and old.

Books will be for sale on the night, with profits from book sales going to Family Carers Ireland.

Booking is essential.

AGM

St Columbus Old Folks is now back up and running for 2020 with Tuesday club and Wednesday meet ups at Sean Byrne's park.

The AGM will take place on January 22 from 7.30 p.m. and all are welcome to attend.

Walking talk

Professor Shane O'Mara, a neuroscientist at Trinity College Dublin, will host a talk at Gorey Library on Saturday, January 25, and all are welcome to attend.

He will discuss his book 'In Praise of Walking: The New Science of How We Walk and Why It's Good for Us' which invites us to marvel at the benefits walking confers on our bodies and minds.

He will examine how it is a skill that has its evolutionary origins millions of years ago, under the sea and highlight how the latest research is only now revealing how the brain and nervous system performs the mechanics of balancing, navigating a crowded city or running our inner GPS system.

The way professor Shane O'Mara sees it, as our lives become increasingly sedentary, we risk all this and we must start walking again, whether it's up a mountain, down to the park, or simply to school and work, because our societies will be better for it.

To book your place contact Gorey Library on 053 9421481.

Beauty and the Beast

Gorey Little Theatre presents its 2020 pantomime 'Beauty and the Beast' for the rest of the week, until January 18, starting at 8 p.m. nightly.

Tickets to the final performances are 16. Get yours before it's too late from gr8events.ie, goreytheatre.ie or by contacting Gorey Little Theatre.

Gorey Little Theatre thank you for your continual support and look forward to seeing you all in 2020.

School enrolment

Parents or guardians who wish to enrol children in Junior Infants in Bunscoil Loreto primary school for September 2020 are required to call to the school office during office hours during the enrolment period in early 2020 to collect an enrolment pack.

The formal application requires the parent/guardian to fully complete and present an Admission and Participation Form, accompanied by an original birth or adoption certificate. They will also need to provide two passport-sized photographs and a current utility bill as proof of address to the school between 9 a.m. on January 6 and 3 p.m. on January 31, 2020.

Further information can be obtained from the school office on 053 9421827.

Library events

With a new year beginning at Gorey Library, digital skills for citizens with Mediaskool starts back up every Tuesday from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

Digital skills training includes basic computing, tablet and smartphone classes.

Junior book club Page Turners, suitable for nine to 12 year olds is now open to new members.

Baby Rhyme time takes place on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and is suitable for babies up to two years.

The interactive session is full of fun singing, rhymes and short stories.

For more information, speak to a member of staff.

Author visit

Irish Times journalist and author Fiona Gartland visits Gorey Library on Thursday, January 16 from 7 p.m. for a talk and reading from her latest novel 'Now That You've Gone' which was published in October of last year.

Fiona will speak to the audience about the writing process, getting published and will answer questions from the crowd.

Fiona Gartland has covered many trials at the Criminal Courts of Justice and at Family Court, experiences which have helped her build ideas for her books.

Enrolment

St Joseph's primary school, Gorey will host a junior infant enrolment day on Saturday, January 25, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the school.

Staff ask that you please come to the school to begin the formal application process and bring, the child concerned, two passport photographs of the child, child's birth/adoption certificate, baptismal certificate where applicable, copies of any relevant reports such as psychological, medical, speech, etc and a current utility bill as proof of address.

It is important to bring all documentation required in order to place you in the correct priority group, and places will be allocated within 21 days of enrolment date.

If your child is offered a place, you will be required to reply in writing by a specific date regarding acceptance or non-acceptance.

Further information and enrolment packs can be obtained from the school. Call the office on 053 9421178.

Never Give Up

The annual 5 and 10km race 'Never Give Up' returns to Inch on Sunday, July 26.

Save the date

The AGM of Riverchapel Community Complex takes place at the Taravie Hotel in Courtown at 8 p.m. on January 20.

The meeting will reflect on the success of 2019, look to the future and will be open to new management, members and fresh ideas.

All are welcome to attend.
Stricker rules for how lawmakers will conduct themselves in Parliament and state assemblies, including an automatic suspension for protesting in the Well of the House, is under the consideration of presiding officers of Indias legislative bodies in a bid to tackle growing disruptions.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is trying to evolve a consensus among state assemblies and Parliament on this issue, which would entail changes in legislative rules and regulations. Such a radical measure, however, will also require political consensus among big parties and important regional outfits.

According to people familiar with the matter, Birla has indicated that he might take a cue from the Chhattisgarh assembly, which already has such rules in place.

Some assemblies have good rules. It should be an effort to ensure that all assemblies and Parliament have same rules. We also have to think on how to conduct debate and discussion with decency, Birla said at the end of the seventh Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Chapter meeting in Lucknow on Friday.

In assembly and Parliament, debate should be without disruptions. For taking a decision on all the issue, government and the opposition parties have to be taken into confidence, he added.

35 presiding officers attended the meeting and representatives from Canada and Malaysia.

Disruptions have been a problem in both Houses of Parliament for years, and there have been instances of complete the washout of an entire session due to face-off between the government and the Opposition --for instance winter sessions of 2010 and 2016. For the first time, there are talks about suspension rules in both parliament and assembly.

While a preliminary debate has started on the possible measures to control disruptions, a concrete set of proposals are expected to be framed in the next few months. A panel have been formed to examine how to end disruptions -- including other panels that will look into issues such as tenth schedule and greater coordination between parliament and assembly.

While Birla is keen to establish uniform rules in all legislative bodies, he also admitted that people are worried about the falling standard of debates and discussion during legislative debates.

As a measure to address this, he suggested in the meeting in Lucknow that state assemblies, (like Parliament) should give awards to the best lawmakers to encourage others to actively participate in proceedings. He also announced training modules for all elected bodies, starting from gram panchayats.

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A Delhi court on Saturday convicted two men of abducting and raping a five-year-old girl in east Delhi in 2013, an incident that came close on the heels of the gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old paramedical student, with the judge saying that the most grotesque crime shook the collective conscience of the community.

Manoj Shah and Pradeep Kumar were convicted for brutally raping the minor girl  who later came to be known as Gudiya (not her real name) at their rented house in Gandhi Nagar in April 2013. When rescued, the girl was found with candles and plastic bottles inside her body.

The quantum of punishment, which could range between at least 10 years in jail and life imprisonment, will be pronounced on January 30.

Saturdays verdict came a day after a fresh date was set for the execution of four convicts in the 2012 gang-rape case that triggered nationwide protests and paved the way for stricter anti-rape laws in the country.

While convicting the two men for the rape of the five-year-old, additional sessions judge Naresh Kumar Malhotra said: In our society, the minor girls are worshipped as goddesses on certain occasions but in the present case the victim child, who was aged 5 years at the time of the incident, had experienced exceptional depravity and extreme brutality. The crime against the victim was committed in a most grotesque and revolting manner and the collective conscience of the community was shaken.

Shah and Kumar were found guilty of abduction (Section 363 of the Indian Penal Code), wrongful confinement (342) destruction of evidence (201), 307 (attempt to murder), gang rape with common intention (376-D), and under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.

The verdict prompted Delhi chief minister to say that a system needs to be developed to ensure rape convicts are punished within six months. Both accused in the gudiya rape case were found guilty. It took seven years. We need to all together correct this system. If we want to ensure that no one misbehaves with our sisters and daughters we need to develop a system which ensures that accused are punished within six months, Kejriwal tweeted.

According to investigators in the 2013 case, Shah lived in a rent accommodation in the same building as the girls family and kidnapped her along with his friend, Kumar, while she was playing outside. After brutalising her, the duo locked their house and fled. The girl was found 40 hours later, on April 17, 2013, by a neighbour who alerted her parents, who had already filed a missing persons report. Doctors treating the girl found three candles and a bottle of hair oil inside her genitals.

While Shah was arrested from Muzaffarpur in Bihar, Kumar was held in Darbhanga.

Reacting to the Delhi courts order, the childs father said: The last seven years have been a struggle for us with all the litigation and roaming around the courts. But today has come as relief for me We do not want to think about the incident. My daughter does not remember anything.

Her uncle lamented the time consumed by the legal battle. Even though justice has been served, it has taken seven long years Even after this, there is no surety as the case might go on in the high court and then the Supreme Court We hope that the court punishes them severely, he said.

When asked about the child, who is now 12 years, he said that she is now studying in Class 5 and doing fine. Her parents are scared and often panic when they dont find their daughter around. We have never discussed anything with her (victim) and do not want her to know anything that happened with her in the past. So, we changed our house and started living where no one knew us, he said.

Both the convicts, who tried to plead that they were juvenile persons at the time of the incident, are now in their late 20s.

Just after the court pronounced its verdict on Saturday, Shah, while being escorted out by the police, hit a journalist and threw her phone as she tried to take a video. The court later took cognizance of the incident and asked the police officer concerned to register a formal complaint in the matter.

On Friday, the execution of the death sentence in the rape and murder of the 23-year-old paramedical student in 2012 was delayed, with a Delhi court issuing a fresh black warrant for 6am on February 1 for the four convicts after President Ram Nath Kovind rejected a mercy petition by one of them.
She had been working for a feminist magazine when he invited her to his house for lunch in 1973. When she thought an interview would begin, he said: I would never be interviewed by you, you are the worst journalist in this country. You are never objective, you put yourself in the centre of everything, you make up stories, you lie all the time. Why dont you switch to literature where all these defects are virtues. Now, she admits, I didnt pay any attention to that. I thought he was demented. Credit: This meeting was only a month before her fathers cousin, Salvador Allende, the reforming socialist president, was killed in a CIA-backed coup led by General Augusto Pinochet that was followed by 17 years of a brutal dictatorship. Neruda is said to have been poisoned the same month by the regime while in hospital. It was no longer safe to be an Allende in Chile. But like so many refugees, she says, she will always be a foreigner, everywhere, even in Chile now. Allende writes unflinchingly about the great sweep of history, the wreckage and violence of the 20th century. Her new book, The Long Petal of the Sea, takes the reader through the brutality of the Spanish Civil War, at the end of which half a million refugees walked from Spain into France where they were held in concentration camps and thousands died.

Working as special consul for Spanish emigrants in Paris, Neruda had, without any money from his government, somehow managed to commission an old cargo ship, the S.S. Winnipeg, and transport more than 2000 refugees to Chile. My family were one of the many that had refugees come to stay. The story is of one of the Winnipeg's passengers, Victor Dalmau, a man Allende befriended in Venezuela and who died at 103, six days before she could send him the manuscript. He was a 23-year-old medical student from a socialist family when he joined the Republican Army. For three years he endured the privations of war, but in 1939 as Francos troops advanced, a panicked civilian population began an exodus to France. Victors brother had been killed in action, leaving a pregnant girlfriend, Roser, who had been taken in by his music professor father. Together they walked across the Pyrenees. To gain her passage on the Winnipeg Victor married Roser, but it would be many years and many ups and downs before they grew to love each other. He was a good person, she says, with terrible memories. He had seen too much horror. He had very few illusions about the goodness of humankind. He was prone to depression and despair. But he was an amazing man.

But despite all the losses of her life, including that of her daughter, who died at 28, Allende is buoyant, kind and sparkly. Im a very happy person. I am full of laughter and joy. I am never depressed, ever. My life is good. Loading All she wants to do is write, even inventing excuses not to go on family holidays. I dont have a glamorous life. I drive a small car, I have a small house, I have a very contained life. I dont live like a celebrity, I am not a rock star, I am just a writer. Possessions dont mean anything once you have your basic needs are solved. I really dont want any clutter. There is an urgency now in her writing as her time gets shorter, although I dont feel any different in my head yet. I feel ageing in other ways but not in my brain. She still has so many stories to tell. I try not to hurry but unconsciously in the back of my mind I am going finish this one, come on. I feel if I dont have that urgency it will sort of fade. Allende says she is guided in her writing by her dreams, especially when things are not going right.

I think we all accumulate a lot of information that we are not aware of and that gets stored somewhere in the basement of ourselves, and when we are asleep it comes out, certain images and places. Sometimes they guide me in a certain direction and I am almost never aware there is a problem until I have the dream. It used to be a baby with an old mans face, which was really disturbing. After 37 years I came to realise the baby was the book. Then I realise there is something wrong with the narrative voice, or the clues and direction. Perhaps the key to Isabel Allende and her seeming agelessness is the passion that drives her. Passion is not always sexual, my dear. Passion can be applied to many things. But after the disintegration of her second, 37-year marriage to American lawyer William Gordon, and just as she had got used to coming home to an empty house with no lights on, a man heard her on the radio and wrote to her. A lawyer, a widower in New York contacted me and started to write to me every morning and every evening for five months. He was very persistent. When we finally met I confronted him, and said what are your intentions, because I dont have any time to waste. The third time we met he said his intentions were to marry me. He sold his house, gave away everything it contained and moved to California with two bikes and some clothes, which I promptly discarded because they were dated. When he arrived he said well I hope this works because if it doesnt I will be homeless. It was a big risk. Reader, she married him at the age of 75.
A high-impact winter storm is slamming portions of the Great Plains and Midwest and won't stop until late Saturday. Snow, sleet, freezing rain and blizzard conditions will likely cause freight movement delays and short-term rate volatility across the region for the next several days.

SONAR Critical Events and radar on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, 10 a.m. EST. High-impact winter storm.

FreightWaves first reported on this potentially disruptive storm a few days ago. For the most part, it's coming together as expected.

Kansas City this morning. @kmbc #mowx #kswx https://t.co/jJsSwDwE5a  Nick Bender (@NickBenderKMBC) January 17, 2020

The storm has been spreading across more than half a dozen states as of this morning, and the count will increase as hazardous conditions move northward into the upper Midwest, Great Lakes and adjacent areas in southern Canada over the next 24 to 36 hours. Then it will track into the mid-Atlantic and New England states late tomorrow and Sunday. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a blizzard warning along the I-29 corridor from Sioux City, Iowa, to the Canadian border, as well as on I-90 from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to just east of Pierre, South Dakota, and on I-94 from Fargo, North Dakota, to just east of Bismarck, North Dakota.

A swath of freezing rain will set up from Tulsa and Kansas City to St. Louis, northern Indiana and Ohio, western Pennsylvania and parts of the central Appalachians. One-quarter to one-third of an inch of ice buildup is possible in some areas.

Snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches will be common, with localized amounts of 10 to 12 inches.

Winds will gust as high as 40 to 50 mph at times. This will create blizzard/whiteout conditions that will not only slow down or stop trucks, trains and planes carrying freight, but the wind and ice could knock down tree limbs and utility lines, resulting in roadblocks and power outages.

Interstates within the risk zone include, but are not limited to, I-35, I-44, I-55, I-65, I-70, I-75, I-81, I-87 and I-90. The largest cities that will see the biggest impacts are Topeka, Kansas; St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri; Omaha, Nebraska; Des Moines, Iowa; Minneapolis; Milwaukee; Detroit; Cleveland; Buffalo, New York; and Toronto and Ottawa, Canada.

Story continues

Left: SONAR radar, Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, 10 a.m. EST. Right: Forecast for Jan. 17, 4 p.m. EST with Outbound Tender Volume Index  Weekly Change (OTMSW) for the U.S.

Carriers and shippers should keep in mind that the impacts from this storm will last beyond the weekend. Temperatures are forecast to remain below freezing 24/7 across the Great Lakes for at least the first two days of next week. This means any truckers who get stuck may not be able to get out until temperatures rise high enough to thaw the roads.

Capacity often tightens after major weather events because of delayed trucks and missed deliveries. This pushes up spot rates in the affected areas. The latest FreightWaves SONAR data show increasing outbound tender market share (OTMSW) over the past week in several Midwest markets, relative to the rest of the country. So brokers should look for opportunities to pick up freight next week in these markets hit by this weekend's winter storm.

Have a great day and a wonderful weekend, and be careful out there!

Image Sourced from Pixabay

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Maine

Another odd ice disk forming in same river

An ice disk appears to be forming in the same Maine river where an unusually large one formed last winter and quickly gained international fame.

The City of Westbrook tweeted an aerial view of the disk in the Presumpscot River with the message: ICE BREAKING NEWS: Ice Disk 2020 is making a run for it.  Its not a perfect circle yet, but it is rotating  again & the seagulls are along for the ride.

The ice formation is forming about a year after a disk measuring about 100 yards was spotted in the Presumpscot River. It eventually had a devoted webcam; social media users compared it to an alien spacecraft and the moon; and ducks used it as a raft.

A video of the disk shows a nascent ice blob that is thinner and less circular than the famous disk of 2019.

Utah

Boy arrested after shooting that killed 4

A boy armed with a gun killed three children and a woman inside a Utah home, then accompanied a fifth victim to a hospital, where he was arrested, police said Saturday.
One of the all-time greats of traditional Irish music returns to Listowel next month for a gig set to draw them in from all over.

Sharon Shannon returns to Listowel - where she last performed at the two-day Revival Festival - for a big night of it at Mike the Pies, on Thursday, February 20.

And the tickets (25 a pop) went on sale this week amid fierce interest. They can be purchased online by logging onto www.mikethepies.com.

Meanwhile, Knocknagoshel's Noel McAuliffe - of trad/folk outfit - Oracle makes his Mike the Pie's debut on Saturday, January 18, in what is sure to be a brilliant night of music and song.

And on February 6, Irish chart-toppers The Four of Us return by popular demand to the famous Listowel watering hole; with support on the night from up-and-coming young Tralee talent Seamus Harty.
Groups loyal to Khalifa Haftar, whose forces control eastern Libya, seized several large oil export terminals on Friday.

Forces loyal to Libyan renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar have blocked oil exports from the war-ravaged countrys main ports on the eve of an international summit aimed at bringing peace to the North African country.

Powerful tribal groups loyal to Haftar, whose forces control eastern Libya and much of the south, seized several large export terminals on Friday along the eastern coast as well as southern oil fields in a challenge to the rival UN-recognised government based in Tripoli, which collects revenues from oil production.

The National Oil Company (NOC) said the closure of Libyas oil crescent will cause the countrys daily crude production to plunge from 1.3 million barrels to 500,000 barrels and cause losses of $55m a day.

The critical oil industry is dominated by the NOC, which declared that the suspension of exports would prevent the company from fulfilling contracts with international oil companies.

The NOC condemned the unrest, describing oil as the lifeblood of the Libyan economy and the countrys only source of revenue.

Oil facilities belong to the Libyan people and should not be used as a card for political bargaining, the chairman of the corporation, Mustafa Sanalla, said.

Haftar and head of the Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj are expected to join the leaders of Russia, Turkey and France at a summit in Berlin on Sunday aimed at bringing peace to Libya.

Message of rejection

Haftars forces and oilfield guards have ordered five subsidiaries of the national oil company to halt exports from key oil fields and port terminals.

In a news conference, a spokesperson for the forces described efforts to cripple oil production as a major step for the Libyan people.

The Libyan people are the ones who shut down oil ports and fields and are preventing oil exports, said spokesman Ahmed al-Mosmari, adding that it sent a message of rejection to militia groups defending Tripoli against a months-long siege by Haftars forces.

Earlier, the United Nations mission in Libya expressed deep concern over the efforts to disrupt oil production, warning of devastating consequences.

Its statement urged Libyans to exercise maximum restraint as international negotiations seek a resolution to the crisis.

Foreign involvement

Tribal groups protested at the facilities, claiming the Tripoli-based government, which controls Libyas Central Bank, has used oil revenues to pay Syrian and Turkish mercenaries.

They demanded that Arab countries take a strong and clear position in support of Haftars eastern government and against terrorist militias.

Turkeys escalating involvement in the oil-rich country, including through maritime and military agreements with the Tripoli government, has rattled eastern Mediterranean countries that see Turkey as a threat to their gas and drilling rights in the region.

The warring parties and their various international backers will convene on Sunday in Berlin. The summit aims to find a political solution to the conflict and halt intensifying foreign interference in the country.
In many African countries, it is time for elections this year. Sadly, many of the continents social social structures, such as those in politics, religion and culture, sometimes constitute real obstacles in the promotion of female leadership, says Cote dIvoire SMA theologian

Africa Service  Vatican City

Speaking to the Catholic wire service, Agenzia Fides, Father Donald Zagore says Africas structures are strongly male-dominated. He believes that women on the African continent cannot continue to remain outside the critical leadership roles of their countries. Fr. Zagore laments that many capable women are reduced to carrying out secondary tasks in the political life of their countries.

There is need to promote women leaders in the Church

The Ivorian priest says that Africa needs a social, political, religious and cultural revolution that will urgently support women leaders.

Speaking about leadership in the African Church, Fr. Zagore has in the past said, One thing that cannot be ignored, when we speak of the African Church, is that, if the Holy Spirit is the invisible force of the Church of Africa, women, without a doubt, are the tangible force. Women are more numerous, have more courage, are more dynamic, more active and sometimes more competent. Without women, our Churches in Africa would almost be empty, both as a presence and as a force, said the West African theologian.

Many African countries have elections in 2020

According to the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africas 2020 African election calendar, the following countries are scheduled to hold presidential, parliamentary or local elections: Togo, Chad, Comoros, Burundi, Cameroon, Egypt, Central African Republic, Guinea, Mali, Senegal, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Niger, Gabon, Ghana, Namibia, Sudan, Somalia, Somaliland and Seychelles. The elections present African countries with an opportunity to support female leaders.

The UN says there is some improvement, but progress is slow. Very slow.

According to the 2019 United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Map of Women in Politics, Ethiopia saw the largest increase in womens political representation in the executive branch, from 10% women ministers in 2017 to 47.6% in 2019.

The top African countries with a high percentage of women in ministerial positions are Rwanda (51.9%), South Africa (48.6%), Ethiopia (47.6%), Seychelles (45.5%), Uganda (36.7%) and Mali (34.4%). The lowest percentage in Africa was in Morocco (5.6%),. It had only one female minister in a cabinet of 18. Other countries with fewer than 10% of women ministers include Nigeria (8%), Mauritius (8.7%) and [Sudan before the revolution] (9.5%).

Djibouti, which in the year 2000 had zero women in parliament, saw the most dramatic gain.
Cormac Downes (Iarnrod Eireann), Pol Conghaile, Barry Kenny (Iarnrod Eireann) and Celene Duffy of INM at the Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards 2020 Photograph: Fran Veale

Delighted Neven and Amelda Maguire were last night celebrating after MacNean House & Restaurant clinched one of the Irish Independent's top Reader Travel Awards 2020.

Readers raved about the welcome and the "sublime" food at the 19-bed establishment in Blacklion, Co Cavan - named Ireland's Favourite Small Stay for 2020.

Little touches like a great breakfast porridge (famously served with Irish Mist) and retro radios tuned to Lyric FM helped secure the win for the business that has 75 people on the payroll.

"We are absolutely thrilled to win this award which is fantastic recognition for our team and it is a wonderful start to the new year," said Neven. "We try to create lovely memories for people. It's all about having a great team and treating staff like family."

Read the full Reader Travel Awards 2020 results

The Reader Travel Awards, sponsored by Iarnrod Eireann, attracted thousands of nominations across 16 categories and the winners were announced at a gala luncheon held at Dublin's Mansion House.

Ireland's Favourite Hotel went to Adare Manor, the 104-bed resort in Co Limerick which has undergone a multi-million euro refurbishment by its new owners, JP McManus and family.

Galway, European Capital of Culture for 2020, won Ireland's Favourite Home Holiday.

It attracted lavish praise as "a city that's alive, a place that allows you to have solitude in the morning, adventure in the afternoon and a great nightlife in the evening".

Ireland's Favourite Overseas Holiday, meanwhile, was announced as Italy - a country readers described as "good for the soul" and which just "wraps itself around you".

Ireland's Best Breakfast was named as "a feed you can't beat" with "poached eggs to die for at Liberty Grill, a bistro-style restaurant on Cork's Washington street.

Hosted by Travel Editor Pol O Conghaile and Sinead Ryan, the awards drew finalists and travel industry figures from all over the island (and beyond) to the Mansion House, mixing with celeb food, hospitality and media faces including Pat Kenny, Catherine Fulvio and Doireann Garrihy.

New York was named as Ireland's favourite city break, Aer Lingus our favourite airline and the Cliffs of Moher the country's favourite visitor attraction.

Expand Expand Previous Next Close Catherine Fulvio and Pol O Conghaile at the Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards 2020 Photograph: Fran Veale Pat Kenny at The Irish Independent Travel Awards 2020 Photograph: Fran Veale / Facebook

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Whatsapp Catherine Fulvio and Pol O Conghaile at the Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards 2020 Photograph: Fran Veale

Small was certainly beautiful in the case of the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk, which won Ireland's Favourite Local Attraction, while Curracloe in Co Wexford was Ireland's Favourite Beach.

Reader-nominated finalists were adjudicated by a panel including Pol O Conghaile, 'Weekend' editor Rachel Dugan, Francis and John Brennan, Niall Tracey of Failte Ireland and food writer Katy McGuinness.

Read the full Reader Travel Awards 2020 results here.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa continued his unannounced inspections of state institutions with a visit this week to the Bandaranaike International Airport where he is seen speaking to some young tourists. In his policy statement last month, the President said he hoped Sri Lanka could double the income earned from the tourist industry.
SARS-like virus: BIA staff on alert, but no special checks yet By Chris Kamalendran View(s): View(s):

Airlines, customs, Immigration and security staff have been alerted to take precautions to identify any persons who may have symptoms of coronavirus initially reported from China, the Bandaranaike International Airports Chief Medical Officer Dr. D.R. Perera said.

He said the staff had been placed on alert, but they had not installed devices to detect fever patients, as in previous instances.

Dr Perera said they were closely following the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines and if the need arose they would take necessary action.

Chief Epidemiologist Dr Sudath Smaraweera said that if any persons were identified with the symptoms of the disease on arrival they would be isolated and transferred to the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) at Angoda and treated separately.

Our Epidemiology unit has informed the medical unit at the BIA to adopt similar steps adopted earlier during previous outbreaks such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Ebola, he said.

However, he said there was no necessity to panic as there had been no detection of any persons affected by the virus.

He said among the precautions to be taken were avoiding gathering in crowded places, covering the face when sneezing, avoiding touching the nose and face regularly and keeping the hands clean by washing them with soap.

He said pregnant mothers and small children in particular should avoid going into crowded gatherings.

According to Reuters news agency, China reported four more cases of pneumonia believed to be caused by the new coronavirus strain, causing rising concern globally that a disease health officials do not yet fully understand could spread during a key holiday period.

The new virus, which was discovered in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, belongs in the same large family of coronaviruses that include SARS, which killed nearly 800 people globally during a 2002/03 outbreak that also started in China.

Meanwhile, more than 1,700 people in Wuhan had early symptoms of being infected with the new coronavirus, in stark contrast to the 41 infections reported by China, according to a UK-based group of researchers involved in infectious disease modelling.

The group also warns that past experience with SARS and Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS, coronavirus outbreaks of a similar scale suggest self-sustaining human-to-human transmission should not be ruled out.

U.S. authorities have said they would start screening at three airports to detect travellers arriving via direct or connecting flights from Wuhan.

In Asia, authorities in Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand have stepped up monitoring of passengers from Wuhan at airports. Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines say they have strengthened screening at all points of entry in response to the outbreak, as well.
The National Oncology Particle Therapy Centre in Milan, Italy, where state-of-the-art particle therapy is a technique used to treat cancer, using hadrons, protons, proton therapy and carbon ion treatment to irradiate tumors.

America's war on cancer is about to get another tool in its arsenal. The country's first carbon ion therapy center to treat cancer is being built in collaboration with Hitachi on the campus of the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. The cancer therapy treatment will be part of Mayo's $233 million oncology facility, announced in June.

An alternative to surgery, this new treatment is viewed as the next horizon of cancer care. It has the capability of killing cancer cells that are resistant to traditional radiation therapy. Yet the U.S. has been slow to adopt the treatment even though the technology was developed in California in 1975.

According to experts, carbon ion therapy damages the DNA of fast-growing cancer cells, ultimately destroying them. But unlike older forms of radiation, this technique causes minimal harm to normal tissue. Studies also suggest it triggers an immune response against cancer.

Dr. Steven Buskirk, chair of the department of radiation oncology at Mayo Clinic in Florida, says, "the availability of carbon ion technology will allow Mayo Clinic researchers to evaluate the efficacy of carbon ion therapy for the treatment of various cancer types, including exploration into new and expanded therapies, including multi-modality treatment options."

"Some cancers are inherently resistant to conventional radiation, and we wish to initially evaluate the efficacy of carbon ion therapy in these cancers," he explains.

The plan is to put together a national Scientific Advisory Board composed of doctors and scientists from the U.S. and abroad to study the efficacy and safety of the treatment and secure FDA approval so the treatment can be offered in 2025, says Dr. Kent Thielen, CEO of the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. He notes that his institution is a leading National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, and Mayo Clinic radiation oncologists and physicists have been studying carbon ion treatment in Asia and Europe for nearly a decade. Mayo already has developed a high level of expertise in treatment planning and delivery.

Mayo Clinic's Jacksonville oncology center will also include proton beam therapy for cancer patients so it can offer the full spectrum of treatment options.
WASHINGTON - Officials at the National Archives on Saturday said they had removed from display an altered photo from the 2017 Women's March in which signs held by marchers critical of President Donald Trump had been blurred.

In tweets on Saturday, the museum apologized and said: "We made a mistake."

"As the National Archives of the United States, we are and have always been completely committed to preserving our archival holdings, without alteration," one of the tweets said.

"This photo is not an archival record held by the @usnatarchives, but one we licensed to use as a promotional graphic," it said in another tweet. "Nonetheless, we were wrong to alter the image."

The altered 49-by-69-inch photograph was part of a display that showed the 2017 march from one perspective and, viewed from another angle, shifted to show a 1913 black-and-white image of a women's suffrage march also on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington. The display linked momentous demonstrations for women's rights more than a century apart on the same stretch of pavement.

Marchers in the 2017 photograph by Mario Tama of Getty Images were shown carrying a variety of signs, at least four of which were altered by the museum. A placard that proclaimed "God Hates Trump" had Trump blotted out so that it read "God Hates." A sign that read "Trump & GOP - Hands Off Women" had the word Trump blurred. Signs with messages that referenced women's anatomy were also digitally altered.

The altered photograph greeted visitors to "Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote," an exhibit that opened in May celebrating the centennial of women's suffrage. The 19th Amendment, which was ratified in 1920, prohibits the federal government and states from denying the right to vote on the basis of sex.

The museum said in tweets Saturday that the display would be replaced "with one that uses the unaltered image" and that museum officials would "start a thorough review of our exhibit policies and procedures so that this does not happen again."

Museum officials initially defended the alterations as an effort "not to engage in current political controversy" and because the museum hosts groups of students and young people, for whom some of the words could have been perceived as inappropriate.

But in a Washington Post article published Friday, prominent historians expressed dismay.

After the museum's apology, Rice University historian Douglas Brinkley said he was pleased that the National Archives is "out of the Photoshop business."

"It's refreshing that the National Archives stepped up and fixed a grave wrong," he said. "It's more important than ever that U.S. government institutions keep their integrity intact with the American public."

Louise Melling, deputy legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement that Archives officials need to explain who ordered "the Orwellian step of trying to rewrite history" and why.

"It is the job of the National Archives to document history, not alter it to serve the president's ego," she said.

Karin Wulf, a history professor at the College of William & Mary and executive director of the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture, said in an email Saturday that the museum's admission of error and commitment to a review was important.

"I know scholars and the general public alike will be paying close attention, wanting to know the process and outcome of that review," she said. "But it was a very significant thing, in my view, that they confirmed their commitment to core values. Democracy asks a lot of an organization like the Archives."

The Archives said Friday that the decision to obscure the words was made by agency managers and museum staff members. It said David Ferriero, the archivist of the United States who was appointed by President Barack Obama, participated in talks regarding the exhibit and supported the decision to edit the photo.

On Saturday, when asked whether the apology came from Ferriero, the Archives's communications office said via email that: "The apology was issued on behalf of the agency by the Public and Media Communications Office."
Foreign Minister of Russia, Sergei Lavrov said on January 17 that there is unverified information that at least six American F-35 jets were there on the Iranian border side when Iran accidentally shot a Ukraine International Airline flight near Tehran airport last week. He said the information is yet to be verified. He added that it was crucial to understand the situation amid the escalations in the Middle East after Iran retaliated against the US strike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. Lavrov added that Iran was expecting another attack from the US after the missile strike and was not sure what form it might take.

READ: Russian President Putins & Chinese President Xis Ruler-for-life Moves Pose Challenges To West

Growing tensions may not help settle problems: Lavrov

Lavrov said that he was not trying to excuse anyone for the incident. He added that the growing tensions between Iran and the US will not help settle any single crisis in the region, and said it will just increase more tensions. In a massive admission on January 11, Iran amid tensions with the United States, had accepted that the Ukranian jet shot down on January 8 was done by mistake. Issuing a statement, Iran's military on state television said that the incident happened due to "human error." Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, taking to Twitter, has said that it is an "unforgivable mistake." He also said that "investigation on this great tragedy continues."

READ: Russias Foreign Minister Slams aggressive US Policies

Military statement

A military statement carried by state media said that the plane was mistaken for a hostile target after it turned toward a sensitive military center of the Revolutionary Guard. The military was at its highest level of readiness amid the heightened tensions with the US. In such a condition, because of human error and in an unintentional way, the flight was hit. It apologised for the disaster and said it would upgrade its systems to prevent such mistakes in the future. The responsible parties would be referred to a judicial department within the military and held accountable, the military said.

READ: Russian Foreign Minister Condemns US For Pulling Out Of Iran Nuclear Deal

READ: Russia Confident About Delivering S-400 Missile Defence System To India On Time
New Delhi:

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Saturday launched a blistering attack on former Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his Savarkar remark, which he made at Congress Bharat Bachao Rally in Ramlila Maidan. Addressing a rally in the support of Citizenship Amendment Act in Varanasi, Irani said I want to tell Rahul Gandhi that even after 10 generations, he will not be able to match the courage of Savarkar.

Union Minister Smriti Irani: Rahul Gandhi recently said that 'I will not apologize, I am not Rahul Savarkar'. I want to tell Rahul Gandhi today that even after your 10 generations, you will not be able to match the courage of Savarkar. pic.twitter.com/8QnfA7TR9J  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 18, 2020

Earlier, speaking at Bharat Bachao rally in December last year, Rahul Gandhi had said, My name is Rahul Gandhi, not Rahul Savarkar; I will never apologise for speaking truth and nor will any Congressman do so.

Taking a dig at the Congress party, Smriti Irani added that the Grand Old Party had jailed Atal Bihari Vajpayee during emergency. Chaudhary Charan Singh, Jai Prakash Narayan were also imprisoned but it (Congress) released smuggler Karim Lala in Mumbai.

Also Read: Smriti Irani Slams Mamata Banerjee, Calls Her Stand On Citizenship Act 'Unfortunate'

UP CM Yogi Adityanath, who was also present with Irani at the pro-CAA rally, said, Congress was creating hindrances in delivery of judgement in Ayodhya case. Before 2019 polls, a Congress leader filed a plea in Supreme Court, saying order shouldn't be passed. We are grateful to the court for paving way for construction of temple.

Also Read: JNU: Smriti Irani, Prakash Javadekar Welcome Delhi Police Findings, Say 'Left Organisations Planned Violence'



Adityanath further attacked the Congress, BSP, SP asking them to reveal their relation with the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). Their support for banned groups like SIMI, PFI and for elements which raise anti-national slogans reflects upon true character of opposition parties, said Yogi Adityanath.

Moreover, Rahul Gandhi had also accused the Prime Minister of singlehandedly "destroying" the economy at the Bharat Bachao rally saying, "It is Prime Minister himself and not India's enemies who has destroyed our economy and (he) still calls himself a patriot".

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Linkedin Dian Septiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, January 18, 2020 15:56 724 48be62e941b44f04afae568c322abbd5 1 SE Asia #ASEAN,ASEAN,South-China-Sea,#SouthChinaSea Free

ASEANs top diplomats have reaffirmed the need to respect international law amid concerns over tensions in the South China Sea, where Chinese vessels have repeatedly violated other countries sovereign rights.

The regional blocs foreign ministers were in the coastal city of Nha Trang in southern Vietnam on Thursday and Friday for a closed-door retreat session, where they candidly discussed national and regional concerns, including the situation in the highly disputed South China Sea.

The meeting marks the first ASEAN meeting under the chairmanship of Vietnam.

Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said all ASEAN countries voiced their concerns on land reclamations and serious incidents in the South China Sea.

He called for countries to enhance mutual trust, "exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities and avoid actions that may further complicate the situation", as well as pursue peaceful resolutions of disputes in accordance with international laws, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

We reaffirmed that international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, is the basis for determining sovereignty, sovereign rights and legitimate interests over maritime areas. We further reaffirmed that the 1982 UNCLOS is the overarching framework of legal order for the seas that must be respected by all countries, he said in a statement after the meeting.

The ASEAN ministers did not mention China in their document on Friday, but the statement is an apparent reference to China, whose sweeping claims to the South China Sea were based on the so-called "nine-dash line" and were already invalidated by a 2016 international arbitration ruling favoring the other claimants.

Beijing has rejected the ruling, continuing instead to deploy military assets and exploit resources in the South China Sea.

Most recently, Chinese fishing and coast guard vessels entered Indonesias exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the North Natuna Sea, which resulted in a diplomatic spat, with Indonesia saying it would never recognize Chinas nine-dash line, nor would it negotiate with China.

Previously, a number of Chinese vessels were involved in a months-long standoff with Vietnamese authorities near an oil block within Vietnams EEZ.

Chinas increasingly hostile behavior toward countries around the South China Sea might pose a threat to the early conclusion of a code of conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, a set of provisions negotiated between China and all 10 countries to manage and prevent conflict in the hotly contested waters.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said in 2018 that the negotiations would be completed within three years time, and it is currently in the second reading phase, where parties begin to get into substantial points. Among the contentious issues are whether the COC will be legally binding and whether it applies only within a limited scope.

According to Pham Binh Minh, all ASEAN foreign ministers were encouraged by the progress of substantive negotiations over the early conclusion of "an effective and substantive COC that is consistent with international law", including the 1982 UNCLOS.

We emphasized the need to maintain and promote an environment conducive to the COC negotiations, and thus welcomed practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings and miscalculation, he said.
Well of Horrors: Telangana village tense after 3 girls raped, killed, dumped in well

19-year-old girl dies after being raped by boyfriend on her birthday

9 found dead in well in Telangana were murdered by a man to cover up another killing

Phoolan Devi raped, murdered accused no more; verdict of 39 years old Behmai massacre today

India

oi-Mousumi Dash

New Delhi, Jan 18: The judgment after 39 years of the Behmai Massacre where the then bandit queen Phoolan Devi allegedly gunned down 20 men to be heard on Saturday.

Reportedly, on February 14, 1981, Phoolan Devi allegedly killed 20 Thakurs of the Behmai village in Dehat area of Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh to avenge her rape by two other bandits Lala Ram and Sri Ram, both upper caste Thakurs.

It was first time ever in the history that lower-caste dacoits had united to take on the Thakurs of 84 villages of UP by allegedly supporting the upper-caste dacoit gangs of Shri Ram and Lala Ram, and to avenge Phoolan Devi's gang rape.

Almost, 17 of the 28 accused named in the case are no more, including Phoolan Devi herself. Then bandit queen was killed in 2001. Among four of the five eye-witnesses have also passed away.

Earlier, Kanpur's local court said the defence counsel Raghunandan Singh and Girish Narayan Dubey had sought time to file citations of judgments of superior courts that will support their case before the verdict is delivered.

The tragic incident had shaken the UP politics and resulted in then UP CM V P Singh's resignation owing moral responsibility for the massacre.

Indira Jaising to Nirbhaya's mother: Pardon convicts just like Sonia Gandhi|Oneindia News

In 1983, two years after the massacre under an amnesty scheme Phoolan Devi surrendered to the Madhya Pradesh (MP) police.

According to the terms of her surrender, then MP CM Arjun Singh agreed to keep her in the Gwalior prison, rather than being sent to a UP prison.

For 11 years she spent in Gwalior and Jabalpur jails and was released without facing trial. but she kept fighting a legal battle against the UP police and the Kanpur court's orders.

Phoolan Devi earlier, also won two Lok Sabha elections, in 1996 and 1999 successfully contesting on a Samajwadi Party ticket. In 1996, Mulayam Singh Yadav-led-SP government also filed an application to the sought withdrawal of the case against her.
Any slowdown in sales of bad loans by banks would likely be replaced by an upswing in the pace of securitisation deals, according to ratings agency Scope.

This would include the kind of synthetic deals dubbed "weapons of mass financial destruction" made famous in films like 'The Big Short'.

The agency said portfolio sales by Irish banks may slow significantly if concerns around mistreatment of customers continue to intensify - noting Sinn Fein's proposed 'no consent, no sale' law that would require lenders to get agreement from borrowers before selling their loan as a possible disruption.

The alternative that would allow banks to cut their exposure to bad loans is securitisation, where lenders bundle up loans into an off-balance sheet vehicle and borrow against it in the bond market. It is set to grow in importance in Ireland, Scope said.

Non-banks, including vulture funds, that have amassed billions of euro of non-performing loan (NPL) portfolios are likely to securitise some of those loans either to lower their own financing costs or to raise cash, Scope said.

This trend already appears to be under way, with Scope noting a 419.8m deal by Lone Star in the third quarter of last year, when it raised funds by borrowing against the value of a portfolio of performing and non-performing loans. The securitisation route is also expected to appeal to banks themselves, Scope said.

The massive bad-loan sales in recent years began with boom-era commercial property and developer loans that have now largely been removed from bank balance sheets. Lenders here now have what the agency called "relatively granular NPL stock", mainly of SME loans and residential mortgages.

These are significantly easier to securitise than CRE portfolios, and if the 'no consent, no sale' bill became law, synthetic securitisation remains a viable risk-transfer mechanism.

This involves banks buying complex financial derivatives to insure against the risk of borrower defaults. The market fell dramatically out of favour after the financial crisis when a boom-era explosion in their use was blamed for driving down lending standards and storing up huge financial risks.

Scope said the regulatory framework in Ireland is favourable for either mode of securitisation, and in the event of true sales being blocked or limited growth in synthetic mortgage-backed securitisations of Irish portfolios.
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Ouagaddougou/Xinhua/UNI: At least five soldiers were killed in a roadside explosion on Friday in northern Burkina Faso's province of Soum, a security source told Xinhua.

The explosion occurred as an army patrol vehicle hit an improvised roadside explosive device in the town of Arbinda, the source said.

Burkina Faso is faced with a worsening security situation in northern regions as frequent militant attacks have sparked a wave of panic in the country.

Since December last year, the Burkina Faso army has scaled up military air and ground offensives against escalating terrorist attacks across the country on army positions and civilians.

Since 2015, terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of over 700 people, including 200 armed forces soldiers, and displaced thousands of others in the West African country.
A Michigan grandfather has been praised for his honesty after finding $43,000 in cash stuffed in the cushions of a second-hand couch he bought for his man cave then tracking down the sofa's seller and returning every penny.

Howard Kirby, 64, bought the couch and an ottoman for $70 from Habitat for Humanity in Owosso, Michigan. He routinely shops in the store and was picking up items for his man cave.

After a few weeks of finding the ottoman uncomfortable, he and his daughter-in-law decided to unzip the cushion covers and look inside.

They were flabbergasted to find $43,000 in cash inside a box.

Howard Kirby found the money stuffed inside the couch after buying it from Habitat for Humanity in Owosso, Michigan. Image courtesy of Fox 10

Kirby spoke with a lawyer who told him he had no legal right to return it. But he said his faith got the better of him.

'The Holy Spirit just came over me and said, "No, thats really not yours,"' he said.

Kirby took the money in a box back to the store where he'd bought it and asked them to track down the person who donated it.

They traced the sofa back to Kim Fauth-Newberry whose late grandfather owned the couch.

She had no idea the money was there when she gave it to the charity store after his death.

This week, they all returned to the store to meet and for Kirby to hand the cash back over to Fauth-Newberry and her family.

This was one of the cushions where he discovered the money. He bought the set for $70 to put in his man cave

The money was kept neatly in notes, divided with small pieces of paper and annotated by the original owner

Kirby contacted the Habitat for Humanity store and they tracked down the original owner

He said he often thought what he would do if he found a large amount of unmarked cash and that now he is pleased to say he has a good conscience.

'It belonged to them, and Im glad I was able to give it back to them.

'As a born-again Christian, I want to do what Christ would want me to do, and I think thats what he would want me to do.

'I still have to pinch myself to make sure Im not dreaming or something,' he said.

The family admitted that they would have burned the couch set if the store hadn't taken it in.
More than a year after a judge declared a mistrial because a jury forewoman tipped her boyfriend to an imminent guilty verdict via text message, a different panel reached the same conclusion  convicting a Colorado Springs man of attempted murder.

Simon Peter Escamilla, 28, was found guilty Friday of stalking a woman through the Knob Hill neighborhood in a stolen pickup and shooting her in the face after she pulled in front of her house. The Feb. 19, 2018, attack came moments after she had witnessed him shooting at another person outside a 7-Eleven across from the U.S. Olympic Training Center, authorities say.

It has always been in the back of my mind that it wasnt over  that I did not get closure, said Jannell Kilgore, who underwent several surgeries after a bullet ripped through her jaw, tongue and teeth in the February 2018 attack.

Prosecutors said the woman was barely able to use her cellphone to summon help amid her profuse bleeding that day  an action that saved her life.

Now I know hell pay for what he did, Kilgore added.

A nine-woman, three-man jury handed up guilty verdicts on all counts, capping a four-day retrial after roughly three hours of deliberation.

Escamilla, a three-time felon, faces up to 96 years in prison under Colorados enhanced sentencing for habitual criminals. Prosecutors must prove elements of his criminal history at a hearing set for March 11. If they do, a sentencing is likely to be held at a later date.

This time, a judge took no chances in allowing the jury access to their phones.

Fourth Judicial District Judge Lin Billings Vela ordered that the jurors surrender all electronic devices before debating the case, and sternly warned prosecutors to double check that a computer used to review exhibits in the jury room didn't have online capability.

If it does, then it does not go back there with them, Billings Vela said.

Escamillas first trial was scrapped in October 2018 when it emerged that the jury forewoman had sent dozens of text messages to her boyfriend as he sat in the gallery viewing the trial. One such message mocked a defense attorney as McGrumpy and another offered a preview of the verdict before it was delivered to the judge, saying, Were about to convict him.

In calling the mistrial, then-Judge Theresa Cisneros said the frequency of the messages  many sent while the trial was in progress  raised questions about whether the forewoman was focusing on the evidence.

Cisneros, who retired in January 2019, also ruled that the woman and her boyfriend were evasive during questioning, making it hard to know if they were honest about the extent of their communications.

The decision left Kilgore in tears, and it introduced a lengthy delay before Escamilla was again brought before a jury. In the 15 months between the first and second trials, Escamilla fired his public defenders and sought to represent himself, before he was appointed a new attorney.

During closing arguments on Friday, prosecutors Amy Foley and Shelby Crow recounted allegations that, after Kilgore witnessed Escamilla fire shots at a man outside 7-Eleven, 525 N. Union Blvd., Escamilla got in a stolen gray truck, followed her car seven blocks to her home on Iowa Street, and shot her at point-blank range as she sat in the drivers seat.

Escamillas attorney, Bill Griffin, said police arrested the wrong man, citing the victims recollection that the shooter was black and driving a red pickup, among the discrepancies that prosecutors attributed to the trauma of the attack.

Billings Vela said many judges have since begun ordering that juries surrender phones while debating verdicts, though it wasnt immediately clear how widespread the practice has become. Prior to the earlier mistrial, it was common for judges to allow jurors access to their phones, albeit under strict orders that they not use them for research or to communicate about the case.

After the mistrial, prosecutors indicated they intended to seek contempt charges against the forewoman and possibly her boyfriend, but its unknown if that happened.

As Escamilla was led away in handcuffs, no one wept harder in court than Kilgore, a former drug addict and born-again Christian who expressed sympathy for her attacker, who had been drinking and using methamphetamine on the night of the shooting.

I feel really bad for him because hes really young, and in one simple mistake, he finished his life.

Thats what drugs and alcohol do  they steal your soul.

She later sobbed on a courthouse bench, "I wish I could have gone a different way home."
The National Archives admitted that it altered a photograph of the 2017 Womens March by blurring some signs held by protesters that were critical of President Donald Trump. The Archives also blurred some signs held by protesters that made specific references to womens anatomy, reports the Washington Post.

The image in question is a huge 49-by-69-inch photograph that greets visitors to an exhibit celebrating the 100th anniversary of womens suffrage and shows the massive crowds that filled the streets of Washington, D.C. for the Womens March on Jan. 21, 2017, a day after Trumps inauguration. But looking at the reproduction of the photograph taken by Mario Tama for Getty Images reveals that references to Trump and parts of womens anatomy, such as vagina and pussy, were blurred out from signs held by protesters.

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In one instance, a sign that reads God Hates Trump has the word Trump blurred out. The word Trump is also blurred out of a sign that reads Trump & GOP  Hands Off Women. In another instance, the word vagina has been blurred from a sign that reads, If my vagina could shoot bullets, itd be less REGULATED while the word pussy has been removed from a sign that reads, This Pussy Grabs Back.

The Archives admitted that it edited the photograph. As a non-partisan, non-political federal agency, we blurred references to the Presidents name on some posters, so as not to engage in current political controversy, Archives spokeswoman Miriam Kleiman said in an emailed statement to the Post. And the move to remove references to womens genitals had to do with the groups of students and young people that visit the exhibit. The Archives was sure to note that David Ferriero, the archivist who was appointed by then-President Barack Obama in 2009, supported the decision.

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On Saturday afternoon, the National Archives apologized and said it has removed the photograph from the exhibit. We were wrong to alter the image, the National Archives said on Twitter. We have removed the current display and will replace it as soon as possible with one that uses the unaltered image. The National Archives also said it will review its procedures to make sure this does not happen again.

We made a mistake.



As the National Archives of the United States, we are and have always been completely committed to preserving our archival holdings, without alteration. pic.twitter.com/VTWOS4R7GY  US National Archives (@USNatArchives) January 18, 2020

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Experts were furious at the decision to alter the photograph, with some saying that its particularly galling that the Archives thought it would be OK to change an image regarding womens rights. Doctoring a commemorative photograph buys right into the notion that its okay to silence womens voice and actions, Wendy Kline, a history professor at Purdue University, said. It is literally erasing something that was accurately captured on camera. Thats an attempt to erase a powerful message. Historian Douglas Brinkley of Rice University said that theres no reason for the National Archives to ever digitally alter a historic photograph. If for some reason an image is deemed inappropriate it simply shouldnt be used rather than edited, he said.

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The story immediately sparked controversy on Twitter, with many likening the blurring of a photograph to what would be seen under an authoritarian government.

I expect this in China or Russia  but at the National Archives in DC? Presenters of an exhibit altered photos of Womens March to blur signs critical of Trump. By @JoeHeim. https://t.co/x893YzpgZJ  Edward Wong (@ewong) January 18, 2020

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The archives told you to reject the evidence of your eyes & ears. It was their final, most essential command. The fiction was necessary, they said, to rid us of bias.



That and the guy in charge was scared of vaginas.



heckuva job, @archivesnews https://t.co/AvbLqAHw0C  Mar Hicks (@histoftech) January 18, 2020

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We are so far down the rabbit hole of authoritarianism:

The Archives acknowledged this week that it made multiple alterations to the photo of the 2017 Womens March showcased at the museum, blurring signs held by marchers that were critical of Trump. https://t.co/scBuiyQeCc  Amy Siskind  (@Amy_Siskind) January 18, 2020
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The Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery in South Philadelphia. The fate of the bankrupt Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery complex, shut down since a catastrophic June fire and explosion, hung in the balance on Friday. Read more

The fate of the bankrupt Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery complex, shut down since a catastrophic fire and explosion last June, hung in the balance on Friday.

At least two bidders attended a closed-door auction conducted Friday at a New York City law firm handling the refinerys bankruptcy. Results of the auction were not immediately disclosed.

The bidders included Philadelphia Energy Industries (PEI), a company formed by former refinery chief executive Philip Rinaldi that wants to resume refining petroleum on the 1,300-acre site, the largest refining complex on the East Coast.

According to sources, a second bidder, Hilco Redevelopment Partners, a Chicago real estate firm that specializes in developing old industrial sites into new uses, was also in contention.

A spokesman for Hilco declined to comment Friday.

Hilco is redeveloping the former Sparrows Point steel mill in Baltimore, a 3,100-acre waterfront site with deep-water access, into an industrial site called Tradepoint Atlantic.

Hilco is also remediating several sites of shuttered power-generation stations, including the proposed L Street Station mixed-use property in South Boston. Last year Hilco bought two New Jersey closed coal-fired plants, including one near Trenton, and plans to develop them into industrial ventures.

The auction may not necessarily result in a sale. If the refinerys creditors decide the bids are too low, they could credit bid up to the amount they are owed and keep the property for themselves. Cortland Capital Market Services LLC is the lead bank on a $699 million term loan.

The 335,000-barrel-a-day refinery complex  actually two adjacent refineries with separate histories dating to 1870  had struggled financially before the June 21 fire. It went through bankruptcy in 2018, and emerged owned primarily by its former creditors: Credit Suisse Asset Management and Bardin Hill Investment Partners, formerly known as Halcyon Capital Management.

The refinerys most valuable asset is $1.25 billion in insurance, which covers property damage as well as economic losses from the interruption of business. The business interruption insurance kicks in 60 days after June 21 closure, and covers a period of up to two years, so it is unlikely the refiner will recover the full $1.25 billion.

Cortland Capital and another lender, ICBC Standard Bank PLC, which financed the refinerys purchase and sale of crude oil and refined products, have competing claims over the proceeds from the business interruption insurance. Attorneys for the two sides argued their cases on Tuesday before U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Kevin Gross in Wilmington.

The court has set a Feb. 6 hearing date to confirm the bankruptcy plan, so the parties are under tremendous pressure to resolve outstanding issues, including a potential sale.

Fifteen potential bidders submitted written indications of interest, PES told the court last year, but the number of contenders was winnowed down during subsequent bid rounds. Final bids were due Jan. 10.

The Schuylkill waterfront property is the largest piece of real estate on the market in Philadelphia, but it is attractive primarily for industrial use because of legacy contamination from more than a century of oil refining.

A city report released in November encourages a refinery reuse that is cleaner, safer, and better for Philadelphians, but acknowledged that the site will likely continue as a petroleum processing or storage facility for the near future. The sites existing infrastructure  one of the two refineries was undamaged by the fire  and its strong links to rail, highway, pipeline and water transportation make it well suited to the energy industry.

But analysts say the market for the refinery products  gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and heating oil  is amply supplied by other refineries. Profit margins for refiners are unattractive.

There is also mounting political pressure from refinery opponents to pressure the owners, and the bankruptcy court, to reject reviving the refinery.

Several dozen protesters, organized by activist groups Philly Thrive and the New York City branch of the Sunrise Movement, picketed Fridays auction, conducted at the Manhattan offices of Kirkland & Ellis, the refinerys bankruptcy lawyers.

READ MORE: Philly refiner plans $120M plant to convert food scraps to fuel for trucks and buses

Elected officials have also weighed in with the bankruptcy court.

State Sen. Larry Farnese wrote a letter urging the judge to reject proposals that dont align with the citys climate goals. This moment presents the greatest opportunity in Philadelphias history to redefine a future land use for such a large amount of land at one time," he said.

State Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams, in a separate letter asked the judge to require bidders to commit to hiring at least 60% of their workforce from city residents.

Environmentalists and nearby residents say the refinery presents a health risk.

An investigative report published Thursday by E&E News, NBC News and the Investigative Reporting Workshop, a nonprofit newsroom based at American University, showed that in May the refinery detected high levels of benzene. It said that the city failed to inform the public.

Benzene is a chemical linked with cancer and other diseases. The report said the average annual level of benzene at the plant had been at 49 micrograms per cubic meter of air, or five times the level at which the Environmental Protection Agency calls for corrective steps. But far higher levels are required before human health may be at risk, according to the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

The data were collected from air monitors PES operates under a consent agreement at the boundaries of its property. The fence-line measurements are raw data for public information, which the refinery posts on a website, http://pesrm.info. Neither the city nor the EPA say they actively analyze the information, officials told The Inquirer in December.

There are no emission limits associated with fence-line data, David Sternberg, a spokesperson for the EPAs Region 3 in Philadelphia, said last month. The EPA uses emissions data collected directly from various refinery units  point-source data  to tally up the plants output of pollutants. Emission limits at PES are associated with specific point sources and not fence-line monitoring," he said.

Philadelphias Air Management Services, under the health department, operates 10 monitors around the city measuring ambient levels of air pollutants including benzene. The monitor closest to the plant, at 24th and Ritner Streets, never detected benzene amounts that would raise a public health alarm in the years prior to the fire, said James Garrow, a health department spokesman.

Benzene is a colorless hydrocarbon that smells like gasoline, and is found in many places, such as industrial solvents, paint thinner and gasoline. It evaporates quickly in the air, but lingers in soil and water. A known carcinogen, benzene also is found in car exhaust and emissions from burning coal and oil.

Staff writer Frank Kummer contributed to this article
(TNS)  Sean Fahnhorst works behind the scenes for the state of Minnesota preparing the state budget based on the preferences of his boss  the governor.He likes his gig and wants to do similar work indefinitely, no matter whos in charge.Thats why hes hesitant to participate in the states new presidential primary election on March 3, which technically kicks off Friday with the start of early absentee voting. Its the first primary in the state in nearly 30 years, a switch made after high turnout in 2016 bogged down the party-run caucus system with long lines and confusing rules that frustrated voters.Minnesotas new presidential primary system, run and paid for by the state, is expected to be logistically smoother. But for many voters like Fahnhorst, theres a big trade-off. The new system also records voters party preference and provides that data to the chairs of each major political party.The law says nothing about what the parties should  or shouldnt  do with that information.Down the road, could this impact my government career if Im identified early on as committed to one party or the other, knowing that at some point whos in the governors office could change? Fahnhorst said. Now with how easy it is to access data and analyze data, the fact that its recorded once, it could be recorded for a long time.Critics see it as a taxpayer-funded subsidy for party building and a backdoor to party registration, a system used in 31 other states and the District of Columbia where voters pick a party affiliation when they register to vote.Under the new system, presidential primary voters must pledge that they are in general agreement with the principles of the party in order to get a ballot and vote. There are four major parties in the state: the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, the Republican Party of Minnesota, the Legal Marijuana Now Party and the Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party. But only the GOP and DFL submitted candidates for the primary, meaning they are the only options voters can pick.In party registration states, voters have the option to identify as independent or unaffiliated with a specific party.If I want to (pledge as an independent), I dont get to participate, and that feels like disenfranchisement, said Josh Hengemuhle, who participated in the Republican caucus four years ago but now wants to vote in the Democratic primary. Thats a challenging statement to make when, frankly, I dont think either of them are doing that well.The privacy concerns extend beyond those in government. People in business, nonprofits, academia and other public-facing endeavors also could have reason to worry.Its not just public employees, its journalists, members of the clergy, school administrators and others who are in a position that they believe demands they project objectivity and be objective, said Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, who is seeking to change the law. I dont think theres anything wrong with anyone in any of those professions having a political preference, but by virtue of their jobs they want to keep that private and personal, and that should be their right.Hengemuhle works with students at the University of St. Thomas and worries that having to declare for one party or another could be used against him if the parties ever made that information public.Those participations, in a polarized society, can be used in a weaponized way, he said.When lawmakers switched to the primary system in 2016, the law originally made voters party preference publicly available. But Simon went to lawmakers earlier this year and pushed to make the voter data private. At the end of last legislative session, behind closed doors, a deal was negotiated to limit the datas availability to all four party chairs.The two pro-marijuana parties wont have a ballot in the election, but the chair of those parties will still get a list of voters names and party preference for everyone who voted in the primary, as do the chairs of the Republican and DFL parties. Only the candidate a voter selects is secret.Simon, a DFLer, said he was puzzled by the result.I think its reasonable to assume if you participate in a caucus you might get contacted by that party, he said. What they dont expect is that three other parties will also get their data.Technically, the parties could sell that data, or even post it online.Simon is pushing to amend the law in the upcoming legislative session, which convenes in February, to restrict how the parties can us the data. For their part, the chairs of the states two largest political parties say they dont want the data for nefarious reasons or financial gain.The goal was to use it to attract new volunteers and activists to get more engaged in the civic process, and to help us when we look at the landscape and the map of Minnesota in strategically how we want to move forward closer to election time, said Republican Party Chair Jennifer Carnahan.DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin said he only needs the data to meet a requirement from the national Democratic Party to record people who participate in early preference contests and he supports the effort from Simon to lock down the data.I contend one of the reasons we have high voter turnout is because we have an open primary, we dont require party registration, Martin said. I know what Im going to do with the data and what Im not going to do with the data, but I have no clue what the pot parties are going to do with the data, or what the Republican Party is going to do with the data.
Former bikie enforcer Ben Geppert has shared an anonymous death threat sent privately to his Instagram

Former bikie enforcer Ben 'Notorious' Geppert has mocked an anonymous death threat sent to him on Instagram before hinting at a new romantic interest following a split with his girlfriend.

Geppert, 27, was arrested in Airlie Beach, north Queensland, in November 2019 after a spate of alleged violent incidents on a trip away with his now ex-partner Allaina Jones.

He was released on bail in January after spending Christmas in jail and was quick to declare to his 14,000 Instagram followers that 2020 was his year.

'I can pretty much say 2020 will be the year for the BG! How much money have you lost chasing expletive? How much expletive you lost chasing money? Think about it', he wrote.

On Thursday, Geppert posted a now-deleted screenshot of a threatening message sent privately to his Instagram account.

'We are all coming for you Geppert u can't think you can just say sorry and get away with years of your bulls**t,' the message reads.

'Your time is up we will find you and you can't leave town cause you are on parole'.

'It's only a matter of time your days are numbered not even the cops can save u now f**k face'.

Geppert (right) mocked the threat before hinting at a new romantic interest following a split with his girlfriend Allaina (left)

Geppert captioned the screenshot saying the person 'keeps making fake accounts' to try and scare him and that he has no intention to leave Airlie Beach.

Later on Thursday he then posted a picture of a mystery brunette with the caption 'see you soon princess.'

The mysterious post appears to signal an end to a tumultuous relationship with former partner Allaina Jones .

Geppert shared a photo of a mystery brunette with the caption 'see you soon princess'

The estranged couple have regularly made headlines in recent years, from a war of words with their relatives to both of them being involved in public and road rage brawls.

Geppert is serving a three-year suspended prison sentence following a fight outside a KFC restaurant on the Gold Coast.

The bikie was back in the news in September following the stabbing death of his 17-year-old brother Harrison during a brawl.

At the time of his brother's death, Geppert said he was 'crushed' and 'if I could give my life for you to have yours back I would do so without thinking twice'.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk and set a number of important tasks for the Government.

The Head of State said he had considered Oleksiy Honcharuk's letter of resignation as Prime Minister, the press service of the Head of State reports.

I have decided to give you and your government a chance if you resolve some things that are very important today and are of concern to our society. Now is not the right time to destabilize the country economically and politically," the President told Oleksiy Honcharuk.

In particular, the government must present to the Head of State a new concept of salaries of heads of ministries, departments, state-owned enterprises and their deputies, taking into account the situation in the country.

This should be a normal salary. We understand that these are highly qualified experts, but I want to have a shared opinion with you and the ministers that such salaries may be in Ukraine today in a situation in which our economy is. When you and your government raise the economy, it will be possible to raise the wages, the President stressed.

Volodymyr Zelensky said that those ministers who would not agree to work for the salary proposed by the government would have to resign.

In addition, the President stressed the importance of strengthening the government through personnel changes.

"I have no reason to think that any of them is dishonest or unprofessional. I remember how you picked this government, how we communicated with you and with them, how we saw their strategy and their team. But we want to strengthen the government. Therefore, I ask you to find weaknesses and to replace the heads of ministries according to their professional data, the Head of State said.

Volodymyr Zelensky also stated the need to reformat some central executive bodies. In particular, it is a division of functions in a number of ministries.

Volodymyr Zelensky also asked the Prime Minister to establish cooperation with MPs of all factions and with parliamentary committees.

For his part, the Prime Minister of Ukraine thanked the President for his confidence and agreed to the proposed changes, which should be implemented in the near future.

I am not afraid of the prospect of trying to repay the advance, a credit of trust that you have delegated on behalf of society. It is an important task for me, a great honor. And we are ready to fulfill your tasks, Oleksiy Honcharuk said.

As a result of the meeting, Oleksiy Honcharuk promised to prepare an interim report on the activities of the Cabinet of Ministers by February 4 and submit it to the parliament. In particular, the concept of a strengthened government, as well as its partial organizational reformatting will be presented to the peoples deputies.

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US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo on Saturday (local time) spoke to Iraqi President Barham Salih where the two leaders agreed on the need to reduce tensions in the region, a state Department Spokesperson said.

US States Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement, "Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Iraqi President Barham Salih. Secretary Pompeo and President Salih agreed on the need to reduce tensions in the region. The Secretary reaffirmed the important role of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in fostering a sovereign, independent, and prosperous Iraq."

Pompeo also took to Twitter to stress that their commitment to de-escalations stands firm.

"Iraqi President Salih and I spoke again today about the important and enduring role of the Global @Coalition in the fight against ISIS. Our commitment to de-escalation stands firm," he tweeted.

Earlier on January 4, it was reported that Pompeo spoke to Iraqi President Barham Salih to discuss developments in the Middle East following the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and assured that Washington is committed to de-escalation of tensions in the region.

"Discussed with Iraqi President Salih @realDonaldTrump's decision to take defensive action to protect US personnel and interests abroad, and I reaffirmed that the US remains committed to de-escalation," Pompeo had tweeted.

The conversation comes days after Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) Quds Force, was killed near Baghdad's international airport in a US airstrike.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The partnership aligns with Civicas strategy to make quality medications available and affordable

US based drug manufacturer Civica Rx (Civica, Inc.) has signed a long-term agreement with Thermo Fisher Scientific to develop and manufacture medications with Civica as the owner of the regulatory pathway. By working with Thermo Fisher to develop Civica-owned Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs), Civica will secure the manufacture of certain essential medications, further mitigating the risk of drug shortages in the future.

This partnership has an initial seven-year term and represents a key component of Civicas manufacturing strategy. By partnering with Thermo Fisher, Civica will begin to build its internal pipeline of medications for use in emergency and critical care in the United States. To date, Civica has worked with multiple quality drug manufacturers that already have U.S. FDA approved manufacturing facilities and capacity to produce Civica labeled drugs in an effort to get shortage medications to market immediately.

We are thrilled to enter into a partnership with a world class organization that is dedicated to helping Civica serve patients, said Martin VanTrieste, Civicas President and CEO. The Thermo Fisher team is known for top manufacturing talent, supply reliability, product quality and innovation. We look forward to working with them to develop and produce Civica medicines.

We thank Civica for their confidence in our team and capabilities and welcome this opportunity to work with them to help mitigate the risk of drug shortages in the U.S., said Mike Shafer, President of Thermo Fishers Pharma Services business. Together we will be able to deliver medicines to the market sooner to the patients who are waiting.

Initially the Thermo Fisher collaboration will focus on nine critical medications that have been in short supply or where the drug supply chain is fragile because there are too few manufacturers making these drugs. Civicas hospital-led drug selection and medical trends advisory committees helped prioritize these medications for Civicas Research & Development efforts.

Civica was founded in 2018 by leading US hospital systems concerned about generic drug shortages and philanthropic organizations passionate about improving healthcare. To date, nearly 50 health systems are Civica members, representing more than 1,200 US hospitals and over 30 percent of all licensed US hospital beds. Civica currently has 18 medications in production and/or shipped for use in hospitals across the country.
Five enemy attacks have already been recorded since Saturday midnight.

Eight Ukrainian soldier were wounded in action in Donbas on Saturday, January 18.

Read alsoUkraine reports eight enemy attacks in Donbas on Jan 17

"As a result of enemy shelling today, January 18, eight members of the Joint Forces were wounded," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) said in an evening update on Facebook.

Since Saturday midnight, Russia-led forces have violated the ceasefire five times.

The enemy opened fire at the positions of Ukrainian military units, using a 120mm mortars, which are banned under the Minsk peace agreements, as well as grenade launchers of various types, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cannons installed on infantry fighting vehicles, and other small arms.

Hot spots were the villages of Pisky, Pavlopil, Vasylivka and as well as the town of Krasnohorivka.

The situation in all disengagement areas in Donbas remains stable, the report said.
"The silicon chip inside her head gets switched to overload..."

Some of you might remember those lyrics from the song "I Dont Like Mondays." It was written in 1979 by "sir" Bob Geldof, who was in a new wave band called The Boomtown Rats. Geldof wrote the song after learning about an elementary school shooting that had occurred in a quiet suburb in the city of San Diego, Calif.

In January of that year, 16-year-old Brenda Lee Spencer killed the principal and a custodian and wounded eight children and one police officer when she opened fire on the Grover Cleveland Elementary School with her .22-caliber rifle. Spencer fired from inside her house, which was located across the street from the school. During the shooting, a local reporter talked with Spencer over the telephone and asked her why she was doing it. Spencer said, "I just don't like Mondays...this livens up the day."

Geldof went onto write the song and capitalized on the tragedy as the song hit #1 on the U.K. charts, but it was widely criticized and even banned on many U.S. radio stations.

This particular shooting certainly wasnt the first of its kind. If you conduct any type of search for school shootings and stabbings, youll discover there are many documented incidents that go back at least a century. The exception with this particular case is that the shooter was female.

Through statistics and profiling by many research institutions and by law enforcement, we know that over 95% of school shooters are male and, typically, white.

Psychology Today posts these statistics:

1. So far, the vast majority of school shooters have been male and the vast majority of those (over 90 percent) were active or recent students at the school. 2. If there is one predominant theme in school shootings, it is anger and revenge.  75 percent of school shooters felt bullied or harassed by other students.  Sometimes, shooters felt unfairly treated by teachers.  They seldom have specific targets, but kill randomly in order to inflict the most harm. 3. School shooters tended to be socially awkward and avoidant, and often isolate themselves with few (if any) friends.  They were sometimes described as "strange."  They seemed to have a penchant for "retreat into fantasy ," especially when under stress.  Shooters exhibited an obsessive quality that often led to detailed planning  but, ironically, they seemed to lack an understanding of the consequences of their behavior and thus may have a history of adverse encounters with law enforcement.  If the shooter does associate with others, it is likely to be with those who share preoccupations with the macabre.  Shooters may have a history of cruelty to animals (this is a low probability factor, but a significant one when present).  There is often a sense of hopelessness that predicts their own death by the end of the incident. 4. The media contagion effect (copycat killings) may serve as an especially powerful motivator for those who already feel anger, frustration, or loss. 5. Shooters tend to have experienced dysfunctional family situations or experience a lack of effective adult supervision, mentoring, or oversight. 6. Sixty-eight percent of shooters obtained weapons from their home or the home of a relative. 7. Shooters tend to express their frustrations and anger using art and/or social media posts; thus, monitoring of such media becomes an important tool in early identification of individuals at risk for committing violence.

Strangely enough, Psychology Today throws in this caveat:

This model is not a "profile." It is simply the accumulation and integration of recurring themes that warrant consideration, not only by law enforcement, but educators and mental health clinicians dedicated to primary prevention and school safety.

Profiling is exactly what these statistics appear to be. Why be afraid to call it that? Documented statistics and logic arent discriminatory. If the FBI can dedicate a unit of investigators to profiling serial killers without claims of discrimination, why be afraid to chronicle other groups of people who commit specific crimes? Oh, yeah, I forgot...profiling is evil. Racism.

We all know that the pundits like to gnash their teeth and use firearms as the reason why these killings occur. It's a means for them to not have to acknowledge the truths of the matter. They refuse to answer these basic questions about school shootings: why are our children slaughtering each other in schools at an increasing rate? What has changed in the last 1020 years in the male psyche that causes males to lash out in such a violent and deadly manner?

Those of us who tend to be like-minded and frequent sites such as the American Thinker have long believed that the American education system has been indoctrinating and brainwashing our children. Bruce Deitrick Price's "K-12 The War against Children" (January 9) outlines exactly what's wrong with the education system  and what I believe is contributing to the disillusionment of our male youths.

The current "woke" movement and social justice warriors have had a dangerously toxic effect on our male youth. The bombardment of negative criticism and shaming boys just for being born male is, and will continue to be, a recipe for disaster. Constantly being called racists, homophobic, misogynists, etc. has a damaging effect on a young, developing mind in the throes of pubescent chemical changes. Having their masculinity being called toxic doesn't jive with the millions of years of DNA in their bloodstream, which compelled the first hominid to pick up a sharpened stone and kill an animal for food.

Couple the onslaught of negativity with a troubled or broken homelife. Throw in a degree of mental illness along with psychotropic medications. Mix in the erosion of societal mores and the negative aspects of social media. Lastly, combine all of that with the devaluation of the sanctity of life, and you end up with a child with an identity crisis who can no longer cope with any perceived issue and will lash out at society in a horrific way.

How do we fix a problem that's been decades in the making? To start with, get involved with what's being taught to your child in school. If it's leftist propaganda, start lodging complaints with the school first and then start reporting and revealing it on alternative media sites. Take a page from their playbook and get in their faces and make some noise. Expose them so they have to explain their reprehensible ideology to the public. Tell your sons their DNA-prescribed behavior is not toxic. It's nature that's been passed down to them since the dawn of man.

The liberals control our education system for now, and short of having conservative public school systems, we must fight for the sake of our children.
The Washington Posts senior global opinions editor Eli Lopez had an online spat with BJPs foreign affairs chief Vijay Chauthaiwale, who slammed newspaper's editorials, claiming the media house is biased towards Pakistan and overtly critical of India

Billionaire Jeff Bezos-owned The Washington Posts senior global opinions editor Eli Lopez had an online spat with BJPs foreign affairs chief Vijay Chauthaiwale, who slammed the newspaper's editorials, claiming the media house is biased towards Pakistan and overly critical of India.

Bezos, who owns The Washington Post, has been criticized by the BJP officials for their editorial policies, which they claim are skewed to paint India in a bad light.

The saffron party on Friday slammed editorial policies of the Post, even as Bezos' e-commerce firm Amazon announced plans to create a million jobs in the country by 2025.

"I am not opposing Amazon as a company, in fact, I am a regular customer ... Jeff Bezos should go home tell Washington Post what is his impression about India," Chauthaiwale told Reuters.

"The Washington Post editorial policy is highly biased and agenda-driven." Chauthaiwale said there was "a lot of problems" with the newspaper's coverage of India, but gave no examples.

"Jeff Bezos, please tell this to your employees in Washington DC. Otherwise, your charm offensive is likely to be waste of time and money," Chauthaiwale wrote on Twitter along with a video where Bezos is heard praising India during his visit, saying the 21st century will be the Indian century and calling the countrys dynamism and energy something special.

Mr @JeffBezos , please tell this to your employees in Washington DC. Otherwise your charm offensive is likely to be waste of time and money . https://t.co/L06kI0AqLn  Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale (@vijai63) January 16, 2020

To which, Lopez responded clarifying that Bezos did not dictate what The Washington Post gets to write. "Independent journalism is not about charming governments. But theres no question the work of our correspondents and columnists fits within Indias democratic traditions" he tweeted.

Just to clarify: Jeff Bezos doesn't tell Washington Post journalists what to write. Independent journalism is not about charming governments. But there's no question the work of our correspondents and columnists fits within India's democratic traditions. https://t.co/TzrMZoCw69  Eli Lopez (@elopezgross) January 17, 2020

The BJP leader responded to the tweet saying that he never said Bezos should tell The Washington Post what to write. "I just requested him to tell his employees the same things what he talked about India in Delhi. Isnt it reasonable?" the BJP functionary added.

Do not give sermons. I ask the prominent Indian columnist about a specific case. Either confirm or deny. By the way, your silence is interpreted as confirmation," continued the BJP official.

The BJP leader then went on to accuse the media house of biased reporting, alleging that The Washington Post has not published any articles against Pakistan. "By the way, isnt it true that your editor edited/deleted all anti-Pak references from an invited column of a well-known Indian columnist so that he withdrew the article from WaPo and published it elsewhere?" he replied, pointing to a slope.

Btw , isnt it true that your desk editor has edited/deleted all anti-Pak references from an invited column by a prominent Indian columnist, so much that he withdrew the article from WaPo and published it somewhere else?  Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale (@vijai63) January 17, 2020

Lopez dismissed the accusation saying it was untrue. "We have published many articles critical of Pakistan. However, some authors do not want to be edited. They expect publications to publish what they write, untouched and unchallenged. If an author does not want to go through. After our rigorous process, you are welcome to go elsewhere."

That's not true. We have published many articles critical of Pakistan. But some writers don't like to be edited. They expect publications to post what they write untouched, unchallenged. If a writer doesn't want to go through our rigorous process, they're welcome to go elsewhere.  Eli Lopez (@elopezgross) January 17, 2020

Dear @elopezgross , you mentioned @washingtonpost has published many articles against Pakistan . I would like to refresh your knowledge. You have published NO article against Pakistan in last 60 days. None. Correct me if I am wrong. https://t.co/cvsu8xbCR0  Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale (@vijai63) January 17, 2020

"I see you have no problem telling this Washington, DC employee what to do or how to interpret what Im writing. You dont need any help," added Lopez.

That means you accept that WaPo actually did it. Im resting my case, said Chauthaiwale.

Means you are accepting that WaPo has indeed done it. I rest my case https://t.co/EGwv5WMbVu  Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale (@vijai63) January 17, 2020

In a statement to Reuters, The Washington Post said it "has covered India fairly and accurately, even when the government has imposed tight restrictions on the flow of information." The Posts Opinions department is independent of the news division and publishes different perspectives from within India and around the globe, the newspaper added.

Chauthaiwale has in the past criticized foreign medias reporting, including on the disputed Kashmir region claimed by both India and Pakistan, saying coverage has been biased against Modi.

On Thursday, Bezos attended a company event in Mumbai with Bollywood actors such as Shah Rukh Khan and said the company would "double down" its investments on its video streaming service, Prime Video.

But the event was largely overshadowed by comments from Indias trade minister Piyush Goyal, who raised questions about the companys business practices while addressing a security conference in New Delhi and said Amazon had done no big favour to India by announcing a $1 billion investment.

With inputs from Reuters
After 10 children died of an unknown disease in a span of 15 days in Ramnagar tehsil of Udhampur district, a high-level team of experts from health ministry in Delhi will reach the affected villages on Sunday to explore the cause and remedies.

Six other children have been taken ill to the mysterious disease.

Chief medical officer of Udhamur district, Dr KC Dogra said, 10 children between the age group of two months to six years have died in the past over a fortnight and six others have been taken ill.

Dr Dogra informed that the disease has not been diagnosed as yet and a high level team of experts will reach Udhampur on Sunday to explore the cause and suggest remedies.

Out of six children, four have been hospitalized in PGI Chandigarh, one each in Ludhiana and SMGS Hospital in Jammu. It is a matter of serious concern for us. We have issued an advisory to the people asking them not to panic and rush their children in the wake of any symptoms to the qualified paediatricans in hospitals, he said.

The CMO informed that the children contracting the disease develop symptoms of fever, cold and they also vomit eventually leading to their renal failure.

There are around 10 to 15 villages in a radius of 30 kms in Ramnagar tehsil where the children are getting ill to this undiagnosed disease, he added.

He informed that various teams of doctors were camping in the affected area to ascertain the cause of the fatal disease.

Even the doctors at PGI Chandigarh, who conducted autopsy of one such child from Ramnagar, have not been to reach any conclusion as yet. We have lifted samples of water, drugs given to the children by local quacks and food etc. Teams of doctors from Jammu and Udhampur and block level are camping in the affected area and we are trying to ascertain the cause of the disease, Dr Dogra said.

He informed that doctors at the PGI Chandigarh, who are treating four such children, are conducing intensive investigations but have not been able to reach any conclusion as yet.

District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, Piyush Singla had already directed the public health engineering department to collect samples of drinking water for laboratory testing and to ensure safe drinking water is provided to the public.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ravi Krishnan Khajuria A principal correspondent, Ravi Krishnan Khajuria is the bureau chief at Jammu. He covers politics, defence, crime, health and civic issues for Jammu city. ...view detail
If you are looking for a stock that has a solid history of beating earnings estimates and is in a good position to maintain the trend in its next quarterly report, you should consider Alaska Air Group (ALK). This company, which is in the Zacks Transportation - Airline industry, shows potential for another earnings beat.

This airline has an established record of topping earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The company boasts an average surprise for the past two quarters of 1.61%.

For the most recent quarter, Alaska Air was expected to post earnings of $2.62 per share, but it reported $2.63 per share instead, representing a surprise of 0.38%. For the previous quarter, the consensus estimate was $2.11 per share, while it actually produced $2.17 per share, a surprise of 2.84%.

Price and EPS Surprise

For Alaska Air, estimates have been trending higher, thanks in part to this earnings surprise history. And when you look at the stock's positive Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction), it's a great indicator of a future earnings beat, especially when combined with its solid Zacks Rank.

Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Alaska Air currently has an Earnings ESP of +0.62%, which suggests that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This positive Earnings ESP when combined with the stock's Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) indicates that another beat is possibly around the corner. We expect the company's next earnings report to be released on January 28, 2020.

Story continues

Investors should note, however, that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss, but a negative value does reduce the predictive power of this metric.

Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, but that may not be the sole basis for their stocks moving higher. On the other hand, some stocks may hold their ground even if they end up missing the consensus estimate.

Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.



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New Delhi:

Putting to rest all the reports of difference between the Congress-DMK alliance in Tamil Nadu, DMK, Congress, KS Alagiri said that there was no problem in the alliance and it will continue for state assembly elections slated for next year. Alagiri, Congress president of Tamil Nadu unit, said this after meeting DMK president MK Stalin. There is no problem with our alliance. There were differences which were sorted out. We put forward our views, the alliance will continue for state elections (2021) and even after that, he said.

Alagiri has to issue a clarification because he had charged the DMK leadership of violating the "coalition dharma" in the distribution of seats for the just concluded rural local bodies election. Congress legislative party leader KR Ramasamy too had made similar accusations.

The DMK took objection to this and boycotted an all-party meeting convened by Congress president Sonia Gandhi in Delhi on Monday. DMK leader Durai Murugan even said that his party was least bothered if the Congress left the alliance.

Durai Murugan had slammed the Congress

If they want to quit, let them do so. How are we concerned, what is the loss for us? Party veteran Durai Murugan said when asked to comment on Congresss charge that DMK violated coalition dharma.

Asked whether the votes in favour of DMK would be hit without Congress, Durai Murugan said his party will not be affected at all. "No, not at all. Only if they (Congress) have a vote share ours (votes) will get reduced, Durai Murugan, flanked by his son Kathir Anand, said.

In his sarcastic style, he said the Congress does not have a vote bank to make a dent on his partys prospects. Do they have votes to make an impact? he quipped.

On his party colleague and former Union Minister TR Baalu saying that only time will tell on ties, he said:

Baalu said only time will tell. But I have answered the question. Reacting to it, Congress Lok Sabha MP Karti Chidambaram, son of senior leader P Chidambaram, asked in his twitter handle: Why didnt this wisdom dawn before the Vellore parliamentary bye-election? @DuraimuruganDmk @dmkathiranand. The Vellore Lok Sabha election was held in August last and Duraimurugans son Kathir emerged victorious by a margin of 8,141 votes.

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Cllr Emma Coffey queried why lorries travelling from Waste Water Treatment Plant on the Point Road were going through Blackrock.

She wanted to know why they were going through Blackrock and wondered if there as a capacity issue at the sewerage treatment plant. She had written to Irish Water but got no response. 'If we are putting new houses in Blackrock and Mount Avenue, and if there is a capacity issue, it's something we need to address.'

She was told that the tankers are going to Irish Water's Waster Water Treatment Plant, taking sludge from smaller plants to Dundalk. There was no capacity issue.

Cllr Coffeey asked why were they using the Blackroad Road instead of the bypass. She wanted to know what was the point of the councils pending upgrading roads and footpaths if HGVs were using the roads, causing structural damage not just to roads and footpaths which the Council had spent money on, but also disturbance to local residents due to the vibrations.

Cllr Tomas Sharkey said it was his understanding they were taking sludge from Dromiskin for treatment. He asked that the Council look at the condition of the small roadway leading to the treatment plant at the Fane as local residents' can't get out their front gates.
At around 9 am, the girl left the room and the other couple also left an hour later, thinking that Vara Prasad was sleeping.

Hyderabad: A 22-year-old DJ from the city who checked in at a lodge in Gachibowli along with his girlfriend and another couple, was found dead under suspicious conditions on Friday.

Employees at the lodge at Kondapur informed the police that one H. Rathna Vara Prasad Rao, 22, was lying in the room unconscious. When the police arrived they found he was dead.

Vara Prasad, a resident of Shivaji Nagar in Sanathnagar, left his home on Thursday noon. At around 11 pm, when his mother called, he informed her that he was with his friends and would be home on Friday morning.

Inquiries revealed that at around 1 am, Vara Prasad, his girlfriend and another couple checked in at the lodge. During the night, he and his girlfriend had a quarrel and he allegedly beat her. The girl went to sleep, but he was awake.

At around 9 am, the girl left the room and the other couple also left an hour later, thinking that Vara Prasad was sleeping. But he was dead by then, said the police..

There are no external injuries or any other marks on the body. A team inspected the spot and sent the body for autopsy at OGH mortuary. Only after the report from the forensic doctors, the reason for the death can be ascertained, said Inspector R. Srinivas of the Gachibowli police.
Homes destroyed in Victoria's bushfires will be cleaned up and cleared in a state and federal government scheme worth up to $75 million.

The initiative will prioritise using local contractors to demolish, remove and safely dispose of any buildings that were either destroyed or damaged beyond repair in an effort to boost economies of communities hit by bushfires.

Anyone whose home, shop or shed was destroyed in the fires, that have so far razed more than 850 homes and non-residential structures, can apply to have their properties cleared.

Building giant Grocon will lead the Clean-up Program, with local companies set to play a key role.
Trump admin. broke law by withholding Ukraine aid, GAO says

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The Trump administration acted unlawfully when it withheld $214 million in security assistance to Ukraine, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office.

In a legal opinion released Thursday, the GAO concluded that the Office of Management and Budget violated federal law when it withheld aid to the Eastern European country from last July until last September.

Faithful execution of the law does not permit the President to substitute his own policy priorities for those that Congress has enacted into law, the GAO said in its opinion.

OMB withheld funds for a policy reason, which is not permitted under the Impoundment Control Act. The withholding was not a programmatic delay. Therefore, we conclude that OMB violated the ICA.

According to the GAO, the OMB sent out a series of apportionment schedules starting on July 25 of last year in which they included a footnote that ordered a withholding of funds for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

On Sept. 12 of last year, OMB issued an apportionment removing the footnote that made the USAI funds unavailable, effectively ending the withholding.

GAO General Counsel Thomas H. Armstrong said in a statement released with the report on Thursday that President Donald Trump has narrow, limited authority to withhold appropriations under the Impoundment Control Act of 1974.

OMB told GAO that it withheld the funds to ensure that they were not spent in a manner that could conflict with the Presidents foreign policy. The law does not permit OMB to withhold funds for policy reasons, Armstrong said.

The Trump administration also expressed disagreement with the GAOs decision. Fox News quoted an unnamed administration source who called the decision a pretty clear overreach.

GAO has a history of the flip-flops, reversing 40-years of precedent this year on their pocket rescission decision, they were also forced to reverse a legally faulty opinion when they opposed the reimbursement of federal employee travel costs, the source told Fox News.

In their rush to insert themselves in the impeachment narrative, maybe theyll have to reverse their opinion again.

OMB general counsel Mark Paoletta said in a memo in December that the administration had legal authority to withhold the funds.

"For decades, OMB has routinely used its apportionment authority to prevent funds from being used," Paoletta said.

James Freeman, assistant editor of The Wall Street Journal's editorial page, also took issue with the GAO report, pointing out that the administration still made the aid available to Ukraine before an obligatory Sept. 30 deadline.

Its not entirely clear which date would have made GAO happy but in the agencys view the White House did not have an unavoidable programmatic delay which prevented funds from going to Ukraine, wrote Freeman.

Wouldnt the logic of this decision also apply to Vice President Joe Bidens famous withholding of Ukraine aid until the local prosecutor investigating his sons company was fired?

Last year, the House of Representatives voted largely on party lines to advance two articles of impeachment against the president.

Trump was accused of using his office to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden when he asked him to look into the country's alleged interference in the 2016 election, and discussed Biden's threat to withhold $1 billion from Ukraine during the Obama administration and his son, Hunter, who sat on the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma while his father was managing the U.S.'s Ukraine policy. A transcript of Trump and Zelensky's conversation can be read here.

Article one of the impeachment claimed that Trumps actions constituted abuse of power, while article two accused Trump of obstruction of Congress when he told administration officials to not cooperate with the congressional investigation.

The GAO report comes as the Senate begins the impeachment trial, with United States Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and the senators being sworn in on Thursday afternoon.
South Korea's Unification Ministry, which handles relations with the North, refused to directly respond to Harris' comments, but a spokesperson said the country's policy regarding North Korea "falls under our sovereignty."

An official with South Korea's presidential office called those remarks "very inappropriate," while stressing Seoul continues to coordinate with Washington. "The issue of [inter-Korean] cooperation is a matter for our government to decide," the official said.

Harris said Thursday that South Korea should run the plan through a joint working group to "avoid a misunderstanding later that could trigger sanctions."

South Korea pushed back firmly Friday on comments by U.S. Ambassador Harry Harris, who called on Seoul to consult with Washington about the South's attempt to resume individual tourism to North Korea.

U.S.-South Korea relations have already been strained by U.S. President Donald Trump's demand that Seoul pay substantially more of the cost of the U.S. military presence here.

The current military cost-sharing deal expired at the end of the year. A sixth round of talks ended this week without a breakthrough and U.S. officials have warned "residual funds" being used to cover the gap are running out. The issue has created unusual friction in a nearly 70-year-old alliance that both sides regularly portray as "ironclad."

 Inter-Korean Ties

Despite a stalemate in U.S.-North Korea nuclear talks and the consequent retention of sanctions that have prevented implementation of most aspects of inter-Korean agreements, the administration of South Korean President Moon Jae-in has said it is looking for ways to independently improve inter-Korean ties. North Korea has rejected the efforts.

Harris said he thinks Moon's "continued optimism is encouraging," adding that it is not Washington's job to approve South Korea's decisions. "I think his optimism creates hope, and that's a positive thing," Harris said Thursday. "But with regard to acting on that optimism, I have said that things should be done in consultation with the United States."

Sanctions are just some of the hurdles that South Korea's plans for tourism must clear. Another obstacle is North Korea. "Even if South Korea did attempt to restart tours, North Korea won't accept the proposal right now," said Park Won-gon, an international relations professor at South Korea's Handong Global University. "This effort is one-sided for the time being."

North Korea last year ruled out any further dialogue with the South, accusing Seoul of prioritizing its relationship with Washington over Pyongyang.
For many in the community of Riverstown, parish priest, Fr A.B O'Shea has been an anchor.

He has celebrated with them on happy occasions such as christenings and weddings, and was there for them on the darkest of days. After shy on 28 years of faithful service to his parishioners, Fr O'Shea is ready to enjoy retirement, partially!

Enjoying the prose of Michael Harding, to Sally Rooney, and pouring over The Telegraph and The Guardian guiltlessly, that is how Fr O'Shea plans on spending his time going forward.

The Fermanagh native will still be on hand however, to assist his protege, Fr Yashin Jos, but looks forward to taking a back seat in the community he has been intrinsically part of for close to 30 years.

What becomes readily apparent from Fr O'Shea's warm welcome, is that meeting the community was always at the heart of his work.

"If you don't go out to meet the people you'll never achieve anything," he tells The Sligo Champion from his homestead overlooking the Church of the Sacred Heart.

Happy occasions are ones he will most cherish.

"They're coming to get married, coming to get baptisms and I used to enjoy those occasions, I used to bring the camera with me and take loads of photographs of everyone in their finery."

Arriving to the parish in 1992, after a stint at Sligo Cathedral, Fr O'Shea hints it was almost like a homecoming, noting his birthplace of Belleek, Co Fermanagh being quite similar to Riverstown.

"I grew up in a community very like this, rural. The people around here and the set up around here is not terribly different from what I would have known."

Initially a curate, aiding Canon McLoughlin who retired and subsequently passed away in 2000, Fr O'Shea then took over as PP.

Drawing on his own upbringing and open communication style, the parish priest continues his love of activism and was involved in the community through fund raisers and ensuring local schools remained open and thrived.

"When I heard I could come out here I was thrilled, back to basics and my own type of set up. When I arrived to Sooey there were nine children in the school and we considered closing it and there's 140 here now. We built a play school and creche."

Education and the importance of it is something Fr O'Shea has always had a deep appreciation for, having taught in Nigeria for ten years after having qualified in University College Cork.

"It seems like an age ago. I came in there at the end of the civil war, the Biafran War, in 1969. It was difficult in a way because a lot of the facilities that would normally be there had got destroyed and there was still a lot of strong military presence there. We had difficulty getting books for kids but we worked at it. There was a good few expatriates working there at the time," he explained.

After ten years, Fr O'Shea felt it was time to do some 'updating', returning to Ireland to do a post graduate course in liturgy in the National Institute in Carlow and subsequently worked there for five years.

Admittedly getting tired of education eventually, Fr O'Shea says he felt he needed to 'get back into what a priest is about'.

Filling in for another missionary priest in Elphin for five years, Fr O'Shea remembers he got a telling tip on the shoulder from Bishop Conway.

"He tipped me on the shoulder coming out of a meeting and said he wanted to see me, I knew the good days were over," he laughs.

Soon he found himself in Sligo Cathedral, working alongside Bishop Christy Jones and eventually to his home from home in Riverstown/Sooey.

Asked if there were any notable differences between serving a large population of church goers in Sligo town and those of rural Sligo, the priest is candid.

"Looking back on it now, it's not that different because the people are always the same, it doesn't matter whether they're based on the Strandhill Road, which I was looking after, or based here in Riverstown, a lot of them came from these areas anyway."

Reflecting on his time based in Sligo, Fr O'Shea says he used to knock on doors in the evenings to meet parishioners.

"I found the people lovely. In the beginning I didn't know what to do with myself, I suppose they didn't know what to make of me, knocking on doors, it wasn't the traditional thing to do. But, I felt if I was going to work, I had to get to know the people. The only way to do that was to knock on their door and say hello."

A champion for causes, Fr O'Shea remembers being involved in a fundraiser for a young boy which raised over 70,000 in Sligo town.

"Through that again I got to know an awful lot of people. When you're working with people going from door to door asking them to buy a ticket you get chatting."

Known for his honest and accepting style, Fr O'Shea speaks frankly about how he sees the church and churchgoers right now.

"People talk now about numbers going down in the churches and that's probably true, but the people are the same, they don't change, even if they're not going to be sitting down in the church every Saturday or Sunday," he says.

Adding, "I have no sense of antagonism or any of these things they're talking about nowadays. The people are the same as far as I can see. I'll admit they mightn't be there in the same numbers, but, they couldn't be nicer."

In his 27 or so years the parish priest presided over many occasions, one in relatively recently times was the 75th anniversary of the church. It was an anniversary marked by the production of an impressive body of work, drawing on his experience of editing the diocesan newspaper for 26 years. Fr O'Shea along with a capable committee compiled a comprehensive and impressive book, 'Church of the Sacred Heart, Riverstown: The story of a church and its people' .

Asked if he believes the church is moving in the right direction with its parishioners, the priest is refreshing in his outlook.

"It's hard to know. When you talk about 'church', the church is the people, and should be. I've always felt they should be the people to know what direction the church should be marching in."

He believes lay people should and can take on greater responsibilities within the church set up.

"They should be involved in every aspect of church life and in my time as a priest they were and that's going to increase. One of the things that stands out is the amount of involvement of women in the church, of all ages. I think it has been very significant. They're so talented. Everyone is the same, they're very willing to play a role, you just have to let them and not be getting in their way or tripping them up."

He adds, "I think more and more administration will be done by lay people, because the numbers of us is getting fewer and fewer. And that frees you up to talk to the children in the schools and visit people who are sick."

Asked what his favourite memories are from the last 27 years, the retiring priest simply cites 'friendship'.

"The friendship of the people and the warmth of them and the welcome, those are the kind of things that stand out for me now and will never leave me."

And is he sad to be partially saying farewell to his role in the community as he knows it?

"As long as I'm involved in the pastoral side of things I'm not a bit sad, I'm perfectly happy with that and delighted to be left where I am, where I know the people, and they know me."
With a population of just 32,164, the Alaskan capital of Juneau naturally has plenty of built-in small-town charm. Theres a cute, walkable downtown area and historic center, some family-owned inns, and stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks and temperate forests every direction you turn. Active adventurers in particular will enjoy the numerous accessible day-trips from the city, from the Mendenhall Ice Caves to the Pack Creek Sanctuary, home to Alaskas majestic brown bears.

Blaine Harrington III/Getty Images

But thats not all, folks. Juneaus relative isolationits one of two state capitals not connected by road to the rest of North Americahave given it a distinct sense of identity reflected in its whimsical public spaces and acclaimed, locally-driven cuisine. Whether youre trekking through southeastern Alaska or setting sail on one of the many cruises that depart from the city, heres how you can have the best day ever in Juneau, Alaska.

8 a.m.: Enjoy coffee and pastries at The Rookery Cafe

In the morning, this longstanding downtown Juneau staple is a laid-back coffee shop slinging house-baked morning pastries and breakfast burritos along with coffee and espresso drinks. Come afternoon, its a reliable bistro serving heartier lunch bites like burgers, a pulled pork potato bowl, and an eggs Benedict upgraded with buttermilk fried chicken. Youll find plenty of locals hanging out here, and the cafe sells a rotating selection of locally-crafted goods including food, home goods, and crafts.

John Hyde / Design Pics/Getty Images

9 a.m.: Embark on a journey to the Mendenhall Glacier

Sitting just 12 miles outside of Juneau, this stunning, 13.6-mile-long glacier is accessible via taxi ($70 roundtrip) or shuttle ($45 roundtrip). Unlike some of the other area glaciers, Mendenhall is an easy, affordable, and kid-friendly mini excursion that can be done without booking a separate tour. Learn about the history of the glacier at the visitors center, then explore the designated photo point or hike for two miles further down the Nugget Falls Trail for closer views of the glacier and nearby waterfall. If youre lucky, you may also spot some local wildlife including mountain goats and beavers.

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11 a.m.: Visit the bears on Admiralty Island

If youre feeling ambitious, head out to Pack Creek Sanctuary on Admiralty Island, which the native Tlingit people know as the fortress of bears. The sanctuary is known as the best place to see brown bears in all of southeastern Alaska: during the summer months, you might see as many as two dozen bears feeding on salmon in one place. The island is accessible via a 30-minute floatplane and is best visited with a permit-holding guide.

Eric Smith/Getty Images

1 p.m.: Return for a waterfront lunch at Tracys Crab Shack

After a morning of hiking and exploring, head down to the Juneau boardwalk for a taste of the citys world-famous Alaskan king crab. This waterfront institution has long drawn lines of visitors eager for buckets of king crab legs and claws to be dipped in piping hot melted butter. Other must-trys include the crab cakes, crab bisque, and Alaskan Dungeness crab bowl served with jasmine rice and coleslaw.

3 p.m.: Stroll through the historic downtown Juneau

Walk off your lunch in downtown Juneau, which was first established as a mining town in the late 1800s after the discovery of gold on the aptly named Gold Creek. Culture vultures can head to the Juneau-Douglas City Museum to learn about the towns history, or opt for a ten-block walking tour with one of the museums expert guides. The tour includes tea time at Alaskas Capital Inn, built in 1906 as the home of Gold Rush pioneer John Olds. Beyond the museum, youll find plenty of other attractions within walking distance, including the Alaska State Capitol and the Windfall Fisherman, a life-sized brown bear sculpture by homegrown artist R.T. Wallen.

Courtesy of Kelly Barnaby

5 p.m.: Take a tour of the Alaskan Brewing Co.

Alaska notably boasts one of the countrys most exciting craft beer scenes. Arguably the most famous of the states microbreweries, Alaskan Brewing Co. was founded in 1986 by then 28-year-old locals Marcy and Geoff Larson. The brewery spotlights many of the early Alaskan beer styles brewed during the Gold Rush, as seen in the signature Alaskan Amber, which employs local alder-smoked malts and Sitka spruce tips. Accessible via shuttle from downtown Juneau, Alaskan Brewing Co. offers 20 Alaska beers on tap daily in their tasting room as well as brewery tours.

7 p.m.: Dress up for a dinner date at Salt

Find seafood and steak at this polished kitchen overseen by the Chef Lionel Uddipa, once crowned the King of American Seafood at the 14th annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans. Tapping into his French culinary training and Filipino-American heritage, Uddipa serves up steakhouse standards alongside specialties like cocoa-chili-rubbed pork chops and wild Alaskan ginger salmon served in a coconut broth with lime. Be sure to check out the dessert menu, which recently offered a standout brown butter cake with fresh berries and toasted coconut.

9 p.m.: Grab a pre-dinner drink at the Imperial Saloon

Enjoy a pre-dinner drink at Juneaus self-proclaimed oldest and most historic bar, established in 1891. Officially known as The Imperial Billiards and Bar, this local standby remains one of the best destinations for a night out in Juneau. Located in the old Imperial Hotel, the bar is known for shots of Crown Baileys and vodka as well as deep-fried tater tots crowned with melted cheese, bacon, and green onions. Theres plenty of history here, naturally. If only the mounted bison head on the wall could talk.
Netflix, the streaming service that has shaken up Hollywood, has unleashed its brand of big-budget disruption in Japan's TV industry.

The sea change began last August, when Netflix released an original Japanese series that captured a global audience, "The Naked Director." Based on the true story of the rise and fall of porn director Toru Muranishi, the offbeat and often explicit tale is available in more than 190 countries and cracked the top 10 shows in South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore.

For Japan's actors, directors and other creative types, working with Netflix is an exciting new prospect. Not only does the U.S. company bring more money to the table than all of Japan's major broadcasters combined, it also offers more freedom to tell complex, dark, even risque stories -- and share them with a truly global audience.

This is why some call Netflix the "creative kingdom."

Kazutaka Sakamoto, executive producer of "The Naked Director," breathed a sigh of relief last summer when Netflix CEO Reed Hastings gave his assessment of the series. It was well-made and entertaining, Hastings said.

Sakamoto had left a TV production company and joined Netflix in 2015, the year the company entered the Japanese market. He came across the book on which "The Naked Director" is based in early 2017.

A director friend had been trying to turn the book into a production but gave up. The friend hoped Sakamoto could make it happen, because of Netflix's reputation for bold, sometimes controversial programming.

While broadcasters must consider their sponsors' reactions, the bulk of Netflix's revenue comes from more than 150 million subscribers worldwide. These makes it easier to address taboo themes and produce subject matter that might appeal to niche audiences. With this freewheeling approach, the California-based company has produced a string of global hits -- from the comedy-drama "Orange is the New Black," about a women's prison, to "Narcos," a tense take on the rise of South American drug lords.

The first thing Sakamoto did after getting the green light for "The Naked Director" was to bring Jason George, a "Narcos" writer, to Japan. Sakamoto wanted George's advice on depicting an outlaw character who might be difficult for viewers to empathize with. He also wanted to make sure the racy scenes he envisioned would not come across as gratuitous or disrespectful to women.

The discussions proved so fruitful that Sakamoto enlisted George to help write the script.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 18)  Former child actor Jiro Manio has been arrested for allegedly stabbing a man in Marikina City.

Manio, 27, was brought to the Marikina City Police Station at around 7:20 p.m. on Friday for frustrated homicide.

Initial police investigation showed Manio stabbed a man identified as Zeus Doctolero three times with a kitchen knife. The 25-year-old victim was walking to a friend's house when Manio "assaulted him," resulting in a fist fight until Manio pulled out his knife, police said.

Doctolero was able to grab the knife from Manio, breaking its handle. He has stab wounds on his upper back and head and was brought to the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center for treatment.

Manio was thrust back into the spotlight in 2015 after he was seen loitering at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Actress Ai-ai delas Alas, who played the role of Manio's mother in the "Tanging Ina" film series, helped him and took him to a rehabilitation facility. Manio was released from drug rehab in January 2016.

Before his arrest, Manio was a helper in an eatery in Barangay San Roque, Marikina, according to the police.
(TNS)  Turning right on a red light without fully stopping will cost you $500 in California. Parking blocking a wheelchair access curb could get you a $1,100 ticket. Is your license plate paint peeling? Some car owners have been hit with a $1,000 ticket for that.State officials who set those fees are now acknowledging that the high amounts are threatening the financial stability of lower-income drivers who cant afford to pay those amounts.In his state budget proposal, Gov. Gavin Newsom is calling on judicial authorities to create a statewide program that will allow some of Californias poorer drivers to have their traffic citation amounts cut by 50 percent or more.If approved by the legislature, Newsoms proposal would expand an existing traffic fine reduction program called myCitation which exists in four counties: San Francisco, Shasta, Tulare and Ventura.The pilot program was launched several years ago after officials determined that citation fine increases have resulted in reduced revenues to the the state, and have put thousands of drivers at risk of losing their license or having their wages garnished.We are not achieving what we want to achieve, said Martin Hoshino, administrative director of the state Judicial Council. We might be incentivizing it the wrong way.A $500 fine is more than the monthly disposable income for many California families after they pay their regular bills, Hoshino said.Statewide last year, there were 3.6 million traffic citations issued to all drivers. The state collected $1.4 billion in fines. But state officials report that another $1.8 billion in traffic citations for 2018-19 have yet to be paid and are considered delinquent.We have crossed that tipping point, Hoshino said. Why impose a level where they cant pay and never will pay? You have gotten away from what you want, which is to create a deterrent for people not to engage in that (poor driving) behavior again.In the four test counties last year, 1,500 drivers with low incomes asked for and received relief, averaging $657 per request. The program allowed them to reduce their payments to $362 on average, according to a state analysis this week.Newsoms budget proposes using $11.5 million in state general fund budget money to backfill the courts in 2020-21 for lost citation revenue as four more counties join the program. Newsom proposes increasing that backfill payment to $56 million by 2023-24 to expand this program statewide. He instructs the state Judicial Council to implement this program on a phased schedule, with several courts (counties) joining each year.The move, if agreed on by the legislature, represents a potential first step toward rethinking the states vehicle code fine system. Under the current system, the base fines for most traffic violations have not increased for decades, but state officials have slowly been adding extra fees, fines, assessments and surcharges to citations to help fund a variety of state programs instead of funding those programs through the states general fund.The programs include brain injury research, medical life-flight helicopters, DNA identification programs, victim compensation, public safety training programs and local court costs.Those add-on fees have increased many citation payments three to five times the base fine amount. The base fine for failing to stop for a pedestrian is $25, but with added fees, the citation ends up costing $198, according to state bail codes.Failure to come to a full stop at a red light before turning red will cost drivers about $500 in most counties. Of that, $400 represents fees the legislature has tacked on over the years.In the governors budget proposal last week, Newsoms staff acknowledged the added fees have become oppressive for some ticketed drivers.Over decades, the state has increased the fines, fees, assessments and surcharges levied on individuals convicted of criminal offenses ... the proposal stated. Expanding the (program) provides targeted relief for low-income individuals while maintaining accountability. Further it preserves judicial discretion and uses technology to make trial courts more efficient and equitable.The program will focus on at least 50 percent reductions for households who receive certain public benefits or who earn up to 125 percent of the poverty line, which is $25,750 a year for a family of four, according to federal guidelines.In the four counties that have already started the program, households that make up to four times the poverty level could qualify to have their fine amounts cut by up to 30 percent.Newsoms proposal drew immediate support from California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye.Governor Newsoms budget proposal ... is welcome news for our residents, who rely on a fair, just, and accessible court system, the chief justice wrote on her website last week. The governors proposal clearly recognizes that fixing the states fines-and-fees funding model is a three-branch problem that requires a three-branch solution.Hoshino of the Judicial Council said court officials would monitor the changes to see if they are having the appropriate effect of bringing revenues in to the state while deterring people from bad driving.Hoshino said state court officials also may look at ways of changing the fee system so that fines dont continue to grow simply based on the states desire to fund new programs without tapping the general fund.It is hard to unwind that in one fell swoop and not cause other problems, he said. How do unwind 30 years of this?The state Legislative Analysts Office has been monitoring the fee program and concurs with a lower-fee approach based on ability to pay.While the determination of whether the fines and fees for a particular offense are proportional and reasonable is subjective, it can be guided by information on how the requirement to pay affects offenders, the analysts office wrote in one of several reports in recent years.That may mean setting up a new fine review system that could in fact lower traffic citation fines if the state is in an economic recession, the LAO wrote in 2016.
Its an ancient story, still relevant to the modern day.

For more than two centuries, the British Museum in London and the Acropolis Museum in Athens have been fighting over ancient marbles that once adorned the Parthenon in Greece.

Its an issue that can get heated, admitted British Museum spokesperson Hannah Boulton.

About half of the marbles are in the British Museum and half remain in Athens. Fragments are also in the Louvre and other museums in Europe.

The 2,500-year-old sculptures depict Greek gods, like the head of the horse that drew the chariot of the Greek moon goddess, Serene. The frieze shows the people of Athens in religious procession. Some carved panels show centaurs, who were half man, half horse.

Origins of the Dispute

In the early 1800s, the Scottish nobleman Lord Elgin removed half of the marbles from the Parthenon in Athens, when the city was ruled by Turkey. Elgin, who was the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, took them back to the UK.

The British Parliament found them to be legally acquired in 1816, bought the marbles from Lord Elgin, and presented them to the British Museum.

The museum stands by Parliaments decision today, saying that Lord Elgin had permission to remove the marbles.

This debate isnt new. Very soon after Elgin had taken the sculptures, there were calls for them to be returned, said Boulton.

It was entirely legal by the standards of the day, she added.

Greece wants the marbles back in Athens. So does the British Committee for the reunification of the Parthenon marbles.

The vice-chair of the committee notes there is a lack of documentation.

Did he [Elgin] seek and was he given permission to really seriously dismantle the Parthenon? That is what we will never know I suspect, said Paul Cartledge, Professor of Greek Culture at the University of Cambridge.

I personally think its a fruitless, legalistic argument. Im much more interested in why the British government thought it was correct for them to buy the marbles that Elgin brought back to London, he said.

Why did they think that was okay and confer trusteeship on the British Museum? That seems to more more like the act of an imperial power rather than a custodian of a universally admired and loved artwork.

The Greek Prime Ministers Appeal

The Greek Embassy in London said that the Greek prime minister made an appeal to to reunite the Parthenon marbles that were brutally removed from the monument in Athens.

The country hopes to reunite the marbles in Athens in 2021, to mark 200 years of Greek independence.

This appeal is addressed to all parts involved, as well as Britain, where the majority of the sculptures were transported, a spokesperson from the Greek Embassy wrote in an email.

In 2015, the Greek government commissioned a team of international lawyers to advise them on the return of the marbles.

Among them was Amal Clooney and Geoffrey Robertson.

Elgin was a thief, said Robertson.

In Athens there is a wonderful new museum, itself an architectural wonder, which is waiting with the half that Elgin left, the half of the marbles to be reunited with the rest of the marbles, he said.

The UK governments Department for Culture, Media, and Sport said in a statement that the decision lies in the hands of the British Museum.

Museums operate without political interference. Decisions relating to exchanges and partnerships with other institutions are taken by the executive and trustees of the museum, a spokesperson wrote in an email.

Boulton said the British Museum would be open to loans of the marbles.

Wed be happy obviously to have conversations about loans and about lending, not just to Athens but to other places, she said.

The row has been raging for over two centuriesand it looks like itll continue in the years ahead.

Reporting by Jane Werrell in London.
By ANI

MOSUL: The SWAT team of Iraqi forces recently scored a "big" catch in the city of Mosul when they nabbed a morbidly obese ISIS cleric who has been dubbed as "Jabba the Jihadi" on social media.

Weighing at a whopping 560 pounds (250 kg approx.), the fanatic was loaded onto a flatbed pickup truck by the Iraqi SWAT team as he was too large to be accommodated inside the police car, reported New York Post.

According to an official statement by the Iraqi forces, the apprehended mufti Abu Abdul Bari was known for "provocative speeches against the security forces" and was an important leader of "ISIS gangs".

The statement further added that Bari passed "fatwas" to order the killings of Islamic clerics who refused to pledge their loyalty to ISIS.

London based anti-Islamic extremism activist Maajid Nawaaz wrote a lengthy post on Facebook ridiculing Bari and his misdeeds, along with images of the fanatic who can be seen immobilized due to his immense weight.

Below are a few excerpts from Maajid's Facebook post:

"It is good that Syrians, Iraqis & others witness the debasement of this scum. That he is this obese, this immobile & this humiliated is yet another blow to ISIS imbeciles who thought God was with them."

"Do not underestimate the psychological blow the image of this obese monster being arrested is to ISIS."

"And that he issued rulings to fighters to both kill & be killed en mass, while justifying every manner of atrocity in the name of Islam, this hippo quite obviously had little intention of exerting his body beyond bowel movements. The hypocrisy stinks (figuratively & literately)!"

However, Maajid cautioned towards the end that his post shouldn't be used to mock obesity, but instead, the hypocrisy of Islamic extremists.

In another social media post, this time on Twitter, Bari was branded as "Jaba the Jihadi" by Macer Gifford from Britain, who earlier fought against ISIS alongside the Kurdish militia.
LANSING  A hearing of the State House Appropriations Committee this week shed light on communication issues regarding the handling of environmental issues.

The hearing comes following green chemicals that spilled onto I-696 in Madison Heights and an investigation into property in Marion Township owned by Gary Sayers, the former owner of Electro-Plating Services who caused the ooze spillage.

Rep. Shane Hernandez, a Port Huron Republican whose district covers all of Sanilac County, oversaw the hearing and has demanded better communication and collaboration in dealing with environmental contamination threats.

This is an issue of great importance to the state of Michigan, the health and safety of its people, and the future of our Great Lakes, Hernandez said in a statement. We must take a deep look at past and present experiences to learn from them and make changes for the better moving forward. Its part of our job as the committee that oversees the tax dollars of Michigans hard-working residents.

Rep. Phil Green, a Republican from Millington and member of the House Appropriations Committee, also participated in the hearings. He said the purpose of this meeting is for local and state government to work together.

We are discussing how state departments can better work with local communities to keep them updated and involved any time a situation like this arises, Green said. We remain committed to providing a clean, healthy environment for our children and our childrens children.

The expectation is that this will produce action at the local level before they (the state) comes in, Green said.

Green explained that there has been a breakdown in communication between the state government and local governments, mostly because the state does not recognize what other entities can bring to the table.

Sanilac County officials including Emergency Management Coordinator Todd Hillman, drain commissioner Greg Alexander, and Marion Township Supervisor Kurt Shubel, officials from Madison Heights and Oakland County, and Lisei Clark, the director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, testified at the hearing.

Clark spoke about how there are thousands of such contaminated sites across the state, that no amount of money would allow EGLE to closely monitor every site on their list, and how an assessment of the sites would take place over the next few months.

The Sanilac County was assessed multiple times and it did not have any public health risks, Clark said.

During the hearing, Green asked how liable Sayers was for cleanup costs.

Tracy Kecskemeti, the Southeast Michigan District Coordinator with EGLE, said that Sayers is the responsible party and his plea deal had him sentenced to one year in jail and to pay the Environmental Protection Agency $1.5 million, but the EPA has not received that payment and the reality of cases like this is that a guy like Sayers can just declare bankruptcy or their properties are shielded.

A lot of the time, the public pays for cleanups, Kecskemeti said.

Hernandez said during the meeting that he first found out about the Marion Township site while he was having dinner at a restaurant and saw local officials he recognized on the television. That night, he was calling officials at every level of government trying to get a handle on the situation.

We want to make sure the state is aggressive when we know there is a serial contaminator like Gary Sayers involved, Hernandez said. These types of cases should be prioritized. There are frustrations from local officials about how they found out about these situations, and I share these frustrations.
COLONIE  The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York has been helping to feed the hungry in our part of the state since 1982, but now it's making a concerted effort to collect more than food for the needy as it launches a more robust program to provide personal hygiene products.

The nonprofit's Care Necessities Program is focused on collecting and providing nonfood items  soap, deodorant, other toiletries, feminine hygiene products and diapers  to those in need. There are the kinds of items that cannot be purchased using the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Although the organization has collected nonfood items in the past, there never seemed to be enough, said food bank Executive Director Mark Quandt. Personal care items tend to take a backseat when families are struggling to get by, Quandt explained.

When you have a limited income you have to make choices, Quandt said. If youre living on a very limited income and you can barely afford food for your family, youre going to have even less of an opportunity to get those kind of items. It goes down to me buying food for my family or soap, Im going to buy food.

Jillian Pasco, senior vice president, Albany/Hudson Valley Market Manager for Bank of America, brought the idea to start the program to the regional food bank last year. She was inspired to take action after she attended a Bank of America event in New York City and found out the food bank there had a program called Woman to Woman that provides items like feminine hygiene products and diapers for women in need.

While listening to panelists talk about the program, she said they spoke about women in New York state who had to make their own feminine products.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

It just blew my mind because you just think this cant be happening here, Pasco said. I figured if this was happening in New York City it was probably happening in Albany as well.

She reached out to the food bank, which has been collaborating with Bank of America on philanthropic efforts for more than two decades, to ask about creating something similar to Woman to Woman here and see if the Capital Region would benefit from such a program. Quandt confirmed there was a need for feminine hygiene products and suggested expanding the program to all hygiene products.

This isnt just for women. Its for everybody, Pasco said. Its for the single father raising children, or those that are the working poor working two or three jobs just to stay afloat.
Cebu City (CNN Philippines, January 18)  More than 40,000 devotees joined this year's sea procession in honor of the feast of the Santo Nino in Cebu early Saturday, the Coast Guard said. The event comes ahead of the anticipated Sinulog Festival on Sunday.

The Philippine Coast Guard in Central Visayas said around 42,800 devotees were in the crowd that rode the boats and watched from the piers during the parade. At least 170 boats participated in the procession, it added.

The procession kicked off at around 6 a.m. from the Naval Forces Central camp in Mactan Island and ended at the Pier 1 in Cebu City, a voyage that took an hour and 45 minutes.

A boat carrying the image of the Holy Child Jesus led the parade at the Mactan Channel to reenact its arrival from Spain to Cebu in 1521. The main vessel this year was landing craft tank Teofilo Camomot, named after the Cebuano bishop who is up for sainthood.

The boat went to the First Mactan Bridge and passed the piers in Mandaue City where throngs of devotees were awaiting to catch a glimpse of the Santo Nino image.

Philippine Coast Guard Central Visayas spokesperson Michael John Encina said no untoward incidents were reported from the sea procession.
Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], Jan 18 (ANI): Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde on Saturday said that universities should not only be about brick and mortar and must not function as an assembly line production unit.



"Universities are not about brick and mortar only. Certainly, universities are not supposed to function like an assembly line production unit," said CJI Bobde.

Bobde was addressing students at a convocation function at Nagpur University here.

The Chief Justice of India further added that the idea of a university reflects what we want to achieve as a society. (ANI)


In this May 17, 2019, photo, a measles vaccination is seen at the Knox County Health Department in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Samoa closed all its schools on Monday, Nov. 18, 2019, banned children from public gatherings and mandated that everybody get vaccinated after declaring an emergency due to a measles outbreak. For the past three weeks, the Pacific island nation of 200,000 people has been in the grip of a measles epidemic that has been exacerbated by low immunization rates. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon, File) (Paul Vernon / AP)
New Delhi: Senior advocate Indira Jaisingh, who asked for pardon for the four men on death row, convicted of the 2012 brutal rape and murder of a 23-year-old medical student in Delhi, on Saturday (January 18) received a sharp reply from the rape victim's mother Asha Devi.

Reacting sharply to Jaising's appeal, Asha Devi said that it is because of people like her that justice is not done with rape victims. "Who is Indira Jaising to give me such a suggestion? The whole country wants the convicts to be executed. Just because of people like her, justice is not done with rape victims. She is making money on human rights' ground. I don't need her suggestion," Asha Devi was quoted by news agency ANI.

Further expressing her shock at Jaising's audacity for asking pardon for the four convicts, Asha Devi said she couldn't believe that the senior Supreme Court advocate would even dare to suggest such a thing to her. "I met her many times over the years in Supreme Court, not once she asked for my wellbeing and today she is speaking for convicts. Such people earn their livelihood by supporting rapists, hence rape incidents dont stop," she said.

Asha Devi: Can't believe how Indira Jaising even dared to suggest such this. I met her many times over the years in Supreme Court,not once she asked for my wellbeing& today she is speaking for convicts.Such ppl earn livelihood by supporting rapists,hence rape incidents don't stop https://t.co/Gjf02l9LT4 pic.twitter.com/Rl3sMbppl5  ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2020

On January 17, Indira Jaising had given Asha Devi an example of Congress interim Sonia Gandhi, who pardoned her husband Rajiv Gandhi's killer Nalini Sriharan and asked her to forgive her daughter's rapists and pardon their death penalty. Nalini was arrested and convicted for the assassination of former Prime Minister and Congress leader Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. On the other hand, Nirbhaya was brutally raped and physically assaulted by six men in a moving bus in Delhi and later dumped on the streets almost seven years back. She succumbed to her injuries while getting treated at a hospital in Singapore.

Nirbhaya's rape and death created a nation-wide demonstrations and reckoning over sexual violence in the country.

In the meantime, a Delhi court on January 17 issued fresh death warrants against the four convicts and fixed February 1 as the day of their execution. The convicts will be hanged at 6 am, as per the court ruling. The move came after the prosecution moved an application seeking issuance of fresh death warrants following the rejection of the mercy plea of convict Mukesh by the President.

Four convicts, Vinay Sharma, Akshay Singh, Pawan Gupta and Mukesh Singh were convicted and sentenced to death for raping the 23-year-old woman in a moving bus in the national capital on the intervening night of December 16-17, 2012. While five were sentenced to death, the sixth convict was sent to correction home as he was a juvenile. Among the five, one convict Ram Singh committed suicide when he was lodged in Tihar jail.
Lisa Nandy, the 'dark horse' Labour leadership contender, once offered sex advice to students  and starred in a photo casebook showing her naked in bed with another woman.

Ms Nandy  whose prospects have surged since her composed performance during last week's BBC interview with Andrew Neil  appeared in a comic book-style photostrip recording her quest to find a boyfriend in Newcastle University's Courier student newspaper.

The Wigan MP's racy past came to light as fellow leadership candidate Jess Phillips, 38, was revealed as a co-author of a 'hot or not' column in her Leeds student newspaper in which she praised pop star Kylie Minogue's bottom and complained that energy drinks ruined the taste of vodka.

Ms Nandy appeared in a comic book-style photostrip recording her quest to find a boyfriend in Newcastle University's Courier student newspaper

Ms Nandy, 40, was a politics undergraduate at Newcastle two decades ago. Described in her column's masthead as an agony aunt 'who likes a bit of hot mail' she is shown in the photostrip saying: 'I'll never find a man!'

When a friend suggests a suitable partner, Ms Nandy is pictured with the prospective date with her hands pressed to her head in exasperation.

A thought bubble reads: 'Oh, my God! I'm not f***ing s****ing THAT!'

Later, as she is chatted up by another student who offers her a drink, Ms Nandy says: 'I'd love a stiff one! Actually, d'ya wanna come back to my place?' After apparently having sex with him, the MP is pictured discussing the incident with a friend.

Ms Nandy, 40, was a politics undergraduate at Newcastle two decades ago

Using her fingers to illustrate her point, she complains: 'His w***y was the smallest I've ever seen! I'm going back on the pull.'

Later, after the intervention of a 'Fairy Godfather', Ms Nandy is pictured naked with her arms wrapped around a blonde woman, saying: 'Ooh, I thought you only had your ears pierced!!!'

Next to the photostrip she writes: In another column she writes: 'As I've said many times over the course of this year, there are just no fit men at this university  There's a lot of diversity in a university  virgins, slimy b******s who offer to buy you a drink but have no intention of doing any such thing, geeks, the lot.

'The trick is how to spot them. You can usually identify a virgin from a thousand paces, cos they'll be trendy dressers and well into dance music. The only solution is to quit the manhunt and wait till after uni when you're back amongst normal people.'

In another photo casebook, a male student is pictured smoking a spliff to 'calm his essay crisis', then gets a first for his work. Ms Nandy writes: 'Before the anti-drugs lobby gets straight on my case, I am not about to advocate getting caned before a deadline.'

In another column, a third-year student asks how to chat up first-year students. Ms Nandy replies: 'You could try pulling in the Union when Red Bull and vodka is on special  it works for me.'

Ms Phillips, who last week faced questions about her postgraduate qualifications, was joint author of a Leeds Student column rating various trends and personalities.

Written under her maiden name of Jessica Trainor, one column says of Ms Minogue's bottom: 'Hot or not depending which sex you are. Great for you lads, bad for us girls  we're praying it's implants or we may lose the will to live.'

The Wigan MP's racy past came to light as fellow leadership candidate Jess Phillips, 38, was revealed as a co-author of a 'hot or not' column in her Leeds student newspaper

In another entry the Birmingham Yardley MP writes of energy drink Red Bull: 'Necking straight vodka by the can load would be better. It doesn't so much 'give you wings' but instead insomnia and insanity. You sooo want to forget the evening of drunken disaster but instead you are forced to relive it in painful solitude in place of sleep.'

Ms Nandy and Ms Phillips are two of the five leadership contenders alongside Emily Thornberry, 59, Sir Keir Starmer, 57, and Rebecca Long Bailey, 40, whose student years appear to have been far less racy.

Ms Thornberry featured prominently in Kent University's InCant newspaper as a staunch member of the Labour club during the early 1980s. The Shadow Foreign Secretary is described as 'one of the most popular politicians on campus' but quit her role with the students' union, citing academic pressure and saying: 'I could continue to be vice-president if I lied my way through it, but I can't.'

Sir Keir, meanwhile, read law at Leeds University where his only reference in Leeds Student was a personal advert hailing him as 'Keir Starmer  king of middle class radicals.'

Rebecca Long-Bailey's leadership bid is thrown into fresh turmoil as she clashes with aide over her 'regressive' abortion views

Labour leadership contender Rebecca Long Bailey has defended her decision to speak out on abortion as she won the surprise backing of a top Tory for her stand.

In a defiant riposte, she hinted that her concerns had been 'misrepresented' in a bid to damage her bid to succeed Jeremy Corbyn.

There were also claims from fellow Catholic Labour MPs that she was the victim of attempts to use her faith to 'smear her'.

But it emerged that one of her own campaign team had suggested that people with 'regressive' views on abortion should not be Prime Minister.

Labour leadership contender Rebecca Long Bailey has defended her decision to speak out on abortion as she won the surprise backing of a top Tory for her stand

Ms Long Bailey, the so-called 'Corbyn continuity' candidate, found herself at the centre of a bitter Labour row last week after appearing to back stricter abortion laws.

Responding to a questionnaire from local Catholic churches during the General Election campaign, she said that she did 'not agree' with current rules allowing women to terminate their child on disability grounds after 24 weeks.

She said she backed the Disability Rights Commission's view that 'the context in which parents choose whether to have a child should be one in which disability and non-disability are valued equally'.

The Salford MP has now defended her remarks and hinted at the 'Machiavellian' way the story emerged.

In an apparent dig at the Red Roar website which broke the story, she said: 'It's been quite suspicious.

'There have been certain news sources that have perpetrated this misrepresentation over the last 24 hours.' Ms Long Bailey told Channel 4 News she was 'by no means suggesting we need to restrict our abortion laws further', but had wished to raise concerns 'that the disabled community would feel'.

Last week, her campaign team insisted her abortion stance was her personal view, not a policy position, saying she 'unequivocally supports a woman's right to choose'.

Last night, Labour insiders said the remark was a further 'body blow' to Ms Long Bailey after a new opinion poll showed her trailing a long way behind leadership favourite Sir Keir Starmer (pictured)

But last night, it emerged that her own recently hired campaign communications chief  ex-Corbyn aide Matt Zarb-Cousin  had voiced doubt about people with similar views on abortion holding high office.

Tweeting last year about former Tory Minister and abortion critic David Lidington, who also voted against civil partnerships, Mr Zarb-Cousin wrote: 'Personally, I wouldn't be too comfortable with someone possessing such regressive views on LGBT rights and abortion occupying Number 10 but each to their own.'

Last night, Labour insiders said the remark was a further 'body blow' to Ms Long Bailey after a new opinion poll showed her trailing a long way behind leadership favourite Sir Keir Starmer.

However, sources close to Mr Zarb-Cousin hit back last night, saying Ms Long Bailey's views on abortion were 'in no way comparable' to Mr Lidington's who voted for tighter time limits on abortion.

One friend said: 'The difference between David Lidington and Rebecca is she never voted to restrict the right to abortion and has only voted to extend it in the case of Northern Ireland.'

Last night, Mr Lidington  who said that when he was an MP he had generally voted on the 'pro-life ticket on abortion'  sprang to Ms Long Bailey's defence. He said: 'She should be entitled to whatever views she has on abortion and to vote accordingly, and it should be treated with respect as a matter of conscience.'

Mr Lidington also contrasted the 'thought police' attitude of some in the Labour Party with the Tories who always treated it as a matter of individual conscience.

Separately, two Catholic Labour MPs  Mike Kane and Conor McGinn  claimed the reaction to Ms Long Bailey's remarks had produced 'age-old, anti- Catholic bigotry'.

In an article for PoliticsHome, they said neither of them had nominated her for the leadership 'but we will not stand idle while her faith is being used to smear her or tolerate blatant sectarianism and anti-Catholic tropes'.

Emily Thornberry faces calls to 'sack' aide Helen Goodman in her Labour leadership bid amid allegations of 'bullying'

Emily Thornberry last night faced calls to 'sack' a key aide in her Labour leadership bid over allegations of bullying.

Helen Goodman is accused of being 'beyond rude' to Commons staff advising her on how to wind up her constituency office after she lost her Bishop Auckland seat at the Election, according to sources. In an extraordinary sanction, Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has now refused her one of the special passes that allow former MPs 'unescorted' access to the Palace of Westminster.

It is believed Miss Goodman, campaign treasurer for Miss Thornberry, rowed with Commons officials over access to her emails.

A source said Sir Lindsay had banned her for a year and will only consider her for a pass if she undergoes a Commons anti-bullying courses. Last night, Shadow Foreign Secretary Miss Thornberry made clear she would ignore calls to 'sack' the ex-MP.

A spokesman said: 'Emily knows Helen is not a bully and that this was a heat of the moment incident in what by any standards is a highly emotional day when you leave Parliament after so many years of service.'

The spokesman added that neither Miss Thornberry or Miss Goodman were aware of the allegation when she was recruited. Miss Goodman could not be reached for comment.

ANDREW ROBERTS: Having lost its fourth General Election in a row, there is only one thing the Labour party can do now - abolish itself

OK, let's make a pact,' says Homer to his family as they enter a theme park in the long-running TV show The Simpsons. 'This is gonna be the best vacation ever, or we'll all agree to disband and join other families.'

Having now lost its fourth General Election in a row  and lost it comprehensively  the Labour Party ought to consider Homer Simpson's threat and abolish itself. If individual members want to go off and join other parties or even set up new ones, that would be fine, although probably just a further waste of time and effort.

It is futile to keep alive an institution that had already fulfilled its historic function by the start of the last decade, a party that will not form a majority government again, and even if it could, ought not to.

Having now lost its fourth General Election in a row  and lost it comprehensively  the Labour Party ought to abolish itself. L-R: Richard Burgon, Angela Rayner, Rosena Allin Khan, Dawn Butler and Ian Murray take part in the first party deputy leadership hustings

Founded in 1900, Labour lived up to its name for the first 110 years of its existence, representing the working men and women of Britain in Parliament and government. In its recent conscious decision to try to become a middle-class party, however, it severed its roots with the people who had put it in power three times under Tony Blair.

No one born in the last 100 years aside from Blair has led Labour to victory in a General Election. The reason Blair was so successful was because he publicly abjured socialism by abolishing Clause Four of the Labour Party's constitution, which committed it to 'common ownership of the means of production, distribution and exchange'.

Socialism as a creed is today followed by fewer than 15 per cent of the population. If, as seems likely, the socialists win the present civil war in the Labour Party by defeating the social democrats, the party will simply repeat its 2019 electoral debacle. Far better to wind it up.

For all the while, the demographics are working against them. There were nine million trade unionists in 1969  today there are 6.23 million. The share of the vote won by Labour in the first five Elections from 1945 was 47.8 per cent, 46.1 per cent, 48.8 per cent, 46.4 per cent and 43.8 per cent.

Hardened Leftist Rebecca Long Bailey is one of the two front-runners to lead a party that has an estimated 300,000 socialists and Momentum members on its books

Yet in the last five Elections it has polled 35.2 per cent, 35.2 per cent, 29.0 per cent, 30.4 per cent and 32.2 per cent. That is structural  it will not change any time soon. Morgan Phillips, a general secretary of the Labour Party in the 1950s, used to say that the party owed more to Methodism than to Marx. Today, however, the exact opposite is true. And for the hardline Momentum Left to try to cohabit with the Blairite social democrats any longer is a cruelty to them both.

Whereas there was a genuine sense of workers' solidarity when Britain had great industries based on shipbuilding, steel-making, coal-mining and so on, that is simply not the case when so many people make their livings behind word processors.

Hardened Leftist Rebecca Long Bailey is one of the two front-runners to lead a party that has an estimated 300,000 socialists and Momentum members on its books. But what happens then? Ms Long Bailey apparently wished to appoint as her campaign manager Alex Halligan, a Stalinist who has been photographed at the Durham Miners' Gala with a badge depicting the assassination of Leon Trotsky by Stalinist agent Ramon Mercader in Mexico in August 1940. The badge also sports the words 'Goodnight Trotskyite', a triumphalist rhyme that will make any Stalinist smile and any democrat shudder.

Does Ms Long Bailey think the British people aren't watching this kind of behaviour with the same bemused shock as when they heard that Jeremy Corbyn refused to sing the National Anthem with the Queen present at a Battle of Britain commemoration service?

Joseph Stalin killed six million people and imposed totalitarian terror on hundreds of millions more. Anyone who supports Stalin's policies should be considered way, way beyond the pale of civilised discourse and politics in this country, or indeed in any democracy.

Labour can now only pray that Brexit turns out to be a disaster for Britain. Pictured: Jeremy Corbyn

The Labour Party has done plenty of great things for Britain in its history. It supported Churchill patriotically in the Second World War, created the National Health Service, took us into Nato, inaugurated the Open University, brought down John Major and kept us out of the euro. Yet even the most recent of these achievements was nearly two decades ago.

Terms such as 'bourgeoisie' and 'proletariat' have never meant much to the British people, who are resolutely sensible and practical when it comes to their politics. All surveys demonstrate that class consciousness is dropping year by year in Britain, which is another problem for a party that relies so heavily on class envy and resentment. If you want to see a genuinely classless political party, look at the new Tory MPs from the so-called 'Red Wall' seats of the North East and Midlands.

Labour can now only pray that Brexit turns out to be a disaster for Britain. It's their last throw of the dice. But even that desperate hope will be swiftly recognised as foully unpatriotic by an electorate that hopes to muddle through Brexit at the worst, and, at best, to thrive with its new-found freedoms.

So the answer seems obvious for members of the Labour Party: disband and set up two new organisations  a Marxist Momentum party and a Social Democratic Party. Or join the Lib Dems or the Greens.

Whoever becomes the next Labour leader is going to feel that politics is very much like banging his or her head against a brick wall.

Far better to call time and allow the Labour Party to join the Whig Party, Country Party, Liberal Unionists and Empire Loyalists in the annals of British history, political parties which had their time in the sun, but disappeared once their work was done.
Asha Devi, mother of the 2012 Delhi gang rape victim given the pseudonym of Nirbhaya, on Saturday slammed senior lawyer Indira Jaising for suggesting that she should forgive her daughter's rapists.

"Who is Indira Jaising to give me such a suggestion? The whole country wants the convicts to be executed. Just because of people like her, justice is not done with rape victims," Asha Devi said.

"I cannot believe how Indira Jaising even dared to suggest this. I met her many times over the years in Supreme Court, not even once has she asked for my well-being and today she is speaking for the convicts. Such people earn their livelihood by supporting rapists, hence rape incidents do not stop," she added.

Asha Devi further accused Jaising of using "the garb of human rights" to make a living.

"People like her keep earning money under the garb of human rights. I do not need her suggestions... Just because of people who think like her incidents like rape keep happening, she is a disgrace to women," she said.

On Friday, Indira Jaising, through a tweet, had urged Asha Devi to forgive the perpetrators and used the example of Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi, who forgave Nalini, one of the convicts who was given the death penalty by the courts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

"While I fully identify with the pain of Asha Devi I urge her to follow the example of Sonia Gandhi who forgave Nalini and said she did not want the death penalty for her. We are with you but against the death penalty," Jaising's tweet read.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 09:53:28|Editor: Xiang Bo

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by Tao Jun, Wang Di, Huang Shuo

HANOI, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- In 2008 when she graduated from university, Tran Thi Ngoc Dung made a bold decision to leave Vietnam's economic center Ho Chi Minh City to work in a Chinese-invested industrial park in the rural south.

"It made me change from nobody to somebody," said Dung, who is now a department director at Long Jiang Industrial Park.

In Tan Phuoc District in south Vietnam's Tien Giang Province, an eye-catching billboard in Vietnamese, Chinese and English marks the destination for flocks of motorbike commuters on weekday mornings.

Once a vast land of pineapple fields, the 600-hectare industrial park filled with busy roads and factories is now home to 45 businesses largely from Vietnam and China, offering multiple opportunities.

"Many local people, who were farmers and relied on good weather to feed themselves, now have stable jobs and fairly good incomes," said Doan Van Nen, a former district official.

Currently, more than 30 companies and 23,000 workers operate in the park, prompting neighborhood businesses in the catering, grocery, and property sectors to flourish. Under full operation, it's possible for the park's production to total over 4 billion U.S. dollars annually.

One of the park's latest residents, the Chinese-invested Advance Tyre (Vietnam) company, held its factory's groundbreaking ceremony there in December, with an up-front investment worth 220 million U.S. dollars.

In 2018, Long Jiang was awarded the title of Model Enterprise of Tien Giang Province.

Notably, all businesses in the industrial park are required to be eco-friendly and are subject to tough environmental regulations.

"One of the very first facilities we built in the park was an advanced sewage disposal system," said Yu Suo, president of Long Jiang Industrial Park Development Company.

And while environmental protection has always been a top priority, he noted, corporate social responsibility plays just as important a part.

In recent years, Long Jiang has donated more than 800,000 dollars to help local residents with infrastructure construction and other projects. "We often talk with locals and get to know about their needs," Yu said. "Local residents are the eventual beneficiaries of the park's development."

Dung, who majored in Chinese language at university, is running language training courses with her husband alongside her daytime job.

"I teach Vietnamese to Chinese people and teach Chinese to Vietnamese workers at Long Jiang," she said, adding that many of her students are now able to communicate with and understand their foreign colleagues better.

Long Jiang's Chairman Weng Mingzhao said Chinese and Vietnamese workers get along well in the industrial park, where a number of Vietnamese people work in management positions.

He also said Long Jiang plans to introduce more investment projects, as well as new technologies and management methods, to Vietnam.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Vietnam. "The two countries are complimentary in trade, and have similar cultural backgrounds," Weng noted.

"We hope to bring more tangible benefits to Vietnamese people, help further promote the friendship between the two peoples, and see increased long-term cooperation," he added.
Heated competition has seen three major Vietnamese ride-hailing players lose CEOs, all within a year.

Singapore-based Grab announced on Monday that Nguyen Thai Hai Van would take over from Jerry Lim, who returns to Singapore to take up another position in the company.

Van, who joined Grab last November, told reporters: "For the last three years Grab has had a target of recruiting a Vietnamese leader who understands Vietnamese consumers desires." She takes over from Lim on February 1.

A recruitment expert who asked not to be named said Grabs new boss would be appropriate for the job since her 17-year experience in the competitive consumer goods industry would prove useful in the ride-hailing market where players are battling for market share.

"Grabs competitors are investing heavily in discounts and marketing, and the company needs someone who can grow the company. Only a leader with experience in the consumer goods market can [do that]."

Former Grab Vietnam CEO Jerry Lim. Photo courtesy of Grab.

Earlier, at the beginning of last year, Go-Viet had changed the top management.

The affiliate of Indonesian Go-Jek announced in March that both CEO Nguyen Vu Duc and Deputy CEO Nguyen Bao Linh would be leaving.

In April it made headlines by hiring former Facebook Vietnam country director Le Diep Kieu Trang as CEO. Trang, a well-known figure in the tech industry, was said to be the right fit with her experience in building startups.

But five months later she was gone.

The company said in a statement at the time: "After five months at Go-Viet, Le Diep Kieu Trang (Christy Le) has chosen a different path. We have always been seeking consensus between parties but the results were not what we expected."

Go-Viet has yet to hire a CEO.

Former Go-Viet CEO Le Diep Kieu Trang. Photo courtesy of Le Diep Kieu Trang.

At the end of the year Vietnamese firm Be Group became the next ride-hailing company to see its CEO leave. Tran Thanh Hai had been in the job for one and a half years.

Hai, who reportedly quit for personal reasons, said he would remain as a consultant to the board, and COO Nguyen Hoang Phuong is the acting CEO.

Former Be Group CEO Tran Thanh Hai. Photo courtesy of Tran Thanh Hai.

Industry insiders say ride-hailing firms CEOs leave because they are unable to fulfill the three goals of retaining drivers, satisfying customers and maintaining growth.

In some cases CEOs do not get the freedom to pursue their own strategies to achieve these goals, leading to conflicts, they said.

The recruitment expert added: "The CEOs seat requires someone with tech knowledge but also strategic vision. A former startup leader might not have the latter and will be unable to bear the pressure from investors and the parent company."

Since Uber exited Vietnam in 2018 the ride-hailing market has seen new players enter and intensifying competition to take on Grab, the dominant player with a 73 percent market share, according to the U.S.s ABI Research.

Vietnams ride-hailing market was the fourth largest in Southeast Asia last year behind Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, according to a report by Google, Singaporean state-owned holding company Temasek and U.S. management consultancy Bain.

The market was worth $1.1 billion last year and is expected to hit $4 billion by 2025, ABI Research said.
A brave Massachusetts couple sprung into action Wednesday evening after spotting a vehicle that matched the description of one police were looking for, and wound up helping authorities save an 11-year-old girl whod allegedly been kidnapped at knifepoint.

Benny Correa and his wife, Amanda Disley, were on their way home from dinner with family when they noticed a dark blue Honda Civic in Brimfield, Massachusetts.

The cars windows were tinted and the rims were unique  like the ones they had seen on the news in reports of the afternoon abduction of Charlotte Moccia moments after shed gotten off the bus from school in Springfield. So, they decided to follow the car  with their five kids seated behind them  and called 911.

We just had a gut feeling it was the car, Disley told ABC News in an interview that aired Friday on Good Morning America.

While on the phone with police, the couple confirmed the plate number. It was the suspects car.

It was just an instinct of fight or flight that kicked in, Disley said in the interview.

They kept pace with the suspects car, even as it sped up. Correa even ran a red light  slowing down first to make sure it was safe  while pursuing the vehicle.

I cut off people and I got up close to the car, Correa said. I had to do what I had to do, being a father.

The couples car eventually ran out of gas, and their pursuit ended. But by that point, police set up at a construction site and had oncoming traffic funneled into one lane. When authorities spotted the suspects car, they stopped it, saving Charlotte.

Charlotte Moccia | Massachusetts State Police/Twitter

It was an absolute life and death situation for this little girl, Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood told ABC News.

Miguel Rodriguez, 24, was the driver, and police took him into custody. A knife was recovered from the vehicle.

The girl was taken to the hospital for evaluation.

Story continues

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Rodriguez was charged with aggravated kidnapping and assault by means of a dangerous weapon. He is being held without bail, and it was unclear Friday if he had entered pleas to those charges or had a lawyer who could speak on his behalf.

In a statement, Charlottes parents, Carl and Denise Moccia, said they were grateful for all of those who helped recover their daughter safely.

In particular wed like to thank Amanda Disley and her husband for their vigilance and courage for putting themselves in harms way to make sure she wasnt out of their sight, the parents said. The outpouring of love and support, near and far, is overwhelming. We are eternally grateful.
Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan, on Friday, lambasted the Kerala government for passing the resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and said that CM Pinarayi Vijayan led government should not waste public money.

"Kerala government should realise they are not above law, they are not above the Constitution. They should not waste public money by passing resolutions and going to Courts on issues to which they are not related," he said while speaking to a news agency.

Pinarayi Vijayan trying "Good Boy" image: Cong leader

Meanwhile, on Friday, days after the Left government in Kerala moved the Supreme Court against the CAA, the Congress alleged that CM Vijayan was trying to implement the controversial act "secretly" in the southern state.

"Though Vijayan was opposing the CAA in public, he and his government were going ahead with the steps to implement the controversial Act," Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala alleged at a press meet in Thiruvananthapuram.

"The Chief Minister should end his attempts to make political gains in the name of CAA. Instead of cheating people, he should ensure that the Act is not being implemented in the state," alleged Chennithala.

"Vijayan, who used to vehemently criticise the RSS and the Centre in all public meetings, was showing reluctance to stop the procedures in connection with the NPR, the cardinal part of the CAA," Chennithala claimed.

"The state government is now going ahead with plans to implement the CAA at any cost. Though they are opposing the CAA and NPR in public, the government is going ahead with the official steps to implement that in the state," he claimed.

While opposing the CAA in public, the Chief Minister was trying to adopt a "good boy" image in front of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah secretly, he said. Chennithala also alleged that the CPI(M)-led government was registering fake cases across the state against those protesting against the CAA.

READ | 'Was not informed about the state government approaching SC': Kerala Guv Arif Khan

READ | After Kerala government and IUML, another petition filed in Supreme Court over CAA

The Punjab government also passed a resolution against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) in the State Assembly on Friday, becoming the second state to do so. State Minister Brahm Mohindra moved the resolution against the CAA on the second day of the two-day special Assembly session.

The newly amended citizenship law grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

READ | Kerala Minister clarifies on 'beef recipe' row, says no one linking food with religion

READ | Ex-Mizoram Governor Rajasekharan challenges Kerala govt's CAA suit in SC
Between the 17th and 18th century, the elite in Europe travelled in groups to interesting parts of the continent from England to Belgium to France, Switzerland and anywhere interesting. The improvement in various modes of transportation and changes in the labour market enhanced the convenience of travel. Sooner than later, a lifestyle meant for the Elite was adopted by commoners as enthusiasm for neo-classical culture waned. This gave birth to the era of Thomas cooks famous Cooks Tour, the beginning of Mass Tourism.

Mass Tourism afforded people the opportunity to travel, see and feel the culture and climate of other parts of the world in their large numbers. The tour operators cashed in massively while the host destinations also enjoyed the financial effect of the visits. It is worthy to note that, the physical and cultural environment became the victim in what was seen to be the business of the era.

This was the normalcy up until the 19th century when discussions arose with regards to the negative impacts generated. Concerns about the level of impacts on the physical and cultural attractions of the destinations which threatened its sustainability were paramount. Leading the charge in this discussion were the conservatives who of course prioritised the sustainability of the environment. An international consensus was built on the need to develop different forms of tourism as response to the concerns raised. These forms of tourism were organised in such a manner that the impact relative to mass Tourism was minimal. In spite of the progress, conscious efforts were made to reduce further the negative impact thus developing sustainable forms of tourism such as Agrotourism.

The subsaharan region is one endowed with numerous resources capable of attracting various categories of tourists. Ghana having established itself as a peaceful hospitable nation has over the years being a preferred destination for tourists to the sub region.

In 2018, Ghana was unable to meet its target of attracting 1 million tourists and ended the year recording 984,250 tourists. The commitment of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture as well as the Ghana Tourism Authority to increasing the number of international tourists certainly needed to be backed by actions. This necessitated the introduction of the Year of Return to mark the 400 years since the first enslaved Africans touched down in Jamestown, Virginia in the United States.

The vigorous marketing of this project characterized by effective branding and communication is one worthy of commendation. It is therefore not surprising to see a renewed energy and interest in tourism advocacy and participation across the country.

The financial gain from the #YearOfReturn is said to be around $1.9 billion. This is a remarkable achievement and a reason why Ghanaians including myself are calling for a repeat of such campaign.

The Financial impact has been made known and met with utmost joy. But I ask, what does the Physical and Social Impact Assessments also say. The lyrics for the unsung chorus of the Year of Return needs to be made public.

An existent impact evident to all is the worsening of the already existing traffic menace in the countrys capital. The security of the country is another issue to contend with as the UK in a statement cautioned its citizens visiting Ghana of a possible Terrorist attack.

The lack of attention to the physical and social impact of this campaign is so unfortunate. Amidst the talks and actions in tackling concerns of climate change, it is imperative to start a comprehensive conversation on the impact of the increase in over 200,000 tourist arrivals to the country.

We wish not to return to the days of The Grand Tours (Mass Tourism) and its associated adversities. But of course, we yearn to see more of such positive financial returns.

In this light, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana Tourism Authority and of course the government owe us and the generation to come a duty to conduct (if not already done) a thorough Tourist Impact Assessment and make known its findings. This will undoubtedly shape a holistic conversation and analysis on how to best harness the prospects of this campaign while maintaining the integrity of the physical and social attributes of the country.
About 122,000 children die each year on the continent from fake antimalarial drugs, according to an estimate from the Brazzaville Foundation, a London group that focuses on the issue. In some areas, as many as 60 percent of drugs sold are thought to be counterfeit, the nonprofit said.
Ukraine's Prime Minister Gave His Resignation To The President. But Will Zelenskiy Accept It?

By Christopher Miller January 17, 2020

KYIV  Whether Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk gets to keep his job could come down to whether President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, a former comedian, has retained his sense of humor since taking the helm -- and whether he accepts the 35-year-old head of the government's move as a sign of enduring loyalty.

Of course, there's the question of whether Honcharuk's intentions, which he outlined in a statement on Facebook after he sent a resignation letter to Zelenskiy on January 17, were even genuine. The prime minister himself told Reuters that people should not "jump to conclusions" about it. Zelenskiy's office confirmed it had received the letter and said the president was considering his response.

News of Honcharuk's resignation, coming just over four months after he was appointed by a newly elected Ukrainian parliament controlled by Zelenskiy's Servant of the People party to lead the government, came as a shock to many, even despite a scandal that had been brewing in Kyiv for days.

The scandal began after an audio recording of Honcharuk allegedly disparaging the economic knowledge and competence of both himself and the president was uploaded to a YouTube account called How To Deceive The President, which has since been deleted. Three recordings were uploaded in all, but Ukrainian media have reported that as many as 14 exist.

Hours after Honcharuk sent over his resignation letter, Zelensky called a meeting of top law enforcement officials and tasked them with finding whoever was responsible for recording government conversations and leaking them.

"I demand to get information in two weeks, as soon as possible. Find out who did it and deal with it," Zelenskiy said.

In a recording that made front-page headlines, the prime minister or someone sounding like him can be heard saying that Zelenskiy has a "very primitive understanding of the economy" and calling himself a "dummy" in economics.

After the recordings were published, a popular anonymous account on Telegram fanned the flames of the scandal, claiming that Honcharuk was preparing to resign.

In his statement, Honcharuk did not deny the voice in the recording was his but said that it had been created from various "snippets" of government meetings pieced together.

"Their content artificially creates the idea that I and my team do not respect the president," he said. "In order to prevent any doubts about our respect and trust to the president, I have submitted my resignation to the president with the right to bring the issue to the parliament."

Despite the scandal and Honcharuk's subsequent resignation, a source inside Zelenskiy's office told RFE/RL that the president does not plan to accept the prime minister's resignation. Ukrainian news sites Dzerkalo Tyzhnia and Tsensor cited their own sources close to Zelenskiy as saying that the president would disregard the resignation request and keep Honcharuk. And some cabinet officials have come out publicly to express their support for Honcharuk.

"Our government is the first in the history of Ukraine that does not steal, has not come up with quotas, and has no personal goals," Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's minister of digital transformation, posted on Instagram with a photo of himself standing beside the prime minister. "We did not come to win political ratings. We came with the president to make real changes."

"I support Honcharuk. Our whole team does," he said.

On Ukrainian television and social media, experts debated whether Honcharuk's offer was genuine and pondered what sort of political game he was up to. Some suggested he was hoping for a literal or metaphorical vote of confidence from the president and parliament in the wake of the scandal.

Critics pointed to the fact that for a prime minister to resign, he must appeal to the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, which approves the government, and not to the office of the president.

"The president does not legally decide on the resignation of the prime minister, the Verkhovna Rada does," Ukrainian political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko told RFE/RL. "Secondly, if this issue is resolved as a result of the [resignation] being submitted to the president, then this will be in violation of the constitution of Ukraine."

In the current situation, the president may, however, ask the parliament to consider a vote of no confidence in the prime minister. But most signs point to that being unlikely, experts say.

And if it did come to that, David Arakhamia, head of Zelenskiy's ruling party in parliament, reportedly said that only about 10 votes in favor of Honcharuk's dismissal would be cast from within the faction  far from the number needed.

Still, some Western observers believe Honcharuk's resignation presents an important test for Zelenskiy.

Timothy Ash, a London-based economist and expert on Ukraine, wrote in a note that "removing Honcharuk for saying what he thinks (even if somewhat disrespectful to the president), in a closed meeting, which was leaked, would I think send a very negative message to reformers in general."

"I think Zelenskiy rejects the resignation," he added. "But this is an important test of Zelenskiy's reform credentials."

A Western diplomat in Kyiv who meets regularly with government officials and has been supportive of them told RFE/RL on the condition of anonymity that he thought Honcharuk's move was little more than "PR and mea culpa."

"He lists his government achievements and further plans and [expresses] deep respect for Zelenskiy," the diplomat said.

Still, some experts say Honcharuk may have overplayed his cards.

"Raising the stakes by submitting a letter of resignation, Honcharuk may have made a fatal mistake," Fesenko said. "It seems that Zelenskiy was not going to dismiss Honcharuk, but he does not like to be given ultimatums, even in such a servile form as Honcharuk did."

"Therefore, now I am not sure of the reaction of President Zelenskiy," he added.

Fesenko said the situation Honcharuk has found himself in resembles the past quandary of Oleksandr Danylyuk, the former head of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council and a one-time Zelenskiy ally who was rumored to have been considered for prime minister.

Danylyuk was dismissed by the president in late September after offering his resignation in a gesture viewed by observers then as a play to win over Zelenskiy, who had been slowly distancing himself from the ambitious and outspoken security chief.

As was the case back then with Danylyuk, Fesenko said that with Honcharuk, "the president could say: 'Well, Oleksiy, since you turned out to be such a weakling, then leave, but of your own free will and send your statement to the Verkhovna Rada.'"

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-s-prime-minister-gave -his-resignation-to-the-president-but-will- zelenskiy-accept-it-/30383338.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.

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Updated for Jan. 19: SpaceX is now targeting a 10:30 a.m. EST (1530 GMT) launch of Crew Dragon's in-flight abort test. Visit our homepage for the latest coverage.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.  SpaceX postponed a critical launch escape test of its Crew Dragon astronaut taxi today (Jan. 18) due to bad weather at the missions launch site. The next attempt will be on Sunday, the company said.

The California-based spaceflight company was scheduled to launch its unpiloted Crew Dragon spacecraft on a used Falcon 9 rocket at 8 a.m. EST (1300 GMT) today from the historic Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. However, bad weather at the launch site, coupled with rough seas at Crew Dragon's recovery zone in the Atlantic Ocean, prompted the delay.

"Standing down from today's in-flight Crew Dragon launch escape test due to sustained winds and rough seas in the recovery area," SpaceX wrote in a mission update on Twitter . "Now targeting Sunday, January 19, with a six-hour test window opening at 8:00 a.m. EST, 13:00 UTC."

You can watch the launch live here and on Space.com's homepage on Sunday, courtesy of SpaceX, beginning at about 7:40 a.m. EST (1240 GMT). You can also watch the launch directly from SpaceX here, or from NASA here . A NASA TV webcast will begin at 7:45 a.m. EST (1245 GMT).

Video: How SpaceX's in-flight abort Crew Dragon launch will work

Related: SpaceX, NASA 'go' for major Crew Dragon launch escape test

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Crew Dragon for a critical in-flight abort test launch stands atop Launch Pad 39A of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida for a Jan. 19, 2020 liftoff. (Image credit: SpaceX)

As part of the mission, SpaceX will intentionally destroy one of its rockets to prove it has what it takes to keep astronauts safe during flight. The test is the last major test of the Crew Dragon system before SpaceX puts people on board.

Called an in-flight abort, the mission will test the spacecraft's SuperDraco-powered abort system , which is designed to pull the capsule free of its launcher in the event of an emergency during flight.

"This test, which does not have NASA astronauts onboard the spacecraft, is intended to demonstrate Crew Dragon's ability to reliably carry crew to safety in the unlikely event of an emergency on ascent," SpaceX officials wrote in a statement.

When it does launch, the Crew Dragon's sensors and two "anthropomorphic test devices"  or human-shaped dummies  will provide SpaceX and NASA with valuable data to see how future crews will fare as well as how the vehicle performs.

The test will simulate an emergency: Approximately 84 seconds seconds after launch, an abort will be triggered. At that time, eight SuperDraco launch abort engines  built into the Dragons hull  will pull the capsule safely away from the Falcon 9 before making a parachute landing at sea.

In-flight anomalies are rare, but they do happen so NASA and SpaceX want to be prepared. In October 2018, NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin were en route to the space station when an issue popped up with their Soyuz rocket. Thanks to the booster's launch escape system (similar to the one on Crew Dragon), they were carried to safety and landed back on Earth.

Related: Emergency launch abort systems of SpaceX and Boeing explained

"The most important thing we do is to make sure the launch escape system works and that we're getting the crew away from Falcon," Benji Reed, SpaceX's director of crew mission management, said in a prelaunch press conference Friday (Jan. 17).

NASA wants to ensure that, if one of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets were to have a similar anomaly, its astronauts would still be brought home safely; this is what the in-flight abort test will demonstrate.

If all goes according to plan, SpaceX will be one step closer to its goal of launching astronauts. Once it's Crew Dragon is green-lit to do so, SpaceX will fly two NASA astronauts, Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley, to the space station for a two-week stay.

If that flight is successful, NASA will approve Dragon for regular crewed flights.

The weather forecast on Sunday looks equally concerning, although SpaceX will attempt to perform the crucial in-flight launch abort test. The chances of bad weather further postponing the launch are between 50% and 60%, according to the U.S. Air Force's 45th Weather Squadron. There is also a backup day of Monday (Jan. 20), but the forecast worsens slightly as the chances of weather violation increase to between 50% and 70%.

SpaceX is one of two companies (Boeing is the other) with multi-billion-dollar contracts to fly NASA astronauts to and from the International Space Station. The company launched its first Crew Dragon mission, an unpiloted test flight to the station, in March 2019.

Crew Dragon's in-flight abort test was delayed when a capsule exploded during a ground-test last April , forcing months of investigation, upgrades and a series of successful static-fire tests to make way for this weekend's launch.

In 2019, Boeing also launched a pad abort test of its own Starliner spacecraft, as well as an unpiloted test flight to orbit. That orbital flight test, however, did not reach the space station due to a mission clock software error.

Both SpaceX and Boeing aim to launch their first crewed missions later this year.

Editor's note: This story was updated at 10 am ET to include more details on SpaceX's launch delay. Visit Space.com this weekend for complete coverage of SpaceX's in-flight abort launch.

Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom or Facebook .
The Philippines said Friday it was reimposing a ban on its citizens going to work in Kuwait after a Filipina was allegedly killed by her employer, echoing a 2018 row between the two countries. President Rodrigo Duterte approved the ban as his government accused the emirate of covering up the killing of a maid, one of about 240,000 Filipinos working in the Gulf state. They are among the millions of its citizens the Philippines has sent to work abroad, seeking salaries they cannot get at home. The money they send back accounts for about 10 percent of the Philippine economy. Duterte's government briefly banned Filipinos deploying for work in Kuwait two years ago amid a diplomatic row that began with the discovery of the remains of a murdered Filipina maid in her employers' freezer. "The result of the (Philippine) re-autopsy... indicates that overseas Filipino worker Jeanelyn Villavende was sexually abused," Duterte spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement, referring to the woman at the centre of the new ban. Labour Secretary Silvestre Bello alleged Thursday that an earlier autopsy in Kuwait had concluded that Villavende died from heart failure arising from physical injuries. The labour department said in a separate statement that the ban covers all Filipinos going to work in Kuwait, though skilled workers and professionals with un-expired contracts are exempted. Workers already on the job in Kuwait are allowed to finish their contracts. Officials at the Kuwaiti embassy in Manila could not be reached for comment Friday. Panelo said the ban would only be lifted once Kuwait agrees to fully implement the terms of an agreement signed after the 2018 row that offered security guarantees for Filipino workers. At the height of the earlier ban Duterte alleged that Arab employers routinely raped Filipina workers, forced them to work long hours and fed them scraps. His government then ordered its embassy staff in Kuwait to help Filipina maids flee allegedly abusive bosses, provoking the emirate to expel the Filipino ambassador. Tensions later died down and the ban was lifted three months later after the two governments thrashed out the labour agreement and Duterte made a public apology to the Kuwaiti government.
It's a cold January day; grey and dull, but for the lilac vision that is weaving her way towards me, dazzling the otherwise dark corner I am occupying. I had met 24-year-old fashion designer and Limerick native Aoife McNamara once before and was struck then by her self-confidence. She blends into her surroundings like Liberace at a royal wedding - which is to say not at all, but also perfectly. Today she is wearing one of her own Aoife Ireland bold signature creations: big-shouldered lilac jacket and matching high-waisted trousers reminiscent of an '80s Dynasty character, but with added flair and sophisticated structure.

For someone so young, McNamara possesses a remarkable maturity and yet it's gilded with an innocent affability that makes you want to both ask her advice and give her a cuddle. When she talks, it's with an air of worldliness and wonder, and an occasional nervous giggle.

"I'm walking funny," she laughs, plonking herself down on the seat in front of me. This, she tells me, is because she started triathlon training last night after a long respite. Despite the 6in heels, she carries it well. It is exactly this mix of poise, enthusiasm and guileless youth that has seen her storming the fashion barricades, despite literally walking out the college doors. When most of her friends were jetting off to sunnier climes for college summer holidays, she was pounding the pavements of New York and Paris looking for a job.

"Those summers were pretty insane," she sighs. "I was lucky to intern for Marc Jacobs in New York, which was surreal. The pace is so much faster there - you're on a conveyor belt of designs - but I learned so much about how the industry works."

Expand Close Determined: fashion designer Aoife McNamara. Photo: Frank McGrath / Facebook

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Most millennials might be intimidated by the experience, but not McNamara.

"I just found it really exciting," she gushes. "But I do remember one morning getting into the elevator with Marc and his dog, and I literally froze; I couldn't think of one single thing to say," she groans, head in hands.

Once she had completed her four-year fashion-design degree at LSAD (Limerick School of Art & Design) in 2018, she took a job as an intern for Paris Fashion Week.

"I had a job for one week but beyond that, literally nothing. I knew nobody and hadn't a word of French," she laughs, seemingly tickled by the whole experience. "I mean, who does that?" Clearly someone with moxie and steely ambition. She stayed for five months, eventually returning home enticed by an offer to design corporate uniforms. Really? It seems a departure from the flair and fabulousness of Paris.

"It was certainly a different experience," she laughs, "but I had this idea to go travelling to Australia so it was really about saving money." She did save money, but not for Australia. Instead, a chance commission from celebrity blogger Suzanne Jackson, and subsequent endorsements from other celebrities such as Louise Cooney, Roz Purcell and Vogue Williams, gave her the buzz status which helped get her brand noticed and up and running.

"It was very organic," she says. "I knew I'd like to have my own business some day, but not yet," she stresses. "I was wearing my own designs on my Instagram account but hadn't thought about selling them yet. Then people started asking me if they could buy the top I was wearing, or my trousers. It wasn't until Suzanne [Jackson], who I knew through my sister, asked me to design something for her Dripping Gold tan launch, that I took the leap."

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It has since been a meteoric rise for the designer, with nearly 20k Instagram followers and steadily rising, and a solid list of clients in just one year.

In October she set up a website to facilitate the growing demand for orders. Before that, sales were made directly through Instagram. She confesses to having Instagram to thank for her success. Has she experienced the vagaries of social media, I wonder?

"Not really, but I'm careful who I collaborate with. It's important that the people I work with share the same interests as me and represent my brand in the right way."

Fellow Limerick native Louise Cooney is a big supporter. "Louise is amazing - she gets what I'm trying to do and loves my designs. It's not just about the product," she says, pausing. "It's also about the message, which I think she gets."

So what is her message? "Empowering women," she answers emphatically. "It's about feeling good and confident in clothes that matter. I work a lot with businesswomen and I think my clothes make women feel more confident."

This mantle is at the core of her designs, which riff on the flamboyant, but with sharp tailoring and bold colours. "My client is definitely ambitious and outgoing, not afraid to dream big or go for what she wants." Much like McNamara herself, her clients are risk takers, which is why it comes as a surprise that she, unlike so many other young creatives, didn't succumb to the gravitational pull of cultural hubs like New York, London or Paris, or even Dublin for that matter, to cut her proverbial teeth post-college.

Expand Close Fashion designer Aoife McNamara pictured wearing one of her own creations at The Alex hotel in Dublin. Photo: Frank McGrath / Facebook

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Whatsapp Fashion designer Aoife McNamara pictured wearing one of her own creations at The Alex hotel in Dublin. Photo: Frank McGrath

"I had my time in Paris and New York, and I'm in London so much sourcing fabrics that I don't feel like I really missed out. I didn't feel the need to move there after college and while I'd love to live in Dublin, it would mean sacrificing my own studio in Limerick, and I'd rather put that money into my business and live at home than pay rent and give that up," she says sagely.

Being based in Ireland has also afforded her the opportunity to develop key relationships with Irish mills and maintain a seminal element of her brand: sustainability. More than class-consciousness, the ethics of the industry itself have made her uncomfortable. Fashion is, as an industry, the world's second-largest polluter next to oil, and few bar Trump could deny it. It creates greenhouse-gas emissions of 1.2bn tonnes a year - greater than that of international flights and shipping combined - with 85pc of textiles ending up in landfills. But young customers' burgeoning interest in ethical issues - and designers, like McNamara, championing it - offers a tiny chink of light.

"It should be at the forefront of everyone's minds, and especially designers, in terms of how not to waste materials," says McNamara, who this year will complete a course in sustainable design at Central Saint Martins College in London and will be attending the Copenhagen Fashion Summit, the world's leading business event on sustainability in fashion. But in a world where fast fashion doesn't show much sign of releasing its stranglehold on the industry, does she think sustainability has a fighting chance?

"It'll be hard," she muses. "Why wouldn't you buy the 5 dress that you don't mind throwing away after a few washes because it didn't break the bank? But sustainability is not a trend; it's a way of life. The problem is, I don't think people know the impact the fashion industry has on the environment, that clothes don't break down in landfills, and its our job as designers to educate them and lead the way. It's about changing people's mindsets. If you change the consumer, you'll change the company. I'm interested in making clothes built to last, clothes you can hand down through generations that are versatile. That's the future of fashion, I think."

Keeping as much of the production in Ireland as she can comes at a price, of course, but on a personal level she's happier about the ethics of her decision.

"Yes, it would be so much cheaper for me to use factories abroad - it's probably triple the price to produce here -but it's important that I become 100pc sustainable; I'm not there yet, but I'm working on it."

She has previously sourced fabrics from several mills around Ireland but recently collaborated with John Hanly Woollen Mills in Nenagh to produce her new collection 'She's a Dreamer' for Showcase 2020 (January 19-22 at the RDS in Dublin).

John and his team were so impressed with the collection of women's capes she designed for them that they invited her to design her own signature wool. The mere mention of this evokes a passionate reaction. "Can you believe it?" she says, eyes wide in mock-horror. "Nobody else in the world will have this wool."

One of the advantages of living and working in Ireland is how the landscape informs her work, she tells me; it's a huge mood board for her.

"The wool is inspired by Irish sunsets so it's coral in colour but with a lemon and pink check. It's really beautiful," she adds, before admitting that she's a "bit obsessed with sunsets". "Come to think of it, coral is probably my favourite colour." Ask what her favourite piece is of all her designs and you'll find it's a Victorian puff-sleeve, big-shouldered coral suit - big shoulders are her thing. She should have been born in the 1980s, I tell her. "Well, if I had to bring back one era of design, that would be it," she laughs, before admitting that most people who see her designs ask if she watches Dynasty. "I've never even seen it," she hoots with laughter. The big shoulders, as it happens, are inspired by her love of architecture. Her favourite subject in school was technical drawing and, in order to be a good fashion designer, you "have to understand technical drawing". "I love the idea of building something and it appearing in front of you - it's all about the construction."

At 24, McNamara is smack in the middle of the millennial generation and, while the onset of the digital landscape and everything that comes with it could be daunting for young creatives, she is clearly excited about it.

"Being a millennial in Ireland has been incredible. We're so vocal in what we love doing and we're not afraid to put things out there online. It's nice to see the country responding to that positively. When you think about it, nobody had a brand before; now everyone has a brand. You only have to look at the response to Repeal the Eighth and the marriage referendum to know that we're not afraid to share our thoughts and voices."

Putting herself 'out there' comes naturally to McNamara. She has no social media 'strategy' per se but admits that she's organised. A quick glance at her Insta handles @aoife_ireland and @aoifemcnamarax and it's clear there's a carefully manicured mix of fashion hauls and designs, mainly modelled by herself - what better muse does she need? Pressed to reveal any fashion disasters that have befallen her and she giggles, recalling the time she was asked to design dresses for two big Irish celebrities for the VIP Style awards, which they never wore. This would have been a blow to most young designers but she took it in her stride, wearing the designs herself.

Not one to reflect on past mistakes she focuses her energies on the next challenge. For now, that's Showcase, where she will be launching her latest collection, with her own "beautiful wool", the soon-to-launch line of capes for John Hanly, an exciting collaboration with Newbridge Silverware involving designs for a photoshoot to complement their new jewellery range - and she hopes to work with a big international buyer this year.

It's clear McNamara has an insatiable appetite for work; I wonder what she does to relax. A long pause ensues. She's clearly struggling to remember. "I love triathlons," she offers (unsurprisingly, her favourite accessory is not the latest designer handbag but her Fitbit). I gently remind her that triathlon training isn't usually considered a relaxing pastime. Reading, yoga, Netflix, I prompt?

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"I don't really read. I do watch Netflix but mostly documentaries. I love audiobooks," she says, satisfied. What's she currently listening to? She looks sheepish. Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk - a book about being a successful entrepreneur, and the user manual to her goal of bringing Aoife Ireland international.

It's not just the bold, unconventional attire or the pretty elfin face and big-tailored shoulders that draw you in; it's the dogged determination that follows a step behind.

"Being a creative is hard - you tend to compare yourself with what's beside you and, for a while, I doubted myself. But I've learnt that you've got to stick to your own lane and believe in your own ability," she says with steeliness, before jumping from her seat in surprise.

"Is that the clampers?" she squeals. "The parking meter was broken so I just abandoned the car."

And with that she's off out the door, a whirlwind in lilac running in her own very fast lane.

Aoife will be one of over 80 Local Enterprise Office clients in the Local Enterprise Showcase area, located on the balcony at Showcase Ireland in the RDS, which runs from tomorrow until January 22

Photography by Frank McGrath
Chowdary, while speaking to ANI, cautioned the bureaucracy of the state for giving their ascent to Chief Minister Reddy's ambitious project of having three capitals including Amrawati."The burning issue is the state's finances. If Chief Minister Reddy is not stopped from pursuing the three-capital project, finances can go haywire. The bureaucrats who are giving their assent for three capitals should be careful," said Reddy."Otherwise, in the past so many of them (faced the music) and are still going to courts due to decisions made during the regime of the Chief Minister's father. As the cases are sub-judice, I don't want to comment. The officers have to be extra careful while approving these unconstitutional projects," he added.Chowdary said the BJP would not let the Chief Minister undertake any unconstitutional decision since the decision to have Amrawati as the state capital was taken by Parliament."It was after due deliberations over various factors like accessibility, infrastructure and basic amenities that the Advisory Committee agreed on Amrawati as the state capital," noted BJP MP.Elaborating on the reasons for the opposition to three capitals, he said: "The state cannot take the decision unilaterally. The Bill for Amravati as Andhra's new capital was passed by Parliament. It will be uneconomical as well to have three capitals.""People will laugh at us. Moreover, thousands of crores will go down the drain. We have already spent Rs 30,000-40,000 crore on Amravati. The works of Rs 10,000 crore have been completed. 29 villages with 26,000 farmers and 30,000 acres of land are involved. I have written a letter to the CM elaborating on how Amravati can be turned into a self-funding project. This has already been the seat of governance. There are Secretariat, Raj Bhavan as well," said Chowdary."Why to waste thousands of crores on someone's whims and fancies? We are running a democratic set up. Just because someone gets the number of seats to rule the state, we can't allow undemocratic things to happen," he added.Responding to the reasons for an alliance with the Jana Sena Party, the former Union Minister praised Pawan Kalyan. "He is a decent personality. The JSP is a like-minded party. He was with the BJP earlier," he said.The former Union Minister also criticised historian Ramchandra Guha. "I will say the BJP is a secular party. We have never said it is a Hindutva party. The opposition parties have failed on various fronts. It is their internal matter," added Chowdary. (ANI)
The session starts at 11.30 a.m., soon after the office opens, in the morning and then again at 4 p.m. The department has also released a video video of the six-minute sessions, practiced by the 70 office staff (which includes both employees and officers) in each sitting.

The staff of this department practice yoga amid their busy schedule everyday, which keeps them fresh and energised.

Sitaram Paswan, Superintending Engineer told IANS that this is probably the first office in the country, where yoga is being practiced twice every day amid duty hours.

Crediting Chief Secretary of Bihar Pratik Amrit, Paswan said that it was on his initiative, every worker in the department is enthusiastic to perform yoga everyday.

He also said the sessions have proved very beneficial for the staff, adding that this increased the efficiency of officers and employees.

"Yoga not only keeps people fit, but also brings inner peace as well as concentration in work", the superintending engineer added.

Assistant engineer (civilian) Preeti Kumari also believes that yoga increases efficiency as well as brings concentration, saying that yoga is also very beneficial from a scientific point of view.

Another office staff said that Bihar has always been known for yoga. Munger's Yoga School is an internationally renowned university for teaching and training related to yoga. It is the first Yoga University in the world.

He said that this system should be implemented in all government offices.



Cleanliness has also been emphasised in this office of Purnia electricity department. Single use plastic has been completely banned, and thoses plastic released from shabby machines can also be collected and stored in a separate room.

A variety of messages have been written on office walls to save the environment. To make people environmentally aware, messages like 'Remove plastic, save the environment', 'Our aspiration, environmental protection' and 'Clean nation' have to be made, remove plastic from every house' have also been written on the walls.
If the Iraqi Parliament formally asks foreign troops to leave the country, Canada will withdraw its forces, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said today.

"Ultimately, we are here at the request of the Iraqi government. Ultimately, it will be their decision," Sajjan said from the Middle East, where he is visiting Canadian forces.

"Just like we have a parliamentary process that we follow, they have their own as well. We are there at the request of the Iraqi government. If they were to change that, we do have to respect that."

Canada has about 500 military members in Iraq associated with two separate missions.

Canadians were part of the NATO mission to train Iraqi security and armed forces, and also took part in the U.S.-led coalition mission to hunt down remnants of the Islamic State, or ISIS.

Gen. Jonathan Vance, Canada's top military commander, halted both those missions earlier this month after the U.S. drone attack that killed Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander Qassem Soleimani at the Baghdad airport increased the risk to foreign troops in the region.

The Department of National Defence said Thursday both missions remain on hold, although some supply missions have taken place.

In the wake of the Soleimani killing, Iraq's Parliament voted in favour of a non-binding resolution calling on the Iraqi government to expel foreign troops from the country. Adel Abdul Mahdi, now the caretaker prime minister since resigning in November, supported the call.

Sajjan said that discussions are taking place between the two countries as Canada looks to get its mission back on track.

"The current Iraqi leadership realizes why we came here in the first place, which is actually to help Iraq, to stop the scourge of Daesh, known as ISIS, from controlling the country," he said.

"Obviously the Iraqi government has concerns. We're listening to those concerns."

No specific request for expanded NATO role

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Sajjan said that, for now, the priority of the Canadian mission in the region is to ensure the safety of Canadian Forces on the ground. He said no decision will be made on resuming either mission until the security situation improves.

"We are looking at all measures to get back, to continuing both our missions within the coalition but  we will only do so when the security situation is appropriate," Sajjan said.

Sajjan would not say how many Canadian soldiers are now in Iraq, or if any of the Canadian personnel who moved out of the country in the wake of the drone strike have returned.

Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo spoke with Foreign Affairs Minister FrancoisPhilippe Champagne about the possibility of NATO expanding its role in the region.

According to a readout of the conversation from the U.S. Department of State, the two foreign ministers "  spoke about the Iranian regime's continued aggressive and destabilizing actions in the region and steps to contain it, specifically the opportunity for an expanded NATO force in Iraq and appropriate burden sharing."

Asked if the U.S. had made a specific request of Canada, Sajjan said that while Canadian participation in the missions was always intended to change as the situation on the ground changes, no formal request of Canada has yet been made.

"There are no asks based on one nation," Sajjan said. "This is about working together as part of a coalition because that's what good coalition partners do."
No such thing as honour killing it is just murder: Shireen Mazari

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Human Rights Dr.Shireen Mazari has said that there was no such thing as honour killing it was just murder. There is no such thing as honour killing  it is murder plain & simple and punishable as such by the state according to our laws.



In a tweet, Dr. Shireen Mazari wrote, There is no such thing as honour killing. It is murder plain and simple and punishable as such by the state according to our laws.



Notably, there are no credible official figures on honor killings because they often go unreported or are passed off as suicide or natural deaths by family members. But as an indication, in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, at least 94 women were murdered by close family members in 2017.



Justice for Pakistani women requires a broader government effort, including more state prosecutions of honor killings, reformed criminal laws, and greater access for women and girls to safe emergency shelters and other services when they report risks from their family.



Moreover, Mazari recently emphasised on creating awareness among children about good touch and bad touch to prevent the rising crimes of child abuse.



Speaking at an event on children abuse awareness at House of Light School in Pind Begwal, the minister told children that they must know that touches that keep them safe and are good are safe touches, and touches that hurt their bodies or feelings such as hitting, pushing, pinching, and kicking are bad touches.
Small businesses got 210 billion yuan (about 30.48 billion U.S. dollars) of loans in 2019 from the Agricultural Bank of China (ABC), one of the country's biggest lenders, up 58 percent from the previous year.

The lender has made full use of financial science and technology to provide credit-based loans to small and micro enterprises through advanced technologies such as the internet, big data and artificial intelligence, said a source of the bank.

At the end of 2019, the proportion of new credit-based loans for small and micro enterprises was 58 percent, up 40 percentage points from the same period of the previous year, according to the source.

The bank has been cutting financing costs of small and micro enterprises. Its comprehensive financing cost for small and micro businesses had dropped by 120 basis points at the end of 2019.

China's top banking and insurance regulator has reiterated inclusive financing services for small businesses amid efforts to boost the real economy.

Overall financing costs of inclusive financing services for small businesses will be lowered by another 0.5 percentage points in 2020, while the country's five largest banks are expected to see their inclusive loans to small firms grow by over 20 percent year on year, according to an annual work conference of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission in January this year.

By the end of 2019, total outstanding inclusive lending to small businesses reached 11.6 trillion yuan, up over 25 percent, the commission said.
A recently unclassified report by the Texas Department of Public Safety identifies three overall types of domestic terrorism that threaten the Lone Star State.

The most violently active domestic terrorism type, according to DPS, are groups that are white racially motivated, such as white supremacists or white nationalists.
Thousands of people took to the streets in cities across the west African nation of Guinea on January 13. A deadly crackdown ensued  two people were killed, including one 21-year-old student, and videos emerged showing the police firing live ammunition. The FRANCE 24 Observers team investigated.



The protests were called by a coalition called The National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (In French, FNDC or Le Front national de la defense de la Constitution), which brings together civil society groups and opposition parties who oppose a constitutional reform that would allow Guinean President Alpha Conde to serve a third term. One of the most prominent members of the FNDC is Cellou Dalein Diallo, who is the head of the opposition party UFDG.



Readers sent our team numerous videos showing brutal police violence towards protesters. One of those videos clearly shows a police officer shoot at several people who are standing in the entrance of a building. This video (below) was filmed in the Cosa neighbourhood in Ratoma, a town that makes up the urban sprawl of the Guinean capital Conakry. The footage was originally posted on the Facebook page of the website Verite 224.





When our team looked into the footage, we found out that the shooting happened right in front of Dogomet Clinic. Thats significant because the clinic was holding the body of 21-year-old student Mamadou Sow, who was killed by police according to his family  although the government contests this narrative.



Sow was drinking coffee in a neighbourhood cafe when a police officer shot him in the chest, according to his big brother Abdoulaye Sow who spoke to the FRANCE 24 Observers.



'Officers fired in the direction of the hospital'The person who filmed this video didnt want to speak to the press. However, the FRANCE 24 Observers team spoke to a witness who was inside the clinic when the shooting occurred. He asked to remain anonymous.



On Monday, I got a call that a young man had been shot in the chest and killed, and that his body was in Dogomet Clinic. I went to the clinic and the family of the victim were already gathered there. It was about 2pm.



Friends of the family were stopping by to pay their respects, so there were lots of people there. Thats when the police showed up. They wanted to arrest the young men who were standing in the entrance to the clinic and the parents of the victim. Some people resisted arrest and the officers fired shots in the direction of the hospital. Luckily, no one was injured.

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Our Observer also sent us photos of cartridge cases and bullets that he found near the clinic. We sent these images to a ballistics expert.



Cartridge cases found near Dogomet Clinic in Cosa.





'This caliber wasnt made for those meant to be keeping the peace'

These are 7.62 x 39 mm caliber bullets, which fit assault rifles like AK-47s, Kalashnikovs and AKMs. The cartridge case has the code "539" on it, which means it was made back in 1978 in the Tula arsenal in the then USSR.



The shots were fired by weapons meant for war. This caliber of bullet wasnt made for those meant to be keeping the peace.



The ammunitions expert also watched the video of the shots being fired:



The shots fired in the video sound like 7.62 x 39 mm caliber bullets being fired by an assault rifle. The noise does reverberate and change a little because of the walls on either side of the area where it detonates.

The FRANCE 24 Observers team spoke to Albert Damatang Camara, the Minister of Public Safety. He told our team that he had also seen the video but said the shots didnt come from a lethal weapon.



The footage isnt very clear because you see people coming and going. But that shot wasnt fired by a lethal weapon. Its the sound of a tear gas canister that was launched by a Cougar [a type of grenade launcher]. Our men have been unequivocal about that.



As for the photos showing the cartridge cases that were found nearby, well, we are in an area where a lot of weapons circulate. In the days leading up to the protests, several people were arrested for possession of war weapons.



So even if weapons or ammunition from war weapons were found on site, it doesnt mean that they belong to the police, to soldiers or to gendarmes.



The ballistics expert says he isnt convinced by the Ministers argument that the sound was made by an exploding tear gas cannister.



If you use a Cougar to launch a tear gas cannister, it doesnt fire horizontally. But that is clearly what is happening in the video. The smoke from the weapon is at face-level, which is what happens when a gun is at shoulder level. Assault rifles are what sit on peoples shoulders.





We also watched a second video that has been circulating on social media. It shows security forces firing their weapons while being filmed without their knowledge.





The ballistics expert says that an assault rifle fired the shots you can hear in this video. You can see a curved cartridge clip on the weapon thats typical of an AKM or AK-47. The strap used to carry the weapon is also typical of an assault rifle.



Camara did tell our team that another video filmed in the Cosa neighbourhood did show officers firing live ammunition, but he wouldnt tell us which one.



An internal investigation is being carried out to identify the person responsible and punish him, he said.



Ratoma, a site of recurring violence



Videos posted on social media show police officers destroying property, beating people up and even setting fire to part of Ratomas local market.



Faced with the poor behaviour of certain officers that undermines the noble efforts of the National Police, Ansoumane Camara, the Director General of the National Police, announced in a circular note on Wednesday that a special investigation commission would be established to identify those responsible for these crimes.





'There may have been errors'The Ratoma neighbourhood, which is a bastion of the opposition, is the sight of frequent clashes between security forces and civilians. Back in October, a similarly violent crackdown quashed protests and resulted in the death of about a dozen people, including 18-year-old Bah Thierno Sadou. The police then fired tear gas at his grieving family.



Back in October 2019, a Ratoma resident told the FRANCE 24 Observers that the area was often targeted by security forces during demonstrations.



We put that statement to the Minister for Public Safety, Albert Damatang Camara:



Normal security protocols are put in place to manage peaceful protests. But when it gets more violent, it can be difficult to know who is protesting peacefully and who has criminal intentions.



Its possible that errors have been made. But I contest the idea that there is a specific location where we sent gendarmes and police to shoot on the population.



This article was written by Hermann Boko
Plantation firms warn tea industry may collapse, but Govt. insists on wage hike View(s):

Amid dire warnings by plantation companies that the proposed Rs. 1000 wage hike for estate workers would see the collapse of the tea industry, the Government insists that the hike must be given as decided.

Industry sources told the Sunday Times that the proposed hike would send wage bills skyrocketing to Rs. 6 billion, excluding incentives such as EPF, ETF and

gratuity.

Employers made their views on the matter known at a meeting of the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) on Friday.

It was the first meeting of the NLAC attended by Labour Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

According to veteran trade union leader Palitha Athukorala, Employers Federation of Ceylon (EFC) Director General /CEO Kanishka Weerasinghe criticised the recent cabinet decision at the meeting saying plantation companies were unable to pay this amount.

He (Mr. Weerasinghe) expressed the view that already there is a collective agreement on wages between plantation unions and plantation companies and the new decision would affect this agreement, the union leader said, adding that unions represented on the NLAC were, however, supportive of the wage increase.

The EFC, which represents the 22 Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs), also issued a short but strongly worded statement on Friday pointing out that, at present, the RPCs and two signatory unions  the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) and the Lanka Jathika Estate Workers Union (LJEWU) were bound by a collective agreement that decided on current wages. It noted that this agreement would be effective at least till January 2021.

As such, if the proposed increase were to be mandated on the RPCs, it will not only be inconsistent with the legal provisions as well as the values of core ILO Convention 98 on collective bargaining, the statement pointed out.

It claimed that financially, the move would have a disastrous impact not only on the RPCs but also on the smallholders and eventually lead to the collapse of the industry.

Tea Industry Development State Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, however, claimed the Government had taken the initiative to increase wages of estate workers to facilitate the development of the tea sector.

He noted that the plight of estate workers, who drew a meagre daily wage, was a pressing issue and this was why President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had stepped in to increase their wages.

Mr Wijesekera pointed out that the Government had granted a large number of tax concessions to companies such reducing the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate to 8% from 15% and abolishing the Nation Building Tax (NBT).

He said subsidised fertiliser would be provided to small and medium enterprises engaged in export crop production.

We will also ask the Tea Board to intervene to give relief to smallholders, he said.

Given the concessions granted to estate companies, there was no reason why the benefits should not be transferred to the workers, he insisted.
This was revealed in documents and text messages and in blockbuster interviews, first with MSNBCs Rachel Maddow and later with CNNs Anderson Cooper. It was stunning stuff, particularly in the context of Trumps impeachment and a Senate trial in which most Republican senators, according to their leadership, already have their minds made up.
Actually, more people die in Germany every year than are born, yet the population is growing. The reason for this is the so-called net immigration. Germany has more inhabitants than ever before.

With 83.2 million, the number reached a peak last year, as the Federal Office of Statistics announced on Friday after an initial estimate.

However, the population grew at a much slower rate than in the years 2013 to 2018, the authority explained. It grew by only about 200,000, with a similarly small increase last seen in 2012.

The increase is exclusively due to so-called net immigration: Last year, between 300,000 and 350,000 more people moved to Germany than from here to other countries. "Without migration gains, the population would have already been shrinking since 1972, as more people have died than were born every year since then," emphasised the statisticians. According to the estimate, there were 770,000 to 790,000 born in 2019, but 920,000 to 940,000 died.

The German economy is dependent on immigration. The Federal Statistical Office assumes that the employable population will shrink by around four to six million by 2035. The shortage of skilled workers, which is already deplored in many sectors, is likely to increase as a result. The Federal Government, therefore, intends to attract more skilled workers from abroad. To this end, the Skilled Workers Immigration Act will come into force in March, which is intended to give skilled workers from outside the EU better access to the German labour market.

What factors influence the size of the population?

Population size is influenced by three components: births, deaths and the difference between immigration to and emigration from Germany (net migration). Since births and deaths are two major factors in demographic change, population size is also closely linked to demographic change.

What is the reason for the increase in population?

In its estimate, the Federal Office assumes that the number of births has increased moderately compared to 2017, while the number of deaths has increased noticeably. According to this estimate, 785,000 to 805,000 births and 950,000 to 970,000 deaths are expected in 2018. This means that there is an increased birth deficit of about 150,000 to 180,000, so the reason for the population increase lies elsewhere.

The increase is attributed to migration gains that exceed the birth deficit. Migration gains are the difference between people who immigrate from a country within a year and those who emigrate during this period.

The so-called migration balance of people moving to and from Germany is said to be between 340,000 and 380,000. In 2017, 416,000 more people had come to Germany than had left. The net migration would thus decline for the third year in a row after the extremely high level of immigration in 2015, and fall to around the level of 2012.

The Federal Statistical Office's estimate is based on monthly data already available for births and deaths up to and including September 2018 and for arrivals and departures up to and including August 2018. The figures for the remaining months of the previous year were added, final results will be published in the summer.

How will the population size develop in the future?

In future, it is to be expected that the number of deaths will continue to rise despite rising life expectancy as the numerically strong cohorts of the baby boom generation grow into old age. At the same time, the number of potential mothers is expected to decline over the next 20 years, as the weakly represented 1990s cohorts enter the childbearing age phase. This means that even with a slightly rising birth rate, the number of births would decline in the medium term. The difference between those born and those who have died will therefore increase. A growing or even stable population would then require ever greater net immigration.

Scientists from the Federal Institute for Population Research estimate the population of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2060 to be 67.6 million with weaker immigration and 76.5 million with stronger immigration without major crises or wars.

The population of working age will shrink particularly sharply: according to the forecast, the number of 20 to 64-year-olds will decline significantly from 2020 onwards and, depending on the level of net immigration, will be around 34 or 38 million in 2060. The proportion of 20 to 64-year-olds will fall from 61 percent in 2013 to just over 50 percent in 2060, which is why experts say Germany will continue to focus on immigration into the labour market.

Francis Tawiah (Duisburg - Germany)
Every morning Abulrahman leaves his normal primary school lessons in Vienna and joins about 20 other children for three hours to learn to read, write and speak German. Only when his level is deemed good enough will the eight year-old, who arrived from Yemen in July, be allowed to stop what critics call the "ghetto classes". Despite conservative Chancellor Sebastian Kurz's new coalition partners, the Greens, having expressed concerns about the controversial policy, it looks set to continue. Kurz has pledged to maintain his anti-immigration reforms -- with junior partner, the Greens, conceding -- including the special classes, which the government argues allow children with weak German skills to learn at their own pace without holding others back. "It is a way of preventing the permanent exclusion of pupils unable to follow due to a lack of language skills," said Education Minister Heinz Fassmann, who also held the portfolio in Kurz's previous coalition with the far-right. - 'Measure of segregation' - That anti-immigration alliance broke apart in May amid a corruption scandal that engulfed the far-right. Some 6,300 children across Austria are now enrolled in the language classes. The country of 8.8 million inhabitants has been a magnet for those from poorer nearby European Union members, such as Hungary and Romania, looking for work. Since 2015, more than 180,000 people have also sought asylum, as part of a larger movement of those fleeing war-torn countries seeking refuge in Europe. Ahead of the language classes being introduced in 2018, a survey showed that more than 80 percent of respondents were in favour of the plan, which differs from many other European countries where newly arrived pupils are fully immersed in the regular school system right away. However the classes now divide opinion. While some fear that too many non-German-speaking foreigners in class will dilute the level and speed of learning, others slam the reform as a regressive measure, in a country previously known for inclusive housing and other policies. Sonja Hammerschmid, a Social Democrat former education minister, has said that the classes' "harmful effects" of stigma and inequality are "ignored for ideological reasons". Austria's teachers' union has also spoken out against them, saying they are not "viable" and that the decision to introduce them was made without consultation. And linguist Hans-Juergen Krumm, an expert in teaching German as a foreign language at Vienna University, points to the classes being "a measure of segregation, not integration". Kurz's government with the Greens has stressed that schools have the necessary autonomy to implement and shape how the classes are organised. Though the Greens have criticised them as "ghetto classes", they have said that they will accept Kurz's tough line on immigration in order to fight for environmental protection and other issues. - 'Learning to write my name' - "I'm learning to write my name, to say the right words," Abulrahman tells AFP, in still hesitant German at the Felbigergasse school in a privileged district of the capital. Teacher Katrin Baminger collects him and the others, aged six to 10, from their regular classes just after roll call. She accompanies the children -- originally from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hungary, Serbia and elsewhere -- to a small, cheerfully decorated room on the ground floor. There, they learn German before returning to their regular maths, history and other classes for a few more hours a day. Felbigergasse school head teacher Petra Revay-Schwarz acknowledges that having pupils with no German skills is challenging for her staff. "The teachers are relieved at the start of the (school) year because they do not have to take care of new arrivals" who are in the special classes, she said. But she also says that being separated could pose a barrier to learning. "They would progress faster if they could interact with Austrians," she tells AFP. Children are only able to leave the tailored classes after passing a second test, usually after two semesters. Baminger says that the pupils, who already face the challenge of being in a new country, "are lost and torn between two groups" -- the students in their German class and those in their regular classes. "Many (people) describe these classes as ghettos," she says, recognising, too, that pupils could end up with gaps in other subjects from missing those classes. As her son learns the German for "hat", "gloves" and "scarf" to match the snow outside, Abulrahman's mother, Amal, says she would have preferred her son "to go with everyone else".
(TNS)  School officials say keeping students safe is their No. 1 priority. One local emergency telecommunications agency is hoping to help them.The North Central Texas Emergency Communications District is using unmanned aerial systems  also known as drones  to create 3D models of certain areas to help first responders find exactly where 911 callers or threats are located, even down to the floor the person is on. Their first stop was at Rio Vista ISD.NCT911 is engaged in the planning, implementation and maintenance of an emergency 911 system for more than 40 public safety answering points in 13 counties surrounding the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, according to its website.Rodger Mann, NCT911 geographic information systems manager, said they started their drone program over a year ago with the goal to provide more accurate data to police departments, sheriff offices and other first responders.By providing better data, our stakeholders can find callers in emergency situations quicker, Mann said. Schools are considered critical-infrastructure, and we see the need for creating a situational awareness common operating picture for first responders. In critical situations, 3D models can greatly assist first responders in planning and strategy  identifying roof access and exit points in active shooter incidents.NCT911 is an early adopter of technology, and we saw the value in using drone technology, he said.We started off by training and certifying two drone pilots with the [Federal Aviation Administration] 107 license before we made any attempts at starting a project, he said. Furthermore, in the near future we will utilize Z-plane axis or height-above-ground level that is going to be supplied for wireless emergency callers. Currently, we receive only X&Y coordinates. Therefore, mapping in the third dimension is essential supplemental information.RVISD was their pilot location, he said. Theyd like to work with all the school districts in their region.We reached out to a few ISDs and Rio Vista were the first to give us the green light, he said. NCT911 is proactive, and we want to save lives. Supplying current data and advanced technology such as 3D modelling is going to give our first responders better information in responding to mission-critical situations.RVISD Superintendent Tony Martin said he thought the project would be a great opportunity for the district.It provides 911 staff members a three dimensional picture of our campus facilities that would aid first responders in the event of a crisis situation, Martin said. For example, a 911 call from the high school would provide high degree specific details regarding the location of the facility, any obstacles or alternative avenues of approach. This subject could be discussed for hours.
New Delhi: In a major disclosure in the suspended DSP Devinder Singh case, some suspected terrorists arrested by the Delhi Police in 2005 had exposed the secret association with Singh. According to intelligence department sources, Singh  who is being questioned by the Central IB and RAW teams, answered many important questions to the probe agencies.

The IB intelligence sources have connected Singh to an incident in 2005 when seven suspected terrorists were arrested by Delhi Police with AK-47 and large amounts of fake currency notes. The arrested terrorists were suspected to be affiliated with Hizbul Mujahideen.

One of those arrested was Haji Ghulam Moinuddin Dar alias Zahid who was in possession of an important document provided to him by Devinder Singh. The document stated that Ghulam Moinuddin was a resident of Pulwama and that he always kept a pistol and a wireless set with him and that the recipient of this letter be released without any inquiry/investigation. This document was written on Devinder Singh's letterhead and was signed by him.

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Delhi Police team had spoken to Devinder Singh at that time and sought information in that matter. Singh had justified writing the letter which had benefited the accused who was eventually let off by the court.

It is now revealed that one of the suspected terrorists of the group of seven arrested by the Delhi Police, was tipped off by the Central Intelligence Agency (MI) i.e Military Intelligence that he be arrested for investigation, but the terrorist had gotten away because of the letter written by Devinder Singh.

Sources within the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said that given the seriousness of the matter, Devinder Singh who is being taken to Delhi headquarters for questioning will also be questioned on this in detail.

Devinder Singh was arrested on Saturday along with Hizbul Mujahideen commander Naveed Babu, his accomplice Rafi Ahmad and a lawyer named Irfan from a car on the highway near Kulgam. He was allegedly helping Babu travel to Pakistan in connivance with Irfan.
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Association (JNUTA) on Friday demanded a judicial inquiry into the 5 January violence on the campus

New Delhi: The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Association (JNUTA) on Friday demanded a judicial inquiry into the 5 January violence on the campus. The teachers of JNU cannot cooperate with the "efforts of JNU administration for the restoration of normalcy in the campus and resumption of academic activities" because there is no such effort to be seen, it said.

"Restoration of normalcy requires the sacking of this VC and this is the necessary, though not sufficient, condition for teachers to feel secure," the JNUTA said.

The general body meeting of the teachers' body reiterated its demand for the removal of the vice-chancellor.

The JNUTA also insisted that the Cyclops Security Agency must be held accountable for its "gross failure" on 5 January and be replaced immediately.

They also demanded an urgent thorough review of security arrangements, which must include the participation of teachers, students, staff and residents.

"The GBM makes it clear that no teaching for the winter semester can commence before the academic activities of the Monsoon Semester are completed, and completed in a manner consistent with statutory provisions and the maintenance of academic standards," the JNUTA said.

Teachers will assert their autonomy in such academic matters and find ways to engage with their students towards the end, it said.

To press for its demands, the JNUTA said the teachers will not commence winter semester classes examination and also refrain from undertaking other regular activities of the semester like preparing timetables organising presentations of research students.

The general body meeting (GBM) will review this decision after two weeks.

The JNUTA said it will continue its pursuit of the objective of initiating an appropriate judicial inquiry into the 5 January incident. Thirty-four people, including students and faculty, were injured on January 5 when a masked mob entered the campus and attacked them with rods and sledgehammers.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the "flag bearer" of the Indian culture and tradition.

In his speech at an event organised by Vedanta Bharati here, Shah said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is touring across the globe as the flag bearer of the Indian culture and tradition."



To buttress his point, the BJP National President said Modi took a holy dip in Ganga and attended Ganga Arati in Varanasi before taking oath as the Prime Minister.

It was for the first time that Modi sent red sander to Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal to perform special prayers on behalf of the government of India.

Shah also slammed the previous governments for their wrong interpretation of secularism, preventing them from honouring the best things of the country.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
How is Circa 2020 likely to pan out? According to the latest global survey by Ipsos, titled Predictions 2020 Survey, 92 per cent urban Indians are optimistic that Circa 2020 will be a better year for them, than 2019 and 83 per cent are bullish about the performance of the global economy in Circa 2020 and predict that it will be on a stronger footing vis-a-vis 2019; China is most optimistic about the performance of the global economy (84%) and is placed a notch higher than India (Philippines is tied in with India at the 2nd spot); global citizens though are riding on caution and only half of those polled (52%) predict a bumper year for the global economy.

Predictions captures views of citizens on some of the key issues straddling World Affairs, Society & Culture, Technology and Outlook, to understand from them, how they foresee Circa 2020 would unfold. The survey findings are a mixed bag. There is optimism on the one hand, then we also see some bit of skepticism and concerns too surface around macro issues.

"The survey provides a panoramic view of what is likely to dominate global events and it is a good opportunity for countries to be mindful of what the citizens are thinking, bang in the beginning of the year and address their concerns and measure up to their expectations," said Amit Adarkar, CEO, India & APAC Operations Director, Ipsos.

Outlook 2020

83% Indians are bullish about the performance of the global economy in 2020, though only half of global citizens echo similar view; 71% urban Indians are confident there will be pay parity for women  paid same as men for the same work (only 44% global citizens are hopeful); 75% urban Indians are confident that Indian sportspersons will up their medal tally in the 2020 Summer Olympics (only 43% global citizens feel their teams will bag more medals in the summer Olympics); further, a whopping 92 per cent of the urban Indians polled are confident that the year 2020 will be better for them, personally, vis-a-vis 2019 (75% global citizens too feel this year will be better).

Top trends predicted for 2020

82% urban Indians foresee people around the world spending more time online than watching TV (78% of the global citizens polled, hold a similar view); at a personal level, 72% of urban Indians say that they will be watching more TV from streaming services as opposed to cable/ satellite or over the air (half of global citizens (50%) too cite similar preference this year). There is over estimation seen for self-driving cars among urban Indians  61% per cent urban Indians predict, self-driving cars (autonomous vehicles) will be usual sightings on the streets of their cities (only 36% global citizens foresee this happening). Almost half of urban Indians (48%) predict a re-election for Donald Trump as the President of the United States (35% of global citizens too feel the same). 37% urban Indians believe aliens will descend on Earth (only 15% of global citizens believe it will happen so), this year.

Top concerns of 2020

Global warming is top concern. 78% urban Indians worry that average global temperatures will further soar in 2020(77% global citizens too predict the same); 46% urban Indians fear major stock markets around the world to crash in 2020 (35% global citizens too fear); 4 in 10 Indians are apprehensive of a terror strike in 2020 (32% global citizens too); half of urban Indians (52%) dread a natural disaster taking place in 2020, that will impact people in their own town/ city (3 in 10 global citizens too fear); over half of urban Indians (55%) fear large scale public unrest (protests & riots) taking place in India, in 2020, to rebel against the way the country is being run (56% global citizens too predict unrest in their countries, for poor governance); 69% urban Indians foresee traffic situation in their area toworsen(58% global citizens have a similar concern around traffic in their area); 4 in 10 Indians (42%) fear one of their online accounts (email, social media or banking) will be hacked in 2020 (37% global citizens have a similar concern). Half of urban Indians polled (50%) fear feeling lonely most of the time in 2020. Only 3 in 10 global citizens (33%) are likely to feel lonely.

Personal goals

90 per cent of urban Indians polled consciously want to make personal goals and resolutions in 2020, to focus on specific things for themselves and for others.Interestingly, 76% of global citizens too want to operate this way, in 2020! 46% urban Indians say they will reduce screen time for social media, this year. 27% global citizens too want to spend less time on social media, this year.

Reflections  Circa 2019

Verdict pronounced: 2019 fell short on expectations, for the country as well as for the citizens themselves, at a personal level. Year 2019 turned out to be a disastrous year for India, feel 61% of urban Indians polled. 65% of global citizens too feel that 2019 was horrible for their countries.

Personally too, 2019 did not delight Indians (58%) or global citizens (50%), it was a rocky year for them and their families.

Methodology

These are the findings of the Global Advisor Wave predictions survey for 2020. In total 22,512 interviews were conducted between 26th November6th December 2019, among adults aged 18-64 years in the US and Canada, and adults aged 16-64 years in all other markets.

The survey was conducted in 33 markets around the world via the Ipsos Online Panel system: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the United States.

For the results of the survey presented herein, an international sample of 21,011 adults aged 18-64 in the US, Israel and Canada, and age 16-64 in all other markets, were interviewed. Approximately 1,000 individuals participated on a market by market basis via the Ipsos Online Panel, with the exception of Argentina, Belgium, Chile, Colombia, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden and Turkey, where each have a sample approximately 500.

Weighting was then employed to balance demographics and ensure that the sample's composition reflects that of the adult population according to the most recent country Census data, and to provide results intended to approximate the sample universe. A survey with an unweighted probability sample of this size and a 100% response rate would have an estimated margin of error of +/-3.1 percentage points for a sample of 1,000 and an estimated margin of error of +/- 4.5 percentage points 19 times out of 20 per country of what the results would have been had the entire population of adults in that country had been polled. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error, and measurement error.

17 of the 33 markets surveyed online generate nationally representative samples in their countries (Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Poland, Serbia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and United States).

Brazil, Chile, China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa and Turkey produce a national sample that is more urban & educated, and with higher incomes than their fellow citizens, referred to as Upper Deck Consumer Citizens. They are not nationally representative of their markets.
Labour leadership contenders have clashed over the way the party has dealt with anti-Semitism as their first hustings kicked off today.

Backbencher Jess Phillips and shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry appeared to spar during the event as part of the race to replace Jeremy Corbyn.

Ms Phillips, the MP for Birmingham Yardley, took a swipe at some her fellow contenders for 'keeping quiet' over anti-Semitism in the party.

It came as contender Rebecca Long-Bailey scolded members who brand Corbynism a 'cult'.

Labour leadership contender Rebecca Long-Bailey (far left) has scolded members who brand Corbynism a 'cult' during the party's first hustings today

Frontrunners Sir Keir Starmer and Rebecca Long-Bailey speak at the first Labour leadership hustings in Liverpool toda

Ms Phillips said: 'The Labour Party needs a leader who has spoken out against anti-Semitism, and other forms of harassment in fact.

'When others were keeping quiet and somebody who was in the room, struggling for an independent system - lots and lots of meetings - I have to say I don't remember some of the people here being in that particular room or being in those particular fights.'

Ms Phillips said the Labour Party's handling of anti-Semitism had meant it had lost the 'moral high ground' to fight racism.

Ms Phillips (left) locked horns with Ms Thornberry (right) after launching a thinly-veiled swipe at her fellow candidates on the topic of anti-Semitism, which dogged the party at the last election

She added: 'Jewish people were scared of Labour winning the election. That's deeply serious.

'The Labour Party has now lost the credibility to handle its own complaints system.

'We have lost the moral high ground to fight racism in this country because of the way we have handled anti-Semitism.'

In a direct response to Ms Phillips, Ms Thornberry insisted that she had always been firm in standing-up against racism.

This call for a ceasefire between the warring moderate and Corbynite factions of the party was echoed by all of the other candidates - Sir Keir Starmer (far right) Jess Phillips (second left), Lisa Nandy (second right) and Emily Thornberry (centre)

She said that the Labour Party should kick out anti-Semites in the same way 'Oswald Mosley was kicked out of Liverpool'.

Ms Thornberry said: 'I tell you what Jess (Phillips), I have always been clear about it and I always will because it's unacceptable, it undermines us as a party and undermines our soul.

What did the audience think? Duncan Hannant, a member from Rochdale, said: 'I thought they all performed admirably. I do have concerns about Emily Thornberry and how she may be seen in the north. 'I've seen her at the dispatch box, she's very good but in terms of going down with northern men or Workington man, I'm not so sure. 'I think we need someone from the north and Nandy is I think the best option at this stage.' Keith Hebron, from Bootle, Liverpool, said: 'I think probably the weakest was Jess. 'The person who spoke most about socialism and community was Long-Bailey. I will be supporting her. I think the issue on abortion may be an issue for her in the Labour Party.' Danuta Brooke, from Sheffield, said: 'I thought they were all good candidates capable of leading the Labour Party. For me it is who would make the best opposition leader and for me, Keir Starmer and Emily Thornberry would be best for that.' A man from Riverside Labour Party in Liverpool, who did not want to give his name, said: 'My personal view is the best person is Long-Bailey. I think she performed better than I thought she would, maybe she's had a negative press recently, so I was pleasantly surprised.' Advertisement

'What we should be doing is kicking out these anti-Semites in the same way Oswald Mosley was kicked out of Liverpool in 1937.'

All five candidates for the top job issued pleas for unity at the start of the event after last month's humiliation at the polls.

Ms Thornberry suggested all the candidates were seeking 'the worst job in the world'.

She said: 'Being leader of the Labour Party in opposition is, quite frankly, the worst job in the world.

'That's what we are applying for.

'In the end we have to wade through an awful lot of sh**.'

Shadow business secretary Long-Bailey told the audience divided parties do not win elections.

Shadow Brexit secretary and early front-runner in the campaign, Sir Keir Starmer, said there had been 'too much division' in the party, adding: 'We are unstoppable when we are united.'

Lisa Nandy said the Conservatives were not really interested in the former Labour seats they had won in Northern England and Wales in the general election.

She said: 'The Tories are talking about investing in the so-called 'red wall' seats.

'But, what they don't understand is that this (vote) was a clamour for power, agency, and control, and they will never give it to people.

'Labour must.'

Some 500 Labour members were at the event and most of those approached afterwards said there was no 'knock-out' blow by any of the candidates.
The Grand Duchy is due to become the first country in Europe to completely prohibit the use of controversial herbicide glyphosate.

By the end of the year, Luxembourg's commitment to ban products with a glyphosate base will enter into effect. The government's promise will come into law on 31 December 2020. The ban makes Luxembourg a pioneer in Europe as well as the first country to take such a decisive measure, as the ban precedes the limit fixed by the EU by two years (15 December 2022).

Minister of Agriculture Romain Schneider celebrated the move as a 'major advance' in protecting biodiversity and the environment. The Ministry of Agriculture will have to take the needs of farmers - as well as those of brands marketing the product - into consideration in introducing the measure, and to that end, has detailed three key dates for the measure.

On 1 February 2020, all products containing glyphosate will have their market authorisation withdrawn. Then, on 30 June, retailers will be prohibited from stocking and selling glyphosate-containing products. Finally, 31 December will mark the final day that the substance is authorised to be used, a ban which will apply to professional users and private individuals.

Farmers already prepared to give up glyphosate will be subsidised by the state, at a level of 30 per hectare for arable land, 50 per hectare for vineyard land, and 100 per hectare for land designed for fruit growing. A number of users - 592 in total - have committed to do so by the end of the year.

Luxembourg's winegrowers will become the first in all of Europe to completely do without the pesticide, as well as deciding to do so voluntarily as of this autumn. Those who will take the decision a step further and ban all pesticides will receive subsidies in the height of between 500 and 550 per hectare.

In the mid-term, Luxembourg's ambition is to reduce its reliance on the most dangerous phytosanitary products by 30% for 2025 and the use of pharmaceutical products in agriculture and viticulture by 50% for 2030.
I should probably just leave, she said, although that would mean losing the nonrefundable investment she already has made. She thinks about moving out every day, but then what? Hospice might be a solution, but only if there is room when she needs it, she said.
At least two protestors were killed and more than a dozen were wounded in central Baghdad on January 17 in a fresh wave of violence that erupted between the anti-government demonstrators and Iraqi security forces, according to the officials. Riot police fired tear gas and hurled petrol bombs to disperse the crowd on the important Sinak Bridge after demonstrators attempted to breach cement barriers previously erected by security forces that caused casualties, according to the activists and medical and security officials. The protestors of Iraq have burned the entrance of a shrine in the southern holy city of Najaf on November 30 and the security forces fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.

READ: Trudeau Urges Iran To Send Downed Jetliner's Black Boxes To France

The demonstrators shared a video of a doorway to the Hakim shrine set on fire as protestors cheered and filmed it on their cell phones. The incident occurred during one of the deadliest weeks of Iraq's anti-government unrest that erupted last month. Widespread protests continued in the southern city of Nassiriya where protesters earlier surrounded a police station in Baghdad. The violence escalated after the Iranian consulate in Najaf was set on fire on Wednesday. Violent protestors burned tires and gheraoed a police station in the Southern Iraqi city of Nassiriya on November 30, according to the reports.

READ: Russian Foreign Minister Condemns US For Pulling Out Of Iran Nuclear Deal

Widespread protests close schools and offices

Iraqi officials said that two protestors have been shot dead and at least 26 wounded in Baghdad and southern Iraq in continued unrest. Adel Abdul Mahdi submitted his resignation on Friday to parliament after the government has faced two months of violent widespread protests. He resigned after the country's senior Shi'ite Muslim cleric forced the lawmakers to reconsider their support for a government that has been facing weeks of deadly anti-establishment unrest. The protestors have been protesting in Baghdad defying a curfew order introduced in late October. Protestors closed the main roads of the capital. Schools and colleges have been closed across Baghdad and various regions of Iraq and the students were seen staging sit-ins at their schools.

READ: US Prepares For Cyber Threats From Iran Amid Heightened Tensions

READ: Iran Foreign Ministry Spokesman: Don't Turn Plane Crash Into Political Issue
Riyadh pays $500 million to cover cost of US troops' presence in Saudi Arabia: Report

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2020 8:00 AM

Saudi Arabia has reportedly paid $500 million to begin to cover the cost of US military operating in the Arab country, a US official says.

The payment was made in December 2019, according to the report.

"Consistent with the President's guidance to increase partner burden-sharing, the Department of Defense has engaged Saudi Arabia on sharing the cost of these deployments, which support regional security and dissuade hostility and aggression. The Saudi government has agreed to help underwrite the cost of these activities and has made the first contribution," said Rebecca Rebarich, Pentagon spokeswoman.

Last week, President Donald Trump claimed that the Saudis had "already deposited $1 billion in the bank".

"We're sending more [troops] to Saudi Arabia, and Saudi Arabia is paying us for it," Trump said. "I said, 'Listen, you're a very rich country. You want more troops? I'm going to send them to you, but you have to pay us.' They're paying us. They've already deposited $1 billion in the bank."

Critics, including independent representative Justin Amash, slammed the move, accusing Trump of using American troops as "paid mercenaries." "He sells troops," Amash tweeted.

Speaking to MSNBC, Democrat representative Barbara Lee claimed Trump deposited the Saudi money in a personal bank account and said the president is "selling our soldiers as mercenaries to foreign governments."

Later, Pentagon spokeswoman Rebarich said discussions were ongoing to formalize the contributions.

"Discussions are ongoing" is quite different from Trump's unequivocal claim that Saudi Arabia had "already deposited $1 billion in the bank."

The Saudi funds are to cover the overall costs of deploying troops, as well as fighter jets and Patriot missile defense batteries to protect Saudi oil installations, CNN reported.

The deployments began after what the Saudis and Americans claimed were Iran's attacks on Aramco oil facilities in September 2019. Iran has denied any involvement in the attacks, for which Yemen's Ansaraullah movement claimed responsibility.

The military buildup has come despite Trump repeatedly claiming that he wants to reduce the US military commitment in the Middle East.

France to deploy its only aircraft carrier to Mideast

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday his country will deploy the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and its battle group to support French military operations in Middle East.

"The aircraft carrier will support Chammal operations (in the Middle East) from January to April 2020 before deploying to the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea", Macron said at a New Year speech to the French military, according to Reuters.

The deployment comes amid growing tensions between Iran and the United States, which escalated following Washington's assassination of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, in Baghdad.

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Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, , leads prayers at Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque in Tehran (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)

Iran will send the black box flight recorders from the Ukrainian jetliner that it accidentally shot down last week to Ukraine for further analysis, officials in Tehran said.

Hassan Rezaeifer, the head of accident investigations for the civil aviation department, said it was not possible to read the black boxes in Iran.

He told the semi-official Tasnim news agency that French, American and Canadian experts would help analyse the recorders in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital.

Mr Rezaeifer added if that does not work, the black boxes will be sent to France.

Expand Close Posters of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani hangs on the wall at the site where he was killed in Baghdad (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Posters of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani hangs on the wall at the site where he was killed in Baghdad (AP)

Irans Revolutionary Guard accidentally shot the plane down shortly after it took off from Tehran on January 8, killing all 176 people on board.

Hours earlier, the Guard had launched ballistic missiles at US troops in Iraq in response to the US air strike that killed Irans top commander, General Qassem Soleimani.

Officials say lower-level officers mistook the plane for a US cruise missile.

Iranian officials initially said the crash was caused by a technical problem and invited countries which lost citizens to help investigate.

Three days later, Iran admitted responsibility after Western leaders said there was strong evidence the plane was hit by a surface-to-air missile.

The victims included 57 Canadian citizens as well as 11 Ukrainians, 17 people from Sweden, four Afghans and four British citizens.

Expand Close An anti-war activist places candles to form the message No War during a rally at the US embassy in Seoul, South Korea (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp An anti-war activist places candles to form the message No War during a rally at the US embassy in Seoul, South Korea (AP)

Most of those killed were Iranians.

The other five nations have called for Iran to accept full responsibility and pay compensation to the victims families.

The plane was a Boeing 737-800 that was designed and built in the US.

The planes engine was designed by CFM International, a joint company comprising the French group Safran and US group GE Aviation.

Investigators from both countries have been invited to take part in the probe.
V Bhatia

The peacock is dancing circles around the dragon in the fintech world. Confused? Lets explain.

According to CB Insights, India overtook China as the leading fintech startup hub in Asia by attracting a larger volume of investments in Q1 2019. Indian fintech startups received around $286 million VC investments during this period, while their Chinese counterparts received $192.1, which is 87.56 percent drop over the past year.

According to Tracxn, fintech startups raised $3.2 billion in 2019 and invested a huge amount of these funds in enhancing their technology prowess, making them further attractive to prospective investors.

Take for instance, Flipkart-owned PhonePe. Starting as a digital wallet in 2017, once it kicked off its offline model in 2019, it scaled it to five million acceptance points within nine months. This was possible as it made its online-to-offline model seamless by leveraging its inherent technology blueprint.

Explaining investors keenness to invest in Indian fintechs as compared to Chinese companies, Nikhil Kamath, Co-Founder, True Beacon and Zerodha said that Chinas billion-dollar funding simmered down following tighter regulations. This resulted in an investment slowdown across the countrys tech sector, not just in fintech.

He added that China is overcoming a capital winter compounded by political and economic uncertainties and the governments ongoing efforts to reduce financial risks. Comparatively, India's more cautious approach tempered by regulatory changes made its fintech companies an attractive investment.

While financial wealth is no guarantee of a thriving fintech ecosystem, success begets investments. Investors will be keen to invest in Indian fintechs if there is a promise of growth and continuation of positive indicators like innovative, collaborative, data-focused business models with banks and other incumbents looking to adapt these new ways, Kamath added.

While Indian fintech companies currently have a headstart over their Chinese peers, the government can play a key role in ensuring further funding activity in this sector.

Fortunately, the government has been creating an enabling environment for the sector over the past few years.

Kamath recommended that the government continue to create a conducive environment for fintechs to thrive by providing tax relief and removing barriers to access for funding and market entry. The segment would also benefit from government advocacy.

India is likely to maintain a strong foothold due to many macroeconomic factors. These include the countrys large population, talent pool and entrepreneurial drive aided by governmental push.

Globally we are witnessing how fintech hubs are creating niches. London has emerged as a hub for investments into open banking solutions, China for facial recognition and Israel, a centre for cybersecurity. However, India has the benefit of scale. Coupled with the favourable ecosystem, India will maintain this momentum, he optimistically stated.
Chris Moore

Not too many years ago, hospitals and schools did not have armed police officers patrolling the premises. They were regarded as routine civilian facilities that didnt have security threats and therefore the need for any officers. Sadly, that has changed in recent years, and its not surprising to see that St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont became the first location in the Christus Health System to add armed officers. The force will include 15 officers, eight of whom were commissioned Thursday

The hospital does not exist in a vacuum, said Roy Alston, vice president of security for Christus Health. It exists in a society. Sometimes the things that plague our society spill over into our hospitals.  Weve taught (these officers) to recognize behavior that could escalate into a violent encounter.
An air strike Saturday by Syrian regime ally Russia killed five civilians, including four members of the same family, in an opposition bastion in the country's northwest, a monitor said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said three children were among those killed after midnight Friday in the village of Bala in the jihadist-run Idlib region.

"A man, his wife, and their two little girls were among those killed," said the head of the Britain-based monitoring group, Rami Abdel Rahman.

An AFP correspondent at a hospital in the area saw the bodies of two of the children wrapped up in thick winter blankets.

The strike created a massive crater of rubble near a two-storey home flanked by an empty outdoor swimming pool, the correspondent said.

A rescue worker found a stuffed toy cockerel inside the building.

Another first responder retrieved two slain rabbits.

The Observatory, which relies on sources inside Syria for its information, says it determines who carried out air strikes according to flight patterns as well as aircraft and ammunition involved.

The Idlib region has witnessed an uptick in violence this week, as the Syrian government presses a deadly offensive despite a ceasefire arranged by its Russian ally and rebel-backer Turkey.

Home to three million people, the jihadist-run bastion is made up of a large part of the Idlib province, as well as slivers of the neighbouring Aleppo and Latakia provinces.

Idlib is run by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group dominated by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate.

Fighting there since Wednesday has killed 28 civilians including eight children, according to the Observatory.

It also took the lives of 58 pro-regime fighters and 67 fighters most of them jihadists, it added.

Violence in recent weeks has prompted hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee their homes, exposing them to a harsh winter.

On Thursday, Russia denied launching any combat operations in the region since the start of a ceasefire it said went into effect on January 9.

According to Turkey, the truce started on Sunday.

On Saturday, the Russian army deplored attacks led by HTS, describing them as "deliberate acts" designed to "undermine the ceasefire", according to Russian agencies.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said he would discuss the latest attacks in northwestern Syria on Sunday with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Syria's war has killed more than 380,000 people and displaced more than half the country's population since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
(TNS)  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi took another swipe at Facebook on Thursday over the social media giants reluctance to police disinformation, calling its executives accomplices for misleading the American people.Pelosi has been angry at the Menlo Park company since it refused last year to take down a video of her that had been edited to make her appear to be slurring her speech. Asked at a news conference Thursday if Facebook and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, have too much power, the San Francisco Democrat said the firm cared only about making money without regard for the truthfulness of information.Pelosi said Facebook has made it clear that they intend to be accomplices for misleading the American people, with money from God knows where.She added, They didnt even check on the money from Russia in the last election. They never even thought they should. ... I think their behavior is shameful.Pelosi also said Facebook has schmoozed the Trump administration because all the company wants is tax cuts and to avoid antitrust litigation against it.Facebook did not respond to a request for comment.Last week, Facebook announced that it will unveil a tool this summer to let users decide if they want to see fewer political ads. But the company has come under fire for refusing to monitor campaign ads for truthfulness.While Twitter has chosen to block political ads and Google has chosen to limit the targeting of political ads, we are choosing to expand transparency and give more controls to people when it comes to political ads, Rob Leathern, Facebooks director of product management, wrote in a blog post.When Facebook refused to take down the Pelosi video last spring, the House speaker said the companys attitude was, I know this is false and its a lie, but were running it anyway.I can take it, Pelosi said. But (Facebook is) lying to the public.Last week, Monika Bickert, Facebooks vice president of global policy management, told House lawmakers that Facebooks new policy to combat manipulated media would not lead it to remove the doctored Pelosi video. However, Facebook should have labeled it more quickly at the time as false, she said.It was labeled false, Bickert testified. But we think we could have gotten that to fact-checkers faster, and we think the label that we put on it could have been more clear.
Pakistan on Friday condemned the statements of Indian Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat where he suggested de-radicalisation camps for radicalised youths in the Kashmir Valley and a concerted effort to tackle terrorism globally.

Islamabad: Pakistan on Friday condemned the statements of Indian Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat where he suggested de-radicalisation camps for radicalised youths in the Kashmir Valley and a concerted effort to tackle terrorism globally.

Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2020 in New Delhi, Rawat, in a clear reference to Pakistan, sought diplomatic isolation and blacklisting by anti-terror watchdog FATF of countries sponsoring terrorism.

The Chief of Defence Staff also said girls and boys as young as 10 and 12 years were being radicalised in Kashmir.

Condemning Rawat's statements, the Pakistan Foreign Office said, "These remarks are reflective of the extremist mindset and bankrupt thinking that have evidently also permeated the state institutions of India."

The Foreign Office said Rawat's remarks on FATF were further proof of India's repeated attempts to politicise FATF's technical proceedings.

"Pakistan has consistently sensitised the world community about India's malicious campaign in this regard. We expect that the FATF members would reject these Indian machinations," the FO said.
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Linkedin Marchio Irfan Gorbiano (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, January 18, 2020 13:30 724 48be62e941b44f04afae568c322a86f1 1 Politics Jokowi,Gibran-Rakabuming,Bobby-Nasution,regional-election,PDI-P Free

With his eldest son and son-in-law running in mayoral races this year, President Joko Jokowi Widodo has ensured the public that he will not be campaigning for them, citing his workload.

Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Jokowi's eldest son, has officially registered to run in the 2020 Surakarta mayoral election in Central Java, while his son-in-law Bobby Nasution will be running in the Medan mayoral election in North Sumatra this year.

"This is a competition. In every competition they can win or lose. I won't be campaigning [for them]," Jokowi told reporters at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Friday, citing that he had a lot of work to do.

He reasserted his stance and dismissed speculation suggesting that he was trying to establish a political dynasty under his name, saying that it would come down to the people whether his family members were elected or not.

"Again, there is no such [political dynasty]. This is about the choice of the people; if the people don't want them then they won't be elected," he said.

"First, it's even difficult [for them] to look for political parties [to back their candidacies]. Second, people these days are smart. The presidential and regional elections have allowed them to learn a lot about politics; which ones are good to be elected and which ones are not. It's different from ministerial positions."

Gibran, who has been running his own businesses, previously approached Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri before eventually registering with the partys Central Java chapter in Semarang in an attempt to get a ticket for the mayoral race. The PDI-P central board will later decide which candidate it will nominate.

Bobby, a property investor, has submitted his Medan mayoral candidate nomination forms also to the PDI-P's North Sumatra branch, which is currently processing his application.

The husband of Jokowi's daughter Kahiyang Ayu has also met with a number of political parties in North Sumatra, including the Golkar Party and the NasDem Party. Last month, he met with Jokowi's erstwhile rival in the 2019 election, Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subianto, to talk about Bobbys plan to run in the 2020 Medan mayoral race, although Prabowo had yet to issue any recommendation to support his candidacy.

Jokowi said that even though there were difficulties in finding parties to back them, he would not interfere with the matter. He said that if his son had not earned a party's support, then they would not proceed to run in the race.

"Being an independent candidate is fine, but in the long run everything will need approval from the Regional Legislative Councils, which consist of political party factions," he said. (ars)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 18)  Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano is all praises for PLTGEN Archie Gamboa who has finally been chosen as the next chief of the Philippine National Police.

Ano in a statement on Saturday said Gamboa is "very qualified for the job," enumerating his expectations from the highest police officer.

"I expect that he will work harder now that he is the permanent head of the PNP and lead the organization in its intensified fight against illegal drugs, criminalities, communist terrorist groups and extremists," he said.

"I also expect that he would continue to cleanse the PNP ranks of scalawags," he added.

He urged the Department of Interior and Local Government and the police force to support Gamboa, "enforce the law without fear or favor, and serve and protect the people."

It took President Rodrigo Duterte more than three months to decide on who would replace the controversial Oscar Albayalde, who resigned from his post in October 2019 amid allegations of his involvement in a 2013 anomalous drug raid that happened under his watch as Pampanga provincial police director. The Department of Justice recently found probable cause to charge Albayalde for graft for failing to implement an order penalizing his men over the irregular drug sting. The former top cop has said he is ready to clear his name in court.

Admitting he was having a hard time in choosing the next PNP chief, Duterte in December last year asked Ano to temporarily supervise the police with Gamboa as officer-in-charge.

In a speech in Davao City Friday night, Duterte made a surprise announcement: "We have the PNP Chief." He said Gamboa has showed him sincerity, and that they will have a "long, long talk" soon, together with Ano.

Gamboa is taking over the PNP which has been rocked by controversies, particularly the issue of "ninja cops" or those who would recycle or sell illegal drugs confiscated from police operations.

READ: Ninja cops' days are numbered, senators say as Albayalde's court trial looms

Prior to being appointed as the next head of the national police, Gamboa served several leadership posts, including as spokesperson of the Davao Regional Police Office from 1997 to 2002, until he became deputy chief for administration in the headquarters in October last year.

Gamboa is a "mistah" or classmate of former PNP chiefs Albayalde and now Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa. They are all from the Philippine Military Academy "Sinagtala" Class of 1986.
The acclaimed Degani Piano Trio will be joined by renowned actor Barry McGovern for a powerful concert entitled 'Beethoven: Words and Music' at Whale Theatre in Greystones.

The Degani Piano Trio return to the Whale Theatre at 8 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, for a performance of two of Beethoven's Piano Trios - Op.70 No.1 in D major 'Ghost' and the Piano Trio Op.1 No.1 in E flat major. The much loved 'Ghost' Trio shows the passionate and mysterious side of Beethoven while the exuberant and joyous Piano Trio Op1 No.1 in E flat major show him in his most optimistic mood.

Beethoven's music will be illuminated by excerpts from his letters both funny and heart-rending with narration by actor Barry McGovern.

In 2020, the world will celebrate the 250th birthday of Beethoven. This series is an exciting opportunity to explore Beethoven's personality, his creative process and his daily life through collaboration between the artistry of the Degani Piano Trio and the pathos of Barry McGovern's narration.

The Degani Piano Trio are an established Irish Piano Trio of distinguished musicians. It features Alan Smale on violin, Rachel Quinn on piano and Annette Cleary on cello. Their combined wealth of experience as recital artists, soloists, chamber musicians and orchestral leaders result in compellingly expressive interpretations. In past years, they have recorded CDs of piano trios by Brahms, Chopin, Piazzolla, Dvorak, and Haydn.

The trio was formed in 2015 and has performed frequently at the National Concert Hall, the Curtis Auditorium CIT and at other venues and festivals in Wicklow, Wexford, Sligo, Cork and around Ireland. They are known for their insightful and joyful interpretations of the classics.

Barry McGovern is one of Ireland's best known stage, film and television actors and is well known for his appearances in such films as Joe versus the Volcano, Braveheart, Far and Away, the General and Citizen Lane.

He is also a prolific stage actor, a former member of the RTE players and the Abbey Theatre Company. He is regarded by many as one of the leading exponents of works by Samuel Beckett. His one man shows of I'll Go On, Watt and First Love have toured worldwide. He played in Krapps Last Tape at the Edinburgh International Festival and Vladimar in the Beckett on Film Waiting for Godot.

Tickets are 25 or 20 concession and available at whaletheatre.ie.
Today in Gay History  January 18th.

1726, Germany  The man who might have been the first gay king of America was born in Berlin. Prince Heinrich of Prussia (pictured right above) was the brother of Frederick the Great who tried have him made King of America. The fledgling US even considered it during the period ruing the Article of Confederation, but, by the time the fickle prince agreed, the equally fickle American public had opted for the Constitution and a republic.

1928  Betty Berzon (January 18, 1928  January 24, 2006) is born. She was an American author and psychotherapist known for her work with the gay and lesbian communities. She was among the first psychotherapists to assist gay clients. After coming out as lesbian in 1968, she began providing therapy to gays and lesbians. In 1971, during a UCLA conference called The Homosexual in America, Berzon became the first psychotherapist in the country to come out as gay to the public. Also in 1971, she organized the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center as well as an organization of gays and lesbians within the American Psychiatric Association (the Gay Psychological Association, now known as the Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues); the APA declassified homosexuality as a mental illness two years later. She is survived by Teresa DeCrescenzo, the president of Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Services, whom Berzon met in 1973 and married during a mass wedding ceremony at the 1993 March on Washington.

In 2007, Ventura Place in Studio City was renamed Dr. Betty Berzon Place in her honor, making it the first street ever officially dedicated to a known lesbian in California. Also in 2007, the LGBT magazine The Advocate named Berzon one of 40 heroes. The Betty Berzon Papers (1928-2006) are at the ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives.

1936  Rev. James Lewis Stoll (January 18, 1936  December 8, 1994) is born. In 1969, he becomes the first ordained minister of an established denomination to come out as gay. He led the effort that convinced the Unitarian Universalist Association to pass their first gay rights resolution.

1958  Marci Lee Bowers (born January 18, 1958) is a US gynecologist and surgeon who specializes in gender confirmation surgeries. Dr. Bowers practice is at the San Mateo Surgery Center in Burlingame, California. From 2003 to 2010, she practiced in the town of Trinidad, Colorado, where she had studied under Stanley Biber before his retirement. Bowers married eleven years prior to her surgery, and remains married to her female spouse.

1973  Viewers of An American Family 12-part television documentary shown on PBS about the lives of an average American family, the Louds, discover that son Lance (June 26, 1951  December 22, 2001) is living as an openly gay man in New York City. Lance was an American television personality, magazine columnist and new wave rock-n-roll performer.

Lance Loud died of liver failure as a result of hepatitis C and a co-infection with HIV in 2001. He was 50 years old.

1975, Canada  The founding conference of the Coalition for Gay Rights in Ontario (CGRO) opens at Don Vale Community Center in Toronto.

1977  In Miami, Florida: Anita Bryant, a former beauty queen, launches a nationwide crusade against gay and lesbian rights in response to Dade Countys new municipal rights ordinance forbidding housing and employment discrimination against lesbians and gay men. Accusing lesbians and gay men of corrupting the nations youth, Bryant dubs her crusade the Save Our Children campaign. Miami-Dade County commissioners passed the ordinance with a vote of 5-3. Anita Bryant vows to defeat the ordinance at the ballot box. On June 7, 1977, Bryants hateful promise is fulfilled. Nearly 70 percent of voters opt to repeal the ordinance.

1996  The wedding of Rosss ex-wife Carol and her girlfriend Susan airs on Friends. Candace Gingrich (born June 2, 1966) guest stars as the minister. Candace is an American LGBT rights activist at the Human Rights Campaign. She is the half-sister of former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, who is more than 20 years their senior.

1999, Zimbabwe  the first president of Zimbabwe, Canaan Sodindo Banana (5 March 1936  10 November 2003), already retired from the post, is convicted on 11 counts of sodomy. At the time, president Mugabe is scapegoating homosexuals as the reason for Zimbabwes ills. Banana serves six months of a 10-year sentence and moves to the UK for political asylum.

2004  The L Word premieres on Showtime. The L Word is an American/Canadian co-production television drama series portraying the lives of a group of lesbians and their friends, connections, family, and lovers in the trendy Greater Los Angeles, California city of West Hollywood. The series originally ran on Showtime from January 18, 2004 to March 8, 2009, and subsequently in syndication on Logo and through on-demand services.
The Chinese embassy has raised its "great concern" with the Australian government that hundreds of Chinese PhD students hoping to start their studies here have endured long visa delays.

"The reasons for the delays have not been clearly explained," an embassy spokesman told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age via email. "We have raised this issue with relevant Australian agencies. We will continue to do that and hope it could be properly addressed."

Chinese researchers are frustrated and angry that their visas are delayed. Credit:Peter Braig

Australian experts have warned about the risk of Chinese researchers' work here being applied in ways that are contrary to Australia's interests when the researchers return home to China, and the United States is increasingly competing with China in the academic sphere.

Against that backdrop a group of about 230 Chinese students, who have connected on social media platforms, said they had been waiting months  and in some cases more than a year  longer than normal for a visa.
Many hospitals in HCM City are carrying out programmes to help their patients enjoy the Lunar New Year season, or Tet, which falls on January 25.

Child patients enjoy Xuan Yeu Thuong (Loved Spring) Fair at HCM City Oncology Hospital held on January 5. Photo courtesy of the hospital

The HCM City Oncology Hospital, for instance, will provide free buses for their patients who want to return to their hometown to enjoy Tet with their family on January 21. They also will be presented gifts including cash of VND1 million (US$43), cakes and milk from the hospital.

The hospitals 100 patients with the most financial difficulty on Tuesday received gifts from Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh as part of the Ngay Mai Tuoi Sang (Bright Future) Fund.

Last week, the hospital and many sponsors organised Xuan Yeu Thuong (Loved Spring) Fair for child patients. At the fair, children played traditional games, and enjoyed food and art performances. They were gifted vouchers to buy goods at stalls in the fair.

Dr Pham Xuan Dung, the hospitals director, said: The hospital has nearly 200 inpatients including children and adults for treatment during Tet. The staff will organise various programmes for them to enjoy Tet at the hospital.

One hundred of the poorest cancer patients at Thong Nhat Hospital also received gifts from Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh as part of the Bright Future Fund.

The vice president said that the expertise of doctors and advanced techniques at hospitals in the country had helped many patients recover from cancer and that patients at the HCM City Oncology and Thong Nhat hospitals received excellent care.

Duong Thi Sau, 65, of Binh Tan District, who was treated at the hospital and one of 100 patients to receive gifts, said that she was happy with the gift from the vice president and hoped to be discharged from the hospital soon to enjoy Tet with her family.

Last Sunday, on Thu Duc District Hospitals campus, 500 poor patients were eager to go to 40 booths to buy rice, clothes, rice cakes, jams and others without paying any dong at the Phien Cho 0 ong (Fair with Zero ong) held annually by the hospital.

At many booths, they were given VND20,000 as a good luck gift for New Year. They were also offered free haircuts if they wanted.

Dr Nguyen Minh Quan, the hospitals director, said the fair held twice a year to help poor patients has expanded to many wards in the district.

Cho Ray Hospital, HCM Citys most crowded hospital, has created a colourful flower street for patients to enjoy the Tet season.

The 200-metre flower street features nearly 30 mini-scenes decorated with apricot and peach blossoms as well as flowers, ornamental plants and popular symbols of Tet such as banh chung (square cakes) and watermelons.

Nguyen Tri Thuc, director of the hospital, said that for many Vietnamese, Tet is a special occasion for reunions with family members. Patients and their relatives who cannot return home for the Tet holiday can feel the cheerful spirit of Tet at the hospital.

The floral decorations were designed by health workers at 75 departments and units of the hospital.

It is scheduled to wrap up on January 28.

Tet gifts for AO victims

Twenty gift packages were presented to Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims in Hanoi on Wednesday ahead of Tet.

Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Rinh, Chairman of the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA), said the programme, the second of its kind, had received warm support from organisations and individuals at home and abroad.

He added that from January 1 to 14, the association along with the Vietnam AO/dioxin magazine and sponsors, visited and presented Tet gifts worth over VND1 billion (US$43,200) to more than 1,200 victims across 23 cities and provinces nationwide.  VNS

Doctors, nurses welcome Tet in hospital Tet (Lunar New Year) is a time for families to get together and celebrate up and down Vietnam, but not for medical workers.
President Donald Trumps administration said Friday that it planned to roll back school breakfast and lunch nutrition guidelines that were championed by Michelle Obama. And it chose the former first ladys 56th birthday to make the announcement. The change in guidelines proposed by the Agriculture Department would give schools more freedom to cut the number of vegetables and fruits they serve at breakfast and lunch while also opening the door to more French fries, burgers, and pizza. The food industry lobby had long been pushing for the change, which was immediately decried by nutritionists, who said it would allow schools to once again serve fattening foods as snacks.

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A spokeswoman for the Department of Agriculture said it was not their intention to roll out the proposed change on Obamas birthday, although some Democratic aides on Capitol Hill had their doubts, notes the New York Times.

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The proposed new rules will give schools more flexibility to determine standards because they know their children best, the Agriculture Department said in a statement. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said that the proposed changes have to do with schools saying there is still too much food waste and that more common-sense flexibility is needed to provide students nutritious and appetizing meals.

Critics were quick to point out that the Trump administration was effectively making it easier for schools to serve meals that are less healthy under the guise of simplifying the system. If implemented, the proposed new rules would create a huge loophole in school nutrition guidelines, paving the way for children to choose pizza, burgers, french fries and other foods high in calories, saturated fat or sodium in place of balanced school meals every day, warned Colin Schwartz, deputy director of legislative affairs for Center for Science in the Public Interest. The move would likely increase the amount of potatoes in school meals, Schwartz warned.

This is not the first time the Trump administration has moved to roll back rules that sought to make school meals healthier. The Center for Science in the Public Interest and attorneys general from six states and the District of Columbia sued over a December 2018 change, arguing it put millions of children at risk.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it is ready to explore all constitutional means to ensure that government respects the rule of law and desist from influencing the judiciary, INEC and our security agencies.

The opposition party said this after its Friday 87th emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, attended by PDP leaders present, including Governors Umar Fintiri (Adamawa), Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto) and Bello Matawalle (Zamfara).

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, who spoke with newsmen at the end of the meeting said the party is aggrieved by the destruction of democratic institutions and values, constant abuse of the rule of law.

Read Also: PDP: Presidency Mounting Pressure On SCourt To Deliver Sokoto, Bauchi, Adamawa In APCs Favour

He said, We assure Nigerians that the PDP through all available constitutional means including civil disobedience will insist that this government respects the rule of law and desist from influencing the judiciary, INEC and our security agencies. 

We will not allow the judiciary, legislature, security agencies and other institutions of government and democracy to become departments of the APC. 

We reject the destruction of our democratic institutions and values, especially the independence of the legislature, the politicisation of the judiciary and the compromise of our security and electoral institutions .

We note with pains the constant abuse of the rule of law, the muzzling of the civil society and advocates of free speech as well as ordinary Nigerians. 

We totally condemn the utter desecration of judicial values, climaxing in the national embarrassment of the Supreme Court manufacturing votes and relating same to the APC and its candidate in the Imo governorship election, thereby robbing the people of the state of their mandate freely given to our candidate, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, he said.
Thought experiment No. 1: Suppose Bob Muellers probe actually proves that Donald Trump is under Vladimir Putins thumb. Fill in the rest of the blanks with your favorite corruption fantasy: The Kremlin has video of the mogul-turned-president debauching himself in a Moscow hotel; the Kremlin has a bulging file of real-estate transfers through which Trump laundered racketeering proceeds for Putins favored mobsters and oligarchs; or Trump is recorded cutting a deal to drop Obama-era sanctions against Putins regime if Russian spies hack Democratic accounts.

Thought experiment No. 2: Adam Schiff is not a demagogue. (Remember, this is fantasy.) At the very first televised hearing, when he alleged that President Trump told Ukrainian president Zelensky, I want you to make up dirt on my political opponent . . . lots of it, Schiff was not defrauding the public. Instead, impeachments Inspector Clouseau can actually prove that Trump was asking a foreign government to manufacture out of whole cloth evidence that Vice President Biden and his son were cashing in on the formers political influence (as opposed to asking that Ukraine look into an arrangement so objectively sleazy that the Obama administration itself agitated over what to do about it).

What do these two scenarios have in common, besides being fictional? Answer: If either of them were real, wed already be talking about President Pences upcoming State of the Union address.

This is the point that gets lost in all the endless chatter over impeachment strategy and procedure. Everything that is happening owes to the fact that we do not have an offense sufficiently grave for invocation of the Constitutions nuclear option. If we had one, the machinations and the posturing would be unnecessary  even ridiculous.

Why are we talking about how Chairman Schiff, Speaker Pelosi, and House Democrats rushed through the impeachment inquiry without making a real effort to interview key witnesses?

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Why was the Democrats impeachment gambit driven by the election calendar rather than the nature of the presidents offense? Why were the timing of hearings and the unreasonable limits imposed on Republicans ability to call witnesses dictated by the frantic rush to get done before Christmas recess  to the point that Democrats cynically vacated a subpoena theyd served on a relevant administration witness, fearing a few weeks of court battles that they might lose?

Why did Democrats grope from week to week in a struggle over what to call the misconduct they accused the president of committing  campaign finance, extortion, quid pro quo, bribery? How did they end up with an amorphous abuse of power case? How did they conclude that an administration that goes to court rather than instantly surrendering potentially privileged information commits obstruction?

Why such tedious recriminations over adoption of Senate procedures that were approved by a 1000 vote the last time there was an impeachment trial? Why all the kvetching over whether witnesses will be called when those procedures provide for the calling of witnesses in the likely event that 51 senators  after hearing nearly two weeks of presentation and argument from both sides  want to hear from one or two of them?

Why, with Election Day only ten months away, would Speaker Pelosi stoke an impeachment vote that could be perilous for many of her members, on the insistence that Trump was such a clear and present danger she could brook no delay, but then . . . sit on the impeachment articles for a month, accomplishing nothing in the interim except to undermine the presidential bids of several Senate Democrats, who will be trapped in Washington when they should be out campaigning with Iowas caucuses just two weeks away?

None of this would have happened if there had been a truly impeachable offense.

Adam Schiff is a smart guy. He did not idly dream up a make up dirt parody. He framed it because he knows thats the kind of misconduct you would need to prove to warrant impeachment and removal of a president. In fact, Schiff could never prove that, but he figured parody is good enough for 2020 campaign purposes  and thats what this exercise is all about.

If collusion with Russia had been fact rather than farce, Trump would never have made it to an impeachment trial. Hed have had to resign, Prior to November 8, 2016, Republicans were not the ones in need of convincing that Russia was a dangerous geopolitical threat. If it had been real collusion that brought Democrats around to that conclusion, the votes to impeach and remove would have been overwhelming.

And the timing would have been irrelevant. If Americans had been seized by a truly impeachable offense, it would not matter whether Election Day was two years, two months, or two weeks away. The public and the political class would not tolerate an agent of the Kremlin in the Oval Office.

If there were such egregious misconduct that the public was convinced of the need to remove Trump, such that two-thirds of the Senate would ignore partisan ties and do just that, there would be no partisan stunts. Democratic leaders would have worked cooperatively with their GOP counterparts, as was done in prior impeachments. They would have told the president: Sure, you can have your lawyers here, and call whatever witnesses you want. There would be a bipartisan sense that the president had done profound wrong. There would be a sense of history, not contest. Congressional leaders would want to be remembered as statesmen, not apparatchiks.

If there were a real impeachable offense, there would be no fretting about witnesses at the trial. Senate leaders would be contemplating that, after hearing the case extensively presented by both sides, there might well be enough votes to convict without witnesses. But if there were an appetite for witnesses, witnesses would be called . . . as they were in Watergate. And just as in Watergate, if the president withheld vital evidence of appalling lawlessness, the public would not be broadly indifferent to administration stonewalling.

If there were an obviously impeachable offense, the garrisons of Fort Knox could not have stopped Nancy Pelosi from personally marching impeachment articles into the Senate the second the House had adopted them  in what would have been an overwhelming bipartisan vote (of the kind that Pelosi, not long ago, said would be imperative for a legitimate impeachment effort).

The Framers expected presidents to abuse their powers from time to time. And not just presidents. Our Constitutions theory of the human condition, and thus of governance, is that power is apt to corrupt anyone. It needs to be divided, and the peer components need to be incentivized to check each other. The operating assumption is that, otherwise, one component would accumulate too much power and inevitably fall prey to the tyrannical temptation. But as Madison observed, men are not angels. Separation of powers arms us against inevitable abuse, it does not prevent abuse from happening. Abuse is a given: Congress uses lawmaking power to encroach on the other branches prerogatives; judges legislate from the bench, presidents leverage their awesome powers for political advantage. The expectation is not that government officials will never overreach; it is that when one branch does overreach, the others will bring it into line.

That is the norm: corrective action or inaction, political pressure, naming and shaming, power of the purse, and so on. We expect to criticize, inveigh, even censure. We dont leap from abuse to expulsion. We dont expect routinely to expel members of Congress or impeach presidents and judges. That is reserved for historically extraordinary wrongs.

On Ukraine, nothing of consequence came of President Trumps bull-in-a-china-shop excesses. Sure, they ought to be a 2020 campaign issue. Democrats, instead, would have us exaggerate them into historically extraordinary wrongs. For that, you need gamesmanship. If there were real impeachable misconduct, there would be no time or place for games.

More from National Review
Five business are scheduled to join Costcos shopping center in Bayonne this year including a grocery store, gym and nail salon.

The redevelopers of the property on the former Military Ocean Terminal announced five new leases in Harbor View Marketplace Wednesday. The businesses are Lidl, LA Fitness, CVS Pharmacy, Starbucks and Posh Nails and Beauty Lounge.

Each is scheduled to open between July and October.

We are happy to introduce these businesses to the Bayonne market and we look forward to the continued growth of this incredible waterfront property, said Joseph Forgione, principal of JMF Properties, which is redeveloping the property with RD Management.

The shopping center, Harbor View Marketplace, is next to Route 440 and west of Cape Liberty Port.

Costco opened last March, and residential buildings, called ScenicVue, are also planned for the property.

The city of Bayonne welcomes this new round of development, said Mayor Jimmy Davis. We appreciate the convenience that the Harbor View Marketplace businesses will offer to the residents of the neighboring ScenicVue apartments, to the rest of Bayonne, and to our region.

Posh Nails and Beauty Lounge will offer nail services as well as facials and waxing. The owners have one other location in Bayonnes South Cove Commons shopping center.
Reuters

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling party on Friday slammed editorial policies of billionaire Jeff Bezos-owned Washington Post, even as his e-commerce firm Amazon announced plans to create a million jobs in the country by 2025.

Vijay Chauthaiwale, chief of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) foreign affairs department, said there was "a lot of problem" with the newspaper's coverage of India, but gave no examples.

The swipe at the Post came a day after a cabinet minister gave short shrift to Amazon's investment plans for India.

Bezos has praised India during his visit, saying the 21st century will be the Indian century and calling the country's dynamism and energy "something special".

"I am not opposing Amazon as a company, in fact I am a regular customer ... Jeff Bezos should go home tell Washington Post what is his impression about India," Chauthaiwale told Reuters.

"The Washington Post editorial policy is highly biased and agenda driven."

In a statement to Reuters, The Washington Post said it "has covered India fairly and accurately, even when the government has imposed tight restrictions on the flow of information." The Posts Opinions department is independent from the news division and publishes different perspectives from within India and around the globe, the newspaper added.

Chauthaiwale has in the past criticised foreign media's reporting, including on the disputed Kashmir region claimed by both India and Pakistan, saying coverage has been biased against Modi.

Amazon did not respond to an email seeking comment on Chauthaiwale's remarks. In its statement announcing the job-creation plans, Bezos said "we're excited about what lies ahead."

Still, street protests this week by small retailers and adverse comments from politicians have made Bezos' visit a public relations nightmare for Amazon.

India's shopkeepers have been a core constituency for the BJP since the party's early days. Sources told Reuters that Modi, who has courted other foreign investors, was unlikely to meet Bezos during his visit despite repeated requests by Amazon.

Souring sentiment

India last year enforced stringent rules for foreign investment in e-commerce, which forced Amazon to rework its business structures and strained ties between New Delhi and Washington.

India's antitrust body this week launched a probe into Amazon and Walmart's Flipkart e-commerce service. India's brick-and-mortar retailers say Amazon and Flipkart have flouted regulations and burned billions of dollars to offer steep discounts. The companies deny the allegations.

On Thursday, Bezos attended a company event in Mumbai with Bollywood actors such as Shah Rukh Khan and said the company would "double down" its investments on its video streaming service, Prime Video.

But the event was largely overshadowed by comments from India's trade minister Piyush Goyal, who raised questions about the company's business practices while addressing a security conference in New Delhi and said Amazon had done no big favour to India by announcing a $1 billion investment.

Industry executives and their advisers told Reuters on Friday that Goyal's remarks were likely to put off foreign investors, denting India's economic growth which is already projected to fall to a 11-year low this year.

"This clearly is unbecoming, and it will hurt how the world views India as a destination," said a senior executive of a US-based company operating in India.
Saturday, January 18th, 2020 (7:32 am) - Score 3,901

Last years 1bn Shared Rural Network (SRN) agreement between BT (EE), Vodafone, Three UK and O2, which will see the operators working together in order to extend geographic 4G mobile (mobile broadband) coverage to 95% of the UK by 2025, was just the start of what could be a tricky period of implementation.

Catering for remote rural areas is very expensive and there have been huge disagreements in the past over how to achieve the desired outcome. For example one old option, the idea of so-called Rural Roaming, was rejected by EE because they viewed it as giving a free ride to rivals that havent made the same investment (excluding ESN masts as those can be shared), not to mention stifling the attraction of future investments.

At present EE has a fair bit more infrastructure (masts etc.) deployed across rural areas than most of their rivals, although it should be said that there are also plenty of areas where rivals can reach but EE are still weak or non-existent (its a two-way street when it comes to cooperation).

The SRN agreement is thus an industry-led way of resolving this, which essentially proposes both the reciprocal sharing of existing masts in certain areas and the demand-led building and sharing of new masts in others. However some key details of the SRN are still being decided, such as the question of how much will be charged by each operator for rivals to access existing sites.

This week BT issued an important document on their own cost proposal for sharing sites (masts etc.), which outlines the reciprocal costs we feel should be paid to get access to one anothers sites. The big question will be whether or not their rivals agree with this proposal (due to the weekend we havent been able to get their feedback). BTs Consumer CEO, Marc Allera, even issued a press release on all this, which seemed to adopt a defensive tone.

BTs CEO Statement on SRN Cost Proposals Over the past seven-and-a-bit years, EE has invested in getting 4G coverage to significantly more places than any other network, driven by our belief that our customers should be able to connect wherever they go. This has meant weve built more sites than any other operator. And, as Ofcoms recent Connected Nations report demonstrates, theres many places where were the only provider of 4G coverage. We expect many of these sites to form the basis of the share program, helping the other providers to fill holes in their networks to keep people connected. This week, weve submitted an important document into the final part of the process  the cost proposal for sharing sites. This document clearly outlines the reciprocal costs we feel should be paid to get access to one anothers sites. Its based upon the inherent value of these mobile sites today, and the investment made to get that site up, built and working  as well as the time and effort to get planning permission and reach agreement with the landowners  to create the mobile coverage these areas so desperately need. All of which is harder to do, and more expensive, because of the challenges of building in rural areas. We think its fair and reasonable that this investment and the current value of the site are both taken into account, and need to be recognised when others come to share it. Of course, this goes both ways and should ensure that the fair approach to rural coverage that the SRN was designed to introduce is maintained. Finding an analogy here is tricky because this is complex, but I sometimes think of it like Sainsburys building a new superstore in a rural area and being made to give away shelf space to Tesco, Lidl and Asda.

We should point out that the SRN proposal will actually see each individual operator reach 92% geographic coverage by 2025, with licence obligations taking effect in 2026. However the collective effect of this is that it will deliver coverage to 95% of the UK.

The new Government under PM Boris Johnson has previously pledged to complete the SRN deal within its first 100 days, although this will very much depend upon all sides being able to reach agreement on the key details, such as costs (historically mobile operators love to quarrel). For its part BT has said such a time-scale is pacy, but we now feel all enablers are there. No doubt theyll all blame each other if it doesnt pan out that way.
If there is a single date that sums up the clash between Margaret Thatcher and the miners, it is June 18, 1984, when a violent confrontation took place between police and pickets at Orgreave in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

Dubbed the Battle of Orgreave, it arouses strong feelings to this day, with campaigners calling for an independent review into what happened and why.

The site itself has been completely transformed, however, under the auspices of Harworth Group, a property developer specialising in regeneration throughout the North of England and the Midlands.

Strong feelings: 1984's Battle of Orgreave

Harworth shares are 1.54 and should increase in value, as the company has an impressive track record, a strong portfolio and is focused on precisely the areas that Prime Minister Boris Johnson has earmarked for investment.

Orgreave, renamed Waverley, is a case in point. Once a gritty colliery and coking plant, the area now boasts 850 new houses and a massive business park, whose tenants include Rolls-Royce and McLaren Automotive, which makes components for Formula 1 cars on site.

In days gone by, around 700 miners were employed at Orgreave. Today, more than 2,000 jobs have been created on site and thousands more will come as Harworth has planning permission to expand the business park and leading manufacturers are keen to move in.

The University of Sheffield has a significant presence there too, with an Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and an apprentice college, where businesses can find the skilled workers they need.

Over time, 3,000 more homes will be built at Waverley, with schools, hospitals and parkland to complete the area's transformation.

Once a gritty colliery and coking plant, the area now boasts 850 new houses and a massive business park, whose tenants include Rolls-Royce and McLaren Automotive

Harworth's success on this site is no accident. The group knows more than most about regenerating former coal mines, as it was spun out of UK Coal, formerly British Coal. The group then listed on the stock market in 2015.

Chief executive Owen Michaelson has spent his career taking over neglected brownfield sites and turning them into places where people want to live and work.

He has restructured Harworth's portfolio, selling off farmland with limited development potential and acquiring brownfield sites in the Midlands and NorthWest, where regeneration is sorely needed.

Today, the group owns 120 sites, some residential, some commercial and some a blend of both. These are spread over 20,000 acres, roughly the same size as Rotherham, where Harworth is headquartered.

The company is constantly looking out for new opportunities so further expansion is likely. Property developers have a bad name in some quarters but Harworth has been working in the North for years and local authorities trust the business because its developments bring new homes and jobs to areas that have been neglected for years.

Michaelson already has planning consent for 10,000 new homes, with a further 10,000 awaiting permission. And there is a large amount of commercial development too, for tenants ranging from Amazon and Lidl to hundreds of small, local businesses.

Residential plots are sold to housebuilders once planning permission has been granted and the sites are ready for construction. But Harworth retains ownership of commercial developments, generating income for the group once tenants move in.

The process sounds straightforward but it can take years, particularly during periods of political volatility. That made 2019 slightly challenging at times but Johnson's Election victory and pledge to invest in the North have fuelled confidence in the future.

A trading statement is scheduled for this Tuesday and the tone should be upbeat. Brokers expect 2019 revenues of around 80million, rising to 86million in the current year.

Harworth pays a nominal dividend  likely to be 0.9p for 2019, rising to 1p in 2020. However, it is primarily a growth stock. The shares have doubled since listing and should continue to rise.

Midas verdict: The UK needs more homes and it needs to boost productivity. Harworth helps on both fronts and its regional focus is a further plus. The company is well managed, finances are sound and prospects are fair. At 1.54 the shares are a buy.
At the session, the Indonesian minister held that there is much room for cooperation in sea food cultivation and processing, which is the main cooperation orientation. The Indonesian side will apply policies to expand import and export activities, he said, adding that a number of Vietnamese firms have contacted their Indonesian partners to implement the cooperation in the cultivation of lobster.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia Pham Vinh Quang (fourth from left) and Indonesian Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Edhy Prabowo (centre) at the working session on January 17th (Photo: VNA)



For his part, Ambassador Quang stressed that Vietnam totally supports the ministers idea on pushing up the cooperation in sea food cultivation and processing, affirming this as a task to realise the agreement between Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and President Joko Widodo on raising two-way trade value to 10 billion USD this year. He also expressed his hope that the cooperation will make positive contributions to the boost of bilateral trade in the time to come.

As for other fields of cooperation, the two sides agreed to accelerate the signing of the minute of cooperation between Vietnams Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Indonesias Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries on the cooperation programme in the next five years.

Regarding the issue of the illegal fishing activities by their fishermen in the other sides sea, they affirmed the primary principle of settling it in a harmonious and humane way in line with the two countries laws and the international law, as well as in the spirit of the high-level agreement and the bilateral strategic partnership.

The two sides also discussed the measures to strengthen the information exchange, to establish a hotline and to settle the issues seriously so as to contribute to the development of the bilateral relations in the time to come./.
New Delhi [India], Jan 18 (ANI): Former PDP leader Altaf Bukhari on Saturday slammed Ghulam Nabi Azad for his reported comments that some Congress leaders were being threatened with false cases to get them to join the emerging third front in Jammu and Kashmir and said he is ready to leave politics if the former Chief Minister proves his allegation.



He said that Azad should prove his allegation or else step down as leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha.

"It is very unfortunate. Azad is such a senior leader but his comment is childish. If he proves his allegation, I am ready to leave politics else he should take moral responsibility and step down. He is the leader of opposition," Bukhari told ANI.

"We are not in government. We have nothing to do with the government so as to threaten somebody. Such things happened when Ghulam Nabi Azad was in government. Our politics is against such things," he said.

Azad reportedly said some Congress leaders were being threatened that they will be implicated in false cases to get them to join the emerging third front in Jammu and Kashmir.

Bukhari and some other leaders had earlier this month submitted a memorandum to Lieutenant Governor GC Murmu that included demands for release of political detainees, withdrawal of cases against youth and restoration of statehood. (ANI)


Major deficiencies in the national Climate Action Plan were identified by the all-party committee on climate action in the closing days of the outgoing Government.

The committee, chaired by Fine Gael, agreed a highly critical assessment of climate action efforts to date and issued a series of recommendations to radically increase carbon reduction targets.

The Green Party said it expects those recommendations to be honoured by the next government and it will make improved emissions targets a non-negotiable issue if it is involved in any government formation talks.

The Climate Action Plan is just seven months old but the committee, which was instrumental in its development, said it was no longer enough.

The members noted "with concern" the outgoing Government's commitment to continued gas exploration and called for it to reassess its openness to importing fracked gas and its enthusiasm for the unbridled growth of data centres and unsustainable economic growth in general.

They also criticised its failure to investigate fuel poverty and its neglect of the biodiversity crisis.

Crucially, the committee said the Climate Action Plan's target of a 2pc yearly reduction in emissions from 2021-2030 was "insufficient" and would not help achieve net-zero emissions status by 2050.

It said the government must deliver "immediate and sustained reduction as recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme." That would require a yearly reduction of at least 7pc.

It said carbon tax increases and electric vehicles would not be sufficient to achieve results and said the approach in the plan seemed to rely on offsetting emissions by "costly or untried negative emissions technology or offshore mitigation via the purchase of carbon credits".

Meeting revised targets would require "deep changes in the material economy and land uses".

In a comment understood to refer to agriculture, the committee said: "No sector should have any privileged status or be exempt from effort."

The plan was not even on a statutory footing, the committee said, as it needed new legislation for it to become law.

Legislation, the Climate Action Amendment Bill, was only published in skeleton form on January 6 and was a long way off full drafting when the election was called.

Last March the committee urged the enactment of this "essential" legislation by the end of 2019.

"The Committee therefore underlines that the Government has failed to prioritise and progress this amending legislation," it said.

The Government was in the process of drawing up a National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) as required by EU law but missed the December 31 deadline.

The committee said the new targets and its recommendations must be enshrined in the NECP but warned the proliferation of climate action strategies was confusing.

"There is a risk that the State's climate implementation may become disjointed and incoherent," the committee said.

Green Party councillor David Healy, the party's spokesman for climate and a candidate for Dublin Bay North, said the committee's stance threw down a challenge to all parties to live up to its demands.

"This was agreed by the all-party committee so we're taking it at face value that it has the agreement of the parties," he said.

"In that case, the political consensus is that the Climate Action Plan is not adequate in terms of overall national ambition. A 2pc annual decrease in emissions is not enough. That will need to at least triple.

"Increasing it has to be the baseline of any programme for government. The Green Party [is] adamant this would be the path that must be followed in any future government."

The committee met in private before Christmas to evaluate the Climate Action Plan and make recommendations on the NECP which it formally signed off on earlier this week.
Islamabad: The Foreign Ministry has summoned a senior official of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi on Friday (17 January) to express strong opposition to the kidnapping of minor girls from minority Hindu communities in Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs has expressed serious concern to the Pakistani official on the abduction cases of the girls.

Sources in Islamabad say that Shanti Meghwal and Sarmi Meghwal, two minor girls belonging to a minority Hindu community, were abducted on 14 January. She hails from Umar village in Sindh, Pakistan. Apart from this, in another incident on January 15, a minor girl belonging to Hindu community from Jacobabad district of Sindh province, Mehak was abducted.

These incidents have been strongly condemned by India, and the girls have been asked to bring them back to their families immediately. Let us tell you that minority communities are being persecuted in Pakistan and the local administration does not seem to be taking any concrete action on this. At the same time, a lot of resentment is being witnessed in these neighboring countries.

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Donald Trump's visit to India, a program like 'Howdy Modi' will be held in Ahmedabad

Trump warns Khamenei to be careful with his words
The Adamawa Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has declared one-week mourning for Maxwell Nashon, a journalist who was murdered on Wednesday in the state.

Mr Nashon was a reporter with Fombina FM, Yola, before he was hacked to death in a bush on the outskirts of Vunokilan, Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Locals said some female farmers found the victim tied, with his mouth sealed and cuts on his body.

The women then contacted operatives of the civil defence who rushed to the scene.

He reportedly died on the way before reaching the hospital, sources said.

One of his colleagues, Fidelis Jocktan, said the victim, who was preparing for his wedding, was picked by his assailants at his residence in Bachure area.

They did not take anything from his house. They took him away and dropped him near the station tied up and unconscious.

There are signs of beatings and cuts on his body. Some women going to the farm saw him and reported to civil defence operatives at the station who rushed him to hospital, Mr Jocktan said.

READ ALSO:

Ishaku Donald, the state NUJ Chairman said in a statement on Friday that journalists in the state will observe a one-week mourning period over the unpardonable injury meted on the union.

While the union condoles with the family of the deceased, management and staff of the FRCN Fombina FM Yola, it calls on the State Government and security agencies to step up measures to stem the current insecurity challenge, Mr Donald said.

He said the council would continue to remember Mr Nashon for his commitment and sacrifice to duty.

(NAN)
With signs of remembrance in their hands and grief still heavy on their hearts, students from Bellaire High School called Friday for increased communication and collaboration from Houston ISD administrators following this weeks on-campus shooting death.

About 75 Bellaire classmates and friends of Cesar Cortes, the 19-year-old student killed in an apparent accidental shooting Tuesday, gathered outside the Houston ISD central administration building to issue their plea. They asked district officials to solicit feedback on school security, increase transparency following weapons-related events and institute additional protective measures  all with the goal of preventing gun violence.

Students need to feel heard, and thats been misplaced a lot, said senior Izzy Richards, president of Students Demand Action Bellaire. We want to be offered an opportunity to talk not just to counselors, but to people who can actually make change.

HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said in a statement that she will meet with students to address their concerns. She did not provide details on when those gatherings will occur.

Hours before the event, the 16-year-old suspected shooter appeared in juvenile court on a manslaughter charge. A juvenile detention officer ordered that the boy remain in custody pending the results of a mental health evaluation. He is expected to re-appear in court in two weeks.

Standing in a circle under gray skies, students carried written messages to Cortes - This is 4U Cesar, Ill tell your story!! - and pleaded through a loudspeaker about their desire for a voice in security upgrades.

Silvia Elizalde, a friend from Bellaires JROTC program, arrived with a poster-sized drawing of a black hat bearing an American flag patch, illustrating the cap Cortes routinely wore.

She urged the crowd not to focus on gun control  Cortes enjoyed handling firearms and planned to join the U.S. Army, she said  but rather encouraging students to speak up after witnessing weapons on campus. Bellaire police said Wednesday that several students did not report the suspected assailant showing off a .32 caliber semiautomatic pistol hours before the shooting.

It doesnt matter if they call you a snitch or something, Elizalde said. What matters is everybodys safety.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Bellaire teen killed in on-campus shooting dreamed of joining Army

As classes resumed Thursday and Friday, HISD officials limited entry into Bellaire and checked students bags by hand. HISD leaders have yet to announce any new, districtwide security measures in the aftermath.

HISD is exploring measures to increase student safety, Lathan said. These include reconvening safety and security council committees on every campus that will review safety protocols and procedures.

Several students attending the rally said Bellaires administration, under ninth-year Principal Michael McDonough, has been responsive to student concerns about gun violence.

However, they also argued district leaders did not communicate enough information to students and parents after staff found guns on campus in September and October. McDonough sent a written message to the Bellaire High community following those discoveries, though the message did not contain details about the incidents or describe actions taken against students.

A lot of us just feel frustrated because we dont know whats happening, said Christopher Woodard, Bellaire High Schools student body president. We feel in the dark about these events. If you dont know how it unraveled, we dont know how to solve this.

Districts and schools typically do not divulge extensive information about weapons incidents that result in no injuries.

Woodard called on Bellaire High staff to develop better relationships with students, hopeful that those bonds will result in his classmates reporting guns. Julia Andrews, director of the Harris County Department of Educations Center for Safe and Secure Schools, said strong student-teacher connections rank among the best methods for preventing on-campus violence.

When you build relationships with your students  and it can be the janitor, the cafeteria lady  students feel safe enough to confide that information, Andrews said. When students feel like theres no culture of caring, they operate in silos. They just feel like, If I dont say anything, its OK.

jacob.carpenter@chron.com
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has ordered ministries, departments and agencies to take measures to prevent and combat the spread of the novel coronavirus, which has triggered an outbreak of pneumonia in China.

A health quarantine staff monitors body temperature of arriving passengers on a computer screen at a local airport

The Deputy PM asked the ministries and departments to intensify health quarantines at border gates, airports and seaports to prevent the disease from striking the country, reported Sai Gon Giai Phong newspaper.

The Ministry of Health was urged to have a contingency plan to cope with the disease, as regulated and based upon the World Health Organizations warning; to monitor activities to prevent and combat the disease; to ensure an adequate amount of vehicles and equipment, and instruct localities to stay alert for the disease.

Also, Deputy PM Dam ordered the Ministry of Information and Communications to cooperate with the health ministry to provide local residents with comprehensive and accurate information about the disease.

Amid the outbreak of pneumonia, believed to be caused by the new coronavirus in the Chinese central city of Wuhan, the health ministry, on January 17, issued a set of instructions on how to diagnose and treat acute pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus (nCoV).

People testing positive for nCoV will have common symptoms, including coughing, fever, shortness of breath, and in some cases infected patients could die. Notably, there is no vaccine to protect against acute pneumonia caused by nCoV, said the health ministry.

Since December, the virus has led to the outbreak of pneumonia in the Wuhan region. To date, the Chinese city has recorded 59 individuals contracting the disease, seven cases labeled as acute conditions and two having died.

Further, some countries have discovered several pneumonia cases thought to be associated with the new coronavirus. These patients came from the city of Wuhan.

In Vietnam, airport staff using thermal-imaging cameras at Danang International Airport have detected two Chinese nationals from Wuhan showing signs of fever, upon their arrival at the airport. SGT
Donald Trump has defended pro-gun activists and attacked Virginia Democrats over efforts to pass gun control laws ahead of a rally that is expected to be attended by neo-Nazis and white supremacist extremist groups.

Authorities in Richmond, Virginias capital, have warned of credible threats of violence amid fears a pro-gun rally, which has been billed a peaceful event to defend Second Amendment rights, could become a repeat of the violent Charlottesville rally which saw three deaths in 2017.

Your 2nd Amendment is under very serious attack in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia, Mr Trump tweeted, in reference to the constitutional right for Americans to keep and bear firearms.

Thats what happens when you vote for Democrats, they will take your guns away.

On Wednesday, Virginias governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency ahead of Mondays event and warned law enforcement agencies had seen evidence of extremist rhetoric similar to the kind seen before the Charlottesville rally.

Charlottesville one year on Show all 15 1 /15 Charlottesville one year on Charlottesville one year on Mary Grace, from Durham, North Carolina, walks through the downtown mall area August 11, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Charlottesville has been declared in a state of emergency by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam as the city braces for the one year anniversary of the deadly clash between white supremacist forces and counter protesters over the potential removal of Confederate statues of Robert E. Lee and Jackson. A "Unite the Right" rally featuring some of the same groups is planned for tomorrow in Washington, DC. Getty Charlottesville one year on Chris Jessee (R) hands out placards to people visiting downtown Charlottesville as the city marks the anniversary of last year's 'Unite the Right rally' in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA, 11 August 2018. On 12 August 2017, a bloody clash between white supremacists and counterprotestors in Charlottesville left three people dead and dozens injured Getty Charlottesville one year on A member of the Virginia State Police waits outside the park where a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee is located August 11, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Charlottesville has been declared in a state of emergency by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam as the city braces for the one year anniversary of a deadly clash between white supremacist forces and counter protesters over the potential removal of Confederate statues of Robert E. Lee and Jackson. A "Unite the Right" rally featuring some of the same groups is planned for tomorrow in Washington, DC Reuters Charlottesville one year on A woman displays a shirt ahead of the one-year anniversary of 2017 Charlottesville "Unite the Right" protests, in Charlottesville, Virginia, U.S., August 10, 2018. Reuters Charlottesville one year on A sign reading "Strength, which was taken down at the request of police officers, hangs by the statue of Civil War Confederate General Robert E. Lee, ahead of the one-year anniversary of 2017 Charlottesville "Unite the Right" protests, in Charlottesville, Virginia, U.S., August 10, 2018. Reuters Charlottesville one year on Law enforcement arrives ahead of the one year anniversary of 2017 Charlottesville "Unite the Right" protests, in Charlottesville, Virginia, U.S., August 10, 2018 Reuters Charlottesville one year on A vendor displays wares on the mall as State Police lock down the downtown area in anticipation of the anniversary of last year's Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Va., Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018. The Governor has declared a state of emergency in Charlottesville AP Charlottesville one year on A Police bike patrol takes a break in the downtown area in anticipation of the anniversary of last year's Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Va., Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018. State and local authorities framed the weekend's heightened security as a necessary precaution. AP Charlottesville one year on State Police arrest a local resident, John Miska, in the locked down downtown area in Charlottesville, Va., Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018. Miska purchased razor blades, which are banned items, in a downtown drugstore. On the the anniversary of white supremacist violence, state and local authorities framed the weekend's heightened security as a necessary precaution. AP Charlottesville one year on State Police escort local resident, John Miska, red hat, after he was arrested in the locked down downtown area in Charlottesville, Va., Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018. Miska purchased razor blades, which are banned items, in a downtown drugstore. On the the anniversary of white supremacist violence, state and local authorities framed the weekend's heightened security as a necessary precaution. AP Charlottesville one year on A group Anti-fascism demonstrators, march in the downtown area in anticipation of the anniversary of last year's Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Va., Saturday, AP Charlottesville one year on A group anti-fascism demonstrators march in the downtown area in anticipation of the anniversary of last year's Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Va., AP Charlottesville one year on People receive first-aid after a car accident ran into a crowd of protesters in Charlottesville, VA on August 12, 2017. A vehicle plowed into a crowd of people Saturday at a Virginia rally where violence erupted between white nationalist demonstrators and counter-protesters, witnesses said, causing an unclear number of injuries AFP/Getty Charlottesville one year on Alt-right rally members in Lee Park in Charlottesville, VA on Saturday August 12, 2017 White nationalist 'Unite the Right' rally, Charlottesville, USA Rex Charlottesville one year on A counter protester who got hit with a stick by alt-right member covered with blood on his face in Lee Park in Charlottesville, Rex

The state of emergency has temporarily banned firearms and other weapons on Capitol grounds, where the demonstration is set to take place.

Three alleged members of a neo-Nazi hate group were arrested in Maryland on Thursday over reports they were planning to bring firearms to the event, according to the FBI.

Despite concerns over potential violence, Virginias senate passed bills late on Thursday to require background checks on all firearms sales, limit handgun purchases to one a month and restore local governments' right to ban weapons from public buildings and other venues.

The gun legislation comes after Democrats took full control of the state legislature for the first time in a generation in November, when candidates made passing stronger gun control laws a central theme of their campaign.

On Friday, the Supreme Court of Virginia denied a request to block the state of emergency and kept the ban on firearms in effect.

Mr Northam welcomed the ruling, which he said was the right decision.

I took this action to protect Virginians from credible threats of violence, the governor said.

These threats are real - as evidenced by reports of neo-Nazis arrested this morning after discussing plans to head to Richmond with firearms.

He added: I will continue to do everything in my power to keep Virginians safe.

Gun-control activists have reported a growing number of online death threats due to the push for legislation ahead of the rally.

The mother of Heather Heyer, the civil rights activist who was killed while protesting against neo-Nazis in Charlottesville, told The Independent she is concerned about an incitement of violence ahead of the event in Richmond.

I just think everyone needs to take a moment and breathe, but I think were past that point, Susan Bro said.

To anybody planning violence: stay the hell away from Richmond, she added.

Virginias legislature is expected to pass further gun control laws, including universal background checks, a ban on assault rifles and red flag laws that would allow courts and local law enforcement to remove guns from people who are seen as a risk to communities.

Supporters have said these laws would help decrease the number of deaths from gun violence each year.

However, gun-rights activists have argued that the legislation goes against the constitutional right to possess firearms.

In 2017, Mr Trump was widely-criticised for initially saying there were fine people on both sides in the clashes at Charlottesville, which saw neo-Nazis and white supremacists fighting with civil rights groups and anti-fascist activists.

Additional reporting by Reuters
Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere has said that it awaits the arrest of Southwest leaders by the Federal Government over Operation Amotekun.

Spokesman of the group, Yinka Odumakin said this when he was reacting to the call by the National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Abdullahi Bodejo, for the arrest of leaders of Amotekun by the federal government.

Bodejo, in an interview with Saturday Sun applauded the government for declaring the regional security organization illegal while he sought the arrest of Yoruba leaders promoting the outfit.

According to Odumakin, if herdsmen are the criminals in the Southwest, then, we have to drive them away; if they are the troublers of the Southwest, if they are the ones poaching and raping our women, if they are the ones who killed Fasorantis daughter, then there is the need to drive them out. They will be driven out either by Amotekun or by something else because we need peace in our land; we have not gone to their land to kill them or to kidnap them.

As for his call on the federal government to arrest the leaders of Amotekun, we dare them to come and do it. The last time they tested the will of Yoruba people was over the June 12 presidential election, and Nigeria was at war. It was that battle that drove the military away, so we are waiting for them with all pleasures to come and arrest them.
The Afghanistan government has demanded a complete ceasefire as a way forward for peace talks in response to a reported 10-day truce offer by the Taliban.

On Friday, Reuters News Agency reported that the Taliban will implement the short ceasefire with United States troops, a reduction in violence with Afghan forces, and hold discussions with Afghan government officials if it reaches a deal with US negotiators in peace talks in Doha, according to two sources close to the matter.

But on Saturday, Presidential spokesman Sediq Sediqqi told a news conference in Kabul that the Afghan people and the government reject the proposed reduction in violence by the Taliban as an ambiguous term with no legal or military parameters.

Any suggestion the Taliban have shared with the US must include ceasefire as it is the demand of our people, Sediqqi said as reported by local media outlet TOLO news.

Sediqqi said the peace process would not achieve any results without the role of the Afghan government.

Peace is ours, we should remain involved, he added.

Taliban and US negotiation teams met on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the signing of a peace deal, according to a spokesman for the Talibans office in the Qatari capital.

If an agreement is signed, it could revive hopes for a long-term solution to the conflict in Afghanistan, where the US is involved in its longest war yet.

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Al Jazeeras Zein Basravi, reporting from Kabul, said there was hope that if the US and the Taliban agree on a long-term reduction in violence, it could also lead to a deal between Taliban and other Afghan stakeholders.

The hope by the US is that even a short reprieve would be welcome as talks have been stalling for so long, he said.

A US State Department spokeswoman declined to comment on the ceasefire.

Short reduction in violence

Initial reports suggested that a ceasefire lasting up to 10 days will be implemented if an agreement between the Taliban and the US is reached. Basravi said members in the leadership structure of the Taliban in Afghanistan, as well as from the negotiating team in Doha, could not confirm to Al Jazeera any specific timeline.

But they can say that they have agreed in principle, in a letter that was delivered to the US negotiators, for a short reduction in violence, he added.

Agreement expected very soon

A senior Taliban commander told Reuters that once an agreement for the ceasefire is in place, the Taliban and Afghan government could meet in Germany.

Previously, the Taliban had refused to engage in talks with the Afghan government, calling it a puppet regime of the US.

Our representatives have been meeting with the US negotiation team in Doha and they persistently demanded a ceasefire which we had declined due to some issues, the Taliban commander said, as reported by Reuters on Friday. Now most of our reservations have been addressed.

Another source close to the talks confirmed the commanders version of events.

A date for the signing of the agreement with the American side has not been set, but the Taliban commander said he expected it to be very soon.
January 17, 2020

News

By Claudette Roulo

Defense.gov

DOD Commends Commanders' Actions in Missile Attack

Commanders in Iraq took every necessary step to ensure the safety of U.S. forces during the Jan. 8 missile attack by Iran on Al Asad Air Base, Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Alyssa Farah said today.

Pentagon leaders were notified yesterday that several service members were examined for concussions following the attack, Farah told members of the Pentagon press corps.

"This is in line with reporting requirements, and the commander on the ground took the appropriate steps to ensure the service members received the appropriate level of care," she said. "We fully expect the service members to return to their duty when deemed medically able."

Military regulations require that the Pentagon be immediately notified of injuries to U.S. military personnel when there is a threat to life, limb or vision, Farah said. Concussions aren't usually reported to the defense secretary, she said, but because of public interest, officials sought out additional information.

Additionally, some of the injured personnel didn't report their symptoms immediately after the attack, said Jonathan Rath Hoffman, assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs.

"Either they had concussion symptoms that appeared shortly after the attack, and did not diminish and, therefore they've been sent on for further evaluation, or they have concussion symptoms ... that only manifested later, and therefore have caused medical personnel on the ground to move them onward for examination," he said.

Most of the personnel examined after the attack needed no additional medical attention, Farah said. "However, a number of service members continued to display concussion-like symptoms days after the attacks and reported them to their chain of command," she said.

Eleven service members needed further evaluation, she said. Of those, Farah said, eight were transported to Landstuhl, Germany, where MRI equipment is available, and three were transported to Kuwait for observation.

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Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat on Saturday sought financial assistance from the Centre for 2021 Haridwar Mahakumbh saying an estimated 15 crore people were likely to attend the grand congregation.

Rawat who paid a visit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Saturday briefed him about the preparations undertaken for the Mahakumbh and said facilities of permanent and temporary nature worth over Rs one thousand crore are being developed for the event.

The facilities include putting in place road,power,water supply, medical amenities, waste disposal management systems besides expanding the Mahakumbh fair area, he said.

To be held between January and April, 2021, an estimated 15 crore people are likely to attend the gathering, Rawat said and sought a financial assistance from the Centre for successfully organising the event.

The Chief Minister also extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to inaugurate a wellness summit to be held in April this year.

Out of a total of 462 wellness centres to be built in the state by March this year work on 305 had already been finished, Rawat said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Days after urging South-West leaders to dump their regional security outfit for the sake of 2023 presidency, the Miyetti Allah Kaute Hore has urged the Federal Government to arrest Yoruba leaders behind Amotekun.

The National President of the group, Bello Bodejo believes Amotekun is a plot against the Fulani ethnic group.

Bodejo said this in an interview with TheSun. He said the security outfit was launched to prevent herdsmen from grazing in their God-given areas.

They should not only ban it, but should arrest the leaders of this group. Like I said earlier, nobody or group has more security intelligence than the Police. The Army is doing enough; the DSS is also doing enough, likewise the Civil Defence, Bodejo was quoted as saying.



They are just doing all these things in order to stop the Fulani from coming into their area; it is just a hidden agenda to prevent the Fulani herdsmen from grazing in their God-given areas.

If you say you set up Amotekun to protect your region, what about the Northern Nigeria, what about the Southeast and the South-South and other places that dont have that kind of thing. Nigeria is one; everything is one, unless they want to divide the country.

I know some of their leaders have good hearts, but others have evil hearts, and those are the ones coming up with this agenda that the Fulani cant do this and the Fulani cant do that; all these things are happening because of Fulani; they are just against the Fulani.

I support 100 percent the federal government banning it; and the leaders should be arrested. It is a deliberate plot against the Fulani.

It would recalled that shortly after South-West governors launched the South-West Security Network (SWSN) code-named Operation Amotekun, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami declared the the outfit illegal.

However, Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has vowed that the Federal Government cannot stop the security outfit.

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Sleper went on to say that the fact the legislative inspector general found only four emails that allegedly violated the prohibition on political activity out of 6,000 that were reviewed over a five-year period was a clear indication that Matz generally strove to maintain the separation between government and political activities. She wrote that the instances identified in the report were inadvertent and inconsequential and do not demonstrate an intentional violation of the Ethics Act.
Despite heavy snow in the Lower Mainland on Wednesday, a group of university students from South Korea made it to the Seaforth Highlanders Armoury in Vancouver for a special event honouring B.C. veterans who fought in the Korean War.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the war which ran from 1950 to 1953. The 13 students met with veterans and the families of veterans who served during the conflict and the Canadian peacekeeping efforts which followed.

Maggie MacPherson/CBC

"We sent over around 27,000 service men and women. Women were in the Korean War," said Port Moody military historian Guy Black, explaining the scope of Canada's involvement in the struggle. After the war ended, Canadian forces were instrumental during the peacekeeping phase which ran until 1955.

"One of the men that came today ... He was the last Canadian commanding officer to leave Korea in 1956," said Black.

He had initially feared the inclement weather would stop the veterans and students from attending the ceremony but was pleased with the turnout.

The students gave speeches and sang a song honouring the veterans and their contribution to the events which drastically changed the Korean peninsula. Black, formerly a member of the armed forces himself, worked for a year to bring the students to Canada from Pukyong National University in Busan, South Korea.

Maggie MacPherson/CBC

The university is only a short walk away from the U.N. Memorial Cemetery, where Canadian soldiers are buried. Black first met the students during a ceremony he arranged at the cemetery in 2018.

"They came and supported the event ... and they said 'we want to come back and see you, and we want to meet Canadian veterans,' and I just thought I had to help them out," said Black.

"These are young kids that obviously were not in the war. But they wanted to come all the way to Canada to meet veterans. Totally amazing."

Maggie MacPherson/CBC

Due to the war, the Korean peninsula is divided between north and south. But Black said the students carry with them a hope for peace and reunification.

"In their heads, and in their hearts, is better friendship with the north," said Black.

Following the event at the armoury, Black and the students went to Mountain View Cemetery to lay wreaths at the graves of the British Columbia soldiers who fought in the war.
If the networks of the U.S. military, the U.S. intelligence community and a slew of other U.S. federal agencies were running the software of a company with deep ties, not only to foreign companies with a history of espionage against the U.S. but also foreign military intelligence, it would  at the very least  garner substantial media attention. Yet, no media reports to date have noted that such a scenario exists on a massive scale and that the company making such software recently simulated the cancellation of the 2020 election and the declaration of martial law in the United States.

Earlier this month, MintPress News reported on the simulations for the U.S. 2020 election organized by the company Cybereason, a firm led by former members of Israels military intelligence Unit 8200 and advised by former top and current officials in both Israeli military intelligence and the CIA. Those simulations, attended by federal officials from the FBI, DHS and the U.S. Secret Service, ended in disaster, with the elections ultimately canceled and martial law declared due to the chaos created by a group of hackers led by Cybereason employees.

The first installment of this three part series delved deeply into Cybereasons ties to the intelligence community of Israel and also other agencies, including the CIA, as well as the fact that Cybereason stood to gain little financially from the simulations given that their software could not have prevented the attacks waged against the U.S. electoral infrastructure in the exercise.

Also noted was the fact that Cybereason software could be potentially used as a backdoor by unauthorized actors, a possibility strengthened by the fact that the companys co-founders all previously worked for firms that have a history of placing backdoors into U.S. telecommunications and electronic infrastructure as well as aggressive espionage targeting U.S. federal agencies.

The latter issue is crucial in the context of this installment of this exclusive MintPress series, as Cybereasons main investors turned partners have integrated Cybereasons software into their product offerings. This means that the clients of these Cybereason partner companies, the U.S. intelligence community and military among them, are now part of Cybereasons network of more than 6 million endpoints that this private company constantly monitors using a combination of staff comprised largely of former intelligence operatives and an AI algorithm first developed by Israeli military intelligence.

Cybereason, thus far, has disclosed the following groups as lead investors in the company: Charles River Ventures (CRV), Spark Capital, Lockheed Martin and SoftBank. Charles River Ventures (CRV) was among the first to invest in Cybereason and has been frequently investing in other Israeli tech start-ups that were founded by former members of the elite Israeli military intelligence Unit 8200 over the last few years. Spark Capital, based in California, appears to have followed CRVs interest in Cybereason since the venture capitalist who co-founded Spark and led its investment in Cybereason is a former CRV partner who still has close ties to the firm.

While CRV and Spark Capital seem like just the type of investors a company like Cybereason would attract given their clear interest in similar tech start-ups coming out of Israels cyber sector, Cybereasons other lead investors  Lockheed Martin and SoftBank  deserve much more attention and scrutiny.

Cybereason widely used by US Government, thanks to Lockheed

A match made in heaven, trumpeted Forbes at the news of the Lockheed Martin-Cybereason partnership, first forged in 2015. The partnership involved not only Lockheed Martin becoming a major investor in the cybersecurity company but also in Lockheed Martin becoming the largest conduit providing Cybereasons software to U.S. federal and military agencies.

Indeed, as Forbes noted at the time, not only did Lockheed invest in the company, it decided to integrate Cybereasons software completely into its product portfolio, resulting in a model of both using Cybereason internally, and selling it to both public and private customers.

Cybereason CEO and former offensive hacker for Israeli military intelligence  Lior Div  said the following of the partnership:

Lockheed Martin invested in Cybereasons protection system after they compared our solution against a dozen others from the top industry players. The US firm was so impressed with the results they got from Cybereason that they began offering it to their own customers  among them most of the top Fortune 100 companies, and the US federal government. Cybereason is now the security system recommended by LM to its customers for protection from a wide (sic) malware and hack attacks.

Rich Mahler, then-director of Commercial Cyber Services at Lockheed Martin, told Defense Daily that the companys decision to invest in Cybereason, internally use its software, and include the technology as part of Lockheed Martins cyber solutions portfolio were all independent business decisions but were all coordinated and timed with the transaction.

How independent each of those decisions actually was is unclear, especially given the timing of Lockheed Martins investment in Cybereason, whose close and troubling ties to Israeli intelligence as well as the CIA were noted in the previous installment of this investigative series. Indeed, about a year prior to their investment in the Israeli military intelligence-linked Cybereason, Lockheed Martin opened an office in Beersheba, Israel, where the IDF has its cyberhub. The office is focused not on the sales of armaments, but instead on technology.

Marilyn Hewson, Lockheed Martins CEO, said the following during her speech that inaugurated the companys Beersheba office:

The consolidation of IDF Technical Units to new bases in the Negev Desert region is an important transformation of Israels information technology capabilityWe understand the challenges of this move. Which is why we are investing in the facilities and people that will ensure we are prepared to support for these critical projects. By locating our new office in the capital of the Negev we are well positioned to work closely with our Israeli partners and stand ready to: accelerate project execution, reduce program risk and share our technical expertise by training and developing in-country talent.

Beersheba not only houses the IDFs technology campus, but also the Israel National Cyber Directorate, which reports directly to Israels Prime Minister, as well as a high-tech corporate park that mostly houses tech companies with ties to Israels military intelligence apparatus. The area has been cited in several media reports as a visible indicator of the public-private merger between Israeli technology companies, many of them started by Unit 8200 alumni, and the Israeli government and its intelligence services. Lockheed Martin quickly became a key fixture in the Beersheba-based cyberhub.

Not long before Lockheed began exploring the possibility of opening an office in Beersheba, the company was hacked by individuals who used tokens tied to the company, RSA Security, whose founders have ties to Israels defense establishment and which is now owned by Dell, a company also deeply tied to the Israeli government and tech sector. The hack, perpetrated by still unknown actors, may have sparked Lockheeds subsequent interest in Israels cybersecurity sector.

Soon after opening its Beersheba office, Lockheed Martin created its Israel subsidiary, Lockheed Martin Israel. Unlike many of the companys other subsidiaries, this one is focused exclusively on cybersecurity, enterprise information technology, data centers, mobile, analytics and cloud as opposed to the manufacture and design of armaments.

Haden Land, then-vice president of research and technology for Lockheed Martin, told the Wall Street Journal that the creation of the subsidiary was largely aimed at securing contracts with the IDF and that the companys Israel subsidiary would soon be seeking partnership and investments in pursuit of that end. Land oversaw the local roll-out of the companys Israel subsidiary while concurrently meeting with Israeli government officials. According to the Journal, Land oversees all of Lockheed Martins information-systems businesses, including defense and civilian commercial units for the United States and elsewhere.

Just a few months later, Lockheed Martin partnered and invested in Cybereason, suggesting that Lockheeds decision to do so was aimed at securing closer ties with the IDF. This further suggests that Cybereason still maintains close ties to Israeli military intelligence, a point expounded upon in great detail in the previous installment of this series.

Thus, it appears that not only does Lockheed Martin use Cybereasons software on its own devices and on those it manages for its private and public sector clients, but it also decided to use the companys software in this way out of a desire to more closely collaborate with the Israeli military in matters related to technology and cybersecurity.

The cozy ties between Lockheed Martin, one of the U.S. governments largest private contractors, and the IDF set off alarm bells, then and now, for those concerned with U.S. national security. Such concern makes it important to look at the extent of Cybereasons use by federal and military agencies in the United States through their contracting of Lockheed Martins Information Technology (IT) division. This is especially important considering Israeli military intelligences history of using espionage, blackmail and private tech companies against the U.S. government, as detailed here.

While the exact number of U.S. federal and military agencies using Cybereasons software is unknown, it is widespread, with Lockheed Martins IT division as the conduit. Indeed, Lockheed Martin was the number one IT solutions provider to the U.S. federal government up until its IT division was spun off and merged with Leidos Holdings. As a consequence, Leidos is now the largest IT provider to the U.S. government and is also directly partnered with Cybereason in the same way Lockheed Martin was. Even after its IT division was spun off, Lockheed Martin continues to use Cybereasons software in its cybersecurity work for the Pentagon and still maintains a stake in the company.

The Leidos-Lockheed Martin IT hybrid provides a litany of services to the U.S. military and U.S. intelligence. As investigative journalist Tim Shorrock noted for The Nation, the company does everything from analyzing signals for the NSA to tracking down suspected enemy fighters for US Special Forces in the Middle East and Africa and, following its merger with Lockheed and consequential partnership with Cybereason, became the largest of five corporations that together employ nearly 80 percent of the private-sector employees contracted to work for US spy and surveillance agencies. Shorrock also notes that these private-sector contractors now dominate the mammoth U.S. surveillance apparatus, many of them working for Leidos and  by extension  using Cybereasons software.

Leidos exclusive use of Cybereason software for cybersecurity is also relevant for the U.S. military since Leidos runs a number of sensitive systems for the Pentagon, including its recently inked contract to manage the entire military telecommunications infrastructure for Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). In addition to maintaining the military telecom network, Cybereason is also directly partnered with World Wide Technologies (WWT) as of this past October. WWT manages cybersecurity for the U.S. Army, maintains DISAs firewalls and data storage as well as the U.S. Air Forces biometric identification system. WWT also manages contracts for NASA, itself a frequent target of Israeli government espionage, and the U.S. Navy. WWTs partnership is similar to the Lockheed/Leidos partnership in that Cybereasons software is now completely integrated into its portfolio, giving the company full access to the devices on all of these highly classified networks.

Many of these new partnerships with Cybereason, including its partnership with WWT, followed claims made by members of Israels Unit 8200 in 2017 that the popular antivirus software of Kaspersky Labs contained a backdoor for Russian intelligence, thereby compromising U.S. systems. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on the alleged backdoor but did not mention the involvement of Unit 8200 in identifying it, a fact revealed by the New York Times a week later.

Notably, none of the evidence Unit 8200 used to blame Kaspersky has been made public and Kaspersky noted that it was actually Israeli hackers that had been discovered planting backdoors into its platform prior to the accusation levied against Kaspersky by Unit 8200. As the New York Times noted:

Investigators later discovered that the Israeli hackers had implanted multiple back doors into Kasperskys systems, employing sophisticated tools to steal passwords, take screenshots, and vacuum up emails and documents.

Unit 8200s claims ultimately led the U.S. government to abandon Kasperskys products entirely in 2018, allowing companies like Cybereason (with its own close ties to Unit 8200) to fill the void. Indeed, the very agencies that banned Kaspersky now use cybersecurity software that employs Cybereasons EDR system. No flags have been raised about Cybereasons own collaboration with the very foreign intelligence service that first pointed the finger at Kaspersky and that previously sold software with backdoors to sensitive U.S. facilities.

SoftBank, Cybereason and the Vision Fund

While its entry into the U.S. market and U.S. government networks is substantial, Cybereasons software is also run throughout the world on a massive scale through partnerships that have seen it enter into Latin American and European markets in major ways in just the last few months. It has also seen its software become prominent in Asia following a partnership with the company Trustwave. Much of this rapid expansion followed a major injection of cash courtesy of one of the companys biggest clients and now its largest investor, Japans SoftBank.

SoftBank first invested in Cybereason in 2015, the same year Lockheed Martin initially invested and partnered with the firm. It was also the year that SoftBank announced its intention to invest in Israeli tech start-ups. SoftBank first injected $50 million into Cybereason, followed by an additional $100 million in 2017 and $200 million last August. SoftBanks investments account for most of the money raised by the company since it was founded in 2012 ($350 million out of $400 million total).

Prior to investing, Softbank was a client of Cybereason, which Ken Miyauchi, president of SoftBank, noted when making the following statement after Softbanks initial investment in Cybereason:

SoftBank works to obtain cutting edge technology and outstanding business models to lead the Information Revolution. Our deployment of the Cybereason platform internally gave us firsthand knowledge of the value it provides, and led to our decision to invest. Im confident Cybereason and SoftBanks new product offering will bring a new level of security to Japanese organizations.

SoftBank  one of Japans largest telecommunications companies  not only began to deploy Cybereason internally but directly partnered with it after investing, much like Lockheed Martin had done around the same time. This partnership resulted in SoftBank and Cybereason creating a joint venture in Japan and Cybereason creating partnerships with other tech companies acquired by SoftBank, including the U.K.s Arm, which specializes in making chips and management platforms for Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

SoftBanks interest in Cybereason is significant, particularly in light of Cybereasons interest in the 2020 U.S. election, given that SoftBank has significant ties to key allies of President Trump and even the president himself.

Indeed, SoftBanks Masayoshi Son was among the first wave of international business leaders who sought to woo then-president-elect Trump soon after the 2016 election. Son first visited Trump Tower in December 2016 and announced, with Trump by his side in the buildings lobby, that SoftBank would invest $50 billion in the U.S. and create 50,000 jobs. Trump subsequently claimed on Twitter that Son had only decided to make this investment because Trump had won the election.

Son told reporters at the time that the investment would come from a $100 billion fund that would be created in partnership with Saudi Arabias sovereign wealth fund as well as other investors. I just came to celebrate his new job. I said, This is great. The US will become great again,' Son said, according to reports.

Then, in March of 2017, Son sent top SoftBank executives to meet with senior members of Trumps economic team and, according to the New York Times, the SoftBank executives said that because of a lack of advanced digital investments, the competitiveness of the United States economy was at risk. And the executives made the case, quite strongly, that Mr. Son was committed to playing a major role in addressing this issue through a spate of job-creating investments. Many of SoftBanks investments and acquisitions in the U.S. since then have focused mainly on artificial intelligence and technology with military applications, such as killer robot firm Boston Dynamics, suggesting Sons interest lies more in dominating futuristic military-industrial technologies than creating jobs for the average American.

After their initial meeting, Trump and Son met again a year later in June 2018, with Trump stating that His [Sons] $50 billion turned out to be $72 billion so far, hes not finished yet. Several media reports have claimed that Sons moves since Trumps election have sought to curry favor with the President.

Through the creation of this fund alongside the Saudis, SoftBank has since become increasingly intertwined with Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman (MBS), a key ally of President Trump in the Middle East known for his authoritarian crackdowns on Saudi elites and dissidents alike. The ties between Saudi Arabia and SoftBank became ever tighter when MBS took the reins in the oil kingdom and after SoftBank announced the launch of the Vision Fund in 2016. SoftBanks Vision Fund is a vehicle for investing in hi-tech companies and start-ups and its largest shareholder is the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. Notably, Son decided to launch the Vision Fund in Riyadh during President Trumps first official visit to the Gulf Kingdom.

In addition, the Mubadala Investment Company, a government fund of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), gave $15 billion to the Vision Fund. UAE leadership also share close ties to the Trump administration and MBS in Saudi Arabia.

As a consequence, SoftBanks Vision Fund is majority funded by two Middle Eastern authoritarian governments with close ties to the U.S. government, specifically the Trump administration. In addition, both countries have enjoyed the rapid growth and normalization of ties with the state of Israel in recent years, particularly following the rise of current Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman and Jared Kushners rise to prominence in his father-in-laws administration. Other investments in the Vision Fund have come from Apple, Qualcomm and Oracles Larry Ellison, all tech companies with strong ties to Israels government.

The Saudi and Emirati governments links to the Vision Fund are so obvious that even mainstream outlets like the New York Times have described them as a front for Saudi Arabia and perhaps other countries in the Middle East.

SoftBank also enjoys close ties to Jared Kushner, with Fortress Investment Group lending $57 million to Kushner Companies in October 2017 while it was under contract to be acquired by SoftBank. As Barrons noted at the time:

When SoftBank Group bought Fortress Investment Group last year, the Japanese company was buying access to a corps of seasoned investors. What SoftBank also got is a financial tie to the family of President Donald Trumps senior advisor and son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

According to The Real Deal, Kushner Companies obtained the financing from Fortress only after its attempts to obtain funding through the EB-5 visa program for a specific real estate venture were abandoned after the U.S. Attorney and the Securities and Exchange Commission began to investigate how Kushner Companies used the EB-5 investor visa program. A key factor in the opening of that investigation was Kushner Companies representatives touting Jared Kushners position at the White House when talking to prospective investors and lenders.

SoftBank also recently came to the aid of a friend of Jared Kushner, former CEO of WeWork Adam Neumann. Neumann made shocking claims about his ties to both Kushner and Saudi Arabias MBS, even asserting that he had worked with both in creating Kushners long-awaited and controversial Middle East peace plan and claimed that he, Kushner and MBS would together save the world. Neumann previously called Kushner his mentor. MBS has also discussed on several occasions his close ties with Kushner and U.S. media reports have noted the frequent correspondence between the two princelings.

Notably, SoftBank invested in Neumanns WeWork using money from the Saudi-dominated Vision Fund and later went on to essentially bail the company out after its IPO collapse and Neumann was pushed out. SoftBanks founder, Masayoshi Son, had an odd yet very close relationship with Neumann, perhaps explaining why Neumann was allowed to walk with $1.7 billion after bringing WeWork to the brink of collapse. Notably, nearly half of SoftBanks approximately $47 billion investments in the U.S. economy since Trumps election, went to acquiring and then bailing out WeWork. It is unlikely that such a disastrous investment resulted in the level of job creation that Son had promised Trump in 2016.

Given that it is Cybereasons top investor and shareholder by a large margin, SoftBanks ties to the Trump administration and key allies of that administration are significant in light of Cybereasons odd interest in 2020 U.S. election scenarios that end with the cancellation of this years upcoming presidential election. It goes without saying that the cancellation of the election would mean a continuation of the Trump administration until new elections would take place.

Furthermore, with Cybereasons close and enduring ties to Israeli military intelligence now well-documented, it is worth asking if Israeli military intelligence would consider intervening in 2020 if the still-to-be-decided Democratic contender was strongly opposed to Israeli government policy, particularly Israels military occupation of Palestine. This is especially worth considering given revelations that sexual blackmailer and pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, who targeted prominent U.S. politicians, mostly Democrats, was in the employ of Israeli military intelligence.

Notably, Cybereasons doomsday election scenarios involved the weaponization of deep fakes, self-driving cars and the hacking Internet of Things devices, with all of those technologies being pioneered and perfected  not by Russia, China or Iran  but by companies directly tied to Israeli intelligence, much like Cybereason itself. These companies, their technology and Cybereasons own work creating the narrative that U.S. rival states seek to undermine the U.S. election in this way, will all be discussed in the conclusion of MintPress series on Cybereason and its outsized interest in the U.S. democratic process.

Feature photo | Graphic by Claudio Cabrera

Whitney Webb is a MintPress News journalist based in Chile. She has contributed to several independent media outlets including Global Research, EcoWatch, the Ron Paul Institute and 21st Century Wire, among others. She has made several radio and television appearances and is the 2019 winner of the Serena Shim Award for Uncompromised Integrity in Journalism.
Internet service in at least 12 African countries, including Nigeria, slowed down after undersea connection cables were damaged, accordi...

#AO #DRC pic.twitter.com/H2ngsfXzTd A series of subsea cable outages has knocked out or degraded internet connectivity in several countries across Africa. Network data indicate at least two distinct sets of disruptions beginning Wednesday night, with high impact in West Africa; incident ongoing  #NA 16 January 2020

Yello. We apologise if you have been experiencing slow data speeds or finding it difficult to access the internet at the moment. Our technical teams are working to resolve this issue as soon as possible. Please bear with us. pic.twitter.com/ZihMXtMEVt 16 January 2020

Internet service in at least 12 African countries, including Nigeria, slowed down after undersea connection cables were damaged, according to Bloomberg.The WACS and SAT3/WASC cable systems which connect many African countries to Europe are wired through the Atlantic Ocean.The disruption started on Wednesday night with a huge impact on mostly West African countries.NetBlocks, a non-profit organisation that tracks internet shutdowns, said the outage knocked out connectivity in some of the countries affected and degraded the service in others.A series of subsea cable outages has knocked out or degraded internet connectivity in several countries across Africa, the organisation said on Twitter.Network data indicate at least two distinct sets of disruptions beginning Wednesday night, with high impact in West Africa; incident ongoing.Reuters quoted Openserve, a unit of South Africas biggest fixed-line telecommunications provider, as saying one of the cables was damaged near Libreville in Gabon while the second near Luanda, Angolas capital.It quoted an official of Vodacom Group Ltd., South Africas biggest mobile-network operator, as saying the cause of the damage has not been established.According to NetBlocks, some of the countries affected include South Africa, Ghana, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Nambibia and Cameroon.MTN Nigeria wrote via its Twitter handle that the damage may have also disrupted the connectivity of its users.It apologised for any such disruption, and said its engineers are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.We apologise if you have been experiencing slow data speeds or finding it difficult to access the internet at the moment, it said via its Twitter handle.This is as a result of damage to the international undersea cable.
STAMFORD  The attorney charged in the Jennifer Dulos homicide could have his law license suspended.

Under a motion filed by Brian Staines, of the states Chief Disciplinary Counsel, the law license of attorney Kent Mawhinney would be temporarily suspended and another attorney would be appointed as a trustee for his clients while the criminal case is pending.

A hearing on the suspension is slated for Jan. 28 in state Superior Court in Hartford, records show. Mawhinney, due to his incarceration and any conditions that may be imposed upon his release from custody cannot attend to the legal needs of his clients and there exists a substantial threat of irreparable harm to his clients or to prospective clients, Staines said.

Since the law firm he ran with attorney David Markowitz closed in October, Mawhinney is considered a solo practitioner operating out of Bloomfield and does not have a trust account with his clients money pooled with a financial institution, Staines said.

Staines is seeking to have the court appoint a trustee to inventory Mawhinneys files, secure his clients funds and to take such action necessary to protect the interests of them.

Mawhinney, a close friend and former attorney for Fotis Dulos, has been entangled for months in the investigation into the May 24 disappearance and death of Jennifer Dulos.

Mawhinney is accused in arrest warrants of attempting to provide an alibi for Fotis Dulos on the morning his estranged wife disappeared and was also linked to what a witness described as a human grave at an East Granby gun club.

According to the warrant, Mawhinneys cellphone pinged off a tower near the Windsor Rod & Gun Club around 11 p.m. on May 31  hours after police visited Fotis Dulos Farmington home and conducted an intense search in Hartford where they say clothing and other items were found in the trash containing Jennifer Dulos blood. The next day, Fotis Dulos and his former girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, were arrested on tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution charges.

Fotis Dulos, 52, was additionally charged last week with felony murder, murder and kidnapping in his estranged wifes homicide. Troconis, 45, and Mawhinney, 54, were charged last week with conspiracy to commit murder.

Fotis Dulos and Troconis are each on house arrest after posting bond, while Mawhinney remains held in lieu of $2 million bond. States Attorney Richard Colangelo said he considered Mawhinney a flight risk after he tried to avoid being arrested and was eventually taken into custody at gunpoint in Tolland.

Mawhinney represented Fotis Dulos in real estate development deals and the $2.5 million lawsuits filed against him by his mother-in-law, Gloria Farber. Mawhinney withdrew his representation in the lawsuits when Fotis Dulos was arrested in June.

Attorney Norm Pattis, who is representing Fotis Dulos in the criminal proceedings, has said his client had a meeting with an attorney on the morning his estranged wife vanished.

According to arrest warrants, Mawhinney arrived at Fotis Dulos Farmington home for a scheduled meeting at 7:40 a.m. on May 24. Mawhinney said he stayed for about 40 to 50 minutes before leaving and said he did not see Fotis Dulos that morning, the arrest warrants state.

Mawhinney was going through his own divorce at the time and last January was charged with spousal sexual assault, disorderly conduct and unlawful restraint.

Mawhinney was then charged in June with violating a protective order after Fotis Dulos reached out to his estranged wife on his behalf in an apparent effort to mend their marriage.

In Mawhinneys June arrest warrant, police said the woman believed Fotis Dulos was working with her husband to get rid of her.

She stated that she believed that Mawhinney wanted her dead, police said in the arrest warrant.

According to the womans affidavit in a court filing for a restraining order against Mawhinney, Fotis Dulos first contacted her on May 16 and then reached out several more times before arranging to meet at a bar on May 19.

The woman refused Fotis Dulos offer to come back to his Farmington home, where he said she and Mawhinney could use a room to be intimate, the affidavit said.

The woman said her last conversation with Fotis Dulos, whom she had only met once before in her husbands office in 2014, occurred on May 22  two days before Jennifer Dulos vanished, according to court documents.

Zenas Zelotes, a Stamford divorce attorney representing Mawhinneys estranged wife, has wondered if the two men were plotting to harm their wives considering the circumstances of the cases.

The first thing that went through my mind was who was that grave intended for? Zelotes opined in an exclusive interview last week with Hearst Connecticut Media. I was thinking, was my client the wife that survived?

Around the same time Fotis Dulos contacted Zelotes client, two members of the Windsor Rod & Gun Club discovered a large hole near the woods on the 25-acre property that Mawhinney helped acquire more than a decade ago, according to his arrest warrant in Jennifer Dulos homicide.

In early June, one of the men noticed the hole was gone, covered as neat as a pin with leaves and sticks, the warrant said. When state police searched the property in August, no human remains were found.
Perhaps condensation from a pipe adds a little flavor to a salad?

At a North Side Chinese restaurant this week, city health inspectors found condensation from a pipe in the walk-in refrigerator dripping into a box of exposed lettuce heads. There was also rice stored in soiled containers and fried chicken stored in a cardboard box used to store raw chicken.

Those demerits did not earn the eatery the lowest score on this week's roundup. That dubious honor belonged to a Northwest Side Mexican cafe.

LAST WEEK'S INSPECTIONS: 'Abundance of rodent droppings' found at S.A. store

Elsewhere on their tour of San Antonio establishments, inspectors spotted rodent droppings in a storage area at a Southwest Side taqueria.

Two locations of the same sushi chain landed on the list.

A total of 21 eateries failed to score an "A" during inspections by the city's Metropolitan Health District.

Click through the gallery above for a look at the violations spotted by inspectors this week.

Restaurants are graded on a 100-point system where "100" is a perfect score, and demerits are based upon the number of violations found during a regular food establishment inspection. There are three categories of demerits and each is assigned a demerit score between 1 and 3 points, according to the health division.

If you have questions about inspections or complaints about a food establishment, contact the Metropolitan Health District office by calling 3-1-1 or 210-207-6000. Be prepared to provide the name, location, date of incident and details of the incident.
Manchester United are at loggerheads with Sporting Lisbon over the Portuguese club's 68million valuation of Bruno Fernandes.

United still want to sign Fernandes in the January transfer window but are refusing to meet Sporting's demands. Negotiations are expected to resume early next week with the two clubs way apart over the fee.

United are aware that Tottenham would not bid higher than 38.5m for the attacking midfielder last summer. They also believe that overpaying for Fernandes this month could lead to a hike in transfer fees when they pursue other targets in the summer.

Manchester United are refusing to match Sporting Lisbon's 68m fee for Bruno Fernandes

The 25-year-old played for Sporting in their Lisbon derby defeat by Benfica on Friday night, indicating that a move to United is still some way off.

It's understood that Fernandes has not agreed personal terms with United and a lot of the speculation emanating from Portugal is designed to put pressure on the Premier League club.

Supporters are desperate to see a new signing in January with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side a massive 27 points behind leaders Liverpool, United's opponents at Anfield on Sunday.

However, the Old Trafford hierarchy have taken a strong stance with Sporting in the hope that a breakthrough could still be made before the window closes at the end of the month.

The Old Trafford hierarchy have taken a strong stance in the hope of making a breakthrough
Astronauts on the moon or Mars may be growing their homes, rather than building them, according to NASA.

Transporting habitats or even the materials for habitats that astronauts can safely inhabit during a lunar mission, or an extended stay on Mars, will be expensive. And they will likely take up a lot of space to shuttle them from one planet to another, when other valuable resources may be needed.

One of the projects at NASA's Ames Research Center in California focuses on myco-architecture. This would allow for more organic habitats grown from fungi and the threads that comprise their architecture, known as mycelia. The project is part of NASA's Innovative Advanced Concepts program that considers different aspects of life as technology.

"Right now, traditional habitat designs for Mars are like a turtle  carrying our homes with us on our backs -- a reliable plan, but with huge energy costs," said Lynn Rothschild, the principal investigator on the early-stage project. "Instead, we can harness mycelia to grow these habitats ourselves when we get there."

Astronauts could bring a much more compact habitat made from lightweight materials embedded with fungi. These could survive long-term spaceflight and once the habitat was placed on the surface, all the astronauts would need to do is activate the fungi by adding water.

The habitat would protect humans while also protecting the lunar or Martian surface because the fungi would be contained within the structure.

The mycelia will be genetically altered so they can't exist if separated from the habitat, preventing the surface of Mars from becoming contaminated. This would also prevent any false positive reading for life on the Martian surface that's really from Earth. The mycelia structure will also be baked to reinforce its structure and further prevent contamination.

Fungi feed off of organic material and produce spores. Underneath, mycelia acts like roots that actively build the fungi. They can spread out into a multitude of mushrooms. Or, in this example of synthetic biology, they can actually be used to create a different kind of detailed structure like the literal building blocks of a habitat.

Mars won't just be a harsh environment for humans, but the fungi as well. The fungi will need cyanobacteria to survive. Cyanobacteria uses solar energy to convert dioxide and water in oxygen and food.

To support that, the project team has designed a domed habitat with three layers. On the outside will be a layer of frozen water ice, which can serve as a barrier between the astronauts and radiation. The frozen layer can also provide water for the second layer comprised of cyanobacteria, which will convert it into oxygen for the astronauts. The final layer will be made of mycelia, which can gather nutrients from the cyanbacteria layer.

"Mycelial materials, already commercially produced, are known insulators, fire retardant, and do not produce toxic gasses," according to the project description. "Metrics for these materials show compression strengths superior to dimensional lumber, flexural strength superior to reinforced concrete, and competitive insulation values."

Mycelia could also be used to provide bioluminescent lighting, filter water, extract minerals, regulate humidity and even repair itself.

"When we design for space, we're free to experiment with new ideas and materials with much more freedom than we would on Earth," Rothschild said. "And after these prototypes are designed for other worlds, we can bring them back to ours."
While Tralee was once home to a racecourse and Kerry still has Listowel and Killarney providing horse racing fare for the cognoscenti, as well as the Dingle Derby being the principal prize on the flapping (pony racing) circuit, the Kingdom would never be considered a traditional racing region.

Certainly, where Philip Enright was concerned, his background was not one that would have found him drawn to that sphere naturally.

Once he was brought to Kennedy Equine Centre for a lesson though, he went back for more and developed an enjoyment for show jumping.

It was only after he sat on a racehorse for the first time however, that his lifes future suddenly opened up in front of his eyes. For sure, he was going to be a jockey.

Now 32, he looks back fondly on the days with Tom Cooper, the dual Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer who taught him so much in a period when another Tralee youngster and current Curragh-based trainer Michael OCallaghan was also working in the yard.

Coopers future Gold Cup-winning son Bryan was just a child, running around.

Id be still great friends with the Coopers. In fairness to Tom, he probably taught me an awful lot about racing from an early age.

Gerry Cully provided him with his first winner as a jockey, on I Will Now at Downpatrick in August, 2005 but it is Cork trainer Robert Tyner who brought him to another level.

Ive been very lucky to have the likes of Robert Tyner backing me from Day One

Thankfully, a lot of trainers around Cork and Munster started using me from that. The likes of James Dullea, John Joe Walsh, Eoghan OGrady. Eddie Cawley was very good to me when I started off.

The last couple of seasons Ive broadened my contacts and have a nice link with Edward OGrady as well. Ive been lucky to ride for lots of trainers, its hard to mention them all.

But I wouldnt be where I am today without Robert Tyner. I started there in 2006 with one winner ridden. It took a while before I was riding everything but he gave me the opportunities and thankfully I was lucky enough to win the Pierse Hurdle for him (on Spring The Que).

He had steered Sophist to Grade 3 success the previous month for John McConnell, and in February landed another major handicap pot in Fairyhouse for Tyner on The Halfway Bar.

From there, I grew in confidence and it gave him more confidence in me. Hes a brilliant trainer and he has winners every year. Its great to have his backing. If youre going bad, hell stand by you anyway.

Injuries are part and parcel of his profession, but Enright has been largely fortunate in that regard over 15 years.

The first was a two-month absence caused by a fractured left wrist suffered in a fall at Killarney in 2014.

The next serious spell on the sidelines was four and a half months, initially because of a fractured left leg that occurred in Tipperary the following year. Just as he returned to fitness, he fractured his heel in a schooling accident.

There was a fractured jaw in Thurles three years ago that ruled him out for six weeks and then the fall at Limerick in October 2018 that left him with a broken T6 vertebrae in his back and a neck ligament injury. But he was back in the saddle in seven weeks from that.

This is a pretty clean record for a jump jockey and along with a prodigious workrate, has contributed to a consistent level of achievement.

I get around as much as I can and ride in plenty of schooling races. The people I ride for are loyal to me.

I suppose I am very lucky I can do 9-10 easy enough as well which means if theres a better handicap, you dont lose the ride because of weight. And sometimes, you can come in for a spare ride and if that wins, it opens up another door.

Touch wood, Ive been very lucky with injuries. One or two seasons I missed a good few months but other than that, Ive been lucky.

Preists Leap, trained Tom OLeary, was an important horse in the development of Enrights career, winning the Thyestes Chase in 2008 and following up 12 months later. They also completed the course in two Aintree Grand Nationals.

There was an element of the fortune Enright alludes to in the creation of that partnership.

Conor ODwyer couldnt do the weight and he actually put me forward for it. I was riding winners at the time but for him to put me forward was great and very lucky. It was a massive help at the time.

Later on, the Eoghan OGrady-trained Westerner Point propelled him to Tim Duggan Chase triumphs in 2016 and 2018.

Carrigmoorna Rock (Tyner) and Davids Charm (Walsh) yielded another pair of Grade 3 victories, while other highlights include a brace of Grade 2s, in the Hilly Way Chase on Days Hotel for Henry de Bromhead and the EBF Mares Novice Chase on the Tyner-conditioned Byerley Babe.

The win in the Hilly Way on Days Hotel for Henry de Bromhead was probably one that got me into the spotlight. Ive ridden plenty of winners for Henry too, hes been very good to me as well. Things like that help.

Days Hotel ran in the Grade 1 at Punchestown the year Sprinter Sacre came over to take on Sizing Europe (in 2013) and it was unreal to be involved in that. Even before the race the parade ring was 10 deep. Ive never experienced anything like that in Ireland, before or after, and only saw something similar in the Grand National at Aintree.

Enright hit the 30-winner mark in Ireland at Punchestown on Wednesday, equalling his best-ever tally here, and for good measure, was on the mark for Tony Martin at Musselburgh in Scotland yesterday (part of a double on the day).

Things are flying thank God. Im getting plenty of winners and plenty of rides for different trainers, which is great. Ken Whelan, my agent, is doing a great job. Hes working hard for me. Hes on the ball every morning in fairness to him.

He derives particular satisfaction from the enjoyment his parents, Marian and Paudie are deriving from his success.

My mother and father, without their support I wouldnt have gotten anywhere the Dunmanway-based pilot emphasises. My mother used to get up at six oclock every morning to drop me into Tom Coopers.

I left school after third year and in fairness, while my parents werent overly happy, they told me theyd support me and if I ever wanted to come home I could.

To be doing well now, it feels like Im paying them back for their belief in me.

The ambition now is to form a partnership with a Grade 1 horse. He had a taste of it at Punchestown on Days Hotel, and knows what a really good horse feels like, having won twice on future Champion Chaser Special Tiara.

He was very free and I rode him in a lot of the schooling races for Henry before he ever ran. The first couple of days I rode him in schooling races, he was fairly ongoing!

"Henry was grateful and let me ride him. He won his maiden hurdle first-time out and I won a beginners chase on him and he went on to be pretty good.

Thats what you get up in the morning for. Every time you put your leg over a three-year-old or four-year-old for someone, you hope youre coming in liking them as much as they do. I love riding young horses in schooling races because theres a chance one of them might be a superstar.

And the dream lives on.
Tagaytay City (CNN Philippines, January 18)  It's business as usual for an amusement park in Tagaytay as authorities clarified the city is not a "high-risk" area in case Taal Volcano erupts.

SkyRanch, home to one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the country and a panoramic view of Taal Volcano by the ridge, reopened to tourists Saturday afternoon.

The management assured that all the rides are safe, and that security protocols are in place in case of an emergency.

"We always remind everyone that the reason why we're opening is not for the business lang. It's really to help the tourism of Tagaytay, showing them na bumabangon kami (that we are recovering)," said Ryan Go, operations officer of SkyRanch Tagaytay.

Taal Volcano, itself a postcard-worthy tourist spot in Batangas province, started spewing ash last Sunday. SkyRanch, as well as other businesses in Tagaytay City and other areas in the Calabarzon region were forced to close after being covered in thick layers of volcanic ash.

Some tourist spots, including local government-run Picnic Grove and People's Park in the Sky have yet to clear their facilities and restore operations.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Friday told CNN Philippines that the Tagaytay Ridge, despite being inside Taal's 14-kilometer danger zone, is not considered a high-risk area due to its elevation.

If we look at Tagaytay ridge, where most of the hotels are, they are within the 14-kilometer radius, but they are not part of areas identified as high-risk  what we call base surges of pyroclastic density current, because they're somewhat elevated, Solidum told CNN Philippines The Source.

The Tagaytay City government on Friday also gave hotels and establishments the get back in business. Phivolcs, however, reminded residents and visitors to still practice cautionas other volcanic hazards like ashfall can affect the area.

Traffic in Tagaytay is beginning to slow down as of Saturday, indicating a possible return of the usual weekend visitors.

Meanwhile, Alert Level 4 remains in effect in Taal, indicating a potential hazardous eruption. Phivolcs said Taal had "infrequent weak explosions" and volcanic earthquakes in the last 24 hours. Thousands of residents within the 14-kilometer radius of the volcano have been ordered to flee their homes and move to evacuation centers given the looming threat of a deadly explosion.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said, unless the club sacks him, he has no intention of leaving the club in the next season.

"I say many times, unless the club sack me, I'm going to stay 100 per cent. For sure, 100 per cent I'm going to stay here next season," Goal.com quoted Guardiola as saying.

Guardiola said there are ups and down but he enjoys working with the team.

"Not because we won the last two games or playing better the last few months. I enjoy working with them and I like it, but even if it's going bad and we are not in the Champions League, I will not leave," he said.

"As a manager, there are good and bad moments, you don't win all the time. But it's all about what we can do next and how we can improve," Guardiola added.

Manchester City will take on Crystal Palace today in Premier League.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) has announced the date for its peaceful and non-violent protest against the Supreme Court ruling on the Imo governorship election that sacked Emeka Ihedioha as governor of the the state.

The party made the announcement on Saturday night via its official Twitter handle, saying he protest is also to register the displeasure of the Party against the current state of affairs in the country.

Read Also: PDP: We Will Not Allow Judiciary Become Departments Of APC

In the statement entitled, Abuja, Fct Peaceful And Non-violent Demonstrations, the party said: Inline with the approval of the National Executive Committee of our Great Party, the National Chairman has directed that a peaceful, civil and non-violent protest be organized in the FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY to register the displeasure of the Party against the current state of affairs in the country, especially the miscarriages of justice of the Supreme Court against the lawfully elected Governor of Imo. 

Date: Monday January 20, 2020

Take-off Point: Legacy House, Maitama to all lovers of Democracy as we join hands to save our dear Nation!!!

God Bless The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Col Austin Akobundu (rtd).

NOS
Commerce Minister will lead the Indian delegation to the 50th World Economic Forum at Davos from January 20 to 24.

Goyal will also participate in an informal WTO Ministerial gathering being held in Davos during this period, the commerce ministry said in a statement.

The union minister will hold bilateral meetings with ministers of Australia, South Africa, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Korea and Singapore.

He will also meet Director General of World Trade Organization and Secretary General of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Apart from this, Goyal will hold bilateral meetings with CEOs of companies, attend sessions and round tables on 'Accelerating Investments in Indian Railways' and attracting Global Institutional Investments in India, the statement said.

The minister will participate in the along with Union Minister of State for Shipping and Chemical and Fertilizers, Mansukh L Mandaviya; and Chief Ministers of Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh; Finance Minister of Punjab and the IT Minister of Telangana.
Union Minister of State for MSME Pratap Chandra Sarangi on Saturday said the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was a way to "atone for the sin of Partition" committed by the Congress.

He said the Act, which seeks to give citizenship to non-Muslim minorities when entered India before December 31, 2014 from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, should have been passed 70 years ago.

"CAA should have happened 70 years ago. CAA is a way to atone for sin committed by our forefathers, a select few leaders... It is atonement for the sin of Partition. And we should congratulate PM Narendra Modi for this. The Congress committed the sin, and we are atoning," Sarangi said.

He also said Partition, which took place on a communal basis, was "not unavoidable", and questioned then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for entering into an agreement with people who propounded the two-nation theory.

"The Partition did not take place on any political, economical, geographical, or historical basis. It was done on a communal basis. We never said we cannot live with Muslims. We lived with them for thousands of years," Sarangi said.

"But who compelled us enter into an agreement with the people who propounded the two-nation theory? Partition was not unavoidable. Who compelled Nehru? The country is nobody's paternal property. Nobody had the right to divide it," he added.

Sarangi said the religious division of the country caused crores of Hindus to stay back in Pakistan, and later in Bangladesh when Pakistan itself was broken up (in 1971), but the numbers of Hindus reduced due to "massive religious conversion, rapes, murders, atrocities, and forcible expulsions".

"Mahatma Gandhi had said it is the government's moral responsibility to provide citizenship and jobs to those who fled to India because of religious persecution. Our government passed CAA to give rights to minorities from those countries," he claimed.

Sarangli accused the Congress of spreading disinformation about the CAA and causing unrest in the country.

"Those who set the country on fire are not patriots. Those who do not accept India's freedom, unity, Vande Mataram, have no right to stay in the country. They should go wherever they can," he added.

Speaking on the economic downturn, Sarangi said the country was going through the "darkest time before dawn".

"Dawn is not far away. New developments are being initiated across the country. From MSME, animal husbandry to agriculture, new life has been infused in all departments. Even on the world level, there is infinite possibility of growth in trade and commerce, and this is going to happen. Our products are being marketed across the world," he claimed.

Sarangi said the global slowdown has impacted India but "despite that, our basic structure has not been destroyed and we will move ahead and achieve this on our own might.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Wrestler-turned-Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson has paid an emotional tribute to his father Rocky Johnson who recently passed at the age of 75.

In a lengthy post on Instagram, Johnson said his father led "barrier breaking life" as one half of the "Soul Patrol", the first black tag-team in professional wrestling.

"I was the boy sitting in the seats, watching and adoring you, my hero from afar. The boy you raised to always be proud of our cultures and proud of who and what I am. The boy you raised with the toughest of love," the 47-year-old actor wrote.

Johnson also shared a video that showed him cheering in the audience as his father took the ring.

"The intense work. The hard hand. The adoring boy who wanted to know only your best qualities. Who then grew to become a man realizing you had other deeply complicated sides that needed to be held and understood," he added.

Johnson hinted in his post that the demise of his father was sudden and unexpected.

"Dad, I wish I had one more shot to tell you, I love you, before you crossed over to the other side. But you were ripped away from me so fast without warning. Gone in an instant and no coming back. I'm in pain. But we both know it's just pain and it'll pass," he wrote.

"Now I'll carry your mana and work ethic with me, as it's time to move on because I have my family to feed and work to accomplish," he added.

Johnson ended his tribute, telling his father "to rest your trailblazing soul, Soulman. Pain free, regret free, satisfied and at ease."



Rocky, whose real name was Wayde Bowles, started his career in the 1960s with the National Wrestling Alliance before becoming an athlete with the WWE, formerly known as the Word Wrestling Federation, in 1983.

He partnered with fellow WWE wrestler Tony Atlas to form the duo The Soul Patrol, who would go on to defeat The Wild Samoans that year.

The duo became the first African American world tag team champions in WWE history.

Dwayne Johnson inducted his father into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
President Ram Nath Kovinds order to reject Mukesh Singhs mercy petition filed just four days earlier stands out for the speed at which the government has acted on the clemency plea by one of the four men convicted for gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman in national capital Delhi.

Mukesh Singh, who was originally ordered to be hanged on January 22 along with three others, before Delhi Judge Satish Kumar Arora issued a fresh black warrant on Friday to execute the four men at 6 am on February 1, had sent across the mercy petition on Tuesday, hours after the Supreme Court dismissed his curative petition against the death sentence verdict.

Mukesh Singh, who has been ordered to be hanged on January 22 along with three others, had sent across the mercy petition on Tuesday, hours after the Supreme Court dismissed his curative petition against the death sentence verdict.

ALSO WATCH | 2012 Delhi gangrape victims mother urges PM Modi to order convicts hanging

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia announced his governments rejection of the clemency plea by Wednesday afternoon. In the next 24 hours, it reached Home Minister Amit Shahs table who signed off on the states recommendation. By Thursday evening, the petition had reached Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Kovinds order was conveyed to the Home Ministry by Friday morning.

Officials who had handled mercy petitions in earlier roles indicate that the decision within four days was a record.

The previous record of 42 days in the last 40 years was on a request for presidential pardon filed by a Rajasthan farmer Ram Chander in 1996.

Ajmal Kasabs 2012 mercy plea that the 25-year-old had filed in September, months before his execution came a close second. It was decided in 54 days.

Kasab, who had sailed into Mumbai with nine more terrorists from Pakistan, had been sentenced to death for killing 166 people during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008. He was convicted in May 2010 and after his appeals were rejected, executed on 21 November 2012.

Mercy Petitions

According to the Home Ministry, there are broad guidelines on the aspects that are taken into consideration when deciding a mercy plea.

Personality of the accused (such as age, sex or mental deficiency) or the circumstances of the case (such as provocation or other similar justification).

Cases in which the Appellate court has expressed its doubt as to the reliability of the evidence and has nevertheless decided on conviction.

Cases where it is alleged that fresh evidence is obtainable mainly with a view to seeing whether fresh enquiry is justified.

Where the High Court has reversed on appeal an acquittal by a Session Judge or has on appeal enhanced the sentence.

Difference of opinion in a Bench of two Judges necessitating reference to the third Judge of the High Court.

Consideration of evidence in fixation of responsibility in gang murder cases.

Long delays in the investigations and trial etc.
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The Ukraine plot did encompass virtually every top person in the Trump administration as William Barr was caught meeting with Rudy Giuliani.

According to CNN:

Attorney General William Barr briefly attended a meeting at the Justice Department last fall between top criminal prosecutors and President Donald Trumps personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, a department official said Friday.

The meeting reveals a previously undisclosed interaction between two men the President depends on to defend him.

Justice officials have sought to distance the department and Barr from Giuliani since it became clear in recent months that the former New York mayor is the subject of an investigation by Manhattan federal prosecutors.

The DOJ never confirmed that Barr met with Giuliani, as they have been trying to distance the Attorney General from Trumps toxic personal lawyer. According to Lev Parnas, Barr was on the Ukraine team when it came to trying to force the Ukrainians into an investigation that they could use to smear Joe Biden.

Barr has more contact with Giuliani than was previously disclosed. Trump abused his power by turning the Executive Branch of the federal government into an arm of his illegal operation to rig the presidential election and smear Joe Biden.

William Barr is Trumps muscle, and his attack on America needs to be stopped.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

Follow Jason Easley on Facebook
Another measure has been filed to create a taxpayer-funded program to ensure Illinois residents have their first two years of college tuition paid for.

State Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, D-Shorewood, filed Senate Bill 2324 this month. It mirrors legislation filed in 2019 by Chicago Democratic state Rep. Will Guzzardi. The new bill would ensure residents seeking an associate degree, certificate, or diploma from an institution of higher learning would receive a taxpayer-funded state grant to pay for tuition and fees, minus any other aid awarded, starting in 2021.

The bill said the cost couldnt exceed that of a local community colleges tuition and fees.

The measure is part of a national push, called College Promise, for states to offer grants for the first two years of higher education.

Campaign Executive Director Martha Kanter said more than 300 local communities and 25 states have committed to providing some sort of grants to students in their first couple of years of higher education.

Most of them are seeking to make the first one or two years of college universally available, she said Wednesday.

The program would be implemented through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, which could set parameters on who is eligible.

Washington states Washington College Promise has a household income limit of $61,000 for partial tuition and $44,000 for full tuition grants. Other states have grade and class load requirements. New Yorks Excelsior program cuts off eligibility for families who make more than $125,000 a year.

The money would come from potential donors and Illinois annual state budget, which economists have deemed shaky at best and one of only a couple that is unprepared to weather a moderate recession. Should an economic downturn occur, it would put pressure on the states budget while simultaneously making the proposed program more costly since job retraining at community colleges typically spikes during recessions. Kanter said the organization is diligent, watching for states that may break their promise to pay for school.

Statewide programs can be expensive. In California, lawmakers added $42.6 million to the states current budget to support the second year of free tuition for about 33,000 students, according to EdSource. Washington state estimates it will support more than 90,000 students in 2021.

Kanter said the programs often expand as demand increases for free schooling.

The University of Illinois already has a tuition guarantee program called the Illinois Commitment that provides four-year students who live in Illinois and come from a family with less than $61,000 in household income a grant paying for tuition and mandatory fees.
It has become a familiar ritual in Downing Street: photographers clamour to take pictures of elegant Cleo Watson as she strides towards the No 10 door with a dishevelled Dominic Cummings, the pair looking, as one wag put it, like 'a gazelle with a pit pony'.

They may be poles apart sartorially but Ms Watson, 31, has developed a strong working relationship with Boris Johnson's all-powerful, idiosyncratic adviser since they worked together on Vote Leave before the 2016 EU referendum.

Significantly, she is also close to the Prime Minister's girlfriend, Carrie Symonds, also 31. She accompanied her on a flight to Aberdeen last September when Mr Johnson had a formal audience and dinner with the Queen at Balmoral.

Close friends: Cleo and the PM's aide Dominic Cummings stroll along Downing Street

As the rather grandly titled head of the Prime Minister's priorities and campaigns, Ms Watson runs the special taskforce that will fast-track new Northern female Tory MPs from the 2019 intake into key government roles.

The Mail on Sunday revealed last week that the unit will focus on helping MPs including Dehenna Davison, 26, the first Conservative to represent the Bishop Auckland constituency since its creation in 1885.

Ms Davison and Ms Watson may share the same objective, but their backgrounds could hardly be more different.

The former was just 13 when she learned that her father had been killed in a pub fight and went on to marry a local councillor 35 years her senior. The latter grew up in Trebinshun House, a 400-year-old mansion in the Brecon Beacons National Park which her parents have now converted into an elite English language school.

As a sixth-former at a nearby girls' private school, Ms Watson wrote an article for The Spectator magazine, describing it as 'St Thinians' due to the prevalence of eating disorders. 'The signs of a proper, full-blown size-zero infection are easy to spot,' she observed.

Unflappable: Cleo with Carrie Symonds ahead of the PM's audience with the Queen

'They include having a jug of water and nothing else for breakfast, always going into tea to see what cakes are on offer and then sitting down to watch hungrily as other people eat them, spending hours analysing every aspect of the appearance of celebrities, models and television stars

'It's not a healthy look that the size-zero girls are after, remember  the aim is simply to be as tiny as possible

'None would dream of confiding in their parents or their boyfriend. Boys our age seem totally oblivious to female psychology and, anyway, what girl would ever admit to starving themselves for a boy's benefit?'

After her time with the Vote Leave campaign, Ms Watson joined No 10 when Theresa May was Prime Minister.

She inadvertently played a crucial role in the frenzied build-up to the EU referendum. As Mr Johnson agonised over whether to back Leave or Remain, the world's media waited outside his London home for a decision. Suddenly, Ms Watson was spotted rushing inside carrying Vote Leave campaign material  and the secret was out. Aides describe her as a vital fixer, popular and keen to shun publicity.

Recently married to a financier called Tom, she is said to have 'strong personal chemistry' with Ms Symonds.

One former No 10 aide said: 'Everyone wants Cleo to accompany them to events. She is completely unflappable, even when acting as Dominic's minder to protect him from aggressive TV crews.

'It sounds cheesy, but she is as beautiful inside as she is outside.'
In early 2017, just as Trump was inaugurated, we wrote how of an old power center theory that seemed to explain how Trump won the elections:

Seen from the perspective of power centers Clinton once had all the support she needed. But she then lost a decisive group due to her uncompromising neo-conned foreign policy. Here is an interesting take based on a theory from the 1950s: [T]he power elite can be best described as a triangle of power, linking the corporate, executive government, and military factions: There is a political economy numerously linked with military order and decision. This triangle of power is now a structural fact, and it is the key to any understanding of the higher circles in America today. The 2016 US election, like all other US elections, featured a gallery of pre-selected candidates that represented the three factions and their interests within the power elite. The 2016 US election, however, was vastly different from previous elections. As the election dragged on the power elite became bitterly divided, with the majority supporting Hilary Clinton, the candidate pre-selected by the political and corporate factions, while the military faction rallied around their choice of Donald Trump. ... The decisive political point in this election round was the fight between neo-conservatives/liberal-interventionists and foreign policy realists. One side is represented exemplary by the CIA with the U.S. military on the other: A schism developed between the Defense Department and the highly politicized CIA. This schism, which can be attributed to the corporate-deep-states covert foreign policy, traces back to the CIA orchestrated color revolutions that had swept the Middle East and North Africa. The CIA created bloodthirsty future enemies the military will later have to defeat. ...

That explanation has held up well. At the beginning of his regime Trump stuffed the White House with the military faction while the executive government -the deep state- wage a war against him. The corporate side of triangle of power was quite happy with his tax policies.

But Trump soon discovered that the military faction did not concur with his 'America first isolationist tendencies. The 'grown ups and generals wanted to explain to Trump why they believe that the U.S. needs many allies and bases and why the many long wars the U.S. fights are sensible policy.

According to a new book, partly adapted in a Washington Post piece, that effort did not end well:

Trump organized his unorthodox worldview under the simplistic banner of America First, but [Secretary of Defense Jim] Mattis, [Secretary of State Rex] Tillerson, and [Director of the National Economic Council Gary] Cohn feared his proposals were rash, barely considered, and a danger to Americas superpower standing. They also felt that many of Trumps impulsive ideas stemmed from his lack of familiarity with U.S. history and, even, where countries were located. To have a useful discussion with him, the trio agreed, they had to create a basic knowledge, a shared language. So on July 20, 2017, Mattis invited Trump to the Tank for what he, Tillerson, and Cohn had carefully organized as a tailored tutorial.

The meeting in the Tank, a secure conference room in the Pentagon, were part of an effort to subdued Trumps insurgency against the top militarys world view. and the presentation by top generals came off as a lecture which Trump immediately disliked:

An opening line flashed on the screen, setting the tone: The post-war international rules-based order is the greatest gift of the greatest generation. Mattis then gave a 20-minute briefing on the power of the NATO alliance to stabilize Europe and keep the United States safe. Bannon thought to himself, Not good. Trump is not going to like that one bit. The internationalist language Mattis was using was a trigger for Trump. Oh, baby, this is going to be f---ing wild, [White House chief strategist Stephen K.] Bannon thought. If you stood up and threatened to shoot [Trump], he couldnt say postwar rules-based international order. Its just not the way he thinks.

Bannon was right. Verbal scuffles about NATO, South Korea and U.S. bases followed. Then Trump took on the generals:

We are owed money you havent been collecting! Trump told them. You would totally go bankrupt if you had to run your own business.

The discussion turned to the war on Afghanistan:

Trump erupted to revive another frequent complaint: the war in Afghanistan, which was now Americas longest war. He demanded an explanation for why the United States hadnt won in Afghanistan yet, now 16 years after the nation began fighting there in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Trump unleashed his disdain, calling Afghanistan a loser war. That phrase hung in the air and disgusted not only the military leaders at the table but also the men and women in uniform sitting along the back wall behind their principals. They all were sworn to obey their commander in chiefs commands, and here he was calling the war they had been fighting a loser war.

Youre all losers, Trump said. You dont know how to win anymore.

When one reads the recent Congress testimony of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan one can see that Trump has a point. The war is long lost and the military is lying about it:

Theres an odor of mendacity throughout the Afghanistan issue . . . mendacity and hubris, John F. Sopko said in testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The problem is there is a disincentive, really, to tell the truth. We have created an incentive to almost require people to lie.

...

When we talk about mendacity, when we talk about lying, its not just lying about a particular program. Its lying by omissions, he said. It turns out that everything that is bad news has been classified for the last few years.

Trumps rant during the meeting with the generals continued:

Trump mused about removing General John Nicholson, the U.S. commander in charge of troops in Afghanistan. I dont think he knows how to win, the president said, impugning Nicholson, who was not present at the meeting.

...

I want to win, he said. We dont win any wars anymore . . . We spend $7 trillion, everybody else got the oil and were not winning anymore.

...

I wouldnt go to war with you people, Trump told the assembled brass. Addressing the room, the commander in chief barked, Youre a bunch of dopes and babies.

A drill sergeant act performed on recruits with four stars on their shoulders. I find that quite impressive. Those perfumed princes must have fumed.

While some will certainly say that Trump disgraced the military with his rant most of the soldiers in the field will likely agree with his opinion about their generals.

Most of the 'dopes and babies who were in that room have since been fired or retired. Their replacements are yes-men more to Trumps liking. They did not even protest about Trumps latest blunder. He rented out scarce air defense units to Saudi Arabia and went on to murder Qassem Soleimani in Iraq while the U.S. bases there no longer had air defenses to protect them against the inevitable retaliation.

The anti-Trump leaders of the executive side of the triangle have likewise been removed and replaced with people who are unlikely to put up a fight against Trump.

The third side of the triangle, the corporate faction, is happy that Trump pressed the Fed to douse the markets with free money. Unless the inevitable stock market crash comes before the election, which is unlikely, they will stick to Trumps side.

With all three sides of the triangle of power inclined o favor him or neutralized Trump seems to have a good chance to win the next election.

That is unless he continues to follow the advice of neocons with a bad record and starts by shear stupidity a war against Iran.
A spokesman for the Taliban has told a Pakistani newspaper that the militant group is hoping to reach an Afghan peace deal with U.S negotiators by the end of January.

The comments by Suhail Shaheen on January 18 to the Dawn newspaper come after negotiators from the Taliban and the United States met for two days of talks in Qatar.

Shaheen said in a post on Twitter on January 17 that the meetings on January 16 and 17 had been "useful." He said the discussions had focused on the signing of a joint agreement and a related ceremony without elaborating.

The U.S. team, led by Zalmay Khalilzad, has not spoken publicly about the negotiations. But Reuters quoted two sources as saying the Taliban was ready to agree to a 10-day truce with U.S. forces, as well as a reduction in violence with Afghan forces and talks with Afghan officials if a deal is reached.

Shaheen on January 18 said Taliban militants were ready to scale back militant attacks ahead of the anticipated signing of the deal with U.S. negotiators.

"We have agreed to scale down military operations in days leading up to the signing of the peace agreement with the United States," Shaheen told Dawn.

'A Matter Of Days'

He added that the Taliban was "optimistic" a deal with Washington could be signed before the end of the month and that the reduction in fighting across the country would also include the targeting of Afghan forces.

"It's now a matter of days," said the spokesman.

Analysts say that, if an agreement is clinched, it could revive hopes for a long-term solution to the conflict in Afghanistan.

U.S. forces have been in Afghanistan since their 2001 invasion to drive out the Taliban following the September 11 terror attacks in the United States.

The Taliban controlled Afghanistan at the time and harbored Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the attacks.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to remove the estimated 13,000 U.S. troops remaining in Afghanistan in Americas longest war.

Over the past year, neighboring Pakistan has helped facilitate talks between Khalilzad and the Taliban in Qatar, where the militants have a political office.

But the talks have repeatedly stalled, with Washington calling on the group to reduce violence, among other things.

An Afghan presidency spokesman said a ceasefire was the only way to achieve a sustainable and dignified peace.

"To achieve lasting peace, which is the demand of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the people, is the only way to achieve a cease-fire," Sediq Sediqqi said in a post on Twitter.

"Any cease-fire that is proposed as a fundamental step will be acceptable to the people and the government," he added.

With reporting by AFP and Reuters
Peacock, NBCUniversal's new streaming service, comes with a colorful library that has a bit of everything.

The service, which was introduced on Thursday night, will offer consumers ad-supported and ad-free options and will include more than 600 films and 400 series.

The service's free tier, "Peacock Free," will be ad-supported and will provide 7,500 hours of programming including movies and classic shows.

"Peacock Premium" will be free to Comcast and Cox subscribers with commercials, and for everyone else it will cost $4.99 with ads and $9.99 without. The premium offering will come with 15,000 hours of programming that includes original series like the crime drama "Dr. Death" and early viewings of NBC's late-night shows like "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon."

Here's some of what will be available on Peacock Premium through 2021, according to NBCUniversal:

Current Season Broadcast

America's Got Talent: Champions

Blindspot

Bluff City Law

Bring the Funny

Chicago Fire

Chicago Med

Chicago P.D.

Council of Dads

Ellen's Game of Games

Hollywood Game Night

Indebted

Law and Order: SVU

Lincoln Rhyme

Making It

Manifest

New Amsterdam

Perfect Harmony

Songland

Sunnyside

Superstore

The Blacklist

The Inbetween

The Kenan Show

The Wall

This Is Us

Titan Games

World of Dance

Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist

Daytime broadcasts

Access Hollywood

The Kelly Clarkson Show

Days of Our Lives

Late-night "early" broadcasts

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (available at 8pm ET)

Late Night with Seth Meyers (available at 9pm ET)

News

NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt

Meet the Press with Chuck Todd

Short-form content from Today, CNBC and MSNBC

Documentaries and full seasons of "Dateline and "Lock Up"

Live channels

NBC News Now

Sky News

NBC/Sky Global News

Sports

Tokyo Olympics coverage that includes the opening and closing ceremonies as well as highlight shows (July to August 2020)

Paralympics coverage (August 2020)

Premier League games (August 2020 to May 2021)

Ryder Cup coverage (September 2020)

Peacock Originals

Drama

Angelyne

Armas De Mujer

Battlestar Galactica

Brave New World

The Capture

Dr. Death

One of Us is Lying

Comedy

The Amber Ruffin Show

A.P. Bio

Code 404

Five Bedrooms

Girls5Eva

Hitmen

Intelligence

Lady Parts

Psych 2: Lassie Come Home (Film)

Punky Brewster

Rutherford Falls

Saved by the Bell

The Kids Tonight Show

Who Wrote That

Kids

Archibald's Next Big Thing

Dragon Rescue Riders

DreamWorks Where's Waldo?

Curious George

Sports

Dream Team 2020

Hot Water: In Deep with Ryan Lochte

United States of Speed

Run Through the Line

The Greatest Race

Untitled Dale Earnhardt Jr. Series

Scripted Series Library

30 Rock

A-Team

Bates Motel

Battlestar Galactica

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Chicago Fire

Chicago Med

Chicago P.D.

Cheers

Covert Affairs

Crossing Jordan

Downton Abbey

Everybody Loves Raymond

Frasier

Friday Night Lights

Heroes

House

Jeff Foxworthy Show

King of Queens

Knight Rider

Law and Order

Law and Order: Criminal Intent

Law and Order: SVU

Leave it to Beaver

Magnum P.I. (1980)

Married... With Children

Miami Vice (1984)

Monk

Murder She Wrote

New Amsterdam

Parenthood

Parks & Recreation

Psych

Roseanne

Royal Pains

Saturday Night Live

Saved by the Bell

Suits

Superstore

The George Lopez Show

The Mindy Project

The Office

The Purge

Two and a Half Men

Will & Grace

Yellowstone

Unscripted Series Library

American Greed

American Ninja Warrior

Bad Girls Club

Below Deck

Botched

Chrisley Knows Best

Dateline

Don't Be Tardy

Face Off

Flipping Out

Hollywood Game Night

Hollywood Medium

Keeping Up with the Kardashians

Killer Couples

Lock-Up

Married to Medicine

Million Dollar Listing

Paranormal Witness

Snapped

Southern Charm franchise

Summer House

The Profit

The Real Housewives franchise

Top Chef

Kids Library

3-2-1 Penguins

Beethoven

Care Bears

Cleopatra in Space

Curious George library

Father of the Pride

Fievel's American Tail

He-Man & Masters of the Universe

Kody Kapow

Madagascar: A Little Wild

Maisy

New Adventures of He-Man

New Adventures of Zorro

Postman Pat

Punky Brewster (Animated)

Sabrina the Teenage Witch

She-Ra

Shelley Duvall's Bedtime Stories

The Chica Show

The Mighty Ones

TrollsTopia

Voltron Force

Voltron Defender of the Universe

Woody Woodpecker

Zafari

Hispanic Library

100 Dias para Enamorarnos

Al Otro Lado Del Muro

Betty En NY

Chiquis N' Control

Corazon Valiente

Donde esta Elisa?

El Baron

El Chema

El Rostro De La Venganza

Guerra de Idolos

Historias De La Virgen Morena

Jose Jose

La Querida Del Centauro

Larrymania

Mas Sabe El Diablo

Mi Familia Perfecta

Perro Amor

Preso No. 1

Quien es Quien?

Reina De Corazones

Relaciones Peligrosas

Santa Diabla

The Riveras

Un Poquito Tuyo

Victoria

Films
The man from Donabate who rose to one of the top jobs in the aviation industry has finally decided to retire as the chief executive of International Airlines Group (IAG).

Willie Walsh will stand down from the role and from the board of IAG, the parent company of Aer Lingus, British Airways and other airlines, on 26 March 2020 and will retire on 30 June 2020.

The current head of IAG's Iberia, Luis Gallego, will succeed Willie Walsh as group CEO.

Willie Walsh began his career as a pilot and later an executive with Aer Lingus, before leaving for IAG which subsequently bought the Irish carrier.

In a statement, Mr Walsh said: 'It has been a privilege to have been instrumental in the creation and development of IAG.

'I have had the pleasure of working with many exceptional people over the past 15 years at British Airways and at IAG.'

He added: 'Luis has been a core member of the team and has shown true leadership over the years and I have no doubt he will be a great CEO of IAG.'

IAG chairman Antonio Vazquez said: 'Under Willie's leadership IAG has become one of the leading global airline groups.

'Willie has been the main driver of this unique idea that is IAG.'

He praised Mr Walsh's 'strong leadership and clear vision'.

'I am deeply respectful of what he has achieved as CEO of this group, of his sense of fairness, his transparency and his capacity to integrate people regardless of nationalities or backgrounds,' he said.

Mr Gallego also has a long career in the airline industry under his belt, having started with Air Nostrum in 1997 and heading Iberia since 2014.

Mr Vazquez said the Iberia boss had led a 'profound transformation' at the airline over his time in charge.

On his upcoming role at IAG, Mr Gallego said: 'It is a huge honour to lead this great company.

'It is an exciting time at IAG and I am confident that we can build on the strong foundations created by Willie.'

Willie Walsh still has a house in his native Donabate and perhaps with this decision, we can expect to see a bit more of him around the peninsula before he takes on whatever challenge he decides on next.

Whatever his next step might be, he has certainly made a huge impact on the aviation business in several high profiles roles over the course of his long career.
Controversy lingered this week over Clackamas County taxpayers covering most of Chairman Jim Bernards legal fees in an ethics investigation, with one of his colleagues changing her vote to now oppose the payment.

County Commissioner Martha Schrader asked Bernard to pay the nearly $26,000 cost instead of just $5,000.

Bernard appeared noncommittal to Schraders request at two board meetings Tuesday and Thursday and didnt return an email Friday seeking comment. He responded during the Thursday meeting by apologizing and acknowledging that he made a mistake but remained silent when Schrader pressed him.

Schrader told The Oregonian/OregonLive that her original vote on Jan. 7 troubled her. She and Commissioners Sonya Fischer and Ken Humberston had supported a proposal to pay about $20,000 of Bernards bill. Commissioner Paul Savas was the lone no vote, with Bernard abstaining.

But for Schrader the matter apparently wasnt settled. The commissioner on Tuesday said: I would like the official record to show I am going to switch from a yes to a no.

Schraders change of heart doesnt affect the boards original decision since the bill has been paid, Gary Schmidt, the county administrator, told the board. The county used general fund dollars cover the fees.

Schrader in an interview on Friday said she was troubled by the inconsistent treatment of Bernard compared with past commissioners who asked for help paying outside legal bills when facing complaints.

I have been there the longest and I need to question things, she said.

Bernard did not respond to an email Friday asking whether he would consider paying the fees in light of Schraders decision.

She said in an interview that she approached Bernard about paying his own legal bills. I said to him, you need to rethink this, she said. He said I will rethink this and I said thank you.

Schrader asked that the commission review its policy for hiring outside legal counsel for county officials and employees. Schrader said the policy needs to be revised for consistency and clarity.

We need to clarify the policy of how we work this, she said. I took the time to relook at the policy and I apologize to the public. I should have done more of this ahead of time rather than now.

The 14-year-old policy was intended to protect employees from frivolous complaints and lawsuits. It says if the claims or charges are validated through subsequent review, the county shall be entitled to recover any public funds expended on that persons behalf.

In 2014, county commissioners approved paying a total of $10,000 toward outside legal bills for two former commissioners, Tootie Smith and John Ludlow, who were the subjects of a hostile workplace complaint by an employee. An outside investigation concluded that both made inappropriate statements, but their remarks did not rise to the level of discrimination.

Schrader, who took part in those discussions, contrasted the boards treatment of Bernard with that of Smith and Ludlow. The county paid $5,000 toward legal bills for each commissioner at the time.

I dont think I have been fair or just, she added.

In Bernards case, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission last year determined that he improperly used his official position to urge county leaders to hand over records to his wife for a possible lawsuit against the county. Bernards settlement with the state says he broke two laws -- one prohibiting public officials from using their positions for financial gain and the other dealing with declaring conflicts of interest.

In Wednesdays commission meeting Bernard offered a public apology. He said he was counseled not to do things. I did them anyway, but you know, emotional involvement sometimes get people to do things that they shouldnt do.

While I certainly had no intention of breaking the rules, I did, Bernard said. And for that I apologize to everyone.

He said he became overenthusiastic and involved but certainly not with the intention of costing the taxpayers or embarrassing the county and for that I apologize.

Smith, who is challenging Bernard in this years election, said the commission capped what it would pay for her legal fees even though the investigation effectively cleared her of wrongdoing.

There wasnt a good explanation given, she said of the commissions decision at the time. There is a clear county policy dating to 2006 and that was not followed. I took my lumps and went forward.

-- Noelle Crombie; ncrombie@oregonian.com; 503-276-7184; @noellecrombie

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
Liberal MPs will latch onto new findings from one of Australia's top independent modellers that lifting compulsory super to 12 per cent will hurt low-income earners, opening the door to a scrapping of the policy amid ongoing internal division within the Coalition.

The legislated super increase is set to become one of the most-bitterly contested policy areas over the next year, as the compulsory super guarantee [SG] begins its rise from 9.5 per cent to 12 per cent in 2021, adding up to $20 billion a year to superannuation funds.

Research by Australian National University associate professor Geoff Warren and his team found there "is no single superannuation guarantee that suits all" and questions whether it makes sense to "require everyone to save more by imposing a higher SG because it suits some".

Liberal MP Jason Falinski and House Economics Committee chair Tim Wilson. Credit:James Brickwood

The findings, which have been submitted to the Coalition's imminent retirement income review, warned that an increase in compulsory super could see members sacrifice pre-retirement living standards without seeing the benefits if they die with unused balances.
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They say that the best revenge is living well.

And Davina Rankin is certainly proving that as she focuses on newborn daughter Mila-Mae amid her feud with her former Married At First Sight co-star Ryan Gallagher.

On Saturday, the 28-year-old posed in a pink blouse and cream skirt as she held little Mila-Mae in her arms, sharing a snap to Instagram.

Living her best life! Davina Rankin posed in a pink blouse and cream skirt on Saturday, as she held her baby daughter Mila-Mae in her arms

She looked every inch the doting mother, smiling at her baby daughter.

The event planner has been back in the news recently after Ryan made some unflattering claims about her on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, which he's currently filming in South Africa.

In a recent episode, Ryan slammed Davina while discussing her infamous 'affair' with Dean Wells, almost two years after the scandal aired on TV.

Lashing out: Davina has been back in the news recently after Ryan Gallagher (pictured) made some unflattering claims about her on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

While recalling his honeymoon with Davina, he claimed that his ex-'wife' had warned him she was going to be unfaithful in the experiment.

'We were on the honeymoon, and we were intimate and stuff like that. You sort of get lost in the moment,' he began.

'And as we were flying back, as we were landing, [Davina] goes, "You know, when we get back we meet other people and you can hook up with anyone."

'And I was like, "I don't think that...!"'

Scandal: In a recent episode, Ryan slammed Davina while discussing her infamous 'affair' with Dean Wells (pictured), almost two years after the scandal aired on TV

Warning? While recalling his honeymoon with Davina, he claimed that his ex-'wife' had warned him she was going to be unfaithful in the experiment

Ryan went on to explain that Davina eventually cheated on him with another groom, Dean, before the affair was exposed at a commitment ceremony.

Despite the fact Davina had 'run off with another man', Ryan was obliged to take her to meet his family during homestays.

'I had to take her to my parents' place. I've only introduced four girls to my family. I didn't tell mum and dad what happened,' he said.

Emotional: Ryan opened up about the drama to co-star Charlotte Crosby (pictured)

'I knew they would treat her different, so I left it.'

Ryan added: 'She told my mum [about the affair]. She started crying and everything.'

Dean has since addressed the controversy publicly, telling Ryan to 'leave Davina alone and move on' with his life.
A University of Houston students tweet expressing frustration about the hefty price to remove a clamp the school placed on her cars windshield has gone viral.

The tweet, posted Wednesday by a student identifying herself as babayaga, Friday had received more than 2,800 retweets, 12,000 likes and 1,300 comments, both supportive and critical.

$920 to get this removed, the student tweeted with a sad face emoji. All bc the university doesnt have enough permits available nor parking options that are affordable for students that already pay to attend the University. Everyone send a dollar my way.

On Thursday, the student tweeted shed received $210 from sympathizers. The original tweet included her mobile payment service accounts for CashApp and Venmo.

The student, who tagged the universitys main and parking twitter accounts, did not immediately respond to the Houston Chronicles requests for comment.

It is our responsibility to make sure that there is available parking for those who have paid to have a valid permit, UHs parking department tweeted in reply to babayaga. We offer a wide range of permits from garage to remote campus and we have had permits available throughout the fall and spring semester at all times.

In response to comments that the parking department was exploiting students, UHs parking department tweeted that the law does not allow the department to receive any money from the state or university, so all funds are self-generated, with most going to pay for the garages.

Some commenters suggested babayaga get her window replaced, pry the clamp off using a defroster and a credit card, or transfer to another school. Others criticized her for not paying parking tickets that led to the universitys placement of the clamp, known as a barnacle.

UH spokesman Chris Stipes and Neil Hart, head of the universitys parking and transportation services, emphasized that barnacles  the bright yellow, plastic immobilization devices that suction to vehicle windshields with up to 1,000 pounds of force and block the view of the driver  are only used on the cars of habitual offenders of parking protocols.

Removal of the barnacles costs $75, plus a $200 deposit, which is refunded once the driver returns the barnacle. Citations generally range from $30 to $50, amounts that double after 21 days of not being paid, they double.

UHs barnacle devices, implemented in early December 2019 as a way to deter parking violators and simplify fining processes, are only used for cars consistently parked on campus without a permit and with five or more existing citations, according to the spokesmen. To date, 37 cars have been barnacled, with the violators receiving an average of nine citations for parking without a permit.

When somebody is parking illegally and doesnt have a permit, theyre taking a space from someone else who has paid, Stipes said. This is a deterrent against that. We dont have free parking on campus.

In the past, the university would tow the vehicle, a process that costs more time and money.

Towing not only cost UH students $100, it required the driver to find a way to the tow lot, where they had to fill out paperwork, pay the fee and wait for the vehicle to be retrieved, said Stiples. He noted that barnacles can be unlocked at the parking spot with a code once the person pays the fee.

The University of Oklahomas parking and transportation services recently withdrew its efforts to use barnacles on campus after receiving negative feedback from its students.

UH aims to give students options for parking, permits and repayment of their citations, according to Stipes and Hart.

Students are able to sign an agreement that gives them 21 days to pay any outstanding parking fees, said Stipes. If they are unable to pay them off in time, the parking department can transfer them over to their student bill.

brittany.britto@chron.com
Updated: January 2020.

For some years now it's been clear that Android is a force to be reckoned with in the mobile OS landscape. This Java-based technology has sparked a new gold rush, with programmers competing to make money from their mobile apps. Android jobs are also plentiful, as shown by a quick job search using Indeed.com.

To be successful, Android developers need a good grasp of the Java language (or Kotlin), Android APIs, and Android application architecture. It's also important to use an appropriate and effective development environment. For many years, Eclipse IDE with the ADT plugin was the preferred platform for Android development. Today, it's Android Studio.

What's new in Android Studio 3.x Find out what to look for in the latest version of Android Studio, including support for Kotlin, Java 8, and a wealth of new tools and plugins.

If you're new to Android Studio, this tutorial series will get you started. I'll briefly introduce the Android development platform, then show you how to download, install, and run the software. After that, we'll spend most of our time actually using Android Studio to develop an animated mobile app:

In Part 1 , you'll start up your first Android project and get to know Android Studio's main window.

, you'll start up your first Android project and get to know Android Studio's main window. In Part 2 , you'll code the app, learning how to use Android Studio to enter source code and resources into the project.

, you'll code the app, learning how to use Android Studio to enter source code and resources into the project. In Part 3 , we'll build and run the app, using both an emulated hardware device and a Kindle Fire tablet.

, we'll build and run the app, using both an emulated hardware device and a Kindle Fire tablet. In Part 4, I'll show you how to use use built-in tools and plugins to debug Android and improve your coding productivity.

Examples in this series are from the most stable version of Android at the time of this writing, Android 3.2.1.

Get started with Android Studio

Android Studio is Google's officially supported IDE for developing Android apps. This IDE is based on IntelliJ IDEA, which offers a powerful code editor and developer tools. Android Studio 3.2.1 includes the following features:

A flexible Gradle-based build system

A fast and feature-rich emulator

A unified environment where you can develop for all Android devices

Instant Run to push changes to your running app without building a new APK

Code templates and GitHub integration to help you build common app features and import sample code

Extensive testing tools and frameworks

Lint tools to help you catch performance, usability, version compatibility, and other problems

C++ and NDK support

Built-in support for Google Cloud Platform, making it easy to integrate Google Cloud Messaging and Google App Engine

Plugin architecture for extending Android Studio via plugins

Download Android Studio

Google provides Android Studio for the Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux platforms. You can download Android Studio from the Android Studio homepage, where you'll also find the traditional SDKs with Android Studio's command-line tools. Before downloading Android Studio, make sure your platform meets the following requirements:

Windows requirements

Microsoft Windows 7/8/10 (32-bit or 64-bit)

3 GB RAM minimum, 8 GB RAM recommended (plus 1 GB for the Android Emulator)

2 GB of available disk space minimum, 4 GB recommended (500 MB for IDE plus 1.5 GB for Android SDK and emulator system image)

1280 x 800 minimum screen resolution

Mac OS requirements

Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite) or higher, up to 10.13 (High Sierra)

3 GB RAM minimum, 8 GB RAM recommended (plus 1 GB for the Android Emulator)

2 GB of available disk space minimum, 4 GB recommended (500 MB for IDE plus 1.5 GB for Android SDK and emulator system image)

1280 x 800 minimum screen resolution

Linux OS requirements

GNOME or KDE desktop. Tested on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS, Trusty Tahr (64-bit distribution capable of running 32-bit applications)

64-bit distribution capable of running 32-bit applications

GNU C Library (glibc) 2.19 or later

3 GB RAM minimum, 8 GB RAM recommended (plus 1 GB for the Android Emulator)

2 GB of available disk space minimum, 4 GB recommended (500 MB for IDE plus 1.5 GB for Android SDK and emulator system image)

1280 x 800 minimum screen resolution

Once you've ensured that your operating system is compatible with Android Studio 3.2.1 or higher, download the appropriate Android Studio distribution file. The Android Studio download page auto-detected that I'm running a 64-bit Windows operating system and selected android-studio-ide-181.5056338-windows.exe (927 MB) for me to download.

Android SDK command-line tools android-studio-ide-181.5056338-windows.exe includes an installer and the Android SDK command-line tools. If you don't need or want to use Android Studio, you can download only the Android SDK command-line tools.

Installing Android Studio on 64-bit Windows 10

I launched android-studio-ide-181.5056338-windows.exe to start the installation process. The installer responded by presenting the Android Studio Setup dialog box shown in Figure 1.

Jeff Friesen Figure 1. Set up Android Studio

Clicking Next took me to the following panel, which provides the option to decline installing an Android Virtual Device (AVD).

Jeff Friesen Figure 2. Install an Android AVD?

I chose to keep the default settings. After clicking Next, I was taken to the Configuration Settings panel, where I was asked to choose where to install Android Studio.

Jeff Friesen Figure 3. The installation location must have at least 500 MB free space

I kept the default installation location and clicked Next, and was greeted with the Choose Start Menu Folder panel.

Jeff Friesen Figure 4. Select the folder in which to store Android Studio shortcuts

I kept the default setting and clicked Install. The following Installing panel appeared:

Jeff Friesen Figure 5. This panel shows the progress of the installation

Clicking Show details causes the names of files being installed and other activities to be displayed. When installation finished, the Installation Complete panel appeared.

Jeff Friesen Figure 6. The Next button is enabled when installation completes

After clicking Next, the installer presented the Completing Android Studio Setup panel.

Jeff Friesen Figure 7. Leave the Start Android Studio checkbox checked to run this software

To complete the installation, I left the Start Android Studio box checked and clicked Finish.

Running Android Studio

The first time Android Studio runs, it presents a Complete Installation dialog box that offers the option of importing settings from a previous installation.

Jeff Friesen Figure 8. A previous installation's settings can be imported

I chose not to import settings (the default selection) and clicked OK, and was rewarded with the following splash screen:

Jeff Friesen Figure 9. Android Studio's splash screen

I also observed the following Finding Available SDK Components message box.

Jeff Friesen Figure 10. Android Studio downloads any SDK components that are needed (and available)

At this point, Android Studio presented the following Android Studio Setup Wizard dialog box:

Jeff Friesen Figure 11. The wizard provides setup and app-porting capabilities

I clicked Next, and the wizard invited me to select an installation type. I kept the default standard setting.

Jeff Friesen Figure 12. Choose an installation type

I was then given the opportunity to choose a user interface theme.

Jeff Friesen Figure 13. Put the bite on Android Studio by choosing the Darcula theme

I kept the default IntelliJ setting and clicked Next. Android Studio next provided the opportunity to verify settings.

Jeff Friesen Figure 14. Android Studio identifies additional SDK components that will be downloaded (click to enlarge)

I clicked Finish and Android Studio began the process of downloading SDK components.

Jeff Friesen Figure 15. The wizard downloads and unzips SDK components

It can take several minutes for this part of the setup to finish. Clicking Show Details might relieve some boredom by revealing the various files being downloaded and unzipped.

Jeff Friesen Figure 16. The wizard identifies the various archives being downloaded

For my AMD-based computer, an unpleasant surprise awaited after the components had completely downloaded and unzipped:

Jeff Friesen Figure 17. Intel-based hardware acceleration is unavailable

My options are to either put up with the slow emulator or use an Android device to speed up development. In Part 3 I'll show you how I resolved this issue.

Finally, I clicked Finish to complete the wizard. The Welcome to Android Studio dialog box appeared.

Jeff Friesen Figure 18. Welcome to Android Studio

This dialog box is used to start up a new Android Studio project, work with an existing project, and more. It can be accessed by selecting Android Studio from the Windows Start menu, or the equivalent on another platform.

Your first Android Studio mobile app

The quickest way to get to know Android Studio is to use it to develop an app. We'll start with a variation on the "Hello, World" application: a little mobile app that displays a "Welcome to Android" message.

In the steps that follow, you'll start a new Android Studio project and get to know the main window, including the editor window that you'll use to code the app in Part 2.

Starting a new project

From our setup so far, you should still have Android Studio running with the Welcome to Android Studio dialog box. From here, click Start a new Android Studio project. Android Studio will respond with the Create New Project dialog box shown in Figure 19.

Jeff Friesen Figure 19. Create a new Android project

Enter W2A (Welcome to Android) as the application name and javajeff.ca as the company domain name. On my desktop, I observed C:\Users\JEFF\AndroidStudioProjects\W2A as the project location. Click Next to select your target devices.

Jeff Friesen Figure 20. Select your target device categories

Android Studio lets you select form factors, or categories of target devices, for every app you create. I kept the default setting.

Click Next, and you will be given the opportunity to choose a template for your app's main activity. For now we'll stick with Empty Activity. Select this template (if necessary) and click Next.

Jeff Friesen Figure 21. Specify an activity template

Next you'll customize the activity:

Jeff Friesen Figure 22. Customize your activity

Enter W2A as the activity name and main as the layout name, and click Next to complete this step.

Reconfigured buttons The next time you create an app for the chosen target device category, you'll probably discover that Next is disabled and Finish is enabled.

The first time you use Android Studio, you'll discover that it has to download some files related to its constraint layout, which is used to build responsive user interfaces:

Jeff Friesen Figure 23. Constraint layout is the default layout used by Android Studio for new app projects

Android Studio enables Finish after downloading the constraint layout files. Click this button and Android Studio takes you to the main window.

Jeff Friesen Figure 24. Android Studio's main window reveals that it has built a skeletal W2A app

The main window is divided into a menu bar and several other areas, which are identified in Figures 25 and 26. (Note that Figures 25 and 26 are courtesy of Google.)

Jeff Friesen Figure 25. The different areas that comprise the main window

Jeff Friesen Figure 26. The main window presenting a toolbar, editor window(s), and other features

Check out the Meet Android Studio page to learn more about Android Studio's user interface.

Accessing AVD Manager and SDK Manager To access the traditional AVD Manager or SDK Manager, select AVD Manager or SDK Manager from Android Studio's Tools menu.

The Project and editor windows

When you enter the main window (see Figure 24), you observe the Project window showing only app and Gradle Scripts. You'll have to expand the app branch of the project tree to observe more details.

Jeff Friesen Figure 27. The Project window and an editor window show the skeletal W2A activity source code

The Project window is organized into a tree whose main branches are app and Gradle Scripts. The app branch is further organized into manifests, java, generatedJava, and res subbranches:

manifests stores AndroidManifest.xml , which is an XML file that describes the structure of an Android app. This file also records permission settings (where applicable) and other details about the app.

stores , which is an XML file that describes the structure of an Android app. This file also records permission settings (where applicable) and other details about the app. java stores an app's Java source files according to a package hierarchy, which is ca.javajeff.w2a in this example. It also organizes files for testing purposes.

stores an app's Java source files according to a package hierarchy, which is in this example. It also organizes files for testing purposes. res stores an app's resource files, which are organized into drawable , layout , mipmap , and values subbranches: drawable is a mostly empty location in which to store an app's artwork; initially, the XML files for the launcher foreground and background adaptive icons are stored here. layout is a location containing an app's layout files; main.xml (the main activity's layout file) is initially stored here. mipmap is a location containing various ic_launcher.png files, which store launcher screen icons of different resolutions. values is a location containing colors.xml , strings.xml , and styles.xml .

stores an app's resource files, which are organized into , , , and subbranches:

The Gradle Scripts branch identifies various .gradle (such as build.gradle ) and .properties (such as local.properties ) files that are used by Android Studio's Gradle-based build system.

Branch names and directory/file names Each branch/subbranch corresponds to a directory name or to a file name. For example, res corresponds to the res directory and strings.xml corresponds to the strings.xml file.

Conclusion to Part 1

You've installed and configured Android Studio and created a project for your first Android Studio mobile app; now you're ready to build your Android application. In Android Studio, this means populating your new project with Java source code and resource files. Turn to Part 2 when you're ready to code your first Android animated mobile app.

This story, "Android Studio for beginners, Part 1: Installation and setup" was originally published by JavaWorld .
Rapper DaBaby has taken to social media to defend himself after a video of him pushing a hotel worker into a chair surfaced.

The 28-year-old took to Instagram where he told his 9.3 million followers that the Beverly Hills AC Hotel worker filmed a video of him and his two-year-old daughter after he asked him not to various times to protect her safety.

The video, that took place on December 19, 2019, saw DaBaby walk into the hotel with his team before pushing the worker into a seat and giving him some words.

Scroll down for video

Footage: DaBaby took to social media on Saturday to defend himself after a security footage of him assaulting a hotel worker last month was released

'That hotel worker you see me "pushing" came up to me outside the hotel & asked could he record a video of me while I was holding my 2year old daughter,' he began.

'I calmly and respectively said no and explained to him that him posting a video of me at the time would compromise the safety of me and my child by letting social media know where we were staying.'

He continued to explain the employee refused to respect his wishes and privacy.

He didn't listen: DaBaby said the hotel worker kept taking photos and videos of him and his daughter despite him asking him not to

Well known: Dababy is known as a rapper and is nominated for two Grammy awards this year

'After being told no still being on the clock at work he walked to the other side of the parking lot maybe 50 feet away and zoomed in while recording a video of me and my daughter on Snapchat after I politely asked him not to and gave him an explanation as to why I didn't want him to.'

DaBaby continued that when he saw this his fury rose and he reacted.

'I then handed my daughter to her uncle and walked over to him as he was typing his caption on the video of me and my child not knowing that I saw him record it and that I was over his shoulder watching him type the caption,' he penned.

Not having it: 'That hotel worker you see me "pushing" came up to me outside the hotel & asked could he record a video of me while I was holding my 2year old daughter,' he began

'I told him to delete the video immediately and take his b***h a** back in the hotel and do his job since he wasn't capable of being professional enough to abide by company policy while doing his job outside of the hotel.'

And while footage saw DaBaby push the worker, the rapper claims he was just 'making him sit down.'

'Upon entering the hotel I made him sit down and understand the fact that NO video is worth the safety of my child by compromised. Especially after I politely explained to him the reasoning behind me saying no.'

Calm? And while footage saw DaBaby push the worker, the rapper claims he was just 'making him sit down'

He continued: 'Not to mention the fact that he is at work and his job is to valet park cars not record customers and violate their privacy which I'm 100% sure is against employee policy at the Hotel.'

'Being a celebrity and being linked by the public is cool & all but ima father before anything and my number 1 priority is providing for an protecting the interest of my child. And anybody that don't respect that i don't want your respect.'

The BOP hitmaker ended the piece by saying his legal team will be in contact unless they're provided with the footage.

He captioned the post: 'Ima leave that right there & stand on it. #CounterSuingAll2020. Let's Get it.'

'Who else got a lawsuit for Baby?'

Threats: The BOP hitmaker ended the piece by saying his legal team will be in contact unless they're provided with the footage

Daddy's girl: DaBaby shared videos of himself on Friday playing with his daughter

The video obtained by TMZ was taken on December 19 following his performance at the Shrine.

'Any actions taken my DaBaby were likely in self defense based upon his recall of the evens and until the video is thoroughly reviews we have no further comment at this time,' said his lawyer, Michael Heiskell told the publication on Saturday.

However, it's not his first time in trouble with the law, in fact he was arrested earlier this month in Florida over an alleged assault.

Trouble with the law: DaBaby was arrested earlier this month in Florida over an alleged assault

Police had taken DaBaby into custody after he was accused of punching one of two men who paid him $20,000 of an agreed-upon $30,000 for a concert in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

The Suge artist was accused of hitting a man while his associates roughed up the other, police said.

Police said that the man who accused the rapper of hitting him said that one of DaBaby's associates robbed him of $80, a phone and his bank card.

He spent the following 48 hours in jail.
Andrew Peek, the senior director for European and Russian affairs at the National Security Council, has been placed on administrative leave pending a security-related investigation, people familiar with the situation tell Axios.

Driving the news: Peek had been expected to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland next week, where President Trump is expected to meet with a number of world leaders as the impeachment trial takes place back in the Senate.

Peek declined to comment.

White House and National Security Council officials declined to discuss the situation. "We do not discuss personnel matters," the NSC said in a statement to Axios.

Why it matters: Peek's responsibilities at the NSC, and before that at the State Department, touch on a number of sensitive areas. He took on the same role as impeachment witnesses Fiona Hill and Tim Morrison.

He joined the NSC in November after serving as a deputy assistant secretary at the State Department, where he focused on Iraq and Iran.

He previously served as a strategic adviser to now-retired Marine Gen. John Allen when Allen was commander of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

Go deeper: NSC staffer denies having secret Ukraine conversations with Trump
A US military training exercise could leave many pilots flying over the Southeast and Caribbean without a GPS.

The Navy's Carrier Strike Group 4 exercise is expected to jam signals and other navigation systems starting January 16th and run until January 24th.

Planes flying from as low as 50 feet above the ground up to about 40,000 feet are at risk, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security explains that the Federal Government is required to conduct GPS tests, training activities, and exercises that involve interfering with GPS receivers.

Part of the Navy, the Carrier Strike Group 4 is expected to jam signals and other navigation systems until January 24th. Planes flying from as low as 50 feet above the ground up to about 40,000 feet are at risk, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Due to the fact that these training and testing activities can involve a number of aircraft, ships and/or other military equipment and up to hundreds of personnel, cancellation or postponement of a coordinated test should only occur under compelling circumstances, the document continues.

In general, only safety-of-life/safety-of-flight issues will warrant cancellation or postponement of an approved, coordinated GPS test.

The government agency did note that in the event of a life threatening event, the FAA will issue cease buzzer for the test until it has deemed the issue resolved.

The government agency did note that in the event of a life threatening event, the FAA will issue cease buzzer for the test until it has deemed the issue resolved

As the report noted, the government conducts these types of training regularly.

In 2018, the Air Force launched a massive combat training exercise, which the FAA again warned pilots of GPS jamming across the US.

'Beginning tomorrow, January 26, and running through February 18, GPS-equipped aircraft operating in the Western United States should be prepared for possible satellite signal disruptions at various altitudes,' Flying.com wrote in a bulletin.

'Training maneuvers will impact vast portions of the Western US including California, Nevada, Oregon, Wyoming, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Montana and New Mexico.'

Though little is known about the GPS jamming technology used in the exercise, it is believed to operate at a much higher range in the air than the ground, according to The Warzone, meaning impacts to cars and surface GPS could be minimal.

Although the US military is jamming GPS systems, they are also developing technology that blocks the issue.

In June 2019, the military agency was found to be designed a variant that is resistant to GPS jamming, or technology that attempts to disable GPS by transmitting fake signals or scrambling them.

Without those GPS systems, US military officials and others around the world fear that their operations, such as moving troops or navigating missiles, would come to a grinding halt.
NEW YORK  Rep. Ayanna Pressley, whose hair twists have been an inspiration to young girls and part of her personal identity and political brand, says she has gone bald due to the autoimmune condition alopecia.

The Massachusetts Democrat made a video for The Root, the African American-focused website, in which she revealed her bald head and said she felt compelled to go public due to the impact her Senegalese twists had on supporters.

Senegalese twists are a protective hairstyle worn by black women, much like braided hairstyles. Her style was noteworthy in how Afrocentric it was, and the legacy of black women wearing their hair close to or in its natural state is fraught with the legacy of racism.

She called her hair story both personal and political as she embraced her twists, but noticed back in the fall that her hair was falling out. The hair loss progressed in chunks until the night before the Dec. 18 House vote on impeachment articles against President Trump, when she said she lost the last of it.

I didnt have the luxury of mourning what felt like the loss of a limb, Pressley said. It was a moment of transformation not of my choosing.

She donned a wig, explained her vote from the podium on the House floor, then fled to a bathroom stall.

I felt naked, exposed, vulnerable. I felt embarrassed. I felt ashamed. I felt betrayed, Pressley said. And then I also felt that I was participating in a cultural betrayal because of all the little girls who write me letters, come up to me, take selfies with me.

Pressley kept her hair loss a secret, revealing her condition only to close friends and family, but she knew she would go public when she felt ready.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune skin disease, causing hair loss on the scalp, face and sometimes on other areas, according to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. The National Institutes of Health says nearly 2% of Americans have the disease.

Leanne Italie is an Associated Press writer.
The Veterinary Medical Association of Bexar County partnered with Animal Care Services to teach local veterinary surgeons techniques to increase not only efficiency but help lower costs of spay/neuter operations.

Dr. Philip Bushby, professor emeritus at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University, shared state-of-the-art procedures for spaying/neutering dogs and cats during a workshop Thursday at the ACS campus.

It included lectures and labs with two purposes: convince people that early pet sterilization is better and teach techniques that help veterinarians become more efficient and save time, which is the largest expense in such operations. The workshop was sponsored by SpaySA and the veterinarians association.

Bushby said recent reports show that more than 25 percent of families who own pets cant afford basic veterinary care.

If there is a senior living on Social Security or a poor family living on food stamps. the odds are low that they will spend hundreds of dollars to have their pets sterilized, said Bushby, an expert in high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter surgeries. If we can teach people more techniques how to save time, maybe we can convince them to lower costs for people without access to veterinary care.

On ExpressNews.com: Education, more tickets help ACS make headway on San Antonios roaming dog problem

One of the lessons was about updated surgery techniques. He said veterinarians could complete a cat spay in five minutes versus 30 minutes, charge much less and log many more surgeries.

During his four-year education at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Bushby said pet overpopulation and the huge number of animals euthanized at animal shelters were never mentioned.

After graduation in 1972, he interned in New York City at the ASPCA Hospital, which he said served as animal control for the citys five boroughs. During his internship, 136,000 dogs and cats were euthanized in one year, a fact that inspired his commitment to ensure veterinarians understand pet overpopulation and how they could help.

He recalled that in the early 1970s, 22 million to 24 million dogs and cats were euthanized at animal shelters yearly. Now, that number is 1.5 million to 3 million a year, Busby said.

Its still too many, and its still unnecessary, he said. The majority of dogs and cats euthanized in shelters are puppies and kittens that are born to families that have adult dogs and cats that are still intact.

Female cats first come into heat when they are four to five months old and small-breed dogs at five to six months, he said.

On ExpressNews.com: Former San Antonio mayors plans for protecting animals could be game changer

Dr. William H. Craig, a veterinarian and president of SpaySA, said high-volume spay/neuter clinics had been around for 50 years, but it wasnt until the mid-1990s that the overpopulation problem started to draw widespread attention.

SpaySA was founded in 1997 as a partnership between the city, the veterinary medical association, the Humane Society of San Antonio and the Animal Defense League of Texas as a resource primarily for economically challenged residents to spay/neuter their pets.

On ExpressNews.com: ACS proposes changes to San Antonios animal laws

He said the importance of spay/neuter in San Antonio began to catch on as a result of city funding, media involvement and more agencies offering such services to the public through various clinics. Craig said organizations such as SnipSA and Pet Shotz are among those providing low-cost or fully funded pet sterilizations.

He said Bushbys lessons would help improve veterinarians efficiency and productivity.

A surgery is something that takes them out of the exam room, which is where they do most of their work, he said. So, if we can help them learn more efficient techniques and they can do a spay in half the time than they did previously, then it disrupts their practice much less than it did before.

Dr. Marilyn Gotbeter, chief veterinarian for ACS, said the agency was excited about working with the veterinarians association because of the important role vets play in educating local residents.

These new techniques will give them new tools, she said, to help pet owners become even more compassionate.

Vincent T. Davis is a reporter in the Greater San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | vtdavis@express-news.net | Twitter: @vincentdavis
Three Canadian airports will start asking air travellers from Wuhan, the epicentre of a new respiratory disease in China, to report to border officials if they have flu-like symptoms.

The move by the Public Health Agency of Canada to enhance screening measures this week for the new coronavirus at Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver comes after its U.S. counterpart announced Friday it will begin taking temperatures and asking about symptoms of passengers from the central Chinese city of Wuhan at New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco airports.

Canada wont take the temperature of Wuhan passengers, but will only remind them to inform officials of their symptoms through messaging on arrival screens at Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver international airports. An additional health screening question will also be added to the electronic kiosks at those terminals.

At this time, the overall risk to Canadians is assessed as low, Tammy Jarbeau, a spokesperson for Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, said in a statement. This is based on the fact that Canada has no direct flights from Wuhan and the volume of travellers arriving indirectly from Wuhan is low.

The new viral strain  causing respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties, and pneumonia and kidney failure in severe cases  has already sickened dozens and killed two in China since the World Health Organization received the first report on New Years Eve.

Media reports have cited exposure to seafood and meat in Wuhan as the possible cause for the infection, but it is uncertain if the virus can be spread from one person to the next. The new virus belongs to the same family of bugs that caused international outbreaks of SARS and MERS that began in 2002 and 2012.

According to the public health agency, Canada already has a standard border measures in place to prevent communicable diseases coming into the country through collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency under the Quarantine Act.

If a traveller shows signs and symptoms of an infectious disease upon arrival, border officers or airport and airline staff conduct a preliminary screening of the traveller and can refer suspicious cases to a public health quarantine officer.

The quarantine officer then performs a more detailed assessment by asking additional questions regarding the travellers symptoms and confirming information about the travellers country of origin and possible exposure to an infectious disease, Jarbeau said.

If deemed necessary, the quarantine officer can then take the appropriate measures to address the potential public health risk.

A traveller can be sent to a hospital to undergo a medical examination and/or to report to the local public health authority, said Jarbeau.

Some 65,000 people travel to the U.S. from Wuhan each year and the first flight to be screened arrived at New Yorks John F. Kennedy Airport on Friday night. Only New York and San Francisco receive direct flights from Wuhan; those arriving in Los Angeles are on connecting flights.

American authorities did not screen incoming passengers during SARS and MERS, and some public health experts questioned whether they should do so now.

Its not a particularly effective intervention, and it potentially offers a false sense of security, said Dr. Kamran Khan, a University of Toronto researcher who has studied airport screenings during the SARS and Ebola outbreaks.

Screeners likely will flag a lot of people with other germs  it is flu season  while missing infections from the new virus. Experts believe it may take up to two weeks between the time someone is infected and when they come down with a fever and other symptoms.

With files from the Associated Press and New York Times
The countless hours Randy Robbins spent stalking bald eagles from his kayak at Antelope Lake paid off at last when he captured an image of a bald eagle snatching a trout from the lake surface.

On Tuesday, Robbins will be awarded winner of the California Department of Fish and Wildlifes annual photo contest. The prize photo, along with other finalists, will then be posted for display for public viewing outside the entrance to Gov. Gavin Newsoms office at the state Capitol. (Scroll down to see them posted here with descriptions.)

The winning photos captured a series of unrepeatable moments in the outdoors with perfect timing, composition, focus and lighting. They include a coyote caught in mid-leap for prey at Point Reyes National Seashore, a mink rising up from the shore of Spring Lake near Santa Rosa, and nature photos that look like artwork. All the winners are from the greater Northern California area.

Robbins taught high school special education for 17 years and now is a pastor in Susanville who said he often kayaks at Antelope Lake, about 30 miles to the south in Plumas National Forest.

In my kayak, Id been observing eagles at Antelope Lake for several summers, just watching, watching and watching, Robbins said. I found the nest, and from a long distance, saw two little eaglets, and the parents coming and going to feed them with fish.

I started following the parents, from a distance out in my kayak, where Id paddle along, pull up on shore, and wait. I did that for days without any luck. One morning at sunrise, I paddled out in the lake to get the sun at my back, floating, looking around with my 400 zoom.

On his own, the bald eagle flew right in front of me, just like 40 to 50 feet away. I was afraid Id miss the picture because of my giant lens. Thought Id chop off a wing in the frame. I took five frames in a second and then he was gone. I looked at my photos and there it was.

The contest is the creation of California Watchable Wildlife and the magazine Outdoor California, a bimonthly publication of the CDFW. It is co-sponsored by the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and Out of this World Optics, which provides a spotting scope to the Photo of the Year winner.

Winners are published in Outdoor California magazine, which is available for subscription for $15 a year at https://wildlife.ca.gov. The winners are also posted in California Watchable Wildlifes e-newsletter, on Facebook, and albums of all monthly entries may be viewed at www.Facebook.com/CaWatchableWildlife.

Here are this years other winners, with comments from the photographers:

Ed Donnelly

Launching coyote: In an image taken at Point Reyes National Seashore, Ed Donnelly captured a coyote in mid-pounce for prey. To add to the drama, Donnelly is a war veteran in a wheelchair, who spots, stalks and photographs from his car. His photo shows an electrifying moment in time caught in a perfect image, for which Donnelly said, A coyote takes a leap in hopes of catching an unsuspecting rodent for lunch.

Mirror ibis: Yvonne Hunter ventured to the Yolo Bypass near Davis and found perfect lighting surrounding a feeding white-faced ibis. Who knew that ibis reflect the light around them? Hunter said. While watching some juvenile egrets frolicking in the muck, I noticed a solo ibis among the greenery. The light and background colors were bright and the ibis was close. So, I caught a few images of her. Not realizing that the greenery background accentuates her iridescent colors. The combo of the ibis and the background make a striking image.

Steve MacDonald

Food fight: Steve MacDonald scored an amazing moment in a photo where an inverted bald eagle is trying to steal a duck from the talons of an immature bald eagle. The encounter took place at the Llano Seco unit of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The upper eagle is immature, two to three years, the bottom eagle, is a near adult, MacDonald said.

Pam Starr

Kestrel profile: Pam Starrs photo looks like a painting, a profile of an American kestrel on a post flecked with snow in Sierra Valley (north of Reno). To get the photo, Starr said she ventured out on a cold, snowy morning into 120,000-acre Sierra Valley, an intermountain valley located at 4,850 feet and surrounded by high mountains, south of Beckwourth and Highway 70.

Julie MacKinnon / Julie MacKinnon

Purple shore crab: At Point Lobos State Natural Reserve near Carmel, Julie MacKinnon found a purple shore crab and captured a tack-sharp life-or-death moment. This purple shore crab was stranded onshore at negative tide, MacKinnon said. The small bubbles you can see are the crabs attempts to keep its gills wet. Yes, crabs have gills to breathe in water.

Bob Western

Monarch tandem: The endangered monarch is the icon of all butterflies, and Bob Western found a pair feeding in Pacific Grove near Monterey, a popular wintering habitat. The western population of monarch butterfly overwinters in sanctuaries along the coast of California, Western said. These are feeding on butterfly bush in the sanctuary in Pacific Grove.

Peek-a-boo mink: Minks are rare enough to see  I havent seen one in 20 years  and they are shy and elusive. Yet Steve Pearce pulled off the perfect candid photograph in the few seconds available at Spring Lake near Santa Rosa. As I was passing the shoreline of Spring Lake, this curious American mink popped out of the water, posed and gave me a couple of seconds to take his photo before swimming off, Pearce said.

Tom Stienstra is The Chronicles outdoor writer. Email: tstienstra@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @StienstraTom.
A view of a fire on 8th Street between Dickinson and Reed in Philadelphia on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019. Read more

A month after a fiery explosion claimed two lives and destroyed five rowhouses on a South Philadelphia block, officials said a crack in a 92-year-old natural gas main led to the blast.

Though an investigation into the root cause of the cracked main is ongoing, concerns over the citys aging gas line infrastructure are well-established.

What caused the pipe to break?

What caused this specific gas main, constructed in 1928, to crack and leak natural gas is under investigation by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

Typically, a cast-iron pipe can break in two ways, said Joe Martin, a civil-engineering professor at Drexel University. A joint, made of lead and oakum, connecting two cast-iron pipes can weaken over time and break. Or, corrosion on the pipe can cause a crack, Martin said. Heavy vehicles driving on the street can create additional stress on the mains below.

The fundamental problem, Martin said, is that cast-iron gas pipes grow brittle with age, and many in Philadelphia are about a century old.

The fact that theyre lasting 100 years is a wonder, Martin said.

When will Philadelphias cast-iron pipes be replaced?

About half of Philadelphia Gas Works 3,000 miles of gas mains are cast iron. In 2016, the utility sped up efforts to replace its riskiest pipes, and replaced about 35 miles last year.

A PGW spokesperson said the utility aims to replace all of Philadelphias cast-iron mains by 2057.

The aging, fragile cast iron is being replaced by plastic PVC piping, which Martin said is safer, faster [to replace], and lasts longer.

You can find PGWs current pipe replacement projects here.

How worried should residents be?

Martin described the state of Philadelphias gas mains as "definitely cause for concern.

He said Philadelphias rowhouses are built with strong firewalls between them, but proximity and connected porches mean that if something happens in one house, adjacent neighbors are at risk.

The bottom line, Martin said, is that this is the typical age of pipes in the city. And its too old.

 READ MORE: After rowhouses exploded, neighbors rushed to help: Its really a South Philly thing

What should you do if you smell gas?

Call 911 or PGWs emergency hotline at 215-235-1212.

Staff writer Andrew Maykuth contributed to this article.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 17, 2020 / Belmont Resources Inc. (TSXV:BEA)(FSE:L3L2) will be exhibiting at the 2020 Vancouver Resources Investment Conference on January 19-20, 2020.

We would like to invite you to meet the Belmont Resources team at Booth #301 celebrating 42+ years of being in business.

Belmont Resources Inc. (TSX.V: BEA)

January 19-20 (Sunday & Monday), 2020

Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place

Trade Booths

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Monday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) 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. The VRIC will provide current and prospective investors an opportunity to speak with management and consultants about the Company's flagship Phoenix Gold-Copper project. Pick up your free copy of the latest Belmont Fact Sheet.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the office at 604-683-6648.

Sincerely,

George Sookochoff

CEO/President

Email: george@belmontresources.com

About Belmont Resources Inc.

Belmont Resources Inc. is a Canadian based resource company traded on the TSX-V under the symbol "BEA". The Company is systematically exploring its extensive property positions in British Columbia (Gold), Nevada (Lithium) and Saskatchewan (Uranium).

For further information see our Website at:

www.BelmontResources.com

-Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Nevadalithium/

-Twitter https://twitter.com/Belmont_Res

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: Belmont Resources Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/573492/Belmont-Resources-Inc-Exhibits
Congress Leader Kapil Sibal on Saturday lashed out at the BJP led government, saying it was propagating lies about the Citizenship Amendment Act and that the Prime Minister, instead of solving issues being faced by the country, talks and even "dreams" about Pakistan.

Sibal, who was speaking at an anti-CAA rally here, said the central government has been 'attacking' its own people instead of protecting them.

"Our Prime Minister dreams of Pakistan.

When he wakes up, he talks about Pakistan. When he talks in Parliament, he talks about Pakistan.He has completely forgotten about India.

There are so many problems faced by our country. No jobs, growth rate is going down, the agriculture crisis and many more. But still our Prime Minister is worried about Pakistan."



Slamming the centre over abrogation of Article 370, the former Union minister said the situation in Kashmir was not normal as claimed by the Home Minister in Parliament.

"Since the time we got independence, when our Prime Minister or the Home Minister spoke, people used to believe them.

But from 2014, when the Prime Minister or the home minister or any of the ministers speak, we are in doubt. We doubt whether there is any hidden agenda.

When the CAA was passed in Parliament, this government had said so many lies about it," Sibal told a large crowd.

In the rally, organised by the opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front, Sibal reiterated that CAA is a discriminatory law.

"NRC is not just against Muslims. NRC is against the people of the country.

I give you my solemn promise that I will defend you till my last breath...This government is spreading lies...

This is a long fight. But we will fight till our last breath. We will overcome the Act.

The Congress has given a promise that we will fight and defeat the Act," Sibal said.

He also criticised Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, who has been at loggerheads with the Left-ruled state government and advised Khan to read the Constitution.

Khan had come out in public against the LDF government and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for not informing him before moving the Supreme Court against CAA.

"They have sent a Governor here. What were they thinking? ?. I am just happy that Kerala is not a space for them.

Khan is my old friend. I would like to advice him to read the Constitution. And if he is unable to understand, I will help him in understanding the same," he said.

Sibal said the Prime Minister and BJP, instead of talking about demonetisation, were dwelling on 'love jihad' and triple talaq.

He recalled that Modi had said there would be no fake notes in the country after demonetisation, no black money and terrorism.

He had sought 50 days and asked the people to call him to any place and give him any punishment if he was proved wrong.

"I would like to ask him, where should I call him? He has not uttered a single word after that day.

They talk only about love jihad, triple talaq. It seems like no one from Hindu community is getting a divorce. They are targeting only one community. The whole country need to stand against targeting one community," Sibal said.

Attacking the centre over it's stand on Kashmir, he said the BJP government's claims that everything was normal in Kashmir, people are happy and have understood the benefits of abrogation of Article 370, was wrong.

The government, he said, has failed to accept that life in Kashmir after August 5, 2019 was not normal.

"It's been four months and now they are sending 36 ministers to Kashmir. Political leaders there are still in jail.

But the Home Minister claims that everything is normal in Kashmir. However, the fact is that everything is not normal," Sibal said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Royal Caribbean is urging a Florida judge to dismiss a lawsuit against the cruise company after the death of an 18-month-old child who fell from an ocean liner's 11-storey window during a family holiday.

In a motion to dismiss filed on 8 January, the company accuses the child's grandfather of accidentally dropping Chloe Wiegand after he lost his grip while holding her outside the window.

The motion says: "His actions, which no reasonable person could have foreseen, were reckless and irresponsible and the sole reason why Chloe is no longer with her parents."

Surveillance footage provided by the company reportedly shows Sam Anello as he "stands in front of the open window and exposes Chloe to the open window, which was 11 decks high off the ground, with nothing but a concrete pier below, for approximately 34 seconds at which time she unfortunately fell", according to court filings.

In a wrongful death lawsuit filed in US District Court last year following Chloe's death, the Wiegand family says that the company's Freedom of the Sea ship had violated "national and international codes, standards, guidelines, and recommendations applicable to windows".

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The lawsuit alleges that "there was not a single, adequate indication that this wall of glass panes was not actually a wall of fixed glass panes, but instead a wall of glass with glass panes that could actually slide and remain open, as windows."

None of the panes "contained a warning, design decal on the glass, or anything to warn passengers ... of the hidden danger that some of the glass pane windows in the middle row may be slid open", the suit says.

According to the lawsuit's version of events, Chloe asked to be lifted up to bang on the glass, then fell through "the only single pane, among dozens of panes, that was slid completely open".

Mr Anello was charged with negligent homicide in Puerto Rico, where the ship was docked at the time of Chloe's death. As part of a guilty plea deal, he received probation and supervision but no jail time.

The Wiegand family said it does not support the charges or verdict in the Puerto Rico case.

Royal Caribbean says its surveillance footage "contradicts" the lawsuit's "version of events and leaves no room to dispute any fact about the incident".

In court filings following the company's attempt to dismiss the case, the Wiegands requested the court remove the video footage from the record and accused the company of "not establishing the authenticity of the videos and not providing sufficient details as to their level of enhancement".
Nations suffering from chronic violence, lawlessness and massive numbers of refugees are often not that way because of war but because of other factors, including how many foreign aid groups operate, or try to operate there. The NGOs (non-governmental organizations, like the UN or Red Cross and thousands more) tend to have their own ideas of how to handle the situation and the NGO attitudes are often at odds with the locals as well as the foreign nations that provide the cash and goods needed to deal with the mess. One mess often leads to another as the three principals (NGOs, locals and donors) clash over what to do and how to do it. The main problem is there is more to be done than anyone is willing to pay for. To make matters worse there are always disagreements, sometimes violent, over how to apply the aid.

In 2019 the top ten disaster areas contained most of the people in need worldwide, but these nations contained less than five percent of the world population. The ten disaster areas were; Yemen, Congo, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Venezuela, CAR (Central African Republic), Syria, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Somalia. A major problem has been the reluctance of donors to support relief operations in many of these areas. In short, the problem is that too much of the aid is stolen or unable to reach the people most in need. NGOs have no solution, or at least not one that will either turn off the donors (and their donations) or upset the locals, resulting in more violence and chaos.

Most of these needy nations are not the scene or war, at least not in the traditional sense, but they are suffering from some serious problems. From the outside this appears to be some kind of massive civil disorder. The trigger for the disorder is most often tribalism as in Yemen, Congo, South Sudan, Afghanistan, CAR and Somalia. In some of these nations, there is an actual civil war going on, as in Yemen, South Sudan, CAR and Syria. In other cases, the major cause is religious differences as in Yemen, Syria and Nigeria. Another common factor in all these nations is corruption and the inability to create an effective government. Many of these nations are recognized as failed states because they have never managed to form a sense of national unity and eventually stable national government. This is common in most African countries as well as Afghanistan and Yemen. NGOs are increasingly feuding with each other about how to handle the growing money shortages they have to deal with. The demand for contributions to buy food and other aid supplies has been increasing faster than donor nations, who supply most of this money, are willing to provide. This is in large part because of growing problems with a lot of the aid being stolen by local bandits and corrupt officials, or diverted to other uses by NGOs.

There are other problems as well. Increasingly people in the countries NGOs deliver aid to complain about the NGOs being more concerned about their own safety and comfort than in making the lives of the locals better. But it's not as simple as that. There are also disagreements within the NGO community about how to deliver aid in areas swarming with bandits, Islamic terrorists and other bad actors. The NGOs that continue to send people to these dangerous areas complain that many NGOs that used to be there with them are now snagging a lot of aid money and moving to some well-guarded urban area to spend the aid money on studies, seminars and research into how to achieve peace and prosperity via diplomacy, negotiation and creative financing. The NGOs still out in the field consider this growing interest in this new non-contact with the people needing the aid, approach a craven copout and diversion of desperately needed funds from buying food and emergency services for people.

The NGOs are trying to keep this dispute from becoming a public debate as they all agree that putting these issues into the news would probably reduce contributions even more. NGOs are, for the most part, charitable organizations that take money from individuals, organizations and governments and use it for charitable work in foreign countries. The Red Cross is one of the oldest, and best known NGOs, dating back to the 19th century. In the mid-20th century, the UN became the largest NGO. Actually, the Catholic Church could be considered one of the first major NGOs, as it organized large scale charity efforts over a thousand years ago. By the late 20th century the number of NGOs grew explosively. Now there are thousands of them, providing work for hundreds of thousands of people.

The NGO elite are well-educated people, usually from Western countries, who solicit donations or go off to disaster areas and apply money, equipment and supplies to alleviate some natural or man-made disaster. Governments have been so impressed by the relative efficiency of NGOs that they have contracted them to perform foreign aid and disaster relief work that was once done by government employees.

Problems, however, have developed over the years. The Western employees of NGOs, while not highly paid, are infused with a certain degree of idealism, and that brings to disaster areas a bunch of outsiders who have a higher standard of living and different ideas. Several decades ago, the main thing these outsiders brought with them was food and medical care. The people on the receiving end were pretty desperate, and grateful for the help. But NGOs have branched out into development and social programs.

These new activities caused unexpected problems with the local leaders. Development programs disrupt the existing economic and political relationships. This is especially the case if the NGOs try to change the way things are done. The local leaders are often not happy with this, as the NGOs are not always willing to work closely with the existing power structure. While the local worthies may be exploitative, and even corrupt, they are local, and they do know more about popular attitudes and ideals than the foreigners.

NGOs with social programs (education, especially educating women, new lifestyle choices and more power for people who don't usually have much) often run into conflict with the local leadership. Naturally, the local politicians and traditional leaders have resisted, or even fought back. Thus local governments will sometimes try to regulate or expel NGOs. That often includes local NGOs, who were doing some of the same work as the foreign ones. In these cases the government is responding to complaints from old school tribal and religious leaders who are unhappy with all these foreigners, or urban locals with funny ideas, upsetting the ancient ways in the countryside.

NGOs are not military organizations, but they can fight back. They do this mainly through the media because they also use favorable media coverage to propel their fundraising efforts. NGOs will also ask, or demand, that the UN or other foreign governments send in peacekeeping troops to protect the NGOs from hostile locals. This had disastrous effects in Somalia during the early 1990s. Some NGOs remained, or came back to Somalia after the peacekeepers left. These NGOs learned how to cope on their own, although with increasing difficulty. The NGOs hired local muscle for protection, as well as cutting deals with the local warlords. But eventually, the local Islamic radicals became upset at the alien ideas these Western do-gooders brought with them and begin to chase the NGOs out.

There are few parts of the world that don't know about NGOs, who runs them and what these organizations do. NGOs are no longer seen as just charitable foreigners come to help. The local leadership often sees the NGOs as a potential threat. While the material aid the NGOs bring is appreciated, the different ideas are not. And there are more NGOs showing up with more agenda than physical aid. So NGOs have become more adept at dealing with local power brokers. But that turns them into diplomats. NGO stands for Non-Governmental Organization but sometimes they act like government bureaucrats. NGOs that get too heavily into diplomacy are no longer regarded as NGOs. This has always been a problem, but now it's getting worse as NGOs have become a worldwide presence. And the decade old UN policy of deliberately politicizing aid efforts has turned the aid workers from angels of mercy to political targets.

This move from delivering aid to delivering ideas, often unwelcome ones, has put all NGOs at risk. The NGOs have become players in a worldwide civil war between local traditional ideas, and the more transnational concepts that trigger violent reactions in many parts of the world. Another problem is the money given to NGOs to spend on aid for a country is money the local officials would rather have control over. There are two reasons why donors prefer NGOs to have control over the aid. The primary problem is corruption. Money given to the government tends to get stolen. Often more than a third of it disappears into the pockets of government officials, their kin and friends. But letting the donors, and NGOs handle the money also sees about the same portion lost. This is because these donations often come with requirements that much of the money be spent on goods and services from the donor nation. This particularly bothers the locals as it means a lot of highly (especially by local standards) paid Western aid workers are supervising whatever is done in the aid receiving nation. The higher NGO pay standards are very visible because the Westerners tend to live much better than locals. The Westerners are also accused of not understanding the needs of locals, but the NGOs are also less prone to devote most of the programs to local traditional (tribal) or senior government officials. The locals would like to gain control of all the aid money, or at least get more of it spent inside the nation receiving the aid, but have not had much success. All of this just adds to the growing hostility towards NGOs, and the violence it generates. No one has a solution that doesn't involve bribes or local mercenaries, and the problem just keeps getting worse.
For more than 40 years, the United States and Iran have had a troubled relationship. Because of the Iranian regimes insistence on spreading terror throughout the region and its efforts to develop nuclear weapons, multiple administrations have considered a broad range of options  both military and diplomatic  to counter these threats.

The legality of many of these actions has been murky at best, and this has not always been the fault of just the executive branch. Far too often, Congress has been the one to shirk its responsibility to debate the proper use of force to meet global threats.

That needs to change. Thats why we have partnered to introduce a resolution that would prohibit war with Iran without congressional authorization.

There is no more consequential decision than whether to go to war, which is why the Framers of the Constitution placed safeguards to prevent a rush into war. James Madison, the principal drafter of the Constitution, wrote that the history of mankind showed that the executive branch is most interested in war, & most prone to it.
In the wake of Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut's veiled jibe at Congress over conferring Bharat Ratna to Veer Savarkar, another party leader Aaditya Thackeray on Saturday asserted that their alliance with Congress is strong despite having a different stance on certain issues.

"Sanjay Raut mentioned in what context he spoke. Shiv Sena-Congress alliance is strong and we came together for the development of the state. We may have different views on certain issues but this is what democracy is," Thackeray told the media persons here.

His remarks came hours after Raut retorted strongly to those opposing Bharat Ratna for Veer Savarkar and said that such people should be put in jail for two days.

Several leaders across the political spectrum have pushed for Bharat Ratna award to be accorded to Savarkar.

Congress, on the other hand, has time and again sparked controversy on Sarvarkar's name. Recently, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi refused to apologise for his "rape in India" comment saying that his surname was Gandhi, not Savarkar.

The Congress party had also come under attack over its booklet which claimed that Nathuram Godse and Savarkar had a physical relationship.

"Those who oppose Bharat Ratna for Veer Savarkar should be put for two days in Andaman's cellular jail where Savarkar was lodged. It is only then that they will realize his sacrifice and contribution to the nation," Raut had said earlier today.

Reacting on this, Thackeray urged people to talk about current issues like plummeting GDP and unemployment instead of history. "We should learn from history and move forward," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Kanye West is constantly making headlines for his music or marriage to Kim Kardashian. And also for his ever-changing persona and off-the-wall statements, many of which leave onlookers wondering is he kidding?

In Nov. 2019 word was spreading that he was considering legally changing his name to Christian Genius Billionaire Kanye West, after his religious and musical reawakening. Hes also garnered a lot of media attention for his relationship with Trump and his tendency to sport the infamous MAGA hat of the presidents supporters.

Given his background, its no wonder people arent sure if hes serious about running for president this next go-around. But, if he does, there may be another celebrity that gives him a run for his money.

Kanye West has been talking about running for president for a while

Kanye West | SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

West began talking about running for the 2020 presidential election years before it was underway. Speaking to Vanity Fair in 2015, the rapper said: I didnt approach that because I thought it would be fun No, the exact opposite. I sit in clubs and Im like, wow, Ive got five years before I go and run for office and Ive got a lot of research to do, Ive got a lot of growing up to do.

The jury is still out as to whether he did that research and growing up, but he has been growing his apparel business with big plans to make it eco-friendly. Future plans include growing cotton and hemp on his own property in Cody, Wyoming, and hiring local workers to make it all possible.

In a live interview, he commented: When I run for president in 2024, were gonna definitely

Laughter ensued from the crowd, prompting him to interrupt himself saying: No, what yall laughing at?

The laughter surged once again but quickly ceased as West stared dead at the crowd and waited. He then repeated himself as if the whole incident had never happened: When I run for president in 2024, we wouldve created so many jobs that Im not gonna run Im gonna walk.

A baffling statement, but not off-brand for this unpredictable star.

Akon is a strong contender for the 2024 presidential election

Not only is another celebrity throwing his hat in the ring for the 2024 election, but another rapper, no less. And although Akon may have gotten his start as a rapper, these days hes an active philanthropist with multiple projects running in Africa, and specifically in Senegal. Hes even created his own cryptocurrency, AKOIN, to help empower citizens all over the African continent to have stable currency apart from every-changing governments.

Akons flirt with running for the presidency has almost echoed Wests but on the flip side of the coin in terms of political ideation. He is not a fan of Trump and is vocal about the unrest and fear he feels the current president incites. When speaking of running for the 2020 presidency Akon told Variety: Im running for the presidency if I do it. My target is the bully.

Now, with a possible 2024 run on the horizon, Akon is ready and has some impressive experience. When asked what makes him right for the job he replied: I think if youre going to run for office, you are serving. And I think thats a little bit different from a job. Ive kind of experienced everything that a U.S citizen can experience  being an entrepreneur, understanding growth and building companies. I can also say the same thing from a business level and then from a political standpoint. Ive been, literally, advising presidents from everywhere. I mean, like over 15, you know, countries in Africa  all throughout the world.

An impressive resume, to be certain, but if the last presidential election taught us anything, its that experience doesnt always mean a sure win.

What does Akon think about Kanye Wests run for president?

Akon is gracious about Wests run, and defends him against assertions that he is crazy. He said on the matter Well, I dont think it would be a competition. I actually need him to run, I want him to run. Because its like this, Kanyes not crazy. He just been awakened.

Not one to give West too much credit, however, he added: Now, whether or not you think hes fit is another thing. Thats why you got me as another choice.

If their track records are any indication, it really is no contest, Akon is far more qualified, and many fans agree. One fan tweeted in 2018, I refuse to entertain the fact that kanye would run for president. But Akon? Im game to go to the polls for that.

Another fan tweeted in 2019, Honestly I Really Can See @Akon Running For President 2024 But Not @kanyewest (Even Tho I Love Kanye).

Whether either of them actually follows through and runs for president in 2024 remains to be seen, but lets just hope we all make it through the 2020 election in one piece first.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) here on Saturday denied approaching JNU faculty members for recruitment citing "deteriorating situation in the university".

An e-mail purportedly sent by IIT-Delhi Director V Ramgopal Rao in December to the institutes' deans suggesting recruitment of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) faculty went viral earlier this week.

"There are items making rounds that IIT-Delhi is actively seeking to recruit faculty from JNU. This narrative is based on an e-mail I am supposed to have sent to heads of departments to encourage them to do so," Rao said in a Facebook post.

"Any sane person would know that there is indeed very little overlap in research areas between JNU and IIT-Delhi. To say that IIT is actively seeking faculty from JNU is far from truth and a distorted way of looking at things," he added.

According to the e-mail purportedly sent by Rao on December 19 last year, "I am receiving feelers from senior JNU faculty showing willingness to move to IIT-Delhi considering the deteriorating situation in JNU."



"It will be a pity, if we lose out on good talent because of any reason or perception," the said e-mail read.

The institute also issued an official statement on Saturday denying the move.

"It is to clarify that IIT-Delhi has never approached faculty members of the 'specific' educational institution in the country to join us. Recruitment for all positions is through an open advertisement process," it said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Snow accumulations in the advisory area are expected to reach four inches at most, Mr. Staarmann said, and roads may become slippery. For Sunday, he projected a slight chance of snow showers, but nothing significant.

For areas around Boston, snow was expected to start Saturday afternoon and gradually turn to rain, Bill Simpson, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Norton, Mass., said on Saturday.

A winter storm warning is in effect for north-central Massachusetts and much of the western portion of the state from 2 p.m. Saturday through 7 a.m. Sunday, the agency said. Heavy snow is expected, with accumulations from four to eight inches.

Travel conditions will deteriorate once the snow starts, Mr. Simpson said. Its quick moving, so it will pretty much be over by daybreak.

While snow gripped large expanses of the United States, it prompted a rare state of emergency in St. Johns, the capital of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, where 30 inches of snow fell at the airport on Friday, smashing the previous record for snowfall in a single day. That record was set in 1999, when 26.9 inches fell at the airport in a single day. The city ordered businesses to close and banned cars other than emergency vehicles from local streets.

Videos posted on social media showed a snowboarder barreling down a steep city street, a man opening his garage door to find it almost completely blocked by a snowdrift and cars entombed in white.

The mayor of St. Johns, Danny Breen, said he had not been able to get his car out of his driveway, which was blocked by a six-foot snowbank.
Police at the scene of a double body find in the Claragh Court area of Strathfoyle. (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden deaths of a man and woman in Londonderry.

The pair, thought to be in their 20s, were discovered at a house in Claragh Court in Strathfoyle on Friday.

A Northern Ireland Ambulance Service spokesperson said they received a report shortly after 5.30pm that someone was unconscious at the property.

Two emergency crews and two rapid response paramedics were dispatched to the scene. No one was taken to hospital.

Police said the deaths are not being treated as suspicious at this stage, however post-mortem examinations will be carried out in due course.

Alliance councillor for the area, Rachael Ferguson, said the community is in a state of shock at the news.

"It's just absolutely shocking news to hear, especially two people so young. I've been talking to people in Strathfoyle this morning and everyone is so saddened about what has happened," she said.

"This is a very close-knit community and I'm sure those in the area will rally round the families of the young man and woman and do whatever they can to support them. I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to them at this time."

Sinn Fein MLA Karen Mullan said: There is shock and sadness following the deaths of two young people, a man and woman in their 20s, in the Strathfoyle area of Derry.

An investigation into the cause of their deaths is now underway.

My thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have died at this difficult time.

DUP MLA Gary Middleton offered his condolences.

"Very sad news about the sudden deaths of a two young adults in Strathfoyle yesterday," he said.

Very sad news about the sudden deaths of a two young adults in Strathfoyle yesterday. I had received an update from the PSNI yesterday evening about the terrible situation. The investigations are continuing today. My thoughts are with the families.  Gary Middleton MLA (@Gary_Middleton) January 18, 2020

"I had received an update from the PSNI yesterday evening about the terrible situation. The investigations are continuing today. My thoughts are with the families."

Ulster Unionist councillor Darren Guy said: "Sad news reports of the sudden deaths of two young people in the Strathfoyle area last night. No parent wants news of this kind. Thoughts with the families."
Wasting our resources View(s):

It was a wonderful Thursday morning. A slight shower had given way to bright sunshine, with the rain drops on the leaves of the margosa tree gently falling to the ground and quickly evaporating.

At the gate, the trio was having an argument with the hapless Aldoris, the choon-paan karaya, over the sugar content in the gal bunis and other sweetened bread like kimbula bunis.

May davaswala aharavala seeni vedei (There is too much sugar in the food these days), said Kussi Amma Sera.

Mama monava karannada, Miss (What can I do, Miss), replied Aldoris helplessly. Ogollo, me kema hadana saha vikunana ayathana-walata eka kiyanna one (You must tell those places which make and sell the food about it), said Serapina.

Seeni vedipura thiyena-eka ape saukhyayata honda ne-ne (Too much sugar is not good for our health), interjected Mabel Rasthiyadu.

Aney Miss, mama meva vikunanava vitarai ne. Mama eva nispadanaya karanne neha-ne (Aney Miss, I am only selling them. I dont produce them), replied Aldoris meekly, quickly getting into his 3-wheeler and beating a hasty retreat.

As I watched and heard the conversation, my mind wandered to a recent news video doing the rounds on the plight of the abandoned Kantalai sugar factory in the eastern Trincomalee district. Along with other sugar factories, Kantalai started in 1960 and was gifted by the government of Czechoslovakia during the tenure of Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike. It was shut in 1994 largely due to the fighting between government forces and the LTTE.

According to the news video, Kantalai was a thriving township with more than 800 workers who had quarters in the premises. There were shops, a temple, a school and a small hospital.

While I reflected on these issues, the landline rang. It was Dosai Danny, my new verti-clad friend from Trincomalee. Danny is a veritable powerhouse of information on the region. Anything that happens there, he is aware of.

Hi friend, thought of calling you after a long time. How are you? he asked.

Fine, fine..good that you called as I am writing about the Kantalai sugar factory. Do you have any information on that, I said in response. Well there have been attempts to restart this but so far without success. It was a very important development in the region, he said.

As I recall, the Business Times ran a series of stories in 2018 focusing attention on efforts to restart this factory.

In July 2015, the Board of Investment signed an agreement with India-based MG Sugars Lanka Pvt. Ltd, to revive the factory on 500 acres of land. The company is a partnership between Bangalore-based Shri Prabulingeshwar Sugars Chemicals Ltd and Singapores SLI Development Pte Ltd.

It had planned to process 500,000 metric tonnes (MTs) of sugarcane within 18 months after re-launching the factory, providing benefits to 25,000 farmer families in the area. The total investment in the project was to be US$110 million. The total number of jobs to be generated directly would have been around 1,220. It was to produce 72,000 MTs of sugar per year.

The revival of this factory then ran into trouble and was embroiled in legal issues, a scrap iron tender and alleged bribery issues. Subsequently, the then Presidents former Chief of Staff K. Mahanama, who was earlier the Lands Ministry Secretary under whose purview the Kantalai factory came, and former State Timber Corporation Chairman Piyadasa Dissanayaka were convicted in December 2019 after being found guilty of soliciting and accepting a bribe from the Indian investor in the project. They were sentenced to prison terms of 20 years and 12 years, respectively.

Why has this project got stalled? There was an Indian investor who was interested in reviving this, asked Danny. There were delays even after the agreement was signed and then came the bribery scandal, I explained to Danny.

We continued the conversation on this issue and other developments and ended our chat hoping to catch up again in the near future.

The failed Kantalai project raises the all-important question as to why Sri Lanka is wasting all its resources. Some of Sri Lankas large manufacturing plants like the Paranthan Chemicals Corporation and the Valachchenai Paper Mills not only produced a large quantum of the countrys requirements in those sectors but also provided employment to many people and helped the areas economy. These have been abandoned, largely due to the 1983-2009 conflict with failed efforts thereafter to revive them.

Over the past several years, the country hasnt seen any major development projects apart from the number of garment factories in different parts of Sri Lanka which helps to provide employment to people in the area and also economically develop those areas.

The country is filled with natural resources and also an able workforce. Why cant we channel these resources on the right path of development? In the case of sugar, it is estimated that Sri Lanka needs over 650,000 MTs per annum. Only a fraction of this (about 7 per cent) is produced locally while the balance is imported. There are also reports that sugar production is dropping because sugar producers are producing more ethanol for alcohol use, from sugar-cane.

Sri Lanka needs a roadmap to revive these industries and the new government can get these projects re-started with foreign investor assistance. Most of the countries in the region particularly Vietnam, which was far behind Sri Lanka many years ago, are developing rapidly and Sri Lanka is now, unfortunately, trying to play catch-up.

As I wound up my column, Kussi Amma Sera walked in with a cup of plain tea (without sugar which is what I prefer), saying: Ape seeni banisvala seeni vedi (Our sugar buns have too much sugar).

Eka aththa (Thats true), I said, however, wondering wistfully why Sri Lankas large natural and labour resources could not be put to better use to develop the country, particularly in reducing the import content of consumption and thereby saving valuable foreign exchange.
SpaceX plans to explode a Falcon 9 rocket travelling 1,000mph over the Atlantic Ocean as part of the final safety test before sending astronauts into space.

The In-flight Abort Test is designed to demonstrate SpaceXs ability to carry astronauts to safety using the Crew Dragon spacecraft in the event of an emergency launch failure.

Lift-off is planned for 8am ET (1pm GMT) on Saturday, with the Falcon 9 set to get torn apart during its descent shortly after.

The Crew Dragon capsule attached to the rocket has been configured to separate from the Falcon 9 at the moment of peak mechanical stress on the rocket, before landing safely using parachutes.

SpaceX designed Crew Dragon to be one of the safest human spaceflight systems ever built, the private space firm said.

SpaceX Dragon heads back to earth after ISS mission Show all 15 1 /15 SpaceX Dragon heads back to earth after ISS mission SpaceX Dragon heads back to earth after ISS mission Space X Dragon departs from the International Space Station and heads for earth AP SpaceX Dragon heads back to earth after ISS mission Space X Dragon undocks from the International Space Station NASA SpaceX Dragon heads back to earth after ISS mission SpaceX Crew Dragon is pictured about 20 meters (66 feet) away from the International Space Station Nasa/AP SpaceX Dragon heads back to earth after ISS mission A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Crew Dragon spacecraft, lifts off on March 2 2019 Reuters SpaceX Dragon heads back to earth after ISS mission Astronauts aboard the Space Station preparing to open hatchet to the SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying a instrumented dummy after it successfully docked with Space Station Nasa TV/EPA SpaceX Dragon heads back to earth after ISS mission A dummy(L) named Ripley onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft onboard after the opening of the hatch during the Demo-1 missioN Nasa TV/AP SpaceX Dragon heads back to earth after ISS mission The SpaceX team watches as the SpaceX Crew Dragon docks with the International Space Station Nasa/AP SpaceX Dragon heads back to earth after ISS mission SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket docked with the International Space Station during the Demo-1 mission Nasa/AFP/Getty SpaceX Dragon heads back to earth after ISS mission A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Crew Dragon spacecraft Reuters SpaceX Dragon heads back to earth after ISS mission Astronaut David Saint-Jacques taking a look inside the SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying a instrumented dummy Nasa TV/EPA SpaceX Dragon heads back to earth after ISS mission A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Crew Dragon spacecraft lifts off on an uncrewed test flight Reuters SpaceX Dragon heads back to earth after ISS mission A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Crew Dragon spacecraft, lifts off on an uncrewed test flight Reuters SpaceX Dragon heads back to earth after ISS mission A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a demo Crew Dragon spacecraft on an uncrewed test flight AP SpaceX Dragon heads back to earth after ISS mission SpaceX's new crew capsule approaches just before docking Nasa TV/AP SpaceX Dragon heads back to earth after ISS mission Astronaut Eric Boe, assistant to the chief of the astronaut office for commercial crew, left, and Norm Knight, deputy director of flight operations at Nasa's Johnson Space Center watch the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft Nasa/AP

SpaceXs in-flight demonstration of Crew Dragons launch escape capabilities is designed to provide valuable data toward Nasa certifying the spacecraft to begin carrying astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS).

The launch will take place from Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida  the same site used to send astronauts to the moon during the Apollo program.

SpaceX is carrying out the procedure in conjunction with Nasa, with both organisations using the data to evaluate whether the spacecraft can be certified as safe to carry astronauts.

It is expected to be an impressive spectacle, with the rapid unscheduled disassembly set to be livestreamed on SpaceXs website.

We expect there to be some sort of ignition, and probably a fireball of some kind, Benji Reed, SpaceXs director of crew mission management, said during a press briefing on Friday.

Whether I would call it an explosion that you see from the ground, I dont know. Well have to see what actually happens. But I wouldnt be surprised, and that wouldnt be a bad outcome if thats what we saw.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said the Falcon 9 rocket would be "destroyed in Dragon fire".

The exact time of the explosion will depend on a number of factors, including launch time and weather conditions, and a dedicated team of recovery personnel will be in place to gather up any debris.
Russia's Border Guard Service, a branch of the Federal Security Service (FSB), has banned Ukrainian journalist Taras Ibrahimov from entering Russia and the Russian-occupied Ukrainian region of Crimea until the middle of 2054.



Ibrahimov, who works with the Crimea Desk of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, told RFE/RL on January 18 that he had been handed the order in person without explanation.



"I definitely believe this is connected with my journalism and my work for publications that actively cover the cases of Crimean Tatars in Crimea and in Russia," Ibrahimov said.



He said that he was also photographed and fingerprinted at the administrative line between Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014, and the rest of Ukraine.



In February 2019, photographer Alina Smutko, who also worked with the Crimea Desk of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, was banned from entering Crimea and Russia until 2028.

In November 2018, another Ukrainian journalist who also works with the Crimea Desk of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, Alena Savchuk, was also banned from entering Crimea and Russia until 2028.



Rights groups and Western governments have denounced what they describe as a campaign of repression by the Russian-imposed authorities against Crimean Tatars and others who have spoken out against Moscow's military seizure and occupation of the peninsula.



In its annual global report on freedom of religion in 2019, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) said that "Russian authorities continued to kidnap, torture, and imprison Crimean Tatar Muslims at will" in Russia-occupied Crimea.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 18

By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend:

Kazakhstans Bek Air airline company the plane of which crashed near Almaty International Airport will appeal against the suspension of its Air Operator Certificate in court, Trend reports with reference to the company.

On the morning of Dec.27, 2019, the Fokker-100 plane of Bek Air airline implementing flight on the route Almaty  Nur-Sultan lost its height during take-off and broke through a concrete fence, colliding with a two-story building.

Shortly after the accident, Bek Air companys operations as well as the use of Fokker-100 type aircraft in Kazakhstan were suspended.

On Jan. 10, 2020, Bek Air has sent an appeal to Kazakhstans Ministry of Industry and Infrastructural Development of Kazakhstan calling the suspension of companys Air Operator Certificate to be flagrant violation'.

However, the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan has declared the reasons provided in the Bek Air appeal to Kazakhstans Ministry of Industry and Infrastructural Development to be unreasonable.

According to the information published by Bek Air, the company has made an appeal for the decision of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan to be recognized as unlawful and thus, be canceled.

Bek Air noted that the decision the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan to suspend companys Air Operator Certificate until further notice violated Bek Airs legal interests and created obstacles for its activities.

The company also said that the radiogram sent by the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan does not include the reasons for the suspension of the Air Operator Certificate, which in itself is a violation of the corresponding law.

The radiogram, according to Bek Air, also does not include the certificate suspension period and the conditions for its suspension, which should be covered in the decision.

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Follow the author on twitter: @nargiz_sadikh
At the same time, the plan provides money to pay county jails or private prisons willing to take some of the more than 3,900 state inmates now housed there.

Whats not in the budget or any Ducey-listed priority is doing anything to reduce the number of people behind bars, currently more than 42,000. Gubernatorial press aide Daniel Scarpinato said the governors focus is on programs to help people who already have been locked up.

We want to make sure they have a pathway to a better choice and a better chance at a new life and not ending up back in the system, he said. But Scarpinato said Ducey sees the issues around sentencing reform through a different lens.

The governor really comes at this from a public safety standpoint and thinking about the victims, and thinking about the inmates themselves and setting them up for success, he said.

Other funding
New Delhi, Jan 18 : Pakistan carried out ceasefire violation twice on Saturday by firing with heavy arms across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Army said.

The Army said Pakistan resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation in Mendhar sector in Poonch district from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. Pakistani troops again started firing across the Line of Control in Nowshera Sector in Rajouri district.

"Our troops retaliated befittingly," said the Indian Army.

The ceasefire violations by Pakistan across the Line of Control (Loc) in Jammu and Kashmir has almost doubled with around 3,200 instances reported so far compared to last year, Defence Ministry sources said on Saturday, adding in 2018, there were 1,629 such incidents.

Pakistani Army is continuously firing in Keran Valley, Poonch, Uri Sector, Krishna Ghati and Akhnoor sectors, said Defence Ministry sources.

In December 2019, around 340 incidents were reported, which are twice the count of last year's incidents with 175 cases. A senior Indian Army officer said though winter ceasefire violations are low, but this time, the number is at an all-time high.

Since abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has increased ceasefire violations.

Compared to 2017 violations across the LoC, the violations have tripled over 2019. In 2017, 860 incidents were reported. The number of such violations was 228 in 2016.

The Pakistan Army has also intensified attacks on Indian posts, sending in their Border Action Team (BAT) commandos. The Pakistan Army through these violations, has been making desperate attempts to infiltrate terrorists, but the Indian Army has foiled many such attempts, sources added.
MillenniumIT ESP excels at SLASSCOM Innovation Awards 2019 View(s):

MillenniumIT ESP, one of Sri Lankas leading Systems Integrator and Information Systems Provider, clinched three out of three awards for their submission of technology solutions under the Best Innovation in Internal Process category, at Sri Lanka Association of Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM) Innovation Awards and Gala 2019 held recently at Shangri-La Hotel Colombo.

The event convened under the theme of Cultivating an Innovation Ecosystem, primarily recognised the efforts of the greatest local innovators and celebrated business excellence in Sri Lanka. It was a premier technology innovation awarding event that brought together over 300 professionals from the Sri Lankan Information Technology and Business Process Management (BPM) industry.

Awards were presented under seven categories, namely Best Product Innovation, Best Disruptor Award, Best Client Delivery Innovation, Best Innovation in Internal Processes, Best Technology or Framework Innovation, Best Start-up Product/Service and Best Innovation in Business Process Management. MillenniumIT ESP secured the winner, 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up titles under the Best Innovation in Internal Process category, the company said in a media release.

Rahal Jayawadene, MillenniumIT ESPs Head of Technology Alliances and Innovation in his keynote titled In Search of Sri Lankan Unicorns outlined a framework for corporates to play a pivotal part in Sri Lankas vibrant Start-up Eco-system in creating our own Unicorns-Sri Lankan Tech start-ups with a billion dollar valuation within the next few years. He also gave away several awards at other competing categories.

From the earned titles, MillenniumIT ESPs winning title was awarded for the AutoPilot. AutoPilot is an AI enabled intelligent automation platform that can be integrated to an organisations existing support desk process to take intelligent decisions and to automate tasks which human agents repeat on a daily basis while they engage with customers/employees, thus minimising human intervention. The platform can also intelligently categorise the type of service requested and forward it to the relevant person(s) whilst providing a quick fix self-solution, if required.

PoBot which won the 1st runner-up title is an innovative solution that helps robotise the purchase order process. The product will help apparel manufacturing companies to drastically reduce the response time of each department during the proforma invoice generation process which is an integral and critical part of the business for all apparel manufacturers.

The 2nd runner-up title was jointly awarded to MillenniumIT ESP and Sysco Labs. MillenniumIT ESP won the title for ProTime which is an intuitive minimal data input mobile application that captures time and effort in service delivery, on the go. This application will address an area which has been a challenge for most organisations involved in service delivery, in capturing time and effort due to the time-consuming processes, unfriendly interfaces and challenges of system access, on the go. The App will measure and improve efficiency and profitability. The extremely user-friendly interface makes it an effective tool for end users, while the bulk of the complex work will be handled by the backend project managers and line managers. The current usage of ProTime within the service organisation is helping MillenniumIT ESP gain valuable insights for tactical and strategic decision making.
iOBED Inc continues its successful campaign of debuting new innovations starting with winning the Best New Product Award at the 2018 KES (Korean Electronics show) for its patented Body Sensing Technology, followed by its broadly applauded 2019 introductions at CES (Computer Electronic Show) and Winter/Summer World Markets in Las Vegas.

We are very pleased with the overwhelmingly positive reception we have received from the US & International bedding community, stated Mr. Justin Lee, Chairman and Founder of iOBED Inc.

The Transform line of beds is manufactured with detachable, and upgradable comfort layers that can also be flipped to create numerous conforming comfort options.

iOBED Inc. has been successfully manufacturing and selling this patented design innovation in South Korea for years with tremendous success. Now the Company desires to export this innovation to the US and International markets.

"Our bodies change over time and require different levels of comfort and support. This innovation allows the user to transform their mattress by simply flipping the detachable topper to achieve a different feel or the choice of upgrading it for something with new cutting edge feature and benefit options over the life of the mattress," stated Scott Smalling EVP of Sales and Marketing for iOBED Inc.

Detachable toppers can also be built to address change of seasons needs. Using a cooling memory foam and ticking in the summer on one side and warmer materials for the cold winter months on the reverse side and so on.

Lastly, this innovative design will allow retailers the opportunity to create long term relationships with their customers by developing programs where they can update and or replace just the top portion of the mattress over a 10 year period. This design should also create unique solutions for comfort returns.

iOBED Inc will be moving its manufacturing operations into a new state of the art facility in March 2020. This move will further bolster its reputation for fast turnaround times, leading quality assurance and top tier ISO manufacturing standards.

To experience iOBEDs new innovative Technologies and Designs please visit our space B230.

The US Team for iOBED is made up of industry veterans with more than 70 years of combined specialty bedding experience. Scott Smalling the EVP of Global Sales and Marketing for iOBED has spent his 30-year career in specialty foams and bedding along with introducing several cutting edge innovations with the memory foam brand he founded in 2003. Scott Shamley VP of Global Sales industry experience spans more than 28 years holding executive positions at many leading foamers, mattress manufacturers and key suppliers. Raymond Chung VP of Global Business Development has been a key part of the evolution of iOBED's design and technology introductions into the US, along with being an avid student of the mattress industry both in the US and Internationally.

About iOBED Inc.:

iOBED Inc. is a global sleep technology and design company headquartered in South Korea. Since iOBEDs establishment in 2007 they have been manufacturing high quality mattresses which are augmented by a high-tech delivery tracking system they developed in partnership with the countrys largest rental business. iOBED continues to invest heavily into R&D to develop cutting edge sleep technologies and designs for sleep quality improvement.

iOBED never sleeps, so you can sleep better.

To learn more please contact Scott Smalling @ 253-312-0653.
The Telangana police on Saturday arrested Chintakindi Kasim (43), a professor of Telugu in Osmania University in Hyderabad, on the charges of having links with outlawed CPI (Maoist) and propagating Maoist ideology in urban areas.

A group of policemen in plainclothes, including those from special intelligence bureau (SIB), an anti-Naxalite special police wing, assisted by Siddipet police swooped on the residence of Kasim in the university staff quarters on the OU campus in the early hours and conducted searches for over four hours before taking him into custody. He was booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

We seized his mobile phones, pen drives, revolutionary literature and some incriminating material including the correspondence between Kasim and top Maoist leaders, a police official said on condition of anonymity.

Later, the police took Kasim to an undisclosed location for questioning. We shall produce him in the court after conducting the mandatory medical tests, the police official said.

Kasims wife Snehalatha told reporters that the Gajwel police in Siddipet district had implicated him in a false case way back in 2016 and arrested him now. She alleged that the police had broken open the front doors of the official quarters to enter the house for conducting searches.

They took away some books and hard discs. They have foisted false cases against Kasim only because he has been questioning the anti-democratic functioning of the state government. I shall move the high court against this illegal detention of Kasim, she said.

Kasim, who is a popular revolutionary poet and also edits a Telugu magazine Nadusthunna Telangana, was recently elected as secretary of Viplava Rachayitala Sangham (Virasam) or Revolutionary Writers Association, supposed to be the literary wing of the Maoist party.

A close associate of revolutionary poet P Varavara Rao, who has been in Pune jail in connection with Bhima Koregaon violence case for over a year, Kasim has been an open supporter of the Maoist ideology. He has wider connections with top Maoist leaders including those in the central committee of the banned organisation. He has been spreading the Maoist ideology among the students and other sections, the police official said.

The police said there had been a sedition case pending against Kasim in Mulugu police station on the charge that he had been working as a courier for Maoists.

Meanwhile, tension prevailed on the OU campus with a large number of students thronging Kasims residence. They took out a rally and raised slogans against the government and the police.

The Osmania University police arrived on the spot and dispersed the students. They took some of the protesting students into custody and let them off later.

Communist Party of India leader K Narayana condemned the arrest of Kasim and said the Telangana government was harassing democrats and poets on the pretext of having Maoist connections. He demanded that the police release Kasim immediately.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Srinivasa Rao Apparasu Srinivasa Rao is Senior Assistant Editor based out of Hyderabad covering developments in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana . He has over three decades of reporting experience. ...view detail
The acquisition of land for the 3m Kilcummin Sewerage Scheme had led to further delays in the long-awaited project, a meeting of Killarney Muncipal Meeting has heard this week.

Almost four months after the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the land for the scheme was to be published, issues with landowners have still not been rectified, last week's district meeting heard.

Four parcels of land were to be subjected to a CPO by Irish Water to allow the project progress.

Following negotiations, agreements have been reached with three of the four landowners concerned.

However, issues still remain with one landowner.

"Everything is at a standstill," said Labour Councillor Marie Moloney.

"In September we were told the CPO was to be prepared. Now we see that has been revised. Everything is being held up,"

"I know there is a problem with a landowner but the CPO should have been published," she added.

Residents have been waiting for a sewerage scheme for Kilcummin for more than 13 years.

It had been hoped to start construction in 2019, but this was further delayed to this year.

Cllr Maura Healy-Rae said she could have "seen this coming."

"I can't see a move on the sewerage scheme," she said.

"It is hard to have negotiations with the threat of a CPO. You won't make much headway with landowners if the CPO threat is over them," she added.

Kerry County Council Engineer Colm Mangan said that, despite these issues, Irish Water has indicated they will progress with the project.

"They are fully committed to the scheme," he said.

Irish Water will attend the monthly meeting of Kerry County Council next Monday and will deal with queries on the scheme.

Mr Mangan said that, out of the four CPOs, two have been resolved. Negotiations are almost complete with another.

"It is dragging on and on. We have got grey from it," he said.

"The very latest is that it will go to tender."

Cllr Moloney asked if Irish Water could back out of the project.

"How could they?" he said.
New Delhi/UNI/IBNS: Lodging a strong protest, India on Friday summoned a senior official of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi and expressed its serious concerns about the recent cases of abduction of minor girls belonging to the minority Hindu community of Pakistan.

India has asked for 'immediate safe return' of the girls to their families.

Government sources said here on Saturday as per reports, two minor girls, Shanti Meghwad and Sarmi Meghwad, belonging to the minority Hindu community were abducted on January 14, 2020.

"They belong to Umar Village, Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan. In another incident, a minor girl, Mehak, also belonging to the minority Hindu community, was abducted from the Jacobabad district of Sindh province in Pakistan on 15 January 2020," the source said.

Pakistan has been conveyed the grave concerns as expressed amongst various quarters of the Indian civil society at such a "shocking and deplorable incident involving minor girls" from the minority Hindu community in Pakistan.

The incidents have been strongly condemned and asked for immediate safe return of the girls to their families, the source said.

Pakistan of late earned international attention for abduction and conversion of Sikh girls and their marriage with Muslim men.

In a shocking incident, a large number of Muslim protesters in early January surrounded the holy Sikh shrine of Gurdwara Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, threatening to overrun the site if their demands for the release of suspects in an alleged forced conversion case were not met.

Anti-Sikh slogans were raised at the site, the birth place of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism even as India condemned the attack.

Media reports said the protesters dispersed after several hours in the evening following successful negotiations between them and government representatives, which led to the release of the arrested persons.The Pakistani newspaper reported that the mob was led by the family of a man, Ehsan, who was accused of forcibly converting a Sikh woman, Jagjit Kaur, earlier this year.
A third suspect facing homicide charges in a double killing last month in Monroe County is in custody, authorities said.

The U.S. Marshals Service announced the arrest Wednesday of Zaire Unique Burkett, 20, of Whitehall Township.

He is in custody, charged with two counts of homicide and related charges, along with Deani A. Powell, 20, of Easton; and Matthew J. Burke, 21, of East Stroudsburg.

A fourth suspect also faces homicide and related charges in the incident, but was not shown to be in custody as of Friday afternoon. He is identified in court records as Harrith Saleem Brown, 23, of Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Eric D. Gulley, 41, of Allentown, is charged in the investigation with a weapons offense and hindering apprehension and has been released on $50,000 unsecured bail pending a preliminary hearing set for Feb. 14, court records show. He allegedly helped hide a revolver used by Burke in the incident.

Burkett, Powell and Burke are all being held in prison without the possibility of bail.

Fatally shot during the robbery Dec. 4 at a home in the 1700 block of Silver Maple Road in Chestnuthill Township were 22-year-old Dylan Beinert and 23-year-old Khalil Durante. Durante's father, Walter Durante, was critically wounded in the gunfire.

The suspects planned to rob Beinert after Powell arranged through social media to buy marijuana from him, according to Pennsylvania State Police at Fern Ridge. After she met with Beinert then left to get her wallet, three armed men went inside the home while Powell waited outside in her car, authorities said.

A struggle ensued and Burke shot Beinert and Khalil Durante, authorities allege. Beinert appeared lifeless and Khalil Durante was spitting blood but alive, police said. Burke then shot Khalil Durante in the head and shot Walter Durante, who had screamed and reached for a gun, investigators said.

Powell and Burke both reportedly confessed to their roles in interviews with police. A district judge sent all charges against them to Monroe County Court, following their preliminary hearings held to determine if there is sufficient evidence to support the allegations. The next step for them is formal arraignment.

Burketts preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 7 before District Judge Brian Germano. He was arrested about 6 a.m. Wednesday after members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force served an arrest warrant at a home in the 700 block of South Eighth Street in Allentown and took him into custody without incident, the Marshals Service said in a news release. Burkett was arraigned Friday afternoon, court records show.

U.S. Marshal Martin J. Pane announced the arrest, stating: Its the Marshals Services duty to ensure that those charged with violent crimes have their day in court. It is my sincere hope that the victims family will find some measure of comfort knowing the suspect will face justice.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Hyderabad: State Congress president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy appealed to the people, especially the minorities, to vote en masse against the TRS in the municipal elections to ensure that Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao passes a resolution in the Assembly against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Addressing a series of election meetings in Huzurnagar on Saturday, Mr Reddy said that the silence of Mr Rao on implementation of the CAA, NRC and the National Population Register in the state was puzzling and sending wrong signals.

He asked why despite repeated reminders from the Congress Mr Rao was hesitating to call a special session of Assembly. In addition to the Congress Chief Ministers, the CMs of many non-BJP States have openly announced that the CAA and the NRC will not be implemented in their states. Kerala and Punjab Assemblies have also passed categorical resolutions rejecting both the CAA and the NRC, he added.

He said that Mr Rao would be forced to pass a resolution against the CAA only if the TRS tastes a humilia-

ting defeat in municipal elections. He called Mr Raos silence on the matter questionable.

Mr Reddy asked MIM president Asaduddin Owaisi why he was not reminding his ally TRS about the resolution. Owaisi took a big delegation of religious leaders to Pragati Bhavan on December 24 and later addressed the media stating that Mr Rao would make a big announcement within two days. This was

done to divert the peoples attention from massive protests against the CAA which were being held by Congress and other organisations, Mr Reddy said.

He asked why Mr Owaisi did not question Mr Raos silence 25 days after the meeting.
In Donald Trump, we have the first president to embrace this disillusioned take on the United States role in the world, in which democracy gets bracketed by knowing quote marks while empire is baldly stated. There is no higher purpose in Trumps approach to foreign policy: its all about the Benjamins. In the Middle East, we ought to take the oil, while in Europe and the Pacific we should be paid for the peacekeeping troops weve deployed. Foggy Bottom and the Pentagon should be profit centers.
Forces loyal to Libyan military strongman Khalifa Haftar blocked oil exports from the war-ravaged country's main ports Saturday, raising the stakes on the eve of an international summit aimed at bringing peace to the North African nation.

The move to cripple the country's main income source was a protest against Turkey's decision to send troops to shore up Haftar's rival, the head of Tripoli's UN-recognised government Fayez al-Sarraj.

It comes ahead of a conference in Berlin on Sunday that will see the United Nations try to extract a pledge from world leaders to stop meddling in the Libyan conflict -- be it through supplying troops, weapons or financing.

"All foreign interference can provide some aspirin effect in the short term, but Libya needs all foreign interference to stop. That's one of the objectives of this conference," Ghassan Salame told AFP in an interview.

Leaders of Russia, Turkey and France are due to join the talks, held under the auspices of the UN.

Haftar's forces launched an assault in April on Sarraj's troops in Tripoli. By ARIS MESSINIS (AFP)

Both Haftar and Sarraj are also expected at the gathering, the first of such scale on the conflict since 2018.

After months of combat, which has killed more than 2,000 people, a ceasefire took effect on January 12 backed by both Ankara and Moscow, which is accused of supporting Haftar.

But Saturday's blockade raised fears over the conflict.

The disruption to oil exports is expected to more than halve the country's daily crude production, to 500,000 barrels from 1.3 million barrels, translating to losses of $55 million a day, warned Libya's National Oil Company.

"Our line at the UN is clear. Don't play with petrol because it's the livelihood of the Libyans," warned Salame just hours before the blockade.

"Don't play with petrol, be it by turning it into a weapon of war or a way to cause divisions or as a bidding tool."

The oil-rich North African country has been torn by fighting between rival armed factions since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi and toppled his regime.

More recently, Haftar's forces launched an assault in April on Sarraj's troops in Tripoli.

'Vicious cycle'

Although Sarraj's government is recognised by the UN, some powerful players have broken away to stand behind Haftar -- turning a domestic conflict into what is essentially a proxy war with international powers jostling to secure their own interests from global influence to oil and migration.

Map of forces involved in the fighting in Libya, as of January 12, 2020 following the start of a ceasefire Sunday.. By (AFP)

Alarm grew internationally when Ankara ordered in troops early January to help shore up Sarraj, while Moscow is suspected of providing weapons, financing and mercenaries to Haftar -- something Russia has denied.

"We must end this vicious cycle of Libyans calling for the help of foreign powers. Their intervention deepens the divisions among the Libyans," said Salame, noting that the place of international players should be to "help Libyans develop themselves".

The UN envoy said Sunday's meeting will also seek to "consolidate" the shaky ceasefire.

"Today we only have a truce. We want to transform it into a real ceasefire with monitoring, separation (of rival camps), repositioning of heavy weapons" outside urban zones, he said.

The UN had sought on multiple attempts to bid for peace, but talks have repeatedly collapsed.

Erdogan issues warning

On the eve of the Berlin talks, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Europe to stand united behind Sarraj's government, as Tripoli's fall could leave "fertile ground" for jihadist groups like IS or Al-Qaeda "to get back on their feet".

Erdogan also played up Europe's fears of a repeat of the 2015 refugee crisis in his commentary for Politico news website, that further unrest could prompt a new wave of migrants to head for the continent.

Accusing France in particular of siding with Haftar, Erdogan said leaving Libya to the commander would be a "mistake of historic proportions".

France has denied it was backing Haftar. But a diplomatic source noted that the fact that the commander already controls 80 percent of Libya needed to be taken into account.

The European Union is watching with growing alarm at the escalating strife on its doorstep as it counts on Libya as a gatekeeper deterring migrants from crossing the Mediterranean.
In route news this week, San Francisco International is about to start work on an expansion of screening areas in its international terminal; JetBlue drops Oakland from its route map and boosts baggage fees; Spirit adds Florida flights from OAK; Alaska adds Monterey service; the revival of 737 MAX operations is pushed back yet again; United expands at Washington Reagan National, Delta at Miami and American at Boston; United trims its Newark-Hong Kong schedule; SAS drops LAX-Stockholm in favor of LAX-Copenhagen; Hainan pulls out of Las Vegas; Brazils Azul will fly to JFK; American launches Mexico routes; the Oneworld alliance gets a new member; American Express opens a pair of lounges at Phoenix and AA adds another Admirals Club at DFW.

Later this month, travelers in San Francisco Internationals Edwin M. Lee International Departures Hall will see construction walls going up near the two security checkpoints as work begins on a big expansion of those facilities. The project isnt expected to be finished until February of next year, but it will enlarge both checkpoints to 10 lanes; currently the checkpoint for Gates A1-A15 has eight, and the one for Gates G1-G14 has seven. Nearby information booths and SFO Museum exhibits will be relocated, allowing more room for pre-security lines. Post-security recompose areas  where travelers sit to put their shoes back on and stow things back in their bags  will also be larger and will get new furniture and artwork.

Airport officials noted that international passenger numbers at SFO have grown by 46 percent over the last five years. In 2019, the halls two checkpoints screened more than 7.5 million travelers. The screening areas will be updated so that they can accommodate new automated screening lanes, although that is not part of this project. But the international terminal will also be getting more power plugs in gate seating areas and expanded restrooms including womens, mens, all-gender, companion care and nursery facilities. With the recent addition of all Norwegian Air flights from their previous Oakland base, these improvements can't come fast enough!

JetBlue announced this week that it will stop flying to Oakland in the spring. The airline said that to accommodate frequency increases on half a dozen East Coast routes this year, it will axe service on others that dont meet expectations  and that includes its Oakland service to New York JFK, Boston and Long Beach. On April 29, JetBlue said, it will take OAK off its route map, but will continue to maintain its existing schedules out of SFO and San Jose. In addition, JetBlue will reduce or eliminate flights on a half dozen short-haul routes in Long Beach as well as additional flights from Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, the company said, without mentioning details. It also cut its Long Beach nonstops from both San Jose and Sacramento.

Elsewhere, JetBlue said it will expand its Latin America presence this year by launching new daily service to Guatemala City from New York JFK as of June 1. The airline also announced new twice-daily service from New York JFK to Nashville starting April 28, along with service to Bozeman, Montana (gateway to Yellowstone National Park) from both JFK (three to seven flights a week) and Boston (two flights a week) starting in June.

Meanwhile, JetBlue this week raised its checked bag fees for flights booked on or after January 16. The new fees -- $35 for the first checked bag (formerly $30) and $45 for a second one (previously $40)  apply for passengers traveling on Blue Basic, Blue and Blue Extra fares. The first bag is free for those on Blue Plus fares and JetBlue Plus cardmembers; two free checked bags are allowed for Mint and Mosaic travelers. You can add up to two checked bags in advance (more than 24 hours before departure) for $5 off each, JetBlue notes on its website.

As we reported a couple of days ago, Spirit Airlines announced plans to kick off seasonal service from Oakland to its Ft. Lauderdale hub beginning April 1, making for easy onward connections there to the airlines Caribbean and Latin American routes. Spirits non-stops will be the only ones in the OAK-FLL market, although United and JetBlue serve Ft. Lauderdale year-round from San Francisco International (as does Alaska, although that will end in April). The eastbound Spirit flight will be a redeye, departing OAK at 9:30 p.m.

Californias Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) will get new service from Alaska Airlines this summer. The carrier will begin daily year-round service to Monterey from its Seattle hub on June 18 with a Horizon Air E175, providing the only non-stops in that market. The carriers 76-seat E175s feature first class and premium class cabins as well as standard economy and are equipped with in-flight Wi-Fi. Alaska already has service between Monterey and San Diego.

Airlines are still waiting for recertification from the FAA for Boeings troubled 737 MAX aircraft, and the delays continue to wreak havoc with their schedules. Both American and Southwest this week said they have pushed back the earliest date for the expected return of the MAX to scheduled service. Americans previous schedule anticipated a return of the MAX by April 6, but that has been pushed back to June 4  the same date that United set about a month ago. Southwest had previously said it hoped to see the MAX back in service by April 13; now it is targeting June 6. Boeing, which recently got rid of its CEO as a result of the MAX mess, is now recommending that airlines should put their 737 MAX pilots through flight simulator training for the updated aircraft. But as the Seattle Times noted, There are only 34 full-motion MAX simulators in the world, eight of them in the U.S., and tens of thousands of pilots who will need time on one.

Jim Glab

United Airlines said this week it plans to jump into the Northeast Corridor shuttle market beginning March 29  but from its Newark hub, not LaGuardia, and only to Washington, D.C. The carrier will use its popular new two-cabin CRJ-550s to operate hourly service on 13 flights a day between EWR and Washington Reagan National Airport. Flights will depart Newark hourly from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. (except for 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.) and will leave DCA hourly from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Uniteds 50-passenger CRJ-550s have 10 seats in first class, 20 in extra-legroom Economy Plus and 20 in regular economy, and are equipped with Wi-Fi and space for every customer to bring a roller bag on board, United said. The carriers schedule for early March currently shows it offering nine daily non-stops in the DCA-EWR market with a mix of regional jet types, but not with regular top-of-the-hour departures.

Delta just launched a new feature into its Fly Delta app called virtual queueing, which sends an alert to the user when his or her specific seat is open for boarding. Virtual queuing is akin to being notified by a restaurant with a pager when your table is ready, so you can relax close by instead of waiting at a crowded entrance or lobby, the airline said. Delta will follow the same boarding order as before, with the associated color codes that it introduced a year ago, reflecting the branded fare purchased and prioritizing loyalty status.

In Delta route news, the carrier this week said the next step in its new partnership with LATAM will be an expansion of Delta service into Miami to bolster connections with the South American carrier. By this summer, Delta said, it will add 13 more daily non-stops into MIA, including five daily flights from Tampa and five a day from Orlando, both starting May 4; two daily roundtrips from Raleigh-Durham starting May 22; and one daily flight from Salt Lake City effective July 28. The SLC flights will use a 737-800; all the others will be operated with ERJ-175s. Delta has acquired a significant equity stake in LATAM and recently started code-sharing with its new partner on select routes.

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As JetBlue and Delta continue to battle for market share at Boston Logan, American Airlines this week revealed plans to take a bit more market share itself. On May 7, AA will introduce five daily roundtrips between Boston and Raleigh-Durham and two flights a day between BOS and Indianapolis. Saturday-only service from Boston to Wilmington, North Carolina will begin May 9. All the routes will be flown with 76-seat E175s. American previously announced plans to launch Boston-Austin service April 7 and Boston-London Heathrow flights on March 29.

International routes briefs: United this week reduced its Newark-Hong Kong schedule from daily service to three flights a week As previously announced, SAS this week dropped its Los Angeles-Stockholm route, replacing it with new LAX-Copenhagen service six days a weekChinas Hainan Airlines has ended its three-year-old Las Vegas-Beijing route, which had provided the only non-stops in that marketBrazils Azul plans to begin New York JFK-Sao Paulo non-stops on June 15, using A330s to operate seven flights a weekAmerican has kicked off three new transborder routes to Mexico, including daily Phoenix-Chihuahua CRJ-700 flights and twice-weekly E175 service between Dallas/Ft. Worth-Acapulco and DFW-HuatulcoAmericans Oneworld global alliance announced that Moroccos Royal Air Maroc will become a full member of the group effective April 1

In airport news, American Express has cut the ribbon on a new Centurion Lounge and an Escape Lounge at Phoenix Sky Harbor. The side-by-side lounges in Terminal 4 have a shared entrance and total capacity of 9,500 square feet. The Centurion Lounge, for Platinum Card and Centurion members (and up to two guests), offers a premium food menu, a full complimentary bar, workspaces, high-speed Wi-Fi and floor-to-ceiling windows. Both Platinum Card and Centurion members (and two guests) can also access the adjacent Escape Lounge, which has similar amenities, but it is also open to non-members for a fee.

As in other lounge locations, AmEx is maintaining a strict access policy. It said Platinum Card holders need a boarding pass for same-day travel to get into the PHX Centurion Lounge but may not enter more than three hours before their scheduled departure. Platinums on arriving flights cant come in unless they have a verifiable connecting flight. The Escape Lounge is part of AmExs Global Lounge Collection.

At Dallas/Ft. Worth International, American Airlines has opened another Admirals Club  its fifth at the big hub airport. This one is in Terminal E, AAs satellite regional terminal and the only one of DFWs five terminals that didnt have one.

Read all recent TravelSkills posts here

Chris McGinnis is SFGATE's senior travel correspondent. You can reach him via email or follow him on Twitter or Facebook. Don't miss a shred of important travel news by signing up for his FREE biweekly email updates!
SPRINGFIELD  Tens of thousands of Illinoisans who have had their drivers license suspended or revoked for having too many unpaid parking tickets or fines for other non-moving violations will soon get their driving privileges reinstated.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday signed Senate Bill 1786 into law. Effective July 1, it repeals existing laws that either required or allowed the secretary of state to suspend driving privileges for unpaid fines and other violations.

Dubbed the License to Work Act, it passed the Senate on March 28 by a vote of 38-10. The House didnt take up the bill until the fall veto session when it passed that chamber on Oct. 29 by a vote of 88-27.

With this bipartisan legislation, Illinois now recognizes the fact that suspending licenses for having too many unpaid tickets, fines, and fees doesnt necessarily make a person pay the bill  but it does mean that people dont have a way to pay, Pritzker said in a statement. We, as a state, have a vested interest in making sure all our residents who need their licenses to apply to a job or an apprenticeship program, or who already use their licenses to drive to work, to the grocery store, or to the doctor, dont lose those opportunities because of a practice that reinforces cycles of instability.

Under current law, the state can revoke someones license for having 10 or more outstanding parking tickets in one municipality. It can also suspend the license of any person who owes civil penalties or taxes to the Illinois Commerce Commission or owes fines to the Illinois Toll Highway Authority for five or more toll violations.

Current law also provides for automatic suspensions for committing certain offenses unrelated to driving. Those include underage drinking and supplying alcohol to a minor, even if the offenders were not in a vehicle at the time; criminal trespass on a vehicle, even if the person doesnt take control of the vehicle; and theft of motor fuel.

The secretary of state also has authority to suspend or revoke the drivers license of any minor who is judged to be truant, delinquent or addicted. The same applies to anyone judged to be afflicted with or suffering from any mental disorder or disease.

Those laws are now all repealed or greatly curtailed. And, starting July 1, people whose licenses are suspended or revoked for those reasons will have their licenses reinstated.

That means unpaid parking tickets, toll violations, unpaid fees and civil penalties and convictions for motor fuel theft are no longer grounds for suspending a license, unless the fee is owed to the secretary of state for the issuance of a license or permit.

The new law also provides that liquor law violations can result in license suspensions only if the person was in a vehicle at the time of the offense. And criminal trespass on a vehicle can only result in suspension if the person took actual physical control of the vehicle. It also removes mental illness as a reason for suspending someones license.
A local agency said that the coffee farms in the province of Batangas and Cavite would take more than a year to recover after the volcano erupted on Sunday.

Rene Tongson, the director of the Philippine Coffee Board, said that the total damages caused by Taal's wrath are around 600 million ($32 million), a way lesser figure compared to the previous estimate of 74 million ($1.5 million) by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Tongson told CNN the Philippines that the plants were covered with ashes, and he suspected that most have probably died since they cannot perform photosynthesis.

DA Secretary William Dar previously said that farmers can regrow another set of coffee plants by trimming branches and generate new blooms. However, since the field was blanketed with heavy ashfall, Tongson said that it is not possible for the moment.

Possible Scarcity

Batangas is also known as the home of liberica coffee, which is locally known as "Barako", a Tagalog term associated with tough and highly sexual men. But they also produce robusta, excelsa, and arabica coffee beans.

Tongson said that it will probably take for the Philippines to export coffee again since farms have only able to produce 40 million kilograms to satiate the 135 million kilograms of the local demand annually.

Christina Recabar, a local coffee supplier from Rosario, Batangas, also expressed her concern about the quality of the beans. She feared that the powdered form might contain impurities such as ashfall from the volcano.

The Philippine Coffee Board is currently surveying the farms to assess the situation and create a rehabilitation plan, said Tongson.

The government previously announced that they will offer a five-year loan worth of 25,000 (around $500) with zero interest. They also pledged 5,000 coffee plants for the affected growers.

Since a Franciscan monk brought the first coffee tree in the mid-18th century, Batangas and its neighboring provinces in the Calabarzon region have been producing coffee beans. About 15 percent of the country's yields came from Batangas and Cavite alone.

According to the Philippine Coffee Board, many farms are situated in the towns of Ibaan, Lemery, San Jose, Taal, and Tanauan -- all of which are on the 16-kilometer radius of Taal Volcano.

Probe on Phivolcs

Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. urged the government to file a case against the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology due to the lack of warning which endangered many residents.

In defense, Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum told a local radio station that the agency has been coordinating with the local government of Batangas since November 2019 to prepare them for the impending eruption.

Solidum also added that Taal has been under alert level 1 for almost 10 months before the steam blast on Sunday.

Earl Victor L. Rosero of Inquirer, a local news agency, supported Solidum's claims and said that the congressional investigation is "merely a waste of time" and will just create an unnecessary distraction.

He also suggested that rather than wasting resources and time, approve the Department of Disaster Resilience, and invest in Phivolcs and on research.

ALSO READ: Taal Shows 'Weak' Emission, but 'Intense' Tremors
Popular American rapper, Future has accused his alleged baby mama Eliza Reign of tarnishing his image on social media and wants her to undergo a mental exam in court.

According to court records obtained by The Blast, Future is asking the court to force his alleged baby mama to undergo the mental exam. The court paper read psychological and mental health evaluation of petitioner Eliza Seraphin.

In the docs, Future reportedly accuses Eliza of trashing his good name on social media. He believes she is suffering from a mental disorder and wants the court to intervene. Future pointed to Elizas alleged history of violence and old assault arrests.

READ ALSO  American Rapper, Future Arrives Lagos Ahead Of His Show (Video)

He also accuses her of plotting to get pregnant by a rich man but didnt address whether he is the father to Elizas daughter Reign.

Future, who is currently dating 23-year-old model Lori Harvey is demanding Eliza undergo the mental exam to determine if she is fit to be a mother.
ERY Energy Bear Continues Basing Setup  Breakout Expected Near January 24th

After watching Crude Oil fall from the $65 ppb level to the $58 ppb level (-10.7%) over the past few weeks, we still believe the energy sector is setting up for another great trade for skilled investors/traders.

We are all keenly aware that Winter is still here and that heating oil demands may continue to push certain energy prices higher. Yet Winter is also a time when people dont travel as much and, overall, energy prices tend to weaken throughout Winter.

Over the past 37 years, the historical monthly breakdown for Crude Oil is as follows: December: Generally lower by -$0.33 to -$0.86. Averages to the downside: -3.65 to +3.08 January: Generally lower by -$4.57 to -$6.72. Averages to the downside: -2.68 to +2.27 February: Generally higher by +$8.41 to +13.73. Averages to the upside +3.07 to -2.54 March: Generally higher by +7.33 to +$15.62. Averages to the upside by +2.84 to -2.14

Over the past 25 years, the historical monthly breakdown for Natural Gas is as follows: December: Generally lower by -$2.34 to -$5.26. Averages to the downside: -0.81 to +0.69 January: Generally lower by -$5.14 to -$7.97. Averages to the downside: -0.69 to +0.45 February: Generally lower by -$1.48 to -$3.62. Averages to the downside -0.50 to +0.49 March: Generally higher by +0.63 to +$1.88. Averages to the upside by +0.41 to -0.70

Over the past 35 years, the historical monthly breakdown for Heating Oil is as follows: December: Generally lower by -$0.16 to -$0.37. Averages to the downside: -0.14 to +0.09 January: Generally lower by -$0.52 to -$0.96. Averages to the downside: -0.09 to +0.10 February: Generally higher by +$0.48 to +$1.06. Averages to the upside +0.11 to -0.08 March: Generally higher by +0.03 to +$0.11. Averages to the upside by +0.09 to -0.10

This data suggests an extended Winter in the US may prompt further contraction in certain segments of the energy sector that may prompt an exaggerated downside price move in Crude Oil and Natural Gas. Heating Oil may rise a bit if the cold weather continues well past March/April 2019.

Conversely, if an early spring sets up in the US, then Crude Oil may begin to base a bit as people begin to traveling more, but Heating Oil and Natural Gas may decline as cold weather demands abate.

Heating Oil has almost mirrored Crude Oil in price action recently. Our modeling systems are suggesting that Crude Oil may attempt to move below $40 ppb. This move would be a result of a number of factors  mostly slowing global demand and a shift to electric vehicles. We authored this research post early in January 2020  please review it.

January 8, 2020: IS THE ENERGY SECTOR SETTING UP ANOTHER GREAT ENTRY?

We believe any price level below $40 in ERY is setting up for a very strong basing level going forward. We have identified two pullback zones. The first is what we call the Deep Pullback Zone. The second is what we call the Deeper Pullback Zone. Any upside price move from below $40 to recent upside target levels (above $50) would represent a 25%+ price rotation.

Historically, February is a very strong month for ERY. The data going back over the past 12 years suggests February produces substantially higher upside price gains (+1899.30 to -394.28)  translating into a 4.8:1 upside price ratio over 12 years. Both January and March reflect overall price weakness in ERY over the past 12 years. Thus, the real opportunity is the setup of the February price advance.

We believe any opportunity to take advantage of this historical technical price pattern is advantageous for skilled traders/investors.

This is a pure technical pattern based on price bar data mining. This is something you may not have ever considered unless you had the tools to search for historical price anomalies and rotation patterns. We have created a suite of tools and price modeling systems we use to help our members find incredible opportunities  this being one of them.

Get ready, February will likely prompt a very nice rally in ERY if historical price triggers confirm future price activity. The price pattern in February suggests a large upside price move is likely in ERY and we believe these low price basing patterns are an excellent opportunity for skilled traders.

Join my Wealth Building Newsletter if you like what you read here 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.

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MUSCATINE, Iowa - Bernie Sanders sounded awkwardly gringo in naming the Latino politician he thanked for introducing him, and he bungled the Spanish title of his own event, dropping the "con" from "Unidos con Bernie." Yet it only seemed to endear "Tio Bernie" to the Latino voters gathered in this Iowa town to see him.

In a state often criticized as too white to hold such political influence, Latinos are key to the coalition that Sanders is trying to assemble in his bid to win the Iowa caucuses that open the Democrats' presidential-nominating contest on Feb. 3.

With Iowa very much up for grabs - no single Democrat has emerged as a dominant front-runner here - the state's small but growing population of Latinos is getting unprecedented attention. Sanders is just one of the candidates investing heavily in appealing to the group, as Latinos become an increasingly influential and vocal presence throughout the state, organizing and winning local races in key communities.

For Democrats, it is an outsize effort to recruit in a demographic group that amounts to just over 6% of the state population - but is on track to be twice that within 30 years, according to the State Data Center of Iowa.

The number of Latinos has grown over the years as families decamped from Texas, California and other places, to Iowa towns that promised work in meatpacking plants and other agricultural industries. Like elsewhere, their interest in politics is on the rise given President Trump's hostile posture toward immigrants and the strain of crushing healthcare costs on blue-collar families.

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"In the last election we didn't show up, and we were punished for that," said Angel Ruelas, a 22-year-old Sanders supporter whose parents had moved to Muscatine from Mexico. "People are reacting to everything that is going on," he added. "They definitely are more willing to go out to caucus and go vote."

In party caucuses where fewer than 172,000 people voted in the last presidential cycle, the Democratic candidates figure that driving up turnout even modestly among the roughly 80,000 eligible Iowa Latinos could tip the balance. The Sanders campaign believes as few as 1,500 Latinos attended Democratic caucuses in 2016, based on its analysis of voting records.

"There is a vast pool of Latinos in Iowa who have never caucused before but are eligible," said Ben Tulchin, a pollster for Sanders. "We can organize our way into having them play an outsize impact." The campaign's Iowa co-chair is Nick Salazar, the state president of the League of United Latin American Citizens, known as LULAC, a national leader in organizing and registering Latinos.

Way out in Storm Lake, a northwest Iowa town where recent waves of immigrants are powering meatpacking operations, and nearly 20 languages are spoken in local schools, former Vice President Joe Biden has enlisted a millennial Latino to mobilize the community. Camilo Haller offers his experience - he lived in poverty in Colombia with his grandparents, then was adopted by an American couple at the age of 7 - to empathize with potential voters he meets who might feel intimidated by the arcane caucus process.

"Something as simple as the word caucus doesn't translate," he said. "A lot of immigrants come from Central American countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, where being involved in voting that type of way, very publicly, isn't encouraged. It's looked down upon and sometimes even not safe."

Haller sometimes returns to the same households again and again to reassure the voters he's recruiting. He recalled one couple that was skeptical when he first approached in August. Haller kept at it and they started to come around. He sealed the deal when he got them a personal audience with Biden at a campaign event. "I translated for them," he said. "After that, they signed 'commit to caucus' cards, and now they're fully in."

Several campaigns are holding caucus-training sessions, sending Latino surrogates into communities with boxes of campaign materials in Spanish. They have pushed caucus officials to establish bilingual sites and arranged to have their own interpreters for caucus-goers at other sites.

"You can tell that they are trying," said Alyson Glynn, 33, whose immigrant grandparents opened one of the first Mexican restaurants in Muscatine.

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But as she waited for Sanders to take the stage, she said all the candidates have more work to do. "They don't always 100% understand the struggles that Latinos go through. They've never been through it," Glynn said, adding: "How are they going to know unless they let us ask questions and they're willing to talk to us? That is why I love seeing these kinds of events."

The lack of connection is a concern echoed nationally, in an election cycle in which Democrats' ability to increase Latinos' traditionally low voting-participation rates could determine whether or not their party takes back the White House.

"We think they all could be doing better," said Rosalind Gold, chief public policy officer at the National Assn. of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials. The group has been disappointed that candidates have declined invitations to some major national Latino forums and neglected to respond to surveys for voting guides. And they are concerned by the lack of Latinos in campaign leadership positions.

"The candidates really need to understand how the Latino vote is going to be critical not just for the primary season but the general election," Gold said. "When you have a race that may be as close as 2020 is going to be, you can't leave any vote on the table. You want to not just reach but really engage Latinos, so they care passionately about getting to the polls."

The concerns were amplified by the recent departure from the race of former Housing Secretary Julian Castro, who had been the sole Latino candidate and a strong voice for immigration reform. Castro has been a persistent critic of Iowa's influence over the nominating process, arguing that the first state to vote should not be one so lacking in diversity.

He has endorsed former Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren. While national polls suggest she is less popular with Latinos than Sanders or Biden, Warren has been making inroads.

Her Latinx coordinator in Iowa, Stephanie Medina, is a child of Mexican immigrants. Medina is crisscrossing the state with a white board on which potential voters - and also ineligible non-citizen migrants who could influence their citizen friends and relatives to show up on caucus day - are invited to scribble down the issues they care most about.

"We are trying to build relationships with people," Medina said. "We never stop contacting them."

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Sanders, flush with campaign contributions and endorsed by popular Latina congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, may have the most robust operation targeting Latinos in Iowa, and other states. The senator's national strategy hinges on luring new voters into the process, and even in the whitest states, Latino communities offer potential.

The Sanders effort appears to be paying off. Sanders, a 78-year old Jewish native of Brooklyn who represents one of the whitest states in the country, Vermont, has popped up as the top choice among Latino Democrats in many polls nationally and in some key states.

His campaign learned in 2016 not to take any voters for granted - especially in Iowa. At that time it lacked the resources here to mount a Latino-targeting operation - there was no Unidos con Bernie, no Latino political celebrity on the scale of Ocasio-Cortez. Hillary Clinton defeated Sanders by a razor-thin margin.

"We didn't have any of this in Iowa then," said Tulchin. "We are picking up where we left off."

---

(c)2020 Los Angeles Times

Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 13:47:49|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said he is willing to work with Vietnamese President Nguyen Phu Trong to firmly steer bilateral ties in the right direction and lifts the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era to new heights.

Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory message to Trong on Saturday.
US Navy Dismisses Environmentalists' Fears, Pushing Ahead with Nevada Bombing Range Expansion

Sputnik News

01:56 18.01.2020

The US Navy is one step closer to obtaining its proposed threefold expansion of the bombing range at Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada after its latest environmental review of the area and in spite of pushback from lawmakers, local Native American tribes and conservationists.

A recent review conducted by the US Navy concluded that there is no risk that any significant environmental harm would come about from the service's desired 1.1 million-acre expansion, according to the Associated Press.

The Navy's environmental impact statement, released Friday, claimed there would be no significant impact on cultural or biological resources and only "minimal" harm to the "near-threatened" greater sage grouse.

The US military has received pushback from tribal bodies such as the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and conservationists such as Patrick Donnelly, Nevada state director at the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity, who told AP that US President Donald Trump's administration was expanding the military-industrial complex through its attempt "to turn Nevada's precious public lands into a bombing range."

"The Navy's planned land seizure threatens to devastate greater sage grouse breeding areas and migratory bird habitat at Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge," he added.

Lawmakers have also pushed back against the expansion and have even brought the matter to Capitol Hill.

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced compromise legislation to Congress on December 19 which called for a reduction in the US military's request to have its expansion include 300,000 acres of land owned by the Desert National Wildlife Refuge. According to the Nevada Independent, the military already uses approximately 800,000 acres of the refuge, which was established in 1936 to protect the habitat of the bighorn sheep, numerous ecosystems and various cultural sites belonging to area tribes.

Mastro's legislation calls for the expansion to be reduced to just 98,000 acres and allows the service to construct a total of 15 new threat emitters in the area. Of the 98,000 acres, only 48,000 would be in the actual refuge, and the remaining 50,000 would be a buffer zone just outside of the area.

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), a Democratic presidential candidate who has campaigned in Nevada, slammed the Navy for not consulting with area tribes and linked to the NCAI's resolution opposing the project in a Wednesday tweet.

The US Navy argued that the expansion is necessary to ensure the future safety of the country.

"Expanding the [range] for the first time in two generations is absolutely essential to our national security, enabling our country's sailors and Marines to prepare for today's threats," said Lucian Niemeyer, acting secretary of energy, installations and environment for the Navy, reported the Associated Press. "Our war-fighters must be ready at a moment's notice to effectively respond to more advanced aircraft and weaponry to defeat all potential adversaries."

The service's study did, however, recognize concerns raised by the Nevada Department of Wildlife pertaining to the greater sage grouse and proposed funding for a study by the department regarding the bird's mating behavior and how it might be affected by an increase in low-level overflights by the Navy.

 Sputnik

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The Syro-Malabar Church, the largest Christian denomination in Kerala, has criticised the recent statement of the synod that Christian girls were targeted and killed in the name of love jihad in the state.

The media commission of the church, in an official communique two days ago, had expressed serious concern over love jihad and exhorted believers to be alert.

It had also said such practices were posing a serious threat to the states secular fabric and cited many incidents to buttress its claim. It wanted the police to treat it as a law and order problem, not as a religious issue.

But the timing of the statement had raised many eyebrows.

Father Kuriakose Mundadan, a senior priest of the Angamaly-Ernakulam diocese, wrote in the latest issue of the churchs mouthpiece, Sathyadeepam, and questioned the statements timing.

He also said that when the whole country had taken up a united fight against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Population Registry (NPR) such claims will only weaken the larger cause.

When the country is burning due to politics of religion it is merely a common sense not to make any statements tarnishing a particular religion. In 2010, the Kerala High Court had ordered an inquiry and later the National Investigation Agency also investigated it. They all came to the conclusion that such a phenomenon did not exist here, he said.

He also said many girls from Hinduism and Islam had also converted to Christianity and nobody has an account on this.

Has anyone taken the number of men and women converted to Christianity in the name of love? he asked in the article.

The priest has also questioned the soft stand taken by the church on the citizenship act.

Since the dangerous CAA would negatively affect the diversity and democracy of India, political parties and religious bodies took a clear stand on this. But was the stand of the Catholic church clear? This question is important as there is no clear stand on the issue from the church in Kerala, he pointed out.

Love jihad is a term popularised by radical Hindu groups to describe what they believe is an organised conspiracy of Muslim men to force or trick Hindu women into conversion and marriage. The purported motives include expanding Indias Muslim population and aiding the Islamic State.

However, its existence continues to remain under question.

But intelligence agencies do admit that in many conversion cases modus operandi was similar and the people or the institutions working behind them were the same. It came up prominently during the Hadiya Jehan case three years ago.

Akhila Ashokan alias Hadiya Jehan case had caught national attention after the Kerala High Court annulled her marriage with Shefin Jehan saying it was a sham. Her father Ashokan had moved the court saying his daughter was indoctrinated and forcibly converted.

The father also claimed that she would be pushed to the Islamic State-controlled areas like the 21 missing persons from the state. But in 2018, the Supreme Court had restored her marriage and allowed her to go back to her husband.

The National Minorities Commission has sought a report from Keralas director general of police Loknath Behera. The commissions vice-chairperson, George Kurian, said the revelations of the church were really serious.

But the state government has brushed it aside, saying there was no basis for such generalisation of isolated cases.
A snowfall warning remains in effect in for Victoria County in Cape Breton, and is expected to continue into Sunday night.

Environment Canada has also issued a wind warning in Inverness County north of Mabou.

Snowfall warnings had been issued for most of the province, but those warnings were lifted in the afternoon after the storm moved through mainland Nova Scotia and toward Cape Breton.

Most of the province was expected to receive up to 20 centimetres of snow Sunday, with as much as 25 centimetres for most of Cape Breton, while parts of Victoria County could see 30 cm.

The Department of Transportation is reporting that highways in much of the province are covered in snow.

Several flights at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport are delayed or cancelled.

In Halifax, the municipal parking ban will be in effect Monday morning from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m.

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Milk and milk products major Mother Dairy on Friday forayed into the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) segment with the launch of its first cafe in Noida. Named 'Caf Delights', the newly-opened eatery will serve holistic food options and delicacies from across the country, Mother Dairy said in a statement, adding that it will have both dine-in as well as take away options.

The outlet in Noida's Sector-1 was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Sanjeev Kumar Balyan. "Mother Dairy is amongst those institutions which have consciously worked towards bridging the gap between the farmers of the hinterlands and urban consumers. Initiatives like these offer an unmatched dining experience to the consumers with quality food options to savour upon and at the same time, create more avenues of the farmers' produce," Balyan was quoted as saying in the statement.

Such initiatives also imply the relevance of farmers and their contribution in the overall food chain, which can never be replaced, he said. Mother Dairy Fruit and Vegetable Managing Director Sangram Chaudhary said, "Changing lifestyles, increased disposable incomes and availability of new formats have attracted consumers to look out and opt for new and modern alternatives for food consumption."

"In recent years, ice cream and snacking parlours have gained popularity and to match these changing consumer preferences, we aim to start a modern and contemporary outlet, which will further help us in providing quality food options in conformance to food safety and hygiene norms," he added. Going ahead, the company plans to open around 60 outlets in Delhi-NCR over the next 12 months, the statement said.

Also read: Bose to shut 119 shops in North America, Europe, Japan and Australia; here's why

Also read: Doctor bribery: IMA seeks PM's clarification, evidence; promises action
But even after years of growth, Chinese per capita G.D.P. is still about one-third or one-fourth the size of neighboring countries like South Korea and Japan. And yet its birthrate has converged with the rich world much more quickly and completely  which has two interrelated implications, both of them grim.

First, China will have to pay for the care of a vast elderly population without the resources available to richer societies facing the same challenge. Second, Chinas future growth prospects will dim with every year of below-replacement birthrates, because low fertility creates a self-reinforcing cycle  in which a less youthful society loses dynamism and growth, which reduces economic support for would-be parents, which reduces birthrates, which reduces growth 

The Times report on Chinas birthrates also reminds us that this trap is cultural, quoting a young Chinese woman who remarks of her one-child-policy-shaped generation: We are all only children, and to be honest, a little selfish  How can I raise a child when Im still a child myself? This is the glib explication of a real problem: Having kids, inevitably one of the harder things that human beings do, feels harder still in a society where children are invisible, siblings absent, and large families rare, where there arent ready exemplars or forms of solidarity for people contemplating parenthood.

In all this, what China is experiencing is part of the common demographic decadence of the developed world, which is enveloping developing countries too. As Lyman Stone writes in the latest National Review, the human race is increasingly facing a global fertility crisis, not just a European or American or Japanese baby bust. Its a crisis that threatens ever-slower growth in the best case; in the worst-case, to cite a recent paper by the Stanford economist Charles Jones, it risks an Empty Planet result: knowledge and living standards stagnate for a population that gradually vanishes.

(An aside to answer a predictable objection: Yes, in an age of stagnation, CO2 levels wont grow as fast, delaying some of climate changes effects  but at the same time a stagnant society will struggle to innovate enough to escape the climate crisis permanently. And yes, an empty planet wouldnt have a climate change problem at all, but if thats your goal your misanthropy is terminal.)
The summer holidays have come to an end for most of us but not if you're in the tight circle of millionaire Millennials from some of Sydneys wealthiest families.

Rich kids of Sydney take over Aspen. Credit:Instagram

A number of society offspring have taken to social media to show off their lavish holiday in the ultra-luxurious winter playground of the worlds top 1%, Aspen, Colorado.

The exclusive resort is frequented by celebrity guests including Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, Elle Macpherson, Elton John and Australias very own James Packer. Packer has had a home in Aspen for several years, which he shares with his ex-wife Erica Packer. He paid $20 million for the expansive property in 2013.

This season some wealthy young eastern suburbs-raised scions are making themselves known on the mountain. Brothers Tom and Harvey Tilley, the sons of socialite Tiffany and her ex-husband Ben Tilley, are amongst a group of former Cranbrook students staying at the exclusive ski resort.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 22:57:45|Editor: yan

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DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa on Saturday urged tourism authorities to find ways of boosting domestic tourism, including lowering entry fees to tourist attractions, to boost earnings.

"If you lower fees charged to domestic tourists you are definitely encouraging as many local tourists as possible to visit the attractions," said Majaliwa on a visit to semi-autonomous Zanzibar.

Majaliwa said he has learned that domestic tourists visiting tourist sites were charged rates same to foreign tourists which in most cases were unaffordable to most of them.

"The high entry fees to tourist attractions charged to domestic tourists were a hindrance to the growth of tourism in the country," said the premier.

At the same time, Majaliwa appealed to authorities in the Zanzibar archipelago to reinforce security, especially in areas visited by both domestic and foreign tourists.

"Security is one of the prerequisites for tourists to visit a country," said Majaliwa.

Tourism is the largest foreign exchange earner of Tanzania, contributing an average of 2 billion U.S. dollars annually, which is equivalent to 25 percent of all exchange earnings, according to the government data.

It also contributes to more than 17 percent of the GDP, creating more than 1.5 million jobs, 500,000 of which are direct.
Bella Heathcote has offered her fans a sneak peek into her notoriously private life by revealing her secret husband.

Taking to Instagram on Saturday, the 32-year-old actress shared a photo alongside her man, architect Richard Stampton, and a sweet tribute to celebrate their one year anniversary.

'I never thought I'd find myself quoting the Sound of Music on our one year wedding anniversary,' she wrote.

'Thank you for marrying me!': Bella Heathcote has revealed her secret husband, architect Richard Stampton (pictured), as they celebrated their one year anniversary on Saturday

She added: 'But, 'here you are, standing there, loving me whether or not you should. So somewhere in my youth or childhood I must have done something good''.

'Feels right so thanks Rodgers and Hammerstein and thank you Richard Stampton for marrying me,' she ended the comment.

It is unclear when Bella and Richard started dating or when they became engaged, however they appeared to have been privately married in January 2019.

While the actress has pictured Richard on her social media over the past year, she did not indicate they'd married and he was believed to be her boyfriend.

Private: It is unclear when Bella and Richard (pictured) started dating or when they became engaged however they appeared to have been privately married in January 2019

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Bella Heathcote for further comment.

Prior to dating the architect, Bella has been engaged to Andrew Dominik, 52, before calling off their engagement in 2018.

The couple had been together for more than seven years before Andrew got down on one knee and proposed in March 2017.

At the time, Bella's rep confirmed to Just Jared that she and Andrew were officially engaged after sparking rumours when she stepped off a plane with a diamond on her finger.

She wrote in her tribute: 'I never thought I'd find myself quoting the Sound of Music on our one year wedding anniversary... Feels right so thanks Rodgers and Hammerstein and thank you Richard Stampton for marrying me'

In September 2018, the Fifty Shades Of Grey actress sparked split rumours when she stopped wearing her engagement ring.

Bella's big break on television came in 2009 when she was played Amanda Fowler on Channel Ten soap Neighbours.

In 2010, she moved to Los Angels after being honoured with the Heath Ledger Scholarship Award for her performance in the Australian war epic Beneath Hill 60.

She went on to star in Tim Burton's hit film Dark Shadows alongside Johnny Depp and most recently in Fifty Shades Darker in 2018.
Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, NCP leader Supriya Sule on Friday alleged that both the leaders are giving contrasting statements over the Register of Citizens (NRC) and said she doubted whether the duo was on talking terms.

Alleging that BJP Is unable to run the economy as it has created the atmosphere of disturbance due to NRC and Citizenship law, Sule said: "The Prime Minister and Home Minister are giving contrasting statements which makes me doubt that they might not be talking to each other. I was in Parliament when the Home Minister said he will implement the NRC across India while Prime Minister Modi is now saying that there is nothing like that."

She cornered the Centre on economic slowdown and said that foreign countries are in "fear whether they shall invest in India or not."

NCP leader also participated in a protest of women in Agripada against the CAA and NRC.

The women protestors were seen holding the tricolour and anti-CAA placards. They also chanted 'Inquilab Zindabad' and recited Faiz Ahmed Faiz's poem 'Hum Dekhenge'.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Kerala governor Arif Mohammad Khan reacts to the decision of the state government to file a petition in the Supreme Court seeking withdrawal of the Citizenship Amendment Act in Thiruvananthapuram, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020. (PTI Photo)

Kochi: The current spat between governor Arif Mohammed Khan and the Left Front government in Kerala got worse Saturday with speaker P Sreeramakrishnan joining the bandwagon of ruling party members bristling at his open interference in government matters.

The democratic government elected by the people is the real centre of power and a state should not have two centres of power as it will create a constitutional crisis, the speaker said.

If the current trend is any indication, the conflict between Arif Mohammad Khan and the Left Front government over the latters opposition to the Citizenship Act (CAA) is likely to get even worse. Though law minister A K Balan did try to tone down the tiff saying there are no issues, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan himself minced no words while attacking Khan.

Yet this is not the first time that Kerala is witnessing an open fight between the elected government and the Union governments representative in Thiruvananthapuram.

Thirty years ago, from 1988 to 1990, the state witnessed an open and fierce fight between the then governor Ram Dulari Sinha, a Congress nominee, and the then chief minister E K Nayanar, also of the CPM.

Back then, the Assembly even passed a special motion against the governor after she refused to sign an ordinance and made arbitrary nominations to the senate of Calicut University. The fight went into the streets with leaders of the CPM-affiliated Students Federation of India marching to Raj Bhavan in protest.

The current warfare between Khan and Vijayan, however, is remarkable for the bitterness of the exchanges.

The differences of opinion started with Khans take on the CAA with both ruling party and opposition members coming together to vent against him. Khan also had to face strong protest from delegates and political party workers at the History Congress in Kannur last month.

But the volleys became more vociferous after the chief minister suggested to Khan that he should make time to read the Constitution and reminded him that the British-era Residents rule of yesteryears was no more prevailing in the country.

Khan, a Muslim leader whose views on minorities jell well with the saffronistas, went ballistic in response. No one is above the law, including me, but the chief minister should realise that there is no colonial rule in the country, he retorted. He also criticised the government for wasting public money to convene a special Assembly session to pass resolution to oppose the CAA.

Non-BJP party leaders lost no time in reminding the governor that he was exceeding his brief. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said Khan ought not to behave like a partisan political leader and participate in TV channel discussions.

CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran said the powers of the governor have been clearly specified in the Constitution and Khan should not presume that he has more powers than are laid down.
Lance Richardson held the proof of his innocence in his hands. It was right there, on his cellphone.

In the hours after his arrest, Richardson stressed this fact to everyone he could: to the Toronto police officer who arrested him, to the lawyer he called from jail, to the justice of the peace at his bail hearing. The voice messages on his cell were proof he didnt do it.

In them, a friend and a new acquaintance discussed details of the violent August 2014 robbery near Yorkdale subway station that Richardson had been charged for. The messages clearly established he was not one of the robbers  and they directly implicated another man, still at large.

And yet, Richardson, 29, was sent to trial and found guilty of six counts including robbery, assault causing bodily harm, and threatening to cause death.

Confused and upset, Richardson had thought everything would be cleared up in court. But as he sat in the courthouse cell, the gravity of the situation sunk in.

Despite having proof he was innocent, even though he was at least six inches taller than the suspect police had been looking for, and even after a victim testified he was just 75 per cent sure he recognized his assailant in Richardsons mug shot, he found himself sentenced to four years in jail.

Thats when I was stunned, Richardson said in an interview with the Star this week.

Jeff Carolin, Richardsons appeal lawyer, says the conviction was enabled in part because of tunnel vision on the part of Toronto police. It was only years later that it was all undone, after the messages Richardson had been pointing to all along were recovered by lawyers convinced of his innocence.

In a recent court of appeal filing, a Crown prosecutor conceded Richardsons arrest was a miscarriage of justice. And last month  more than five years after Richardsons arrest  Ontarios Court of Appeal acquitted him on all counts, dubbing the case a wrongful conviction.

How did a man who had proof of his own innocence end up serving 15 months in jail? The following account is based on a review of Court of Appeal documents and interviews with Carolin and Richardson.

The robbery

Around 11 p.m. on a warm August night in 2014, Andre Pal and Floryna Balagbag met up in a park behind Yorkdale station, then settled onto a bench to enjoy a late dinner. It was quiet and dark, with moderate lighting.

Suddenly, the pair was approached by two men. As the men got closer, Pal and Balagbag could see that one  he was wearing a black hoodie zipped up to hide his face  was carrying what appeared to be a gun. The other man, wearing a green hoodie, had a cleaver-like knife.

They asked me for everything I had, Pal testified at Richardsons March 2017 criminal trial. I dont know how to process it at first. And apparently I  I think I was taking too long for an answer so I got struck over the head (with the gun, later determined to be an imitation firearm), he said.

According to Pal and Balagbags accounts, the men kicked and punched them, taking his wallet and some of the contents of her purse, then ran off in the direction of the Yorkdale TTC station. As the couple lay on the ground, the men returned, apparently looking for the knife.

Wheres the shank? Pal recalled one man saying.

According to Balagbags account, the man in the green hoodie was particularly aggressive and assaulted Pal again as he looked for the knife. They called police after the men left a second time. Both she and Pal testified that they could smell alcohol on his breath.

Investigators picked up Anthony Birch after they noticed him acting suspiciously, walking into and out of the park, then appearing to toss something.

Police later found a bag containing a black hoodie and a BB gun. From that, they determined Birch was the black-hoodie assailant. He was charged in the robbery, and the search was on for his co-conspirator.

The arrest

Birch told police he could provide an alibi for the night of the robbery: his friend Lance Richardson. They had been at a party that night, he claimed.

Investigating officer Const. Julia Hung started making inquiries. Richardson had numerous prior convictions including for theft over $5,000 in 2010 and, in March of 2014, for carrying a concealed weapon.

She located two mug shots in the Toronto police database; Richardson was wearing a green hoodie in both.

Looking at the pictures, Hung later testified she saw a lot of resemblances between Richardsons mug shots and the descriptions given by the victims.

Based on this and Birchs claim hed been with Richardson that night, Hung concluded she had grounds to arrest Richardson and charge him in the robbery.

During Richardsons appeal, Carolin and co-counsel Nicolas Rouleau argued there were few similarities between Richardsons photos and the suspect descriptions. For instance, Pal had said the two assailants were around the same height, between five-foot-eight and five-foot-nine. Birch, the first suspect, was indeed five-foot-seven, but Richardson is six-foot-three, at least six inches taller than the description; Hung would have seen his height recorded in the police database, they said.

The voice messages

After he was arrested on Sept. 2, 2014, Richardson immediately told Hung police had the wrong guy, and he could prove it.

On his phone, he had a series of voice messages between himself, Birch  a friend he knew by the nickname Kemistry  and another man hed just met a few weeks earlier, whom he knew only as Toti. The day after the robbery, Richardson began receiving increasingly agitated messages on the walkie-talkie app Voxer. Toti was asking if Richardson knew where Kemistry was  he couldnt reach him, and he hadnt shown up for work.

At Totis request, Richardson asked Birch if everything was bless. Birch had just been released from custody  Everything aint bless, he said, complaining that Toti had gotten him knocked because he got careless and dropped the blade in the field.

There was then a flurry of voice messages  70 relevant messages in total  back and forth between Richardson, Toti and Birch. After learning Birch had been arrested, Toti asked, what did he say about me so far? Richardsons acquaintance then said hed been sloshed the night before and launched into a description of the robbery that was similar to the victims account.

We were up in Yorkdale ... Mans like, yo we could probably make five bills, Toti could be heard saying in one of the recordings, according to a transcript submitted during Richardsons appeal.

So uhh, basically at that point, seen something, you know seen two people there, you know, just went up to them, blah blah blah blah, you know what I mean, Toti said.

On whether he had he dropped the knife, Toti said he didnt slip like that. (Pal and his mother found the knife the next day after they went back to the park to look for their possessions).

In Richardsons mind, the recordings were proof. He played them for Hung, but she didnt find them conclusive.

At trial, Hung told the court she couldnt understand what was being said, and couldnt determine who was actually on the recording.

Richardson also played the messages for two other officers, then insisted he was innocent at his bail hearing the following week. According to transcripts of the hearing, Richardson was emphatic about the import of these messages, Carolin wrote in court filings.

But Richardsons phone was with the rest of his belonging at the Maplehurst jail, and the messages werent entered into evidence.

Inexplicably, in spite of the fact that she knew that the voice recordings contained information about the robbery, (Hung) did not seize (Richardsons) phone, Carolin wrote in submissions for the appeal.

Richardson spent nearly a year in Maplehurst before he was granted bail ahead of his trial.

Hung declined to comment on the case in an email to the Star last month. In documents filed with the Court of Appeal, prosecutor Linda Shin said it was unclear whether Hung heard all of the messages, noting the officer had testified Richardson played her a recording that was only about 90 seconds long.

Without the benefit of access to the entire series of audio recordings ... it is very difficult or impossible to discern the content, sender, receiver, date, time or order of the messages, Shin wrote.

Shin also noted that Hung did attempt to identify Toti through police databases and checks with police in outside jurisdictions. He is still at large.

The photo lineup and trial

One day after Richardsons arrest, Pal and Balagbag were brought in to see if they could identify him as the green-hoodie assailant.

Hung showed them a series of photos including, according to Shin, a new one of Richardson, not the older ones that had him in a green hoodie.

Balagbag did not pick out Richardson, and she spent no more time on his photos than the others. But Pal did. He chose Richardsons photograph after looking at it for more than four minutes. At trial, Pal said he was 75 per cent confident, if not more, in his choice.

Brian Cutler, an expert in eyewitness identification later retained by Carolin, noted that Pal was not asked to assess his confidence on the day of the photo lineup. His later estimate may have been inflated, Cutler said, because of the fact that the trial was moving ahead against the man hed selected, though he stressed he had no direct knowledge.

Cutler also flagged the time Pal took to select Richardson  more than four minutes  noting that research shows choices made quickly are more likely to be accurate than identification decisions made less quickly.

Meanwhile, while he was in custody Richardson repeatedly stressed the importance of the messages to his lawyers. In a handwritten letter soon after his arrest, he wrote detailed instructions about how to unlock his phone, which was protected by a pattern sequence instead of a simple code.

I hope it is not too hard, he wrote.

Richardsons lawyers sent the phone to be analyzed but unfortunately their instructions to the computer forensics expert focused mainly on whether there was any exculpatory GPS evidence, according to Carolins appeal. Their instructions made only a general reference to the possibility that there may be relevant voice messages, Carolin said.

By the time of Birch and Richardson trial in March 2017, the Voxer messages still hadnt been retrieved from Richardsons phone. And so, he took the stand and described the messages as best as he could recall.

Transcripts of the proceeding show the Crown lawyer cited Richardsons testimony as a mark against his credibility  if the messages said what he claimed, she reasoned, the officer in charge would have concluded they were valuable evidence.

Ontario Superior Court Justice Alfred OMarra found Richardson had provided concocted and contrived evidence, and the judge convicted both men in June 2017, sentencing Richardson to four years in jail while giving credit for time served.

The appeal

Richardson hired Carolin for his appeal soon after, insistent that he didnt commit the robbery, the lawyer recalled.

In May 2018, Carolin and his colleague Nicolas Rouleau were able to get Richardson out on bail pending appeal based on inconsistencies the lawyers said were evident in the judges ruling  including Pals lukewarm 75-per-cent confidence in the photo, Carolin said. And, realizing how central the Voxer messages were to the case, they began efforts to get a hold of the now four-year-old recordings.

The cellphone itself was gone. Richardson recalls it was returned to him at some point, but got lost among some of his belongings when they were placed in a storage locker. But the computer expert Richardsons former lawyers had consulted still had a forensic copy, and when Carolin got that, it indeed showed a record of Voxer voices messages from Aug. 22, 2014, the day after the robbery.

Carolin then realized the app could be accessed on a computer, not just a phone. He obtained Richardsons email and password and logged on. He paid the fee to gain access to historic messages and, at first, nothing happened. Then, suddenly, the screen began populating with all of Richardsons old messages.

I started listening to them, and I just couldnt believe it, Carolin said in an interview. The messages contained a confession from Toti and important corroborating information from Birch.

Carolin and Rouleau immediately wondered why they hadnt been secured earlier, either by police or by Richardsons previous lawyer, Brian Irvine. In a February 2019 letter, Rouleau detailed his concerns to Irvine:

It appears that your investigatory efforts with Mr. Richardsons phone only focused on possible exculpatory GPS evidence, as opposed to efforts to obtain the Voxer messages, Rouleau wrote.

Shin, the Crown prosecutor on the appeal, later highlighted a similar concern, noting the fact that the Voxer messages were available to defence throughout these proceedings. After they were initially played for police, they were never again made available to the Crown or officers, she said.

Irvine declined to speak to the Star for this story because he did not have Richardsons authorization to discuss the case. In a detailed response to Rouleaus letter, he denied allegations hed been ineffective, saying hed been extremely disappointed in the outcome of the trial and had given it 100 per cent effort. Hed lost many sleepless hours about this case, he wrote.

Irvine had in fact begun working to find a way to overturn the conviction before Richardson was sentenced, including hiring a private investigator to obtain fresh evidence and find Toti.

This trial, as you know, ended in convicting an innocent man and respectfully is wrong, Irvine wrote.

Part of the confusion with the Voxer messages, Irvine wrote, is that hed taken over the file from a now-retired lawyer who, Irvine understood, had listened to the messages and determined them to be not helpful.

Irvine said he hoped the Crown attorneys office would take a hard look and correctly will allow the appeal or enter an acquittal.

Carolin says Irvine continued to aid with the appeal as he really believed that Lance had been wrongfully convicted.

In the appeal, Carolin and Rouleau argued the recordings showed Richardson is factually innocent. His appeal should be allowed on the basis that his convictions amount to a miscarriage of justice, they wrote.

Shin agreed. In a court filing, she wrote that the messages were relevant, credible and could reasonably have been expected to affect the result at trial when considered with the other trial evidence.

On Dec. 17, Ontarios highest court set aside Richardsons conviction and entered acquittals on all counts.

The aftermath

It was a big relief, Richardson told the Star of the acquittal. Very big.

But the conviction has derailed his life, particularly his work, Richardson said. Before his arrest hed found a job working as an audio-visual installer and he had been trying to stay out of trouble, he said.

(Richardson asked not to be pictured in photographs for personal security reasons.)

At the time of the acquittal last month, Richardson was in custody on another matter. But he has since been released, is enjoying time with his girlfriend and his new son, and is hoping he will be able to resume the job soon. He is considering filing a lawsuit against those involved in his wrongful conviction.

Carolin said he hopes the facts of Richardsons conviction make their way into some kind of training for investigating officers, saying the case raises questions about police tunnel vision and unreliability of eyewitness testimony.

If not, he said, theres going to be another person in Lances situation going to jail.

Toronto polices professional standards unit is reviewing the Court of Appeal decision. A spokesperson for the service said Friday that she should could not comment further on the case due to that ongoing review.

Richardson said he doesnt feel anger, just disappointment.

Its kind of messed up how youre stuck in a situation where theres no actual justice, he said.

Hes trying to look on the brighter side.

I went through it, and its done, just be thankful, he said. Freedom is the most important thing.
By Dylan Purcell, of The Philadelphia Inquirer

A tradition inspired by disappointment over the election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency stepped off this morning on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for the fourth year in a row in a presidential election year in which women are once again vying to be the first to occupy the Oval Office..

While participants said the estimated thousands joining in the Womens March on Philadelphia seemed fewer than last year and certainly down from the 50,000 attracted to the first in 2017, the day after Trumps inauguration, the mood was characteristically enthusiastic, determined, and supportive.

Yet, presidential politics was not the only motivation for those who walked from Logan Circle to the Art Museum on a frigid, snowy morning that rendered ink pens useless and cell phones unreliable. The theme of this years event, which is separately run from the Womens March in Washington, was The Year of the Woman. Marchers spoke of many issues relevant to them.

LaToia Horace, 25, from Woodbury, Gloucester County, braved the unpleasant elements for her first Womens March to push for equal rights.

Stop dictating our bodies, she said. Its a great time to be a woman. This is just the year to not worry about having a seat at the table and to make our own.

Said her friend Nakera Pierce, 25, also from Woodbury: "Theres feminism and theres minority feminism. Were black and were women too. Were fighting for equality on both fronts.

Nathalie Darden, who said she also is from South Jersey but would not say where, kept warm in a knitted pink hat  the garb of the first Womens March that is not nearly as ubiquitous this year.

Im here for equal rights for women. Equal rights for the LGBT community is flip-flopping right now. And were here for equal pay, she said. I worked as a civil engineer and I know I wasnt making the same pay then.

With her was friend Jennifer Pugliese, who said the march raises important awareness to the high rate of sexual assaults.

That seems to be the last frontier of stigma. People dont talk about it, Pugliese said.

Allyson Ross, a resident of Paoli attending her third Womens March, said she is terrified about the prospect of Trump being reelected.

I cant even fathom four more years of this, she said.

On her list of concerns is racism, misogyny, climate change, education, and student debt.

The cool thing is were all here with diffident things," Ross said. "Were all here together because we realize there is the common good.

Libby Madarasz, 56, of Exton, said the significance of this years presidential election cannot be overstated.

I think its the most important election of our lifetime," she said. "Everyone said give him a chance and maybe hell rise to the level. But he hasnt. Its all about corporate profits with him.

Impeachment was on Lisa Banwells mind.

Id like to see justice at the impeachment inquiry, said the resident of Howell, N.J. Id like to see justice served.

The march got started at 10 a.m., just as snow started to fall. As participants reached the Art Museum, they heard speeches from a variety of guests, among them Mayor Jim Kenney.

Kenney never mentioned Trump but referred to negative events that have silver linings. Among the pluses since Trump took office, he said, were the elections of local Democrats Madeleine Dean, Chrissy Houlahan and Mary Gay Scanlon to Congress, who also attended the march.

Last month, Kenney selected Danielle Outlaw, the police chief of Portland, Ore., as Philadelphias new police commissioner. She will be the first African American woman in that job.
Veteran Bollywood actor Shabana Azmi was rushed to the hospital after her car rammed into a truck on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway on Saturday evening. Shabana was heading towards Mumbai when her Safari crashed into a truck from her rear as both the vehicles were moving towards Mumbai.

The accident took place 2 kilometres before Khalapur toll booth around 4 pm, according to Maharashtra traffic police headquarters officials. As per Khalapur police, she has sustained minor injuries on her face including neck and chin and near the eye, as she was sitting next to the driver.

Also read: Shahid Kapoor and Ishaan Khatters grandmother dies, Dhadak actor says Youll never be forgotten

Shabanas husband and lyricist Javed Akhtar, who was travelling behind her in a separate car, an Audi, was safe and his car was not involved in the crash, said police.

Watch | Shabana Azmi injured in car accident on Mumbai-Pune Expressway, wishes pour in

The Safari was being driven by Azmis driver followed by the Audi. The driver tried to overtake and ended up crashing into the moving truck from the rear, said Vishwajeet Kainjade, inspector at Khalapur police station.

Within fifteen minutes of the accident, the police team reached the spot. However, by the time, the first responders had already rushed Shabana to the hospital. She is currently admitted at MGM Hospital in Kamothe.

Raigad Police: Actor Shabana Azmi&her driver got injured in accident near Kahalpur on Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Javed Akhtar was also present in the car, but he is safe. Their vehicle was hit by a truck while they were travelling from Pune to Mumbai. Injured shifted to MGM Hospital https://t.co/bezuNWvUTa pic.twitter.com/8YWtZoEUSF  ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2020

Several Bollywood celebrities tweeted about the accident and wished for Shabanas speedy recovery. Filmmaker Hansal Mehtra wrote, The Mumbai-Pune expressway has always been dangerous and there is little or no monitoring to prevent rash driving. Have seen so many terrible accidents there. Hope #ShabanaAzmi is fine. Dear @OfficeofUT please improve safety on this route urgently. It is quite a death trap.

The Mumbai-Pune expressway has always been dangerous and there is little or no monitoring to prevent rash driving. Have seen so many terrible accidents there. Hope #ShabanaAzmi is fine. Dear @OfficeofUT please improve safety on this route urgently. It is quite a death trap.  Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) January 18, 2020

Actor Swara Bhaskar tweeted, Shabana Azmi injured in road accident on Mumbai- Pune Expressway. OMG! Praying so hard. Actor Gauahar Khan wrote, Shabanaji praying hard. Ranvir Shorey tweeted, OMG! This is terrible! Praying for @AzmiShabanas safety and wishing her a speedy recovery!

Shabana Azmi injured in road accident on Mumbai- Pune Expressway

OMG! Praying so hard  https://t.co/zV4XRo2pqH  Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) January 18, 2020

Shabanaji  praying hard   Gauahar Khan (@GAUAHAR_KHAN) January 18, 2020

OMG! This is terrible! Praying for @AzmiShabanas safety and wishing her a speedy recovery!  https://t.co/R8kDkNh3fO  Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) January 18, 2020

Theatre director Danish Husain has tweeted that Shabana is now out of danger. However, there has been no comment from either her family or her representative.

Relieved to hear that #ShabanaAzmi is out of danger. Wishing & hoping speedy recovery.  https://t.co/czECdTEyFn  Danish Husain       (@DanHusain) January 18, 2020

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SCHENECTADY  Alejandro Melendez's mother said he was a loving son, who would call to check up on her just about every night. But he had a bad drug habit, she said. He also served time in prison for robbery.

Ishwarnand Goberdhan worked several jobs. He's been supporting his wife and 6-year-old daughter here, and his family back in his native Guyana, according to two of his bosses.

When their paths crossed sometime early Christmas morning, Melendez, 51, ended up dead. Goberdhan, 35, flew to Guyana the next day, then returned to Schenectady this past Tuesday.

He was arrested and remains jailed without bail on a second-degree murder charge, accused in court documents of intentionally hitting Melendez three times with a vehicle and killing him in the parking lot of a State Street business a few miles from where both lived.

On Friday, the Schenectady County District Attorney's office said a grand jury was weighing the facts of the case. Prosecutor Christina Tremante Pelham is handling the matter.

Attorney Michael Horan, representing Goberdhan, said Friday that Melendezs death was a tragic accident.

From our perspective, (Goberdhan) didnt have a motive to do it because he didnt intend to do it. It was an accident, Horan said.

He also disputed that his client "fled" to Guyana, noting he has proof that Goberdhan had already booked the plane ticket for the trip before Christmas.

Horan asserted that Goberdhan voluntarily came back from Guyana on Tuesday, knowing police were looking for him, because they had already gone to his Schenectady home and spoken with his wife about the incident.

Horan said the criminal case has been adjourned to allow him time to decide if Goberdhan will testify before the grand jury and for Horan to conduct his own investigation into the death.

Its unclear if the deadly confrontation was captured by either city or private surveillance cameras and why Goberdhan didn't call for help.

Trying to understand

Santa Melendez is still trying to come to grips with her sons death.

I cant believe that, she said Thursday, shaking her head. He helped me out a lot and called me every night before I went to sleep.

But she also conceded that Melendez, who she said has two adult daughters, ages 23 and 32, had drug troubles.

He was released in December 2015 after being locked up for 14 years for robbery, according to online information from the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

Santa Melendez said she'd heard that her son was smoking crack with some others when they ran out of the drug and he was urged to get money to buy more.

He never returned.

'Hard working guy'

On Friday and Saturday nights, Goberdhan worked as a DJ at Secret End Restaurant & Bar in Schenectady, according to co-owner Feroze Jaffar.

Jaffar said he was stunned to learn of the murder accusation against the man he knew as DJ Krisso.

In this kind of business, when youre dealing with people who drink and get drunk, you can get easily provoked, but I never saw him angry or upset, said Jaffar. He described Goberdhan as "a hard working guy.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Jaffar recalled Goberdhan showing up to a Christmas Eve party at the club where he played music with the other DJ for about an hour that night.

Somdat Singh, who owns a barber shop in Schenectady where Goberdhan cut hair, told the Times Union that he testified before the grand jury Thursday.

While he expressed sympathy for Melendezs family, he also wanted to paint a more complete picture of Goberdhan.

I dont want people to see this guy as a monster or killer or somebody who has no concern. Hes a very caring person," Singh said earlier this week from his shop. He works like a beast, that guy doesnt sleep.

He said that after slogging at his warehouse job overnight, Goberdhan would often take his young daughter to school, and then come to the barbershop to cut hair.

Singh said Goberdhan told him he was in Guyana because his father was sick in the hospital after suffering a stroke. Then on Saturday, Singh said Goberdhan confided in him, saying, Boss, Im wanted.

Singh said Goberdhan then told him that after he left Secret End Christmas Eve, he went across the street and got into his car, when a man approached and asked him for a few dollars. He said Goberdhan told him he pulled out his wallet and gave the man $2, but the man grabbed the wallet and ran off.

Singh said Goberdhan told him he wanted the wallet back because it contained his green card, Social Security card and other important documents, and about $1,500 in cash.

So, Goberdhan, behind the wheel of his wife's SUV, gave chase, and when he caught up with Melendez hit the brakes, but slid on ice and struck Melendez, Singh said he was told.

He (told) me, man, you know Im scared, and thats why I ran away,' said Singh. He went back to Guyana, and I guess had some time to think, and decided to turn himself in.

Singh said its an all-around sad situation for both sides.

Hes a good guy who ended up in a bad situation, Singh said.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 21:17:35|Editor: Xiaoxia

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TRIPOLI, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Saturday expressed concern over closure of oil ports in eastern Libya by tribal leaders.

"UNSMIL expresses deep concern over current efforts to disrupt or impair oil production in Libya," UNSMIL said in a statement.

"This move would have devastating consequences first and foremost for the Libyan people who depend on the free flow of oil for their well-being and will also have terrible knock-on effects for the country's already deteriorated economic and financial situation," it added.

"The Mission urges all Libyans to exercise maximum restraint while international negotiations continue to broker an end to Libya's longstanding crisis, including recommending measures to ensure transparency in the allocation of resources," the statement said.

It also "reiterates the importance of preserving the integrity and neutrality of the National Oil Corporation (NOC)."

Mustafa Sanalla, chairman of the NOC of the UN-backed government, on Friday warned that shutting down oil production and exporting will lead to collapse of the exchange rate of local currency against foreign currencies, huge increase in the national deficit, departure of foreign contractors and loss of future production.

Local media said that a number of tribal elders in eastern Libya stormed control chambers inside oil ports and demanded operators to shut down the ports.

The tribal leaders accused the UN-backed government of using oil revenues to support armed groups against the eastern-based army in the capital Tripoli.

The eastern-based army of Libya has been leading a military campaign since early April in and around the capital Tripoli, trying to take over the city and topple the rival UN-backed government.

The fighting killed and injured thousands of people, and forced more than 120,000 civilians to flee their homes.

Berlin will host an international conference on Libya on Sunday, with participation of both parties to the conflict as well as a number of regional and international countries.

The conference aims to end the deadly ongoing armed conflict between the two rivals and resume the political dialogue in the country.
One of the engines of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752. Photo: Iran Press/Handout via Reuters

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Iran's accidental shooting down of Ukrainian Flight 752 last week happened when Tehran was spooked by reports of advanced US stealth fighters in the area.

"There were at least six (US) F-35 fighters in the air in the Iranian border area. This information has yet to be verified, but I'd like to underline the edginess that always accompanies such situations," Mr Lavrov said.

Speaking in Moscow, Mr Lavrov called the incident that killed 176 people a human error and said he was not trying to excuse anyone. But he said it was important to understand the context and the incident had occurred hours after an Iranian missile attack on US bases in Iraq, when Iranian forces were braced for military retaliation. "There is information the Iranians were expecting another attack from the United States after the strike but did not know what form it might take," said Mr Lavrov.
Things continued that way until the passage of LB397 amended the term "cigarette" and the Nebraska Department of Revenue issued a notice on its website in August.

As a result, tobacco manufacturers said, now certain little cigars, filtered, nonfiltered and flavored, were reclassified as cigarettes as of Sept. 1.

If the cigars didn't meet certain requirements, including being listed on a state directory, state officials said they could be confiscated during a retail inspection.

Brookhouser said the problem was that cigarette sellers who were part of the 1998 settlement already can sell little cigars without paying Nebraska anything, because the federal excise tax it pays on cigarette sales excludes cigar sales by definition.

However, if Swisher or Cheyenne weren't part of the settlement, they have to pay $7.16 into an escrow account for each carton of cigars sold in Nebraska under the change.

In a recent decision, Lancaster County District Judge Kevin McManaman wrote that the tobacco manufacturers had not shown they were likely to win the case because the department had issued the notice as guidance documents, not as rules or regulations.
Jan 18 (Reuters) - Oilfield services provider McDermott International Inc is preparing to file for bankruptcy as soon as next week, Bloomberg reported on Friday, citing people with knowledge of the matter.

The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Reuters.

McDermott is discussing a restructuring plan in which its debt could be converted into equity, with its group of lenders getting the majority of the shares, the report said.

Unsecured creditors would receive less than 10% of the equity along with warrants, according to one of the people cited in the Bloomberg report. A group of lenders led by HPS Investment Partners and Baupost Group LLC are in talks to provide a loan of around $2 billion to keep the company's operations running during bankruptcy, the Wall Street Journal reported in late December.

(Reporting by Sabahatjahan Contractor in Bengaluru Editing by Matthew Lewis)
"We can't wait": Maldives desperate for funds as islands risk going under FILE PHOTO: Members of the Maldives government swim to attend the first underwater cabinet meeting in the Maldives

By Alasdair Pal and Devjyot Ghoshal

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - The tropical Maldives may lose entire islands unless it can quickly access cheap financing to fight the impact of climate change, its foreign minister said.

The archipelago's former president Mohamed Nasheed famously held a cabinet meeting underwater to draw attention to submerging land and global warming a decade ago.

Yet the Maldives, best known for its white sands and palm-fringed atolls that draw luxury holiday-makers, has struggled to find money to build critical infrastructure like sea-walls.

"For small states, it is not easy," Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid told Reuters in New Delhi. "By the time the financing is obtained, we may be underwater."

At the U.N. climate talks in Madrid in December, the Maldives and other vulnerable countries pushed for concrete progress on fresh funding to help them deal with disasters and longer-term damage linked to climate change - but failed.

Shahid was hopeful the next round of talks, slated to take place in Glasgow in November, would yield better results.

One of the world's lowest-lying countries, more than 80% of the Maldives' land is less than one meter above mean sea levels, making its population of around 530,000 people extremely vulnerable to storm surges, sea swells and severe weather.

In 2004, the Indian Ocean tsunami ravaged the Muslim-majority state, causing financial losses of around $470 million - 62% of GDP - and hitting infrastructure, including its only international airport that was shut for several days.

'WE NEED IT'

Two of the country's main industries - tourism and fishing - are heavily dependent on coastal resources, and most settlements and critical infrastructure is concentrated along the coast.

In 2014, more than 100 of the archipelago's inhabited islands were already reporting erosion, and around 30 islands are identified as severely eroded.

The Maldives spends around $10 million annually for coastal protection works, but will need up to $8.8 billion in total to to shield all of its inhabited islands, according to a 2016 estimate by its environment ministry.

Story continues

"In order to protect the islands, we need to start building sea walls," Shahid said. "It's expensive, but we need it. We can't wait until all of them are being taken away."

The United Nations has created a pot to help developing nations, called the Green Climate Fund, which has already approved nearly $24 million in funding to the Maldives, according to its website.

Some individual nations have also offered help, including Japan which contributed to a sea wall round the Maldives' capital Male. Shahid did not specify where his government was pushing for more funding.

However, Environment Minister Hussain Rasheed Hassan said recently his country would have to turn to banks given inadequate funding elsewhere despite the fact small nations like his were paying the price for the developed world's pollution. [nL8N28L45T]

"We have to beg some of these (big) emitters to provide money for us. Is that fair?" he said.

(Reporting by Alasdair Pal and Devjyot Ghoshal in New Delhi; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
The funeral took place on Friday of former Mayor of Sligo, John Harrison.

Mr Harrison was a Fianna Fail councillor on Sligo Corporation and was Mayor on two occasions in 1976 and in 1987.

From Greenfort Estate, Cairns Road the late Mr Harrison passed away last Monday at Nenagh Hospital surrounded by family members.

Mr Harrison was a past pupil of St Edwards National School, and Sligo Technical School, then in Quay Street. He became a fitter in Dennys Factory before successfully applying for a scholarship to Bolton Street College, Dublin. On qualifying as a teacher he became a temporary metalwork teacher in Sligo Technical School. His first permanent position as a teacher was in Ballyshannon.

He then applied for a position as a teacher in Sligo Technical School and was successful and eventually became Principal of Ballinode Community College (the new name for the Technical School) He was a member of the Feis Shligigh Committee for many years and held the position of Honorary Secretary.

He was first elected to the Corporation in 1974. He topped the poll in the West Ward in the subsequent local elections (1979) and (1985) earning him the title Alderman. He retired from public life in 1994 - after serving for 20 years on Sligo Corporation. He was conferred with the Freedom of the Borough in 1997.

His father-in-law was the late Councillor Michael Hughes, who spearheaded the campaign to have a third bridge built across the Garavogue river in the 1940s. The bridge, when eventually opened in 1988 was named the Michael Hughes Bridge in his honour.

He is survived by his wife, Ann and children, Michael, Margaret, John, Paul, Trevor, Olivia and Rory and extended family. Requiem mass took place on Friday morning at 11:30am with burial in Sligo Cemetery afterwards.

As is usual for a former Mayor of the town, the cortege passed through the centre of Sligo, passing up Adelaide Street, Wine Street, Stephen Street and Bridge Street on the way to the cemetery.

The present members of Sligo County Council along with former Mayors and elected representatives formed a guard of honour. The Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Councillor Tom MacSharry said Mr Harrison was universally liked and respected across the political spectrum.

From the time he was first elected to Sligo Corporation he served with great distinction and integrity. His background in education  he was the first Principal of Ballinode College  was an invaluable resource for the Corporation and the wider community. His passion for Sligo knew no bounds, and he instigated numerous projects and initiatives during his time on the Council. Being elected Mayor and subsequently Freeman of Sligo were deserved recognition for his exemplary public service, said Cllr MacSharry.

Sligos longest serving councillor Declan Bree said: John Harrison and I were both elected for the first time in 1974. I had the privilege over the years of serving with John as a member of the Corporation, the Borough of Sligo Vocational Education Committee, the Museum Committee and various other committees.

Despite our different political backgrounds John Harrison and I had a very good relationship on the Council. He was always passionate about Sligo, its development and its prosperity. He campaigned for city status and he consistently lobbied for funding for youth facilities and for projects such as the successful Urban Renewal Scheme along the banks of the Garavogue. As a teacher, and as a politician, he had an abiding interest in education, particularly in terms of improving educational facilities and ensuring the necessary resources were made available to those who required them.

He was one of those who pioneered the development of the Youthreach programme in Sligo which offered opportunities to young unemployed school leavers.

John had a deep sense of civic commitment as demonstrated by his involvement, not only in political life and local government but also in terms of promoting our culture and heritage and particularly in his voluntary work over the decades with Feis Shligigh.

He was a man of principle with very high standards and he was always guided by a desire to act in the common good. Having had the privilege of serving alongside him for two decades I can give testament to his integrity, his dedication and his sense of service to the people of this community. I extend my sympathy to his wife Ann and to his sons, daughters, his sisters and brother and extended family. said Cllr Bree.
RIVERTON  Theres no shortage of information about the famous blizzard of 1949, probably the most famous weather event in Wyoming history  but Don Strubes story stands out.

The longtime Riverton resident lived through it, bit it took luck, creativity and the kindness of strangers. Seventy years later, he remembers it in vivid detail.

Strube reminisced about the storm as its 70th anniversary year came to an end. He and eight schoolmates at Albin High School spent days holed up in a tiny rural cabin after being stranded in the storm miles from home.

He was a senior in high school then, as were several of his companions that day, although some were as young as seventh grade.

Accompanying Strube were Charles Pearson, his sister Jo Ann Pearson, their younger brother Richard Pearson, Mary Jean Boyce, and brothers Gene and John Lemaster.

They had eaten at the cafe in Albin owned by Strubes aunt and uncle, Pete and Mary Thomas. It was Sunday, Jan. 2, 1949.

After lunch, we got into the 1948 Chevrolet that the Pearson family had just bought recently. It was a four-door, Strube recalled. Then we headed over to Pine Bluffs for a movie.

The world had changed.

He no longer remembers the name of the picture, but he recalls that the sun was shining. It was a nice, balmy day when we left Albin on the 20-mile drive to Pine Bluffs in the southeast corner of the state. We went into a matinee at about 1:30 p.m.

When they came out shortly before 3 oclock, it was as if the entire world had changed.

We walked out into a roaring blizzard, Strube said.

Not understanding the magnitude of what was happening, the seven friends got back into the car and headed back home for Albin.

Conditions worsened quickly. They were trying to drive during Wyomings worst winter storm of the 20th century.

Some of us were hanging out both sides with the windows down, trying to see the road. We got about seven miles from Pine Bluffs when we came upon a stalled car.

Inside they found a couple they knew, Al and Wilma Moore, local grocers. They had their new baby with them, stranded.

The Albin teens opened the doors and made room. The Moores piled into the Strube partys Chevrolet as well.

Now we had 10 people in our car, and we were still hanging out the window trying to see where we were going.

They crept along the highway for another three miles, but then, with darkness gathering and the storm conditions overwhelming, they ran off the road.

The situation was bad, but it might have been worse, Strube said.

As luck would have it, our car stalled on a farmers driveway, kind of pointing uphill. It was right at the homestead entrance.

The farm family had three sons, and they saw the stricken vehicles headlights shining up the hill toward their house. A daughter, a graduate of Albin High School a few years earlier, was home for the holidays from Denver.

Those boys saw our headlights, and they told their dad. He took a lantern and came down to the car through the snow, maybe about 400 feet.

The farmers name was Pearl Castor. He remains a hero to Strube to this day.

All 10 of us got out of the car and managed to get up to the house with Pearl. We didnt have any proper winter clothes on. It had been a nice day when we started out, and we were planning on being in the car and in the movie theater. That was a long walk up that hill.

The Castor farmhouse wasnt much, a small homestead shack with poured concrete walls, two small bedrooms, a tiny front room and a small kitchen space.

There was no telephone, no running water, no electricity and no heat except for the kitchen stove, which burned wood. The roof wasnt air-tight.

There already were six people in that house when we got there, Strube said. Theres a raging blizzard outside, and there were 16 people in that very small house.

The Castors had eaten dinner for the night, and there wasnt enough food to feed the unexpected visitors.

Soon it was time for bed. The roof in the over the small house was so poor that snow had blown inside and piled on Mr. and Mrs. Castors bed.

When they went to bed they removed six or eight washtubs of snow on the top of their bed, Strube said. The three of us boys (the high school seniors) sat in front of the stove with our feet in it. The rest of us tried to rest in the small living room with what little heat came from the stove. The four Castor kids slept in the other bedroom.

All four of the Castor children were of adult age, although Strube recalled that the sons appeared to have a developmental disability that limited their speech.

There were 16 of us in there. It was cozy, he joked.

A stack of firewood got the group through the night. The snow was so intense, and unremitting through the night, that there was no possibility of even seeing the small outhouse, much less getting to it.

When we needed to go to the bathroom, we just went right outside, Strube said. If you got 10 feet from the house you couldnt see anything.

The next morning, the storm continued. The party of 16 needed food.

Pearl Castor opened the door and felt his way out to his barn using a barbed wire fence as his guide. Making his way through the whiteout hand over hand, he reached the barn and was able to feed his cows with hay he had put up. When he got back to the house, he had some chickens.

We killed those chickens, we dressed them, and then about mid-morning we cooked them. All 10 of us ate at the table the first seating, and the family ate at the second seating.

There was one more mouth to feedthe Castors had a dog, and he licked the Castor sons plates clean.

With no letup in the storm, Mr. Castor went outside and felt his way along the fence again. Each time he came to a fence post he would uproot it, and brought back several to the house to use as firewood.

We put those fence posts across chairs, took a handsaw and cut them down to size so we could put them in the cook stove, Strube said.

Even so, it was freezing in the house.

I had a glass of water, said Strube, and I put that glass down beside my chair and set it on the floor, and it froze right to the floor.

Another run to the barn spelled doom for a couple more chickens, and the 16-person group had a small chicken supper.

Another night loomed. The Castors filled up the washtubs again with snow that had accumulated on the bedspread.

We really didnt get any sleep, said Strube. We just sat there all night long, stoked wood in that fire until Tuesday morning. If that fire went out, we were in trouble.

Tuesday dawned bitterly cold, with snow blowing horizontally.

It was 15 or 20 below zero, said Strube. There was nothing we could do. We sat there in the little house and got through that day.

There was just one meal  chicken again.

By mid-morning Wednesday, the storm broke a little bit, said Strube. It cleared enough that you could see out to the road. After a while we looked out and saw two people coming up the road.

It was Strubes uncle Pete Thomas, the cafe owner, and cousin Bob Sorenson. Strube walked out to the road to greet them in the cold.

I had on overalls, my shirt and my little FFA jacket, unlined, he recalled. I had on a little filling station cap and low-top shoes. Everyone was dressed about like that.

At the end of the cold walk, uncle Pete provided some information about the storm. There were many people stranded or unaccounted for.

Strubes uncle said the Castors were the only household along the road between Albin and Pine Bluffs without a telephone. By process of elimination, the two men concluded that the missing youths probably were at the Castor place.

So they walked out to the Castors and found us, said Strube.

At about 2 oclock in the afternoon, Strube and his two relatives began walking back to town  six miles. Finally in a warm home, Strube spent the night at his aunt and uncles house.

They fed him a good meal  no chicken.

On the way into Albin, they encountered a farmer about a mile from town. He and a helper had hooked up a manure spreader to a couple of tractors and drove house to house looking for stranded people. He came to the Castor place and hauled the remaining party back to Albin on the spreader.

That farmers name, Oden Hogerson, also remains fresh in Strubes memory 70 years later.

Strube wasnt home yet. His family lived on a farm six miles out of town the other direction. Normal automobile traffic was impossible, so I walked to our farm, said Strube.

He happened to arrive home on foot about the same time as his brother Richard, who had been stranded about five miles south of home. He sat out the worst of the storm in a different house and made it home on foot safely.

When we got home, our barn was covered with snow, recalled Strube said. Cattle were trapped in one barn, horses in the other. So that afternoon, which was Thursday, we dug a tunnel to the cow barn. We got the cows some water and fed them some oats, with the same for the horses.

The family got an oil stove going in a two-room center section of the house, and things heated up.

It was hard to believe how deep the snow was, Strube said. We opened the door and the snow had blown through the keyhole and formed waist-high against the wall.

Friday arrived, and the Strube boys were determined to help if they could.

We got up, saddled our horses and rode back to Albin. A lot of the time, our horses hooves were level with the rooftops of the houses.

Stranded vehicles were everywhere. A county road grader on the outskirts of town had a bad tire and couldnt move.

Later in the day, an airplane flew over and dropped a new tire for the road grader, Strube said. Then it made another pass and threw big packages of baloney. It landed on the hillside, and people started picking it up.

The plane circled around again. The cargo door opened, and out came boxes which came apart in the air, revealing loaves of bread. Hungry residents could make baloney sandwiches.

The Strube brothers went back home. They had hogs as well, and were able to dig them out and feed them. An automated water dispenser kept the animals more comfortable. Other farmers were not so fortunate. News accounts of the day show that livestock losses were extensive.

The only thing we lost were three geese, said Strube.

Weather conditions stabilized in the coming days. By Saturday, the family managed to get to Denver with some cattle to sell, although there was difficulty getting home. Strubes dad had to ride in a U.S. Army snow-cat vehicle known as a weasel to get through the worst parts of the trip home. His mother stayed in Pine Bluffs for several days.

Anecdotes from the storm stick in his memory.

There was one farm south of us that had a large windbreak of some big trees. The blizzard and the wind completely filled that windbreak. There were 26 cows that walked under it for shelter like they always did, and the snow collapsed and smothered them all.

A local school teacher got stranded 14 miles west of Albin, holed up in a car with her brother for three days. They had brought extra clothes and had some food in the car. When the weather cleared they realized they were right outside of a farm where they could have sought assistance, but the conditions were so blinding that they never realized it.

Between Cheyenne and Wellington, Colorado, said Strube, there was a couple with two children who went to their friends for New Years, and they stayed pretty late. They tried to get home in the storm, but they only made it about a mile before they stalled. They froze to death right in their car.

Outside help was slow in coming, other than the air drop of baloney and bread.

The trains stalled in Pine Bluffs through the blizzard. Those trains were completely covered up with snow in some places. The people stayed inside, and when they could they were taken out and into town and stayed in houses with the people in Pine Bluffs. The railroad would come in and dig out the track one day, then it would get completely blown over again at night.

Authorities eventually confirmed 12 deaths in Wyoming due to the storm. Another 28 people were confirmed dead in western Nebraska, northeastern Colorado and southwestern South Dakota.

Even after the storm cleared, the remaining winter was unseasonably cold and snowy. A combination of local, state, military and federal government authorities took charge of rescue operations, and that work was not declared complete until March 1.

Repairs to roads, railroads, fences, air strips, homes, businesses and school infrastructure took more months to complete.

Strube said the experience brought out the best of his rural farm and small-town neighbors  and there was even one positive to come from the experience.

The roads were closed, and the school buses couldnt get through. There was no school for five weeks.

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With regards to the recognition of the Royal Irish Constabulary and the Dublin Metropolitan Police, we should remember that we are all victims of history, but not prisoners of history.

The best example is John F Kennedy - his brother Joe was killed in the bombing of Germany.

Some 18 years later in 1963 JFK speaking in Berlin said: "I am a Berliner."

The Marshall Plan aid and other help given by the United States to Germany and Japan turned enemies into loyal allies.

Henry Ford said that history without technology is "bunk".

The British empire was an economic empire.

It gave us the first industrial revolution and 90pc of the then known technology.

The Magna Carta gave us human-rights based democracy and an open society.

Irish nationalism gave us a closed society and compulsory conformity.

The UK and USA gave us the cure for TB and polio, the telephone, radio TV and the computer.

The US gave us the bomb which made war not a rational decision but MAD: mutual assured destruction.

The UK and US were a creative scientific community and that is what Trinity College Dublin is proposing to build on the canal to push out the frontiers of knowledge and to innovate better products costing billions.

Nationalism is a closed society.

Einstein said that a person in a closed society has been given a large brain by mistake as a brain stem would suffice for compulsory conformity.

Noel Flannery

St Circular Rd, Limerick

We only have ourselves to blame for insurance crisis

Charlie Weston's excellent article on insurance for nursing homes and creches ('Fears for elderly as insurance crisis hits nursing homes', January 16) makes depressing reading.

We the State, through Hiqa, have control of standards in nursing homes and creches but we have reneged on our responsibility of providing the obligatory insurance cover. The State's Claims Agency, which provides cover for our hospitals, should be asked to take this on, funded if necessary by an modest increase in tax.

An obligatory quid pro quo reduction in fees would be a welcome relief for the early risers who pay for both.

He cites the report (September 2018) by the former president of the High Court, Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, on the high awards for injuries as one of the reasons insurance companies are pulling out.

The same report was supposed to accelerate reforms within the legal system to address these anomalies but as I predicted two years ago in a letter to the Irish Independent, nothing happened - or ever will.

It's our own fault we didn't force our politicians to sort out the legal industry years ago.

Dr Michael Foley

Rathmines, Dublin 6

Good men must stand up to new low of barbarism

In my studies over the years I have read research articles on the importance of the role of the father and articles on the importance of men's contribution to society. I am fortunate that I have a good father and a good husband and have benefited from the influence of having positive male role models in my life. But I despair for my daughter.

I empathise with Bonnie Tyler - where have all the good men gone?

Ninety-five per cent of homicide offenders are male, 82pc of victims of sexual violence are female? Now we have descended to a new low of barbarism perpetrated by men.

Is it that men don't realise their own potential and value? Is it that men feel displaced as women's voices grow louder as they strive for equality in a female revolution? Or is it that primitive nature will prevail?

For God's sake, men - stand up and take pride in yourselves. Find your voice and speak to each other and start your revolution for men.

Aideen Heneghan

Naas, Co Kildare

'Snort' of cocaine fuels savagery on our streets

Paul Williams (Irish Independent, January 17) writes of "the brutal descent into narco-terrorism" occurring in Ireland. His second last paragraph: [Narco-terrorism] "poses some profound questions for civilised society, including whether we are prepared to continue to nurture and sustain these creatures for the love of cocaine".

This paragraph should be the focus of all who imagine 'a snort' does no harm to anyone. Please allow me to expand on this by posing a question to users of so-called "recreational drugs".

Do you realise it is your use of drugs that permits this savagery and you also bear some of the responsibility for the death of Keane Mulready-Woods?

Irrespective of anyone's religious or moral belief, each individual is part and parcel of life on this earth. Like it or not, each of us has an obligation to the welfare of each other.

Declan Foley

Berwick, Australia

Citizens' assembly will solve housing crisis

We have a lot of free market, small government specialists in the country these days. If the free market fixed everything, we would not have had the 2008 crash and there would not be a homeless crisis.

The source of good government is the setting up of a regulatory framework and incentives for the free market to work without being overwhelmed by greed.

Ballymun was a failure because it did not address the issues that affected the people who would live there. Its replacement, which listened carefully to the people who were in the original flats, won awards.

Homelessness is as complex as the situations that lead to homelessness in the first place. The solutions is creating the balance of the right type of shelter and housing to meet the need, incentivising rather than punishing landlords for providing affordable accommodation.

Housing should be a safe, secure investment but never a focus for speculative rack renting. To get this mix right, we need a new citizens' assembly.

Pauline Bleach

New South Wales, Australia

Priests' celibacy essential to vocation and sacrifice

Brendan Butler claims the upholding of celibacy for priests "is an insult to all married Catholic people". He is certainly not speaking on my behalf.

How difficult is it to understand the priest is called to be another Christ, totally dedicated to God and his people? He is asked to forego being married and having a family in order to devote his whole life to God.

This in no way takes away from the vocation of married people but it can hardly be argued they can give the time and dedication an unmarried priest can.

It seems quite simple to explain the extraordinary vocation and sacrifice required of a Catholic priest and in no way insults those who avail of the sacrament of marriage.

Mary Stewart

Donegal Town, Co Donegal

Farmers' vindictiveness means I will eat less beef

The first time the farmers came to Dublin to protest about their plight with the meat processors, I acquainted myself with their situation and fully agreed they were justified in protesting.

Yes, it caused disruption but that's why protests happen: to highlight grievances.

But when I saw them - having made their point a second time - heading along the motorway three abreast deliberately blocking any traffic from passing, they lost my sympathy.

Here was a gang of farmers deciding to vindictively drive in a line across the motorway to consciously stop ordinary working people from going home to their families, picking up their children from creches, schools, etc.

I'm sure they will have a good laugh in the pub this weekend, back slapping and high fiving each other after their jaunt into the city. I'm sure they think we the urban dwellers can do nothing about it.

Wrong. I myself eat meat seven days a week. Now I am going to substitute the beef portions I have three times a week with a non-beef meal.

Of course I am just one person and my protest alone will probably make them laugh if they read this letter. Who knows, I might not be the only person to do this.

The rural divide just got a lot wider.

Anthony McGeough

Kingswood Heights, Dublin 24
The Uttarakhand government would soon begin the process to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the state by identifying refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, minister Madan Kaushik said on Friday.

The development has come after the neighbouring state of Uttar Pradesh gave a list of about 32,000 refugees to the Centre for granting them Indian citizenship.

Our government would soon initiate the work on CAA by identifying refugees for granting them Indian citizenship as per the law. The citizenship would be granted to any refugee who would apply for it as per the law, Kaushik, who is also the government spokesperson, said while speaking to HT.

If the refugee applicant fulfils all the parameters of the law, he would be granted the citizenship, he added.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state had earlier conducted extensive mass outreach awareness campaigns on CAA through its leaders and legislators.

Under the initiative, the partys senior leaders, including chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, Union human resource development minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, chief minister of Himachal Pradesh Jai Ram Thakur and MP Ajay Bhatt, held at least 13 press conferences at different places from December 30 and January 15.

The party leaders also held more than 300 rallies across the state to garner public support on the act during the same period.

The amended citizenship law will grant citizenship to non-Muslims, who escaped to India fearing religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

They will also be eligible to get citizenship by naturalisation in half the time.

Critics say the law discriminates on the basis of religion and undermines the Constitution and several parties have filed petitions against CAA before the Supreme Court challenging the act.

The BJP-led government has denied all allegations amid protests against CAA across the country.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 17:47:13|Editor: Wang Yamei

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NEW DELHI, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Indian Minister of Commerce, Industry and Railways Piyush Goyal will lead the country's delegation to the 2020 World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting at Davos, Switzerland from Jan. 20 to 24, said an official statement on Saturday.

The theme of this year's meeting is "Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World".

The Indian delegation would include junior minister of shipping, chemical and fertilizers, chief ministers of states and other officials, according to the statement.

During his visit, Piyush Goyal will also hold meetings with officials from other countries and organizations.
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Linkedin (Reuters) London, United Kingdom  Sat, January 18, 2020 09:03 724 48be62e941b44f04afae568c3229daa3 2 Environment Britain,David-Attenborough,climate,climate-activists,climate-crisis,environment Free

British naturalist David Attenborough said the "moment of crisis" had come in the fight against climate change, warning that governments' targets for decades in the future were not enough to save the planet.

He called on China in particular to reduce its carbon emissions, saying that he thought other countries would follow if China set a lead.

"The moment of crisis has come - we can no longer prevaricate," said the 93-year-old, who raised public awareness around the world of the danger of plastic pollution in oceans with his television series Blue Planet II.

"We have been putting things off year after year, raising targets and saying: 'Oh well if we do it within the next 20 years...'," he told the BBC in an interview.

"This is an urgent problem that has to be solved. And what is more is that we know how to do it - that's the paradoxical thing - that we are refusing to take steps that we know have to be taken."

Read also: Queen presents Attenborough with prize for Blue Planet series

Noting the destruction being caused by Australia's current wave of wildfires, Attenborough criticized Canberra's approach to climate change, saying the government's support for coal mines showed the world it did not care about the environment.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said this week the country was improving its resilience and responding "to the reality of the environment in which we live".

Attenborough's interview was part of the BBC's drive to increase coverage of climate change ahead of a UN conference on climate change, COP 26, in Glasgow in November 2020.

Last year, Britain's Prince William launched a multi-million pound prize to find answers to Earth's biggest environmental problems, saying the planet was now at a tipping point.
What makes a great beach?

Good looks, sure. But reader nominations this year also highlighted several less obvious factors - including tradition, accessibility, nostalgia and great facilities. A good beach can't just look good, it needs to be user-friendly to create great memories.

Curracloe in Co Wexford, named Ireland's Favourite Beach in our Reader Travel Awards 2020, has all of the above.

A Blue Flag beach stretching over 10km along the southeast coast, this is "what a beach is all about", you said. Using words like "unspoilt", "clean" and "pristine", this is a "well-maintained and easy to get to" place, you told us, with "lots of room for fun and games" and "loads of space even when busy".

Read the full results of our Reader Travel Awards 2020

Curracloe is "where memories are made", you said. "You could be abroad on a fine day." The beach is close to Wexford town, has ample parking, public loos and a playground, and the Surf Shack is a friendly business offering not only surf lessons, but barista coffee, stone-baked pizzas and Featherbed Farm ice cream in summer.

FINALISTS: Ireland's Top 10 beaches for 2020

Curracloe, Co Wexford Inch, Co Kerry Brittas Bay, Co Wicklow Inchydoney, Co Cork Portmarnock, Co Dublin Lahinch, Co Clare Tramore, Co Waterford Ballybunion, Co Kerry Enniscrone, Co Sligo Salthill, Co Galway

"We only discovered Curracloe beach last year on a weekend trip to Wexford," one reader wrote. "It was February, so not exactly beach weather, but it was one of the highlights of our visit. I couldn't believe how long and beautiful the beach is. It just goes on and on, perfect for a long walk and to blow away the cobwebs. The kids loved running up and down the dunes, and it was nice to see how spotless it was too. We'll definitely be looking to visit again when it's warmer and sunny."

Locals hummed about the year-round appeal of a beach with a surprising stroll through the Raven Nature Reserve at its southern end - a forested sand spit where walkers might see red squirrels, pine martins and wintering geese. "Winter or summer, it's always good for a beautiful walk," you told us. Seals can be seen offshore, too.

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Put it all together with rolling, grass-topped dunes and white sand, and you have the perfect all-rounder.

"It's like being on a desert island," as one reader put it. Curracloe "transports you to north of France".

See visitwexford.ie for more.

NB: The Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards 2020 are sponsored by Iarnrod Eireann. Read the full list of winners here and share on social using the hashtag #indotravelawards.
By Trend

A traditional tourism exhibition was organized at the Jaarbeurs Exhibition and Convention Center in Utrecht city in the Netherlands, at which Armenia was represented by three and Georgia by eight tourism companies, Trend reports referring to Azerbaijans State Committee for Work with the Diaspora.

Emil Aliyev, an employee of the Coordination Council of the Netherlands-Belgium Azerbaijanis, while familiarizing himself with the exhibition, found provocative materials that contradicted the principle of Azerbaijans territorial integrity.

Distorted information about the occupied Azerbaijani territories was reflected in booklets of Armenian travel companies and in promotional materials of the Georgian GroosCom Travel company and the Dutch Kaukasus Reisen Plus company. These companies used maps where the occupied Azerbaijani territories were painted in a different color, and were indicated as Nagorno Karabakh Republic and Artsakh.

Provocative actions caused a dispute, and Emil Aliyev demanded that these materials be immediately removed from the exhibition. His demand was met with serious protest, and representatives of the companies even used physical force against him.

Representatives of Georgian travel agencies said that they used these maps because they couldnt find other maps for the exhibition and will remove them if there is an instruction from the exhibitions management.

Emil Aliyev held several meetings with the organizers of the exhibition, and thanks to his efforts and perseverance materials of a provocative nature were removed from the exhibition.

The Coordination Council employee told the organizers that until Jan. 19, Azerbaijans representatives will control the exhibition every day, insistently demanding that maps and booklets with provocative elements not be used again.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
"I request the students to not fall on the face-meaning of the Vivekadeepini. They must understand its core values from their teachers and should try and implement it into their lives. I assure them it will ensure that they always tread the right path in life," said Shah.

Bengaluru, Jan 18 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday advised school children to always tread the right path in life, addressing the Vedanta Bharati Vivekadeepini Mahasamarpane here.

Shah was addressing thousands of students at Palace Grounds in Bengaluru at the Vedanta Bharati convention, an institution for the study and research of Veda Vedanta, recognised by Tumkur University as a research centre.

Founded in 1999, Sri Bharati Theertha Mahaswaminah acts as the grand patron for the institution.

Shah suggested the students to see Vivekadeepini teachings as a guide to achieve the unseen targets in life as there is no better guide.

He thanked Vedanta Bharati for publishing the translation of Vivekadeepini literature in 10 languages. "I could see the Gujarati edition, and it gave me tremendous peace and joy."

The Home Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi took personal interest in the translation work and gave it to the Sahitya Akademi which is now translating it into 24 Indian languages.

Shah promised that he will stand by the Vedanta research institute and contribute to their work in every possible way which teaches Vivekadeepini to 10 lakh students.

Talking about the greatness of Adi Shankaracharya's life, Shah said everybody should draw inspiration from the saint's life.

"Living in such a minimalistic way, he went around the country on foot seven times. He also built four maths in four directions in the entire country," Shah said.

He said Shankaracharya built the Joshi Math in Kedarnath, Sharda Math in Dwarka, Govardhan Math in Puri and Sringeri in Karnataka.

According to Shah, the saint started the tradition of safeguarding our values by spreading the Vedas and Upanishads at these four maths.

"During his time, he ended a lot doubts and debates by providing facts and theories from the shastras. Adi Shankaracharya also ended the debate between Buddhism and Hinduism, a major achievement," he said.

Later in the day, Shah will address a public meeting on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as part of BJP's nationwide Jan Jagran Abhiyan at Nehru Stadium in Hubli, a town 415 km northwest of Bengaluru.

sth/rt
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 03:34:08|Editor: yan

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GAZA, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian was killed and another injured on Saturday in two separate explosions in the south of the Gaza Strip, the Gaza health ministry said.

The killed Palestinian, identified as 36-year-old Mahdi Eid Rmelat, died as a result of a "mysterious explosion" in Rafah city in southern Gaza, said Ashraf al-Qedra, spokesman of the Gaza Ministry of Health.

Another man was critically injured, he added.

Local sources said the explosions were caused by two explosive remnants of war in the surrounding area of Gaza Airport.

No Israeli source was available for comment on the incident.
Anita Katyal By

After it failed to form a government in Maharashtra and lost Jharkhand, the Bharatiya Janata Party faces its next big test in Delhi, which goes to polls on February 8. Preparations for the crucial election are in full swing, but the party has been made abundantly clear that it will not be projecting a chief ministerial candidate. Instead, the BJP is pinning its hopes on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to challenge the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party, which swept to power five years ago by winning 67 of the 70 assembly seats.

It has been predicted by political pundits that Kejriwal is well ahead in the electoral race and that the BJP has a long way to catch up with its chief competitor. And yet, the saffron party is insisting on going into the election with Modi as its face. The BJP cites the Prime Ministers undiminished popularity and charisma as the main reason for this move.

To a large extent, it is also a reflection of the BJPs credo to put its best foot forward in every election, whether big or small. The party refuses to give in and uses all means, both fair and foul, to win an election, irrespective of its electoral prospects. In Delhi, it is even willing to risk the Prime Ministers reputation, a sharp contrast to the Congress leadership which quietly takes a back seat if an election is not going in its favour.

On the other hand, there is no denying that the BJP is making a virtue out of a necessity, because it is a fact that the party has no choice but to depend on Modi. The party simply cannot afford to name a chief ministerial candidate. The reality is that the BJP has far too many contenders for the top post: Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Goel, the partys Delhi chief Manoj Tiwari, Union health minister Harsh Vardhan and MLA Vijender Gupta, to name a few.

In addition, there are several others who also have their eye on the main chance. However, party strategists have realised that naming any one of the many hopefuls will only result in messy factional warfare which it can ill-afford.Given these circumstances, the BJP believes Modi is its best bet. It realises that a defeat in Delhi will reflect poorly on the Prime Ministers personal image. An electoral loss will be immediately seen as a vote of no-confidence in the Modi governments recent controversial decisions like the implementation of a new citizenship law, the proposed National Register of Citizens and the National Population Register, which has triggered spontaneous nationwide protests. The opposition will be quick to point out that the Modi magic is finally on the wane. However, the BJP is willing to take that risk.

On the other hand, a victory will be projected as a definite acceptance of these policies and give the Centre a legitimate reason to come down heavily on the protesters. More importantly, this election will also indicate whether the BJPs strategy to show that the protests are led primarily by Muslims will result in Hindu consolidation in its favour. Though the BJP is also highlighting local issues to corner Kejriwal, it is essentially depending on its communal agenda to wrest Delhi from the AAP.

The BJP is convinced that its latest majoritarian project has hit its target. While Delhi is the first step, the saffron party is essentially looking ahead at the West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh assembly polls. It is imperative for the BJP to ensure that the communal divide is kept alive in these states, as it works to the advantage of the saffron party.

The battle lines in Delhi have been drawn: it is a fight between the Modi-led BJPs ideology vs AAPs populism. In a calculated move, Kejriwal has steered clear of battling the BJP on the citizenship law, the NRC or engaging with it on ideological issues. The chief minister has made a few critical statements on these controversial matters, but has not gone beyond that. He has, instead, deliberately kept the focus on his governments achievements, highlighting the improvements in government schools, the mohalla clinics providing health services to the poor at their doorstep, and the reduced electricity and water bills. He has offered further sops if voted back to power. And yet, Kejriwal has not hesitated to combine populism with soft-Hindutva.

He went out of his way to make special arrangements for kawadias when they travelled through Delhi on their pilgrimage. The Delhi chief minister also made similar preparations for the chhat puja and provided travel grants to senior citizens to go on pilgrimage. It was, therefore, no surprise that AAPs Atishi Marlena (whose surname is a combination of Marx and Lenin) was spotted at the Kalkaji temple the day her name figured in the list of candidates for next months election.


January 17, 2020

Transcript

Department of Defense Off-Camera Press Briefing by Assistant to the Secretary of Defense Hoffman and Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense Farah

Jonathan Rath Hoffman, Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs And Alyssa Farah, Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Media Affairs

DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ALYSSA FARAH: Hey, guys. Happy Friday. And we're going to do this on the record. We'd originally said background, but I know there's significant interest.

So I'm going to just go through a timeline and some facts for you, and then we'll take a handful of questions.

Q: All right.

MS. FARAH: So, first and foremost, following the attack on the Al Asad Air Base, we commend our commanders on the ground who took every necessary step to ensure the safety of U.S. forces.

Following the January 8th missile attack on Al Asad, a number of service members were given routine examinations for concussions. The vast majority of those who received initial exams needed no follow-on exams. However, a number of service members continued to display concussion-like symptoms days after the attack and reported them to their chain of command. Out of an abundance -- abundance of caution, these 11 members were transported for further evaluation to Landstuhl, Germany, on January 15th, where MRI equipment is available.

The symptoms of suspected TBI often do not fully materialize themselves until days after an injury, and thus often do not require continued monitoring -- and thus often require continued monitoring and follow-on care.

The Pentagon leadership was notified of the injuries yesterday, and made it public within hours. This is in line with reporting requirements, and the commander on the ground took the appropriate steps to ensure the service members received the appropriate level of care. We fully expect these service members to return to their duty when deemed medically able.

The safety and health of our personnel is of the highest priority. We commend commanders on the ground who took every necessary step to ensure the safety of U.S. forces.

ASSISTANT TO THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE JONATHAN RATH HOFFMAN: So just a couple of things I'll add. The secretary was made aware of this yesterday afternoon. I was actually in a meeting with him upstairs, and the vice chairman interrupted the meeting to give the secretary an update yesterday late afternoon; immediately directed us to -- to get the information -- get more details and get the information out, which we did. We -- we did that last night.

We've seen some reporting this morning on, why was this information not conveyed at a previous time or -- or earlier? I think Alyssa covered that.

Part of this comes under the terminology used for casualties -- all of you guys are aware of that -- whether people are able to return to duty. Our understanding is that these individuals were able to return to duty following the attacks. They knew they had concussion symptoms that -- that appeared shortly after the attack and did not diminish, and therefore they've been sent on for further evaluation, or they have concussion symptoms that appeared later -- that only manifested later, and therefore have caused medical personnel on the ground to move them onward for examination.

So I appreciate those of you who are very aware of this, having been in Iraq and Afghanistan, and have been able to, kind of, give that context to some of the reporting on it. Appreciate you guys getting that out there. So --

Q: Can I ask a quick question?

MR. HOFFMAN: Yeah -- (inaudible) questions.

Q: Just one quick one, that -- so what I'm having a hard time is, why was it on Monday at Al Asad, when all those reporters were taken out, they were told that there were a bunch of concussive injuries. So, because the Post reported it, like, a bunch -- a couple of reporters who were actually out there reported it.

So, is the only thing that's happened between Monday and now is, because they were still showing symptoms, they were sent on for further screening and testing, basically?

MR. HOFFMAN: I think the way to characterize that is that people still had some symptoms -- or indicated that they had concussive symptoms earlier, but that either those symptoms have not diminished. or that others have gotten -- or has had symptoms appear, and therefore they're being sent on for additional symptoms.

One of the things we've learned is that our facility in the Al Asad Air Base does not have an MRI machine.

Q: Right.

MR. HOFFMAN: So they -- they're being moved to a facility where they can receive additional treatment and examination.

We take the -- the -- the risk from concussions and potential TBI very seriously, and so they've been moved forward at the direction and advice of the doctors on the ground.

Q: But the -- but SECDEF wasn't just initially told about that yesterday, right? He must have been aware that there were people who were -- who had some --

MS FARAH: So --

Q: -- potentially were being monitored.

MS. FARAH: The -- the reporting requirements that -- we pulled this today, knowing there was significant interest.

So immediate reporting requirements up to the Pentagon are for incidents threatening of life, limb or eyesight. So actually, TBI wouldn't rise to that threshold. But because there's tremendous interest, we immediately went and, kind of, tracked down these facts and worked with our folks on the ground.

MR. HOFFMAN: Yeah. And I think you guys are aware -- aware that, you know, we look at the casualties. So if people were able to return to duty, the commander on the ground and his team make determinations and then report that up.

(inaudible)?

STAFF: Thank you.

Q: So the statement said, transported to Kuwait and Landstuhl; you just said Landstuhl. Are all 11 at Landstuhl?

MR. HOFFMAN: So -- so three -- three previously -- sorry, three of them are in Kuwait or went to --

(CROSSTALK)

STAFF: Yeah.

Q: So it's (inaudible) --

MS. FARAH: And nine moved to Landstuhl.

Q: -- total of 14?

STAFF: Yeah.

MR. HOFFMAN: So, no.

STAFF: No, no. Nine at Landstuhl, three at -- oh, sorry. Eight at Landstuhl, three at Kuwait.

MR. HOFFMAN: Yes.

Q: Okay. And what were some of the symptoms that manifested themselves?

MR. HOFFMAN: I don't -- I don't have that. We haven't talked to the doctor on the ground to get the individual symptoms.

Q: But your point originally was -- earlier was that in the cases where these people were able to remain on duty or return to duty, that was not considered an injury? Is that correct?

MR. HOFFMAN: I wouldn't say not an injury. I think what we're saying -- where they're characterized within the casualty reporting that goes up.

I think everyone would agree that this was -- that -- that we could consider this an injury, but I would point out that the reporting of it did not raise up to the point where the secretary was notified that there were a few people on the ground that may have had concussion-like symptoms on the ground.

Q: Is that why the president wouldn't have known? Because he gets his information --

MR. HOFFMAN: (inaudible).

Q: -- from the secretary.

MR. HOFFMAN: And as we -- and as we said -- yeah. As we said from the start, that the reporting was after an incident like this, we were trying to get the best information out there, we were doing battle damage assessments afterwards and additional information came up.

So this was not known outside of the unit on -- and then we actually -- outside of the unit until later, so did not come up.

And the other thing I'd say is that the -- speaking with the team on the ground, is that some individuals did not even report symptoms that they had until a few days later as well. We got a lot of people who are doing really tough jobs, and they're -- they want to be doing their job as much as they can, and so some of them may not have reported it until a little bit later.

Q: Does this rise to the injury to receive the Purple Heart? And --

MR. HOFFMAN: That's not a determination that -- that we -- no one's made that determination at all. And there are standards for the Purple Heart determination --

Q: Right, that's why --

MR. HOFFMAN: -- and so it's going to be whether somebody's been diagnosed with a TBI, whether it's been the result of -- of enemy action, and whether they were treated by a combat medic as a part of that. Those -- those determinations haven't been made, but there's a process for that and the Army will be looking into that.

Q: So you don't know if -- so say, if they do receive the Purple Heart, if the ones who only got evacuated do, or if I showed up with concussive symptoms --

MR. HOFFMAN: I just -- so the standards are, you're treated by a combat medic --

Q: Right.

MR. HOFFMAN: -- it was the result of enemy -- enemy action --

Q: Right.

MR. HOFFMAN: -- and you were diagnosed with -- with a TBI.

Q: Right.

MR. HOFFMAN: So those are the standards.

Q: Nobody's been diagnosed with it yet, you say?

MR. HOFFMAN: They've been -- so far, they've been sent forward with -- with symptoms for possible  but possible designation.

Q: But there could be more, if -- if they -- if they didn't get evacuated, but they could have had -- been diagnosed with a TBI --

MR. HOFFMAN: Evacuation has -- evacuation is not -- not a requirement for that. It is, you're treated by a combat medic.

Q: You'd mentioned earlier, all one unit. Can you say what unit all of these service members were a part of? And were they in a bunker or --

MR. HOFFMAN: I was using the unit as a general --

MS. FARAH: As everybody on the base, OK 

MR. HOFFMAN: -- as a -- as the term for those on the ground. I don't know what unit it was from, but they were all at Al Asad.

Q: And were they all flown out at the same time? Or can you give us a little timeline of when they were sent out?

MR. HOFFMAN: No. They were not -- they were -- sorry. There were some that were flown out on -- on the 15th, and there were -- one individual with a potential TBI that was flown out on the 10th. Then these were all on flights that were available. There were no --

MS. FARAH: (inaudible)

MR. HOFFMAN: Yeah, no priority -- or, sorry -- priority is not the right word. There were no --

Q: CASEVAC?

MR. HOFFMAN: CASEVAC-type aircraft that were used for this. They were under their own power on aircraft and -- and on their way.

Barbara?

Q: Jonathan, can you go back a minute? You say the secretary was immediately informed yesterday.

Precisely what was he informed of, of -- of the evacuations, of the injuries? Can you just --

MR. HOFFMAN: He was -- precisely, he was informed that -- that the CENTCOM commander had sent up a report that there had been 11 individuals that had been transported from Al Asad air base to receive additional treatment and screening based on -- exhibiting concussion-like symptoms and the possibility of a TBI.

Q: So if -- I was trying to understand the reporting requirement.

So McKenzie sends up a report to the Pentagon that these people have potentially suffered this and they've all been evacuated. That -- that triggers -- because it's a McKenzie report, that is the thing that triggers the secretary being notified?

MR. HOFFMAN: I'd have to get back to you on that. I think that there's --

Q: Okay. So here's what I don't understand. He  in fact, you mentioned the first one was actually on the 10th. The event's the 8th. But it's not required to be reported to the Pentagon? I think it's, like, loss of limb and things like that.

MR. HOFFMAN: It's loss of limb, threat to life and loss of eyesight are the ones that require --

MS. FARAH: That meet the threshold.

MR. HOFFMAN: The threshold.

Q: I understand. I get it.

But I guess I'm wondering, does that need to change? I mean, it's kind of -- is the secretary going to review that whole notion that nobody tells him that 11 people have been -- have been wounded?

Because, of course, it goes to the question, those who suffer from this often think they're, you know, regarded as not priority injuries, that they're second-class injuries.

So, I mean --

MR. HOFFMAN: I would disagree with that, that we don't consider them serious injuries.

Q: I said people who suffer from it, many of them feel that way.

MR. HOFFMAN: But what I would say on -- regarding to the -- the reporting to the secretary, there are a number of different types of injuries with a million-plus people in uniform. There's different tiers of reporting that get up to the secretary.

He was made aware. As soon as it got into the Pentagon, as soon as it got to headquarters --

Q: Right.

MR. HOFFMAN: -- he was -- the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff walked it in to tell him about it. So --

Q: So --

MR. HOFFMAN: So I cannot say that -- I think it would be unfair to say that he was not -- it was not something that came to his attention as promptly as we (inaudible).

Q: No, I understand and accept what you've said. I'm asking, is he satisfied with that, that nobody -- that it was not something that would have come to him?

Sometimes commanders say, "Uh-uh, forget the paperwork. I want to know right away."

MR. HOFFMAN: Well, I think you've got to go back and look at -- at how this has manifested itself. And from what we're -- we're still getting facts from the ground, but that some individuals had (inaudible) symptoms and injuries that either did not diminish the way they were expected or they manifested at a later date.

Q: So McKenzie's notification was yesterday.

MR. HOFFMAN: That is when we got it at the Pentagon. We were notified by the -- by CENTCOM yesterday.

Q: Okay.

Q: Just a follow-up to that Jonathan. If soldiers were flown out on the 15th and 10th, why didn't you put this out at the briefing yesterday?

MR. HOFFMAN: As I just said, I just found out about it yesterday, sitting with the secretary, when the vice chairman came in to tell us --

Q: The briefing was yesterday?

MR. HOFFMAN: It was yesterday afternoon.

Q: Okay.

MR. HOFFMAN: I said that.

Q: So can we in the media -- what should our assumption, going forward, be about you notifying the news media so we can inform the public about wounded troops?

MS. FARAH: Well, and I think you all are in communication with our forces on the ground, whether it's through CENTCOM or OIR. You're obviously welcome to reach out through those channels --

Q: Of course, but I'm not really asking -- of course. Is you have an intermittent policy of informing -- and if anybody wants to correct me, please do.

You have -- the department, not you personally -- has an intermittent policy of informing the news media when troops are wounded. Sometimes we know, sometimes we don't. So I'm just wondering if this --

MR. HOFFMAN: I'm not aware of an intermittent policy on that. I mean, I think it's --

MS. FARAH: In this case, we did within hours.

MR. HOFFMAN: -- as soon as we -- yeah, as soon as we were -- we were made aware of it, we got the information out and saw -- and when we saw that there was an appetite for more information this morning, we got you guys here for an on-the-record conversation about it. So --

(CROSSTALK)

Q: You don't think that, there was, maybe, the commanders on the ground or someone else, McKenzie, thought that there was an attempt to de-escalate, and therefore they didn't want to report the casualties?

MR. HOFFMAN: I think the narrative out there that some have put forth, that there was -- I have yet -- I have not seen a single administration individual -- sorry, let me back up.

Every administration official that's gone on the record on what the intentions of the Iranians were is -- including the vice president, the secretary and the chairman -- is that their intention was to injure or kill Americans.

So this idea that there was an effort to de-emphasize injuries for some sort of amorphous political agenda doesn't hold water to what the administration has said on the record.

So I appreciate those of you who have addressed that, with individuals who've brought that up. The -- this administration, this secretary, are trying to get information out there as much as we can on this. So, we appreciate you guys reporting it, and I appreciate that many of you have been out there talking about your own experiences and how you've seen this -- and how it manifests on the ground with people who are injured, because it's not a well-understood issue that -- but that is something we're -- we appreciate you guys putting that out there.

Q: Did the secretary update the president, given that --

(CROSSTALK)

MR. HOFFMAN: I don't know the answer.

Q: Just two days ago at this rally, he said there were no injuries.

(CROSSTALK)

MR. HOFFMAN: I don't know the answer. I can try to track that down, but I don't know the answer to that.

MS. FARAH: At the staff level, we've informed the White House.

Q: Can you let us know if, down the road, more people perhaps report injuries? And if you have additional people that are being treated, additional evacuations, can you --

MR. HOFFMAN: Of course we will.

Q: -- let us know?

MS. FARAH: And we conveyed that to OIR, we'd like updates on it.

Q: And do you think this is a failing by the part of the commanders on the ground to not inform the Pentagon of something so strategic and important when you have top leadership speaking about it?

MR. HOFFMAN: Look, I'm not going to get into what the commander on the ground, or the commander's medical team on the ground -- or even the individual soldiers' thought process is when they have an injury, and whether they think that something that is an injury that can be treated quickly or be treated on the base, and that the individual can return to duty in the base, and whether that requires alerting to the secretary of defense and the president.

I'm not going to double -- I'm not going to question the commander's judgment.

MS. FARAH: But they met the reporting threshold.

(CROSSTALK)

Q: -- this is clearly recognized as a big deal because -- this was clearly recognized as a big deal, because you said the vice chairman interrupted a meeting to bring the news to the secretary of defense.

MR. HOFFMAN: When we -- when we finally realized that individuals had been airlifted out, yes. But --

(CROSSTALK)

Q: Which happened on the 15th.

MR. HOFFMAN: -- I'm talking specifically about --

Q: The big airlift happened on the 15th, right?

MR. HOFFMAN: I don't know what time of day. I mean, it was yesterday afternoon, it --

(CROSSTALK)

MR. HOFFMAN: Yesterday afternoon, we were made aware of it. So within 24 hours of individuals being -- being airlifted out, the secretary of defense was made aware of it.

Q: Is that a good -- is that good? I'm serious. I mean, shouldn't -- he's the secretary of defense. Wouldn't he want to be --

MR. HOFFMAN: So, Barbara, I'll take you back to the standards for if individuals are -- are -- life, limb, loss of eyesight; those are -- those are the type of injuries that, based in the reporting system, that the -- that come up more quickly.

Q: I totally get it.

MR. HOFFMAN: So for individuals who get onto an aircraft under their own power, and are flying to receive additional medical examinations, I -- I'm not -- I don't have -- I can't speak for -- for what the standards have been at different times, but that seems to be an appropriate standard for the secretary of defense to be notified within 24 hours of that, so.

Q: Is there -- is there any chance of them maybe  which, as we appreciate the significance of TBI more now than we did in the past. I mean, I've had my bell rung before by, and -- and that's when you shake it off and you go back to work. But you think we might now alter that -- alter the system to add that to the list?

(CROSSTALK)

Q: -- with respect to TBI?

MR. HOFFMAN: So I would say that that has been altered. So that what happens is, we do baseline assessments under the MACE standard for concussions prior to individuals going into the -- to the AOR. In the -- in the hours after the attack, individuals who thought they may have had some sort of response were examined under the MACE system to see whether they had any indications of concussion.

And then that was followed up within 24, 48 hours. They were continued to be examined by doctors. And as we've seen, those that did have symptoms, if they didn't diminish, they were airlifted out. Or individuals who didn't have systems in this first 24 hours or 48 hours, didn't show symptoms, they continued to see -- be examined by doctors, and then as they exhibited it, came out.

So I would say that the -- the system --

Q: (Inaudible) want a reporting line, rather than the -- the treatment line, that it gets reported up -- I mean, just adding TBI to this list of loss of, you know, eyesight, loss of limb or whatever.

MR. HOFFMAN: That's -- that's something -- that's not something I have a view on, so -- but I've got to go, but I appreciate it.

(CROSSTALK)

Q: -- Is there (inaudible) civilian contractors or foreign --

MR. HOFFMAN: Excuse me?

Q: -- civilian contractors? I mean, if 11 U.S. service members were injured it seems (inaudible) --

MR. HOFFMAN: I don't have any information on whether contractors were a part of that --

Q: Can you take that question? Because it's -- there are a lot of contractors there.

MR. HOFFMAN: Okay, all right, thank you.

MS. FARAH: I'll look into it.

https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/2060533/

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Private lender HDFC Bank on Saturday reported a 32.8 per cent growth in net profit to Rs 7,416.5 crore for the third quarter ended December 31 driven by interest and non-interest income.

The bank had posted a net profit of Rs 5,585.9 crore in the October-December quarter of the last financial year.

Total income rose to Rs 36,039 crore during the December quarter against Rs 30,811.27 crore in the year-ago period, HDFC Bank said in a statement.

"Net interest income (interest earned less interest expended) for the quarter ended December 31, 2019, grew to Rs 14,172.9 crore from Rs 12,576.8 crore for the quarter ended December 31, 2018, driven by growth in advances of 19.9 per cent, and a growth in deposits of 25.2 per cent," it said.

The net interest margin for the quarter remained stable at 4.2 per cent, it added.

During the quarter, gross non-performing assets (NPAs) rose to 1.42 per cent of the total advances, compared with 1.38 per cent at the end of the third quarter of 2018-19.

Net NPAs of the bank too increased to 0.48 per cent of the assets in October-December 2019, against 0.42 per cent a year ago.

As a result, the bank's provisions (other than tax) and contingencies increased to Rs 3,043.56 crore against Rs 2,211,53 crore reported in the corresponding period of the previous financial year. Of this, provision of NPA was Rs 2,883.6 crore alone, it said.

The specific loan loss provisions in the current quarter include one-offs of approximately Rs 700 crore, primarily relating to certain corporate accounts. Therefore, the Core Credit Cost ratio (i.e. excluding one-offs), was 0.92 per cent, as compared to 0.90 per cent in the quarter ending September 30, 2019 and 0.88 per cent in the quarter ending December 31, 2018," it said.

Other incomes of the bank increased to Rs 6,669.3 crore against Rs 4,921.01 crore in the same quarter last fiscal.

Total balance sheet size as of December 31, 2019 was Rs 13,95,336 crore against Rs 11,68,556 crore as of December 31, 2018.

Total deposits rose by 25.2 per cent to Rs 10,67,433 crore, while total advances grew by 19.9 per cent Rs 936,030 crore.

The lender's total capital adequacy ratio (CAR) as per Basel III guidelines was at 18.5 per cent as on December 31, 2019 17.3 per cent as on December 31, 2018) against a regulatory requirement of 11.075 per cent, which includes a capital conservation buffer of 1.875 per cent, and an additional requirement of 0.20 per cent due to the bank being identified as a Domestic Systemically Important Bank (D-SIB).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hong Kong Express apologised and said the practice had been suspended. (File photo: AFP/Anthony Wallace)

Midori Nishida, 25, was escorted to a public toilet at Hong Kong airport and told to urinate on a strip in November before being granted permission to board her Hong Kong Express flight to the US territory of Saipan.

She had declared in a questionnaire at check-in that she was not pregnant but airline staff nevertheless requested she undergo a "fit-to-fly" assessment designed for women with a body size or shape resembling a pregnant woman.

The test result came up negative.

"It was very humiliating and frustrating," Nishida told the Wall Street Journal.

She grew up on Saipan and her family have lived on the island for more than 20 years.

The airline apologised to Nishida and said the practice had been discontinued when contacted by AFP.

"We have immediately suspended the practice while we review it. We'd like to apologise for the distress caused," the airline said in a statement.

Hong Kong Express said it had taken "action on flights to Saipan from February 2019 to help ensure US immigration laws were not being undermined", in response to concerns raised by the island's authorities.

"We recognise the significant concerns this practice has caused," it said.

Saipan is a popular destination for women wanting to give birth on US soil to secure American citizenship for their child.

In 2018 nearly 600 babies were born to tourists in the Northern Mariana Islands, which sit just north of Guam, also a US territory - a figure greater than the number of babies born to locals.

Of those some 575 were born to Chinese mothers, according to data from local health authorities.

The influx followed the introduction in 2009 of a visa-waiver programme to attract Chinese holidaymakers, a scheme that made the islands the only US territory where Chinese citizens enjoy visa-free entry.

But in recent years Saipan has stepped up measures to curb birth tourism by requiring airlines to carry out screenings.
President Donald Trump has narrated minute-by-minute details of the US strike that killed Irans top military commander, Qassem Soleima...





President Donald Trump has narrated minute-by-minute details of the US strike that killed Irans top military commander, Qassem Soleimani.





Trump spoke at a GOP fundraising dinner held inside the gilded ballroom on his Mar-a-Lago property Friday evening, CNN reports.





In his speech, Trump said that Soleimani was saying bad things about our country. How much of this shit do we have to listen to? How much are we going to listen to?





He called Soleimani a noted terrorist who was down on our list and was supposed to be in his country before traveling to other nations in the region.

Trump described watching remotely as Soleimani arrived at Baghdad International Airport, where he was met by Iraqi paramilitary leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the head of Kataib Hezbollah.





He recalled listening to military officials as they watched the strike from cameras that are miles in the sky. Theyre together sir, Trump recalled the military officials saying.





Sir, they have two minutes and 11 seconds. No emotion. 2 minutes and 11 seconds to live, sir. Theyre in the car, theyre in an armored vehicle.





Sir, they have approximately one minute to live, sir. 30 seconds. 10, 9, 8 Then all of a sudden, boom. Theyre gone, sir. Cutting off. 





I said, where is this guy? Trump continued. That was the last I heard from him.





Trump noted that strike shook up the world. He was supposed to be invincible, Trump said of Soleimani.





The US president added that ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi died screaming following a US raid on his compound.





He was screaming, going crazy, Trump said. Other US officials have declined to provide further details of al-Baghdadis final minutes.





And Trump joked the Belgian Malinois dog that assisted in the Baghdadi raid got more credit than I did. The dog Conan became very famous.
Ex-President John Agyekum Kufuor is urging the youth to work passionately and selflessly towards the development of Ghana and Africa.

He says the future of the continent lies in the hands of the youth and they have a responsibility to do things right to help ensure the continent is a better place for all.

Africa is a well-resourced continent with great prospects of sustainable development; however, our ability to achieve these prospects is hinged on our ability to raise good leaders who will passionately and selflessly devote themselves to the service of our motherland, the former president observed.

It is, therefore, imperative that we take a keen interest in grooming and motivating the youth to exhibit good leadership skills in their various fields of endeavour, he added.

Former President Kufuor who is chairman of the John A. Kufuor Foundation was speaking when members of the Kufuor Scholars Program (KSP) classes of 2020 and 2022 paid a courtesy call on him at his residence in Accra.

He commended the scholars for various successes chalked including one of them emerging as Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) best student journalist of the year 2019.

Mr Kufuor also commended alumni and scholars for being selected to participate in international dialogues and conferences such as the World Forum for Democracy organised by the Council of Europe.

Some alumni are also furthering their education in courses like international relations, law, international politics and defence both in Ghana and abroad, he observed.

I am a proud grandfather to witness these achievements and transformation in the lives of these brilliant scholars as a result of the training and grooming they have and are still receiving, the former President noted.

One of you has made it to the final list of the 50 most influential young GhanaiansLast year, a scholar was elected as the first female SRC president of the University of Development Studies. Other scholars also got selected as NUGS Financial Secretary and General Secretary of USAG keep it up and lead with excellence at all cost, we are one big family, he said.

The scholars recently led a health screening and community project in the Ofoase Ayirebi constituency to mark the former presidents 81st birthday, which he said is highly commendable.

Your various group projects like Cell, not Hell which is helping inmates in Kumasi prisons, K-Talk which is holding educational talks in various senior high schools and universities, and Klean Ghana which tackles and creates awareness on sanitation issues are commendable, he noted.

The Kufuor Scholars Program is a leadership initiative run by the John A. Kufuor Foundation for tertiary students aimed at grooming quality leaders.

Chief Executive Officer of the John A. Kufuor Foundation, Prof. Baffour Agyeman Duah, Coordinator of the Kufuor Scholars Program Dr Pascal Brenya and chairman of Parliaments Defence and Interior Committee Seth Acheampong also joined the former president to respond to interact with the youth.

The scholars spent more than 2 hours asking the former president questions about his life and experiences and how they can become accomplished individuals like him.

---Myjoyonline.com
NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR OVER UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES



TORONTO, Jan. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd. (MON.V) (Montero) reports that on January 17, 2020 it has delivered a Notice of Intent to Submit a Claim to Arbitration (Notice of Intent) to the Attorney General of Tanzania in accordance with the 2013 Agreement for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments in the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between Canada and the United Republic of Tanzania.

The dispute arises out of certain acts and omissions of the United Republic of Tanzania in breach of the BIT and international law, relating to Monteros investment in the Wigu Hill rare earth element project (Wigu Hill) located in Tanzania. Montero commenced exploration activities on the Wigu Hill project in March 2008 when it was held under Prospecting License. Montero subsequently, on advice from the Mining Commissioner, applied for a Retention License in 2014 and this was granted in 2015 and was valid for a period of 5 years.

In 2017 the Government of Tanzania announced amendments to the Mining Act 2010, which, inter alia, abolished the legislative basis for the Retention License classification with no replacement classification. On January 10, 2018 the government published the Mining (Mineral Rights) Regulations 2018 which under Regulation 21 cancelled all Retention Licenses issued prior to that date, which would cease to have any legal effect. The rights to all areas under Retention Licenses were immediately transferred to the government of Tanzania.

On December 19, 2019 the Mining Commission of Tanzania announced a public invitation to tender for the joint development of areas previously covered by Retention Licenses, including the area of the Wigu Hill Retention License (December 19 Tender). The abolition of the Wigu Hill Retention License and the removal of the various rights to the minerals conferred by this licence has rendered the Wigu Hill project valueless to Montero. Therefore, as a direct consequence of the legislative, regulatory and other measures made by the Tanzanian government, Montero has lost completely its investment.

Story continues

The Notice of Intent is necessary in order to preserve Monteros rights to initiate arbitration should a resolution with the Tanzanian government not be reached. The filing of the Notice of Intent initiates a six-month consultation period between the parties during which time they are to attempt to amicably settle the dispute. If no amicable settlement is reached in this period, then Montero may then initiate international arbitration proceedings in accordance with the BIT between Canada and the United Republic of Tanzania.

Montero confirms that it is taking all necessary actions to preserve its rights and to protect its investment in Tanzania, and has retained international arbitration counsel to advise. Monteros desire is to reach a mutually acceptable outcome.

For more information, contact:

Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd.

Dr. Tony Harwood, President and Chief Executive Officer

E-mail: ir@monteromining.com Tel: +1 416 840 9197 | Fax: +1 866 688 4671 | www.monteromining.com

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.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements, projections and estimates. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Such information is based on information currently available to Montero and Montero provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking information by its very nature involves inherent risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of Montero to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Actual results relating to, among other things, results of exploration, project development, reclamation and capital costs of Monteros mineral properties, and financial condition and prospects, could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons such as: changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets; changes in demand and prices for minerals; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological and operational difficulties encountered in connection with Monteros activities; and other matters discussed in this news release and in filings made with securities regulators. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of Monteros forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Montero does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bala Bachchan on Friday took cognisance of "entry of outsiders" during the anti-CAA protest here on the intervening night of January 16 and 17 and instructed the police to maintain peace in the state.

"Bala Bachchan has given strict instructions to the police administration that peace should be maintained in Indore and anti-social elements should not be allowed in the state," said the state Home Ministry in a statement.

"On the intervening night of 16 and 17 January 2020, an unpleasant situation arose due to the entry of some outsiders in the ongoing protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill in Indore. Due to this, the police has ordered the investigation in the entire incident by using light force," it said.

Strict action will be taken against those found guilty in the investigation, Bachchan said.

The Home Minister stated that the objective of his government is that all citizens should live in an atmosphere of peace while following democratic values in the state.

"Some elements are trying to disturb the peace in the state due to vested interests. Bachchan has warned that such elements should be careful. Their ulterior motives will not be allowed to succeed," the statement said.

Bachchan has also called upon the citizens not to pay heed to the rumours.

"Police administration should also be ready for any situation and keep a close watch on anti-social elements," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In the Light

Earlier in the week, a US House Committee on Energy and Commerce subcommittee held a historic, first-of-its-kind exploratory hearing on American cannabis policy. As reported by CNN, the health subcommittee convened its Cannabis Policies for the New Decade hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 16. That hearing ultimately lasted three and a half hours and although no votes were cast nor were any definitive policy decisions made, the process proffered insight into legislators political temperatures regarding cannabis legalization as well as the actions undertaken to-date by a trio of government agencies [DEA, FDA, NIH] wielding significant influence over how cannabis is researched, possessed and consumed. Witnesses who provided testimony include: Matthew J. Strait, Senior Policy Advisor of Drug Enforcement Administrations Diversion Control Division; Douglas Throckmorton, MD, Deputy Director of Regulatory Programs at the Food and Drug Administration Center for Drug Evaluation and Research; and Nora D. Volkow, MD, Director of the National Institutes of Healths National Institute on Drug Abuse. Legislation presented includes: HR 171, the Legitimate Use of Medicinal Marihuana Act or LUMMA; HR 601, the Medical Cannabis Research Act of 2019; HR 1151, the Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act; HR 2843, the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act; HR 3797, the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019; and HR 3884, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act of 2019 or the MORE Act of 2019. Access key documents, witness testimony and video of the hearing in its entirety at bit.ly/CPFAND.

On Impulsivity

Incremental changes to drug policy in the USnamely state law and legal recreational or medical use of cannabisand a growing number of American cannabis users indicates the necessity of studying ways that cannabis use and intoxication have the potential to manifest within our country as public safety issues. Research published earlier this week by Harvards Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) Program in peer-reviewed medical journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence explores whether heavy cannabis users who started using the drug early display inferior driving habits when compared with heavy cannabis users who started later or individuals who dont use cannabis. The authors of Recreational cannabis use impairs driving performance in the absence of acute intoxication concluded that residual driving impairment was observed in non-intoxicated cannabis users, especially those with a history of early onset cannabis use. While previous studies of acute cannabis intoxication have observed a slower style of impaired driving behavior, this study suggests that earlier onset cannabis users demonstrate an impulsive driving style that may be related to the characteristics inherent in those who engage in earlier substance use, such as enhanced impulsivity. Regarding the study methodology, researchers ensured their subject groups were well matched in age and IQ scores, but not in terms of gender. While the study control group boasted six men and 10 women, the cannabis-using group was comprised of 23 men and only five women.
Click here for updates on this story

New York, NY (WCBS) -- A woman has died after a falling piece of plywood hit her in the head in Queens, authorities said.

It wasnt the only incident of falling debris Thursday, though it was the only deadly one.

It happened at 10:40 a.m. near Main Street and 41st Road in Flushing.

The victim, 67-year-old Xiang Ji, was walking on the sidewalk when she was struck. She was rushed to the New York Presbyterian Hospital in Queens where she died.

The sound of falling plywood was deafening as firefighters cleared the site of remaining hazards.

The wind is  every winter its so strong. The wind is to blame, said Flushing resident Danny Chen.

The victims family tells CBS2s Christina Fan she was a grandmother who cared deeply about her family and was in Queens to visit a nursing center. Witnesses say she was on the sidewalk when an aluminum-covered plywood panel fell off, likely because of the heavy winds.

Those who ran to her aid say the back of her head was bleeding.

As she was being carried into the ambulance she was breathing, her eyes were open. I thought she would make it, said witness Pan Zheng Qiang.

Investigators with the Department of Buildings were on the roof for hours inspecting the structure. One mother told Fan shes noticed other signs and facades in the area dangling precariously as well.

When we came down the street I was like let me cover her. Its not safe around here. I think people dont really watch out for safety around this area, said Emily Li.

The property has a history of more than 40 complaints on the Department of Buildings website, including illegal partitions, secret renovations, and most recently an illegal billboard sign. The DOB has issued a stop work order.

They later issued the following statement: We have issued a violation to the property owner [Kam Kee Realty] for failure to properly maintain the building, and have ordered the immediate installation of a sidewalk shed at the location in the interest of public safety. Investigations into this incident, by DOB and our partners in law enforcement, are ongoing, and additional enforcement actions may be issued at the conclusion of these investigations.

Crews put up a sidewalk shed outside a Flushing building on Jan. 16, 2020, after a woman was killed by a piece of falling plywood. (Credit: CBS2)

A manager for the property who was at the scene Thursday afternoon refused to answer any questions.

Thursday night, crews worked to put up that sidewalk shed to protect pedestrians from any further problems.

Fan attempted to speak with a man who identified himself to investigators as the manager, but when she started asking questions, he ran away.

Heartbreaking news out of Queens, Mayor Bill de Blasio wrote on Twitter. He said that the DOB is investigating this site top-to-bottom to determine whether proper protocols were followed. Please keep the family and loved ones of this woman in your thoughts today.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of the woman who was struck by falling debris today in Flushing. Such a horrific tragedy should never happen to anyone who is simply walking down the sidewalk, and it is a clear example of why building owners and city agencies need to ensure building facades are safe, especially during periods of high winds. Currently, a Stop Work Order exists on the property due to several outstanding violations, and I have called for the city to shut down the building until there is a greater understanding of this buildings safety and scaffolding is in place, said City Council member Peter Koo.

In a separate incident, debris from a high-rise under construction in Midtown came crashing down on a taxi at 57th Street and Sixth Avenue at around 2:30 p.m. The vehicles roof was left punctured, but no one was injured. At that same building, a crane started to swing due to the powerful winds.

The DOB issued a stop work order after it says high winds knocked a piece of suspended scaffolding into the building and sent material falling to the ground.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.
President Donald Trump claimed Friday that the impeachment trial against him is an attempt to rig the upcoming 2020 election against Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

The president highlighted the importance of the upcoming Iowa caucuses on Feb. 3, which is the first nominating contest in the Democratic presidential primaries, in a post on Twitter. During the impeachment trial, Sanders and three other senators who are seeking their partys nomination will have to attend the trial in Washington for six days each week and wont be able to use electronic devices.

Trump suggested Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) was attempting to aid the 2020 candidacy of former Vice President Joe Biden by timing the impeachment trial to keep Sanders, Sen. Elizbeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) from campaigning on the ground.

They are rigging the election again against Bernie Sanders, just like last time, only even more obviously, Trump wrote. They are bringing him out of so important Iowa in order that, as a Senator, he sit through the trial, giving Biden a strong edge, Trump added.

Pelosi has repeatedly denied that politics was a factor in considering impeachment against Trump. She and other Democrats said they withheld the articles of impeachment from the Senate to secure a more fair trial.

This isnt about politics at all. This is about patriotism. Its not about partisanship. Its about honoring our oath of office, she said in December during a CNN town hall.

On Thursday, after all 100 senators were sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts, Sanders told reporters that he is worried about losing time ahead of the Iowa caucuses. The New Hampshire primary is just eight days after the Iowa caucuses.

I would rather be in Iowa today. Theres a caucus there in two-and-a-half weeks. Id rather be in New Hampshire and Nevada and so forth. But I swore a constitutional oath as a United States senator to do my job and Im here to do my job, he said.

Sanderss campaign has not responded to a request for comment.

A Sanders campaign adviser, Jeff Weaver, said the senator may use a private jet to travel around during the impeachment trial.

Theyre not going to be meeting at night [for the trial], so we can obviously fly from D.C. to states and hold events in the evening and fly back, you know, so he can be back in the morning to do his work in the Senate, Weaver told NBC News in early January. Hes an energetic candidate, he added. He has a very vigorous schedule, and, you know, he can do that.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced Thursday that the trial will begin in earnest on Tuesday, Jan. 21, but its not clear how long the trial will take. In 1999, it took five weeks for the Senate to acquit then-President Bill Clinton, although a White House official told reporters that Trump believes it will be finished in just two weeks.

From The Epoch Times
Mario Lopez warmed the heart of teenage girls around the world as A.C. Slater on the popular 90s sitcom, Saved By The Bell. Since then, hes juggled a career as both an actor and television host.

Mario Lopez and Ali Landry | Theo Wargo/WireImage for Fingerprint Communications

Hes shared many of his personal family moments through his time as a host, including his life as a father and husband. But prior to Lopezs current marriage, he was in a longterm relationship with model and actress, Ali Landry. They were married briefly but split after Lopez was unfaithful.

Why Mario Lopez and Ali Landrys marriage ended

Lopez and Landry met in 1998 at the Miss Teen USA Pagent. They dated for six years before tying the knot in 2004. Just two weeks later, their marriage was annulled and rumors spread that they went their separate ways because of Lopez cheating. Neither of them spoke about what led to their breakup until years later.

Mario Lopez and Ali Landry | Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Lopez was the first to spill the details about what caused his divorce. In 2011, Us Weekly reported that Lopez admitted to Howard Stern that he was unfaithful during a weekend in Mexico for his bachelor party. The weekend was doomed from the start as Lopez was not forthcoming to Landry about his plans.

I said I was going to Caboto go marlin fishing. Then my cousin surprised me and said No, were going on this whirlwind tour: Cabo, Acapulco, all these places,' he explained. Instead of telling her of the switch, he kept it a secret. I figured at that point it was easier to ask for forgiveness [afterward]. Its my bachelor party, we were going to have a good time. And we went, we had a good time.

Ali Landry and Mario Lopez | Albert L. Ortega/WireImage

Lopez found himself in a compromising position, complete with alcohol and women. He admitted to Stern that he messed around with several of them during the weekend.

Landry and Lopez married in a destination wedding weeks later and things came to a crashing halt when she discovered he cheated and confronted Lopez about it. She told Wendy Williams in a 2012 interview that she taped Lopezs phone when she became suspicious of his behavior after noticing he received phone calls from other women during their honeymoon.

Ali Landry and Mario Lopez 2004| Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

I had heard something right before the wedding. He swore that it was not true but I had that feeling in my gut, she explained. One of my girlfriends said, If you really want to know, I know how to tap a phone. The craziest thing. I thought, I dont want to tap his phone. This is the man Ive been with, I should trust him.

Landry said that Lopez denied that he was unfaithful despite her evidence and that he never apologized.

Source: YouTube

Both Mario Lopez and Ali Landry have moved on

Lopez later detailed the fallout from the marriage in his memoir, Just Between Us. He expressed guilt and remorse for his indiscretions but says it ultimately worked out for the best.

Ali Landry & Mario Lopez | Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage

Once I took responsibility for my feelings, acknowledging how I had so mishandled my decisions, lightning hit me with the truth: I wasnt in love, he wrote. The thoughts came streaming in, but it was too late. My misgivings reared their ugly heads and I knew I should have broken things off with her before I strayed.

After the split, Both Lopez and Landry focused on their careers. Landry landed a role on the hit UPN sitcom, Eve, which ran for three seasons. Lopez took a career pivot when he became a correspondent for Extra.

Roselyn Sanchez and Mario Lopez on Extra 2019 | Noel Vasquez/Getty Images

Lopez began dating Courtney Mazza and they married in Mexico on December 1, 2012. The couple have a daughter, Gia Francesca, 4, and a son, Dominic, who was born in December 2013. They welcomed their third child last year.

Landry also found love again. She married film director, Alejandro Gomez Monteverde, on April 8, 2006, in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

Landry and Monteverde have three children  daughter Estela Inez and sons Marcelo Alejandro and Valentin Francesco.
Iranian officials have said that they will send black box recorders to Ukraine for further analysis after killing 176 people when they accidentally shot down a plane.

Hassan Rezaeifer, the head of accident investigations for the civil aviation department, said it was not possible to read the jet's black boxes in Iran - but he did not elaborate further.

He said that instead French, American and Canadian experts would help analyse them in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.

Iran accidentally shot down the Boeing 737 shortly after it took off from Tehran on January 8 - killing all 176 people on board

Officials have now said that further analysis of the plane's flight recorders (pictured), also known as black boxes, was not possible in Iran

Mr Rezaeifer added that if that was unsuccessful then the black box recorders would be sent to France.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard accidentally shot the plane down just two minutes after it took off from Tehran on January 8, killing all 176 people on board.

The Guard had launched ballistic missiles at American troops in Iraq just hours earlier in response to the US airstrike that killed Iran's top commander, General Qassem Soleimani.

Officials say lower-level officers mistook the plane for an American cruise missile.

Iran had initially said the crash was caused by a technical problem and invited countries that lost citizens to help investigate.

Officials say lower-level officers mistook the plane for an American cruise missile. Pictured: An image from the flight tracker website Flightradar24 showing the path of the Ukranian International Airlines jet which crashed just over two minutes after take off

Iran initially issued contradictory statements about who will be allowed to examine the black boxes (pictured). But now say that French, American and Canadian experts would help analyze them in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv

But three days later, it admitted responsibility after Western leaders said there was strong evidence the plane was hit by a surface-to-air missile.

The victims included 57 Canadian citizens as well as 11 Ukrainians, 17 Swedes , four Afghans and four British citizens.

Most of those killed were Iranians.

The other five nations have demanded Iran accept full responsibility and pay compensation to the victims' families.

Bulldozers were working at the site of the crash last week but the site has apparently been left unsupervised since then

Rescuers combed through the remains of the crashed Boeing plane which had been designed and built in America

The plane, which was a Boeing 737-800, was designed and built in America.

Its engine was designed by CFM International - a joint company between French group Safran and US group GE Aviation.

Investigators from both countries have been invited to take part in the probe.
An extreme ultraviolet image of the sun, captured by NASAs Solar Dynamics Observatory, shows an X9.3 flare erupting at lower right during a solar storm in 2017. (NASA / Goddard / SDO Photo)

If the sun throws out a radiation blast of satellite-killing proportions someday, Amazon Web Services may well play a role in heading off a technological doomsday.

Thats the upshot of a project that has NASA working with AWS Professional Services and the Amazon Machine Learning Solutions Lab to learn more about the early warning signs of a solar superstorm, with the aid of artificial intelligence.

Solar storms occur when disturbances on the suns surface throw off a blasts of radiation and eruptions of electrically charged particles at speeds of millions of miles per hour. A sufficiently strong radiation blast can impact radio communications over half of the globe. And if the eruptions, known as coronal mass ejection or CMEs, are strong enough and sweep directly past Earth, they can damage satellites and bring down power grids.

The best-known recent example came in 1989 when a high-energy CME overloaded the Hydro-Quebec power grid, triggering outages for more than 6 million people in Canada and the eastern U.S.

But thats not the worst that the sun can do: Scientists and historians point to an 1859 superstorm known as the Carrington Event, which wrought havoc with telegraph systems and created auroral displays so bright that folks in the northeastern U.S. were said to be able to read newspapers by their light. Today, a storm of that magnitude would deal a heavy blow to our wired (and wireless) world.

Were not defenseless against solar storms: Sun-observing satellites like NASAs Solar Dynamics Observatory and the Advanced Composition Explorer can warn of an incoming CME far enough in advance for satellite operators and electric grid managers to take protective action. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Space Weather Prediction Center provides continuously updated outlooks for storms in space, just as the National Weather Service does for storms closer to the ground.

Story continues

But as we become increasingly dependent on satellite communications, getting accurate predictions of space weather will be increasingly important. And thanks to the proliferation of space weather satellites, the volume of data coming in for analysis is becoming increasingly prodigious.

To address that flood of data, and improve future risk assessments, NASA is using Amazon Web Services analytical tools to sift through as many as 1,000 data sets at a time and train computer models that can identify the telltale signs of an impending outburst.

As described in an Amazon blog post, NASAs approach correlates solar wind drivers and the magnetic field levels around Earth, picking out anomalies in the data.

NASA uses a machine-learning tool called Amazon SageMaker to train an anomaly detection model using the built-in AWS Random Cut Forest algorithm. The algorithm gives each set of data points an anomaly score. Other AWS tools keep track of real-time anomalies in the data, and trace the linkages between them and solar storms.

The initiative has enabled NASA to aggregate data from more than 50 satellite missions and develop visualizations for further research. Scientists are already able to create simulations of the solar phenomena thatd be required to replicate superstorms like the Carrington Event.

We have to look at superstorms holistically, just like meteorologists do with extreme weather events, Janet Kozyra, a heliophysicist who leads the project at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., told Amazon.

Research in heliophysics involves working with many instruments, often in different space or ground-based observatories. Theres a lot of data, and factors like time lags add to the complexity, Kozyra said. With Amazon, we can take every single piece of data that we have on superstorms, and use anomalies we have detected to improve the models that predict and classify superstorms effectively.

Solar superstorms dont occur on the same time scale as, say, hurricanes. The sun tends to follow an 11-year activity cycle, which means the next storm season  known as solar maximum  is due in the 2023-2026 time frame. By that time, with help from AWS, new and improved space weather prediction models should be ready to go.

More from GeekWire:
US ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris has sparked diplomatic tension on the Korean peninsula with his moustache. Harris, a former navy admiral born to a Japanese mother and an American veteran, was slammed for insulting his Korean hosts with his contentious grooming choices which remind South Koreans of the Japanese colonial days.

Japan's imperial rule of 1910-1945 over the Korean peninsula continues to be a source of resentment among South Korean. Diplomatic relations between the two Asian neighbours took a hit last year owing to disputes in connection with their bitter wartime history.

Moustache Row

Social media users in South Korean criticised Harris' appearance drawing parallels with colonial Japanese governors-general who had sported similar moustaches. However, the 63-year-old Japanese-origin American diplomat stated that he was being singled out because of his background.

Harris, while speaking to the local media, said he had a clean shave for his 40-year naval career but decided to sport a moustache for his diplomatic career.

I wanted to make a break between my life as a military officer and my new life as a diplomat, Harris said last month, as per media reports. I tried to get taller, but I couldnt grow any taller, and so I tried to get younger, but I couldnt get younger. But I could grow a moustache, so I did that, the US ambassador had mockingly added.

"Not the Japanese-American ambassador"

Harris told reporters on Thursday that it was his duty to present and defend US policies and reiterated that he was the American ambassador to Seoul and "not the Japanese-American ambassador".

Harris reportedly pointed out that Korean independence leaders sported moustaches as well but the netizens don't seem to remember the fact. His moustache, he added, was a matter of personal choice and his critics were "cherry-picking history."

He added that while he understood the historical background to the present-day contentions between Japan and South Korea, he will not play down his ethnicity in response to racist hatred on social media. Harris said, to take that history and put it on me simply because an accident of birth I think is a mistake.
Evian unveiled a special new bottle on Friday that will surely be in high demand.

The bottled water company teamed up with Andy King, the infamous businessman who appeared in Netflix's widely-watched Fyre: The Greatest Party that Never Happened, to release a limited edition bottle commemorating the one-year anniversary of the documentary.

If you recall, King was the man who was working with Fyre Festival organizer Billy McFarland to put together the ill-fated music festival in the Bahamas in 2018. When things went awry, King famously declared that he drove to a customs office when truckloads of Evian water were being blocked from entry onto the island, "fully prepared" to perform oral sex on an official in order to get the water through customs at the request of McFarland.

The moment quickly became a meme and King has fully embraced his role as the so-called "ultimate team player."

Since the documentary premiered, he's racked up 44K Instagram followers who saw a new paid post on their feeds on Friday morning in which King revealed a commemorative Evian bottle that says, "So good you'd do anything for it."

"Whos thirsty!? On the one year anniversary of my doc debut, @evianwater is releasing a special bottle with a new slogan all in honor of my infamous team spirit," he captioned the post. "Follow me & tag a friend in a comment below before tomorrow (Sat 11:59PM ET) for a chance to win one of these 10 custom bottles."

"One year ago, I shared with the world my willingness to take one for the team to bring Evian to thirsty festival-goers and unexpectedly became an internet sensation overnight," King told People of the collaboration. "On the first anniversary, Evian is dropping a special bottle with an all-new slogan in honor of my infamous team spirit. As a long-time Evian fan  of both the water itself and the brands sustainable practices  I could not be more thrilled!"
As JPMorgan Chase, the countrys largest bank, reported record profits

You may not remember this, but bailing out the biggest banks in America used to be controversial.

Republicans in the House even helped sink the first attempt to rescue the banks from collapsing under George W. Bush. But apparently the GOPs big problem with the bailouts was that they werent called corporate tax cuts.

The LA Times reports:

Savings for the top six U.S. banks from President Trumps signature tax overhaul accelerated last year, now topping $32 billion as the lenders curbed new borrowing, pared jobs and ramped up payouts to shareholders. JPMorgan Chase & Co., Bank of America Corp., Citigroup Inc., Wells Fargo & Co., Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Morgan Stanley posted earnings this week showing they saved $18 billion in 2019, more than the prior year, as their average effective tax rate fell to 18% from 20%. Bloomberg News calculated the haul by comparing the lower tax rates to what the banks paid before the law took effect, which averaged 30%.

Compare that $32 billion to $31 billion  thats the most recent estimate of the cost of the Troubled Asset Relief Program, better know as TARP or the big bank bailout that began in 2008.

Yes, Donald Trump could end up giving more money to the big banks than W. Bush ever did.

At this pace, with just the money Trump has shoveled to the banks you pay for free college at all public universities for all Americans in just over two years  something Republicans and the media regularly describe as unaffordable. And with the price of all Trumps tax cuts for the rich and their corporations, around a trillion dollars, you could pay for free college about 14 times.

And free college would actually have some benefit  actually enormous benefits, especially for poor and low-wealth Americans, obviously.

If some of these students complete a degree, they are likely to increase their lifetime earnings  a boon that is generally much more valuable than a few years of reduced tuition, David Denning wrote in The New York Times. Whats more, higher earnings will also increase tax revenues, further cutting the long-run costs to the government.

What benefit have the corporate tax cuts had for poor Americans?

Far less than states raising the minimum wage, it seems.

But we should all be very proud that in an era of growing and devastating inequality, weve all done our part to help JPMorgan Chase earn record profits  especially after all its done for us, including dumping its subprime mortgage holdings in 2008 to unsuspecting buyers including the Fort Worth Employees Retirement Fund as the economy burned.

I hope everyone is taking notes for when or if Republicans lose power again and suddenly, with the medias help, seemed very concerned about deficits again.

All bailouts should be known as corporate tax cuts or just pretend theyre going to farmers  as Trump has while giving $28 billion, more than double the cost of the auto rescue, mostly to big agribusiness.

[Photo by May S. Young]
New Delhi: Senior advocate Indira Jaising has advised Nirbhaya's mother to forgive the six men who were convicted of raping her daughter. Jaising took to Twitter after Nirbhaya's mother gave an interview and expressed her disappointment over the delay in the convicts' execution.

Requesting Asha Devi to follow the example of Sonia Gandhi, who forgave Nalini, Jaising asked Asha Devi to pardon the Nirbhaya rape-murder convicts. "While I fully identify with the pain of Asha Devi I urge her to follow the example of Sonia Gandhi who forgave Nalini and said she didn't not want the death penalty for her . We are with you but against death penalty," the senior advocate tweeted on Friday night.

While I fully identify with the pain of Asha Devi I urge her to follow the example of Sonia Gandhi who forgave Nalini and said she didnt not want the death penalty for her . We are with you but against death penalty. https://t.co/VkWNIbiaJp  Indira Jaising (@IJaising) January 17, 2020

Nalini was arrested and convicted for the assassination of former Prime Minister and Congress leader Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.

A day ago, on January 17, Asha Devi had expressed disappointment with the courts and government after the date of execution of her daughter`s rapists was postponed by a Delhi court. "I am disappointed with the courts, government and the whole system. I do not know if they will be hanged or the date of their execution will be further extended," she was quoted as saying by ANI. She added that the same people who participated in rallies in 2012 after the Delhi gangrape and held candle marches have now capitalised on the death of the 23-year-old gangrape victim for their political gains.

The death-row convicts who were earlier slated to be executed on January 22 at 7 am will now be hanged on February 1 at 6 am. The new date of execution was announced after two convicts Mukesh Singh and Vinay submitted curative petitions. On Friday, the mercy petition of Mukesh Singh was rejected by the President.

Live TV

Asha Devi ruled that the convicts got what they wished for. "I will not be satisfied until they are hanged," she said, adding that she for the last seven she has been waiting for the justice to be served.

Four convicts, Vinay, Akshay, Pawan and Mukesh were convicted and sentenced to death for raping the 23-year-old woman in a moving bus in the national capital on the intervening night of December 16-17, 2012. While five were sentenced to death, the sixth convict was sent to correction home as he was a juvenile. Among the five, one convict Ram Singh committed suicide when he was lodged in Tihar jail.

The other four convicts - Mukesh Singh, Vinay Sharma, Akshay Kumar and Pawan Gupta will be hanged in Tihar jail on February 1.
Boris Johnson faces mounting pressure to distance the UK from Chinese telecoms giant Huawei as an alleged fraud by a top executive  China's 'Tech Princess'  is laid bare in court tomorrow.

Meng Wanzhou, 47, is the daughter of the billionaire founder of Huawei, Ren Zhengfei, 75, and is also its chief financial officer. That makes her one of China's most powerful female bosses and heiress to Huawei's billions.

But she has been humbled by allegations against her and has been under house arrest in Canada for more than a year. She has been forced to wear an electronic tag on her ankle and her passport has been seized to ensure she does not attempt to flee the country.

Extradition battle: Meng Wanzhou leaving her home in Vancouver with her every step monitored

Tomorrow, after months of legal battles, Meng is finally set to attend an extradition hearing in a Vancouver court.

Matthew Henderson of the Asia Study Centre at the Henry Jackson Society, which is opposed to Huawei being allowed into the UK's 5G infrastructure, told the Mail on Sunday last night: 'There are many reasons why it would be a very grave mistake for the British Government to encourage further Huawei engagement with Britain's digital infrastructure. But in any case it would be extraordinary for the British Government to do so when one of the company's most senior, best-connected and influential officials is about to face criminal charges related to fraud.'

Meng, a mother-of-four, has regularly been seen in public dressed immaculately and with her tracking device on full display. She has set up residence in the larger of her two homes in Canada, which she acquired when she previously lived in the country and which are worth a total of around 13million.

If her crack team of lawyers succeed she will be free to return to her home in Shenzhen, southern China. If she loses her case, which is complex and likely to stretch out over many months, Meng will be sent to the United States to go on trial.

The extradition hearing will not seek to determine whether or not Meng is guilty of fraud.

But its timing, and the fact that it will give an airing to the allegations, is awkward for Prime Minister Johnson, who is preparing to allow Huawei to play a part in building Britain's new high-speed internet structure, 5G.

Boris Johnson is preparing to allow Huawei to play a part in building Britain's new high-speed internet structure, 5G

The US has warned the British government it 'would be madness' to use Huawei technology and is understood to have handed over a dossier outlining why the firm poses a national security risk.

Tory MP Bob Seely has said Huawei 'to all intents and purposes is part of the Chinese state' and would potentially give its government access to UK networks. Huawei denies this and any links to the state.

The renewed focus on Huawei's business practices will increase pressure on Johnson to fall in line with President Donald Trump's blanket ban on Huawei, the world's largest telecoms organisation.

It is understood the British Government is preparing to hand Huawei, which has already helped build UK broadband infrastructure, a 'limited' role in developing 5G networks. Johnson said last week: 'If people oppose one brand or another then they have to tell us what's the alternative.'

Meng, who also goes by the names Sabrina Meng and Cathy Meng, was shocked when Royal Canadian Mounted Police dramatically arrested her in December 2018.

Despite being a former resident of Vancouver  a picturesque city in the western Canadian province of British Columbia that is now best known as the holiday destination of choice for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex  she was only changing flights at the city's airport on a trip from Hong Kong to Mexico City.

The renewed focus on Huawei's business practices will increase pressure on Johnson to fall in line with President Donald Trump's blanket ban on Huawei

Last month, Meng wrote a blog on Huawei's website in which she spoke of her 'fear, pain, disappointment, helplessness, torment and struggle' since being detained.

The US initially issued a warrant for Meng's arrest in August 2018. On November 30 that year, one day before Meng was due to change flights in Vancouver, the US issued Canada with a Provisional Arrest Warrant, obliging its neighbour to detain Meng on its behalf.

In the US, Meng is accused of fraud by misleading Washington and Huawei's banks, including HSBC, about the firm's business connections with Iran, in violation of US trade sanctions.

It is alleged that the Chinese giant effectively operated an Iranian telecoms company called Skycom but that Meng, and others, misled lenders about the nature of the relationship so that they would continue to offer financial support.

Ahead of tomorrow's hearing at British Columbia's Supreme Court, the Attorney General of Canada filed a written statement saying Meng's alleged conduct would amount to fraud against HSBC.

Web of intrigue: What 5G row means for UK By Jamie Nimmo What is 5G? Third generation  or 3G  mobile phone standards ushered in the era of mobile internet for consumers, while 4G allowed users to watch videos on the move. 5G is the next generation, with huge implications for the amount of data that can be transferred. The major advantage of 5G is likely to be for industry, where the real-time transfer of data is critical for automation in factories and supply chains. How does it work? 5G needs cables in the ground, just like broadband, but also antennae called 'cells', which transmit the signals over the airwaves. What is Huawei's role in this? The Chinese giant has become the world's key manufacturer of internet equipment used by major telecoms players such as BT and Vodafone  making both the cable and cells. It is among several companies that specialise in this technology, along with Ericsson and Nokia. Why is Huawei controversial? Critics argue that the Chinese state could gain access to Huawei's network if it wanted to because of the way business works in China. Huawei denies this and insists it is independent from the state. Why don't we just use other firms? We already do. The 5G infrastructure is a complex network that requires several firms' cables and equipment to be layered on top of the other. Huawei's kit is said to be cheaper but also better, according to some experts. But BT and Vodafone have already stopped fitting Huawei's technology in the most sensitive part of the network, known as the 'core'. Why are Huawei's critics worried about 5G but not broadband? Increasing amounts of sensitive data will be transmitted via 5G because it can transfer data in real time. That means more is at stake if the network is hacked.

It is claimed Meng misled an HSBC executive by giving a PowerPoint presentation saying Huawei no longer had a controlling interest in Skycom. Meng denies wrongdoing. Her lawyers allege the US action is politically motivated and claim Canadian authorities mishandled her arrest and tried to unlawfully gather information against her.

The court hearing could be the first of several stretching into 2020. British Columbia's Supreme Court will consider 'double criminality' this week, focusing on whether allegations made against Meng in the US would also be crimes in Canada.

Under extradition laws, this is the first hurdle that lawyers for Canada's Attorney General will have to overcome. Meng's lawyers say that because the case relates to US sanctions her alleged actions should not be considered criminal in Canada.

The length of the extradition battle will likely confine Meng to British Columbia for an extended time.

After a 10-day stint in a women's correctional centre following her arrest in December 2018, Meng was permitted to relocate to one of her Vancouver homes, a six-bedroom house, in exchange for Can$ 10million (6million) bail money.

Later, her lawyers persuaded the court to allow her to move into her larger abode  a seven-bedroom mansion, currently valued at around Can$ 19million (11million)  which had previously been undergoing renovation work.

Meng cannot leave her home between 11pm and 6am without permission. She is also restricted from leaving the area and is under 24-7 surveillance.

Huawei declined to comment.
Everyone is scandalized that Arizona Senator Martha McSally called a CNN reporter a liberal hack and refused to speak with him, but I think this falls into the category of a Michael Kinsley gaffe, that is, when someone tells the truth theyre not supposed to tell in Washington.

As Paul noted yesterday, CNN completely disgraced itself in the Democratic debate Tuesday with its handling of the Warren-Sanders he saidshe said controversy about whether Sanders told Warren that a woman could not win the presidency, thus proving their total hackery in prime time.

But there are lots of other daily examples you can point to, such as this pairing of Politico headlines for the same story. Politico clearly changed the headline because the first one made Trump look too good:

And then the media wonder how it gets the reputation for fake news. Maybe this passage from a recent article in Vanity Fair entitled You Wont Believe What Trump Said About His Middle Name.

On this weeks episode of Inside the Hive, Vanity Fair special correspondent Gabriel Sherman, who was attending the Globes for his show, The Loudest Voice, relayed a story that sums up the Trump presidency and the mess were currently living in. Standing near the bar, Sherman ran into Frank Luntz, the Republican pollster, and the two started chatting. Sherman asked Luntz when he last saw the President. Last week, at the White House Christmas party, Luntz said. Sherman asked what the two men talked about, to which Luntz replied that he had asked Trump what his middle initial J stands for. Genius, Trump responded.

Theres only one problem, which Luntz explained after:

Actually, McSally was too kind: if most reporters were merely hacks, it would be an upgrade.
Iran ready to give firm response to any act of adventurism: Defense minister

Iran Press TV

Friday, 17 January 2020 2:13 PM

Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami says the country's Armed Forces are ready to give a strong response to any act of adventurism.

In a telephone conversation with Hulusi Akar, the Turkish National Defense Minister, Hatami added that the assassination of top Iranian commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani was a "cowardly" move by the United States and a real example of state-sponsored terrorism.

"The Americans once again showed their criminal face to the world and proved their terrorist nature to all," the Iranian defense chief said.

He pointed to US President Donald Trump's "miscalculation, strategic mistake and savage act" in assassinating the IRGC commander and said martyrdom of Soleimani and his companions would not definitely put an end to resistance but would further strengthen it.

On January 3, the United States assassinated Soleimani, who commanded the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), among others in a set of airstrikes against the Iraqi capital of Baghdad. General Soleimani has earned reputation as West Asia's most revered anti-terror commander due to his indispensable contribution to defeating terrorist outfits such as Daesh across the region.

The strikes also led to the martyrdom of second-in-command of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis along with eight other Iranians and Iraqis.

In retaliation, the IRGC fired volleys of ballistic missiles on January 8 at the US's Ain al-Assad air base in the western Iraqi Anbar Province, and another facility in Erbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan, both of which housed American forces.

Hatami further said that Iran attacked the US base by its domestically-manufactured missiles and added that the Americans have realized that if they carry out an act of stupidity once again, they will receive a more severe response.

"We expect all independent countries in the world including regional governments to strongly condemn this terrorist move by the Americans," the Iranian defense minister pointed out.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Friday that the assassination of the top Iranian commander disgraced the US as it had to own up to the "terrorist" action and see its image dealt a blow by Iran's retaliation.

"The day the missiles of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps crushed the US base is one of the days of God. The Guards' response was a major blow to America's fearsome superpower image," the Leader told a huge crowd in Tehran.

The United States military has said that 11 of its troops were wounded in an Iranian retaliatory missile attack last week despite Washington's initial claim denying casualties.

"While no US service members were killed in the January 8 Iranian attack on al-Asad Air base, several were treated for concussion symptoms from the blasts and are still being assessed," US Central Command spokesman Captain Bill Urban said in a statement on Thursday.

Turkey seeks sustainable security in region: Akar

The Turkish defense minister, for his part, offered his condolences to the Iranian government and nation over the assassination of general Soleimani.

The creation of tension and instability in the region would not be beneficial to any country, Akar said, adding that Ankara has always called for the establishment of sustainable security.

He also stressed the importance of boosting bilateral cooperation on regional and international developments.

In a phone call with the Turkish defense minister on Thursday, Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri said the Islamic Republic is not interested in the escalation of tensions in the region, but is ready to give a crushing response to any act of aggression.

"Iran is not interested in further escalation of tensions, but will give a crushing response to any irrational action and act of aggression, and we hope that withdrawal of the US from the region would put an end to all [the existing] chaos and conflicts," Major General Baqeri said.

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Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar on Saturday suggested that the Bombay high court ask the Maharashtra government to utilise funds sanctioned for the proposed statue of his grandfather B R Ambedkar in Mumbai for improvement of Wadia hospitals for women and children instead.

The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government on Wednesday approved a proposal to raise the height of the proposed statue of the Dalit icon at the Indu Mills compound in Mumbai by 100 feet and cleared the revised expenditure of Rs 1089.95 crore for the memorial project.

"I have raised an objection about the proposed statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar in the Indu Mill. I think the government should establish a center for intellectual thoughts instead. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had allotted this land for an international school of studies, but the political leaders are using this land for a statue," Ambedkar, who heads Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, told reporters.

I request the HC to utilise the funds allocated for the statue to the improvement of Wadia hospitals, he said.

The Maharashtra government on Friday told the HC it had released Rs 24 crore to cash-strapped Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children and Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital in Mumbai.

Ambedkar said a Maharashtra bandh has been called on January 24 against the "economic crisis", new citizenship law, NPR (National Population Register) and the likely NRC.

"Around 35 social and political organisations will be participating in the strike," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 09:31:26|Editor: huaxia

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OUAGADOUGOU, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- At least five soldiers were killed in a roadside explosion on Friday in northern Burkina Faso's province of Soum, a security source told Xinhua.

The explosion occurred as an army patrol vehicle hit an improvised roadside explosive device in the town of Arbinda, the source said.

Burkina Faso is faced with a worsening security situation in northern regions as frequent militant attacks have sparked a wave of panic in the country.

Since December last year, the Burkina Faso army has scaled up military air and ground offensives against escalating terrorist attacks across the country on army positions and civilians.

Since 2015, terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of over 700 people, including 200 armed forces soldiers, and displaced thousands of others in the West African country.
The Armenian side is negotiating with Gazproms subsidiary Gazprom Armenia the fixed gas pricing for a 10-year period if the company declares a tariff increase, the Chairman of the Public Services Regulatory Commission, Garegin Baghramyan said.

He noted that in case of the gas tariffs increase, the difference could be compensated by the Armenian government.
Zoya Akhtar's Gully Boy starring Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt and Siddhant Chaturvedi won critical acclaim and lots of love and appreciation from the audience as well. The actors also walked away with trophies for best performances at many award ceremonies.

Well, it's not just us, even former South African batsman Jonty Rhodes was completely bowled over by the film and even took to his Twitter page to share how he laughed; cried and had goosebumps" while watching the movie.

Jonty tweeted, "Been listening to the #GullyBoy soundtrack ever since meeting @SiddhantChturvD last year at an event, finally got to watch the entire movie on my @emirates to India last night. Thanks to subtitles, I laughed; cried and had goosebumps @RanveerOfficial @aliaa08@kalkikanmani."

Check out his tweet here.

Been listening to the #GullyBoy soundtrack ever since meeting @SiddhantChturvD last year at an event, finally got to watch the entire movie on my @emirates to India last night. Thanks to subtitles, I laughed; cried and had goosebumps @RanveerOfficial @aliaa08 @kalkikanmani  Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) January 17, 2020

Reacting to Jonty's tweet, Siddhant Chaturvedi who played the role of a rapper named MC Sher wrote, "Oh yes!! I am glad you enjoyed it sir."

Gully Boy was India's official entry to Oscars 2020. Unfortunately, the film failed to make it to the final list of shortlisted films. Later, Zoya Akhtar told PTI, "There was a huge learning. It was exciting because I have got many, many good things out of it. I'm not going to deny that a lot of good things have happened to me. There are no complaints, only gratitude."

The filmmaker said that she wasn't disheartened with the result and added, "This has encouraged me to do what I do. We are born and bred in this business, you have ups and you have downs. You cannot let the ups go to your head or the downs go to your heart. Because I'm here to stay. I'm here to make movies. My job is to take every experience and get better with it. I have to do that, I have no choice. My first film didn't do well, it doesn't mean I'm going to cry. I'm just going to make a better film, then another better one and so on."

Gully Boy, which released in 2019, is a coming-of-age story based on the street rappers in Mumbai.

Kangana Ranaut Reveals Ranveer Singh In Gully Boy Was One Of Her Favourite 2019 Performances

Ranveer Singh Wanted To Play Moeen In Gully Boy!
Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], Jan 18 (ANI): Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday said the amended Citizenship Act was against the secular fabric of the country and compared it with the "ethnic and religious cleansing of Hitler's Germany".



"What happened in Germany under Hitler in 1930 is happening in India now..Germans did not speak then, and they regretted it, but we have to speak now so that we do not regret later," Singh said in the Punjab Assembly during a discussion on the resolution, which was adopted by a voice vote, seeking immediate repeal of the CAA.

Pointing to the omission of Muslims and such other communities as Jews from the ambit of citizenship under the CAA, the resolution asked for a repeal of the Act "to avoid any discrimination on the basis of religion in granting citizenship and to ensure equality before law for all religious groups in India", according to a release by the CMO.

"Why have Muslims been excluded? And why have they (Centre) not included Jews in the CAA?" pointing out that Punjab had a Jew Governor, General Jacob, who also fought for the nation in the 1971 war, the release added.

According to the official release, the Punjab CM urged the Opposition, particularly the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), "to read Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf to understand the dangers of CAA. He said he would get the book translated and distributed so that all could read and grasp the historical mistakes that Hitler made."

The resolution was introduced in the Assembly by Cabinet Minister Brahm Mohindra and was put to vote by Speaker Rana KP Singh, according to a press release.

During the discussion on the resolution, the CM also urged the Centre to put on hold the work on the National Population Register (NPR), till forms and documents associated with it are amended suitably, in order to allay apprehensions that it is a prelude to the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

After the Assembly passed the resolution, Singh said that the Punjab government will join Kerala in the Supreme Court on the matter.

"We are going to join Kerala in Supreme Court on this issue," he had said.

Recently, the Kerala government had passed the resolution against the CAA and also moved the Supreme Court against the Act which grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. (ANI)


New Jerseys most powerful congressman is pushing a new vision for how America should deal with climate change.

U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-6th Dist., announced the Climate Leadership and Environmental Action for our Nations Future Act  or CLEAN Future Act  earlier this month. Due to his role as chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Pallone is uniquely situated to influence federal environmental policy.

On Friday, Pallone was joined by New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Catherine McCabe at Monmouth University to discuss his new climate plan.

The CLEAN Future Act is a sweeping plan aimed at drastically reducing the nations greenhouse gas emissions through a series of new regulations affects a variety of industries. The end goal is to create a 100% clean economy  defined as producing net zero emissions  by 2050.

The bill has not yet been formally introduced, because it is not yet fully written. Pallone said that the details are still being worked out, and he expects that the entire bill with be about 800 pages long. That final version is expected to be released during the last week of January.

According to a memo outlining the main points of the CLEAN Future Act, the measures required by the legislation include:

A nationwide standard to have 100% of energy supplied by clean sources by 2050.

Stronger federal energy efficiency requirements in national model building codes.

Stronger federal emission standards for all vehicles.

A national Buy Clean Program that requires construction projects that receive federal funding use low-emission building materials.

New environmental justice requirements for state plans for clean air and handling hazardous waste.

New regulations for methane emissions in the oil and gas industry.

Individual state climate plans, to allow flexibility in how these targets are reached.

A National Climate Bank to provide funding for states, municipal and corporate initiatives.

New initiatives to train workers for green energy jobs.

Pallone acknowledges that the plan, in its entirety, has little chance of being approved by the Republican-controlled Senate or being signed into law by President Donald Trump. But the Congressman did say that some parts of the CLEAN Future Act have bipartisan support, and he hopes to get at least some of it approved.

Were laying it out. To the extent that we can get pieces of it passed on a bipartisan basis, we will," Pallone said. "And then, hopefully well have a new President and a Democratic Senate and then theyll pass it.

The CLEAN Future Act follows the Green New Deal, a sweeping collection of policy proposals that is championed by progressive Democrats and aims to overhaul American society in order to rapidly eliminate carbon emissions. The Green New Deal is a non-binding resolution that was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and in the Senate by Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts. The resolution was shot down by the Senate in a March vote, and no vote has been held in the House.

Pallone has made clear that he does not support the Green New Deal, and instead wants more incremental change. But on Friday, he said that nothing in the CLEAN Future Act would not preclude more aggressive measures from being put in place later on either at the federal, state or local levels.

If anything, I think it fleshes out a lot of things that the Green New Deal would like to see, in terms of specifics, Pallone said.

The legislations definition of clean as meaning net-zero emissions could become a sticking point in the future, because it allows for continued development of natural gas infrastructure as long as steps are taken to offset its greenhouse gas emissions.

We dont rule out the use of natural gas completely. Were saying that it has to be net-zero," Pallone said. "For anyone to suggest that somehow you can achieve [a 100% clean economy by 2050] by building a lot more natural gas pipelines or mining a lot more coal and using coal as a main source of energy, youre not going to be able to do that and reach this 2050 goal.

Murphy and McCabe both praised the CLEAN Future Act.

As stewards of this planet, it has become vital that we find a multi-pronged strategy that incorporates both proven and innovative ways to mitigate the effects of climate change, and we must tackle this on a national scale," Murphy said. "In crafting the CLEAN Future Act, Congressman Pallone and his fellow cosponsors have taken a forward-thinking approach that will address the climate crisis head on.

The plan was also embraced by a number of New Jersey environmental groups.

The CLEAN Future Act treats the climate crisis like the national crisis that is and will drive states and the innovation economy to achieve a net zero carbon future over the next three decades, said Doug OMalley, the director of Environment New Jersey. The memory of Hurricane Sandys impact is still strong and serves as a clarion call for climate action on the federal level. We are proud to stand with Congressman Pallone to support this initiative.

Michael Sol Warren may be reached at mwarren@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MSolDub. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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(Photo : facebook screenshot) Wolf Cukier a 17 year old discovered a new planet

While some high school students go out partying, some of them are busy discovering new planets! Yes, a high school student allegedly 'discovered' a planet orbiting two stars only three days after starting his internship with NASA.

Meet Wolf Cukier, who had just completed a junior year at Scarsdale High school in New York. His most memorable moment during this time of his high school life was not the prom night but that day when he discovered a new planet. Right after junior year, he joined NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, M.D., for an internship during summer. He has been tasked to look at star brightness variations which have been recorded by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS).

The mission of TESS is to find planets, ranging from small rocky ones to giant planets, which will help in understanding the diversity of planets in the galaxy. The TESS is a NASA Astrophysics Explorer mission operated by MIT in Cambridge and managed by Goddard Space Flight Center of NASA. Dr. Ricker of MIT's Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research is the principal investigator of the mission TESS.

Now NASA's TESS, with the help of Cukier, just discovered its first circumbinary planet, which is a type of planet that orbits two stars instead of one. They named it TOI 1338 B. It is almost the size of Saturn, and it orbits its stars every 95 days. These two stars allegedly orbit each other and consist of a small cool M dwarf and the other much like the Sun. Together these two stars form what is known as an Eclipsing Binary. This pertains to the fact that these two stars regularly pass in front of each other from a human point of view.

TESS looks for planets of this kind and other star systems by means of looking for small, regular dips in starlight, which is called "transits." While it saw TOI 1338 B's transits of the large star, experts said that spotting them in the data was not a walk in the park. Cukier examined hundreds of eclipsing binaries to look for planetary transits, which represents some of the eclipses. Finally, he discovered transits caused by the planet. For the sake of comparison, this planet is 6.9 times the size of Earth and it is 1300 lightyears away from home.

This wonder kid also said that this planet is very much like Tatooine, from Star Wars.

"I discovered a planet. It has two stars which it orbits around. So if you think to Luke's homeworld, Tatooine, from Star Wars, it's like that. Every sunset, there's gonna be two stars setting" -Cukier

During an interview with News1, Cukier stated, "There were some ups and downs in our confidence along the way. But it was cool and exciting to see the process." He also has future plans to study with these three top choices in his mind: Princeton, MIT and Stanford.

As TESS will be observing hundreds of thousands of eclipsing binaries, experts say that there are more planets similar to 1338 B just waiting to be discovered. So stay tuned for more space and tech updates. Bookmark this website if you haven't yet!

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Russian occupation forces violated the ceasefire regime eight times in past 24 hours, with one Ukrainian serviceman reported as wounded, the press center of the headquarters of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) has reported.

"On January 17, the armed groups led by the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire regime eight times. No casualties among the servicemen of the JFO were reported. One Ukrainian soldier was wounded over the past 24 hours," the JFO staff said on Facebook on Saturday morning.

In the area of responsibility of the Skhid (East) tactical group, the enemy violated the ceasefire five times: one near Krasnohorivka using anti-tank grenade launchers; one near Shyrokyne using grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns and small arms; two near Pavlopil using 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns and small arms; one near Vasylivka using small arms.

In the area of responsibility of the Pivnich (North) tactical group, the enemy violated the ceasefire three times: two near Orikhove using 120mm mortars and grenade launchers of various types; one near Luhanske using anti-tank grenade launchers, heavy machine guns and small arms.
Tata Motors plans to launch many new cars this year. Starting with Altroz on 22nd Jan, Tata will launch Nexon Electric, Tiago facelift, Tigor facelift, Nexon facelift, Gravitas SUV, H2X mini SUV, etc. In addition to this, they will also be updating select cars from their current line-up to meet BS6 norms.

Altroz and Nexon electric have already been detailed officially by the company in the past weeks. Now brochure scans of the facelifted Nexon, Tigor and Tiago have leaked ahead of official launch. This is credit to Motors Automotive Facebook page.

As you can see in the leaked brochure of 2020 Tata Tiago facelift  it will come in new colour options. Total of 6 colours are on offer  Flame Red, Pearlescent White, Victory Yellow, Pure Silver, Tectonic Blue and Daytona Grey. You also get a black roof to give the contrast / dual tone effect. On the outside, it gets a revised headlight cluster, new grille, new bumper in the front and rear. On the inside, it gets similar dashboard, new seat fabric, colour accents on air vents, etc.

2020 Tata Tigor gets similar updates like the Tiago facelift. The new pictures reveal the finer details of the design revision. The new headlamps feature vertical turn indicators located on the inner edges. The tapering black-finished honeycomb grille certainly sets a sharp tone to the Tigors face. Further changes include revised bumper with new airdam and fog light enclosures. The overall look aligns with Tata Motors IMPACT 2.0 design philosophy that debuted on the Harrier and Altroz.

Considering that the Tigor and Tiago twins received an interior update with digital instrument cluster and larger 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system only a few months back, the same continues on facelift. That said, Tata Motors may incorporate a few improvements based on customer feedback. Colour options on offer with Tigor facelift are  Pure Silver, Deep Red, Pearlescent White, Arizona Blue and Daytona Grey.

Speaking about the 2020 Nexon facelift, in comparison to the other two, it is the Nexon which has received the most updates. Nexon facelift is based on the Tata Motors Impact 2.0 design philosophy as is also seen in the case of the Altroz, Harrier. It gets slimmer and wider headlamps, a sleek grille design and larger bumpers and a larger air dam. It also receives a redesigned bonnet which appeared flatter as compared to its current counterpart along with redesigned tailgate and tail lamps.

On the inside, it gets the new all digital instrument console from Tiago and Tigor facelift. The free standing touchscreen infotainment system remains same. Steering now feature controls for cruise control, in addition to existing options. Interiors are seen in new colour combination while seats get new fabric. There appears to be faux carbon fiber inserts on the door panels. Colour options include Tectonic Blue with White roof, Daytona Grey with White roof, Foliage with White roof, Caligary White with Sonic Silver roof, Pure Silver with White roof, and Flame Red with White roof.

As far as powertrain lineup for Tiago and Tigor FL is concerned, the 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol motor will receive BS6 updates which could result is slightly revision of power and torque figures. As of now, the motor is tuned to deliver 85 hp and 114 Nm of torque. It is mated either to a 5-MT or a 5-AMT. The 1.05-liter three-cylinder diesel engine is not likely to make the BS6 switch owning to low demand and huge costs involved.

2020 Nexon FL is expected to be powered by the same petrol and diesel engine options as seen on the current counterpart, but the engines will now be updated to meet BS6 norms. The 1.2 liter, 3 cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine will offer 108 bhp power and 170 Nm torque while the 1.5 liter, 4 cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine will be capable of 108 hp power and 260 Nm torque. Both engines are mated to either a 6 speed manual or an AMT. Upgraded to comply with BS VI emission standards, the three new Tata cars will see a price hike.

Update  Tata Motors has opened bookings for their facelifted Nexon, Tiago and Tigor. Below are the official images of the three cars, which will soon be seen at a Tata authorized dealership near you.

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ABU DHABI (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 18th January, 2020) The small island nations of the Caribbean, which are most vulnerable to the dangers of climate change, are on track to exceed their Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets under the Paris Agreement, Wilfred Arthur Abrahams, the Barbados minister of energy and water resources, told Sputnik in an interview.

The NDCs, the post-2020 climate actions outlined and communicated by each party to the accord, aim to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

"Most Caribbean territories are probably going to exceed their Paris climate agreement commitments, because for us it is a matter of necessity. We are the affected ones. Look at what happened in the Bahamas [after Hurricane Dorian] the other day. With one storm you can wipe off the entire country. You can put everyone out of work, out of housing, you can eventually force the abandonment of the country. For us, the Paris thresholds are a bit low. We would like to see the world step up [its commitments]," Abrahams said.

The minister went on to slam the most polluting countries for their unimpressive commitments under the Paris climate deal.

"The big industrial countries, the big polluters are hiding behind very low thresholds and are not doing what is necessary. We need to be moving as a global community toward the elimination of fossil fuel-based generation electricity," the minister added.

While the 2015 Paris Agreement was designed as a collective treaty, individual countries, especially big economies with sizable carbon footprints, might fail to implement their pledges, which could, in turn, derail the deal's key premise. The agreement ambitiously seeks to bring all nations into the common cause of combating climate change and keep the global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit)  ideally by 1.5 degrees Celsius  above pre-industrial levels. The deal has no compliance mechanism.

The United States, one of the biggest economies and the country responsible for nearly 15 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, gave official notice to the United Nations of its withdrawal from the Paris accord in November.
A court has granted bail to 14 people who were arrested in connection with violence during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act in Muzaffarnagar

Muzaffarnagar: A court has granted bail to 14 people who were arrested in connection with violence during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act. District judge Sanjay Kumar Pachori on Friday allowed their bail pleas and directed that they be released after furnishing two sureties each of one lakh each.

According to the prosecution, the accused were arrested and sent to jail for allegedly being involved in the violence that broke out during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act on 20 December in Kotwali police station area.

The police have also arrested many others in the district in connection with the incident and imposed the charge of inciting children to pelt stones on 33 people.

Meanwhile, police have registered a case against unidentified people for allegedly disseminating fake news, through social media and newspapers, of sexual assault with a madrassa student during police custody following the 20 December violence during the anti-CAA protests.

Police said a case was registered on Friday under section 22 of the POCSO Act against unidentified people for allegedly spreading false news pertaining to a child's sexual assault and misusing the law.

The case was registered after a complaint was filed by a person in this regard, police said, adding that the madrassa committee has said no incident of sexual assault with any of its students took place.

Ten students of the Madrassa Hoja Ilmiya here were arrested by police following the violence but they were later granted bail by a court after the SIT probing the incidents said there was no evidence against them.
The political battle lines have been drawn over Virginia governor Ralph Northam's declaration of an emergency kill zone on the Capitol grounds for Lobby Day, Jan. 20. As of Friday night, after a Virginia district court rejected a legal challenge to the governor's gun ban, the ban appears to be in place, unless a last-ditch appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court can succeed in overturning the ban this weekend.

As it stands, an area bounded by 9th, Broad, Bank, and Governor streets around the Richmond Capitol has been declared an emergency gun-free zone. One section of the appeal to the Supreme Court argues:

These events merely underscore the Petitioners['] concern raised at oral argument before the trial court, that people who choose to show up armed to Lobby Day  and there will be many who seek to  will be forced by this EO into the unprotected chaos of the surrounding streets, rather than the "shelter" of the Capitol grounds. The EO's ban on firearms on the grounds for this permitted event has increased the risk of problems despite the purported justification of "avoiding another Charlottesville."

Philip Van Cleave, president of the VCDL, discussed the logistics of the rally on the Cam Edwards YouTube channel on Thursday:

... 9th Street is right there, that's the street that touches the Capitol square ... 9th street will be blocked off so that people can stand there and they will be able to hear the speakers[.] ... If you are on that street, you can carry[.]

Capitol police expect to funnel as many as 10,000 people through magnetometers into the outdoor gun-free kill zone that will be contained by fencing around the Capitol grounds. Thus, any violent extremists motivated by mass murder will be able legally to carry their weapons onto 9th Street and have a free fire zone into the trapped and defenseless crowd.

Similarly, it will be legal to carry anywhere on the streets surrounding the kill zone. Trapping people in an enclosure won't make them safe, and the prospect of mixing bad and good actors in the streets is an object lesson in the futility of gun-free zones.

On Lobby Day, should people need to escape the gun-free kill zone, they will be funneled into exit choke points along the fence, where they will be vulnerable to further concentrated violence. This is the same type of plan used in Charlottesville to trap Unite the Right demonstrators behind metal barricades, and then to funnel them through exits targeted by the Antifa mob.

The only people who might be protected by this plan will be the people inside the Capitol building itself  i.e., mainly lawmakers.

On Wednesday, in his prepared remarks, Gov. Northam went to significant lengths to justify the emergency declaration and explicitly tied the current threats to similarities with the events in Charlottesville in 2017:

[W]e have received credible intelligence from our law enforcement agencies that there are groups with malicious plans for the rally that is planned for Monday. This includes out of state militia groups and hate groups planning to travel from across the country to disrupt our democratic process with acts of violence. They are not coming to peacefully protest. They are coming to intimidate and cause harm. State intelligence analysts have identified threats and violent rhetoric similar to what has been seen before other major events such as Charlottesville.

After warning of unspecified haters, Gov. Northam then made a vague and confusing reference to various "off-line and on-line" sites in "mainstream" but "dark web" channels as the source of the intelligence. This was followed by an incoherent non sequitur about some unknown "conversations" involving "conspiracy theories":

This intelligence comes from main stream channels, both off-line and on-line, such as alternative dark web channels used by violent groups and white nationalists from outside Virginia. These conversations are fueled by misinformation and conspiracy theories.

Thus, on Wednesday, Gov. Northam threw the first grenade in the blame game. The Democrats' political tactics are straight from the Charlottesville playbook. First, prior to a legal rally, delegitimize your opponents by calling them dangerous extremists, haters, and intimidators, then paint your opponents as outsiders, and then warn them to stay away from "your" territory. Lastly, set up your opponents to take the blame should anything violent happen.

In his remarks, Gov. Northam set up some unspecified infiltrators as dangerous white nationalists who may be coming here to do harm. On Wednesday, the Zman blog presented a cogent analysis of the problems associated with calling someone a white nationalist. Peter Brimelow of VDare is suing the New York Times for $5 million in damages for libel after the paper repeatedly called him a white nationalist.

Who defines, and how do you define, a white nationalist? Is it a libel to call someone a white nationalist or not? Gov. Northam is going with the libel angle. If "white nationalist" is not a slur on your character, then the term must represent a legitimate identity, and that doesn't get you very far in declaring a state of emergency against white nationalist invaders.

So he is using the term as a libel, and a specific libel to mean that white nationalists, by virtue of being white, are racists, as opposed to some other kind of nationalists who are not white and not racists.

The hypocrisy about racism here is absolutely staggering. After initially apologizing for being in a medical school yearbook photo painted in blackface (standing next to someone in a KKK costume, or perhaps being the one in the KKK costume), he later recanted the admission, and a private investigation costing $368,000 (paid for by the state medical school) said there was no conclusive evidence that it was Gov. Northam in the photo. He now claims that he doesn't know how the picture appeared on his personal yearbook page, though he also claims that he did darken his face that same year to dress up as Michael Jackson.

Though there were bipartisan calls for his resignation, after creating a new top advisory position for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and after hiring a black woman to be the first ever director in the position, Gov. Northam saved his job. Now Gov. Northam is wholly owned by the race industry. He has no choice but to define white nationalists as evil.

Could he be sued for libel by someone who is in Richmond on Monday? What if it gets out where you work that you went to Lobby Day with the white nationalists? Might you face job discrimination as a white nationalist?

Gov. Northam was not done setting up targets for blame. He's also lining up the VCDL for blame should anything go badly on Monday. After stating that he believes the VCDL when it says it intends this to be a peaceful event, he said this:

Unfortunately, they have unleashed something much larger, something that they may not be able to control. And so I call on them to disavow anyone who wishes to use Monday's rally to advance a violent agenda, and I call on them to discourage people from other states from coming to Virginia with violent intent. Hate, intimidation, and violence have no place here.

As it turns out, it's actually the Democrats who have unleashed something much larger, something that they may not be able to control. In fact, they may have created a national opposition movement. Lawmakers in West Virginia have invited Virginia counties to leave Virginia and rejoin their historical family, a prospect that is entirely possible.

According to news reports, the VCDL's Van Cleave responded to the governor by saying:

Excuse me, the governor caused all of this stuff[.] ... This is on him, not on us. All of these people are stirred up because of what he is doing, trying to remove guns from law-abiding citizens.

Notice that Gov. Northam is using a Stalinist tactic when he requests that private citizens disavow people they don't even know. The implication is that if you don't become a state-controlled denouncer, a stooge of the government, you will be held responsible for anything bad that happens when you express your First Amendment rights.

Moreover, the governor is requesting that the VCDL discourage people from other states from coming to Virginia. This is a double-whammy. You must disavow and discourage, or you will be held accountable.

In another part of his remarks, Gov. Northam said,

Now, I call on the Virginia Citizens Defense League and its members to follow the NRA's example, and make your event a peaceful display too[.] ... Please do not dishonor Virginia or your cause.

So let me get this straight. Gov. Northam has declared a state of emergency based on credible threats from the dark web that violent white nationalist militias may storm the capitol in response to his anti-gun legislation, and somehow the VCDL is supposed to be responsible because he claims it's "your event."

The pre-emptive blame game now is in full swing. It sounds as though Gov. Northam is going with his yearbook strategy. I don't know how this happened! Someone else must have done it! Blame him!

Image: Craig via Flickr.
Washington: US President Trump has recently requested the leaders of Chennai to leave the path of terrorism and make Iran great again. On Friday, Trump said that the great people of Iran who love America, they need a government that helps them turn their dreams into reality, rather than killing them to demand respect. With this, Trump also warned Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to speak up.

According to information from the sources, the US President said that instead of leading Iran to waste, its leaders should abandon terror and make Iran great again. Jahn Trump warned Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to be extremely careful in choosing words. At the same time, Trump said that the so-called Supreme Leader of Iran is no longer the supreme. Where Iran's economy is going into a trough and its citizens are suffering. At the same time, Iran's highest leader should be very careful in choosing words.

At the same time, it is also being said that Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while addressing the Jumaz prayers on Friday, 17 January 2020, for the first time since 2012, said that Iran is ready to negotiate but with the US Won't talk He called the US President a joker, saying that Trump US President Donald Trump only pretends to support the people of Iran. He also said that Trump will one day stab the poisonous rash on our back.

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Five Pakistanis were trying to steal nuclear, arrested

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Tea parties with Ghislaine Maxwell sound like something to avoid. Writer Christina Oxenberg recalls one when Jeffrey Epsteins friend greeted guests wearing nothing more than her underwear.

She was wearing very pretty, white frilly things, Christina tells me.

She was also wearing a lot of jewellery, gold things and probably diamonds.

'It was hot and she kept fanning herself with a copy of Vogue. There were three other woman there who were very well dressed.

Tea parties with Ghislaine Maxwell (pictured with Jeffrey Epstein in 2005) sound like something to avoid

Writer Christina Oxenberg (left) recalls one party when Jeffrey Epsteins friend greeted guests wearing nothing more than her underwear

Christina, whose mother is Princess Elizabeth of Yugoslavia, claims that Ghislaine mistreated her Yorkshire terrier puppy, Max.

She thought it was funny to throw this poor puppy across the room, adds Christina, whos publishing her memoirs via the website Patreon.

That was my cue to leave. I thought, These are not people I want to be friends with.

Succession laws were changed before Prince Georges birth so a daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge would become Queen, had she been born first.

Among Prince William and Kates aristocratic friends, however, boys still inherit titles, however many older sisters they have.

So their pal Sir Henry Ropner is thrilled that his wife, Natasha, has just given birth to their first son, after having three girls.

Henry and Natasha are delighted, a friend tells me.

Sir Henry Ropner, friends with Prince William and Kate Middleton, is thrilled that his wife has given birth to their first son after three girls because he will inherit his baronetcy

James will inherit the baronetcy of the dashing shipping heir.

No doubt, he will eventually enjoy playing with one-year-old Prince Louis at the Ropners 1,000-acre estate in Yorkshire. Sir Henrys family own a 33.7 million shipping management firm.

When William split up temporarily from the then Kate Middleton in 2007, Sir Henry provided a shoulder for her to cry on. The Edinburgh University graduate, 38, who attended Eton with William, married businessmans daughter Natasha in 2012.

She had made headlines when she posed as Venus in Country Life magazine.

Sir Oliver Letwin, who was involved in a series of calamities while a Tory minister, is aiming to profit from doom now hes left Parliament. He has written a book called Apocalypse How?

Speaking at the launch party for Tessa Keswicks book The Colour Of The Sky After Rain, at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Knightsbridge, Sir Oliver tells me: Its about how our communications networks are all connected and catastrophe could result. Lawks . . .

Notoriety does not appear to be helping Veronica Lucans former home to sell. I hear that the Belgravia property, where the wife of the fugitive 7th Earl of Lucan lived until her death in 2017, has had its price slashed by 250,000 to just under 3 million and new estate agents appointed after it failed to attract an acceptable offer.

Its failure to sell is surprising as it underwent a 1 million transformation by its new owner, who bought the pad in a state of complete disrepair for 1.5 million.

This will get the crockery flying: Turner Prize-winner Grayson Perry says his fellow artists take themselves too seriously.

A lot kid themselves that theyre deeply serious politicians, or activists, opines the cross-dressing potter.

This will get the crockery flying: Turner Prize-winner Grayson Perry says his fellow artists take themselves too seriously

But people go to art exhibitions on their day off. Its a leisure activity for most people. You dont go into a gallery to be hectored.

Perry adds: Theres a section [of the art world] that has over the years equated performative seriousness with worth. Gradually theyve upped the obscurity of the language and the difficulty of the art.

Sounds like a case of the pot calling the kettle black . . .
Google is one of the largest companies in the world, with products and services offered by the tech giant spanning a variety of markets.

It is famous for its search engine and products such as Gmail and Google Drive, as well as its market-leading Chrome browser.

However, many users dislike the fact that one company has such extensive access to their data. These users have various options if they want to rid themselves of Google-operated software.

Here are some of the best replacements for Google products and services.

Google Search  DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo has become increasingly popular in recent times due to its position as a privacy-focused alternative to Google.

It has three key selling points which it says are reasons it is a better choice than Google for privacy-minded users:

It blocks advertising trackers.

It keeps their search history private.

It allows users to take control of their personal data.

This combination means that websites and advertisers are unable to target you with advertisements based upon your interests and previous activity.

It also offers various features you will be used to from Google Search  such as image search, video search, and Wikipedia sidebars.

Alternatives: Bing, Yahoo.

Google Chrome  Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox has long been the most serious competitor to Google Chrome, and it continues to offer an impressive experience that makes it a great option.

Germanys Federal Office for Information Security has conducted tests which found that Firefox is the most secure mainstream browser in the world  beating Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Edge.

Firefox also blocks over 2,000 trackers and offers additional features including Firefox Monitor, which alerts you if your information is part of another companys data breach, and Firefox Lockwise, which secures passwords you save in Firefox and makes them available on your other devices.

Firefox is open-source, which is another reason that it may be an attractive alternative to the highly-commercial Google environment for many users.

Alternatives: Edge, Opera, Brave.

Google Drive  Dropbox Basic

Dropbox is a well-known name in the cloud storage market, and for good reason.

It offers free storage through its Dropbox Basic product to users  much like Google Drive does.

Dropbox Basic users get 2GB of free storage, and can access stored files on a number of platforms including Windows, Mac, Web, iOS, and Android.

Users can also back anything up to their Dropbox account by storing it in the Dropbox folder on their computer.

File recovery and versions can be restored up until 30 days after they were originally saved  a useful feature if you mistakenly delete your files or make unwanted changes to a document.

Alternatives: OneDrive, Box.

Google Docs  Microsoft Office Online

While Dropbox is great, Microsoft Office Online is a reason to consider using OneDrive instead.

Office Online allows users to access an interface that is very similar to that of the traditional Microsoft Office applications and offers a variety of templates and similar features to the traditional Office programmes.

Programmes available with Office Online include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, and Skype.

Documents are automatically saved to your OneDrive account  making the use of OneDrive even easier if you also use Microsoft Word Online.

Alternatives: Paper (by Dropbox), Zoho Docs.

Now read: Google Chrome now warns you if your password is stolen
A top Pakistani minister and a close aide of Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Saturday that Islamabad had shown "weakness" on Kashmir, contradicting his government's claim that it has "succeeded" in internationalising the issue.

Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid said the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government will hold rallies in the country till February 5 to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

"I think so far we have shown weakness on the Kashmir issue. I have spoken (on it) in the Cabinet meetings," Rashid told reporters.

Rashid's remarks have come days after Prime Minister Khan reaffirmed Pakistan's support for the Kashmiri people.

"J&K dispute must be resolved in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions & the will of the Kashmiri people. We will continue to provide moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people...," Khan said in tweet on Thursday.

"An internationally recognised dispute, J&K remains on the Security Council's agenda & its consideration by the Council reflects a recognition of the seriousness of the prevailing situation," he said.

In a special address to the nation in August last year, Khan said that Islamabad's Kashmir policy was at a "decisive" point and his government had succeeded in internationalising the issue of Kashmir.

"We have succeeded in internationalising the issue of Kashmir, we talked to world leaders and embassies. The UN for the first time since 1965, convened a meeting on Kashmir issue. Even international media has picked it up," Khan had said.

On Friday, Khan chaired a meeting on the situation in Kashmir, which was attended by Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence Lt Gen Faiz Hamid, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mehmood and other senior military and civilian officials.

They discussed the preparations for the Kashmir Day observed on February 5 every year to express solidarity with the Kashmiris.

This year's Kashmir Day would have added significance as it would be the first such observance after India's August 5 decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcate it into two Union Territories, evoking strong reactions from Islamabad.

India has defended the move, saying the special status provisions only gave rise to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The country took the decision of abrogation of Article 370, which had only given separatism and terrorism to that state," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at a function in October last year.

Earlier in December, minister Rashid had said that the opening of the historic Kartarpur Corridor was the brainchild of Pakistan Army chief General Bajwa, contradicting his government's assertion that the idea behind the initiative was of Prime Minister Khan.

On November 9, prime minister Khan inaugurated the Kartarpur Corridor to facilitate the visa-free entry of Indian Sikh pilgrims to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev.

Rashid, a known motormouth, said the corridor will hurt India for ever.

"India will remember forever the kind of wound inflicted on it by Gen Bajwa by opening Kartarpur corridor," he had said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The U.S. Supreme Court has granted certiorari in two cases that could have important impact on the functioning of the Electoral College. The issue presented in both cases, one from Colorado and one from Washington, is whether a state can, by law, require its electors to vote according to their pledges or the states majority vote. The issue, previously obscure, came into focus in 2016 when ten electors refused to vote in accordance with their states popular votes. More than half the states currently have laws purporting to bind electors to vote for the candidate to whom they are pledged, or to the candidate receiving the largest number of votes in that state.

In the Washington Supreme Court case, the court upheld Washingtons statute. In the Colorado case, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, in Baca v. Colorado Department of State, held the state law unconstitutional on the ground that the U.S. Constitution grants electors the freedom to vote for whomever they choose.

Like most people, I dislike the concept of faithless electors, but in my view, the 10th Circuits reading of the Constitution is persuasive. If the Supreme Court affirms the 10th Circuit, we can expect to see many more cases of bribery, intimidation and so on in the future.

Meanwhile, a number of states have enacted the Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote, which is intended to effectively do away with the Electoral College. The Agreement will go into effect when states comprising the majority of electoral votes have subscribed to it, something that may happen in the near future. Under the Agreement, for example, if Minnesota were a signatory to the Agreement, and President Trump won the national popular votea journalistic construct, essentially, with no constitutional significancewhile Minnesotans voted for Bernie Sanders, the state nevertheless would be required to instruct its electors to vote for Trump.

It has been widely speculated that in any given state, the Agreement to Elect the President by National Popular Vote will last until the first time electors cast their votes for a candidate who didnt carry that state. But if the Agreement goes into effect, and if the Supreme Court holds that the discretion of electors cannot be restrained, many will come under pressure to vote for the candidate who carried their state, not the national popular vote winner.

One way or another, if the Supreme Court agrees with the 10th Circuit that electors are entitled to be faithless, we are likely to see much more post-election chaos, and a heightened potential for disputed presidential elections.
Lebanon's President Michel Aoun asked the army and security commanders to restore calm in central Beirut, where security forces clashed with protesters on Saturday night.

Aoun called on them "to protect the safety of peaceful protesters and of public and private property, and to restore calm to central Beirut," the president's office said.

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HUBBALLI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday tore into the anti-CAA camp saying those who oppose the Citizenship Amendment Act are anti-Dalits because 70 per cent of those fleeing neighbouring countries due to religious persecution happen to be Dalits.



Are you against offering citizenship to these persecuted Dalits? Shah asked the Opposition parties. He was addressing a CAA awareness rally in Hubballi.

Shah said there was no clause in the Act that takes away the citizenship of Muslims, and accused the Congress and Rahul Gandhi of trying to create confusion. I challenge Rahul Gandhi. Read the CAA completely and if you find anything that takes away the citizenship of Indian Muslims....our Pralhad Joshi (Parliamentary Affairs Minister) is ready to debate with you.



ALSO READ: PM Modi flag bearer of Indian culture, tradition, says Amit Shah



Recalling the destruction of Buddha statues in Afghanistan, Shah said a number of temples, churches and gurdwaras were demolished and thousands of people from the minority communities had to endure the atrocities committed by the majority community in Pakistan and Bangladesh. They fled to India to save their life, Shah said.

He pointed out that the religiously persecuted refugees were living a miserable life. To help them lead a respectable life, the Narendra Modi government has thought of giving citizenship to them to protect their human rights.



ALSO READ | No jobs, growth rate is going down but PM Modi is worried about Pakistan: Kapil Sibal at CAA rally

Shah urged activists to visit refugee camps for understand ing their conditions. He lashed out at the Congress for procrastinating the issue all these years despite promises made by their tallest leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabh Bhai Patel and Moulana Abdul Kalam Azaad. Even Mahatma Gandhi had assured the minorities of the neighbouring counties citizenship, he said.

Spares none in opposition



The Communist Party, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the JDS, BSP, and SP of indulging in vote bank politics on CAA, Shah said.
THE provincial government signalled a move toward more private-sector involvement in Manitoba Housing projects Friday, drawing the ire of the Right to Housing Coalition.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 17/1/2020 (724 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THE provincial government signalled a move toward more private-sector involvement in Manitoba Housing projects Friday, drawing the ire of the Right to Housing Coalition.

"We need to transform the way we provide services to Manitobans, so that we are offering them a hand up, not a handout," Families Minister Heather Stefanson said in a written statement.

"The Department of Families has set out a 12-month plan that clearly outlines how we will work together to protect our children, reduce dependence on government programs, and strengthen Manitoba families and communities."

The 12-month strategy is aimed at transforming family services, with the province indicating transitioning to more private ownership in Manitoba Housing will be a priority.

The government will seek to push Manitoba Housing away from "its current role as a housing provider" and instead emphasize its "responsibilities as a funder and regulator," the strategy document notes.

It remains unclear what percentage of social housing units the province plans to sell.

The Right to Housing Coalition was quick to criticize the announcement.

"While the Manitoba Right to Housing Coalition was pleased to see housing included in its list of

10 priority areas, the coalition is deeply concerned with the direction the government plans to take," its news release said.

"The report is short on details, but its intentions are clear: the Manitoba government is intent on getting out of the business of housing low-income families."

The group says roughly 7,000 people are on the Manitoba Housing wait list, and it fails to see how the situation will improve without the government increasing the housing supply.

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The coalition said it has a meeting with Stefanson on March 3.

Fridays news drew sharp criticism from NDP housing critic Danielle Adams.

"Safe, affordable housing is the first step to solving so many of the safety, addition and health-care issues we see in our province. Thats why it must be governments responsibility to build social housing  so that every family has a place to live, no matter if its profitable to do so," the Thompson MLA said in a written statement.

"The only action (Premier Brian) Pallisters Conservatives have taken in the face of a housing crisis  made worse by freezing temperatures  is to sell off social housing units and cut frontline services."

ryan.thorpe@freepress.mb.ca
According to the Bengaluru Police Commissioner, the SDPI members were being paid Rs 10,000 per month from their handlers to carry out their agenda. The matter has now been handed over to the Anti-Terror Squad.

Bengaluru: A Bengaluru terror module has been busted with the arrest of six members of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) who had allegedly attempted to kill an RSS worker on 22 December for taking part in a pro-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rally, police said on Friday.

The arrested have been identified as Irfan, Syed Akbar, Syed Siddiqui, Akbar Basha, Sanaulla and Sadiq Amin alias 'Sound Amin', all residents of KG Halli in the city, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao told reporters.

BJP Bengaluru south MP Tejasvi Surya and right wing leader Chakravarthy Sulibele were among the prominent speakers at December's pro-CAA rally.

According to Rao, the SDPI members reached the venue on three stolen motorcycles. They wanted to storm into the crowd initially but, due to heavy police presence, they could not.

Bengaluru Commissioner of Police: 6 SDPI (Social Democratic Party of India) supporters have been arrested in connection with the attack on a BJP-RSS supporter following a rally supporting #CitizenshipAmendmentAct, on 22nd December 2019. #Karnataka https://t.co/khg36YshHP pic.twitter.com/9pbkqz1VGK  ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2020

They wanted to create a panic situation by hurling stones so that people will flee deserting their leaders making it easier to eliminate their targets, the commissioner said.

However, the stones missed the target.

"They later decided to zero in on RSS worker Varun who was supplying water and taking care of the participants at the rally. When he was on his way home, the SDPI activists waylaid and attacked him," Rao said.

According to the commissioner, Varun survived due to timely medical assistance.

"All of them are from the SDPI and they wanted to carry out the dastardly act to create lot of disturbance in Bengaluru City on 22 December," Rao told reporters.

They were being paid Rs 10,000 per month from their handlers to carry out their agenda, the commissioner said, adding the matter has now been handed over to the Anti-Terror Squad.

In addition to it, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be formed to ensure that such people do not create any disturbance, Rao said.

"We are not going to spare anyone whoever their handlers and financiers are whether inside the country or outside.I am constituting an SIT to see that such people do

not create any disturbance," Rao said.

The arrested members were all radicalised and their agenda was to recruit cadres, train and radicalise them, cause destruction and kill prominent people to cause mass disturbance in the city, he said.

"We have named them as the Bengaluru terror module of chapter-1. All of them are in our custody. They wanted to kill the main speakers of the event (pro-Citizenship Amendment Act rally)," Rao said.

After the incident, a special team was formed which examined footage of more than 700 CCTV cameras, identified and nabbed the perpetrators of the crime.

Besides registering a case of attempt to murder, cases have been booked against them for creating enmity between two religious communities and under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, Rao said.

Reacting to the arrest, Tejasvi Surya said "SDPI is an organisation, which has not been banned yet. The SDPI has become strong because the then chief minister Siddaramaiah dropped cases against its members."

He called the arrest only a tip of the iceberg and said he would bring the activities of the SDPI to the notice of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
(Newser)  They went to Mexico to carry out their landlord tasks and never came home. Now, bodies found buried in mud at one of their properties are believed to be those of Jesus Guillen, 70, and his 65-year-old wife, Maria Lopez, authorities say. Per KFMB, the couple traveled to Tijuana on Jan. 10 in their pickup truck to pick up about $6,500 in rent from tenants at some houses they own, and when they didn't set foot back in the United States, their daughter reported them missing. On Thursday, Mexican authorities arrested a suspect: the couple's son-in-law, IDed only as 36-year-old Santiago "N."

story continues below

Per the San Diego Union-Tribune, Santiago told authorities he'd traveled to the border from the Mexican side to greet his in-laws and take them to their properties, then gone with them to the bank to exchange the pesos they'd collected. He says he then brought them back to the port of entry into the US, but authorities say investigators found "several contradictions" in his story. Authorities believe an argument broke out between the couple and Santiago over the rent payments, and that Santiago wanted to try to make the couple's disappearance look like a kidnapping so he could collect ransom. Santiago was deported from the US to Mexico in 2012 after a theft conviction, per the Baja California Attorney General's Office. Mexican authorities say he could face kidnapping and murder charges. (Read more missing persons stories.)
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Rebels trouble continues to dog the TRS in the municipal elections. Though Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao had warned the rebels that they would be seeing the last of him if they continue to be in the fray but they do not seem to give two hoots.

Despite the trouble caused by these rebels, the TRS is confident of claiming a lions share of the civic bodies, though uncertainty gnaws at them as to what extent the rebels could dent the prospects of contestants in winning in wards in some urban local bodies.

For instance in Kollapur, the TRS rebels are contesting on All India Forward Bloc tickets in all the 20 wards. They are openly campaigning with the posters of former minister Jupally Krishna Rao, who has a running feud with MLA B Harshavardhan Reddy. Harshavardhan, who joined the TRS after winning the election on Congress ticket, reportedly allotted all the B forms for the 20 wards to candidates of his choice, ignoring Krishna Rao.

Division of votes The rebel trouble for the ruling party is also high in Yellandu municipality. All the rebels of TRS formed a group and fielded candidates in all the 24 wards of the municipality.

They are giving tough fight to the TRS candidates. The division of the pink partys vote bank, if any, will definitely help the Opposition. The reason for rebellion in Yellandu is due to the differences between former chairperson of the municipality Ramavat Venkat Goud and MLA B Haripriya.

Despite rebel trouble, pink party confident of sweeping civic polls

In Mahabubabad municipality, three TRS rebels are in the fray. Initially, the TRS rebels were huge in number. However, after the two-day massive exercise taken up by TRS working president KT Rama Rao, the rebel trouble subsided at majority of places.

"We have succeeded in prevailing upon the rebels. Ninety per cent rebels withdrew their papers," a TRS leader said. There is no rebel trouble for the TRS in Dornakal, Thorrur, Bhupalpally and Parkal municipalities.

The party leaders successfully managed the rebels. However, in Narasampet municipality, the TRS is facing trouble in three wards. Five TRS rebels are in fray in Jangaon municipality. Similarly, most of the rebels withdrew their papers in the erstwhile Nalgonda district too, thanks to the efforts made by the Energy Minister G Jagadish Reddy and other leaders.

TRS is facing rebel trouble in five out of 48 wards in Nalgonda, in three wards out of 48 wards in Miryalaguda, there are also two rebels in 20 wards in Devarakonda municipality. But, in Chandoor municipality, the TRS rebels are in fray in five out of total 10 wards. In Haliya, rebels are in five wards out of 12 wards, rebels in six wards out of 12 wards in Nandhikonda municipality.

The TRS rebels are in fray in 15 wards out of total 104 wards in six municipalities in the Bhuvanagiri municipality. But, there is no rebel trouble in Suryapet district for the TRS, which is a native place of Energy Minister Jagadish Reddy. The party leadership, however, is confident the crisis will blow over.

During an interaction with the media, TRS working president KT Rama Rao had said: "It is but natural that there would be too many aspirants for tickets in a party that has bright chances of winning. These pin-pricks would always be there and we can sort them out as we move forward."

(With inputs from the districts)
The House Judiciary released a new tranche of information Friday night that shed new light on the alleged surveillance of former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch  including a newly revealed contact between a Trump ally and a person wtih a Belgian phone number.

One exchange features an official photo of Yovanovitch  the ambassador fired by President Trump after a push by Rudy Giuliani and his associates  sent by the mystery Belgian form his mobile phone to Robert Hyde, a Donald Trump loyalist who is running for Congress.

'My contacts are checking,' says a message appended to the photo.

New documents released by the House Judiciary Committee show a person from a Belgian number feeding information about former ambassador Marie Yovanovitch

The person writes from a Belgian country code, 32, according to documents the Democratic-run House committee provited for Trump's Senate impeachment trial.

It was included along with a hashtag #yourfired. The unidentified person has a WhatsApp picture that shows him wearing a green shirt and sunglasses.

The person also sent a brief audio message to Hyde.

'Um it's confirmed she's in Ukraine,' says the person, who has what may be an Eastern European accent.

'Awesome,' responds Hyde, who on Friday released a lengthy video brushing off claims of surveillance while also acknowledging he got information about Yovanovitch from a source.

Later, person writing from a Belgian exchange writes another message to Hyde. It is either from a different Belgian contact or the person changed their WhatsApp profile picture. The full number has been blacked out.

'Nothing has changed she is still moving,' the person writes Hyde, who was visited at his home by FBI officials this week.

Documents reveal new information from Lev Parnas and other materials

Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani is seen with indicted associates Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman (left)

A newly revealed image shows Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Parnas, and Donald Trump Jr.

Another image shows Parnas with Ivanka Trump

Parnas in an inauguration event with Trump Jr.

Parnas and former White House chief of staff John Kelly

Parnas has been speaking publicly about his work along with Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani on Ukraine matters

The House released additional photos from Parnas, including this one of the Giuliani associate seated next to Donald Trump Jr.

Also included was a thank you card from Trump made out to Parnas with 'Best Wishes.' It was unclear from the release if it was signed by an auto-pen

Republican congressional candidate Robert Hyde put out a video where he said a source provided him 'intel' on former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, but denied impropriety and blasted Democrats. His contacts with a mystery person with a Belgian exchange are included in the latest document release

Hyde says 'F*** that b****' in relation to former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch

'It's confirmed we have a person inside,' he writes. 'Hey broski tell me what we are doing what's the next step,' says another message.

A series of morning messages provide additional updates. 'She had visitors,' says one. 'Hey brother do we stand down???' says one evening message, whose full meeting could not be immediately known.

'Or you still need intel be safe,' it added. 'Asked,' Hyde responded.

Other exchanges have Hyde telling the person he is 'stateside' and asking the Belgian number: 'How long are you there?'

'End of April,' the person responds. 'Congratulations on your new business development,' he wrote Hyde, a former Marine who runs a landscaping business and is running for Congress as a Republican for a Connecticut House seat. He also has been pictured with President Trump.

Hyde didn't open  but circled in yellow using the App  a message including an address in Ukrianian and an additional message, both of which Hyde circled.

'She been there since Thursday never left the embassy,' it says, in language that makes clear what local was being monitored.

The new information appears to mesh with messages released this week between Hyde and indicted Giuliani associate Lev Parnas.

In those messages, Hyde provides updates to Parnas about the location of Yovanovitch, who Trump would call 'bad news' in his infamous call to the president of Ukraine.

'F*** that b***,' Hyde writes of Yovanovitch in one message to Parnas dated March 22. On March 23, Hyde forwards a screen grab of a picture of Yovanovitch provided by the Belgian exchange with the number's message that 'my contacts are checking.'

Hyde also writes that 'she under heavy protection outside Kiev.'

'My guy thinks maybe FSB,' Hyde writes, mentioning the Russian KGB successor.

A March 25 file forwarded by Hyde shows the circled screen grab with the address and information about Yovanovitich's location.

The existing of the first batch of messages drew howls of protest including from Yovanovitch's lawyer, who called for an investigation.

Secretary of State Pompeo finally said Friday, three days after their release, that the matter would be looked at.

The information comes as Democrats are demanding witnesses be called and documents sought as part of the Trump impeachment. Parnas provided the information to the House intelligence committee just days ago after getting approval from a federal judge overseeing his case following his indictment on charges of using a straw donor to give thousands to a pro-Trump super PAC.

One cryptic series of texts from Hyde mentioned Yovanovitch security and asked 'what I would like to do and what is in it for them'
Two Dallas police officers were critically wounded in a shooting that also injured a home improvement store employee Tuesday, authorities said.

The shooting occurred about 4:15 p.m. local time as officers were escorting a man from the Home Depot in northern Dallas. The two officers and the stores loss-prevention officer underwent surgery for their injuries, Police Chief U. Renee Hall said late Tuesday night. She did not provide details of their conditions but asked for continued prayers for their recovery.

Police arrested Armando Luis Juarez, 29, on charges of aggravated assault on a police officer and felony theft. He was taken into custody shortly before 10 p.m. after a lengthy car chase involving officers of various law enforcement agencies.

We got our man, Mayor Mike Rawlings said at the late-night news conference.

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The two police officers were called to the store to help an off-duty officer with removing the man from the store.

In a tweet about the shooting Tuesday evening, the Dallas Police Department said the officers were critically wounded, but Hall declined to go into detail about their conditions during two news conferences at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. She said surgery was completed on the police officers and store employee late Tuesday at the hospital.

Rawlings said he continues to be upset at the lack of respect for our police in this city and in our country.

In 2016, four Dallas police officers and a transit officer were shot dead by a sniper in an ambush that came toward the end of a peaceful protest over the police killings of black men that had occurred in other cities.
Representative Image

After days of wrangling over seat allocation in local polls, the Congress and DMK on January 18 buried the hatchet and decided to address issues internally and avoid going public. Taking the initiative to break the ice, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K S Alagiri along with his senior party colleagues called on DMK chief M K Stalin at party headquarters 'Anna Arivalayam'.

After the meeting, Alagiri said: "In the case of difference of opinion, it has been decided that the TNCC and DMK presidents will resolve it and other leaders from both the parties need not air their views."

Reiterating his stand that there were no issues or differences between the two parties, Alagiri said both the parties had always been united and would continue to be so. He downplayed DMK leader Duraimurugan's remark that Congress had no vote bank, saying the leader had expressed his view and there was no problem about it.

Alagiri exuded confidence that his party's alliance with the DMK would continue even beyond the 2022 Assembly polls. Following the deliberations with the Congress team,Stalin urged leaders of both parties to desist from airing their views in public to end haggling and avoid its recurrence. The DMK chief, recalling the origin of the recent differences, said Algiri had issued a statement that Congress was allocated lesser number of president and vice-president seats (in indirect polls) to head district panchayats and panchayat unions.

Pinning the blame on Alagiri, Stalin said something like seat sharing should have been resolved through talks, but it became public following the Congress statement and it led to an undesirable exchange of views from both the sides.

Asserting that continuation of verbal duel would provide fodder to political rivals and a "section of the media," he said he wanted to end it and asked leaders of both parties not to go public over alliance and related matters like seat sharing. After saying earlier this week that only time would tell whether ties with the Congress would go back to normalcy, DMK on January 15 had upped the ante, saying if the national party wants to quit the alliance, it can do so.

Duraimurugan, when asked about Congress's charge that DMK violated coalition dharma and that the grand old party might leave the alliance, had said "if they want to quit, let them do so. How are we concerned, what is the loss for us?." The DMK treasurer had said the party was not worried about Congress leaving the alliance and he was not concerned. Asked if it would not impact the votes in favour of DMK, he had said his party will not be affected and that Congress does not have a vote bank to dent his party's prospects.
Much of the angst and legal wrangling over property assessments in Allegheny County and statewide could be eliminated by instituting mandatory regular reassessments that incorporate standardized norms, concludes an analysis by the Allegheny Institute for Public Policy.

The state should just end, or curtail appeals, by bringing Pennsylvanias assessment practices in line with other states, says Eric Montarti, research director at the Pittsburgh think tank (in Policy Brief Vol. 20, No. 2).

Most dont let values go beyond six years and have a regular, predictable cycle, he says.

The property assessment/appeals conundrum is a familiar, if not tiring, tale: The Keystone State allows counties to assess properties under a base-year system, and it can be many years before subsequent assessments take place.

As time goes on, gaps develop between sales prices and assessed values, Montarti notes. Taxing bodies then appeal sales that meet certain criteria, seeking to have values raised to, or near, sales price.

And that leads to buyers being caught off guard, facing the possibility of higher tax bills and becoming frustrated because similar properties are not appealed for the simple fact that they were not for sale.

Allegheny Countys last reassessment  court-ordered  came in 2013. Last year alone, the countys Board of Assessment Appeals and Review heard more than 6,000 appeals from owners and taxing bodies.

The legal wrangling has produced mixed court rulings that, in a nutshell, point to conflicting, if not outright contradictory, rules at the county vs. state level of government that often have served to redefine the word inequitable.

Theres even been the question of when the court can become involved. To that end, the state Supreme Court this month upheld a Commonwealth Court affirmation that a party may not seek judicial resolution of a dispute until he or she has exhausted available statutory relief.

But the best relief to this long-running mess clearly would be from the state legislature, itself.

The General Assembly attempted to stop taxing body appeals on sales prices over a decade ago (the legislation was vetoed) and is trying again, Montarti notes. The legislation would prohibit appeals based on sales price alone but would allow for taxing body appeals where there is a reassessment, a division of the parcel or a change to its use.

But, of course, this would require a regular reassessment regimen. And with a proposal to do just that  every four years -- remaining in co-sponsorship memorandum form, it is anybodys guess when, or if ever, it might be introduced as legislation.

Of course, the longer such a dysfunctional system is allowed to continue, the worse it becomes, from those inequitable tax burdens, to reassessment costs for data reconstruction, to complications in mass-appraisal models and political machinations to thwart regular reassessments.

So, what is the holdup?

Is there pushback from county officials who dont want to conduct (regular reassessments), from taxpayers fearing spikes in their tax bills if values increase or from legislators who feel they are going to enact a tax shift that will rid the state of property taxes and the need to reassess? Montarti asks.

As we are reminded in Corinthians, If the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for the battle?

Sad to say, the spittle in the trumpet of this long-running reassessment mess has left it unable to emit even an uncertain sound, let alone a clarion call.

Pennsylvanias public policy makers have failed their charge.

Colin McNickle is communications and marketing director at the Allegheny Institute for Public Policy (cmcnickle@alleghenyinstitute
Here are todays top news, analysis and opinion curated for you. Know all about the latest news and other news updates from Hindustan Times.

PM Modi tells 36 ministers visiting Jammu Kashmir to spread message of development

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday told the group of union ministers visiting Jammu and Kashmir to spread the message of development among the people not only in the urban areas but also in the villages of the Valley, sources said.

Read more.

Imported onions un-Indian in taste, set to go on distress sale

The government may resort to distress sale of about 34,000 tonne of onions it has imported from countries such as Turkey and Egypt because they are not pungent enough for the Indian tongue, and, consequently, not wanted by the states, according to two people aware of the matter.

Read more.

President Kovinds rejection of Mukesh Singhs mercy petition in 4 days is a record

President Ram Nath Kovinds order to reject Mukesh Singhs mercy petition filed just four days earlier stands out for the speed at which the government has acted on the clemency plea by one of the four men convicted for gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman in national capital Delhi.

Read more.

Historian Ramachandra Guha lauds self-made Modi over 5th-gen dynast Rahul Gandhi

Kerala did a disastrous thing by electing a fifth-generation dynast Rahul Gandhi to Parliament and the Congress leader has no chance against the hard-working and self-made Prime Minister Narendra Modi, historian Ramachandra Guha has said.

Read more.

Follow Sonia Gandhis example, forgive convicts: Advocate Indira Jaising urges Delhi gang rape victims mother

Senior lawyer Indira Jaising has urged the mother of the December 16, 2012, gang rape victim to pardon the four men who are on death row for committing the brutal crime against her daughter.

Read more.

Kuldeep Yadav breaks Harbhajan Singhs record with match-winning display

India bounced back from the demoralising 10-wicket defeat to Australia in the first One Day International (ODI) by putting in a clinical performance in Rajkot. Team India levelled the three-match series 1-1 after beating Australia by 36 runs in the second ODI.

Read more.

Actor Deepika Padukone has shared a new video that chronicles her journey with the prosthetics team of Chhapaak. From sitting for a moulding session to meeting Laxmi Agarwal in full makeup for the first time, the video shows how Deepika fared through it all.

Read more.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 02:24:04|Editor: yan

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TUNIS, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia announced on Saturday its decision not to participate in the upcoming Berlin Conference on Libya.

Tunisia on Friday received an official invitation from German Chancellor Angela Merkel to the conference scheduled for Sunday.

In a statement released by the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tunisia expressed its gratitude to Germany for the invitation but decided not to participate in the conference as it did not participate in the preliminary process that started last September.

Tunisia also reiterated its commitment to not interfering with Libya's internal affairs and working to find peaceful solution to end the bloodshed in the neighboring country.

The Berlin Conference on Libya will be attended by both parties of the Libyan conflict as well as a number of representatives from countries in and beyond the region.

The conference aims to end the armed conflict between the two Libyan rivals and resume the political dialogue in the North African country.
A LIMERICK man who spat blood at a garda was convicted of assault and sentenced to five months imprisonment.

I know it is quite severe but I feel I have no alternative, Judge Mary Larkin said imposing sentence on Patrick Quilligan, OConnor Park, Ardagh for an incident which occurred at Newcastle West Garda Station on May 30, 2018.

Noting that Mr Quilligan had pleaded to the charge and that he hadnt put the garda to additional worry by submitting to a blood test himself, she said:

I just cannot condone that the Garda Siochana, who are doing their best, and were doing their best, should be subject to this kind of behaviour. It is absolutely appalling that they should be spat at, and spat at and have the additional worry of being infected or whatever. The court had to take a line to indicate the total unacceptability of the action, the judge said.

Earlier, Inspector Padraigh Sutton said that on May 30, 2018, Patrick Quilligan had been brought to the garda station in Newcastle West by a member of the public as he had been beaten up down town.

But while Mr Quilligan was waiting for his mother to arrive, the inspector said, things deteriorated in the front yard and Mr Quilligan became abusive and disorderly.

When Garda H went to arrest him, Mr Quilligan spat blood from his mouth at the garda. The garda had since undergone tests and everything was clear, the inspector said.

Pleading for his client, solicitor Michael ODonnell said Mr Quilligan had received quite a bad beating in the town. At the garda station, the gardai had called an ambulance and Mr Quilligans mother. When the ambulance arrived, Mr Quilligan didnt see fit to go and when his mother arrived, he got quite aggressive. He was being brought back into the station by Garda H but didnt spit at the garda intentionally

He had taken a lot of tablets. He was in a mess in the garda station, Mr ODonnell said. The garda was doing his best for him.

He spat into the face and eyes and mouth of Garda H, the inspector said.

Mr ODonnell acknowledged the concern and worry of the garda but said that his client had consented to have his blood tested. He sought recognisance with leave to appeal, which was granted.
Facebook on Monday rejected a request from the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia for a backdoor in its end-to-end encrypted messenger apps to help law enforcement agencies combat crime and terrorism.

Cybersecurity experts have repeatedly proven that when you weaken any part of anencrypted system, you weaken it for everyone, everywhere, WhatsApp head Will Cathcart and Facebook Messenger head Stan Chudnovsky wrote in a letter to U.S. Atty. Gen. William Barr, Acting U.S. Homeland Security Sec. Chad Wolf, UK Home Office Sec. Priti Patel, and Australian Minister of Home Affairs Peter Dutton.

The backdoor access you are demanding for law enforcement would be a gift to criminals, hackers and repressive regimes, creating a way for them to enter our systems and leaving every person on our platforms more vulnerable to real-life harm, the Facebook executives maintained.

It is simply impossible to create such a backdoor for one purpose and not expect others to try and open it, they noted. Peoples private messages would be less secure and the real winners would be anyone seeking to take advantage of that weakened security. That is not something we are prepared to do.

Facebooks staunch stand against weakening the encryption of its messenger apps should polish its public image.

Its really good publicity for them, said Karen North, director of the Annenberg Program on Online Communities at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

This is a good thing for Facebook because its an announcement that Facebook values our privacy, that its willing to go to the mat to protect the privacy of each and every one of us, she told TechNewsWorld.

Its also an announcement that the government cant infiltrate Facebooks encryption, North added, because if they could, why would they ask for a backdoor?

Pandoras Door

In theory, a backdoor accessible only to a specific authorized party, like a law enforcement agency, is possible, said Julian Sanchez, a senior fellow with the Cato Institute, a public policy think tank in Washington, D.C.

As a practical matter, though, Facebook is right, he told TechNewsWorld.

Implementing secure communications is a hard problem under the best of circumstances, and deliberately designing in functionality for surreptitious interception inherently creates an additional vulnerability that makes an attractive attack surface, Sanchez explained.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

It increases both the risk of technical exploits that malicious hackers might take advantage of, he continued, and of what we might call legal exploits  because once such a capability is designed, it will be virtually impossible to make it available to nice democratic governments that respect human rights, while denying it to repressive regimes that criminalize political dissent.

Backdoors affect more than individual privacy.

When it comes to backdoors, youre talking about a privacy issue, but youre also talking about an infrastructure issue that has really far-reaching implications, said Liz Miller, principal analyst at Constellation Research, a technology research and advisory firm in Cupertino, California.

We live in a world where people are looking for exploits and ways into the infrastructure of systems every day, she told TechNewsWorld. If we start to weaken that infrastructure, its not just the privacy of an individual message thats at risk, its the privacy of the entire network.

Legislation Needed

Government and law enforcement officials maintain the tech sector is overstating the danger of weakening encryption.

The single most important criminal justice challenge in the last 10 years is, in my opinion, the use of mobile devices by bad actors to plan, execute, and communicate about crimes, said New York County District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. in written testimony submitted to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee at a hearing on encryption and lawful access held Tuesday.

Just as ordinary citizens rely on digital communication, so do people involved in terrorism, cyber fraud, murder, rape, robbery, and child sexual assault, he continued.

His office is not anti-encryption, Vance maintained.

That does not mean encrypted material should be beyond the law when a judge signs a search warrant  especially when were talking about evidence tied to a child sex abuse case or a potential terrorist attack, he argued.

It is unconscionable that smartphone manufacturers, rather than working with government to address public safety concerns, have dug in their heels and mounted a campaign to convince their customers that government is wrong and that privacy is at risk, Vance said.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Because Apple and Google refuse to reconsider their approach, I believe the only answer is federal legislation ensuring lawful access, he added. Tech goliaths have shown time and again they have no business policing themselves.

Downside of Lawful Access

There can be hangups, however, with the lawful access Vance and others seek.

The U.S. government can require an American company to install backdoors, but they cant require people to use those backdoored services, the Cato Institutes Sanchez pointed out.

There are already widely available open source encryption tools with no backdoors, which sophisticated users can switch to if they no longer trust compromised encryption, he continued, and competing tech companies outside U.S. jurisdiction are sure to eagerly promote their products as an uncompromised, more secure alternative.

In either case, the big loser would be Facebook.

People utilize WhatsApp because of the encryption, Constellations Miller observed. If you take that away, a lot of people will leave the platform, and theyll begin to question whether they want to do business with Facebook.

Support of encryption backdoors by global governments has the security community concerned, observed Kevin Bocek, vice president for security strategy and threat intelligence at Salt Lake City-based Venafi, maker of a platform to protect digital keys and certificates.

This is not rocket science. Backdoors inevitably create vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cyberattackers. Its understandable that so many security and privacy professionals are concerned. Backdoors are especially appealing to hostile and abusive attackers, he told TechNewsWorld.

This is a tense moment for technology professionals because they know backdoors make our critical infrastructure and devices more vulnerable. We know that attackers dont abide by restrictions. They dont follow the rules or buy products in controlled markets, Bocek continued.

Countries that enact these restrictions harm law-abiding businesses and court economic damage, he warned, as well as intrusions focused on sovereign government processes.




Haiti - News : Zapping...





Towards an agenda for dialogue with the opposition

Thursday a meeting took place at the Apostolic Nunciature (Petion-ville) between certain actors of the moderate opposition: Line Balthazare representative of the Kinam Agreement https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29534-haiti-flash-moise-would-be-favorable-to-the-kinam-agreement-with-some-reservations.html , Joseph Lambert of the Party "Konbit Nasyonal" (KONA), Paul Denis of INIFOS (former INITE), Eric Jean-Baptiste Secretary General of the Rally of National Progressive Democrats (RDNP) and Renald Luberice the Secretary General of the Council of Ministers for the Presidency, with a view to planning a dialogue agenda with certain opposition players, notably the signatories of the Marriott Agreement (opposition radical) with the objective of setting up a Government of national unity. The 2-hour meeting did not finalize the agenda, but the parties agreed to continue discussions to finalize the agenda. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29624-haiti-politic-positive-exchanges-between-moise-and-members-of-the-opposition.html



Arrest of the alleged murderer of Nehemiah Joseph :

Friday, an individual under arrest identified as Clairjeune Juste Chandou, denounced by the population, was arrested for the murder on October 10, 2019 in the locality of Mirebalais of journalist Nehemiah Joseph correspondent for Radio Mega https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-28979-icihaiti-flash-assassination-of-journalist-nehemie-joseph.html . The arrest of the alleged murderer of Joseph was confirmed by Me Elione Saint-Fleur, the Government Commissioner of Mirebalais.



15 former prisoners soon to be in business

This week, as part of the Preparation and Reintegration Project for Women and Minors Detained at the Civil Prison for Women in Cabaret, 15 former detainees have received training in the manufacture of chemicals and will shortly be creating their generating income activities thanks to funding from Global Affairs Canada.



Food For The Poor helps Bernard Mevs Hospital

Thanks to the precious support of its donors Food For The Poor is committed to the project of redevelopment of the preoperative preparation and postoperative recovery of patients at the Bernard Mevs hospital in order to better meet the specific needs of patients, doctors, nurses and caregivers.



Denial of the National Theater

The National Theater of Haiti informs the general public and users in particular that its doors are always open at normal times. The institution is operating normally, contrary to what some people would suggest...



New community restaurant in Gran Savann

The Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES) opened a community restaurant last weekend in "Gran Savann" / Marion (Dept. Northeast). With this new restaurant, the populations of "Gran Savann" and its surroundings will have the possibility of having hot dishes every day at a ridiculous price. FAES continues to support vulnerable communities through the "Kore Pep" program, financially supported by Taiwan (Republic of China).



HL/ HaitiLibre


















17.01.2020 LISTEN

Ghanas High Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency Papa Owusu-Ankomah has urged Ghanaian garment and textile manufacturers to take advantage of the numerous opportunities that exist in the UK and European markets following UKs decision to leave the European Union.

Brexit has opened up new markets, and it is my hope that you use the opportunity to manufacture more in order to create wealth and generate employment in Ghana, HE Owusu-Ankomah advised.

The High Commissioner made these revelations at an event hosted by the Ghana High Commission to introduce Ghanaian garment manufacturers to potential buyers in the United Kingdom and Europe.

It was organised by Ethical Apparel Africa, a UK based garment sourcing and development organisation in collaboration with Ghanas Ministry of Trade and Industry through their UK office and supported by the UK Department for International Development (DFID).

Papa Owusu-Ankomah further urged the Ghanaian manufacturers to find out what the expectations of the market are in order to live up to them.

Mr Patrick Nimo, Chief Director, Ghanas Ministry of Trade and Industry urged participants to make the most of Ghanas position as the Headquarters of the Africa Continental Trade Area and to use Ghana as a base to access the bigger African market.

Keren Pybus, founder and CEO of Apparel Africa disclose that she chose Ghana as her base because of the stable political and economic environment, as well as a youthful and hardworking industrial population. She therefore called on the major international brands in the UK and Europe to consider Ghana as their manufacturing base.

Others present at the event included Mr Kofi Addo, Head of Strategic Anchor Industries and Special Initiatives at the Ministry of Trade, Paakow Bartels, head of Trade and Investment at the Ghana High Commission, Mr Dodzie

Numekevor, Head of Public Affairs and Information, Mr Peter McAllister of the Ethical Trading Initiative and Naana Frempong Arhin from the DFID.

Some of the Manufacturers who exhibited their products included Adjo Asare of Alfie Designs, Mrs Linda Ampah of KAD Designs and Maa Grace Designs.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 20:52:32|Editor: Xiaoxia

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BISHKEK, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov and Russian President Vladimir Putin will open a Kyrgyzstan-Russia cross-year in Russia's capital of Moscow in 2020, Minister of Culture, Information and Tourism of Kyrgyzstan Azamat Zhamankulov told reporters here on Friday.

An agreement of holding the cross-year was reached during Putin's state visit to Kyrgyzstan last year. This is the first time for Russia to hold a cross-year with Kyrgyzstan among the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, and for Kyrgyzstan, this will also be the first time, Zhamankulov said.

The organizing committee has developed a draft action plan, in which 221 events of political, economic, cultural, inter-regional and other fields are expected to be held during the year. More than 70 percent of them will be of cultural and humanitarian nature, he noted.

The minister added that an opening ceremony of the cross-year will be held at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow in February, and the closing ceremony is planned to be held in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek.
French security forces evacuated President Emmanuel Macron from the Bouffes du Nord Theater in Paris as protesters tried to enter the building, French media reported, Trend reports citing Sputnik.

According to the BFMTV broadcaster, Macron visited the theater along with his wife Brigitte on late Friday. The protesters gathered near the theater and tried to rush into the building but were stopped by security forces.

Soon after that, the security forces formed a cordon to let Macrons car leave the site.

On 5 December, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested pension reforms which will take away a number of privileges and special retirement conditions from certain categories of workers, including those working in transport.

France saw the beginning of the ongoing national strike against Macron's initiative and as a result of the strike, the work of the country's transportation networks has been thrown into chaos.

On 11 January, the French government suspended the most criticized provision of the draft pension reform, and will not increase the retirement age required for receiving a full pension to 64 years.

Despite the authorities' move, according to French media, on 16 January around 187,000 took part in continuing protests across the country.
(Newser)  Khagendra Thapa Magar reigned as the world's shortest man who could walk, according to Guinness World Records, but he never thought of himself as small. "I'm a big man," he said after a 2010 ceremony recognizing his diminutive stature. Which is why the Nepal man's death this week is earning big headlines around the world, not only for the record on his size (he stood at 2 feet, 2.41 inches), but for the zest he had for life. Via the BBC, Magar's brother told AFP that he died Friday of pneumonia at the age of 27. Magar was born in Nepal's Baglung district and "was so tiny when he was born that he could fit in the palm of your hand," his father says, per Guinness. "It was very hard to bathe him because he was so small." Magar was discovered when he was a young teen by a traveling salesman, and he soon started making appearances at local fairs, where he'd take photos with attendees.

story continues below

He became famous internationally after Guinness honored him with his title in 2010. Guinness recently spent some time with him to document what goes on in his daily life, going shopping with him, watching him play guitar, and visiting his home. Guinness responded to Magar's death with an Instagram post. "We're terribly sad to hear the news," GWR Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday notes. "His bright smile was so infectious that he melted the hearts of anyone who met him. ... Khagendra certainly didn't let his small size stop him from getting the most out of life." The world's shortest man who can't walk is 26-year-old Junrey Balawing of the Philippines, who measures 23.5 inches. (Read more obituary stories.)
A POST-NATIVE PERSPECTIVE

In one of my columns last December I revealed that I was looking for another teaching job outside of my current district. Well, at the end of  Read more
UPPER THUMB  The presence of a police car in front of your childs school could cause pause for any parent, but it has become a commonplace at Ubly Community Schools. However, it isnt for the reasons some might think.

For more than two years Michigan State Police Community Service Trooper Nichole Dhooghe has been a frequent visitor to Ubly Schools, where she can be found in and out of the classrooms in the elementary and junior-senior high.

We have been working with the MSP for about two years now, Junior-Senior High School Principal Jeremy Warner said. It started with the TEAM program and expanded from there. I think they have done a lot of good for our schools over the last couple of years.

The TEAM School Liaison Program, which stands for teaching, educating and mentoring, is a school liaison program developed and utilized by the MSP to assist schools in educating students to have a thorough understanding of laws and responsibilities.

In the elementary school, the program begins with focuses on topics such as gun safety, computer safety and how to call 911. Third- through fifth-grade students learn topics such as general rights and the importance of laws, how to avoid dangerous situations and how to stay safe and secure, to name a few. The middle school curriculum delves deeper into recognizing crime and danger, fire prevention and ways to take action in your community. High schoolers recap most of the earlier topics, but also cover topics such as the court system, bullying awareness and defensive driving.

According to the MSP, the program is focused on uniting educators, students and law enforcement with the intent of preventing crime.

The philosophy is that while working together as a team we can create relationships and be united in protecting children from becoming victims of crime, a department curriculum flier reads.

According to Warner, approximately two years ago Dhooghe approached the school with the program.

They contacted us, he said. Nichole reached out to us and said they have this resource available.

So district leaders met with Dhooghe and discussed the program and how it could be implemented in the school.

Warner said one of the challenges is maintaining a proper balance of standard education, and supplemental education such as that which the program provides.

Its one of those things that is a balance between the kids regular studies versus how much we are implementing this, he said. She comes in about once a week and teaches the lessons.

Warner said Dhooghe has a regular presence in the classrooms, mostly focused with the junior and senior high students. However, the focus is ever growing.

We have actually expanded and she has done lots of different stuff for us, he said. One thing she does is talk to seniors in the spring, before they graduate, about staying safe at college.

Warner said the topics can include many things, but one focused on that age group is giving young ladies tips on avoiding sexual assault.

Another program Warner said the students enjoyed was when the department taught the kids the dangers of inebriated driving.

They brought in a cart and the impaired vision goggles, he said. All of the junior high and high school were able to go through that. They got a chance to put on the impaired goggles and drive. They had a chance to talk about and learn the dangers of drunk and drugged driving.

While it may be a fine line to get teenagers engaged in learning, Warner said the response has been phenomenal.

Even with the immaturity of junior high, we kind of target that crowd, he said. It is still a little bit of that Wow, I didnt know I could go to jail for that. I would say we have gotten a good response from the junior high crowd. There was a good response to the impaired driving goggles.

Although high school education could reap the quickest rewards, Warner said it is important that the bond is formed at a younger age.

She also goes down to the elementary and work with the kids, he said.

Ubly Schools has a significant population of economically disadvantaged kids, which some experts suggest have a higher likelihood to end up in the judicial system.

It is important to build the relationship with law enforcement so our students know they arent the bad guys and they are here to help,

Warner said the kids love it when Dhooghe stops in.

I remember last year there was a kindergarten classroom that was down here for gym class, she wasnt teaching them but playing with them, They love it and run up to give her a hug.

Caro Post Commander 1st/Lt. Brian McComb said connecting with and educating junior high and high school students is easier than younger children, but Nicole flourishes with all kids because she is a parent of younger children.

According to Warner, the bond Dhooghe forms with the kids is invaluable.

The lessons are lighter  its about building relationships with law enforcement, Warner said. Police officers arent bad people, they are here to help. We want, as a school, to help our kids be good citizens. This is a great way where the police can come in, talk to our kids and teach them to be a good citizen. They can teach them how to stay out of trouble and some of the lessons teach them how to help others.

McComb said it is up to the individual post commanders to decide on the importance of a CST and whether a trooper should be dedicated to the role. With a post area that covers more than 4,600 miles of Huron, Sanilac and Tuscola counties and includes hundreds of schools, organizations and churches, the CST role is very important.

It is great, he said. She builds the bridges to meet these people. We cant do it alone. You always hear it takes a village, and as law enforcement we cant do it alone  we need people to say something if they see something.

Warner said Dhooghe also assisted the school during a few lockdown drills, providing assessment and ways to enhance security.

Warner said the CST program is something that should be expanded and all schools should participate in.

I think it has been a good resource for our school, Warner said. We enjoy having her here. If she was here even more, I would not be opposed to that. I hope other schools are taking advantage of it too.

McComb said it is up to the post commander to determine if there is a need for a community service trooper, and he believes Dhooghes roles is important.

That is what she is dedicated to do full-time, McComb said. She does a fantastic job with that.

McComb said although Dhooghes role is community focus, he tasks all troopers to focus on the community.

They are all required to go out, McComb said. Each trooper is asked to adopt a school, to stop in during lunch, recess, breakfast, etc.

McComb said any group or organization, school or church within the post area should reach out to the post if they are interested in putting on a class or presentation. To contact the post call 989-673-2156.
The Canadian cast of Schitt's Creek reunited at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan on Friday for a screening and conversation moderated by Vanity Fair chief critic Richard Lawson.

Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Annie Murphy, and Daniel Levy - who play the Rose family - received a standing ovation as they entered the New York theater for an awards season Q&A.

'The scripts that were given to us, the opportunities that my character was given, and how well and carefully Daniel wrote for all of our characters - they really are wrapped up beautifully this season,' the 65-year-old Emmy winner - who plays former soap opera actress Moira - told Us Weekly on Monday.

Meet the Roses: The Canadian cast of Schitt's Creek reunited at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan on Friday for a screening moderated by Vanity Fair chief critic Richard Lawson

From L-R: Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Annie Murphy, and Daniel Levy - who play the Rose family - received a standing ovation as they entered the New York theater

'Eugene and Daniel [had] the freedom to make the show they wanted to make. I don't know why more people don't do that.'

Catherine is nominated for the best actress in a comedy series trophy at the 26th Screen Actors Guild Awards, which air this Sunday on TNT/TBS.

O'Hara faces heavy competition against Fleabag's Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Dead to Me's Christina Applegate, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel duo Rachel Brosnahan & Alex Borstein.

The 65-year-old Emmy winner (M) - who plays former soap opera actress Moira - told Us Weekly on Monday: 'The scripts really are wrapped up beautifully this season'

Matriarch: Catherine is nominated for the best actress in a comedy series trophy at the 26th Screen Actors Guild Awards, which air this Sunday on TNT/TBS

Who will win? O'Hara faces heavy competition against Fleabag's Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Dead to Me's Christina Applegate, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel duo Rachel Brosnahan & Alex Borstein

The Addams Family actress wore a black long-sleeved dress as she embraced her 33-year-old onscreen daughter, wearing black floral, who plays Alexis in the riches-to-rags comedy series.

Catherine and the 73-year-old co-creator have a long history of acting together from their early years on sketch comedy show SCTV to their many appearances in Christopher Guest's mockumentaries.

The two-time Emmy winner - who stars as video store magnate Johnny - played up his silver fox appeal in a grey suit selected by stylist Erica Cloud.

PDA: The Addams Family actress wore a long-sleeved LBD as she embraced her 33-year-old onscreen daughter, wearing black floral, who plays Alexis in the riches-to-rags comedy series

Iconic duo: Catherine and the 73-year-old co-creator (L) have a long history of acting together from their early years on sketch comedy show SCTV to their many appearances in Christopher Guest's mockumentaries

GQ smooth: The two-time Emmy winner - who stars as video store magnate Johnny - played up his silver fox appeal in a grey suit selected by stylist Erica Cloud

Father-son collaboration: Eugene's 36-year-old son - wearing a mustard knit sweater selected by stylist Erica Cloud - is also co-creator and stars as his onscreen son David

Eugene's 36-year-old son - wearing a mustard knit sweater selected by stylist Erica Cloud - is also co-creator and stars as his onscreen son David.

11 of Schitt's Creek castmembers are up for the best ensemble in a comedy series trophy and they'll go head-to-head against the casts of Barry, Fleabag, The Kominsky Method, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Catch more of the Roses' high jinks in the middle of nowhere in the 14-episode sixth (and final) season of Schitt's Creek, which currently airs Tuesdays on Pop TV.

Who will win? 11 of Schitt's Creek castmembers are up for the best ensemble in a comedy series trophy and they'll go head-to-head against the casts of Barry, Fleabag, The Kominsky Method, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Bodo insurgent group and Democratic Front of Bodoland-Saoraigwra (NDFB-S) on Friday signed suspension of operations agreement with the government of India.

Addressing a press conference here, Assam DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta said: "B Saoraigwra, chief of NDFB-S and 27 cadres, including their 'general secretary' BR Ferenga and 'finance secretary' B Dwmwilu, who have come overground to join the peace process."

"They have come to us with their families also, and they have been shifted to safer locations. Now only a very less number of NDFB members remain outside the peace process and we appeal everyone to return to the mainstream," he said.

The DGP, however, did not reveal the name of the places where the cadres had their camps.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
What This Minor Vs. Marriott Lawsuit Reveals About the Hotel Biz

Marriott International has failed to halt a lawsuit against it in a Thai court filed by Minor International. The parent company of Minor Hotels Group advised investors of the outcome on Thursday.

Minor, however, is still unable to proceed with the legal case in Thailand, pending another outcome later this month of a temporary injunction to block it, which Marriott Thailand managed to obtain in Singapore.

Minor is suing the U.S. hotel giant for alleged non-performance of the JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Phuket, Thailand, which it fully owns. The hotel has been managed by Marriott since its opening in December 2001.

The case is riveting for the Asian hotel industry and beyond.

Its not because of the amount being claimed by Minor, which at $19 million (571 million baht) is a pittance, but because it opens a can of worms in the public arena on issues that have surfaced as a result of global chains consolidation.

Chief among these issues is whether the asset-light model of these companies is sustainable. As the behemoths, with their rain-shower of brands, fiercely compete for management fees and guest loyalty, a question on conflicts-of-interest, and of the real costs to hotel owners of being in the system, arises.

An example of this can be seen through a Minor complaint, which it outlined to investors, that Marriott is forcing the JW Marriott Phuket to accept high volumes of low-margin business through Marriotts loyalty program Bonvoy.

According to Minor, Marriott unilaterally sets the rate it pays to the hotel for stays booked through Bonvoy. Following the merger of the Marriott and Starwood loyalty programs in 2018, we were informed by Marriott that the base redemption rate for the JW Marriott Phuket would decrease from approximately $120 per night to $47 per night, said Dillip Rajakarier, group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels Group.

In effect, Marriott was requiring us to sell rooms at a below-market rate. This business [Bonvoy] is some of our lowest-margin business, yet we are forced to honor these redemptions  which hurts our profitability. We requested to cease participating in the program, which we consider to have an overall net negative effect on our hotel, and Marriott refused to consider this.

Story continues

Marriott Asia-Pacific in Hong Kong issued a statement reiterating the case is meritless and should be heard in confidential arbitration.

Marriott wants the dispute resolved through Singapore International Arbitration Centre, saying Minor has a binding agreement with it on this.

It said its Thai subsidiary recently secured an interim injunction in Singapore arbitral proceedings to stop Minor from pursuing action in Thailand. Minors Rajakarier said the company is challenging that temporary injunction. A further hearing is scheduled in Singapore this month.

Once the Singapore hearing is concluded and its clearer how to proceed in Thai court, the Thai proceedings will move ahead, said Rajakarier.

Our efforts to find good faith solutions with Marriott have fallen on deaf ears, hence we have no alternative but to seek legal recourse to protect our interests.

Whats at Stake

Some observers believe Minor is fighting tooth and nail possibly because it wants to boot out the Marriott management contract.

Minor no doubt is done with Marriott and wishes to take over control, said a hotel consultant. The only operator they are still prepared to work with is Four Seasons. [Note: Minor has one other hotel managed by Marriott, The St. Regis Bangkok, and a Radisson Blu in Mozambique.] Minor is now a serious operator of scale in their own right, so such conflicts are inevitable.

Minor owns and/or operates 536 hotels worldwide. Its owned brands include Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Tivoli, NH Collection, NH Hotels, nhow, and Elewana.

But the Phuket hotel has been managed by Marriott for slightly over 18 years, which makes no sense for Minor to go through this process to break a contract  if it is a 20-year contract, that is. Still, the term could be 30 years, or that the renewal was on Marriotts option.

Minor would not reveal the duration or comment on the speculation.

In the wider industry, one impact of the case could be that other owners would attempt to resolve disputes in open courts despite having agreed to confidential arbitration in the hotel management agreement, according to several hotel investment consultants, who spoke to Skift on the condition of anonymity as they do work for either Marriott or Minor.

Arbitrations are most often closed door. Open courts are public and no company wants to air its dirty laundry in public. If this had gone to arbitration, youd probably not heard of it, said one.

In its note to investors, Minor said the JW Marriott Phuket has suffered a steep decline in performance as a result of Marriotts poor purchasing practices, high staff turnover and bad sales and marketing decisions. Total hotel revenue decreased from $30 million in 2013 to $29 million in 2019. Marriott was unable to achieve the agreed budget for each year from 2013 to 2018 and since the end of 2018 the property has operated without an approved budget in place, it said.

Minor said the hotel remains under Marriotts management for the time being.

But Marriotts statement to Skift maintained: We consider JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa has performed well compared to the market. The dispute will have no impact on operations at the hotel, which continues to offer guests with world-class service and accommodations, a beachfront location and eleven culinary options.

Minor also claimed that not only the JW Marriott Phuket competes with other Marriott hotels in Phuket, it is using the facilities of the JW Marriott Phuket to promote them. Marriott operates 11 hotels in on the island.

Asked how, Rajakarier said: It is clear that these other properties are competing for the same business as our hotel, using shared Marriott resources and under the management of a single Marriott regional team. We do not believe that Marriott is properly taking our interests as a hotel owner into account as it grows its own business in a manner that directly undermines our business. There is a clear and harmful conflict of interest at play and we believe that this has had a direct impact on our operating results.

A hospitality consultant expects this dilution issue to be raised and debated more frequently in the industry. It sure has an impact, but the synergies in some markets have illustrated that there are definite cases where multiple properties can result in positive as well as negative impact, he said.

I also think owners are having issues with loyalty programs, not just Marriotts Bonvoy but others, over charges, redemption rates, et cetera, he added.

Subscribe to Skift newsletters covering the business of travel, restaurants, and wellness.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah has revealed that he has appealed against the judgement of a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Bwari, which sacked him from the Senate.

Recall on Friday, Information Nigeria reported that the FCT court sacked the Senator representing the people of Anambra South in the red chambers.

Senator Ubah on Saturday reiterated his stand that the court didnt have jurisdiction over his case.

This was made known in a statement by his media aide, Adichie Izuchukwu, as he faulted the courts ruling that ousted him as lawmaker representing Anambra South senatorial district.

Also Read: Ifeanyi Ubah Reacts As Court Sacks Him As Senator

Finally, Senator Ubah has appealed against the Judges refusal to set aside the judgment of 11th April, 2019 granted to a co-defendant and also filed a motion for injunction to stay the judgment of the FCT High Court (Bwari division), pending the determination of the Appeal at the Appellate Court. All relevant parties including INEC have been served. We have absolute confidence that justice will be served by the Court of Appeal, the statement read in parts.
A middle-aged palm oil merchant in Umuahia, Basil Odoemelam, who was robbed of over N1 million in broad daylight in the capital city on Thursday, has died from gunshot wounds.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that Mr Odoemelam died around 6 p.m. on Friday at the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Umuahia, where he was taken to after the attack.

His business ally told NAN on the condition of anonymity that he died in the theatre, while doctors were carrying out surgery to remove bullets that lodged in his lower abdomen.

The gunmen shot him five times in the leg and lower abdomen before dispossessing him of the bag containing money.

The deceaseds younger brother, Ejima, who was seen weeping profusely at FMC, confirmed the death to NAN.

A three-member armed gang on Thursday trailed the deceased from a bank after he had withdrawn about N2 million to pay for goods supplied to him.

Witnesses said the gunmen, who operated in a Camry, blocked the tricycle carrying the man near the General Post Office, Aba Road, Umuahia at about 3 p.m.

The hoodlums escaped through Bende Road after the operation, while sympathisers, who thronged the scene, rushed him to FMC.

Police speak

The Police Public Relations Officer in Abia, Geoffrey Ogbonna, expressed concern over the incident.

He appealed to the public to assist the command with credible information  that would help in arresting the bandits.

Speaking on the development in a cellphone interview with NAN on Saturday, Mr Ogbonna described the hoodlums as the remnants of one Sampson Iheukwumere-led gang that had been terrorising Umuahia residents.

READ ALSO:

He said, going by their mode of operation, robbing people with arms in broad daylight, I believe they are remnants of the Iheukwumere gang.

He said that Thursdays operation and the way they escaped, showed that the boys are still hibernating within the city.

I therefore appeal to residents of Umuahia to assist the command with credible information that will help us to track them down, Mr Ogbonna said.

NAN recalls that Iheukwumere, popularly called Grave, from Mgbaja Ossah in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia, was shot dead on December 3, during a gun battle with members of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Umuahia.

(NAN)
Manish Anand By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Narendra Modi government appears all set to take on the economic slowdown head-on. The BJP is abuzz with anticipation that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will unveil the first rightist Budget of the NDA dispensation. Knowing that an economic revival can be possible only with the participation of the middle class, traders and industry, sources said, Sitharaman is likely to pack several sops in the Budget.

The Modi government has mostly delivered farmer-centric Budgets in the past. This Budget will be the first rightist Budget in the truest sense. The buzz in the government is that this Budget is an opportunity to set the economic direction for the country, sources in the BJP said.

The government appears to have worked out a Budget philosophy to unburden the middle class and unleash its buying capacity and spur the economy.

Discussions in the government have mostly stayed on the question of whether to go the whole hog for the middle class in this Budget or stagger the benefits for them over the next three Budgets. The income tax adjustment along with lowering of tax rates, besides major incentives for first-time home loan takers are high on the agenda of the government, sources added.

PM Modi, incidentally, has held extensive deliberations with stakeholders in the run-up to the Budget, which is being seen within the BJP as Modis firm resolve to deal with the state of the economy with urgency. Sources said that foreign industry bodies and economists have shared their suggestions with the government, which may be reflected in the Budget.

The government is clear that a taxpayer should tangibly get relief, up to Rs 25,000 annually. Traders, who have been miffed with the government for various reasons, will have much to cheer after the Budget presentation, sources said.

With the Union Budget slated to be unveiled on February 1, sources in the BJP said that the middle class and traders in Delhi may find a significant turn in the narrative of the Delhi elections.
Fundraising has been opened for the construction of a new art, meanwhile work on the creation of its various segments has started in various corners of the world.

This article in Ukrainian and Russian

Renaissance idea

Volodymyr Nedohoda, team leader and co-author of the project

The light will be designed and assembled in the USA, the frame  in Ukraine, and the voices  around the world

Sergii Vagin, lead engineer

Why rebirth?

Maria Kozolup, art director and co-author of the project

Art with a strong semantic and psychological component

Artmisto creative team

How much does it cost to build a Renaissance

Lola Duniushkina, Renaissance Marketing & PR manager
UAE's minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, tweeted on Friday that "the UAE unreservedly supports German efforts in convening the conference & the international community's goals of peace & stability in Libya."

The minister added that he is "Looking forward to a successful Berlin Conference" and stressed the joint efforts towards an end to the conflict in Libya.

Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday a conference in Berlin on Sunday must try to get a weapons embargo enforced again.

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Abducted CoBRA jawan Rakeshwar Singh Manhas released by Naxals after six days of captivity

Army jawan commits suicide with his service rifle in J&K

India

oi-PTI

Srinagar, Jan 18: An Army jawan committed suicide by shooting himself with his service rifle in a camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district, police said on Saturday.

Sepoy Prince Kumar (25), a resident of Hoshiarpur in Punjab, was posted in 112 Territorial Army and was on guard duty when he shot himself at Chinar camp in Rehambal area on Friday, a police official said.

The official said that the motive behind the extreme step was not known immediately.

Indira Jaising to Nirbhaya's mother: Pardon convicts just like Sonia Gandhi|Oneindia News

JeM module in J&K was planning suicide attack: Sources

The body of the deceased would be handed over to his unit after the completion of medical and other legal formalities which were underway, he said.

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Story first published: Saturday, January 18, 2020, 12:18 [IST]
The National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) has proposed a reduction in the size of Delhi-NCR from the current 55,000 sq km to 35,000-45,000 sq km to manage the area better and to protect land owned by farmers.

City planners from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi are deliberating two options  the first being 35,483 sq km and the second comprising 45,583 sq km, sources said.

The NCR is presently spread over a 55,083 sq km area.

"We have two options. The first option is for a 100 km around Delhi with major transit corridors contiguous to that being part of it. That is a more compact area. This is expected to be around 35,000 sq km. The second option is to have 200 km and is expected to be around 45,000 sq km," NCR Planning Board member secretary Archana Agrawal said at the stakeholder conference on Delineation of NCR held on January 17.

"If we go by the first option, more then 22,000 sq mt will be lost from more than three states and in the second option a full tehsil will be out," she said.

The need to reduce the area was felt to manage the region better. "We need a manageable area as we plan to move towards more developed and smart cities where you can not only manage the population but also the development and land acquisitions. So, the decision to shrink the NCR area is only for the betterment of the region," she added.

"We wanted to get all the stakeholders here for this. There is also the issue of the rapid urbanisation which is disturbing farmer-owned land. There was a thought in the last meeting to discuss how much farmers land should be acquired," she said.

"All in all, the size of NCR will be less than the current area, but both options may definitely have an addition of about 3,000 sq km. In the first option, you may have an addition of 2,600 sq km and in the second option you may have an addition of 3,300 sq km because of the rational way of doing it," she said.

Among other recommendations presented at the conference, there may be a reduction of 9,327 sq km and 3,927 sq km from Haryana and 10,947 sq km and 6,747 sq km from Rajasthan. As per the recommendations, no area from Delhi may be reduced. As per both the options proposed, the area for Uttar Pradesh may increase by 374 sq km and 1,174 sq km.

The NCR Regional Plan for 2041 is likely to be ready within two years and would focus on how to make cities citizen-centric, improve livability, environmental sustainability and disaster resilience, Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Durga Shanker Mishra had said in November 2019. He was speaking at the conclave on the National Capital Region -2041, organised by the NCRPB.

"I am hopeful that the NCR 2041 Masterplan would be ready by 2021. The focus over the past few years has been on urbanisation," he stated.

"The plan would have to be citizen-centric and would have to look at improving livelihoods, it would have to focus on sustainability, improving air quality index, and tackle issues such as flooding, preserve the biodiversity, culture and heritage of the areas. The plan would have to focus on harmonious development of the entire region whose population is almost equal to that of France or Italy," he added.

He had said that the Regional Plan would have a major impact on the entire region as it would drive and decide the magnitude/direction in which the development will take place in the region.

The 2041 regional plan should focus on improving livability, economic ability, sustainability, try and make the National Conservation Zone more effective, look at ways to integrate rural and urban, utilise opportunities provided by the Transit Oriented Development policy and redevelopment, Mishra said.

The Regional Plan with the horizon year 2021 was notified on the 17th of September 2005 and is presently in force. A Regional Plan with the next horizon year 2041 is now required to be prepared.

The Regional Plan addresses various sectors namely transport, water, sewerage, solid waste, power, regional land use, etc. As per a report by United Nations, Delhi is slated to become the world's largest metropolis overtaking Tokyo by 2028.

The NCR is a federal setup having the National Capital Territory of Delhi as its core. It covers around 55,083 sq km of the area with around 60 million population.

Haryana sub-region comprises of districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Rohtak, Sonepat, Rewari, Jhajjar, Mewat, Palwal, Panipat, Mahendregarh, Jind, Karnal, Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri. Rajasthan sub-region comprises of districts of Alwar and Bharatpur.

Uttar Pradesh Sub-region comprises of districts of Gautam Buddha Nagar, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Bulandsahr, Baghpat, Hapur, Muzaffarnagar, and Shamli.

NCRPB was constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1985, as a statutory body under the ministry of housing and urban affairs for the development of the entire region and was tasked to evolve harmonised policies for the control of land-uses and development of infrastructure in the region.
Sesa Sen By

Express News Service

The last few months have seen a host of fast-growing internet start-ups resort to lay-off as investors seek profitability amid a more uncertain global economy and a maturing start-up landscape.

While high-profile start-ups including the likes of Ola, OYO, Paytm, Quikr and Zomato have already handed out pink slips as part of its move to scrap "costly activities", experts have indicated the startup industry may also see a wave of exits and closures this year in the face of no profit. Softbank-backed OYO said it is weeding out obsolete roles.

The budget hospitality firm has reportedly fired around 600 of its 12,000 China employees and 1,200 India employees recently, following which founder Ritesh Agarwal had shared an e-mail to employees to explain the rationale behind the layoff without disclosing the actual number.

OYO "will reorganise more teams across businesses and functions, as part of the new strategic objectives for 2020 and hence "We are asking some of our impacted colleagues to move to a new career outside of OYO," Agarwal recently said in an internal letter to employees as he put in 2020 agenda to steer towards profitability - something SoftBanks Masayoshi Son has been stressing on after his star bets - We- Work, Uber, etc surprised him with their unexpected IPO performances.

While the letter mentioned "some roles" will be axed, multiple reports estimate it to be as high as 2,400. Similarly, ride hailing firm Ola has also cut expenses on employee benefits by 20 per cent to Rs 414 crore for fiscal year 2019 and trimmed 8 per cent of its staff in the last few months, reports suggests.

Others like digital payments platform Paytm, too, shed at least 5-7 per cent of its workforce in a move to curb expenses, people familiar with the matter said. Its not just the Softbank- backed portfolio that is under pressure.

Other cautious investors are also tightening belts, after the exuberant levels of funding that the start-up ecosystem has seen in the preceding years. Consequently, online food delivery firm Zomato and Quikr too have shown employees the door.

While Zomato laid off about 600 executives, or close to 10 per cent of its overall staff strength, Quikr also let go close to 1,000 workers, reports indicated. The situation may not improve in the current financial year either.

"In FY19, India created 8.97 million new payrolls as per the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation data. In FY20, as per current projections, this number could be at least 1.58 million lower," according to SBI research report- Ecowrap.
The 9th edition of one of the biggest walkathons in the country  Oxfam Trailwalker India is being organized in Bengaluru this February from 7-9, 2020, and its an open call for the fitness buffs who enjoy making a difference. Regular training sessions in the city have been bringing together participants gearing up for the event, to build strength and stamina. Oxfam India has now announced the last training session before the walkathon and it will allow participants to experience and prepare for the actual scenic trail. On January 18, 2020, the city will see Bangaloreans assemble to test their endurance on a warm afternoon. Starting at the Govt. High School & PU College, Village Vishwanathpur, this practice session will be a way for locals to shake out of their routine life.

The walkathon in its past editions has attracted varied participation and sustained enthusiasm from people from all walks of life. Ranging from corporate employees and their CEOs to saree-clad women and 77-year-old men, participants are contributing and walking for a cause. Over 1600 people walked at Mumbai and Bengaluru last year to raise up to Rs. 5 crores. All proceeds of this from Oxfam Trailwalker India go to charity and help the underprivileged lot, especially children in Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh.

In addition to this, Trailwalker helps participants stay fit, not just physically but also mentally. The training session this Saturday will see registered participants walking 17 km on part of the original walkathon trail. Starting from the edge of a beautiful valley in Nandi Hills, the trail passes through more than 30 villages, from Sultanpet to Olde Bengaluru Resort. If you havent registered yet, you can now - https://trailwalker.oxfamindia.org

The walkathon will take the participants through natural beauty and picturesque paths as they walk for a good cause and contribute their bit towards society. If youve been looking for an excuse to start your fitness journey or would like to find a unique way to be of help to society or equality is a cause you deeply believe in, Oxfam gives you the perfect outlet to channel your energies.

We are driven by the belief that change lies within us and if we want to change the world, we must start within our boundaries. The response for the trailwalker in Bengaluru has been wonderful and we are looking forward to a lot more people registering to contribute towards this cause. The last training session will give the participants a feel of the walkathon and allow them to be prepared mentally as well as physically, says Oxfam India CEO Amitabh Behar.

Oxfam India organizes free-to-attend, open-to-all training sessions every month in Mumbai, Pune and Bengaluru for participants, employees of corporate partners and interested individuals to prepare them for the ultimate challenge. Oxfam Trailwalker is an environmentally sustainable event and does not harm the environment. Oxfam India partners with organizations for waste management. Rigorous impact assessments are done to ensure that the event is sustainable and the waste generated during the event is effectively managed.

Over the years, Trailwalker has successfully developed into a top-notch international fundraiser, challenging walkers in 17 cities across 9 countries including Australia, Belgium, France, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Spain and the United Kingdom.
New Hampshires innovative state legislation that would have allowed state agencies to accept cryptocurrencies as payment for taxes has been retracted.

The state House of Representatives announced the retraction on January 8 following a motion from the General Courts Executives Departments Committee, which deemed the initiative as inexpedient to legislate.

The main stumbling block for state agencies in New Hampshire was the volatility of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, which could have turned into a significant expense for the state.

These changes would increase Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) expenditures by an indeterminable amount in FY 2020, in anticipation of an implementation date of July 1 2020, the report states.

The DRA cannot estimate if any additional revenue would be generated due to the acceptance of cryptocurrencies. The volatility of accepting cryptocurrencies could affect revenues due to tax assessments being generated in US currency.

Ohio also experienced issues when trying to implement cryptocurrency tax payments into its existing system, with the initiative lasting less than a year.

In November 2018, it became the first state to accept cryptocurrency for tax payments, only for the legislation to be suspended in October 2019 as the states treasurer, Robert Sprague, claimed that officials needed to ensure it was compliant with existing Ohio law.

For more news, guides, and cryptocurrency analysis, click here.

The post New Hampshires proposal to accept Bitcoin for tax payments fails appeared first on Coin Rivet.
When the Black Hills Business Development Center opened its doors on the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology campus in 2006, the building was the first of its kind in western South Dakota: an incubator offering new and existing small businesses management assistance, cost-effective office space, and a nurturing, professional environment. Never before had there been such a strong emphasis on promoting a culture of entrepreneurship, technology, and commercialization in the region.

In order to achieve these goals and encourage different ideas and innovative approaches, the Rapid City Economic Development Foundation realized that a collaborative effort involving partnerships between multiple entities was a necessity. The incubator proved to be a novel solution and was an immediate success; within the first year, 34 people occupied one-third of the building. As space continued to fill up, the center was renamed Ascent Innovation to reflect the rise of innovation and the new ideas and connections being created in Rapid City.

Ascent Innovation is more than a space to work, says Executive Director Terri Haverly. Its an invitation to join a community dedicated to bringing their ideas to life in Rapid City.

In the intervening years, more than 30 companies were admitted to the center, resulting in the creation of over 400 jobs. With the center at maximum capacity, Mayor Steve Allender suggested expanding into a second building downtown  a request that received unanimous approval from the Rapid City Council in November 2017. A 4.3-acre lot at 108 E. Main Street was chosen, a location ideally suited to connecting our historic downtown district with the innovative and talented young minds at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. The expansion will result in new technology-related businesses, high-paying job opportunities, a more diverse community, and a new vision for continued growth many years into the future.

During the groundbreaking ceremony on October 9, 2019, the Rapid City Council issued a proclamation declaring October 9 Innovation Day. Scull Construction started preliminary work almost immediately, clearing dirt from the site and digging holes for the pilings  198 8 steel pipes driven into the ground 36 deep. Once in place, concrete caps were poured on top to serve as a foundation for the building. Cold temperatures and early snow proved challenging that first month, but the construction team was used to such weather conditions and work proceeded on schedule.

The pace picked up in November, with concrete crews continuing to pour pile caps. Soil and utility contractors installed water line and a future fire hydrant, and consulting engineers FMG, Inc. performed construction observation and testing. Their work involved inspection and testing of the driven piles, concrete caps, and fill placement. When youre dealing with large masses of concrete and deep foundation systems you only have one chance to get it right, so engineers spent a lot of time making sure the work was done correctly.

A blizzard over Thanksgiving weekend meant a lot of snow had to be cleared at the beginning of December. A 165 wall filled with rebar was constructed, while project engineers specified and mapped out drawings, specifications, dimensions, RFIs, RFPs, submittals, shop drawings, and product information before any concrete could be poured. Quality control engineers from Pete Lien & Sons overcame the harsh weather conditions by utilizing a chemical that speeds up the set time of the concrete. Work was concentrated around the west end of the building in December, with laborers working section by section. By months end, visible progress was being made.

Construction will continue through 2020 and is slated for completion later this year. While the weather in the Black Hills is always unpredictable, everybody involved in the project has the experience and skills to overcome any challenges, as evidenced by their work through the record cold and snow that plagued the city during the fall and early winter.

The founders of Rapid City were pioneers in search of opportunity, a group of miners who established their new town in 1876 and promoted it as the Gateway to the Black Hills. In the early 1900s, officials envisioned the city as a trade center for the region and designed a plan for growth. Today, a century later, those same values continue to drive Rapid Citys leaders...and Ascent Innovation is a key piece of the puzzle.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 15:30:59|Editor: huaxia

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A formation of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Army takes part in a military parade celebrating the 70th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 1, 2019. (Xinhua/Liu Xiao)

BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Central Military Commission (CMC) has released a set of revised outlines on strengthening the military at the primary level.

The outlines, approved by Xi Jinping, chairman of the CMC, will take effect on Feb. 1.

The move aims to build primary-level military units that listen to and follow the Party, is capable of fighting and winning and maintain good discipline and excellent conduct.

The CMC called for earnest efforts to study and implement the outlines. 
(Alliance News) - Mineral resource firm Keras Resources PLC on Friday said its chief executive is meeting with regulators and the management team of its subsidiary as it eyes first quarter production at the Nayega manganese project in northern Togo.

Keras shares were 33% higher at 0.20 pence each in London on Friday morning.

As part of the agreement to secure the mining permit at the site, Keras said its Societe Generale de Mines SARL subsidiary would need to be converted from a private company to a public one, thereby altering its name to Societe Generale de Mines SA.

Keras said: "An SA company has a higher degree of corporate governance and is a requirement of the draft mining convention agreed between SGM and the Republic of Togo last year that needs to be implemented before mining can commence.

"The conversion has involved detailed legal, accounting and auditor input to meet all regulatory requirements. Following the issue of the mining permit, the Republic of Togo will be entitled to a 10% carried interest in SGM. As a result, the company's interest in SGM will be reduced to 76.5% on issue of the mining permit."

Away from Nayega, the company said it is in the process of relinquishing its ownership in of the Kamina cobalt and nickel project, also in Togo.

The move is line with its aim of trimming down its assets to become a "focused cash flow generative company".

Keras will also propose changing its share structure. Every ten shares held will be converted to one share under the new structure.

Keras said this will make the company more attractive to "institutional investors looking at cashflow positive mining companies".

By Eric Cunha; ericcunha@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Australian wildfires prompt $11,000 fine for tossing lit cigarette out of car originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

Drivers in Australia can now face a penalty of up to $11,000 if they are caught tossing a lit cigarette out of their car.

The new punishment, which went into effect on Friday in New South Wales, can also apply to automobile passengers if they throw a cigarette. Passengers would be fined $1,320.

The hefty fine would be given if the offense was committed during a total fire ban, which is declared on days of extreme weather and prohibits people from the lighting of any fires in the open or engaging in other activities that may start a fire. It is not immediately clear how much a person would be fined when there isn't a fire ban.

MORE: 24 Australians arrested for deliberately setting fires this season

The penalty comes amid the Australia bushfires that have decimated parts of the country.

New South Wales Rural Fire Service Association President Brian McDonough applauded the government's move to crack down on cigarette tossers. More than 200 people were caught tossing a lit cigarette out of their vehicle in New South Wales in 2019, according to a government press release.

"This reckless behavior puts the safety of firefighting volunteers at risk, McDonough said in a statement. I hope this move makes people think very carefully about the consequences of their actions next time they go to discard a lit cigarette.

PHOTO: FILE - In this Dec. 21, 2019, file photo, NSW Rural Fire Service crews fight the Gospers Mountain Fire as it impacts a structure at Bilpin, Australia. (Dan Himbrechts/AP)

In addition to the fine, offenders would receive 10 demerit points on their license.

During times when a fire ban isn't in effect, drivers will have only five demerit points added to their license.

It is the first sanction of its kind in New South Wales for such an offense.

The southeastern state has been particularly devastated by the bushfires this season.

MORE: More than 1 billion animals estimated dead in Australia wildfires: Expert

More than 15 million acres of land have been destroyed across the country, at least 25 people have been killed and more than one billion animals are believed to have died.

More than 800 million of those animals are estimated to have been killed in New South Wales alone, according to an ecologist at The University of Sydney.

The fires began in September 2019 and are expected to continue for at least the next few weeks, though heavy rain this week offered some reprieve.
Jeff Kliewer, CEO and co-founder of Viewspark, and his daughter Alexa Joy attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at the California Center for the Performing Arts in Escondido, Calif., on Jan. 17, 2020. (Jana Li/The Epoch Times)

ESCONDIDO, Calif.The California Center for the Arts hosted a very special evening on Jan. 17, 2020, when Shen Yun Performing Arts debuted its all-new classical Chinese dance performance to a sold-out crowd. And it was a special experience for another reason, too: it was daddy-daughter time for one CEO and his 9-year-old.

Jeff Kliewer is the CEO and co-founder of Viewspark, a technology and fundraising company, and his daughter Alexa Joy is a fourth-grader and student of dance. It was the first time for both of them to see the New York-based performing arts company.

She brought me, just the two of us. She wanted to come, and so we gave it to her for a Christmas present. Mom is at home with our son, and Alexa Joy and I are having a special daddy-daughter night together, Kliewer said, who went on to describe how much the two enjoyed the show and felt uplifted.

Its very cool, Alexa Joy said. The music is very unique and pretty.

Jeff was impressed by the classical Chinese dancing. It was fascinating to see the bright colors and see how many dancers there are. Its beautiful, very beautiful. The way they can dance and jump and do the flips.

Shen Yuns mission is to revive traditional Chinese culture, an ancient and deeply spiritual civilization that was once almost lost. Chinas traditions have always acknowledged the Creator and the role that heavenly beings play in our everyday lives. Shen Yuns storytelling dances bring back these traditions and Jeff and Alexa Joy appreciated them very much.

Jeff enjoyed the spirituality permeating the performance and could relate it to his own faith as well. From his perspective, beauty is apparent in all divine creation, and Shen Yun expressed a similar culture.

And so when we see dancing, when we see spirituality, its an experience, we do this unto Him. Hes given us this ability; Hes given us this talent to do things, and so its neat to see the ability to do that for Him, he said.

Other stories in the program illuminate humorous scenes from ancient Chinese life as well as true stories of courage happening in China today.

Its very neat to see the nice expression of friendliness and warmth. Its always nice to see when the good people win, Jeff said.

The dance that stood out to Alexa Joy is The Miraculous Flute, a story about a young Taoist, his magical flute, and a scorned wife.

Alexa Joy really liked the bamboo flute, the green flute dance. That was funny. Very humorous. Very nice, Jeff said.

The pair had a message for other prospective Shen Yun audience members, and for their mother and brother at home.

Its wonderful. I want to come back, Alexa Joy said.

Their mission, I think its wonderful. Theyre certainly reaching a lot of people, Jeff observed. This audience is full. Theres not an empty seat in the house, so its neat to see that. Very nice, positive influence on the society.

I think its been a wonderful experience so far, weve really enjoyed being here and would definitely come back, he added.

Phenomenal. Come back, Alexa Joy urged people.

The same, Jeff said. Just a beautiful experience. A wonderful evening together.

With reporting by Jana Li 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.
Canada's and Iran's foreign ministers to meet on Friday Meeting of the International Coordination and Response Group for the families of the victims of the Ukraine International flight which crashed in Iran, in London

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada's Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne will meet Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Friday to discuss Tehran's shooting down of a Ukrainian airline last week, killing all 176 people on board, including 57 Canadians.

The two will meet in Muscat, Oman, Champagne's spokesman Adam Austen said. It will be the third time that they will have spoken since the disaster, despite Canada having broken off diplomatic relations with Iran in 2012.

The meeting comes after five countries, including Canada, met in London on Thursday and demanded that Tehran pay compensation to families of the victims. [nL8N29L5VB]

Earlier on Friday, a spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry, Abbas Mousavi, said all the countries involved in the tragedy should avoid turning it into a political issue, according to ISNA news agency. [nL8N29M18M]

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is due to hold a news conference at 10:30 a.m. ET (3:30 p.m. GMT) to discuss the ongoing investigation into the disaster.

(Reporting by Steve Scherer; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
Senior lawyer Indira Jaising has urged the mother of the December 16, 2012, gang rape victim to pardon the four men who are on death row for committing the brutal crime against her daughter.

Jaising took to Twitter to make the request shortly after Asha Devi on Friday expressed her disappointment following a Delhi court postponed the date of the execution of the four convicts.

While I fully identify with the pain of Asha Devi I urge her to follow the example of Sonia Gandhi who forgave Nalini and said she didnt not want the death penalty for her. We are with you but against the death penalty, Jaising tweeted.

Nalini was arrested and convicted for her role in the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.

While I fully identify with the pain of Asha Devi I urge her to follow the example of Sonia Gandhi who forgave Nalini and said she didnt not want the death penalty for her . We are with you but against death penalty. https://t.co/VkWNIbiaJp  Indira Jaising (@IJaising) January 17, 2020

Earlier on Friday Asha Devi had lashed out at the courts and the government stating that the same people who had in the year 2012 gone around participating in rallies and raised slogans for womens safety are playing with the death of my daughter for their political gains. They have stopped the execution for their political gains.

The death-row convicts who were earlier slated to be executed on January 22 at 7 am are set to be hanged on February 1 at 6 am.

Asha Devi rued that the convicts got what they wished for. I will not be satisfied until they are hanged, she added.

Four convicts, Vinay, Akshay, Pawan and Mukesh were convicted and sentenced to death for raping a 23-year-old woman in a moving bus in the national capital on the intervening night of December 16-17, 2012.

The victim succumbed to injuries at a hospital in Singapore where she had been airlifted for medical treatment.
Valentine dance - Wicklow Active Retirement Association are holding a Valentine Dance in the De La Salle Pastoral Centre, St Patrick's Church, Wicklow Church on Sunday, February 16.

It runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with music by the Wicklow Man. There will also be tea and a raffle. Admission is 5.

Enrolments

Limited places are available for enrolment for September 2020 at Glebe National School, Church Hill, Wicklow town.

Contact the school office 0404 68310/glebewicklow@gmail.com for an application form. The closing date for applications is Friday, January 24.

Pipe Band

Parnell Memorial Pipe Band is putting the Christmas and New Year festivities behind it as members prepare to recommence practice sessions.

The first practice session of 2020 took place at the RDA Hall in Rathdrum on Sunday, January 12. New members are always welcome, family group membership also very welcome. Junior beginners must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

There is no cost or fees for membership of the band. Tuition, instruments and uniforms will be provided to members, but must be returned on leaving the band.

Practice sessions are due to take place on Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Clinic for pets

Wicklow SPCA is holding its next fundraising event on Wednesday, January 22, at 7 p.m. at their facility in Sharpeshill. The information evening will feature talks on pet ownership with a focus on cats and dogs.

For information, call 0402 44783.

Staff from Avondale Veterinary Clinic will speak on the benefits of neutering your pets and other good animals welfare practices, ie vaccinations and general care of your pets.

This will be followed by a questions and answers session and a cup of tea. There are also plans for three other advisory clinics during the year.

History lecture

The first Wicklow Historical Society lecture of 2020 takes place on the last Tuesday of the month at the De La Salle Pastoral Centre in Wicklow town.

Delivering the talk will be Stan J O'Reilly of Wicklow Historical Society. He will discuss St Ernan and Rathnew, Mochorog of Kilmacurragh, Delgany, Enniskerry and Glendalough, and the traditions of Holy Wells, their powers and how and why their popularity waned. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The talk starts at 8 p.m. Admission is free but donations will be accepted.

Toastmasters

After a very successful storytelling night before Christmas, Wicklow Toastmasters are hosting an open night for anyone interested in overcoming their fear of public speaking.

Discover how you can deliver a great best man's speech or stand out with that Powerpoint presentation at work.

You can join Wicklow Toastmasters upstairs in the Bridge Tavern on Thursday, January 16, at 7.30 p.m. and watch members as they demonstrate how Toastmasters helps people overcome their fear of public speaking and become a skilled leader in a variety of ways. No speaking required on the night.

Entry is free and light refreshments will be served. There is also a special membership offer available that night only - sign up and pay for membership till June 2020 for the price of 50, reduced form the normal price of 75.

Sailing talk

Charlie Kavanagh will give a talk on 'Stravaiger Goes Baltic' at 8 p.m. on Friday, January 17, in Wicklow Sailing Club.

The talk, which will be in aid of Wicklow RNLI, will be about an adventure stretching from New Ross to France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Latvia, Estonia, Finland and back to Sweden.

Guests will hear about beautiful places, interesting experiences and wonderful wildlife from the waters of Europe.

Active Retirement

Laragh/Glendalough Active Retirement is currently organising its breakaway for next year and is back, weather permitting, on Tuesday, January 21.

If anyone would like to offer their services or share their skills with the group, they should contact the centre.

The Active Retirement group meets every Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. in the Brockagh Centre and has a full schedule of activities planned each week. Anyone, who fancies a chat, a cuppa and some light exercise such as bowls, chair badminton, dancing and music, come along on Tuesdays.

For more information on the group or planned outings, call Denise at 0404 45600, email brockaghoffice@gmail.com or drop in to the centre. A small club fee for the year applies for participation.

Ploughing Society

Roundwood Ploughing Society is looking for information, paper clippings and photographs that anyone may have relating to the Roundwood Ploughing Society down through the years.

The society needs items as soon as possible for a presentation for the historical society early this year. Contact John Byrne at 086 0613025.

District Forum

The next meeting for Newtownmountkennedy District Forum will take place on Tuesday, January 28.

Elevation Dance classes

Modern dance classes focus on jazz, lyrical, acro dance, ballet ISTD and commercial styles, as well as ISTD syllabus work, giving a well-rounded understanding of the modern theatre style.

Classes are held in the Brockagh Resource Centre every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday for all age groups and levels.

Senior advanced contemporary rep and technical training incorporates classical, release, contraction and floor work. Saturdays: 10 p.m. to 1 p.m. and senior dance team.

Advanced training for pre-professional experienced dancers. Drama is also incorporated with some classes. Contact Kate at 086 8256775 to find out more.

Parents and toddlers

Hillview Wobblers Parent and Toddler Group meets on Thursday mornings from 10.30 a.m. till midday in Hillview Community Centre, Hillview Estate, Wicklow town.

The cost is 2 per family. Coffee/tea and refreshments are provided. It's a safe and fun space for kids to play and carers/parents to socialise and meet others - suitable from birth to preschool.

Wicklow Talk and Play Parent and Toddler Group meet at Hillview Community Centre on Friday mornings from 10.30 a.m. till midday in the Assembly Hall, Bachelor's Walk, Wicklow Town. The cost is again 2 per family and the group is suitable from birth to preschool.

Wicklow Willows

Spring courses with Wicklow Willow begin in February and are suitable for both beginners and improvers.

All courses take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Brockagh Centre.

They include materials, tuition, tea or coffee and lunch and participants will make and bring home a basket on the day. Courses cost 85 and booking is essential.

A deposit of 50 is required to secure a spot. Places are limited. Courses are available on Saturday, February 15, Sunday, February 23, Sunday, March 1, Wednesday, March 25, and Sunday, April 12.

For more information, contact Aoife Patterson at 087 9773622 or info@wicklowwillow. ie.

Pilates classes

pilates classes are on in Glenealy Village Hall on Tuesday evenings from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Beginners/improvers and all ages welcome. Seven weeks for 70 or drop-in-rate 12.

Pilates strengthens core muscles, improves muscle control, flexibility, co-ordination, strength and tone, as well as alignment and breathing. To book your place contact Zara Elkinson at 087 9367474.

For more info and to keep up to date like on Facebook at pilates with Zara.

Robin Hood Panto

Roundwood Variety Group performance of the Robin Hood pantomime will take place in Brockagh Centre Laragh on January 31 to February 2.

The talented cast includes almost 50 children and 20 adults/teenagers from the area.

Action, adventure, music, song, love and bags of laughter are the order of the day in this brand new and exciting Panto adventure. Tally ho, here comes Robin Hood. To book tickets go to roundwoodvarietygroup.com.

A limited number of tickets may be available on the door for each performance.

Cancer Support

The Roundwood Cancer Support Centre is now up and running and is open in the Parish Centre on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. till 1 p.m. and they are currently looking for volunteers if you could spare some time in your week it would be greatly appreciated.

Please feel free to pop in for a chat we will be happy to help. If anyone needs to make any enquiries outside these hours please telephone our confidential phone number 087 6062072.
Even if it's not a huge purchase, we think it was good to see that Tiewei Zhang, the Executive Chairman of China Success Finance Group Holdings Limited (HKG:3623) recently shelled out HK$186k to buy stock, at HK$0.78 per share. However, we do note that it only increased their holding by 0.2%, and it wasn't a huge purchase by absolute value, either.

Check out our latest analysis for China Success Finance Group Holdings

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At China Success Finance Group Holdings

Notably, that recent purchase by Executive Chairman Tiewei Zhang was not the only time they bought China Success Finance Group Holdings shares this year. They previously made an even bigger purchase of HK$676k worth of shares at a price of HK$0.69 per share. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at around the current price of HK$0.81. That means they have been optimistic about the company in the past, though they may have changed their mind. If someone buys shares at well below current prices, it's a good sign on balance, but keep in mind they may no longer see value. In this case we're pleased to report that the insider bought shares at close to current prices. Tiewei Zhang was the only individual insider to buy over the year.

Tiewei Zhang bought 1.70m shares over the last 12 months at an average price of HK$0.70. The chart below shows insider transactions (by individuals) over the last year. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

SEHK:3623 Recent Insider Trading, January 17th 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

Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. China Success Finance Group Holdings insiders own 57% of the company, currently worth about HK$243m based on the recent share price. Most shareholders would be happy to see this sort of insider ownership, since it suggests that management incentives are well aligned with other shareholders.

Story continues

So What Does This Data Suggest About China Success Finance Group Holdings Insiders?

It's certainly positive to see the recent insider purchase. And the longer term insider transactions also give us confidence. But on the other hand, the company made a loss last year, which makes us a little cautious. Once you factor in the high insider ownership, it certainly seems like insiders are positive about China Success Finance Group Holdings. Nice! Along with insider transactions, I recommend checking if China Success Finance Group Holdings 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.
New Delhi, Jan 18 : In a bid to increase the voting ratio in the Delhi Assembly elections slated for February 8, the state election machinery have been making efforts to create awareness among voters, with various teams comprising students, by going around the capital's streets holding slogan-written placards.

This information was given to IANS by Nodal Officer (Media) Nalin Chauhan. He further said, "the state election machinery is pulling out all the stops for a better voter ratio turnout in this assembly elections. For this, every possible effort is going on under the leadership of Ranbir Singh, Chief Election Officer. Part of these efforts was a voting awareness rally, organised in all the assembly constituencies of Delhi on Saturday".

On Saturday, teams from the state election headquarters also visited Deoli and Dakshinpuri areas. Voter awareness rallies were also held here. This is the same region where the percentage of voting was low during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. 2,30,702 voters are registered in Deoli assembly and in 2019 Lok Sabha elections, only 91,658 of registered voters exercised their franchise.

In both these areas, voters were encouraged to participate more in voting through the 'Apne Try' street play. During these awareness rallies here, voters were also informed about EVMs and VVPATs.

Speaking to IANS, Delhi Chief Electoral Officer Ranbir Singh said, "About 1,500 students from 250 primary schools participated in these Prabhat rallies. We believe that in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where there was less polling in Delhi, the results of the awareness campaign conducted through these rallies will definitely come out positive. And the voting in these areas will be more than the last Lok Sabha election." (Sanjeev Kumar Singh Chauhan can be contacted at sanjeev.c@ians.in)
A weekend storm is expected to bring several inches of snow and freezing rain across Massachusetts, followed by bitter winds on Sunday, forecasters say.

Springfield, Milford and Worcester could get between 3 and 6 inches of snow, while parts of Berkshire County could get between 5 inches and 9 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service.

Precipitation beginning a little bit later than previously forecast due to the dry air currently in place. Still expect snow to stick immediately to the cold roads & travel will be difficult this evening. #mawx #ctwx #riwx pic.twitter.com/Z7PUF8aEMy  NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) January 18, 2020

The bulk of the snow will fall Saturday night, followed by possible freezing rain early Sunday, forecasters predict.

Temperatures are expected to remain in the low 20s overnight and rise into the 30s on Sunday before falling back into the low 20s Sunday night. Winds are also expected to rise on Sunday with winds as high as 14 miles per hour and gusts of up to 25 miles per hour in some parts of the state.

The snowfall comes less than a week after record-breaking warmth hit Massachusetts. Boston and Worcester set record January highs of 74 and 66 degrees, respectively.

When will it start snowing?

In Pittsfield, the snow is expected to start after 3 p.m., dropping up to 6 inches of snow.

The snow is expected to fall in Springfield, Worcester and Foxborough after 5 p.m. and overnight with a chance of freezing drizzle early Sunday.

Gloucester, Boston and the Cape are expecting snow after 6 p.m. The National Weather Service predicts less than one inch of daytime snow accumulation, but the northeastern portion of the state could get get 4 to 6 inches of snow overnight. Boston and Cape Cod are expected to get up to 2 to 3 inches of snow overnight.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh issued a statement asking residents to keep a look out for neighbors as temperatures dip and snow fall.

Boston is a city of neighborhoods, and in cold weather like this, we ask all residents to help make Boston a city of good neighbors, Walsh said. Please be safe, check on your neighbors and older residents and watch for vulnerable people in need. Were asking everyone to follow our guidelines this winter to stay safe.

Walsh said the city does not have a parking ban in place at this time since a snow emergency has not been declared.
Bengaluru, Jan 18 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday at a meeting here said that anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) voices are anti-Dalit.

"Seventy per cent of these refugees are Dalits. I want to ask the protesters that are against CAA, what will you benefit from protesting against these Dalits? Anti-CAA is anti-Dalit as well," said Shah at a Jan Jagran Abhiyan meeting at Nehru Stadium in Hubli, a town 415 km northwest of Bengaluru.

Shah claimed 60-70 per cent of the religiously persecuted minorities in the Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh belonged to Dalits, including Matuas, Rajvanshis, Meghwals and others.

CAA offers citizenship to persecuted Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Parsis and Jains from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, excluding all kinds of persecuted Muslims such as Shias, Ahmediays and others.

Castigating Congress Parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi, Shah said both Gandhi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that Article 370 should not be abrogated.

"Both say that CAA should not be implemented. I can't understand the relationship between Imran Khan and Congress leaders," he said at the pro-CAA meeting.

Shah said Congress not only protested the CAA but every nationalistic move by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who corrected a mistake committed by Gandhi's forefather Jawaharlal Nehru.

Referring to Mahatma Gandhi, Shah said that the Mahatma told in 1947 that Hindus and Sikhs living in Pakistan have all the rights to return to India if they were not being treated equally.

It is government of India's responsibility to help them, he said.

Giving a picture of the ill-treatment minorities suffered in the neighbouring countries, the Home Minister said, "Numerous rapes were committed. Religious shrines were broken down. The minorities weren't given jobs, electoral rights and thus had to come to India as refugees." He also referred to the destruction of giant Buddha statues in Bamian in Afghanistan, way back in 2001 under the Taliban.

Aiming to better sell CAA to the masses, Shah said there is no clause in the CAA which deprives Indian Muslims of citizenship.

He blamed Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee, Communist Parties, Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party for the CAA protests and agitations.

"The Congress party practices bigotry. In Congress' manifesto before the Rajasthan elections last year, it said Hindu and Sikh refugees in Rajasthan will be provided citizenship. That same Ashok Gehlot and Rahul Gandhi are protesting against this Act (CAA)," said Shah.

He also called upon human rights activists to visit the refugee camps to see how they are suffering without water, drainage or basic amenities for the last 70 years, bereft of a right to vote yet.

Shah said all the promises of citizenship given by yesteryear Congress leaders were now being fulfilled by Modi, invoking the names of India's first Prime Minister Nehru, first Home Minister Sardar Patel, and first President Rajendra Prasad.

"After Modi became the Prime Minister for the second time, he solved problems that had stood for 70 years in India," claimed the senior BJP leader.

According to Shah, Pakistan and Bangladesh had 30 per cent Hindus who now were reduced down to 3 per cent and 7 per cent respectively.

"I want to ask the protesters where did these minorities go? Can any of them answer," posed Shah.

The BJP aims to touch three crore people through its outreach programme Jan Jagran Abhiyan, with over 250 rallies across the country, including press conferences and others.
Applications are now being accepted for Tennessee American Waters 2020 Environmental Grant Program. The program supports innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds and water sources through partnerships. Diverse activities like watershed cleanups, water quality monitoring, biodiversity projects, surface or groundwater protection education, wellhead protection initiatives and hazardous waste collection efforts are examples of projects supported through this grant program.

The environmental grant program is competitive-based and last year Tennessee American Water awarded over $10,000 in total grant funding between five organizations.

"At Tennessee American Water we are dedicated to ensuring we provide our customers with safe and clean water, said Kitty Vaughn, senior supervisor Water Quality & Environmental Compliance. We also educate our customers on how they can be great environmental stewards in this process.

In 2019, Tennessee American Water issued grants for projects that impacted a number of local waterways such as: the Chattanooga Creek, Chickamauga Creek, Spring Creek and Mountain Creek. Many of the projects involved youth engagement.

We believe that exposing young people to the roles they can play in protecting our most precious resource of water is important. said Ms. Vaughn. We are pleased that our grant program has impacted so many waterways as well as volunteers.

To qualify, proposed projects must demonstrate:

Innovation and strength of project design.

Nature and strength of collaboration with other community and/or municipal organizations.

Likelihood of projects sustainability after the American Water funding ends.

Evidence of community engagement.

Plan for assessing the projects impact and capacity to measure project outcomes.

Assessment of budget as reasonable and cost-efficient.

Maximum grant amount: $3,500

The grant application, details about the grant requirements, and examples of projects can be found at https://amwater.com/tnaw/news-community/environmental-grant-program. Applications must be received or post-marked by Tuesday, March 31.
A locust invasion originating in the Arabian Peninsula continues to spread across East Africa in one of the worst outbreaks in 25 years.

In a throwback to the biblical plague of locusts which God inflicted on the Pharaohs of Egypt, the Horn of Africa is once again experiencing an invasion that is wreaking havoc on food security in the region.

They will pose a threat to the pasture areas and of course, pastures affect livelihoods of herdersand then of course to subsistence crops, the rain-fed crops as well as some of the cash crops on the Horn of Africa," says Keith Cressman, the Senior Locust Forecasting Officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

The locusts in this situation are referred to as desert locusts.

Theres a number of different species of locusts but this is the oldest and the most dangerous of all, stresses Cressman.

Origin of current invasion

Heavy rains and cyclones triggered a recent surge in desert locust populations according to the FAO website.

The current invasion dates back to 2018 after several storms that developed in the Indian Ocean and brought heavy rains to the Arabian Peninsula, explains Cressman.

Unusual weather conditions linked to long-term climate change are thought to be the sources of these storms.

The locust swarms formed in what Cressman terms an empty quarter: the interior of Saudi Arabia where there are no roads and it is completely inaccessible. So the initial breeding was never detected, and so now steps were taken to stamp the swarms out.

Given that the ideal conditions for locusts are moist, sandy soil, and green natural vegetation, after several generations of breeding they began to swarm and eventually made their way to the Horn of Africa via Yemen.

Fast producers and movers

To better understand this, after six months, one has 500 times the number of locusts.

The swarm then moved in two directions: one to southern Iran and one to Yemen.

Iran was unable to stop it as it doesnt have access to the right pesticides under current sanctions, and with the on-going civil war in Yemen; no one was able to organise an operation to stop the insects.

Story continues

By July 2019, the swarms had migrated to Somalia and Eastern Ethiopia, says Mehari Tesfayohannes, the chief information and forecasting officer for the Locust Control Organization for Eastern Africa based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Due to the security situation in Somalia, the locusts were not stopped and so theyve now made their way into Eritrea, Sudan and Kenya, the latter being the worst affected according to Tesfayohannes.

Operation to stop locusts

Kenya, says Cressman, is not a country that often faces desert locusts.

The last time they faced a swarm was December 2007; and before that it was 1957.

We have got a report of a locust swarm the size of 50 kilometres by 40 kilometresthat is almost 2000 square kilometres," says Tesfayohannes.

Initially, when the locusts arrived in Kenya and Somalia, there were reports that armed soldiers tried firing at them.

Of course that doesnt kill any of the insects and can be quite dangerous for other reasons, notes Cressman.

With swarms this large and moving this fast, the only way to stop them is through ground and aerial operations spraying pesticides.

Of course, locusts have natural predators, such as certain parasites, certain types of birds, lizards, snakes and foxes explains Tesfayohannes.

But current operations are not in a position to release such animals, as they cannot control an infestation he adds.

As with all pesticides, it is not recommended for people to be nearby during the initial spraying.

In the case of Kenya, Tesfayohannes explains that the locusts are mostly on pasture land.

So farmers are notified in advance not to allow their animals to graze in certain areas for three to four days, but afterwards they can return with minimal problems.

Havoc caused by locusts

Apart from decimating food production, locust swarms can impede visibility especially when it comes to aircraft.

Just last week, a swarm of locusts hit an Ethiopian Airline plane en route to Dire Dawa from Djibouti. It had to land elsewhere for safety measures.

The windscreen was completely blocked by locusts and you could see the bodies of locusts on the front of the fuselage of the aircraft and close to the engine parts, details Cressman.

The locusts generally fly in the morning, between 10:00 am and 11:00 am explains Tesfayohannes.

And with the density of those locusts, you hear some kind of vibrating, kind of sound. But you see them. These are hugeand everyone can see them.

And a mass of insects, all several inches long, is hard to miss.
Congress leader Hardik Patel was arrested on Saturday night from Viramgam taluka in Gujarat's Ahmedabad district for failing to appear before a trial court here in a 2015 sedition case, hours after a warrant was issued against him.

Patel's arrest was confirmed by DCP Rajdeepsinh Zala (cyber crime).

"We have arrested Haridk Patel from near Viramgam after the court issued a non-bailable warrant against him. We will produce him before the court tomorrow," Zala said.

Patel had been previously arrested in connection with a sedition case filed by the local Crime Branch after violence broke out during a rally by the Patel community in Ahmedabad on August 25, 2015.

The quota leader was granted bail in July, 2016, and the court had, in November 2018, framed charges against him and other accused in the case.

On Saturday, Additional Sessions Judge B G Ganatra issued an arrest warrant against Patel, after accepting the government's plea against an exemption application moved by the Patidar leader's lawyer.

The prosecution told court the accused intended to delay the trial by seeking regular exemption from appearance.

The court also observed that Patel, who has to be cross-examined in the case, was flouting bail conditions by not remaining present regularly with the intention to delay trial.

Patel had joined the Congress ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The logo of Chevron is seen at the company's office in Caracas

CARACAS (Reuters) - The U.S. Treasury Department on Saturday granted permission for Chevron Corp <CVX.N>, the last major U.S. oil company operating in Venezuela, to continue working in the country until April 22.

The United States last year imposed sanctions that barred imports of Venezuelan oil and transactions made in U.S. dollars with Venezuela's state-run oil company PDVSA. The move was designed to starve the country of oil dollars and oust President Nicolas Maduro.

The restrictions cut Venezuelas oil exports by 32% last year, but Maduro has remained in power, supported by PDVSA and the country's military.

Chevron and oilfield service firms Baker Hughes Co <BKR.N>, Halliburton Co <HAL.N>, Schlumberger NV <SLB.N>, and Weatherford International have regularly received permission to remain in the country. The four services firms have largely ceased operations there.

The extension was a win for some Trump administration officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who see value in keeping the company in Venezuela, which has the world's largest reserves of oil.

The U.S. oil company's Venezuelan oil and gas production has been falling and was about 32,000 barrels per day during the most recent quarter for which figures were available.

Chevron is a constructive presence in Venezuela, where we have been part of the local communities for nearly a century," spokesman Ray Fohr said in an emailed statement.

"We remain focused on our base business operations and supporting the more than 8,800 people who work with us and their families," he added. "Our operations continue in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Representatives for Baker Hughes, Halliburton and Schlumberger were not immediately available to comment.

The U.S. oil producer posted a $104 million (79.9 million) loss on its Venezuela operations for the nine months ended Sept. 30. It would lose about $2.7 billion in assets if required to leave the country, Chevron has said.

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A 1 million-barrel cargo of Venezuelan crude consigned to Chevron was scheduled to load this month at Venezuelas Jose port, according to internal PDVSA documents seen by Reuters.

The oil export does not violate sanctions and its proceeds will cover maintenance costs at a joint venture, Chevron said.

The Treasury Department said the license extension does not authorize transactions related to shipments of diluents, which Venezuela needs to thin its heavy oil for export.

The Treasury also on Saturday issued a license allowing transactions related to PDVSA's 2020 bond, which is backed by shares in U.S. refiner Citgo Petroleum Corp. That license begins on April 22, replacing a previous license that last year had authorized transactions from Jan 22.

(Reporting by Angus Berwick in Caracas; additional reporting by Timothy Gardner in Washington and Marianna Parraga in Mexico City; Editing by Gary McWilliams and Matthew Lewis)
CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Saturday demanded that the Union government come clear on the de-radicalisation camps operating in India and alleged that they were "illegal and unconstitutional".

The central government should make it clear where these camps are operating, Tarigami, who is here in connection with the three-day CPI(M) central committee meet, told reporters.

He also said that "radicalisation should not be associated just with one religion and the fact is it is taking place in other religions also".

The Marxist leader was responding to the January 16 disclosure by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Bipin Rawat that de-radicalisation camps were operating in the country as "it was necessary to isolate people who are completely radicalised".

The General had said girls and boys as young as 10 and 12 years are being radicalised in the Valley, which he described as a matter of concern.

"What the General said goes beyond his brief and the BJP government must clear its stand on the issue", Tarigami, a former MLA from Kulgam said, adding that it was shocking to hear such comments.

Operating such camps is "illegal and unconstitutional" and the Centre must answer where the 400 camps are operating, he said.

"There are already a lot of jails, camps and police stations in Kashmir. Why do you need more concentration camps? If at all there is radicalisation in Kashmir, it is because of disillusionment," Tarigami said.

He said the de-radicalisation camps were completely "un- Indian" and the assumption that they are needed for a "certain age group in one area of the country was clearly a fantasy".

"Whatever unilateral decisions were taken by the Centre on August 5 (2019) is bound to increase disillusionment.

Instead of taking confidence building measures, they are talking about taking boys as young as 10 and 12 years to these camps, which is unfortunate," he said.

Tarigami, who was the first politician to meet the press after the abrogation of Article 370, said the prevailing crisis in Kashmir needs a political response and not deradicalisation camps.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 17:41:13|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with Vietnamese President Nguyen Phu Trong on Saturday to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

China and Vietnam are socialist neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, and are a community of a shared future with strategic significance, said Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 70 years ago, Xi said, the traditional friendship forged and cultivated by older generations of leaders of both sides has blossomed and yielded fruits, and has achieved substantial growth under the principles of "long-term stability, future orientation, good-neighborly friendship and all-round cooperation," and in the spirit of "good neighbor, good friend, good comrade and good partner."

Xi said he and Trong have exchanged visits twice, which is unprecedented in the history of the two countries' interactions. During these visits, they have reached important consensuses on consolidating good neighborliness and friendliness and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation so as to jointly usher in a new era for the relationship between the two countries and between the CPC and the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV).

Noting that the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, the Chinese president said China-Vietnam relations have also entered a critical period that builds on the past and prepares for the future.

Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of the China-Vietnam relationship, and is willing to work together with Trong to unswervingly steer the relationship in the right direction, carry forward the original aspiration of the traditional friendship between the two countries, and bear in mind shared visions and faith, as well as historical missions, so as to lift the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era to new heights.

Trong, also general secretary of the CPV Central Committee, said in his message that in the past seven decades, the two parties, two countries and two peoples have joined efforts in contributing to the success of their respective national liberations and the cause of socialist construction.

It is a historical responsibility for both countries to consistently solidify and promote their good relations, which is also in line with the common aspirations of their peoples, he added.

Vietnam has always made it a top diplomatic priority to develop relations with China, he said, adding that he is confident that with the care and guidance of the leadership of both parties and countries, the bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership will be lifted to new heights.

On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc also exchanged congratulatory messages.

In Li's message, he said that under the new circumstances, the Chinese side is willing to work with the Vietnamese side, in a strategic approach to simultaneously promote maritime, land and financial cooperation, to deepen the synergy of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and Vietnam's "Two Corridors and One Economic Circle" plan, as well as the collaboration in key areas such as industrial capacity and infrastructure construction.

Li also called on both sides to build a new win-win situation for mutual benefit and jointly write a new chapter of bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperation.

Phuc expressed in his message the willingness to work with the Chinese side to implement the high-level consensuses between the two countries, steadily enhance the results of bilateral cooperation in various areas, and hold successful celebrations of the anniversary of bilateral ties, so as to boost a healthy and stable development of bilateral relations.
A CEBU city councilor wants to regulate the use of drones in the city due to the possibility that it could pose a threat to the security and privacy of some individuals.

In his proposed ordinance, Councilor Eugenio Gabuya Jr. said the measure aims to mitigate the potential safety risk posed by drones to people and properties.

Gabuyas proposed ordinance entitled An Ordinance Regulating the Use or Operation of Drones whether for Recreational or Business in Cebu City was referred by the City Council to the committee on laws for further study.

A drone refers to an unmanned aerial vehicle being operated by a person on the ground.

The draft ordinance prohibits the following: The use of drones which are not registered with Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines; drones that are not marked with the name, contact number and address of the owner; using it as a means to cause harm of the person including violating ones right to privacy; and operating more than one drone at a time.

Other prohibitions in the draft ordinance include operating drones regardless of weight above four feet and at a lateral distance of less than 100 feet from vehicles, public or any person not associated with the operation; using it to carry or transport a living creature or other object; operating drones under the influence of liquor or illegal drugs; using it without the permission of the owner of the property where the drone intends to launch; operating it for advertising, research, filming, among others, without special permit issued by the mayor and the City Treasurers Office (CTO); and using it within the vicinity or over national government offices.

It also covers drones which are purchased, owned and operated by private persons, whether used for recreational or personal and business purposes.

The draft ordinance states that anyone caught violating the measure will be required to pay a fine of P2,000 for the first offense; P4,000 for the second offense; and P5,000 and confiscation of the drone and restriction to apply for special permit for the third offense.

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The implementing office of the proposed ordinance are the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) and the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) of the CTO.

The two offices are also tasked to form the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the draft ordinance.

The IRR should be formed 30 days after the council approves the draft ordinance.

Some drone users reacted negatively on the proposed ordinance, stating that the air space is controlled by CAAP, not the City.

Sandie Salimbangon, a drone hobbyist, said there is no need for them to get a permit from the Cebu City Government as long as they already have the certificate from CAAP.

Its like having your vehicle registered at LTO (Land Transportation Office). If you have registered your vehicle in Manila and you will use it in other areas, it does need a permit from the LGU (local government unit), said Salimbangon.

In 2018, Sen. Aquilino Koko Pimentel III filed Senate Bill 1098, which seeks to regulate the use of drones to safeguard public safety.

If this will be passed into law, unregistered drones will be confiscated, whether for commercial or non-commercial purposes, and the owner will be required to pay a P50,000-P100,000 fine.

If CAAPs general safety rules are violated, the owner will also be fined with P100,000-P500,000 on top of the possible civil and criminal charges to be filed against him or her. (JJL)
London, Jan 18 : Cambridge Analytica whistleblower Brittany Kaiser has released new documents that details initial exchange in 2015 where Facebook only requested the political consultancy firm by email to delete the data, and casually asked the company to "provide us with confirmation".

It wasn't until January 2016 that Facebook received the signed certification from Cambridge Analytica CEO Alexander Nix, claiming they had deleted the data related to 87 million Facebook users, TechCrunch reported on Friday.

The Facebook users' data was improperly obtained in 2014 by researchers with access to Facebook's developer platform.

Kaiser, a former employee of the now defunct British data analytics and consulting company Cambridge Analytica, revealed the documents at the WorldWebForum conference in Zurich.

This 'email exchange' - which TechCrunch has not been able to independently verify at this point - has never previously been published.

Earlier this month, new details leaked by Kaiser via an anonymous Twitter account, @HindsightFiles, showed the extent of the rot is far deeper than previously thought.

"Over the past two years I have given evidence to investigators, journalists and academics to analyse what happened at Cambridge Analytica, and how our data was used to influence democracies around the world. In the name of shedding light on these dark practices, I am releasing documents and emails in full for the public good," Kaiser, who worked with Cambridge Analytica from 2014 to 208, was quoted as saying.

Over the next months, more than 100,000 documents relating to work in 68 countries are set to be released, according to a report in The Guardian.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerburg has apologized for having failed to check that Cambridge Analytica had deleted the information.

"When we heard back from Cambridge Analytica that they had told us that they weren't using the data and deleted it, we consider it a closed case. In retrospect, that was clearly a mistake. We shouldn't have taken their word for it. We've updated our policy to make sure we don't make that mistake again," Zuckerburg said during Washington Senate hearings into the scandal.

According to Kaiser, the Facebook data scandal was part of a much bigger global operation designed to manipulate people in collaboration with governments, intelligence agencies, commercial companies and political campaigns.
Ghaziabad Police has identified 50 most notorious criminals active in the district and a dossier on them is being prepared to initiate further action, an official said on Saturday.

Police have also made a list of 780 gangsters and 9,461 other criminals who have indulged in cases of loot, dacoity, burglary and smuggling, Senior Superintendent of Police Kalanidhi Naithani told PTI.

The officer said a verification process is underway and a dossier will also be prepared in this regard.

560 criminals who are from other districts and are now active in the Ghaziabad have also been identified. Stringent action under appropriate sections of the law will be taken against them, the SSP added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Khanh Chan (R) is arrested by the U.K. National Crime Agency in East Sussex, England, January 16, 2019. Photo by the U.K. National Crime Agency.

A 39-year-old Vietnamese man was arrested in East Sussex, U.K., Thursday under a European Arrest Warrant.

He was wanted for smuggling people through France into other European countries.

Khanh Chan, or Khanh Ngoc Nguyen, was found in the southern seaside town of Bexhill-on-Sea by the joint efforts of the U.K.s National Crime Agency and French authorities.

The agency said Chan used France as a transit point from where he put people into trucks to be taken to the U.K. and several other countries in Europe.

Last September, a court in Paris awarded an eight-year jail sentence in absentia for human smuggling. French prosecutors said he had been an active smuggler between 2015 and 2017.

He will remain in custody in the U.K. until he's transferred to France to serve his sentence after extradition proceedings on Friday, the agency said.

Steve Reynolds, who heads the agencys department of organized immigration crime operations, said Chan played an important role in an organized criminal group that smuggles people around the world.

"People smugglers treat migrants like a commodity, and the tragic events last year in Essex demonstrated how little care for their safety these kinds of gangs have," Reynolds said.

Human trafficking, especially to the U.K., came under sharper global scrutiny following the incident of 39 Vietnamese people found dead in a refrigerated container truck in Grays, Essex County, east of London, October 23.

The youngest victim was 15 years old and the oldest was 44. Their remains were repatriated to Vietnam five weeks after.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 20:29:28|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- China and Myanmar are expected to consolidate and deepen their millennia-old "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship as they work together to build a China-Myanmar community with a shared future.

This new chapter in the traditional friendship is being written during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Myanmar from Friday to Saturday at the invitation of Myanmar President U Win Myint.

"President U Win Myint and I have agreed that my visit shall mark the start of our joint endeavor to build a China-Myanmar community with a shared future," Xi said at a state event held in Nay Pyi Taw Friday to celebrate the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

Xi said during his talks with Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on Saturday that the building of a China-Myanmar community with a shared future opened a new era in bilateral relations.

China and Myanmar are close neighbors. In the Myanmar language, "Paukphaw" means siblings from the same mother. It is an apt description of the fraternal sentiments between the two peoples, and has been the driving force and source of strength behind China-Myanmar relations, Chinese analysts said.

Ruan Zongze, executive vice president of the China Institute of International Studies, said the building of a China-Myanmar community with a shared future comes at the right time and has bright prospects.

Ruan said this shared vision is rich in connotation and content, and will boost strategic mutual trust, strengthen mutual benefit and win-win cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as tighten people-to-people bonds.

The China-Myanmar community with a shared future will ensure the bilateral ties continue on a path where both sides stick together through thick and thin, Ruan said.

Zhai Kun, a professor of international studies at Peking University, pointed out that China's efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind start with its neighbors.

The strengthened China-Myanmar ties will play an exemplary role, Zhai said.

"The building of a China-Myanmar community with a shared future is a significant contribution to the bilateral ties, and to the peaceful development of the region as well as the world," said Ruan.
BT (British Telecom) is the largest internet service provider in the UK and the ISP is teaming up with Google to bundle free Google Stadia membership for broadband customers. Just last week, Google reportedly started testing Stadia on non-Pixel smartphones and just yesterday, Google promised over 120 games are coming to Stadia this year.

The partnership will see BT and Google deliver cloud gaming via this new-generation platform to more UK consumer as well as the two companies work together on initiatives designed to build awareness, access and availability of it in the UK

BT customers who sign up for a Superfast Broadband 2, Ultrafast Fibre 100, or Ultrafast Fibre 250 will be eligible for a free Google Stadia Premiere Edition plan. Google recommends at least 35 Mbps for streaming Stadia in 4K (20 Mbps required for 1080p and 10Mbps for 720p).

The Premiere Edition controller normally costs 119 from the UK Google Store, and the Stadia Pro membership costs 8.99 per month and supports 4K gaming @ 60fps in HDR. Signing up for the Premiere Edition membership also includes the Clearly White Stadia Controller, and a Chromecast Ultra.

Source  Via
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Jamia Coordination Committee (JCC) called for a nationwide protest Call for Resistance for a week on Friday. In a coordinated manner, the JCC has also extended their protest day and night, making a 24-hour sit-in outside Jamia Millia Islamia like Shaheen Bagh protest in the neighbourhood. In the intervening night of Thursday and Friday, Congress leader Salman Khursheed made a surprise visit to support the protesters of Jamia, where protests have been on for 36 days now.



ALSO READ: At Jamia students' legal desk, 170 testimonies filed alleging police action

On Saturday, JCC has called for all religion peaceful prayer gathering. On Sunday, they would be sending a postcard to the President Ram Nath Kovind requesting him to repeal CAA and introduce a Bill to stop implementation of NPR.The protesters also plan to visit local markets and make people aware of the demerits of CAA, NRC and NPR.

Jamia Coordination Committee has called for a nationwide march on 20 January. Named as Jan Ghoshna March, this march has been declared for in 12 big cities of the country, including Kolkata, Lucknow, Mallapuram, and Ahmedabad. This march has been organised by the collaborative efforts of Jamia Coordination Committee, Young India and different other organisations, one of the JCC members said in a press conference.
The Supreme Court of the United States in Washington on May 7, 2019. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Supreme Court to Decide If States Can Bind Electoral College Members to Popular Vote

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday has agreed to take up a dispute that questions whether an electoral college member is bound by the state to support the presidential candidate chosen by the popular vote.

The top court granted a petition to review a pair of casesfrom Washington state and Coloradothat will decide the enforceability of state laws that threatens to penalize a presidential elector if they refused to vote for the candidate they pledged to support, commonly referred to as faithless electors.

The Supreme Courts decision, expected later in the year, will likely have ramifications on this years presidential race if the electoral college members seek to casts votes for someone who did not win the popular vote in the state.

When an elector does not vote for a candidate who was chosen by the popular vote, some states provide that the deviant vote be canceled, and the elector replaced, according to FairVote.org.

Meanwhile, some states allow the vote to stay but would impose a penalty on the elector. Some states also allow both the canceling of the vote and a penalty.

Both Washington and Colorado have laws that direct how electors perform their duties and enforce consequences for casting a vote that deviates from the will of the people.

In Washington, an elector can be fined if they vote contrary to how the law directs. Meanwhile, in Colorado, if an elector does not back the candidate with a popular vote, they would have been deemed to have refused to act, resulting in a vacancy in that electors office that needed to be immediately re-filled.

The lower courts in both cases came to the opposite conclusion about the issues, with the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Colorado ruling for the electoral college members. At the same time, the Washington Supreme Court found in favor of the state.

In the Colorado case, one elector Michael Baca was replaced, and his vote canceled when he sought to vote for GOP John Kasich, Ohios former governor, in the 2016 presidential election.

Meanwhile, the Washington case was brought by three Democratic electors who chose not to vote for Hilary Clinton during the same presidential election. Instead, all three electors opted for Colin Powell, a former U.S. Secretary of State, and were subsequently fined.

The U.S. Supreme Court did not provide any reasoning for agreeing to hear the cases (pdf). The two cases have been consolidated, and oral argument is like to be scheduled in March or April.

In 2016, 10 of the 538 presidential electors attempted to cast their votes for someone other than their partys candidate.

The victor in a U.S. presidential election is determined by securing a majority of the electoral votes allotted to the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, rather than amassing a majority of the popular vote.

The electoral college members cast the electoral votes. All states, except for Maine and Nebraska, have a winner-takes-all system awarding all electors to the presidential candidate who wins the states popular vote.

The number of electors in each state is the sum of its two U.S. senators and its number of members in the House of Representatives, based on population size. The District of Columbia, which is not a state, is allotted, three electors.

Reuters contributed to this report.
In 2019, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) released a report on how federal lawmakers, in connivance with executing agencies, have perfected fraudulent means of pocketing billions of naira under the guise of constituency projects.

The report fingered Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), two agencies described as conduits for embezzling funds by federal lawmakers because of the size, type and number of projects domiciled under them.

Independent checks by PREMIUM TIMES, in the penultimate year, affirmed this: over 391 projects were smuggled by federal lawmakers into the budgets of the two agencies. This year too, over 300 projects found their way into the two agencys budgets  this time around with a baggage of overpriced projects.

Further checks by this newspaper into the 2020 budget signed last month by the president have now shown that not less than 20 more agencies have their budget lines stuffed with projects which were sneaked in by the legislators.

These projects account for the vast cut of the 264 billion for which the signed budget differs from the proposed figures.

A large chunk of these projects are capacity building and empowerment programmes. But the said ICPC report has categorised projects of these nature as free money without accountability, aside from being difficult to track.

The report recommended that such projects should be suspended from the nations budget cycle. Yet, this years budget is dotted with a slew of them.

SMEDAN and BCDA aside, the agencies that house these controversial projects include: National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM); National Directorate of Employment (NDE); Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI); Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan (FRIN); Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI).

Others are: Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN); Project Development Institute, Enugu; Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the PresidentMDGS (OSSAP-MDGS); Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos; Nigeria Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR); Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA).

Universal Basic Education (UBE) Commission; Federal Cooperative College, Oji River; Lower Benue RBDA; Anambra/Imo RBDA; Ogun/ Osun RBDA; Sokoto Rima RBDA; Upper Niger RBDA complete the list of 20 identified by this newspaper.

Apart from empowerment and capacity building projects, analysis by this newspaper showed the the projects, domiciled under these agencies, range from misplaced mandate (such as an agric agency building schools) to false location (agencies planning to execute projects where they have no branch), overpriced, to vague projects.

Below are the 20 agencies with their questionable projects:

1. Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA)

The capital expenditure for the FCTA is 62.4 billion. More than half of this (37 billion), instead of addressing Abujas deplorable infrastructure, will go to fixing only the National Assembly Complex.

By comparison, while National Assembly votes that much for its own building, all that is earmarked by the government for capital projects by the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA)  the agency saddled with repairing broken federal roads across Nigeria  is 36.6 billion.

The money for the renovation of the parliament building is not part of 128 billion voted for the National Assembly this year. Some lawmakers have berated this.

2. Universal Basic Education (UBE) Commission

PREMIUM TIMES analysis showed how the over 21.6 billion increment apportioned to UBEC would cater for a flurry of vague projects such as supply of instructional materials to various schools in the North-east, priced at 500 million, the same price for the supply of laptops and writing materials to schools in Borno State. Allocation to UBEC falls under the category of statutory transfers.

3. Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the PresidentMDGS (OSSAP-MDGS)

This office advises the president on how to eradicate poverty. It had an initial proposal of 34 million. However, in the new budget, the office has 5.1 billion.

READ ALSO:

The increment is for the supply of fertilisers, rice, maize and beans to Rano/Bunkuye Kibiya Federal Constituency, Kano State with 250 million; supply of goods, fertilisers rice, maize and beans in Katsina and supply of tricycles, motorcycles, sewing machines, each for 500 million; and supply of new Toyota Hiace buses, utility vehicles SDG intervention, which would gulp 1.9 billion.

4. Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA)

Lawmakers raised BCDAs budget from the 3.7 billion proposed by President Buhari to 5.5 billion. In its formative years, the agency was founded to provide basic amenities to border communities in the country.

In BCDAs appropriation for this year though, 100 million is budgeted for youth empowerment in Yobe East Senatorial District and supply of tricycles and sewing machines in Yobe East Senatorial District would gulp 50 million.

5. Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria ( SMEDAN

SMEDAN was established in 2003 to create an enabling environment for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMSE) to thrive.

However, PREMIUM TIMES found that its mandate has shifted because lawmakers made room for projects such as the rehabilitation, surface dressing and construction of drainages of rural roads in selected locations in Isuiwato/Umunneochi federal constituency for 500 million and supply of mobile kiosks, mobile kitchen and modern SME tools entrepreneurial training for prospective entrepreneurs in Nigeria for 730 million. About 200 more projects of this nature exist in the agencys budget.

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6. Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN)

ECN formulates and coordinates national policies for the government on energy supply.

But it appears it would doing more of implementation this year, based on the projects it has under its purview. It would go into construction of mini grid solar system for small businesses and educational institutions in selected LGAs, each for 1 billion.

This same agency, with 500 million, would provide street lights to the College of Education, Waka  the same item it would erect in Katsina South Senatorial District 200 million.

Again, at 200 million each, it plans to construct solar boreholes in Lagos West, Niger East, Oyo North and Central Senatorial Districts

7. Nigeria Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research

This Institute, established in November, 1975, by the Research Institutes Establishment Order 1975, has a mandate of conducting research on Nigerias territorial waters.

However, some of the projects it would oversee this year have nothing to do with research or understudying water bodies.

It would grade inner road in Alimosho for 300 million; supply chairs to schools in Oshodi, Isolo, Mushin, Ajeromi and Ojo LGAs of Lagos for 100 million; erect solar street lights in some Lagos communities for 200 million; construct town halls in six communities in Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili South, Oshimili North Federal Constituency, Delta State (hometown of Hon. Ndudi Elumelu) for 285 million.

Likewise, aside its plan to erect solar street light in some Lagos communities for 200 million, it would also supply 200 units of Bajaj tricycles in Ikeja federal constituency for 200 million (1 million each). A new Bajaj tricycle costs between 600,000 to 850,000.

Of the 45 projects domiciled under the institute, 31 are either empowerment or capacity building projects.

8. National Directorate of Employment (NDE)

NDEs budget was upped from 1.02 billion to approximately 14 billion. While its vision is to create job for all, the increment in its budget are for a flurry of empowerment projects which are hard to track.

It would spend 550 million on rural to urban mass transit empowerment programme in selected local government areas. It would also distribute empowerment items to aspiring artisans and entrepreneurs in all the six geopolitical zones of the country, each for 1 billion.

9. Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI)

Established April 1, 1978, NBRRI has a core mandate to conduct research on the building and construction sector of the economy.

But based on its projects for this year, it would deviate from this mandate.

The budget passed and signed by the president has entrusted the institute with the responsibility to construct 20km road across all six geopolitical zones for 1.27 billion.

Also, with 1 billion, it would construct Hauwadai Township road. This is notwithstanding its plan to construct classrooms in 11 locations in Plateau State with 80 million.

10. Project Development Institute, Enugu (PRODA)

PRODA would also purchase tricycles in Anambra State for 350 million. It would do the same in Anambra North Senatorial District for 300 million.

About 70 per cent of its proposed projects are empowerment based.

11. Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Ilorin

NSPRI, an agency headquartered in Ilorin whose job is to mitigate post harvest loss of crops in Nigeria, plans to construct ICT centres and provide equipment in selected secondary schools in Lagos.

It would repeat this same project three times this year, all at the total cost of 768 billion  first for 255 million, then 256 million and 257 million.

It also has projects slated for Enugu, Niger, Delta and Rivers States. Whereas, save for the latter two, it does not have outstations in any of the other states. The outstations of the agency are located in Ibadan, Kano, Lagos, Maiduguri, Port-Harcourt, and Sapele.

Again, 80 per cent of NSPRIs projects (55 of 68) projects), are capacity building and empowerment projects which ICPC advised should be suspended.

12. National Centre For Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM)

With an eye on projects in the FCT, Kogi, and Oyo States  states that has no branch of its  the NCAM plans to renovate primary schools in selected areas in Lagos for 475 million; and rehabilitate NTA TejuoshoRailway Quarters Access Road and also install solar street lights in Surulere with 150 million.

Surulere 2 is the constituency of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Not only does the Centre not have a branch in Lagos, it was established to reduce drudgery and improve the quality of agricultural production and ensure food security for the nation.

NCAMs projects (16 of 23) are also 70 per cent empowerment projects.

13. Federal Cooperative College, Oji River

As for Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, rather than focusing on awarding Higher National Diploma (HND) in cooperative development courses, it would now procure tricycles and empower women cooperative society organisations in South-east Nigeria for 735 million.

Motorcycles would also be procured for rural corporators in Abia State with 800 million. In the same Abia State, the college plans to construct a 2km long road for 240 million, and another 3km long road for the same amount.

Although, it is a school in Abia State, it now has projects it plans to execute in Bauchi, Rivers, Anambra, Ebonyi and others.

14. Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN)

A striking feature in the budget lines of this research institute is what it captured simply as empowerment, costed at 50 million. No further details were provided.

Aside projects it would execute in each of Enugu Gombe, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Kaduna, and Edo states, the Ibadan-based agency would provide laptops for students in selected secondary schools in both Coker Aguda and Itire Ikate, Surulere, Lagos, for 200 million.

Ordinarily, it should be focusing on forestry development and environmental protection.

15. Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos

This institution had 5.5 billion topped onto its initial budget. About 1 billion of this, would be used to organise empowerment training in boat operations and fishing for rural fishermen in Lagos West Senatorial District.

Ideally, it should be offering Ordinary and Higher Diplomas to students in courses under fishery technology.

16-20. River Basin Development Authorities (RBDA)

Instead of shouldering the responsibility of managing water resources for agriculture and other uses with its budgeted capital expenditure, the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDA) across the country would, this year, plan to construct roads and boreholes. There are 11 of such agencies in the country.

The Lower Benue RBDA, for instance, apart from constructing roads in selected locations in Wase, Plateau State, for 190 million would again construct roads in selected locations in Plateau State for 317.5 million.

Upper Niger RBDA also plans to construct a civic centre and shops in Niger north senatorial district with 200 billion.

Likewise, Sokoto Rima RBDA would spend 575 million on three rural roads in Zamfara State.

Analysis of the budget of Anambra/Imo RBDA also showed that it would construct four solar powered boreholes in Gombe south senatorial district with 285 million.

Meanwhile, the Ogun/Osun RBDA has a similar plan to construct solar street lights across Igboeze South LGA, Enugu State, with 150 million.

The spokespersons of both chambers  Godiya Akwashiki and Benjamin Kalu  and the chairmen of the two houses committees on appropriation  Jibrin Barau and Muktar Aliyu did not respond to phone calls, text and Whatsapp messages requesting their comments on the report.

Also, calls to SMEDAN were not answered. Calls to the contact numbers on BCDA, NCAM, NDE, and NSPRIs websites did not connect. A representative of the Energy Commission declined to comment on the matter. A spokesperson of the Institute of Oceanography, Mavis Jeba, said projects out of its mandate that are constituency projects are monitored by them.

We send people out to monitor it. If it is constituency projects and they carry it through our office, definitely we have to monitor it, Ms Jeba said over the phone.

Meanwhile, in response to an earlier story by this newspaper, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Millennium Development Goals (OSSAP-MDGs) had explained that it does not determine the allocation to it in the budget. Rather, the president and the National Assembly do, it wrote in an email to PREMIUM TIMES.

The Office also wish to state that aside the opportunity to defend its budget proposal before the relevant committees at the National Assembly, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs has no power whatsoever over allocation to it in the annual budget, the email read.

As such, the responsibility of the Office over the years has been limited to implementing the budget as duly signed by the President, subject to release of funds appropriated for the different sub-heads.
New Delhi:

Adarsh Shastri, MLA from Dwarka and the grandson of Lal Bahadur Shastri, who was dropped by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from the candidate list for the Delhi Assembly elections, joined the Congress in the presence of party leaders PC Chacko and Subhash Chopra on Saturday.

Shastri had won the Dwarka seat with 59.08 per cent votes in 2015.

He was removed from the AAP list and Vinay Kumar Mishra, a former Congress leader and son of former Congress MP Mahabal Mishra, has been given the chance to contest from the seat.

Vinay Mishra had joined the AAP on Monday and was given the ticket on Tuesday for the February 8 Assembly polls.

Earlier, sources close to Shastri told news agency IANS that the list came as a surprise to him as he was told by party chief Arvind Kejriwal that he should continue the party campaign.

He was told that he will recontest. The list came as a shock. The MLA was not in the loop about the process, a source said.

Also, he was unhappy for being replaced by an outsider. It would have been better to replace him with another party member and not an outsider if the party considered him incompetent, said the source news agency.

The MLA claimed he transformed the area and worked hard in the last five years for the constituency. While the AAP has named all 70 candidates, the Congress is likely to release its list on Saturday evening.
Historian Ramachandra Guha on Friday said young India does not want a "fifth-generation dynast" and if Kerala repeats the disaster of re-electing Rahul Gandhi to Parliament in 2024 then they will merely hand over the advantage to "hard-working" and "self-made" Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Why did you (Malayalis) elect Rahul Gandhi to Parliament. I have nothing against Rahul Gandhi personally. He is a decent fellow, very well-mannered. But young India does not want a fifth-generation dynast," Guha said while speaking at Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode.

The historian warned people of Kerala not to re-elect the MP from Wayanad Rahul Gandhi during the 2024 elections.

"If you Malayalis make the mistake of re-electing Rahul Gandhi in 2024 too, you are merely handing over an advantage to Narendra Modi because Narendra Modi's great advantage is that he is not Rahul Gandhi," he said.

In his address, Guha stressed that betrayal of idealism by Congress and hypocrisy of Left has paved the way to religious jingoism in India.

"I have only one complaint against Keralites. You have selected Rahul Gandhi as an MP. He is part of an old family dynasty. Betrayal of idealism by Congress and hypocrisy of Left has paved the way to religious jingoism in India," he said.

Taking a dig at the Waynad MP over his foreign trips, Guha praised PM Modi and said, "Narendra Modi is self-made. He has run a state for 15 years, he has administrative experience, he is incredibly hard-working and he never takes holidays in Europe. I say this with all seriousness," said Guha.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
NEW YORK - The federal Bureau of Prisons is moving some MS-13 gang members in its custody into more restricted housing at certain high-security facilities across the U.S. after a gang stabbing in a Virginia prison, two people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Saturday.

A brawl broke out Wednesday at the prison known as USP Lee between the MS-13 leader and a fellow inmate associated with the Mexican Mafia, and the gang member was stabbed, the people said. The Bureau of Prisons said in a statement that the inmate was injured but survived the attack. No one else was injured, the agency said.

Fearing retaliation, officials have started moving some MS-13 inmates into more secured units at the six federal high security prisons, the people said. It was unclear how many inmates were restricted, or how long theyd be separated from the general population.

The prison, in Jonesville, Virginia, houses about 1,500 men. The FBI was notified about the attack and the Bureau of Prisons also launched an internal investigation, which remains ongoing.

The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity in order to discuss the incident, which remains under investigation.

The Bureau of Prisons has been plagued for years by chronic violence, extensive staffing shortages and serious misconduct. The agency has come under increased scrutiny since wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein took his own life in federal custody in August.

An independent report released in September found that inmates had expressed concerns about a culture of violence that they believed extended to the prisons leadership and included allegations that staff members both perpetrated and encouraged violence against inmates. The restrictive housing means they will be held separate from the general inmate population, and may be held in a cell either alone or with other inmates.

At one facility in Florida, at least a dozen MS-13 members were placed in the special housing unit. Visitation at both USP Lee, the abbreviated name of the U.S. penitentiary, and another prison, USP Big Sandy in Kentucky was cancelled as a result of the fight. There will be no visitation at USP Lee until at least Monday, according to an automated recording at the facility.

Lee prison was also placed on limited operational status a few months ago after an inmate assaulted a staff member, officials said at the time. The staff member was hospitalized after the incident, WCYB-TV in Virginia reported in October. The facility has also had issues with contraband. In 2014, a guard at Lee pleaded guilty in federal court to accepting bribes to smuggle tobacco products and a cellphone into the prison.

The federal Bureau of Prisons has 175,269 inmates housed in 122 different facilities around the country.
Three little letters. H. R. H. Their absence as a prefix to Duke and Duchess will pass unnoticed in most of the world, not least the celebrityland that is now presumably Harry and Meghans most likely destination. So too the small but significant detail that they can no longer represent the Queen abroad.

But be in no doubt: within palace walls, in government departments, embassies and wherever anxious aides pore over the small print of protocol, both these demotions carry real significance. To Harry personally, they will sting, as  one assumes  is Her Majestys intention.

So too will the removal of his military appointments and affiliations. To Harry, former soldier and member of a family so steeped in military service and tradition, to whom wearing uniform (and wearing it properly in every meticulous detail) is second nature, this will be a particularly deep cut.

Three little letters. H. R. H. Their absence as a prefix to Duke and Duchess will pass unnoticed in most of the world, not least the celebrityland that is now presumably Harry and Meghans most likely destination

The significance will certainly not be lost on men and women currently serving who have sworn an oath, if needed, to pay a far higher sacrifice than anything being asked of the Sussexes.

And, while on the subject of symbolism, it must be time to stop the confusing practice of issuing Sussex statements under the Buckingham Palace letterhead.

Meghans PR company can surely suggest a more appropriate (and accurate) alternative.

As for practical reality, the two statements pose more questions than they answer. Top of the list must come SussexRoyal, the trademark with which Harry and Meghan could make millions.

We must assume that any restrictions on its use and some kind of oversight mechanism are still under discussion, doubtless with the steely involvement of the couples small army of hard-nosed American advisers. As a former courtier, I dont envy the officials now working under such pressure to reconcile so many discordant voices, and with a transatlantic cultural barrier to surmount.

But be in no doubt: within palace walls, in government departments, embassies and wherever anxious aides pore over the smallprint of protocol, both these demotions carry real significance

What also of small matters such as security (neatly sidestepped here) and tax; of visas and citizenship; of co-ordination with other households and consular support overseas; of Archies education and his future role in the life of the Royal Family? And what do the Canadians make of it all?

Answers to these and other key issues still have the potential to derail the whole process, as heels dig in, patience frays and tiny details acquire huge symbolic significance.

So far, all sides can claim to have achieved some success and the Queens highly personal words reinforcing how much she values Harry and Meghan as family members will comfort the millions who feel this trauma almost as keenly as if it were happening to their own nearest and dearest.

For this is a wound that will take years to heal, not just for the Windsors but for monarchists worldwide who grieve over such damage to the institution they love and admire. Damage that, in the way it was inflicted  without consultation, courtesy or any sign of responsible forethought  has many of the attributes of calculated vandalism.

Emotions understandably run high when so many have so much invested in a couple that was held up as symbolic of a whole new, enlightened and diverse style of Royal future. Those high-flying hopes have now been brought painfully to earth, in the process setting off a rumbling and ominous wider debate on the cultural faultlines in our society.

To Harry personally, they will sting, as  one assumes  is Her Majestys intention

All the more important that we take note of the Queens obvious determination to see this as primarily a family matter. She emphasises her pleasure at how Meghan has become part of that family  a gentle reminder to those, perhaps including Meghan herself, who would cast her as a proxy in their own progressive campaigns. Being in a family, even a family under such stress, is still a cause for gratitude and for personal restraint.

Will this interim statement staunch the bleeding? Far too soon to say. But at least we have had a glimpse into life after this abdication; we have had clear evidence of the Queens hand on the tiller and we now have at least the hope  however distant  of a monarchy restored to health and a Royal Family restored to peace.

To echo the Queens Christmas message, now is the time for those small steps that bring about the most lasting change.

Will it be change for the better? That lies very much with the still very grandly titled Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

So far in this still-unfinished process they have a lot for which to be grateful. It will be interesting to see how they show their gratitude.
A father has lost his fight for life after being bitten by an eastern brown snake four times in his backyard in Queensland.

Roger Taylor, 76, tragically died on Saturday morning in a Brisbane hospital after he was bitten by the deadly snake on Friday January 10 while moving bird netting outside his property in Vale View, south-west of Toowoomba.

Mr Taylor initially didn't realise he had been bitten, with his wife Carol, the Toowoomba Regional Council's Deputy Mayor, telling the ABC he thought he had scratched himself on a tree branch.

Roger Taylor was bitten four times by an eastern brown snake in Vale View, Queensland

According to the University of Melbourne, the eastern brown snake is responsible for more than half of all serious snake bites in Australia

Mr Taylor's wife, Toowoomba Regional Council's Deputy Mayor Carol Taylor (pictured in a file photo), said her husband had died peacefully on Saturday without regaining consciousness

'He's gotten cranky with it [the netting] and picked it up to throw it out of the way, not realising that there was a snake entwined in it and it's bitten him I think four times,' Ms Taylor said.

Ms Taylor told the ABC on Saturday that her husband had died peacefully surrounded by his family at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane.

'He never regained consciousness following his operation last Saturday after the snake bites,' she said.

Mr Taylor had surgery to relieve pressure on his brain but tragically died on Saturday morning without regaining consciousness

Eastern brown snakes: Australia's deadliest snake breed - The eastern brown snake is the species most responsible for deaths caused by snake bites in Australia. - Although they are dangerous, they will always try to avoid a confrontation and will only attack as a last resort if they are threatened. -They are native to eastern Australia, but can be found anywhere between the coast to the central desert. -It inhabits a wide range of habitats but is particularly prevalent in open grasslands, pastures and woodland, and they help farmers reduce rodents. -They may exceed two metres in length and, on hot days, can move at surprising speed. -Colour can range from uniform tan to grey or dark brown while their bellies can be cream, yellow or pale orange with darker orange spots. -The females produce clutches of up to 30 eggs in late spring or early summer. Source: Australian Reptile Park Advertisement

Incredibly, Mr Taylor got behind the wheel after being bitten and drove half an hour to Toowoomba to a friend's birthday dinner before feeling the effects of the bites.

He collapsed and hit his head at the party and was taken to Toowoomba Base Hospital, before being airlifted to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane as his condition worsened.

Mr Taylor had an operation to relieve pressure on his brain and the venom had left his body, but sadly he did not recover.

The Taylors' son travelled home from Italy to join his family and to be by his father's side.

Councillor Bill Cahill from Toowoomba Region Council thanked locals for their well wishers on Ms Taylor's behalf last Monday.

Ms Taylor warned locals to keep their eyes out for eastern brown snakes moving out of their traditional habitat to search for food and water in extreme drought conditions.

According to the University of Melbourne, the eastern brown is responsible for more than half of all serious snake bites in Australia and over 60 per cent of the country's snakebite-related deaths.
Bengaluru, Jan 18 : Royal Nag Aviation (RNA), a city-based life-size aircraft restaurant model making company, is finding many buyers from far and wide, a company official said on Saturday.

"We got orders from Rajasthan, Dehradun and Vadodara for making aircraft shaped and themed restaurants and bars," RNA Chief Executive Naresh Kumar Ganesh to IANS.

Established in 2013, RNA crafts multiple aircraft models such as Cessna, Hansa, Beechcraft and the widely popular Airbus A320, which cost Rs 1.9 crore including the freight charges.

"Many of our aircraft models are used for training purposes. We make smaller aircraft, more than 100 such models are all over India. Two-seater, 4-seater and 6-seater aircraft... Bengaluru itself has 15-20 such small models," said Ganesh, who uses glass fibre, aluminium and steel to build the models.

Mimicking a five-star hotel restaurant, the aircraft restaurant builder is currently making one for a Vadodara-based buyer who plans set up the aircraft restaurant in Gujarat.

"Our first aircraft restaurant order came from Dehradun. Currently, we have two more orders, from Hyderabad and Surat and negotiating for a third one in Rajasthan," said Ganesh.

Once an aircraft is built, it is transported in sections of 40 feet each on four trailers, which on assembly at the destination will stretch to 123 feet in length and 115 feet in width.

Though RNA builds the aircraft restaurant, the seating arrangement is taken care of by the restaurateur, Ganesh said.

Ganesh said there are already three old real aircraft turned restaurants in North India, Ludhiana, Delhi and Patiala.

"They are all original aircraft. But they have serious problem because they are 40 years old aircraft. But our models which we make are 10 times stronger than the original aircraft," said Ganesh.

Buoyed by the teeming business with the aircraft restaurant in Dehradun, with 100 people eating at a time and others waiting for two hours for a chance, Ganesh said the Dehradun buyer ordered one more restaurant to set up at Haridwar.

"The Dehradun restaurant has been clocking a turnover of Rs 3 lakh everyday, making a profit of Rs 1.5 lakh per day," said Ganesh who will start work on the new order in March.

It takes six months to build an aircraft restaurant, procuring aluminium from Hindalco, and bulk fibre glass and steel from local dealers.

Ganesh bought a scrap aircraft from Air India for Rs 2 crore to makes moulds out of it to make lookalikes.

The company makes any aircraft model in 1:1 to 1:15 scale sizes, including small table models and counts Apollo Engineering College, Alliance University and MITE as its clients.

Though Ganesh has been impressing crowds with aviation themed aircraft restaurants across the country, he did not find any takers in his home city of Bengaluru.

"I am really upset, Bangalore crowd is really elite. They have sufficient money, unfortunately nobody wants. They are not aware of it," quipped Ganesh.
Beverley Swaim-Staley, president and chief executive of the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation, said the parking number in the proposal is based on estimates from traffic studies and current parking usage. It makes assumptions of reduced parking needs by monthly parkers in the future. But she said the number is not set in stone and the group will continue to work with the city, community and developers to find the right parking approach as the project moves forward.
Shabana Azmi Critically Injured After Her Car Met With An Accident On Mumbai - Pune Expressway
The Restaurants Association of Ireland are delighted to announce that the nominations for the 12th annual Irish Restaurant Awards 2020 are now open.

The public can choose their favourites across 21 categories including Best Restaurant, Best Casual Dining, Best Chef, Best Seafood Experience, Best World Cuisine and more.

Head over to the Restaurant Association of Ireland's Instagram page now to enter our Competition, where you could win dinner for two in 2020's Best Restaurant, as well as an overnight stay in a hotel.

The Restaurants Association of Ireland celebrated the launch on Wednesday 8th January in Dax Restaurant, Dublin.

Nominations can now be made via www.irishtimes.com/irishrestaurantawards from 12 noon, Wednesday 8th of January until 12 noon, Wednesday 22nd of January 2020.

The Irish Restaurant Awards showcase the true talent that Ireland's hospitality industry has to offer by acknowledging outstanding performers in the sector. Growing steadily from its humble beginnings back in 2009, the awards are now a five-month long process consisting of online public nominations, judging panels, mystery guest inspections and regional and national events.

In 2019, the awards received 90,000+ online public nominations. This number is expected to grow exponentially with the continued support of our media partner, The Irish Times.

Last year, the Irish Restaurant Awards consisted of a roadshow of four regional events - Kildare, Monaghan, Limerick and Sligo - with over 2000 guests in total.
T he global beauty industry, worth half a trillion dollars a year, has begun courting a massive  and for a long time massively neglected  potential consumer base men.

Ten years ago a guys washbag was a streamlined thing: deodorant, toothbrush, cologne, shaving cream and possibly, just maybe, a Nivea moisturiser. Over the course of the last decade, though, men have taken steps, and more recently confident strides, into the skincare space. In 2018 alone, mens skincare products saw more than 7 per cent jump in sales and the category is currently valued at $122 million (93.4 million), according to market researcher NPD Group.

Skincare is one of our best-selling grooming categories on MR PORTER and within this we see oils, serums, face-masks and peels from science, results driven brands such as 111skin, Dr Dennis Gross and Erno Lazlo perform well, says Sam Kershaw, Buying Manager at MR PORTER. Of course, men still tend to prefer quick, easily applied products, so that remains top of mind when shopping, but, he says, We have observed that men are becoming increasingly more confident in the grooming and skincare space as they educate themselves about the benefits of skincare health, explore brands that provide anti-ageing and sophisticated healing solutions and adapt products into everyday routine.

That mens skin should need hydration, cleansing and general TLC just as much as any womans is, thankfully, becoming an accepted norm. "I've been secretly trying products from the local drugstore for years, says Darwish Gani, co-founder of California-based mens skincare subscription company Lumin, which launched in 2018 and already has 100,000 active subscribers and is generating eight figure revenues. Men care a lot more than you would think but we are just lost about where to start. Using a moisturiser will be more common than using cologne in a few years and as common as brushing your teeth by the end of the decade. This is a cultural phenomenon and the numbers are showing it."

But why should men stop there?

The male-grooming business, valued at $57.7billion (44.6billion) in 2017, is growing exponentially. In fact, according to a report by Allied Market Research, the mens personal care industry is set to reach a staggering $166 billion (127 billion) by 2022.

But that growth wont come simply from flogging more men a moisturiser, for beauty brands to truly capitalise on the opportunity, they need to sell men  and all kinds of men  makeup.

Jeffree Star / Getty Images

The end of the last decade saw an explosion of fabulous male influencers rewriting the rules on beauty for the boys. James Charles (16 million Instagram followers) became the first male face of Covergirl in 2016, shortly followed by Manny Guttierez (4.3 million followers) for Maybelline in 2017. Charles and Guttierez form part of a powerful group of influencers that also includes Jefree Star (15.7 million followers), who are largely from the LGBT+ community, and whose incredibly loyal followers are overwhelmingly female. A loyalty evidenced by the fact Stars eponymous cosmetics line tends to sell out each new drop within five minutes and in January 2019, when Charles visited Birmingham in the UK to launch a palette with Morphe, traffic literally stopped.

If the last decade was one in which experimental, colourful male beauty found its audience, the 2020s, which kicked off with straight actor Ansel Elgort wearing glittery eye makeup to the Golden Globes and John Lewis opening its first male cosmetics counter, are poised to be the decade in which male cosmetics hits the mainstream.

In the past 10 years Google searches around male makeup have increased by a whopping 67.5 per cent, and beauty brands have begun to respond. In 2018, Chanel, Clinique, Tom Ford and Marc Jacobs all launched cosmetic lines specifically for men and in addition to the big players, several independent brands have appeared to take their slice of the pie.

This year we have seen an increased number of searches for make-up on-site, particularly for concealers and bronzers, says Mr Porters Kershaw. Across this space, we are carrying concealer sticks and brow gel combs by Tom Ford Beauty and Le Mer, alongside tinted moisturizers and face bronzers from Lab Series, Clinique and Sisley-Paris.

Danny Gray founded mens makeup brand War Paint in November 2018, after his appearance on BBC's Dragons' Den saw him gain a 70,000 investment from Peter Jones and Tej Lalvani. Hes personally been wearing makeup for 20 years.

I suffered with BDD [Body Dysmorphic Disorder] after being bullied at school and it literally helped me get out the door, he explains. With War Paint, he aimed to launch the brand he never had growing up. I never felt comfortable walking in store and purchasing a product and could not find a safe place online that related to me about application, so I created my own.

While the chemical formulas of womens makeup are fine for men to use, Gray has developed his range to specifically deliver what most men are looking for: typically lightweight formulations, a matte finish and no overly feminine scents. Male skin can also be more prone to acne so we have made sure all our products have acne fighting qualities, he says.

War Paint's foundation

War Paint has shipped more than 20,000 units to 68 countries in just eight months, and is set to generate revenues of 500,000 in year one  it's also the headline brand on John Lewiss newly opened male cosmetics counter. The 18 concealer is the top selling product, closely followed by the full set (114) which includes Foundation, Tinted Moisturiser, Face Sponge, Bronzer, Brush, Anti-Shine Powder and Concealer.

The rise in men using makeup is growing at an incredible rate, as well as the number of people talking about the space. I would say that this is not a trend but rather a movement that will keep progressing the next stage is to continue to normalise men in the makeup space to the point where the everyday man can feel comfortable and confident incorporating it into their everyday routines, says Gray.

His advice to any guys just starting out? Start small and add more if needed. War Paint products focus on looks that are subtle and mainly for evening out skin tone, so you dont need to apply loads for desired results, he says. My other top tip would be to make sure you blend onto your neck for a more natural look.

War Paint's Night Out set

Andrew Grella, founder of New York-based male makeup line House of Formen, agrees that when it comes to certain products, men ideally need different formulations. Mens skin tends to be thicker and produce more oil, so formulations have to account for that." He was inspired to start his business after he woke with a bout of acne on prom night, and his mother saved the day with concealers and bronzer. When I saw the result I figured there should be a brand dedicated to helping men out their best face forward, he explains. Grella launched House of Formen with four key makeup products in 2013 and has noticed a major uptick in sales in recent years. As more knowledge is circulated regarding skin health and actually showing men they could look better with a product or two, its becoming more of a norm.

These brands are on a mission to eliminate the stigma surrounding men in makeup and to help men feel more comfortable and confident in their appearance. And if online subscription services, tweaked formulations or more masculine packaging are a means to this end, then their arrival should met with fanfare. For as Chanel stated when they launched their male makeup line Boy de Chanel back in November 2018: Beauty is not a matter of gender; it is a matter of style."

Best skincare and makeup products for men:

Makeup artist and mens grooming specialist Sara Clark has worked with the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Simon Cowell and McFly to get them red carpet ready. Read on for her six must-have products:

A good moisturiser is a must

One for skin and one for under the eyes. Think of it as an investment. It takes a few moments of your time to moisturise face, neck and hands but it will benefit you for many years to come.

I love Dermalogica and Sisley  both do ranges for men and women and they have always been a staple in my kit. But for a more budget friendly option, Nivea for Men Deep Matte Moisturiser is good (11.99 at Boots, shop it here)

A lip balm

Dry lips are pretty gross and very un-kissable so get rid! It's so easy to have a little tin of Vaseline or a tube of Lucas PawPaw (6.95, shop it here).

Lucas PawPaw 6.95, shop it here

3. Eye drops

Optrex Eye Dew Dazzling Blue (3.79, shop them here) reduces redness and brings out the whites of your eyes perfectly.

A concealer

I think a pen is great for individual use and then use your index finger to blend. Personally I am a huge fan of Tom Ford (for male and female) as the consistency works so well and camouflages any redness, razer nicks, under eye shadows so effortlessly, but still looks very natural.

Concealer, 34, Tom Ford for Men. Shop it here / Tom Ford

Tinted Moisturiser

I used Instant Filter Moisturise by Lab Series (31, shop it here) on someone recently and it was great. Subtle amount of tint, just enough to even out your skin tone. Also Lab Series BB Tinted Moisturiser which also has an SPF35 (38, shop it here) evens out skin tone and texture and refines pores.

If you like wearing something a bit more makeup, then I absolutely love Giorgio Armani Second Skin Face Fabric (39, shop it here). It has a super light coverage, almost invisible and a very natural finish. But makes your skin look beautiful and even. A couple of years ago it was discontinued (crazy!) but thankfully the lovely team at Armani Beauty brought it back.

Giorgio Armani Second Skin Face Fabric, 39, shop it here / Giorgio Armani

Bronzer
Unity Center for Behavioral Health is now in crisis, according to the psychiatric facilitys top medical official, intensifying concerns about a troubled facility that claims it is hemorrhaging money.

The cry for help to the Oregon Health Authority comes just one month after hospital officials asked for more state financial support, reporting a $21 million operating loss in its most recent fiscal year.

Greg Miller, Unitys chief medical officer, described a dire portrait of a facility that is overcrowded and leaving patients to languish for days in places unfit for their needs, according to emails sent to state and local officials this month. Unity includes a 24-hour emergency room for psychiatric patients and an on-site inpatient facility for people in need of short-term care.

This situation is approaching a public health emergency, Miller wrote in a Jan. 9 email. What can we do to address this issue as fast as possible. This is a real state of crisis for emergent psychiatric cases in Portland."

This is very serious, the states behavioral health director, Steve Allen, wrote to Oregon Health Authority officials in response.

The contents of the emails, released to The Oregonian/OregonLive on Friday, were originally reported by the Portland Tribune.

Unity was created to be a more humane, accessible answer to people with severe mental health illness who would sit for hours or days in hospital emergency rooms waiting to be seen without receiving specialized care. It opened in Northeast Portland in January 2017 to fanfare from local officials who desperately wanted a place that could ease the tide of mentally ill people flooding ERs, jails and the street.

But it has been steeped in trouble ever since, with a state and federal investigation that found significant problems with patient safety, and a bevy of lawsuits from former staff who claim it is a chaotic and unsafe environment to work.

Unity officials until recently downplayed problems as growing pains for a first-of-its-kind operation in Portland. A collaboration between four hospital systems, Unity is the largest psychiatric facility in the region and recorded more than 10,800 total visits to its emergency room last year.

Since it opened, the local mental health systems reliance on Unity has grown. It serves as the primary backstop for police, hospitals and other players who lack resources to serve an increasingly large mentally ill population on their own.

Hospital officials on Friday maintained their commitment to keeping Unity open. Legacy Health, which operates the facility, declined to make Miller or any other official available for an interview.

Legacy Health and its partners have no intention of closing Unity Center despite the financial challenges we face, spokesman Brian Terrett said in a statement. We remain committed to the mission of delivering immediate psychiatric care and a path to recovery for people experiencing a mental health crisis.

While concerned, state officials are not taking Unitys description of financial hardship at face value, records and interviews show. The Oregon Health Authority is working to schedule a meeting with hospital leaders, but the agency does not want to be on the hook for solving Unitys financial problems.

The Oregon Health Authority pays for patient care at Unity in the form of Medicaid reimbursements to the facility.

We are committed to working with them and understanding what their problems are, said Robb Cowie, a state spokesman.

State officials have tried to stabilize Unity before. Within months of opening, complaints about patient safety surfaced, eventually leading to a state and federal investigation that found patients were victims of sexual assault and neglect. At least two people died from preventable causes while in Unitys care.

The investigation led to a similar backlog while Unity was forced to shut its doors to new admissions and left people who needed psychiatric care to seek help in hospital ERs.

In the wake of the investigation, Unity hired at least 72 more nurses and other staff and paid for physical changes to the building, costs that hospital officials now say contributed to the year-over-year financial losses.

Nearly a year after that investigation ended, Portland police in November convinced Unity staff to re-admit a man who had been discharged but was still in a state of crisis. Unity security had tried to force him to leave, eventually handcuffing him and calling police.

Emails released Friday now show that Unity acknowledges it has been unable to adequately accommodate patients seeking care in both its emergency room and inpatient facility.

The emergency room, where officials expect to see 45 to 55 patients a day, is often full and has to turn patients away, Miller wrote in his Jan. 9 email. At the time, 15 patients were in line to transfer from the ER into Unitys inpatient facility.

One person had been left waiting in a reclining chair in the lobby for six days.

The vast majority of ER patients are supposed to be discharged within 24 hours.

"We are on almost constant divert, causing patients to be mounting in area medical beds," Miller said in his email.

Unitys 107-bed inpatient facility was also full. Only 25% of Unity patients are supposed to be admitted to inpatient care and are expected to stay a week to 10 days. But people in the inpatient facility are staying far longer, forcing the ER to provide ad hoc inpatient care,

As of last Thursday, 25 patients were waiting to be transferred to the Oregon State Hospital for longer-term care, Miller wrote. The state hospital had announced three weeks earlier it would temporarily accept only patients accused of a crime but unfit to stand trial -- apparently helping contribute to Unitys logjam.

In response to Millers email, the state hospital agreed to take one patient.

I really appreciate the effort, Miller wrote Jan. 9. The crisis, however, is far from abated, and we need to come up with a solution, even if a temporary one, quickly.

The situation at Unity didnt improve in the following days. On Monday, Miller wrote to state officials under the subject line Update on crisis at Unity.

Miller said all of the emergency room recliners were full, with 42 patients seeking help. Meanwhile, the number of patients waiting to be transferred to the state hospital remained constant at 25.

There are 12 patients waiting to be admitted, some close to five days, he wrote of the emergency room situation.

The emails documenting severe wait times came just a month after Unity began pressing the Oregon Health Authority for more money.

Hospital officials met Dec. 12 with Kyleen Zimber, the interim deputy behavioral health director, and Elaine Sweet, the behavioral health manager. During the meeting, Unity presented a three-page document outlining huge operating losses.

Unity officials had projected losses of $6 million a year but immediately exceeded that. Unity lost just over $2 million in the first two months of 2017. Losses accelerated steeply each year since. In 2019, the losses hit $21 million.

Officials placed some blame on the state, saying Unity had become an extension of state hospital, leaving it to care for challenging patients.

The current situation is simply not financially sustainable for Unity Center with the burden of caring for these patients being shifted from the state to Unity Center, Unity officials wrote.

Unity asked the state to increase Medicaid reimbursements from $834 to $1,450, equal to what the state hospital receives.

But state officials are closely examining Unitys claims. Among other things, the health authority wants to understand: whether the facilitys emergency room or its inpatient facility are driving losses; what role overcrowding at the state hospital is playing; and how much the state has made in reimbursement payments to the facility.

State officials also want to track how much money hospitals have saved in their own emergency rooms by consolidating psychiatric care at Unity. Legacy Health, OHSU Hospital, Kaiser Permanente and Adventist Hospital pay for Unity and access its beds.

In an email, Allen told staff that our position would not be to solve Unitys financial problems.

We are willing to take a look at rates, he added, but solutions need to be spread across multiple stakeholders.

Those stakeholders could include Portland and Multnomah County, both of which contributed to the construction costs for opening Unity.

A Unity spokesman said that Legacy has already started to talk to Portland and Multnomah County leaders about making the facility financially sustainable.

But a spokesman for Mayor Ted Wheeler said Friday the mayor had not been approached to contribute funds to Unity and hasnt been involved in discussions about the facilitys viability.

Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meieran, who works as an ER doctor, said that it could be reasonable for the state to increase reimbursements to Unity, but that it doesnt solve the problem that Unity shouldnt be providing long-term care that it isnt set up to give.

This raises significant concerns for me about people who are seeking care, especially those who may not receive appropriate services quickly due to lack of capacity, Meieran said.

Sen. Arnie Roblan, a Coos Bay Democrat who chairs the Oregon Senates interim committee on mental health, said the possibility Unity could shut down is a big concern to me.

Roblan said Thursday it was too early to say if the Legislature might need to become involved to provide additional funding. Roblan said he expects the state to vet Unitys claims of financial trouble.

We have to look at this, he said.

Jason Renaud, an advocate for people with mental illness, said that Unitys funding request seems like blackmail. Unity is the largest, and one of the only, psychiatric facilities that can deal with an increasing number of mentally ill people who need a high level of care.

They have all the business they can handle, Renaud said. If their financial model doesnt work for that, theyve made a terrible error. And were going to pay for that because theyre going to close.

Chris Bouneff, head of Oregons biggest consumer advocate organization National Alliance on Mental Illness, doesnt see closing Unity as an option.

We put a lot of eggs in one basket, he said. Unity has to work because there's no alternative.

-- Molly Harbarger and Brad Schmidt

mharbarger@oregonian.com

bschmidt@oregonian.com

503-294-5923
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned Europe it could face new threats from terrorist organisations if Libya's UN-recognised government in Tripoli were to fall.

In the article, published on Saturday on the eve of a Libya peace conference in Berlin, Erdogan said the EU's failure to adequately support the Government of National Accord (GNA) would be "a betrayal of its own core values, including democracy and human rights".

The GNA led by Fayez al-Sarraj has been under attack since April from strongman Khalifa Haftar's forces based in the east of the country, with fighting killing over 280 civilians and 2,000 fighters.

"Europe will encounter a fresh set of problems and threats if Libya's legitimate government were to fall," Erdogan wrote.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the EU needs to show it is a 'relevant actor in the international arena'. By Adem ALTAN (AFP/File)

"Terrorist organisations such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda, which suffered a military defeat in Syria and Iraq, will find a fertile ground to get back on their feet."

In a joint initiative, Turkey and Russia have brokered a ceasefire but Haftar walked away from talks in Moscow this week aimed at finalising the truce agreement.

A furious Erdogan has accused Haftar of fleeing Moscow and said he would "teach (him) a lesson" if he resumed fighting.

Erdogan's government backs Sarraj and the Turkish parliament earlier this month approved the deployment of troops to Libya after the signing of controversial security and maritime deals between Tripoli and Ankara.

"To leave Libya at the mercy of a warlord would be a mistake of historic proportions," he said, in a veiled reference to Haftar.

'Litmus test'

World powers are trying to mediate a lasting ceasefire at the international conference in Berlin on Sunday which the warring parties are expected to attend.

Both Libya's UN-recognised Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj and strongman Khalifa Haftar are expecte to attend the Berlin conference. By FETHI BELAID, HO (AFP/File)

"We hope what comes out of Berlin is renewed demonstration of international unity in supporting the intraa'Libyan political process, ending foreign interference, leading to full respect of the UN arms embargo," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a press briefing on Friday.

The conference will aim to agree six points -- including a permanent ceasefire, implementation of a much-violated UN arms embargo and a return to political efforts for peace.

Erdogan, who is also due to attend the Berlin talks, wrote in Politico that the Libyan civil war served as a "litmus test" for the EU to show whether its leaders would abdicate their responsibilities and watch the crisis uphold from the sidelines.

"The EU needs to show the world that it is a relevant actor in the international arena," he said.

"The upcoming peace conference in Berlin is a very significant step toward that goal. European leaders, however, ought to talk a little less and focus on taking concrete steps."

An interim truce that came into force in Libya last Sunday has mostly held, despite accusations of violations from Haftar's forces and the rival GNA.

The fighting has spurred a growing exodus of migrants and refugees, many embarking on rickety boats from Libya towards Europe.
The people of Lanesboro / Ballyleague received welcome news last week, with confirmation from Minister Heather Humphreys that 1.34m has been allocated for the establishment of a new Premier Lakelands food hub, which has the potential to create up to 90 jobs over a five year period.

The funds will be obtained from the Regional Enterprise development fund (REDF), which is an initiative of the government under Project Ireland 2040. It also aligns with the departments future jobs Ireland plan.

The plans to develop the hub were first mooted back in 2016 by local chef Stephen Dowd, one of three directors of the new venture alongside Marie Farrell and Michael Casserly.

Stephen Dowd explained: It is something that started back in 2016 after the Taste of Lakelands food festival.

A couple of people got together and I put forward that we should design and create a food hub like that in Drumshanbo. Things evolved and time passed and we then had a feasibility study done by Riverwest management.

That was completed at the end of August and at the end of September, we put together an application for REDF funding.

We are delighted with the news of funding for the food centre of excellence.

From early on, the idea was developed with the help of a local collaboration group or Think Tank which involves both Lanesboro and Ballyleague. The team behind the venture then sought and received the support of Michael Nevin, head of enterprise with Longford county council.

The food hub, which is a joint venture between the local community, Longford and Roscommon County Councils and Bord na Mona, will see an overall investment of approximately 4.5m go into the project. As part of the plans, 4,000 sq.ft of the proposed facility will be divided into 4 start-up spaces of circa 600 sq.ft to facilitate new start-ups with 800 sq. ft. set aside for a community kitchen.

Stephen said: We hope to develop four community spaces, incubation hubs, a community kitchen and a training suite.

The other thing is the potential for an outdoors farmers market. This would help bring people together with local produce and help reduce the carbon footprint.

Longford county council confirmed the hub will be located on their site next to the Fire Station on the Longford Road. The support of Bord na Mona is also being received, stemming from their diversification strategy in the areas of medicinal herb production, birchwater harvesting and leaf and root vegetable production.

Also read: Green light for Ballinalee development

It is now hoped that further funding will be obtained from the Just transition fund and Roscommon county council, to help push the project on.

Stephen said: We are hoping that the new Just Transition commissioner, Kieran Mulvey, will give us some money from the Just Transition fund for the development of the area and job creation going forward.

Stephen says they hope to create in excess of the estimated 90 jobs in the coming years.

He said: We hope in the first year when we have it up and running, to have anything up to sixty jobs.

Then you are looking at anything over 100+ from year four/five onwards.

We are trying to tap into people that have left the area. We are trying to entice them back to the area and redevelop it. he added.

Stephen and the team involved wished to thank everyone who supported the project from the beginning, including local Think Tank group members, the steering committee (Emma Brennan, Ciaran Mullooly, Michael Nevin), Bord na Mona for engaging with the project and supporting the feasibility study, Peter and Sheila Clancy (Lough Ree distillery) for their support, both Roscommon and Longford county councils and LCRL for grant aid provided.

He said: Thanks to everyone for giving up their time. We are bringing the whole area together, two counties.

Instead of a divide we now have a connection.

Also read: Delicious 1.3m for Lanesboro Food Hub
Lebanese security forces used tear gas and water cannon against protesters in Beirut during clashes on January 18 that left dozens injured.

This video shows protesters facing a hail of tear gas canisters as they retreated from near Martyrs Square, in central Beirut. Some of protesters hurl the canisters back.

According to reports, upwards of 160 people were injured in the confrontations.

Protests have wracked Lebanon for months, as residents gather across sectarian lines to express anger about the political and economic elite in the country. The latest bout of protests in the new year suggest they are not satisfied with the governments response. Credit: Alia Awada via Storyful
Verona Murphy who has confirmed she will run as an independent candidate

Verona Murphy has announced that she is running as an Independent candidate in the General Election.

Ms Murphy said having reflected on her by-election campaign and subsequent de-selection from the Fine Gael ticket she feels the time is right to run for Dail Eireann as an Independent.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is set to announce a date for the General Election this week, with political pundits suggesting February 7 or St Valentine's Day as the likeliest dates.

Ms Murphy came third in the by-election, having been in second place behind Malcolm Byrne by virtue of a strong 9,543 first preference vote - before being leapfrogged by Wexford Mayor George Lawlor - following a massive transfer to him from Sinn Fein's Johnny Mythen.

She said: 'My time with Fine Gael is over, I have moved on, I am now an Independent candidate. My brief experience with Fine Gael thought me a lot. I am now satisfied that life as an independent is the appropriate forum for me. It allows me to highlight without fear the issues which affect the people of County Wexford. After all politics is not about the politician it's about the people they represent.'

The Ramsgrange woman said all of the main parties are limiting free speech.

'I have learned this first-hand. An independent politician is free to highlight any issues that affect the people of Wexford without fear. Wexford needs is a strong independent voice. I believe I have the skill set to do that job.'

Ms Murphy is campaigning on the following issues: 'Obtaining Tier 1 Status for Rosslare Europort, improved mental health facilities for Wexford, improved services and policies to alleviate the Dublin/rural divide, a third level facility for Wexford and improve affordable housing supply.'

When asked is she will be highlighting security issues for the country over the coming weeks, the President of the Irish Road Haulage Association said: 'I will always where I feel it necessary and appropriate highlight security issues.'

Ms Murphy said her much commented falling out with Taoiseach Leo Varadar and Fine Gael is in the past. 'That campaign is over now. I am very resilient, and I am looking forward to the future.'

She addressed the Fine Gael party at a meeting in Enniscorthy on Monday night last week at which she thanked the party for giving her an opportunity.

Ms Murphy shot to national prominence becoming the most high profile candidate in the by-election when she made comments about immigrants, including that there was a possibility children as young as three had been infiltrated by Isis and that some migrants may need to be deprogrammed.

Ms Murphy said the New Ross Standard accurately reported her comments.

'The comments were not intended to be racist, the people of Wexford know I am not racist. I have also dealt with this issue in my interviews before Christmas, I do not intend to comment any further.'

She said her legal team is considering taking legal action against some media organisations for allegedly misreporting comments first reported in this newspaper.

'County Wexford needs strong voices in Dail Eireann. I am that strong voice, I want to be elected for my ability not my gender.'

Ms Murphy is funding her campaign through loans and from personal resources. 'Should people like to make a contribution they can do so in line with the SIPO rules.'

Ms Murphy said she is running to win and not to restore her reputation, which she claims was the subject of a character assassination attempt in some media outlets during the end of her campaign in November.

'I will work to represent the people of Wexford who are being left behind by Dublin centric policies. The Government has failed rural Ireland, mental health services in Wexford, Wexford farmers, fishermen, Rosslare Europort, job creation in Wexford. As a businesswoman, a three-time President of the IRHA and as an EU appointed advocate for women in transport I stand on my record I always stand by my comments, I may apologise for the language used, however the issued raised in those comments stand.'
Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  The state of New Mexico agreed to pay $360,000 last year to settle a lawsuit filed by the Santa Fe Reporter  a weekly newspaper that had accused then-Gov. Susana Martinez of discrimination and violating the states public records law.

The settlement became public last week after the expiration of a six-month confidentiality period imposed by state law.

The agreement comes after the Santa Fe Reporter won a court ruling in 2017 that said the Martinez administration had violated the state Inspection of Public Records Act. The paper had been seeking certain records related to pardons, emails and the governors calendar.

The Santa Fe Reporter, however, didnt prevail on a separate claim. It had also accused the administration of violating the free press clause of the state Constitution by illegally denying access to information that was provided to other news outlets.

After her 2017 ruling, then-Judge Pro Tem Sarah Singleton awarded the paper nearly $400,000 in attorney fees the next year, but Martinez subsequently moved to appeal.

The settlement agreement, in any case, calls for the state to pay $360,000 to the Santa Fe Reporter to cover attorney fees and costs. The agreement was reached in June.

The state agreed to drop its appeal.

Julie Ann Grimm, editor and publisher of the Santa Fe Reporter, said the paper never expected it to take so long for the state to pay attorney fees.

We undertook this litigation because we believe in the publics right to know, Grimm said, and were glad that our legal team has been compensated for successfully making that argument in court against the governor.

The case started with a 2013 lawsuit filed in the states 1st Judicial District. Martinez, a Republican, was governor at the time.

Her term expired at the end of 2018, so the recent settlement is actually between the paper and the administration of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat who took office last year.

The agreement says the $360,000 is for attorney fees and costs, not damages, and represents a compromise to avoid further litigation.
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Jan. 17, 2020 | PADUCAH

By West Kentucky Star Staff Jan. 17, 2020 | 02:11 PM | PADUCAH

Dr. David Heflin has resigned as vice president of academic affairs at West Kentucky Community and Technical College, college officials announced in a press release today.



Heflin, who had been vice president for two years, had been at the college for more than 11 years, said WKCTC President Anton Reece. He resigned on Monday, January 6 to pursue other opportunities.



"We are sad to see Dr. Heflin leave us, but we are very supportive of his decision and wish him well," said Dr. Reece.



Dr. Heflin's official last day is January 31. Dr. Reece has named Dr. Renea Akin interim vice president of academic affairs. She is the associate vice president of institutional planning, research and effectiveness.



Dr. Reece said the college will conduct a nationwide search for a new vice president and a search committee will be formed to help in that search.
Employees of the Uttar Pradesh power department have closed their offices in Mathura district in protest against the killing of their colleague and demanded Rs 1 crore compensation for his family.

The agitating employees of the power department on Saturday took out a protest march to Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority office where a delegation of the employees met the state power minister Shrikant Sharma.

Pradeep Kumar (35), a junior engineer, was shot dead around 9.30 pm on Thursday in Jamuna Paar area when he was returning from Panigaon power sub station, a police official had said.

The power department offices in the district have been shut since Friday.

The employees' delegation presented a memorandum to the minister demanding compensation of Rs 1 crore to the family of the deceased junior engineer, claiming that he was killed on duty. It also requested the minister to ensure safety of power department staff during work.

Sharma assured the delegation that the demands will be fulfilled.

You are like our family members and it is my moral duty to ensure that these demands are met, the minister said.

Sharma also instructed Mathura SSP to ensure speedy work in the case.

The decision about continuation of the strike would be taken by a committee of the employees, said Anshul Sharma, zonal secretary of the state junior engineers' union.

Kumar was transferred from his home town Agra to Mathura around five months ago. He is survived by his wife and two children.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
On January 21, 100 years and two days after the founding of the American Civil Liberties Union, Simon & Schusters Avid Reader Press imprint will publish Fight of the Century: Writers Reflect on 100 Years of Landmark ACLU Cases, edited by married authors Michael Chabon and Ayelet Waldman. The book owes its existence to Chabon and Waldmans desire to do something, anything to protest Donald Trumps election, Waldman said. Its hard as a writer to know how to resist. Theres only so many op-eds you can write.

The book also owes its existence to the ACLU. Shortly after the election, Waldman, a former federal public defender, called her friend James Essex, director of the LGBT Project of the ACLU, to offer her services in case the organization ever needed a literary writer. In fact, it did, and Essex asked if Chabon and Waldman would be interested in putting together an anthology similar to the one they published in 2017 for Harper Perennial, Kingdom of Olives and Ash: Writers Confront the Occupation, which collects essays by major writers interrogating the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza by Israel, Waldmans country of birth.

Drawing on her legal background, Waldman, who knows how important case files are to lawyers like those at the ACLU, suggested putting together a centennial roundup of writers covering the ACLUs most prominent cases. And that is exactly what they did for Fight.

That a book of essays about court cases could prompt a major publisher to spend six figuresas Avid Reader editor Jofie Ferrari-Adler did when he bought the book from Chabon and Waldmans agent, Dan Kirschen of ICM, in 2019and print 34,000 copies is a marvel. Certainly, part of that faith in the book is thanks to its editorsand thanks especially to the efforts of one editor in particular.

We sat down together and had a long and involved discussion, and the outcome was that Ayelet did almost all of it, Chabon said, laughing. Ayelet managed the project; she ran everything with all the writers; she coordinated with the editor. My primary contribution, in addition to the piece that I wrote, was helping to recruit writers.

Those writers are another big part of the reason Avid Reader printed 34,000 copies. Virtually every single writer whom we asked, with one or two exceptions, was eager, desperate even, to participate, Waldman said. We thought wed have 20. Instead, we have over 40 of some of the best writers in the country. They include Michael Cunningham, Jennifer Egan, Dave Eggers, Louise Erdrich, Neil Gaiman, Marlon James, Victor LaValle, Yiyun Li, Morgan Parker, Salman Rushdie, George Saunders, Jesmyn Ward, and Jacqueline Woodson.

That diversity is reflected not only in the writers themselves but in their views on American history and the ACLUs role in it. And that, by Ferrari-Adlers estimation, is the books superpower: the fact that the writers make these things personal. By way of example, he pointed to a piece by author and lawyer Scott Turow, unique in that it comes down decidedly against the ACLUs findings in Buckley v. Valeo. He filets them, and they love it, Ferrari-Adler said. He takes them apart. The head lawyer of the ACLU even calls it out in his foreword. Thats what theyre all about, though: principled dissent. A book about the ACLU would not be a book about the ACLU without critique of the ACLU.

The book was put together with coordination between a number of parties. First, the ACLU provided Chabon and Waldman with a list of its most influential cases. Writers got to pick whichever cases they wantedfirst come, first served. They were allowed to write whatever they wanted, Avid Reader assured them, as long as it wasnt in verse.

Editorial duties were shared by Waldman and Ferrari-Adler, and, in addition to Avid Readers copyediting, the ACLU had an attorney relevant to the topic of each essay fact-check it, which resulted, Waldman said, in many changes. She also had teams of law students from Berkeley and Harvard universities write the little squibs at the top of each case, all of which had to be fact-checked. But aside from that, she added, it would have been all on me without the ACLU, and that would have been so onerous. I dont know how I would have been able to do it. I was really grateful that the ACLU would take that piece of it on.

Ferrari-Adler, who has worked on anthologies before, said the book was in remarkable shape right from the jump. Its been this great collaboration, he noted. Editing is different for all different books, and with a lot of books, it comes down to project management more than what you were doing on the page. This was that. Michael, Ayelet, and the ACLU are all complete pros. When the book was submitted, it already had a pretty cooked table of contents. And the ACLU was deeply involved the whole way. We had a conference call with the ACLU people even before the contract was signed. And they have been amazing all the way through. They helped pick the people and the cases. They were even involved in the layout and cover.

Prior to its release, the book already had a good deal of support from booksellers. Thats across the board, too. Independents, Barnes & Noble, and Books-a-Million are all on board, and Avid Reader has tremendous support from Costco, of all places, which is super encouraging, Ferrari-Adler said. Getting an anthology into Costco doesnt happen every decade!

All of this becomes even more exceptional when taking into consideration that Chabon, Waldman, and all the contributors gave their advances to the ACLU. Even ICM declined to take commission on the book.

Why? I think people want to resist, Waldman said. We share a lot about the bubble, but we in the bubble are the vast majority of both the electorate and the countryfar more significantly if you include people who cant vote. There is a tremendous desire to understand what the United States means. It was born in inequality and slavery, but regardless, this is a country with a document at its core that is profoundly egalitarian. It hasnt historically been interpreted that way, but it has the capacity to change and grow and become the document we want it to be. So we must support the ACLU, and the NACCP, and the GLCRP, because thats what this country is really about.

With Fight of the Century, perhaps Chabon and Waldman have given writers who wish to resist a new road map for how to do just that.
Popular Nigerian pastor, filmmaker and director of Christian films, Mike Bamiloye has now become a grandfather.

Pastor Mike is, however, popular known for his Mount Zion Ministries movies and his controversial statements.

Announcing the safe arrival of the baby, his daughter in-law shared a photo of the baby and her husband as she gave thanks to God.

READ ALSO  Why This Pointless Argument?  Mike Bamiloye On Why People Argue About When Christ Was Born

Recall that its was last year when Information Nigeria shared photos from his sons wedding and now God has blessed them with a baby girl.

See Photo Here:
An ex-Australian special forces sniper has changed career to dedicate his life to capturing illegal poachers killing some of the world's most endangered animals.

Damien Mander spent three years in Iraq training the country's paramilitary for front line action, before finding his new calling while travelling through Africa in 2009.

Rather than returning to a comfortable life back home, the 40-year-old was inspired by the horrific poaching practices he saw on the continent to launch the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF) a decade ago.

Ex-Australian special forces sniper Damien Mander (pictured in his military days) has changed career to dedicate his life to fighting against illegal poachers

Damien Mander spent three years in Iraq training the country's paramilitary for front line action (pictured in northern Baghdad in 2006)

Mr Mander liquidated his personal assets to form the organisation and has since worked tirelessly to train communities how to counter the scourge of poachers.

He teaches rangers in Zimbabwe to secretly track poachers - who hunt animals with the aim of selling their body parts - before then arresting them.

He told Lad Bible one of his first ports of call once he had trained his team was in the Kruger National Park in Mozambique.

After a maintained offensive in the area, Mr Mander said he saw a 90 per cent drop in rhino poaching.

The efforts safeguarded a third of the world's rhino population from co-ordinated poaching syndicates.

The former Australian Navy diver and sniper told the blog Rich Roll an encounter with a wild buffalo fatally injured by poachers inspired him to get involved.

The Australian was inspired by the horrific poaching practices he saw on the African continent to launch the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF) a decade ago. The team from the organisation are pictured treating a critically endangered rhino

Mr Mander started the Akashinga training program in 2017, an all-women unit committed to wiping out poachers

While he first gave rangers in threatened areas basic anti-poacher training, in 2017 the IAPF changed tack and took advantage of Mr Mander's military expertise.

He started the Akashinga training program in 2017, an all-women unit committed to wiping out poachers.

Rather than opening fire, the poachers are trained to arrest poachers without pulling the trigger.

Trainees are also taught to invest in their communities by using soft power to combat poaching, and to de-escalate conflict rather than create it.

The 120-strong female unit has now made 140 arrests, with the group set to swell in its number to 280 by the end of 2020.

'The women have chosen conversation over conflict,' he said. '(They) become the bridge the increasingly militarised industry of conservation had to build into community as as a long term solution.'

The brave Aussie (right) teaches rangers in Zimbabwe to secretly track poachers before arresting them

He said in an Instagram post last year the force, which has a full-time training team in Zimbabwe, was vital to breaking gender barriers and transforming the anti-poaching industry.

'With women stuck on admin desks, fence patrols and gate guard duties in so many conservation workplaces, they never get access to the opportunity to grow,' he said.

'So for us we literally had to start (the women's only unit) from ground zero.'

The training of new recruits to the anti-poaching forces is brutal and unforgiving, emulating the tough military training Mr Mander himself went through.

Poachers are pictured last January after being allegedly caught illegally hunting by Mr Mander's organisation on the Zambian-Zimbabwean border

In 2016 Mr Mander shared a photo of a rhino slain during a poacher raid in Mozambique, promising to make sure its killer did their 12 years in prison

Mr Mander said those fighting for selection are trained in the 'four pillars of misery': being hungry, tired, cold and wet.

In an empassioned message to poachers, the ex-military hero said humans had a position of power they should use with care.

'We are one of millions of species on this planet but we're the only one that determines what level of suffering and destruction is acceptable for all others,' he said.

'We need to decide if we want to be part of the future and if we do, we need to make changes.'
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 00:50:56|Editor: huaxia

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Hong Kong police inspector Kevin Cheuk reads cards paying tribute to Hong Kong police officers, in south China's Hong Kong, Jan. 14, 2020. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaochu)

HONG KONG, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- It was another night in face of rioters, and Hong Kong police inspector Kevin Cheuk could no longer contain himself.

"Think about it, you are young and promising, don't be incited by others!" A footage showing Cheuk persuading a rioter during an operation last summer went viral online.

Over the past few months, the 27-year-old stood side by side with his colleagues at the front line of riots, safeguarding the rule of law in Hong Kong.

"Their reckless behavior has ruined their future. It's not worth it," dressed in neat police uniform, the police inspector told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Of the more than 6,000 people arrested by police over the social unrest in Hong Kong since last June, nearly 40 percent were students.

Slanderous remarks about the police in some online discussion groups in Hong Kong have not stopped, and some media reports were biased to discredit the police force.

After being doxxed, Cheuk deleted his Hong Kong social media accounts to protect himself and the people around him. Instead, he switched to Weibo, a popular microblogging platform in the mainland, and has received hundreds of greeting cards mailed all the way from different places of the mainland, making him overwhelmed with gratitude.

"After being humiliated and verbally abused for so many times, the first time I received a greeting card with encouraging words on it, I couldn't hold back my tears," he said.

As time passed by, more and more Hong Kong people began to understand and support police's law enforcement activities, and became brave enough to show their support.

"More and more locals are sending us supplies and some gave us thumbs-up when we patrolled the streets. These simple actions make me feel warm, make us feel that we are not alone, and what we have been doing are recognized and supported by others," he said.

Like many other young people, Cheuk strived to pursue his own dreams. He joined the police force as a probationary inspector in 2016. Back then, however, no one would have thought that Hong Kong would face such a formidable challenge.

Working 14 to 15 hours a day on the street and sleeping on the street, these have become Cheuk's daily routine for more than half a year.

"We couldn't have regular meals since last June, because the roads were frequently blocked and our food couldn't be delivered on time," the young man said. "The longest time I didn't have anything to eat is 48 hours."

He couldn't go back home much either. "The shortest period for me to go back home is once every five to six days."

However, compared to other things, these are just small issues.

Petrol bombs, bricks, steel balls and laser beams awaited Cheuk and his colleagues whenever there was a violent protest. The escalating violence of the mob threatened the lives of every policeman at the front line.

Cheuk once texted a friend of his, saying "if Hong Kong regains peace, it does not matter if I die." He also asked his friend to make the national flag on his coffin bigger, because he is tall and afraid of the cold.

The message was put online and people were deeply touched.

Regarding some saying that Hong Kong police have been too restrained in their law enforcement actions, Cheuk said they are acting according to law and regulations.

"We only use higher force to contain escalating violence; no police personnel want to use more force if it's not necessary," he noted.

Standing at the scene of riots, Cheuk has seen the national flag being damaged by rioters.

"There is no doubt that Hong Kong is part of China. I will definitely admit that I am Chinese," Cheuk said firmly.

But what made some people in Hong Kong not admit themselves as Chinese? Cheuk thinks some media reports and online comments were to blame as they magnified the negative sides and neglected the positive sides of the country.

When asked if Hong Kong police have the confidence to stop violence and restore order in Hong Kong, the police inspector said, "100 percent."

"Hong Kong is our home. The police force are Hong Kong's last line of defense and must not lose," Cheuk said, "we are 100 percent confident that we can stop the violence and restore order and peace in Hong Kong."
Photo: The Mediterranean Chickpea/Yelp

Looking to uncover all that Bayshore Beautiful has to offer? Get to know this Tampa neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a beauty spot to a sushi bar and Japanese restaurant.

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in Bayshore Beautiful, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results.

1. Flirt Wax Bar

Photo: Flirt Wax Bar/Yelp

Topping the list is waxing, permanent makeup and eyebrow service spot Flirt Wax Bar. Located at 4004 S. MacDill Ave., Suite 2, it's the highest-rated business in the neighborhood, boasting five stars out of 200 reviews on Yelp.

Services include Brazilian wax, microblading, lash lifts and more. (View all services.)

2. Cheese Please

Photo: Jess L./Yelp

Next is cheese shop, wine tasting room and wine bar Cheese Please, situated at 3225 S. MacDill Ave., Suite 103 With five stars out of 143 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite.

Attend one of this spot's wine and cheese tastings, and you'll find cheeses like potato chip gouda, whiskey cheddar and grand noir blue paired with wines from Clooney's bar. If grilled cheese is your thing, try The Facts of Life, which is made with French triple creme brie, raspberry jalapeno compote and apple slices.

3. The Mediterranean Chickpea

Photo: The Mediterranean Chickpea/Yelp

Vegan, vegetarian and Mediterranean spot The Mediterranean Chickpea is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 3217 S. MacDill Ave., Suite C, five stars out of 120 reviews.

Tampa Bay News named The Mediterranean Chickpea, which offers offers wraps, dips, pies, salads and more, to its list of the city's top 25 food spots. Try popular items like the falafel wrap, beet salad, spinach pie and cilantro-jalapeno hummus with pita bread.

4. Yoko's

Photo: sara s./Yelp

Yoko's, a sushi bar and Japanese spot, is another neighborhood go-to, with four stars out of 209 Yelp reviews. Head over to 3217 S. MacDill Ave. to see for yourself.

At this spot, try chef Riza creations like jaletuna bites, which consist of tempura fried jalapeno filled with spicy tuna and cream cheese. The menu also features classic sushi rolls including salmon, white tuna and yellowtail; also try specialty rolls like the Hawaiian, made with tempura shrimp, pineapple, cream cheese and topped off with sweet chili sauce.

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 worlds eyes are on Australia for a reason besides that whole ''apocalyptic inferno'' thing, as this week marks the start of the Australian Open, our annual contest of tennis and heat exhaustion at Melbourne Park. And what everyones been seeing during the past weeks qualifiers is tennis players choking  being unable to breathe, as opposed to playing like Tim Henman at Wimbledon.

Slovenias Dalila Jakupovic had to withdraw from her qualifier after a coughing fit, and amidst her disappointment, she must have been relieved to board a plane to somewhere with breathable air. In these conditions, the magic spray players are asking for is Ventolin.

If Fitz were on deck this week instead of giving a keynote about the bandana industry in Davos, hed no doubt have some harsh words about this latest example of athletes being placed in harms way by their sports governing body. Tennis player Liam Broady has accused organisers of treating players ''worse than animals'', which seems an unfortunate turn of phrase given how animals have been faring hereabouts of late. But these conditions are unacceptable for any living creature  even Bernard Tomic.

Players Dalila Jakupovic (left), Eugenie Bouchard and Bernard Tomic struggle with the smoke on Tuesday. Credit:AAP, Twitter, Getty Images

The question is what to do about it. Do we defer the tournament, as Novak Djokovic suggested? The smoke may outstay its welcome for longer than Old Town Road. Should we close the roof, and play the whole tournament one match at a time over the next three months? Melbourne is less liveable than usual just now. Perhaps we should declare that this years winners of the Australian Open will be decided via Wii Tennis?
A version of the article ran in the current issue of AVN Men. To see the digital edition, with more photographs by Keith Ryan, click here.

It was arguably the most memorable and touching moment of last years GayVN Awards: Armond Rizzo in shockand tearson stage accepting the award for Best Duo Sex Scene with Max Konnor for their Noir Male pairing.

Last year kicked it off pretty great with the GayVN Award show, and even with the photoshoot before the awards. Thats been a highlight, just seeing things that you talk about and that you fight for, and seeing the shift actually starting to happen, Rizzo says of what the moment meant not just for him, but for men of color in the industry. It just shows youre doing the right thing, youre on the right path. Theres a reason Im doing porn, and theres a reason anything happens in our life. But to see that was a wake-up call that youre on the right path, so thats huge.

The emotion of the moment had little to do with hardwareand everything to do with confidence.

I never felt like I fit in in the industry, because I never felt like I looked like any of these guys that I was watching. Im not your typical guythe white boy with the chiseled body whos 6-feet tall, has a massive dick. I didnt see myself fitting in anywhere, so thats where you start to kind of question yourselfand it gets difficult because you start to judge yourself and compare yourself, shares Rizzo.

And like when I was in the Navy, either you find yourself or you lose yourself. I had to find myself in this industry. I had to fall in love with myself and do things that I hadnt really dealt with in my younger years on the personal side, and dealing with those demons.

And Rizzo will be the first to admit that he had a lot of growing up to do when he was younger.

I just wanna yell at 22-year-old me. I was so mad. I was not a very happy person, Ill tell you that. I would blame everyone for my shortcomings, and just now Ive learned so much about not giving a fuck, to just not listen to people, he laughs. Ive realized that I can control my own happinessno one else has that power.

And that revelation has created a calmer, more confident personand performer.

Knowing that now, I feel like I can breathe a bit more normally. Colors are brighter. It just clicked, he says. Older melike nowother peoples emotions cant affect me anymore. Im going to stay happy and stay enjoying life. Thats all I can do. I live day by day. I feel like goals normally dont work out, but usually things that end up working out are the greatest things. So whatever life has in store for me next, I welcome it with open arms. I love change. It means greater things are upon us. This experience is already a highlight.

Rizzo credits former performer-turned-agent Shane Frost with getting him into the industryand helping him grow.

I would have quit a long time ago if it wasnt for him. I wasnt being cast in anything and I was about to quit, and he said, Youre different, and because youre different, they dont know how to shoot you. You need to show them how youll look on camera. Youll get that opportunitydont quit yet. They need to catch up to you, Rizzo says, adding they no longer work together but have a strong friendship. So years later, Im here because of him. I was inspired by him and what hes doing.

Rizzo spent 2019 shooting with a variety of studios, from Noir and Icon to Gentlemans Closet and Dominic Pacifico. He also did some work with ManyVids, which flew him to Montreal: That was a great experience, the shoot and having a podcast where you got to talk to people that were like-minded in the industry, and just showcasing the triviality of what we go through.

The performer has learned to enjoy the ride more than he did before.

Before, I was constantly busy, constantly saying yes to everything. Since high school, its been go, go, goand I havent stopped since I got out of the military. But Im finding myself in a place now where its like, alright, you need to have a normal life. You live in fucking San Diego! Youre very lucky to be living in such an incredible place, so enjoy it. Slow down, make friends and have a life. So thats whats happened, just this better balance of work and at-home life.

That includes waking up when he feels like it, bike riding, relaxing at home, hanging with friends, smoking some weed, getting a random tattoojust being spontaneous with life. But when its time to go, its time to go.

It also includes eating good food, and Rizzo should knowhe specialized in culinary arts while in the military, even cooking for (can you believe it?!) both Presidents named Bush.

Its still part of my life, but in a different way. Now, I get to enjoy trying things, and San Diego has a wide variety of cultures and cuisines and mom-and-pop shops. Im able to enjoy it more and I get inspired from it, so eating and trying new things, thats still a part of my life. I definitely enjoy trying new food, he says.

Cooking? Maybe not quite as much.

I tell people, If I cook for you, you are quite something incredible in my life, Rizzo laughs. Because I dont even cook for myself that often. I cooked pork shoulder for a friend for her birthdaywent full out. She knows that does not happen often. Its part of my life where its no longer every day being forced to do it, day to day working a crazy amount of hours. Its a way to show people how I feel about them through my food, and show them how much they mean to me.

(As for Rizzo, hell take some good pasta and pesto via old school methods, or just simple fresh pasta tossed in butter and salt.)

The military experience wasnt always an easy one for Rizzo, but if nothing else it helped prepare the performer for life.

I went into the Navy, and they hand you a gun and say Youre an adult now, and we expect you to act like one. So you quickly have to toss away the fact that youre a teenager. You get huge responsibility on your shoulder, and for someone of such a young age, you dont know how people are going to be able to handle that kind of pressure. You have to rebuild yourself, he says.

I got broken down at a young age, and I questioned my abilities, my knowledge, my talent. But I had to fight back. I was learning skills because I was like, Im going to show you I know what Im talking about. Thats how you learn new skills, when you push yourself. You cant survive in the military when youre broken down and defeated. You rise up, you find your higher self and your skills. You fight and grow up.

Rizzo also learned how to treat people: In the military, we look out for each other; and in civilian life, it sometimes feels like everyone is out for themselves. And that lesson in particular has proven especially valuable as he adapted and grew in the adult industry.

(The military) definitely made me grow up so fast. But of course, there is consequence with that, and Ive had to deal with that as well. I went in straight from high school, so I never really got the time to figure out who I was and follow my dreams, or at least figure out what those things were.

Enter the adult industry, which he joined in 2013 after some self-reflectionand a decision to not pursue more mainstream acting opportunities.

I thought it would be for two to three years when I got in, which is typical for a bottom. Tops last longer. I didnt expect much of it. I was fed up with culinary, I wasnt really confident in myself to do acting. I was like, Im not tall enough. Those were the dark days of me having to face my demons, but saying, You know what? Im going to get to be in front of the screen, its pornwhy not? he recalls.

Im a very sexual person. I get to do things that I love in front of the camera. Ive learned and grown so much from it. Ive learned to love myself, and I know that my differences are the things that make me stand out, and I learned that from the industry. Would I have learned that from Hollywood? I dont know.

Rizzo shares that it took him three to four years to realize his talentsurprising considering that the hits were almost immediate.

Its interesting how the industry made me more confident in myself, prouder of myself, just because of the reactions. Because sometimes, many people tell you, but you dont believe them. You dont even believe yourself. But just seeing and hearing how many people actually mean itIve learned how to take a compliment, he says I feel like now, because of the two experiences, I have a higher understanding of myself, of what Im capable of and what I should tolerateand what I shouldnt tolerateand to just trust my gut and my every move.

But the doubts still creep in; Rizzo has just gotten better at battling them.

Its been seven years, but honestly I still feel like Im trying to make it in the industry. I truly feel like that sometimes, and I have my friends here who keep me grounded and slow me down and are like, Look behind you, look at how much youve done and accomplished, he says. Its been a little bit of a wake-up callyouve been hustling for some time, boy! Its okay to slow down and enjoy life; it doesnt always have to be all about the money, because we stop living when its all about the money.

That doubt may come as a shock to many fans. Since his debut, Rizzo has been in hit after hit with many of the major studios, including Raging Stallion, Falcon, Icon Male, Men.com and more. He credits that diversity of experiences with helping him grow.

My advantage has been being able to reach out to so many different audiences, to so many different markets at one time. Not a lot of people like every site; everyone has their own tastes. And some studios just reach one market, so your reach is limited. For me, being able to work with so many different studios also shows my versatility. Each director is unique, and they all direct very differently. You need to be as flexible as possible, Rizzo shares.

Its about being someone thats easy to work with. And just having to mold yourself into whatever these directors want has been my advantage. I think that was my military mindsetthe get the job done mentality. Any opportunity, I would take it. Thats my work-work-work mentality. And it got me to where I am now.

Through it all, he quickly became arguably the best bottom in the business. Rizzo said he always knew it was in his nature.

I just love to please. We can say martial arts has helped, he laughs, because when people ask me the secret, I tell them breath control. It does wonders, and I tell them that I learned breath control when I was in the martial arts and aikido. I was in for five years when I was young, and you learn about breath controlhow to tighten your muscles, how to relax your own muscles when youre fightingand it worked. I take a deep breath, and when I exhale, it slowly goes in. That helps me relax my entire body. I feel it relaxing from my mouth, my back and of course down to my ass. And I also tell people, you gotta just want it. I mean, your mind and your body has to want that. Its that simple. If not, youre going to struggle and youre going to get hurt. Its mental and physical.

Rizzo has performed some of the industrys biggest tops, from Rocco Steele and Max Konnor to Noah Donovan and Andrew Stark.

The ones that are the most difficult are the cone onesthe ones that are the perfect size on top but then just get wider, he laughs. Cutler X is another one. This wasnt for a scene. It was personal, because he used to be my daddy back in the day. I was literally like, No, this is the one. This is not going to work. I remember just being shocked at the way he gets in there. It was so much fun. But I remember thinking, This is the one thats gonna break me. This is not going to go in. But it did.

And it warms his heart to know that as he reaches his seven-year anniversary in the industry, he can serve as the inspiration he was searching for many years ago.

Just seeing and hearing all these other guys coming in, and the way that theyre coming intheyre more open and more honest. It warms me, seeing the reaction from people and how they build themselves. It just shows that I went through what I went through for a reason. Im a cheerleader for them all. Seeing it makes me happy, he says, adding that the plight for men of color in the industry has made stridesbut isnt quite there yet.

Were definitely seeing some change, and its greatIm loving it. But theres always room for improvement, theres always room to do more. We definitely need more men of color directors out there. I dont think we have enough. And I know that theres a lot of directors out there who dont necessarily shoot for big major studios who just arent recognized. I feel that would help, just having men of color in every position within the industryjust even being included in the conversation, in the movement.
HARMONY, Minn.  The barriers to broadband in rural Harmony are getting torn down.

For that reason, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky announced the USDA's investment of $11 million in three high-speed broadband infrastructure projects on Friday from the Harmony Fire Department.

The Harmony Telephone Company will get $5.4 million of that money in the form of a 50/50 loan-grant. The company's project was funded in the first round of the UDSA's Broadband ReConnect Program.

MiEnergy Cooperative, an electric distribution cooperative serving southeastern Minnesota and northeastern Iowa, is an owner of Harmony Telephone Company, along with Mabel Cooperative Telephone Company and Spring Grove Communications.

It will allow the company to deploy a fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) network to residents in rural Minnesota and Iowa.

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Censky said that "connecting rural America" is a high priority for the USDA, and that out of the 21 million Americans who don't have access to broadband internet, 80% are in rural areas.

Broadband is a "game changer in rural communities to connect, allow farmers to access to precision agriculture and for kids to learn in schools," Censky said.

Jill Huffman, COO for Harmony Telephone Company, said its funded service area for the project covers 144 square miles, including 577 households, one health care center and one critical community facility.

Funds from the project will go to serve businesses, families and organizations within the service area, including the Harmony Fire Department and the Gundersen Harmony Care Center across the street.

Huffman said farmers are also a group to benefit greatly from broadband services.

She said as an example, calving livestock used to require getting up several times in the night and checking if animals were in distress.

"Now with camera solutions, they merely can use an app on their phone or tablet," she said.

Because a lot of farms operate in separate locations, farm security is another aspect that will be strengthened by broadband-powered cameras.

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Huffman said high-speed broadband is a project they have been working toward for several years. The ReConnect Program keeps the project alive, Huffman said, and that makes her happy for the community they also belong to.

When Huffman started with Harmony Telephone Company in 2004, and even still in 2008, when she was named the COO for Spring Grove Communications, she said there were very few true-broadband customers. It was mostly dial-up internet.

"It's been a transition since basically about that time," she said. "Technology just got better and better, and we went from copper to fiber."

The amount of devices that can be put on a connection also increased drastically over that period, she said, making it "an exciting time to be in broadband business."
90 Day Fiance star Laura Jallali seems to have gotten into a pretty nasty feud with Evelin Villegas and Corey Rathgeber. When things took a turn for the worse for Jallali, she wound up in Ecuador. Villegas claims to have helped her out quite a bit, and according to her recent live chat with John Yates, Jallali is now biting the hand that fed her.

Now, with Rathgeber threatening possible legal action against Jallali, it seems as if theres no end in sight. And to make matters worse, Villegas and Rathgeber ran into Jallali at a bar in Ecuador.

Evelin Villegas says Laura Jallali spread rumors

Evelin Villegas and Corey Rathgeber of 90 Day Fiance | coreyrathgeber_90 via Instagram

Evelin Villegas recently went live with 90 Day Fiance blogger John Yates to discuss her ongoing difficulties with Laura Jallali. Perhaps to no-ones surprise, she claimed that Jallali has been spreading rumors about her relationship with Corey Rathgeber.

Jallalis past behavior does dovetail into Villegas claims. After her split from Aladin Jallali, she spent a brief period of time claiming that he was secretly gay. Villegas claimed that Jallali was spreading rumors that she was cheating on Corey Rathgeber. Villegas clarified, Its false what she says about me and what she says about Corey.

We both see that she and this other friend were trying to break us up, and we were like, you know what, were both stepping away from them both, added Villegas.

The 90 Day Fiance star went on to say that she was a big support system for Jallali in Ecuador, as Jallali could not speak any Spanish. I was such a huge support for her, even if she doesnt want to admit it. And if she doesnt want to admit it, fine, she said.

Villegas wasnt the only one fed up with Laura Jallalis behavior. Corey Rathgeber felt the need to speak out as well.

Corey Rathgeber tells Laura Jallali to cut it out

Its just so sad that this is the only way Laura can manufacture attention by going live with the gay houseboy from Ecuador and making up the most ridiculous stories about Corey, Evelin, Deavan and myself. #HowDareJuuu #90DayFiance #90DayFianceTheOtherWay #YohnJates pic.twitter.com/4ep9e0Jde6  John Yates (@JohnYates327) January 12, 2020

The 90 Day Fiance star had enough of Laura Jallali badmouthing him and Evelin Villegas. He took to Instagram to tell Jallali it was time to stop her bad behavior.

John Yates captured the video and posted it to Twitter. In the video, Rathgeber starts out, This is for Laura. I have no way of getting in contact with her because shes blocked me, so I gotta do it this way I guess, sorry guys. Anyways, if you say anything about me again, anything at all, publicly, I am pressing charges against you.

What youre doing is so messed up and so wrong. You have no right to be saying anything. Stop it with the stories, stop it with all of your nonsense. Bother somebody else if you want to, but dont pick on me, he adds.

Corey Rathgeber then concludes, I have done nothing wrong to you. Me and Evelin both have been nothing but nice towards you. I dont know why youre doing this right now, but you say one more word about me, one more word about Evelin, youre going to wish you didnt, Im serious. Im taking legal action against you.

An ill-fated bar meeting

Laura Jallali of 90 Day Fiance | tlc_laura_jallali via Instagram

Unfortunately, it seems Engabao is a small world. Laura Jallali seems to have a new man on her arm, and in a video captured by John Yates and posted to Reddit, Jallali seems to have run into Corey Rathgeber and Evelin Villegs at a local bar. Rathgeber is visible standing near Jallali and the man, perhaps arguing with them.

It seems as if Villegas is the one filming. She turns the camera to herself and says, My friend and I are here having a good time, and look at these drunk people here right now.

Meanwhile, Jallali has turned to Villegas and is mouthing something. Drunk people here making problems, concludes Villegas.

One Redditor summed it up by saying, That friendship really backfired lol.

Another added, Why is she in Ecuador and like Ecuador is huge  why the same bar?! A user replied, Shes stalking.

The original poster added, From the looks of it, appears some drunken words were exchanged.
Pakistan on Friday condemned the statements of Indian Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat where he suggested de-radicalisation camps for radicalised youths in the Kashmir Valley and a concerted effort to tackle terrorism globally.

Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2020 in New Delhi, Rawat, in a clear reference to Pakistan, had sought diplomatic isolation and blacklisting by anti-terror watchdog FATF of countries sponsoring terrorism.

The Chief of Defence Staff also said girls and boys as young as 10 and 12 years were being radicalised in Kashmir.

Condemning Rawat's statements, the Pakistan Foreign Office said, "These remarks are reflective of the extremist mindset and bankrupt thinking that have evidently also permeated the state institutions of India."

The FO said Rawat's remarks on FATF were further proof of India's repeated attempts to politicise FATF's technical proceedings.

"Pakistan has consistently sensitised the world community about India's malicious campaign in this regard. We expect that the FATF members would reject these Indian machinations," the FO said.
A Grandma from Canada pulled off the popular They don't know that we know they know we know from the famous sitcom Friends as she shocked her Grandkids' surprise plan with another surprise. This unfolded at the Ontario airport as Grandma Cheryl came to visit her Grandkids, Ethan and Owen. Her Grandkids had planned to surprise her by dressing up as dinosaurs but she came to know about their plan and she surprised them instead, have a look.

Amazing!  Two young boys set out to surprise their grandmother in dinosaur costumes at the airport. She's finds out ahead of time and decides to surprise them first. The result...? Exactly what the world needs right now.



Source: https://t.co/FqttglbzUd pic.twitter.com/9AFlZXOnH5  Brian Solis (@briansolis) January 17, 2020

Read: Oklahoma woman posts ad for anybody 'needing grandma for Christmas'

In the video, the two kids Owen and Ethan are dressed up as velociraptors to greet their Grandma at the Ontario airport arrivals. The Jurassic Park fans wanted to scare their Grandma when she arrived. However, their Grandma came to know about their plan, and she dressed up as a T-rex while arriving. When the kids realized their Grandma had surprised them instead, they burst out in excitement and ran towards her.

Read: Grandmother makes profit by charging family members 35 each for Christmas dinner

Grandma on Craigslist

This is not the first time that a Grandma has taken the Internet by storm. Previously, in December, a Grandma shocked the internet as she posted an ad for needing a Grandma for Christmas on Craigslist. A woman from Tusla, Oklahoma, offered her services as a grandmother for Christmas. According to international media reports, the initial listing was titled, 'Anybody needs a grandma for Christmas?' and was under the free section of the website.

Read: Shahid Kapoor & Ishaan Khatters maternal grandmother no more, latter pens emotional post

However, the post has since been deleted after the woman received hateful messages. Some users apparently also accused the poster of trying to take advantage of welcoming families. The now-deleted post read, "I have nobody and would really like to be part of a family. I cook and I'll cook dinner and even bring gifts for the kids. I just don't want to be alone because it hurts. Let me be a part of your family. In another deleted post the woman wrote, Thanks for that extra shot of pain! Holidays are tough enough!!.

Read: Brazilian grandmother turns lingerie model to make older women visible
NPP Constituency Chairman for Tema West, Dennis Amfo-Sefa

18.01.2020 LISTEN

Governing New Patriotic Party Tema West Constituency Chairman has stated that President Akufo-Addo will win the 2020 polls whether a new voters register is compiled or not.

Dennis Amfo-Sefah said the agitation by some political parties on the introduction of a new voters register was therefore unnecessary and would, therefore, have no impact on the victory of the President and the NPP in general.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra on the issues that were raised on the introduction of a new register, Mr Amfo-Sefah said the agitations were born out of mischief by a people who knew defeat was staring them in the face.

The trends are poignant; it is clear that even with the current register that we are talking about, President Akufo-Addo will have a second term.

For our friends who are making the ugly noises around town, maybe they have forgotten, this is the very same register that gave President Akufo-Addo a landslide victory with a gap of one million votes, Mr. Amfo-Sefah, who is popularly called Nana Boakye, said.

He said under normal circumstance, it was President Akufo-Addo and the NPP which should be fighting the Electoral Commission (EC) over its intent to change the very register which gave the NPP a landslide victory and brought them into power from opposition.

But President Akufo-Addo is not doing this, the NPP is not seeking to use its incumbency to force the EC to maintain this register, which has been favourable to the NPP. It is the opposition parties rather that are fighting for the register to be maintained. The question is why? Register opposition

The coalition of opposition parties has argued that the EC had no justifiable excuse to change the existing biometric register because there was nothing wrong with it.

They also argue that whatever was wrong with the register could easily be solved. EC arguments

However, the EC has said that the existing biometric system is outmoded and expensive to maintain, hence the need to go in for a new one at a cheaper rate.

Parliament has approved about GH390 million for the EC to procure a new biometric system which has facial recognition technology and also compile a new voters register. Fractured parties

Mr Amfo-Sefah said a critical look at the parties opposed to the new voters register showed that the parties were a big joke.

A look at the cast of political parties protesting will easily show you that the whole protest movement is a joke. Take PNC, while their national chairman is protesting, their secretary has said he supports the compilation of a new register. The CPP is similarly fractured. As for Hassan Ayariga and his APC, everybody knows that his party is a one-man show, he said.

He advised the parties to stop wasting their energies on the protest that would end nowhere and rather concentrate on trying to position themselves as alternatives to the NPP government.

Because as for Nana Addo, whether you vote with a new register or not, he is already a winner, Chairman Nana Boakye said.

GNA
Cannes Does Right Thing in Appointing Spike Lee to Lead

American director Spike Lee will lead the jury of this years Cannes Film Festival, the first Black person to hold the post in the events 73-year history.

Festival organizers hope Lee will shake things up among the worlds cinema elite at the festival which runs May 12-23. And anti-racism campaigners hope Lees appointment wakes up the French cultural world to persistent discrimination and the damaging stereotypes it perpetuates.

Lee said he was honored to be the first person of the African diaspora chosen for the prestigious position.

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Festival organizer Thierry Fremaux said Lee is the first Black president of any major film festival, calling the decision a message of universality. Speaking on Frances RTL radio, Fremaux said it wasnt a political decision, but noted that black artists are underrepresented in the cinema world.

Many of Lees films have been shown at Cannes, and his BlacKkKlansman won a major prize at Cannes two years ago. This years festival runs May 12-23, and the rest of the jury members will be announced in April.

When I got the call  I was shocked, happy, surprised and proud all at the same time, Lee said in a letter. He said Cannes changed the trajectory of who I became in world cinema.

Several of Lees films first screened at Cannes, including Do the Right Thing in 1989.

Without explicitly mentioning Lees career-long fight against racism or other political views, the festival said Lees perspective is more valuable than ever and that Cannes is a natural homeland and a global sounding board for those who (re)awaken minds and question our stances and fixed ideas.

Ladj Ly, whose film Les Miserables echoes some of Lees work and tackles tensions between police and minorities in a poor Paris suburb, hailed the move by festival organizers. Les Miserables screened at Cannes last year and won an Oscar nomination Monday for best international film.

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The honorary president of French Black rights group CRAN also welcomed the appointment of a filmmaker who confronts viewers and powers-that-be with strong opinions about discrimination and police violence.

The arts world considers itself above questions of discrimination, Louis-Georges Tin told The Associated Press. But the #MeToo campaign showed that sexism is all too present in the arts world. And racism is too.

Tin expressed hope that Lees role in Cannes could prompt the French cinema world to take a hard look at how it treats minorities and Frances own colonial history. In French cinema, he said, its always the blacks who make you laugh and Arabs who scare you.

Last years Cannes jury president was Mexican director Alejandro Inarritu, and the festivals top prize went to Korean director Bong Joon-hos Parasite, who was nominated this week for best international film at the Oscars.
Former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein authorized the release of text messages between FBI employees Lisa Page and Peter Strzok, Politico reported Saturday.

The Department of Justice revealed Rosenstein's authorization in a court filing  the filing shows Rosenstein said he allowed the release of the messages to the media in part to protect Strzok and Page.

The two FBI employees sent texts criticizing President Trump as an "idiot" ahead of his election. They have faced ongoing disparagement from Trump, who has used their messages as evidence of a "deep state" effort to block his presidency. A recent DOJ inspector general report found that FBI employees also sent pro-Trump messages during the agency's investigation into Trump's ties to Russia.

Page said last month she's "done being quiet" about Trump's attacks. Both she and Strzok have said that while they criticized Trump's character, they never acted in a biased manner during the course of their work. Trump has suggested they are guilty of "treason."

Strzok and Page filed lawsuits against the DOJ last year, alleging the release of their messages violated the Privacy Act. Rosenstein said he allowed the messages to be released to the media "with the express understanding that it would not violate the Privacy Act and that the text messages would become public by the next day in any event." Read more at Politico.

More stories from theweek.com

Trump, GOP allies reportedly have plans to make sure John Bolton doesn't testify in the impeachment trial

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Former U.S. Rep. Chris Collins arrives at federal court for sentencing Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, in New York. (Seth Wenig/AP)

Ex-US Rep. Collins Gets Over 2 Years in Insider Trading Case

Chris Collins, a former U.S. congressman from New York, was sentenced to 26 months in prison and fined $200,000 on Friday after pleading guilty to taking part in an insider trading scheme.

Before the sentence was handed down, Collins, 69, said in highly emotional remarks to the judge that he felt his life was over and that he was still ashamed to see his former constituents after pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy and making false statements last October.

My life has been shattered, my reputation has been shattered, but worse, my family has been shattered, he said in federal court in Manhattan, at times losing his voice to emotion during remarks he described as probably the last act Ill do in public.

His wife, Mary, wept behind him, sitting next to their daughter as Collins described the dark, dark place he was in after his conviction.

I climbed out of it because of her, he said of his wife.

He also begged U.S. District Judge Vernon Broderick to be merciful next week when sentencing his son, Cameron, who was also convicted as part of the insider trading scheme.

Collins was convicted of trading on insider information while a board member and 16.8 percent stakeholder of Australian biotechnology company Innate Immunotherapeutics Ltd. A day before pleading guilty last year, he resigned his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives representing New Yorks 27th District.

After learning from an email sent by Innate Immunotherapeutics chief executive that an experimental multiple sclerosis drug had failed a clinical trial, Collins relayed the news to his son, enabling the son to sell shares before the news became public and eroded their value. His son also passed the tip on to others.

Collins had faced a maximum of five years in prison. His lawyers argued that he should be confined at home. They said he had made a bad decision because he was overcome with disappointment on learning the drug had failed.

People who have received extremely devastating news sometimes make really stupid decisions, Jonathan Barr, one of Collins lawyers, told the court.

The judge disagreed. I dont view this as just a spur of the moment loss of judgment, Broderick said.

By Jonathan Allen
2020 is well underway, and it already seem like quite a while ago you set a New Years resolution to travel to a dreamy destination (and save the funds to get there).

However, as the motivation to keep those promises we made on Jan. 1 starts to dwindle  Jan. 17 is known as National Quitters Day for a reason  it can be hard to maintain, even when it could lead to Eiffel Tower views.

Cue financial expert and author Nicole Lapin, who is a firm believer in indulging in fancy coffee all while keeping your spending habits in check, even after the first month of the year is over.

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I think the first thing is to remember that its not sustainable to cut something out cold turkey, she told Travel + Leisure. You want the long gain where something is not just for a couple of weeks.

Lapin says keeping yourself focused on a goal, such as a big trip ahead  like one she took right before Christmas to Sumba Island in Indonesia  can help you change your mindset around money.

I like to rethink saying the word budget and saying a spending plan because just like youll hear advice about creating an eating plan thats sustainable, a spending plan feels like something that allows your indulgence so you dont end up binging later.

Considering that 85 percent of millennials had to cut back after spending during the holidays  with over a fifth having exceeded their budget by $500 or more  according to findings from an American Express holiday survey, Lapins tips are coming at a great time.

Lapin says that when it comes to financial prep for a big trip, its important to factor in every step of your trip and to not fall for seemingly cheaper options.

A lot of folks could look at alternative airports and maybe those are less expensive, but what a lot people forget, [is] it takes longer to travel from that airport, so what youre saving on flight fares youre going to spend for checked baggage or ground transportation.

Story continues

Trying to skimp may cost you longer in the long run," she added. "If youre trying to go to Midway instead of OHare, you may end up spending more money on an Uber."

And when it comes to more day-to-day spending, like online shopping, Lapin recommends a 24-hour "cooling off" period.

"When you're stressed or in a bad mood it's easy to get very trigger happy," she explained. "I say give it 24 hours and if you still want it, then make sure it's in your budget; if you forgot about it you didn't even want it in the first place."

As a partner with American Express Pay It Plan It program, which lets participants split up large payments over time with fixed monthly payments, Lapin is precise in her planning.

She advises people to divide their finances into The three Es: endgame, extras and essentials. She says 15 percent of income should be going towards retirement or savings, 75 percent going to essential living needs including food and housing, and the remaining 10 percent is for the fun, or what Lapin describes as, whatever it is that will keep you going.

I really do love planning ahead and breaking things down into baby steps that make it feel less overwhelming, she said.

Lapin's latest book, "Becoming Super Woman: A Simple 12-Step Plan to Go from Burnout to Balance," was released in September.
Here are todays top news, analysis and opinion curated for you. Know all about the latest news and other news updates from Hindustan Times.

Those who oppose Savarkar should be...: Sanjay Raut kicks up fresh row

Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has suggested those opposing the Bharat Ratna for VD Savarkar should spend some time in the Cellular Jail in Andaman and Nicobar. Read more here.

China in elite $10,000 per capita GDP club

Chinas per capita gross domestic product (GDP) crossed $10,000 for the first time in 2019 and it could become a high-income economy by 2023 or 2024. Read more here.

I use hand me down clothes for my daughter: Neha Dhupia

Actor Neha Dhupia wants everyone to work towards conservation of the planet as it troubles her that we will be leaving behind a world with so many issues for the next generation. Read more here.

Jain Shark Tank in Pune sees Rs 3.5 cr in investments go to three pitches

If Shark Tank were a business, it would be disqualified by Jito, the youth wing of the Jain Incubation and Innovation Foundation. Jito has certain guidelines for startups to be admitted into their network. Read more here.

India vs Australia: Rohit Sharma four runs away from surpassing Sourav Ganguly in impressive list

If Rohit can achieve the feat on Sunday, he will beat the likes of Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara when it comes to scoring 9000 runs in ODIs. Read more here.

Case of missing dog had Uttarakhand police on a leash

A case of a missing dog had the police in Uttarakhands Udham Singh Nagar district on a leash. The dog baffled them even more after he responded to the call of two claimants. Read more here.

Turmeric yellow, red earth, beetroot purple: Top five colour trends to look forward in 2020

With Spring just around the corner, it will soon be time to shed our heavy coats and sweaters and our back-to-black mentality. Read more here.
NEW YORK  A former congressman who was one of President Donald Trump's first supporters was sentenced Friday to two years and two months in federal prison after admitting he helped his son and others dodge $800,000 in stock market losses when he learned that a drug trial by a small pharmaceutical company had failed.

Christopher Collins, 69, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick in Manhattan after the Republican pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and lying to law enforcement officials.

Collins broke down and apologized to his family and his former constituents and colleagues.

"I stand here today as a disgraced former member of Congress," he said. "My life has been shattered."

The sentence came even after Collins' lawyers argued he was sorry and should face no prison time in the insider trading case.

Prosecutors, however, argued he should go to prison for nearly five years. They said Collins and his son, Cameron, were worth a total of $35 million when they conspired to sell shares in a pharmaceutical company before devastating news was made public.

The trading, prosecutors said, enabled Cameron Collins and friends to dodge $800,000 in losses.

Collins' attorneys urged the judge for leniency, citing his contrition, advanced age, charitable works and a low chance that he would commit any more crimes.

"This is a sad and tragic day for Chris and his family," defense attorney Jonathan Barr said. "He stands before you humbled, penitent and remorseful."

Collins had been a vocal Trump supporter, becoming the first member of Congress to endorse him as a presidential candidate. He also called for an end to special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into possible campaign collusion and blamed former President Barack Obama's administration for failing to push back on Russia.

He vehemently denied wrongdoing when he was charged in 2018, with a spokeswoman calling a House Ethics Committee inquiry into Collins a "partisan witch hunt."

Collins had represented western New York since his election to the state's 27th Congressional District in 2012. He resigned when he decided to plead guilty to a single conspiracy count, leaving the district's constituents without representation in Congress.

Prosecutors faulted Collins for campaigning for a reelection race he won after his arrest and then continuing to serve. They said Collins learned that Innate Immunotherapeutics Ltd., whose board he sat on, had failed a drug trial when he received a telephone call while he attended the annual Congressional Picnic at the White House on June 22, 2017.

Knowing that Innate's stock would plunge when news got out, Collins "from the White House lawn" tried to reach his son to tip him off so he could sell his shares, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said he then conspired with family members to claim Cameron Collins and friends sold shares because they were spooked by a temporary halt in the trading of the stock rather than because they knew the stock price would fall 92% for the company headquartered in Sydney, Australia, with offices in Auckland, New Zealand.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Max Nicholas disputed the defense claim that the crime was the result of a tragic and emotional moment when Collins wasn't thinking straight after learning the drug trial failed. The prosecutor noted there was a 10-month gap between his first crime when he called his son and the second when he lied to the FBI, which described as Collins "doubling down."

"We do not agree this crime was emotional," Nicholas said.

Broderick called it baffling that Collins would exercise such poor judgment when he and his son had the financial means to deal with any loss.

"I have a difficult time reconciling that," the judge said.

"It was a stupid, impulsive action that doesn't make sense," Barr, Collins' defense attorney, responded. "He really thought this company had something that was going to be a magic bullet for somebody with a really serious illness."

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A state regulatory official decided Friday to raise Pacific Gas and Electric Co.s penalty for maintaining false internal safety records about its underground infrastructure by nearly 70% in part because the utilitys senior executives failed to fix the problem for years.

The decision from Peter Allen, an administrative law judge at the California Public Utilities Commission, would impose a $110 million punishment against PG&E if it is not successfully challenged. PG&E shareholders would have to fund $66 million in system improvements, including additional staff, while the remaining $44 million would be paid to the states general fund.

PG&E, a group representing utility employees and safety staff at the commission, had previously agreed to settle the inquiry into the companys record-keeping practices for $65 million. But Allen wrote that the amount was oddly low under the circumstances.

The records at issue involve PG&Es efforts to locate and mark its underground gas and electric lines before excavators begin digging. State law gives PG&E two working days to respond to excavators requests. But staff at the commission found that company employees repeatedly filed incorrect records about how they responded.

Late responses raise the risk that excavators will strike an underground line, Allen noted. The companys tardy response was a contributing factor to 67 incidents, he wrote, citing the prior settlement agreement filed with the commission.

Allen found that senior PG&E executives were apparently unaware of the records issue for years and took no action to remedy it for more than four years starting in late 2012.

While PG&E downplays the severity of the violations, PG&E managements inability to even realize the existence of a problem that its own employees were aware of is deeply troubling, Allen said in his decision.

PG&E said in a statement that it was reviewing the (judges) decision in this matter and will be responding within the timeline outlined in the decision.

Mark Toney, executive director of The Utility Reform Network consumer group, called the decision a victory for corporate accountability. Toneys organization pushed for a harsher punishment after commission officials released the $65 million proposed settlement.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

Toney would have preferred part of the settlement go toward a rate credit for PG&E customers, but he said the decision was, overall, a very good sign.

Its the (commission) doing the right thing: holding PG&E accountable, Toney said.

Allens decision can be appealed by PG&E or another party. Any one of the five utility commissioners who oversee the agency an also request a review.

Ultimately, PG&Es bankruptcy judge will have to approve the document that settles the case, according to Allen.

J.D. Morris is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jd.morris@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @thejdmorris
Siptu representatives have rejected a claim by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe that the State cannot afford to stop the increase in the pension age to 67 years in 2021.

Responding to Mr Donohoe, who questioned how the 200m cost of such a policy could be funded, Siptu researcher Michael Taft said it could be financed from the existing Social Insurance Fund.
Confetti falls as Lyft CEO Logan Green (C) and President John Zimmer (LEFT C) ring the Nasdaq opening bell celebrating the company's initial public offering (IPO) on March 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. The ride hailing app company's shares were initially priced at $72. Mario Tama / Getty Images

CNBC took a close look at the latest Wall Street research to find stocks to buy ahead of the release of their earnings reports. These companies include Netflix, Lyft, TE Connectivity, Guess, and Synaptics Inc.

TE Connectivity

This week, Wells Fargo raised its rating on TE Connectivity to overweight from equal weight. The company designs and manufactures connectivity and sensor products across a variety of sectors, including most notably the automobile industry. The firm is banking on an improving global auto outlook to lead the company to better-than-expected earnings when it issues its first quarter report later this month. "Given our comfort with incrementally stable to positive trends, we think TEL's 2H could outpace our prior/current consensus outlooks comfortably," Wells Fargo analyst Deepa Raghavan said. The analyst said the stock isn't without risk, but it noted that the improving global outlook should help investors. "Apart from autos, many other datapoints have stabilized vs last few months including industrial short cycle. Partial trade resolution and some easy comps have resulted in China PMI exceeding expectations," she said. Shares of the company are up 1.8% on the week.

Guess

On the heels of a successful holiday season for many retailers, Guess is aiming to keep the momentum going according to Jefferies analyst Janine Stichter. The firm had a chance to visit with management at Guess and came away impressed that the company appears to be firing on all cylinders. Guess makes jeans, watches, and other clothing accessories. The analyst said she believes the company has big opportunities across logistics and the supply chain, and thinks e-commerce will be a "key driver" behind top-line growth. Jefferies also said it expected that the company's double-digit margin target is "well-within reach." "We continue to believe that GES has meaningful low-hanging fruit to drive margins across many areas of the business, and see much of this margin expansion unfolding over the next few years," she said. Shares of the company are up over 2% on the week.

Synaptics

Many investors, customers, and analysts await the next generation of iPhones, and so do some companies. Synaptics Inc. is one of them. It makes human interface hardware and software, including touchpads for computer laptops, and touch, display driver, and fingerprint biometrics technology for smartphones. The company is expected to be a key supplier for the touch controller in some of the new iPhone models and according to KeyBanc, a key driver of earnings when the company reports in early February. "Healthy iPhone 11 demand in conjunction with the ramp of the iPhone SE should drive upside to both near-term results and guidance," analyst John Vinh said. The upcoming 5G cycle is also crucial, according to the firm. "Within mobile, the initial rollout of 5G, healthy iPhone demand, and the ramp of the iPhone SE2 should drive near-term upside and better than normal seasonal guidance," they said. The stock is up over 5% on the week. Here's what else analysts are saying about stocks to watch into earnings season:

Goldman Sachs - Netflix, Buy rating

"We expect Netflix to report 4Q results well above and provide initial guidance for 1Q roughly in-line with FactSet Consensus with its 1/21 results. The content additions to the platform, in particular what we believe was Netflix's highest quality Original release slate to date, drove this outperformance, despite the lingering impact of last year's price increases and high profile competitive launches, and should continue to do so as these cash content investments pay off. While the stock has outperformed the broader market since 3Q results as investor expectations have largely converged toward company guidance, we continue to believe Netflix will exceed that guidance and consensus expectations for the year ahead, driving more share price outperformance."

RBC - Lyft, Outperform rating

"We continue to believe that LYFT is a strong #2 player in the large and growing U.S. Ridesharing industry, with industry-leading growth rates. We continue to believe that Lyft is beginning to prove out its path to profitability from competitive dynamics improving, long-term pricing power, insurance leverage, and expense leverage from scale advantages. ... We're most incrementally near-term constructive on LYFT  which we believe has a reasonable shot at upwards estimates revisions on the print given highly reasonable Street estimates for Revenue and EBITDA in Q4 and FY20."

Wells Fargo - TE Connectivity, Overweight rating

"We are upgrading TEL to Overweight from Equal Weight on better auto outlooks (better recent datapoints plus upcoming risks well understood) and potential for outperformance vs. current c'sus expectations. ... We believe the company should return to beat and raise/upward earnings momentum driven by broad based stabilization encompassing autos, industrial, semi & China PMIs. Moreover, we believe risks to Europe and N.Am auto outlooks are by now largely well recognized, even if only partially reflected in stock. ... Given our comfort with incrementally stable to positive trends, we think TEL's 2H could outpace our prior/current c'sus outlooks comfortably.

Jefferies - Guess, Buy rating

We continue to believe that GES has meaningful low-hanging fruit to drive margins across many areas of the business, and see much of this margin expansion unfolding over the next few years. Even against a volatile macro backdrop, F'21 estimates may prove conservative as these initiatives are realized. ... DD% margin target is well-within reach. ... E-comm optimization is a key driver behind top-line growth."

KeyBanc - Synaptics Incorporated, Overweight rating
The temperatures might be bitingly cold, but if youre invited to a 6 million society wedding in the Swiss Alps, thats no excuse to let your fashion standards slip.

Fortunately, the guests of Dasha Zhukova  former wife of billionaire Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich  and her shipping tycoon groom have deep pockets, and took to the slopes of St Moritz in some pricey designer labels ahead of the lavish ceremony.

One of a kind: For the wedding itself, Dasha wore a custom-made Valentino gown. Similar designs for other star clients have cost anything from 60,000 to 100,000. Cost: A lot!

Ms Zhukova herself got a little help from her friend Stella McCartney, who created the 1,548 faux fur she wore on the slopes, while the designer herself was also in attendance, clad almost entirely in her own label.

However, for the ceremony itself on Friday, the bride opted for a custom-made gown from luxury Italian brand Valentino.

The cost of such a unique design will be a closely guarded secret, but similar dresses in the past are known to have fetched up to 100,000.

High life: Before the ceremony, the bride  pictured with her groom  took to the slopes in a 1,548 Stella McCartney faux fur coat, 665 Saint Laurent black fur boots, and a 595 white leather Sara Battaglia bag. Cost: 2,808

Wrap star: The ex-wife of media mogul Rupert Murdoch, with a mystery friend, wears a 3,800 shearling and leather jacket by Italian brand Tods

The groom, Stavros Niarchos, wore a stylish dark-blue suit.

Guests at the event included Rupert Murdochs ex-wife Wendi Deng, model Stella Maxwell, American TV journalist Gayle King  a friend of Meghan Markle  and supermodel Karlie Kloss and her husband Joshua Kushner.

His brother Jared and his wife, President Trumps daughter Ivanka, were rumoured to be there.

Among others spotted at the Swiss resort, where night-time temperatures have plunged to minus 18C, were Princess Beatrice and her fiance Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and Hollywood actress Kate Hudson.

The wedding has been described as a being convenient hop for those heading to the Davos World Economic Forum, which starts on Tuesday.

The ceremony, held in a massive marquee, came after Ms Zhukova, 38, and Mr Niarchos, 34, officially tied the knot at a register office in Paris last October.

In comparison to other guests, model Stella Maxwell, left, was positively frugal in her 160 jacket and 180 ski trousers from activewear brand Volcom. Designer Stella McCartney, right, wore a 1,590 faux fur coat, 170 sunglasses, and a 775 bag, all from her own collection, plus 85 Moon Boots. Stella Maxwell's total came to 340 while Stella McCartney's clothing was worth 2,620
Uche Secondus, national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has accused the presidency of mounting pressure on the supreme court to rule in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in its appeals challenging Sokoto, Bauchi, Adamawa and Benue governorship elections.

The said states were won by the PDP in the March 9 gubernatorial election and the Supreme Court is expected to deliver judgment on APCs appeals challenging PDPs victories in the states.

Speaking at the 87th PDP national executive council meeting (NEC) in Abuja, Secondus called on Supreme Court judges not to repeat their judgement in Imo state.

Secondus had described the apex court ruling that sacked PDPs Emeka Ihedioha as governor of Imo and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to return Hope Uzodinma, candidate of the APC, who came a distant fourth in the election as fraudulent.

Read Also: Imo Guber: Reverse Judgement On Imo Guber, Step Down As CJN, PDP To Tanko

The ruling APC and the Federal Government, combining effectively with the Independent National Electoral Commission and some security agencies including military, took the electoral manipulation to the next level, Secondus said.

The National Working Committee has credible intelligence that the Presidency and the APC leadership are still arm-twisting the judiciary to ensure that they deliver to them Sokoto, Benue, Bauchi and Adamawa while keeping Kano, which we clearly won.

We have demanded the seven justices that participated in the Imo judicial fraud recuse themselves from the remaining cases involving the PDP.

Secondus accused the presidency of abandoning its duties to take up issues with the PDP.

We know that the APC and President Buhari have taken our civility for weakness and inability to act, he said.

The Presidency has even abandoned governance amidst the myriads of challenges facing the land and prefers to take issue with us as main opposition party, a deliberate policy to divert attention from their inept leadership.
The start-up of the massive Johan Sverdrup oilfield sent Norways oil production rising to a nine-year high in December 2019, beating the authorities forecast by 12.7 percent, data from the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) showed on Friday.

In December 2019, the third month of operation of Equinors Johan Sverdrup oilfield in the North Sea, Norways oil production averaged 1.759 million barrels per day (bpd), the highest oil production offshore Norway since January 2011.

Norways oil production in December rose by 4.3 percent from November and jumped by 17 percent compared to December 2018.

Despite the Johan Sverdrup start-up, the average oil production in Norway in full-2019 was expected to be at its lowest level in three decades, the NPD has estimated previously.

But Johan Sverdrups development will help Norway boost its oil production over next few years.

The huge oilfield in Norways North Sea is already producing 350,000 barrels of oil per day, two months after coming on stream, a senior executive at Equinor told Reuters early last month.

Daily oil production during the first phase of the Johan Sverdrup development is estimated at 440,000 bpd and is expected to be reached by the middle of this year. Peak production with the second development phase is expected to reach 660,000 bpd. At peak production, Johan Sverdrup will account for around a third of Norways crude oil production, operator Equinor says.

Norways oil production is expected to jump in 2020 through 2023, thanks to the start up of Johan Sverdrup, which began pumping oil in early October 2019. But after Johan Sverdrup and after Johan Castberg in the Barents Sea scheduled for first oil in 2022, Norway doesnt have major oil discoveries and projects to sustain its oil production after the middle of the 2020s.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Aaron Finch admitted to batting partner Steve Smith that his controversial stumping dismissal was the right decision by the third umpire in Australia's 36-run loss to India.

Finch was given out by third umpire Michael Gough on 33, after more than two minutes of deliberation on what the official labelled a "very tight" decision.

Some replays appeared to show Finch had a small portion of his boot behind the line, while there were other questions over when the bail was fully removed.
A man has died after suffering a medical emergency on a Jetstar flight from the Gold Coast.

The passenger was on board Jetstar flight Q131 from the Gold Coast to Auckland on Saturday afternoon when he experienced difficulties 20 minutes before landing.

The captain called for priority landing as plane crew assisted the man.

The passenger was on board Jetstar flight Q131 from the Gold Coast to Auckland on Saturday afternoon (stock)

Upon landing, paramedics rushed on the plane to assist the man who was unconscious in the back of the plane, Stuff reported.

He died shortly after landing.

An Auckland Airport spokesman confirmed the man's death shortly after the plane landed at the airport.

'We were contacted prior to the flight arriving about a medical emergency,' a spokesman said.

'The male passenger died on the air bridge while CPR was being performed.'

Witnesses said they were unable to alight as emergency services helped the man.
Thousands of activists from across the country are expected to descend on the Virginia State Capitol on Monday to rally against sweeping new gun control proposals supported by state Democrats.

But the rally in Richmond  billed as a peaceful event to lobby lawmakers to defend Second Amendment rights  has quickly set off fears of potential violence and chaos. Discussions about the rally have been lighting up online platforms frequented by anti-government militia groups and white supremacists for weeks, and various extremist groups have vowed to attend.

Tensions escalated this week when Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency and temporarily banned weapons on Capitol grounds, citing credible threats of violence. The F.B.I. also announced the arrest of three suspected neo-Nazis who the authorities said had obtained weapons and discussed participating in the Richmond event, intensifying concerns.

Heres what you need to know about the rally and what to expect for Monday.

Why is the rally happening now?

Virginia Democrats flipped the state House and Senate in November, wresting the General Assembly from Republican control in a state that was once the seat of the Confederacy.
New Delhi:

A special court on Saturday adjourned the hearing in the Behmai massacre to January 24 in the absence of the case diary, allegedly by bandit Phoolan Devi nearly four decades ago. Special judge Sudhir Kumar, who was likely to pronounce the verdict, pulled up the court official for the absence of the case diary at the time of delivering the verdict and asked him to place it before the court on January 24.

The special court for hearing dacoity-related cases was expected to deliver the verdict in the 1981 Behmai massacre case on January 6, but it allowed the defence counsel to submit its written arguments by January 16, district government counsel Raju Porwal said.

Also Read: Abhishek Chaubeys Sonchiriya showcases the most dangerous dacoits, Phoolan Devi and Man Singh

Bandit Queen Phoolan Devi, who later turned to politics, along with her gang members were accused of killing the 20 people belonging to the Thakur community at Behmai village in Kanpur Dehat on February 14, 1981. The non-descript Behmai village, that shot into prominence after the killings, is 170 km from state capital Lucknow and over 400 km from national capital New Delhi.

Also Read: Phoolan Devi aka Bandit Queen story set to return as 20 episode web series; check who will play lead

Phoolan Devi had stormed into Behmai in what was described as an attack to avenge her alleged rape there by two other bandits - Lala Ram and Sri Ram - both Thakurs, a dominant caste in the village.

Two years after the incident, she had surrendered to the Madhya Pradesh police in 1983 and went on to become a Lok Sabha MP from Mirzapur. She was shot dead outside her MP bungalow in New Delhi on July 25, 2001.

(With PTI inputs)
Medical staff members carry a patient into the Jinyintan hospital, where patients infected by a mysterious SARS-like virus are being treated, in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on January 18, 2020.

China reported four more cases of pneumonia believed to be caused by a new coronavirus strain, causing rising concern globally that a disease health officials do not yet fully understand could spread during a key holiday period.

The new virus, which was discovered in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, belongs in the same large family of coronaviruses that includes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed nearly 800 people globally during a 2002/03 outbreak that also started in China.

Though experts say the new virus does not appear to be as lethal as SARS, there is little known about its origins and how easily it can spread. Thailand and Japan have confirmed new cases of the virus earlier this week, stoking worries globally as many of the 1.4 billion Chinese people will travel abroad during the Lunar New Year holidays that begin next week.

Authorities around the world including in the United States, Thailand and South Korea have stepped up monitoring of travellers from Wuhan as part of their efforts to prevent the disease from spreading.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also warned that a wider outbreak is possible, though it has advised against any travel restrictions for China.

The Wuhan Municipal Health Commission (WMHC) said on Saturday the four new individuals diagnosed with the new virus are in stable condition, adding it has confirmed 45 cases in the city as of Thursday. A day earlier, the commission confirmed the death of a second patient.

Nearly 50 people are now known to have been infected globally, but all of them either live in Wuhan or have travelled to the city.

A report published by the London Imperial College's MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis said there are likely "substantially more cases" of the new coronavirus than currently announced by Wuhan authorities: its base scenario estimate is that there would be 1,723 cases showing onset of related symptoms by Jan. 12.

The WMHC referred Reuters queries about the report to the National Health Commission (NHC) and the Hubei provincial government, but the NHC and the Hubei government did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. Wuhan is the capital of Hubei province.
Photo: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

As if more drama is what Meghan Markle needs right now, the Daily Mail is reporting that the Duchess of Sussexs estranged father is prepared to testify against his own daughter in her lawsuit against the British tabloids. To jog your memory, as the past few months have been quite eventful for Meghan and Prince Harry: Even before Meghan married into the royal family nearly two years ago, the British tabloids subjected her to relentless racist and sexist attacks, which she has quietly weathered. But last fall, Meghan and Prince Harry said no more. In October, after the Daily Mail published a private, heartfelt letter that Meghan had written to her father, Thomas Markle  who later turned over parts of the letter to the press  she and Prince Harry filed a lawsuit against against Associated Newspapers, the publisher of The Daily Mail and The Mail on Sundays. (The British tabloids ruthless vilification of Meghan also seems to have played a role in the Sussexs decision to step back as senior royals.)

Well, it appears that Meghans father plans to continue being a thorn in her side. According to new documents filed in Londons High Court, Thomas may be a star witness in the case, testifying against his own daughter. Per the Daily Mails report, Thomas has already provided the papers lawyers with private text messages that he and Meghan exchanged before her wedding. As noted by the Daily Beast, British copyright law prohibits the publication of private letters without the authors consent, which makes it appear that the Sussexes have a watertight case. However, per court filings, the tabloid still plans to argue that Thomas had a weighty right to tell his version of what had happened between himself and his daughter, including the contents of the letter.

So much for Thomass assertion that he sees reconciliation in his and Meghans future!
The Kerala Assembly was the first to pass a resolution against the amended Citizenship Act. Kerala has also moved the Supreme Court against the law.

Chandigarh: Calling the Citizenship (Amendment) Act inherently discriminatory, the Punjab Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution seeking its immediate repeal and chief minister Amarinder Singh announced that his government would approach the Supreme Court against it, the second state after Kerala to do so.

The Opposition Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), an ally of the BJP, opposed the resolution in its present form, but asserted that it would not back a nationwide National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The ruling Congress, main Opposition Aam Aadmi Party and the Lok Insaaf Party supported the resolution saying the law would spoil the secular fabric of the country, but the BJP opposed it.

Contending that the Act was a negation of the secular fabric of the Constitution, the Assembly passed the resolution, moved by parliamentary affairs minister Brahm Mohindra, by voice vote after three hours of discussion.

The Kerala Assembly was the first to pass a resolution against the amended Citizenship Act. Kerala has also moved the Supreme Court against the law.

The CAA provides for granting citizenship for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians, who had migrated to India before December 31, 2014, from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

CM Singh said the Centre would have to make the necessary amendments to the CAA if it is to be implemented in Punjab and other states opposing the legislation.

Like Kerala, our government will also approach the Supreme Court on the issue, he later told reporters outside the Assembly.

In response to a question, he made it clear that the census in Punjab would be conducted on the old parameters.

The new factors added by the Centre for the purpose of the National Population Register (NPR) would not be included, he said.

The SAD demanded changes in the resolution seeking inclusion of Muslim in the list of communities that would be granted citizenship under the amended law, but it was disallowed by the Speaker.

SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia said, On NRC issue, SAD will be against it and not support it as common people will be hassled standing in queues to prove their citizenship.

Opposing the resolution, BJP MLA Arun Narang said, The new law is not going to take anyones citizenship away, this has been made clear time and again.

In the Assembly, CM Singh described the Act as against secular fabric of the country and said events unfolding now were similar to the ones witnessed in Europe when Adolf Hitler was at the helm in Germany.

Participating in the discussion, Mr Singh hit out at the Centre and said, You want to change secular fabric of this country. It is very sad what is happening now. We had not even thought of such a thing. We want to break brotherhood merely for politics.

Clearly, no lessons had been learnt from history, he said.

The resolution also urged the Central government to put on hold the work on the National Population Register (NPR) till forms/documents associated with it are amended suitably, in order to allay apprehensions that it is a prelude to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and designed to deprive a section of people from citizenship of India and implement CAA.

Terming the divisive Act and NRC as a tragedy, he said, Where will the poor go and from where will they procure their birth certificates... This is a great tragedy. And I am very sorry to say... I wish I was not here when this is happening to my country where we are going to be in a situation where brotherhood is being broken for politics.

The chief minister said in the Assembly, What happened in Germany under Hitler in 1930 is happening in India now.

Germans did not speak out then, and they regretted it, but we have to speak out now, so that we dont regret later, he asserted, urging the Opposition, particularly the Akalis, to read Adolf Hitlers Mein Kampf to understand the dangers of CAA.

Making an impassioned plea to the Akalis to rise above politics and go by their conscience before deciding on their vote, he said he had never imagined such a tragedy could happen in a secular nation like India, which had more Muslims than Pakistan.

Where will all those people, who you brand as non-citizens, go? Where will the 18 lakh people declared illegal in Assam go if other countries refuse to take them? Has anyone thought about it? Has Union home minister Amit Shah even thought about what has to be done with the so-called illegal people? asked the chief minister, declaring that we all have to live together as citizens of secular India in our own interest.

Why have Muslims been excluded? And why have they (Centre) not included Jews in the CAA? he asked, pointing out that Punjab earlier had a governor, General J.F.R. Jacob, who was a Jew and fought for the nation in the 1971 war.

Those responsible for this situation should be ashamed of themselves, he said and lashed out at the Akalis for supporting the legislation in Parliament and then speaking on it in different voices to promote their political agenda.

Finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal said the CAA had been introduced to single out one particular religion and this will perpetuate sectarian tendencies. It will be an insult to freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh if such laws are implemented, he said.

Earlier, ABVP activists staged a protest on a road leading to the Assembly, alleging that through the resolution the Punjab government was trying to distract the attention of people from core issues such as employment.
Home Search ICH Cowardly EU Backstabs Iran By Finian Cunningham January 18, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - The landmark international nuclear accord with Iran is all but dead. President Trump torpedoed it back in May 2018 when he unilaterally withdrew the US. But it was the Europeans who moved this week to sink the deal. The European troika of Britain, France and Germany  known as the E3 which, in effect, represents the entire EU bloc  announced that they were regrettably triggering a dispute mechanism in the nuclear accord because they allege Iran was not complying with restrictions on its nuclear programme. Iran is thus in a fiendish dilemma. It cant comply according to the European demands because, arguably, it is not actually in a state non-compliance with the nuclear treaty, as the EU asserts it is. Unable to fulfil the E3s impossible demands, the dispute will most likely lead within weeks to the re-imposition of UN economic sanctions on Iran. At that point, the international nuclear accord will be dead. The European troika claims that it wants to preserve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as the pact is formally titled. But their intransigence and treachery towards Iran  and their pandering to US bullying  means that the deal is doomed. Only Russia and China  the two other signatories to the 2015 accord  have remained steadfast in supporting the JCPOA. Russia this week denounced the E3 move, saying it was not justified. Moscow warned that the baleful direction being taken will lead to further escalation of an already tense stand-off between the US and Iran. With the US already well out of the JCPOA and the Europeans undermining it further, it looks like the treaty will inevitably collapse and be discarded. Lets be clear. The collapse of this accord which involved years of painstaking negotiations to formulate is entirely due to the bad faith and deceit of the Americans and Europeans. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Trump ripped up American obligations after peddling false propaganda about Iran secretly building a nuclear bomb  in supposed violation of the JCPOA. He also inverted reality by accusing Iran of sponsoring terrorism which is mere projection on to others of what the American rogue state has been doing for decades. But the crucial weak link in the chain of events has been the European so-called powers. They have consistently failed to uphold the nuclear accord by not normalising trade relations with Iran as they were mandated to do under the JCPOA. By contrast, Russia and China have. As Irans Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif pointed out, the Europeans have constantly appeased Trumps diktats to not do business with Iran. Trump has threatened the Europeans with economic sanctions if they didnt toe his hostile line. Pathetically, the Europeans have capitulated to American bullying. Just before this weeks latest move to trigger future sanctions against Iran, the EU was reportedly warned by Trump that if they didnt do that then he would slap heavy tariffs on their auto exports to the US. Evidently, the EU jumped to the threat like circus poodles. By caving-in in such a cowardly fashion, the EU has attempted to conceal its backsliding; by backstabbing Iran with claims that Iran was in breach of the JCPOA and by raking up reprehensible US propaganda alleging Iran had break-out capacity to build nuclear weapons. Over the past year, Iran rightly suspended some of its commitments to the JCPOA limiting the enrichment of uranium. That is, however, a far cry from deploying a weapons programme, as countless UN inspections in Iran have verified. What Iran was simply doing was trying to lever the Europeans so that they would finally live up to their commitments and to actually protect the nuclear accord by implementing normal trade relations with Iran. The Europeans failed to do that. Critics of European governments have often accused them of being subordinate to US policy. They are not independent nor free, it is said. They are vassals that kowtow to Washingtons demands. Such criticism may seem an exaggeration or an unfair caricature. However, this past week has demonstrated beyond doubt that the description of European leaders as minions, lackeys, vassals, flunkies, and so on, under the whip of Washington is an undeniably accurate one. This European cowardice is very much putting world security at grave risk. Washington abuses power and international law as a matter of course. It wields military and economic aggression all the time against states it targets for regime change. And the European Union says nothing in protest, despite its self-proclaimed precepts of rule of law and democratic principles. In short, US lawlessness is enabled by European silent and snivelling complicity. Cynically, from the US and EUs point of view, the nuclear accord with Iran was used as a mechanism not for peace and security, but rather for subversion and subjugation against Iran. As a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (1970), Iran has full rights to develop civilian nuclear industry without any limitations. With hindsight of US and EU mischief, the JCPOA concept was a negation of Irans legitimate rights under the NPT  and for nothing in return. The whole sorry saga demonstrates that the US and the Europeans are not worthy partners. Together, they are a danger to world peace. Russia should take note as to how its ambitious Nord Stream 2 gas project to Europe may eventually be sabotaged by American diktats and EU betrayal. Finian Cunningham has written extensively on international affairs, with articles published in several languages. He is a Masters graduate in Agricultural Chemistry and worked as a scientific editor for the Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, England, before pursuing a career in newspaper journalism. He is also a musician and songwriter. For nearly 20 years, he worked as an editor and writer in major news media organisations, including The Mirror, Irish Times and Independent. This article was originally published by " Sputnik " - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also== 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.
Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

Traffic will be diverted at one of Kirtland Air Force Bases busiest gates early next month.

And Kirtland and Sandia National Laboratories officials are urging personnel to change their traveling habits to adjust to the changes at Eubank Gate, which is undergoing a year-long $10.2 million security upgrade. The lanes will be diverted on Feb. 3 and remain that way for about five months, Sandia National Laboratories project manager Doug Andrews said.

Two of the four lanes at Eubank Gate will be diverted to the nearby Sandia contractor gate. The two lanes at the contractor gate will be inbound in the morning and outbound in the afternoon. Kirtland security personnel said 10,000 vehicles travel through the gate per day. A large percentage of those vehicles are owned by employees at the labs.

Officials arent expecting major traffic problems, but Air Force Col. Tom Breuker said any time there is any change in construction that causes a change in peoples habits.

Everyone slows down, he said. We have the same capacity to control traffic, but its different. It will take people time to adjust.

He said those commuting to the base may experience some growing pains for

the first couple of weeks.

To alleviate some of the problems, Andrews is urging people to use the gates to the west of the gate they normally use  especially the Gibson, Carlisle and Truman gates. Eubank and Wyoming gates are the most used gates on the base.

Andrews is also encouraging managers to allow their workers to come in earlier than 6 a.m. or after 9 a.m. and work later in the day.

Work at the Eubank Gate actually began in October, but traffic patterns had not been affected. He did say parking spaces mostly used by Sandia employees had been affected.

Parking will be affected from now on, Andrews said. Now we have a roadway running right through (where there had been parking). Were working on parking elsewhere throughout this site.

The project includes realigning the 20th and G Street intersection with a street leading to the new National Nuclear Security Administration Albuquerque Complex.

Among the security enhancements is moving the intersection at the gate 700 feet west of its current location, Andrews said. Breuker said it would increase securitys ability to stop somebody if they dont stop for our gate guards.

He said the gate security enhancements will improve our ability to keep the base safe and control the incoming traffic, better than we have currently.

A $7 million project involving Wyoming Gate is expected to get underway after the Eubank project is complete.
Europe is simultaneously one of the most exciting and overwhelming places to plan a long-awaited vacation. And thats largely because theres just so much to see. If youve ever tried to plan a European itinerary while scrolling through Instagram, youve come up against this one bracing reality: You just want to go everywhere. And in response to that sentiment, we have just one thing to say: Same.

For the traveler who wants to escape to Europe and go everywhere, but has yet to convince their workplace to offer them a four-month sabbatical, cruising Europe is a great option. It, of course, helps that when you take a European cruise, the itinerary is done for you. Trying to pack six countries into 10 days on your own is a logistical nightmare. Cruising Europe means skipping your last-minute, make-it-up-as-you-go itinerary in favor of a hassle-free trip to the most coveted destinations. Beyond the ease of a customized itinerary and only unpacking once for a multi-country adventure, taking a European cruise means you can fit the wonders of the Grecian islands, the energy of Barcelona, and the history of Dubrovnik all into one trip.

If youre ready for an unforgettable European cruise, you cant go wrong with a Mediterranean adventure like Norwegian Cruise Lines 10-day Enchanting Mediterranean Barcelona to Rome itinerary. Ive always believed wholeheartedly that life is better along the Mediterranean, and in fact, have been trying to move to a sleepy town along the riviera and start a lifestyle blog called Lambrusco Before Noon (patent pending) since I graduated college. I can therefore say on good authority that coastal, southern Europe is a destination you can return to time and time again, always discovering new places, new subcultures, and perhaps most importantly, new ways to garnish an Aperol spritz.

Arnt Haug/Getty Images

Norwegian Cruise Lines Enchanting Mediterranean experience starts in Barcelona for a day in the Catalonian capital. If Barcelona is a new-to-you city, youll want to spend your day seeing Park Guell and Antoni Gaudi's famously unfinished Sagrada Familia, and lunching on Las Ramblas before boarding the Norwegian Dawn. Once on board, youll unpack just the one time and settle into your stateroom. If youre looking to celebrate your European cruise with a room upgrade, you can treat yourself to a stateroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony.

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The next three days bring three bucket-list destinations in a row  start planning your Instagram post schedule ahead of time. (Or, if you need a digital detox, go unplugged for a few days of your cruise; social media can wait, but these views cant.)

Norwegian's enchanting Mediterranean cruise heads to Mallorca, Spain; Monaco; and Tuscany, Italy  with one day for each stop. In Mallorca, youll be in the historic town of Palma, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Moving on to Monaco, youll spend the day walking in the footsteps of Grace Kelly in Monte Carlo. From the casinos to the palaces, Monte Carlo is a true French Riviera spectacle. The natural beauty is big and the hair is bigger, despite Monaco being the second smallest country in the world.

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To complete this truly enviable three-day travel streak, youll wind up in Tuscany to see Florence and Pisa. Florence is the perfect city for a DIY walking tour, because main attractions like Piazza del Duomo, Santa Croce, and the Uffizi are so close to each other. And remember, learning about Renaissance art and contributions of the Medici family is crucial in Florence, but so is the pizza.

After a few days of action-packed travel, I find that I really need time to process what I just saw. And thats something I really value about cruising: it gives you time to reflect on your travels. We rarely allow ourselves time to revel in everything we see and learn while traveling the world. But on cruises, you often get a built-in day to slow down while at sea. Norwegians 10-day Enchanting Mediterranean cruise has a day at sea after taking in Mallorca, Monaco, and Florence, where you can journal by the pool while sailing into the second leg of your six-country trip.

The latter part of the cruise kicks off in Dubrovnik, where Game of Thrones fans can live their long-harbored Kings Landing dreams (no, really, Norwegian offers a Venture Through Kings Landing shore excursion for all those still lamenting that Sansa never sat on the Iron Throne). After Croatia, the Norwegian Dawn takes travelers to Kotor, a UNESCO World Natural and Historical Heritage Site on the Adriatic Sea in Montenegro. Its then on to Corfu, one of the more exclusive Greek islands with multi-toned blue waters and lush greenery.

Francesco Riccardo Iacomino/Getty Images

Although theres little you could say to convince me to leave the Corfu beaches, bribing me with two days on the Italian coast might do the trick. So its perhaps not surprising that the cruise concludes with a day on the island of Sicily and a day in Naples. Spending a day in Naples is the perfect introduction to the Amalfi Coast, from the pastel-colored houses perched over the Mediterranean to the grand Neapolitan piazzas  and pizzas, for that matter. Finally, the Norwegian Dawn docks in Rome, which is where (at least for me) the vacation denial sets in. However, the best part of docking is that youll realize you took a whirlwind trip and still feel refreshed rather than exhausted, because all the country-to-country logistics and transport were handled for you. And that right there is the beauty of cruising Europe.
Iran announced it arrested multiple suspects in relation to the Jan. 8 jetliner crash of Ukrainian jetliner flight PS752. However, there are contradicting accounts on who was actually arrested.

Irans Press TV reported that the Iranian Judiciary Commission detained a number of suspects for their role in the plane crash, according to Turkeys Anadolu Agency.

New York Times journalist and Iran expert Farnaz Fassihi reported on Twitter on Jan. 14 that the man who took video footage of the plane being struck by a missile was arrested.

The information about the arrests was released in a statement by Judiciary Commission spokesman Ghulam Hussein Ismaili, two days after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) acknowledged on Jan. 11 that it accidentally shot down the Ukrainian jetliner, killing all 176 people aboard.

However, according to Nariman Gharib, an Iranian journalist in exile who uploaded the video, his informant is still safe.

Part of the wreckage from Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, a Boeing 737-800 plane that crashed after being hit by a missile shortly after taking off from Tehrans Imam Khomeini airport on Jan. 8, 2020. (Iran Press/Handout via Reuters)

They have arrested the WRONG person regarding the #Flight752 In Iran. The person who is a source of the video is SAFE and I can assure you IRGC is orchestrating another lie, wrote Gharib on Twitter. They killed 176 passengers on [a] commercial plane. Thats the real story here, he said.

Several alleged videos of the missile strike on the plane have surfaced in the aftermath of the catastrophic attack that downed the flight to Kyiv over Tehran on Jan. 8, in the midst of the Iran-U.S. conflict.

Gharibs video only shows one apparent missile strike, but recently a security video surfaced that reportedly shows two missiles fired at the airplane, some 23 seconds apart from each other.

The new video, obtained by the New York Times, would explain why the flight transponder stopped working before the moment of the impact of the (second) rocket, as it had already been destroyed by the first missile.

Epoch Times reporter Venus Upadhayaya contributed to this report.
By Thu Thu Aung and Poppy McPherson

YANGON (Reuters) - Chinese President Xi Jinping flew into Myanmar on Friday for two days of talks to shore up massive infrastructure projects in the Southeast Asian nation isolated by the West over its treatment of the Rohingya Muslim minority.

State counselor Aung San Suu Kyi greeted him with a handshake on the steps of the presidential palace after a ceremonial welcome by the president and a military marching band, on the first day of a two-day visit, Xi's first as leader and the first of any Chinese president in 19 years.

Win Myint, the president, told reporters at the palace it was a "very historic and important trip".

Analysts say Xi will seek to reinvigorate stalled infrastructure projects central to his flagship Belt and Road Initiative described as a "21st century silk road".

The two countries have had a historically fraught relationship, with many in Myanmar suspicious of the tremendous sway China holds over its smaller neighbor, but have moved closer since the expulsion of the Rohingya in 2017 was met with international condemnation.

More than 730,000 Rohingya were forced to flee western Myanmar after a military crackdown the United Nations has said was executed with "genocidal intent". China has defended the country on the global stage and is viewed as the biggest obstacle to a prosecution of its leaders at an international war crimes tribunal.

China is the second biggest investor in Myanmar, behind only Singapore, data published by the World Bank shows. Myanmar's exports to China, its largest trading partner, were worth $5.5 billion in 2018, while imports were worth $6.2 billion.

Hundreds of school children and government staff lined the road from the airport on Friday, waving flags and chanting, Chinese president! May his health be good!

China always helps our country when we are in crisis or when we face natural disasters, said Aye Aye Mu, a local teacher. They always support us and send donations to us.

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But many in Myanmar view China warily and infrastructure projects have been deeply unpopular, uprooting thousands of villagers and wreaking environmental damage.

Protesters plan to gather outside the Chinese embassy in Yangon on Saturday to oppose the "exploitation of natural resources" in Myanmar, including the $3.6 billion Myitsone hydropower dam project, which was suspended in 2011 but may be restarted.

In one of the capital's most popular teashops, 34-year-old Aung Ko Latt, a businessman, said Myanmar was not equipped to evaluate Chinese projects to make sure they meet international standards and benefit local communities.

"They will exploit Myanmar under the current circumstances," he said.

(Reporting by Thu Thu Aung and Poppy McPherson, Writing by Poppy McPherson, Editing by William Maclean)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 15:39:00|Editor: huaxia

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People work on a production line of CRRC Tangshan Co., Ltd. in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 31, 2019. China's economy grew 6.1 percent year on year in 2019, within the government's annual target of 6 to 6.5 percent, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Friday. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Since the very beginning, the steadily expanding Chinese economy has always enjoyed the company of both wild and informed guesses of its future status.

Among the forecasters, dyed-in-the-wool China doubters have proved their creativity over the past decades by churning out a myriad of "China collapse" theories embodied in keywords like "looming collapse," "hard landing" or "China's next big trouble" -- only to find their sensational claims collapse again and again.

The tenacity of China's economy received new confirmation as official data released Friday portrayed a steadily expanding Chinese economy in 2019 and key economic indicators pointed to a resilient recovery after a tough year of mounting external uncertainties and shifting gears of growth with extensive structural reforms.

With a year-on-year GDP growth of 6.1 percent and GDP per capita exceeding 10,000 dollars last year, the country achieved a new milestone in its development, something many have failed to recognize.

Based on data released by the World Bank in 2018, there were around 1.5 billion people with a per capita GDP above 10,000 dollars. As the per capita GDP of China, a nation with 1.4 billion people, exceeds 10,000 dollars, the new figure will push 3 billion people, helping to further uplift the whole world.

China is not deliberately pursuing particular GDP numbers but is after reasonable economic growth with quality and efficiency. Still, many critics lost no time in fixating on hyping China's growth "hitting new lows" and peddling their stale doom-and-gloom prognostications once again.

Judging an economy and market of such a large size purely by its moderate GDP growth misses more important facts of its underlying strength and potential. Rich opportunities await, not dangers.

Despite the downward pressure and damaging trade tension throughout the year of 2019, Chinese people stayed sanguine about their future. For each day in 2019, 20,000 new businesses were registered as entrepreneurial enthusiasm ran high. Market vitality stayed unabated, with private firms contributing more significantly to foreign trade, job creation and technical innovation. Economic restructuring and upgrading continued to power ahead.

Undeterred by greater competition from overseas market players, local companies supported their government's market-opening decisions, embracing challenges by expanding spending on research and development, optimizing industrial chains by cutting production costs and accepting short-term limits on profitability for long-term growth.

Sadly, the promising changes taking place in China, if not simply ignored, will likely be misinterpreted as part of China's ill-motivated ambition under the "China threat" or "China demise" theories -- the other side of the "China collapse" doctrine. After all, it is beyond the understanding of some people to properly rate an economy that used to develop at a blistering speed and then steadfastly holds strong amid a slowing global economy.

As British scholar Martin Jacques once noted, the biggest desire for the West has been to understand China through the Western prism, which is why the Western perception and prognosis of China is so frequently wrong. Most China bears tend to short China simply because China does not have the Western model of "democracy" or the type of freewheeling economy they are familiar with.

In fact, foreign scholars of different schools are more enthusiastic about decoding China's economy and trying to figure out and apply solutions proved effective by China's economic development. They are broadening the horizon of economic theories, as new lessons offered by China may help better address developing issues unexplained by conventional wisdom.

In highlighting the significance of the Chinese mode of social governance to the world, British sociologist Martin Albrow once said at a forum in China: "If experience is the true source of knowledge, it is from you that we should be learning."

To give the devil his due, the "China collapse" theories are not without their merits: They keep reminding China about the importance of constant self-improvement. When China achieves the first centenary goal of completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects this year, it will embark on the next great journeys: from 2020 to 2035, working to basically realize socialist modernization; from 2035 to the middle of the 21st century, developing into a great modern socialist country.

History is an ever-winding journey, and China and its people are not afraid of the wind and the rain, nor any kind of difficulties. Before the biased bearish fortune-telling is finally put to rest, it can well serve as a footnote to the rise of the world's most populous developing nation whose peaceful and open development will bring more benefits to the whole world.
US Navy Revives Flak Gun Concept for Shooting Down Drones

Sputnik News

23:36 17.01.2020

In an attempt to wrestle with the high-tech danger posed to its warships by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the US Navy has opted for a low-tech solution: bring back flak cannons.

At a naval conference earlier this week, a Northrop Grumman engineer said the defense contractor was working on an airburst round compatible with certain US Navy surface ships' 30-millimeter deck guns that could be used to down UAVs near the vessel.

"We're looking at another round called the 'proximity round,' which detects the drone as it approaches and then blows up," Kevin Knowles, who works on Northrop Grumman's programs for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and for unmanned surface vessels, said Tuesday at the Surface Navy Association conference, Military.com reported.

"It's not a radar system, but it's something similar," he noted. "That's what we're looking at for drones."

The system harkens back to the air defense systems of the early 20th century, when before there were anti-air missiles, cannons pointed at the sky fired specialized rounds set to explode at a certain altitude, spreading shrapnel near the aircraft capable of blasting holes through man and machine alike. The German name for these air defense cannons, Fliegerabwehrkanone (FLAK), came to be the standard term.

With a muzzle velocity of 2,690 feet per second and rate of fire at 15--20 rounds per minute, the German Flak 36 Anti-Tank/Anti-Aircraft gun proved to be a very effective weapon in World War II.

The Freedom-class and Independence-class LCS both sport two Mk44 Bushmaster II chain guns capable of firing a variety of rounds, from armor-piercing to incendiary and kinetic energy penetrators. The Zumwalt-class destroyer and San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock also use the Mk44 gun, and thus could presumably also make use of the new airburst round.

US naval vessels have other methods of engaging drones as well, including electronic weapons that disrupt a UAV's network connection to its handler, and even lasers that cut holes in the devices. Perhaps a little more desperate following its failure to intercept a drone attack on two Saudi oil facilities last year, the US Army has also adopted kamikaze drones to intercept incoming UAVs.

The Pentagon has said developing more anti-drone systems is a "top priority," hoping to produce between three and five new systems in 2020, Sputnik reported.

The US Navy has struggled to find new uses for the small LCS warships, which were originally intended for patrols close to shore and weigh in at a feathery 3,500 tons. Through their repurposing as missile platforms and rebranding as "fast frigates," the LCS ships have been given new life, and the US Navy has begun deploying them to the South China Sea, where it's hoped they will offset the balance of China's huge maritime militia as well as its host of long-range anti-ship missiles that threaten US warships.

 Sputnik

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New Delhi [India], Jan 18 (ANI): Senior advocate Indira Jaising urged the mother of Nirbhaya to pardon the men on death row who were convicted for the 2012 gang rape of her daughter.



Jaising took to Twitter to make the request shortly after Asha Devi on Friday expressed her disappointment following a Delhi court postponed the date of the execution of the four convicts.

"While I fully identify with the pain of Asha Devi I urge her to follow the example of Sonia Gandhi who forgave Nalini and said she didn't not want the death penalty for her. We are with you but against the death penalty," Jaisingh tweeted.

Nalini was arrested and convicted for her role in the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.

Earlier on Friday Asha Devi had lashed out at the courts and the government stating that "the same people who had in the year 2012 gone around participating in rallies and raised slogans for women's safety are playing with the death of my daughter for their political gains. They have stopped the execution for their political gains."

The death-row convicts who were earlier slated to be executed on January 22 at 7 am are set to be hanged on February 1 at 6 am.

Asha Devi rued that the convicts got what they wished for. "I will not be satisfied until they are hanged," she added.

Four convicts, Vinay, Akshay, Pawan and Mukesh were convicted and sentenced to death for raping a 23-year-old woman in a moving bus in the national capital on the intervening night of December 16-17, 2012.

The victim, who was later given the name Nirbhaya succumbed to injuries at a hospital in Singapore where she had been airlifted for medical treatment. (ANI)
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday said that the border dispute between the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka is in the Supreme Court and whatever it decides will be binding on all.

"This matter is before the Supreme Court. Both sides will put their arguments in the court... The country runs according to law. The Constitution is at the top in the country. Whatever decision Supreme Court will take, we will have to accept it," Raut told media here.

On December 7, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had chaired a high-level meeting over the border dispute between the two states. It was decided in the meeting that attempts will be made to get fast track hearing on the border issue in the Supreme Court.

Raut on Friday alleged that Maharashtra Minister Rajendra Patil Yedravkar was manhandled by Karnataka Police and stopped from speaking at a meeting organised at Hutatma Chowk in Belagavi. "Maharashtra Minister Rajendra Yedravkar was manhandled by Karnataka Police. He was not allowed to pay homage to Hutatma. Will Maharashtra BJP even condemn this act of terrorism by Karnataka? I am going to Belagavi tomorrow, let's see what happens," Raut tweeted in Marathi.

On Saturday, Raut slammed the BJP-led Karnataka government for allegedly barring him from visiting Belagavi district and said that if Pakistani and Rohingyas can enter India then why can't we.

"Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Rohingyas can enter India but no one from Maharashtra can go to Belgaum. This is wrong. There is a dispute but it should not be so much that restrictions have to imposed on each other," Raut told media persons here.

The remarks came a day after the leader was intimated that he has been banned from visiting the district. "There is a cultural and literature program there [Belagavi] and I will go there to talk to the people. If the restrictions have been imposed, then let it be," he further said.

After arriving in Belagavi, Raut said, "Policemen are escorting me and are taking me to an unknown destination from Airport.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Iran is sending to the black boxes of the Ukrainian passenger plane that its military accidentally shot down this month, Tasnim news agency reported on Saturday.

The Iranian authorities are also prepared for experts from France, Canada and the United States to examine the data from the boxes, the semi-official news agency said.

All 176 people aboard the plane were killed when the Ukrainian International Airlines flight was shot down on January 8 shortly after take-off from Tehran en route to the Ukrainian capital Kiev. "With the use of the expertise of the countries of France, Canada and America we will try to read the (flight data recorder) in Kiev," Hassan Rezaifar, a director in charge of accident investigations at Iran's Civil Aviation Organization was quoted as saying by Tasnim.

"If this effort is unsuccessful then the black box will be sent to France."

The black boxes will not be read in Iran, Rezaifar said, according to Tasnim.

Fifty-seven of the dead were Canadian. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has been pressing for a full investigation into the plane downing, said on Friday that Iran should send the black boxes to France for analysis.

France was one of the few countries with the ability to read the flight and cockpit data recorders from the jet, which he said were badly damaged, Trudeau told a news conference in Ottawa.

Iran has faced a deepening crisis abroad and at home over the plane disaster, with authorities taking several days to announce that its military had accidentally shot the plane down.

The downing occurred as Iran was on high alert for possible retaliatory action following its strikes on Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops.

Those strikes were in revenge for the U.S. killing of top military commander Qassem Soleimani in a drone attack in Baghdad on January 3.
A night of comedy lies in store on Saturday, January 25.

The Laughter Lounge opened its doors in Dublin in December 1997 and quickly established itself as Ireland's premier comedy venue. Over the years 4,000 comedians have performed in 3,000 live shows to an audience of over 1 million. The group have been in the comedy business for 21 years, delivering a unique, belly laugh out loud brand of comedy to the good folks of Dublin town.

One of the comedians Eric Lalor said: 'But, we want to make the whole of Ireland laugh so guess what? We're going on tour! Yep, we'll be bringing Laughter Lounge vibes to a venue near you!

Come see the Laughter Lounge's most requested acts - Eric Lalor, John Colleary and Gar Murran for one craic'in night out!'

One of the group's regular MC's will host a fast paced show with two Laughter Lounge headline acts. The format will be two 45 minutes stand up show with a 15 minute interval featuring Eric Lalor, John Colleary and Gar Murran. Tickets can be bought at St Michael Theatre or online.
Image: Wikimedia Commons

Soon after Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's alleged comment terming Pathri in Parbhani as Sai Baba's birthplace, Saibaba Sansthan Trust has called for the indefinite closure of Shirdi.

B Wakchaure of the Trust has said, "We have announced to close Shirdi against rumours, from January 19. A meeting of villagers will be convened on Saturday evening to discuss the issue. Devotees will not face any difficulty if they come to Shirdi."

The decision was taken by the administrative body of Sai Baba's Samadhi to protest against chief minister Uddhav Thackeray's announcement to allot Rs 100 crore for development of Pathri in Parbhani, which is believed to be Sai Baba's birthplace, News18 reported.

The local residents are reportedly upset with Thackeray's announcement and have sought an explanation from the chief minister, said Times of India, quoting Kailasbapu Kote, a former trustee of Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust.

"The locals are unhappy with Thackeray for describing Pathri as the birthplace of Sai Baba. There is no document available about Sai Baba's birthplace. Sai Baba himself never shared any information about his birthplace or religion during his stay in Shirdi," Kote told ToI.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 18

By Eldar Janashvili  Trend:

The Azerbaijan Credit Bureau has signed contracts with 201 new legal entities, including two non-bank credit organizations, three leasing companies, two credit unions, and the Azerbaijan Mortgage and Credit Guarantee Fund, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijan Credit Bureau.

So far, the Bureau has signed contracts with the Central Bank, the Mortgage and Credit Guarantee Fund, all 30 banks of the country and 14 banks which are being liquidated, 44 non-bank credit organizations and five non-bank credit organizations which are being liquidated, two credit unions, 22 insurance companies and three leasing companies, three mobile communication operators and three organizations rendering utilities, as well as four legal entities involved in the sale and purchase on credit.

The number of organizations collaborating with the Bureau by the end of 2019 increased from 120 to 132.

During 2019, the organizations provided the Bureau with the information about 2.8 million requests. This figure is 56 percent more than the number of the requests received by credit organizations in 2018. Some 1.8 million requests were sent by credit organizations of the corresponding system during 2018.

As reported, 2.6 million requests of that volume were addressed by banks, 309,900 requests by non-bank credit organizations, 137 requests by legal entities, 502 requests by leasing companies and 90 requests by credit unions.

The Bureaus scoring service registered a total of 1.9 million users in 2019, which is 67 percent of the total number of the users.

The individuals having credit histories sent nearly 31,400 applications for credit reports. Among the applicants, 31,200 are physical persons and 147 are legal entities.

----

Follow the author on Twitter: @eldarjanashvili
Iran will send the black boxes of a Ukrainian passenger jet it accidentally shot down this month to Ukraine, local media has reported.

The Iranian authorities are also prepared to allow experts from France, Canada and the United States to examine the data from the boxes, according to the semi-official news agency Tasnim.

Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752 crashed on 8 January shortly after it took off from Tehrans international airport killing all 176 people aboard.

After initially denying responsibility, Irans elite Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) admitted they had mistaken the jet for incoming fire and took it down with anti-aircraft missiles.

The fate of the black boxes, which hold vital information of the aircrafts final moments, remained unclear after Iran refused to hand it over to Boeing, the American company which made the jet.

"With the use of the expertise of the countries of France, Canada and America we will try to read the (flight data recorder) in Kiev," Hassan Rezaifar, a director in charge of accident investigations at Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation was quoted as saying.

"If this effort is unsuccessful then the black box will be sent to France."

The black boxes will not be read in Iran, Mr Rezaifar added.

Hours before Flight 752 took off at 06.13am (03.13 GMT), Iran had fired a volley of ballistic missiles at airbases in Iraq housing US troops.

Tehrans strikes were retaliation for an American drone strike on Baghdad International Airport which killed Iranian top general Qassem Soleimani.

Amid the heightened tensions, a garrison near Tehran's airport mistook Flight 752 for possible incoming fire from the States.

All 176 onboard including the crew and 15 children were killed in the crash. Among the dead were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes and four Britons.

Prime minister Justin Trudeau, who has been pressing for a full investigation into the plane downing, said on Friday that Tehran should send the black boxes to France for analysis.

He added that France was one of the few countries with the ability to read the flight and cockpit data recorders from the jet, which he said were badly damaged.

Iran has faced a deepening crisis abroad and at home over the plane disaster.

Protesters have taken to the streets in recent days demanding the overthrow of the authorities over the incident. It follows months of rallies that first erupted over sharp fuel price hikes and have been violently put down by the police.

On Friday, under pressure Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threw his support behind the IRGC in his first Friday sermon since 2012.

He told worshippers that the elite Guards could take their fight beyond Iran's borders over the killing of Soleimani.

"Our enemies ... were happy that they found an excuse to undermine the Guards, the armed forces and our system," Khamenei said in his sermon, heaping praise on the Guards for protecting Iran.

Khamenei said Soleimani's work of projecting Iran's military influence abroad would continue and said the Quds Force he commanded "protects oppressed nations across the region."

He said Quds Force soldiers were "fighters without borders".



Agencies have contributed to this report
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 01:07:57|Editor: yan

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DAMASCUS, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of families evacuated their homes in the western countryside of Syria's northern province of Aleppo as a result of the military showdown there, a war monitor reported Saturday.

The displacement wave occurred in the past 72 hours, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Earlier in the day, the Syrian Foreign Ministry sent a statement to the United Nations, accusing the rebel forces in the western countryside of Aleppo of intensifying mortar attacks on the residential areas in Aleppo, state-run SANA news agency reported.

The ministry also accused the rebels of preventing the civilians from leaving rebel-held areas in western Aleppo and the nearby province of Idlib through the three humanitarian corridors set up recently by the Syrian authorities and Russia.

The Syrian army has been targeting the rebel positions in western Aleppo in response to their shelling on residential areas, according to a previous report by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The Enforcement Directorate reportedly has taken two directors of Amrapali Group into custody for questioning. Earlier this week, Supreme Court had granted the financial probe agency to take Amrapali CMD Anil Sharma and director Shiv Priya for interrogation about fund siphoning. Both Amrapali directors were sent behind bars till January 20 for custodial interrogation.

The Enforcement Directorate has taken custody of Anil Sharma and Shiv Priya for seven days, IANS quoted a senior agency official as saying. They will now be questioned how they siphoned the investors' money, the news agency reported.

ALSO READ: Centre agrees to take over Unitech, finish stalled projects

On July 23 last year, the Supreme Court had initiated action against errant builders under real estate law RERA for breaching the trust of homebuyers. As a part of this initiative, the apex court had ordered cancellation of the Amrapali Group's registration. The court had also ousted the group from its prime properties in the National Capital Region by nixing the land leases.

The Supreme Court had ordered a probe into alleged financial fraud by Amrapali Group, which included diverting money from 42,000 homebuyers. The court had also ordered a probe by the ED into allegations of money laundering and to look into the charge of FEMA violations by JP Morgan.

ALSO READ: SBI 'guarantees' to return homebuyers' money if builders fail to deliver on time

Earlier this week, the ED detected over half-a-dozen alleged forex law violations by the Amrapali Group and found that homebuyers' funds worth over Rs 55 crore were laundered and sent abroad using shell firms.

The federal probe agency also wants that JP Morgan, a US-based investment banking firm, embroiled in the case be legally "directed" to remit back funds worth about Rs 140 crore that were "unauthorisedly" sent abroad so that they can be confiscated, they said.

ALSO READ: Office real estate in 2020: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi-NCR to dominate supply addition

(With agencies' input)
The CPI on Saturday demanded the immediate release of all political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir in detention since the abrogation of Article 370 in the state.

CPI general secretary D Raja alleged that J&K is under siege an no political leaders of the country are being allowed to visit the region even though "right-wing sympathizers from abroad were accorded red carpet welcome.

The Narendra Modi government at the Centre had allowed parliamentarians from the European Union to visit the region. "Now it is planning to extend the same favor to ambassadors of a number of countries," he claimed.

Raja told newsmen, Farooq Abdullah, a sitting member of the Parliament, has been arrested. So are former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti. We demand immediate release of these leaders and all other political figures who have been detained since the abrogation of Article 370".

He said, Jammu and Kashmir is under siege and it must be a matter of concern for the entire country. The democratic rights of its people must be restored. The region has been declared out of bounds for any Indian political figures desirous of a visit. But red carpet welcome is accorded to right-wing sympathizers from abroad.

The government, he said, has curbed the movement of political leaders within Jammu and Kashmir and barred those from other parts of the country from visiting the northern state.

Asked to comment on historian Ramachandra Guha saying at the Kerala Literature Festival that the state had erred in electing Congress Rahul Gandhi to Parliament since a fifth generation dynast stood no chance before Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Raja said "This is not the time for squabbles".

Ramachandra Guha is a very respectable historian. When Rahul Gandhi had decided to contest from Wayanad against a candidate of our party (CPI) I had expressed my displeasure and this is on record. But this is not the time for squabbles. The country is facing an unprecedented situation and it is the duty of the entire opposition to come together in support of the country-wide mass agitations," he said.

The Rajya Sabha member also dismissed the Modi governments insistence that a country-wide National Register of Citizens was not on the anvil.

"CAA, NPR and NRC are part of a package. It is a trinity. You cannot separate one from the remaining two. Fears prevailing in the minds of the people are genuine," he added.

Raja declined to comment on a query about Supreme Court lawyer Indira Jaisinh urging the parents of Nirbhaya to draw inspiration from Sonia Gandhi and forgive the gang-rape accused.

The death sentence awarded to Nalini, who was convicted in the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, was commuted to life imprisonment on the intervention Sonia Gandhi.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Justice Department insists that investigators need access to data from two locked and encrypted iPhones that belonged to the alleged gunman (Representational photo)

The deadly shooting of three US sailors at a Navy installation in December could reignite a long-simmering fight between the federal government and tech companies over data privacy and encryption.

As part of its probe into the violent incident, deemed a terrorist act by the government, the Justice Department insists that investigators need access to data from two locked and encrypted iPhones that belonged to the alleged gunman, a Saudi aviation student. The problem: Apple designed those iPhones with encryption technology so secure that the company itself can't read private messages.

The squabble raises two big questions. First, is Apple required to help the government hack its own security technology when requested? Second, is government pressure on this issue the prelude for a broader effort to outlaw encryption technology the feds can't break?

THE QUARREL SO FAR

The Justice Department and Apple have been in talks recently over the Saudi students iPhone. Justice officials contend that they still havent received an answer about whether Apple has the capability to unlock the devices.

During a news conference Monday announcing the findings of the Pensacola station investigation, US Attorney William Barr said its critical for law enforcement to know with whom the shooter communicated and about what, before he died.

So far, Apple has not given any substantive assistance, Barr said. We call on Apple and other technology companies to help us find a solution so that we can better protect the lives of the American people and prevent future attacks.

Apple rejected that characterization. "Our responses to their many requests since the attack have been timely, thorough and are ongoing, the company said.

TRYING THE BACKDOOR

Our phones hold countless messages, files and photos  tracings of our everyday life and work. But in 2013, the whistleblower Edward Snowden revealed the extent to which the government was spying on US citizens. Tech companies like Apple and Google began taking steps to shield those digital tracings from prying eyes  though often not their own  by mathematically scrambling them with encryption.

Apple was one of the first major companies to embrace stronger end-to-end encryption, in which messages are scrambled so that only their senders and recipients can read them. Law enforcement, however, wants access to that information in order to investigate crimes such as terrorism or child sexual exploitation.

Barr and other top cops call the problem going dark, as data they used to be able to scoop up with wiretaps has become harder and harder to read.

Although most law enforcement officials are vague about how to solve the problem, security experts say the authorities are basically asking for an engineered backdoor  a secret key that would let them decipher encrypted information with a court order.

But the same experts warn that such backdoors into encryption systems make them inherently insecure. Just knowing that a backdoor exists is enough to focus the world's spies and criminals on discovering the mathematical keys that could unlock it. And when they do, everyone's information is essentially vulnerable to anyone with the secret key.

WHAT LAW ENFORCEMENT CAN DO

Forcing tech companies to engineer backdoors into their security systems would almost certainly require an act of Congress. Legislators, however, have never come close to agreeing on what such a law should look like.

But there are alternatives. Four years ago, the Justice Department took the extraordinary step of asking a federal judge to force Apple to break its own encryption system. The legal move involved an iPhone used by the perpetrator of a December 2015 mass shooting in San Bernardino, California.

Apple acknowledged that it could create the software the feds wanted, but warned that it would be a bad idea. The software could be stolen by hackers and used against other iPhones, the company warned, and might also lead to similar demands from repressive governments around the world.

The FBI ultimately dropped the case shortly before it was to go to trial, saying a third party had found another way of getting into the phone. It never disclosed who that party was; there is an entire industry of shadowy companies such as the Israeli firm Cellebrite that discover or pay for information on flaws in encryption systems. These firms then develop tools to essentially create their own backdoors.

Such companies do significant business with governments and law enforcement. Companies like Apple, meanwhile, do their best to close such loopholes as soon as they learn about them.

WHERE THINGS STAND NOW

Apple is reportedly bracing for another possible legal fight over encryption with the Justice Department. So far, though, there's no clear sign that the government is headed that way .

Theyre just public shaming and asking nicely, said Bruce Schneier, an encryption expert at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University. Hurting everybodys security for some forensic evidence is a dumb tradeoff.

Barr said the growth of consumer apps with end-to-end encryption, from Apple's iMessage to Facebook's WhatsApp and Signal, have aided terrorist organizations, drug cartels, child molesting rings and kiddie porn-type rings. But the government's legal options could be limited.

For one thing, DOJ's own inspector general slammed the department in the aftermath of the San Bernardino case, noting that it had made few attempts to break into the iPhone itself before filing suit. The FBI unit tasked with cracking phones had only sought outside help the day before the department asked a judge to compel Apple's assistance, the inspector general's report found.

The same report found that an FBI section chief knew an outside vendor had almost 90% completed a technique that would have allowed it to break into the phone, even as the Justice Department insisted that forcing Apples help was the only option.

Civil liberties advocates have also protested. The American Civil Liberties Union called Barrs demands dangerous and unconstitutional.

Here we are again, Schneier said. It's stupid every time.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.
SECAUCUS  Authorities are searching for a man accused of sexual assault at a Secaucus hotel.

The incident occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on Wednesday at the Red Roof Inn located at 15 Meadowlands Parkway, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said.

The man is described as tall with a large build. A sketch was developed by the New Jersey State Police Department Forensic Photography and Composite Artist Unit.

The Hudson County Prosecutors Office Special Victims Unit and Secaucus Police Department are working on the investigation.

Anyone with information can contact HCPOs Special Victims Unit at 201-915-1234 or leave an anonymous tip at: http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/. All information will be kept confidential.


Davinder Singh (file photo) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday said that it has taken over the probe against the arrested Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy SP) Davinder Singh and three Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists. An NIA spokesperson said that it has re-registered the case against Singh and the three terrorists, who were arrested along with arms and ammunition while travelling in a car.



The NIA registered the case after it received orders from the Union Home Ministry.



Earlier, a team of NIA officials, including an Inspector General rank official, reached Srinagar and collected all the information from police in Jammu and Srinagar.



Singh was arrested on January 11 with top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Naveed Babu, his accomplice Rafi and a lawyer named Irfan from a car on the highway near Kulgam.



He was allegedly taking Babu to Jammu to help him travel to Pakistan in connivance with Irfan.



As per police sources, a sum of Rs 12 lakh may have been given to Singh to move out the two Hizbul militants to Jammu on their way to Chandigarh and onward to Delhi to carry out attacks on or before the Republic Day.



Singh, who was posted in the anti-hijacking squad at the Srinagar international airport, was suspended from service on Monday and is likely to be stripped of all his awards, including a gallantry medal, for anti-militancy operations on August 15, 2019.




There are two parts to the proposal on family and medical leave that produce the most opposition from critics: that the program be mandatory and that it be run by the state.

Proposals so far have had a mix: Democratic lawmakers favor a mandatory state-run program. Others, like Pinnacol Assurance, are on board with mandatory but believe a private-run program would be preferable.

A proposal authored by Rep. Lois Landgraf, R-Colorado Springs, would do neither.

Landgraf held a meeting with potential stakeholders for her proposal this week. Its modeled after three different federal laws:

The Working Parents Flexibility Act of 2019

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

The Working Families Flexibility Act

Landgraf told potential stakeholders that making a family and medical leave program mandatory removes it as an incentive for businesses struggling to find workers in this tight labor market.

Her proposal, which is still in discussion stages, would grant up to 12 weeks of paid family or medical leave per year.

It works like this: an employee can contribute up to a maximum of $6,750 per year to a leave savings account and could do so as a pretax deduction. Employers who contribute to that employees account would earn a tax credit of 25% of their contribution, or receive a 25% tax credit if they pay at least 50% of that employees wages while theyre on leave.

An account cannot exceed $24,000, and the account stays with the employee when they move to another job. However, the employer contribution does not stay in that account if the employee leaves.

Another facet of Landgrafs proposal would allow hourly wage earners who make $23,660 per year or less to choose between being paid time-and-a-half for overtime or take it as time off, including as family leave.

The proposal also allowed an employee, who is nearing the end of anticipated family leave needs, to make a one-time transfer of any remaining funds in the leave account to a qualified 529 account.

The proposal follows other leave scenarios, such as being used for personal illness, caring for an ill family member, birth or adoption of a child, foster care parenting, for support of victims of domestic abuse or for a family member of military personnel.

The leave account can pay for wage replacement or outstanding medical expenses, the proposal states. Employers would be required to maintain the position for the full duration of the employees leave.

Landgraf ran a similar bill in the 2019 session but with some important distinctions. The 2019 measure said the account would be set up with a financial institution; Landgraf has said she wants a free market proposal but has not said how it would be administered. She also had a proposal at the ready in the 2018 session, with support from Rep. Jeni Arndt, D-Fort Collins, but that bill was never introduced.

Landgraf said she is hopeful that the proposal will win favor from Gov. Jared Polis, who has weighed in on the side of the private market on a family leave program. Last fall, he told a task force charged with coming up with a recommendation for 2020 legislation that employers above a certain size should provide a defined minimum paid-leave benefit to employees, which an employer could choose to administer either by itself or through insurance provided through the private market.

In other news at the Capitol:

The Senate on Friday adopted a resolution sponsored by Rep. Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, honoring the I Love U Guys Foundation, founded by the parents of Emily Keyes, who was killed on Sept. 27, 2006, at Platte Canyon High School in Park County. The shooter, a 53-year-old man, took six female students hostage but when police stormed the school, he killed Keyes and then committed suicide.

The foundations name comes from a text Keyes sent her parents during the hostage crisis. The foundation focuses on school safety, and its programs are now in place in 25,000 schools, agencies and other organizations in the United States and Canada.

A bill co-sponsored by Reps. Tony Exum Sr., D-Colorado Springs, Landgraf, Sens. Dennis Hisey, R-Fountain and Pete Lee, D-Colorado Springs, would put regulation of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl, chemicals in firefighting foam that have been linked to contaminated water supplies in Widefield, under state control. The bill is House Bill 20-1119 and its first hearing is scheduled for Feb. 3 in the House Energy and Environment Committee.

That same quartet led the effort to ban those chemicals from firefighting training and training equipment, including firefighters suits, in the 2019 session. Polis signed that bill into law last June.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 18

By Elnur Baghishov - Trend:

More than 100 million barrels of heavy oil were extracted from North Azadegan oil field which is situated in Irans south-western Khuzestan province, which is a joint oil field of Iran and Iraq, executor of North Azadegan oil field development project Ismayil Gulampour said.

The oil production on the field was officially launched in March-April 2016, the executor of the project said, Trend reports referring to the Iranian Petroleum Engineering and Development Company.

Gulampour added that oil is constantly extracted on the field and exported.

North Azadegan oil field covering 460 square kilometers is located 120 km west of Ahwaz, Khuzestan province, on the border with Iraq.

In accordance with the oil field development project, 75,000 barrels of crude oil and 1.1 million cubic meters (39 million cubic feet) of gas are planned to be produced daily.

The reserves of North Azadegan oil field reach 5.6 billion barrels of crude oil and 279 million barrels of that volume may be extracted.
Peter Shumlin, the former governor of Vermont and a Democrat, had this to say about Bernie Sanders, his fellow Vermonter:

What Ive seen in Bernies politics is he and his team feel theyre holier than the rest. In the end, they will play dirty because they think that they pass a purity test that Republicans and most Democrats dont pass. What youre seeing now is, in the end, even if he considers you a friend, like Elizabeth Warren, Bernie will come first. Thats the pattern weve seen over the years in Vermont, and thats what we are seeing now nationally.

Shumlin also accused Sanders of trying to Hillarize Elizabeth Warren. Theres only one Hillary Clinton, but Warren  through her dishonesty and hedging on key issues  hasnt been doing a bad job of Hillarizing herself.

There are two ways of looking at Shumlins remarks. They can be viewed as a fair assessment from someone who has watched Sanders up close over the years, or they can be viewed as another cheap shot at the Vermont socialist from the Democratic establishment.

I have little doubt that Sanders and his team consider themselves holier and more pure than Republicans and most Democrats. And my experience with the left is consistent with Shumlins view that this sense of purity provides an easy excuse for utilizing deplorable tactics (though many political campaigns require no such excuse).

In addition, the dustup over that anti-Warren script supports Shumlins view. The problem isnt so much that Sanderss people called out Warren as, in essence, an elitist who cant expand the Democratic base. Theres nothing wrong with criticizing an opponent, and the Sanders critique had a basis in fact.

The problem was that Sanders didnt own the script. Instead, he made a mealymouthed statement about his campaign having hundreds of employees and sometimes people saying things they shouldnt say.

Even so, theres no doubt that Sanders has been more sinned against than sinning when it comes to the Democratic establishment and its media adjuncts. CNNs shameless performance during Tuesday nights debate and its aftermath is only the latest example.

But we shouldnt let this phenomenon divert our attention from the fact that Sanders would be a disastrous president  considerably worse than any of the other serious Democratic contenders. To a greater degree than even Warren, Sanders hates the foundations of our country and, probably in part for that reason, is deeply sympathetic to our enemies. He despises our system of free enterprise and has little regard for many of our basic freedoms.

Sanders claims to be a democratic socialist. That, in itself, places him somewhat to the left of even Warren. But Sanders is worse than a democratic socialist.

The democratic socialists I knew were anti-communists. They were deeply hostile towards the Soviet Union.

Sanders had a friendly view of the Soviet Union where he honeymooned in 1988. The Soviet system was collapsing before his eyes, and he was told by local officials that it was collapsing. Yet he praised it  not just while he was there, but upon his return.

Shortly thereafter, Sanders repeated this performance in a trip to Cuba. He couldnt get enough of communist dictatorships.

Ive seen little evidence that Sanderss sympathy towards communism has abated. And its clear that his contempt for free enterprise and for America has not.

As I write about the Democratic presidential campaign, I will continue, as best I can, to call the disputes between Sanders and his rivals (plus their establishment backers) objectively. Sometimes, maybe most of the time, the equities will favor Sanders.

However, I have no sympathy for Sanders, and would hate to see him get the Democratic nomination.
A day after the BJP announced candidates on 57 Delhi Assembly seats, protests were held by party workers in many constituencies on Saturday with one group from Delhi Cantt demonstrating outside party working president JP Nadda's residence demanding ticket for their leader.

The party, which is yet to announce candidates for 13 seats including Delhi Cantt, played down the protests, saying it is a "natural reaction" and asserted that its leaders and workers will fight the election unitedly.

The remaining candidates of the BJP and its alliance partner Siromani Akali Dal are expected to be announced on Sunday. Nomination for February 8 polls will close on January 21.

Protests were held by by some party workers from Model Town and Gandhi Nagar constituencies where BJP has fielded former AAP MLAs Kapil Mishra and Anil Bajpai respectively.

Workers from Gandhi Nagar assembled at Delhi BJP office. Supporters of a ticket contender in Rithala constituency also met party leaders registering their protest over denial of ticket to their leader.

Convener of Delhi BJP's media committee for Assembly elections Ashok Goyal said that the protests were "immediate" reaction, but the party leaders were pacifying the disgruntled workers and leaders.

"They are part of the family and such reaction is natural after ticket distribution. The BJP is a disciplined party and everyone is united to work for party's victory in the elections," Goyal said.

The BJP is pitted against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress in a triangular contest for the 70 seats. Results of the polls will be out on February 11.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Journalists love unique stories, controversial news and innovative ways of doing business. Companies that have unique value propositions and differentiated products and services can attract attention their way, and this creates more consumer awareness.

Standing out can be as simple as having compelling offers such as free one-day shipping; money-back guarantees; double or triple rewards points; free airline or hotel upgrades. Or producing truly visionary products like Tesla's Cybertruck or when Steve Jobs first introduced the iPhone back in 2007.

In a crowded marketplace, differentiation is a strategic advantage. Here are ways to differentiate from your business competitors.

Make Your Offer Compelling

Steve Jobs said that "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." Compelling companies are the talk of the town: The buzz allows the business to gain momentum and grow sales.

However, producing an irresistible product or service is anything but.

CEOs can be intimidated to pursue bold visions like constructing the biggest structure in a city, or designing low-cost space vehicles, or manufacturing the most tech-advanced vehicles in the world. Such endeavors are perceived as risky and expensive. Also, when starting a new venture most business owners add one or two product features that nearby competitors aren't offering: Simply adding features is not compelling enough.

Elon Musk, Richard Branson and other business influencers generate millions of dollars in free publicity for their companies, where other organizations must pay for it. Aside from media attention, compelling offers gain widespread consumer interest. And the word-of-mouth excitement often spreads online like wildfire.

Management should strive to be one of the top companies in an industry, as well as seek employees, partners and investors who share the bold vision. As the saying goes, go big or go home.

For instance, the Ghermezian family immigrated to Canada from Iran in the 1970s and brought a biggest-is-best strategy in the mall industry. Led by Yonah Ghermezian, Triple Five Worldwide owns and operates Mall of America (Minnesota, USA) and West Edmonton Mall (Alberta, Canada) which are identified as the two largest shopping complexes in the world by Guinness World Records.

In 2018, the family opened American Dream Meadowlands. The New Jersey mall spans over 3 million square feet, and houses the largest indoor water theme park in the Western Hemisphere. The extreme size of the malls enables the company to attract shoppers and tourists from every corner of the globe, something regular malls can't do.

Climb the Reputation Ladder

"It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it," said Benjamin Franklin.

In the age of social media, news of controversial behavior or statements can spread globally in seconds. Thanks to digital platforms, personal and business reputations are more transparent and available than ever. Climbing the reputation ladder means having better brand prestige than your competitors, and having a workplace culture of integrity and fairness.

Amazon's rating system influences online shoppers to buy a product or not. For smaller companies, a high or low rating can make or break the business. Users read comments on whether a product is useful or whether a company is trustworthy. According to a 2018 study by TripAdvisor, 97% of business owners said online reputation management is important to their business while 98% said the same for online reviews.

"We grew our real estate firm into the largest in Panama by always protecting our reputation," says Baruj Avram, founder of Titanium Group. "When it comes to large transactions, clients first need to trust you and your product before doing business. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs forget this fundamental aspect."

Creating a good business reputation means honoring a product-returns policy; delivering on time; providing timely and friendly service; publishing accurate ingredients, as well as keeping factual records; and ensuring that goods are safe for consumption.

Earn Big With Premium Services

The problem with offering products or services similar to everyone else is that you run a commodity business. Such businesses represent a race to the bottom. Commodities are interchangeable and indistinguishable, and therefore entrepreneurs are forced to compete strictly on price.

Why should people buy from you when they can buy from someone else? They can purchase a commodity from a vendor who is closer to their house, or who offers convenient packaging or two-day shipping. Your business would be at the mercy of the whims of chance and misfortune.

Excellence is a two-way mirror in competitive industries like sports, fitness, and nutrition. Consumers in this space are enthusiastic and health-conscious. They'll spend more to optimize their health. Businesses can earn higher margins by offering premium products and services that are easily embraced by the wellness crowd. Think of the Impossible burger: The plant-based meat is 3 times more expensive than normal beef, yet demand is through the roof.

Another example is Royal Personal Training which provides athletes, celebrities and high-net-worth individuals with premium training, exercise classes, physical therapy and nutritional products. Founded by Shahin Safai, the success of this business shows consumers aren't always looking for the cheapest price but instead the best offer available.
The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear the Trump administrations appeal of a lower courts nationwide injunction against its effort to exempt more employers from the Affordable Care Acts contraception mandate.

The Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia ruled against the administrations 2018 rule expanding employer exemptions beyond religiously affiliated organizations with conscience objections to covering their employees birth control. Under the rule, nonprofits, higher-education institutions, publicly traded companies, and other private employers would be newly eligible for an exemption to the contraception mandate. The appeals court decided that the administration did not follow proper procedures in establishing the rule.

Now, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear the administrations appeal of the Third Circuits ruling, in what will be the third time the Court has dealt with legal issues surrounding the mandate.

The Little Sisters of the Poor, an order of Catholic nuns that has fought the mandate for years, separately asked the Court to overturn the appeals courts injunction in its own appeal, which the Court has also agreed to hear. (The two appeals will be consolidated into a single case.) The Little Sisters, a non-profit employer, were previously granted an exemption from the mandate by the Court in 2016.

It is disappointing to think that as we enter a new decade we must still defend our ministry in court, said Mother Loraine Marie Maguire of the Little Sisters. We are grateful the Supreme Court has decided to weigh in, and hopeful that the Justices will reinforce their previous decision and allow us to focus on our lifelong work of serving the elderly poor once and for all.

Critics of the administrations rule argue that employers who refuse to cover the cost of their employees birth control are engaging in discrimination.

Allowing employers and universities to use their religious beliefs to block employees and students birth control coverage isnt religious liberty  its discrimination, said Brigitte Amiri, the America Civil Liberties Unions Reproductive Freedom Projects deputy director.

More from National Review
In Ternopil, a student from Nigeria committed suicide due to problems at the university. Law enforcement authorities suspect that she drank some sort of a poison, according to the police communications department of the Ternopil region. According to Terminovo, the student killed herself because of a failed exam. Foreign university students protest due to the girl's death.

The dead body was discovered by a resident of the city near the house of her classmates. An eyewitness called the police, and the student was hospitalized in a state of clinical death; the doctors failed to save her. On the same day, she was visiting friends; she left a farewell note in their house.

On Friday, hundreds of foreign students gathered in the assembly hall of Ternopil University. In their opinion, the student died precisely because of the university. Foreigners require that the requirements for students in exams are not "so stringent", and they seek the deans release.

As we reported, Ukrainian students seem to be showing poorer English than they did before; the Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine said. According to her, many students showed better skills while entering bachelor programs than the one they showed entering master programs.
Aer Lingus has grown its route network to include several dozen destinations as diverse as Sicily and San Francisco. It flies millions of people every year (and makes millions doing it). But it still manages to provide something other airlines simply don't, readers told us - "a touch of home".

What did it take to be named Ireland's Favourite Airline in our Reader Travel Awards 2020?

This is "a better flying experience", you said. Flights with Aer Lingus offer "a less frantic experience", "a warm welcome" and an underlying sense of professionalism. Aer Lingus doesn't always have the cheapest fares, and of course it charges for baggage and seat selection on many routes, but it "hasn't stripped every modicum of glamour from air travel", you said.

Winning over three times the nominations of its closest rival, many of your comments came down to the airline's service. "You are treated like a human", as one reader put it. We heard of a six-year-old offered a cockpit tour "that he still talks about" and care taken with a precious wedding dress.

"As a disabled passenger, they go beyond the call of duty to help", another reader told us.

Read the full results of our Reader Travel Awards 2020

"My son has egg and nut allergies and carries an EpiPen," one person said. "Flying can be nerve-wracking, as we need to make sure the seat area is super clean and trust that staff will make appropriate announcements to other passengers. I've always found the team in Aer Lingus to be so helpful, allowing boarding first, making announcements and checking on us during the flight. Small things but makes us more relaxed without creating a fuss."

Expand Close An Aer Lingus aircraft with new livery photographed over Ireland's west coast. Pic: Frank Grealish / Facebook

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Whatsapp An Aer Lingus aircraft with new livery photographed over Ireland's west coast. Pic: Frank Grealish

This year will mark the fifth anniversary of Aer Lingus's acquisition by IAG. In that time, it has not only expanded its route network (having taken delivery of its first Airbus A321 'neo' aircraft, 2020 sees its biggest ever transatlantic schedule), but introduced new logos and livery. This week, we saw new staff uniforms designed by Louise Kennedy, too.

Our judges would love to see less single-use plastics and a better reflection of Irish producers and ingredients on its menus, but had no hesitation in recognising "a fantastic Irish brand", as you described it.

Here is "a national treasure", our readers say.

Finalists: Aer Lingus, British Airways, Emirates, Ryanair, Turkish Airlines

NB: The Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards 2020 are sponsored by Iarnrod Eireann. Read the full list of winners here and share on social using the hashtag #indotravelawards.
At the reception (Source: VNA)

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on January 17 received Douglas Elmendorf, Dean of the Harvard Kennedy School at the Harvard University; Thomas Vallely, Director of the Vietnam Programme at Harvard University; and representatives of the Fulbright University Vietnam (FUV).

During the reception, PM Phuc said the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership has developed practically and effectively in all fields, noting that economic - trade - investment and education-training cooperation continue to be important motivations.

The Harvard University has maintained the Vietnam Executive Leadership Programme (VELP), which helps Vietnamese leaders to exchange views with professors and experts from the US university, policy makers and entrepreneurs from leading US businesses, contributing to the building of visions and ideas for senior policy makers of the Southeast Asian nation, he said.

The PM applauded the initial successes of the FUV, expressing his hope that the working visit to Vietnam will open a new chapter in education and training cooperation between the Harvard University and Vietnam.

PM Phuc suggested the Harvard University and Fulbright University continue organising the VELP programme and offer scholarships to Vietnamese students, thus helping to develop human resources for Vietnam.

For his part, Elmendorf expressed his delight at the flourishing development in bilateral relations after after 25 years of normalising relations between the two countries, including cooperation in education and training.

The school pledges to continue supporting and promoting projects and initiatives for education and training cooperation between the two nations in the near future, he stressed.

Elmendorf said the US and many countries had faced challenges similar to those facing Vietnam today, therefore majors taught at the university will help Vietnam in policy making, public management, and urbanization.

Meanwhile, Vallely said the ongoing visit aims to exchange views and propose cooperation programmes in the coming time.

Established in 2016 with its headquarter in Ho Chi Minh City, the FUV is an independent and non-profit higher education institution. It is the next step of the existing Fulbright Economics Teaching Programme, a public policy masters programme that the Ash Centre at the Harvard Kennedy School at the Harvard University, established in 1994 in cooperation with the HCM City-based University of Economics.
Phang Nga turtle eggs likely to hatch this weekend, turtle patrols begin in Phuket

PHUKET: Officers at the Khao Lampi  Hat Thai Mueang National Park in Phang Nga, north of Phuket, will be on watch this weekend as the 85 turtle eggs taken into care in November are expected to hatch today or tomorrow (Jan 18-19).

marineanimalsenvironmentnatural-resources

By The Phuket News

Saturday 18 January 2020, 10:00AM

Officers stand at the ready at the site in Sirinath Marine National Park, on Phukets west coast. Photo: Sirinath Marine National Park

The eggs are from a nest of 104 eggs laid in a nest on Thai Mueang Beach on Nov 17 by a turtle some 194 centimeters in length and 173 centimeters wide, and weighing about 200 kilograms, and estimated to be more than 25 years old. (See story here.)

Of the 104 eggs, 19 were infertile, with the rest moved to a new nest dug by park officials on the beach in front of the national park office so officers could keep an eye on them.

A series of CCTV cameras were installed, with the cameras broadcasting online 24 hours a day, to prevent people from stealing the turtle eggs or disturbing the nest in any other way. (See story here.)

Six cameras have been installed. Live footage can be viewed at http://loveseaturtle.dmcr.go.th/

After the eggs had incubated for 59 days, officers began raising the nest temperature to help encourage the eggs to hatch, explained Park Chief Haritchai Rittichuay.

Turtle eggs usually hatch between 55 and 60 days, he said.

It is likely they will hatch this weekend. Our officers are ready to look over them and we have already removed a section of the fence so they can find their way to the sea easily, Mr Haritchai said.

People watching online will be seen the turtle hatch and make their way into the sea, he added.

Meanwhile the second nest of turtle eggs laid by a turtle on Bor Dan Beach in Thai Muang on Nov 27 are expected to hatch in about seven to 11 days time, Mr Haritchai said.

The park officers have even more turtle eggs to care for after a new nest was found on Bor Dan Beach, about 300 metres north from the where the eggs laid on Nov 27, on Tuesday (Jan 14).

Officers from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) conducting a turtle patrol found tracks in the sand indicating that the turtle that laid the eggs measured some 180cm from the front left to right flippers and 80cm wide across its shell.

Buried in a nest some 80cm deep were 62 eggs in total. However, only 22 of the eggs can produce hatchlings, the remaining 40 were infertile, the officers reported.

The eggs was moved to what is now called the Leatherback Turtle Surveillance and Monitoring Center further down the beach.

NAI YANG TURTLE PATROLS BEGIN

Officers at Sirinath Marine National Park on Phukets west coast began their first turtle patrols today (Jan 18) after a leatherback sea turtle laid eggs at nearby Nai Thon Beach last week.

Leatherback turtles have not been seen laying eggs on beaches in the national park, which stretches from Nai Yang all the way north to Sai Kaew Beach on the northwest tip of the island  and including Nai Thon and Mai Khao Beach  since January 2013.

The leatherback laid 111 eggs at the popular tourist beach on Jan 10.

In total, 92 of them were good, the other 19 were infertile, explained Prarop Plangngarn, Chief of the Phuket Marine National Park Operations Center 2.

The eggs were moved to an area on Nai Yang Beach inside the national park so officers can keep close watch on them. (See story here.)

The turtle patrols did not start immediately on Jan 10, however, as Mr Prarop explained, Turtles that lay eggs usually do not come back until about eight to 15 days later.

Mr Prarop added, I consulted with other experts, and considering the current weather and tidal conditions, we believe the turtle may return sometime from Jan 18 to 25.

It is possible that other turtles will come to lay eggs on a Phuket beach. Thats why we are starting our patrols, which cover Nai Thon, Nai Yang, Layan, Sai Kaew and Mai Khao, a total distance of about 13.7 kilometers, he said.

A group of volunteers have joined the efforts, conducting a cleanup of the beach area, and park officers have posted a small educational exhibition at the site to teach people the basics of sea turtle habits and lifecycles.

If we find a nest, we will move the eggs to safe place or leave eggs there with officials. We want these eggs to be protect, Mr Prarop said.

Sirinath Park Chief Natthawat Nuisriram told The Phuket News that the 92 eggs from Jan 10 laying are now under 24-hour surveillance by officers and three CCTV cameras that have been installed to monitor the site, beside the main national park office on Nai Yang Beach.

The eggs are not expected to hatch until early March, Mr Natthawat said.

We have posted a fence around the new nest site, and we are working with national park officers from Nakhon Sri Thammarat. These officers monitor the temperature inside the nest and will monitor the eggs hatching, he said.

Mr Natthawat urged people to report any turtle eggs and nests they find on the beach.

Members of the public who come across a sea turtles nest or a sea turtle laying eggs are urged to call the Phuket Marine National Park Operation Center 2 on 081 797 0316 or call me directly on 081-9685725, he said.

A B20,000 reward, launched in November, is offered to anyone who first reports a turtle nest. (See story here.)

The reward initially applied to only certain beaches in Phuket and Phang Nga that are known to be preferred locations for turtles to lay eggs, but since the leatherback turtle laid oeggs on nai Thon Beach on Jan 10, the reward now apply for other local beaches, Mr Prarop confirmed. (See story here.)

A B100,000 reward is still on offer to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrests to the person or person who are believed to have stolen turtle eggs from a nest on Thai Muang Beach, north of Phuket, on Jan 4. (See story here.)
HARTFORD  A state man who was convicted of trafficking fentanyl and other drugs was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison, according to federal authorities.

Jeremy Rodriguez, 22, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to a total of 121 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, a release from the office of Connecticut U.S. Attorney John H. Durham said.

The Drug Enforcement Administrations Hartford Task Force started an investigation in August 2017 into a drug trafficking organization that was selling large amounts of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine in Hartford, federal authorities said in the release, citing court documents and statements made in court. Julio Oliveras, also known as Cuzzo Jay, was identified as the leader of the organization, the release said.

The Drug Enforcement Administrations Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments. Agencies assisting the investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Connecticut Department of Correction, and the East Hartford, New Britain, Newington and West Hartford Police Departments.

The investigation included about six months of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance and revealed that Oliveras supplied wholesale quantities of narcotics to Rodriguez and other Hartford-area drug dealers, and used multiple locations in Hartford to process, store and distribute narcotics, the release said.

Oliveras, Rodriguez and other members of the organization were arrested on July 19, 2018. On that date, investigators executed 10 search warrants and seized approximately 2.7 kilograms of fentanyl, one kilogram of heroin, approximately 500 grams of crack cocaine, 100 grams of cocaine, eight firearms, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, cash, and other evidence of narcotics trafficking activity.

Rodriguez was arrested at his Spring Street residence and a search of the home at the time of his arrest revealed approximately 115 grams of unpackaged fentanyl, approximately 1,500 bags of fentanyl with a net weight of 23 grams, and a .45 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number. A search of (a) Bedford Street location revealed a .357 caliber revolver,

A grand jury returned an indictment on Aug. 2, 2018 charging Oliveras, Rodriguez and 14 co-defendants with various offenses, the release said. A separate federal release Oliveras, 34, of Hartford and New Britain, was sentenced Jan. 15 to 186 months of prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses. The releases did not specify the status of the other cases.

Rodriguez, who has been detained since his arrest, pleaded guilty on Oct. 23, 2019 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine base (crack) and cocaine, federal authorities said in the release.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
Shirdi: People in Shirdi have called for two days bandh amid rising dispute over Sai baba birthplace. All the hotels and shops would remain closed for two days starting from January 19 to mark protest over Maharashtra governments approval of Pathri development project.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Deepak Madukar Muglikar, has said that Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi will remain open on January 19. He said, "There are some reports in media that Sai Temple in Shirdi will remain closed on January 19. I want to clarify that it is just a rumour. Temple will remain open on January 19.''

A member of Saibaba Sansthan Trust said that a meeting will be held with the residents of Shirdi on Saturday evening to discuss the matter.

Live TV

The residents of Shirdi have the apprehension that the temple will lose its importance if Pathri in Parbhani is proven as the birthplace of Saibaba. Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackrey has announced a grant of Rs 100 crore for the purpose of developing Pathri. Thackrey approved the project while he was in his 2-days Ahmedabad tour.

Reportedly, residents of Pathri and Shirdi are continuously seen fighting over the issue. The Saibaba temple at Shirdi is one of the most popular destinations in the country, with lakhs of devotees thronging it every year.

The temple also receives crores of donation every year by the devotees visiting the temple.
Australias intense and prolonged bushfire crisis poses a significant public health threat, with major cities still experiencing unprecedented elevation in pollution.

Health experts continue to issue warnings about the negative effects of the high levels of air pollution. Australian Medical Association (AMA) president Dr Tony Bartone warned in a press release early this month that the duration and intensity of smoke exposure presents a new, and possibly fatal health risk that most of us have never faced before.

The denser smoke haze and longer periods that people inhale it, Bartone said, means there is a much higher risk that previously healthy people will face developing serious illness. The AMA also stressed that respiratory health may not be the only health issue, predicting the mental health burden from the disaster on the community will be considerable.

The high level of smoke haze is unprecedented. Over the New Year period, air quality in Canberra, the national capital, reached 23 times the level considered hazardous and the worst rating to date in the city.

Sydney's central business district enveloped in smoke last month, Credit: Climate and Health Alliance

Canberra was registered as the worst polluted city in the world, beating Sarajevo in Bosnia Herzegovina, Lahore, Pakistan and New Delhi, India. The highest rating recorded was 5,185 on New Years Day, more than 25 times above the minimum hazard level of 200.

A few days before these high levels were reached, an elderly woman died after going into respiratory distress as she disembarked from a plane onto the tarmac at Canberra airport.

At its peak the poor air quality forced most of Canberra to shut down, including many businesses, shopping centres, the citys museums and public galleries. Postal deliveries were cancelled. Canberra Hospital closed some medical and diagnostic procedures due to smoke impacting on the facility and equipment, such as medical resonance imaging (MRI) machines.

At Batemans Bay, 150 kms from Canberra, where hundreds of houses were incinerated on the New South Wales south coast, the concentration of smoke particles was nearly double that of Canberra.

In Sydney, Dr Tim Senior a General Practitioner who works at a medical clinic in the western suburb of Campbelltown, located not far from serious fires to the citys south west, told the ABC: The smoke has hung around and theres not been any relief. Were seeing more people coming in with respiratory symptomsmainly coughing and a bit short of breath

He also described how many people attending his clinic were suffering chest pain, sore eyes, runny noses and sore throats. However, it is not only patients with pre-existing conditions that have been affected. Dr Senior stated: Some people who dont have a history of asthma are feeling short of breath and [are] actually having to try using inhalers for the first time.

When asked about how other communities are coping with the effects of poor air quality the doctor said: I know its much, much worse for people I have spoken to down on the [NSW] south coast, where the capacity for [health] services to see people and handle their health problems has been really limited. He continued: Its putting pressure on the healthcare system across a really broad area of Australia

The fine particulates from smoke from wildfires has been known to contain a mix of chemicals that are a concern to public health, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, fine particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds.

While some facemaskssuch as P2 or N95have been recommended as possibly helpful for those with existing lung disease, they have significant limitations in being able to provide complete protection and can make breathing more difficult.

A study published last year in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine revealed that inexpensive facemasks provided only limited protection against air pollution in Beijing, one of the worlds most polluted cities, due to poor facial fit. Masks that provide more comprehensive protection are bulky and more expensive.

Sotiris Vardoulakis, a professor of global health at the Australian National University, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC): [T]he general message is we need to minimise exposure and there are different ways of doing that. On days with high air pollution, its better to spend more time indoors.

Dr David Caldicott, a consultant emergency physician at the Calvary hospital in Canberra, told the media that there have been increased emergency admissions by elderly patients, asthmatics and those with other respiratory problems.

The psychiatric element associated with the potential threat of fire, Caldicott added, is something thats often forgotten when people are focusing on respiratory disease. He also warned that staying indoors for extended periods can have a negative impact on mental health.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has raised concerns about the high levels of air pollution on mothers and their unborn children. College president Dr Vijay Roach told the ABC: Exposure to air pollution in pregnancy has been linked to increased rates of preterm birth, decreased birth weight, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes.

Health experts are uncertain when the real extent of the effect of smoke exposure will present in the population.

Professor Bin Jalaludin from the Centre of Air Pollution, Energy and Health Policy research at the University of New South Wales told the Sydney Morning Herald: What were finding now is that air pollution tends to affect all parts of the body There is increasing evidence around air pollution and neurological conditions, for example Parkinsons disease and Alzheimers.

In September last year, the AMA, in line with similar positions taken by both the American and the British Medical Associations, declared climate change a health emergency. It pointed to the clear scientific evidence indicating severe impacts for our patients and communities now and into the future. In 2015, the World Health Organisation stated that the evidence is overwhelming that climate change is the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century.

Dr Allison Hempenenstall of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine recently told the Guardian newspaper that there was a united strong voice demanding government action. [W]e need to push for governmental change, prioritising climate change policy which is something that the government isnt doing at present the health implications of climate change are only going to be fixed by addressing climate changes itself.

Consecutive Liberal and Labor governments have done little to address climate change and deliberately disregarded the warnings of more severe weather events. The parties of big business will continue to ignore the scientific evidence and demands by health experts to address climate change, for the same political reasons in order to defend the profit system.

The author also recommends:

Australian bushfire catastrophe exposes the contempt of the ruling elites for working people

[8 January 2020]

Australia: Toxic air from bushfires rated a public health emergency

[23 December 2019]
Iranian official said expertise of France, Canada and America will be used to read flight data in Kyiv.

Iran will send the flight recorders of the Ukrainian passenger plane that its military shot down earlier this month to Ukraine, Tasnim news agency reported on Saturday.

The Iranian authorities are also prepared for experts from France, Canada and the United States to examine the data from the recorders, the semi-official news agency said.

All 176 people on board the plane were killed when the Ukrainian International Airlines flight was shot down on January 8 shortly after takeoff from Tehran en route to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.

With the use of the expertise of the countries of France, Canada and America we will try to read the [flight data recorder] in Kyiv, Hassan Rezaifar, a director in charge of accident investigations at Irans Civil Aviation Organization, was quoted as saying by the news agency.

If this effort is unsuccessful then the black box will be sent to France.

Ukraines Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko confirmed the news, saying it was consistent with international standards, although we still demand that they be given to us immediately to ensure the independence and objectivity of the investigation.

After initial denials, Tehran admitted it shot down the plane unintentionally while on high alert after firing missiles at US troops stationed in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani by a US strike in Baghdad.

Prystaiko told CNN on Wednesday that Kyiv has good cooperation with Tehran on the crash investigation, but lacked access to the information stored in the black boxes.

We just want to know that nobody will be tampering with the recordings themselves, he said.

Prystaiko said an Iranian official will visit Kyiv next week to apologise officially and provide explanations.

On Thursday, Canada, Ukraine, Sweden, Afghanistan and the United Kingdom issued a five-point plan for cooperation with Iran during the investigation, calling for full and unhindered access for foreign officials.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan.18

Trend:

The letter addressed by Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the United Nations to the Secretary-General of the organization regarding the illegal arrest of Azerbaijani civilians Dilgam Asgarov and Shahbaz Guliyev by Armenia has been circulated as a document of the UN General Assembly and Security Council, Trend reports.

The document underlines that "the illegality of the puppet regime has been repeatedly stated at the international level; it is under Armenias direction and control and is ultimately nothing other than the product of aggression, racial discrimination and ethnic cleansing". In its leading judgment of 16 June 2015 in the case of Chiragov and others v. Armenia, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights established that Armenia exercises effective control over the Nagorno-Karabakh region and other occupied territories of Azerbaijan, it says.

The document emphasizes that the international community has consistently reaffirmed the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, which includes the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the surrounding areas occupied by Armenia; condemned the occupation of the territories of Azerbaijan; and demanded the immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of all Armenian forces from those territories.

It also mentions that in July 2014, the Armenian armed forces brutally killed an Azerbaijani civilian, Hassan Hassanov, and captured Asgarov and Guliyev, while they were attempting to visit the graves of their parents and relatives in the occupied Kalbajar district of Azerbaijan. The Armenian side not only did not release those civilians but also fabricated charges against them and unlawfully sentenced Asgarov to life imprisonment and Guliyev to 22 years in jail, while the body of Hassanov was returned to Azerbaijan, with the facilitation of the International Committee of the Red Cross, after almost three months, on 2 October 2014.

The document stresses that in his statement at the 26th Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, held in Bratislava on 5 and 6 December 2019, Azerbaijans Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmar Mammadyarov specifically referred to the case of Asgarov and Guliyev and noted that Armenia stubbornly rejected releasing them, even on the basis of the all for all principle.

Asgarov and Guliyev were unlawfully arrested, detained, subjected to an ostensible trial and convicted to lengthy terms of imprisonment under fabricated charges by an illegal and incompetent organ of the puppet regime that Armenia has established in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. They were not told of the reasons for their arrest or informed of the charges against them and were detained incommunicado for at least several days, the document says.

It notes that Asgarov and Shahbazov were not presumed innocent, as Armenian officials made public statements in which they were called hired criminals, saboteurs and murderers before and during the trial.

They were not informed of the charges against them in a language they understood and were not given adequate assistance through interpretation, according to the document. They are presently kept in complete isolation in prison, without contact with other inmates and without mail, news and  except for visits by the International Committee of the Red Cross  contact with the outside world.

The document also points out that Asgarov and Guliyev were subjected to discriminatory treatment because of their ethnicity and national origin, adding that the humiliating arrest and arbitrary detention of Asgarov and Guliyev and the sentence had no legal basis or legitimacy, and the violation of their rights is now the subject of a complaint before the European Court of Human Rights.

"The Republic of Azerbaijan expects that the United Nations, including its relevant human rights mechanisms and procedures, will not remain indifferent to the fate of Asgarov and Guliyev and will spare no efforts to ensure their immediate and unconditional release and reunification with their families, the document concludes.

The letter which was circulated as the document of the UN Security Council and General Assembly is available at https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N19/444/89/pdf/N1944489.pdf
LOME, Togo - The pills tend to come surreptitiously from China, India and Nigeria. They're packaged like cures for fever and rashes. They land on street corners - sometimes in plain view - and promise to ease suffering at a fraction of the cost.

But fake drugs kill tens of thousands of people each year in a global counterfeit trade worth an estimated $200 billion, thwarting progress in the fight against malaria and other life-threatening diseases, experts say, while funding organized crime.

The scourge is particularly alarming in West Africa, where authorities say knockoffs are thought to comprise more than half of pharmaceutical sales in areas where many cannot afford prescription treatments.

"You are poor, and you are spending your money on something that is going to kill you," Faure Gnassingbe, the president of Togo, told The Washington Post in the country's presidential palace. "Yet it is not treated as a crime."

The Togolese leader hosted his counterparts from Senegal and Uganda on Saturday in the capital city, Lome, where the presidents proposed new laws to strengthen a collective crackdown on trafficking.

Representatives from Ghana, Congo, Niger and Gambia also signed a pact to ramp up intelligence sharing and security at the borders, among other efforts.

Peddling fake drugs is illegal in most countries, but enforcement is shaky. One raid on markets, shops, warehouses and factories across West Africa three years ago turned up more than 41 million counterfeit pills. About 150 people were arrested for selling a blend of toxic or useless tablets, Interpol reported.

Dignitaries flocked to Lome this week for a summit on counterfeit medicine, including a member of the British royal family, Prince Michael of Kent.

Armed police officers in trucks patrolled the city of roughly 830,000. Helicopters whirred overhead. Yet people still hawked boxes of unverified antibiotics on the street.

Amele Louise Assogba, 49, used to visit roadside vendors for pills to soothe headaches and nagging coughs. Drugs at pharmacies, she said, cost three times more.

"I needed to save money for my children," said the Togolese mother of four, who supports her family by cooking for neighborhood families.

Then she caught the flu, bought an informal remedy and landed in the hospital for an emergency blood transfusion.

Assogba considers herself lucky - at least she made it to a doctor on time.

About 122,000 children die each year on the continent from fake antimalarial drugs, estimates the Brazzaville Foundation, a London group focused on the issue. In some areas, as many as 60% of drugs sold are thought to be counterfeit, the nonprofit said.

"This abject trafficking generates enormous profits for criminals and terrorists, destabilizing some of the most fragile countries in the world," said Jean-Yves Ollivier, the foundation's president, in a statement.

Counterfeit goods have long been linked to criminal gangs, with studies tying knockoff sales to terrorist organizations that exploit child labor.

Shipments often slip through porous borders, authorities say, and encourage corruption when traffickers pay off customs agents.

Officials aim to end this income stream at a time when Islamist violence is surging across West Africa's Sahel region, with attacks increasing fivefold since 2016.

Extremists who have professed loyalty to the Islamic State and al-Qaeda have seized remote corners of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

Those militants fund the war by ambushing towns and stealing livestock, taking over artisan gold mines and kidnapping people for ransom, officials have said.

They also profit from counterfeit drugs, said Gnassingbe, the Togolese president.

"Terrorists," he said, "are living on fake medicine traffic."

- - -

The Washington Post's Sylvio Combey contributed to this report
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 17:02:35|Editor: ZX

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Villages prepare a local food in Shubaigou Village of Piqan Township in Shanshan County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Jan. 11, 2020. As the Spring Festival approaches, dwellers of Shubaigou Village in Piqan County paint doors as a celebration to usher in the Chinese Lunar New Year. These paints not only decorate villagers' houses, but also contribute to local tourism development. In 2019, a total of 21 homestays of 15 types of agritainment, a popular and inexpensive lodging choice to experience rural life, were open to the public in Piqan, achieving revenue of 1.8 million yuan (about 262,000 U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Wang Fei)
Legendary actor Shabana Azmi, who met with a road accident on Mumbai-Pune expressway on Saturday afternoon, has been shifted to multi-speciality Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai from MGM hospital.

According to Raigad police, the actor was rushed to MGM Hospital in New Mumbai from the accident spot.

According to doctors, she has suffered head injury and there is slight damage to backbone.

The road accident occurred in the afternoon near Khalapur when the car in which she was travelling was involved in an accident with a truck.

Her husband lyricist Javed Akhtar, who was travelling with her, escaped with minor injury.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 16:20:06|Editor: Xiaoxia

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by Fatima AbdulKarim

BETHLEHEM, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- A small Palestinian village named Shushahleh in the West Bank is evacuated every night by the Israeli army, citing that the villagers should not be allowed to stay on an agricultural land.

But for the 22 families of Shushahleh, staying in their village is essential for tending their lands, all of which are privately owned and registered under their names, according to their land deeds.

The tiny village, overlooking the suburbs of one of the oldest Palestinian cities, Bethlehem, is no more than 1.2 square km in size, but it is surrounded by four settlements, namely Afrat, Sidi Boaz, Eliazar, and the closest, Daniel.

The villagers are not allowed to spend the night at the village anymore or lock the doors to their homes, according to newly issued orders by the Israeli army.

Despite the limited access into the hilly community, the Salah family of Shushahleh keeps working on its lands.

Myasar Salah, 60, said the Israeli decision came as a surprise to them last September, and she still does not understand the reasoning behind it.

"One morning, a few months ago, the Israeli army came to us and said 'you have to leave,'" she said. "Since then, they don't let us stay overnight, and they don't let us lock the doors."

The residents had to move to the nearby village of al-Khader, but they go back to their homes and lands in Shushahleh everyday.

Although lacking basic infrastructures, the village is considered an important source of living for its former residents.

Munzer Salah, 44, said that the villagers are now not allowed to lock the doors or turn the lights on after sunset.

Salah, who was born and raised in Shushahleh, the situation got more difficult with the expansion of the adjacent settlement, Daniel.

"They're watching us 24 hours a day via cameras from the settlement and Highway 60, and they know that we are peaceful and never cause any trouble," Salah said, pointing to a surveillance camera on an electricity pole a few meters away.

"They want us to leave completely to expand the settlements, even though we were here before them," he said.

While the overwhelming majority of the villagers rely on agriculture, it is not very feasible to maintain the lands under such condition, especially under a ban on almost all farming-related machinery and equipment.

To reach the village, the residents usually use an opening in the Highway 60, a main road connecting the West Bank's south and north, and walk uphill for about 1.5 km.

Mousa Salah, 65, a retired school principle, said the village's agricultural activity is barely enough to feed the households.

"It is costly and exhausting to maintain the lands under such condition, but we are going to keep doing it everyday," he said.

Israeli authorities told Hasan Breijiyeh, the lawyer representing the families of Shushahleh, that the nighttime eviction decision is based on the recommendation by the military who considers the town, with a population of 170 Palestinians, as an agricultural area and not a residential community.

"We will work to revoke this recommendation, because it is not based on a solid legal argument," said Breijiyeh.

Some of the homes in Shushahleh date back to 1897. At first, they were used as shelters by some Palestinian farmers during the harvest season. They later turned them into their homes.

The villagers have turned one of the old homes into a museum as a way to show their roots in the endangered village.
The Central Military Commission (CMC) has released a set of revised outlines on strengthening the military at the primary level.

The outlines, approved by Xi Jinping, chairman of the CMC, will take effect on Feb. 1.

The move aims to build primary-level military units that listen to and follow the Party, is capable of fighting and winning and maintain good discipline and excellent conduct.

The CMC called for earnest efforts to study and implement the outlines.
California schools may soon be required to teach about the causes and effects of climate change under a bill introduced on Monday. Assemblymember Luz Rivas (D-Arleta) says under AB 1922, climate change education will be a coursework requirement for students in grades 1 through 6, and a graduation requirement for students in grades 7 through 12, starting 2025.
The Trump administration is stepping up its threats against Boris Johnsons Conservative government ahead of a decision by the UK on whether to involve Chinas Huawei in Britains next generation 5G broadband wireless networks.

The Tory government is pledged to rollout 5G nationally in order to boost the UKs competitiveness. The technology can enable wi-fi speeds 100-times faster than current 4G networks and is crucial to the operation and development of new technologies, including automated factories.

The US is vociferously opposed to allowing Huawei access and is threatened to cut off intelligence sharing with the UK. The US and Britain are the leading countries in the Five Eyes global intelligence and surveillance operation, along with Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The US has secured agreement from Australia to ban Huawei and Canada and New Zealand are under heavy pressure to follow suit.

According to several pro-Tory newspapers, Johnson will allow Huawei a limited role in building Britains 5G network infrastructurefollowing approval by an upcoming meeting of the National Security Council (NSC). The NSC includes cabinet ministers and senior officials involved in foreign and defence policy, as well as representatives from the intelligence agencies and the armed forces.

According to the Daily Mail Wednesday, the National Security Council is set to give the green light to Huawei when it meets at the end of this month. The Daily Telegraph wrote, Despite ferocious US lobbying efforts and warnings over the threat of Chinese espionage, Huawei will probably be allowed in, albeit with caps on how much of its gear may be used, especially in the most sensitive core parts of the UK network.

The decision over Huawei access has wracked successive Tory governments. Johnsons predecessor, Theresa May, was forced to sack her defence secretary, Gavin Williamson, after he leaked the deliberations of an NSC meeting last April. The NSC had agreed to provide Huawei access in principle while barring it from core infrastructure. This was also opposed by then Home Secretary Sajid Javid, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt and Trade Secretary Liam Fox. The policy was only passed with the casting vote of May.

Williamson is a hawk, who advocated a defence policy of confronting China and particularly Russia. Such was the pressure being exerted by Washington that his leaks to the Daily Telegraph were the first deliberations of an NSC meeting ever made public.

Since then, US tensions with China have escalated, with the Trump administration levelling a raft of America First trade-war measures. Despite this weeks US-China trade deal, most of the punitive measures against Beijing remain in place.

Huawei has been operating in the UK market for 17 years under a government-approved partnership with British Telecom. All four of Britains mobile phone providers have already launched 5G and are using Huawei technology at the non-core level.

On Friday, Sky News reported that the two biggest UK phone networks, BT and Vodaphone, are preparing to write a joint letter to Johnson next week stating that they back Huawei access. A letter from CEOs Philip Jansen and Nick Read will offer qualified endorsement of any decision to allow Huawei to participate in the UKs 5G network with a reporter saying they will argue that Britains digital economy risks being stunted if Huawei is banned.

Their intervention came after the Trump administration sent a delegation Monday of six senior officials to Downing Street to lay down the hard line. They included Matt Pottinger, deputy national security adviser, Christopher Ford, assistant secretary of state for international security and non-proliferation, and Robert Blair, special representative for international telecommunications policy.

The delegation presented what they claimed was new technical information about security risks posed by Huawei and reiterated their demand that the UK ban Huawei entirely from its 5G rollout. One delegation member said it was nothing short of madness to allow Huawei in, with the Financial Times citing an official present at the meeting who said, Its the strong view and assessment by the US by a broad range of officials both political and professionals that any amount of equipment from untrusted Chinese vendors is too much.

The Guardian reported that the delegation spoke to ministers on their visit as well as security officials. They also lobbied Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, when he was in Washington last week at the height of the Iran crisis.

The newspaper was told by one delegate that Donald Trump is watching closely. The delegation, according to the Guardian, said it had even investigated the CVs of Huawei employees posted online and concluded that about 100 Huawei staff had connections to the Chinese military or intelligence agencies.

How far the US has been prepared to go was summed up in an interview of Defence Minister Ben Wallace with the Sunday Times ahead of the US visit. The Times noted that Wallace was surprisingly outspoken about how aggressive the Trump administration has been about Huawei as Trump, his national security adviser and his defence secretary have all threatened to cut off some intelligence to the UK if the National Security Council gives Huawei a green light.

Wallace states, They have repeatedly said that. They have been clear about that: President Trump, the national security adviser. The defence secretary said it personally to me directly when we met at NATO. 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 Friends and enemies that are independent make you choose.

Despite the threats, Johnsons government is set to approve Huawei access to non-core parts of the network, meaning it would be allowed to install antennas, etc. Regarding the intelligence supplied by the US delegation, a UK government source issued a terse statement that Wed already anticipated the kind of threat that the US material demonstrates and factored that into our planning.

Sir Andrew Parker, the head of the UKs domestic intelligence agency, MI5, backed up those advocating allowing access. The Financial Times stated, Sir Andrew acknowledged that security concerns alone should not always dominate and dictate a decision Parker told the FT he had no reason to think that Londons intelligence-sharing relationship with the US would be jeopardized by adopting Huaweis technology.

Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan told Bloomberg Television that 5G is very importantand the roll-out of 5Gin terms of encouraging tech companies to be based here, so there are a number of different factors in making that decision.

From among the ministers in Mays Cabinet who opposed Chinas access, only Javid remains a minister under Johnson. According to reports, only two ministers in Johnsons cabinet, Priti Patel and Wallace, are opposed to Huawei access. They are backed by senior Tory figures with connections to the military, including Tom Tugendhat, chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee in the last parliament, and Bob Seely.

This week Tugendhat told Sky News, Of course you can individually guard every chicken, but isnt it better not to let the fox into the hen house in the first place?

In a posting on the influential Conservative Home web site Seely warned that the UK was in danger of sleepwalking into a decision we will regret in the years and decades to come. He demanded, Whoever becomes chair of the foreign or intelligence and security select committees needs to pledge to open immediate investigations into the suitability of Huawei.

Johnson has been forced to walk a tightrope, given that his entire post-Brexit strategy is based around securing a free trade deal with the US and an ever-closer alliance with Washington.

Speaking to the BBC this week, he said, We want to put in gigabit broadband for everybody. In a pointed reference to the US he said, Now if people oppose one brand or another then they have to tell us whats the alternative.

To this Johnson was sure to add, On the other hand, lets be clear, I dont want, as the UK prime minister, to put in any infrastructure that is going to prejudice our national security or our ability to cooperate with Five Eyes intelligence partners [the UK, Canada, the US, New Zealand and Australia].

Economically there is no alternative to Huawei, which recently became the top global supplier of mobile radio equipment. It is not only a leading developer of telecommunication technology, but is able to supply services far cheaper than rivals, including its main 5G rivals, Nokia and Ericsson. It is estimated that banning Huawei from access could cost the UK economy 6.8 billion.

While the US is publicly making security issues the centre of its objection to Huawei accessing its allys communications infrastructure, the US is primarily concerned with Chinas rise as an economic competitor. This week, two US senators, Republican Richard Burr and Democrat Mark Warner, put forward a bill aimed at pushing back against Chinas 5G dominance by offering to subsidise US companies working on the technology to the tune of $750 million. At least $500 million would also be on offer to companies that use trusted and secure equipment worldwide. But comparatively this is chicken feed.

The rollout of 5G globally is becoming an arena for the eruption of geopolitical tensions. Germany, with deep economic ties to BeijingChina is now the biggest source of growth for Germanys carmakersis currently deciding on whether to allow Huawei access. Chancellor Angela Merkel backs working with Huawei but is opposed by significant political figures in her ruling coalition. Last month, Chinas ambassador to Germany warned, If Germany were to make a decision that led to Huaweis exclusion from the German market, there will be consequences The Chinese government will not stand idly by.
Agartala, Jan 18 : The Rs 1,550 crore special economic zone (SEZ), to be set up along the Bangladesh border in Tripura, would be a multi-sector SEZ and not just agro-based food processing SEZ, official said here on Saturday.

The Centre has decided that all notified SEZs will be deemed to be a multi-sector SEZ.

"According to the previous notification, the proposed Tripura SEZ at Paschim Jalefa (near the India-Bangladesh border town of Sabroom) in south Tripura was to be agro-based food processing SEZ," said a Tripura Industries and Commerce Department official.

The SEZ is expected to open new avenues and attract private investment across sectors considering its proximity to Bangladesh's Chittagong international sea port.

A bridge -- Maitri Setu -- is under construction across the Feni river near the proposed SEZ. On completion by April, it will connect Tripura with southeast Bangladesh and facilitate transportation of goods to the Chittagong port, which is around 70 km from Sabroom.

The official said the SEZ, to be developed by the Tripura Industrial Development Corp, could create 12,000 skilled jobs. Rubber-based industries, textile and apparel units, bamboo and agri-food processing industries will be set up in the SEZ.

"The Centre will allow 100 per cent income tax exemption on exports for SEZ units under Section 10AA of the Income Tax Act for the first five years. Exemptions from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and supplies to SEZs will be zero under IGST Act," he said.

Addressing an event, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said on the request of the state government, the Centre decided to set up the SEZ with an aim to attract Bangladeshi investors. They could set up tea and rubber-based industries in the SEZ, he said.

The state would get sincere support from Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, slated to visit Tripura in February, he said.

The Chief Minister said 25 acres of land had been acquired for the SEZ.

At an expenditure of Rs 1,150 crore, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has extended railway lines up to two bordering sub-divisional towns of Sabroom and Belonia.

The government-owned IRCON International has also been laying 12.23 km rail at a cost of Rs 972 crore to link Agartala with the Bangladeshi railway network at Akhaura. The Agartala-Akhaura railway line would facilitate easier ferrying of goods.

Also, the journey distance between Agartala and Kolkata, via Bangladesh, will come down by a third, from 1,613 km through mountainous terrain via Meghalaya and Assam, to 514 km.
Prince Andrew joined the Queen and Prince Philip for lunch at Sandringham today to keep his mother company in the midst of the Megxit crisis.

The Duke of York was pictured rumbling through the Norfolk estate behind the wheel of his Land Rover Defender.

Wearing a flat cap and green fleecy coat, he drove with a man and mystery blonde woman to Wood Farm where he met his regal parents following a shoot.

Andrew kick-started the recent months of Royal woes when he was forced to quit frontline duties following a toe-curling Newsnight interview where he failed to apologise for befriending paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.

Chaos is still raging through the Family's ranks, but the spotlight has instead swivelled on to his nephew Harry, who is stepping back as a senior royal to become financially independent with wife Meghan Markle.

The Duke of York was pictured rumbling through the Norfolk estate behind the wheel of his Land Rover Defender

Wearing a flat cap and green fleecy coat, he drove with a man and mystery blonde woman to Wood Farm where he met his regal parents following a shoot

Andrew has unsurprisingly taken a back seat during the ongoing Mexgit storm and was not invited to last Monday's summit with Princes Charles, William and Harry to thrash out a solution to the Sussexes future.

As it was revealed that talks between the Palace and Sussex households have ground to deadlock, the Queen emerged stony-faced on her estate this morning.

Before her lunch with Andrew, she was spotted wrapped up in a patterned head scarf and wearing dark glasses in the driver's seat of her Land Rover.

Prince Philip, who is believed to be incandescent about the current Royal crisis, has not been seen in public since Monday.

Andrew broke cover on Wednesday when he was seen grinning as he swept out of Buckingham Palace in his 220,000 Bentley Continental GT.

The Queen's middle son has taken to shunning public outings and did not partake in the traditional Christmas Day church service, driving back to the house after a private ceremony with Charles.

Andrew (pictured behind the wheel today) has unsurprisingly taken a back seat during the ongoing Mexgit storm and was not invited to last Monday's summit with Princes Charles, William and Harry to thrash out a solution to the Sussexes future

The Queen appeared stony-faced as she drove through Sandringham on Saturday while Harry prepared for more meetings in the UK

Andrew kick-started the recent months of Royal woes when he was forced to quit frontline duties following a toe-curling Newsnight interview where he failed to apologise for befriending paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein (pictured on the Sandringham estate with Ghislaine Maxwell in 2000 as a guest of the Duke)

Many of the Duke's royal patronages also sought to distance themselves from him following the programme on November and he eventually announced he was stepping down from all his patronages and his royal duties.

During the interview on Newsnight, Andrew said he did not recall meeting alleged sex-slave Virginia Roberts  now known as Virginia Giuffre - and emphatically denied that he had sex with her.

The royal denied sweating heavily on the dance floor at Tramp nightclub with her, on the basis he had suffered from a medical condition at the time which meant he did not sweat.

Andrew also sought to cast doubt on the authenticity of a photograph that showed him with his arm around Miss Roberts' waist, but conceded that it was difficult to prove if it was a fake.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: Delhi's Shaheen Bagh continues to inspire women in Uttar Pradesh. While Mansoor Ali Khan Park is still reverberating with slogans against the CAA and NRC, Ghantaghar in old Lucknow has become the new hub for women protesters who have converged here to raise their voice against the amended Citizenship Act. They have been sitting on a peaceful relay protest since Friday night braving the hostile weather conditions resolutely.

Shouting slogans against the CAA and NRC, these women, along with their children, registered their protest amid the deployment of a huge police contingent comprising women cops all through Friday night. They continued their agitation on Saturday as well demanding that the Centre withdraw the CAA and NRC.

The protesters at Ghantaghar have the support of Congress leader Sadaf Jafar, who was jailed during the citizenship law protests in Lucknow last month. Zafar and retired IPS officer SR Darapuri were released from jail early this month. Zafar was also seen with the protesting women at the venue in Lucknow on

Saturday.

We cant accept a law which discriminates on religious lines. We have come to protest along with our children in such extreme weather because we want to make it clear to the government that now they cant divide us on religious lines, said Razia sitting at Ghantaghar.

Another protester Wareesha claimed that they were sitting in solidarity with their counterparts at Shaheen Bagh in Delhi. She claimed that the protesters were not allowed to make arrangements for the cold weather and the police were stopping people from reaching the venue. We will not be demoralised by such

acts, she said while tending to her baby in her arms.

Student leader and SP youth wing member Pooja Shukla also reached the spot and remained with the protesters throughout the night. Shukla said she had come to extend her support to the protesters as she stands in solidarity with all the women protesting against the controversial law.

Holding posters, banners and placards with slogans written on them, the number of protesters was around 50 at Ghantaghar on Saturday. Save Constitution, Save India, No to CAA, NRC, Reject CAA, Reject NRC" were the slogans repeated by the women while fluttering the tricolour.

On getting information about the protests, newly appointed Lucknow Police Commissioner Sujit Pandey reached the venue with his subordinates. He tried to convince the women protesters to go home after handing the memorandum of their demands to him but the protesting women refused to budge.

The women also complained that in order to break their protest, the district administration had snapped the street lights in the area during the night. We were not allowed to cover the venue but we kept sitting in the open throughout the night, said Saleema of Chowk area.

Meanwhile, protests continued for the sixth day at Mansoor Ali Park in Roshan Bagh area of Prayagraj on Saturday.


Three cities in Vietnam have been presented with the ASEAN Clean Tourist Awards 2020.

Back Beach in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province (Photo: VNA)

They are Vung Tau city in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Quy Nhon city in the central province of Binh Dinh and Hue city in Thua Thien-Hue central province.



The titles, which were part of the 2020 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2020), were announced at a ceremony held in Brunei on January 16.



The recognition aimed to honour and popularise localities boosting high quality tourism services in the region.



To earn the title, the cities need to satisfy criteria on environmental management, cleanliness, waste management, awareness-building on environmental protection and cleanliness, green spaces, health safety, urban safety for tourists and tourism infrastructure and facilities meeting standards.



In 2018, the three cities of Hue, Hoi An and Da Lat were presented with the title. VNA
The Irish Association for Emergency Medicine says A&Es such as Wexfords should be closed down

Labour T.D. Brendan Howlin has described as 'daft and unacceptable' a suggestion from the Irish Association for Emergency Medicine that eight A&E departments in the country, including Wexford General Hospital, that don't have 24-hour consultancy cover, should cease operating.

The difference of opinion follows a recommendation by a Dublin Coroner, at an inquest into the death last year of a man who presented at the emergency department in Wexford and experienced a long delay in accessing a CT scan as there was not a consultant available to authorise it.

The Coroner recommended that all emergency departments should have 24-hour cover by consultants in emergency medicine to 'prevent future deaths'.

However, the IAEM said there are too many emergency departments in the country and the eight hospitals that don't have 24-hour consultant cover should cease operating as A&E departments.

The emergency department at Wexford General Hospital is among the services that would be affected by such a move, along with Kilkenny, Mullingar and Portlaoise.

'That is a daft and unacceptable response. It's like saying, we don't have a dual carriagway from Oyglegate to Rosslare so we should close the road altogether'. said Deputy Howlin.

'What we need is for 24-hour cover to be provided at the departments that don't currently have it. The eight hospitals should be provided with sufficient consultants in the A&E departments to operate 24/7.'

'In the interim, non-consultant hospital doctors should be authorised to sanction scans when appropriate', he said.

'I find that the people who support the consolidation and closure of A&E departments are those who themselves only live half an hour from one', he added.


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This article is for investors who would like to improve their understanding of price to earnings ratios (P/E ratios). We'll apply a basic P/E ratio analysis to China Tianrui Group Cement Company Limited's (HKG:1252), to help you decide if the stock is worth further research. What is China Tianrui Group Cement's P/E ratio? Well, based on the last twelve months it is 12.22. That means that at current prices, buyers pay HK$12.22 for every HK$1 in trailing yearly profits.

See our latest analysis for China Tianrui Group Cement

How Do You Calculate China Tianrui Group Cement's P/E Ratio?

The formula for price to earnings is:

Price to Earnings Ratio = Price per Share (in the reporting currency)  Earnings per Share (EPS)

Or for China Tianrui Group Cement:

P/E of 12.22 = CNY6.44 (Note: this is the share price in the reporting currency, namely, CNY )  CNY0.53 (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2019.)

Is A High Price-to-Earnings Ratio Good?

The higher the P/E ratio, the higher the price tag of a business, relative to its trailing earnings. That is not a good or a bad thing per se, but a high P/E does imply buyers are optimistic about the future.

Does China Tianrui Group Cement 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. As you can see below, China Tianrui Group Cement has a higher P/E than the average company (5.8) in the basic materials industry.

SEHK:1252 Price Estimation Relative to Market, January 17th 2020

That means that the market expects China Tianrui Group Cement will outperform other companies in its industry. The market is optimistic about the future, but that doesn't guarantee future growth. So investors should delve deeper. I like to check if company insiders have been buying or selling.

How Growth Rates Impact P/E Ratios

P/E ratios primarily reflect market expectations around earnings growth rates. That's because companies that grow earnings per share quickly will rapidly increase the 'E' in the equation. And in that case, the P/E ratio itself will drop rather quickly. A lower P/E should indicate the stock is cheap relative to others -- and that may attract buyers.

Story continues

It's nice to see that China Tianrui Group Cement grew EPS by a stonking 34% in the last year. And it has bolstered its earnings per share by 16% per year over the last five years. With that performance, I would expect it to have an above average P/E ratio.

Don't Forget: The P/E Does Not Account For Debt or Bank Deposits

The 'Price' in P/E reflects the market capitalization of the company. In other words, it does not consider any debt or cash that the company may have on the balance sheet. Hypothetically, a company could reduce its future P/E ratio by spending its cash (or taking on debt) to achieve higher earnings.

Such expenditure might be good or bad, in the long term, but the point here is that the balance sheet is not reflected by this ratio.

China Tianrui Group Cement's Balance Sheet

China Tianrui Group Cement has net debt equal to 46% of its market cap. While it's worth keeping this in mind, it isn't a worry.

The Verdict On China Tianrui Group Cement's P/E Ratio

China Tianrui Group Cement trades on a P/E ratio of 12.2, which is above its market average of 10.6. Its debt levels do not imperil its balance sheet and its EPS growth is very healthy indeed. So to be frank we are not surprised it has a high P/E ratio.

Investors should be looking to buy stocks that the market is wrong about. People often underestimate remarkable growth -- so investors can make money when fast growth is not fully appreciated. We don't have analyst forecasts, but shareholders might want to examine this detailed historical graph of earnings, revenue and cash flow.

But note: China Tianrui Group Cement may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with strong recent earnings growth (and a P/E ratio below 20).

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.
Manoj Shah, who was convicted by a POCSO court, allegedly hit some senior reporters on face. (Photo Credit: Twitter)

New Delhi:

Some journalists were on Saturday allegedly assaulted by one of the convicts in the rape case of a five-year-old girl in east Delhi in 2013. Manoj Shah, who was convicted by a POCSO court, allegedly hit some senior reporters on face while he was being taken out of the courtroom.

The issue was brought to the notice of Additional Sessions Judge Naresh Kumar Malhotra, who asked one of the senior woman reporters to give a written complaint to the Station House Officer (SHO).

The judge then sent her for medical examination.

#VIDEO | One of the two convicts in 2013 kidnapping and rape case of a 5-year-old girl in Gandhi Nagar, attacked journalists and tried to snatch their mobile phones also, while coming out from Karkardooma Court after hearing.



READ full storyhttps://t.co/pIaWo2Lpks pic.twitter.com/9kiWj9i8J5  News Nation (@NewsNationTV) January 18, 2020

The POCSO court convicted Shah and another man, Pradeep Kumar, in the case, saying the child experienced exceptional depravity and extreme brutality.

Shah and Kumar had raped the girl at Gandhi Nagar area and shoved objects in her private parts on April 15, 2013. They had fled after committing the crime and leaving the girl at Shah's room after believing her to be dead. The child was rescued 40 hours later on April 17, 2013.

(With PTI inputs)

For all the Latest Crime News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Cheng Tze King, Schindler Vietnam's New Installation Business director

You have been working in the construction industry for 15 years, especially in the elevator field. What is your opinion about safety requirements in the heavy industry, particularly the elevator industry?

Heavy industry plays an important role in helping Vietnam develop in line with other regions to deepen international integration. There is a rapidly growing demand for developing residential areas, skyscrapers, and commercial centres in Vietnam, which requires the elevator industry to further improve and evolve quality and safety standards in order to meet the needs of the growing number of people using them. Currently, worldwide there are 12 million operating elevators, transporting more than one billion people every day. This is one of the safest means of transportation.

In developed markets like the US or Europe, strict safety standards are always a top priority when it comes to elevator quality. In Vietnam, like in all other markets we operate in, we always strive to implement, maintain, and build on these standards.

Could you share about the specific efforts to implement safety standards in the elevator industry in Vietnam?

All industrial manufacturing sectors carry with them potential risks that can affect peoples safety. In the elevator industry, we believe that the prevention of issues is possible if we follow safety rules and carefully manage the operating system. For example, if the elevator is regularly monitored, unexpected incidents, risks, and disruptions during operation will be minimised.

Accordingly, our research specialists have applied Internet of Things (IoT) technology combined with AI to develop our new solution for the management of elevators  Schindler Ahead. This comprehensive solution can analyse data and predict the risks of equipment failure before they happen. As a result, incidents can be foreseen and resolved proactively applying what is known as preventative maintenance. In every process, whether it is the installation or maintenance of elevators, we never make any compromises on safety for sake of speeding up progress. The "golden safety rule" is Schindler's ethos all over the world.

Schindler Ahead helps companies regularly monitor elevator health through Schindlers global control centre

Besides prioritising customers interests above all, we are also committed to the safety of our employees by providing high-quality equipment, industry knowledge, and important skills. We recognise that our employees safety is a core part of ensuring our passengers' safety. Globally, we have more than 60,000 Schindler employees serving more than one billion people who use our elevators and escalators every day. In 2018, Schindler technicians spent an average of 9.8 days of technical and safety training, covering everything from risk assessment and control training to legal and industrial requirements. This is a 26 per cent increase in safety training time compared to 2017.

How are Schindler's global golden safety rules applied for both employees and customers in Vietnam?

Nothing is absolute, but at Schindler, we make every effort to ensure that we adhere to the strictest safety standards possible. In addition to complying with safety standards created through connecting technology and generating efficiencies for the elevator industry, we also apply the "golden safety rule" for both employees and customers.

For our employees, we always encourage them to "Do it right, for the first time" and follow fundamental safety rules, such as respect safety instructions and stop working immediately if there are any concerns; always use personal protective equipment and appropriate tools while working; isolate power sources from devices to prevent unexpected accidents; and proactively identify risks to prevent and keep workplace safe and tidy.

Schindler's goal is to increase workplace safety and reduce the number of employee incidents and injuries

For our customers who are building operators, technicians, and passengers, we ensure a seamless connection through IoEE (Internet of Elevators and Escalators)  which is the connectivity solution that enables Schindler to better monitor, analyse, and leverage data generated from its elevators and escalators.

Anyone can exchange and communicate information as well as be notified when there is an emergency or a need for maintenance or repair. On the other hand, Schindler also proactively provides fundamental knowledge for users through training workshops, as well as public campaigns to spread the message about safety when using elevators and escalators.
File image

Three Union Ministers on January 18 reached Jammu to kick-start a week-long massive awareness of the Centre to apprise people of the potential benefits of the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status after nullification of Article 370, officials said. The ministers -- Arjun Meghwal, Ashwini Choubey and Jitendra Singh -- were scheduled to reach in the morning but their flight could not land here due to "poor visibility" due to fog and was diverted to Srinagar, they said.

After waiting for several hours in Srinagar, the ministers finally reached Jammu this evening to launch the awareness programme under which a total of 36 Union ministers will visit different parts of the Union territory to interact with people during the next six days.

"As part of the programme, the 36 ministers are visiting J&K this week to participate in 60 public interactions at various places in the Union territory," Principal Secretary to the J&K government Rohit Kansal told reporters here.

Kansal, who is also the government spokesperson, said the visiting ministers would interact with people and speak to them on the theme of development.

He said the administration has decided to ensure 100 percent coverage for the eligible J&K residents to 55 beneficiaries oriented schemes in the Union territory.

"In addition, the focus will be on rapid infrastructure development, the implementation of the Prime Ministers Development Package (PMDP), flagship schemes, iconic projects, good governance, rule of law, equal opportunities to all, rapid industrial growth with employment and rapid economic growth in all sectors of the economy with a special focus on income enhancement for all," he said.

Reacting to the outreach programme from January 18 to 24, J&K National Panthers Party chairman and former minister Harsh Dev Singh questioned as to how such a "collective march" of Central ministers was would benefit people of the new UT.

"The macabre drama appeared to have been conceptualized as a political fire cracker ahead of the elections by the BJP to whip up hysteria in its favour. It's the last roll of the dice by the saffron party ahead of elections," he told reporters here.

He said after failing to live up to the people's expectations, the government was resorting to "gimmicks and ministerial shows" which would meet the same fate as its earlier drama of Back to Village programme.

"It is a publicity stunt, a pressure tactics, a holy hypocrisy and a survival mantra in the face of fast dissipating credibility of the BJP which wants to bring almost half of the central ministers to disseminate its political philosophy at the cost of public exchequer without analyzing the financial fallouts of such gigantic roller coaster exercise upon a cash-starved UT like J&K," he said.

Accusing the BJP leadership of indulging in "theatrics and tantrums to woo voters", Singh said the people of J&K could no longer be "seduced by pomp and show" of such ministerial functions.

No gimmickry could now beguile them. They were fast realising that J&K was being used as an electoral trump card by saffron party to brighten its prospects in elections across the country," he said, adding slogans like Article 370 were being used to promote the party in other parts of the country without addressing the genuine concerns of the people of J&K post reorganization.

"The Centre has failed to come up with a law on domicile so as to protect the jobs and lands of locals despite its loud pronouncements. The internet services continued to be blocked despite categorical directives of the Supreme Court to review the gag order," the NPP leader said.

He said rather than visiting the Union Territory to fulfil their urge for "photogenic teleshoots", the BJP leadership might as well restore the civil liberties and other democratic rights of the people of J&K who are bearing the brunt of a "dictatorial, authoritarian" regime.
NEW YORK (AP) - A former U.S. congressman who was one of President Donald Trumps first supporters has been sentenced to two years and two months for helping his son and others dodge $800,000 in stock market losses.

The sentence for Christopher Collins was announced Friday in federal court in Manhattan.

Prosecutors said Collins should receive a stiff sentence of nearly five years in prison. They said the Republican continued work as a congressman from the Buffalo area and lied to investigators to try to dodge responsibility for his crime.

Defense lawyers cited the age of their 69-year-old client and his contrition in saying he should be spared prison.

Collins, a Republican, represented New York's 27th Congressional District, which covers the western part of the state.
The killing of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani by US forces has ignited the imagination of Indians who are tired of terrorism nurtured, abetted and sponsored from across the border by Pakistan.

The killing of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani by US forces has ignited the imagination of Indians who are tired of terrorism nurtured, abetted and sponsored from across the border by Pakistan.

Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force, Irans elite foreign espionage and paramilitary unit, was identified by the Donald Trump administration as a key terrorist figure and the alleged brain behind countless attacks on US forces active in the region. Soleimani, claims White House, posed imminent threat to US interests in West Asia.

Accordingly, American intelligence agency CIA tracked the whereabouts of the top Iranian general (who by some accounts was more powerful than even Irans president Hassan Rouhani) over a period of time and had accurate information on when Soleimani's jet would land in Baghdad airport on the fateful day.

As a report in NBC News points out, American security officials and members of White House watched on large screens as Soleimani was greeted at the airport by Iraqi officials. He then boarded the vehicle on the tarmac and at an opportune time, three US drones tracking the location of the sedan unleashed Hellfire missiles to completely fry it into a mangled mess. There were no survivors.

Since then, though Iran has retaliated with missile strikes of its own on American bases in Iraq, these have caused no damage (perhaps deliberately) except one missile tragically hitting a civilian airplane and killing all 176 passengers on board. The short point, Americans took out their prime target, and was on top of the escalatory spiral. Iran simply had to take it on its chin.

Indians would love to see nothing more than our forces similarly taking out Pakistan-based top UN-designated terrorists such as Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of 26/11 terror attacks, or Masood Azhar, the perpetrator of attack on Indian Parliament. Wouldnt it be natural justice to watch these terrorists being targeted while they are plotting the next attack?

This query is a no-brainer but the more relevant question is, does India possess the capability to carry out such an operation and then control the escalatory spiral? These questions need to be discussed in light of recent comments made by two of Indias top generals  new Chief Of Army Staff Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane and Gen Bipin Rawat, the former army chief who has become Indias first Chief of Defence Staff.

Naravanes comments on Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, made during a recent news conference, demand attention. The COAS pointed towards a Parliamentary resolution on Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir  a region that India claims as its sovereign territory  and reiterated Armys stand that if such an order comes through, PoK will be attached.

#WATCH Army Chief on if PoK can be part of India as stated by political leadership: There is a parliamentary resolution that entire J&K is part of India.If Parliament wants it,then,PoK also should belong to us. When we get orders to that effect, we'll take appropriate action pic.twitter.com/P8Rbfwpr2x  ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2020

Gen Naravane, incidentally, was reiterating armys stated position that was also articulated by his predecessor Gen Rawat in September last year. On that occasion, the former Army chief had said that India has "war-gamed" any possible action in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir , and if the government of the day passes such an order, our Army is ready to "retrieve it and make it a part of India."

Incidentally, Indias external affairs minister is on record to have said Pok is a part of India, and we expect one day we will have physical jurisdiction over it.

Add to this Gen Rawats recent comments as CDS at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi when he said: We have to bring an end to terrorism and that can only happen the way Americans started after the 9/11 terror attack. They said lets go on a spree on global war on terror. To do that you have to isolate the terrorists and anybody who is sponsoring terrorism has to be taken to task.

The CDS was obviously not talking of military intervention or execution of targets alone but that was definitely part of this lexicon.

Comments such as these, taken together, indicate that the Indian state is shifting its security posture from defensive to offensive. Drone attacks on territory not controlled by it, or annexing regions over which a foreign power has effective control require hard power mobilization and an economic and geopolitical muscle to control the escalatory spiral.

It is not clear whether these comments were meant for academic discussion  in which case theoretically theres no problem  or were these an indication of force posturing. If latter, then India sorely needs to modernize its archaic military and implement deep-seated reforms before it can even think of such acts. India must remember that Pakistans status is almost that of a client Chinese state that Beijing uses to contain India.

As former National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon writes in Brookings, Chinese commitment and presence in Pakistan Occupied Kashmirhave made Pakistan even more crucial to Chinas purposes. Pakistans game is to suck India into confrontation, thus establishing Pakistans utility to those who feel the need to balance Indias rise

This has resulted in a close military nexus between China and Pakistan, and therefore any such kinetic action against Pakistan may suck India into a two-front war. Even if we disregard Pakistans nuclear deterrence  and India has proved through cross-border strikes and Balakot that there exists space for sub-conventional military action below nuclear threshold  the question arises, does India have enough capability to engage in a two-front war?

Here, India just recognize that a shift in its force posturing will mean confronting China, not just Pakistan, and now we are faced with some hard realities. In 2017, Chinas military budget was $150.5 billion, while Indias defence budget was $52.5 billion. China can outspend India many times over in defence budget because it possesses the economic capability to do so.

In contrast, we are moving in opposite direction. The Indian Navy, according to latest reports, is cutting down heavily on procurement due to budget constraints.

This is the hardest truth confronting India. For all its force posturing, if it cannot simulate the kind of double-digit growth that China managed for a decade, then the capability gap between two nations will keep increasing. This will mean that Indian military may remain valorous, but only capable of winning yesterdays war.

Unless we confront these realities, there is little point talking big. India must bide its time, build economic capability, translate it into hard power, implement military reforms and then think about taking kinetic action to dissuade Pakistan. Anything else is of academic interest.
Chalet Hotels signed a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) for the purchase of Belaire Hotels, owner of Novotel Pune Nagar Road Hotel and its affiliate entity Seapearl Hotels based on an aggregate enterprise value of Rs.290 crore.

The completion of the transaction is subject to fulfillment of certain conditions precedent as agreed in the SPA.

With this new relationship, Chalet marks the beginning of its tie-up with Accor, one of the largest global hospitality players with significant presence in India with key brands such as 'Fairmont', 'Sofitel' 'Novotel' and 'ibis' amongst others.

Chalet enjoys a successful and long-standing relationship with the Marriott group, who is the operator/brand partner across six brands within the operating portfolio with an offering of 2,331 rooms.

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Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan  Sat, January 18, 2020

Environmental activists have condemned the alleged illegal use of protected forest as a final disposal site (TPA) by the Samosir regency in North Sumatra, calling on the administration to put an end to the practice as pollution hits the tourism area surrounding the famous Lake Toba.

Samosir Green Community coordinator Fernando Sitanggang claimed the protected forest, located near Lake Toba, had been used to dispose of waste for years and had troubled residents in the area because of its stench and water pollution.

He said his community and residents had protested against the practice many times to the regency administration, but to no avail.

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President Trump told his health secretary yesterday that he regrets getting involved in the administration's policy on vaping, according to two sources familiar with the conversation. "I should never have done that f***ing vaping thing," Trump said during an impromptu call on speakerphone in an Oval Office meeting.

Why it matters: The administration's ban on flavored vapes is one of its most prominent health policy decisions, but trying to find a compromise between public health groups and the pro-vaping community caused massive political headaches.

Behind the scenes: Trump decided to call Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar during a campaign meeting, while discussing health care with his political team. He sometimes does that with cabinet secretaries, in an impromptu fashion, during meetings when their issues come up.

Azar got defensive after Trump expressed regret for the vaping policy, per a source familiar.

per a source familiar. Both sources familiar with the conversation said Trump wasn't expressing regret for the specific vaping policy outcome, which the team believes is the right one, but rather for personally wading into vaping and e-cigarette policy in the first place rather than leaving it up to the Food and Drug Administration.

Trump campaign pollster Tony Fabrizio was talking during the meeting about health care as a 2020 issue, including the importance of protecting people with pre-existing conditions.

Trump also ribbed Azar over drug prices, per two sources familiar, asking him, "When are you gonna get these drug prices lower?" and pressing him to "hurry up" on rules that would let people import cheaper drugs from Canada.

One source described Trump's tone as "play bantering." The New York Times' Maggie Haberman was the first to report the call between Azar and the president.

What they're saying: "President Trump has said this Administration will protect people with pre-existing conditions, lower drug prices even further, end surprise medical bills, and make sure Americans get the highest quality of care they deserve," White House spokesman Judd Deere said.

"Theres no daylight between the White House and HHS as we work to implement the Presidents policies and improve the American healthcare system for everyone, not just those in the individual market," he added.

HHS declined to comment on the meeting.

Reality check: The administration hasn't accomplished much on health care. Congress did not repeal the Affordable Care Act  Trump's top priority  and it did not address surprise medical bills, either. The administration has done very little on drug prices, and is urging the courts to throw out protections for pre-existing conditions.

Go deeper: Trump's smoke-and-mirrors 2020 health care strategy
Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Deputy Alan Farrell has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh of a new 1m fund aiming to provide free books for primary schools.

Deputy Farrell said the funding allocation, for primary school pupils in DEIS schools, will be welcome news for parents in Fingal.

Speaking of the new fund, Deputy Farrell said:

'My colleague, Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh, has today announced a new 1m fund which aims to provide free books in primary schools.

'More than 15,000 pupils across more than 100 primary schools are to benefit from the increased investment, which is extremely welcome for parents.

'The investment is being made on top of the book grant provided to all schools in the country, and follows a commitment in Budget 2020 to introduce an extra support to reduce costs for families and school communities.'

Around 15,500 children are due to benefit from the additional funding.

The new pilot scheme will be available to more than 100 primary schools which are part of the DEIS programme, in both rural and urban areas, and will see the book grant increase to 85 per pupil in participating schools.

Minister McHugh said: 'The additional 1m funding for these schools effectively means we are now investing four times as much money on book grants for next September. The aim is to provide school books for these children and their families and we hope to build on this.

'The cost of school books is recognised as a significant element of back to school costs and in line with the overall aim of DEIS to ensure all learners have equal opportunity to fulfil their potential.

'I have decided to focus this funding on DEIS schools, in both urban and rural areas, which cater for high concentrations of students from disadvantaged areas.'

The Department of Education and Skills currently provides a book grant of almost 17m to all recognised primary and post primary schools within the Free Education Scheme.

This grant provides assistance for books - including book rental schemes - and all schools are encouraged to operate book rental schemes to help alleviate costs to parents.

The additional funding allocation to schools is in line with the costings as set out in the 2019 Barnardos report on the 'Real Cost of School', which states that 85 is the average cost of school books at primary level, and is one of the many measures undertaken by the Department to reduce school costs overall.
A federal jury in Jacksonville convicted Navy Capt. John R. Nettleton (pictured)

A former commander of the U.S. Navy base at Guantanamo Bay was convicted Friday of interfering with an investigation into the death of a civilian with whom the commander had fought and argued over his affair with the man's wife.

A federal jury in Jacksonville, Florida, convicted Navy Capt. John R. Nettleton on charges of obstruction of justice, concealing material facts, falsifying records and making false statements.

Nettleton was removed from command shortly after civilian Christopher Tur was found floating in the waters off the base on the southeastern coast of Cuba in January 2015.

Nettleton had commanded the base since June 2012, but not the detention center where suspected terrorists are held.

Nettleton wasn't charged with Tur's death. He could get 75 years, but sentencing guidelines suggest his term will be significantly less.

'Nettleton dishonored his oath and impeded the investigation into a civilians tragic death, preventing much needed closure for the family and friends of the deceased,' Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski said after the verdict, according to The Florida Times-Union. 'Todays verdict demonstrates the departments steadfast commitment to holding accountable those who abuse their positions of public trust and obstruct justice.'

Tur's siblings issued a statement thanking prosecutors and the jury, but added 'unfortunately this trial has brought us more questions. ... We will not stop until we have answers.'

Christopher M. Tur served in the Marine Corps before coming to Guantanamo

Navy Capt. John R. Nettleton was commanding officer of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, but was removed from command shortly after civilian Christopher Tur was found floating in the waters off the base

Nettleton denied to his superior officer and others that he had the affair, but investigators later determined that it had happened, according to prosecutors in Jacksonville, where Nettleton had been on temporary duty. Tur's wife confirmed the affair during her testimony.

It is believed Tur's wife Lara (above) was having an affair with Capt. Nettleton

Defense attorneys argued that Nettleton couldn't be found guilty of any of the charges merely for violating provisions of the Uniform Code of Military Justice or for violating any Navy regulations.

An autopsy found that Tur, 42, died from drowning but that his ribs had been factured before he went into the water and he had a cut to his head. The investigation also turned up Tur's blood inside the entryway of Nettleton's residence on the base and on a paper towel in the backyard.

Tur came to Guantanamo in May 2011 with his wife, Lara, and two children and worked as the loss prevention safety manager at the Navy Exchange, the main shopping complex on the base.

On the night of his disappearance, Tur confronted the commander and Tur's wife in front of witnesses at a party at the on-base nightclub. Each had 'consumed several alcoholic drinks,' according to the indictment.

US v. Nettleton - Captain John Nettleton found GUILTY - The Family of Christopher Tur Speaks Posted by John M. Phillips on Friday, January 17, 2020

Tur came to Guantanamo in May 2011 with his wife, Lara, and two children

Later that night, Tur went to Nettleton's residence, where the two men fought. Nettleton's daughter heard the commotion and came down to see her father on the ground and Tur standing over him shortly before he left the area and wasn't seen again.

Around that time, a friend of Tur's reported getting a call from Tur, who said he was at Nettleton's house and had 'just knocked the skipper out.'

After Tur went missing, Nettleton failed to tell people leading the search for him that he was last seen at Nettleton's house when they fought, and the commander instead led them to believe he was last seen at the nightclub, according to prosecutors.
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





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Redpoint Ventures leads investment in new solution that helps companies prevent the breaches that grab headlines and cost businesses and individuals billions of dollars

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Jan. 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cyral, the first cloud service for enabling security policies at the data layer, today announced the close of an $11 million Series A funding round led by Redpoint Ventures with participation from A.Capital, Costanoa VC, Firebolt, SV Angel and Trifecta Capital. The financing follows a previously undisclosed angel investment round of $4.1 million bringing the total investment raised to date to $15.1 million.



Data breaches cost American companies on average more than $8 million per incident, with big breaches (more than 50 million records) costing $388 million, according to a recent IBM study conducted by the Ponemon Institute . Many of the biggest breaches are the result of a shift in how the increasingly digitized economy operates. As companies have embraced the cloud, data is no longer stored in electronic fortresses.

While the cloud has allowed companies to create new applications and services fast, traditional firewalls and agents for security slows things down. Engineering and business teams must jump through hoops and conform to archaic, tedious workflows to keep things safe. But when the key business priority is to get new products developed as quickly as possible, someone on the team often forgets to implement a solitary security control, leaving all data vulnerable.

Cyral pioneered a new security architecture that goes beyond perimeter and agent-based security to protect enterprises most valuable information at the data layer itself. Cyral developed an API-first service that enables easy monitoring and policy enforcement across all data endpoints used by services, applications and users, in the cloud or on premises.

The Cyral service provides fine-grained visibility into data accesses, protects against data exfiltration, and creates a unified layer for privilege management, without negatively impacting performance or the user experience. The result is better visibility into whats happening in the cloud and, for those who use Cyral, no more headlines about millions of customers data disappearing into the dark web.

Story continues

The cloud has created transparency for enterprises in the same way that the Internet has created transparency for consumers, said Manav Mital, CEO and co-founder of Cyral. But the cloud  with microservices, containers and serverless architectures  can make threat detection and incident response very difficult for security teams. Older, host-based approaches with agents and watchpoints are not designed for modern environments. Cyral protects at the core data layer while giving more transparency to both security and backend teams, fostering better security, collaboration and improving productivity.

Cyral works by intercepting requests to data endpoints with no impact to latency or throughput. It continuously examines, normalizes and analyzes all request structures for sensitive data access. It automatically generates policies to baseline normal behavior (and can be manually augmented). Cyral then alerts on suspicious activity and can block threats and disallowed accesses.

We do a lot of original fieldwork research and by far data security was the top priority in the companies we survey, said Satish Dharmaraj, Redpoint Ventures. Cyral is solving the biggest problem in security today with a unique architecture that deploys easily into existing environments with a proven management team that deeply understands the enterprise and cloud computing.

Anything that affects throughput matters to our business and what we like about Cyral is that its lightweight and runs in parallel with the data traffic, with no impact on performance, said Peter de Groot, SVP & bChief Information Security Officer at PostMedia Network, Canadas largest news publishing firm. Its also a great way to show my data is secure for audits. It proves that only the right apps are pulling the right data at the right time and with the right access.

For early access to the Cyral service, please visit www.cyral.com and register.

About Cyral

Cyral enables companies to guard against data exfiltration without requiring any agents or application modifications. The Cyral service is easy to use and plugs seamlessly into an infrastructure-as-code framework. The Cyral founding team has deep expertise in building databases, compilers and proxy-based distributed services. The company is venture backed by Redpoint, A.Capital and Costanoa.

Editorial Contact

Lonn Johnston for Cyral

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The clock is ticking down for the Rathcoole based Irish Community Raid Response (ICRR) charity Air Ambulance, which is facing the very real possibility of being grounded indefinitely unless it secures the vital funding needed to keep the life-saving service airborne.

At the start of this year it emerged that the North Cork based service, which finally 'went live' last July after raising more than 700,000 to get it operational, would be grounded as its cash reserves dried up.

The service responded by issuing an urgent appeal for donations to its 'Keep the ICRR Air Ambulance Flying' Go Fund Me page. Between these and other fundraising events the service, as of going to press, has been able to raise just over 30,000 of the total target of 400,000 needed to keep the service operational.

"At this stage we have reached crisis point and the service is in real jeopardy. We will be left with no option but to ground the service on Friday unless we can secure the financial lifeline needed to keep live and airborne to life-saving missions across Ireland," said ICRR operations manager Ruth Bruton.

In some respects the service could be viewed as a victim of its own success, having exceeded all mission predictions since it went live, with ICRR planning to fly 350 missions during its first 12-months. These predictions were based on mission figures from the State-funded Aer Corps Emergency Aeromedical Service (EAS) from 2018, which saw them tasked to 310 missions. However, in the five months since taking to the air, the ICRR air ambulance has flown more than 270 missions - raising its estimates to as high as 600 missions per annum.

"With this kind of increased demand, we need support now more than ever," said Ms Bruton.

She pointed out that the Athlone-based EAS service is said to receive in the region of 2.6 million in State funding per annum to keep it operational and in the current programme for Government it was noted the necessity for an air ambulance covering the south of the country.

"The ICRR Air Ambulance is provided free to the State and is tasked as part of a national framework for emergency medical response. Currently, this is solely funded through charitable donations and, in 2020, ICRR will have to pay the State VAT to the tune of hundreds of thousands of Euro for this free service," pointed out Ms Bruton.

She said the ICRR had written to the Minister for Health Simon Harris "seeking support" for the service to remain operational beyond Friday but had yet to receive a reply.

"We desperately need a lifeline to keep the service flying, be that from a grant, a benefactor or from business. Even if everyone in Munster were to donate just 1 it would keep the service flying for another year," said Ms Bruton.

Despite Friday's looming deadline, Ms Bruton retained a sense of optimism for the long-term future of the service saying ICRR would do everything within its power to ensure it remains operational.

"The ICRR air ambulance has received phenomenal support from the public to date, which we are very grateful for. But we need even more support from the public to keep the service live in the immediate future," said Ms Bruton.

"Ours is a model that has proven to be very successful in the UK and Northern Ireland and I believe it can be just as successful here in the long term with the necessary support. We will continue to do our best to keep it operational because while this service is flying it brings hope to so many people," she added.

People can donate to the ICRR Air Ambulance at www.icrr.ie or through the 'Keep The ICRR Air Ambulance Flying' Go Fund me page.
By PTI

KOLKATA: Asserting that the National Population Register is nothing but "NRC in disguise", Congress leader P Chidambaram said on Saturday that the Modi government has changed gears and is now only talking about the NPR after the "fiasco" in Assam over the citizenship list.

The former Union home minister said states are justified to oppose the implementation of the NPR and the CAA as the Constitutional validity lies with the Supreme Court.

"Our purpose is to fight the sinister Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Population of Register (NPR) and mobilise public opinion against them. Our stated position is that we will not agree to NPR being rolled out from April 2020," he said.

He said all political parties fighting against the NPR, the CAA and the proposed nationwide NRC must come together.

"We are fighting against NRC and CAA. Sometimes together, sometimes differently. The important thing is that we are fighting," he said.

On the opposition-ruled states participating in the January 17 meeting on the NPR, Chidambaram said participation does not mean acquiesce or acceptance.

"It is about knowing what the other side thinks about it."

"The census commissioner called the meeting, inviting officers of state governments. The states sent their officers to find out and place on the table their views. Several chief secretaries attending the meeting found pitfalls in the NPR," he claimed.

Chidambaram said chief ministers of states ruled by his party will take position consistent with the Congress Working Committee resolution against the CAA, the NPR and the NRC.

"There is no constitutional issue involved (in states opposing the CAA). CAA is an issue before the Supreme Court now. Therefore, the states are perfectly justified in saying what they feel, the states are entitled to," he said.

Hinting at the Trinamool Congress, Chidambaram exuded confidence that opposition parties which did not participate in the meeting called by Congress president Sonia Gandhi on the issue will come along in the future.

"It is possible that in Bengal and many other states there are some domestic factors at play. But one should not miss the larger picture which is the fight to save the Constitution. All those fighting for values must eventually come together on a single platform. I am confident they will," he said.

Chidambaram said he went to the Park Circus Maidan in the city where Muslim women are on a sit-in for the past 12 days against the CAA. On the petitions filed against the CAA in the Supreme Court, Chidambaram, also a lawyer, said, "Many eminent lawyers, many eminent jurists have already opined that the CAA is unconstitutional. We will put up arguments on our side."

He said granting power of detaining authority to the Delhi Police commissioner under the stringent National Security Act was "completely unacceptable, completely unnecessary and undemocratic".

"Under its provisions, anyone can be held. It is a retrograde provision... every day the BJP government resorts to such repressive measures," the Congress leader said.

Chidambaram said his party is confident about doing well in the upcoming Delhi polls and also in the elections in Bihar, slated to be held later this year.
Blowing in the wind: Our own manmade forest fires fanned by drought By Namini Wijedasa With dry periods growing longer and more intense, the stakes are higher but preparedness remains static View(s): View(s):

The drought has set in around Sri Lanka and, with it, forest fires have started. Despite repeated pleas, advice and warnings by the authorities, the blazes are all manmade.

Fires in forests are not uncommon here. The number reported annually ranges from 50 to 200 depending on prevailing weather, said a paper published in 2001 by K P Ariyadasa, a former Conservator General of Forests. With climate change, however, droughts in Sri Lanka have grown longer and more intense. The stakes are higher but preparedness remains static.

This week, around four acres of pine cultivation were lost on the Rakwana-Deniyaya road at Wangu Dahaya. The fire didnt spread only because the Forest Department, to whom the plantation belongs, quickly mobilised along with several Grama Niladharis (GN), police and villagers to put it out.

As in most cases where the military does not get involved, the teams used sticks and branches to beat down the flames whilst also filling bottles with water from a pipeline that crossed the forest, said Dharmapala Kotuwatta, the 47-year-old GN for Rakwana South. Nobody had safety equipment and many wore rubber slippers.

Mr Kotuwatta wasnt fazed by the fire. He said they tended to happen around this time of year. But Jayantha Wijesingha, Convener at Rainforest Protectors of Sri Lanka, says its not quite the same as before.

Climate change definitely has an impact now, he said. It was hard to see months without rain in Rakwana a decade ago. But, now, there are months, at times four months straight, without any rain.

It has only been about two weeks into the drought and already a water crisis is looming, he cautioned. The heat is severe. Streams have partly dried up and water retention is very low, worsening the dry conditions and contributing towards fires.

However many forest fires there are each year, they are inevitably caused by man, confirmed W A C Weragoda, Conservator General of Forests. They are not natural phenomena, he said. Someone or the other does it, despite the awareness programmes we conduct each year. They set the forest on fire and we cannot catch the culprit.

This week, the fire broke out immediately after a group of people engaging in Thai Pongal festivities stopped there to consume liquor and have a meal. Sometimes, cigarette butts are to blame, said Mr Weragoda. Fires are lit for the purpose of chena cultivation or to create grasslands for cattle or to free up more land for encroachment. And some people just do it for fun.

Typically, the general public and farmers set fire to mountains so they can encroach onto lands belonging to the Land Reform Commission (LRC) or Forest Department or Wildlife Conservation Department, said Mr Wijesingha. Others might want to hunt porcupine or pangolin and if you burn down the trees their burrows can easily be seen. But sheer ignorance is also a cause. Villagers might clear their land and set the debris on fire and it then spreads to adjoining lands and mountains with the wind.

It is also known that when you set fire to the mountains, the rains that follow cause sand to be deposited in streams and riversthereby proving a boon to sand collectors and miners, he said.

In 2016, vast areas of forest were destroyed in the Adams Peak forest reserve. It was later found that some climbers had lit a fire to cook noodles on their way up from the Kuruwita side and didnt put it out properly before going on their way. Helped by dry conditions, the blaze that broke out in Rathangolla area of the Walawe valley quickly spread to the Balangoda section of the reserve.

In August last year, fires on the Ella Rock attracted global attention in view of it being a tourist hotspot. It took villagers, the air force army, police and local officials more than 20 hours to extinguish. At the time, a spokesman for the District Disaster Management Coordinating Unit (DDMCU) in Badulla said it was an annual occurrence and that this was the third blaze reported for that month.

In 2018, the air force was dispatched to put out a fire in the Maragala mountain area of Moneragala. Hundreds of acres were burned. Again, dry conditions were prevalent with the Met Department having issued an extreme heat advisory for several around the country.

Research shows that Sri Lankan authorities have knowledge of vulnerable areas and have set up village committees as well as carried out awareness over the years. But there was no evidence of additional preparedness prompted by climate change. There is also no coordinated fire prevention or fighting plan that is not defined or limited by institutional and district boundaries.

Preparedness is very low, Mr Wijesingha said. We need to have a clear attention to this issue. The drought will extend to April, at a minimum, and if the rains dont come after that, it will be till June, July, even August.

Areas prone to fires typically have village committees that help douse the flames. But the authorities say that human resources are the biggest challenge to effective fire-fighting. Mr Weragoda said even they needed more officers on the ground.

And the respective DDMCUs keep complaining that their role here is deeply misunderstood. Not only do they have a mere handful of officers per district office (just four to cover 575 GN divisions in all of Ratnapura, for instance) their role is limited to coordinating assistance, particularly of the military.

But their reluctance to call for air force intervention, on account of the cost, is particularly irksome to environmentalists. The DMC also does not have coordination with people on the ground, said Mr Wijesingha. It should not be that environmental organisations get information before the DMC about a forest fire.
National Security Adviser Michael Flynn speaks during the daily news briefing at the White House, in Washington on Feb. 1, 2017. (Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo)

Flynns Lawyer: Documents Show Prosecutors Knew They Pressed Him to Lie

Retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, the former national security adviser to President Donald Trump, presented evidence that shows that prosecutors knowingly pressured him to lie, his lawyer said.

This evinces the strong inference the prosecutors themselves conspired to cause Mr. Flynn to make false statements, Flynns lawyer Sidney Powell said in a Jan. 16 court filing (pdf).

Conspiring to make someone lie to the government is a federal crime punishable by up to five years in prison, Powell noted.

Flynn, former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, pleaded guilty on Nov. 30, 2017, to one count of lying to the FBI about conversations he had with then-Russian Ambassador to the United States Sergey Kislyak in December 2016. He also conceded that he lied in a foreign lobbying registration filing about a job his firm did in 2016 for Turkish businessman Ekim Alptekin.

In a Jan. 7 sentencing memo (pdf), prosecutors asked for up to six months in prison for Flynn, which is harsher than Flynn expected. They acknowledged Flynn cooperated with the government, but said he reneged last year on helping the government in a case regarding lobbying registration against his former business partner Bijan Rafiekian. Flynn wasnt charged in that case. Rafiekian was ultimately acquitted because of insufficient evidence.

In response to the sentencing memo, Flynn asked the court on Jan. 14 (pdf) to allow him to withdraw his plea, saying prosecutors are trying to retaliate against him because he refused to lie for them.

FARA Testimony

The lobbying registration, filed under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) by the Flynn-hired law firm Covington & Burling, pertained to a job that Flynns now-defunct consultancy, Flynn Intel Group (FIG), did for Alptekins firm Inovo.

Alptekin hired FIG in the summer of 2016 to do research and lobbying focused on an Islamic cleric living in exile in Pennsylvania, Fethullah Gulen. Gulen runs a group that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan blamed for an attempted 2016 coup. Prosecutors said Flynn lied in the FARA forms about the extent the Turkish government was involved with the project.

In June 2019, after Flynn fired Covington and hired new lawyers, led by Powell, prosecutors asked Flynn to testify that he signed the lobbying forms intentionally knowing there were lies in them. He refused, saying he only learned about the issues with the forms in retrospect.

That angered the lead prosecutor, Brandon Van Grack, notes from a June 27, 2019, conference call indicate.

But Powell now argues that the prosecutors knew they were asking for a false statement. She filed with the court a draft of Flynns Statement of Offense, which shows that the words pertaining to the FARA registration, FLYNN then and there knew were cut from the final version.

Moreover, Powell submitted emails that indicate the words were cut by the prosecutors themselves after Flynns then-lawyers raised some objections to the draft.

Point is, they knew that what they were demanding Flynn do was lie about himself and admit he did something that all along he said he didnt, Powell said in an email to The Epoch Times.

FARA Filing

Powell went further and argued that even the final Statement of Offense was inaccurate when it came to the lobbying forms.

The statement says the lies were:

1) That FIG did not know whether or the extent to which Turkey was involved in the Inovo project;

2) That Turkey didnt provide supervision and direction for the project;

3) That FIG understood the engagement to be focused on improving U.S. business organizations confidence regarding doing business in Turkey;

4) And that Flynn published an op-ed in The Hill about Gulen written on his own initiative and not at the direction or control of Alptekin.

In Powells view, all four points were wrong.

1) The first false statement actually isnt anywhere in the FARA filing. What the registration did say is that FIG did not know whether or the extent to which Turkey was involved with its retention by Inovo for the three-month project. Powell argues that this is accurate.

Flynn told the prosecutors that there was initially some talk about Turkey paying for the job, but that it then changed to Inovo being the one to pay. He said he didnt know where the money ultimately came from and that he didnt care.

2) As for the supervision and direction, Powell said theres no evidence Turkey directed or supervised FIGs work.

Flynn said in his 2018 grand jury testimony that the project was always on behalf of Turkey in the meaning that it was in support of the Turkish government. He acknowledged that when Covingtons lawyers talked to him before the FARA filing, he didnt tell them about the Turkey connection in these terms.

[I] dont think I ever said it as strongly as Im saying it now; [I] dont think I ever used those words, he said.

He also said that Turkish officials were aware of the project and acknowledged it as Alptekin was keeping them appraised and was getting back to FIG with a sense of what they felt.

3) As for the focus of the project, the FARA filing did mention business confidence, but added particularly with respect to the stability of Turkey and its suitability as a venue for investment and commercial activity.

Whether it was to restore confidence in the Turkish government itself or in doing business in Turkey, it was all one in the same to me, Flynn said. Since they were only hired for 90 days, they decided to boil it down to focusing on Gulen, he said.

4) With regards to the op-ed, Flynn said he first learned about it when Rafiekian sent him a draft of it. But the FARA filing doesnt say anything about who wrote the article. It only says that Flynn published it on his own initiative.

Van Grack conflated published with written by in his prosecution, Powell said in the Jan. 16 filing.

The FARA filing was substantially correct in all material respects, Powell said in the Jan. 14 filing, noting that it gives a reasonable and correct picture of the relationship, and it certainly identifies Turkey as a principal beneficiarythe primary purpose of the filing.

New counsel spent days scouring Covingtons notes and other documents that unequivocally demonstrated that Mr. Flynn told them the truth, Powell said.

Emails, notes, and documents in the possession of Covington from January 2, 2017, prove that it had the information to make a correct FARA filing.

Van Grack didnt respond to a request for comment.
Gardai have renewed their appeal for information after a student was stabbed to death at a house party in Cork.

Cameron Blair, 20, was killed at a house on the Bandon Road on Thursday night and a murder investigation has been launched.

Gardai are urging anyone who was in the area between 8pm and 10pm that night to come forward.

Yesterday, a post-mortem was carried out on Cameron as the investigation into his death continues.

No arrests have been made in the case yet.

Fianna Fail's spokesperson on Justice Jim O'Callaghan says the party wants to extend the firearms act to include knife possession:

"We've seen already last year that there was a whole series of fatal stabbings in Ireland that resulted in the deaths of very many young men.

"Anyone who is found in possession of a weapon for the purpose of trying to harm another would face a maximum sentence of 10 years, increasing it from what is at present the law at five years," he said.

The killing of Cameron Blair is the sixth violent death in Cork since July.
Chief minister Yogi Aditynath on Saturday accused opposition parties of having relations with outfits like SIMI (Students Islamic Movement of India) and Popular Front of India (PFI) for creating confusion over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Addressing a rally in favour of CAA in Varanasi, Yogi said, Entire opposition was doing betrayal with the country as it was not able to identify emerging power of India. The Congress, SP, BSP should make it clear, what is their relation with organisations like SIMI and PFI.

Why these parties are supporting SIMI and PFI by ignoring their anti-social activities. Their support to the banned organisations exposes their character, CM added.

CM said, At the time of division of the country, father of nation Mahatma Gandhi had made it clear that Indias doors for the minorities (including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and others) of Pakistan at the time of division should always remain open. Thereafter, the then Congress government enacted citizenship law in 1955. But present Congress leadership is protesting against CAA.

These people are throwing a challenge to the federal structure of India. Therefore, we are here to clear the confusion. CAA is a humanitarian act, CM remarked.

Yogi said that Baba Sahab had opposed creation of Pakistan, but Jogendra Nath Mandal, who was in favour of division, went to Pakistan at the time of division and he was made law minister in Pakistan. He said Mandal, however, had to resign from his post and returned to India three years later before dying in oblivion. Those who betrayed their motherland met the same fate, he added.

Yogi told BJP workers to remove confusion by telling truth about CAA to the people. He said that CAA was for giving the citizenship and not for snatching it but the opposition parties were spreading lies on the CAA.

He said strict action was ensured against those, who indulged in arson during protests against the CAA and recovery was being made from them. As a result, they are coming with the cheque and saying sorry, he added.

CM said when the constitution of the country was accepted, there was no article 370 in the constitution. In 1952, Congress leadership had included Article 370 in the constitution, despite disapproval by Baba Sahab Bhim Rao Ambedkar, who had apprehended that this very article would become a cause of separatism in the country, he added.

He said that article 370, which was cause of the separatism in the country, was finally ended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and union home minister Amit Shah.
Sometimes, we all forget some words, it happens. English is not our first language, after all. But, turns out, pop culture knowledge can actually save the day.

Exhibit A - a man trying to tell the staff at his hotel that there's a mouse in his room, while actually forgetting the word 'mouse'. Basically, an Arab tourist visiting the UK called up the hotel staff to complain about 'Jerry' in his room, you know, from Tom and Jerry.

The hilarious conversation is going viral, for obvious reasons, and people are loving the entire conversation just because of how funny it actually is.

This Arab guy calls the hotel reception to complain about a mouse in his room. Listen to how he describes the situation  pic.twitter.com/feObtAj9Bp  Arab Brincess (@Ella_7991) January 17, 2020

I have one thing to say -

First of all, I really admire the hotel staff member's restraint and professionalism because if it was me, I would've lost it. And secondly, the "bring Tom" part is the best thing from the video, it killed it.

Arab Guy: i have jerry in my room.. can you.. can you bring tom into my room



Tom: pic.twitter.com/PryHj4Hf8l  Midracle (@abedolhameed) January 17, 2020

Oh no.

Bring Tom with you



Tom when he gets that call on his day off: pic.twitter.com/RxQbWAqRad   the nastiness is extraordinary  (@CoquitoMami) January 17, 2020

Same.

I HAVE JERRY IN MY ROOM IM WHEEZING pic.twitter.com/pV9MdD1WDT  k  (@malecsmercy) January 17, 2020

No Tom.

Truss I was dying at that   Eeeeeehh Errrrrrrr (@mwavesmusic) January 17, 2020

Best tweet.

He'll be alright.

Guy: Can you bring Tom



Jerry:



 pic.twitter.com/orHi4NE7vU  Veronica (@Misssoawesome1) January 17, 2020

Now's the chance, Tom.

Right?!...Jerry's like Yeah, bring Tom...he ain't caught me yet   Tori Vaughn (@tderrough) January 17, 2020

Come on, Tom.

Tom said "I am off duty until tomorrow."  Alexander Nevermind (@PettyWakandan) January 18, 2020

Yep.
Ejaz Kaiser By

Express News Service

RAIPUR: Just before the outlawed CPI (Maoist) could execute their conspiracy to kill an outgoing sarpanch and her husband after holding a kangaroo court in strife-torn Dantewada district about 480 km south of Raipur, police swiftly acted on a tip-off to save the couple's lives.

Escaping the clutches of death, both will now serve the Chhattisgarh police.

The sarpanch of Hiroli gram panchayat Budri Kunjam was threatened by the Maoists not to contest the upcoming panchayat polls due later this month.

Budri and her husband Bheema were no longer seen by the Maoists as their loyalists and were also accused of being police informers. Their hands were tied along with a few others in the Jan Adalat organised by the red ultras in full public view of the tribal villagers ahead of the decision by the 'court'.

Our force swung into action on learning the plan of the rebels to award death to the outgoing sarpanch and her husband. We cautiously moved to the Hiroli area, some 60 km away from the district headquarters, and managed to locate them. Taken aback, the rebels fled into the nearby forest, Dantewada superintendent of police Abhishek Pallava told the Express.

As both are Naxal victims, the police decided to offer them employment in the force. Fearing reprisal by the Maoists, both left their 70 acres of village land and pleaded with the police for security and rehabilitation close to the district headquarters.

She will the first sarpanch to get a job as an auxiliary police force member. Budri in fact led the campaign earlier with other tribal villagers against the state-run NMDCs iron ore deposit at Bailadila under the pressure of Maoists around seven months ago. Then the gram sabha held in favour of the iron ore mining was declared fake, the SP said.

The increased presence of security forces in the region has led to the elimination of around 10 Maoists in recent months while over 50 guerrilla cadres have surrendered.

All this has raised the trust of local tribals in the forces. They are reluctant now to live a life subjugated by the diktats of the left-wing extremists, Pallava averred.

Dantewada is among the seven worst Maoist-affected districts in the conflict zone of Bastar in south Chhattisgarh.
Police use tear gas, water cannon to disperse Beirut protesters who say they are tired of waiting for change.

Scores of people have been wounded in Beirut after security forces used tear gas and water cannon to disperse crowds of anti-government protesters trying to reach Martyrs Square, the hub of a months-long protest movement calling for changes to Lebanons political and financial systems.

On Saturday, demonstrators set out from various spots in the capital in a march towards the city centre under the slogan: We wont pay the price.

But before they all converged near the road leading to Parliament, dozens of protesters flung rocks, traffic signs and tree branches at security forces guarding the institution, local television channels showed.

Security forces sprayed young men with water cannon and lobbed tear gas over a metal fence to disperse remaining protesters on the wet tarmac.

The Red Cross said that more than 160 people from both sides were wounded in the clashes.

Over 65 people  have been taken to nearby hospitals and over 100 people have been treated at the scene, a spokesman said.

A direct and violent confrontation is taking place with anti-riot police at one of the entrances to parliament, the Internal Security Forces said on Twitter.

We ask peaceful protesters to keep away from the site of the rioting for their safety.

They published photos of several wounded policemen and a video showing pillars stripped of their tiles, reportedly to be thrown at security forces.

Al Jazeeras Zeina Khodr, reporting from Beirut, said: Security forces failed to push protesters away from Martyrs Square, the epicentre of the protest movement.

People are very defiant. They say the more violence used against us, the more revolutionary we become. They are promising to stay in the streets and continue with their protests action until they see a change in leadership.

Live from #Beirut  where electricity is cut from the whole Martyr square. Police is cracking down on protestors now. Numbers are still big. Teargas pouring like rain every 5 minutes. #lebanon #LebanonProtests pic.twitter.com/4XVbsd6rXB  Luna Safwan    (@LunaSafwan) January 18, 2020

Angry protesters told Al Jazeera that they would not back down and would continue to demand change.

Unless things change, life [in Lebanon] is not worth living. We are in an economic crisis and they [politicians] have proven that they are a real failure. We have nothing, a protester near Martyrs Square said.

Its been a hundred days [since protests began]. And still, who can get hold of their money in the banks? Who has electricity in their homes? she asked rhetorically.

An AFP news agency photographer saw young men uproot parking metres. He also saw about 10 people faint from the tear gas.

President Michel Aoun ordered the army and security commanders to restore calm, while Saad Hariri, who resigned as prime minister in October, said the violence threatened civil peace. It is an insane, suspicious and rejected scene, he wrote on Twitter..

People are exasperated

The protest movement rocking Lebanon since October 17 was revived this week, over delays in forming a new cabinet to address the countrys acute economic crisis.

No progress appears to have been made towards a final lineup, which protesters demand be comprised of independent experts and exclude all traditional political parties.

More and more incidents of violence as anti establishment protesters grow impatient frustrated and angry over worsening economic conditions. they demand an independent Govt & early elections; politicians refusing to give up power #Lebanon outside parliament building #Beirut https://t.co/SDStWwfcFx  Zeina Khodr (@ZeinakhodrAljaz) January 18, 2020

Commenting on the developments, Rami Khouri, a journalism professor at the American University of Beirut said that people are exasperated by what they see as total disdain by their government.

There have been three months of protest but there are very few statements from the government. It barely talks to the people and that is what angers them [the protesters].

People are expressing extreme anger at leaders they see as in cahoots with each other, at the banking system and political elite working together.

Forming a new cabinet is often convoluted in Lebanon, where a complex system seeks to maintain a balance between the countrys many political parties and religious confessions.

But protesters say they want to scrap the old system, and demand only impartial technocrats staff a new government to address their growing economic woes, including a severe liquidity crisis.

The last government stepped down under pressure from the street on October 29 but has remained in a caretaker capacity until a new cabinet takes shape.

The World Bank has warned that the poverty rate in Lebanon could rise from a third to a half if the political crisis is not remedied fast.
Japanese diplomat and academic Sadako Ogata, who has died at the age of 92, will be greatly missed by all who knew her, including by her many friends in Egypt

Japan and the world as a whole recently lost a prominent Japanese woman who had had a national and global impact for over five decades in the person of the late Dr Sadako Ogata who has passed away at the age of 92. I had the great privilege of getting to know Ogata personally and working closely with her both in Geneva when she was serving as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as well as in Tokyo when she was serving as the president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Ogata has left behind her a lasting legacy on both the domestic Japanese scene as well as on a world scale. This was a result of her outstanding achievements in all the posts she served in throughout her long academic and professional life. She played an instrumental role in a critical period of world history and more specifically in post-Cold War affairs in an era characterised by unprecedented tragedies since the establishment of the post-World War II world order.

Not only did she serve as UN High Commissioner for Refugees for a decade, but she also served at a later stage for almost the same period as the president of the JICA. In her later years, she was a senior adviser to the JICA and a member of the advisory board for the organisation of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The links between Ogata and the public life of her country started early, as her grandfather had been a prime minister of Japan. She was the daughter of a Japanese diplomat, and the fact that she moved with her family to different countries throughout her childhood exposed her to different cultures and civilisations from an early age, enriching her perspectives and broadening her horizons for the rest of her life.

Her academic career was equally cosmopolitan and distinguished. After receiving her BA from the Sacred University in the Japanese capital Tokyo, she pursued her graduate studies at Georgetown University in Washington DC. She later received a PhD in political science from the University of California. Soon afterwards, she became an associate professor at the Christian University in Tokyo and then a full professor at Sophia University, also in Tokyo. Her stay at Sophia University proved to be long-lasting and increasingly substantial, and she later chaired the International Relations Institute at the university and in 1989 became dean of foreign studies, becoming the first person in Japan to introduce a model UN to an academic institution.

Her long career in international diplomacy also started early, and in 1968 she was invited to join the Japanese delegation to that years session of the UN General Assembly. In 1976, she was the first woman to serve at the level of minister plenipotentiary at the Japanese Permanent Mission to the UN in New York. Between 1982 and 1985, she represented Japan on the UN Committee for Human Rights, which later became the UN Human Rights Council.

Between 1991 and 2000, Ogata served as UN High Commissioner for Refugees for two terms. Not only was she the first Japanese national to assume the post, but she was also the first woman and the first academic to hold it. In this capacity, she had to deal with multiple crises and conflicts, particularly of an ethnic and sectarian nature, in different areas of the world. The most serious were those related to the wars in Bosnia Herzegovina, the Great Lakes region of Africa (Rwanda and Burundi), and the Gulf region in the aftermath of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.

All these conflicts resulted in the outflow of refugees and miserable living conditions that threatened the lives of millions. Ogata demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities in handling these critical and dramatic human crises. She was keen to travel to the areas in person in order to show her engagement and dedication to helping the refugees. She became so popular that many refugees named their daughters after her.

After completing her two mandates at the UNHCR, and prior to being appointed as the president of the JICA in 2003, Ogata served as special envoy of the Japanese prime minister for coordinating Japanese aid in the reconstruction of Afghanistan following the fall of Taliban rule in late 2001.

In her capacity as president of the JICA until 2012, she showed her support for Egyptian efforts to promote economic, social and cultural development. This was particularly demonstrated through the vital role she played in ensuring Japanese approval for the Egypt-Japan University for Science and Technology (E-JUST), inaugurated in 2010, and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), scheduled to be inaugurated soon.

In addition, she supported many other projects that were taking place in partnership with Egypt, including new and renewable energy projects, particularly in wind energy and solar energy, and projects aimed at improving the living conditions of the lower socio-economic strata, such as improving sewerage and water systems, particularly in rural areas, and the treatment and management of waste.

There is no doubt that Ogata will always serve as a model for all those committed to public service, particularly at the international level, as well as for Japanese women who have long been very proud of her and have sought to emulate her in their own lives or to bring up their daughters in her footsteps.

Sadako Ogata will be greatly missed, including among her many friends in Egypt.

*The writer is a political commentator.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 16 January 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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G reenpeace and Extinction Rebellion have been included in a counter-terrorism document that was handed out as part of anti-extremism training, it has been reported.

Documents seen by the Guardian show the groups listed alongside Extinction Rebellion a few pages after the likes of the National Front and National Action.

The file was reportedly part of training for Prevent, the anti-radicalisation scheme designed to stop those at risk of committing terrorist offences.

Counter-terrorism bosses say that the icons of the groups were included in the same bundle as the pages were part of a resource to allow officers to make informed decisions, including during protests.

The document was produced by counter terrorism police / Jeremy Selwyn

But John Sauven, Greenpeaces UK executive director, said: Tarring environmental campaigners and terrorist organisations with the same brush is not going to help fight terrorism. It will only harm the reputation of hard-working police officers.

There is nothing extremist about people from all walks of life taking peaceful, non-violent action to stop climate chaos and ecological collapse.

The absurd irony is that this programme is aimed at the first ever generation of school kids who have understood the existential threat we face and have taken to the streets asking for more action.

In a blog post Dean Haydon, the Head of SO15 Counter Terrorism Command, said: We produce these documents to help frontline officers and other colleagues make informed decisions  including protecting crowded places at times of protest.

The Signs and Symbols document which has become the subject of a Guardian article today was produced to help police and close partners identify and understand signs and symbols they may come across in their day-to-day working lives, so they know the difference between the symbols for the many groups they might come across.

Extinction Rebellion protest against air pollution kills in London 1 /13 Extinction Rebellion protest against air pollution kills in London Police officers take away an activist during an Extinction Rebellion protest X Reuters Model Lily Cole stands amongst hunger strikers and an Extinction Rebellion environmental activist action group, known as The Red Brigade Jeremy Selwyn A sign is pictured during an Extinction Rebellion protest Reuters Activists take part in an Extinction Rebellion protest Reuters Reuters An activist glues his hand to a brick during an Extinction Rebellion protest Reuters Climate change activists wearing gas masks and blocking a central London road PA Reuters Model Lily Cole stands amongst hunger strikers and an Extinction Rebellion environmental activist action group, known as The Red Brigade Jeremy Selwyn Reuters

Other organisations listed in the document include the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Stop the Badger Cull and ocean pollution campaign Sea Shepherd.

These are included just a few pages after images of swastikas, iron crosses and other Nazi iconography.

The documents were also sent to doctors schools and safeguarding children boards, according to The Guardian.

A spokesman for Worcestershire Acute NHS Trust said they were given the bundle as part of Prevent awareness scheme.

Clare Collier, advocacy director at Liberty, said: We have long warned that the governments counter-terror agenda is one of the greatest threats to free speech in the UK.

However, the document did note that not all of the signs and symbols noted within this document are of counter-terrorism interest.

Ms Collier added: The UKs counter-terror measures are designed to co-opt public sector workers like teachers to spy on young people in their care  this guide will only add to the confusion and pressures they face.
Destroyed cars are seen next to burnt bushland in the village of Mogo, Australia, January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis

Intense thunderstorms with heavy rains dampened bushfires on Australia's east coast yesterday, to the relief of exhausted firefighters and farmers battling years of drought, and granting a reprieve to the organisers of next week's Australian Open.

Australia has been fighting bushfires since September, with fires killing 29 people and millions of animals, and destroying more than 2,500 homes while razing an area a third of the size of Germany.

Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, three states most affected by drought and bushfires, welcomed the rain, with fire services saying it would not extinguish all the blazes, but would greatly aid containment. "Our fingers are crossed that this continues over the coming days," New South Wales fire services said on Twitter. Severe storms are forecast to continue in many fire-stricken regions of New South Wales and Queensland, including areas that have not seen heavy falls for years, weather officials in New South Wales said.
An tAthair Peadar O Laoghaire, noted Irish language scholar and author, the centenary of whose death is to be marked in his native Clondrohid in March

The centenary of the death of one of Ireland's foremost scholars and the first author of a best selling novel in the Irish language is to be the focus of a weekend of commemorative events in his native Clondrohid in mid Cork in March.

An tAthair Peadar O Laoghaire was the author of Seadna, which told the story of a down on his luck shoemaker who makes a deal with the 'Fear Dubh'/the Devil - his soul after thirteen years in exchange for a never empty purse - and other books, including the autobiographical 'Mo Sceal Fein/My Own Story'.

Seadna is widely regarded as the major work of modern literature in Irish and was described in the Gaelic Journal in 1894 as a 'specimen of Munster Irish, one of the best examples, if the very best, of southern popular Gaelic ever printed."

In total he produced more than 500 individual pieces of work, including an Irish language version of Don Quixote, Aesop's Fables and a serialised version of Tain Bo Cuailigne which appeared in the Cork Weekly Examiner.,

Now Seamus O Laoire from Clondrohid, a relative of the famous cleric, is heading up a local committee which is aiming to mark the centenary of the death of the village's most famous son by publishing a book of stories and reminiscences from Clondrohid entitled 'Ar Sceal Fein/Our Own Story', a volume which will be launched during the commemorative weekend which takes place on March 20-22.

"We're gathering in the stories at present at venues around the area," Seamus told The Corkman.

"There are some great stories and articles coming in for the book, which will include articles in Irish and in English."

Born in Lios Carragain near Clondrohid, Peadar O Laoghaire grew up speaking Irish. After attending St Patrick's College, Maynooth, he was ordained a priest and eventually, in 1891, he became Parish Priest in Castlelyons near Fermoy where he wrote his most famous work, Seadna, and where he died on March 20, 1920.

He was a strong advocate for Cork Irish which he regarded as the best Irish for propagation among the Irish people. He described it as 'caint na ndaoine' - the language of the people..

"Before I left Liscarrigane, I had never heard from anybody's mouth phrases such as "ta me", "bhi me", "bhi siad"; I always used to hear "taim", "bhios", "bhiodar", etc. He wrote at the time in 'Mo Sceal Fein': "Little things! - but little things that come repeatedly into conversation.

"A taut mode of expression, as against one that is lax, makes for finish in speech; in the same manner, a lax mode of expression as against the taut, makes for speech that is deficient.

"Besides, the taut speech possesses a force and a vigour that cannot be contained in speech that is falling apart... The loose mode of expression is prominent in Gaelic today and English is nothing else. English has fallen apart completely."

In the latest edition of the official Irish language standard, An Caighdean Oifiguil, the use of the likes of 'bhios/bhiodar' and other such compound pronouns has been excluded. As a scholar he became embroiled in arguments and disputes with other contemporary writers and became characterised as 'cantankerous' by some of those he engaged in correspondence.

The volume, quality and importance of his work, however, has been acknowledged by several leading authorities on the Irish language and his most famous work, Seadna, has been published and republished a number of times.
By Trend

Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops 23 times, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

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 districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
More Singaporean investment is expected to flow via mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the months to come in Vietnam, focusing on finance, property, and fintech.

According to a source from Ingrid International, which is active in Singapore, China, Vietnam, Japan, and Indonesia in design branding and investment, its Singaporean client is seeking to expand to Vietnam by acquiring a stake in a Vietnamese firm.

The client is looking for stake acquisition in wastewater, and is monitoring the situation, said the representative.

Elsewhere, another Singaporean company is said to have completed a stake sale in a Vietnamese logistics services provider. These new movements have intensified M&A interest among Singaporean investors in Vietnam, where growth is expected to be robust in 2020, bringing further potential for such transactions.

In a move to provide its members with increased access to the Vietnamese market in the future, the Singapore Business Association Vietnam last week held a discussion about M&A trends in Vietnam in 2020 amid growing interest and new possible movements in the market.

Yoong Nim Chor, advocate and solicitor at Unilegal LLC, told VIR, More Singaporean investors are looking to expand in and to Vietnam by stake acquisition. Real estate and finance are their traditional areas of interest, with the addition of fintech amid the growing impact of Industry 4.0.

Sci-tech is one of the most attractive sectors to international ventures in Vietnam, and the countrys future prospects are expected to be even more promising in 2020 when a number of the governments supporting policies will take effect.

Nirukt Sapru, CEO for Vietnam and ASEAN and South Asia Cluster Markets at Standard Chartered Bank, said that Vietnam has strong growth potential for M&A transactions. Vietnam is emerging as an attractive destination for investors looking for high growth, Sapru said. There is substantial interest across sectors, with the majority of transactions focusing on real estate and financial services.

According to Sapru, three key factors of M&A growth in Vietnam are strong economic growth, foreign direct investment (FDI), and equitisation of state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

Vietnams GDP grew by 7.02 per cent in 2019, and is forecast to stay the same in 2020, before falling to 6.8 per cent in 2021. Standard Chartered Bank projected Vietnams GDP to grow at 6.5 per cent on-year for the next five years. Vietnam has other advantages such as the third-largest population in Southeast Asia, a dynamic and young society, increasing affluence and consumer spending, and ease of doing business.

Importantly, FDI continues to grow. After recording disbursed FDI of $19.1 billion in 2018, an increase of 9 per cent over 2017, the country saw $20.4 billion in 2019. The manufacturing and processing sector received the most interest from foreign investors, followed by real estate and retail.

Looking forward, international financiers are exploring opportunities resulting from SOE equitisation, a course which has been delayed thus far. However, there is a renewed push from the government to accelerate the process. For SOE equitisation, foreign investors may partake either as normal funders during a public auction or as strategic ones.

Industry insiders are forecasting strong inbound activity and domestic transactions in key sectors. Experts predicted that M&A activity will be dominated by inbound activity, with Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and Thailand expected to remain the major foreign financiers.

Real estate will continue to draw a major share of investment interest, and other industries to watch include industrial goods and services and construction and materials.

The trend is led by the shifting of foreign manufacturing to Vietnam due to free trade agreements and trade disputes, supported by strong domestic demand amid a growing population and rapid urbanisation, said Sapru.

Other opportunities will come from banking and financial institutions, aviation and logistics, pharmaceuticals, and others. Vietnamese banks are in dire need of foreign capital to meet Basel II standards as required by the central bank. For example, Military Bank aims to raise $240 million from the sale of a 7.5 per cent stake to foreign investors.

Foreign ownership limits (currently at 30 per cent) are likely to prove a roadblock if kept unchanged. However, there are plans to allow European investors to purchase up to 49 per cent of two local banks, an offer which will be valid for five years after the Europe-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement takes effect. Vietnam is on the radar of international investors.

There are a number of potential deals in the pipeline including Bamboo Airways proposal to launch an initial public offering in 2020 and FV Hospitals plan to renew its strategic options, according to Standard Chartered Bank.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Vietnam wooed $15.5 billion worth of stake acquisitions from foreign investors in 2019 ($2.7 billion from Singapore), up 56.4 per cent on-year, and accounting for 40.7 per cent of the countrys total registered FDI. VIR
In a bid to highlight "correct facts" about the citizenship law which had triggered violence in many states, a groom in Madhya Pradesh has printed a slogan supporting the legislation on his marriage invitation card.

Prabhat Garhwal, who will be tying the knot on Saturday evening, said he would explain the correct facts about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to dispel any wrong notions about it if asked by his guests.

Garhwal, a resident of Kareli in Narsinghpur district, said he was upset with the largescale violence caused by the CAA, which grants citizenship to non-Muslim refugees migrated to India from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

"I got the 'I support CAA' slogan printed on the marriage card as I believe that people should abide by the Constitutional law. I thought this move will create right awareness about the law," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Low-information voters are a disturbing constituency, but an easily deceived front-running low-information candidate for president is terrifying. You might think the frontrunner for the Democrats' presidential nomination would bestir himself to learn the basic facts about the people he faces as competitors for the Big Prize, but not Joe Biden. He fell for the illusion that former congressman Robert Francis O'Rourke created by adopting the Spanish-language nickname "Beto" to pander to the Hispanic voters who constitute 82% of the population of El Paso, Texas and disguise his prep school and Ivy League background.

Asked in an interview if he would consider Beto O'Rourke or Julian Castro as a running mate, he responded:

Yes, I would. I would consider either or both of them. Look, I've spoken to each of them and I've spent some time talking to them. My plea to both of them is that they stay engaged. They are talented, talented people. And there are a number of Latinos that are, that have endorsed, our former Secretary of Interior, a whole lot of people who are  I can guarantee you that there's going to be Latinos in my cabinet, I can guarantee there are going to be Latinos in my White House, and both of them are qualified.

The disturbingly confused answer can be found 50 seconds into this video:

I wonder if Biden thinks Elizabeth Warren is a Native American! Even worse, if Biden is this easily fooled by a former rival for his deepest ambition, what other BS would he fall for? That Iran wants nuclear weapons only for peaceful use?

It's hard to disagree with President Trump's characterization of Biden half a year ago:

Photo credit: Grabien video screen grab (cropped).
A second person has died in China from a mystery virus that has infected dozens of people, Chinese health officials said Thursday. A 69-year-old man identified only by his surname, Xiong, died on Wednesday in the central Chinese city believed to be the epicenter of an outbreak of a coronavirus which is a relative of the deadly SARS pathogen.

The SARS-like virus is identified as a coronavirus, which can cause illnesses ranging from common colds to the potentially deadly SARS.

This follows the death of a 61-year-old man in Wuhan who died of the disease on Jan. 9. He died after respiratory failure caused by severe pneumonia.

The latest death transpired as authorities ramped up airport screenings ahead of an expected surge in arrivals for Chinese New Year.

The victim who died had become sick on December 31 and his condition worsened on January 4, with pulmonary tuberculosis and multiple organ functions damaged.

The outbreak is linked with SARS, or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, which killed 349 people in mainland China and another 299 in Hong Kong in 2002-2003.

The virus also has been detected in Japan and Thailand.

The news coincided with Thailand reporting on Friday that a second Chinese national is infected with the mystery virus.

About 41 people have been hit with pneumonia linked to the new virus in China. According to the Wuhan health commission, 12 people have recovered and were discharged from the hospital while five people are being treated as "severe cases."

Many cases have been linked to a fish market in Wuhan, so the market was closed on 1 January.

The victim was transferred to Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital for treatment on the 4th of January after his health further deteriorated, being admitted with abnormal renal function, pulmonary tuberculosis and damage to multiple organ functions.

According to the Wuhan municipal health commission, the 69-year-old man had been admitted to hospital with abnormal renal function and severe damage to multiple organs. He died on the last 15th of January.

The virus is a new strain of coronavirus, which is in the same family as the deadly severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

Japan reported its first case of the virus - the second country outside China after Thailand to do so.

The symptoms of coronavirus are illnesses ranging from common colds to the potentially deadly SARS.

Officials have tracked down 763 people who had come in contact with the infected, 644 of which have been removed from medical observations.

Chinese patients with symptoms of the disease have been arriving at hospitals in Japan and Thailand, said the officials.

The widespread virus has prompted authorities in Hong Kong to step up detection measures, including temperature checkpoints for inbound travelers.

Japan confirmed a man in his 30s had been infected with the virus, and a Chinese woman was quarantined in Thailand with a mystery strain of coronavirus last Thursday.

SARS has infected more than 8,000 people in 26 countries. However, China has been free of SARS since May 2004.

Though unconfirmed, the latest victim was 69 years old.

However, the new coronavirus in Wuhan appeared to not be as lethal as MERS or SARS.

RELATED ARTICLE: Experimental SARS Treatment Can Also Fight MERS
Syrian forces foiled a major attack by terrorists in the southeastern countryside of Idlib province, inflicting heavy losses on them, Tasnim News Agency reports.

Terrorists attempted to target the Syrian armys military posts in Abu Jraif area in Idlibs southeastern countryside but were pushed back by the Arab countrys forces, SANA reported.

The report added that the counterattack resulted in the deaths of dozens of terrorists.
Reuters

Facebook Inc has been ordered by a Massachusetts judge to turn over materials to that state's attorney general about thousands of apps that the social media company suspected may have misused customer data.

In a decision made public on Friday, Massachusetts Superior Court Justice Brian Davis said Attorney General Maura Healey had demonstrated a "substantial need" for the materials, as she investigates Facebook's privacy practices.

Facebook did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

(Also read: Facebook drops plans to roll out adverts in WhatsApp, but will still integrate ads in status: Report)

Healey began her probe in March 2018, following news that Facebook had let British political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica access data for as many as 87 million users.

Cambridge's clients had included US President Donald Trump's 2016 election campaign.

(Also read: Facebook sued by four companies for alleged anti-competitive conduct in US federal court)

Davis said Facebook did not show that most of the materials Healey sought, including the identities of developers behind suspect apps, were protected by attorney-client privilege or were attorney "work product" and did not need to be disclosed.

"Only Facebook knows the identity of these apps and developers, and there is no other way for the attorney general to obtain this information on her own," Davis wrote.

According to court papers, the Menlo Park, California-based company's own probe led it to suspend 69,000 apps last September, mostly because their developers did not cooperate.

About 10,000 of these apps were found to have potentially misused user data.

Healey welcomed Davis' decision, which is dated 16 January.

"Facebook simply telling its users that their data is safe without the facts to back it up does not work for us," Healey said in a statement. "We are pleased that the court ordered Facebook to tell our office which other app developers may have engaged in conduct like Cambridge Analytica."

The judge gave Facebook 90 days to turn over materials that Healey sought.

Healey's probe is one of several by state attorneys general regarding Facebook's ability to protect user data.

Last July, Facebook agreed to pay a record $5 billion fine to resolve a US Federal Trade Commission probe into its privacy practices.

(Also read: Facebook sued for discriminating on the basis of gender, age for financial service ads)


"You're no good, duck! You're just like ya fatha!"

Now that Disney has learned they can't waltz their way into dominating the Animated Feature segment of the Oscars, they have moved onto the next closest thing - Dominating Best Visual Effects** VFX artists are overworked and underpaid and deserve respect for what they do. They are contracted workers, and the studios often go under after work is done. None of these decisions I'm criticizing the styles and choices are are their fault.However there's a good chance that their fellows nominate the movies from a shortlist and then the Academy as a whole votes on them so uh....I cannot attest toor what they've done. Themade DeNiro, Pesci, and Pachino look younger, a technical talent that has been used in the recent past, with varying results, as early as 2006 to as recently as...a few months earlier when "" came out.Did you know that "also had de-ageing technology? I had...truly forgotten about it. There were ships, there were animals, there were people updating the gifs of Skype-Speak Palpatine with the blue filter from a CD in the mid 2000s."? There was much mass criticism about the soul of the original being all but sapped away to make the animals look 'realistic'. We could have stopped them making it if we didn't let 2016';s "" get over 1$b.How do we not know what lions look like at this point.I did not see "", but I suppose making a giant crowd of CGI characters fight a purple man is great.All of that to say...you know, Lion King? Star Wars? You didn't really need to be here. Here's who did.



This was ole boy's best movie last year lmaooo



Now most of you didn't see it, and you're in plentiful company but there were a shitton of cyborg robots in Alita: Battle Angel, and the robots were also playing Killer Deathball and fighting and well, it's more impressive than lions.



What's more impressive to you? A virtualized savannah with a standard animal model (Not 'standard' but come on, four legs, mane, tail, ears , bigger than a cat = It's a lion!), or cyborgs in a fully built set?



Let's give amazing credit where amazing credit is due: The visual effects were provided by Weta Digital, DNEG and Framestore .





You know what animal we had a vague impression of looking like in the real world?



Pikachu.



I diagnose you with baby.



Pokemon Detective Pikachu (Herby refered to as Det Pika) adapted at least 20 different Pokemon from across multiple generations (But mostly Gen 1).



The Flabebe (floaty things) are not Gen 1 but hey they sill look cool.



Some of them came out worse than others.

Look what they did to my boy :(



But many came out splendidly, including the main mouse himself!



He talks! He runs! He Volt Tackles!



The film's visual effects were provided by the Moving Picture Company (MPC), Framestore, Image Engine, Rodeo FX, and Instinctual VFX. Fun fact, some of these companies also did work for Lionmageddon up there. It's not the artists, it's the instructions they're given. After all...



He got better.



I mentioned before that LAIKA's "Kubo" was also nominated for Best Visual Effects in 2017, so we could definitely put another animated movie here (That's not LK).





I'm not above giving Disney credit where credit is rightfully due, and I think it's a damn shame Frozen II got ignored for some of these visuals.







Yes, most of them are from the same sequence, that's probably why. It's a lot more impressive that lions  all day, I guess.

They even had to hold back from making it look too realstic, specifially the bits with the Nokk

. It looks realer than the water in "Moana", but not too real against the character models with fist-sized eyes. What say you, ONTD? Do you think "Cats" should also have been recognized?Source: Me, The Academy, tumblr for gifs, and 1
A protest against the new citizenship law and likely National Register of Citizen (NRC) continued on the fourth consecutive day on Saturday in Badwali Chowki area here in Madhya Pradesh.

The protesters, including a large number of women, raised slogans and held placards against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and NRC on the Jama Masjid ground in the area.

This gathering is being described as "Shaheen Bagh of Indore" on social media.

On the intervening night of January 16 and 17, police had allegedly cane-charged the protesters at the location, prompting the state government to order an inquiry.

The government had also removed two police officers, including an Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), following the incident.

Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Umesh Sharma said the action against the police personnel was unfair.

"They only tried to control the agitating protesters at the Badwali Chowki, but the Kamal Nath government took action to appease a particular section," he said.

Sharma said the administration has imposed prohibitive orders under CrPC section 144.

"...Then under which rule the protest is allowed in Badwali Chowki for the last four days? Cases are being filed against BJP leaders and activists immediately," he alleged.

The situation is being closely monitored by the local administration.

The Shaheen Bagh protest in Delhi is an ongoing 24/7 sit-in peaceful protest, led by women, that began with the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in both houses of Parliament on December 11, 2019 and the ensuing police intervention against students at Jamia Millia Islamia who were opposing the amendment.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
IB sources said Delhi Police had arrested four terrorists after a gunfight from the Gurugram-Delhi border on July 1, 2005 and recovered arms and ammunition besides fake currency of face-value of Rs 50,000 from their possession following a tip-off received from the Military Intelligence on June 22, 2005.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will now also probe Singh's 2005 letter, sources said.

Two of the four terrorists were identified as Saqib Rehman aka Masood, Hazi Ghulam Moinuddin Dar aka Zahid.

"During the searches, the police seized a sketch of the Palam Air Base and also a letter written by Singh from Dar," said a source.

"The letter, signed by Singh, who was then Deputy SP, CID in Jammu and Kashmir, said that Dar, a resident of Pulwama, was allowed to carry a pistol (registration no. K 14363) and one wireless set for operation duty. The letter asked all security agencies to give 'safe passage' for any verification," the source said.

The letter was written on Singh's letter pad.

The source further said that a week after Dar's arrest, Delhi Police went to Srinagar and raided his house from where it recovered 10 Under barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) grenades and a wireless set no. 144057. The police team recovered an AK-47, 2 magazines, 130 live cartridges, two hand grenades and three UBGL grenades at the instance of Saquib Rahman from his two-storey building in Srinagar.

The source said that in its chargesheet in the court, Delhi Police claimed that Dar and Rahman had revealed that they were working as per the directions of Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI). They had also given information about their associates in Jammu and Kashmir and the arms and ammunition kept by them.

Delhi Police later arrested Bashir Ahmed Shah, Nazir Ahmed Sofi, Abdul Mazid Bhat, Abdul Qayoom Khan and Birendra Kumar Singh in the case.

The source said Singh later told Delhi Police on phone that he had indeed written such a letter for Dar.

Sources said the letter written by Singh raises many questions: "How did Singh allow a private person to travel with a wireless set? How did Singh justify his letter for Dar, against whom the Central Military Intelligence had alerted Delhi Police?"

Singh was arrested on January 11 with top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Naveed Babu, his accomplice Rafi and a lawyer, Irfan, from a car on the highway near Kulgam.

He was allegedly taking Babu to Jammu to help him travel to Pakistan in connivance with Irfan.

As per police sources, a sum of Rs 12 lakh might have been given to Singh to move out the two Hizbul militants to Jammu on their way to Chandigarh and onward to Delhi to carry out attacks on or before the Republic Day.

Singh, who was posted in the anti-hijacking squad at the Srinagar international airport, was suspended from service on January 13 and is likely to be stripped of all his awards, including a gallantry medal, for anti-militancy operations on August 15, 2019.

Earlier, during his interrogation Singh hinted at the role of many more police personnel involved in helping the terrorists.

The NIA has taken over the probe from the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Senior officials probing the case said that NIA will also look at the letter written for Dar by Singh.

Earlier, Singh, who was part of the special anti-militancy Special Operations Group (SOG) in 2002 and was also named by Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, in a letter to his lawyer, where he also suggested that another Parliament attacker Mohammad was taken to Delhi on the direction of the police officer.

(Anand Singh can be contacted at anand.s@ians.in)
A 32-year-old man committed suicide after killing his wife and two children on Saturday in Gudamba police station area here, police said.

According to Police Commissioner of Lucknow Sujeet Pandey, Pintu, a driver by profession, smothered his wife and two children to death, and then ended his own life.

Pandey told reporters that Pintu was going through a financial crisis and was quite disturbed for sometime.

No suicide note has been recovered from the spot, Pandey said.

The Police Commissioner said, "Prima facie, Pintu first killed his wife and children. Their bodies were found on the bed. Later, he brought down the fan and used its ceiling hook to hang himself and commit suicide".

The deceased have been identified as Pintu (32), his wife Aarti (28), daughter Neha (8) and son Naitik (6).

Pandey said the incident took place on Saturday morning and the family's neighbours informed police about it.

Police is investigating into all aspects of the incident, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Asha Devi, the mother of the 2012 Delhi gang-rape victim, on Saturday slammed senior lawyer Indira Jaising for her suggestion that she should forgive her daughter's rapists.

"Who is Indira Jaising to give me such a suggestion? The whole country wants the convicts to be executed. Just because of people like her, justice is not done with rape victims," Asha Devi told ANI here.

"Cannot believe how Indira Jaising even dared to suggest this. I met her many times over the years in Supreme Court, not even once has she asked for my wellbeing and today she is speaking for the convicts. Such people earn their livelihood by supporting rapists, hence rape incidents do not stop," she added.

Asha Devi further accused Jaising of using "the garb of human rights" to make a living.

'People like her keep earning money under the garb of human rights. I do not need her suggestions... Just because of people who think like her incidents like rape keep happening, she is a disgrace to women," she said.

Earlier yesterday, Indira Jaising, through a tweet, had urged Asha Devi to forgive the perpetrators and had used the example of Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi, who had forgiven Nalini, one of the convicts who was given the death penalty by the courts.

"While I fully identify with the pain of Asha Devi I urge her to follow the example of Sonia Gandhi who forgave Nalini and said she did not want the death penalty for her. We are with you but against the death penalty," Jaising's tweet read.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Privilege leaves us blind to how difficult things are for those who are less fortunate than us. There are a million people fighting for the most basic needs, that a lot of us take for granted.

One such case is of this 20-year-old Chinese student who died owing to a severe case of malnutrition. The girl named, Wu Huayan, was living with a mere Rs 20 income in the last few days before she died.

YouTube

Wu Huayan lost both her parents - her mother died when she was four and her father died when she was 18, after which she was left to fend for her little brother who is mentally unstable.

She was a student at the Shenghua Vocational College in the city of Tongren. After her plight made headlines in China back in October 2019, the government started sending her Rs 3000 per month as welfare. But most of it would go into buying medicines for her brother and making sure he was well fed. Wu, on the other hand, would just eat two steam buns or two bowls of plain steamed rice each day.

YouTube

I am not like other people who can ask for money from their parents after they spend it. I dont have parents, Mail Online quoted her as saying.

When her brother was hospitalized, the government gave her some money to cover half of her brothers medical bills. To pay for the remaining, she was forced to borrow Rs 50,000 from others.





Wu was able to go to college by taking a student loan and working two part-time jobs. But her classmates soon started noticing her deteriorating condition.

When people heard about Wu's condition, a few good Samaritans pitched in to help her pay her medical bills. But things were too late for Wu, her health started failing each passing minute.

When she was first taken to the hospital, Wu was found to have developed issues in her heart valves that required surgery. But it cost so much that she decided to drop the idea. Things started to get worse thereafter, she weighed only a little over 42 pounds before she died of an unspecified illness in a local hospital.

Wu Huayan's spirit and resilience was admirable - the girl dedicated all her life to the care of her brother, at the cost of her own life. Very few people in the world have the strength to fight the way she did and we wish things had worked out better for her. Here's hoping she is in a better place now.
Annapurna: Over 200 people were rescued on Saturday after an avalanche hit a section of the Annapurna circuit route in Nepal on January 17, informed the Nepal tourism ministry. A search and rescue team was deployed to find the trekkers who were trapped in the region due to the avalanche.

The Nepal police informed that among the trekkers most of them were citizens of South Korea and China. However, the total number of people missing is still not known.

Army helicopters are also deployed in the area to get an aerial survey of the region. The rescue operation is being disrupted because of incessant rainfall in the region. Deputy Superintendent of Police Raj Kumar KC informed that a police team has already left for Deurali to carry out search and rescue operations.

Live TV

The incident occurred at an altitude of around 3,230 metres close to the base camp for Annapurna, one of the highest peaks in the Himalayas, following heavy snowfall on January 17. Thousands of trekkers mostly from Asia visit the Annapurna region every year for getting the stunning views of the Himalayas.

In 2014 a similar incident took place in which about 40 people were killed due to snowstorm on the popular circuit in Nepal.
The funds, of course, were held up and released only after Trump learned of the whistleblower complaint that triggered the impeachment inquiry. After so many months of proceedings, posturing and the usual political hokey pokey on the Hill, one is almost tempted to query: Is that all you got? Not to minimize the seriousness of essentially inviting a foreign country to join the Trump campaign or bartering military aid for personal gain. But the answer, if were honest, is that Democrats will do whatever it takes to eradicate The Don and his minions.
The world's shortest man who could walk, as verified by Guinness World Records, died Friday at a hospital in Nepal, his family said. Khagendra Thapa Magar, who measured 67.08 centimetres (2 feet 2.41 inches), died of pneumonia at a hospital in Pokhara, 200 kilometres from Kathmandu, where he lived with his parents. "He has been in and out of hospital because of pneumonia. But this time his heart was also affected. He passed away today," Mahesh Thapa Magar, his brother, told AFP. Magar was first declared the world's shortest man in 2010 after his 18th birthday, photographed holding a certificate only a bit smaller than him. However he eventually lost the title after Nepal's Chandra Bahadur Dangi, who measured 54.6 centimetres, was discovered and named the world's shortest mobile man. Magar regained the title after Dangi's death in 2015. "He was so tiny when he was born that he could fit in the palm of your hand, and it was very hard to bathe him because he was so small," said his father, Roop Bahadur, according to Guinness World Records. As the world's shortest man the 27-year-old travelled to more than a dozen countries and made television appearances in Europe and the United States. "We're terribly sad to hear the news from Nepal that Khagendra is no longer with us," said Craig Glenday, Guinness World Records editor-in-chief. "Life can be challenging when you weigh just 6 kilograms and you don't fit into a world built for the average person. But Khagendra certainly didn't let his small size stop him from getting the most out of life" he said. Magar became an official face of Nepal's tourism campaign, which featured him as the smallest man in a country that is home to the world's highest peak, Mount Everest. During his stint he met other short people around the world, including the shortest woman, Jyoti Amge, from India. In a video released by Guinness World Records, Magar is seen playing a guitar with his brother, riding a bike and sitting at his family's shop. The world's shortest non-mobile man remains Junrey Balawing of the Philippines, who measures only 59.93 centimetres but is unable to walk or stand unaided, according to Guinness World Records. The record for shortest living mobile man is now retained by Edward "Nino" Hernandez of Colombia, a reggaeton DJ who stands 70.21 centimeters tall, Guinness said.
Police had arrested Davinder on Saturday at Mir Bazar in Kulgam district of south Kashmir along with Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists Naveed Babu and Altaf, besides an unidentified lawyer who was working as an overground worker for terror outfits.

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency will probe a case in which a senior Jammu and Kashmir police officer was arrested while ferrying three terrorists out of the Valley, an official spokesman said on Saturday.

Davinder Singh, posted as the Deputy Superintendent of police (DSP), was arrested last weekend along with Naveed Babu, self-styled district commander of banned Hizbul Mujahideen, a new recruit Atif and an advocate Irfan Mir.

The four were caught with arms and ammunition while they were travelling in a car near Qazigund on the national highway in south Kashmir.

After receiving orders from the Union Home Ministry, the NIA has re-registered this case and started the investigation, the spokesman said.
Former Shiv Sena MLA Harshwardhan Jadhav met with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray in Mumbai on Saturday.

Jadhav, who was elected to the state Assembly on the MNS ticket in 2009, told PTI that it was a goodwill visit.

"Nothing of sorts of joining the MNS was discussed at the meeting," he said.

Jadhav, who became the first MLA of the MNS from Marathwada region in 2009, said he met Raj Thackeray with late BJP leader Pramod Mahajan's brother Prakash Mahajan.

"The meeting was fruitful. Whether I will join the MNS or not cannot be said now. I am also not sure whether I will attending the MNS party meeting in Mumbai next week," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 11:20:37|Editor: Xiang Bo

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BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Palace Museum apologized late Friday for oversight that made possible the car driving by a woman inside the Forbidden City, according to its official Weibo account.

The driving action came to light due to four pictures showcasing an off-road vehicle parking in the corner of the square in front of the Gate of Supreme Harmony (Taihemen). The pictures, shown to be shot on Monday, the museum's scheduled closure day, were posted by the woman driver on Sina Weibo and triggered intense outrage among Chinese netizens.

Some netizens demanded further investigations into the incident and punishment while others expressed disappointment at the museum management for failing to well protect the site of the world cultural heritage.

The car-driving ban in the Palace Museum was put in place in 2013 during Shan Jixiang's tenure as curator of the Palace Museum. He explained that it was a matter of cultural dignity as car driving was also forbidden in the Buckingham Palace in the United Kingdom and the Versailles Palace in France.

On April 26, 2013, when the then French President Francois Hollande visited the Forbidden City with his girlfriend, their motorcade was stopped from entering the Meridian Gate, the entrance of the Forbidden City. So he had to get off his car and got inside on foot.

This year marks the 600th anniversary of the Forbidden City, also the 95th anniversary of the establishment of the Palace Museum.
Days after the arrest of Deputy SP Davinder Singh along with two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, Shiv Sena on Saturday questioned the role of police in the Kashmir Valley.

"Cross border infiltration is ongoing in Kashmir. But the police machinery is being used to help the terrorists in Kashmir to safely cross the border (to Pakistan) and a President's medal awarded Deputy SP was arrested for doing so. In Kashmir (it seems), the government is using the police for some other purposes, what will the country's Home Ministry say if somebody has a doubt in connection with the Pulwama attacks," Sena mouthpiece, Saamna, read.

This was in reference to the incident in which Jammu and Kashmir police intercepted a vehicle on Sunday and arrested DySP Davinder Singh along with two top Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, who were travelling together.

The Sena mouthpiece asserted that the impact and acceptance of the Centre removing Article 370 should be visible "through the people" during the upcoming Republic Day celebrations.

"Jammu and Kashmir is now a Union Territory. It is being ruled by the Centre through President's Rule. The government had removed Article 370 in a historic decision...The joy and excitement in the people over the removal of 370 should be visible in the Republic Day celebrations this time. The tricolour should be seen flying over all houses in Kashmir, it is the least that can be expected," it added.

The Sena mouthpiece further said that with the arrest of terrorists in the recent days, it hoped that "Republic Day will be celebrated safely in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Recording Academy CEO Deborah Dugan was suspended after she sent a memo to human resources three weeks ago saying there was 'something amiss' with the Grammys, says a source who has come forward to defend the organization's first female leader.

Dugan, who was placed on administrative leave Thursday by the academy just six months after she became the first woman to head the Grammys, was let go because of an allegation of misconduct brought against her by a senior leader a the organization, it says.

But the source has come to her defense, saying Dugan was sacked in an effort to silence her over what she was planning to expose.

Recording Academy CEO Deborah Dugan was suspended after she sent a memo to human resources three weeks ago saying there was 'something amiss' with the Grammys, says a source who has come forward to defend the organization's first female leader

Recording Academy CEO Deborah Dugan and Chair of the Board of Trustees Harvey Mason Jr are pictured at the 62nd Grammy Awards Nominations last year in New York. Dugan was placed on administrative leave Thursday just six months after getting the job

'Is the Recording Academy trying to shut up people who want to speak about their experience with the truth of sexual harassment, financial impropriety and [improper] insider benefits?' the insider told the New York Post, referring to what Dugan was going to reveal.

'Are they enforcing a confidentiality agreement where someone [can't] speak their truth? This is so sad  [the Academy is] a boys' club.'

Dugan also fired back in a statement through her lawyer, saying: 'What has been reported is not nearly the story that needs to be told.'

In a statement released Friday to The Associated Press, Dugan's attorney Bryan Freedman said there would be more to the story once his client was no longer restrained from speaking publicly because of her legal contract with the academy.

He did not say how she would be released from the restriction.

The academy's decision to place Dugan on leave came just 10 days before the 2020 Grammy Awards.

The Academy would not reveal the nature of the allegation and would only say it was a formal complaint that came from a senior female member of the team.

The academy's decision to let Dugan go came just 10 days before the 2020 Grammy Awards. Dugan (right) is pictured with Debbie White at the Billboard Women In Music 2019 ceremony, presented by YouTube Music, in Los Angeles, California, in December

A source told the New York Times that the complaint was made by the assistant to Dugan's predecessor Neil Portnow.

The assistant, who also briefly worked for Dugan, accused her of a bullying management style. The alleged bullying led to the assistant having to take a leave of absence, it is claimed.

Portnow stepped down as CEO after facing backlash for his controversial comments at the last Grammys when he said female artists needed to 'step up' if they wanted to win.

A source told the New York Times that a complaint made against Dugan was made by the assistant to Dugan's predecessor Neil Portnow. Portnow is pictured while attending the City Of Hope Spirit Of Life Gala 2019 in October in Santa Monica, California

Insiders have claimed that Dugan was ousted in a 'coup' by the board and staff who were unhappy with her shake-up of the business since taking over from Portnow.

Her suspension came just weeks after she told HR about concerns she had with the Academy's governance and practices, including voting irregularities, conflicts of interest among board members and financial mismanagement.

She wrote in a memo she believed 'something was seriously amiss at the Academy'.

Some have questioned the veracity of the complaint and pointed the finger at disgruntled employees.

'I know a lot of the board members couldn't stand her,' one source told Variety.

Another said: 'There are people who had been there for years who knew they were going to be let go and who knew they would not get a job that paid as well anywhere else.'

Freedman, Dugan's lawyer, also is representing Gabrielle Union, the former 'America's Got Talent', judge who threatened legal action against fellow judge Simon Cowell's company Syco, which co-produces the show, after she was fired in November.

Union has alleged that she was let go show after she was told that her hairstyle and clothes were 'too black'.

Freedman, in reference to the alleged silencing of Dugan, says 'this is what happens when you step up.'
Refugees from the Middle East are working 14-hour days mowing lawns and cleaning gutters to make a living, because their qualifications aren't recognised in Australia.

David Youaneh Ghaterchi came to Australia in 2012 after fleeing Iran to escape religious persecution for his Christian beliefs.

But Mr Ghaterchi's skills as an accountant can't get him work in Australia, so he was forced to start over.

The father-of-two now works long days doing menial labour work to provide for his family.

Mr Ghaterchi works for popular lawn care company Jim's Mowing clearing out gutters and mowing lawns to make ends meet.

Scroll down for video

David Youaneh Ghaterchi came to Australia in 2012 after fleeing Iran to escape religious persecution for his Christian beliefs

The father-of-two now works long days doing menial labour work to provide for his family

'[The] hardest thing is to find a job,' Mr Ghaterchi told Nine News.

'But first of all is [learning] the language.'

Kinan Al Halabi, who fled war-torn Syria, became a driving instructor because his teaching qualifications aren't recognised in Australia.

He now owns his own business and works 12-14 hours a day, seven days a week, in Greenacre in western Sydney.

'There was no future for my son, even for me, no future, everything (was) destroyed,' Kinan said.

Mr Al Halabi and Mr Ghaterchi were able to get a leg up in Australia with the help of not-for-profit Thrive Refugee Enterprise.

Started by refugee Huy Truong, Thrive has loaned more than $2million to help create 200 small businesses run by asylum seekers in Sydney and Melbourne.

Mr Truong came to Australia from Vietnam as a child in 1978, and set up Thrive to help struggling refugees create viable businesses for themselves.

'My father tried to start two small businesses,' Mr Truong said.

'Not surprisingly he failed and ended up in a factory for the next 30 years.'
Bengaluru, Jan 18 : Renowned historian Ramachandra Guha on Saturday said India desperately needs a credible opposition to take on the Hindutva forces which he doesn't see in Rahul Gandhi.

"We desperately need a credible and sustained opposition to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). I believe, however, that Rahul Gandhi cannot provide the leadership to such an opposition," told Guha to IANS.

Though he hesitated to say who can rise up as an alternative force, he said if the Nehru-Gandhi legacy goes away a credible leadership may rise within the Congress party or outside.

"Gandhis are suppressing the emergence of a credible leadership," Guha said.

Guha said the Hindutva forces are damaging India and unchecked Hindutva will destroy the country.

"I believe that the country desperately needs a credible opposition to take on the Hindutva forces. I believe Hindutva is damaging and unchecked Hindutva will destroy India," he said.

According to Guha, based on past record, it is abundantly clear that Gandhi cannot provide a sustained leadership for such an opposition which can take on the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Hindutva forces.

At a literature festival in Kerala on Friday, a staunch critic of the right wing, Guha portrayed Gandhi as a "fifth generation dynast" and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "hard working and self-made".

"I have nothing against Rahul Gandhi personally. He is a decent fellow, very well-mannered. But young India does not want a fifth-generation dynast. If you Malayalis make the mistake of re-electing Rahul Gandhi in 2024 too, you are merely handing over an advantage to Narendra Modi," said Guha said at the Kerala festival.

"Because Narendra Modi's great advantage is that he is not Rahul Gandhi," observed Guha.

According to Guha, Modi ran Gujarat for 15 years, gaining administrative experience. "He is hard-working and does not take holidays in Europe".

Analysing years of political activity, Guha said he cannot predict the future but only describe what can see there today, saying, "It is clear that Rahul Gandhi cannot be a credible leader." Reacting to a news agency's report on a talk he gave in Kerala on Friday at a literature festival, the historian said: "I gave a one hour talk and a news agency reporter took two sentences out of it. Hear the whole one hour talk and write about it." Guha said he spoke an hour about jingoism and religious majority in India today and urged the pubic to react only after listening to the entire speech.

Guha's speech and his observation on the Congress scion went viral with several retweets, comments and reactions to his remarks.

Satisha K.S. tweeted: "Ramachandra Guha admits that Rahul Gandhi is a useless guy and Left is anti-national." "I know he is a disgusting person who has sounded for Modi," tweeted Chinu Mahapatra about the historian.

Another sarcastic tweet by Rasik Vajpayee, said: "Courtiers first blamed EVM, then polarisation and then poor intelligence of electorate and now a historian cum space scientist with lifetime services to a dynasty bites his master." (Sharon Thambala can be contacted at thambalasharon@gmail.com)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Dramatic footage has captured the moment a hoon narrowly missed colliding with another car while performing a burnout in front of a police van.

Vision of the reckless stunt, understood to have been filmed on Friday night in Melbourne, showed several drivers skidding their cars across a major intersection.

A black Holden Commodore was seen starting the burnout, cheered on by a crowd of people as smoke billowed from his tires and police sirens blared.

Fearless hoons have recklessly performed burnouts in an intersection and narrowly missed smashing into an innocent motorist

The driver was seen flicking the back the back end of the car around and narrowly missed a silver sedan that was travelling through the intersection.

A police van with flashing lights was also seen in the background as the driver continued to perform a burnout before they drove away as a spectator danced.

A second driver in a different Holden Commodore then followed the first while performing a burnout themselves.

The drivers in the video were widely criticised by car enthusiasts for their dangerous actions.

'Its people like this that give young drivers and real car enthusiasts a bad name,' a man said.

'You should be ashamed of yourself, if you are going to be a f***wit do it out of harm's way, not in the middle or a intersection with oncoming cars, pathetic loser.'

'Imagine this guy killing an innocent family,' another said.

'Wouldnt have been funny if those cars had collided would it,' a woman said.

If anyone has information they are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
(Natural News) Orthodontic treatments are anything but cheap, but many parents are convinced that scratching together the money for braces for their children will make all the difference to their future confidence levels. After all, it just doesnt make sense that the kid with the ugly, crooked teeth will grow up to be as confident as the one with the perfect, straight teeth, right?

Actually, as surprising as it might seem, that simply isnt true. A study by researchers from the University of Adelaide in Australia has found that forking out the money for braces for your children will not necessarily provide the confidence boost that you might expect. In fact, people who did not have braces fitted when they were younger actually exhibited a pattern of higher psychological scores in four different areas than those whose parents did find the money to give them braces. (Related: Kids are doing DIY braces on YouTube and the results are scary.)

Braces are not necessarily the key to happiness

The study, which was conducted by scientists from the University of Adelaides Dental School, included 448 Australian participants who were 13 years old back in 1988/9. The researchers monitored the group all the way until they were 30 years old in 2005/6, by which time over 33 percent had received orthodontic treatments.

This study was only the second in the world to examine the link between braces and future confidence and happiness. Surprisingly, people who had not received orthodontic treatments in their youth consistently ended up being happier and more confident than those who had. (Related: Everything you need to know about self-confidence.)

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Like those who did receive braces, the participants who did not receive orthodontic interventions exhibited varying degrees of crookedness in their teeth when they were teens, with some having only mildly crooked teeth, while others had extremely severe crookedness.

The researchers monitored four different areas of psychosocial functioning, all of which are known to correlate to future health behaviors and outcomes.

Dentistry Today reported:

The study looked at four psychosocial aspects: how well people felt they coped with new or difficult situations and associated setbacks; how much they felt that they could take care of their own health; the support they believed they received from their personal network; and their own level of optimism.

My orthodontist recommended that I have braces fitted but Im quite happy without them, noted fourth-year dental student Alex Furlan, who was never fitted with braces. Ive never felt the need to straighten my teeth  I can get on in life without having perfectly straight teeth.

Study author, Dr. Esma Dogramaci, noted that while many people believe that braces are the key to feeling good about themselves and doing well psychosocially, this simply is not true. Surprisingly, a simple thing that really did make a big difference to future confidence and happiness was brushing teeth twice a day and visiting the dentist regularly.

Braces also pose significant health risks

Besides being really expensive and not necessarily providing a confidence boost in later life, however, braces can also pose real health risks.

The website Healthfully.com warns that braces can increase jaw pain and headaches, damage tissue inside the mouth, cause dramatic root loss, and increase the chances of tooth decay. In addition, if the thin wires securing the brackets on the teeth break, these wires can scrape the inside of the mouth, causing cuts and bleeding. The glue and metal can also introduce toxins into the body.

As tempting as it might be to believe that braces will magically erase our childrens confidence issues this simply is not true. Instead, they carry serious health risks and are simply not worth their massive price tag.

Learn more at Dentistry.news.

Sources include:

ScienceDaily.com

DentistryToday.com

Healthfully.com
Kashmiri students stage a protest against the state repression in Kashmir at the University of Hyderabad on Saturday. (Photo: P. Surendra)

Hyderabad: About 200 Kashmiri students gathered outside the University of Hyderabad to protest against state repression and five months of internet shutdown.

Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) members used poetry and revolutionary slogans to register their protest during their sit-in. JKSA president Hadif Nisar said the protest was about the many injustices that have been unleashed upon Kashmiris by successive Indian governments. He said: The only difference is that the Congress was doing it quietly while the BJP is very open about it. He highlighted the continuous internet ban in Kashmir and said that people elsewhere in India cant imagine life without internet even for five days. JKSA member Aakriti Suresh, a Kashmiri Pandit (KP) student, highlighted the problems faced by her community. She said the role the government had played in communalising the Kashmir issue cannot be ignored.

The way successive governments have pitched KPs against Kashmiri Muslims really exposes the grand conspiracy they have hatched in turning and then keeping forever Kashmir into a war zone. They were never interested in bringing a political solution to Kashmir on to the table.

JKSA general secretary Arman Kazmi said the fundamental question to discuss was if India really was a democracy. How can disappearances, tortures, massacres and the idea of democracy exist simultaneously, he asked.

JKSA member Maryam B. highlighted the problems faced by students of her community because of the internet ban.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 23:58:52|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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Pakistani President Arif Alvi speaks in an interview with Chinese media in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan on Jan. 17, 2020. China has successfully lifted more than 800 million people out of poverty, which is a great achievement without parallel in history, and Pakistan is learning from China's experience, Pakistani President Arif Alvi said. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)

by Li Hao, Tang Binhui

ISLAMABAD, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- China has successfully lifted more than 800 million people out of poverty, which is a great achievement without parallel in history, and Pakistan is learning from China's experience, Pakistani President Arif Alvi said.

"Pakistan has learnt three things (from China): better health for its people, better education for its people and then equal opportunities to be provided to the people," the president said here Friday in an interview with the Chinese media.

That whoever is sick should be taken care of is the basis of poverty alleviation while good education and equal opportunities of participation will accelerate social development toward prosperity, and Pakistan is learning from China in terms of meeting the basic life needs of people and providing vocational training for the youth, Alvi said.

Talking about the Pakistan-China friendship, Alvi said there is no limit to the development of the good relations, and besides the smooth cooperation between the Pakistani and Chinese governments, there is a friendship between the two peoples which is itself unique. "If you go out and talk to people in Pakistan on the streets, you will find China as the top ranking friend of Pakistan."

Both Pakistan and China attach great importance to "morality and justice" in their exchanges and the China-Pakistan friendship is such an example, he noted.

The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative has given a roadmap for economic cooperation globally, said the president, adding that China invests in Pakistan with no strings attached, and relevant projects which have benefited Pakistan regarding infrastructure and energy, will bring a bigger change to the country in terms of socio-economic development.

The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by China in 2013, refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aims at building trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe, Africa and beyond.

The implementation of the protocol of the second phase of the free trade agreement between Pakistan and China will increase the trade volume between the two countries, which means "there is more cooperation at every level" and Pakistan is also learning from China in the field of special economic zones, the president said.

The cooperation between Pakistan and China is without strings and is solely for the purpose of peace, economic growth and prosperity of the people, which the world can learn from, he added.
Sensible steps needed to handle the Ranjangate scandal View(s):

Leaked phone conversations between a politician and judicial officers with more details due to emerge has led to the interdiction of a Magistrate and inquiries into other judges even as the Sri Lankan public remain tantalised by these unfolding scandals. Weighty matters of governance are left discarded, the soaring cost of living is beside the point and planned constitutional convulsions that aim at returning Sri Lanka to dynastic power are not important. Instead this is the new Roman circus in town, with lions and their prey circling the arena to the shocked gasps of the plebians.

Alleging corruption in the judiciary

Even so and as the integrity of Sri Lankas judicial institution has come under horrified public scrutiny, the last thing that we need is increased use of contempt of court powers ostensibly wielded to protect the adminstration of justice. There are some who have convincingly made the case that, if actor turned politician Ranjan Ramanayake, now more famous for his salacious phone conversations rather than anything else that he has done in his fairly commonplace life, wanted to establish the truth of a claim of corruption in the judiciary in regard to which he is being inquired into on contempt of court charges, he has gone a long way to establish his case as a result of this unholy fracas, regardless of the ethics of what he did. That may be one point of view. That is a matter that is already before court.

However, in the wake of this continuing scandal, to use contempt as a weapon to silence reasonable dissent expressed in regard to judicial orders, including a magisterial remand order, will only be counter-productive in the public arena. This is a country where far, far worse things have happened with little deterrent effect. Monks have stormed into courtrooms to insult judges and lawyers and have thereafter been pardoned by the executive. Military men turned lawyers (or vice-versa) have publicly maligned brave judges who have stood up to political pressure in controversial matters involving state abuses. These cases include the attempt on Rivira Editor Upali Tennakoons life (2008), the disappearance of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda (2010), abduction and disappearance of 11 persons by the Navy (2008) and the abduction and torture of journalist Keith Noyahr (2008).

So when the Bar Association issues a sanctimonious statement as it did this week, pleading with lawyers to be cautious when making statements in respect of judges and the judiciary, this is a forsaking of its essential responsibility to do more than just helplessly wriggle on the end of a stick. In this statement moreover, the Bar has expressed the marvelous sentiment that a few corrupt judges should not taint the entire institution. But it does not require the Bar to say this very obvious fact. What the Bar is called upon to do is to go a step further, beyond its uselessly rattling the cage in which it functions, and take concrete steps that address the issue of judicial integrity as well as judicial independence.

Mediating the relationship between citizens and judges

Foremost in this regard is the enactment of a Contempt of Court Act in line with Sri Lankas neighbouring countries which mediates the relationship of citizens with judges. A Code of Ethics for the judiciary is not likely to have any practical impact beyond affording a useful reason to have conferences and propound nonsense. However, a Contempt law has been a long felt need in this country. A decade or so ago, a draft Contempt law had already been approved by the Bar Council. Similar efforts were taken by the Law Commission of Sri Lanka, by the Editors Guild and by the Human Rights Commission.

The general contents of these drafts reflected modern contempt laws embodying best practices. Where the offence of scandalizing the court is concerned, there are competing interests in issue. These are the dignity and the authority of the judiciary on the one hand and the freedom of speech and the public interest in the due administration of justice on the other. The two extremes that Sri Lanka has seen so far (namely judicial coerciveness versus judicial silence) must yield to a sober balancing of these two interests. That balance should not be left to the individual discretion of a particular judge. Instead it must be provided for by law with appropriate penalties. Protection must be specified for fair and reasonable comment on cases. The rule against commenting on pending proceedings in court must be based on the modern test of substantial prejudice.

Courts in the United Kingdom have declared that there must not be gagging of bona fide public discussion of controversial matters of general public interes. Contemporaneous legal proceedings in which some particular instance of these controversial matters may be in issue are not automatically accepted as a ground to deny public discussion. Dealing with refusal to disclose sources of information and standards of professional ethics, courts are empowered to do so only when disclosure is necessary in the interests of justice or national security or for the prevention of disorder or crime. The greater the legitimate public interest in the information, the greater would be the importance of protecting the source.

Strategic measures needs to be taken to handle the scandal

The freedom to debate the conduct of public affairs by the judiciary does not however mean that personal criticism of judges or scurrilous and unwarranted attacks on the judicial institution, are condoned. These are also matters that are generally dealt with through a contempt law. In Sri Lanka, this becomes important in the context of unrestrained and vicious attacks on the judicial institution particularly in unregulated social media. Where Ramanayakes leaked phone recordings are concerned, using contempt of court as a device to suppress discussion will be useless as the viral spreading of these recordings cannot be stopped by law.

Therefore, strategic measures are needed to be put into place in order that the credibility of the judicial institution in Sri Lanka does not suffer any more than it already has. One vital step would also be to make the functioning of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) proactively more transparent as it takes steps to discipline and control judicial officers. Rather than reacting to a scandal as is the case now, institutional accountability that does not impact negatively on the due administration of justice may be considered.

Sensible steps towards this end are needed, not flamboyant rhetoric or moralistic preaching from the Bar, which has no right to preach given its singular and long standing dereliction of duty in addressing outstanding issues of public concern in respect of the Bench and the Bar alike. Kowtowing to politicians, irrespective of whether these are green, blue or purple, is not one of those professional duties as much as this may be lucrative for lawyers to fill their deep pockets. Indeed this is one of the reasons why those trained in the practice of the law are looked upon with mistrust and suspicion by the public.

Dispelling that negative perception must be a primary aim in the future.
Prasanta Mazumdar By

Express News Service

GUWAHATI: The basis for citizenship to illegal immigrants under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) is religious persecution. However, going by what Assams Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma says, any non-Muslim immigrant from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan, who entered India on any grounds, will now be entitled to Indian citizenship.

Talking to a news channel in Delhi, Sarma said the beneficiaries of CAA would not be able to give evidence of their religious persecution in Bangladesh as they would have to go to the country and the police stations there were unlikely to give documents of religious persecution of minorities in the country. He said immigrants applying for citizenship had to submit three documents.

People applying for citizenship under CAA will be required to submit documentary evidence that they came to India before December 31, 2014; that they are Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, Sikh, Parsi or Jain; and that they were citizens of any of the three countries, Sarma said.

At the same time, he, however, said the Centre might use its agencies to internally find out if people applying for citizenship under CAA had faced religious persecution in the three countries.

The All Assam Students Union (AASU), spearheading the anti-CAA protests in the state, reacted sharply.

We knew they were hoodwinking people by saying that religious persecution will be a basis for citizenship under CAA. We had been saying from before that they will give citizenship to the immigrants without making them submit any documents, AASU general secretary Lurinjyoti Gogoi told this newspaper.

The documents of religious persecution have to be issued by Bangladeshi authorities. Bangladesh will never do that. If it does, it will establish that there had been religious persecution on its soil and that will tarnish the countrys image globally, he said.

The AASU leader alleged that by imposing the illegal immigrants on Assam, the BJP was trying to consolidate its vote bank.

The CAA beneficiaries in Assam are primarily those who came between 1971 and 2014 from Bangladesh. A good number of people, who or whose parents came to Assam before March 24, 1971 but were left out of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) as they failed to submit requisite documents, cannot be CAA beneficiaries. So, their citizenship fate hangs in the balance.


Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has called on Europe to support its work in Libya, where it is providing military support to the internationally-recognized government, if it wants to end the conflict there, Trend with reference to Reuters reports.

Erdogan made his remarks in a column published on the Politico website on Saturday, ahead of a summit in Berlin on Sunday that will try to stabilize the country.

At the meeting, Germany and the United Nations will push rival Libyan camps fighting over the capital, Tripoli, to agree to a truce and monitoring mechanism as first steps toward peace, diplomats and a draft communique said.

Turkey supports the government of Fayez al-Serraj in Tripoli and describes Khalifa Haftar, who heads the eastern Libyan National Army (LNA), as a coup plotter.

Keeping in mind that Europe is less interested in providing military support to Libya, the obvious choice is to work with Turkey, which has already promised military assistance, Erdogan wrote.

We will train Libyas security forces and help them combat terrorism, human trafficking and other serious threats against international security, he added.

Sundays summit will put pressure on Haftar and the LNA to halt a nine-month offensive against Tripoli after a week-long lull in fighting. But it will not try to broker power-sharing between the two sides, said diplomats briefed on preparations.

Haftar and Serraj are both due in Berlin - along with Erdogan and the leaders of Russia, Egypt and other Western and Arab powers. Libya has been in turmoil since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Erdogan said that if Libyas legitimate government were to fall Islamist militant groups such as Islamic State and Al Qaeda will find a fertile ground to get back on their feet.
Dr Tan Cheng Bock opening the PSP's Chinese New Year dinner. (PHOTO: Dhany Osman/Yahoo News Singapore)

SINGAPORE  Dr Tan Cheng Bock, the leader of the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), announced on Friday (17 January) new additions to the partys central executive committee (CEC), including a new assistant secretary-general.

Speaking at the partys Chinese New Year dinner to a crowd of more than 500 members and guests at Ban Heng Restaurant at Harbourfront Centre, Dr Tan said that, with the five new CEC members as well as numerous members stepping up, PSP is no longer a Tan Cheng Bock party.

The new CEC members are assistant secretary-general Leong Mun Wai, and members Francis Yuen, Andrew Ng, Ong Seow Yong and Chika Tan.

New assistant sec-gen has background in finance

Leong, founder and chief executive officer of investment firm Timbre Capital, will be replacing former assistant secretary-general Anthony Lee Yung Hwee, who is stepping down from the position to take care of his daughter.

Michelle Lee, 43, who was already in the CEC, will also be replacing K S Singam as vice-chairman.

Addressing the crowd, Leong, 60, said that even though he was initially reluctant to join the group, he was moved by Dr Tans selfless dedication. Both men had been acquainted while attending events for the Raffles Institution alumni.

When I shared my intention with my friends (my decision to join), all of them advised me against it although all of them agreed that change is needed for Singapore, said Leong, who has a background in finance as a fund manager and investment banker, with a stint as managing director of OCBC Securities.

Calling himself a political rookie, he added that he would have to work hard to earn the peoples recognition on top of my paper qualifications.

Citing Leongs background, Dr Tan said that he would bring managerial, organisational and financial competence into the party.

PSP's New CEC members (from left) Chika Tan, assistant secretary-general Leong Mun Wai and Francis Yuen. (PHOTOS: Dhany Osman/Yahoo News Singapore)

The additions bring PSPs CEC member count to 18.

House visits in West Coast GRC

Representatives from other opposition parties and other notable personnel were present at the dinner.

Story continues

Peoples Voice (PV) leader Lim Tean, Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) secretary-general Chee Soon Juan and chairman Paul Tambyah, as well as Workers Party (WP) CEC member Gerald Giam were seen in attendance, with Dr Chee and Lim seated beside each other. Historian Thum Ping Tjin also attended the dinner.

Dr Tans announcements came five days after the party conducted its first house visits since its launch in August last year.

On 12 January, he had led more than 200 party members and volunteers in their door-to-door home visits in West Coast Group Representation Constituency (GRC).

Dr Tan was previously Member of Parliament (MP) in the single-seat Ayer Rajah constituency for six terms until it became subsumed under West Coast GRC in 2006. He was an MP for 26 years.

Speculations on opposition alliance

Fridays dinner also follows speculation of a possible four-party alliance by opposition parties Singaporeans First party, Democratic Progressive Party, People's Power Party and Reform Party.

When asked, Dr Tan did not rule out a coalition, stating that the party will work with all opposition parties and will be able to work out arrangements nearer to the general elections.

I just want to have a loose association now...we will wait and see because each political party has its own agenda, so Ill have to see how best I can gel with them.

Asked if PSP was in talks with other parties, Dr Tan replied of course, naming WP, SDP and PV as possible allies.

Speaking to the media, Dr Tan also addressed queries related to his personal assistant, CEC member Alex Tan Tiong Hee, who was recently reported to have described leaders of the four-party opposition alliance as captains of "sinking boats" who were "clasping one another's hands to save themselves from drowning".

Dr Tan reiterated a statement that the party had earlier put up, distancing itself from Alex Tans views.

I think sometimes little hiccups here and there dont worry too much. His views didnt represent mine; its not PSPs views, he said.

He rejected the view that Alex Tans words could have negatively impacted PSPs relationship with other opposition parties.

In politics sometimes things do happen, dont be too worked up by it. You must look at the bigger picture, and the bigger picture is to... get all together, he said.



Related stories:

PSP informed other opposition parties of walkabout plans, not ruling out coalition for general election: Tan Cheng Bock and team

PSP's younger members given room to 'manage the ground', says leader Tan Cheng Bock after party's first islandwide walkabout

Tan Cheng Bock rebuts DPM Heng, cries as he speaks of political conviction

I 'wholeheartedly support' the Progress Singapore Party: Lee Hsien Yang

Presidential Election, Oxley Road saga are key issues that show 'drastic change' in the PAP: Tan Cheng Bock

'Very loose' opposition alliance is in the works: Tan Cheng Bock

Will Cheng Bocks appeal to the Merdeka generation work?
Brynbrooke.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

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The B-52 Stratofortress will no longer carry the B61-7 and B83-1 nuclear gravity bombs as it prepares to carry the new long-range standoff weapon, known as LRSO.

Following reports that the bomb variants had been removed from the Cold War-era aircraft's inventory, officials at Air Force Global Strike Command confirmed the move is in line with the bomber's transition into an era of modern warfare.

"As the nature of modern warfare has changed, so have our tactics and weapons," a command spokesperson said in an email Thursday. "The B-52 remains an instrument of national security and a universally recognized symbol of American airpower, able to deliver the widest variety of stand-off and direct-attack nuclear and conventional weapons for the nation."

"As a multi-role platform, the B-52 offers diverse capabilities including delivery of the most advanced precision-guided weapons. The Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) continues to be our main nuclear deterrent. As such, as a natural progression in the development of the airframe, B-52 crews do not currently train to employ the B83 and B61," the command said.

Related: With B-1 Aging and B-21 Still Years Out, Air Force May Soon Have No Go-To Bomber

Hans Kristensen, director of the nuclear information project at the Federation of American Scientists, first pointed out the change, which went into effect in September, according to Air Force Instruction 91-111, "Safety Rules for U.S. Strategic Bomber Aircraft."

"It's official: B-52 bombers are no longer authorized to carry nuclear gravity bombs," Kristensen said in a tweet earlier this week. "New Air Force instruction describes 'removal of B61-7 and B83-1 from B-52H approved weapons configuration.'"

Command officials pointed out that the move actually preceded the AFI.

"The removal of nuclear gravity weapons like the B-61 and B-83 from the B-52 platform has been in effect for several years," said Justin Oakes, public affairs director for the Eighth Air Force and Joint-Global Strike Operations Center.

"The B-52 remains the premier stand-off weapons platform utilizing the air-launched cruise missile as the main nuclear deterrent. While B61s and B83s are no longer equipped on the B-52, the weapons remain in the [B-2 Spirit] inventory," he added.

Eventually, the LRSO -- a nuclear cruise missile that provides an air-launched capability as part of the nuclear triad -- will replace the AGM-86B ALCM, developed in the early 1980s.

The command said the LRSO, expected by the early 2030s, is one of many investments to keep the B-52, known as the Big Ugly Fat Fellow, flying into the foreseeable future.

For example, the Air Force has already said the B-52 will fly well into the 2050s and perhaps beyond, and will receive upgrades to enhance the aircraft as a whole.

In June, the service ran the first test flight for the AGM-183A Air Launched Rapid Response Weapon (known as "Arrow"), a hypersonic weapon Lockheed Martin Corp. says it will continue to ground and flight test over the next three years. The initial tests done on the B-52 at Edwards Air Force Base, California, were meant to measure performance of the carriage bay on the aircraft, officials said at the time.

Additionally, the Air Force needs brand-new engines for the 75-aircraft fleet, though it's unclear whether all B-52s will receive them.

Each aircraft currently has eight Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-3/103 turbofan engines.

The service estimates it will spend more than $1.3 billion on that project alone over the next five years, according to the Future Years Defense Program assessment.

While the Air Force wants to get new engines for its heavy bombers as quickly as possible, lawmakers are insisting that service officials nail down contract specifics before they provide funding, according to language in the fiscal 2020 National Defense Authorization Act.

The last B-52 rolled off the production line in 1962.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.

Read more: After Military Social Media Flubs, 4-Star Promises Improvements
A 55-year-old man has lost his life during a cockfight in India.

According to reports, the man died after a sharp blade tied to a rooster cut his abdomen during the fight which took place in Pragadavaram village in West Godavari, in the state of Andhra Pradesh which already banned such practice.

Read Also: Woman kills father-in-law by squeezing his private parts

Organisers of the fight had tied the razor blade to the leg of the rooster, police said.

The victim was also reportedly one of the organisers and was holding the animal waiting to release it into the arena to fight when the rooster struggled for freedom, and the blade fatally pierced the abdomen of the man, in turn, killing him.

The victim has been identified as Saripalli Venkateswara Rao, 55.

Saripalli Venkateswara Raos death is coming after the Supreme Court of India banned cockfighting as a violation of the 1960 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
The parents of a baby girl who sadly passed away just before Christmas have said their faith in humanity was restored by the level of support they received from members of the public in Enniscorthy and the surrounding areas.

Tilly Brennan, from Clondaw, Ferns, was just eight-and-a-half months old when she passed away in December, as a result of a condition called AVSD.

Tilly captured the hearts and minds of people all over the Enniscorthy district and fundraising events in support of her were very well supported by members of the public.

Members of Enniscorthy Fire Service carried out a fundraising drive which raised 3,875 and that money was presented to Tilly's father, Darren Brennan.

Speaking to this newspaper he said he and Tilly's mother, Linda O'Brien, were very grateful for all of the support they received from people in Enniscorthy.

'They restored my faith in humanity to be honest,' Darren told this newspaper.

Expressing sincere gratitude to the firefighters and everyone else who offered support to himself and Linda in the wake of their daughter's passing he said: 'There are some really good people out there and it's at times like this that you see that.'

The couple plan to give money to Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin in appreciation of the care the staff there afforded Tilly during her illness.

The money was presented to Darren by members of the fire service in the Enniscorthy station.
'Whatever the legal position, it is my understanding that in practice, the Indian authorities have always treated Hindu refugees from Pakistan and Bangladesh far more sympathetically than Muslims,' notes Sunanda K Datta-Ray.

IMAGE: A protest against Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi's visit to Kolkata, January 11, 2020. Photograph: ANI Photo

While deploring the crackdown on Citizenship (Amendment) Act protesters, I cannot for the life of me understand the hysteria over the measure.

Cities erupted in violence, universities were in ferment, chief ministers on the rampage.

Suicides were blamed on the new law.

Yet, it is no more than a gesture of humanity.

It isn't even new.

Whatever the legal position, it is my understanding that in practice, the Indian authorities have always treated Hindu refugees from Pakistan and Bangladesh far more sympathetically than Muslims.

If India doesn't rescue them, who will? India was divided on religious lines.

This is an unfinished legacy of Partition.

Both sides acknowledged this at the very first India-Pakistan conference on stranded minorities held in Calcutta in April 1948.

'Mr Sri Prakasa looks after the interests of Hindus in Sindh,' said Pakistan's then finance minister Ghulam Muhammad, assuring India's first high commissioner of the Pakistan government's cooperation.

Sri Prakasa's house was a 'beehive of lots of people', Ghulam Muhammad added.

As for Bangladesh, the Custodian of Enemy Property told me after the 1971 war that it would be monstrous to demand documents for compensating Hindu refugees.

"A man has fled for his life leaving everything behind, in only the clothes he stands up in, and we should ask him for pattas?" he asked in righteous outrage.

Afghanistan is irrelevant.

It was never British India and the successor State has no obligations there.

In any case, Afghanistan has only about a thousand Hindus.

But even secular India cannot reject responsibility for Pakistan's two million Hindus and the 17 million in Bangladesh.

Nearly five million Hindus and Sikhs left West Pakistan in 1947.

By 1962, 1.5 million Bangladeshi Hindus had escaped to India.

When the trend was mentioned at the 1948 conference, Subimal Dutt, later foreign secretary and India's first high commissioner to Bangladesh, blamed Pakistan's 'undeclared war against India'.

It's impossible to distinguish between economic refugees and those fleeing communal persecution because a biased regime inevitably creates economic difficulties, forcing waves of men, women and children to seek security abroad.

Assamese neurosis about being overwhelmed by Bengalis, especially East Bengalis, has also provoked riots and expulsions over the years.

Gopinath Bordoloi, Assam's first chief minister, waxed eloquent at the Calcutta conference about the threat, seeking to revive a 1945 agreement between his state and the Muslim League about evicting migrants.

Other suggestions included an exchange of population with East Pakistan and separation of a strip of land, perhaps west of the Padma river, for a new state for homeless Hindus.

The Centre was urged to be as generous to eastern refugees as to those in the west.

Presumably, Narendra Damodardas Modi and Amit Anilchandra Shah hope to put an end to an argument that has dragged on painfully for 72 years by recognising once and for all the subcontinental Hindu's right in Hindu-majority India.

True, any determination based on religion may seem contrary to the Constitution's secular commitment.

But this is a formality.

Indians can be secular in conduct and attitude without the fig-leaf of a label.

It's even more ridiculous to claim that the measure will disenfranchise Indian Muslims.

Even if all 19 million Bangladeshi and Pakistani Hindus are accommodated, they could not possibly displace 200 million Indian Muslims who are entrenched in this country's soil, culture and history.

Perhaps the measure does to an extent demonise the governments of Pakistan and Bangladesh, but it's no more than they deserve for persistent ill-treatment of their minorities.

In any case, I have a lurking suspicion that neither country will be too unhappy to see the backs of their Hindus.

For one technical reason or another, the new law does not apply to the tribal areas of Tripura, Mizoram, Assam and Meghalaya or to much of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland.

So there's absolutely no reason for the north east's panic.

Extending the privilege to Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians is only a courtesy, perhaps because the authors needed to demonstrate they weren't legislating only for Hindus.

Since dates are often manipulated in South Asia, the December 31, 2014 cut-off may be a more serious challenge.

The National Register of Citizens even more so for lists can always be tampered with.

But the NRC can't be bracketed with the CAA.

The protests recall an East Bengal Hindu peasant being forced at bayonet point into the lorry to take him 'home' after India's 1971 victory.

Seeing the man's reluctance, I asked if he regarded himself as Indian or Bangladeshi.

He replied without a pause, "Consider me an Indian national resident in Bangladesh!"

It was a succinct summary of an anomaly that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act might remove.
PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-17 23:19:14

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 17, 2020 / Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (TSX: NDM; NYSE American: NAK) ("Northern Dynasty" or the "Company") announces, further to the closing of its underwritten offering of common shares on December 18, 2019, that it has completed the private placement of 11,346,783 common shares of the Company for gross proceeds of approximately CDN$5.6 million (US$4.2 million). The shares were issued at the same price as the shares issued in the underwritten offering, and are subject to applicable resale restrictions, including a four month hold under Canadian securities legislation.The securities to be issued pursuant to this transaction have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.About Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.Northern Dynasty is a mineral exploration and development company based in Vancouver, Canada. Northern Dynasty's principal asset, owned through its wholly owned Alaska-based U.S. subsidiary, Pebble Limited Partnership ("PLP"), is a 100% interest in a contiguous block of 2,402 mineral claims in southwest Alaska, including the Pebble deposit. PLP is the proponent of the Pebble Project, an initiative to develop one of the world's most important mineral resources.Ronald W. ThiessenPresident & CEOUS Media Contact:Dan GagnierGagnier Communications(646) 569-5897Forward Looking Information and other Cautionary FactorsThis news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively referred to as "forward-looking information"). The use of any of the words "expect", "plan", "update" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. Though the Company believes the expectations expressed in its forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are subject to future events and third party discretion such as regulatory personnel. For more information on the Company, and the risks and uncertainties connected with its business, Investors should review the Company's home jurisdiction filings at www.sedar.com and its filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov SOURCE: Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
EDWARDSVILLE  Madison County Board Chairman Kurt Prenzler is happy that, after years of asking the St. Louis Regional Airport Board to post its agendas and minutes on its website to be more transparent and comply with state law, the documents are now online.

This is a huge win for the public, Prenzler said. I believe by doing these things it promotes fiscal responsibility.

Its important for people to know that boards should be transparent, he said. These are their tax dollars that are spent, and they have a right to be informed.

In a Friday news release, Prenzler said that several years ago he sent letters to appointed boards and commissions informing them of the Illinois Open Meetings Act. The statue states, it is the public policy of this State that public bodies exist to aid in the conduct of the peoples business and that the people have a right to be informed as to the conduct of their business.

Under the law, public bodies must post public notices, an annual schedule of meeting dates, agendas and minutes. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) also requires a public body to post a short summary of its purpose, operating budget, number of employees and information on how to submit a FOIA request and contact information for the FOIA officer.

Prenzler, with approval from the county board, appoints more than 220 people to more than 70 boards and commissions  cemetery, drainage and levee, fire, light, sanitary sewer, water, flood prevention districts and more  across Madison County.

If the public body has a website its required to post minutes and agendas online, Prenzler said. The airport board did not do this and Im glad to see they are doing it now.

He said the county would post, for free, the information of a public body that does not have a website on its website.

But in this day and age there really is no excuse for not having a website, Prenzler said.
Holding talks with Xi Jinping on the final day of his two-day visit, Suu Kyi slammed the western countries for criticising Myanmar over the handling of the Rohingya issue

Nay Pyi Taw: China and Myanmar on Saturday inked 33 deals aimed at speeding up key infrastructure projects to provide Beijing a stepping stone to the Indian Ocean after a meeting between President Xi Jinping and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, as the Communist nation ramped up support to cement its hold over the Southeast Asian country under fire for its treatment of Rohingya Muslims.

Holding talks with Xi on the final day of his two-day visit, Suu Kyi slammed the western countries for criticising Myanmar over the handling of the Rohingya issue. Over 7.3 lakh Rohingya Muslims fled to neighbouring Bangladesh alleging attacks by the Myanmar Army, triggering a global refugee crisis.

Xi and Suu Kyi signed 33 agreements, covering areas such as politics, trade, investment and people-to-people communications, shoring up mammoth projects that are part of the flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China's vision of new trade routes described as a "21st Century silk road".

Myanmar would like to promote the building of the Myanmar-China Economic Corridor, and enhance cooperation in transport, energy, production capacity, humanitarian and cultural exchanges, border areas and regional affairs, Suu Kyi told Xi during the talks. Some countries intend to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries with such excuses as human rights, ethnicities and religions, and Myanmar will never accept such interference, she said.

Suu Kyi said Myanmar hoped China would continue to maintain justice for middle and small countries including Myanmar, State-run China Daily reported. The silence of Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace prize winner, over the Rohingya crisis has come under intense global criticism. The International Court of Justice, where Gambia has filed a case of genocide against Myanmar, on Wednesday said it will deliver its decision next week on whether emergency measures should be imposed on Myanmar over alleged genocide of its Rohingya Muslims.

Xi, in his remarks, said China was a trustworthy friend of Myanmar and always respected the development paths of other countries by upholding the principle of non-interference in other countries' affairs. China will continue to maintain justice for Myanmar on the international stage, and it supports Myanmar in safeguarding its national sovereignty and legitimate interests, the Daily report quoted Xi as saying.

The main focus of the agreements signed after the talks between the two leaders appeared to be on the implementation of the China Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) which is akin to the $60 billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under which China looks to access Pakistan's Gwadar port in the Arabian sea. CMEC is also a giant connectivity project linking the landlocked southwestern China to the Indian Ocean.

Details on agreements reached over CMEC were sketchy but they reportedly included a concession and shareholders agreement on the $1.3 billion Kyaukhphyu deep-sea port and economic zone. Kyaukhphyu projects concerns India as it provides a stepping stone for China to the Indian Ocean.

Besides Gwadar, China also acquired the Hambantota port raising concerns over the theory of "String Pearls" to encircle India by Beijing.

There was also a letter of intent for "new urban development" in Myanmar's biggest city Yangon and feasibility studies for rail links. But both the countries skirted the controversial $3.6 billion Myitsone Dam which has been stalled since 2011 over public protests. According to officials, no major new projects have been worked out as Myanmar goes to polls later this year.

China, which for decades has maintained close ties with the Myanmar military even when Suu Kyi was incarcerated for years, has again become an important ally to fend off global isolation of Nay Pyi Taw in the wake of the Rohingya crisis. In his talks with Suu Kyi, Xi said the two countries should speed up connecting development strategies.

Conspicuously missing from his talks was the Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar (BCIM) corridor which China in the past vigorously proposed but apparently dropped it over India's lukewarm support. India has been severely critical of the BRI as CPEC which passes through Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) is its flagship project.

On his arrival in Myanmar, the first by a Chinese leader in 19 years, President Xi received a royal welcome with two fighter jets escorting his plane after it entered the country's airspace. As his plane touched down in Nay Pyi Taw, children presented him flowers before he was whisked off to a greeting party, China's State-run Xinhua news agency reported.
Lanka neglecting its wetlands; invasive plants a major threat By Namini Wijedasa View(s): View(s):

Sri Lankas six Ramsar wetland sites  Wilpattu, Bundala, Kumana, Anawilundawa, Vankalei and Madu Ganga  are greatly affected by spreading invasive plants and this has hit migratory birds which cannot find enough fish in the choking waters, the National Audit Office (NAO) has said.

Ramsar wetland sites are designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental environmental treaty established by UNESCO in the 1970s. By 2018, Sri Lanka had six out of 2,331 Ramsar wetlands worldwide.

The NAO has released an environmental audit on the countrys performance in conserving its Ramsar wetlands. The spread of invasive species is seen as a major problem. Birds are discouraged by lack of food, a result of these floaters stopping sunlight from filtering into the water and facilitating natural processes.

Meanwhile, wellaththa and kalapuandara are threats to dry land, again depriving animals of food and swallowing up natural forest.

The NAO is critical of the authorities failure to prepare and continuously implement short or long-term management plans to stem the proliferation of such plants. Japan jabara, salvinia, hydrilla and diya gova have increased inside tanks in the Anawilundawa sanctuary.

Most tanks in the Wilpattu National Park, including around three-quarters of the largest Maha Wewa, are covered with floating plants including hambupan. While removal of these plants did start last year, it is being conducted very slowly and not quantitatively.

At the Bundala Ramsar wetland, audit inspectors observed the rapid propagation of hambupan in lagoons. The Malala lagoon is under threat of being covered by this plant, while it has also spread to the Embilikala lagoon.

There was neither enough attention paid nor programmes carried out to uproot the plants. In the Bundala Lagoon Road area, katupathok and kalapuandara have spread over around 1000 acres. The Government and the private sector did not cooperate sufficiently to prevent their propagation, the NAO said.

Plants such as kalapuandara and katupathok were seen as well in many areas of the Vankalei sanctuary and there was salvinia in the Itikala lagoon at the Kumana National Park.

The NAO has highlighted other issues. For instance, although Sri Lanka is a signatory to the International Ramswar Wetlands Convention, it has not established a separate legal system to implement the terms. Instead, regulation is carried out by the Department of Wildlife Conservation under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance.

Since the declaration of Ramsar Wetlands, there has been scarce research on the sustainability of biodiversity in these wetlands. While a number of strategic and national conservation plans were prepared, there was no performance evaluation.

The wetland boundaries were gazetted but not marked adequately on the ground. Land ownership needed streamlining while unauthorised building construction and illegal land reclamation were observed in some parts. There were not enough employees or basic facilities for conservation, the NAO said.

Much of Sri Lankas wetlands are in urban areas. The Wildlife Conservation Department has named Colombo city as the countrys first Ramsar wetland. But 40 percent of the citys wetlands were lost over the last four decades and are further diminishing at the rate of 1.2 percent annually.

Even after Ramsar designation was granted, there was no follow-up on the present status of those wetlands, the NAO said.

Luminitzera littorea or rathamilla grows on an island in the Madu Ganga Ramsar sanctuary. It is identified as one of the two most important true mangroves in Sri Lanka and is listed as highly endangered. However, necessary measures for conservation and replanting were not taken at the time of audit in August last year. There were just 48 plants of rathamilla on that island and they were over 50-years-old. And they, too, were threatened by the reclamation and building activities of the 43 families that lived there.

Madu Ganga has a unique biodiversity satisfying eight out of nine criteria for designation as a Ramsar wetland.

The NAO highlights the damage caused to the wetlands in Wilpattu during the annual feast of the Pallekandala Church which is inside the national park. Last year, it was held from July 10 to 15. About 70 vehicles went in every day from the two entrances. The total that passed the Eluwankulama entrance was 1,575 in five days.

The number of people that accessed the park during that period was 12,319 (between 394 and 7,457 a day). While live animals were forbidden to be brought into the park, devotees took them in, the auditors said, and alcohol was drunk inside. The increase in vehicles and people made the situation unmanageable, causing conservation issues for the park, affecting the natural grasslands, freedom of the animals and the wetland environment.
Ottawa [Canada], Jan 18 (ANI): Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday (local time) announced a compensation of $25,000 each for the families of the Canadian citizens or permanent residents killed in the downing of a passenger plane in Iran.



"I want to be clear: We expect Iran to compensate these families. But I have met them (the families). They can't wait weeks. They need support now," CNN quoted Trudeau as saying during a news conference in Ottawa.

The Canadian Prime Minister stated that the assistance will be delivered in the coming days.

The Boeing 737 jet operated by Ukraine International Airlines took off from Tehran for Ukrainian capital Kiev. Minutes after taking off, it disappeared from radar. Days later, Iran had admitted that the jetliner was "accidentally" shot down by missiles.

"We haven't looked at what the full compensation would end up looking like from Iran. But I can assure you that any money from Iran to the victims would go straight to them -- it wouldn't be to reimburse the Canadian government," the Canadian Prime Minister said.

Earlier, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne met his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif in Oman.

"Minister Zarif conveyed his profound regret for this terrible tragedy, and Minister Champagne noted that he had met with families of victims this week who are deeply hurt and angry," a statement from Champagne's office read.

"The ministers discussed the necessity of full access to Iran for officials from Canada and other grieving nations to: provide consular services, assist in ensuring victim identification meets international standards and participate in a thorough and transparent investigation," the statement said while adding that that the two leaders discussed the need for a transparent analysis of the black box data, to which Iran agreed.

"In addition, they discussed the duty Iran has towards the families of the victims -- including compensation. Minister Zarif expressed his support for Iran continuing to work with Canada and all grieving nations in these respects. Minister Champagne noted Iran's cooperation so far and expressed his hope that this would continue," the statement said. (ANI)


Staff at Hakuhodo Digital's digital marketing agency in Indonesia.- Photo courtesy of Hakuhodo Digital

The agency, which officially commenced operations this month, provides a full complement of digital marketing services, from digital strategy planning and creative development, to media planning, buying and content services.

Hakuhodo Digital Vietnam aims to provide actionable and business-effective digital business solutions for clients leveraging deep insight into sei-katsu-sha (the consumer), said CEO Emmanuel James Mangahas.

With the advent of the completely digitalised society in Vietnam, we look forward to providing superior value as a member of the Hakuhodo Group," he said.

Vietnam continued to enjoy robust economic growth, with a GDP growth rate of 7 per cent in the first three quarters of 2019, leading to the rapid adoption of digital services, the agency noted in a press release.

Mobile social media user numbers had also grown by around 16 per cent from last year, an astonishing rate compared to those of industrialised countries.

"All this has seen unprecedented need for information dissemination and product promotion measures leveraging digital media," it stated.

Hakuhodo has provided marketing solutions to global and local clients in Vietnam through two core companies since 2002.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe involving Jammu and Kashmir Polices Deputy Superintendent Davinder Singh who was caught with two terrorists on January 10.

On Thursday, the Union home ministry had asked the NIA to start the probe into Singhs case to take a hard and close look at his involvement with terror groups. This is the first case the NIA has taken up this year.

Davinder Singh was intercepted when he was travelling on the national highway to Jammu along with two Hizbul Mujahideen commanders Naveed Babu, Rafi Ahmed Rather, according to the security establishment. A third man arrested with them Irfan Shafi Mir is said to be a lawyer.

Singh, suspected of going rogue, was arrested under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, or UAPA, the anti-terror law.

On Wednesday, the Jammu and Kashmir administration stripped him of the Sher-e-Kashmir Police Medal for Gallantry. According to an official order, the officers act amounted to disloyalty and brought the force into disrepute.

The preliminary probe has indicated that this was not the first time that Singh escorted the two terrorists through the counter-insurgency grid in Kashmir valley. He was suspended after his arrest.
WASHINGTON - Freezing rain fell in cold, heavy drops as the Women's March began its trek toward the White House on Saturday to confront the president where he lives.

"I can't feel my toes anymore," one woman said as she jumped up and down.

"My fingers are numb," a college student told her friends, extending her hand toward them.

But they kept going - down the steps, into the street, past the Washington Monument and, eventually, into Lafayette Square across from the White House - along with thousands of others who gathered for the fourth annual Women's March on Washington.

Women across the country sent a final rebuke to President Donald Trump before the 2020 presidential election. Though organizers have for weeks tried to put three main issues at the center of the march - climate change, immigration and reproductive rights - Saturday's protest remained very much about the man in the White House.

But many women said this year's march took on a new tone. Instead of feeling angry, fearful or devastated by Trump's ascent to the presidency, demonstrators said they felt something new: hope.

"I remember being at the first Women's March and I started crying while we were chanting," said Emily Anderson, 24, a District of Columbia resident who brought her dog, Yogi. "But today feels really different. It's more hopeful. I think that tells you a lot about how far we've come."

The Women's March burst into the national consciousness in 2017, when it inspired millions to take to the streets in Washington and across the globe. On Saturday, the annual feminist demonstration drew thousands to the nation's capital, as well as to hundreds of cities around the country, including New York, Los Angeles and Denver in demonstrations that organizers said was the beginning of the group's 2020 efforts.

More than 70 buses from states such as Alabama, Nebraska and Pennsylvania brought activists to the rally, Women's March officials said. Many said the upcoming election compelled them to come to Washington this year by to the upcoming election.

"This is the last Women's March we're going to need because Trump is going to be gone by this time next year," said Joann Edmunds, 69, a Roanoke, Virginia, resident who attended the march with three friends. "Once he's out of office, there won't be the same need for it."

Despite organizers insisting Saturday's rally would feature neither speakers nor a stage, the march kicked off with both.

As flakes of snow began to fall and temperatures hovered near 30 degrees, Martin Luther King III took the stage to introduce his wife, humanitarian and activist Arndrea Waters King. She reminded the crowd that 2020 marks 100 years since women earned the right to vote. And this weekend is one that also honors the legacy of her late father-in-law and civil rights leader, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

"Remembering is not enough," she said. "We must see this march as a time of rededication and renewal. . . . This can be the decade that ushers in new freedom."

Throngs carried signs that read "Ratify the ERA now" or "See you at the voting booth," while others held up images of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg.

The right to vote was top of mind for many in the crowd who honored the centennial anniversary of women's suffrage with signs, suffragist costumes and sashes.

"It's been 100 years and we're still fighting - we don't have equal rights," said Nancy Railey, 59, of Garrett County, Maryland, who dressed as a suffragist for the occasion and carried a sign that read "Another 100 years?"

A pair of sisters, Paula Beaty, 55, and Elizabeth Beaty, 61, of Arizona and North Carolina, respectively, said they spent two hours Friday standing in front of the White House in suffragist regalia as men shouted questions at them.

"They asked us why we were out there and said things like 'women here have it better than anywhere else in the world, be grateful,' " Elizabeth Beaty said. "It made me think how the women who fought for the right to vote stood out there for two years - we did it for two hours and that was tough."

Waves of women from Virginia cheered lawmakers' vote earlier in the week to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.

"It's really cool to be able to come here and say, 'Look, we're making progress; we got this done,' " said Theresa Quitto-Dickerson, 37, who attended the march with her wife of 16 years, Gin-I Dickerson, 43. The couple, from Loudoun County (Virginia), helped to lobby for the ERA.

Other issues, including environmental protection, international conflict and transgender rights, were on display at rallies around the country.

In New York, pink hats dotted Columbus Circle as marchers carried signs with pro-woman and anti-Trump slogans.

The demonstrations, though smaller in some cities than in previous years, brought together longtime marchers and new demonstrators, including student activists who said the upcoming election inspired them to participate.

Linda Salzer, 56, of Cambridge, New York, traveled more than two hours to New York City to participate.

"The movement that started in 2017 got me riled up," she said, adding that she had since joined the League of Women Voters and other women's activist groups.

In Los Angeles, thousands of women demonstrated at Pershing Square and Grand Park. Organizers, who coined the theme "Women Rising," for years have sought to separate themselves from the national Women's March organization, but collaborated on Saturday.

Hundreds of participants carried wire hangers wrapped in pink paper with the #noban hashtag on one side and "Warning: this is a surgical instrument" on the other.

Graphic designer Robin McCarthy said she felt motivated to design the hangers after antiabortion "heartbeat bills" were passed around the country. She and two friends brought thousands to hand to demonstrators.

"They're an awful but visceral reminder," she said, "and that's what we want."

At rallies in the District and New York, small groups of antiabortion activists lined the march route and shouted at demonstrators. Protesters blocked them with their signs and chanted, "My body, my choice."

Activists said one of the march's most powerful moments came outside the White House, as Chilean feminist collective Las Tesis led a performance of "Un violador en tu camino" ("A rapist in your path"), a feminist protest anthem that excoriates patriarchal rule, rape culture and violence against women.

Chanting in English and Spanish, the women pumped their fists and tapped their feet as they moved to the beat of drums. Many wore blindfolds, a symbol used by feminist movements around the globe.

"I just yelled at the top of my lungs in front of the White House," shouted Yara Travieso, 33. "In Spanish!"

Trump, however, wasn't in Washington to hear the protesters. The president departed Friday for his Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago, where he spent the weekend.

Protesters marched past Freedom Plaza, their scheduled dispersal point, and toward the Trump International Hotel, where the group broke into another round of the feminist chant.

Though the group had thinned, an all-female drum line at the front of the march kept those present dancing through the street.

The decision to have drummers - instead of celebrities or board members - lead the march was one of several changes made to rebuild relationships with disaffected activists.

Some Jewish women remained weary of the organization because of delays in removing former board members accused of anti-Semitism. But others said they felt compelled to give the group another chance.

Outside the Trump International Hotel, marchers broke into song and dance, beating drums and clapping hands to the beat of the Chilean protest chant. The rain had lifted, and the snow had stopped.

As police cars blocked traffic, the group said in unison: "It's the cops, it's the judges, it's the system, it's the president."

The crowd bust into cheers, women pointing at Trump's gold-plated name as they shouted together, "The rapist is you."
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 03:00:07|Editor: yan

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TASHKENT, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan's Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade signed project implementation agreements in strategic energy sector with Mubadala, Abu Dhabi's investment and development fund, and its subsidiary Masdar, the ministry's press service said Saturday.

The project agreement signed between Uzbek Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade and United Arab Emirates' Masdar company envisages building of a 400 MW wind farm in Navoi region, southwestern part of Uzbekistan, to be commissioned in two years, according to the statement.

Under the agreement, Masdar will design, finance, build and operate a wind farm, Uzbek ministry said adding that the project would cost 600 million U.S dollars.

Under another agreement signed with Mubadala Investment Company, Uzbekistan plans to implement a project on the privatization of existing power units and construction of the new units on the basis of Talimarjan Thermal Power Plant in Kashkadarya region.

The ministry said that the privatization process with the purchase of the shares of the power plant facility is planned by the Emirates' company in the third quarter of 2020.

Uzbekistan has already signed an investment agreement with Masdar on the construction of a photovoltaic power station with a total capacity of 100 MW in Navoi region in 2019.
Tanyas musical venture in Chengdu, China By Sashini Rodrigo View(s): View(s):

On any list of Sri Lankans who have brought fame and recognition to the country, Dr. Tanya Ekanayakas name would rank high. An award winning and internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan-British composer-pianist, she also has a background in popular South Asian music. In addition to being a highly qualified linguist, Tanya is also a record producer, improviser and musicologist.

Although she is a classically trained pianist, her compositional skills are the result of a purely intuitive and natural development. Since August 2014, Tanya has been contracted by Naxos Records, the worlds largest independent classical music record label.

Her remarkable career has taken her on an exciting journey across the world  just last month, Tanya was invited to Chengdu, China to present a solo recital of her own works. Here, she also received the honorary appointment as the Ambassador of Culture Exchange between China and Sri Lanka by the Sichuan Provincial Council.

The Sunday Times caught up with Tanya on her return to Sri Lanka.

Tell us about your recent tour of China. What took you there, and what was your experience like?

I was invited to give a recital of my own works for solo piano in the city of Chengdu and also engage in music welfare activities to promote music in China organised collectively by around seven Chinese organisations affiliated to the Government of China. The Sri Lankan chapter of the International Business Council was also involved in coordinating events. I was deeply moved by the audiences response to my music and equally touched by the hospitality and warmth of the many Chinese individuals I met and came to know during the tour. I felt completely integrated and at home notwithstanding the fact that I do not speak their language.

Tell us about your appointment as Ambassador of Culture Exchange between China and Sri Lanka.

Following my recital, I was invited to accept the post of Ambassador of Culture Exchange between China and Sri Lanka by the Sichuan Provincial Council for Promotion of International Cooperation and Investment of China. I was appointed on the 30th of December last year.

This tour follows on from your most recent solo recital in Edinburgh in October 2019, where you premiered a new composition. What led you to perform there?

The Edinburgh Global Chapter of The University of Edinburgh invited me to give a recital of my own works in honour of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Saturn: Gond Inspired was the final work I performed in this recital and this recital represented its world premiere.

It is a fairly long work of around eleven minutes which evolved in August 2019 and combines eight intertwining themes. Seven themes correspond to the four groups of rings and three groups of fainter rings presently known to belong to the planet Saturn. The eighth theme is intended to represent all that is unknown about the planet, yet to be discovered, perhaps, or destined to remain hidden to humanity. One of the prominent themes, which also recurs as a motif within some of the other themes, is an adaptation of a melody belonging to the ancient indigenous Indian tribe known as the Gond.

In terms of your compositions, what does your creative process generally entail? What, or who inspires you?

My works evolve when I am at the piano and at times in my waking sleep. They are not scored in any form and instead reside frozen in my memory once evolved. The works are entirely structured and conceptually linked whilst also being autobiographical. I am inspired by a very wide variety of musical styles though classically trained and influenced by life in its totality. I am particularly inspired by ancient indigenous and folk melodies which are echoed and at times merged together in my works. So far, my works have collectively incorporated reinventions of all 18 Sri Lankan vannams, many of which have not been previously harmonised or adapted for the piano as well as various traditional melodies of Armenia, China, India, Japan, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

What does 2020 hold in store for you?

I travel to Hong-Kong next month to adjudicate the piano division of one of the worlds largest music festivals which takes place over a period of one month. In and amongst other musical activities, I shall continue work on my third solo album of works for the piano for Naxos Records whilst looking forward to nurturing musical ties between China, Sri Lanka and beyond and continuing to teach part-time at The University of Edinburgh.
By Marina Depetris and Cecile Mantovani LAUSANNE, Switzerland (Reuters) - Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and a crowd of some 10,000 protesters marched in the Swiss city of Lausanne on Friday before many of them head to Davos next week to challenge political and business leaders to combat the climate crisis. The 17-year-old, who launched the #FridaysforFuture movement that has sparked global protests, denounced a lack of government action to cut heat-trapping emissions before it is too late

By Marina Depetris and Cecile Mantovani

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (Reuters) - Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and a crowd of some 10,000 protesters marched in the Swiss city of Lausanne on Friday before many of them head to Davos next week to challenge political and business leaders to combat the climate crisis.

The 17-year-old, who launched the #FridaysforFuture movement that has sparked global protests, denounced a lack of government action to cut heat-trapping emissions before it is too late.

"So, we are now in a new year and we have entered a new decade and so far, during this decade, we have seen no sign whatsoever that real climate action is coming and that has to change, Thunberg said in a speech in Lausanne.

To the world leaders and those in power, I would like to say that you have not seen anything yet. You have not seen the last of us, we can assure you that. And that is the message that we will bring to the World Economic Forum in Davos next week.

Protestors held signs including "Wake up and Smell the Bushfires" and "It is late but it is not too late".

Hundreds of campaigners will take trains over the weekend and then march to Klosters near Davos, which Thunberg is attending for the second year in a row and will take part in two panel events.

Climate change and environmental destruction top the risks highlighted by world decision-makers in a survey ahead of the 2020 gathering of the global elite.

This year's gathering takes place against the backdrop of some of Australia's worst ever bushfires. While the government there has avoided making a link to climate change, the fires have added to public concern about the heating of the planet.

Last year was the Earth's second-hottest since records began, and the world should brace itself for more extreme weather events like the bushfires ravaging much of Australia, the United Nations' World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Wednesday.

We are ... an alliance that is organising next week in 20 countries to say: 'time is up' to the World Economic Forum in Davos. Time is up," a Kenyan activist, Njoki Njoroge Njehu, told the crowd in Lausanne.

"It is time to abolish billionaires. It is time to abolish billionaires, because we cannot afford them, the planet cannot afford billionaires," she said.

(Reporting by Marina Depetris, Cecile Mantovani and Johnny Cotton; Writing by Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by by Giles Elgood)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Lome, Togo (PANA) - Togos Constitutional Court has selected seven of the ten candidates who filed their nominations for the 22 February presidential election, official sources told PANA here Saturday
The Nigeria air force has acquired two helicopter gunships as part of the equipment to tackle criminals including armed bandits in the North West.

President Muhammadu Buhari held a crucial security meeting with his military chiefs and other heads of security agencies on Friday.

At the end of the meeting, an attendee told journalists that they critically looked at everything  and are satisfied with the progress being made to tackle the security challenges.

The Chief of Air Staff, Sadigue Abubakar, also told journalists at the State House in Abuja that the air force had acquired two helicopter gunships as part of the equipment to tackle the criminals including armed bandits in the North West.



Some of the equipment we are acquiring have started arriving. For the Nigerian Air Force, two helicopter gunships have arrived on the 15th of January and we are now in the process of putting them together which will add to whatever we have, he said.

Nigeria is battling with various forms of armed gangs and criminals across the country. These include the Boko Haram terrorists in the North-east, armed bandits in the North-west and armed kidnappers across the country.




Petroglyph at Medicine Lodge State Park. Brooks Jordan, Wyoming State Parks District Manager

January 7, 2020

Contact: Christy Flemming, 3075485406

Lovell, WY: What do wildlife, mining, sacred sites, grazing, and recreation all have in common? Public Lands. Fifty-four percent of Wyoming lands are public. Public lands affect each person in the state, emotionally and economically. Yet because different people have different priorities for the use of public lands (think: wolves, Native American lands and sacred sites, or wildlife migration corridors) discussions of public lands can be controversial.

Many Americans see public lands as a way to represent our society's relationship to the natural world. Thus different forms of public lands are trying to capture different, and changing, societal values. To celebrate these different forms and values -- and the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, which marked a dramatic shift in those values -- the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is working with Powell Valley Community Education, Northwest College, public land agencies, and public land experts to host a Speaker Series and panel discussion.

The focus of the series is the importance of public lands. Each month, starting in January 2020, a public lands expert will present information on different aspects of public lands. The series will culminate in a panel discussion in April 2020. Expert panelists will present their thoughts about the history of, importance, and future of public lands. The hope is these programs will inspire open discussion of public lands, bring to light some issues and benefits of public lands we may not think about, and inspire a real appreciation for Wyomings public lands.

Schedule:

January 16, 6:30 PM, Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center: Brooks Jordan, Wyoming State Parks District Manager, will discuss Wyoming State Parks, the renewed effort to promote recreation in the state, and his perspective on why public lands are important.

February 20, 6:30 PM, Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center: Matthew Kauffman with the U.S. Geological Survey will discuss the Wyoming Migration project and how Public Lands are essential to the movement of wildlife in Wyoming.

March 19, 6:30 PM, Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center: Douglas Smith, Senior Wildlife Biologist at Yellowstone National Park will discuss the importance of public land to wolves, elk, birds, and other wildlife in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

April 9, 6:30 PM, Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center: The speaker series will end with a panel discussion. Facilitator, David Peck, Editor of the Lovell Chronicle, will be asking the expert panelists up to ten questions to inspire conversations among the panelists .

Panelists:

John Clayton is a Montana-based nonfiction writer, independent journalist, essayist, historian, and business ghostwriter. Johns books include Natural Rivals, about John Muir and Gifford Pinchot, Wonderlandscape, about Yellowstone National Park, plus The Cowboy Girl, Stories from Montanas Enduring Frontier, and others.

Jeremy Johnston, Buffalo Bill Center of the West, whose Ph.D. dissertation considered Buffalo Bills and Theodore Roosevelts thoughts and actions in developing the Big Horn Basin, as well as their efforts to preserve sections of the Yellowstone region.

Shane Doyle, an enrolled member of the Crow Tribe from Crow Agency, Montana, has a Masters degree in Native American Studies at Montana State University. Shane also holds a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, and completed a post-doctoral appointment in genetics with the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2016.
Our forebears evolved defences against these pollutants, the scientists propose. Today, those adaptations may provide protection, albeit limited, against tobacco smoke and other airborne threats. But our evolutionary legacy may also be a burden, Trumble and Finch speculate. Some genetic adaptations may have increased our vulnerability to diseases linked to air pollution. Air pollution and tobacco are responsible for up to 20 million premature deaths each year. It is "a really creative, interesting contribution to evolutionary medicine", said Molly Fox, an anthropologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, who was not involved in the study. The story begins about 7 million years ago. Africa at the time was gradually growing more arid. The Sahara emerged in northern Africa, while grasslands opened up in eastern and southern Africa. The ancestors of chimpanzees and gorillas remained in the retreating forests, but our ancient relatives adapted to the new environments. They evolved into a tall, slender frame well suited to walking and running long distances.

Finch and Trumble believe that early humans faced another challenge that has gone largely overlooked: the air. Periodically, the savanna would have experienced heavy dust storms from the Sahara, and our distant ancestors may have risked harm to their lungs from breathing in the silica-rich particles. "When the dust is up, we're going to see more pulmonary problems," Finch said. Even today, Greek researchers have found that when Sahara wind reaches their country, patients surge into hospitals with respiratory complaints. The dense foliage of tropical forests gave chimpanzees and gorillas a refuge from dust. But the earliest humans, wandering the open grasslands, had nowhere to hide.

Dust was not the only hazard. The lungs of early humans also may have been irritated by the high levels of pollen and particles of fecal matter produced by the savanna's vast herds of grazing animals. Finch and Trumble maintain that scientists should consider whether these new challenges altered our biology through natural selection. Is it possible, for instance, that people who are resilient to cigarette smoke have inherited genetic variants that protected their distant ancestors from cave fires? Loading One way to answer these questions is to look at genes that have evolved significantly since our ancestors moved out of the forests. One of them is MARCO, which provides the blueprint for production of a molecular hook used by immune cells in our lungs. The cells use this hook to clear away both bacteria and particles, including silica dust.

The human version of the MARCO gene is distinctively different from that of other apes. That transformation happened at least half-a-million years ago. (Neanderthals carried the variant, too.) Breathing dusty air drove the evolution of MARCO in our savanna-walking ancestors, Finch and Trumble hypothesise. Later, our ancestors added to airborne threats by mastering fire. As they lingered near hearths to cook food, stay warm or keep away from insects, they breathed in smoke. Once early humans began building shelters, the environment became more harmful to their lungs. "Most traditional people live in a highly smoky environment," Finch said. "I think it has been a fact of human living for us even before our species." Smoke created a new evolutionary pressure, he and Trumble believe. Humans evolved powerful liver enzymes, for example, to break down toxins passing into the bloodstream from the lungs. Gary Perdew, a molecular toxicologist at Penn State University, and his colleagues have found evidence of smoke-driven evolution in another gene, AHR.

This gene makes a protein found on cells in the gut, lungs and skin. When toxins get snagged on the protein, cells release enzymes that break down the poisons. Before fire, our ancestors did not need to use AHR very often. Credit:AP Other mammals use AHR to detoxify their food. But the protein is also effective against some of the compounds in wood smoke. Compared to other species, the human version produces a weaker response to toxins, perhaps because AHR protein is not the perfect protector  the fragments it leaves behind can cause tissue damage. Before fire, our ancestors did not need to use AHR very often; in theory, their bodies could tolerate the limited damage the protein caused. But when we began breathing smoke regularly and needing the AHR protein constantly, the gene might have become dangerous to our health.

Perdew believes that humans evolved a weaker AHR response as a way to find "a sweet spot"  a compromise that minimised the damage of airborne pollutants without causing too many side effects. These adaptations were never perfect, as evidenced by the fact that millions of people still die today from indoor air pollution. But evolution doesn't seek perfect health. "All that matters from an evolutionary standpoint is that you reproduce," Perdew said. "If you die in your 40s, so what? It's kind of a cold, heartless way to think about it, but it is what it is." A changed atmosphere Our species arrived at the Industrial Revolution two centuries ago with bodies that had been shaped for millions of years by this highly imperfect process.

Clean water, improved medicines and other innovations drastically reduced deaths from infectious diseases. The average life expectancy shot up. But our exposure to airborne toxins also increased. "If we compressed the last 5 million years into a single year, it wouldn't be until December 31, 11.40pm, that the Industrial Revolution begins," Trumble said. "We are living in just the tiniest little blip of human existence, yet we think everything around us is what's normal." Tobacco companies sell 6.5 trillion cigarettes a year. Credit:AP The Industrial Revolution was powered largely by coal, and people began breathing the fumes. Cars became ubiquitous; power plants and oil refineries spread. Tobacco companies made cigarettes on an industrial scale. Today, they sell 6.5 trillion cigarettes a year. Our bodies responded with defences honed over hundreds of thousands of years. One of their most potent responses was inflammation. But instead of brief bursts of inflammation, many people began to experience it constantly.

Many studies now suggest that chronic inflammation represents an important link between airborne toxins and disease. In the brain, for example, chronic inflammation may impair our ability to clear up defective proteins. As those proteins accumulate, they may lead to dementia. Pathogens can hitch a ride on particles of pollutants. When they get in our noses, they can make contact with nerve endings. There, they can trigger even more inflammation. "They provide this highway that's a direct route to the brain," Fox said. "I think that's what makes this a particularly scary story." Some genetic variants that arose in our smoky past may offer some help now. They might allow some people to live long despite smoking, Finch and Trumble suggest. But the researchers have studied another gene for which the opposite seems to be true: a variant that was once helpful has become harmful in an age of rising air pollution.

The variant, ApoE4, first came to light because it drastically raises the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. More recently, researchers have also discovered that ApoE4 increases the risk that exposure to air pollution leads to dementia. But these studies were restricted to industrialised countries. When researchers looked to other societies  such as farmers in poor villages in Ghana, or indigenous forest-dwellers in Bolivia  ApoE4 had a very different effect. Loading In these societies, infectious diseases remain a major cause of death, especially in children. Researchers have found that in such places, ApoE4 increases the odds that people will survive to adulthood and have children. Natural selection may have favored ApoE4 for hundreds of thousands of years because of this ability to increase survival. But this gene and others may have had harmful side effects that remained invisible until the sooty, smoky modern age.
Cheque presentation to the the Mary Aikenhead Unit, Our Ladys Hospice and Care Services, Harolds Cross with Cathy Lee (left) and her mother Maureen Brennan (97) centre

The spirit of Christmas came to Castletown when many locals gathered at the home of Cathy Lee, of The Beannacht, Ahare, for a bumper Christmas raffle as well as lots of treats and coffee morning and tasty delights which saw just over 2,000 raised for Our Lady's Hospice and Care Services, Harold's Cross, particularly the Mary Aikenhead Head unit.

Cathy Lee's mother, Maureen Brennan (97) was on hand to accept the cheque which was cause for celebration for all at Our Lady's Hospice.

'An amazing 2,050 was raised which will contribute to the refurbishment of the unit's day room and this was made possible by the kindness and generosity of the local people of Gorey,' said Cathy.

'Our sincere and grateful thanks to all who donated prizes for the raffle, bought tickets, baked and ate cakes, washed mugs and contributed in so many ways to make the day the great success'.

Our Lady's Hospice in Harold's Cross was established in 1879 by the Congregation of the Religious Sisters of Charity, which was founded in Dublin by Cork woman Mary Aikenhead in 1815.

During her life she founded 13 houses around Ireland, all working for the poor, the imprisoned, the sick, the dying and the deprived.

In 1834 she established St. Vincent's Hospital in Dublin's St. Stephen's Green and it was the first hospital in Ireland to be staffed and run by women

Cathy said that on behalf of the Lee Family as well as staff of the Mary Aikenhead Unit, she wishes everyone every blessing for the new year ahead.
The United States government should never play the same game, even on a small scale. The goal in this case may have been not to irritate the snowflake in chief residing up Pennsylvania Avenue from the Archives. After all, the Womens March harks back to one of the foundational lies of the Trump presidency, when he falsely insisted, and insisted that his officials likewise falsely insist, that his inauguration crowd was the largest of all time. Mr. Trumps refusal to back down then set the pattern for his presidency: Lies are acceptable, and evidence can be ignored.
Strategic stakes to change hands in the CSE By Duruthu Edirimuni Chandrasekera View(s): View(s):

More strategic share deals are expected at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) in the coming months with added mergers and acquisitions (M and A) activity on the back of better sentiment and a slowdown in global equity markets, analysts say.

Increased activity in the equities markets is expected and more changing hands of large parcels in listed blue-chip firms are imminent, an analyst told the Business Times. In a depressed market where valuations are low, M and A activities are on the rise with strategic stakes changing hands, he said.

This was already displayed when on January 6, which was also the first major transaction for this year, (although not in Sri Lanka), LOLC said its subsidiary LOLC International Ltd of Singapore along with other minority shareholders of PRASAC Microfinance Institution Ltd of Cambodia entered into a Share Purchase Agreement and a Shareholders Agreement with Kookmin Bank, the largest commercial bank in South Korea for the sale of PRASACs entire shareholding of 70 per cent in a nearly Rs. 110 billion deal.

Three days later Malaysias sovereign fund Khazanah Nasionals Broga Hill Investments Ltd sold its entire 10.8 per cent of John Keells Holdings (JKH) in a Rs. 22 billion deal to Citi Groups Global Markets Ltd. This deal brought the daily turnover to a staggering Rs. 23.6 billion which is the second highest turnover next to the Japans Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Company (NTT) selling its 35.19 per cent stake of Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) for Rs. 32 billion, the biggest ever single transaction in the Colombo Stock Exchanges history.

Mauritius-based fund, Milford Ceylon Pvt Ltd (widely speculated as a front for a local firm), on Thursday bought Softlogic Life Insurance PLCs 19 per cent stake amounting to 71.25 million shares which was acquired at Rs. 37 each for Rs. 2.6 billion from the seller, DEG or State Street Munich C/o SSBT-DEG-Deutsche Investitions-UND Entwicklungsgesellschaf MBH.

Thursday also saw Singhe Hospitals third largest shareholder, T. M. P. Tennakoon sell his 9.8 per cent just before the market closed. He sold 42,271,530 shares at Rs. 160 and the buyer is a local party, analysts said.

Many analysts say that there is more to come. More substantial stakes in possibly blue-chip counters will change hands, an analyst told the Business Times. The buyers of those holdings will be a combination of both local and foreigners, he added.

Global insurance players are eyeing local insurers, another analyst said noting that at least two insurance firms are for sale, while many foreign and local buyers are setting the stage for consolidation in this sector. Insurance sector has seen many deals in the past four years and this year will see much consolidation, analysts predict.
Phu Nhuan Jewelry Jsc posted its first trillion dong topping after-tax profit of VND1.19 trillion ($51.2 million) last year, up 24 percent year-on-year.

The third largest jewelry company in Vietnam in terms of 2018 revenues, PNJ saw its 2019 net revenue rise 17 percent year-on-year to VND17 trillion ($732.3 million).

The rising business results came with an expansion in the number of outlets from 324 in 2018 to 369 nationwide last year.

The company also saw its Q4 2019 revenue surge 31 percent year-on-year thanks to year-end discounts which attracted wedding customers. It also reported rising demand from customers in the second half last year.

PNJ has also been expanding its watch segment business. Its 24 wrist watch outlets in the country contributed about 0.5 percent of its revenue last year. It plans to expand to 70 watch outlets this year.

The company signed a deal with The Walt Disney Company South East Asia last November to promote its necklace and earrings products with Disneys iconic characters.

Vietnams jewelry demand reached a record-high 18.2 tonnes in 2018, up 10.3 percent year-on-year, according to the World Gold Council.
President Donald Trump's legal team has issued a furious response to the articles of impeachment, accusing House Democrats of engaging in a 'dangerous attack' on the rights of voters.

'This is a brazen and unlawful attempt to overturn the results of the 2016 election and interfere with the 2020 election now just months away,' reads the filing sent Saturday in response to the Senate's impeachment trial summons.

'The highly partisan and reckless obsession with impeaching the President began the day he was inaugurated and continues to this day,' the response continues.

It is the opening salvo in Trump's legal defense, after high profile attorneys Alan Dershowitz and Ken Starr signed on to argue on his behalf in the Senate impeachment trial.

Scroll down to read the full letter

Trump 's legal team has issued a furious response to the articles of impeachment

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, with committee chairs and House impeachment managers, signs the articles of impeachment earlier this week

Saturday's six-page response is signed by two other members of Trump's legal team, Jay Sekulow and Pat Cipollone.

The strongly-worded letter says that the two articles of impeachment, which allege abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, 'must be rejected.'

It lays out for the first time in detail a preview of Trump's legal strategy going into the trial, arguing not only that he is actually innocent, but that the charges themselves have been illegally brought by House Democrats.

Trump's attorneys argue that the articles of impeachment are unconstitutional in and of themselves and invalid because they don't allege a crime.

'The Articles of Impeachment violate the Constitution,' the letter reads.

'In order to preserve out constitutional structure of government, to reject the poisonous partisanship that the Framers warned against, to ensure one-party political impeachment vendettas do not become the "new normal," and to vindicate the will of the American people, the Senate must reject both Articles of Impeachment,' it continues.

'In the end, this entire process is nothing more than a dangerous attack on the American people themselves and their fundamental right to vote,' the letter concludes.

Trump is seen with his legal team member Pam Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida

Ken Starr, former independent counsel who investigated former U.S. President Bill Clinton, joined Trump's legal team on Friday as a high-profile addition

Under the Constitution impeachment is a political, not a criminal process, and the president can be removed from office is found guilty of whatever lawmakers consider 'high crimes and misdemeanors.'

In a separate filing on Saturday, House Democrats laid out their own legal arguments supporting impeachment.

Their brief argues that Trump 'abandoned his oath to faithfully execute the laws and betrayed his public trust.'

They also called his conduct the 'worst nightmare' of the country's founding fathers.

'President Trumps misconduct presents a danger to our democratic processes, our national security, and our commitment to the rule of law. He must be removed from office,' the House Democrats write in their brief.

The documents offers a taste of the rhetoric expected to be deployed by the president's defenders in the Senate.

The submission of the legal brief, due by 5pm on Saturday, follows the latest revelations in the case against Trump.

Democrats on Friday released more information - documents, text messages, audio and photos - turned over by Lev Parnas, an indicted associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani.

The release included multiple photos of Parnas, a Soviet-born Florida businessman, posing with Giuliani or Trump or Donald Trump Jr., the president's son.

A photo released on Friday shows Lev Parnas with Ivanka Trump at an inauguration event

Parnas is seen with Don Trump Jr at another inauguration event in January 2017

It included messages between Parnas and a staff member for Rep. Devin Nunes, the Republican from California and a Trump ally who opposes the president's impeachment by the House.

Parnas appeared to be connecting the staff member to Ukrainian officials who pushed corruption allegations against former Vice President Joe Biden.

The documents also raised more questions about the surveillance and security of former Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch.

In them, an unidentified individual with a Belgian country code appears to describe Yovanovitch's movements.

The document release followed Thursday's announcement by the Government Accountability Office that the White House violated federal law by withholding congressionally approved security aid to Ukraine, which shares a border with a hostile Russia.

In response, the White House disagreed and said it does not have to follow decisions by the accountability office because it is an arm of Congress.

White House officials also have noted that Trump eventually sent the $400 million in aid to Ukraine.

But the GAO report and Parnas documents intensified the pressure senators have been under to call more witnesses for the trial, a major source of disagreement between Democrats and Republicans that has yet to be resolved.

The White House has instructed officials to disregard subpoenas from Congress seeking for them to appear as witnesses or turn over documents or other information.

Trump on Friday named Ken Starr, the prosecutor whose investigation two decades ago led to the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, along with former Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz, to his defense team.

The additions bring experience in the politics of impeachment as well as constitutional law to Trump's made-for-TV legal team. Both Starr and Dershowitz have been fixtures on Fox News Channel, Trump's preferred television network.

Trump on Friday named former Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz (left) and Ken Starr (right), the prosecutor whose investigation two decades ago led to the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, to his defense team

The lead roles for Trump's defense will be played by White House counsel Pat Cipollone (seen above with Attorney General Bill Barr at the White House in November) and Trump personal lawyer Jay Sekulow, who also represented Trump during the Mueller investigation

Other members of Trump's legal defense include Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general; Jane Raskin, who was part of the president's legal team during Mueller's investigation; Robert Ray, who was part of the Whitewater investigation of the Clintons; and Eric D. Herschmann of the Kasowitz Benson Torres legal firm, which has represented Trump in numerous cases over the last 15 years.

Dershowitz said he will deliver constitutional arguments defending Trump from allegations that he abused his power.

Trump is also accused of obstructing Congress as it sought to investigate pressure he applied on Ukraine's president to announce an investigation into Trump's political rivals as the president withheld the security aid and a White House meeting as leverage.

Trump says he did nothing wrong and argues that Democrats have been out to get him since before he took office.

A legal brief from the White House laying out the contours of Trump's defense was due by noon Monday, and White House attorneys and Trump's outside legal team have been debating just how political the document should be.

Some in the administration have echoed warnings from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the Republican from Kentucky, that the pleadings must be sensitive to the Senate's more staid traditions and leave some of the sharper rhetoric exhibited during the House proceedings to Twitter and cable news.
Local herbs add new flavours at Hilton View(s):

#EatDrinkHilton is all about fresh produce, seasonal offerings and local tastes as the Hilton Colombo celebrates local herbs this January and February. Special menus both food and beverage have been curated by the Executive Chef Robert and the mixologist at LAB.

These innovative local herb infused dishes and drinks will be available at Cafe Kai, Graze Kitchen, Curry Leaf and LAB (Lounge & Bar) till the end of February.
VV Balakrishna By

Express News Service

HYDERABAD: IT, Industries and MAUD Minister KT Rama Rao is a politician of the new age. Being tech savvy, he uses social media platforms to build not only his persona but also the image of the party. In fact, he is way ahead of politicians from all the other hues in making use of technology to reach out to the public and his party workers.

By his own admission, Rama Rao begins his day with a smartphone in his hands, getting his messages across to the party workers and the people of the State. "I spend at least two hours on social media. Apart from this, I go through all the newspapers in the morning to know whats happening where," he says.

The TRS is also way ahead of other parties in using the social media during the elections. The party has been grooming its workers as social media soldiers to counter the attacks of the Opposition. Rama Rao, who is also the TRS working president, had nailed the art of social media engagement. Sharing his social media experiences with Express, he said that he spent around two hours every day on Twitter, WhatsApp and Facebook.

The Minister, who is constantly busy with party affairs and matter of State, takes a break late in the night to reply to party workers, opposition leaders and the public on social media. "I have two mobiles  one with an official SIM and another with a personal SIM. Im part of WhatsApp groups with officials of various departments. On my personal number, Im part of family groups. In fact, Im a member of more than 100 WhatsApp groups, which includes an exclusive group for Sircilla," Rama Rao explained.

"When Im travelling by flight, I use that time to post messages or giving replies. Once Ive landed, all the messages will be delivered automatically. Unlike others, I personally go through all the messages I receive on WhatsApp and Twitter. Social media is a great tool to meet the people in real time," the Minister said.

However, Rama Rao does not use Instagram. "My daughter is very active on Instagram. She often posts videos on Instagram and I watch them occasionally," he said.
(TNS)  A California Senate bill that would force large corporations to pay higher taxes has the support of an heiress to one of the states most famous companies.When Abigail Disney testified last Wednesday in favor of Senate Bill 37 to the Senate Governance and Finance Committee, she said she wasnt speaking in any kind of official capacity, but she acknowledged that her last name carries weight.Its a name that people around the world associate with all of the highest aspirations of the American people, she said.Disney said she supports SB 37, which would force corporations making more than $10 million in a year to pay between 2 percent and 6 percent more in taxes, depending on how much the CEO makes compared to the average employee.The California Chamber of Commerce has added the bill, sponsored by Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, to its job killer list, warning that it would deter companies from coming to or investing in California.Moreover, SB 37 will likely harm California workers, whose jobs will be jeopardized as companies try to counteract the costs of higher taxes by reducing their presence in California, the chamber said in a statement last year.Disney criticized that argument in her testimony.Im still trying to figure out why it would be a job killer, because it would leave a company more money to invest in hiring and capital improvements. Thats patent nonsense, Disney said.Disney testified that 50 years ago, when her grandfather, Roy Disney, was running the company founded by Walt Disney, the pay ratio between employees and the CEO was one to 20. Today, Disney said, the ratio at top corporations exceeds one to 1,000.This is a problem of corporate culture 50 years in the making. The result of a concerted campaign to convince businesspeople, pundits, politicians and the American people that up is down, wrong is right, and more than anything that greed is good, Disney said.Among those testifying against the bill on Wednesday was Peter Blocker of the California Taxpayers Association.Tax increases like these usually often fall on employees and consumers, Blocker said in his testimony. At some point, tax increases on business impacts individuals through less economic growth, lower wages, higher prices, fewer jobs, or decreased returns in retirement investment.The committee ultimately voted four to two to approve the bill, advancing it forward. In response, Skinner tweeted her support for the vote and the bill, and offered her thanks to Disney for testifying on its behalf.
U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley at a news conference at the Pentagon on Oct. 28, 2019. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Milley Says Operation of Africa Command Under Review, Denies US Pulling Out

Mark A. Milley, U.S. Army general and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that the operation of U.S. Africa Command, also known as U.S. Africom, is under review as part of the National Defense Strategy, but denied that U.S. forces would pull out of Africa.

The review of U.S. Africa Command is part of an appraisal of various combatant commands directed by Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper.

We are doing a broad review  of U.S. military resources matching our broader national defense strategy, Milley said. In Africa, were doing that review.

He made the remarks this week after meeting with his French counterpart, army Gen. Francois Lecointre, during NATOs Military Committee meeting in Brussels.

The question were working with the French on is the level of effort. Is it too much, too little, about right? And is it the right capabilities? he said.

Milley said the goal of the review is to use the least amount of force and resources, and shot down speculation that the U.S. would pull out of Africa.

He expects the review to be take no more than two months.

Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (C) poses with U.S. service members and civilians who work at the NATO headquarters, following the NATO Military Committee meeting in Brussels on Jan. 15, 2020. (Army Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Burden via DoD)

There are approximately 7,000 Department of Defense personnel (pdf) assigned to the African continent at present. In November 2018, the Pentagon reportedly planned to reduce forces by about 10 percent in the coming years.

U.S. Africom, which started to operate on Oct. 1, 2007, has around 2,000 assigned personnel, including military, U.S. federal civilian employees, and U.S. contractor employees. About 1,500 of them work at the commands headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, while others are deployed to command units at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida and RAF Molesworth in the United Kingdom.

The command coordinates through the Offices of Security Cooperation and Defense Attache Offices in about 38 nations and has liaison officers at key African posts, including the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping and Training Center in Ghana.

In West Africa, the U.S. military provides logistic, aviation, and sensing capabilities to French forces, British forces, and local forces to contain the terror threat from the ISIS terrorist group.

The French, which have more than 4,500 service members in West Africa, are leading the counter-terrorism efforts.

Sailors and Coast Guardsmen from around the globe participate in a simulated visit, board, search, and seizure exercise during Cutlass Express 2019 in Djibouti on Jan. 31, 2018. (Air Force Staff Sgt. Amy Picard vid DoD)

In the National Defense Strategy (pdf) released in October 2018, the Pentagon identified the reemergence of long-term, strategic competition by revisionist powers as the central challenge to U.S. prosperity and security.

It is increasingly clear that China and Russia want to shape a world consistent with their authoritarian modelgaining veto authority over other nations economic, diplomatic, and security decisions, the Pentagon said.

According to the National Defense Strategy, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command should have the lions share of defense resources, followed by the U.S. European Command, as the main effort is directed at the Indo-Pacific region to deter China, followed by Europe and Russia. North Korea, Iran, and violent extremist organizations are listed as other threats.

The shift of the militarys focus from Africa to Asia has happened as China is expanding its security footprint in Africa after the opening of its first overseas military base in Djibouti in East Africa in 2017.

In a January 2019 report, the African Center for Strategic Studies, a Pentagon-backed institution funded by the U.S. Congress, detailed strategies and tactics China employed to expand militarily in Africa including holding military drills, controlling strategic ports, and peacekeeping.
Months after raking a storm with her tweet about the casting of younger actors in Saand Ki Aankh, Bollywood actor Neena Gupta has said producer Anurag Kashyap wanted to cast her in the film but the financers wanted younger actors.

Speaking with Hindustan Times in an interview, Neena said, Film industry is business. If you sell, you are taken into a film, if you dont then you are not taken. When Anurag announced this film Saand Ki Aankh, I called him and said Ye role to mai kar sakti hu, kya tum young ka kar rahe ho ya old ka kar rahe ho (I can do this role, are you tracing the younger part of their lives or the older one)? He said I wanted to take older actors but my financers said you have to take younger girls. So it is business  who is suited to the project is taken.

Also read: Shah Rukh Khan tells Jeff Bezos he is humble only because his last few films did not work well. Watch video

After Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar were cast as worlds oldest women shooters --Chandro and Prakashi Tomar -- Seema Pahwa and Soni Razdan had joined Neena to ask why older women could not be cast in age-appropriate roles.

ALSO WATCH | Saand Ki Aankh | No Rating Movie Review | Taapsee Pannu | Bhumi Pednekar

Neena credited Ayushmann Khurranas National Award-winning Badhaai Ho for all the offers she is getting now that she is a 60-year-old woman. If Badhaai Ho was not a hit, I wouldnt be called for all these roles. There is nothing emotional, it is a business. You do well, you sell well. Agar Badhaai Ho hit nahi hoti to mujhe ye sab nahi milta jo mil raha hai. Mere ko pucho, maine to sabse zyada old woman ke roles kiye hain jab mai jawan thi. In fact, ab mai apni umar se kam role kar rahi hu jab mai budhi hun (If Badhai Ho was not a hit, I wouldnt have gotten these roles. Ask me, I have done maximum roles of older women when I was young. In fact, I am essaying roles younger to me now). It is not like you are a director and you want somebody and you can take that somebody (in your film). It does not work like that, she said.

She further explained that she did not mean to demean or belittle the work of young actors. What I had said had nothing to do with who should do what. What I had said was, oh, I wish. There are lot of roles for younger actors but very few (roles) for older actors. Because, you know the reason, old age me waise bhi aurat ka kya yogdan hai real life me, humari country me (As it is, how much contribution do old women have in our real life in our country)? So there are many more films with younger actresses doing younger roles. Maine aise hi bol diya ki I wish ye mere se kara lete budha ka role kyuki mai issi umar ki hu (I just expressed my wish that they would have cast me in the role of an old woman as I am of the same age).

I didnt say ki unse kyu karaya, mai unki jagah hoti, mai bhi karti wo role. Kyu nahi karungi? (I did not question their casting, I would have also done these roles if I were in their place, why not?). If there is an interesting role and the filmmaker is asking me to do it, who am I to say?I just said I wish, maybe I should have said it in my heart only, not out in the open. But people made another thing out of it, the National film award winning actor added.

She further asserted that she has also essayed characters older to her age. I have played old woman when I was 30, it all depends on what you have. Us waqt koi choice nahi thi, mujhe karna pada. Mai nahi karna chah rahi thi boodhi aurat ka role. Par mujhe karna pada kyuki koi kaam nahi tha (I did not have a choice, I didnt want to essay roles of older women but I had to because I had no work). Otherwise, you do not play older (characters). Sometimes you go from young to older. I am playing a very old womans role now also. But it is a fantastic role, and I will kill myself to do it.

Talking about her upcoming film Panga and the films lead Kangana Ranaut, Neena said, With Kangana, I did not have many scenes but wherever, the one or two scenes that I have had, I find her real because she was as real as the role demanded her to be. She is very easy to work with and easy to get along, no problem. We had a nice time, gossiping and eating whenever we could. Directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, the film is slated to hit theatres on January 24.

I have a very small part, footage wise. I play Kanganas mother. It is basically about the relationship between mother and daughter. Now that she wants to make a comeback and expects me to look after the kid as she makes a comeback. It is a typical mother-daughter relationship. But eventually, Panga is about how mothers are always there for you.

Neena shared details of her most important scene and said, My most important scene is the last scene, where I say jab interview degi to sirf Prashant ka naam mat lena, apni mummy ka bhi lena. That was a very beautiful thing she had done. Earlier, I was supposed to be on the computer, typing and then I see her winning, her success stories. Then, she (Ashwiny) made me get up and walk till the door and uske baad chor diya mujhe jo karna hai karo (She just left it to me to do it the way I wanted). That is the beauty of it, ki ek rasta dikha ke chor diya (laughs). Usme agar laga ki nahi hua (If she was not satisfied with the result), then she would come in. Whatever I did it was very comfortable on sets.

Praising Ashwiny for keeping the set calm, Neena said, Every day, when I shoot, I am learning. Now I am learning more because I have got more work to do. I learnt a lot from Ashwiny where she would know where I had gone a little sur higher? Sometimes, you do that because you cant have concentration for ten hours in a day. She would always catch it. She would tell me relax yourself, relax our shoulders, relax your head and go out and then do your thing. These are the little things you learn from everyday work. Thats what I learnt - relax and be as natural as possible.

Even if it is a much small scene, you have to give it all. I cant think ki mera chota sa scene hai kar k nikal jau. I had to put in everything even if there was one scene. Chote role ka kya hota hai, graph nahi banta na zyada kyuki kam kaam hota hai. To us choti duniya me apko apna graph banana padta hai. Wo bahut mushkil hota hai. Agar apka bada sa role hai, lamba role hai to (footage wise aur waise bhi) to apka (character graph) ban jata hai ki yaha se waha gae fir ye kiya, fir ye hua fir wo hua. But isme, aap achanak gae, ek chota sa scene karke nikal aye (Small roles do not have graph due to limited screenspace. You need to build a graph in the limited space allotted to the character and I find that very difficult, she added.

Asked if she would like to lead a more laidback life and retire from acting, Neena said, I will not retire, maybe I will work for 5 or 8 hours. Abhi to mai 15-15 ghante kaam kar rahi hun (I am working for 15 hours at a stretch right now). I am the happiest working, it is gives me the maximum pleasure. I have realized, not working for ten years, trying to be a housewife, whateverlooking after husband, children, acchi satisfaction nahi milti mujhe (It is alright, I did all of that but nothing gives me the satisfaction that my work does). Till my body and mind works, I will work. I am very happy when I work, this is my retirement.

Talking about her future projects, Neena said, After Panga, I have Shubh Mangal Zyada Savdhaaan releasing on February 21 in which I have a very substantial and interesting role. I have a film with Sanjay Mishra  Gwalior ; I have Netflix series Masaba Masaba; a series called Panchayat which might come on an OTT; Nikhil Advanis film with Rakul Preet Singh and Arjun Kapoor. That is a very nice and challenging role that I have almost completed work on. I also shot a short film directed by Tahira for Guneet Monga Productions. Suna hai shayad Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar bhi release ho jaegi (I have heard perhaps Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar will also release).

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The United States has long seen North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons as a major national security threat. But the missiles Pyongyang would use to deliver a nuclear bomb appear to be a different matter.

A top U.S. general Friday dismissed concerns North Korea's rapidly developing missile program is capable, for now, of producing anything that could get by U.S. defenses.

"I have 100% confidence," General John Hyten, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told an audience in Washington. "I don't say 100% confidence often. I have 100% confidence in those capabilities against North Korea."

 'Gift' Wasn't Given

U.S. military and intelligence officials have been keeping an especially close eye on Pyongyang since late last year, when leader Kim Jong Un threatened to give Washington a "Christmas gift" it might not like.

At the time, U.S. officials expected some sort of weapons test or a test of one of the country's new long-range ballistic missiles. Only no such test ever materialized. And with negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang seemingly stalled, there are growing concerns a peaceful, diplomatic solution may be drifting out of reach.

Earlier this week, during a news conference at the Pentagon with Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono, U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters the next move was "in Kim Jong-un's hands."
A judge has warned county lines drug bosses to expect a knock on their door after locking up 21 members of a notorious gang for a total of 100 years.

Judge Geraint Walters said yesterday: The police are having ever-increasing success in stamping out this evil trade.

The public are rightly fed up with this activity blighting their communities  the courts will do their bit by passing sentences which ought to deter.

Those caught at any level peddling this misery which destroys lives and communities can expect prison sentences of some length.

In Swansea Crown Court yesterday, Judge Walters handed out a four-year jail sentence to Ryan Jolly, 39, the last of the 21-strong Liverpool gang caught by police in Operation Regent.

Judge Geraint Walters, left, handed out a four-year jail sentence to Ryan Jolly, right, the last of the 21-strong Liverpool gang caught by police in Operation Regent

He said: Those out there had better watch out, the next knock might be on their door.

And he told Jolly, who admitted conspiring to supply Class A drugs: Theres no final chance coming to you, we can start at eight or nine years next time. If we meet again I will make the sentence as long as I can within the guidelines. People have to learn.

Jolly, of Eardisley, Herefordshire, was a trusted courier for the Liverpool gang which flooded South and Mid Wales with Class A drugs  particularly heroin.

The other 20 members were jailed for between three and 12 years at a sentencing hearing at the same court last month.

They trafficked heroin and cocaine with a street value of 1.1 million into the rural towns of Rhayader and Llandrindod Wells, Powys. Gang members also recruited small-time local drug users to act as couriers and spread their evil further into South Wales.

The sentences came as members of another Liverpool gang were jailed for a total of more than 60 years for trafficking heroin and cocaine from Liverpool to Bournemouth on the South Coast.

In Swansea Crown Court, Judge Walters handed out a four-year jail sentence to Ryan Jolly, 39, the last of the 21-strong Liverpool gang caught by police in Operation Regent

Dubbed the Scouse Porky Line after ringleader 31-year-old James Brown, whose nickname was Scouse Porky, the gang used vulnerable adults as mules to make 500-mile round trips to deliver the drugs and cash, disguised in Amazon boxes and car battery packs.The empire was smashed by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit working with Merseyside and Dorset police forces.

A police spokesman said yesterday: Gang members were regularly exchanging between 250 and 300 messages a day with drug users in Dorset, which shows the scale of their supply and the harm they were causing.
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Linkedin Editorial Board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, January 18, 2020 08:31 724 48be62e941b44f04afae568c32299c84 1 Editorial car,garage,Depok,jakarta Free

Once they settle down, inhabitants of Greater Jakarta tend to buy cars, even though their homes often sit on small alleyways inaccessible by four-wheeled vehicles. Owning a car is a symbol of being established  successful. For Javanese people, the predominant ethnic group in Jakarta and its satellite cities, the desire to own cars perhaps comes from an old tradition that requires a real man to possess a horse (as a means of transportation), a wife, a weapon and a bird.

But the New Year floods provide the latest evidence that the region is not prepared to deal with the adverse impacts of its demographic burden. With more people continuing to arrive and babies continuing to be born, the already densely packed Greater Jakarta continues to grapple with its well-established urban problems, including traffic, pollution, waste and flooding.

In an apparent effort to keep the proliferation of cars in check, the government of Depok, south of Jakarta, has enacted Bylaw No. 2/2020 on traffic implementation. The law requires car owners in the West Java city to park their cars in a garage. Deputy Mayor Pradi Supriatna said the measure was a response to rampant complaints about on-street parking, including in residential areas, disrupting the flow of traffic across the city.

Unfortunately, the bylaw, which threatens offenders with fines up to Rp 2 million (US$146), has a long lead time. It will come into effect in two years to allow the local government to prepare guidelines and regulatory mechanisms and to familiarize citizens with the new bylaw. By 2024, the problem will have likely worsened. A similar bylaw has been in place in Jakarta since 2014, but it has remained unenforced, lacking an implementing regulation. In 2017, then-governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat promised to draft a decree to implement the regulation, but the plan never materialized.

The current Jakarta government, too, seems to be making little effort to put the regulation into effect. Head of the city transportation agency Syafrin Liputo said earlier this week that the government would need to talk to the people of Jakarta and find solutions before it could implement the regulation.

According to the 2014 bylaw, car owners, individuals and corporate bodies may not park along the street. Car owners must prove to the Traffic Police Directorate that they have garages when applying for vehicle ownership documents.

The bylaw, if enforced, will force city residents to think twice before buying cars. The disincentive is unavoidable given the fact that vehicle growth has far outpaced road extension. Worse, the rise in the number of vehicles will exacerbate the citys already severe air pollution. Vehicle emissions account for about 70 percent of Jakartas air pollution.

A good policy always offers solutions that will encourage people to follow it, rather than resist it. In the past, the

Jakarta administration has discussed the possibility of providing collective garages for car owners who can not

afford to build garages at home. For the short term, the no-street-parking rule may clear the roads of parked cars, but Jakarta and other big cities will need a better, longer-lasting policy.

Topics : car garage Depok jakarta
The Act comes amid growing protest in the national capital against the new citizenship law. (Photo Credit: File Photo: PTI)

New Delhi:

Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Friday granted power of detaining authority to the Delhi Police Commissioner under the National Security Act, according to a notification. The Act allows preventive detention of an individual for months if the authorities feel that the individual is a threat to the national security, and law and order.

In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (3) of section 3, read with clause (c) of Section 2 of the National Security Act, 1980, the Lt Governor pleased to direct that during the period January 19 to April 18, the Delhi Police Commissioner may also exercise the powers of detaining authority under sub-section (2) of the section 3 of the aforesaid Act, the notification stated.

The notification has been issued on January 10 following the approval of the LG.

The Act comes amid growing protest in the national capital against the new citizenship law. However, the Delhi Police said it is a routine order that has been issued in every quarter and has nothing to do with the current situation.

Violence in Delhi

The national capital witnessed some of the most violent protests against the CAA in December last year. From Seemapuri to Delhi Gate to Jamia, violent clashes were reported in various areas of the national capital.

The agitation erupted after the Narendra Modi government passed the contentious Citizenship Act (CAA) 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.

Asaduddin Owaisi reacts to new act in Delhi

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi while condemning law said the Central government has empowered the Delhi Police to detain under the National Security Act (NSA).

In a tweet, Owaisi said, "Delhi police has shown willingness to act in a way that pleases the Centre. Now it's been empowered to detain under draconian NSA."

"It allows detention up to one year without vakil [lawyer], daleel [argument], appeal and is popular with cops who want to go after anyone irrespective of their guilt/innocence," Asaduddin Owaisi said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 18

Trend:

NATO Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Mircea Geoana will meet with Assistant of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Head of Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev at NATO Headquarters on January 20, 2020, Trend reports on Jan. 18 referring to NATOs website.

The cornerstone of the substantive partnership between Azerbaijan and NATO was laid down on May 4, 1994, when the Partnership for Peace (PfP) Framework Document was signed.

Azerbaijan conducts political dialogue with NATO on a broad range of issues of common concern based on the PfP principles. Within the political dialogue, which is held in different formats and levels, the issues like partnership, regional security, Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, peace support operations, contribution to [stability] in Afghanistan, and emerging security challenges are the matters of bilateral discussions and consultations.

The Individual Partnership Action Plan, which Azerbaijan joined in 2004, enables to hold regular political dialogue, systematize bilateral cooperation as overarching tool and agree on new cooperation activities of mutual interest in a more flexible manner.

Another important mechanism is the Planning and Review Process, which is designed to help Partners identify and evaluate forces and capabilities which might be made available for multinational operations and exercises in conjunction with NATO forces. Azerbaijan has undertaken a number of Partnership Goals on defence planning and preparation of forces for peace support operations.
You are here: China

The National Public Complaints and Proposals Administration (NPCPA) has rolled out regulations to strengthen and improve field inspections to better handle petitions, officials of the administration said Friday.

The administration has launched 15 rounds of field inspections to settle petitions since 2013 and achieved great outcome, the officials said.

Petitioning, also known as "letters and calls," is China's administrative system for hearing public complaints and grievances. In China, petitioners generally see injustices in areas including land acquisition, education and environmental protection, among others.

The regulations stressed on the planning of the field inspections and clarified the division of responsibilities among different offices.

Each team must provide detailed reports with briefings, results and recommendations of the field inspection, according to the regulations.

Some procedures have been reduced in order to relieve the pressure on local officials, according to the regulations.

The NPCPA has also highlighted the importance of follow-up supervision in the regulations to ensure that problems were fully resolved.

The inspection results and follow-up information will be made public online, said the regulations.
ALBANY, N.Y.  As the number of laboratory-confirmed flu cases and flu-related hospitalizations continue their steady increase statewide, Gov. Andrew Cuomo directed the New York State Department of Health to take additional steps to ensure healthcare facilities are prepared for the remainder of the flu season.

The Gov. directed the Department to begin enhanced monitoring of hospitals through the Health Emergency Response Data System to ensure hospitals have the capacity, guidance, and resources necessary to combat the recent surge in hospitalizations.

As the numbers of flu cases and flu hospitalizations continue to rise, Ive directed the Department of Health to use every tool at its disposal to make sure our healthcare system remains prepared for an influx of patients, Cuomo said in a news release.

While providers are taking extra steps in response to the uptick in the flu season, New Yorkers can still protect themselves and others by getting a flu shot, Cuomo noted.

The latest influenza surveillance report shows another sharp increase in flu cases and flu-associated hospitalizations. Recently, 1,964 New Yorkers were hospitalized with lab-confirmed influenza, up 34 percent from the previous week. This season, there have been 5,694 flu-related hospitalizations.

In addition, last week, 10,085 laboratory-confirmed flu cases were reported to the State Department of Health, a nine-percent increase in cases from the week prior. There has been a total of 32,848 lab-confirmed cases reported this season, with one flu-associated pediatric death.

By utilizing HERDS, New York State healthcare facilities will be required to report numerous flu-related information to the Department each week, including their capacity by types of patient care units, whether they have activated their surge plan, and whether they have adequate ventilators and antivirals, in addition to other information.

The State Department of Health recently issued a statewide health advisory alerting healthcare providers to the dramatic increase in flu activity across New York State.

The advisory also encourages providers to promote the effectiveness of patients getting vaccinated to help prevent the spread of influenza. While the effectiveness of the flu vaccine can vary, this years flu vaccine is likely to be more effective against the types of flu viruses that are circulating this season, as flu vaccines tend to work best against influenza A (H1) and B viruses.

As our hospitals have experienced a surge in flu-associated hospitalizations, we are working closely with them to make sure they are equipped to meet the demands of this flu season. The sizable increase in the number of people hospitalized further emphasizes the importance of getting a flu shot now, Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said in the release.

The latest increase in lab-confirmed flu hospitalizations comes after Dr. Zucker this past December declared influenza prevalent in New York State. The announcement put into effect a regulation requiring that healthcare workers who are not vaccinated against influenza wear surgical or procedure masks in areas where patients are typically present.

Influenza activity data is available on the New York State Flu Tracker. The Flu Tracker is a dashboard on the New York State Health Connector that provides timely information about local, regional and statewide influenza activity. Click here for a video demonstration of how you can use the New York State Flu Tracker.

The State Health Department recommends and urges that everyone six months of age or older receive an influenza vaccination. The vaccine is especially important for people at high risk for complications from influenza, including children under age 2, pregnant women and adults over age 65.

People with pre-existing conditions, such as asthma and heart disease, are also at greater risk, as are individuals with weakened immune systems due to disease or medications such as chemotherapy or chronic steroid use. Since influenza virus can spread easily by coughing or sneezing, it is also important that family members and people in regular contact with high-risk individuals get an influenza vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conduct studies each year to determine how effective that years vaccine is at protecting against influenza-related illness. Studies show that the vaccine remains the most effective way to protect public health.

Additionally, studies show that the influenza vaccine can make the illness milder in certain cases where an individual was vaccinated but still contracted influenza.

Most health insurance plans cover influenza vaccines. Individuals and families without health insurance should check with their county health department to find out if local clinics will be held to provide free or low-cost vaccinations. Children two years of age and older and adults may also be able to get their influenza vaccine at a local pharmacy.

For additional information about influenza, including how it is monitored in New York State, visit the Department of Health web page.
By Ayman al-Warfali BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) - Protesters in eastern Libya entered the Zueitina oil terminal on Friday and announced its closure in response to calls by tribal leaders, a port engineer and witnesses told Reuters. The tribal leaders are from eastern and southern Libya, areas controlled by military commander Khalifa Haftar, who will come under pressure to end his campaign to take the capital Tripoli at an international summit in Berlin this weekend.

By Ayman al-Warfali

BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) - Protesters in eastern Libya entered the Zueitina oil terminal on Friday and announced its closure in response to calls by tribal leaders, a port engineer and witnesses told Reuters.

The tribal leaders are from eastern and southern Libya, areas controlled by military commander Khalifa Haftar, who will come under pressure to end his campaign to take the capital Tripoli at an international summit in Berlin this weekend.

The state oil company, NOC, said the country's oil and gas industry should not be used as a "card for political bargaining".

However, the Zueitina engineer said "the terminal is still receiving oil and a tanker entered it today". Reuters could not verify whether exports had been halted and NOC was not immediately available for comment.

The tribal leaders on Thursday called for oil terminals to be shut and accused the internationally recognised government in Tripoli of using oil revenue to pay foreign fighters.

Scores of protesters erected a large tent outside the Zueitina terminal. They read a statement saying they planned to shut all oil terminals in eastern Libya.

Port engineers in the other three eastern terminals - Brega, Ras Lanuf and Es Sider - told Reuters that the ports were still open and receiving oil.

Zueitina usually loads around 14 oil tankers per month and also receives gas tankers, the port engineer said.

NOC warned against closing terminals.

"The oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of the Libyan economy ... they should not be used as a card for political bargaining," NOC Chairman Mustafa Sanalla said in a statement.

"Shutting production and export of oil will have serious and easily predictable consequences for the Libyan economy," he added.

Eastern Libya and part of the south are controlled by Haftar's Libya National Army (LNA), which has been trying to take Tripoli, home to the U.N.-backed Government of National Accord.

Haftar and the Tripoli premier Fayez al-Serraj plus their foreign backers are expected to meet in Berlin on Sunday, when Germany and the United Nations will push the rival camps to agree a truce.

Turkey has sent soldiers and foreign fighters to help Tripoli fend off the LNA, which is supported by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Russian mercenaries.

The Tripoli-based NOC has sought to stay out of the conflict but faces pressure from the LNA, which controls most oil ports. NOC channels oil and gas revenues through the central bank, which mainly works with the Tripoli government though it also pays some public servants in the east.

(Reporting by Ahmed Elumami, and Alaa Swilam; Writing by Mahmoud Mourad; Editing by Ulf Laessing, Kevin Liffey, William Maclean and Giles Elgood)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Boris Johnson will give his Cabinet Ministers 'marks out of ten' for their performance over the next month as he decides who to fire in a reshufffle  with those who showboat on TV top of his hit list.

The move is part of plans to re-energise his Government following criticism of his failure to set out a blueprint for power and accusations that he is dithering over big decisions.

And he has told No 10 officials to scale back his foreign travel plans so he can 'personally drive delivery' of his Election manifesto promises, which he will set out after Brexit Day on January 31.

Boris Johnson will give his Cabinet Ministers 'marks out of ten' for their performance over the next month

It comes after Mr Johnson faced censure for failing to break his Caribbean holiday to deal with the Iran crisis and for being slow to make decisions on major issues such as the future of the HS2 line and whether Chinese telecoms company Huawei should be allowed to build the UK's 5G network.

One Minister has privately likened Mr Johnson to Labour's Gordon Brown, on the grounds that 'both spent their entire careers hungering for power, but didn't know what to do with it when they got it'.

But the drive to crank up No 10's operation led to a week of tears and tantrums in Whitehall as Downing Street moved to clamp down on leaks. Ministerial advisers suspected of passing information to the media were called in to No 10 and told that they were 'being watched'  one was said to have 'looked tearful' when told they were on a 'final warning'.

One Minister has privately likened Mr Johnson to Labour's Gordon Brown (pictured), on the grounds that 'both spent their entire careers hungering for power, but didn't know what to do with it when they got it'

After details appeared in newspapers of Mr Johnson's announcement to Cabinet last week that he wanted to restore the Conservatives' reputation as the party of law and order by setting up a cross-Whitehall taskforce, enraged No 10 officials wrote formally to Ministers' private offices to warn them that they faced being interviewed over the leak.

And after a story appeared about multi-millionaire Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick being at loggerheads with his blue-collar deputy Esther McVey over which voters should be helped onto the housing ladder, the adviser blamed for the story was ordered to apologise to Mr Jenrick in person.

Mr Johnson's team are also planning to restructure the system of advisers to give them more control over media briefings  inviting comparisons with the draconian news management methods introduced by Tony Blair's administration, under the aegis of Alastair Campbell, after he won a landslide victory in the 1997 Election.

The Prime Minister is preparing to make a major set-piece speech in early February to set out his plans for life after Brexit.

He will then reshuffle his Cabinet  the most likely dates being either February 7 or 14, Valentine's Day  having assessed which members of his top team would be able to address the PM's policy priorities, such as health, law and order and 'levelling up' prosperity and opportunity across the country.

And after a story appeared about multi-millionaire Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick (pictured) being at loggerheads with his blue-collar deputy Esther McVey over which voters should be helped onto the housing ladder, the adviser blamed for the story was ordered to apologise to Mr Jenrick in person

A No 10 source said that the Ministers would get 'effectively marks out of ten' based on their 'ability to deliver the PM's agenda'  and would lose marks if they were perceived to be more concerned with building up their own 'personal brand' by making appearances in broadcast studios.

The source said: 'The post-Brexit reshuffle will focus on rewarding competence. Delivery will be shown to matter more than profile raising.'

The remarks show that Mr Johnson is keen to end the cult of 'celebrity politicians' such as Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg.

He was a familiar fixture in the TV studios and on radio phone-ins until his remark, early in the Election campaign, which appeared to blame victims of the Grenfell Tower disaster for obeying the instructions of the fire services not to leave the building. Mr Rees-Mogg has since vanished from sight and is tipped to be moved in the reshuffle.

It is thought that Mr Johnson is keen to end the cult of 'celebrity politicians' such as Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg (pictured)

As part of the new drive, Munira Mirza (pictured), head of the No 10 policy unit, is writing to each Secretary of State to outline the key policy priorities they are expected to deliver  and the criteria they will be judged by

Mr Johnson is understood to have cooled on the idea of a 'Valentines Day massacre' of Ministers and radical reorganisation of Whitehall  as advocated by his adviser Dominic Cummings  on the grounds that it could be too destabilising.

As part of the new drive, Munira Mirza, head of the No 10 policy unit, is writing to each Secretary of State to outline the key policy priorities they are expected to deliver  and the criteria they will be judged by. A No 10 source said: 'The Prime Minister has been clear that this Government will reward competence and hard work.

'We've been impressed by Cabinet members and junior Ministers who have quietly got on with driving real change within their departments and delivering on the PM's priority to level up our country.'

Ministers secretly restart No Deal plans amid fears trade talks with Brussels will collapse

Ministers have quietly restarted No Deal planning meetings amid fears trade talks with Brussels will collapse, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Whitehall's EU Exit Operations committee  dubbed XO and chaired by Michael Gove  met on Thursday to begin preparations for a 'disorderly December', should Brussels 'fail to grasp we really are going at the end of the year', said a Cabinet Minister who was present.

Our revelation comes after Dominic Cummings warned that Brussels has not yet 'woken up' to Britain's negotiating position  and would not for several weeks yet.

The top No 10 aide told Government advisers at a meeting on Friday evening: 'We are not bluffing on the no extension.'

Mr Cummings's warnings were echoed yesterday by Sajid Javid, who offered business a stark reality check on what Brexit means

The UK Government has insisted that the EU transition phase will end on December 31, but last week Ireland's EU Commissioner Phil Hogan said that time frame was impossible.

Fears are mounting that Brussels's intransigence and insistence on a settlement of fishing access rights before proper trade talks begin will push the negotiations to collapse.

In that scenario, the transition phase would end without new border rules in place  hence the Government's reactivation of emergency planning.

Referring to the Conservatives' resounding General Election win, Mr Cummings added that Europe would be wrong to think 'a big majority means a softening of our position'.

And he warned that Brussels has 'failed to grasp their judges will have no power and we are not interested in level playing fields'.

Mr Cummings's warnings were echoed yesterday by Sajid Javid, who offered business a stark reality check on what Brexit means.

The Chancellor told the Financial Times: 'There will not be alignment, we will not be a rule-taker, we will not be in the single market and we will not be in the customs union and we will do this by the end of the year.'

He added: 'We're ... talking about companies that have known since 2016 that we are leaving the EU.'

Previously Ministers had only privately conceded that there will be 'friction' at Dover and Calais as Britain is no longer seeking a close relationship with the EU.

Whitehall's EU Exit Operations committee  dubbed XO and chaired by Michael Gove (pictured)  met on Thursday

Official trade talks with Brussels cannot start until next month  after Britain has formally left the bloc  with chief negotiator David Frost currently preparing the Government's formal 'red lines'.

In a bid to ratchet up pressure on Brussels, Downing Street will begin trade deal talks with the United States at the same time as negotiations get under way with the EU.

The Prime Minister has also tasked trade negotiators to start discussions with countries including Japan and Australia, alongside those with the US.
Plans for a new mixed use development on Connolly's Field at the junction of Hill Street and the Avenue Road don't include the removal of Hill Street Bridge and Tesco won't have to pay a contribution towards taking away the old railway bridge as they are not developing the site.

This blow to Louth County Council's desire to see the bridge demolished emerged as councillors were told that the planning permission which would have required Tesco paying a contribution toward the removal of the bridge has now expired.

It had been envisaged that the bridge would be removed if Tesco had moved to the second phase of the development of the former Dundalk Shopping Centre site. However, that planning permission has expired and this current development, which is being undertaken by Sprucetree Developments Ltd, doesn't require the removal of the bridge.

Senior Executive Planner Emer O'Callaghan outlined how application had been lodged with An Bord Pleanala as it is falls under the legislation for Strategic Housing Development.

The proposal is for 114 apartments, two retail units, a medical centre and office and the FOLD housing association will be involved in the provision of the apartments for people over 55 years of age.

A part five application will be required in regard to the social housing element which is being provided by FOLD housing association which has a track record for providing accommodation for people over 55 years of age. She explained that the closing date for submissions is February 3 and assured councillors that the Council will treat this as a normal planning permission when preparing reports but that the final decision is made by An Bord Pleanala.

Cllr Maria Doyle voiced concerns as to how the proposed development would impact on the scheme to allievate flooding at nearby Balmars's Bog, for which the council has received funding. These concerns were shared by a number of other councillors.

Ms O'Callaghan told them that the issue relating to flooding was discussed at the pre-planning meetings and a flood risk assessment will have to form part of the planning application.

Councillors also recalled the imposition of a planning condition which required Tesco to pay a contribution towards the removal of the bridge.

However, Ms O'Callaghan said that the first phase of the development was for the building of the Tesco Extra store which didn't require the removal of the bridge. The company didn't proceed with the second phase and the planning permission had expired. She agreed with Cllr Marianne Butler that the local authority had no money for the removal of the bridge.

Director of Service Mr Frank Pentony added that the council had received 1million in development levies in relation to the new store.

Cllr Tomas Sharkey said the bridge needs to go and this development might be the only way to see it gone. There was no need for it and it is affecting traffic and pedestrians and would make it difficult for the people that the development is catering for to walk into town.

Senior Executive Housing Officer Ms Aoife Lawler told the meeting that FOLD is very active in Northern Ireland and Dublin and the Council is very interested in bringing them to Louth as there is a huge demand for housing for older people.
By PTI

INDORE: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Saturday that the goal of making India a USD 5 trillion economy by 2024 was "difficult but not impossible".

It can be achieved by increasing domestic production and reducing dependence on imports, he said at the 29th International Management Conclave of the Indore Management Association here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders have often spoken about the goal of turning India into a USD 5 trillion economy by 2024.

"Strong political will is very important to achieve any goal. Manifesting the same will, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set ourselves the goal of making the country a USD 5 trillion economy," Gadkari said.

"This goal is difficult but not impossible," he added.

"Our country has plenty of resources and production capacity. Despite that we are spending crores every year on importing goods like medicines, medical devices, coal, copper, papers, etc," the Union minister said.

"If we want to become a USD 5 trillion economy, we have to increase the domestic production of these things instead of importing them," he said.

Referring to the current economic slowdown, Gadkari said, "We are the fastest growing economy in the world. But there is a cycle in the business. Challenges crops up, at times due to the global economy and sometimes because of a gap in demand and supply.

"But I see India's future in the leaders of younger generation who can turn difficulties and challenges into opportunities," Gadkari said.

There was no dearth of capital, resources and technology in the country, "but there is definitely a lack of right vision and leadership in different fields", he said.

Exports will be encouraged by focusing on increasing the participation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the development, the minister said.

"This will help create five crore new jobs. The government is asking every department what it can contribute to achieve the target of USD 5 trillion economy," Gadkari added.
ARISS educational radio contact with school in Toronto, Canada

An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Ontario Science Centre, Toronto, Canada.

The event is scheduled on Wednesday 22 January 2020 at approximately 17:21 UTC, which is 18.21 CEWT.

The contact is expected to be conducted in English.

The contact will be a telebridge between astronaut Luca Parmitano KF5KPD and IK1SLD, located in northern Italy. The contact should be audible over Italy and adjacent areas. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.800 MHz narrowband FM downlink.

Moreover, operations at IK1SLD ground station will be web cast on https://www.ariotti.com/

Story:

Jean Moffet has volunteered at the Ontario Science Centre's amateur radio station VE3OSC for more than 30 years, sharing her knowledge of and passion for ham radio with countless visitors.

Having recently celebrated her 96th birthday, Jean indicated one of her bucket list items is to speak to an astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS). To honour her invaluable contribution, the Science Centre is working with the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Canada to help Jean check this item off her list.

Participants will ask as many of the following questions as time allows:

1. Did you have an opinion about extra-terrestrial life before being on the ISS; has being on the ISS changed your views?

2. Being a mature woman, I have done a lot of cleaning. Has seeing Earth from near-space given you any thoughts on modifying existing technology, say attachments to airplanes, to help with excess greenhouse gas clean-up?

3. Have you seen space junk? How bad is the problem?

4. Did you always want to be an astronaut? What did your parents think?

5. What personal item did you bring with you and why?

6. What do you miss most about your usual life?

7. What is the most stressful situation in space you have experienced and how did it turn out?

8. What life lesson have you brought back that you can share with us from your most stressful situation in space?

9. How do you relieve boredom on ISS? Do you play with fidget toys, Silly Putty, games, music?

10. Does food taste different on the space station? How do you deal with food cravings?

11. What effects of microgravity have been the hardest to adjust to?

12. What are your thoughts on the portrayal of space in movies?

13. What does space look like from the International Space Station?

14. What is your favourite view of Earth from the space station?

15. What are your three favourite things about being on the space station?

16. Do you miss being able to go out for a walk whenever you want?

PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARISS UPDATES:

Visit ARISS on Facebook. We can be found at Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS).

To receive our Twitter updates, follow @ARISS_status

About ARISS

Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station: NASA, CSA, ESA, Roscosmos, JAXA.

In the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the ISS National Lab and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The primary goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students in classrooms or public forums. Before and during these radio contacts, students, educators, parents, and communities learn about space, space technologies, and amateur radio.

For more information, see www.ariss.org.

73,

Gaston Bertels ON4WF

ARISS past chairman
President Muhammadu Buhari says it is his hope the hands over peacefully to whoever succeeds him.

Buhari who spoke at a dinner with members of the legal team for the 2019 presidential election petition on Thursday in Abuja, also hoped for the 2023 presidential election to be conducted without hitches

Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, quoted Buhari as saying as a beneficiary of a free and fair election, he would bequeath same to his successor and the nation in 2023.

Buhari was also quoted as saying, he is convinced his re-election was not a fluke, following the large turnout of Nigerians during his campaign across the 36 states of the federation.

The number of people that turned out in every state across the country was more than anybody can buy or force, Buhari said.

This gave me so much confidence and the election proved that with the votes I got. That is why I insist that elections must be free and fair because I am a clear successor to a free and fair election.

Read Also: Buhari Never Visited El-Zakzaky To Beg For Votes: Aide

Morally I want to have a clear conscience. I swore by the Holy Book that I will abide by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

I will continue to do my best and I hope that by 2023, I can handover quietly to whoever succeeds me and I wish him the best of luck.
JOHNSTOWN  If a person knew nothing of the multi-million dollar national effort to unseat U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, a trip to Johnstown would be enough to convince them that all is well and red in the North Country.

On Friday, Stefanik visited her constituents and toured local businesses in this Fulton County town, where, with a population of roughly 9,000, the Schuylerville Republican is somewhat of a celebrity.

She started her day at Partner's Pub, a lively spot where roughly 75 people packed a back room to hear from the congresswoman. Outside, those who had come for the bar's weekday lunch rush ogled from their tables a few feet away.

America-themed apparel and Make America Great Again hats were abound, as Stefanik offered a brief speech before taking photos with supporters. She hit all the points: Backing President Donald Trump, boosting the economy, protecting the Second Amendment, criticizing her opponent, Tedra Cobb  just to name a few.

The crowd loved it. And they loved her.

"U-S-A! U-S-A!" two young men chanted as Stefanik spoke. At a table nearby, an older woman whispered to her friend: "She speaks so well." Local elected officials who turned out to show their support wore "Elise for Congress" stickers on their chests.

"She's one of the strongest young women leaders that we have in America today, without a doubt," said Assemblyman Robert Smullen, R-Johnstown.

Surely, that kind of energy can be expected at a campaign stop. Cobb has had her own handful of events where, from her perspective, it seemed as if the 21st Congressional District, which Stefanik has easily carried since 2014, may be shifting to the left.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

But on Friday, Stefanik's celebrity status followed her to two tours of local manufacturing businesses. The congresswoman stopped by Epimed, a medical device manufacturer, where its executives thanked her for her work in Washington, D.C., and pledged their support.

They spent about an hour discussing the repeal of the medical device tax, the opioid crisis and Epimed's role in upstate New York. As Stefanik headed out, she joked with them about taking a new photo to replace a six-year-old picture in the company's main lobby featuring U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer, a Democrat.

At her next stop, at Electro-Metrics Antenna Design, the executives were less up-front about political support for the congresswoman, but employees were not as shy. She introduced herself as Elise, and several of them thanked her for representing the district and "standing up" for Trump in the nation's capital.

"It's always amazing for me to see the diversity of things that we produce in the North Country and ways that I can help support our manufacturers," Stefanik said.
Riders to unite for fundraiser

The Montana Snowmobile Association will have its annual snowmobile ride, convention and awards banquet Friday and Saturday, Feb. 7-8, at the Copper King Inn Convention Center in Butte in conjunction with Trans-Montana Charity Ride for NAMI and hosted by Wise River Jackpine Savages and Mining City Trail Riders.

The event is a fund-raiser for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)  a mental health support group for veterans and teens with an emphasis on suicide prevention.

Fridays keynote speaker will be Kerry White of Citizens for Balanced Use. Saturday will include guided snowmobile rides and a dinner and auction. Vendors will be present both days. The public is welcome.

For details, contact Mike Patterson at 491-6235 or MIKEPATT1952@gmail.com.

Economic outlook seminar coming

The Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Montana will kick off its 45th annual Economic Outlook Seminar series in late January.

The half-day seminar visits 10 cities and highlights the latest trends for local economies and the state.

With this years theme Finding Good Workers: New Challenges, New Solutions the focus will be on helping businesses struggling with finding suitable workers for job openings.

Its time to take a step back and think about where economic growth is heading across the state, said BBER director Patrick Barkey.

The seminar will be in Butte from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at the NorthWestern Energy general office in Butte. Registration cost is $90. For details or to register, visit http://www.economicoutlookseminar.com or call 406-243-5113.

Anaconda workshops for farmers, ranchers

A series of winter workshops in Anaconda will help beginning farmers and ranchers interested in starting a new business or adding a new enterprise. Planning For On-Farm Success offers expert presenters, experienced producers, and ag professionals to help participants understand and develop the tools they need to launch a successful new enterprise.

The workshops, hosted by MSU Extension in partnership with the Community Food & Agriculture Coalition will be offered Wednesday evenings 5:30 to 8:30 through Feb. 26 on the following topics:

Jan 22: Researching Your Market

Jan 29: Farm Marketing & Promotion

Feb 5: Managing Your Financials

Feb 12: Financial Decision-Making

Feb 19: Financing Your Farm

Feb 26: Managing Farm Risks

Participants will learn about local resources, network with local producers and service providers, and get hands-on support working on their own business plans. Workshop registration is $20 each or $100 for the full seven-part series, which includes the Planning for On-Farm Success workbook.

To register and learn more about topics and presenters, visit https://www.missoulacfac.org/programs/farmer-support/pfos-2020/ or contact Kimberly Richardson at kimberly.richardson@montana.edu or 406-563-4035.

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The draft National Security Strategy of Ukraine titled "Security of a Person  Security of a Country," which was considered during a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) chaired by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, envisages measures to reduce possible escalation of the conflict with Russia and tension in bilateral relations.

"It is also proposed to take measures to reduce the likelihood of escalation of the conflict with the Russian Federation and tension in bilateral relations," reads a statement on the Ukrainian president's website.

The priority areas of the national security policy in the draft strategy include ensuring of independence and state sovereignty, social development, primarily development of the human capital assets, protection of rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of Ukrainian citizens, European and Euro-Atlantic integration (creation of necessary conditions for full membership in the EU and NATO), restoration of territorial integrity within the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine.

"The implementation of these priorities will be ensured through the restoration of peace and state sovereignty in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, implementation of a range of international legal, political, diplomatic, security, humanitarian and economic measures "Crimea is Ukraine," reads the statement.

Director of the National Institute for Strategic Studies Oleksandr Lytvynenko said that the draft strategy had been elaborated by the working group and presented, in particular, at NATO Headquarters in Brussels in December 2019, where it was positively assessed.

It is proposed to base its activities on three main principles: the development of defense and security capabilities that would prevent armed aggression against Ukraine by increasing the price of that aggression; the ability of society and the state to respond quickly and adequately to changes in the security environment and to maintain sustainable functioning of their basic mechanisms; development of strategic relations with key foreign partners, first of all with the European Union and EU Member States, NATO, the United States, pragmatic cooperation with other countries and international organizations based on the national interests of Ukraine.

NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov said that the strategy "will be the basis for the development of other strategic planning documents in the fields of national security and defense that will determine the ways and instruments of their provision."

In particular, it is a human development strategy, a military security strategy, a public security and civil defense strategy, a strategy for the development of the defense industry, an economic, environmental, information security strategy, a cybersecurity strategy, a national intelligence program, a foreign policy security strategy, national security strategy, counter-intelligence and counter-terrorism and other strategies.
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Rep. Devin Nunes was caught red-handed as Democrats have released text messages between his top aide and Lev Parnas on the Ukraine plot.

One of the exchanges involved Nunes aide Derek Harvey setting up a meeting with Lev Parnas at the Trump Hotel:

Parnas on April 19: Also do you want to interview the general prosecutor who got [ditched] by Biden? Also the anti corruption prosecutor? Let me know.

Harvey: Does tomorrow work?

The messages also show that Harvey met with Giuliani and Parnas at the Trump Hotel. The messages are confirmation of Parnass story that Nunes was involved in the plot but trying to lay low because he is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee.

Read the full text messages:

Nunes Parnas text messages

Devin Nunes threatened to sue Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) because Lieu said that he was involved with Parnas and the Ukraine scheme. Ted Lieu was telling the truth, and Rep. Devin Nunes is lying.

It is uncertain if Nunes is in any legal jeopardy for his role in the plot, but he politically he is in a world of hurt and looks like another Trump stooge who is about to go down.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

Follow Jason Easley on Facebook
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.




Tyler Perry says Netflix film 'A Fall From Grace' inspired by journey of faith, trials

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NEW YORK  Actor, director and producer Tyler Perry says his latest film, Netflixs A Fall from Grace, was birthed out of his own experience clinging to his faith and prayer in times of pain and uncertainty.

I just want people to know that no matter how dark, no matter how bad, no matter how dismal the scene or situation you're in, there's still hope, Perry told The Christian Post in sit-down interview in New York City. I say that even from my own life, realizing that I was in some of the darkest times in my life and didn't even know if I was going to make it. But as long as it held my faith and held on to hope and prayer and God and believing, it all came together.

"A Fall from Grace," released on Netflix Jan. 17, is not a family-friendly film. The dark thriller features brief nudity, sexual content, and some adult language that might turn off some of Perrys faith-based viewers.

It does, however, highlight the themes of hope, perseverance, and loyalty while showing the realities of what some single, aging women face.

The Netflix original film follows Grace Waters (Crystal R. Fox), a downtrodden woman who is restored by a new romance after being disillusioned and lonely since her ex-husband's affair. However, its not long before Grace learns secrets about her new husband that shatter her world in ways she never could have imagined. When Grace is convicted of murdering him, its down to her and her lawyer (Bresha Webb) to uncover the truth.

Phylicia Rashad, Mehcad Brooks, Cicely Tyson and Perry round out the cast, while Perry also directed and wrote the screenplay.

In the beginning, I was very much, I'm only going to do certain things, I'm only gonna tell certain stories, Perry recounted. And then I realized as a storyteller, there were so many more ways to tell stories and still reach people. So this was very important to me that while I was doing this, that I got an opportunity to really take this woman on her journey who was the woman of faith through all that she went through and just let people know that no matter how dark it gets, there's always hope.

An outspoken Christian, Fox added that while many people choose their work based on their faith, she adopts the mentality that where I am, God is.

I take Him with me. I never leave Him, she said.

Although it's not a faith-based film, religious symbolism and themes are sprinkled throughout A Fall from Grace. Grace talks about her faith, is seen attending church, and chooses her lawyer based on their shared beliefs.

I want people to know who she was and her background, Perry said. She couldn't kill a spider off a bed. She was just a really good, hardworking woman who had very tremendous faith in God and believed. And somewhere along the way, she lost the belief in herself, which I think happens a lot.

Webb, who stars as Graces heart-of-gold-yet-inexperienced lawyer, Jasmine, told CP she prays over every role she tackles. Jesus, she said, comes first when it comes to her acting career.

I want God to speak through me, to lead me to the instincts that lead me to unfold what He wants me to say in this character as well, she said.

Rashad, best known for her role as Clair Huxtable from "The Cosby Show," plays Graces close friend and confidante, Sarah. She encouraged women watching the film who struggle with loneliness and isolation to remember their worth in a culture that places little value on older adults.

Examine this feeling of loneliness and isolation and what is that really about, she said. There's something about a number of us as women who feel that we are incomplete without someone there next to us where we can touch. I know a number of women who live with someone right next to them that they can touch, and from my observation, they are very alone and lonely even with that, so that it's not really what loneliness is.

It has not so much to do, I don't think, with someone that you can't touch as it does with being in or out of touch with yourself, she added.

Fox added that part of the reason Grace experiences trials is because she lost sight of her identity and worth as a child of Christ. Her name, Grace, she explained, is another word for the Holy Spirit.

I read something recently in a daily word that said something about how grace needs to be acknowledged. When it is not, it cringes and withdraws within itself, Fox said. And for me, that's what happened to her when she stepped on her beliefs and did something maybe outside of herself. She lost herself. But if she remembered who she was, she would remember what was always over her as well. Her name is her gifting from God, its the love of God, its the covering of God. She is grace.

Still, A Fall from Grace offers redemption, Tyler said, adding: At the end of it, they ask, Is it over? and she says, Oh, it ain't over. She came to herself.

Fox said that at pre-screenings, both men and women approached her after watching the movie and revealed theyd endured similar trials.

I love that this story touches other races and genders as well, she said. I just want them to know ... remember to love yourself before you look for somebody else to love you. And if you lose your way, get back to that. Get back to that. It'll allow you to open yourself up for whatever comes your way, to be blessed by love or an opportunity, anything, but love yourself first.

And don't give up, she stressed. Don't forget your intuition. Follow your instinct. That discernment is there for a reason.
The #HumWapasAayenge began trending on Twitter on Saturday as more and more Kashmiri Pandits pledged to return to their homes in the Valley

New Delhi: To mark the 30th anniversary of the mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley, members of the community took to social media to post videos of themselves by narrating the "Hum Aayenge Apne Watan" dialogue from an upcoming flick, Shikara, with the hope that they would return to their homeland one day.

On 19 January, 1990, lakhs of Kashmiri Pandits were forced to leave their homes in the Valley following a genocidal campaign launched by terrorists.

Theatre actor Chandan Sadhu participated in the campaign and said that Kashmiri Pandits have shown "unimaginable resilience" and hope to return to the Valley soon.

"As Kashmiri Pandits complete 30 years in exile this weekend, let our cry for justice be finally noticed. We have shown unimaginable resilience, and today we resolve to return home. Kashmiri Pandit friends: please record this video statement and put it up with #HumWapasAayenge," Sadhu tweeted.

The #HumWapasAayenge began trending on Twitter as more and more Kashmiri Pandits joined in the campaign to narrate the "Hum Aayenge Apne Watan" dialogue and a pledge to return to their homes.

Sunanda Vashisht tweeted a throwback image of herself and said that resolve to go back home has strengthened more.

"I don't have many pictures left of my childhood. Choosing between life and family albums is really no choice at all. When lives were rescued, family albums got left behind. 30 years have passed. Resolve to go back home has only strengthened. #HumWapasAayenge," she tweeted.

I dont have many pictures left of my childhood. Choosing between life and family albums is really no choice at all. When lives were rescued, family albums got left behind. 30 years have passed. Resolve to go back home has only strengthened. #HumWapasAayenge pic.twitter.com/mZr14n95a8  Sunanda Vashisht (@sunandavashisht) January 18, 2020

Radio personality Khushboo Mattoo tweeted a video repeating the dialogue from Shikara and tweeted, "Said this in a BBC interview three years back. And I am saying it again #HumWapasAayenge #Shikara."

Said this in a BBC interview three years back. And I am saying it again #HumWapasAayenge#Shikara pic.twitter.com/6lGveHjMmn  Khushboo Mattoo (@MattLaemon) January 17, 2020

Journalist Rahul Pandita also took to his Twitter and captioned his post saying, "30 years of exile from Kashmir. Let us now pledge that we will return home."

30 years of exile from Kashmir. Let us now pledge that we will return home. [Kashmiri Pandit friends: please record this video statement and put it up with #HumWapasAayenge ] pic.twitter.com/d0PBXx7QRU  Rahul Pandita (@rahulpandita) January 17, 2020

'Shikara' chronicles the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley on the night of 19 January, 1990. Helmed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the movie is slated to release on 7 February.

Netizens have supported the initiative and have expressed solidarity with the Kashmiri Pandits.

In July last year, Home Minister Amit Shah said in the Rajya Sabha that the central government is committed to bringing Kashmiri Pandits and Sufis back to the Valley saying a time will come when they will offer prayers at the famous Kheer Bhawani temple.

"Kashmiri Pandits were forced to leave Kashmir. Many of their shrines were demolished. Sufism was targeted in Jammu and Kashmir. Sufism used to talk about unity and harmony but they were attacked. No voice was raised in favour of Kashmiri Pandits and Sufis when they were brutally attacked. Sufis used to talk about the unity among Hindus and Muslims but they were forced to leave the Valley. Narendra Modi-led government is committed to bringing back Kashmiri Pandits, he had said.

The Mata Kheer Bhawani temple is one of the holiest shrines of Kashmiri Pandits, located about 14 kilometres east of Srinagar.

Last September, a delegation of the Kashmiri Pandit community met the Prime Minister in Houston and thanked him for the historic decision to abrogate Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Modi acknowledged the hardships endured by the community following their exodus from their ancestral homeland back in 1989-1990 due to militancy.

"You have suffered a lot, but the world is changing. We have to move ahead together and build a new Kashmir," the prime minister had told the delegation.

"I had a special interaction with Kashmiri Pandits in Houston," Modi had tweeted following the interaction.

In October, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar announced that the Centre has decided to provide compensation of Rs 5.5 lakh each to 5,300 displaced families from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), who initially opted to move outside Jammu and Kashmir but later on returned.

These families were earlier left out in the rehabilitation package that was approved by the Cabinet on November 30, 2016.

The prime minister had announced a reconstruction plan for Jammu and Kashmir in November 2016. His plan included a rehabilitation package for a one-time settlement of 36,384 displaced persons' (DPs) families of PoK-1947 and Chhamb.
The shortest man on the planet, Khagendra Thapa Magar is dead.

Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in

Khagendra succumbed to a couple of illnesses on Friday, January 17 while he was been attended to at Manipal Hospital in Nepal.

The young man, who was born on 14 October 1992, stood at 67.08 cm (2 ft 2.41 in) tall when measured at Fewa City Hospital in Pohkara, Nepal, on the advent of his 18th birthday in 2010. 

READ ALSO: Year of Return lady narrates how she lost iPhone 11 pro and bought it later at Circle (Video)

READ ALSO: Needy Form 1 student reports to school with only 2 bars of soap

According to a report by the Guinness World Records, Khaghendra was struggling with heart problems, asthma and pneumonia.

He was admitted at the Manipal Hospital on Thursday, January 16 where he was fighting for his life.

READ ALSO: 22-year-old UCC student arrested after kidnapping SHS girl for 5 days

World's shortest man Khagendra Thapa Magar dies at 27. Photo: Guinness World Records

Source: UGC

He first came to the attention of the Guinness World Records in 2010, when he was measured by the Records Manager and was confirmed to be the shortest male teenager living.

Khaghendra made his first appearance to the GWR in 2011 alongside the shortest female teenager, Jyoti Amge.

READ ALSO: American man argues Accra is neater than New York after visiting Ghana (Video)

Khaghendra made his first appearance to the GWR in 2011 alongside the shortest female teenager, Jyoti Amge. Photo: Guinness World Records

Source: UGC

At the age of 18, Khaghendara qualified for the shortest adult title in the world replacing Edward Hernandez of Colombia.

His stature caught the world's attention in 2011 and this saw him appointed as the Nepalese Goodwill Ambassador for Tourism.

READ ALSO: Man eats 5 balls of banku under 1:45 minutes in competition (Video)

His stature caught the world's attention in 2011 and this saw him appointed as the Nepalese Goodwill Ambassador for Tourism. Photo: Guinness World Records

Source: UGC

In other news, AfroChella happened in grand style drawing the attention of the Guinness World Records to its massive jollof cooking.

A news report indicates that the jollof that got the attention of the world-renowned organization was prepared by Tasty Tom, a popular food brand in Ghana.

The massive jollof was cooked by a team of experts in a large pot. Reports indicate that jollof has never 'happened' on such a massive scale.

Enjoy reading our stories? Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news!

Get interactive via our Facebook page.

Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 11:21:37|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Friday urged Malian parties to show political will to urgently accelerate the implementation of their 2015 Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation.

In a press statement, the council members noted some progress in the implementation of the agreement but expressed serious concern about delays over many of its substantive provisions.

They were encouraged by the start of the redeployment to the north of the first units of the reconstituted and reformed Malian armed forces.

They welcomed the holding of the national inclusive dialogue and encouraged the parties to build on this momentum to move forward on the political and institutional provisions of the peace agreement.

They welcomed a plan to increase the protected mobility, agility and flexibility of the UN peacekeeping force in Mali.

The council members reiterated their concern about the security situation in Mali and about the sentiment against the UN peacekeeping force in the country.
Kangana Ranauts film Manikarnika was well received by the Indian audiences and is now winning hearts in Japan as well. As Manikarnika holds the third opening position on the Japanese box-office, the Korean film Extreme Job, released in January 2019, bagged the first opening position, whereas, rom-com Long Shot, released in May 2019, bagged the second opening position.

Directed by Kangana and Krish Jagarlamudi, Manikarnika had collected just less than Rs 100 crore at the Indian box-office.

Meanwhile, Anurag Basu, who had launched Kangana in Gangster and followed it up with Life in a Metro, said in a recent media interaction I never felt that Kangana would become such a big star. She is a very fast learner. She wants to learn, so the hunger was always there from her very first film. The actress will be next seen in Panga, releasing January 24.
Probably without Big Bens bongs, Boris Johnson will milk the UKs departure from the EU on 31 January. After that, he hopes that Brexit will slip out of the headlines so he can show voters tired of hearing the B-word that his government is addressing their day-to-day concerns: the NHS, crime, schools and the cost of living.

Any respite will be brief.

The UK and EU are already sniping at each other ahead of what will soon become fractious negotiations on a trade deal. While Johnson wants to learn from Theresa Mays mistakes over the withdrawal agreement, he risks repeating them.
Sana Shakil By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Answering certain questions in the National Population Register (NPR), like information on your parents place of birth is not mandatory, senior government officials said on Friday. The important clarification came during a day-long conference the Centre held in the Capital with officials from all states to discuss the modalities for the 2021 Census. NPR is to be carried out in the country during April 1-September 30, along with the first phase of Census 2021. According to sources, some non-BJP-ruled states flagged objections over the new methodology for the NPR exercise.

Rajasthan Chief Secretary D B Gupta said he and representatives of many other states raised objections to a few questions to be asked by enumerators to people during the NPR exercise. We said certain questions in NPR are impractical, like those related to the birth place of parents. There are many people in the country who even dont know their own birth place. We wondered what purpose would such questions serve, Gupta told reporters after the meeting.

The Centre defended them saying such questions were asked earlier too, adding this time they had just sought to link an individuals place of birth with his or her parents place of birth. However, answering the question is voluntary, Gupta quoted them as having said. Rajasthan is ruled by the Congress, which has announced its opposition to NPR. Assemblies of Kerala and Punjab have already adopted resolutions declaring their opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act. And a few state governments, including West Bengal and Kerala, have declared that they will not participate in NPR as it is a prelude to a country-wide National Register of Citizens.

During the meeting, presentations were made on the objectives of the Census, NPR and their benefits. A presentation on the use of a mobile app to collect the data was also made. In his inaugural address, Union minister Nityanand Rai said data collected in the Census will help the country frame welfare policies for the masses. Officials said the objective of NPR is to create a database of every usual resident in the country.

West Bengal officials give it a miss

The conference was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai and attended by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, chief secretaries and census directors of many states. However, no one from the West Bengal government attended, an official said
ROME  Its poll numbers are plummeting. Its members of Parliament are defecting. Its leaders complain about back-stabbing while supporters flee to the left and the right.

And it runs the Italian government.

Italys Five Star Movement, the anti-establishment party born on the internet that was supposed to revolutionize Italian politics, increasingly looks to be on the verge of cratering, only two years after winning the largest vote in national elections.

With Italys economy essentially stuck and its power waning, there is rising clamor that the partys dysfunction and identity crisis may not just bring down the government but drag Italy down with it.

Five Star is not likely to collapse tomorrow. But its new governing coalition with the establishment, center-left Democratic Party, which was supposed to put Italy on track after Five Stars rocky divorce from Matteo Salvinis hard-right League party this summer, is already clearly deeply troubled and has done little more than extend Italys malaise.
Report: US Remains the Worlds No.1 Spender on Research as China Tries to Close the Gap

While the United States remains the worlds biggest spender in research and development (R&D), its global share has shrunk as other countries have dramatically increased their investments, according to the report published Wednesday by the U.S. National Science Foundation.

The United States is increasingly seen globally as an important leader rather than the uncontested leader in science and engineering (S&E), the federal science agency said in the latest edition of its State of U.S. Science and Engineering report, which has been published on a biennial basis to provide compiled information about the S&E enterprise for use by the countrys policymakers, researchers, and the public.

The report finds that from 2000 to 2017, the most recent year those data are available, R&D spending in the United States grew at an average of 4.3 percent per year. In fact, the United States spent more on R&D than any other country in 2017. But during the same period, Chinas R&D spending grew by more than 17 percent per year. Some other competitors, including Germany and South Korea, also increased their total funding at rates that outpaced the United States, although they remain far behind the two leading spenders.

China, as the report suggests, has been boosting its S&E education since 2002. The country awarded close to 400,000 associate and bachelor degrees in S&E fields in 2002 and 1.7 million in 2015. In contrast, the number of S&E undergraduates from American universities grew slowly from roughly 530,000 in 2002 up to 768,000 in 2016.

When it comes to the number of doctoral degrees in S&E fields awarded, China surpassed the United States in 2007 as the worlds largest producer of S&E doctorates (excluding social and behavioral sciences) and has remained in the lead ever since. In 2015, China awarded 32,000 doctorates in these fields and the United States awarded 30,000.

A significant portion of S&E graduates from American universities are international students. According to the report, students on temporary visas earned 34 percent of all S&E doctoral degrees awarded in 2017, and they made up more than half of all doctoral degree recipients in the fields of engineering, mathematics, computer sciences, and economics. A majority of the international S&E doctorate recipientsranging between 64 percent and 71 percent between 2003 and 2017chose to stay in the United States five years after obtaining their degrees.

China remained the primary place of origin for international students in the United States in the tenth consecutive year with 369,548 students, a 1.7 percent increase from 2017-2018. India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Canada made up the rest of the top five exporting countries, according to the 2019 Open Doors Report.

Amid rising alarm concerning Chinas intellectual property theft, U.S. officials have warned universities about Chinese students engaging in activities beyond their legitimate academic pursuits on behalf of the communist regime.

Existentially, we look at China as our greatest threat from an intelligence perspective, and they succeeded significantly in the last decade from stealing our best and brightest technology, said William Evanina, the U.S. governments chief counterintelligence official, in an interview with the Associated Press.
Two suicide bombers blew themselves up in separate attacks on police in Tunis yesterday, killing one police officer and wounding several other people.

It was not immediately known who was behind the attacks, which come months before an election and at the peak of a tourist season in which Tunisia is hoping for a record number of visitors.

Separately, 92-year-old President Beji Caid Essebsi was taken to a military hospital after suffering a "severe health crisis".

The first suicide bomber targeted a police patrol in Charles de Gaulle Street in central Tunis. One police officer was killed and at least one other as well as three civilians were wounded, the Interior Ministry said.

Shortly afterwards, a second suicide bomber blew himself up near a police station in the al-Gorjani district.

Four people were wounded, the ministry said.

Heavily armed police cordoned off the locations of the attacks, one of which was about 200 metres away from the French embassy.

Tunisia has been battling militant groups operating in remote areas near the border with Algeria since a national uprising overthrew autocratic leader Zine Abidine Ben Ali in 2011.
Ahmad Alamolhoda, the Friday Prayers Imam in Mashhad, Khorasan Razavi Province, made this chilling statement to a crowd on January 14.

He said: Some say the UK Ambassador must be expelled. Expelling the UK Ambassador is the greatest act of kindness toward him. If our people accept for him to be expelled, this would be the greatest act of pardon. No. The UK Ambassador must be chopped into pieces.

Alamolhoda then called for the execution of protesters, who took to the streets after the regime admitted to downing a passenger jet and killing all 176 civilians on board, including many Iranians, describing the legitimately angry demonstrators as the enemys fifth column and American and Israeli [puppets].

He also called for all those detained for tearing down or setting fire to posters of Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) Quds Force Commander, Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a US drone strike on January 3, to be executed as well.

Alamolhoda said: A bunch of spies and paid agents took to the streets for 3 [consecutive] days and tore down Soleimanis pictures, and we are supposed to stay silent? The Judiciary officials should note that we are at the state of war. We launched 13 missiles against American targets, and we are at war with this country. When a country is at a state of war, those who cooperate with the enemy are identified as the fifth column and should be court-martialled and executed.

He then tried to maintain the official story that Soleimani is being mourned across the country as a national hero, something the authorities tried to show with his sham funeral where they forced and bribed people to take part. Alamolhoda asked why when 7 million people in Mashhad mourned Soleimani, werent there 10,000 to stop protesters destroying his posters? Simply, this is because there are only 3.6 million residents in Mashhad. The rests were government and security employees bussed in from other provinces to make the crowd seem bigger. The reality is Alamolhoda was compelled to admit the regimes procession funeral for Qassem Soleimani merely held for making publicity movies.

Alamolhodas remarks highlight the need for the international community to dispatch a fact-finding mission to Iran to ensure the safety of detained protesters, something called for by Maryam Rajavi, the president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). They also show that the international community needs to adopt a firm policy regarding the current government and recognize the Iranian peoples right to resistance.

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1. Yes. The downtown area needs a good draw. Some quality taverns would be a plus.

2. Yes. Too many storefronts are vacant. Bars could help to bring in needed revenue.

3. No. Putting a number of bars downtown is just asking for trouble. Dont change things.

4.No. Several churches have located downtown. Putting bars close by would be a bad fit.

5. Unsure. It would depend on how the law is written and what standards are enacted.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced proposed changes to school lunches, and Trump administration critics claim that loopholes will allow students to get their hands on less healthy food.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its proposal for the Food and Nutrition Service on Friday, Washington Post reported.

The changes included in the proposal may allow schools to serve less vegetables and fruits, which was former first lady Michelle Obamas main campaign during her time in the White House.

USDA Deputy Under Secretary Brandon Lipps explained that the changes hope to address issues that resulted from regulations that Michelle Obama directed. The proposed rules focus on adjusting fruit and vegetable serving requirements and attempting to reduce food waste.

The proposal also highlights the need to change the current one-size-fits-all method. The USDA hopes to give different age/grade groups more tailored meals and be adaptable to a schools unique situations and needs.

However, the Trump administration has received criticism for potential loopholes that will allow students to be served more potatoes.

For breakfast, the proposed rules will cut the amount of fruit included in breakfasts served outside of the cafeteria, a popular choice with new grab-n-go options. The fruit will be changed from one cup to half a cup.

Lunches will be changed to allow flexibility in the vegetables they serve. Specifically, potatoes will now be included as a vegetable. This will allow students to turn from vegetables to fries easily.

Colin Schwartz, deputy director of legislative affairs for Center for Science in the Public Interest, told Washington Post that he believes that the new guidelines will be paving the way for children to choose pizza, burgers, french fries and other foods high in calories, saturated fat or sodium in place of balanced school meals every day.
A camp used by HS2 protesters in the Colne Valley park (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Environmental activists are trying to prevent trees being cut down as part of the HS2 high-speed rail project.

Extinction Rebellion said that hundreds of tree protectors were expected at the Colne Valley in west London over the weekend to prevent a tree-felling operation.

The environmental campaign movement said it was working with the Stop HS2 and Save Colne Valley to oppose the proposed operation at the site which is home to thousands of species of plants and wildlife.

The Red Rebels have arrived at the retaken Harvil Road Stop Hs2 camp



We have tree climbers. We have a kitchen. We have sunshine



Now all we need is for YOU to join us 



For details follow "XR HS2 Action" on Telegram #BiodiversityLoss #StopHS2

 Serana pic.twitter.com/gloNJxicvm  Extinction Rebellion UK  (@XRebellionUK) January 18, 2020

It added that scouts had witnessed no signs of any tree felling, suggesting that the operation had been cancelled and hailed it as a major victory for activists.

But HS2 Ltd said that no tree-felling works were scheduled to take place at the Colne Valley over the weekend.

Extinction Rebellion said that following reports HS2 would be felling trees around nearby Ruislip, activists were undeterred and will thwart HS2s attempts to chop down the trees wherever these may take place.

A message to #HS2 from Freeman as he came home to the #StopHS2 #SaveColneValley woodland camp today, with a little help from #ExtinctionRebellion.#RethinkHS2 pic.twitter.com/MPbg0sQlcZ  Stop HS2 (@stophs2) January 18, 2020

It claimed that HS2 bailiffs have evicted parts of the Harvil Road Wildlife Protection camp without a High Court eviction notice.

But a HS2 Ltd spokeswoman said: This is land that is legally possessed by HS2.

Protests such as this are costly to the taxpayer and are a threat to the security and safety of the public and our workers.

We understand people feel strongly about the project and that they want us to hear their views, which is why we have numerous channels through which they can make their feelings understood.

Extinction Rebellion said that around 4,000 trees have already been chopped down at the site and a further 28,000 trees are marked for felling.

HS2 works will also risk polluting the drinking water of 3.2 million people to the west of London with its plans to drill through a chalk aquifer on the site, it added.

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Sarah Green, of Save Colne Valley, said: Its wonderful to see so many people come to Colne Valley to shine a light on this travesty of justice.

HS2 is a horrendous project that will destroy our nature reserves.

Its evicting local businesses, farmers, the local outdoor activity centre, and people are being evicted from their family homes, even though the project is still under review.

Our fresh air, water supply, our whole lives are being disrupted, for no benefit.

The latest protest comes after a woman was granted permission by the High Court to bring legal proceedings against HS2, claiming its three tunnels design into Euston station will endanger the lives and properties of nearby residents.

Mrs Justice Lang on Thursday gave Hero Granger-Taylor permission to proceed with the Judicial Review claim she has been fighting for since June 2019, Stop HS2 said.

The hearing will take place in May.

Earlier this week, the Wildlife Trusts published a new report which claimed HS2 will destroy and divide huge swathes of irreplaceable natural habitats, including 108 ancient woodlands.

It urged the Government to stop and rethink the project  which is estimated to cost 88 billion overall.
Femi Fani-Kayode, a critic of the APC administration and former Aviation Minister, has insisted that President Muhammadu Buhari is begging for another civil war in Nigeria.

Fani-Kayode spoke while reacting to remark by a chieftain of Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Ayo Adebanjo that Buhari was silently leading Nigeria into another war.

Adebanjo had explained that the president was leading Nigeria into war through his dictatorial tendencies and refusal to restructure Nigeria.

The Afenifere chieftain had maintained that Buhari was determined to rule Nigeria with force and such action does not promote peace and unity across the country.

Reacting to Adebanjos remark, Fani-Kayode warned that if caution is thrown away, a tiny spark may lead to the most savage civil war ever witnessed.

In a tweet, the former Minister wrote: Buhari is silently leading Nigeria into war  Baba Ayo Adebanjo.

War is evil but Buhari is begging for it. If care is not taken, a tiny and seemingly inconsequential spark may ignite the greatest conflagration and most barbaric and savage civil war that Africa has ever seen.
A woman whose sexual exploitation as a child was ignored by police over fears of increasing racial tensions in Rotherham has said the force 'aided and abetted' the abuse of hundreds of children.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) upheld six complaints against South Yorkshire Police by a woman abused as a child for several years, starting in 2003.

According to a leaked report seen by PA and first reported by The Times, the watchdog said it was 'very clear that you were sexually exploited by Asian men' and found police were aware of suspects but 'took insufficient action to prevent you from harm'.

The horrific crimes of Asian grooming gangs were laid bare in a 2018 trial when six men were jailed for a total 101 years after sexually exploiting five vulnerable teenage girls. Iqlak Yousaf (left) got a 20-year jail term. Salah Ahmed El-Hakam (right) got 15 years

One of the victims told a trial how she was made to have sex with 'at least 100 Asian men'. Asif Ali and Tanweer Ali (right) got terms of terms of 10 years and 14 years respectively

Nabeel Kurshid and Mohammed Imran Ali Akhtar (right) are among a sex gang from Rotherham jailed for a combined 101 years this afternoon

The woman, who received the 13-page report on Wednesday after first making the complaints in 2014, said children were 'sacrificed' by the failings of the police.

She told the PA news agency: 'I always thought that maybe the police didn't understand what was happening until I got the report, and now I fully understand that they knew exactly what was going on.

'How could they do this to hundreds and hundreds of children? How could they go home at night after doing a shift and go to sleep?

'We were never seen as children abused, they didn't care at all.'

She told PA her abuse began in her early teens when she was befriended by a woman, known to the police as being involved in child sexual exploitation, who introduced her to older Asian men to be groomed.

Whistleblowing former detective Maggie Oliver (pictured) has said Greater Manchester Police chiefs should face charges after a damning new report revealed they left 97 men free to groom 57 young girls by dropping their investigation into Asian grooming gangs

The woman's mother complained that South Yorkshire Police 'would not listen and left you in dangerous situations, letting people do what they wanted and they never questioned anybody about what was happening,' the report said.

The IOPC upheld the complaint that the force was aware of suspects involved in her exploitation and failed to act, leaving her with people who were grooming the teenager.

The woman called for action to be taken against South Yorkshire Police, including potential criminal charges.

'They've always been complicit in what happened, we've seen perpetrators get done, so why are they any different? They've aided and abetted abuse,' she said.

In a second investigation included in the report, the woman's father said an officer referred to grooming as 'P*** shagging' when he phoned the police to discuss his concerns about his daughter.

The officer, who was unable to be identified, was also found to have said 'with it being Asians, we can't afford for this to be coming out' and commented that the abuse had happened for 30 years.

The woman told PA she was very upset when reading the report and said: 'It doesn't matter what colour a perp (perpetrator) is, they should all be treated the same.'

The investigation also found the force tried to recruit the woman as an informant while she was underage, and did not act appropriately when she was taken from emergency accommodation to Bristol, around 150 miles away, in order to be groomed.

South Yorkshire Police said it accepted the IOPC's findings and 'recognises the failings of its past', adding that the unnamed chief inspector's alleged comments were not tolerated.

However, the woman said she did not think South Yorkshire Police's response had gone far enough, and said: 'The only reason they're sorry is because they're sorry for getting caught.'

She added: 'I want an apology to all the public in Rotherham because they've not only done a disservice to the victims and survivors and their families, they've done a disservice to all the communities as well.'

A force spokesman said: 'It is unfortunate no individual officer has been identified by the IOPC as this is not something we tolerate in today's force.

'The themes within this report have been understood by South Yorkshire Police for some time, and the identified learning has already been embedded within our organisation.

'We are not deterred from pursuing justice due to the characteristics of the offender. This is demonstrated in the many convictions we have secured in relation to CSE in recent years.'

The IOPC Operation Linden was launched in 2014 with the watchdog conducting 91 independent investigations into the allegations that senior officers failed in their statutory duty to protect children between 1999 and 2011.

PA understands that the full IOPC report into child sexual abuse in Rotherham could be published this year.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 21:27:36|Editor: Xiaoxia

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JAKARTA. Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Abu Sayyaf terrorist group has held hostage five Indonesian citizens in waters off Sabah in Malaysia, not far from the area where three other Indonesian sailors had been previously kidnapped.

The abduction took place on Thursday night when eight Indonesian nationals were fishing there, but three of them were released with their boat, according to a police statement obtained by Antara.

According to the three freed sailors, six abductors in black masks aboard a speed boat captured the fishing vessel and brought it into the waters off the Philippines before allowing the three persons to leave for the Malaysian waters with the fishing boat, the statement said on Saturday.

On January 5, Indonesia and the Philippines jointly freed 27-year-old Muhammad Farhan, one of the three Indonesian nationals abducted by Abu Sayyaf group since September 2019. Previously, two of his sailor fellows had been set free.

The latest kidnapping has raised the number of Indonesian citizens kidnapped by the group to 41 since 2016, and most of them were released, according to the Indonesian Foreign Ministry.
Mumbai:

Scores of women, led by NCP Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule, staged an anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protest at Agripada near Mumbai Central here on Friday. CAA provides for granting citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians, who migrated to India before December 31, 2014 due to religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, the NCP attacked former party member and BJP leader Udayanraje Bhosale for not speaking against the ruling party at the Centre amid a controversy over the book comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Maharashtra minister and NCP chief spokesperson Nawab Malik said Bhosale, a direct descendant of the 17th Century Maratha king, has left with no option but to surrender before the BJP.

Bhosale was an NCP Lok Sabha MP before crossing over to the BJP last year. He lost his Satara seat in the bypoll.

A book written by Delhi BJP functionary Jay Bhagwan Goyal, titled Aaj Ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi, has been criticised by Opposition parties as a sycophantic effort that demeans the legend of one of historys most formidable empire builders.

Bhosale condemned the book and said nobody in the world can be compared with Chhatrapati Shivaji. In a veiled swipe at NCP chief Sharad Pawar, he said only the Maratha warrior king can be called Janata Raja (enlightened king).

Hitting out, Malik said, Udayanraje has no option but to surrender before the BJP after joining that party. He did not condemn Goyal nor did he speak against the BJP.

Referring to Bhosales Janata Raja remark, Malik claimed the phrase was being deliberately to divert attention from the original issue relating to the book.

He also said the NCP never used the phrase for Pawar, but it is the people who labelled the veteran leader so.
When Turkeys intelligence chief and defense and foreign ministers traveled to Moscow last week, the main issue on their agenda was thought to be the conflict in Libya, but out of Russias toolbox came a surprise. Under Russian mediation, the Turkish and Syrian intelligence chiefs met face to face in what was the first high-level Turkish-Syrian encounter since 2011, when Turkeys then-Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu met with President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus. After nearly nine years of enmity, is the Jan. 13 meeting the precursor to a normalization process between the two neighbors?

To start with, it was Damascus that wanted the world to know the meeting took place. Syrias official news agency SANA broke the news, running reports in both English and Turkish.

The Turkish version read: The Syrian side, represented by Maj. Gen. Ali Mamlouk, the head of the National Security Bureau, urged the Turkish side, represented by Hakan Fidan, the head of the National Intelligence Organization, to fulfill its obligations under the Sept. 17, 2018 Sochi [agreement] on Idlib, particularly with regard to cleansing the region from terrorists and heavy weaponry and opening the Aleppo-Latakia and Aleppo-Hama highways.

The Syrian side is said to have requested support to cajole Turkish-controlled armed rebel groups around Idlib into joining Assads forces.

Sources in Ankara told Al-Monitor the meeting took place after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed to take low-level contacts between Turkey and Syria to a higher level at his Jan. 8 meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul.

According to information obtained by Al-Monitor, the Syrian side urged Ankara to outline a timetable for the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Syria  first from the de-escalation outposts in Idlib, starting from those in the south of the province, and then from Afrin and the triangle between Jarablus, al-Rai and al-Bab, and finally from northeastern Syria.

The Syrian side pressed Turkey to fulfill the commitments it made on Idlib under the Sochi deal with Russia, especially in terms of reining in rebel groups in the province, fighting the al-Qaeda-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and unblocking the Aleppo-Latakia and Aleppo-Hama highways. This suggests that Damascus primary demand from Ankara is to evacuate its military outposts at Morek, Maarat al-Numan, Arima, al-Surman and Tell Touqan in southern Idlib.

When it comes to Turkeys position at the meeting, the Turkish side conveyed the following main points:

Turkey respects Syrias territorial integrity and sovereignty and acknowledges that its military presence in Syria is temporary.

The United States appears to be beefing up its military presence to the east of the Euphrates and could reinforce its military cooperation with the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) in the area.

Damascus and Ankara need to draw up a joint strategy against the YPG in the coming period.

A truce should be urgently secured in Idlib, as civilian casualties are rising due to the fighting and harsh winter conditions.

Enhanced collaboration and coordination are required between the two countries intelligence services to prevent misunderstandings and unwanted incidents on the ground.

Coordination is needed on the use of northern Syrias airspace.

Although Ankaras outbursts against the Assad regime may continue, the meeting could be deemed the beginning of a new phase, in which Turkey accepts Damascus as an interlocutor after almost nine years of ignoring it as an enemy. Bilateral ties are likely to improve via contacts between intelligence and security officials. Besides the Idlib issue and the withdrawal of Turkish troops, complex problems such as the status of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army and the YPG require solutions as well, boding tough negotiations in the coming period.

Could this first step toward normalization lead to a meeting between Erdogan and Assad?

Assad said in a December interview that he would meet with Erdogan if such a meeting served the interests of Syria.

A meeting between the two leaders appears unlikely in 2020, but the changing tone of the Turkish media and the talk in Ankaras political corridors suggest the government is weighing the revival of ties with Syria as well as Egypt and Israel. Turkish ambassadors are absent from all three countries at present. The widely shared assessment that those diplomatic ruptures have deepened Turkeys isolation in the eastern Mediterranean has finally reached Erdogans palace.

The fact that the issues of Libya and Syria came up simultaneously in Moscow indicates that Russia expects Turkey to cede control in Idlib to Assads forces in return for Russian efforts to curb Khalifa Hifters forces in Libya, where Turkey backs the Tripoli-based government. In an intriguing pattern, seen in Libya as well, Turkish moves in the Middle East have resulted in Russia chalking up points on its own scoreboard. Syria has been no exception.

After Turkeys Operation Peace Spring on the eastern side of the Euphrates in October, Ankara and Moscow agreed that YPG-controlled areas evacuated by the United States would come under the control of the Assad regime. Yet the regime failed to accomplish that process. While Russia took over the bases that the Pentagon had established in northern Syria, the regimes bargaining with the YPG proved inconclusive.

In Idlib, meanwhile, the Russian-backed regime forces intensified their ground offensive, recapturing about 40 towns to reach Maarat al-Numan, a symbol of the Syrian uprising. As heavy bombings by Russian jets drove hundreds of thousands of people to the Turkish border, the Putin-Erdogan summit resulted in a cease-fire last week. Yet air raids and clashes in Idlib continue.

For sure, Maarat al-Numan, the key town on the M5 highway between Aleppo and Damascus, bears little significance for Ankara now that it has ventured into energy wars in Libya and the eastern Mediterranean. Nevertheless, Ankara has defied Moscows expectations in Idlib so far, still reluctant to evacuate its outposts in Morek, al-Surman and Tell Touqan, which are already under regime control, and its bases at Arima and Maarat al-Numan, which are in close proximity to the ongoing clashes.

Will Turkey hand Idlib over to the regime in return for a halt of Hifters advance on Tripoli? The answer, it seems, will not require a long wait. In any case, Ankara appears increasingly willing to give up its territorial claims in northern Syria and seek Damascus support in curbing the YPG and its military collaboration with the United States.

The five outposts in southern Idlib stand out in the ongoing arm-wrestling between Ankara and Damascus. A continued presence of Turkish troops indicates that Ankara still has the stronger hand, and if the troops leave, it means Damascus is gaining the upper hand.
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hagens Berman encourages 500.com Limited (NYSE: WBAI) investors who have suffered significant losses to submit their losses now to learn if they qualify to recover their investment losses. A securities class action was recently filed against the company and senior executives, and certain investors may have valuable claims.



Class Period: Apr. 27, 2018  Dec. 31, 2019

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Mar. 16, 2020

Sign Up: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/WBAI

Contact An Attorney Now: WBAI@hbsslaw.com

844-916-0895

500.com Limited (WBAI) Securities Class Action:

The complaint alleges that Chinese online gambling operator 500.com concealed that its executives were bribing Japanese lawmakers to influence Japanese gaming policy and secure the development of a casino resort project in Japan.

The market began to learn the truth on Dec. 27, 2019, when media outlets reported that a Japanese elected official was arrested by Tokyo prosecutors and charged with receiving 3 million yen ($27,400) in cash from 500.com.

Then, on Dec. 31, 2019, 500.com announced the initiation of an internal investigation into alleged illegal money transfers, the concurrent resignation of its Chairman of the Board, and the temporary departure of its Chief Executive Officer pending the outcome of the internal investigation.

News of 500.com illegal money transfers caused the price of WBAI ADRs to decline sharply.

Were focused on investors losses and proving 500.com concealed its involvement in an illicit lobby scheme, said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.

If you purchased shares of 500.com and suffered significant losses, click here to discuss your legal rights with Hagens Berman .

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding 500.com should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email WBAI@hbsslaw.com .

About Hagens Berman

Hagens Berman is a national law firm with nine offices in eight cities around the country and eighty attorneys. The firm represents investors, whistleblowers, workers and consumers in complex litigation. More about the firm and its successes is located at hbsslaw.com . For the latest news visit our newsroom or follow us on Twitter at @classactionlaw .
NEW MILFORD  Mayor Pete Bass last week apologized for the previous administrations disclosure of financial data pertaining to families who are clients of the Childrens Center.

Bass said former Mayor David Gronbach wrongly disclosed that data last summer, when he questioned why the center provides state-subsidized day care to some families earning more than $100,000 a year.

Gronbach referred to the income data, which did not identify families by name, in a Facebook post and in a letter to the News-Times. He later released the data to Hearst Connecticut Media under a public records request.

Days after Gronbachs post, the state Office of Early Childhood wrote the town that it constituted breach of contract with the state by disclosing family-level personal information that is considered confidential.

Gronbach did not return a call seeking comment.

Bass, who was running against Gronbach at the time, said enrolling higher-income families helps ensure that the center serves a mix of children from different socioeconomic groups.

In a news release, Bass said the state was very clear prior to my taking office that a letter of apology was required from the town in order to preserve a $325,000 state grant to the town.

Gronbachs post and letter said he had learned that five of the centers families were making more than $100,000 a year. He argued that state-subsidized spots, which make up about half the centers enrollment, should be reserved for lower-income families.

Gronbach said at the time, and Childrens Center officials confirmed, that all of the families receiving state subsidies, including those earning more than $100,000, were eligible under state income guidelines. Under those guidelines, families are eligible for subsidies as long as they make less than 75 percent of the state median income, adjusted for family size.

Nevertheless, Gronbach wrote, From what I have heard about the motivation to support the working poor, not many of us would classify someone making over $100,000 as working poor. Something about the current priorities is not right when a family making over $100,000 takes the subsidized spot of a single parent making a fraction of that.

blytton@hearstmediact.com; 203-731-3411; @bglytton
For some it's just too much  their organs fail and they die, she said. We are not miracle workers  we can only do our best. The World Wildlife Fund said last year koala numbers have fallen 95 per cent since 1788, from an estimated 10 million to no more than 200,000 across Australia, and from 15,000 to 28,000 in NSW. Stuart Blanch, the senior manager for land clearing and restoration at WWF Australia, said rampant deforestation of koala habitat was already pushing the iconic animal towards extinction by 2050: The bushfires and drought have brought that extinction timeline forward by perhaps decades. Taronga Zoo has also been caring for an unprecedented number of injured and rescued wildlife impacted by the bushfires, heat stress and drought, said Nick Boyle, the director of conservation, welfare and science at Taronga Conservation Society. Bushfires had not only directly impacted wildlife in the path of fires, but also forced animals that have lost their habitat into urban areas, Mr Boyle said. This places them at risk of starvation, dehydration, predation by feral animals such as cats and foxes as well as injury from cars.

Mr Boyle said many of the koalas admitted to hospitals were also affected by chlamydia, which is more common in populations under stress. With concerted effort focused on habitat protection, restoration and connectivity, while simultaneously addressing other threatening processes such as disease, this species can recover over time, he said. However, the chronic stress caused by the trauma of bushfires may have long-lasting effects on koala populations, said Edward Narayan, a senior lecturer in animal science at the University of Queensland. This means that the biology and physiology is greatly impacted and future koala generations are headed towards increased vulnerability to diseases, clinical problems and mortality, he said. Dr Narayan said loss of habitat could add to the build-up of chronic stress in koalas: I am highly concerned that our future native koala populations will be biologically vulnerable and carry the genetic imprints of these traumatic events  ghosts of the mega bushfires."

Ms Flanagan also said state biodiversity laws were a total joke because the Act actually does not do a lot to protect biodiversity at all and called for a moratorium on logging in public and privately-owned native forests that were koala habitats  a call echoed by conservation groups. Loading Rebecca Keeble, the director of the Australian branch of the International Fund for Animal Welfare, called for new federal and state laws to protect koalas and their habitat from excessive tree-clearing and urban development. Current protection laws are deeply inadequate and fail to protect koalas and other threatened species with development continuously given priority, she said. The NSW government may also reassess the conservation status of koalas and other species, and set aside up to $1 million for wildlife rescue, said a spokesman for the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.

He said the government was committed to protecting koalas, with $45 million invested in the NSW Koala Strategy. Loading He also said new laws had been introduced in 2017 to ensure a "balanced approach" to land management and biodiversity conservation, while the DPIE was implementing all of the recommendations of a NSW Audit Office review of native vegetation management in the state. The NSW government is considering what additional actions are needed in response to the current bushfire crisis, he said. Dr Blanch said bushfires had probably rendered many local populations of koalas extinct or unviable.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin sent a congratulatory telegram to the People's Artist of Russia, theater and film actor Boris Nevzorov in honor of his anniversary, the press service of the Russian government reports.

"You have a rare dramatic talent, you are the master of improvisation and experiments, who has a special energy. In your creative biography, there are many bright roles in the cinema and legendary Maly Theater. All those different roles you fill with depth and literally get through yourself, "RIA Novosti cites the congratulatory telegram.
Events were held on Friday morning to mark the 25th anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake in Hyogo Prefecture.

The magnitude 7.3 earthquake, which struck at 5:46 a.m. on Jan 17, 1995, killed 6,434 people in Hyogo Prefecture and neighboring areas.

A ceremony was held in Higashi Yuenchi Park in Kobe where 7,000 bamboo lanterns were lit and placed in the figures 1.17 (the date of the quake) and the kanji character hikari (light) in memory of the victims.

Meanwhile, in a park in Itami, 6,434 candles were lit to honor the dead.

Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko attended a memorial ceremony held by the Hyogo prefectural government on Friday morning.

The quake buried residents in flattened buildings and uprooted highway overpasses and train tracks, while fires raged through collapsed timber houses and acrid smoke darkened the sky.
Ever since she began explaining how her Medicare for all plan would be funded, and how she would pass it, Elizabeth Warren has been sinking. Ahead of last weeks debate, her camp leaked a story that her friend Bernie Sanders met with her in 2018 to discuss plans for 2020, and that at this meeting, Sanders had said that a woman could not win the presidency.

Leaking this in the hours before a debate guaranteed that Warren would be asked a question about it by the moderators of the CNN debate. Sanders unequivocally denied saying as much. It has been known that Sanders had in the past encouraged Warren to run for the presidency. But CNNs moderator treated his denial as a lie, and Warrens accusation as a fact, and asked Warren how she felt hearing such a thing. Warren got the question she wanted, and met it with a well-rehearsed answer about electability. The scene was meant to start a new conversation about supposed sexism among Bernie Sanderss supporters, and to give Warren an opportunity to tell Bidens least-committed supporters that she is an electable candidate.

This was the only memorable exchange in the debate. It was widely discussed for about 24 hours. Initial polls showed Warren got a boost from the debate. Then, the next night, CNN released video and audio of the moment after the debate when Elizabeth Warren approached Sanders and said: I think you called me a liar on national TV. Sanders returned the accusation, then dismissed the conversation as happening at the wrong time and began to exit.

Sanders likely understood the reality of the situation. It was a setup.

CNN had given another in-kind contribution to the Warren campaign by adding that moment of viral-video drama to the story.

Of course, given what we know, it is theoretically possible that Sanders said such a thing to Warren  just as it is theoretically possible that I typed this column from the Andromeda galaxy, having figured out hyper-speed interstellar travel from my bedroom last week. You have to form judgments on the evidence available to you.

Story continues

Heres what we know: Bernie Sanders is helplessly himself. Everything about his life story, his convictions, and his political history is internally consistent. His unique voice is traceable to a single city block in New York City. And he has expressed hope for female candidates for high office since before most living Americans today were born.

Everything about Elizabeth Warren, meanwhile, is a staged lie in service of her ambition. Her backstory, famously, is fake. During a time when elite universities like Harvard were under incredible pressure to hire non-white faculty to their law schools, Elizabeth Warren registered as a Cherokee. Eventually she concocted an almost-certainly-false story about antiNative American prejudice from her fathers parents. Warren plagiarized her contribution to a book of Native American home recipes, Pow Wow Chow, from a French cookbook. Harvard bragged about its hiring of Warren and advertised her as an addition to its diversity, though reporting in recent years has attempted to obscure whether this was a help to her.

Warrens political persona is entirely false. She claims to be a populist, but her form of social democracy is a kind of class warfare for millionaires and affluent liberals against billionaires and the petit bourgeois entrepreneurs who vote Republican. Her student-debt and free-college plans are absolute boons to the doctors, lawyers, and academics  the affluent wage-earners  who are her chief constituency. Meanwhile, her tax reforms go after not only billionaires but the small entrepreneurs: the guys who own a car wash, or a garbage-disposal service, and tend to vote Republican. Her consumer-protection reforms have hampered and destroyed local banks, and rewarded the bad-actor mega-banks she claims daily to oppose.

She has abandoned the views expressed in her 2003 book, The Two-Income Trap, and embraced a view of life that man was made for the economy. Her day-care plans leave behind the mothers who would choose to stay at home and raise their own children, instead drastically incentivizing mothers to get back to full-time jobs by funding full-time day-care.

I expect the prestige media to do everything in its power to drag this dead candidacy over the line in Iowa. But its an unseemly and ugly business to pretend to believe anything that Elizabeth Warren says.

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As the region still filled with campers and other tourists, Victorias Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp tells them they should turn around and go home. Now.

This is an account of how the crisis unfolded as it happened, drawing from The Age and The Sydney Morning Heralds rolling live coverage, reporting and video from warnings, through the disaster and then the dramatic rescues.

Culminating in a dramatic and unprecedented navy rescue by sea, the fire left thousands huddled on the beach as the world, in disbelief, watched the sky turn red.

The fire that shut off Mallacoota is one of the defining moments of this summers bushfire season.

The warning tells people they are in danger and should take shelter immediately.

People in the area are told that an earlier Watch and Act warning has been upgraded due to concerns about an out-of-control bushfire at Wingan River bearing down on Mallacoota. It is predicted to reach the area between 5pm-6pm.

An emergency warning is issued for the Mallacoota area.

Those who have stayed don't know it, but they are already out of time.

Within hours of his warning, a small fire at Wingan River starts. It is about 30 kilometres west of Mallacoota, soon out of control and generating its own weather.

"If you're holidaying in that part of the state, it's time that you left," he says.

The fire is expected to reach the outskirts of the town at daybreak. Mallacoota is without power.

The bushfire is now big enough to generate its own lightning and is bearing down on the town. Around 4000 people are gathered on the foreshore in the hope theyll escape its wrath.

People wake on New Years Eve in Mallacoota to the news that they are entirely hemmed in by fire.

"Were walking up and down and my bags are packed," she tells The Age. "Its hot and its smoky and were just on the cusp of a wind change. Were in such a vulnerable place here."

Jo Grant tells The Age she is preparing to take shelter with her husband, daughter and grandchild.

It is too late to leave. Leaving now would be deadly. Genoa-Mallacoota Road is now closed.

There are reports that CFA fire trucks have formed a ring around people on the foreshore to protect them.

On Twitter Mallacoota local Brendan is sending out photos of the area, where smoke blots out the sun and turns day to night.

Franchesca also tells ABC she thinks her home will be gone.

"You can see nothing. It is like the darkest, darkest night. You can hear the fire, it's roaring away. Were getting a lot of ash falling. Unless youve got [a mask] youll be in trouble. A lot of people are using wet tea towels. And that works, but you cannot get enough air in."

Mallacoota rescue coordinator Don Ashby tells ABC Gippsland that the CFA is instructing people on the foreshore they should get under the water if the fire trucks activate their sirens.

The Bureau of Meteorology's weather gauge at Mallacoota is showing 49 degrees, with winds gusting up to 80km/h.

A new emergency warning has been issued. The fire front is expected to enter Mallacoota within half an hour.

"My home is in the fire path. I won't have a home. That's just how it's going to be. We have to try to remain calm. We have maybe 20 per cent visibility. But I'd rather be alive than be at home."

Incident Alert is now showing 10 fires, including a house fire, in the main street of Mallacoota. People down on the beach are tweeting out images showing a blood red sky.

Larry Gray is at the end of a jetty at Mallacoota wrapped in a blanket.

"We can see the fire coming towards us, there's hot embers flying through the air - small ones," Gray tells The Age. "It sounds like a freight train. It's completely black like midnight. There's a weird red glow."

Gas bottles from caravans on the foreshore have been dragged into the ocean to stop them exploding, he says.

"People are really scared ... People are thinking the whole town is going to go."

The bushfire has begun to burn the outskirts of Mallacoota. The majority of those stuck in the town are huddled at the boat ramp where theyre waiting in anticipation.

"Everyone is down at the boat ramp area. The fire has not reached ... yet," Mark from Mallacoota tells ABC Gippsland.

"I am hearing multiple gas cylinders exploding in the township. I don't know where  But I've probably heard anywhere from 12 to 15 cylinders exploding. None of the CFA trucks are down at the boat ramp. I dare say they are all out fighting fires."

Several houses have now been lost in Mallacoota and a medical centre has been set up.

"It is pitch black. It is quite scary in that community. They right now are under threat. But we will hold our line and they will be saved and protected," says CFA chief officer Steve Warrington.

Some people have chosen to stay and defend their houses, rather than sheltering on the foreshore. Trucks will not be able to reach and protect them, he confirms.

"Literally as we speak the advice I am receiving from the fire ground is houses are visibly being lost. But the main CBD has been saved."

Incident Alert also indicates a grass fire within the town where around 4000 people are sheltering.

The smoke lifts slightly, providing some reprieve for those sheltering on the shores of Malacoota.

Mary OMalley is sheltering on a boat and says some of the thick smoke has lifted after hours of what looked like "armageddon".

"Suddenly, for the first time this morning we've got some daylight."

The sky had either been pitch black or glowing red since about 8.30am, "which is the scariest thing I've ever experienced".

She agreed the situation would probably become a health issue soon, with about 4000 people needing the toilet.

"We have limited food too," she says.

CFAs Steve Warrington says that there has been a wind change and the fire has bypassed the town centre.

"We'll take any good news we can get at the moment," he says.

There is still an active fire in the area and the town remains isolated.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds announces just after 5pm that the navy and air force will deploy to Victoria to help communities including a possible evacuation at Mallacoota.

People in Mallacoota are being urged to boil tap water before drinking it.

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Forest Fire Management Victoria issues an alert because the fire put heavy demands on tap water and has affected supply.

The alert notes that bottled water is available from the local IGA supermarket free of charge, and additional supplies are on their way.

It urges all residents and visitors to restrict their water use immediately to essential use, and says the water supply should return to normal within three days.

Defence outlines its assistance to isolated communities including several helicopters and the dispatch of HMAS Choules and MV Sycamore.

Local federal Nationals MP Darren Chester confirms there are at least four people missing in Victoria and that dozens of homes have likely been lost in Mallacoota.

"We will have to find a way to get some of those people out as quick as we possibly can. The full assessment of damage at Mallacoota hasn't been done. The agencies haven't been able to get there safely yet, go through street by street.

"My mate on the ground, he tells me dozens of homes have been destroyed. People will need help to get through the next few months, years."

Geoff Belmore has lost two houses. He's been holidaying in Mallacoota for 25 years and has lived there for the last four.

"I have been working on the units for the last couple of years," Mr Belmore says. "Finally got them finished and then its totally gone. The whole structure has collapsed. I have a 1977 Corvette, a 1964 Holden ute, a 1942 Dodge that I was turning into a hot rod, a beautiful Harley Davidson, a boat that I loved with a couple of brand-new motors on it and now they're molten aluminium."

Musican Justin Brady also loses his home. He is able to save his instruments - including a fiddle, harmonica and mandolin - but his home on Karbeethong Hill does not survive.

"I lost everything pretty much," Brady says. "I built the house 25 years ago but only just recently, the last three months, I decided to live there as my base. Previously I had lived here but toured too."

During the fire he takes refuge for hours in a boat near a jetty where 50 people sheltered.

"It was apocalyptic," he says.

HMAS Choules, an amphibious landing ship with a dock for helicopters and the capacity to carry 700 troops at maximum load, leaves Sydney Harbour on Wednesday morning to help Mallacoota. It will be joined by MV Sycamore - a patrol vessel that can carry a helicopter.

Gas company Esso is helping with the rescue and recovery effort in Mallacoota, offering two ships and helicopters to help emergency services and assist in evacuations.

Emergency Commissioner Andrew Crisp announces that water, food and petrol supplies are headed for Mallacoota.

He outlines a plan to use helicopters to assist in the delivery of the supplies and facilitate a shift change for the firefighters on the ground.

A barge containing 30,000 litres of fuel and a two-week supply of food and water is also on its way from Melbourne.

The Australian Defence Force is also moving naval assets, two Black Hawk helicopters and a larger Taipan helicopter into Mallacoota.

This video posted on the Mallacoota Community News Facebook page shows the moment locals form a human chain to help carry some cases of bottled water from a boat to a waiting trailer.

A large helicopter leaves Bairnsdale Airport, carrying 20 firefighters. They have been sent in to relieve some of the exhausted and injured firemen on the ground.

Tap water in Mallacoota is safe to drink again but people are urged to restrict their water usage to conserve supplies.

HMAS Choules is capable of carrying about 1000 passengers, but about 4000 people remain stranded around the town's beach area, including about 1000 locals.

Emergency Management Victoria says the ship will make two to three trips over the coming days, with a view to evacuating all of those stranded before conditions worsen on Saturday.

The vessel will also deliver water, food and medical supplies.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says 800 people will be evacuated on Thursday morning. He is unable to say where they will be taken to.

People are lining up to register for Friday's evacuation. The commander of HMAS Choules says the registration is to gauge how many of the 4000 people stranded want to be evacuated.

"If the number is greater than 1000, then its going to be a second load. Its 16-17 hours to the closest boat port, then weve got to come back."

For the first time in Victoria's history, a state of disaster is declared.

Premier Daniel Andrews desperately urges residents in threatened communities to evacuate before fire conditions deteriorate today and tomorrow.

The declaration gives the state government powers to evacuate residents and towns in six designated local government areas and the alpine resorts.

The HMAS Choules evacuation mission begins.

The journey is complex and has been restricted to the able-bodied and those above the age of four. It will involve climbing up rope ladders and smaller ferry boats.

Others wanting to leave will be offered flights out while conditions are still relatively clear.

The first of 1000 people to evacuate have begun to board vessels at Bastion Point to be ferried out to HMAS Choules under a thick cloud of smoke.

There are a number of teary faces as people leave the much-loved area shrouded in a blanket of deep, heavy smoke.

Age photographer Justin McManus overhears a sombre conversation between a little boy and his mother lining up to board HMAS Choules. "I never want to come here again," the boy says before his mother tries to reassure him: "But we'll go back next year. Everything would have grown back."

As about 1000 weary Mallacoota evacuees and their pets board HMAS Choules for the journey to safety they are provided with a little comic relief.

A ship commander greets the displaced with an instruction to think of the impressive navy vessel as "a cruise ship without the pina coladas".

The first 58 evacuees arrive in Melbourne via the MV Sycamore.

They and 150 of their pets, including rabbits and a parrot will make their way to the Somerville relief centre to end this week of horror.

Shire mayor Sam Hearn says staff had worked "pretty hard" over the past few days to prepare all the support people may need.

"That includes everything from obviously food and water, spaces to rest, quiet spaces, mental and emotional wellbeing support with some chaplaincy and mental health workers, pharmaceutical and medical support as well," Cr Hearn says.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has ordered the "compulsory call-out" of up to 3000 Army reservists to help with the bushfire response.

As well as Army reservists, the federal government is sending in the Navy.

Prime Minister Morrison says HMAS Adelaide will sail from Sydney this afternoon, and be located offshore from fire-affected areas near the border of Victoria and New South Wales from tomorrow afternoon.

The ship is "fully equipped for disaster relief and humanitarian aid", he says, and able to carry 400 crew, including medical staff, as well as 300 tonnes of emergency relief supplies.

Mallacoota is now under ember attack.

"Were trying to get people inside the hall, out of the embers. Weve got people on the roof with hoses," Don Ashby tells ABC Gippsland.

With up to 3000 people still in the town, Mr Ashby said the relief centre has only just sourced a fridge and most people were eating cold Foodbank donations brought in by sea.

The smoke has grounded helicopters being used to airlift people who were not eligible for evacuation on HMAS Choules including children.

Sarah Beer, who has children aged one and three, tells The Age the sky has turned black and their caravan on the foreshore is being soaked with water as a precaution.

Sarah Beer with daughter Elsie and son Xavier holed up in the caravan. Credit:Justin McManus

"Its pitch black outside now so I am a little bit scared - we are getting another attack coming through," she says.

"Both of my children have shown respiratory issues because of four days of constant smoke. We need to get out of the smoke but there are no planes or choppers going anywhere. We are still stuck."

Mallacoota is now shrouded in a burgundy darkness.

Twitter user @Brendanh remarks it's so "dark that people are almost invisible".

HMAS Choules has docked at Hastings where the evacuees are transported onto buses. The first busload of people is expected to arrive at the Somerville relief centre at 5:30pm.

About 800 people are heading to Somerville, with a further 200 going straight to Melbourne. Those headed to Melbourne will be put up at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre or at Crown.

Nineteen-year-old Jackie Stefanopoulous, who was on board HMAS Choules, had been holidaying in Mallacoota with her boyfriend and his family, when "all of a sudden we heard about the incoming bushfires".

"I was petrified, a lot of people were petrified," she tells The Age.

"The sense of uncertainty [was frightening], like not knowing whether we will be OK, understanding that there were bushfires surrounding us only a couple of metres. I feared for my life, it was really scary."

Buses are taking people from the Mallacoota Hall to board a C-27J Spartan helicopter that is evacuating holidaymakers by air.

"Theyre flying people out while the weathers good. Its pretty clear here, we can see the Howe Range for the first time in two days," Don Ashby says.

Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp says 61 people have left by air this morning, with an expected total of 350 people to evacuate by the end of the day.

After days of life-threatening fire, black skies, oppressive smoke, caring for a sick child and repeated disappointments about evacuation, Montreal-based Meaghan Wegg tells The Age she has had enough of Mallacoota. I don't cry much but it definitely came out last night, she says.

This latest airlift leaves 400 people who have chosen to stay in the community.

Tim Buckley and son Jackson on board a Chinook helicopter with their family Meaghan Wegg and Georgia. Credit:Justin McManus

Two vets from Healesville Sanctuary have arrived in Mallacoota to treat injured wildlife.

Despite their injuries and trauma, the bravery shown by the koalas and wildlife at Mallacoota is inspiring, Dr Leanne Wicker says.

Zoos Victoria chief executive Jenny Grey said an estimated 500 million animals had been killed in bushfires this fire season and that the full impact was impossible to determine at this stage.

Its raining. East Gippsland has seen 5 millimetres of patchy rain over the past 24 hours. Another 5-10 millimetres are expected to arrive today. Its unfortunately not enough to impact the fires.

Three hundred people have registered to evacuate Mallacoota today. Premier Daniel Andrews says 406 people were taken out by helicopter on Sunday.

Priority for evacuation by air is given to young children and their families, the sick and the elderly who had not been allowed on HMAS Choules, which on Friday took more than 900 people from Mallacoota on a 20-hour journey to Melbourne.

But then airlifts were repeatedly delayed because of poor visibility and a Chinook helicopter and RAAF Spartan military transport aircraft were unable to land at Mallacoota airport.

The final 300 people who would like to evacuate Mallacoota are scheduled to leave via HMAS Choules this afternoon, a State Control Centre spokesman says.

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The Navy ship is expected to dock in Hastings, near the Mornington Peninsula, tomorrow evening. The City of Melbourne will re-open an emergency relief centre at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for another group of people aboard HMAS Choules from Mallacoota.

About 200 evacuees are expected to arrive at Hastings, on the Mornington Peninsula, about 5pm on Wednesday. A further 142 people left behind at Mallacoota and wanting to leave will be flown out when weather conditions allow.

Diesel has been dropped into Mallacoota to power generators with priority given to relief centres, hospitals, airports, communications and essential services.

Federal MP for East Gippsland Darren Chester says petrol supplies have arrived in Mallacoota. We were able to provide today four 200 litre drums of unleaded fuel for the public to access to maintain that little bit of comfort they may have until the power is restored to the town, he says.

He also says that fresh milk and produce was delivered to the supermarkets of Mallacoota by the Australian Defence Force.

Mr Chester says the remaining residents are in great spirits.

At least 300 homes have been lost. Everyone who has registered their desire to leave Mallacoota has now been evacuated.

The Age reporter Michael Fowler visits Mallacoota on January 15 and finds it nearly deserted.

Local firefighter Dean Shaw, whose home has been running on a generator for 15 days, says an end to the fires is, at least, in sight.

A fair way away, but itll be good. Then the town, once everyone goes and its back to just us, has got to turn around, he says.

I dont think weve really taken in and comprehended the enormity of the whole thing yet.
MBABANE  Political analysts have advised that Eswatini must pray for the simmering tension between the United States of America and Iran to subside or else tough times will lie ahead.



This is because international political analysts have predicted that the US-Iran war has the potential of being one of the worst conflicts in history, with dire consequences for Africa, and Eswatini by extension.



The country does not have commodities such as oil and other minerals apart from imports from neighbouring South Africa which also imports from oil rich countries. The killing of Major General Qassem Soleimani, who led Iranian covert operations and intelligence and was one of the countrys most senior leaders, has escalated war between Washington and Tehran. Experts advised Iran had every incentive to retaliate, using its proxies to target US commercial interests in the Middle East, American allies, or even American troops in regional bases.



Political commentator Dr Qambukusa Magagula, giving a speculative analysis, said in the long run, if the war were to intensify, it was a given that this would trigger the oil prices, which are linked to the costs of many other commodities.

High oil prices can easily trigger the increase in the prices of transportation and other things linked to it such as bread. The likeliness is very significant in the long run, should the war escalate.



Starts



He said once a war starts, it was a given that other world economies would take the tub.

We have an example in the nearby Mozambique, which went through a civil war that left the country in tatters. If the Middle East is at war, then certainly we would be affected by such a war.



He said though Eswatini was hardly capable of influencing the superpowers, it could utilise regional power blocks such as SADC to persuade the countries that are threatened with war to go for dialogue.



He said it was the powerful nations of the world who were better placed to play a mediatory role in ensuring that the war is averted.

Meanwhile, an economic analyst said the oil prices were currently not affected because the western nations, such as the USA, were starting to produce oil for export too, and that they had discovered some oil fields in less war torn states.



Meanwhile, Econometrix chief economist Dr Azar Jammine recently told Biz News that the implication, for the South African economy, on the latest stand-off between the United States and Iran was unclear.



Theoretically, if this leads to a surge in international oil prices, this could have negative implications for global economic activity and through this for the demand for South Africas raw materials. On the other hand, increased tensions have been causing precious metals prices to rise, helping to neutralise the negative impact of the increased cost of oil imports domestically.



Uncertainty



The uncertainty surrounding the implications of the latest global tensions is manifested in the volatility of the Rand and precious metals prices in the last few days. There is clearly still significant support for financial markets, and risk appetite for higher yielding emerging market assets and their currencies seems to be continuing, he said.



He further it was fair to suggest that the simmering war could lead to significant volatility in financial markets and the Rand in coming months. He said the Rand may still not be ready to depreciate immediately, but there was a meaningful risk of a significant sell-off in the Rand in coming months in the event of global risk appetite souring.



It was said that Iran has the potential to produce up to 3.5 million barrels of oil per day, equivalent to 3.5% of global demand and around 12% of OPEC supply.

Following the decision four years ago by the US to impose sanctions on any country dealing with Iran, South Africa ceased purchasing its oil from Iran and switched to other sources such as Nigeria, which has become the countrys fifth largest source of imports.



A US military official said this week that 11 service members had been injured in the attack, which was launched in retaliation for the US airstrikes that had killed Gen. Soleimani the previous week.








"Buyers from all over the world flock to Showcase every year. They know that they will find the very, very best of Irish design and crafts at Showcase. For 4 days in January, buyers will find weavers and jewellers, candle-makers and woodworkers and everything in between at the RDS" - so says Sarah Mallon of the Local Enterprise Office Louth.

Some of the 5,000 buyers who attend Showcase 2020, will make their biggest purchasing commitments of the year at this event. They are looking for unique, handcrafted, Irish products to sell to their customers all over the world.

Louth County Council and the Local Enterprise Office Louth will use the event to showcase 3 emerging creative businesses from Louth. Emma Fallon from Emma's So Naturals in Ardee and Cathal Durnin of Sea Remedies in Carlingford will be joined by Lisa Heeney from AromaBuff in Drogheda.

Ardee's Emma Fallon of Emma's So Naturals is famed for her collection of natural, plant-based home fragrance products featuring her own blends of essential oils. "We're looking forward to seeing our existing stockists at Showcase and meeting lots of potential new ones. We're also really excited to launch our new collection of Pure Essential Aroma Diffuser Blends at Showcase 2020".

Carlingford's Cathal Durnin of Sea Remedies explains "Our collection of soaps and bath salts were born out of a love of the sea and all its goodness. We harvest wild local seaweed and purified seawater to make 100% natural products. Our range includes sea salts, sea soaps and seaweed baths. They are sold across Ireland, Spain, USA, Germany and Switzerland. We love to think of customers across the world using Sea Remedies to wash away their worries."

Completing the line up on the Louth stand at Showcase is aromatherapist Lisa Heeney of AromaBuff, who is participating in Showcase for the very first time. "Our skin balms and butters smell good, feel good and do good. Designed for men and women, our skincare products are a delight for the senses and aim to support both physical and mental wellness. AromaBump, our new range of pregnancy specific products, will also be unveiled for the first time to buyers at Showcase."

A host of established creative companies from Louth will attend Showcase 2020 this year including Edmund McNulty Knitwear and Brannigan Weavers (Drogheda), Celtic Valley Ceramics (Ardee) Sarah McKenna Ceramics and Soilse Candle Company (Dundalk) and Garrett Mallon Jewellery and Martina Scott Designs (Carlingford).

"The Craft and Creative sector in Louth is very vibrant. It's wonderful to see local companies who started out in the Local Enterprise Showcase now exhibiting in their own right and supplying to retailers right across the world. That's the magic of Showcase, it gives local makers a global platform from which to grow their business!" Sarah concludes.
Locals in Mallow will no doubt be pleased to hear that one of the town's most recognisable landmarks is set to finally be relocated to pastures new.

This after a senior council official confirmed that the iconic 'Horse and Riders' statue is set to go back on public display at its new location at a site on the southern approach road to the town within "a matter of weeks".

Michael Quane's famous statue had stood at the heart of the Annabella Roundabout for almost two decades prior to its removal in 2017 to facilitate major realignment works to the structure.

At the time, Cork County Council Senior Engineer Jim Moloney said the statue would be cleaned up, restored to its original condition and placed in a new home once the works at the roundabout had been completed.

"It will be staying in Mallow. We are in discussions about where it will eventually go, but it will be at an accessible location," he promised.

A number of new locations had been suggested for the piece, including one suggestion of the Town Park, but this was not suitable as it is liable to flooding that may damage the statue.

Other locations such as the Racecourse and Mallow Castle were also ruled out as it would mean the statue would not be on public display.

"Following consultation between our arts officer, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and Mr Quane, it was decided to remain faithful to the original intent and keep the statue on public display along the N20 corridor," said Mr Moloney.

"We wanted to find a location that allowed for pedestrian access to the piece so it can be viewed close up without posing a danger to people or passing motorists. The new location will also retain the strong association the statue has with Mallow," he added.

Replying to a query from Cllr Gearoid Murphy at last Friday's Kanturk/Mallow area meeting, Mr Moloney said it had initially been envisaged that the structure would be in place before Christmas.

"However, the contractor had been concentrating at the other side of the road. They are now completing works on the southern side and the statue will be erected as part of these. We expect that to happen within a matter of weeks," said Mr Moloney.

Cllr Murphy said this was goods news as he had received a number of enquires over recent weeks from members of the public about the statue.
Ahead of BJP National President and Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to the city, a group of protesters raised "Go Back Amit Shah" slogans here and released black balloons in the air on Saturday.

Protesters claiming to be members of Samvidhana Samrakshana Samithi (Constitution Protection Committee) tried to stage a protest by sloganeering against Shah, NRC and CAA at court circle here, despite police denying permission.

They were later detained by the police, official sources said.

According to reports, black balloons were also released in the air by some protesters, as the mark of protest.

Shah, who arrived in Bengaluru after attending a couple of events, will be travelling to Hubballi to address a public meeting on Citizenship Amendment Act, as part of BJP's nationwide Jan Jargaran Abhiyan, this evening.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Studley Grange donated 16 new winter coats to the three elementary schools in the Bullock Creek School District in November.

Members presented 125 dictionaries to third graders at Pine River and Floyd elementary schools. This is the 17th year Studley Grange has donated dictionaries to third graders in the Bullock Creek School District, and they have given away over 2,400 dictionaries during this time.
New Delhi:

Fuel Rates Today: Petrol and diesel prices saw a downward trend on Saturday, January 18. The rates came down by up to 20 paise across major cities of the country. According to the Indian Oil website, the petrol rates are Rs 75.26 per litre in Delhi, Rs 80.85 per litre in Mumbai, Rs 77.85 per litre in Kolkata, and Rs 78.19 per litre in Chennai, respectively. On the other hand, the diesel prices in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai remained at Rs 68.61, Rs 71.94, Rs 70.97, and Rs 72.50 per litre, respectively.

In Noida, petrol is retailing at Rs 76.45 a litre, while diesel price is Rs 68.88 a litre. The price of petrol in Gurugram is Rs 74.65 a litre while diesel was selling at Rs 67.50 a litre.

India is 84 per cent dependant on imports to meet its oil needs and any spike in global prices has a direct bearing on its economy. Not just imports but even domestic crude oilwhich forms the raw material for making petrol, diesel and other petroleum productsis priced according to international benchmarks. Middle East accounts for more than two-thirds of the countrys oil imports, with Iraq and Saudi Arabia being the top suppliers.

Why Petrol, Diesel Prices Change Every Day?

The fuel prices are in India are revised daily. Petrol and diesel prices are revised every day at 06:00 am to sync it with the variation in global oil prices. Oil marketing companies (OMC) review the global fuel prices and decide petrol and diesel daily. Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum release the new rates at 6 am every morning. Generally, when international crude oil prices gain, prices in India move higher. Other factors also impact the price of fuel like rupee to US dollar exchange rate, cost of crude oil, global cues, demand for fuel, and so on.

Why Fuel Prices Differ In Every City?

The price of fuel includes excise duty, value-added tax (VAT), and dealer commission. As VAT varies from state to state, the price of fuel is different in every city.

For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Hyderabad: The draw of lots to select pilgrims for the Haj from Telangana state was held on Saturday. The Haj Committee of India has allotted 4,341 seats to the state on the basis of Muslim population.

Mr Ajay Misra, chief secretary, minorities welfare, inaugurated the computerised Qurrah (draw of lots) at Haj House. A total of 10,752 online applications were received, including 464 under the senior citizen category (above 70 years of age), and eight from women without mehram and 23 infants who will travel along with their parents. The selections were broadcast live on large screens within the Haj House premises.

Mr B. Shafiullah, executive officer, Telangana State Haj Committee, gave a brief note about the process of selections. He said the selected pilgrims can remit Rs 81,000 on or before February 1 and Rs 1.2 lakh on or before March 15 as first balance amount and submit their online forms along with original passport to the State Haj Committee. These amounts are common to all categories. The remittance can be made by pilgrims through the State Bank of India or Union Bank of India, or the online service on www.hajcommittee.gov.in. TS Haj Committee chairman Mohammed Masiullah Khan, Minorities Commission chairman Mohammed Qamaruddin, Wakf Board chairman Mohammed Saleem, corporators Mamata Gupta and M.A. Shafi, Central Haj Committee member Tayyaba Affandi and members of the Haj Committee were present.


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Pakistans Foreign Office on Saturday summoned a senior diplomat from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad to reject the alleged mischievous portrayal by India of isolated, fabricated, incidents involving Pakistani citizens as minorities rights issues, says an official handout.

It was underscored that such machinations cannot divert attention from the criticism the Indian government is facing for its own discriminatory policies against minorities in India and the ongoing state terrorism in Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir. The Indian side was conveyed that minorities in Pakistan enjoy full protections and rights under the Constitution.

On Friday, the Indian external affairs ministry had summoned a senior official of the Pakistan high commission to lodge a strong protest over recent cases of abduction of minor girls from the Hindu minority, people familiar with developments had said.
The goal of this article is to teach you how to use price to earnings ratios (P/E ratios). We'll show how you can use China New Town Development Company Limited's (HKG:1278) P/E ratio to inform your assessment of the investment opportunity. China New Town Development has a P/E ratio of 7.71, based on the last twelve months. In other words, at today's prices, investors are paying HK$7.71 for every HK$1 in prior year profit.

View our latest analysis for China New Town Development

How Do I Calculate A Price To Earnings Ratio?

The formula for P/E is:

Price to Earnings Ratio = Price per Share (in the reporting currency)  Earnings per Share (EPS)

Or for China New Town Development:

P/E of 7.71 = CNY0.16 (Note: this is the share price in the reporting currency, namely, CNY )  CNY0.02 (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2019.)

Is A High P/E Ratio Good?

The higher the P/E ratio, the higher the price tag of a business, relative to its trailing earnings. That isn't a good or a bad thing on its own, but a high P/E means that buyers have a higher opinion of the business's prospects, relative to stocks with a lower P/E.

Does China New Town Development Have A Relatively High Or Low P/E For Its Industry?

The P/E ratio essentially measures market expectations of a company. The image below shows that China New Town Development has a higher P/E than the average (7.1) P/E for companies in the real estate industry.

SEHK:1278 Price Estimation Relative to Market, January 17th 2020

China New Town Development'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

When earnings fall, the 'E' decreases, over time. 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

China New Town Development increased earnings per share by an impressive 12% over the last twelve months. In contrast, EPS has decreased by 2.9%, annually, over 3 years.

Remember: P/E Ratios Don't Consider The Balance Sheet

One drawback of using a P/E ratio is that it considers market capitalization, but not the balance sheet. Thus, the metric does not reflect cash or debt held by the company. Hypothetically, a company could reduce its future P/E ratio by spending its cash (or taking on debt) to achieve higher earnings.

Such spending might be good or bad, overall, but the key point here is that you need to look at debt to understand the P/E ratio in context.

Is Debt Impacting China New Town Development's P/E?

China New Town Development has net cash of CN822m. This is fairly high at 52% of its market capitalization. That might mean balance sheet strength is important to the business, but should also help push the P/E a bit higher than it would otherwise be.

The Bottom Line On China New Town Development's P/E Ratio

China New Town Development's P/E is 7.7 which is below average (10.6) in the HK market. Not only should the net cash position reduce risk, but the recent growth has been impressive. The relatively low P/E ratio implies the market is pessimistic.

Investors have an opportunity when market expectations about a stock are wrong. If it is underestimating a company, investors can make money by buying and holding the shares until the market corrects itself. We don't have analyst forecasts, but you might want to assess this data-rich visualization of earnings, revenue and cash flow.

Of course you might be able to find a better stock than China New Town Development. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have grown earnings strongly.

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 active-duty 388th and Reserve 419th Fighter Wings conducted an F-35 Lightning II Combat Power Exercise at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Jan. 6, 2020. The exercise demonstrated the ability to employ a large force of F-35As, testing readiness in the areas of personnel accountability, aircraft generation, ground operations, flight operations and combat capability against air and ground targets. (U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw)

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 06:53:16|Editor: yan

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VIENNA, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- It is essential for the European Union to be more active on the international level, not to let others decide its destiny, said European Council President Charles Michel here Friday.

"In recent years, we have been confronted with a European Union which very often has had to endure crises: financial crisis, budgetary crisis, migration crisis, Brexit," said Michel after a meeting with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz at the Federal Chancellery.

"I am absolutely convinced that this new institutional cycle -- a new European Commission, a new European Parliament, a new European Council -- would be the starting point for a more positive agenda for the European Union: an agenda in which we European leaders decide to take more control of our destiny, to see what are the priorities for which decisions must be taken in the interest of the European peoples and with respect to different sensitivities within different European countries," he said.

It is a common ambition that European leaders must carry to ensure that the EU exerts on the international level a political and diplomatic influence more in relation to its economic and political weight, he added.

"We respect the choice made by the British voters in the referendum, although we regret it", said Michel. "We are entering the second phase of negotiation. It is very important to keep this unity between the 27 European countries, with the hope of keeping a close relationship with Great Britain in different fields: economic, commercial, security and geopolitical."

Michel welcomed the Austrian government's clear stance on the future of Europe. However, he did not want to comment on the question of a new treaty for Europe for which the Austrian government is advocating.

Kurz identified the focus of his meeting with Michel as European business location and competitiveness, good external border protection and the fight against illegal migration and climate change.

Kurz congratulated his guest on the new role and thanked the Europe Council chief in particular for "wanting to give the EU more weight in the world".
Ambassadors from France and Japan mingled with presidential officials, royalty and schoolchildren as Benin celebrated the return of dozens of colonial-era antique artefacts looted by France more than a century ago. Guests clustered around a magnificent 19th-century sword decorated with animal figurines once wielded by one of the Amazons, the female warriors who served as royal bodyguards. Other items include royal sceptres in the shape of an axe or a crosier. But while France has agreed in recent years to return some of Benin's looted treasures, this collection came home thanks to a private initiative. Earlier this year, the Collective of Saint-Germain-des-Pres Antiquarians, a group of specialists based near Paris, managed to acquire them -- with the specific aim of sending them back home to Benin. The exhibition of 28 objects is based at the Petit Musee de la Recade, a small museum on the outskirts of the capital Cotonou. The works of art were previously displayed at Paris' Quai Branly museum, home to tens of thousands of pieces of African art. Looted from what in the late 19th century was the Kingdom of Dahomey before it became a French protectorate from 1894, until recently they belonged to private collections. When the Petit Musee de la Recade opened in December 2015, it had 37 spectres and six other artefacts donated by the antiquarian group and private collectors -- so these new acquisitions represent a significant boost to the collection. "We have 28 new items in our collection," said Marion Hamard, director general of the centre for the arts and culture housed within the museum. "Among them we have two sculptures, eight swords, 16 sceptres and two daggers." "This will allow us to expand our collection considerably," she added. She hoped the new acquisitions would help boost visitors to the museum -- mainly schoolchildren and locals -- from 7,000 to 10,000 by the end of the year. - The politics of restitution - The French antiquarians who got hold of the artefacts, bought them last March at auction, paying several thousand euros (dollars) a piece in order to have them transferred back to their homeland. They came from two private European collections -- one handed down by Alfred Testard de Marans, who took part in a military expedition to Dahomey in 1890; the other that of Father Le Gardinier, a priest who was part of the same mission. "These are two historic collections," said Bernard Dulon, a member of the antiquaries group behind the project. "These items, collected in the 19th century, hark back to Benin's very rich past. They bear witness to an upstanding, combative, resistant Africa." But a report commissioned by the French presidency two years ago concluded that items looted during the colonial era should be returned to their countries of origin. In 2018, France pledged to return 26 statuettes from the kingdom of Abomey from the Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac museum. It signed an accord with Benin on joint exhibitions, museum loans and technical assistance for works of art, and the artefacts should be back in Benin by 2021. Some French museums have however voiced concern on what they see as the politicisation of art restitution. They question whether cultural institutions in some African states have the infrastructure to house them. The accord provides chiefly for loaning works to Africa rather than permanent restitution, unless, as is the case of the Abomey statuettes, they were obtained through fragrant military pillage. The Kingdom of Dahomey -- in what would become modern-day Benin -- reached its peak in the 18th and 19th centuries and became a major source of slaves for European traders before conquest by Paris ended its rule. Visitors contemplate artefacts recently returned to Benin and on show at Cotonou's "Petite Muse de la Recade Dominique Zinkpe, a Beninese contemporary artist and director of Cotonou's Centre for arts and culture, poses outside the Petit Musee de la Recade, hosting the arefacts returned from France A group of French antiquarians acquired the artefacts, including decorative royal sceptres, last March at an auction after France initially acquired them 130 years ago during a military expedition to what was then the Kingdom of Dahomey




China will provide fresh funding for new infrastructure projects that are expected to jerk the economy and create new jobs. Reports of prospective funding come in the wake of last weeks visit by the Asian giants top diplomat and Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi.





The new projects are the long-waited construction of Kunzvi Dam, Harare-Chirundu highway, refurbishment of Sable Chemicals fertiliser plant, rehabilitation of Harares water system, a power transmission arrangement and export of citrus to China





China is expected to provide concessionary loans for Kunzvi Dam, the Harare-Chirundu Highway and the Sable Chemicals fertiliser plant.





On the citrus exports, the Asian giant will facilitate the access of markets and removal of impediments to trade while financial facilities will be provided for Harares Morton Jaffray.





Under the power transmission deal, an arrangement has been made to ensure adequate supply of electricity to the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden to guarantee smooth development of the new city.





Funding for all the projects will be provided under the scope of Chinese signature foreign policy programme, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as well as the Forum for China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).





In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Chinas chief envoy to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Guo Shaochun, said following high-level talks that Minister Wang held with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Acting President General Constantino Chiwenga and Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo, Harare and Beijing agreed to set up teams from both countries to immediately start working on the projects.





For the six new projects, the two sides will further discuss on implementation. Practical cooperation is a major part of relations. China will always do its best to support Zimbabwe. The win-win principle is what guides cooperation between China and Zimbabwe.





We are going to further discuss on the new projects and conduct more research on the sustainability and feasibility of the projects.





Also, we need to arrange how we are going to finance the loans. Its a process and we have to handle it in a very responsible, but active way. I am confident that the two will come up with firm strategies for these new projects.





Ambassador Guo said in addition to the new ventures, the two countries had also knuckled down on challenges affecting existing projects such as the Hwange Thermal Power Station Units 7 and 8 construction and refurbishment of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, among other deals.





He said China made a commitment to continue funding the projects and ensure completion according to set timeframes.





The major projects that are being implemented are advancing well and China promised to complete the projects on time and with high quality. Even if we have some challenges we agreed that we should be able to work together, said Ambassador Guo.





He said China had a special interest with Zimbabwe, while adding that the visit was successful.





The two sides exchanged views on the interests we are concerned with. The purpose is to push forward the political relations and practical cooperation and increase people-to- people exchanges, he said.





I can say the visit was very successful. China and Zimbabwe enjoy a time-honoured friendship. In 2020 we will work together to achieve more in our cooperation and achieve more outcomes for our two countries and our peoples.





We are very pleased that Zimbabwe is one of the first stops of the visit, said Ambassador Gou after Minister Wang also toured four other African countries in line with Chinas tradition of making Africa its first diplomatic destination of the year.





Speaking after talks with Dr Moyo last week, Minister Wang said Zimbabwe had become an important partner for China under the BRI.





He said this years 40th anniversary celebrations, for the establishment of diplomatic relations, engenders the two countries to heighten all forms of cooperation.





Over the past 40 years, the two countries have always understood each other, respected each other, supported each other and trusted each other, becoming an example of China-Africa cooperation and South-South cooperation, he said during the visit.





China is pleased to see that China and Zimbabwe relations have been upgraded to comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and Zimbabwe has become an important partner of co-building the Belt and Road Initiative.





In his remarks at the end of the visit, Minister Wang said China was sincere in its partnership with Africa.





In terms of infrastructure, China has built more than 6 000 kilometres of railways and roads respectively in Africa, as well as nearly 20 ports and more than 80 large power plants, he said.





Minister Wang said trade between China and Africa stood at over US$200 billion in 2019, while noting that the Sino-Africa partnership has also motivated other parts of the world to shore up their investments on the continent. Sunday News








Until the 1920s Egypt housed one of the worlds leading cotton exchanges, reflecting the fame that Egyptian cotton had worldwide at the time. However, as the century wore on the exchanges disappeared until recent decades when the country no longer had commodities exchanges.

However, this situation is soon to change, with Ibrahim Ashmawi, head of the Internal Trade Development Authority, announcing recently that transactions will commence in Egypts new commodities exchange in January 2021 after the finalising of technical procedures.

The exchange will include facilities for dealing in wheat, rice, corn and sugar, and it will be managed by the Commodities Exchange Company with a capital of LE100 million. The companys board will be made up of stakeholders including the government with 50 per cent of the shares.

Other stakeholders will include the Egyptian Holding Company for Silos and Storage, the General Authority for Supply Commodities, the Internal Trade Development Authority, Misr Bank, the National Bank of Egypt, the Agricultural Bank of Egypt, IC Capital, the Hermes Financial Group, the Misr Insurance Holding Company, the Misr Authority for Central Clearing, Depository and Registry, and the Federation of Chambers of Commerce.

Establishing a commodities exchange means the creation of an organised market for trading storable goods, and it addresses problems resulting from multiple intermediaries, the dominance of certain dealers in some commodities, the absence of guide prices, and the need to provide better data.

The commodities exchange will allow traders to know the prices of commodities before buying or importing them, enabling them to determine the cost of products, said Fathi Al-Tahhan, a member of the Importers Division at the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, who stressed that Egyptian traders have been facing problems relating to the fluctuating prices of commodities.

Mustafa Al-Naggari, head of the Rice and Grains Division at the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, believes that smallholder farmers and importers will benefit most from the new commodities exchange.

It would make available commodities that importers can purchase at known prices and help farmers to market their produce effectively instead of falling prey to middlemen, he said. At present, many farmers are unable to store their produce, meaning that they sometimes have to accept lower prices.

The new commodities exchange, Ashmawi said at a press conference, would mean the creation of a structured market for trading storable goods, breaking the controlling position of some dealers.

Price discrepancies could arise in the absence of known guide prices, and the exchange would act as a platform and market for trading commodities, as was already the case for the precious-metals exchanges, he added.

Al-Naggari said the absence of guide prices had obliged traders to resort to websites that did not always offer accurate information. He expected the new exchange to offer updated and accurate prices.

According to Ashmawi, the new exchange will benefit all the parties involved in the buying and selling of commodities, including producers, consumers, and intermediaries.

The exchange would also speed up exports since exporters would easily be able to buy the goods they needed, Al-Naggari said, adding that there was a cap on the quantities of products to be offered on the exchange.

The exchange could also reduce losses from agriculture owing to its storage facilities. It could increase the added value of agricultural production and help make use of agricultural waste, he added.

A number of industries in Egypt use rice waste, for example, but they may not be able to acquire enough of it to make its further use worthwhile.

Al-Naggari expected the new exchange to help to reduce the prices of commodities on the exchange by 10 to 15 per cent, while the head of the Internal Trade Authority expected prices to decrease by 25 per cent.

At present, there is no registered commodities exchange in Egypt, with the Ministry of Supply being the only body authorised to issue licences. Traders and companies will be able to use the new commodities exchange, with the aim being to reach out to producers, Ashmawi said.

He said that the state would not interfere in fixing prices, which would be set by market mechanisms. However, the government will monitor the performance of the exchange through the Ministry of Supply.

The government will also work on creating a database for merchants, producers, and farmers, in addition to preparing storage units and forming boards to control the rice, wheat, corn and sugar markets.

Farmers will be registered at the new exchange through the Bank for Development and Agricultural Credit, where the names of farmers eligible to receive agricultural fertilisers are registered.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 16 January, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.

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WASHINGTON  Tens of thousands of demonstrators staged a boisterous fourth Womens March here on Saturday, a noisy, frigid, drizzly rally where demands for equal rights competed with an inescapable subtext: President Trump had to go.

The march, a reboot of sorts for an event that has been dogged by internal strife, was intended to highlight climate change, reproductive rights and immigration, three issues chosen by supporters and organizers. But many of the placards hoisted amid the throng mocked or assailed Mr. Trump, demanded his impeachment or urged his defeat in November.

Its all about Donald Trump, said Laurie Kaczanowska, 66, a retired criminal prosecutor who came from Doylestown, Pa., with friends to make the trek from a downtown plaza past the White House and back. This march is about the many issues that face women and families, so climate change, of course, is up front. But here and now we have to pay attention to protecting our republics democracy. Because I think thats in danger.

In some ways, the focus on the president was a return to the driving factor of the first march, held the day after Mr. Trumps inauguration in 2017. And many marchers said the administrations policies could not be separated from the issues they were protesting.
The Virginia Capitol building in Richmond is surrounded by fencing on Thursday in preparation for Monday's rally by gun-rights advocates. Read more

RICHMOND, Va.  Virginias highest court on Friday upheld a ban on firearms at an upcoming pro-gun rally in the states capital, an event that authorities feared could erupt in violence at the hands of armed extremists.

The Virginia Supreme Court's decision came a day after gun-rights groups sued to overturn the ban that Gov. Ralph Northam issued earlier this week, citing what he called credible threats of armed militia groups storming our Capitol.

The lawsuit and court rulings came as the FBI arrested six men whom authorities linked to a white supremacist group known as The Base. At least three of them were planning to attend the pro-gun rally Monday on the grounds of the state Capitol in Richmond, according to an official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss an active investigation.

Virginia has become Ground Zero in the nation's raging debate over gun control, as a new Democratic majority in the state legislature has promised to pass an array of restrictions, including universal background checks and a red-flag law.

Gun-rights groups argued Northam's ban would violate their Second Amendment right to bear arms and their First Amendment freedom of speech. But a Richmond judge upheld the ban on Thursday, citing rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court and other courts that the Second Amendment is not unlimited.

The state Supreme Court did not say whether it agreed with the lower court's assessment. In a terse, two-page ruling, the court said it did not have enough information to discern whether the circuit court abused its discretion in rejecting the gun-rights groups' request to lift the ban.

The court noted that it did not have a transcript of the hearing or a written statement of facts describing details of the hearing.

Northam praised the ruling, saying in a written statement that keeping the ban in place would "help to ensure the safety of all Virginians during the rally on Monday, which is also a federal holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

Philip Van Cleave, president of the Virginia Citizens Defense League  the group sponsoring the rally  called the Richmond judge's ruling mind-boggling." The group did not respond immediately to the Supreme Court ruling.

President Donald Trump jumped into the fray on Friday, tweeting that the Second Amendment is under very serious attack in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia.

Thats what happens when you vote for Democrats, they will take your guns away, Trump tweeted.

In his legal brief to the high court, Herring called Northam's ban a carefully limited Executive Order that does not prevent anyone from speaking, assembling, or petitioning the government.

"Instead, it temporarily precludes private possession of firearms in a sensitive public place during a specified time to protect public safety," the brief says.

Herring argued Northam's order would help prevent the kind of violence that erupted at a 2017 white nationalist rally in the city of Charlottesville. One woman was killed and more than 30 others were hurt when a white supremacist drove his car into a crowd. No one was wounded by gunfire at the rally.

Virginia's solicitor general, Toby Heytens, told Richmond Circuit Court Judge Joi Taylor on Thursday that law enforcement had identified "credible evidence" that armed out-of-state groups planned to come to Virginia with the possible intention of participating in a violent insurrection.

The FBI has said the six men arrested  in Delaware, Georgia and Maryland  were linked to The Base, a collective of hardcore neo-Nazis that operates as a paramilitary organization. The Base has proclaimed war against minority communities within the United States and abroad, the FBI has said. Unlike other extremist groups, its not focused on promulgating propaganda; instead the group aims to bring together highly skilled members to train them for acts of violence.

One of the arrested men had discussed traveling to Ukraine to fight alongside nationalists and compared the white supremacist group to al-Qaida, a prosecutor said in court Thursday.

Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, a nonprofit advocacy group looking to curb gun violence, told reporters on a conference call Friday that online threats against the group's employees and volunteers have also increased, comparable to what they've seen previously in the run-up to large pro-gun rallies.

She noted that many of the expected rally participants are not Virginia residents, while those who harbor the most extreme views represent just a very vocal minority.

Their views are not representative of the majority of Virginians, she said.

Because of the threat of possible violence, organizers of an annual vigil for victims of gun violence  usually held on the King holiday each year  said Friday that they have canceled their event this year.

"Given the serious concerns about possible violence on Monday, we recognize that we can not guarantee the safety of the brave gun violence prevention activists and survivors who have fought so hard for this day," said Lori Haas, state director of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence.

Fridays developments unfolded on Lee-Jackson Day, a state holiday honoring Confederate generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. Legislation proposed this year and supported by Northam would scrap the holiday.

As state officials and gun-rights groups battled over the ban in court, a package of gun-control bills was moving through the legislature, which is now in Democratic control.

The Senate on Thursday passed legislation limiting handgun purchases to once a month, requiring universal background checks on gun purchases, and allowing localities to ban guns in public buildings, parks and other areas. The bill was passed along partisan lines. It will now go to the House for consideration.

Associated Press reporters Alan Suderman, Michael Kunzelman, Jeff Martin, Jonathan Drew and Mike Balsamo contributed to this article.
On Jan. 5, Juan Guaido was expected to be re-elected as the head of Venezuelas National Assembly, which is the only democratic and internationally recognized institution left in the country. Instead, allies of President Nicolas Maduro staged a fake speaker election with his allies to oust him. That is why Mr. Guaidos climbing the buildings iron gates after being barred entry by a human barricade of National Guard members was nothing short of heroic.

Mr. Guaido, who was elected president of the assembly a year ago and is recognized as Venezuelas interim president by 60 countries, remains powerless despite overwhelming international and domestic support. But the most striking aspect of Mr. Guaidos precarious balancing act atop the gates of the legislative palace is the realization that the opposition is closest to attaining political change when it remains defiant, but within the limitations established by the Venezuelan Constitution. In the past when the opposition has explored riskier and less democratic alternative paths to precipitate a political transition, the outcome has been elusive.

After he was blocked from entering the National Assemblys building, Mr. Guaido held a vote at the headquarters of the opposition-linked newspaper El Nacional, where he was ratified to his post by 100 out of 167 legislators. The roll call was carefully registered to abide by the rules established by Congress and the Constitution.
The state of California sued the Trump administration Friday for approving new oil-drilling leases on federal land in eight Central California counties and the Sierra foothills. Its the latest step in an ongoing dispute between the federal government and the nations most populous state.

State Attorney General Xavier Becerra filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Pasadena, accusing the Bureau of Land Management of illegally failing to consider public health concerns, groundwater contamination, increases in greenhouse gas emissions and the potential for earthquakes from the drilling method known as fracking.

It claims Trump administration officials also failed to fully evaluate the environmental impacts of the plan on nearby communities.

BLMs decision to advance this half-baked proposal isnt just misguided, its downright dangerous, Becerra said in a statement. The risks to both people and the environment associated with fracking are simply too high to ignore.

But thats essentially what BLM is doing, he said. We wont ignore the facts and science when it comes to protecting our people, economy, and environment  and were taking the Trump Administration to court to prove it.

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit include Gov. Gavin Newsom, the California Air Resources Board, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the state Department of Water Resources.

The Trump administration gave the go-ahead in December for new oil and gas leases across more than 1 million acres between Bakersfield and Santa Barbara, the first ones made available by the Bureau of Land Management in the region in five years.

It means hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, will be allowed in Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare and Ventura counties. Smaller plots will also be open outside of existing industry sites, including at the edge of Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks in the Sierra, the Carrizo Plain National Monument in San Luis Obispo County and within 10 miles of Yosemite National Park.

Fracking is when high-pressure water, sand and chemicals are used to extract oil and gas. The technique makes it easier to tap hard-to-reach mineral deposits but is known to pollute groundwater and even trigger earthquakes.

The Bureau of Land Management has insisted that the agency would require petroleum companies to develop plans showing that their ventures are economically viable and would not damage the environment before they would be allowed to go forward.

Serena Baker, the spokeswoman for the BLMs Central California district office, said Friday that the agencys environmental review used the best available information and only covered leases where there had been previous oil exploration.

She said the agency manages less than 10% of oil and gas operations in California, while the state is responsible for fracking permits, including on BLM-managed land.

But the plaintiffs claim seven of the eight counties  including Kern County, where 95% of the drilling has traditionally occurred  already do not meet air-quality standards for particulate matter, ozone or both.

The suit urges the court to set aside the drilling plan because the governments environmental review failed to consider a growing body of evidence that fracking can pollute groundwater, release toxins into the air, cause land to sink and trigger low-level seismic events.

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 Trump plan also ignores the danger to millions of people and imperils species living near the oil and gas wells, increasing the risk of asthma, heart disease, lung disease and cancer in vulnerable, mostly low-income communities, according to the lawsuit. All of this, and BLMs failure to consider alternatives, mitigations or conflicts with state law, violate the National Environmental Policy Act and the Administrative Procedure Act, Becerra said.

The environmental analysis did not make any new public lands or federal minerals available to oil and gas development, since the available lands have been open to oil and gas development for more than 30 years, Baker countered. It also did not issue any new leases or approve any permits to drill.

The states action comes a few days after six environmental groups, led by the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity, sued the federal government over the same leases.

Its encouraging to see Gov. Newsom and other state officials join the battle against the Trump administrations scheme to unleash a frenzy of fracking and drilling on our beautiful public lands, said Clare Lakewood, legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity. Californians wont allow the oil industry to pollute our air and water and cripple our efforts to fight climate change.

The drilling leases are part of a push by the administration to increase fossil fuel development in California. It is an agenda that has infuriated conservationists, California legislators and the governor, who have committed to dramatic reduction targets on greenhouse gas emissions, including zero-carbon power generation by 2045.

The state has all but declared an environmental war against the president. Newsom recently halted the approval of hundreds of fracking permits until their ecological impact could be further studied. Conservation groups have also filed a lawsuit challenging Trump administration plans to allow fracking on an additional 725,500 acres across 11 counties in Californias Central Coast and the Bay Area.

Peter Fimrite is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @pfimrite
The voting for 70-member Delhi Assembly will be held on 8 February. The counting of votes will take place on 11 February.

New Delhi: A group of Congress workers protested against their own party president Sonia Gandhi outside her residence over ticket distribution for forthcoming Delhi Assembly elections.

The protestors, from Patel Nagar and Karawal Nagar Assembly constituencies, raised slogans ahead of the party's announcement of election candidates.

The group was upset over speculations that leaders Arvind Singh and Harman Singh might not get tickets from Karawal Nagar and Patel Nagar constituencies, respectively.

The angry demonstrators also blocked the way for Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president Subhash Chopra's car.

Adding that the final announcement will be made by the party on Saturday, Chopra said most candidates had been finalised and the party is likely to have a tie-up with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

The voting for 70-member Delhi Assembly will be held on 8 February. The counting of votes will take place on 11 February.
A Fremont couple has decided there is no better place to expand their Juice Stop business than Columbus.

Scott and Christina Meyer are aiming to tentatively open their second overall Juice Stop location and first in Columbus at 2334 23rd St., just west of Walgreens, in March.

We are very community-based people and I think thats what we saw in Columbus, which is why we chose that location, Christina said, adding the local store will have a drive-through window.

Juice Stop, according to its website, prides itself on serving delicious, 100% real fruit smoothies at six locations across the Omaha-metro and Fremont. Columbus will soon join that list and have more than 100 smoothie options made only with frozen fruit and no sugar at their disposal. The company also prides itself on its family values and providing healthy alternatives to fast food.

Indeed Juice Stop is a family affair. Christina said she and her husband talked for years about opening a Juice Stop in their hometown and following in the footsteps of her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, who own Juice Stop locations in the Omaha metro. In May 2018, they rolled the dice and followed suit with their own flagship store at 1542 N. Bell St. in Fremont. That store has proven to be quite successful.

It has been going great, Christina said of the initial location, which is a finalist for the Fremont Chamber of Commerces Small Business of the Year. The community has really taken to it and is enjoying it.

But the plan was to never just stop with the Fremont location.

We believe in the product, which is of course why we opened one, she said. This is not a chain. These Juice Stops are in the Midwest and are all owned by families, and we wanted to do more.

So, they began looking at various locations in Nebraska. They liked the friendliness of the Columbus community and its similarities to Fremont in terms of size. Scott also had some familiarity with the town from when he used to deliver beer to businesses in the area many years ago.

Columbus is a good place, Christina said. It really reminds us of Fremont. When we looked at both communities, we really felt like they kind of mirrored each other.

The owners also take pride in being very community-oriented. Christina said they like to give back and support different organizations, noting how shirts staff members wear at their other location have Fremont school logos on them. They would like to do the same in Columbus. The owners also are using local companies for the Columbus stores build-out, such as Preferred Plumbing and AJ Bloebaum Electric.

Additionally, the Meyers have already been in talks with the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce and joined its directory as members.

Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce President Jeanne Schieffer said shes thrilled about Juice Stops pending arrival to town, noting it speaks volumes about the quality of people and opportunities in Columbus.

Its a nice new addition; its something unique, Schieffer said. They will offer wonderful beverages for our residents to enjoy.

As the couple prepares to open the store, theyre also looking for staff members to join their team. Christina said theyre currently looking to fill a part-time morning shift supervisor and six afternoon/evening shift employee roles. To apply, visit www.juicestopsmoothies.com/careers/ and designate which location youre interested in (Columbus is an option).

The store already has its Facebook page up and running. Christina said she and her husband, who have four children, are looking forward to meeting Columbus residents and becoming part of the community.

You can expect amazing smoothies that taste awesome. Our motto is blending together, she said. We want people to know we support our community and want to be part of it. Its important to represent and support where we are at, and thats what were going to do in Columbus, just like we do in Fremont.

Matt Lindberg is the managing editor of The Columbus Telegram. Reach him via email at matt.lindberg@lee.net.

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One of Pete Byrons first jobs as mayor of Wildwood? Making sure everyone keeps tabs on how much President Donald Trumps upcoming rally will cost the city.

The mayor  who was sworn in just days before hearing Trump would hold a rally in the Jersey Shore resort town  said the city does not have a budget for the event but has asked their first responder departments, along with the public works department to keep detailed accounts for the costs incurred.

Byron said he does not see the costs being as high as some of the rallies held in bigger cities because of the limited access into Wildwood by way of the three roads in, along with the beach and ocean acting as a natural barrier behind the convention center, where the rally will be held on Jan. 28 at 7 p.m.

Do I think that our taxpayers should foot the bill for this? Absolutely not," he said. "I will do my best to get a final tally, and I will certainly pass that on to the local Republican organization, and I hope that we get some sort of reimbursement for the event.

Cape May County Republican party chairman Marcus Karavan said there should be a focus on the economic impact of the Presidents visit.

The eyes of the entire country are on Cape May County and the City of Wildwood right now," Karavan said. "Rather than being short sighted and playing partisan politics, Mayor Byron should be thanking President Trump for bringing tens of thousands of visitors to the Wildwoods who will be spending money in local hotels, bars, and restaurants, including the one run by the county Democrat chairman, on a Tuesday in January when they would otherwise be shuttered.

Byron, who is succeeding longtime former Wildwood mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. on the three-person non-partisan commission, began the year focusing on placing new professionals into the city to help with tackling objectives such as boardwalk repairs, and revitalizing the citys downtown area.

Ive always said that when Wildwood was at its best, which was, in my opinion, the 70s and the 80s. You had the balance of the downtown and the boardwalk, Byron said. Now we have very little downtown and many of visitors at our boardwalk. People need other options other than the boardwalk. We are going to make a conscientious effort to do what we have to do to bring Pacific Avenue, which is the center of our downtown back.

Now the newly-minted Wildwood mayor of the town of 5,000 is focusing on preparations for the presidents visit to support Congressman Jeff Van Drew, a longtime Democrat who abruptly switched to the Republican party and pledged his own support to Trump.

The Wildwood mayor said he had heard estimates that 40,000 tickets had been issued for an event being held in a venue that can hold up to 7,400 people. There is also the possibility another 10,000 may show up to the city.

The President brings out the people who support him, as well as who oppose them or both," Byron said. "There is no in-between, and they are all very passionate. You are going to have protesters as well. You have to factor all of that into the equation, but theres going to be a lot of people out on the street.

Byron said that although the presidents visit is a political event, he is taking the personal perspective that party affiliations should be thrown out the door, and people should come to Wildwood and enjoy the historic moment.

It is no disrespect to the president, but I look at this more about the position versus the individual, and I think that we should bask in this opportunity, the mayor said. This is going to give Wildwood national exposure. The cost relative to the exposure, we would never be able to pay the advertising cost to get the type of exposure were going to get nationally, and then youre the middle of January when it is typically a ghost town down here.

Cape May County Administrator Elizabeth Bozzelli confirmed the countys Prosecutors Office, Sheriffs Office, and Office of Emergency Management would be involved in the event. The county would only be paying overtime costs associated with the people working the event, a procedure the county follows when other significant events and busier weekends occur during the year.

In the summer, Wildwood has about 150,000 people on any given day in July and August, Cape May County spokeswoman Diane Wieland told NJ Advance Media earlier this week. With fewer businesses open, it makes that more challenging, but it is Wildwood, and I have no doubt they can do this.

Wieland said that while plans have still not been finalized, there could be the possibility that the overflow crowds may be able to watch the speech outside at either nearby Fox Park or the boardwalk itself.

Chris Franklin can be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @cfranklinnews or on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips.

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Winning 18 seats at the next state election will be a tall order, but early cracks in Labors red walls are giving the Victorian Liberals a chance to dream.

Former Liberal leader Matthew Guy conceding defeat in last year's state election. Credit:David Crossling/AAP

The oppositions decision to come out early with their Zero to Landfill policy was a shrewd political move. This substantive environmental reform fixes Labors mismanagement of Victorias landfill shortage, diversifies power generation and cuts power bills. Importantly, it stakes out the ground the Liberals must own in Victorias vexed climate change debate  the policy intersection between effective and responsible action.

Australias bushfire disaster will undoubtedly place the state Liberals handling of climate change policy under pressure again. While sensitive timing will be important, they must oppose any increase in the fire services levy, hold councils to account on their management of native vegetation and press the state government about their seasonal controlled burn targets. These targets are critical risk mitigation measures and are an essential part of Victorias integrated bushfire defence.

Solid running has been made on Labors bungled management of cladding standards. This debacle could have  and should have  been avoided. Rumours about poor quality control across the industry have been circulating for years and more questions should have been asked. The political danger here is the fact that the crisis will probably never end  and both sides know it. If this scandal doesnt send the minister out to pasture, it will certainly push him off the Norwood scale.
BOSTON - Gordon Hayward is riding a little bit of a roller coaster right now.

Hes shooting 50.4 percent from the field over his last 10 games, but if you look closer, youll see hes alternating good and bad shooting nights. If you take every other game in that stretch, starting from his 1-for-10 performance against Milwaukee, hes shooting 34.4 percent. But if you take every other game starting with his 11-for-15 against Detroit, hes shooting 64.7 percent.

Some days are diamond, some days are stone, Hayward said. I think a lot of it is what Milwaukee did, too, to try to take away a lot of things.

There is certainly some matchup based influence on Haywards shooting. There is also a bit of a continuity problem on the team. Hayward has missed significant time, as has Marcus Smart. Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum have all recently missed time too, forcing Haywards role to change a bit from game to game.

It forces you to play with different groups out there, and guys are doing different things," Hayward said. "I think were lucky enough to have enough players that we can try to step up when guys go down.

Part of Haywards missed time was caused by a sore right foot. Its been a frustrating problem for Hayward, and its taken multiple cortisone shots to get him healthy enough to play on it. However, it hasnt eliminated the problem.

My foot is still an ongoing issue," he said. "I think its going to be an ongoing issue for a little while, so it is what it is.

The problem seems to be a nerve issue that Hayward believes is connected to the injury he suffered in Cleveland two years ago. While its something hes dealing with, hes not ready to blame an inconsistent play on it right now.

The night before I had a good game, he said. "So, the foots going to be there, but its not going to be the reason. At least not yet.
Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, , leads prayers at Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque in Tehran (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)

Iran will send the black box flight recorders from the Ukrainian jetliner that it accidentally shot down last week to Ukraine for further analysis, officials in Tehran said.

Hassan Rezaeifer, the head of accident investigations for the civil aviation department, said it was not possible to read the black boxes in Iran.

He told the semi-official Tasnim news agency that French, American and Canadian experts would help analyse the recorders in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital.

Mr Rezaeifer added if that does not work, the black boxes will be sent to France.

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Irans Revolutionary Guard accidentally shot the plane down shortly after it took off from Tehran on January 8, killing all 176 people on board.

Hours earlier, the Guard had launched ballistic missiles at US troops in Iraq in response to the US air strike that killed Irans top commander, General Qassem Soleimani.

Officials say lower-level officers mistook the plane for a US cruise missile.

Iranian officials initially said the crash was caused by a technical problem and invited countries which lost citizens to help investigate.

Three days later, Iran admitted responsibility after Western leaders said there was strong evidence the plane was hit by a surface-to-air missile.

The victims included 57 Canadian citizens as well as 11 Ukrainians, 17 people from Sweden, four Afghans and four British citizens.

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Most of those killed were Iranians.

The other five nations have called for Iran to accept full responsibility and pay compensation to the victims families.

The plane was a Boeing 737-800 that was designed and built in the US.

The planes engine was designed by CFM International, a joint company comprising the French group Safran and US group GE Aviation.

Investigators from both countries have been invited to take part in the probe.
The Russian occupation authorities in Crimea have banned Ukrainian journalist Taras Ibrahimov from visiting the territory of the peninsula and Russia until 2054.

"The FSB [Federal Security Service] has banned me from visiting Russia and occupied Crimea until 2054," Ibrahimov wrote on Facebook.

The ban is valid until May 31, 2054.

"I link it [the ban] directly with my journalistic activities and my work for the publications which actively covered the trials on Crimean Tatars in Crimea and Russia," Ibrahimov said in an interview with Crimea.Reality, adding that he did not face aggression, however they did not explain the reasons for the ban neither in written nor in oral form.

Ibrahimov worked in Crimea from 2016. A range of Ukrainian media hired him to cover trials on Crimean Tatars and Ukrainians and the searches carried out by the FSB and the Center for Combating Extremism in the territory of Crimea.
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Linkedin Dario Thuburn (Agence France-Presse) Lausanne, Switzerland  Sat, January 18, 2020 22:05 724 48be62e941b44f04afae568c322b28f0 2 Environment climate-change,Greta-Thunberg,Davos Free

Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg issued a warning to world leaders at a protest in the Swiss city of Lausanne on Friday, days before the start of the Davos summit of the world's political and business elites.

"So far during this decade we are seeing no sign whatsoever that real climate action is coming," the 17-year-old eco-warrior said to a rock-star welcome from the mostly teenage crowd.

"That has to change," she told several thousand protesters, adding in a message to world leaders: "This is just the beginning. You haven't seen anything yet. We assure you of that!".

Thunberg is due to address the summit in the Swiss Alpine resort town of Davos next week with a call on governments and financial institutions to stop investing in fossil fuels.

Friday's carnival-like protest brought the cobbled streets of the Lausanne city center to a standstill, with demonstrators calling for urgent climate action and booing as they passed a branch of Credit Suisse, which campaigners criticise for its fossil fuel investments.

"One, two, three degrees! It's a crime against humanity!" they chanted, while a group at the head of the march held up a banner saying: "Let's Change The System, Not the Climate".

Some of the young protesters took inspiration from the latest extreme weather events around the world.

One held up a soft toy koala with a sign around his neck reading simply "HELP" -- a reference to the bushfires that have ravaged Australia, while another brandished a cardboard sign reading "Wake Up and Smell the Bushfires".

Read also: I wouldn't have wasted my time on Trump, says Greta Thunberg

"Fear for the glaciers", read another sign -- echoing concern among residents of the Alps about the rapidly shrinking mountain ice formations due to climate change.

"There Is No Planet B", "I Have a Green Dream" and "We Want A Cooler Planet", read some of the other signs.

Klimastreik Schweiz, who organised the march, said on Twitter that 15,000 people were taking part.

"We're here to show the governments and the people and the media and everyone that we're not happy with the situation as it is," said 17-year-old Deborah Hausser, one of the protesters.

Luana Bonetti, 14, said she felt it was "important" to take part in the demonstration, adding that Thunberg's words "touched me emotionally".

Thunberg is taking part in the Davos summit for the second time and will be one of the main attractions at the annual meeting, alongside US President Donald Trump.
PIERRE, S.D.  The chairman of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe on Thursday called on South Dakota lawmakers to improve communication with Native American communities, singling out bills passed last year that were aimed at expected protests of the Keystone XL pipeline.

When relationships collapse, miscommunication, distrust and dishonesty lead to failures in government action, Lester Thompson said in the annual State of the Tribes address at the South Dakota Capitol.

Thompson said that cooperation between state and tribal governments is necessary to move forward on a range of issues. He called for a requirement for pipeline companies to pay into a fund for oil spill cleanups, legislation to allow for charter schools focused on Native American culture and for broader recognition of tribal identification cards.

Legislation should not seek division but solutions, Thompson said.

A divide has been evident between South Dakotas government and the tribes since last year. The tribes particularly were upset with the passage of riot boosting laws pushed by Republican Gov. Kristi Noem. The Oglala Sioux Tribe responded by banning Noem from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, a move which they have since rescinded.

Parts of the laws that made it a crime to encourage or direct others to riot were nullified in a settlement with the American Civil Liberties Union, Native American activists and environmental groups in October.

But Noem is planning to revive the topic in this legislative session. She has proposed revisions of the laws to allow for peaceful protests but still prosecute people who urge rioting when force is imminent.

Thompson credited Noem for meeting with some tribal representatives last week to discuss upcoming legislation.

Though we can disagree on policy objectives, any attempt to prevent our citizens voices from being heard we will continue to oppose, he said.

Thompson called himself a realist on the oil pipeline. He said that passing legislation to protect the environment in the event of an oil spill would prevent the need for riot boosting laws.

We must learn from North Dakotas mistakes before they repeat in our own state, he said, referencing previous oil spills.

Thompson told the Legislature that extreme weather last year has particularly affected tribal lands and left families without access to emergency services and basic supplies. He also asked for lawmakers to adopt a resolution to ask Congress to repeal an 1863 law that forcibly removed Dakota people from Minnesota.

The annual speech is intended to promote cooperation between the tribal and state governments, but it became contentious after a dispute over who would deliver the speech. Noems secretary of tribal relations, Dave Flute, was floated as a potential choice, but leaders of several tribes objected because he is a state employee. They threatened to boycott the speech and hold their own event.

Legislators scrambled to mend the dispute and invited Thompson to deliver the address. Representatives from all nine of South Dakotas tribes attended the State of the Tribes address.

The tribes replacement event, called the Great Sioux Nation address, was rescheduled and held on the western side of the Missouri River in Fort Pierre, a significant location because some tribal leaders argue that it should be tribal land under treaty agreements.

At that event, each tribal leader took a turn speaking about the challenges facing their communities. Many vowed to oppose the Keystone XL pipeline.

We need to do what we can to stop it because its going to destroy our way of life, our future, said Harold Frazier, chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.

Many of the leaders said the event would spark unified action between the tribes to address a persistent problem for their communities: meth.

Harold White, chairman of the Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe, said the tribes should start suing the federal government for not living up to treaty obligations to fund health care, law enforcement and other services on reservations.

After the Dakota Uprising we were split and exiled from Minnesota, said Tony Reider, president of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, referring to an 1860s conflict. But were not defeated, were still here.

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The Congress and the BJP in Madhya Pradesh hit out at each other after a 24-year- old Dalit man was set ablaze in Sagar district on Tuesday.

Dhanprasad Ahirwar was doused in kerosene and set on fire by his neighbours Chhuttu, Ajju Pathan, Kallu and Irfan, and is battling for life in Bhopal's Hamidia Hospital with over 70 per cent burns, Motinagar police station in charge Sangita Singh said on Saturday.

Ahirwar had filed a police complaint over a dispute and the accused were forcing him to take it back, Singh said, adding that Chhuttu, Ajju Pathan, Kallu and Irfan had been arrested.

Leader of Opposition in the MP Assembly Gopal Bhargava visited Ahirwar in Hamidia Hospital and claimed crimes against Dalits were increasing under the Kamal Nath government.

State BJP president Rakesh Singh said Ahirwar had told police three times that his life was in danger but he got no help from the authorities.

He said police did not act on Ahirwar's apprehensions because of the Congress-led government's vote-bank politics and policy of appeasement.

"Though 15-20 people set Ahirwar on fire, only four have been arrested. This is because of appeasement," he added.

The MP Congress, meanwhile, hit out at the BJP and said it was giving a communal colour to every issue.

"The BJP needs to change its perception of seeing communal politics in every issue. This is a criminal case and the police have arrested the accused immediately," MP Congress spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
January 17, 2020

Release

Statement by Director of Defense Intelligence Garry Reid

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for joining us.

On January 13th of 2020, the attorney general announced the results of the Department of Justice investigation of the December 6th, 2019, attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola that resulted in the death of three U.S. service members and the wounding of eight other Americans. The evidence shows that the shooter was motivated by jihadist ideology, and the Department of Justice concluded that this was an act of terrorism.

While there was no evidence of assistance or pre-knowledge of the attack by other members of the Saudi military, or any other foreign nationals, who are attending training in the United States, during the investigation of the shooter, we learned of derogatory material possessed by 21 members of the Saudi military who were here training in the United States. 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.

Nonetheless, our service secretaries and the Defense Security Cooperation Agency determined that these international military students failed to meet the professional standards expected of students participating in our foreign military training programs. The Department of Defense worked with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to withdraw these students from training and return them to Saudi Arabia.

We will never forget those that perished in this attack. Their service and ultimate sacrifices embody our values, and they will live on forever in our hearts and minds. As we honor their memory, so must we plan to resume our military training missions at Pensacola and around the country.

But, getting back to work does not mean getting back to business as usual. Going forward, we will put several new policies and security procedures in place to protect our people, our programs and our installations. These include new restrictions on international military students for possession and use of firearms, and control measures for limiting their access to military installations and U.S. government facilities. We will also impose new standards for training and education on detecting and reporting insider threats, and establish new vetting procedures that include capabilities for continuous monitoring of international military students while enrolled in U.S.-based training programs. All current and future students will be required to acknowledge their willingness to abide by these standards, committing to full compliance with all U.S. laws on and off duty as a condition of their enrollment.

When these procedures are in place, the military departments will be authorized to fully resume the training that has been suspended since the attack in Pensacola. The new policies will be applicable to all current and future student populations, and the Secretary of Defense will receive regular updates on implementation and compliance from the secretaries of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. Thank you.

https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2060633/

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File image: Congress leader P Chidambaram

Asserting that the National Population Register is nothing but "NRC in disguise", Congress leader P Chidambaram said on January 18 that the Modi government has changed gears and is now only talking about the NPR after the "fiasco" in Assam over the citizenship list.

The former Union home minister said states are justified to oppose the implementation of the NPR and the CAA as the Constitutional validity lies with the Supreme Court.

"Our purpose is to fight the sinister purpose of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Population of Register (NPR) and mobilise public opinion against them. Our stated position is that we will not agree to NPR being rolled out from April 2020," he said.

He said all political parties fighting against the NPR, the CAA and the proposed nationwide NRC must come together.

"We are fighting against NRC and CAA. Sometimes together, sometimes differently. The important thing is that we are fighting," he said.

On the opposition-ruled states participating in the January 17 meeting on the NPR, Chidambaram said participation does not mean acquiesce or acceptance. "It is about knowing what the other side thinks about it."

"The census commissioner called the meeting, inviting officers of state governments. The states sent their officers to find out and place on table their views. Several chief secretaries attending the meeting found pitfalls in the NPR," he claimed.

Chidambaram said chief ministers of states ruled by his party will take position consistent with the Congress Working Committee resolution against the CAA, the NPR and the NRC.

"There is no constitutional issue involved (in states opposing the CAA). CAA is an issue before the Supreme Court now. Therefore, the states are perfectly justified in saying what they feel, the states are entitled to," he said.

Hinting at the Trinamool Congress, Chidambaram exuded confidence that opposition parties which did not participate in the meeting called by Congress president Sonia Gandhi on the issue will come along in the future.

"It is possible that in Bengal and many other states there are some domestic factors at play. But one should not miss the larger picture which is the fight to save the Constitution. All those fighting for values must eventually come together on a single platform. I am confident they will," he said.

Chidambaram said he went to the Park Circus Maidan in the city where Muslim women are on a sit-in for the past 12 days against the CAA.

On the petitions filed against the CAA in the Supreme Court, Chidambaram, also a lawyer, said, "Many eminent lawyers, many eminent jurists have already opined that the CAA is unconstitutional. We will put up arguments on our side."

He said granting power of detaining authority to the Delhi Police commissioner under the stringent National Security Act was "completely unacceptable, completely unnecessary and undemocratic".

"Under its provisions anyone can be held. It is a retrograde provision....every day the BJP government resorts to such repressive measures," the Congress leader said.

Chidambaram said his party is confident about doing well in the upcoming Delhi polls and also in the elections in Bihar, slated to be held later this year.
Express News Service By

MUMBAI: Actor Shabana Azmi was injured when her car rammed into a truck on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway on Saturday, and she was being treated in a Mumbai hospital where her condition was stable, officials said.

Her husband, lyricist Javed Akhtar who was in the car with her escaped unhurt while the driver sustained minor injuries.

Azmi (69) was first rushed to MGM Hospital in Navi Mumbai and later shifted to Kokilaben Ambani Hospital in Andheri in Mumbai.

"She is stable and under observation," said Dr Santosh Shetty, Executive Director and CEO of Ambani hospital in a statement late in the evening.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among those who expressed concern about the actor after the news came.

The news of @AzmiShabana Jis injury in an accident is distressing. I pray for her quick recovery.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 18, 2020

The incident took place near Khalapur, over 60 km from Mumbai, when the Tata Safari car in which Azmi and Akhtar were traveling to Pune rammed into a truck, said Raigad Superintendent of Police Anil Paraskar.

Akhtar celebrated his 75th birthday on Friday.

A local police official said the car driver was apparently trying to overtake another vehicle and rammed into the truck.

"Shabana Azmi injured in road accident on Mumbai-Pune Expressway OMG! Praying so hard," actor Swara Bhaskar reacted on Twitter.

Shabana Azmi injured in road accident on Mumbai- Pune Expressway

OMG! Praying so hard https://t.co/zV4XRo2pqH  Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) January 18, 2020

After some TV channels showed an injured Azmi being carried out of her car, actor Varun Dhawan requested the media not to broadcast or publish such images.

"To all my dear friends in the media if someone has met with an accident please do not splash their pictures all over it can be extremely distressing to their family and loved ones. This is just a humble request thank you," he wrote on Twitter.

Actor Shraddha Kapoor made a similar appeal.

"Please have some empathy and sensitivity and think how distressing this can be to their family members and loved ones. Please take it down immediately. Thank you," she tweeted.

"I pray for the speedy recovery of @AzmiShabana ji," actor Retiesh Deshmukh tweeted.

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta said, "The Mumbai-Pune expressway has always been dangerous and there is little or no monitoring to prevent rash driving. Have seen so many terrible accidents there. Hope #ShabanaAzmi is fine.

"Dear @OfficeofUT please improve safety on this route urgently. It is quite a death trap," the director said, tagging Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Azmi is known for her path-breaking roles in films such as "Arth", "Ankur", "Paar", "Masoom" and "Godmother".

She has won several national and international awards including Padma Bhushan.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Anchiano Therapeutics Ltd. (ANCN) (the Company) announced today that its board of directors approved the record date for the Companys 2020 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the Annual Meeting) to be held on or about March 23, 2020. The matters raised by Access Industries Holdings LLC and Clal Biotechnology Industries Ltd. will be addressed at the Annual Meeting. Holders of the Companys ordinary shares and holders of the Companys American Depositary Shares at the close of business on February 17, 2020, the record date, will be entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting.



About the Company

The Company is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel targeted therapies to treat cancer in areas of significant clinical need, with offices in Cambridge, MA and Jerusalem, Israel. The Company is developing small-molecule pan-RAS inhibitors and inhibitors of PDE10 and the b-catenin pathway. For more information on the Company, please visit www.anchiano.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including, without limitation, the risk factors and other matters set forth in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2018. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Company Contact:

Frank Haluska, M.D., Ph.D.

President and Chief Executive Officer

info@anchiano.com
Despite Shake-Up, Putin Rejects Idea of Soviet-Style Leaders for Life

MOSCOWPresident Vladimir Putin said on Saturday he did not want Russia to return to the late Soviet-era practice of having lifelong rulers who died in office without a proper succession strategy.

His comments, made to World War Two veterans in St Petersburg, came days after he unveiled a sweeping shake-up of the political system which led to the resignation of Dmitry Medvedev as prime minister along with his government.

Putin, in a surprise move, picked Mikhail Mishustin, the low-profile head of the countrys tax service, as the countrys next prime minister. Russians are now waiting to hear which ministers will keep their jobs in a new government.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, examines an exhibition depicting a Berlin street after surrender in 1945 at 3D panorama Memory speaks. The road through the war in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Jan. 18, 2020. (Dmitri Lovetsky/Pool via Reuters)

Putins changes, which would amend the constitution to create new centers of power outside the presidency, were widely seen as giving the 67-year-old scope to extend his grip on power once he leaves the presidency in 2024. He has dominated Russian politics, as president or as prime minister, for two decades.

Critics accuse Putin, a former KGB officer, of plotting to stay on in some capacity after his term ends. They suspect he wants to continue to wield power over the worlds largest nation, which is also one of its two leading nuclear powers.

In his comments on Saturday, Putin, who has already said he wants to limit future presidents to two terms in power despite currently serving out his fourth term himself, rejected the idea of Russian presidents for life.

Asked by a war veteran on the occasion of the 77th anniversary of the lifting of the siege of Leningrad if it was time to abolish term limits for presidents altogether, Putin said: As regards (presidential) terms for staying in power I understand  that (concern over this) is linked for many people with worries about societal, state and domestic and external stability.

But it would be very worrying to return to the situation we had in the mid-1980s when state leaders stayed in power, one by one, until the end of their days and left office without ensuring the necessary conditions for a transition of power. So thanks, but I think it would be better not to return to that situation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits an exhibition depicting an armament repair shop at 3D panorama Memory speaks. The road through the war in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Jan. 18, 2020. (Dmitri Lovetsky/Pool via Reuters)

The late Soviet period was characterized by a series of elderly leaders such as Leonid Brezhnev, Yuri Andropov, and Konstantin Chernenko who all died in office, sparking a scramble by others to grab power.

Putins comments are likely to be seen as reinforcing the idea that he plans to exit the presidency in 2024 as per the current constitution, but are unlikely to appease critics who think hell find a way to continue wielding influence behind the scenes in a different enhanced role.

By Andrew Osborn
As a battle over how civilians may investigate cops in New Jerseys largest city is waged in court, new statewide rules have already reshaped what police must tell citizens.

The changes were announced last month as part of a broad package of policing reforms. Law enforcement officials defended the guidelines, while critics said they unfairly tied the hands of outside investigators.

During two interviews in December, State Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said strengthening a police departments ability to investigate its own was the best way to hold officers accountable. However, if a town wanted more civilian oversight, the rules allowed a civilian review board to read internal police files in certain circumstances.

This is more transparency than ever before existed," Grewal said. Some departments previously wouldnt share any internal files, he said. Were saying, you can have it, which is a huge step forward."

Rev. Charles Boyer, who helped lead recent public hearings on police force around the state, said he was concerned the guidelines could hinder healthy checks and balances.

It "takes power away from the community, he said. Boyer and his organization, Salvation and Social Justice, plan to push for legislation this year that would create county-level civilian review boards across the state, modeled after the one in Newark.

Civilian boards monitor cops around the country, but theyre almost nonexistent in New Jersey. Even when a town like Maplewood created a policing board in 2018, it was barred from running its own investigations, according to the ordinance and board members.

Newark is the exception, and the city is fighting a police union in court to give civilians the ability to subpoena witnesses. That power would even set Newark apart from many boards in other states, according to Samuel Walker, professor emeritus of criminal justice at the University of Nebraska, Omaha, who has written extensively about this issue.

Regardless of the outcome of Newarks case, the new rules set up parameters for how a civilian board may investigate officers if the board wants to review internal affairs files. (The rules would not apply to a board that did not want internal files, which are normally not public.)

A civilian board may not begin any inquiry until the police and the county prosecutor have finished their own investigations, according to the guidelines.

A department does not have to share internal files with a civilian board. If it does, the department decides where the records are reviewed and for how long, and it may redact those files.

While a civilian board may write its own report about an incident, police may appropriately redact that report before its published, although what redactions would be acceptable are not defined. The board may not override law enforcement decisions, impose discipline or give any order that officials have to follow. (An appellate court recently agreed that Newark cops shouldnt be bound by a boards findings.)

Much of this hampers the publics ability to investigate complaints, said Jeanne LoCicero, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union in New Jersey  especially since there are well-documented cases of police failing to effectively investigate their own.

Another rule largely keeps people with criminal histories from reviewing internal files. Alexander Shalom, another ACLU lawyer, said that disproportionately keeps people within heavily policed communities, especially black communities, from participating in oversight.

The rules seem to say, you better not dream as big as Newark," Shalom said. This is certainly a chilling message to other municipalities.

Grewal, the state attorney general, said these basic criteria gave departments the space they needed to properly investigate incidents, and made sure members were qualified. Newark wasnt the reason for the changes, he said.

James Stewart Jr., president of Newarks Fraternal Order of Police, wrote in an email that he was generally happy with the guidelines.

If the citys board was given final approval by the state Supreme Court, Stewart said the new restrictions on when civilians could review internal files was appropriate. He also wrote that his union applauds" the limits on membership. Boards cannot include cops, local defense attorneys or prosecutors, political candidates or city officials, among other restrictions.

You can read the civilian review board rules below, beginning on pg. 60:

Blake Nelson can be reached at bnelson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BCunninghamN.

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The Ottawa Book Expo in collaboration with the Smoque Shack would be bringing you the perfect combination of Canadian cooking and literary culturethis year, 2020.

Ottawa Book Expo 2020 plans to bring together entrepreneurs who seek to market and sell innovative products and services. The expo also celebrates the brilliance of Canadian cuisine by having a barbecue available for food lovers. The expo would be introducing the Great Canadian Barbecuewhich would offer a wide array of tapas-style barbecue options in addition to the variety of other Canadian food being served.Every ticket holder will get a serving of each dish and according to the discretion of SmoqueShack, additional meal servings may be claimed.The expo would hold on June 7th and July 24th-26th at the beautiful Horticultural building in Lansdowne Park.

Tickets are available now at OttawaBookExpo.ca, with an early bird rate ofjust $89.00 per day. This ticket ensures participants are not only well-fed but that they are able to sample all the different food served each day and to enjoy the entire expo at no additional cost.

The event offers a local literary and culinary experience like no other and tickets may soon sell out. At the expo, youll get a chance to spend the day amongst books while indulging in comfort food. Youll also get to spoil your eyes on a literary feast while enjoying a literal feast in celebration of Canadian cuisine and culture.

This partnership promises a physically and intellectually satiating experience, just like the Ottawa Book Expo of 2019, which was an incredible success. The Great Canadian Barbecue will be serving food from 11:00 AM until 5 PM on June 7, 2020, and July 24-26, 2020. Anyone can choose to attend on any of these four days, which means there will be enough food and fun for everyone.

Books and food are two of lifes necessities. So, one of the best ways to spend your day would be to attend an expo that not only encourages you to immerse yourself in between pages of hundreds of books but also to eat your heart out.

The menu would feature many Canadian favourites. Youll be served some delicious pulled pork sliders, which are a classic barbecue staple. You will also be bombarded with smoked dishes, cooked in Smoque shacks signature style. Smoque Shack will also provide their signature Smoqued Andouille sausage corn dogs and skewered Smoqued shrimp served alongside timeless favourites like two bones of pork ribs and the all-time favourite brisket served on a crustini with horseradish mayonnaise. Asides barbecued foods; youll also get a chance to enjoy non-barbecue things like jerk chicken egg rolls.There will be multiple side options like mini mac and cheeses. You could snack on these fun meals while going down the line of booths showcasing different books.

The Ottawa Book Expo is unique in exploring and celebrating local talent.Support local grassroots-oriented authors, publishers and literary vendors by buying a ticket and exploring the vast pool of literary talent Canada has to offer.
S ajid Javid has warned manufacturers that there will be "no alignment" with the EU after Brexit, insisting firms must "adjust" to new regulations.

The Chancellor said the Treasury would not lend support to manufacturers that favour EU rules because the sector has had three years to prepare for Britains transition.

In an interview with the Financial Times, he said: There will not be alignment, we will not be a ruletaker, we will not be in the single market and we will not be in the customs union  and we will do this by the end of the year.

Were  talking about companies that have known since 2016 that we are leaving the EU.

He then added: "Admittedly, they didn't know the exact terms."

There is concern among some UK business sectors about leaving the current trading partnership without a new deal to reduce border friction.

Mr Javid admitted that some businesses may not benefit from Brexit, but added that the UK economy would ultimately continue to thrive in the long-term.

"There will be an impact on business one way or the other, some will benefit, some won't," he told the paper.

He added: Once weve got this agreement in place with our European friends, we will continue to be one of the most successful economies on Earth."

Last year, the automotive, food and drink and pharmaceutical sectors warned the government that no longer aligning with key EU rules would be damaging.

Mr Javid declined to specify which EU rules he wanted to drop.

The government has not yet agreed a future trading relationship with the EU - it plans to do so in the 11-month transition period which begins after the UK leaves the bloc on January 31.

During the transition period the UK will continue to follow EU rules and contribute to its budget.

The Chancellor also hinted that there might be tax rises in the March Budget or autumn, saying he was determined to take the hard decisions you need to sometimes, especially at the start of a new government.

But when asked specifically about taxation he said: Youll have to wait for the Budget.
By Jonathan Allen NEW YORK (Reuters) - Chris Collins, a former U.S. congressman from New York who was an early backer of President Donald Trump, was sentenced to 26 months in prison and fined $200,000 on Friday after pleading guilty to taking part in an insider trading scheme

By Jonathan Allen

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Chris Collins, a former U.S. congressman from New York who was an early backer of President Donald Trump, was sentenced to 26 months in prison and fined $200,000 on Friday after pleading guilty to taking part in an insider trading scheme.

Collins, 69, pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy and making false statements in October in federal court in Manhattan, a day after resigning his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Collins was convicted of trading on insider information while a board member and a 16.8% stakeholder of Australian biotechnology company Innate Immunotherapeutics Ltd.

(Reporting by Jonathan Allen; Editing by Daniel Wallis)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
[The selloff of the .ORG domain name registry to a private equity fund is fractally terrible, but it's in danger, thanks to public outcry. My EFF colleague Mitch Stoltz lays out the grotesque contours of the deal and its many deficiencies in this comprehensive overview. -Cory]

Over 21,000 people, 660 organizations, and now six Members of Congress have asked ICANN, the organization that regulates the Internet's domain name system, to halt the $1.135 billion deal that would hand control over PIR, the .ORG domain registry, to private equity. There are crucial reasons this sale is facing significant backlash from the nonprofit and NGO communities who make the .ORG domain their online home, and perhaps none of them are more concerning than the speed of the deal and the dangerous lack of transparency that's accompanied it.

Less than three months have passed from the announcement of the salewhich took the nonprofit community by surpriseto the final weeks in which ICANN is expected to make its decision, giving those affected almost no chance to have a voice, much less stop it. The process so far, including information that the buyer, Ethos Capital, provided to ICANN in late December, raises more questions than it answers. U.S. lawmakers are correct that "the Ethos Capital takeover of the .ORG domain fails the public interest test in numerous ways."

Before any change in who operates the .ORG registry can take place, ICANN, which oversees the domain name system, needs to answer important questions about the deal from those who use .ORG domain names as the foundation of their online identity. Working with the nonprofit community, we're asking ICANN to ask more questions to confirm how the deal will protect .ORG usersquestions that are still unanswered. And next week, on January 24th, nonprofits and supporters will protest at ICANN's headquarters in Los Angeles. You can join us to tell ICANN that it must be more than a rubber stamp.

RSVP

A Dangerous Deal

The Internet Society (ISOC)which has controlled .ORG for the past 16 yearsand Ethos Capital are treating the .ORG registry as an asset that can be bought and sold at will. But ISOC didn't pay to acquire the .ORG registryindeed, PIR, the organization that was founded by ISOC to run .ORG was given $5 million to help it do so. Now, ISOC plans to profit off of the value of the registry by converting PIR into a for-profit LLC in the hands of Ethos Capital.

ICANN delegated the task of running .ORG to ISOC in 2002 because ISOC was best positioned to run the domain for the benefit of nonprofit users. The excess funds from .ORG registration fees that have supported the work of ISOC for the past 16 years were a side benefit, not a sacred entitlement. Rather than an asset, like a building, the registry should be thought of as a public functionlike the assigning of street addresses. It should be (and has been) administered in the public interest. But in the hands of private equity, the registry will become something altogether different from what it's been in the past: a tool for making profits from nonprofits.

After the sale, Ethos Capital, having paid $1.135 billion for .ORG to ISOC, will have to recoup that investment on a scale that's expected of a private equity firm. This week, Ethos revealed for the first time that some $360 million of the purchase price will be financed with a loan. The payments on that loan will have to come out of Ethos's profits, so they will probably need to raise more money per year than ISOC currently does. While Ethos could try to simply increase the number of its "customers" for .ORGs, PIR has tried this in the past, and the demand for the domains has remained largely flat. This is no surprise; the nonprofit sector just doesn't grow at exponential rates.

That brings us to the myriad reasons nonprofits have criticized the deal: every other way that Ethos might increase profits is bad news for .ORG users. And these tactics aren't farfetched: every one of them is already delivering profits in other sectors, often while harming domain registrants and their visitors.

Squeezing Profits from Nonprofits Harms Civil Society

The most obvious way to profit from the registry is for Ethos to raise the annual registration fees on .ORG names. Under pressure, Ethos has promised to keep fee increases to 10% per year "on average." But they haven't made that promise legally binding. There won't be any way for .ORG users to challenge future fee increases without changing domain names, an expensive and risky process well-known to any organization or which has had to shift away from a trusted domain. And even more worrisome, Ethos could begin charging different rates for different domains. Other registries already charge considerably higher fees for names they designate as "premium." Ethos could base fees entirely on an organization's ability to pay, essentially holding nonprofits' domain names for ransom. Ethos could also engage in censorship-for-profit. As we've described before, other domain registries have made deals with powerful corporate interests, like movie studios and pharmaceutical interests, to suspend the domains of websites, even if that means suppressing truthful information. But .ORGs don't just have corporate interests hoping to control their voices: the world over, including within authoritarian regimes, .ORGs are the home of important critical speech on the Internet. Ethos would have a clear incentive to take down domains at the request of repressive governments, just as governments often demand takedowns of speech on social networks, in exchange for tax or other financial benefits. Ethos could sell the browsing data of users who visit .ORGs. The operator of a domain registry can, if it chooses, track every look-up of an address within that domain. Ethos could track visits to nonprofit organizations around the world, perhaps to target advertising on behalf of Vidmob, the advertising company they also own, invading the privacy of everyone who visits .ORG websites. Ethos could cut back on the important technical upkeep of the domains. Domain name lookups must be available worldwide, and quickly. Technical failures can mean being unable to connect to a website, or to send and receive email. This doesn't just mean 404s: because the .ORG registry is home to relief agencies, news media, and other groups that provide life-saving services, technical failures could result in actual harm. Aid might not reach people in need during a crisis; news and information could be stopped dead during an emergency. The .ORG registry has had no downtime in over a decade. If that changes, it's not just websites that would be in danger.

Not Enough Safeguards

In response to public pressure, Ethos has made a loose commitment about future pricing. It has also proposed adding text about acting in the public benefit into the "Certificate of Formation" for the new holding company they're creating. And it's promised to create a "Stewardship Council" to "help guide" the company's management.

But there's no force behind these words. Under corporate law, only the company itself has the power to decide whether it's acting for the public benefit. Putting vague commitments into a "Certificate of Formation" doesn't give the users of .ORG domains any mechanism of enforcement. And a "Stewardship Council" will not be able to override the decisions of the company's owners and management. There's no guarantee that the council will even be informed about what the company is doing. In fact, PIR already has an advisory counciland it wasn't even told that the sale to Ethos was going to happen.

Luckily, there are other options on the table. If the .ORG registry needs to change hands, ICANN must take the time to consider all the alternatives, such as the Cooperative Corporation of dot-org Registrants, and determine which organization will best uphold the commitments that were made when .ORG was last re-assigned, in 2002. Instead of a rushed and secretive vote, ICANN should engage in a careful decision-making process that gives all .ORG registrants a voice in decisions around the registry in the future.

The Benefits Are Vague, At Best

In defending the deal, ISOC's leadership has talked about the good they can do with a $1.1 billion endowment. Those good works, though, don't excuse breaking trust with thousands of nonprofits. Several proponents of the deal, echoing Ethos's talking points, claim that turning .ORG into a for-profit registry will lead to "new products and services" for the .ORG community. No one explains what those would be, though, or what they have to do with maintaining a reliable database of domain names. And there is no benefit at all if these vague opportunities in the future come at the cost of functional, censorship-free websites for millions of nonprofits, associations, and clubs around the world.

ICANN Needs To Ask More Questions

As the group that controls the top level of the domain name system, ICANN has the power to stop .ORG from changing hands, and to name a new organization to steward that important resource. Before the deal goes any further, ICANN needs to ask more questions of ISOC and Ethos. We've compiled a handy list.

Anyone who's concerned about selling a public trust for private profit can sign the petition to #SaveDotOrg, which we'll be presenting along with other nonprofits to ICANN in person next week. And if you'll be in the Los Angeles area on Friday, January 24th, come join us at the protest at ICANN's headquarters, organized by EFF, NTEN, and Fight for the Future. Help us tell ICANN: .ORG is not for sale.

RSVP

Tell ICANN: Nonprofits Are Not For Sale





(Crossposted from EFF Deeplinks)
Turkish president urges Europe to support Ankaras moves in Libya, days after he ordered deployment of troops there.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned Europe it could face new threats from terrorist groups if Libyas United Nations-recognised government in Tripoli were to fall, in an article published in Politico.

In the article released on Saturday, the eve of a Libya peace conference in Berlin, Erdogan said the European Unions failure to adequately support the Government of National Accord (GNA) would be a betrayal of its own core values, including democracy and human rights.

Europe will encounter a fresh set of problems and threats if Libyas legitimate government were to fall, Erdogan wrote.

Terrorist organisations such as ISIS [ISIL] and al-Qaeda, which suffered a military defeat in Syria and Iraq, will find a fertile ground to get back on their feet, he added.

Keeping in mind that Europe is less interested in providing military support to Libya, the obvious choice is to work with Turkey, which has already promised military assistance, Erdogan continued.

We will train Libyas security forces and help them combat terrorism, human trafficking and other serious threats against international security, he added.

200116123456897

Renegade military commander Khalifa Haftars eastern-based forces have been engaged in an offensive on Tripoli for more than nine months targeting the GNA led by Fayez al-Sarraj. The fighting has killed more than 2,000 people, including some 280 civilians, and displaced tens of thousands of others.

In a joint initiative, Turkey and Russia have brokered a ceasefire but Haftar walked away from talks in Moscow this week aimed at finalising the truce agreement.

A furious Erdogan warned on Tuesday that Turkey will not refrain from teaching a lesson to Haftars self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) forces if their attacks against the GNA continue.

Both the LNA and GNA conditionally agreed to a truce brokered by Turkey and Russia last week, however, new fighting has been reported.

Mistake of historic proportions

Erdogans government backs al-Sarraj and the Turkish parliament approved the deployment of troops to Libya earlier this month after the signing of controversial security and maritime deals between Tripoli and Ankara.

200106062845414

Sources told Al Jazeera about 180 Turkish forces are believed to already be in Libya acting as military advisers and trainers.

So far, the Turkish military hasnt stated anything about the potential size of the deployment to Libya to support the GNA, but were told the military will not be involved in combat, said Al Jazeeras Sinem Koseoglu, reporting from Istanbul.

To leave Libya at the mercy of a warlord would be a mistake of historic proportions, Erdogan wrote in his article, in a veiled reference to Haftar.

His article comes a day before the key conference on the Libya crisis in Berlin, which is expected to be attended by representatives of Libyas warring sides and several world powers.

Germanys foreign minister, Heiko Maas, said Haftar supported the temporary ceasefire and was also willing to attend the conference, but it remains to be seen.
The decision to allow shops, malls and restaurants in the city to stay open 24x7 has received a mixed response from Mumbaiites. While some have backed the move, others have expressed concerns over security of people around these establishments, pointing out that a proper standard operating procedure needs to be put in place.

Shopping malls and other such establishments can stay open all night, but places that do not have parking facilities will create chaos on nearby roads, said Nayana Kathpalia, a citizen activist who lives in Churchgate. Kala Ghoda, for instance, cant have such place open during the night as the residential colonies around will get disturbed. This has to be a well-thought-out plan for a city like Mumbai, which is already reeling under traffic and parking woes.

However,25-year-old Khushbu Chotalia, an MBA student from Mulund, said the move will ensure that there is a sense of security during the night as several people might step out. Also, there is barely any place in the city to hang out after midnight. The only places that are open and serve food are star hotels, which are expensive, she said.

Opposition party leaders, too, reacted to the decision seen widely as a brainchild of tourism minister Aaditya Thackeray. Urge Maha Govt to clarify full details about bar/pub/malls & eateries staying open 24X7. Peace, safety & security of Mumbaikars in residential areas is topmost priority. Any bar/pub/mall/eatery which is a security threat for residential areas or puts burden on police will be opposed, BJP leader Ashish Shelar tweeted.

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Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will lead the Indian delegation to the 50th World Economic Forum at Davos from January 20 to 24. Goyal will also participate in an informal WTO Ministerial gathering being held in Davos during this period, the commerce ministry said in a statement.

The union minister will hold bilateral meetings with ministers of Australia, South Africa, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Korea and Singapore.

He will also meet Director General of World Trade Organization and Secretary General of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Apart from this, Goyal will hold bilateral meetings with CEOs of companies, attend WEF sessions and round tables on 'Accelerating Investments in Indian Railways' and attracting Global Institutional Investments in India, the statement said.

The minister will participate in the WEF along with Union Minister of State for Shipping and Chemical and Fertilizers, Mansukh L Mandaviya; and Chief Ministers of Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh; Finance Minister of Punjab and the IT Minister of Telangana.
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will skip this years World Economic Forum in Davos, after a week in which he faced renewed calls to accelerate the pace of economic reform and in-fighting within his ruling party.

Ramaphosa is staying home to give attention to pressing domestic priorities and preparations for a meeting between the ruling party and the cabinet, the presidency said in a statement on its website. He also wont attend a U.K.-Africa Investment Summit in London on Monday.

South Africas main business-lobby group warned this week the government is running out of time to avoid losing its last remaining investment-grade credit rating and must implement economic reforms urgently. That echoed a statement by Finance Minister Tito Mboweni on Jan. 10 that hes frustrated by policy inertia within the government.

South Africas economy is stuck in its longest downward cycle since 1945, hobbled by power cuts, deteriorating public finances and delays in policy implementation. The central bank on Thursday lowered its growth forecast for this year to 1.2% from a previous estimate of 1.4%.

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd., which generates about 95% of the South Africas electricity, resumed rolling blackouts last weekend, despite assuring Ramaphosa last month that outages wouldnt resume until mid-January.

The renewed power cuts prompted Deputy President David Mabuza to say on Jan. 10 that Ramaphosa had been misled -- an indirect criticism of Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan, who is in charge of state enterprises. Gordhan, seen as an ally of Ramaphosa, has faced increasing calls from within the ruling African National Congress to be removed from his post.

Senior members of the ANC allied with Ramaphosa said criticism of Gordhan was an indirect attack on the president.

The true target of those ANC politicians and their fellow travellers who are leading the attack is President Cyril Ramaphosa, the so-called ANC Stalwarts and Veterans said in a Jan. 15 statement. A convergence, or unity, of these individuals and organizations is indeed underway and is self-evidently designed to bring about the removal of a president committed to rehabilitating the countrys institutions and eliminating corruption.

Story continues

The ANCs executive council is meeting this weekend to discuss Eskom and other state companies like South African Airways. The cash-strapped carrier may be forced to cut some flights this weekend unless it receives 2 billion rand ($139 million) from the government.

South Africa will be represented in Davos and London by government and civil society representatives led by Mboweni and International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor, the presidency said.

(Updates with ANC executive committee meeting in penultimate paragraph.)

To contact the reporters on this story: Rene Vollgraaff in Johannesburg at rvollgraaff@bloomberg.net;Paul Vecchiatto in Cape Town at pvecchiatto@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Benjamin Harvey at bharvey11@bloomberg.net, Paul Richardson, Robert Brand

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

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U.S. President Donald Trump made a stark appeal to Black Americans during the 2016 election when he asked, What have you got to lose? Three years later, Black Americans have rendered their verdict on his presidency with a deeply pessimistic assessment of their place in the United States under a leader seen by an overwhelming majority as racist.

The findings come from a Washington Post-Ipsos poll of African Americans nationwide, which reveals fears about whether their children will have a fair shot to succeed and a belief that white Americans dont fully appreciate the discrimination that Black people experience.

While personally optimistic about their own lives, Black Americans today offer a bleaker view about their community as a whole. They also express determination to try to limit Trump to a single term in office.

More than 8 in 10 Black Americans say they believe Trump is a racist and that he has made racism a bigger problem in the country. Nine in 10 disapprove of his job performance overall.

The pessimism goes well beyond assessments of the president. A 65 per cent majority of African Americans say it is a bad time to be a Black person in America. That view is widely shared by clear majorities of Black adults across income, generational and political lines. By contrast, 77 per cent of Black Americans say it is a good time to be a white person, with a wide majority saying white people dont understand the discrimination faced by Black Americans.

Courtney Tate, 40, an elementary school teacher in Irving, Texas, outside Dallas, said that since Trump was elected, hes been having more conversations with his co-workers  discussions that are simultaneously enlightening and exhausting  about racial issues he and his students face everyday.

As a Black person, youve always seen all the racism, the microaggressions, but as white people they dont understand this is how things are going for me, said Tate, who said he is the only Black male teacher in his school. They dont live those experiences. They dont live in those neighbourhoods. They moved out. Its so easy to be white and oblivious in this country.

Francine Cartwright, a 44-year-old mother of three from Moorestown, New Jersey, said the ascent of Trump has altered the way she thinks about the white people in her life.

If Im in a room with white women, I know that 50 per cent of them voted for Trump and they believe in his ideas, said Cartwright, a university researcher. I look at them and think, How do you see me? What is my humanity to you? 

The president routinely talks about how a steadily growing economy and historically low unemployment have resulted in more African Americans with jobs and the lowest jobless rate for Black Americans recorded. Months ago he said, What Ive done for African Americans in two-and-a-half years, no president has been able to do anything like it.

But those factors have not translated positively for the president. A 77 per cent majority of Black Americans say Trump deserves only some or hardly any credit for the 5.5 per cent unemployment rate among Black adults compared with 20 per cent who say Trump deserves significant credit.

In followup interviews, many said former president Barack Obama deserves more credit for the improvement in the unemployment rate, which declined from a high of 16.8 per cent in 2010 to 7.5 per cent when he left office.

Others said their personal financial situation is more a product of their own efforts than anything the president has done.

I dont think [Trump] has anything to do with unemployment among African Americans, said Ethel Smith, a 72-year-old nanny who lives in Lithonia, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. Ive always been a working poor person. Thats just who I am.

Black Americans report little change in their personal financial situations in the past few years, with 19 per cent saying it has been getting better and 26 per cent saying it has been getting worse. Most, 54 per cent, say their financial situation has stayed the same.

A similar 56 per cent majority of African Americans rate the national economy as not so good or poor, contrasting with other surveys that find most Americans overall rate the economy positively, although there are sharp political divides on this question.

Beyond questions about the economy, African Americans see a range of concerns impacting the country overall as well as their own communities.

Just 16 per cent of Black Americans believe that most Black children born in the U.S. today have a good opportunity to achieve a comfortable standard of living. A 75 per cent majority think most white children have such an opportunity.

More than 8 in 10 say they do not trust police in the United States to treat people of all races equally, and 7 in 10 distrust police in their own community.

Black Americans also widely sense that their experiences with discrimination are underappreciated by white Americans.Just about 2 in 10 say that most white Americans understand the level of discrimination Black Americans face in their lives, while nearly 8 in 10 say they do not.

The starkly negative outlook appears to be a turnabout from previous points during both the Obama and George W. Bush presidencies, according to surveys asking related questions. A 2011 Washington Post-Kaiser Family Foundation survey found 73 per cent of Black women said it was a good time to be a Black woman in America, while a similar survey in 2006 found 60 per cent of Black men saying it was a good time to be a Black man.

Yet the Post-Ipsos poll also finds that 65 per cent of Black Americans say they feel optimistic about their own lives most or all of the time. This positive personal outlook crosses age and political groups, and while it peaks among those who are older and with higher incomes, roughly half of Black Americans with incomes under $35,000 (U.S.) annually say they feel optimistic about their own lives.

Dana Clark, a father of 11 children in Ontario, California, said he tells all of his children that its possible to succeed in America, but that theyll have to work harder than the white children they encounter.

I tell them were going to set this plan up. Whatever you want to do youre going to be able to do it, he said. But it aint going to be easy, especially if [you] want to make some money because youre going to be in a world where theyre not going to expect you to be there. You can get what you want, but youve got to work harder, faster and stronger.

The survey, by The Post and Ipsos, a non-partisan research firm, is one of the most extensive recent surveys focused on views of the country and Trump among Black Americans, who are often represented by only small samples in customary national polls. It was conducted among 1,088 non-Hispanic Black adults, including 900 registered voters, drawn from a large online survey panel recruited through random sampling of U.S. households.

Few Black voters responded positively to Trumps campaign appeal for their votes. Exit polls taken during the 2016 election showed just 8 per cent of African Americans supported Trump and 89 per cent backed Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, although Black turnout was significantly lower than in 2008 and 2012 for the election and reelection of Obama, the countrys first Black president.

In the Post-Ipsos poll, roughly three-quarters of Black adults say the things that Trump is doing as president are bad for African Americans, while a similar majority says Obamas actions as president were good.

Kenneth Davis, a truck driver who lives outside Detroit, said that when Trump was elected, co-workers who secretly harboured racist thoughts felt emboldened to publicly express them.

One gentleman is waving the Confederate flag on the back of his pickup truck, said Davis, 48, who is a Marine Corps veteran. He was very brave to say Trumps president, Im going to get my window (painted). 

Retired federal prison warden Keith Battle said the political climate has exposed unresolved racial issues and that Trump has emboldened white supremacists. Battle, who lives in Wake Forest, North Carolina, said white supremacists are not the majority of whites in America, but there is a significant amount still, Id say 30 per cent, and I think theyre just leading the country down a path of, eventually, chaos. Theyre feeling jeopardized of losing their white privilege.

Survey respondents were asked to say how Trumps presidency has affected them personally or African Americans in general. The responses illuminated the data in the poll.

Donald Trump has not done anything for the African American people, said one person.

He has created an atmosphere of division and overt racism and fear of immigrants unseen in many years, said another.

A third said, He has taken hatred against people of colour, in general, from the closet to the front porch.

Others echoed that sentiment, saying that the president has emboldened those with racially prejudiced views and therefore set back race relations for years. I sense a separation between myself and some of my white associates, one person wrote.

Trumps overall approval rating among Black Americans stands at 7 per cent, with 90 per cent disapproving, including 75 per cent who disapprove strongly.

Similarly large majorities of Black men and women disapprove of Trump, as do Black Americans across different age, education and income levels. Trump receives somewhat higher marks among self-identified Black conservatives, with 25 per cent approving of his performance, compared with 5 per cent of moderates and 3 per cent among liberals.

Few Black Americans appear open to supporting Trumps bid for reelection at this point. He receives between 4 and 5 per cent support among Black registered voters in head-to-head matchups against eight potential Democratic nominees. But the level of Democratic support depends on who is the partys nominee, peaking at 82 per cent for former vice president Joe Biden and falling to 57 per cent for former South Bend, Indiana, mayor Pete Buttigieg.

The Post-Ipsos survey was conducted Jan. 2-8, 2020, through Ipsoss Knowledge Panel, a large online survey panel recruited through random sampling of U.S. households. Overall results have a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points among the sample of 1,088 Black adults overall, and four points among the sample of 900 registered voters.

The Washington Posts Emily Guskin contributed to this report.

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FREETOWN, Sierra Leone  On January 14, 2020, the launching ceremony of Training Course on Pottery Production Techniques was held at Goderich Campus of Milton Margai College of Education and Technology (MMCET) in Freetown. The 42 days training course is sponsored by the Chinese government and supported by the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education of the Sierra Leonean government, and it aims to improve the pottery production skills of 45 participants who are from different areas of Freetown.

The ceremony was graced by Mr. Zhang Xueqian, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, Dr. Victor Massaquoi, Director of TVET of Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and Dr. Philip John Kanu, Principal of MMCET. 45 participants, 6 Chinese teachers and more than 200 faculty members and students of MMCET also attended the launching event.

In his statement, Counsellor Zhang Xueqian stated that as a driver for economic and social progress, human capital development is one of the priorities in H.E. President Julius Maada Bio New Direction Manifesto. China has always been dedicated to helping nurture talents in various fields for Sierra Leone.

Counsellor Zhang stated that in 2018, Chinese government held the first-ever training course on pottery production in Lunsar and Waterloo in Sierra Leone, which effectively improved the livelihood skills of the villagers in that area. This year, in 2020, the Chinese side is working with the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education with to further empower more Sierra Leonean youth and make greater contribution in dealing with youth unemployment in Sierra Leone. He empathized that this course is not only a platform for mutual learning but also an opportunity where China and Sierra Leonecan deepen cultural exchange and forge closer people to people ties.

Dr. Victor Massaquoi, on behalf of the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the Chinese government for their great support to the education in Sierra Leone. He admonished all the participants totake the training course seriously and actively participate in learning and practicing activities. He reiterated that the cooperation between his ministry and the Chinese side had always been commendable and he looked forward to seeing both sides take it to a new level.

In recent years, human resources development has been one of the highlights in the cooperation between China and Sierra Leone. This year witnesses the second time that Chinese government holds a training course on pottery production techniques in Sierra Leone.

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Hyderabad: It was about seven years ago that Naveed Ahmed Shah alias Babu, then a newly recruited special police officer (SPO), first came in contact with Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Davinder Singh. Since they belo-nged to South Kashmir, Naveed during the course of his duties would meet his superior regularly, particularly to share information about the terror network in his home town.

Over the years, Naveed was absorbed into the police department as a constable. By then, he had a fairly decent idea of Davinders reputation when it came to money-making matters. Both are then believed to have joined hands as Naveed became the conduit for Davinder to extort money from terror suspects. Their friendship continued till the police arrested them in each others company at Qazigund on January 11.

In a disclosure that has left all agencies working in Jammu and Kashmir red-faced, Davinder has revealed that his association with Naveed started seven years ago and remained that way even after he joined the Hizbul Muja-hideen.

Highly placed sources associated with the investigation told Deccan Chronicle that Davinder, who is presently in the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), first met Naveed in his office sometime in early 2013. Since he bel-onged to South Kashmir, he just wanted to call on him and introduce himself. Since Naveed was well-connected with the local populace not only in Shopian but also Pulwama, he would regularly get information about the movement and designs of terrorists, which he would share with Davinder, who worked in different posts in that period.

Over a period of time, Naveed Ahmed Shah alias Babu, a resident of Nazneenpora in Shopian, had started working as a conduit for Deputy Superintendent of Police Davinder Singh. As special police officer, Naveed used to visit Davinders home on quite a few occasions and used to regularly be seen in his office.

Though sources indicated that Naveed worked under Davinder at some point, the same was not confirmed by officials.

There were several underground cadres who were in touch with both of them, something that is common in anti-terror operations.

Sometimes, these cadres would provide information to buy their own safety, sometimes due to ideological differences or due to tussles between local and foreign militants. Both Davinder and Naveed made the most of this information, making huge money in the process, sources said adding that Davinder even had a share in the cash rewards on the heads of various terrorists who surrendered.

But, by the end of 2016, Naveed who had a close association with militants and their handlers across the border, made up his mind to join the ranks of the Hizbul Mujahideen.

In 2017, while he was posted on the Food Corporation of Indias premises in Budgams Chandpora, he decamped with four rifles from the guard room and joined the Hizbul Mujahideen. Later, he was involved in snatching a weapon from a legislators house.

Even after he joined Hizbul, Naveed remained in touch with Davinder. Sources said Davinder used to talk not only to Naveed but through him, with other militants. They would communicate through various apps and therefore never came on the security agencies radar. With Naveed in the Mujahideen and in a position to pay, Davinder started helping him and his family by providing them safe houses and transport, besides parting sensitive information. He ferried Naveed on an earlier occasion as well, they said.

Naveed alias Babu, who is Hizbul Mujahideens second major commander,after Riyaz Naikoo, has 17 FIRs against him.
Punjab Chief Minister on Friday said the amended Citizenship Act was against the secular fabric of the country and compared it with the "ethnic and religious cleansing of Hitler's Germany".

"What happened in Germany under Hitler in 1930 is happening in India now..Germans did not speak then, and they regretted it, but we have to speak now so that we do not regret later," Singh said in the during a discussion on the resolution, which was adopted by a voice vote, seeking immediate repeal of the CAA.

Pointing to the omission of Muslims and such other communities as Jews from the ambit of citizenship under the CAA, the resolution asked for a repeal of the Act "to avoid any discrimination on the basis of religion in granting citizenship and to ensure equality before law for all religious groups in India", according to a release by the CMO.

"Why have Muslims been excluded? And why have they (Centre) not included Jews in the CAA?" pointing out that Punjab had a Jew Governor, General Jacob, who also fought for the nation in the 1971 war, the release added.

According to the official release, the Punjab CM urged the Opposition, particularly the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), "to read Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf to understand the dangers of CAA." He said he would get the book translated and distributed so that all could read and grasp the historical mistakes that Hitler made.

The resolution was introduced in the Assembly by Cabinet Minister Brahm Mohindra and was put to vote by Speaker Rana KP Singh, according to a press release.

During the discussion on the resolution, the CM also urged the Centre to put on hold the work on the Population Register (NPR), till forms and documents associated with it are amended suitably, in order to allay apprehensions that it is a prelude to the Register of Citizens (NRC).

After the Assembly passed the resolution, Singh said that the will join Kerala in the Supreme Court on the matter.

"We are going to join Kerala in Supreme Court on this issue," he had said.

Recently, the Kerala government had passed the resolution against the CAA and also moved the Supreme Court against the Act which grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.
George Orwell wrote in Tribune magazine of listening in on a conversation in a hotel between two businessmen. One affirmed that the Poles should be "sent back to their own country" and the other added that they were "degraded in their morals": "'Their ways are not our ways,' he concluded piously."

The men agreed that these foreigners were taking over the medical profession, stealing jobs elsewhere from "our lads" and occupying a disproportionate amount of the limited housing stock. This was 1947, but it might have been an exchange between those who despised the EU open-border policy and would campaign and vote for Leave in the 2016 Brexit referendum. Orwell was astonished, given that most of the Poles who had settled in the UK after World War II were hard-working refugees or ex-service personnel. Little seems to have changed. No convincing evidence was presented by UKIP, the Brexit Party, or the hard-right Conservatives that immigration has damaged the UK economy, let alone deprived members of the indigenous population of jobs and housing, but a belief that foreigners are the cause of the UK's afflictions was the keynote of the anti-EU campaign.

Orwell foresaw very much. Some might be puzzled by why the so-called 'red-wall' of northern English constituencies voted first for Leave and then for Johnson. Consider Orwell's essay 'England Your England' (1941): "The famous 'insularity' and 'xenophobia' of the English is far stronger in the working class than in the bourgeoisie the English working class are outstanding in their abhorrence of foreign habits. Even when they are obliged to live abroad they refuse either to accustom themselves to foreign food or to learn foreign languages the insularity of the English, their refusal to take foreigners seriously, is a folly that has to be paid for very heavily from time to time."

Orwell goes so far as to claim that the 'working classes', the 'Tommies' who were in Europe in 1914-18 and who were "first in contact with foreigners to an extent that was [then] rarely possible brought back a hatred for all Europeans". He was not referring to the Germans, their enemies, but to the indigenous civilian population of France who they were supposedly defending. At the other end of the spectrum we have Orwell's 'intelligentsia', who are Europeanised.

"England is perhaps the only great country whose intellectuals are ashamed of their own nationality. In left-wing circles it is always felt that there is something slightly disgraceful in being an Englishman and that it is a duty to snigger at every institution." Once more Orwell foresees the polarities that have recently become evident between the so-called liberal metropolitan elite who despise nationalist insularity, and vote Remain, and the working-class heartlands of Leave who espouse the notion of "taking back control" - from foreigners.

In a later pamphlet 'The English People' (1947) Orwell chides the English for always preferring "instinct to logic, and character to intelligence" and tells them to "get rid of their downright contempt for cleverness," which would be echoed by Michael Gove's dismissal of 'experts'.

Orwell goes on to state that the English must "stop despising foreigners. They [the English] are Europeans and ought to be aware of it". Soon, he predicts, they will face the prospect of a "United States of Europe". Churchill is wrongly credited as the foreseer of a European Union; Orwell did so first. A little later in 'Towards European Unity' (1947) he looks forward to the Common Market and what would eventually become the EU. The countries not controlled by the Soviets would recognise their shared liberal, democratic vested interests and accept that they must exchange their non-European empires for an economic union and eventually co-investment in federal agreements on fundamental employment and social rights.

Orwell also concedes that the UK, so closely bound up with its imperial legacy, will be the least enthusiastic participant and that America would do its best to dismantle the project. Long before the Treaty of Paris was even thought of, he foresaw 2016. The post-referendum Conservative Party invented the concept of 'Empire 2.0' and the then Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson declared that Britain's "friends outside the EU" would "jump at the chance of becoming our trading partners: We used to run the biggest empire the world has ever seen", which, he implies, will welcome us back as an amenable partner rather than oppressor and exploiter. Passing Orwell's grave in Sutton Courtenay churchyard one might have heard a droll guffaw.

Habitual Labour voters in the north of England seem to have accepted Johnson's promise of the sunlit uplands of expansion and prosperity, once we've freed ourselves from the interfering foreigners of the EU. When Orwell visited these areas in the 1930s researching The Road to Wigan Pier many people he met were fervent socialists and some were members of the Communist Party, but these were activists, and the population as a whole seemed to drift between states of helplessness and apathy.

In his diary, he records something else so disturbing that he chose to leave it out of the book. Leftist meetings were moderately popular but no speaker drew such enthusiastic crowds as Oswald Mosley, leader of the British Union of Fascists. In January 1936, Orwell writes, more than 700 people were packed into Barnsley Town Hall where Mosley preached a form of nationalist protectionism, the securing of British interests through their arrangements with the colonies, not their European competitors.

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On May 13 last year, Featherstone Working Men's Club in Yorkshire was similarly overflowing with supporters of Nigel Farage, who promised to make the nation great again by a no-deal exit from the EU and an avoidance of humiliation at the hands of foreigners. Less than two miles away was a small business park, funded by the EU, which is the only regular source of employment in the area since the pits closed under Thatcher. Orwell witnessed the uglier face of mass populism long before it began to undermine liberal democracy. Nineteen Eighty Four, his most celebrated novel, is routinely treated as an exposure of Stalinist Communism as a regime just as brutal and totalitarian as Nazism. And so it is, but it also incorporates something of its author that his moderate-left fans might find unsettling.

The novel's protagonist, Winston Smith, believes that the 'proles' can liberate themselves from their ugly subservient state, while O'Brien, his nemesis, argues that they are content with mindlessness and that a regular supply of pornography, popular fiction, and cheap consumables will keep them subdued. And at this point we begin to suspect that Orwell has shifted his gaze from the suppressed of the Soviet bloc to the consumerist working classes of his own country. Throughout his 'As I Please' column, the most controversial feature of the Labour weekly Tribune during the war and through the mid-1940s, he gradually paints a portrait of working-class Britons as ideologically unaligned, low-life hedonists.

In 'The English People' (1947) Orwell considers the working-class addiction to what would eventually become the tabloid papers. "England tolerate[s] newspapers of unheard-of-silliness, and these [produce] further stupefaction in the public, blinding their eyes to vitally important problems." The war had, for obvious reasons, pushed these "important problems" to the top of the agenda but by 1947, stupefaction had returned. He ventures that "the survival of free speech in England is partly the result of stupidity". In short, newspapers that deal largely in popular trash will guarantee their survival as a "free press".

Orwell suspects that the political outlook and moral compass of ordinary English people are determined by their addiction to these papers, that their ghoulish interest in reports on hangings will mean that capital punishment, which he abhors, will never be abolished, that their support for Labour amounts to faddish opportunism, and that proper literature will always come second to trash fiction whose popularity will be guaranteed by a mass readership.

Compare the presentation of the proles in Nineteen Eighty Four with Orwell's accounts of the working classes in his journalism and try to find differences; you will fail to do so. As an island nation, he writes in 'The English People', the English are "protected by geography from major disaster" which encourages "the narrow interests of the average man, the rather low level of English education, the contempt for 'highbrows'."

He could be presenting the current demographic and allegedly xenophobic mindset that some believe led to Brexit. If we accept the whispered consensus of the left-leaning media and intelligentsia, then the Leavers decided to detach themselves from Europe for the same reason that Orwell's proles in Nineteen Eighty Four refused to revolt: Head-in-the-sand insularity was preferable to the challenge of anything else.

Orwell's invention of 'doublethink' in Nineteen Eighty Four helped increase the sales of the book by 4,000pc in the US following Trump's inauguration. Everyone believed that the serial purveyor of 'fake news' was now the Big Brother of the White House.

Their fears were unfounded, as Trump's 2019 visit to Europe demonstrated. During his brief stay in Ireland, the US President commiserated with Leo Varadkar on the Taoiseach's problem with his 'wall', and reassured him: "I mean, we have a border situation in the United States, and you have one here I think it will [post-Brexit] work out very well, and also for you and your wall." Varadkar looked a little uncomfortable at Trump's notion of the Six Counties as a version of Mexico and any fears that Trump was the Machiavellian source of 'doublethink' was dispelled. This was the spectacle of the leader of the free world incautiously disclosing his stupidity.

Doublethink found a more welcoming host among the grotesque distortions of truth employed by the Leave campaign, from the 350 million promise on the bus to the assertion that 79 million Turks (the entire population) would soon be queueing as immigrants. Few took these claims seriously but the Brexit campaign has triumphed via its assumption that the electorate would regard as a democratic right its gleeful acceptance of lies as preferable to facts. With Brexit, doublethink rules.

Richard Bradford is Research Professor of English and Director of the Literary Biography Research Centre at Ulster University. His 'Orwell: A Man of Our Times' is out on Thursday, published by Bloomsbury Caravel
In her Jan. 12 Local Opinions essay, Im tired of the mosaic approach to mental illness in Maryland, Sharon K. Vollin spoke for all families dealing with loved ones with severe mental illness, as my family, too, has had the same experience, especially because severe mental illness has a genetic component. A policy of assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) needs to be enacted to give continuing care to those with severe mental illness that renders them unable to have the self-awareness to reach out voluntarily for help. The current policy requires self-awareness enough to continue treatment, although the No. 1 feature of severe mental illness without self-awareness is to quit treatment, medications, etc. Hence an ineffective policy that causes great pain and harm, jail, homelessness, etc.
Piramal group chairman Ajay Piramal has done it again - the art of investing in profitable future businesses and exiting at the right time with handsome profits.

Piramal, who bought the US-based health information company Decision Resources Group (DRG) for $635 million (then valued at Rs 3,400 crore) in May 2012, today announced to sell it to the US-based Clarivate Analytics for $950 million (Rs 6750.8 crore at Rs 71.06 a dollar). That is a clean profit of Rs 3,350 crore within eight years, 2.3x times when comparing initial equity investment in rupee terms.

Piramal says his flagship Piramal Enterprises will utilise that money for further business expansion. "Along with the ongoing equity capital raise in PEL, this transaction not only further strengthens the company's balance sheet but also marks another step towards significantly unlocking the value in future," he said.

In October last year, Piramal had announced to raise Rs 5,600 crore through preferential allotment and rights issue to fund and sustain the growth momentum of the financial services business and capital infusion in other businesses.

It is not the first time Piramal buys and exits businesses with handsome earnings at the right time. Piramal, who built a pharma business empire by acquiring Australian firm Nicholas Laboratories' India business for Rs 16.50 crore in 1988, and later acquiring business divisions of various multinational companies, sold his formulation business worth Rs 1800 crore in 2010 to Abbott for a whopping $3.8 billion (Rs 18,500 crore at the time). That is still the most profitable sale in terms of multiples in the pharmaceutical industry.

He redeployed that money in equity investments and in acquiring new businesses such as DRG. Piramal Enterprises bought an 11 per cent stake in Vodafone India, for Rs 5,856 crore - in two tranches in August 2011 and February 2012 - and exited in April 2014 with Rs 8,900 crore, with a profit of Rs 3044 crore.

He also invested around Rs 4,500 crore in the Shriram Group's companies. Piramal Enterprises bought a 20 per cent stake in the holding company Shriram Capital for Rs 2,014 crore and a 9.9 per cent stake in Shriram Transport Finance Co (STFC) for Rs 1,652 crore and another 9.9 per cent in Shriram City Union Finance Co (SCUF) for Rs 790 crore. Piramal sold entire stake in Shriram Transport last year for Rs 2,300 crore.

After exiting pharma formulation business, Piramal Enterprises' entire business was less than Rs 2000 crore. From Rs 2,352 crore revenues and Rs 112 crore net profit in 2011-2012, Piramal grew his business to Rs 13215 crore with a net profit of Rs 1936 crore by 2018-19, mainly investing in financial services business. In the first half of 2019-20, the company had revenues of Rs 7,110 crore with a net profit of Rs 1029 crore. Of this, DRG contributed 9 per cent revenues. DRG had revenues of Rs 652 crore in the first half of 2019-20, a 14 per cent increase over the comparative six months in the previous year.

In case of DRG, Piramal has paid four times the $160 million revenues, estimated at that time. Then, that transaction was the largest outbound acquisition by any Indian pharmaceutical companies. Piramal had acquired DRG from Providence Equity Partners, a private equity firm that acquired it a year before. The firm offers advisory services on drug utilisation trends, database and analytical services for healthcare companies. Most of the leading companies are its clients.

Also Read: Reliance Industries reports Q3 profit at Rs 11,640 crore

Also Read: TCS reports Q3 net profit of Rs 8,118 crore; revenue up 6.7%

Also Read: Sensex hits all-time high of 42,063, Nifty at 12,385
Police tape at the cordon across a crime scene

Police have charged a man with the attempted murder of a 12-year-old boy who was shot in Sheffield.

Stephen Dunford, 25, has been remanded in custody to appear in Sheffield Magistrates Court on Saturday.

The boy, who described as an innocent bystander", was outside a sandwich shop in Northern Avenue, Arbourthorne, on January 12 with three teenage friends when he was shot in the leg.

READ MORE YAHOO UK NEWS HERE:

Couple who filmed themselves abusing young girls jailed for 26 years

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Teen killers filmed 'fist bumping' each other after stabbing 18-year-old to death in unprovoked attack

The victim was taken to hospital and remains in a stable condition after undergoing surgery on his left thigh.

Police said he was hit by a gunman who was travelling in a moving car.

Dunford, from Sheffield, was charged with attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
The condition of veteran actor Shabana Azmi, who was injured in an accident on the Mumbai- Pune Expressway on Saturday afternoon, was "stable", the Mumbai hospital where she was admitted said.

Azmi was admitted at Kokilaben Ambani hospital in suburban Andheri after initial treatment at MGM Hospital in Navi Mumbai.

"She is stable and under observation," said Dr Santosh Shetty, Executive Director and CEO of Ambani Hospital in a statement late in the evening.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 04:15:11|Editor: ZX

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CHICAGO, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) crop futures ended this past week mixed as the United States signed or passed important deals with its key trading partners including China, Canada and Mexico.

The most active corn contract for March delivery was up 3.5 cents, or 0.9 percent week on week, to close at 3.8925 U.S. dollars per bushel. March wheat was up 6 cents, or 1.1 percent, to settle at 5.705 dollars per bushel. March soybeans were down 16.25 cents, or 1.71 percent, to close at 9.2975 dollars per bushel.

China and the United States signed their long-awaited phase-one economic and trade agreement in Washington on Wednesday. The U.S. Senate on Thursday passed a sweeping economic pact with Canada and Mexico following House approval in December 2019.

Market participants generally expect that the China-U.S. trade deal will significantly increase U.S. crop sales to China.

Yet CBOT crop futures failed to post further gains immediately after the signing ceremony. Some analysts said the big event was already priced in.

According to CBOT data, Chicago soybean futures gained some 70 cents in the previous six weeks. A double-digit plunge on Wednesday in soybean prices offered a chance for bargain hunters.

"We're at the bottom end of the range, which I think might represent a decent buying opportunity," said Oliver Sloup, vice president of Blue Line Futures.

Some others cited competition from South American crops, expressing doubts about the scale of the Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans, especially when new crop supply from Brazil becomes available in February.

Bargain buying did push up all the three commodities across the board on Friday, with corn rebounding more than 13 cents. The rally also took place after the U.S. Senate gave its final approval to the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), another bullish factor for crop export sales.

Mexico and Canada are the U.S. corn industry's largest markets, and Mexico is also the second largest market for U.S. whole beans, meal and oil.

Meanwhile, Mexico's flour millers import more U.S. wheat than any other country, according to the U.S. Wheat Associates.

Firmer European wheat prices also gave a boost to Chicago wheat, along with reports that Russia is considering export quota for the grain.

"The fact that they are talking about or thinking about limiting exports has got the wheat market fairly excited in the wheat chart," said Ted Seifried, analyst with Zaner Ag Hedge.

Additional support came from the upbeat weekly export data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Net wheat sales for 2019/20 marketing year reached 650,600 metric tons between January 3-9, up noticeably from the previous week and up 32 percent from the prior four-week average.

Corn sales of 784,800 metric tons for 2019/20 export delivery were also up noticeably from the previous week and up 4 percent from the prior four-week average.

As for U.S. soybeans, net export sales during the same period were pegged at 711,500 metric tons for 2019/20 marketing year, also up from the previous week and the prior four-week average.
The nations founders, the House Democrats said in their brief, designed impeachment as the remedy for such misconduct because a president who manipulates U.S. elections to his advantage can avoid being held accountable by the voters through those same elections.

They called Mr. Trumps attempt to get Ukraine to discredit his political adversaries part of an ongoing pattern of misconduct for which the president is unrepentant.

The president, who spent Saturday at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Fla., has made no secret of his disdain for the Houses charges and its inquiry. He has repeatedly professed his total innocence in general terms, and specifically insisted that a July phone call in which he pressed President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine to investigate Mr. Biden and other Democrats was perfect.

But when invited to take part in the proceedings or mount a defense before the House Judiciary Committee, he refused. The closest the presidents lawyers had come to weighing in on the case was an eight-page letter to House Democrats in October in which they unequivocally refused to furnish any documents or allow any witnesses to testify.

Like that letter, Mr. Trumps answer to the Senate on Saturday was heavy with political messaging even as it asserted broad constitutional principles and general legal arguments to proclaim the presidents innocence.

In a statement later in the evening, the House managers criticized the claim by the presidents legal team that the pressure on Ukraine was just Mr. Trumps way of fighting corruption.

It is not, the Democratic lawmakers wrote. Rather it is corruption itself, naked, unapologetic and insidious.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 18) - A lawmaker said the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) should reconsider plans to file a complaint against media giant ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. and let Congress do its job related to the media giant's franchise renewal.

It would be seen as the governments harassment of ABS-CBN and certainly a clear assault on press freedom as enshrined in our Constitution, said Cagayan de Oro 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez.

A newspaper recently said that the OSG is planning to file a quo warranto case against ABS-CBN before the Supreme Court questioning the alleged irregularities in the networks franchise.

The networks franchise is set to expire in March. Several bills seeking to extend the broadcast firm's license to operate for another 25 years have been filed in Congress.

READ: Duterte tells ABS-CBN execs to sell company

Rodriguez noted that it is the Congress job to grant franchises under the 1987 Constitution.

This will likewise encroach on the powers of the legislative branch and will violate the constitutional doctrine of the separation of powers among the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government, said Rodriguez.

He added, Let Congress do its job by hearings these bills.

Meanwhile, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines conducted a Black Friday protest on the threat against ABS-CBN.
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Hundreds of far-right activists marched through the streets of a German city to commemorate the 75th anniversary of an RAF bombing raid.

The protesters clashed with left wing counter-demonstrators in Magdeburg which was levelled near the end of the Second World War on January 16, 1945, in a raid that killed up to 2,500 people.

The far-right 'funeral march' took to the streets last night as around 500 counter-demonstrators from the 'Regina' movement - an alliance against the far right - blasted music and set up blockades.

Hundreds of far-right Nazi activists marched through the streets Magdeburg which was levelled by the RAF in a raid that killed up to 2,500 people

Around 500 counter-demonstrators from the 'Regina' movement - an alliance against the far right - set up blockades

The Magdeburg Raid Magdeburg, a city with a population of around 340,000, was heavily bombed by the British and American air forces during the Second World War. The RAF bombing raid on the night of 16 January 1945 was the most devastating. Much of the city was completely destroyed and the death toll is estimated at 2,0002,500. The city's main street with its Baroque buildings was destroyed as well as most of its northern suburbs. The raid was part of the controversial strategic bombing campaign by the allies that targeted workers' residential areas as well as railways, harbours and industrial zones. Magdeburg was hit because of its oil refinery. Advertisement

Local media reported that around 800 police officers were drafted in and there were claims on social media that they used pepper spray to keep the rival groups apart.

Others complained the police were too aggressive towards the counter-demonstrators. Only one arrest was made and there were no direct clashes between the two sets of demonstrators.

Earlier there were several other peaceful demonstrations, including 200 people who gathered at an old synagogue to remembered the fate of Jewish people in Magdeburg during the war.

Farmers with 400 tractors also held a demo against what they see as harsh environmental protection regulations.

Environmental campaigners also brought traffic to a standstill in the centre of the city in the afternoon.

The far right march started in the evening at around 7pm at the train station and counter-demonstrators set up blockades at several locations around the route.

Police declined to comment on accusations that officers were too aggressive and refused to say whether pepper spray was used on demonstrators.

Magdeburg suffered severe damage in the 1945 RAF bombing raid where the death toll was around 2,500 people

Far right protesters lit torches as they marched through the streets of Magdeburg, in Germany, to commemorate the RAF raid

Demonstrators carried banners to remember the victims of the RAF bombing raid in Magdeburg during a street march

Counter-demonstrators set up blockades in a bid to stop the far right protesters as police separated the two groups

Far right protesters lit torches as they marched through the streets of Magdeburg, in Germany, to mark 75 years since the raid

Far right-wing demonstrators march with torches in Magdeburg, Germany, to mark 75 years since the RAF bombing raid

Far right-wing demonstrators march with torches during a demonstration in Magdeburg to mark 75 years since the RAF raid

Around 800 police officers were drafted in to Magdeburg for the far right demo and clashed with counter-demonstrators

Far right-wing demonstrators march during a demonstration in Magdeburg to mark 75 years since the RAF bombing raid

Far right-wing demonstrators march during a demonstration in Magdeburg to mark 75 years since the RAF bombing raid

Far right-wing demonstrators march during a demonstration in Magdeburg to mark 75 years since the RAF bombing raid

Far right-wing demonstrators march during a demonstration in Magdeburg to mark 75 years since the RAF bombing raid

ar right protesters lit torches as they marched through the streets of Magdeburg, in Germany, to mark 75 years since the raid

ar right protesters lit torches as they marched through the streets of Magdeburg, in Germany, to mark 75 years since the raid
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In this article, I share a dialogue with David MacMillan, a former young earth creationist who has since come to a very different opinion. MacMillan currently lives in Washington DC with his wife and their children, where he works as a paralegal while studying for his J.D. at Columbus School of Law. He is featured in the independent documentary "We Believe In Dinosaurs" and you can read more about his journey here. "We Believe In Dinosaurs" is an award-winning documentary that follows the creation of Ken Hams Ark Encounter from inception to completion, along with its impacts on those involved and the surrounding community. It has been screened in several film festivals since its premiere at the San Francisco Film Festival this April and has just been released on streaming platforms ahead of its broadcast on PBS Independent Lens next February.

Although the filmmakers accept mainstream science, young-earth creationism is portrayed primarily through the mouths of creationists themselves, making the film less a collection of scientific rebuttals and more a glimpse into the inner workings of this unique brand of alternative science.

MacMillan is joined in the film by Doug Henderson, the lead designer for the Ark Encounter and a committed young-earth creationist, and Dan Phelps, a geologist and longtime critic of Ken Hams organization and teachings.

Randal: David, thanks for the invitation to watch "We Believe in Dinosaurs." For those who havent seen it, it is a fascinating documentary that chronicles the cultural impact of young earth creationism, and specifically Ken Hams Answers in Genesis (AiG) and their Ark Encounter theme park. Wrapped up into the story are questionable relationships between religion and government, urban decay and the fleeting hope of economic renewal, and the cultural war between secularists and fundamentalist Christians.

In the midst of it all, we also meet you, a Christian who was once deeply committed to AiG: indeed, we learn in the film that you are a lifetime charter member of their Creation Museum. But youve since had a change of heart: theres a poignant moment where you locate your name on the museums wall for charter members and reflect that you are no longer that person.

Id like to hear more about that story. To begin, could you share something about your background, specifically how you were first introduced to AiG and young earth creationism more generally?

David: Like one of the other characters in the film says, I was more or less always a creationist. It was something I grew up with, something we all assumed to be true. My family home schooled, so all of my curriculum came from creationist groups like Answers In Genesis and Apologia. My dad, who holds an M.S. in chemistry, took me to creation science conferences whenever they were close enough to attend.

As I got older, however, the interest in creationism went from being part of my familys identity to being my own identity. I was far more interested and far more plugged-in to the creation science movement than anyone else in my family or in my immediate peer group. I really liked being the resident expert on all things having to do with the age of the earth, evolution, and biblical authority.

Randal: I know that of which you speak. When I was in high school thirty years ago, I lent my high school science teacher my copy of the book Its a Young World After All. Young earth creationism was very much a part of my Christianity growing up. Indeed, I was taught it was key to everything else: Genesis was the foundation on which the house of Christianity was built, and if you doubted the history of Genesis 1-3, well, that was a slippery slope to doubting everything else, the incarnation and resurrection of Jesus, the second coming, heaven and hell, everything.

David: Oh, absolutely. The argument is very powerful. Broadly speaking, the concern is that if you cannot take Genesis at face value then you will end up questioning, deconstructing, and ultimately discarding the rest of the Bible. There are also specific, prooftext arguments. If you accept millions of years and death before Adam, for example, then you lose the verse in Romans about death being the result of sin, and your whole soteriology goes to hell.

Part of this was an assumption that the Bible had a simple or plain or historical-grammatical interpretation that ought to be the default. I was never aware that a lot of the interpretations I took for granted were fairly recent in the history of Christianity. More than just that, however, there was a tremendous confidence and reassurance at having all the answers. My religious belief was founded on science and reason. It was all airtight; there was no need (and no room) for faith or even healthy tension. I always had an answer.

Randal: Im glad that you mentioned the fact that many of these young earth creationist interpretations are of recent vintage. In my view, one of the biggest objections to young earth creationism came when I read historian Ronald Numbers book The Creationists. Numbers traces the rise of modern creationism to the fundamentalist debates of the 1920s and the flood geology of a Seventh Day Adventist named George McCready Price. Suffice it to say, young earth creationism was not the default reading of church tradition as Id been told.

So how did you come to question young earth creationism?

David: It took four years of college and a lot of soul-searching before I even considered it as a possibility. I had been raised without any cognizance that there could be any other options for interpreting Genesis; to me, it seemed like my only choices were creationism and atheism. That false dichotomy is actually still something I struggle to overcome.

Creationism was the reason I decided to get a degree in physics in the first place. There were many questions Id never been able to get good answers for, even when I spoke to the people at Answers In Genesis at length. On the surface, creationism has all the answers, but when pressed there is a retreat to we need more research or there are lots of ideas but we arent really sure how that works. Even though I knew the classic creationist answers to issues like radiometric dating, starlight and time, ice cores, and evolutionary phylogeny, I was also aware that the answers needed more work. I thought that if I got my degree in physics, I would be able to answer those questions for myself and add to the body of evidence for creationism.

What I found, once how I learned to conduct actual scientific research and review existing literature, was that none of the scientific claims Id been raised with bore any resemblance to reality. I had hundreds of completely false beliefs about genetics, geology, and many other areas of science. By the time I was done undoing those falsehoods, my allegiance to creationism was much more tenuous. I still believed creationism for religious reasons, but I reached the point that I realized the mainstream consensus could be true.

Randal: Wow, so you came to believe that you had overwhelming scientific evidence against creationism but you still retained belief in it for religious reasons. That must have been a recipe for cognitive dissonance. Did you think God was testing your faith, or what?

David: It was a strange feeling. Keep in mind: I still thought creationism was scientifically viable. I hadn't lost that. I just accepted that evolution and deep time could also be viable explanations. But that was enough to put me on the outside. No one on the side of real science was going to accept my contention that young-earth creationism could be reasonably accepted. Yet I wasn't a "true" creationist either, because so much of creation science focuses on "debunking" evolution, and I had rejected the idea that evolution could be easily debunked. I remember writing to my teenage brother in law shortly after I got married and cautioning him after he posted an anti-evolution article. I said something like, "I totally believe in creation, but I think it's inaccurate to act like evolutionary biology is totally absurd. For scientists who think the world seems very old, evolution is a very useful theory and there's nothing about it that's obviously wrong." Everyone was really surprised when I said that.

Still, it made me doubt some of the things I'd always accepted without question. If evolution and deep time weren't obviously false, like I'd always been taught, then could I really maintain my position that atheists were "without excuse"? One of my reasons for believing the Bible had always been this idea that creation science was impregnable, but if evolution was even potentially true, what reasons did I have left? That's when I started examining the origins of young-earth creationism a little more closely.

Randal: The notion that the overwhelming Neo-Darwinian consensus across scientific disciplines  geology, paleontology, biology, genetics, etc.  is attributable to sin rather than evidence and thus that it can be debunked if we simply take the blinders off, thats a powerful idea. Indeed, in many cases it looks like indoctrination.

So how did you finally cut the Gordian knot? And did your Christianity survive?

David: It didn't take long for me to realize that my in-between state  affirming young-earth creationism while admitting that evolution sort of makes sense  was a very unstable equilibrium. Almost no one held the same view. Reading the handful of people who had similar stances, like Todd Wood and Kurt Wise, made me more confident that my skepticism of hard-line creationism was warranted. There just weren't many creationists who were willing to say, "Sure, the evidence for evolution is pretty good, and a lot of our arguments are pretty bad, but here's why science is still on our side."

Part of young-earth indoctrination is a sort of "inoculation" against outside views. Just like I had been exposed to caricatures of evolutionary biology, mainstream geology, Big Bang cosmology, and the like, I had also been inoculated against old-earth interpretations of Genesis. I'd heard of the day-age theory, the framework hypothesis, accommodationism, and the like, but only from a fundamentalist perspective, where they were portrayed as antagonistic to the Bible and incompatible with the Gospel. I'd been conditioned to see them all as recent, aberrant "compromises" cast against the "obvious" young-earth interpretation.

However, once I allowed myself to admit that there was more than one possible interpretation of natural history, it made me question whether there could be more than one consistent interpretation of Genesis. Before, I'd never had any incentive to seriously consider any old-earth viewpoint. Once I started to look at the physical evidence honestly, it freed me to look at fundamentalism more honestly, which in turn fed back into deeper appreciation for the evidence. There was one critical moment when everything came crashing down...but I won't give that part of the film away.

At that point, I really didn't know what I believed. I had rejected the fundamentalist notion that every part of Christianity depended on creationism, but I didn't know how to reconstruct faith without it. It was like learning to walk all over again. Still a challenge, to be honest, but Im learning.

Randal: As we wind down our conversation, could you share a bit about where you are at now in your journey in the borderlands of theology and science? And also, howd you get involved in "We Believe in Dinosaurs"?

David: When Bill Nye accepted Ken Hams challenge to a debate back in 2014, I wrote an open letter to Nye urging him to be prepared for everything Ham would throw his way. The filmmakers, who were just beginning to explore a documentary about science denial, contacted me and asked if I would be willing to talk. What started as a single interview morphed into more and more over the next few years.

As far as where I am now  it's been very difficult. When you hear for most of your life that nothing in the Bible could possibly make sense without this specific view of Genesis, the natural inclination is to follow that to its logical end and throw the whole thing out.

It didn't help that any time I struggled with faith or tried to get help, the default response from family and friends was to blame it all on the rejection of young-earth creationism. If I would just come back and believe the way they believed, they said, everything would be so much simpler. They had all the answers; I just needed to accept it again.

I don't think God intended the Bible to act like some inexorable proof, filled with scientific truths only modern readers would be able to appreciate. The Creator I meet in the gospels doesn't need "101 Evidences For God" or a new version of geology or whatever else I once tried to use as proof. If Christianity isnt the default and unavoidable conclusion, proven beyond question, then faith becomes a choice. I think thats probably a good thing.

I don't have all the perfect answers like I once did, but at least I'm willing to reject wrong answers when I see them. It's a lot harder this way, but that's okay; I would rather try to have a very small amount of faith in God than have a truckload of faith in my intellectual acumen.

We Believe In Dinosaurs is available now for streaming on demand using Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, and other sources.
Some residents in the Philippine region of Agoncillo briefly returned to check on their homes and livestock on Saturday, as the Taal volcano emitted more ash clouds, potentially signalling the advance of another eruption.

Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from areas under a security lockdown after Taal emitted a massive plume of ash and steam more than 15 kilometers (9 miles) into the sky last Sunday.

Soldiers and police have been stopping desperate villagers from returning to Volcano Island to retrieve belongings and save their poultry, pigs and cattle - but police have allowed batches of residents to check their homes for a few hours during the day.

Those who were allowed back found their homes and farms covered in a thick layer of ash.

Ash and steam explosions had weakened after seven days of eruption, however, despite the seeming lull, factors such as continuing volcanic quakes indicate magma is moving beneath, the Philippines Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned.

The volcano in Batangas province, about 65 kilometres (40 miles) south of the capital, Manila, has remained at alert level 4, the second-highest warning, indicating a hazardous explosive eruption is possible in hours or days.
Iran will send the black box flight recorders from the Ukrainian jetliner that it accidentally shot down last week to Ukraine for further analysis, officials in Tehran said.

Hassan Rezaeifer, the head of accident investigations for the civil aviation department, said it was not possible to read the black boxes in Iran.

He told the semi-official Tasnim news agency that French, American and Canadian experts would help analyse the recorders in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital.

Mr Rezaeifer added if that does not work, the black boxes will be sent to France.

Posters of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani hangs on the wall at the site where he was killed in Baghdad (AP)

Irans Revolutionary Guard accidentally shot the plane down shortly after it took off from Tehran on January 8, killing all 176 people on board.

Hours earlier, the Guard had launched ballistic missiles at US troops in Iraq in response to the US air strike that killed Irans top commander, General Qassem Soleimani.

Officials say lower-level officers mistook the plane for a US cruise missile.

Iranian officials initially said the crash was caused by a technical problem and invited countries which lost citizens to help investigate.

Three days later, Iran admitted responsibility after Western leaders said there was strong evidence the plane was hit by a surface-to-air missile.

The victims included 57 Canadian citizens as well as 11 Ukrainians, 17 people from Sweden, four Afghans and four British citizens.

An anti-war activist places candles to form the message No War during a rally at the US embassy in Seoul, South Korea (AP)

Most of those killed were Iranians.

The other five nations have called for Iran to accept full responsibility and pay compensation to the victims families.

The plane was a Boeing 737-800 that was designed and built in the US.

The planes engine was designed by CFM International, a joint company comprising the French group Safran and US group GE Aviation.

Investigators from both countries have been invited to take part in the probe.
The Narendra Modi government will not do something foolish like penalising millions if people do not cooperate in the National Population Register (NPR) exercise that is scheduled to start from April 1, 2020, former Union minister P Chidamabaram said in Kolkata on Saturday.

I hope not. You will have to penalize crores of people. I believe the Modi government will not do something so foolish, Chidambaram told the media when asked whether there is any provision in the law to penalise someone for not cooperating when NPR and census exercises are rolled out.

The senior Congress leader was in the city to train state party leaders on how to counter the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Watch: P Chidambaram joins protest against CAA, NRC in Kolkata

The state (Bengal) is perfectly justified in questioning the constitutional validity of CAA. The state is also entitled to cite law and order situation, widespread opposition among people, the reluctance of state government employees engaged in the exercise and the problems they will encounter at households who do not respond and shut the door. These are very legitimate reasons why the state can tell the Centre that it (NPR) cant be rolled out on April 1, he added

The NPR database will be updated between April 1 and September 30 along with the house listing phase of Census 2021.

On Friday, Union minister of state for home affairs Nityanand Rai met representatives from all states to seek their cooperation in conducting Census 2021 and update NPR database. Representatives from West Bengal did not attending the meeting as chief minister Mamata Banerjee has announced that NPR will not be implemented in the state.

Congress ruled states had sent their representatives, prompting Trinamool Congress leaders to raise questions.

Participation doesnt mean acquiescence. When the central government invites officers of state governments to state their cases why NPR should be ruled out, the officers go and attend the meeting to find out what the views of the census commissioner are and place on the table why they are opposing NPR. That is the correct thing to do, said Chidambaram.

Several chief secretaries who attended the meeting pointed out the pitfalls in NPR. They can come back and report to the respective chief ministers and the chief ministers can take a final position. Participation in a meeting to know what the other side is saying doesnt mean acquiescence or acceptance, the Congress leader added.

Protests continue to rage in Bengal against the CAA, NPR and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

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Bui Sy Loi, vice chairman of the National Assembly Committee of Social Affairs, speaks about opportunities to develop good relations between employers and employees.

Bui Sy Loi, vice chairman of the National Assembly Committee of Social Affairs, speaks to Thoi bao Kinh te Viet Nam (Viet Nam Economics Times) about opportunities to develop good relations between employers and employees.

Workers at the CDL Precision Technology Vietnam at Binh Xuyen Industrial Zone in Vinh Phuc Province.  VNA/VNS Photo Nguyen Thao



The revised Labour Code was passed by a majority of the votes, but there remain a number of disagreements about some of its articles. Do you have any comments on this?

With 90.06 per cent in favour, the revised Labour Code was passed by the National Assembly. This approval rate was not surprising at all. It reflects the positive results of a long process of negotiations between employers, employees and trade unions.

All provisions contained in the Labour Code have been thoroughly discussed by National Assembly deputies and agencies, including employers and the employees as well as the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

The approval of the Labour Code was a long process of negotiation between employees and employers with their trade unions.

The new Labour Code will come into force in 2021. What needs to be done to make it a reality?

Right now we need a consensus from all parties about what is written in the Labour Code.

The new Labour Code has addressed the conditions Vietnam must meet in the course of international integration, particularly the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Europe Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Investment Protection Agreement (IPA).

To put the Labour Code into use will need efforts from all parties. For example, to implement Article 104 on giving workers a Tet bonus. This article has raised a lot of discussions among workers. For the workers, most of them think the bonus should be in cash, not in kind. The other issues are the retirement age and hours people work.

Both employees and employers have expressed concerns about changing the retirement age for both men and women, as well as a cap on their overtime hours. How do you respond to that?

This is a hot issue. The retirement age should be considered carefully for each group, particularly those who work in dangerous jobs.

In my opinion, the Government and agencies should work together to develop guidelines on how to implement the Labour Code before 2021.

Regarding the retirement age, the law states that female employees can retire at the age of 60, while male employees can stop work at 62. However, the retirement age will also be adjusted to make it suitable for the industries people are working in.

Another new point in the Labour Code is that it raises the permitted overtime hours from 30 to 40 per month. However, it also specifies which industries are allowed to ask staff to work the extra hours.

How do you respond to concerns among employees regarding labour productivity?

The new Labour Code covers factors that will help increase productivity. For example, the improvement of labour conditions for female employees, disabled employees and others are all covered by the law.

Regarding the monthly wage that was written into the 2012 Labour Code, it says clearly that the State should have the final say on the wage system and labour norms. In the new Labour Code, the State will not intervene in wages or bonuses employers pay to their employees. The Government will only regulate the minimum wage, which is divided into four regions. Other payments will be negotiated between employees and their employers. This is an important element which will encourage workers to raise productivity.  VNS

Labor Code: Protection of workers is the most important The Labor Code is a comprehensive legal document, specifying many contents such as labor contracts, the ability of workers to negotiate with employers, and minimum standards on working conditions, among others.
Hajia Hadija

18.01.2020 LISTEN

It has emerged that the Essikado-Ketan Constituency treasurer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) was among those who died in the gory accident that occurred at Dampoase, near Komenda in the Central Region on Tuesday.

The deceased, Hajia Hadijah, was a business woman who was dealing in paints, padlocks and other building materials in the Takoradi metropolis.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Essikado-Ketan and Minister of Railways Development, Joe Ghartey, visited the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital immediately after the accident.

He was there to express his condolences to the bereaved family members who were there to mourn the victims.

The MP described the late Hajia as a good woman who was once an NPP financial secretary at the Kojokrom Electoral Area in the constituency. She rose through the ranks to become the treasurer for the party in the constituency.

He said party members in the constituency would miss Hajia's agility in handling the constituency's finances and her income-generating skills which ensured the party had money to conduct its activities in the constituency.

Thirty-four people lost their lives in the gory accident which involved a Man Diesel bus travelling from Takoradi to Accra  with registration number GR 5704-18  and a Hyundai bus with registration number GN 3780-10  moving in the opposite direction towards Accra.

According to some eyewitnesses, the Accra-bound bus tried an overtaking in a curve at Dompoase near Komenda, but in an attempt it collided with the Takoradi-bound bus killing 29 persons on the sport, with five dying later at the hospital.

It took the effort of personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) from Cape Coast to rescue some of the injured while the mutilated bodies of the dead passengers were conveyed in vehicles to the Cape Coast Hospital.

Daily Guide
New Delhi: The Congress on Saturday (January 18, 2020) declared its candidates for 54 seats of Delhi Assembly election. Laxman Rawat will take on senior Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia in Patparganj assembly constituency.

Alka Lamba, who returned to the Congress in September 2019 after being an AAP MLA following her win in the 2015 Delhi Assembly election, will contest from Chandni Chowk. Another former AAP leader who has been rewarded with a ticket is Adarsh Shastri, the grandson of freedom fighter and India's second prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. Adarsh Shastri is contesting from Dwarka, the seat he won in 2015 as AAP candidate.

Congress has been decimated in the national capital after the emergence of Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). After being in power in Delhi from 1998 to 2013, the party was ousted when the then fledgeling AAP secured 28 seats while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing 31. The Congress was relegated to the third spot with only 8 seats in the 70-member Delhi Assembly.

S.N. Constituency Candidate 1. Narela Siddarth Kundu 2. Timarpur Mrs Amar Lata Sangwan 3. Adarsh Nagar Mukesh Goel 4. Badli Devender Yadav 5. Rithala Pradeep Kumar Pandey 6. Bawana - SC Surender Kumar 7. Mundka Dr Naresh Kumar 8. Sultanpur Majra - SC Jai Kishan 9. Nangloi Jat Mandeep Singh 10. Mangol Puri - SC Rajesh Lilotia 11. Rohini Sumesh Gupta 12. Shalimarbagh JS Nayol 13. Shakur Basti Dev Raj Arora 14. Tri Nagar Kamal Kant Sharma 15. Wazirpur Hari Kishan Jindal 16. Model Town Ms Akansha Ola 17. Sadar Bazar Satbir Sharma 18. Chandni Chowk Mrs Alka Lamba 19. Matia Mahal Mirza Javed All 20. Ballimaran Haroon Yusuf 21. Karol Bagh - SC Gaurav Dhanak 22. Patel Nagar - SC Smt Krishna Tirath 23. Moti Nagar Ramesh Kumar Popli 24. Rajouri Garden Amandeep Singh Sudan 25. Hari Nagar Surender Setia 26. Janakpuri Ms Radhika Khera 27. Dwarka Adarsh Shastri 28. Matiala Sumesh Shokeen 29. Najafgarh Sahib Singh Yadav 30. Delhi Cantt Sandeep Tanwar 31. Jangpura Talvinder Singh Marwah 32. Kasturba Nagar Abhishek Dutt 33. Malviya Nagar Mrs Neetu Verma 34. RK Puram Mrs Priyanka Singh 35. Chhatarpur Satish Lohia 36. Deoli - SC Arvinder Singh 37. Ambedkar Nagar - SC Yaduraj Chaudhary 38. Sangam Vihar Poonam Azad 39. Greater Kailash Sukhbir Singh Pawar 40. Kalkaji Ms Shivani Chopra Advocate 41. Tughlakabad Shubam Sharma 42. Trilokpuri - SC Vijay Kumar 43. Patparganj Laxman Rawat 44. Laxmi Nagar Dr Hari Dutt Sharma 45. Vishwas Nagar Gurcharan Singh Raju 46. Krishna Nagar Dr. Ashok Kr. Walia 47. Gandhi Nagar Arvinder Singh Lovely 48. Shahdara Dr Narender Nath 49. Seemapuri - SC Veer Singh Dhingan 50. Rohtas Nagar Vipin Sharma 51. Seelampur Ch. Mateen Ahmed 52. Babarpur Mrs Anveeksha Tripathi Jain 53. Gokalpur - SC Dr SP Singh 54. Mustafabad Ali Mehndi

More ignominy was in store for the Congress in the 2015 Delhi Assembly election. The party was completely wiped out from Delhi as it failed to win even a single seat with the AAP storming to power by bagging 67 and the BJP, too, registering a poor show with just three in its kitty.

Earlier, the Congress Election Committee met at the interim party president Sonia Gandhis residence to discuss the names of party candidates. While the AAP has announced candidates for all the 70 seats, the BJP has named its nominees for 57 constituencies.

The Delhi Assembly Elections are scheduled to be held on February 8, while the counting will take place on February 11.
Nairobi: At least two people have been killed and more than 20 others wounded when a suicide car bomber targeted a construction site along a highway outside Somalia's capital.

Six Turkish nationals were among the wounded, with two in a serious condition, Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said.

Somali police Colonel Abdi Abdullahi said Turkish construction workers appeared to be the target.

Most of the casualties were police officers providing security for the Turkish workers, who were constructing a highway between the capital, Mogadishu, and the agricultural town of Afgoye, 30km north of the city.

The al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab extremist group, based in Somalia, claimed responsibility for Saturday's attack, according to the the group's radio arm, Andalus.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 18

By Elnur Baghishov - Trend:

The export value of products exported by Iran to the Eurasian Economic Unions member-states increased by 72 percent during nine months of this Iranian year (from March 21 through December 21) compared to the same period of last Iranian year, spokesman for the Iranian Customs Administration Ruhulla Latifi said.

The export volume of products increased by 116 percent, Latifi added, Trend reports referring to IRNA.

Iran exported 2.5 million tons of products worth $713 million to the Eurasian Economic Unions member-states during the reporting period, the spokesman said.

The export of products by Iran to the Eurasian Economic Unions member-states accounted for about 2 percent of Iran's total export of non-oil products in terms of value and volume, the spokesman said.

Some 2.2 million of products worth $991 million were imported from Iran to the Eurasian Economic Unions member-states, Latifi added.

"This is a 47-percent-increase in terms of weight and a 7-percent-decrease in terms of value compared to the same period of last Iranian year," the spokesman said.

Iran exported the products worth $277 million to Russia and imported the products worth $864 million from Russia," Latifi said.

The value of products exported by Iran to Russia increased by 41 percent, while the value of products imported from Russia decreased by 7 percent.

A temporary trade memorandum was signed between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union on October 27. In accordance with the memorandum, 862 kinds of products will be imported and exported upon preferential tariffs between the two countries.

Iran will export 502 kinds of products and import 360 kinds of products. Iran will export pistachios, kiwi, oil products, raisins, cucumbers, cabbages, dates, medicines, cement, copper, methanol.

Iran will import barley, animal feed, vegetable oil, cathode, etc.
The German grand coalition government, consisting of the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats, intends to continue its military operations and participation in the US offensive in the Middle East in the aftermath of Washingtons January 3 drone missile assassination of Iranian General Qassem Suleimani, a clear violation of international law.

Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas made this clear in the course of visits to Jordan and Iraq over the past several days. Speaking Wednesday in Erbil in northern Iraq, Kramp-Karrenbauer said, The men and women here are full of passion. They are doing a great job. They are highly thought of and want to continue this work, particularly the training of Iraqi forces. The German army (Bundeswehr) has been arming and training Kurdish Peshmerga units in Erbil for the past six years.

This engagement, which was extended to the whole of Iraq in 2018, is expected to continue despite the recent vote by the Iraqi Parliament to expel all foreign troops. To this end, I had political talks in Iraq today, the defence minister said.

One day earlier, Maas visited the al-Azraq military base in Jordan and declared: The German soldiers who are currently in Erbil, Jordan and Kuwait will remain.

According to the Bundeswehr Operations Command, German Tornado fighter squadrons stationed in al-Azraq resumed operations as part of the US-led Inherent Resolve campaign last Saturday. Tornado flights had been suspended for three days after the killing of Suleimani and the Iranian counterattack on military bases in Iraq.

On Wednesday, a debate on the current situation in the Middle East was held in the parliament (Bundestag). It confirmed that all of the parties in the German parliament basically agree with the governments military course. In order to assert the economic and geo-strategic interests of German imperialism against all rivals, they are pressing for an even more aggressive military policy.

According to Henning Otte, defence spokesman for the Union faction in the Bundestag (the Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union), One thing is clear: where a vacuum appears, others go in. He continued: Russia in particular is taking the initiative... to increase its influence, not only in North Africa and Libya, but also in this region.

Therefore, it is only appropriate that our defence minister is currently in Iraq to make our own assessment there, to hold talks and make it clear in Erbil and Baghdad: We stand by our commitments.

Both government and opposition politicians defended Suleimanis murder and threatened Iran. The general who was killed wasnt just some sort of Iranian military attache in Baghdad, thundered CDU politician Johann David Wadephul. He was one Irans most brutal military leaders. Ladies and gentlemen, we must counter this Iranian hegemonic policy, which is being enforced through military power.

Wadephul was applauded for his words by Armin-Paulus Hampel, the foreign policy spokesman of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which vehemently advocates a more aggressive and independent German military policy. His proposal to withdraw German troops from Iraq, which was rejected by all of the other parties, had nothing to do with pacifism. On the contrary. According to Rudiger Lucassen, the defence policy spokesman for the AfD and a former Bundeswehr general, the German government was unable to draw up a strategic plan based on national interests.

Lucassen added: The slowdown in German foreign and security policy is harming our country. The good thing is: it is self-inflicted and can therefore be changed.

Ultimately, all of the parties represented in the Bundestag agree with such a policy. Under conditions of increasingly criminal behaviour by the United States and growing conflicts between the major world powers, the German political elite is convinced that Germany and Europe must pursue their interests more independently and eventually establish themselves as an armed military force capable of waging war and overtaking the United States as the worlds leading imperialist power.

Combining arrogance and hubris, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Bundestag, Norbert Rottgen (CDU), explained: The actions and decisions taken by the United States probably mean that the US has less political leeway. There may be less acceptance of the US when it comes to diplomacy in the region. Who, if not us, should compensate and replace the diminishing political possibilities? We have assumed more responsibility following the recent events.

He continued: I think there is a large majority here in the house prepared to sign up to these goals, but they also have to answer the question: What is our proposal, how are we to achieve the goals? Ladies and gentlemen, the goals alone are not enough. We now need instruments and means. My second thesis is that the new situation has increased our responsibility to achieve these goals. We may not like that, but part of the new reality is that we have assumed more responsibility.

Behind the propaganda mantra of more responsibility, the ruling elite is forging ahead with a return to German militarism, as laid down in the new foreign policy announced in 2013-2014. In the Middle East, this means the subjugation of Iran and, ultimately, the political and military recolonisation of the entire region.

We will be able to fulfil our responsibility only through a comprehensive deployment that includes civilian construction... diplomatic work, a nuclear agreement, and a military presence on the ground, Rottgen stressed.

This policy has been basically embraced by the nominally left opposition parties in the Bundestag. The Green Party, as part of a coalition government with the Social Democrats, organised the first post-World War II German combat operations abroadin Kosovo (1998) and Afghanistan (2001). Now it, along with the Left Party, is amongst the fiercest advocates of an independent European foreign policy led by Germany.

Stop being just a spectator! Agnieszka Brugger, a leading Green and member of the Bundestag Defense Committee, told the government. Dont be afraid to face up to the US on this issue. Keep your promises and allow INSTEX [founded by Germany, Great Britain and France in 2019 to promote trade between the EU and Iran without using US finance] to finally prove effective!

What was needed, she continued, was a strong, common, preferably European response that would regain trust in the region and make possible a solution ensuring security and conflict resolution for the people of Iraq. Since Kramp-Karrenbauer and Maas had failed to deliver in the past few months, she continued, the chancellor had to take up this issue, make it a priority, and offer Germany as an offensive mediator, as was the case in Ukraine and Libya.

The offensive mediator role of the German government in Ukraine since the extreme right-wing coup orchestrated by Berlin and Washington in February 2014 has been to assist NATOs military offensive against Russia, a nuclear power.

Germanys imperialist engagement in North Africa is no less aggressive. The so-called Libya conference, due to take place in Berlin on Sunday, recalls the notorious Congo conference, which began on November 15, 1884 in Berlin at the invitation of German Chancellor Bismarck. Today, as then, under the guise of diplomacy and peace, the main subject on the agenda is the enforcement of imperialist interests and the exploitation and division of the resource-rich African continent.

Despite this fact, the Libya conference, attended by the countrys warring parties as well as the leading imperialist powers, plus Russia and China and the most important regional powers, has the support of the Left Party.

The federal government must do everything it can to make the conference in Berlin a success, stated a press release issued by Left Party deputy group leader Sevim Dagdelen. Although it is late, it is only right that German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas is doing everything possible to convince the conflict parties within Libya to attend the conference in Berlin.

The only demand in Dagdelens text was that Greece, Cyprus and Tunisia also be invited.
Iran bulldozes over grave of pastor executed for converting to Christianity after seeing Jesus in dream

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Iran has bulldozed over the grave of a pastor who was tortured and executed by the regime for converting from Islam to Christianity after seeing Jesus in a dream.

In December 1990, the Rev. Hossein Soodmand became the last man to be executed in Iran for apostasy, the "crime" of abandoning one's religion, after the Islamic Revolution. He had converted from Islam to Christianity in 1960, when he was 13 years old. Twenty-nine years later, he was brutally tortured and hanged by the Iranian authorities for that decision.

Soodmand was buried in cursed ground in an unmarked grave in the city of Mashhad. In December, his grave was found bulldozed, his daughter, Rashin Soodmand, told Article 18, a group that promotes religious liberty in Iran.

As a member of the family of this martyred pastor, I can say that the recent disrespect shown to our fathers grave wounded our hearts yet again, Rashin told Article 18.

Our father was killed cruelly and contrary to the law. They buried him in a place they called laanatabad [accursed place], without our knowledge, and did not even give our family the opportunity to say goodbye to him, or to see his lifeless body, she added.

For years we had to travel to this remote place to visit his unmarked grave, and we were not even allowed to construct a gravestone bearing his name. And now they want to completely remove the only sign of him left for us. We will take our appeal to any relevant national or international institution about this disrespect and cruelty.

A spokesman for Article 18 told The Christian Post that the family discovered that the slab was missing when they went to visit the grave for the 29th anniversary of his death on Dec. 3.

We don't know when it happened but we know when they found out, the spokesperson told CP. The family had gone to the gravesite for the anniversary and saw what had happened.

Article 18 was told that there had been talks about the possibility of demolishing graves at the cemetery for years. The organization reports that it can be said that "official authorities" are responsible since they want to "give way to new luxury families graves that wealthy can buy.

Article 18 can't say for sure whether the pastor's body was exhumed from the grave.

"All we know is that this place where he was buried, which used to be outside of the main cemetery by quite a distance [but] has over time come to be just on its outskirts," the Article 18 representative explained. "So it is for this reason that now, after all this time, they have sought to use the space for further development of the cemetery. [It's] so they can offer the site for other families to bury their own dead."

Reza Behrouz, a Texas-based Iranian-American medical researcher and democracy activist, told Fox News the grave's desecration shows "the regime's utter intolerance for religious freedom and its discriminatory policy against non-Muslim Iranians."

"Pastor Soodmand represented what would ideally be a secular Iranian society wherein people could freely practice their faith. A free, secular society is the regimes primal fear," he said.

In a previous interview with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Rashin shared how, growing up, her father and his friends would mock Christians, telling them they were unclean and hurl stones at them.

On one occasion when he was 7, he threw a stone that smashed a woman's water bucket, before fleeing, tripping, falling and hurting his knee.

He expected the Christian woman to punish him, but she helped him up, cleaned his wound and gave him some sweets.

He had shown hate, but she responded with uncommon love. He never forgot her unusual display of mercy and grace, she said.

Soodmand later moved to Ahvaz for military service. While there, he was once transported to a hospital where an Armenian Christian cared for him and left him a cross. That night he had a vivid dream in which Jesus gave him something to eat.

The next morning, he realized Jesus had touched him and brought healing to his body. Determined to learn more about Jesus, he found a church in Ahvaz, where he converted to Christianity.

Soodmand was rejected by his family for converting to Christianity; nevertheless, he moved to Tehran and lived with Christians while devoting himself to studying the Bible.

Eventually, he sold books for the Bible Society across the country and became a pastor.

His concern at this time was not money  it never would be. His first priority was God. He would make sure he got to every Bible study meeting, and he spent many hours being discipled by an older brother in the faith, his daughter recalled.

Soodmand married a blind woman he looked after called Mahtab Noorvash in 1970 and they lived in Isfahan. Eventually, the pastor, his wife, and their two children moved to Mashad, where he planted a church. However, his church was forced to close amid severe persecution and he was arrested by religious police and tortured, Voice of the Martyrs reported.

According to his daughter, Iranian police gave the pastor an ultimatum: Either deny your faith and stop what you are doing or we will kill you, they said. You have two weeks to think about it.

Rashid told The Telegraph that her father refused to renounce his faith: "He could not renounce his God. His belief in Christ was his life  it was his deepest conviction, she said.

When church authorities gave him the chance to escape, Soodmand stated: I am a follower of the great Shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus Christ, and I am ready to sacrifice my soul for my sheep. For me to escape from this persecution would cause the hearts of my flock to become cold and weak. And I never want to be a bad example for them. So, I am ready to go to prison again and, if necessary, to give my life.

The pastor continued to work in ministry when he was freed, so was re-arrested in 1990 and put in solitary confinement before he was later executed.

His daughter, who today continues Soodmans evangelistic work, said her fathers death has not been in vain.

The blood of Jesus Christ was shed so we could be saved, and since then much more blood has also been shed, so that the good news of salvation can reach many, she said. Today I am very proud of my fathers burial place. I no longer see a plain, ordinary dusty place, but I look deeper into it and see what God has produced.

Iran has for years been labeled by the U.S. State Department as a country of particular concern for religious freedom violations.

In December, nine Christians were sentenced to a combined total of 45 years in prison by Irans Revolutionary Court.

In 2017, an Iranian court sentenced pastor Victor Bet Tamraz, who led a Farsi-language church in Iran, to 10 years in prison for "acting against national security." His wife was sentenced to five years in prison on similar charges.

Last August, the Iranian Christian news agency Mohabat News reported on the sentencing of 12 Christian converts to one year in prison for holding worship meetings and evangelizing.

In August 2019, 65-year-old Mahrokh Kanbari was sentenced to one year in prison by the Islamic Revolutionary Court in Karaj. Kanbari was arrested in her home on Christmas Eve 2018 and charged with acting against national security.

In September 2019, Iran imprisoned a bookshop owner named Mustafa Rahimi in the Kurdish town of Bukan for selling a Bible.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 07:12:17|Editor: zyl

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OTTAWA, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Canadian investment in foreign securities increased to 5.5 billion Canadian dollars (about 4.21 billion U.S. dollars) in November 2019 as Canadian investors resumed their purchases of foreign equities, according to Statistics Canada on Friday.

In the meantime, foreign investors reduced their holdings of Canadian securities by 1.8 billion Canadian dollars (1.38 billion U.S. dollars), the first decline in four months.

As a result, international transactions in securities generated a net outflow of funds of 7.3 billion Canadian dollars (5.59 billion U.S. dollars) from the Canadian economy in November, following three consecutive months of net inflows.
Duane Chapman, better know as Dog the Bounty Hunter, is opening up about surviving life after Beth  and there are some question marks about whats next for him.

While there is no mention of Moon Angell, his companion as of late, Fridays New York Times interview does detail the stars love story with his Dogs Most Wanted co-star wife, who died from cancer in June. In it, the widower talks of his need for love, and how life is a lot harder now without Beth.

Duane Chapman talks about life without Beth being "a lot harder" with his manager, adding, "Dogs very lonely." (Photo: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images)

The article recounts how they got together, with the famous bounty hunter saying they met in 1986 when he posted bail for Beth after she shoplifted a lemon. Things werent romantic, though, until a decade later, when he was coming off a very low period in his life  his mother had died and hed spent a year smoking crack. He eventually sobered up, which is when he and Beth became an item.

It wasnt smooth sailing, though. They married in 2006, which played out on Dog the Bounty Hunter, but on the eve of the wedding, Duanes daughter Barbara died. Not long after, marshals barged into the couples Hawaii home to take him into custody related to Mexican extradition case. And there was endless family drama  hes been married four times and has 12 children  such as Duanes son Tucker selling to a tabloid recordings of him using racial slurs (more on that later). However, the true punch in the gut was Beth battling and then succumbing to cancer, which played out on Dogs Most Wanted. After, he lost the will to live  and has since battled his own health issues, including being diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism.

This is the big moment, Duane said of what is next for him. Thats the big question.

For one thing, he said hes considering writing another book  about Beth.

And hes also thinking about a new show, as hes currently without a TV contract.

Either way, making money is at the forefront of his plans. Im broke, Duane told the paper, citing years of medical bills during Beths extended cancer battle, as well as the costs of supporting his large family.

Story continues

Lucky for him, he doesnt hate the fame hes found as an unlikely reality star.

I need the attention. I wake up every day and say, Mirror, mirror on the wall, whos the baddest bounty hunter of them all? Duane said before turning to a serious tone and adding, I need love.

But the death of Beth has been a very rocky period for him  and it still is, his nearest and dearest say.

Does Dog want to live or not? Dr. Mehmet Oz, who had an intervention for Duane amid his health woes, asked. Dog told me a dream where Beth said, Big Daddy,  Beths nickname for her husband  what took you so long? Maybe shes waiting, what am I living for?

Chapmans manager, Amy Weiss, echoed this, saying, Dogs very lonely. I was there at many points in the hospital with him, and it was very difficult. Hes lost, but he knows he must go on and provide for his family.

Added Oz, The irony is hes a man who everyone relies on for advice. He was crutching so much on Beth  how are you going to show up in your own life?

Duane and Beth Chapman in 2013. (Photo: Reuters)

Since his health scare last fall, Duane has making small strides toward improving his health. Hes cut back on cigarettes (only two packs a day) and has been chewing on ice cubes to lose weight (taking him down to 187 pounds.)

The article goes beyond Duane talking about coping with Beths death, touching on a lot of other things, past and present. He spoke about that infamous recording of him using a racial slur his son sold to the National Enquirer, leading him to do an apology tour in 2007.

I thought I had a pass, he said, having grown up in the prison system (he was convicted of murder in the 1970s and also has 18 robbery convictions, by his count.) And, repeating a claim that his mother is Native American, he added, It was a word I grew up using. I was wrong.

He continued, Ill never be forgiven for that one. Some people form an opinion of me that I cant change, but youve talked to me and Im not a racist.

Chapman also touched on politics, although did not disclose who he voted for, despite attending Trumps inauguration. He said he doesnt care who is president. I feel an allegiance, he said. I think Michelle Obama would make a great president.

He also talked about his belief that teachers should be armed to protect students amid all the mass shootings at schools.

Chapman also touched on his own criminal history while discussing the broken legal system.

Things could change for the better, he said, agreeing that the system is particularly hard on African-Americans, and added, I am the prime example of the system: The bail bond system, the legal system, of crime. Im a second chance. Guys who dont have job hopes when they get out, why do you think they go back to what they were doing before they were convicted? If I can change, anyone can.

He added, But its going to be a lot harder now without Beth, thats for sure.

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STAMFORD  U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal visited the headquarters of Americares Friday, expressing support for the nonprofits response to last weeks devastating earthquake in Puerto Rico and calling for more government support for the troubled U.S. territory.

Stamford-based Americares responded immediately to the 6.4-magnitude tremor on Jan. 7  Puerto Ricos worst earthquake in a century, as it killed at least one person, damaged hundreds of buildings and knocked out power across the island. It has sent a series of shipments of medical supplies, hygiene kits and portable solar lights, while its mental-health experts have provided more than 350 consultations to Puerto Ricans.

Americares helps people when they are down  its generosity knows no bounds, Blumenthal said, with pallets of shipments destined for the island stacked behind him in the Americares warehouse at 88 Hamilton Ave. Folks who give to Americares are making a difference. Your money couldnt be better spent.

More than 1,280 earthquakes have struck Puerto Ricos southern region since Dec. 28, with more than two-dozen of them registering at a magnitude 4.5 or greater, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The quake and a subsequent 5.9-magnitude aftershock that hit Jan. 11 damaged at least 789 homes, of which 88 collapsed entirely and 257 are seriously damaged, according to Puerto Rico Secretary of State Elmer Roman.

Seismic activity has prompted nearly 8,000 people to take refuge in government shelters in southern Puerto Rico.

People are afraid at this point to stay in their homes People who are working in areas in San Juan and high-rise buildings are also afraid to go to work, said Kate Dischino, Americares vice president of emergency programs. Americares is on the ground assisting survivors. Our mental health-experts have been providing support and psychological first aid in some of the hardest-hit communities.

Relief efforts received a boost Thursday when President Donald Trump signed a major-disaster declaration for Puerto Rico. The proclamation is set to release more federal funds and allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency to inspect homes and offer hotel vouchers, among other provisions.

Also this week, the Trump administration released $8.2 billion in long-delayed aid for relief and recovery efforts related to Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which devastated the island in 2017. The decision followed months of criticism by Congressional Democrats, who asserted the administration was unfairly holding up desperately needed funds.

In addition, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, a New York Democrat who chairs the Appropriations Committee, is introducing a $3.4 billion emergency spending bill to respond to the earthquakes.

I can pledge to you to that I will fight for that additional aid, said Blumenthal, a Democrat who is serving his second term in the Senate. The images of people suffering in Puerto Rico are riveting.

Following the 2017 hurricanes, Americares established an office in San Juan, Puerto Ricos capital, to oversee recovery programming. Fourteen are based out of the office, with all of them responding to the earthquakes.

Since the 2017 storms, Americares said it has delivered to Puerto Rico more than 100 shipments of medicine and relief supplies, repaired damaged health facilities and provided programs to help residents experiencing stress and trauma.

Marias impact is estimated to have contributed to approximately 3,000 deaths.

Americares responds to approximately 30 natural disasters and humanitarian crises worldwide each year.

Since its founding 40 years ago, the organization has provided more than $18 billion in aid to 164 countries, including the U.S.

Sen. Blumenthal has been a longtime friend of Americares and stood beside us on many of these previous disaster responses, said Dr. E. Anne Peterson, Americares senior vice president of global programs. Our life-changing programs, medicines and supplies reach millions every year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

pschott@stamfordadvocate.com; 203-964-2236; twitter: @paulschott
By AFP

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Friday warned Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to be "very careful with his words."

"The so-called 'Supreme Leader' of Iran, who has not been so Supreme lately, had some nasty things to say about the United States and Europe," Trump tweeted of Khamenei's comments earlier Friday in Tehran.

According to Trump, Khamenei's blistering speech, in which he attacked the "vicious" United States and described Britain, France and Germany as "America's lackey's," was a mistake.

The so-called Supreme Leader of Iran, who has not been so Supreme lately, had some nasty things to say about the United States and Europe. Their economy is crashing, and their people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 17, 2020

"Their economy is crashing, and their people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words!" Trump tweeted.
EDINA, Minn., Jan. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- "Miss Virginia," a movie drama based on a true story, will tell the story of school choice on a personal level on Tuesday, Jan. 28. The movie screening will take place at 6 p.m. at AMC Southdale 16 and is free and open to the public. A panel discussion will take place prior to the movie screening at 5:15 p.m.

Miss Virginia, the critically acclaimed Moving Picture Institute Original feature film starring Uzo Aduba, Matthew Modine, Vanessa Williams, and Niles Fitch, is inspired by the true story of Virginia Walden Ford. A struggling single mother, she is losing her teenage son to the rough streets of Washington, DC. Unwilling to see him drop out and deal drugs, she puts him in a private school. But when she can't afford tuition, she launches a movement to change the system that is destroying him and thousands like him.

The event will also feature remarks by Rashad Turner, executive director for the MN Parent Union and Chas Anderson, executive director of Opportunity for All Kids, as well as state legislators. Parents, administrators, students, and other community members are invited to attend and use the event to kickstart conversation about K-12 education.

This event is planned to coincide with the history-making celebration of National School Choice Week 2020, which will feature more than 50,000 school choice events across all 50 states.

"This film focuses on families that struggle to keep their children safe and in a school of their choice," said Chas Anderson. "We are excited for families and legislators to bring their unique educational experiences to this movie screening and enjoy a time of fellowship and learning together."

Opportunity for All Kids, the event's organizer, is the premier advocacy organization in Minnesota focused on building grassroots support and advocating for school choice for families and students.

AMC Southdale 16 is located at 400 Southdale Center.

As a nonpartisan, nonpolitical public awareness effort, National School Choice Week shines a positive spotlight on effective education options for students, families, and communities around the country. From January 26 through February 1, 2020, more than 50,000 independently-planned events will be held in celebration of the Week. For more information, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com/minnesota.

SOURCE National School Choice Week

Related Links

http://www.schoolchoiceweek.com


100 piglets killed in freeway accident: More than 100 piglets died Thursday when a semitrailer carrying about 1,700 of the animals overturned on a freeway just north of Des Moines. Tom Colvin, chief executive of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, said Friday about 100 piglets were found dead at the crash site on a ramp to Interstate 35. Crews had to euthanize another 17 that were injured. The surviving animals were loaded onto other trucks and driven to a livestock operation.


Recently, the Clark County Medical Society Alliance (CCMSA) wrapped up its 2-year health initiative: Promoting Education and Awareness to Reduce Opioid Abuse and Misuse. Its final donation was given to the local nonprofit There is No Hero in Heroin, Las Vegas focusing on prevention, education, and awareness. Joseph Engle, founder, and president of TINHIH, has demonstrated hard work in the community to reduce opioid abuse. City National Bank sponsored this vital health initiative by the CCMSA.

Committee Co-Chairs Jacqueline Nguyen and Beverly Daly Dix served with committee members Karen Schroeder Kim Fonte, Michele Volker, Ginger L Allen, Vicki Cichon, Wendy Lee Meoz, Reeta Kaul Thukral, Ayesha Rabbani-Mehdi, Elizabeth Fildes, and Rebecca Penn.

When I heard the shocking news that each year, we were losing more people to opioid overdose in the US (about 72,000) than the total number of soldiers killed in the entire Vietnam war (58,220). I knew that I must do something to help stem this health crisis, says Daly Dix. CCMSA members worked tirelessly on our Opioid Health Initiative to inform and educate the public about this health emergency, and I felt pride in our CCMSA members and physicians for stepping up.

For the alliance, we focused on increasing awareness and education about safely locking up your prescription medication and safe disposal, adds Nguyen. What Ive learned through this work is that Nevada is incredibly fortunate to have dedicated and passionate people who fight this epidemic every day. They work in our medical offices, treatment and recovery programs, schools, government, and private charities to each do their part to eradicate this scourge and take care of the health of our community.

In 2016, the AMAA invited Sam Quinones to discuss his book Dreamland that explains the origins and rise of the opioid epidemic in America. The data shocked Nguyen, and she approached the Nevada State Alliance members. Through its adoption of the Opioid Misuse Prevention Health Initiative, CCMSA looked at the community outreach side as legislators and physicians grappled with the policy and clinical challenges through the adoption of Nevada AB474- the Opioid Bill.

I was proud to be a part of this health initiative. As a person in long-term recovery myself, it is important to me to assist in any way we could with the opioid epidemic, says Ginger Allen Co-President of CCMSA 2019-2020. We all agreed that providing information regarding prevention, education, and awareness to our community was necessary. Each and every person we can assist helps prevent addiction and overdose. I also support ending the shame and stigma surrounding addiction in general; I have never met anyone that chose or enjoys addiction. I maintain there is hope for everyone, and we need to try and help those that want or seek recovery from addiction.
They have been the popular hosts of Britain's Got Talent since 2007.

And Ant McPartlin, 44, was back at work alongside Declan Donnelly, 44, for the first round of auditions for the new series at The London Palladium on Saturday.

It comes amid claims Ant is set to hand over 31m to his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong in their divorce settlement, including their 5m former home in West London.

First day: Ant McPartlin, 44, was back at work alongside Declan Donnelly, 44, and David Walliams, 48, for the first round of auditions of BGT at The London Palladium on Saturday

Sharing snaps of the day on Instagram, Ant and Dec were seen grinning as judge David Walliams draped his arms over their shoulders.

Ant crossed his arms for the picture and looked dapper in a button up shirt which boasted a red checked pattern throughout it.

Comedian David looked smart for the auditions, wearing a white shirt and tie with his black suit, and also posed with fellow judges Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon.

Amanda cut a stylish figure in a pink ensemble and wore her blonde locks down and slightly wavy while Alesha wowed in a chunky gold necklace.

Gang's back together: David also posed for a snap with his fellow judges Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden

The official BGT Instagram also shared a timelapse video of the Palladium stage being prepared for auditions and the all important crosses being lifted into place.

It comes after Ant allegedly agreed to give his ex Lisa more than half of his estimated 50 million fortune.

According to The Sun, the I'm A Celebrity host is 'delighted' the case has come to an end as he can 'move on', two years after announcing their split.

Everything's ready: The London Palladium's stage was transformed into the classic BGT set

A source close to both sides told the paper: 'Ant and Lisa agreed to settle and sign their divorce agreement during a productive and civil meeting on Tuesday.

'Ant made a very generous settlement that works out to be more than half of everything that he has.

'He is delighted because it means he can put what has been a very difficult chapter in his life behind him and move on.'

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Ant and Lisa for comment.

Split: Ant's return to work comes amid claims he is set to hand over 31m to his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong (pictured) in their divorce settlement

Denial: However Lisa denied reports the couple have finally reached a divorce settlement on Twitter, calling it a 'load of old nonsense'

However, as the news broke, Lisa took to Twitter to deny the claims, posting: 'Nope a load of nonsense AGAIN....'

She went to 'like' tweets which stated: 'no amount of money could ever compensate for what this poor girl has had to endure', and 'Get what you can!

'You deserve it! Terrible treatment of you since you found out when we did! And with a so called friend! Its heartbreaking behaviour'.

Lisa also made her feelings clear on Saturday after liking a tweet which branded her ex 's****y and spineless' amid their divorce battle.

The make-up artist also liked the tweet which suggested the money she is allegedly set to receive 'means nothing' because it 'can't buy respect'.

The post read: 'I bet the money means nothing in some respects, it certainly can't buy the respect she deserves...

Not happy: The make-up artist took to Twitter on Saturday to like a tweet suggesting that her ex was 's****y and spineless'

The tweet also suggested that she was forced into silence, adding: 'Or make-up for the s****y spineless way he scurried off & tried to silence her.'

It continued: 'What the sum is I'm sure it will be put to much better use & I wish her all the best. [heart emoji].'

Ant and Lisa married in July 2006 and announced they were divorcing in January 2018. Their union legally ended during a 30-second hearing in October that year.
Russia offers concerns over E3 JCPOA choices

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Moscow, Jan 17, IRNA -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed his concerns over the recent measures taken by three Europeans states on Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and triggering nuclear dispute mechanism.

Addressing a press conference on Russian Foreign Ministry measures in 2019, Lavrov said JCPOA has been verified in the United Nations Security Council and resolution has also been issued with this regard.

He added that the US not only does not implement the deal, but prevents other countries from implementation.

US and Trump say the JCPOA is the worst document in the history, but asks Iran to implement the deal completely, he noted.

Referring to the recent measure taken by France, Germany and the UK to trigger the nuclear dispute mechanism in the framework of the JCPOA, Lavrov said it is concerning and will endanger the deal.

Britain, France, and Germany started a process that could lead to the United Nations' sanctions being re-imposed on Iran and the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal after triggering the deal's dispute resolution mechanism.

Referring to E3 letter to EU chief with regard to launching the mentioned mechanism, Russian Diplomat said all nuclear activities of Iran are accessible and transparent.

He noted that more than any other country, Iran is under nuclear inspections.

The three European countries under the US' 25 percent tariff threat have made their stance against Iran more difficult, Lavrov reiterated.

US wants to revoke Iran nuclear deal which was signed during Obama presidency and sign another deal in Trump's term so it puts pressure on European parties to withdraw from the deal, Russian top diplomat said.

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message undermined E3 act to sell out JCPOA to avoid Trump' new tariff.

"E3 sold out remnants of #JCPOA to avoid new Trump tariffs," Zarif tweeted on Thursday.

"It won't work my friends," he added.

"You only whet his appetite. Remember your high school bully? If you want to sell your integrity, go ahead."

"But DO NOT assume high moral/legal ground. YOU DON'T HAVE IT," he reiterated.

9376**2050

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Karen Smyrski Smith has seen her fair share of doctors and been in and out of hospitals for nearly 40 years.

The former New Milford resident has been living with a diagnosis of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD), an inherited progressive disorder in which cysts develop in the kidneys, since 1980.

She is now hopeful a living donor with a kidney match will soon be found.

Im at the precipice, said Smyrski Smith, 68, a resident of Maryland. Im doing everything I can to stay healthy until I get a living donor.

Its not easy, said Smyrski Smith, who lived in Connecticut until 2002. I need to be optimistic and cynical at the same time.

Smyrski Smith grew up on her grandparents farm on Tamarack Road in New Milford and also lived in Danbury and Greenwich in later years.

She moved to California in 2002 to fulfill a lifelong dream. Shortly after arriving there, her medical issues began to kick into high gear.

All my dreams were dashed, Smyrski Smith said, who is in kidney failure.

Smyrski Smith described herself as looking nine months pregnant. She has hundreds of cysts that stretches the tissues of the kidney.

Dr. Terry Watnick, professor of medicine at Baltimore PKD Center, Division of Nephrology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and an endowed chair, said one in 500 to one in 1,000 people have ADPKD.

Shes resilient, Watnick said of Smyrski Smith, who is one of her patients in Maryland. She hasnt given up.

Watnick said Smyrski Smith as realistic about her situation and knows without a donor, shell probably wind up on dialysis.

In 2003, Smyrski Smith had two surgeries to cut off the top of five cysts. But they grew back. In total, 3,600 cc of fluid was removed in the two surgeries.

She needed outpatient procedures for her kidneys off and on for the next 15 years.

From 2003 to mid-2016, Smyrski Smith had nearly 30 cyst aspirations, each draining anywhere from 750cc (about three cups) to 1,500 cc (about a liter and a half) of fluid.

I dont see myself as sick, so I dont dwell on it, the 1968 graduate of New Milford High School said of her outlook on her health challenges.

She said a nephrologist, who is now head of the transplant department at UCLA, related that her positive attitude has bought her 10 years.

All my doctors are my cheerleaders, said Smyrski Smith, a former Miss New Milford contestant. Theyre always right there for me.

Doctors recommend it is best for her to have a living donors kidney. The donor should have O blood type and be a non-smoker.

The kidney would be transplanted, and her two affected kidneys would be removed.

Multiple teams of surgeons are needed to perform the operations. If a living donor is found, surgeons can plan a coordinated time for the operation.

A donation from a cadaver is an emergency surgery and is only handled by the transplant team. In that case, Smyrski Smith would need an additional operation.

Smyrski Smith has been on a kidney waiting list for three and a half years and has been called twice about a possible match, each time to have plans for the transplant to be called off last minute due to the donor kidney.

It happened a few years ago while living in California and under doctors care at UCLA, and again last May while living outside of Baltimore.

Smyrski Smith, who has a background as a bookkeeper, programmer and nurse, said several friends have been tested but no one has been successfully matched.

Getting a kidney from a family member is not an option. Smyrski Smith is one of four living family members with the disease. One brother died of it in 2014. Over the years, testing on the family members diagnosed with polycystic kidney disorder indicated the disorder is carried through Smyrski Smiths maternal line.

Her mother, Dolores Sapetti  daughter of Nando Sapetti and Catherine Cate (Higgins) Sapetti  and father split when Smyrski Smith was a child. Dolores moved to New Jersey and Smith did not have a relationship with her. Her mother died at 35 in 1965.

Chances are, Sapetti never knew she had polycystic kidney disease. Smyrski Smith said her grandparents died in their 40s and were unaware they carried the disease.

In 2001, Smyrski Smiths two brothers were diagnosed with the disease, confirming the disease came from Smiths maternal line.

Her son was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease his senior year of high school, and a niece was diagnosed about four years later.

Smyrski Smith and family members have all had a magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA), a type of MRI that provides pictures of blood vessels inside the body.

Tests indicated Smyrski Smith has a 2 mm aneurysm.

My body is handling it, according to Smyrski Smith, whose neurosurgeon told her the aneurysm is stable.

Over the years, though, loss of appetite, increased sleeping, difficulty breathing, fatigue and other symptoms have impacted her ability to work.

While Smyrski Smith waits for a donor, she is prepared for dialysis  she had a surgical procedure to create an access point for the dialysis machine  if necessary.

For the time being, though, Smyrski Smiths lab work is regularly monitored by doctors who are hopeful a living donor will be found.

Possible donors can complete an application and indicate Karen L. Smyrski Smith on the form available at Maryland.donorscreen.org. A transplant would be performed at the University of Maryland Medical Centers main campus. For more information, call the living donor office at 410-328-1564.

Those who are related to Smith on her maternal side and would like to reach out to her for family information should email her at misskarensnewkidney

@gmail.com.
WASHINGTON  They are in lockstep in their demand for witness testimony, but nearly everything else Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris have said about President Trumps impeachment trial has been different in both tone and substance.

In that sense, the California Democrats reflect their partys conflicting approaches to the trial. Feinstein has publicly implored colleagues to embrace their role as impartial jurors, while Harris has laced into Trump like a prosecutor.

Their split speaks to the balancing act Democratic senators face in the trial that begins in earnest Tuesday: How can they help build the case against Trump to benefit their party politically, while fulfilling their duty as jurors?

The California senators different strategies were on display on the Senate floor in the days leading up to the Houses delivery of the two impeachment articles against Trump.

Harris used a Jan. 13 floor speech, her first significant address since ending her presidential campaign in December, to warn that America must not have two systems of justice, including one in which powerful people like Donald Trump escape accountability altogether.

As the United States Senate, we must say that its unacceptable for a president to shake down a vulnerable foreign nation for personal or political benefit, said Harris, the former San Francisco district attorney and California attorney general.

She even evoked the infamous Access Hollywood tape, 2005 footage that came to light during the 2016 presidential campaign, in which Trump bragged that he could freely grab womens genitals because he was a celebrity.

Harris told The Chronicle afterward that she cited the tape to show Trump has a level of arrogance that is consistent with his belief that the rules don't apply to him.

Feinstein, meanwhile, has spoken little about Trumps conduct in recent months. Instead, she has focused almost entirely on Democrats demand that current and former White House aides blocked by Trump from appearing before the House impeachment inquiry be allowed to testify before the Senate.

The 27-year veteran of the Senate and the Democrats highest-ranking member on the Judiciary Committee has urged her colleagues to adopt a somber, dutiful approach.

As Trumps trial opened Thursday, Feinstein was part of a bipartisan group of four senators who escorted Chief Justice John Roberts into the chamber. Roberts will preside over the trial and swore in senators, who pledged to do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws.

Feinstein is one of 16 current senators who heard the 1999 case against President Bill Clinton, who was acquitted of perjury and obstructing Congress in connection with his affair with a White House intern.

The Clinton impeachment was incredibly sobering, and I expect the same for this trial, Feinstein said in a statement. Ive said repeatedly that Im prepared to listen to the evidence and decide on the articles of impeachment based on the merits.

She has largely avoided giving detailed interviews about Trumps trial, and her public comments have been sparse.

The outcome of the trial is essentially a given: Senate Republicans, who hold 53 of the 100 seats, are expected to acquit Trump. A two-thirds vote would be needed for conviction.

Trump is accused of abusing the power of his office by withholding military aid to Ukraine while pressuring its leader to announce investigations that could damage former Vice President Joe Biden, a rival in the 2020 election. He is also accused of obstructing Congress investigation by blocking witnesses from testifying and withholding subpoenaed documents.

Trumps Republican defenders have said he was justified in withholding aid because of concerns about Ukraines long-standing problems with corruption.

Its unclear how the Senate trial will unfold. Although Feinstein and Harris are part of the jury, senators are expected to be able to ask questions of House prosecutors and Trumps legal team after the two sides give their opening arguments.

They may also vote on whether to hear from witnesses who did not testify before the House inquiry, something that is also outside the realm of traditional jury duty. Democrats, including Feinstein and Harris, are especially eager to hear from former National Security Adviser John Bolton, who was in his job as the Ukraine affair unfolded and has said he would testify if he is subpoenaed.

David Greenberg, a professor of history and media studies at Rutgers University, said the senators demeanor during the trial could help shape public sentiment as Americans remain sharply polarized over impeachment.

He said Feinstein and Harris approaches speak both to their different places in their political careers and to generational differences in the increasingly fractured Senate.

Harris is 55 and relatively new to the national stage, having been elected to the Senate in 2016. Although her presidential campaign failed, Harris has been mentioned as a possible vice-presidential candidate this year and could make another White House run down the line.

At 86, Feinstein is the oldest member of the Senate and is fifth in seniority. She came up in an era when senators were inclined to share dinner or drinks after a tough vote, not attack each other by name on the floor, and she has a reputation for being able to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

I think theyre products of different historical moments, theyre products of different political situations, Greenberg said. There are a handful of senators who are trying to uphold the old norms of collegiality and at least occasional bipartisan cooperation.

Feinstein agreed that Harris and she bring different but complementary experiences  a former prosecutor and attorney general and a senator who sat on the last presidential impeachment trial.

I look forward to hearing (Harris) take on the House managers case and the presidents defense of his actions, Feinstein said.

Sam Lauter, a Democratic political consultant in San Francisco, said Democrats may benefit from having both an aggressive prosecutor and a longtime fixture from a more polite era at the forefront of the trial.

Both approaches are necessary to be able to have people look at this trial with an open mind, he said.

But when it comes to questioning, Lauter said, he expects Harris prosecutor pedigree could emerge as a key weapon for Democrats as they make the case to the ultimate audience: 2020 voters.

The country is going to see what a star Kamala Harris is, he said. This is going to be must-watch TV.

Dustin Gardiner is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dustin.gardiner@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dustingardiner
Full list of what is allowed and not allowed during lockdown 3.0

Lockdown 3.0: Ready reckoner of what is allowed, what is not

Modi flag bearer of Indian culture, tradition: HM Amit Shah in Karnataka

India

oi-Mousumi Dash

Bengaluru, Jan 18: The BJP National president and Union Home Minister Amit Shah who is in Karnataka visit on Saturday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the "flag-bearer" of the Indian culture and tradition.

Shah while addressing a gathering in Karnataka in his speech at an event organised by Vedanta Bharati said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is touring across the globe as the flag bearer of the Indian culture and tradition."

The BJP National President said that PM Modi took a holy dip in Ganga and attended Ganga Arati in Varanasi before taking oath as the Prime Minister.

Siddaramaiah quizzes HM Amit Shah for not visiting flood-hit areas of Karnataka

He further added that it was for the first time that PM Modi sent red sander to Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal to perform special prayers on behalf of the government of India.

Nirbhaya's parents slam Indira Jaising for suggesting to pardon Nirbhaya case convicts|Oneindia News

Shah here on this day didn't miss the chance to attack the previous governments for their wrong interpretation of secularism, preventing them from honouring the best things of the country.

The Union Home Minister told PTI, "But after a long interval we have a Prime Minister who sends across the message that we have a lot to give to the world."

HM Amit Shah to launch POLNET 2.0 armed with multi-media

However, on Saturday, Karnataka's former chief minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah sought to know why Shah didn't visit the flood-hit areas and assess if funds provided by the Centre were enough, before "brainwashing" people to accept his "divisive policies".
Mr. Parnas told MSNBCs Rachel Maddow that he also played a key role in conveying Mr. Trumps demand for an investigation of Mr. Biden to Volodymyr Zelensky, who became Ukraines president last May. Mr. Giuliani had sent Mr. Zelensky a letter asking for a meeting but called off the trip after it was publicized. Mr. Parnas said he was then dispatched by Mr. Giuliani in early May to deliver a tough message to an aide to Mr. Zelensky: Unless he announced a Biden investigation, relations would sour, starting with the cancellation of Vice President Pences attendance at Mr. Zelenskys inauguration.
On Friday, as his agency was proposing changes to nutritional standards for school breakfasts and lunches, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue was at Castle Hills Elementary, choosing from a menu of breaded chicken legs, garlic mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, celery sticks and carrots, sliced apples, blueberries and Texas grapefruit.

Perdue announced there would be new proposed rules, but didnt go into specifics during his visit to the North East Independent School District campus.

The proposed new rules for the Food and Nutrition Service would allow schools to cut the amount of vegetables and fruits required at lunch and breakfasts while allowing more pizza, burgers and fries, the Washington Post reported.

But they might lead to few changes at San Antonios largest school districts, nutrition officials there said.They cautioned that they hadnt seen the specifics but expected them to provide more flexibility.

It allows us to focus more on fruits and vegetables that the kids like, rather than checking off boxes, said Sharon Glosson, NEISDs executive director of school nutrition. I think the concerns that people have is just like with any rule, that people might take advantage of it to offer less nutritious choices.

The proposal was criticized as a continuation of the departments efforts to water down regulations put in place during the Obama administration to require less salt, more fruits, vegetables and whole grains and only skim or low-fat milk, the newspaper reported. The USDA already has reduced the whole grain requirement, allowed potatoes instead of fruit at breakfast and given schools more time to reduce sodium in meals.

Perdue ate lunch with second-graders at Castle Hills and held a discussion with U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, a Republican whose district includes the school, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and school nutrition staff.

The students are the ones that are impacted by the changes the most, Glosson said. That was a great opportunity, for North East ISD to be able to provide that feedback from students and operators.

Schools will be able to provide more protein and fewer grains at breakfast, something North East ISD students have been seeking so they feel full until lunch, Glosson said. She also welcomed the changes to a la carte menus, because the current guidelines allow cafeterias to sell students whole grain brownies a la carte, for example, but not side salads with dressing.

Its things like that that dont make sense, Glosson said.

Barbara Castillo, senior operations manager of the child nutrition department at Northside ISD, said the proposal would allow schools to substitute some vegetables students like  such as broccoli with cheese and sauteed onions and peppers  for ones they like less, such as sweet potatoes.

On ExpressNews.com: Northside and North East ISD leaders say tighter food stamp requirements would hurt school lunch programs

Northside provides pizza and burgers now, said Thomas Wherry, child nutrition director, but the crusts and bread are whole grain. He didnt think the proposed rules would cause big changes in the district.

We have a good thing going right now, Wherry said. We know were doing nutrition well.

San Antonio ISD has such a high district-wide poverty rate that all students get free meals through the federal Community Eligibility Program, including snacks and dinner at some schools.

Were confident that our meals not only meet the governments requirements but exceed them in choice and variety, said Jenny Arredondo, senior executive director of Child Nutrition Services, in an emailed statement.

The proposals will enter a public comment period when placed in the Federal Register next week.

On ExpressNews.com: School districts here say their cupcake policies are just fine

About two-thirds of Bexar Countys public school children come from households whose low incomes qualify them for free or reduced price meals. Such children are at greater risk for obesity and less likely to eat healthy meals at home.

Perdue has said healthier food offerings have led to more food waste and lower participation in school meal programs, but a USDA study last year reported greater participation in programs that had the healthiest food standards and little difference in food waste, the Post reported.

The goal is to feed children healthy foods, but they wont eat things they dont like, Glosson said.

Potatoes are the favorite vegetable in NEISD cafeterias, but overall, our kids are very adventurous eaters, she said. They love red bell peppers. They love cucumbers. They enjoy grape tomatoes more than we expected when we started serving them.

Alia Malik covers several school districts and the Alamo Colleges District in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | amalik@express-news.net | Twitter: @AliaAtSAEN
Court orders salary of cop to be stopped for non-appearance in SP leaders murder case

Anti-CAA stir: Court grants bail to 14 arrested for violence in Muzaffarnagar

India

oi-PTI

Muzaffarnagar, Jan 18: A court in Muzaffarnagar has granted bail to 14 people who were arrested in connection with violence during protests against the CAA.

District judge Sanjay Kumar Pachori on Friday allowed their bail pleas and directed that they be released after furnishing two sureties each of Rs one lakh each.

According to the prosecution, the accused were arrested and sent to jail for allegedly being involved in the violence that broke out during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act on December 20 in Kotwali police station area here.

The police has also arrested many others in the district in connection with the incident and imposed the charge of inciting children to pelt stones on 33 people.

Meanwhile, police has registered a case against unidentified people for allegedly disseminating fake news, through social media and newspapers, of sexual assault with a madrassa student during police custody following the December 20 violence here during the anti-CAA protests.

Indira Jaising to Nirbhaya's mother: Pardon convicts just like Sonia Gandhi|Oneindia News

Battle for Delhi: How Anti-CAA protests likely to play 'spoilsport' for three parties

Police said a case was registered on Friday under section 22 of the POCSO Act against unidentified people for allegedly spreading false news pertaining to a child's sexual assault and misusing the law.

The case was registered after a complaint was filed by a person in this regard, police said, adding that the madrassa committee has said no incident of sexual assault with any of its students took place.

Ten students of the Madrassa Hoja Ilmiya here were arrested by police following the violence but they were later granted bail by a court after the SIT probing the incidents said there was no evidence against them.

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Story first published: Saturday, January 18, 2020, 12:46 [IST]
Bhubaneswar: Players in action during the FIH Men's Pro League match between India and Netherlands at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Jan 18, 2020. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News

Bhubaneswar: Players in action during the FIH Men's Pro League match between India and Netherlands at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Jan 18, 2020. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News

Bhubaneswar: Players in action during the FIH Men's Pro League match between India and Netherlands at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Jan 18, 2020. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News

Bhubaneswar, Jan 18 : India got their debut Pro League campaign off to a winning start with a 5-2 win over world no. 3 Netherlands. In what is the first of two matches that will be played between the two sides at the Kalinga stadium in Bhubaneswar, India rode on goals from Gurjant Singh (1'), Rupinder Pal Singh (12', 46'), Mandeep Singh (34') and Lalit Upadhyay (36'). Jip Janssen (14') and Jeroen Hertzberger (28') scored for the Dutch.

Both sides scored in a frantic first quarter of the match. India scored their first within 26 seconds of the start of the match through Gurjant Singh at the end of an attack launched through the left after a Dutch pass was intercepted in midfield. In the 11th minute Rupinder Pal Singh doubled the lead with a well-worked penalty corner.

The visitors got their first penalty corner immediately after and Jip Janssen converted it to make 2-1 which was the final goal of the quarter.

Eight minutes into the second quarter, the Netherlands launched an attack from the left flank which India could not see off. Jeroen Hertzberger managed to draw the visitors equal with a simple tap-in at the end of it. At half-time, both sides were level 2-2.

Netherlands could not keep up the momentum in the second half in which India came out swinging. Mandeep duly restored the hosts' lead with a brilliant shot on the turn in the 34th minute. Two minutes later, Harmanpreet Singh cut in from the left and pushed the ball into the circle after dribbling past a Dutch defender. Upadhyay deflected the ball into goal and India were leading by two goals once again.

Two minutes later, Mandeep almost scored his second of the night which was blocked by the Dutch. India went for a referral and got a penalty corner which they could not convert. Netherlands then got a hat-trick of penalty corners but could not convert any of them and the score at the end of the third quarter was 4-2 in India's favour.

The hosts got a penalty corner early in the final quarter through a referral and this time, Rupinder managed to find his second goal of the night. Apart from a failed penalty corner, there was very little for the Dutch in the match after that and the final score read 5-2 in the hosts' favour.

The second match will now be played at 5 p.m. on Sunday at the Kalinga Stadium.
We know dogs as mans best friend, and these cute-looking furry creatures truly help in making our lives happier. We know that they can be very smart, and at times, very manipulative.



However, a recent study reveals that they instinctively understand a human and his gestures.

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In this study (published in Frontiers in Psychology) researchers looked at stray dogs in India across various cities. For the study, researchers offered two covered bowls to the dogs. Later the representative pointed to only one of the two bowls.

Around half of the dogs didnt come near the bowls proactively. According to researchers this could be because they might have had a bad experience with humans in the past, fearing them.

The other half that did investigate the bowls, 80 percent of them followed what the human was signalling at, understanding the human hand gesture. This reveals that dogs dont really need formal training to understand what their fellow human is trying to tell them. They can understand by simply looking at humans.

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Dr Anindita Bhadra of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, India, who led this research, said, We thought it was quite amazing that the dogs could follow a gesture as abstract as momentary pointing. This means that they closely observe the human, whom they are meeting for the first time, and they use their understanding of humans to make a decision. This shows their intelligence and adaptability.



She further added, We need to understand that dogs are intelligent animals that can co-exist with us. They are quite capable of understanding our body language and we need to give them their space. A little empathy and respect for another species can reduce a lot of conflict.
The push for universal pre-k feels, well, damn near universal. While pre-kindergarten and early childhood education arent linked to better academic performance later on in life, they are linked to profound, life-long health and developmental benefits. In fact, kids who are in pre-k are less likely to be arrested, less likely to struggle with substance abuse as adults, and more likely to complete college. Parents with kids in preschool are more likely to re-enter the labor force  one D.C. study found that after making pre-school free and universal in the city, the labor force among moms with young kids jumped almost 11 percent and was more pronounced for low-income moms.

The push to get more kids in pre-k has been profound. In 1980, 96,000 American children were enrolled in pre-kindergarten programs in public elementary school. By 2016, some 36 years later, that number has risen to 1.4 million. This is, of course, unequivocally a good thing. And while day care and pre-k are prohibitively expensive for many parents  leading to a number of bills in the Senate that would address such cost  more and more pre-ks are being held in public schools.

It makes sense. Its also, by many measures, cost-effective. Universal pre-k advocates have long called for kindergarten and up primary schools to host pre-kindergarten in their buildings to save on the costs of operating separate child care centers, help parents save money, and because, well, many schools already have the infrastructure to do so.

Which is why, of course, Senators Bob Casey, Doug Jones, and Mitt Romney (yes, that Mitt Romney) have put forth a bipartisan bill, the Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act, that would expand on pre-school principals training and help them be better prepared to help the kids in their care.

As more young children go into public school settings to get their pre-kindergarten experience, the question of whether or not they are receiving the fundamental early childhood education that is developmentally appropriate is, well, actually one we should ask. Because, it turns out, a very large swathe of K-5, K-8, K-12 principals who preside over not just kindergarten but also pre-kindergarten classrooms are not always qualified to do so.

Story continues

Why The Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act Bill Is Needed

Principals are not only figureheads who discipline misbehaving students and send out school newsletters. They are responsible for the rollout of and approval of school curriculum, they plan out the structure of the school day, and give feedback to teachers about the quality of their classes and curriculum. Theyre also often a students advocate and communicate directly with families about any concerns they might have about their child or vice versa.

Often, principals advocate to the greater school district about resources they might need for their classrooms, their students and their teachers, and theyre one of the most common denominators of greater teacher retention. A good principal can keep a great teacher around for a long while. According to a study by Education Next, principals can be responsible for increasing student achievement by two to seven months over a single school year. (They can also be responsible for diminishing that achievement just as much.)

Many principals report prior teaching experience in secondary settings, and thats upper elementary grades, So their prior knowledge, and their teaching experiences, dont really facilitate a deep understanding of early childhood education, says Elise Franchino, a research associate on early childhood and elementary education at New America, who also worked in early childhood education for eight years. A lot of principals have had minimal experiences observing pre-k classrooms and learning about early childhood development, birth-8, prior to becoming school leaders.

In other words: many principals are woefully unprepared to direct curriculum for these kids  and they know it, especially as the population of kids in public schools who are in pre-kindergarten grows. Forty-four percent of four year olds and 16 percent of three year olds are in publicly funded pre-k programs, says Franchino. While that is not the majority, it does mean that principals who are responsible for these children need to be prepared.

Only nine states in the country require pre-service principals to have coursework in early childhood learning and development; six states and D.C. require principals to have a bachelor degree to be eligible for their principals license, only four states require principals to take courses beyond a bachelors, and 40 require elementary principals to get at least a masters degree. When they do earn their license to be principals, in 29 states, they earn an extremely broad pre-k through 12th grade license. In 26 states, new principals either earn a K-12 or elementary school license; meaning that they have very, very limited engagement with pre-kindergarten or even kindergarten students.

Most principals, prior to their licensure, primarily worked in secondary settings  upper elementary grades. One 2015 survey of over 1,100 school principals in public schools across the country found that 53 percent of principals had pre-k in their schools, 65 percent were responsible for the program, but only 1 in 5, or roughly 20 percent, of them felt qualified or well-trained to handle that. Add that to the fact that only 10 states require clinical placements in elementary schools; only nine states provide coursework in early childhood learning and development, and 36 states dont, and you have a real pickle.

Especially because early childhood development doesnt magically end at the end of pre-kindergarten.

Its really, really important that principals have a strong foundational knowledge of early childhood development, and that really should mean birth through age 8, says Franchino. That is the continuum of early childhood. The majority of principals are already responsible for a large part of early childhood development, as long as theyre responsible for students at the third grade level or younger. And, its not like principals simply sit at their desks or send schoolwide emails or discipline kids. Principals are instructional leaders who make crucial decisions about classroom curriculum, the structure of a students day, and often oversee teacher evaluations and provide feedback on instruction.

Its so important for them to have knowledge about how young children learn best, says Franchino. When they walk into pre-k classrooms, they might see play and mistake it for chaos, and ask teachers to discontinue their methods. They really need a strong knowledge of childhood development to ensure that they understand what developmentally appropriate practices look like in early and elementary school settings in their schools.

What The Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act Would Do

Currently, Title II of the Higher Education Act requires that principals understand how students learn and develop. Clearly, that is a broad and unspecific expectation, which has been in some part responsible for the current situation that educators, principals, and pre-k and kindergarten aged kids are in now: theyre in school buildings led by principals who arent qualified to instruct for early childhood.

The CECLA would fix that problem by amending Title II to provide clearer guidelines for principals. Higher education institutions that receive federal grants would be required to provide pre-service elementary principals with techniques to engage a variety of stakeholders  that includes parents, community members, the local education agency, businesses, and ECE providers and community leaders, says Franchino. And as for what pre-service principals will be required to understand? The language, far more focused, would require them to create a goal of understanding child, social and emotional development for children from birth through age eight  a huge step up from previous expectations  so that they can manage, support, and direct curriculum that is developmentally appropriate for the 3 and 4 year olds that might be in their building, but also for the kids who are already in their building, who are as old as the third grade.

Potential Problems With The Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act



As with all major educational reform bills, any bill that puts new requirements on educators, principals, or administrators needs to also be met with additional support by institutions of higher education in the area and the schools themselves.

Pre-service programs for early educators run the gamut in how well they prepare teachers, says Franchino. Questions arise on how well institutions of higher education are situated to provide high quality early education training to pre-service principals. Some higher education faculty and staff leadership programs might not realistically have the capacity, staff, or training to train principals in child development  or have the capacity to even have clinical placements in lower grade schools. Plus, the quality of the programs themselves where principals are being trained might vary widely.

These potential problems are not unique to training principles to be adequately prepared for the influx of three-year-olds coming into their buildings, of course. Just consider what happened in Illinois after broad principal reform passed there over a decade ago, per Franchino.

[Illinois] experienced a really wide variation in implementation and quality of programming provided by institutions of higher education. The weakness for this legislation is that it doesnt clearly and succinctly lay out hw institutions of higher education would go about ensuring that principals are equipped to be instructional leaders of early childhood education programs, she says.

Related Articles:

The post More Pre-K Programs Are Held in Elementary Schools. Principals Arent Prepared For It appeared first on Fatherly.
Indias premium infotainment channel Sony BBC Earth is all set to premiere the much-anticipated series on biodiversity across the seven distinct continents  Seven Worlds, One Planet  on January 20th at 9PM. Narrated by the Godfather of Natural History - Sir David Attenborough - and set to a beautiful musical score by Hans Zimmer, the series will take the viewers on an incredible 7-part journey revealing how each distinct continent has shaped the extraordinary animal behavior and biodiversity found there.

Rated 9.5 on IMDB and from the makers of Planet Earth II, Seven Worlds, One Planet is shot over 4 years in 38 countries by a crew of over 1500 people worldwide and is the first time BBC Studio has explored all the planets continents in a single series. It not only celebrates the diversity of life on each of these continents, but also features the many challenges faced by animals in a modern world dominated by humanity.

Given the spectacular prowess of the content, the premiere was supported by an engaging and extensive on-ground and social media plan. Starting with the global premiere at Royal Opera House, Mumbai, this was the first time that Sony BBC Earth was a part of a one-of-a-kind global launch. Over 400 students from select schools got a chance to be the first few in the world to not only witness the first episode of this much awaited series, but also interact with the talented crew including Sir David Attenborough.

While Royal Opera House screening was on invitation basis, Sony BBC Earth also hosted open to all screenings of select episodes at various consumer touchpoints, to create excitement and chatter, leading to the big television premiere. In a category first move, the channel partnered with The Lil Flea, Mumbai  the citys biggest flea market  and screened two episodes at the festival, creating a cozy, family-viewing experience. Additionally, The Lil Flea housed a thought-provoking art gallery with breath-taking visuals from each continent supported by the unheard stories that explain the diversity behind each continent.

The channel also joined hands with India Habitat Centre in Delhi and SOCIAL in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Pune to screen South America and Asia episodes for the patrons, before the Indian Television Premiere. SOCIAL even curated a special menu inspired from the seven continents which will be available across 23 outlets in 5 cities. The idea behind the menu is to celebrate the diversity of our world in one meal.

On social media, a robust 4-week promotion plan kickstarts with a LIVE interaction with Fredi Devas  Producer of the first episode: Antarctica, on the day of the episode premiere. Also, theres something exciting planned for the premiere of each episode on 7 continents. Additionally, SPNIs digital arm, Sony LIV will support the premiere by promoting it and premiering it on the app, same time as Sony BBC Earth premiere.

Seven Worlds, One Planet will premiere in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu and has attracted marquee advertisers including TATA Intra as the Co-presenting sponsor and Suhana and BYJUS as the co-presenting sponsors. By telling unknown, unseen and unexpected wildlife stories, the series is set to uncover the fundamental truth about what makes each one of our seven worlds unique.

Tune in to Sony BBC Earth to watch the breath-taking seven-part series  Seven Worlds, One Planet
US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) urged Iranian leaders to "make Iran great again", a reference to the slogan associated with his campaign.

"The noble people of Iran--who love America--deserve a government that's more interested in helping them achieve their dreams than killing them for demanding respect. Instead of leading Iran toward ruin, its leaders should abandon terror and Make Iran Great Again!" the US President said in a tweet.

Trump's reply came to a tweet by handle -- Khamenei.ir. The tweet by the handle read: "The villainous US govt repeatedly says that they are standing by the Iranian ppl. They lie. If you are standing by the Iranian ppl, it is only to stab them in the heart with your venomous daggers. Of course, you have so far failed to do so, & you will certainly continue to fail."

Sputnik reported that to enhance the effect of his own statement Trump made another tweet, moments later, this time in Farsi, vowing to "Make Iran Great Again!"

In its report, the agency stated that the Supreme Leader of Iran also took to the social media on Friday, denouncing "the villainous US govt" for hypocrisy - a statement that was quoted by Trump in his tweeted tirade.

In his Friday's speech, the Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei described the Trump administration as "clowns" and slammed Israel.

In an earlier tweet, the US President had warned the Iranian Supreme Leader to be very careful with his words.

"The so-called "Supreme Leader" of Iran, who has not been so Supreme lately, had some nasty things to say about the United States and Europe. Their economy is crashing, and their people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words!" Trump had said.

The recent exchange comes days after Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, was killed in a US drone strike in Iraq two weeks ago. Iran retaliated with strikes on US targets.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By ANI

OTTAWA: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday (local time) announced a compensation of $25,000 each for the families of the Canadian citizens or permanent residents killed in the downing of a passenger plane in Iran.

"I want to be clear: We expect Iran to compensate these families. But I have met them (the families). They can't wait weeks. They need support now," CNN quoted Trudeau as saying during a news conference in Ottawa.

The Canadian Prime Minister stated that the assistance will be delivered in the coming days.

ALSO READ: Canada PM Justin Trudeau demands 'accountability' after Iran plane admission

The Boeing 737 jet operated by Ukraine International Airlines took off from Tehran for Ukrainian capital Kiev. Minutes after taking off, it disappeared from radar. Days later, Iran had admitted that the jetliner was "accidentally" shot down by missiles.

"We haven't looked at what the full compensation would end up looking like from Iran. But I can assure you that any money from Iran to the victims would go straight to them -- it wouldn't be to reimburse the Canadian government," the Canadian Prime Minister said.

Earlier, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne met his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif in Oman.

"Minister Zarif conveyed his profound regret for this terrible tragedy, and Minister Champagne noted that he had met with families of victims this week who are deeply hurt and angry," a statement from Champagne's office read.

"The ministers discussed the necessity of full access to Iran for officials from Canada and other grieving nations to: provide consular services, assist in ensuring victim identification meets international standards and participate in a thorough and transparent investigation," the statement said while adding that that the two leaders discussed the need for a transparent analysis of the black box data, to which Iran agreed.

"In addition, they discussed the duty Iran has towards the families of the victims -- including compensation. Minister Zarif expressed his support for Iran continuing to work with Canada and all grieving nations in these respects. Minister Champagne noted Iran's cooperation so far and expressed his hope that this would continue," the statement said.
Thousands of people led by students from different colleges gathered in the Supermarket area in Dimapur district of Nagaland on Saturday to protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

With banners and placards saying, "We stand united against CAA", "Save Dimapur - Listen to peoples' voice" and "CAA -- Modi Shah vote bank", people from all walks of life joined the protest rally.

Addressing the gathering, the students urged people to unite and fight until the Act is revoked.

They said it is their duty to safeguard the state from the influx of illegal immigrants.

Dimapur District Gaon Burahs (village chieftains) Association president Khehovi V Chophy said outsiders will not be allowed to take away the rights of indigenous people.

He said it's time to identify illegal immigrants and deport them.

Lima Jamir, a member of the North East Indigenous Peoples' Forum, said the CAA is a draconian law.

"We will not be suppressed by forces and will fight till we achieve our goal," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The draft conclusions of the upcoming Berlin conference on Libya, a copy of which was made available to TASS on Friday, emphasize the need to form a unified government in the country, Trend reports citing TASS.

"We [the participants] support the Libyan Political Agreement as viable framework for the political solution in Libya," the document reads. "We also call for the establishment of a functioning Presidency Council and the formation of a single, unified, inclusive and effective Libyan government approved by the House of Representatives," the document adds.

The participants also "urge all Libyan parties to resume the inclusive Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process under the auspices of the UNSMIL [the United Nations Support Mission in Libya], engaging in it constructively, paving the way to end the transitional period through free, fair, inclusive and credible parliamentary and presidential elections." The document underlines "the important role of neighboring countries in the Libyan stabilization process."

"We commit to using all bilateral contacts to urge all Libyan parties to enter into the ceasefire and engage in the intra-Libyan political process under UNSMIL auspices," the document adds.
Pentagon to Place New Restrictions, Vetting on International Military Students

The Defense Department announced on Friday that it will put in place new policies and restrictions on foreign military students while enrolled in U.S.-based training programs following a tragic shooting at a naval base last month that left three people dead.

Director of Defense Intelligence Garry Reid said in a statement that in response to the Dec. 6 attack at the Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida, the Pentagon will restrict students possession and use of firearms, implement control measures for limiting their access to military installations and U.S. government facilities, and impose standards for training on detecting and reporting insider threats.

Reid said that the department will also establish new vetting procedures that would include continuous monitoring of foreign military students while they are studying in the United States.

All current and future students will be required to acknowledge their willingness to abide by these standards, committing to full compliance with all U.S. laws on and off duty as a condition of their enrollment, he said.

He added that the flight and field training that have been suspended since the Pensacola attack will fully resume after the new procedures have been implemented.

On Jan. 13, Attorney General William Barr announced on the results of the criminal investigation of the attack that killed three U.S. sailors and injured eight other Americans, calling it an act of terrorism. He said the gunman, Royal Saudi Air Force 2nd Lt. Mohammed Alshamrani, 21, who was a flight student at Pensacola, was motivated by jihadist ideology and had posted multiple social media messages containing anti-American, anti-Israel, and jihadi messages up to two hours prior to the attack. One of those messages, posted on Sept. 11 last year, stated, The countdown has begun.

Federal officials said that during the course of their 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.

Barr said they had informed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia about the 21 students, who then determined that the possession of such material was unbecoming an officer in the Royal Saudi Air Force and in the Royal Navy. The Kingdom subsequently unenrolled the 21 students from their training curriculum in the United States, with the agreement of the United States, and they returned home to Saudi Arabia earlier this week.

The attorney general added that the relevant U.S. Attorneys Offices independent review of the 21 cases determined that none of them would in the normal course result in federal prosecution.

The Dec. 6 attack left many questions in particular about the vetting of foreign military students into U.S. training programs. 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 said on Jan. 12 that the department was taking steps to strengthen the screening process.

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.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Regions are not federating units in Nigeria, so how should anyone expect Amotekun, a regional security network bringing state and non-state security actors together be registered. It does not have to be, and even if it is, may be as an NGO. The Western Nigeria Security Network involve independent and sovereign states, so there is also no need for a commandant, or what or who will you call the commandant.

Some said Mr. Gani Adams is the anointed commandant, how and where? Someone must have attended the conferment ceremony. Amotekun is not designed in the mould of Hisbah for example, it is a collaboration platforms for the existing 'hisbahs' and the formal policing architecture in the region. That also should be corrected.

The people of Western Nigeria are law-abiding and will not condone any illegality in what is presently constituted as Nigeria, hence no Governor has donated arms or ammunitions to any group to combat crime. What has happened is the provision of logistics to the network to enable mobility into areas that have proven difficult for the formal security architecture to navigate.

The DAWN Commission, our pride, the organization set up to manage the regional aspiration is the coalescing point for all these actors to brainstorm and discuss how the collaboration will work seamlessly.

The core of any security architecture is the system of collecting and processing intelligence - that is the software of any security system. Amotekun will help address this gap and once again, make our region the preferred place to visit, live, invest and work.

Amotekun will leverage existing formal and informal security architecture in the six States, providing a platform for our State governments to collectively compare notes, share and collaborate to combat crimes that have ravaged our region in recent past.

States have duly registered and functional informal security architecture - the voluntary policing network. DFID, a UK department for international department at some point worked with the Nigerian Police Force to develop a guideline for the Voluntary Policing Sectors which include the vigilantes, self-help groups and others.

Amotekun is designed, leveraging on some of these guidelines to promote a healthy and productive handshake among the various security outfits ( both formal and informal) and across the six states.

You can call it an ad-hoc arrangement. Not every association can and should be stringed together by the force of law, especially such that is hinged on moral persuasion or obligation, which this is all about. Why then does it need a law. Perhaps, depending on how it shapes out, there might be need for that, but for now, it is an arrangement that the governments of the six States have bought into and are committed to.

It is not out of place to read the initiative from a political lens, that is subjective, but what is important is that there is a response from the government, there is a collaboration happening and they are committed to it. States will appraise their internal structures and capability and determine whether they need to recruit like Lagos state recruited into it's neighbourhood watch, and those recruited will be paid according to the State's standard. Amotekun is not an organization, not regional police, it is not an entity, it is an initiative, and at best a network.

Adedotun writes from Atlanta, Georgia State, US.
Ranking member Rep. Devin Nunes of Calif., gives his opening statement as Jennifer Williams, an aide to Vice President Mike Pence, and National Security Council aide Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, testify before the House Intelligence Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, during a public impeachment hearing of President Donald Trump's efforts to tie U.S. aid for Ukraine to investigations of his political opponents. Read more

WASHINGTON  House Democrats released new documents Friday evening showing extensive contact between an associate of President Donald Trumps personal attorney and an aide to the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee regarding the effort to obtain material from Ukrainian prosecutors that would be damaging to former vice president Joe Biden.

The text messages between Lev Parnas, who functioned as Rudy Giulianis emissary to Ukrainian officials, and Derek Harvey, an aide to Rep. Devin Nunes, the ranking Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, indicate Nunes office was aware of the operation at the heart of impeachment proceedings against the president  and sought to use the information Parnas was gathering.

The newly released texts show that Parnas was working last spring to set up calls for Harvey with the Ukrainian prosecutors who were feeding Giuliani information about Biden.

"Also do you want to interview the general prosecutor who got [ditched] by Biden ? Also the anti corruption prosecutor ? Let me know," Parnas wrote on April 19.

"Does tomorrow work?" Harvey responded.

The messages also show that Harvey met with Parnas and Giuliani at the Trump hotel in Washington.

Harvey and a spokesman for Nunes did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The text messages corroborate Parnas previous claims that he arranged conversations with the Ukrainian prosecutors for the Nunes aide. And they deepen questions about how much Nunes knew about the pressure campaign  even as he served as one of Trumps most vociferous defenders during the House impeachment hearings.

"I was in shock when I was watching the hearings and when I saw Devin Nunes sitting up there," Parnas told MSNBC's Rachel Maddow this week. "I texted my attorney. I said, 'I can't believe this is happening.' "

Records that the House Democrats released in December first showed calls between Parnas and Nunes. At the time, Nunes said he couldn't remember speaking with Parnas.

On Thursday, Nunes told Fox News that he had reviewed his records, which refreshed his memory of having one conversation.

(I) checked it with my records and it was very clear  I remember that call, which was very odd, random, talking about random things, and I said, great, you know, talk to my staff, and boom, boom, boom. Thats just normal operating procedure, Nunes said.

However, the documents released Friday show extensive interactions between Parnas and Nuness aide  and that Harvey in April sent Parnas contact information for the congressman.

The messages show that Parnas and Harvey exchanged numerous communications beginning in February and set up several in person meetings, including with key individuals around Giuliani that were most involved in the Biden effort.

"We are at trump with Rudy and John Solomon and joe in private room," Parnas wrote the Nunes aide on May 7, apparently inviting him to the Trump International Hotel to meet with Giuliani, as well as Solomon, a conservative columnist, Joe DiGenova, a lawyer working with Giuliani.

"Can you come now," Parnas continued.

"Yes," Harvey responded.

The texts also indicate that Parnas passed a copy of one of the Ukrainian prosecutor's resumes in English to Harvey. Parnas also seemed to have sent him a copy of the Ukrainian passport of the tycoon who owns the gas company that placed Biden's son Hunter on its board. How the copy of the passport was obtained, and what Harvey was planning to do with it, if anything, is unclear.

Parnas, who is facing federal campaign charges and has recently broken with Giuliani and turned against the president, told MSNBC this week that Nunes and Harvey "were involved in getting all this stuff on Biden."

Derek Harvey had several interviews, Skype interviews I set up, with different prosecutors like (Nazar) Kholodnytsky, which is the anti-corruption prosecutor of Ukraine (and) Konstantyn Kulyk, one of the major guys thats had this whole Biden stuff, Parnas said.

Parnas suggested to MSNBC he was told to communicate with Harvey instead of Nunes directly because "Devin Nunes had an ethics, something to do with an ethics committee, and he couldn't be in a spotlight."

The materials released Friday also include screenshots that Robert Hyde, a former Marine and candidate for Congress in Connecticut, sent to Parnas discussing surveillance of former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch.

The screenshots appear to show Hyde having a text message exchange with an unknown person with a Belgian mobile number regarding Yovanovitch's movements in Ukraine, as he updates Parnas about the situation. Whether the person with the Belgian number was actually monitoring Yovanovitch is unclear.

Hyde, in an interview Wednesday with Eric Bolling on the Sinclair Broadcasting show "America This Week," denied ordering private surveillance on Yovanovitch and said his messages were sent to Parnas in jest and were selectively released.

"It was just colorful. We were playing. I thought we were playing," Hyde said, adding it was "unfortunate the left had to get their panties in a bunch."

Asked if he had "eyes on" Yovanovitch, Hyde said: "Are you kidding me?"

Parnas said on MSNBC he didn't believe Hyde was actually carrying out surveillance on Yovanovitch.

"I don't believe it's true," Parnas said. "I think he was either drunk or he was trying to make himself bigger than he was, so I didn't take it seriously"

The new materials also offered further indication of how Giuliani sent messages to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky through Parnas. In one message released late Friday, Giuliani appears to ask Parnas to tell Zelensky through the Ukrainian prosecutor general that he needs to break with a Ukrainian oligarch who is associated with him and take more of the tycoon's assets for the state.

Show him my tweets and tell him to tell President-elect to stop acting like a boy and become a man and take control, Giuliani told Parnas. Arrest this bum and take more of his money back.

Parnas responded with three thumbs-up emoticons.

Ukrainian authorities announced this week the opening of an investigation into the possibility that the U.S. ambassador was under surveillance or being stalked by associates of Parnas and Giuliani. Yovanovitch was removed from her post last spring after Giuliani urged Trump to fire her and helped fuel a public pressure campaign against her in conservative media outlets.

According to text messages the House Democrats released, Ukrainian Prosecutor General Yuri Lutsenko had demanded her ouster in exchange for helping with the Biden effort.

The Washington Posts Karoun Demirjian contributed to this report.
As the protest at Shaheen Bagh against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) entered day 35 on Friday, Delhi Police appealed to protestors to understand the inconvenience caused by the complete highway blockade to residents of Delhi and NCR, senior citizens, emergency patients and school-going children.

"We appeal to agitators at Road No. 13 A Shaheen Bagh to understand the sufferings that the complete highway blockade is causing to residents of Delhi & NCR, Senior Citizens, emergency patients and school going children," Delhi Police tweeted.

The police administration asserted that the matter has also come up before the High Court.

"We again urge protesters to cooperate and clear the road in the larger public interest," it further said.

The protestors at Shaheen Bagh on Friday continued to raise their voice against the amended law. The protestors included new mothers and elderly women.

Rihana Khatun, who was at sit in with her 45-day-old baby, said she was seeking justice.

"She (the baby) was 12-days old when I joined the protest on the first day. It has been more than a month now. I am sitting in cold and rains with her to get justice," Khatun said.

She rejected allegations that the protestors were getting paid. "I am not here for money, I have come here for justice and for our country," she said.

Protesters have installed a giant iron cut-out of India's map with the text stating "We the people of India reject CAA, NPR and NRC."

The Sikh community has also started 'langar seva' for the protesters and serves food twice a day.

Apart from that, people have also distributed fruits to demonstrators in a show of their support.

Announcements were made at the demonstration stating that protest was not backed or funded by any political party and "please don't give money to volunteers nor will they accept it".

The CAA grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and who came to 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.)
David Dushman was north of Auschwitz when his Red Army commander was ordered to the camp. At 96 years old - He is one of the few remaining soldiers who freed the camp.

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) AUSCHWITZ DEATH CAMP LIBERATOR, DAVID DUSHMAN, SAYING:

"When we arrived we saw the fence and these unfortunate people, we broke through the fence with our tanks. We gave food to the prisoners and continued. The 1st Ukrainian Front looked after the rest."

(SOUNDBITE) (German) AUSCHWITZ DEATH CAMP LIBERATOR, DAVID DUSHMAN, SAYING:

"They (the prisoners) were standing there, all of them in (prisoner) uniforms, only eyes, only eyes, very narrow - that was very terrible, very terrible. And I hope, that this will never (happen) again in life."

More than a million men, women and children lost their lives in Auschwitz.

Built by the Nazis in occupied Poland, Auschwitz was custom made for extermination.

But it was much later that David Dushman understood the truth about where he had been.

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) AUSCHWITZ DEATH CAMP LIBERATOR, DAVID DUSHMAN, SAYING:

"We didn't know that Auschwitz existed. In Russian it's called "Osventsim" We didn't know (about it). When saw it. When I was in Germany for the first time, I watched a German movie, about Buchenwald, that was really terrible. We didn't know that. What did we see? We were in tanks, what could we see?"

A Jew himself - Dushman was no stranger to adversity

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) AUSCHWITZ DEATH CAMP LIBERATOR, DAVID DUSHMAN, SAYING:

"I frequently wasn't allowed abroad because I had two stigmas. Firstly, I was Jewish, secondly, I was a son of an Enemy of the people. My father, who was one of the first recipients of the Order of the Red Banner during the war, during the Revolution, he was repressed and in 1938 and sent to a (labour) camp."

Dushman was one of only 69 men in his 12,000-strong column of tanks to survive the war, he was so badly injured that he had to have part of one lung removed. But that didn't hold him back from becoming a professional fencer.

He later became a member of the Olympic fencing team in Munich. Where he has lived since 1996.

Dushman may have forged a new life but three quarters of a century later- what he saw remains with him. Most of his Red Army comrades however, are all gone.
While Huawei saw considerable success in China in the wake of its Google license ban, the smartphone maker has seen a decline in sales in international markets. Despite the incredible hardware most Huawei and Honor phones offer, the lack of Googles mobile services has made it an undesirable proposition. However, Huawei is attempting to build its own app ecosystem by luring developers with the promise of funding.

The Chinese tech giant recently provided more details about its new Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) at an event in London. During the event, Huawei announced an investment of around 20 million into app development industry in UK and Ireland with developers being able to claim up to 20,000 for any app uploaded to Huaweis App Gallery.

Anson Zhang, MD of Huawei UK, said, We have announced our 20 million investment plan to recognise and incentivise our partners so that we can build an outstanding ecosystem together.

Jaime Gonzalo, Huawei's VP of European mobile services stressed that Huawei is attempting to build a more privacy-focused app ecosystem that will churn out fewer ads and notifications. Gonzalo said; This is very good from a privacy perspective. However, he also added that developers would be able to market their apps on home screens.

Huawei also claimed that HMS had seen strong initial growth in terms of numbers of developers signed up. Huawei also fired shots at Apple and Google, one of which mentioned that Huawei would only levy a 15-percent revenue cut from its developer as opposed to the 30-percent tax Google and Apple levies.

However, little was unveiled about HarmonyOS, Huaweis backup operating system which could replace Android on Huawei and Honor phones if the company doesnt get access to Googles mobile services.

Huawei phones currently run on an open-source version of Android, but the company hasnt confirmed when it would start replacing Android with HarmonyOS. A company executive recently suggested that HarmonyOS could be ready as early as mid-2020.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, January 18, 2020

Human rights activists have condemned Attorney General ST Burhanuddin for saying that the Semanggi tragedies that claimed at least 29 lives were not gross human rights violations, which they see as another step back from the governments commitment to solve past human rights abuses.

Human right activist Maria Catarina Sumarsih, who is also the mother of one of the victims, said Burhanuddin's statement was like the latest version of an old song, which has again revealed the governments ignorance and lack of will in solving the cases.

"Attorneys general are trying to escape their responsibilities as the investigators of human rights violations as usual. It keeps happening so it seems like the country allows impunity," she told The Jakarta Post, referring to past holders of the same post who also made excuses for not bringing justice to the victims.

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In 1948, Ludwig Erhard led Germany out of the haze of World War II by using the resource adjustment of a "social market economy." In 1950, the severely ruined Japan relied on the resource integration of "technology absorption," and then became the world's second largest economy next to the US in a period of only 20 years. Today, the evolution of economic history continues.

In 2020, as we stand in a new age of global economics, the Global Sharing Economy Forum is promoting the "Great Sharing Economy". This is a brand-new option for this era, providing a direction for the future path of development, and embodying the historical trend for the next decade.

On January 16, The "Great Sharing, New EconomyBeijing Summit of the Global Sharing Economy Forum" was held at the China National Convention Center. It was sponsored by China General Chamber of Commerce and China Association for the Promotion of Industrial Development, organized by ToJoy, and received strategic cooperation and support from the Global Alliance of Sharing Economy (GLASE) and the Institute of Industrial Economics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the School of Humanities and the School of Social Sciences of Tsinghua University, Renmin Business School, and the School of Management at Xi'an Jiaotong University, among others.

The Summit not only received support from attendees including Zhenghua Jiang, Vice Chairman of the 10th NPC Standing Committee; Hengshan Fan, former Secretary General of the National Development and Reform Commission; Xinhong Zhang, Chief Information Officer of the National Information Center and Director of Sharing Economy Research Institute; Min Wang, Executive Vice Chair of the China General Chamber of Commerce; and Xiaojun Li, Vice President of China the Association for the Promotion of Industrial Development.

Also attending were heavyweights including Junqing Lu, Executive Chairman of GLASE and Chairman of the Board of Directors of ToJoy; Jun Ge, Secretary General of GLASE and Executive Director and Global CEO of ToJoy; Boris Tadic, Executive Chairman of GLASE and former President of Serbia; Jose Maria Figueres, Executive Chairman of GLASE and former President of Costa Rica; Enrico Letta, Co-Chair of GLASE and former Prime Minister of Italy; Werner Faymann, Chairman of GLASE in West Europe and former Austrian Chancellor; and Yves Leterme, Senior Advisor of GLASE and former Prime Minister of Belgium. Kevin Rudd, Chairman of GLASE and former Prime Minister of Australia addressed the Summit through video.

At the same time, experts and scholars including Zhanbin Zhang, head professor of the Marxist School of the Party School of the Central Committee of C.P.C. (National Academy of Governance); Xiaoqiu Wu, Vice President of Renmin University of China; Dezhi Lu, Chief of the Huamin Foundation; and Yuming Zhang, a professor of the School of Management, Shandong University; as well as guests from all circles, including foreign and domestic enterprise elites and media reporters were also invited to the Summit. The guests conducted discussions around two topics: "The Great Sharing Economy and the Development of Unicorn Enterprises" and "The Great Sharing Era and the Advanced Topics on Sharing Economy Theory".

A Strategic Departure for 2030

According to numerous opinion polls in recent years, China is expected to go beyond the US in terms of GDP around 2030, becoming the world's largest economy. Meanwhile, China's response to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, is that the "principle of wide consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits" advocated in the Belt and Road Initiative would be an effective tool that advances this UN Agenda.

Today, at the start of 2020, the Beijing Summit of The Global Sharing Economy Forum also established another historical waypoint for 2030.

At the Summit, Jun Ge, Secretary General of GLASE and Executive Director and Global CEO of ToJoy, together with many foreign and domestic experts, released an exciting mid- and long-term initiativethe strategic vision of "Dual Reduction". This means the reduction of global new resource consumption and labor time by 50% respectively, expected to be realizable by 2030.

In addition to the huge breakthrough and milestone of the age of the Great Sharing Economy represented by this concept, this initiative was also lauded as one of the driving forces in the ascent of China's economy.

Behind the seemingly simple phrase "Dual Reduction" is a wealth of propositions as the sustainable development, the Belt and Road Initiative, forging a community of shared future for mankind, and the new era of global innovation. The Dual Reduction concept is a result of various policies working together.

The "Dual Reduction" is a strategic vision first proposed on the basis of insights into the trends of human commercial civilization at the First Global Sharing Economy Forum held in Vienna on November 29, 2019. In the model of the Great Sharing Economy, global new resource consumption and labor time will be gradually reduced by up to 50% respectively by means of sharing and efficient utilization of global resources.

Today, "Dual Reduction 2030" has inspired elites from all circles to reach a consensus and unite in a concerted effort after just over one month. This indicates great confidence in the prospect of the Great Sharing Economy, and more importantly, their common longing for the bright future for humanity implied by the Dual Reduction. In other words, the goal of Dual Reduction has spawned a highly cohesive force of resources and innovation that crosses national borders, and will certainly give birth to a tremendous driving force and creative power.

Ge expressed his views, saying, "We are confident that the innovation economy driven by platform empowerment will significantly increase the utilization efficiency of global resources, and significantly save laborers' working hours. It can be said that the realization of Dual Reduction will be a goal to achieve over the next decade. This will also be an age for enterprises to release their innovative strength in a concentrated way."

China is transforming from a traditional economy to an innovation-based economy. The national strategy of "China Sci-Tech Innovation 2030" will be a huge boost for accelerated realization of "Dual Reduction."

In his keynote speech, Hengshan Fan, former Secretary General of the National Development and Reform Commission, was also confident in China's innovation potential. He believed that the Great Sharing Economy can accelerate the process of supply-side reform and help China's GDP transform from high rate to high quality. High quality is based on high innovation, which means China's innovation opportunities will come.

In addition to the increasingly mature external environment, some experts and scholars at the Forum noted: "China's economy urgently needs to be aware of the environment, and Dual Reduction reinforces this. This should be an opportunity to boost the harmonious, sustainable development of all fields. "

To support the development of the Great Sharing Economy, and allow the whole world to enjoy the dividend of sustainable development brought by it. The "Global Alliance of Sharing Economy Award" ("GLASE Award") was announced on the day of the Summit. GLASE will evaluate candidates for three awards: the Best Theoretical Research Award for Sharing Economics, the Best Business Model Award for Sharing Economics, and the National Ranking Award for Sharing Economics. This is to encourage and support corporate development, project innovation, theoretical research, academic study, and model exploration, etc. in the field of sharing economy. More importantly, ToJoy invested 100 million yuan for sponsorship of the first GLASE Awards.

A great award is always designed to concentrate, motivate, and stir up human excellence. For example, the Nobel Prize encourages innovative contributions in various fields across the world. The Olympic Games encourage the "Higher, Faster, Stronger" spirit of friendly competitors from all over the world. The Turing Award encourages the creative efforts of worldwide technology professionals. Similarly, the GLASE Award aims to encourage cross-border resource sharing and win-win cooperation between commercial businesses throughout the world.

To reach this goal, at the sub-forum "The Great Sharing Era and Advanced Topics of Sharing Economy Theory", Xiaoqiu Wu, Vice President of Renmin University of China, also urged, The capital market shall pay strategic attention to the development of sharing economy, and encouraged various social circles to roll out "more economic policies and institutional designs" faster to support and guarantee adoption of sharing economy principles.

It can be said that the philosophy of global great sharing has been responded, participated and financially supported by Chinese private enterprises, and on the basis of which, it has been fully supported by experts and scholars, social institutions and the country. The new age dividend is unleashing steadily.

In the sub-forum "The Great Sharing Economy and The Development of Unicorn Enterprises" directly related to the development of enterprises and new economy, Yong'an Sun, Co-President of ToJoy Aviation Service Consulting Group; Xuliang Hu, founder of 365 Internet of People; Weikai Jin, founder of www.ilvdo.com, and other guests shared their corporate innovation practices for the new economy. They used their own experiences as examples of best practices of "sharing economics" and "unicorn companies". In their opinions, the Great Sharing Economy is a decisive driver for the large-scale and explosive development of unicorn companies. In turn, the success of unicorns is a verification of the effectiveness of the Great Sharing Economy.

Yves Leterme, Senior Advisor of GLASE and former Prime Minister of Belgium, also took part in the discussion, and gave high affirmation to the outcome of the forum. He said, "Those who master the sharing economy will master the essence of creating a unicorn. This is the best of times for every entrepreneur."

Boris Tadic, Executive Chairman of GLASE and former President of Serbia, also agreed, saying, "Noone could have expected that the future of the sharing economy is now in the hands of China and Chinese enterprises. This will be an advantage that cannot be ignored."

Practical Enlightenment towards the Great Sharing Economy

Some international historians once noted that those who have a stronger understanding of the past will have a better insight into the present, and a more accurate judgment of the future. Therefore, on the site of the Summit, there were two concurrent "clock hands": one pointing to the recent past, and the other pointing to the near future.

The "clock hand" from the past was the grand finale of this Summitsumming up the "Top 10 Global Sharing Economy News in 2019". Many influential events were on the list, including, "National Information Center Issues China Sharing Economy Development Report 2019", "Global Shared Computing Power Platform Pekka Officially Launches", "Sharing Economy Included in China's Government Report for Third Consecutive Year", "$11 Billion Invested to Save WeWork", "Global Alliance of Sharing Economy (GLASE) Founded", and "7 of the TOP 10 Global Companies by Market Capitalization Are Companies with Sharing Platforms".

The sharing economy news items from China accounted for a large proportion of the list, sending positive signals one after another. The number of sharing economy participants in China is up to 760 million; state leaders encourage the development of the sharing economy; the sharing economy maintains an annual average growth rate of over 30%. Each of these testified to the flourishing of the sharing economy in China.

And in the global perspective, all of the capital investment, market capitalization, news items from various countries, and international forums have focused the existing economic landscape on the driving system of the sharing economy.

According to incisive comments by Jose Maria Figueres, people are also aware that the age of the Great Sharing Economy is an inevitable trend, but must be carried out according to correct business models, just like the previously overwhelming mercantile economy could only connect the world by relying on well-organized fleets.

So, for the coming age of the Great Sharing Economy, what is the correct business model? Here we have to mention another "clock hand" pointing to the future. At Summit, the Chinese Edition of The Age of Great Sharing, which has been a hit abroad, was released by by Tsinghua University Press.

Author Jun Ge provides the economic evolution path to be spawned in the age of General Sharing Economy as a prediction of the new economic age .

As he noted at the First Global Sharing Economy Forum, in the age of the Great Sharing Economy which is in the exploration period, innovations of economic platforms include but are not limited to five aspects: paid and reasonable intellectual property right sharing, regional business opportunity sharing, capital channel sharing, brand flow sharing, and international market sharing. This is a practical path proven by ToJoy throughout its successful development over nearly three decades, and a realistic practice that can empower global businesses.

From theory to practice, from vision to model, from the past to the future, Beijing Summit of the Global Sharing Economy Forum generated a more detailed and concrete roadmap of the coming age. Undoubtedly, China will be a mainstay for the globalization of the Great Sharing Economy, and the Global Sharing Economy Forum will rely on the fruits and achievements of the Beijing Summit to go deeper around the world, and help all countries access borderless sharing.

As an international metropolis, Beijing will lead the development direction of the Great Sharing Eocnomy, innovating at the top of the Internet, IoT, AI and other fields. China is in a new period of reform and opening up and will further draw on and accept the successful experiences of other countries while conducting open sharing of its own global resources. The Great Sharing Economy , supported by the resource and market from the super economy of China, will realize leapfrog development, and benefit the world soon.

At last, as for the long-run realization of the vision of Dual Reduction, the exchange of needed goods between businesses, markets and continents will also help increase both resource efficiency and innovation effectiveness for humanity in the next decade.

SOURCE ToJoy Shared Holding Group Co.,Ltd.
The case diary of Behmai massacre, in which 20 people were killed allegedly by bandit Phoolan Devi's gang nearly four decades ago, was found missing on Saturday when a special court was to pronounce its verdict, prompting the judge to postpone the matter to January 24.

Special judge (UP dacoity-affected area) Sudhir Kumar pulled up the court official for the absence of the case diary at the time of delivering the verdict and asked him to place it before the court on January 24.

The court is likely to give its verdict on the role of the four surviving accused -- Posha, Bhikha, Vishwanath and Shyambabu. While Posha is still in jail, the rest are out on bail. Three other dacoits, including Man Singh, are absconding.

The judge postponed pronouncement of the verdict after finding out that the original case diary was missing from court record, district government counsel (criminal) Rajeev Porwal told PTI.

The court has now listed the case on January 24, asking its staff to trace the missing case diary and place it before it on the next date, Porwal said.

"The court decided to fix another date for pronouncing the judgement only after the original case diary is located," he said.

The court also issued a notice to the sessions clerk concerned for the case diary going missing, Porwal said, adding strict instructions have been issued to find it.

Though the disappearance of the case diary came to light only recently, Porwal denied any conspiracy behind it.

An advocate of the complainant later said that the Allahabad High Court will be moved in view of "undue delay in pronouncement of judgement" in the case and "mysterious disappearance" of the original case diary.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 06:14:12|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses a state event to launch celebrations for the 70th anniversary of China-Myanmar diplomatic ties and for the China-Myanmar Year of Culture and Tourism in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, Jan. 17, 2020. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

NAY PYI TAW, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar leaders attended a state event here Friday to launch celebrations for the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and for the China-Myanmar Year of Culture and Tourism.

Myanmar President U Win Myint, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, First Vice President U Myint Swe, Second Vice President U Henry Van Thio, Speaker of the Union Parliament and Speaker of the House of Representatives U T Khun Myat, Speaker of Amyotha Hluttaw U Mahn Win Khaing Than, Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Min Aung Hlaing, and all cabinet members attended the event.

Myanmar and China share a long history of friendly exchanges, and the two peoples have been bound together like brothers and sisters, U Win Myint said in his address to the guests.

Myanmar and China have witnessed a momentous journey since the two countries established diplomatic relations 70 years ago, he said.

Leaders of the two countries have carried out close friendly exchanges, and the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence championed by both countries have become a basic norm in international relations, he said.

The state visit by President Xi on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and his attendance with Myanmar leaders of the ceremony not only demonstrate the profound friendship between the two countries and peoples, but also make this year a new milestone in Myanmar-China relations, U Win Myint said, adding that the Myanmar side will continue to deepen friendly cooperation in various fields with China.

While addressing the guests, Aung San Suu Kyi spoke highly of the attendance of the event by both Myanmar and Chinese leaders.

No matter how Myanmar's domestic situation changes, all its governments attach great importance to developing friendly relations with China, she said.

Aung San Suu Kyi referred to Xi's state visit to Myanmar at the beginning of the year as an important step in the two countries' efforts in building a community with a shared future.

Myanmar actively supports and takes part in the Belt and Road Initiative and is looking forward to more fruitful results in building the Myanmar-China Economic Corridor, she said.

Myanmar looks forward to ever more deepening cultural and people-to-people exchanges with China to cement the public support for their friendly ties, she said.

Myanmar firmly believes that under Xi's leadership, China will eventually achieve its two centenary goals and accomplish the great cause of national rejuvenation, and China's development will deliver more opportunities to Myanmar and the world, she added.

Myanmar, she said, stands ready to make joint efforts with China and the rest of the world in building a community with a shared future for mankind and contribute to promoting world peace and development.

In his speech, Xi said he is truly delighted to join the guests in witnessing the launch of celebrations for the 70th anniversary of China-Myanmar diplomatic relations and for the China-Myanmar Year of Culture and Tourism.

This is an important landmark in the long history of bilateral friendly exchanges, one that will be celebrated with great festivity by the two peoples, he said.

The people of China and Myanmar have enjoyed friendly ties for thousands of years, Xi said, highlighting their profound friendship and the great tradition of sharing weal and woe.

Both Chinese and Myanmar cultures cherish the belief in a "shared bond," he noted, explaining that the two countries are geographically linked, the peoples are connected by kinship and the cultures enjoy a natural affinity.

The millennia-old, time-tested "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship is as strong as ever and it has been the driving force and source of strength behind China-Myanmar relations, Xi said.

He encouraged the two sides to increase mutual learning and expand people-to-people exchanges through these celebration events, so as to engage more people in China and Myanmar to become stakeholders, beneficiaries and supporters of China-Myanmar friendship, thus cementing public support for their friendly ties.

To advance China-Myanmar relations in the new era, the Chinese president stressed that the two countries need to build on past achievements, stay true to their shared ideals and blaze a new trail together.

"President U Win Myint and I have agreed that my visit shall mark the start of our joint endeavor to build a China-Myanmar community with a shared future," Xi said.

"This important political consensus speaks volumes about the special bond between China and Myanmar, a bond as close as between lips and teeth," he said. "It gives vivid expression to the fraternal friendship between our peoples who have supported each other through thick and thin, and draws up a new and overarching blueprint for future growth of bilateral ties."

Xi called on the two sides to follow the shared vision of a China-Myanmar community with a shared future, abide by the fundamental interests of the two peoples, and pursue stronger political trust, broader practical cooperation, so that the two peoples will forever be good neighbors, good friends, good "Paukphaw" and good partners.

The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence jointly initiated by China and Myanmar have made a major contribution to the history of international relations, Xi said.

The world today is undergoing deep changes not seen in a century, and countries are closely linked and are increasingly becoming a community with a shared future, Xi said.

Yet, the lack of equality and justice is still prominent in international relations, and to safeguard world peace and promote common development remains a challenging goal, he said.

Under new circumstances, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence are more relevant than ever before, Xi stressed, saying that China and Myanmar, working together, can set an example for advocating and applying the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and be role models in the handling of state-to-state relations.

"Together, we can encourage all to join the efforts for building a community with a shared future for mankind," he said.

Quoting Marshal Chen Yi, once China's foreign minister who wrote a poem in the 1960s comparing the China-Myanmar "Paukphaw" friendship to long flow of rivers, Xi said he is convinced that with joint efforts, the tide of China-Myanmar friendship and cooperation for common development will surge forward, like the Lancang and the Irrawaddy, coming from the same origin and rushing past mountains and shoals, in unstoppable flows.

After their speeches, Xi and U Win Myint together launched the China-Myanmar Year of Culture and Tourism. The leaders of the two countries watched performances by artists from both countries as part of the celebration.

Before the ceremony, Xi and Myanmar leaders toured together a photo exhibition documenting the 70 years of China-Myanmar diplomatic relations.

Xi also held friendly talks with U T Khun Myat and U Mahn Win Khaing Than on Friday night.

The Chinese president arrived in Nay Pyi Taw earlier on Friday for a state visit to Myanmar. It is his first overseas trip this year, and the first visit to the Asian neighbor by a Chinese president after an interval of 19 years.
Ukraine Asks Six Nations To Assign Specialists To Investigate Deadly Iran Crash

By RFE/RL January 17, 2020

Ukraine has asked Canada, France, Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Iran to assign experts to assist in the investigation of the January 8 crash of Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) flight PS0752 near Tehran that killed all 176 people aboard.

The Ukrainian Prosecutor-General's Office said late on January 16 that the request was sent as a follow-up to agreements reached in London earlier in the day at a meeting of foreign ministers of the countries whose citizens were killed in the air crash.

The statement came as Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said that his country, as well as Afghanistan, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Ukraine are demanding that Tehran pay compensation to families of the victims of the crash.

In a statement from the meeting in London, the group of countries said that Iran should hold a "thorough, independent, and transparent international investigation open to grieving nations."

The UIA Boeing 737-800 crashed several minutes after taking off from Tehran's primary international airport.

Iranian authorities initially denied any responsibility, but three days after the tragedy the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps admitted the plane was shot down "unintentionally."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-asks-six-nations- to-assign-specialists-to-investigate-deadly- plane-crash-in-iran/30382949.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.

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Scottish Government to donate 1,000 used computers to Malawi

The Scottish Government will donate 1,000 used computers to education projects in Malawi to help trainee teachers and students, it has announced.

The computers, which are no longer suitable for use in the Information and Technology Services Division, will be distributed by the Turing Trust.

It comes after the charity, based in Edinburgh, was awarded 60,000 from the International Small Grants Programme this year to train 80 teachers in Malawi, who will teach 9,000 girls who would otherwise be excluded from digital literacy lessons because of gender, disability or where they live.

James Turing, great nephew of World War Two code-breaker Alan Turing, said the computers would help around 18,000 students learn vital IT skills, while also offsetting 280 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

The Scottish Government updates its devices every four or five years, to ensure they are capable of running up-to-date secure software and operating systems to maintain cyber security.

International Development Minister Ben Macpherson said: Im very pleased that the Scottish Government will be donating 1,000 more computers to the Turing Trust, an excellent charity that works to improve digital literacy in sub-Saharan Africa.

These computers will be serviced and securely cleansed of data before being taken to Malawi for use by students and trainee teachers.

Were delighted to be extending the useful life of this computer equipment and, by doing so, improving the IT literacy and career prospects of hundreds of people.
India offers US$ 50m for Lanka to buy military equipment View(s):

India will provide US$ 50 million to Sri Lanka to buy military equipment to boost the countrys security.

The pledge was made by Indias National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, when he met President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday.

The funding would be part of efforts in improving defence ties between the two countries, the Presidents office said in a statement.

During the talks, India also pledged to provide assistance to Sri Lanka with technology on intelligence gathering.

The Presidents office said President Rajapaksa and Mr Doval also discussed improving bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation between the armed forces and coastguard agencies of the two countries and maritime security.

Mr Doval pointed out the importance of reviewing the intelligence related to the maritime zone between Sri Lanka, the Maldives and India. He said other regional countries should also be brought into this process as observers, according to the Presidents office.
ALTON  An Alton man is facing a felony drug charge and loss of $1,400 after police stopped the car he was driving for minor traffic violations and found more marijuana that one can legally possess.

Dvionne D. Garlington, 28, of the 1100 block of Putnam Street, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana with intent to deliver after police found 42 grams of it in the car he was driving Jan. 4.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 17, 2020 / International Montoro Resources Inc. (TSXV:IMT)(Frankfurt:O4T1), (the "Company"). Further to our news release of January 9, 2020 the Company has received conditional approval of the discretionary waiver financing, as the proposed subscription price is below the minimum allowed, pursuant to the policies.

The Company proposes to proceed with a non brokered private placement (the "Financing") of up to $350,000 with 10.0 million units to be issued at $0.035. Each unit will comprise of one common share and one transferable share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each whole warrant will permit the holder to acquire one additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.05 for two years from closing.

The Company may pay commissions of 8% to eligible parties in connection with this Financing, payable either in cash and/or in warrants.

Depending on demand and regulatory requirements, a portion of the Financing may be made in accordance with the provisions of the "Existing Shareholder Exemption". Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company will permit each person or company who, as of January 16, 2020 (being the record date set by the Company pursuant to Multilateral CSA Notice 45-313 - Prospectus Exemption for Distributions to Existing Security Holders) ("CSA 45-313"), who hold common shares as of that date (a "Current Shareholder") to subscribe for the Units that will be distributed pursuant to the Financing, provided that the Existing Security Holder Exemption is available to such person or company. Pursuant to CSA 45-313, each subscriber relying on the Existing Security Holder Exemption may subscribe for a maximum of 300,000 Units, being such amount of Units that results in an acquisition cost of less than or equal to $15,000 for such subscribers, unless a subscriber is resident in a jurisdiction of Canada and has obtained advice regarding the suitability of the investment from a registered investment dealer (in which case such maximum subscription amount will not apply). In the event that aggregate subscriptions for Units under the Financing exceeds the maximum number of securities to be distributed, then Units will be sold to qualifying subscribers on a pro rata basis based on the number of Units subscribed for. Any Current Shareholder subscribing for Units pursuant to a prospectus exemption other than the Existing Security Holder Exemption will not be limited to a maximum of 300,000 Units or 300,000 FT Shares.

In addition to conducting the Financing pursuant to the Existing Security Holder Exemption, the Company will also accept subscriptions for Units where other prospectus exemptions are available such as close personal friends and business associates of directors and officers of the Company, accredited investors and in accordance with the exemption set out in BC Instrument 45-536 (Exemption from prospectus requirement for certain distributions through an investment dealer), (the "Investment Dealer Exemption").

The Company confirms there is no material fact or material change relating to the Company which has not been generally disclosed.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Financing for continued exploration on its existing properties (Serpent River-Pecors; Wicheeda North, & Duhamel). This will account for approximately $250,000.

The balance of $100,000 will maintain existing operation expenses as follows: Regulatory Fees - $5,000; Office Rent & Communication expenses - $5,000; Transfer Agent Fees -2,000; Legal & Accounting - $15,000; Partial loan & interest repayment - $15,000; Investor & Shareholder Relations including travel & advertising - $15,000; Management Fees - $10,000; Outstanding Payables & Unallocated Working Capital -$33,000.

While the Company intends to spend the net proceeds from the Financing as stated above, there may be circumstances where, for sound business reasons, funds may be reallocated at discretion of the Board.

The closing of the Private Placement Financing, including the issuance of the securities and the finder's fees are subject to Exchange approval.

About International Montoro Resources Inc.

Int. Montoro Resources Inc. listed on the TSX Venture Exchange for over 25 years, is a Canadian based emerging resource company. The Company is systematically exploring its extensive property positions in:

Red Lake, Ontario ( Camping Lake - Au prospect)

Elliot Lake, Ontario (Serpent River/Pecors - Ni-Cu-PGE discovery) & (Uranium- REE's)

Quebec (Duhamel - Ni-Cu-Co prospect & Titanium, Vanadium, and Chromium prospect)

Prince George, British Columbia (Wicheeda North - Rare Earth Elements prospect)

Uranium City, Saskatchewan (Crackingstone -50% Interest in Uranium discovery)

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Gary Musil"

Gary Musil,

President/CEO and Director

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information:

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements which reflect the expectations of management. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect.

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.

SOURCE: International Montoro Resources Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/573485/Int-Montoro-Resources-Receives-Conditional-Approval-of-350000-Financing-at-0035-Per-Unit
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - A public hearing on the proposed sale between two oil companies of a share of the trans-Alaska pipeline was scheduled despite their request to approve the transaction without one, according to state regulators.

The five-member Regulatory Commission of Alaska oversees utilities and intrastate pipelines and will listen to testimony on the proposed sale of BP-Alaskas ownership stake in the pipeline to Alaska Hilcorp Energy Co.

BPs share of the trans-Alaska pipeline is part of the Alaska assets Hilcorp has proposed to buy for $5.6 billion, the Anchorage Daily News reported.

The commission announced Friday that the hearing will be from 3-9 p.m. Feb. 4 at its offices in downtown Anchorage.

The commission already had received about 200 written comments during a comment period that ended in December. The hearing would allow additional comment on the applications, committee members said in a statement signed by Chairman Robert Pickett.

The comments both supported the transfer of (BP pipeline assets to Hilcorp) and expressed concerns with the transfer, committee members said.

The hearing will allow the public to comment on the companies request to transfer BPs 48% stake in the 800-mile (1,287-kilometre) trans-Alaska pipeline and other pipeline assets to Hilcorp, officials said.

Texas-based Hilcorp announced plans to buy BPs Alaska assets in August and expects to finalize the deal next year, commission officials said.

The (hearing) is totally appropriate and commensurate with the public interest, policy analyst Phil Wight told the newspaper. This is a great chance for the public to have their voice heard.

BP spokeswoman Meg Baldino declined to comment. Hilcorp officials didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.
Suhail Shaheen, spokesman for the Taliban, attends talks in Doha in 2019

The Taliban are aiming to reach a withdrawal agreement with the US by the end of January and are prepared to 'scale down' military operations ahead of signing the deal, according to their chief spokesman.

The statement by Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen to Pakistani daily newspaper Dawn comes as the group and the US held discussions in Doha this week, after insurgent sources told AFP they had offered to initiate a brief ceasefire.

'We have agreed to scale down military operations in days leading up to the signing of the peace agreement with the United States,' Shaheen told Dawn in a report published Saturday.

He added that the Taliban were 'optimistic' a deal with Washington could be signed before the end of the month and that the reduction in fighting across the country would also include the targeting of Afghan forces.

'It's now a matter of days,' said the spokesman.

Washington has for weeks been calling on the militants to reduce violence, posing it as a condition for resuming formal negotiations on an agreement that would see US troops begin to leave the country in return for security guarantees, after a near two-decade fight.

Many observers agree that the war in Afghanistan can no longer be won militarily

The Taliban and the US had been negotiating the deal for a year and were on the brink of an announcement in September 2019 when President Donald Trump abruptly declared the process 'dead', citing Taliban violence.

Talks were later restarted between the two sides in December in Qatar, but were paused again following an attack near the Bagram military base in Afghanistan, which is run by the US.

Any agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two main pillars -- an American withdrawal from Afghanistan, and a commitment by the insurgents not to offer sanctuary to jihadists -- and would ultimately have to be given final approval by Trump.

The Taliban's relationship with Al-Qaeda was the main reason cited for the US invasion more than 18 years ago.

A deal would hopefully pave the way for intra-Afghan talks.

Many observers agree that the war can no longer be won militarily, and that the only route to a lasting peace in Afghanistan is for an agreement between the Taliban and the US-backed government in Kabul.

The Taliban have until now refused to negotiate with the Afghan government, which they consider an illegitimate regime, raising fears that fighting will continue regardless of any deal ironed out with the Americans.
Runway repair work at the AAI-managed Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar International airport has forced the flag carrier to cancel its Dubai flight from the city for three months, starting February 1, a source said on Saturday.

The airline, however, said it is taking "necessary steps" to ensure the flight continues to operate as per its schedule.

The national carrier operates from Indore a daily non-stop service to Dubai and back.

In a statement on Saturday, chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani said the airline is in "consultation" with Airports Authority of India on this issue.

"Due to runway repair work at Indore airport, Air India's Dubai-Indore flight is getting affected," Lohani said.

"The airline (is) in consultation with airports Authority of India (on this issue) and is taking necessary steps to ensure the continuance of this flight," he added.

According to a source, the national carrier has been forced to cancel its Dubai-Indore and connecting Indore-Delhi flight for three months, starting February 1 due to the runway repair work.

However, since the repair work is to be carried out during the night time, the Indore-Dubai flight, which departs in day time, will continue to operate as per schedule, he said.

The source said has also offered as an option to the Indore-bound passenger to book on its Delhi or Mumbai flights from Dubai, from where it will fly them to their destination on its domestic network.

"We have been informed by Indore airport authorities that they are trying to give special permission to Air India to operate Dubai-Indore flight. if we get the permission, the flight will be reinstated," the source added.
Facebook removed "a network of several dozen Facebook pages" defending GOP congressional candidate and Trump donor Robert Hyde late on Friday, the Wall Street Journal reports  months after Buzzfeed revealed 23 of the pages featuring pro-Trump content.

Why now: Facebook's choice to take down the pages coincides with the House Intelligence committee releasing documents apparently showing that Hyde suggested to Lev Parnas, associate of Rudy Giuliani, that he had former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch under physical surveillance in Kyiv.

Hyde also appears to text Parnas: "Can't believe Trum[p] hasn't fired this [b**ch]. I'll get right on that," after Parnas shared pictures and articles of Yovanovitch, according to House Intelligence documents.

"Can't believe Trum[p] hasn't fired this [b**ch]. I'll get right on that," after Parnas shared pictures and articles of Yovanovitch, according to House Intelligence documents. Hyde did not respond to a Friday request for comment on materials released by House Democrats. The White House did not respond to a request for comment on Saturday.

Details: Several of the Facebook pages  which had more than 120,000 collective likes  used the same contact information and details as Hydes Connecticut-based House campaign, per the WSJ. The pages also "described themselves as representing groups of supporters of President Trump from different states..."

On Friday , several of the Facebook pages shared a video of Hyde saying the texts disclosed by House Democrats shouldn't be taken seriously. "Like I have anybody over in Ukraine? Are you serious? he said, per WSJ.

, shared a video of Hyde saying the texts disclosed by House Democrats shouldn't be taken seriously. "Like I have anybody over in Ukraine? Are you serious? he said, per WSJ. "Hyde said his texts to Mr. Parnas were a joke and that he didnt monitor the ambassadors movements," WSJ reports.

were a joke and that he didnt monitor the ambassadors movements," WSJ reports. When Buzzfeed asked Hyde about his relationship to the Facebook pages in November, Hyde said: I like positivity and like to follow all Trump media," then added in a follow-up message that he does not run the network pages.

The big picture: Facebook's policy "lets politicians make just about any claim they want, in ads or posts, including repeating verbatim a false claim that has already been labeled elsewhere as false," Axios' Scott Rosenberg reported last fall.

What they're saying: When we find networks of Pages misleading people by concealing who controls them, we require those owners to show additional information. In this case, the necessary disclosure was not made, so per our policy, the Pages have been removed, a Facebook spokesperson told WSJ.

Background: During her closed-door deposition before House impeachment committees, Yovanovitch testified that Giuliani steered the smear campaign that led to her firing. She also publicly testified that she felt threatened by Trump's mention of her in his July 25 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Go deeper: New Lev Parnas records detail Ukraine surveillance efforts, contact with Devin Nunes aide
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Fast-casual restaurant chains like Chipotle Mexican Grill and Sweetgreen have been stealing customers from full-service restaurant chains like Outback Steakhouse and IHOP. To fight back, some casual dining chains have been launching spinoff restaurants that copy that business model. Fast-casual restaurants are smaller in size, with less seating and fewer employees serving customers, which means that they are cheaper to operate than a full-service restaurant. Menus are usually designed for convenience and fast service, and customers order at a counter, sometimes moving along an assembly line. Some casual dining chains have tried and failed to make a fast-casual chain work for their company. Cracker Barrel announced in October that it planned to scrap Holler & Dash, the fast-casual spinoff it launched in 2016, after it acquired Maple Street Biscuit, a fast-casual chain with a focus on breakfast and brunch. Here are four casual dining chains trying to make them work:

The interior of the Applebee's Express Applebee's

A franchisee of the Dine Brands chain opened an express version of the bar and grill in December in Mobile, Alabama. The location, which is smaller than the Applebee's, seats 56 customers. Its menu is simplified but still keeps Applebee's classics, like the boneless wings and its signature Riblets. Dine Brands' CEO Stephen Joyce has told investors that the company, which also owns IHOP, is looking to acquire a fast-casual or fast-food chain as well. Dine Brands, which has a market value of $1.5 billion, has seen its stock rise more than 10% over the past 12 months.

IHOP

A rendering of a Flip'd by IHOP restaurant Source: IHOP

IHOP, Applebee's sister chain, will open its first Flip'd by IHOP in April. The fast-casual restaurant will have faster service and a menu that features convenient breakfast entrees like Pancake Bowls. It will debut in Atlanta, with plans to open several more this year. The chain is exploring additional sites in New York, Washington, D.C., Denver, Chicago and San Francisco. IHOP's strategy is to use the fast-casual chain to break into urban areas that have expensive real estate and consumers who are short on time. Online ordering for pick-up or delivery will also be available as part of an effort to keep growing IHOP's off-premise business.

Outback Steakhouse

Exterior of Aussie Grill by Outback Source: Bloomin' Brands

The Bloomin' Brands steakhouse opened its first U.S. location of Aussie Grill by Outback in Tampa, Florida in 2019. The company first envisioned the fast-casual chain as a way to grow sales abroad but has since opened two locations in Florida. "We opened the Aussie Grill locations in Tampa, near our headquarters, to test ideas for the international menu," spokeswoman Elizabeth Watts said. "The concept quickly proved to also be popular with American guests, so we are now assessing opportunities for new U.S. locations beyond the Tampa area." Its international locations in Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong feature most of the same menu items as U.S. restaurants, like sandwiches, salads and burgers, along with a few recipes inspired by local tastes. In 2018, Bloomin' opened several express restaurants that made menu items from Outback and Carrabba's Italian Grill, another one of the company's brands. Customers could only order for catering, delivery and carryout. Bloomin' Brands has a market value of $1.9 billion, and its stock is up 15% over the past year.

Cheesecake Factory

Social Monk Asian Kitchen Source: The Cheesecake Factory
Chinese Leader Xi's Visit to Myanmar to Produce New Belt And Road Agreements

2020-01-17 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to sign several memorandums of understanding for the implementation of planned multibillion-dollar projects under his signature Belt and Road Initiative in Myanmar during his two-day state visit to the Southeast Asian country to boost bilateral relations, China's state media reported Friday.

Xi will meet with Myanmar President Win Myint, State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, military chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, and leaders from various political parties during his visit which ends Saturday.

Win Myint said Xi's visit  the first by a Chinese leader in nearly two decades  marked a "new era" of bilateral relations and will help promote the countries' future ties.

Though Myanmar government officials have not yet announced the number of MoUs to be signed, reports by the Chinese media say the parties will ink agreements on five BRI projects, including the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port, a high-speed rail line connecting Kyaukphyu to southwest China's Yunnan province, and the New Yangon city development project.

The U.S. $1.3 billion deep-sea port in Rakhine state is part of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), a subsection of the larger BRI.

The CMEC comprises a high-speed railway and road network that will span roughly 1,000 miles from southwest China's Yunnan province through Myanmar's major economic hubs and on to Rakhine state's Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone, home to the port project and Chinese oil-and-gas pipeline. It ultimately will give China crucial access to the Indian Ocean.

Xi arrived in Myanmar's capital Naypyidaw around 1 p.m. local time Friday and briefly met with Aung San Suu Kyi to discuss peaceful coexistence and the implementation of the BRI projects, according to statement released by the State Counselor's Office.

He will attend other meetings on Saturday, including one with Min Aung Hlaing to discuss the prospect of increasing military relations, promoting stability in border areas, and security issues in both countries, according to military spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun.

Support from rebel armies

Some of Myanmar's rebel armies welcomed Xi's visit, while civil society groups in different regions demanded that he terminate the controversial Myitsone hydropower project in Kachin state that has been on hold since 2011 and voiced strong opposition to the Kyaukphyu port project

The four members of the Northern Alliance  the Arakan Army (AA), Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA)  which are fighting government forces in Rakhine, Kachin, and northern Shan states, issued statements welcoming Xi's visit.

All of them except for the KIA publicly stated that they support Chinese-funded projects.

The AA and TNLA along with the United Wa State Army (UWSA)  Myanmar's largest ethnic force  agreed that the BRI project and the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor  a collection of infrastructure projects supporting connectivity between Myanmar and China  will be beneficial to local residents.

The statement issued by the UWSA  the largest non-state army in Myanmar  said the BRI project will improve Myanmar's outdated economy, trade, and infrastructure.

TNLA spokesman Colonel Mei Eik Kyaw said the BRI projects should focus on improving the lives of locals.

"Mainly, we believe that if these projects in northern Shan state succeed, the local people from this region will reap the benefits," he told RFA's Myanmar Service.

"But these projects should be genuinely beneficial to the local people," he added. "Those who have lost land and property should receive fair compensation. The Chinese government doesn't have the right to administer the region; it's up to the Myanmar government to do it."

Though the statement issued by the KIA and its political wing, the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), did not mention the BRI projects, it noted that bilateral agreements might help settle the civil war and boost security along unstable border areas.

The groups also said that Xi should understand the diverse opinions of different ethnic groups and organizations.

RFA was unable to reach the KIA or AA spokesman Khine Thukha for comment.

Opposition from NGOs

Kachin, Shan, and Rakhine civil society groups meanwhile issued statements of their own calling have called on Beijing to stop Chinese-funded projects in their respective areas.

Though Kachin civil society groups and the KIO have issued statements on their stances concerning the Myitsone Dam, it is difficult for them to demonstrate opposition to them, said Khon Ja of the Kachin Peace Network.

The previous military-backed government put the controversial hydropower project in Kachin state on hold in 2011 amid protests over its social and environmental impacts, much to Beijing's dismay. The Chinese have lobbied the current government hard to allow it to resume.

"The Myitsone Dam project was not initiated by either the KIO or by the Kachin people," she said. "If ethnic armed groups protest against the Chinese projects, it will not bode well for their future."

"Similarly, the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor is a state-run project, [so] whoever opposes it will be seen as opposing the state," she added. "All in all, it is very difficult for us to oppose these projects."

The Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) also released a statement on China-Myanmar economic cooperation in general, noting the likelihood of land confiscation for planned BRI projects.

SNLD spokesman Sai Leik said land along the route of the high-speed rail and road network to be built by the Chinese from the border area in Northern Shan state to Mandalay will likely be confiscated form residents.

"There are uncertainties with regard to the land confiscation, and the local people might find themselves in trouble under the new law on vacant land," he said. "These are the concerns and problems that people are facing on the ground."

The Vacant, Fallow, Virgin Lands Management Act took effect in March 2019 and requires those who occupy or use vacant, fallow, or virgin land to apply for a 30-year permit to use the land or face eviction and up to two years in prison.

Civil society groups have demanded that officials consult local residents before implementing Chinese infrastructure projects, instead of forging ahead with them based only on bilateral agreements to demonstrate transparency, avoid centralized control of the projects, and prohibit those that would detrimentally affect people's livelihoods and rights.

China is Myanmar's largest investor, with Chinese investment accounting for nearly U.S. $4.7 billion in 2018 and roughly U.S. $4.8 billion in 2019, according to Chinese figures.

China's state-run CCTV reported that Chinese companies have signed agreements worth nearly U.S. $8 billion for new projects in the Southeast Asian country.

Reported by Thiha Tun and Wai Mar Tun for RFA's Myanmar Service. Translated by Ye Kaung Myint Maung. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.

Copyright  1998-2020, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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As French outfits move to expand their studio offerings, industry eyes have turned to a 20-hectare stretch of land 20 miles south of Paris. There, in the commune Plessis-Pate, sits the TSF Backlot 217, a converted air base that has become one the Gallic industrys banner initiatives.

One of Frances leading production suppliers, TSF scoped the onetime military airfield for the 2017 shoot of Jean-Francois Richets period thriller, The Emperor of Paris. Rather than relocating to Eastern Europe, the films design team recreated the cobblestone streets of 19th century Paris on the former bases two miles of unused tarmac. Delighted with the results, TSF renamed the base Backlot 217, and opened it for business the following year.

Since then, the backlot has been used for a variety of commercials and period films, with the long stretch of runway recreating the streets of Paris for Roman Polanskis recent An Officer and a Spy, for Pathes 2021 film Eiffel. For that Romain Duris-led biopic of the famous engineer, production designers built a scale model of Eiffel Towers base, resulting in a shoot that was well covered by the local press and in TSFs own promotional materials.

While the location also features both a full Airbus A300 and a cockpit refitted to accommodate production, TSFs marketing director Laurent Kleindienst has been also equally vocal about the backlots future plans. Altogether we have between 50-60 acres of land, he says. Which we plan to use for production bureaus, workshops and soundstages.

TSF has already started building six soundstages of various scales, with three more planned in the long term. Ranging from 1,200-4,000 square feet, the six studios under construction should be ready for September 2021. In the meantime, Kleindienst is out there promoting his companys services to producers in need of studio space.

Theres been an explosion of series production, and thats going to continue for the next few years, he notes. [One American executive] told me what she needed in terms of studio space for just one show, and it was larger than all the studios in France combined. But that is going to change with what were building.

Story continues

Studio sets are really busy all around the world, he adds. When I met with American producers this past November, they asked us to please open as quickly as possible. And when I got back to France, the first thing I did is call up our CEO and said, we need to be very, very quick!

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Morales may still have to approve David Choquehaunca and Andronico Rodriguez after describing them as pre-candidates.

The party of exiled former Bolivian President Evo Morales has named the candidates for its ticket in the countrys May elections, which will serve as a rerun of a fiercely disputed October vote.

Former Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca, a member of the Aymara indigenous group, was picked as the Movement for Socialism (MAS)s presidential candidate, while coca farmer Andronico Rodriguez will join the race as the vice-presidential candidate, party official and union leader Theodore Mamani confirmed to Reuters news agency on Friday.

He added that the selection was made a day earlier by party consensus.

The choice may need to be rubber-stamped by Morales himself, despite Bolivias first indigenous president currently being in exile in Argentinas capital, Buenos Aires.

Later on Friday, Morales tweeted a document saying the two were pre-candidates along with two more of his close allies  Luis Arce Catacora and Diego Pary Rodriguez.

The party leader, who is barred from running for president again, posted a photo of himself with the pre-candidates, minus Rodriguez who Morales said could not attend the meeting for security reasons.

Andronico Rodriguez, 30, is the vice president of a prominent coca farmer union [File: Danilo Balderrama/Reuters]

Senior MAS party officials are scheduled to meet this weekend in Buenos Aires.

The ticket must formalise its participation in the election to the electoral tribunal by February 3.

Hoy, en Buenos Aires, en reunion con los hermanos precandidatos, hemos firmado el Acuerdo por la unidad y el fortalecimiento del MAS-IPSP.#VolveremosYSeremosMillones pic.twitter.com/1fxBul3E3i  Evo Morales Ayma (@evoespueblo) January 17, 2020

TRANSLATION: Today, in Buenos Aires, meeting with my pre-candidate brothers, we have signed the Agreement for the unity and strengthening of MAS-IPSP.

Choquehuanca, 58, is a veteran indigenous politician who was born in the Bolivian highlands. Rodriguez, 30, is vice president of a prominent coca farmer union in the city of Cochabamba.

Morales, a socialist icon who led Bolivia for nearly 14 years, stepped down on November 10 after a disputed election victory sparked protests and led to allies, the police and the military pulling their support.

The country has since been under the stewardship of a controversial interim government led by former Senator Jeanine Anez.

Bolivias electoral tribunal set May 3 as the date for fresh elections after an Organization of American States (OAS) audit found serious irregularities in the way votes were counted in the disputed October election.

After initially going to Mexico, Morales arrived in Argentina in December, where he has remained vocal on politics, frequently taking aim through his Twitter account at Anezs government.
President Donald Trump has organised a desperate election offensive across the US in an effort to bolster support.

The blitz includes selfies on a 'Women for Trump' bus tour through Iowa, volunteer training at a 'Black Voices for Trump' organising session in Philadelphia, a vice presidential headliner at a 'Latinos for Trump' event in Florida.

Mr Trump's top aides fanned out across the country yesterday in a show of force that is part of an aggressive - and uphill - effort to stretch his appeal beyond the base of working-class white voters who propelled him to victory in 2016.

With a recognition that Mr Trump will need to turn out new voters in November to be re-elected, his campaign has dramatically stepped up outreach efforts to various constituencies, including African Americans, Hispanics and women, building a coalition operation that officials believe is the most robust of any Republican campaign in history.

But there was bad news yesterday as a 'Washington Post' poll revealed more than eight in 10 black Americans say they believe Mr Trump is a racist and that he has made racism a bigger problem in the country. Nine in 10 disapprove of his job performance overall.

The pessimism goes well beyond assessments of the president. A 65pc majority of African Americans say it is a "bad time" to be a black person in America. That view is widely shared by clear majorities of black adults across income, generational and political lines. By contrast, 77pc of black Americans say it is a "good time" to be a white person, with a wide majority saying white people don't understand the discrimination faced by black Americans.

The outreach marks a dramatic departure from 2016, when Mr Trump's volunteer 'National Diversity Coalition' struggled to make an impact.

"There's no comparison between 2016 and now," said Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh of the effort.

He described the outreach effort as "a significant department unto itself", complete with dedicated staff, resources and a budget that is expected to reach tens of millions of dollars.

"These are all well-financed, well-organised coalitions intended to reach out to the voters that they're targeting. And we know that no Republican campaign or president has ever had as muscular a coalitions outreach," he said.

The operation was in full force when the president's daughter-in-law Lara Trump, senior campaign adviser Mercedes Schlapp and press secretary Kayleigh McEnany began a two-day 'Women for Trump' bus tour through Iowa aimed at engaging women with training sessions, round tables and panel discussions.

The tour comes less than three weeks before Democrats will begin to cast their first nominating ballots in the state's kickoff caucuses.

Meanwhile, in must-win Florida, Vice President Mike Pence headlined a 'Latinos for Trump' event in Kissimmee at Nacion de Fe, an evangelical church with a mostly Latino congregation, as part of his own bus tour.

"We're going to get four more years and Latinos for Trump are going to lead the way," he told the about 400 people in attendance, emphasising the country's low Hispanic unemployment rate and the administration's anti- abortion stance.

Around the same time in battleground Pennsylvania, a few dozen people filled the pews of First Immanuel Baptist Church in Philadelphia for a 'Black Voices for Trump' discussion focused on Mr Trump's impact on the African American community ahead of a volunteer training session. The church's pastor opened with a call to "make Pennsylvania great again".

The flurry of activity, long before Democrats have settled on their nominee, underscores just how dramatically different Mr Trump's campaign is this time around. While much of Washington has been focused on the upcoming Senate impeachment trial and the ongoing contest between Democrats, the president's campaign has been on the ground, trying to make the case to voters who may have passed on Mr Trump in 2016.

Mr Trump won just 6pc of black voters last time.

He also lost by wide margins among Hispanics and women, who continue to lag behind men in their support for the president. Nonetheless, Trump allies insist that the president's support has grown since 2016 in ways that aren't reflected in traditional polling.
A delegation from the U.S. Congressional Hispanic Caucus helped a 6-year-old migrant girl with Down Syndrome and a heart condition get paroled in the United States on Friday, members of the caucus said.U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, said he and other members accompanied the girl to a Port of Entry in Brownsville, Texas, and asked federal immigration authorities to allow the girl into the country to seek medical treatment.

The girl and her Salvadoran family had previously been denied entry. She, her mother and her brother has been placed in Mexico to await rulings that would decide their eligibility.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Lujan said he and Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, stayed behind with the girl and her family as the delegation crossed back into the U.S. after a tour of migrant camps in Matamoros, Mexico. After speaking with the Department of Homeland Security officials, the girl and her family were allowed into the U.S.

There are exemption for vulnerable people in place the Trump administration's Remain in Mexico policy for migrants seeking asylum.Lujan said he was disturbed that it took members of Congress to get someone like the girl paroled into the U.S. as allowed by law. If someone like her isn't vulnerable, I don't know who is, Lujan said.

Castro tweeted: We were able to get a young girl with a heart defect and Downs Syndrome allowed into the United States with her family while their asylum claim is considered,"

A spokesman for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not immediately return an email and phone message seeking comment.The Hispanic congressional leaders had gone to Matamoros on Friday to tour the conditions in migrant camps.Lujan and Castro said they found inhumane conditions and human right violations there.

The migrants were living in makeshift shelters made of old trash bags, old tarps, and cardboard, Lujan said. Their clothing was being washed in the river and hung on bushes to dry.Castro tweeted that migrant children were living in squalor with no running water.

Photo Credit:Unsplash/ @lensinkmitchel/Representative Image
PLEASE NOTE!

Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate!

All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited!

(One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!)
Bezos, who was in India for a high-profile visit, did not get time from top government functionaries.

New Delhi: After the Narendra Modi government cold-shouldered Amazon boss Jeff Bezos, the richest man in the world, India Inc rolled out the red carpet for him in the country's financial capital.

On top of that, there were stinging comments from a Union Minister telling Amazon that they were not doing a favour by investing a billion dollars in India.

On the other hand, the who's who of India Inc is seen in the picture with Bezos taken at the staircase of The Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai which leads to the fabled ballroom on the left hand side.

There is a parallel narrative going on Bezos who owns the Washington Post getting slammed by BJP functionaries for its editorial policy which they claim paints India in poor light. There are indications that the Washington Post editorial stance cost Bezos the meetings with Indian government honchos.

Eli Lopez, Senior Editor, Global Opinions at the Washington Post and Vijay Chauthaiwale, In-Charge, Foreign Affairs Dept, Bharatiya Janata Party are engaged in a spat on Twitter.

"Mr @JeffBezos , please tell this to your employees in Washington DC. Otherwise your charm offensive is likely to be waste of time and money," Chauthaiwale wrote.

To which, Lopez responded that Bezos is not telling Washington Post what to write. "Just to clarify: Jeff Bezos doesn't tell Washington Post journalists what to write. Independent journalism is not about charming governments. But there's no question the work of our correspondents and columnists fits within India's democratic traditions."

"@elopezgross, read my tweet carefully. I never said Bezos should tell WaPo what to write. I just requested him to tell his employees same things what he talked about India in Delhi. Isn't it reasonable?", the BJP functionary added.

"Btw , isn't it true that your desk editor has edited/deleted all anti-Pak references from an invited column by a prominent Indian columnist, so much that he withdrew the article from WaPo and published it somewhere else?" he retorted indicating a slant.

Lopez replied: "That's not true. We have published many articles critical of Pakistan. But some writers don't like to be edited. They expect publications to post what they write untouched, unchallenged. If a writer doesn't want to go through our rigorous process, they're welcome to go elsewhere."

"Don't give sermons. I am asking specific case of prominent Indian columnist. Either confirm or deny. Btw, your silence will be construed as confirmation," the BJP functionary continued.

"I see you have no problem telling this Washington, DC, employee what to do or how what I write should be interpreted. You don't need any help," Lopez added.

"Means you are accepting that WaPo has indeed done it. I rest my case," Chauthaiwale said.

On the final day of his three-day trip to India, Bezos and Amazon held a roundtable with business leaders.

The business leaders who attended the meeting were a mix of business partners, FMCG companies, bankers and others. The list for people invited for the interaction included Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani, Adi Godrej, Sunil Mittal of Bharti Airtel, Infosys' former CEO N.R. Narayan Murthy.

Narayan Murthy is a business partner with Amazon as his Catamaran has a stake in Cloudtail, the largest seller on Amazon.

The others included Infosys CEO Salil Parekh, Kishore Biyani of Future Retail, which has recently done a tie-up with Amazon. BS Nagesh of Shopper's Stop was also present with Amazon having recently acquired 5 per cent stake in it.

The FMCG biggies were present in full strength with Amazon being aggressive on the grocery and staples space. Sanjiv Mehta of Unilever, Suresh Narayan of Nestle, and Madhusudan Gopalan of Procter and Gamble were there.

Also, present were the bankers and financial services CEOs - Rajnish Kumar of SBI, Surendra Rosha of HSBC, Kaku Nakhate of Bank of America and Sanjiv Bajaj of Bajaj Finance.

No executive from Tata or Birla, however, attended the meeting.

The mobile phone partners were also in full strength with William Kim of Samsung, Pete Lau of One Plus, and Manu Jain of Xiaomi. Also present were Bhavish Agarwal of Ola, Ajay Bahl of AZB, Sumeet Narang of Samara Capital.

Senior Reliance group honcho Manoj Modi was also present at the Amazon round table.




Viewing Grand Canyon from Yavapai Point on a January afternoon.

January 13, 2020

Contact: Lily Daniels, 928-639-7958

Grand Canyon National Park will join national park sites around the country in celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day with free entrance to the park. Entrance fees will be waived for all visitors arriving to Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.Visitors traveling to the South Rim are encouraged to check weather and road conditions before traveling to the park. Park staff also suggest visitors use shoe traction devices while visiting the Grand Canyon's rim trail and trekking poles if hiking into the canyon as trails may be snow-packed and icy. As a reminder, Highway 67, from Jacob Lake to the park's North Rim, is closed until May.Park staff invite visitors to participate in a daily ranger program at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and Yavapai Geology Museum. Visitors are also encouraged to explore Arizona's national parks and monuments located throughout the state.Martin Luther King Jr. day is the first of five National Park Service fee-free days during 2020. Those days include April 18 for the first day of National Park Week, Aug. 25 to celebrate the National Park Service's birthday, Sept. 26 for National Public Lands Day and Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day. During these dates, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free entrance to all visitors.Fee-free days provide families more opportunities to visit national park sites and enjoy our country's historical, cultural and natural resources.The fee-free designation applies to entrance fees only and does not affect fees for camping, reservations, tours, or the use of concessions. Those who plan to spend time in the park beyond Jan. 20, will need to pay the regular entrance fee for the remainder of their stay.For additional information about NPS fee-free days, visit https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm For more information about visiting Grand Canyon National Park please, visit
It was a scene out of a thriller novel.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 17/1/2020 (724 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It was a scene out of a thriller novel.

A neo-Nazi on the run from federal police hatches a murder plot with a comrade. Unbeknownst to them, an undercover FBI agent infiltrates the terror cell and is pulled into the conspiracy. Distrust soon festers within the ranks and the ringleader decides to double-cross the wanted man.

FBI documents reveal how Winnipeg-area fugitive Patrik Mathews finally caught Click to Expand Dave Fitz of the FBI's Baltimore office says Patrik Mathews was one of three men taken into custody this morning. (RCMP photo) Posted: 12:06 PM Jan. 16, 2020 It was a lengthy criminal investigation involving the highest levels of U.S. law enforcement and the most sophisticated counter-terrorism techniques at their disposal. The target was disgraced Canadian military reservist Patrik Mathews, who vanished from his Beausejour home last summer after being identified by an undercover Free Press investigation as a recruiter for a violent neo-Nazi paramilitary group. Read Full Story

Thats the scene painted by an affidavit used to secure arrest warrants for three members of the Base  a violent, neo-Nazi paramilitary group  taken into custody Friday in Georgia.

The document sheds new light on Patrik Mathews' activities while a fugitive in the United States, and reveals how, in a shocking twist, he found himself in the crosshairs of a murder plot he helped hatch.

After the Winnipeg Free Press exposed Mathews, an active Canadian reservist trained as a combat engineer, as a recruiter for the Base, he fled the country  illegally crossing into the U.S. in late August, where he was sheltered by fellow neo-Nazis.

By Oct. 5, Mathews was in Silver Creek, Ga., at a sprawling, 100-acre property owned by Luke Austin Lane. Also in attendance were Jacob Kaderli and Michael Helterbrand. All men are reported to be members of the Base.

There was one more person present at the meeting: an undercover FBI agent whod recently infiltrated the group.

At the gathering, which stretched into the early-morning hours, the men discussed their hatred of anti-fascist activists and their desire to fight in pursuit of their neo-Nazi worldview. Eventually, they revealed they were planning a murder.

From left: Brian Lemley, Patrik Mathews, William Garfield Bilbrough IV in court Thursday in Greenbelt, Maryland. (William J. Hennessy Jr.)

"These antifa types, all these people, there has to start being consequences for what they are and thats race traitors and agents of the system," Mathews said, according to the affidavit.

"You know, if you really want to fight these evil, evil Nazis, you better be prepared for when they actually start becoming what you..."

"What youve vilified them to be," interjected Kaderli.

"Yeah," Mathews responded.

"You call them neo-Nazi terrorist enough, theyll eventually show you what a neo-Nazi terrorist is," Kaderli said.

"Makes me wonder if theyre ever really prepared for that day to come?" Mathews said.

According to the undercover FBI agent, Mathews then characterized the Free Press reporter who exposed him as a white supremacist as "essentially antifa," adding: "Any engagement in anti-fascist activity will carry the death penalty."

An investigation by Winnipeg Free Press reporter Ryan Thorpe in August revealed Mathews' association with the secretive neo-Nazi group. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Free Press files)

The conversation then turned to the possibility of carrying out targeted murders, with Mathews saying they needed to get "snub noses" for "sneaking in and assassination." The undercover FBI agent would later learn Mathews and Lane had begun hatching a plan to murder a married couple living in Georgia who engaged in anti-fascist activism.

By early November, however, Lane had soured on Mathews, describing him to the undercover agent as incompetent. He believed if Mathews was involved in the proposed murders, theyd get caught, the FBI said.

Homegrown hate: Coverage of a neo-Nazi recruiter in Winnipeg Click to Expand Posted: 11:56 AM Sep. 13, 2019 Read Ryan Thorpe's story on infiltrating a neo-Nazi paramilitary group, and the Free Press' follow-up coverage. Read Full Story

The problem now was Mathews knew about the plot and, if the married couple turned up dead, he would be capable of linking them to the crime, according to the affidavit.

The solution: murder Mathews before murdering the couple.

During the course of the next few months, the FBI agent said Lane planned the murders and recruited Kaderli and Helterbrand to pull it off. The group allegedly decided to break-in to the couple's home, shoot them dead, then burn it to the ground.

Speaking directly to the undercover agent, Lane is alleged to have repeatedly reiterated the need to kill Mathews, and another member of the Base he shared a Delaware apartment with, before carrying out the murders.

Lane, Kaderli and Helterbrand were arrested Friday in Georgia.

A day earlier, Mathews was arrested in Delaware alongside two other alleged members of the Base: Brian Lemley and William Bilbrough. The trio are charged with various offences that could result in decades in U.S. federal prison.

"These antifa types, all these people, there has to start being consequences for what they are and thats race traitors and agents of the system," Mathews said, according to the affidavit. (William J. Hennessy Jr.)

Mathews is accused of helping manufacture a fully-automatic assault rifle and stockpiling body armour and more than 1,650 rounds of ammunition. Police believe the men planned to travel Monday to a gun rights rally in Richmond, Va., authorities are concerned could break into violence.

Gov. Ralph Northam has said he doesnt want the rally to turn into a repeat of the 2017 "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Va., where anti-fascist and white supremacist groups clashed, and a woman was killed when a neo-Nazi drove his car into a crowd. The driver was convicted of first-degree murder in 2019.

On Friday, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing law enforcement officials, Mathews and his co-accused discussed going to the rally to open fire on the crowds from multiple positions in an effort to sow chaos and cause bloodshed.

The back-to-back high-profile arrests of members of the Base, which arose after lengthy, sophisticated investigations, speak to how serious of a threat federal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. consider the group to be.

These groups, they exist to promote and plan and prepare for terrorism. If they are not countered or addressed in a significant matter, they will carry that sort of stuff out. Its really messed up they let him run the border.  Evan Balgord, Canadian AntiHate Network

Evan Balgord of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, which has long-sounded the alarm about groups like the Base, says its time for Canadian law enforcement to take note.

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In particular, Balgord points to the fact Mathews successfully fled the country after the RCMP raided his Manitoba home and seized his firearms. He wonders what resources  if any  were being leveraged by police to keep an eye on Mathews, or build a case against him, after the Free Press exposed him as a member of a fledgling neo-Nazi terror cell.

"These groups, they exist to promote and plan and prepare for terrorism. If they are not countered or addressed in a significant manner, they will carry that sort of stuff out. Its really messed up they let him run the border," Balgord said.

"They should be more transparent about how that went down and why that happened, because they should prevent similar things from happening in the future. If law enforcement doesnt take it seriously, thats when things like this happen.

"We dont ring alarm bells for no good reason."

ryan.thorpe@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @rk_thorpe
EU privacy watchdogs are gearing up to police digital assistants after allegations that Amazon workers snooped on people's conversations with their Alexa devices.

Bloomberg first reported in April that Amazon had a team of thousands of workers around the world listening to Alexa audio requests, with the goal of improving software.

Similar allegations have been raised over Google and Apple's digital assistants, triggering privacy fears across the world, as intimate conversations in some users' homes were laid bare to technicians fine-tuning the technology.

EU regulators are now working on a common approach on how to police the technology, said Tine Larsen, head of the data protection authority in Luxembourg, where the US retail giant has its European base and employs a staff of more than 2,000.

"Because it's a question of principle, the members of the [European Data Protection Board] should work out a common position in line with the consistency mechanism to apply data protection rules in a harmonised way for this type of treatment," she said, referring to a panel of regulators from across the 28-nation EU.

The reports of the snooping into people's homes came after regulators across Europe were handed beefed-up powers with the General Data Protection Regulation in May 2018, including the right to levy fines of as much as 4pc of a company's global annual sales for the most serious violations. But the move toward common guidelines for digital assistants means companies should avoid fines for now.

Ms Larsen's comments echo those of Helen Dixon, head of the Irish watchdog, responsible for overseeing the likes of Apple and Google.

She told Bloomberg in November that the regulator first had to "bottom out fully on whether it's true" when companies say they need to do transcripts of people's interactions with the assistants.

That is why the focus will be first on coming up with guidelines, instead of investigations or inquiries, she said.

The UK, which is set to leave the EU at the end of the month, will soon publish the results of a consultation into security features for smart speakers and other connected devices, with proposals for mandatory industry requirements that could lead to potential new regulation, Britain's digital secretary Nicky Morgan told Bloomberg on Wednesday.

Amazon declined to comment on the scrutiny of the digital assistants.

Apple, which offers the Siri virtual assistant, pointed to an August blog post about the issue. Google, which offers similar technology, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Bloomberg
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/1/2020 (724 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

Lets call it a pre-Christmas miracle  a fluffy white surprise with a cold nose and a boundless supply of energy.

Its the story of Ray Morin, 68, and his wife, Christine, 54, and how their search for a small lapdog became a huge, two-for-one surprise.

When Rays beloved 15-year-old black Labrador retriever, Bear, died in 2015, he was sure hed never get another dog.

"Bear was my hunting dog, my retriever. He was an excellent dog. He was an outdoor dog," the retired industrial tire salesman said from the couples home near Anola, about 24 kilometres east of Winnipeg. "I didnt plan on getting any more dogs, but my wife had different ideas."

For her part, Christine said it took her the better part of five years to persuade her husband  theyve been married for about three years, but together for closer to 30  it was time to get a small, indoor dog.

"Its a man thing," joked Christine, who works in the office of a trucking firm. "You make it seem like its their idea and theyre good."

Ray is locked in a long-running battle with cancer  "I was supposed to be gone a long time ago, but Im still here and they (doctors) are still looking at me wondering what Im doing here"  and the self-professed "farm boy" decided it might be nice for his wife to have a canine companion, given the fragile nature of his health.

So Christine started scouring the internet and one day last November spotted an ad on the Kijiji buy-and-sell site for a local breeder looking to sell a 10-year-old Bichon Frise purebred that was past its puppy-having years.

"They said she was done with breeding and they wanted to get her a forever home," she recalled.

Christine Morin with Fluke (left) and Lucy. (Submitted photo)

Ray said his wife quickly jumped in the car with a girlfriend and went to collect the newest member of their family, a fluffy white dog theyve named Lucy.

"When she brought her home  Im an old farm boy  I looked at the dog and said, You know your dog is pregnant, right?

"She said, No! It cant be. Its from a breeder and those people are smart. Those (Bichon Frise) puppies are about $1,000 apiece. Theyre not going to let something like that go. Theres no chance of a breeder making such a mistake."

Chuckled Christine: "When we saw her, we thought she was a little chunky  but Im a little chunky and Im older  and they said shed had puppies in June."

Everything went smoothly for the next week, until Ray woke up early one morning in the middle of November to go on a hunting trip and heard some strange noises in their bedroom.

"It was like 5 a.m. and I could hear Lucy panting," he recalled. "She was on the bedroom carpet giving birth. I woke Christine up and said, Hey, your un-pregnant 10-year-old dog is having puppies.

"She (Christine) was like, OMG! Youre right! She was 100 per cent surprised. She wasnt convinced like I was that Lucy was pregnant. Shes not a farm girl."

Sadly, he said, the first pup wasnt healthy and didnt survive, but the second pup popped out about 15 minutes later and has been a going concern ever since.

"The first one really didnt have a chance. The second pup is perfectly healthy. He started nursing right away," Ray recalled. "Lucy is a really good mother. You dont have to do anything. She knows what to do. She really does. It wasnt her first litter."

What do you call a puppy you werent expecting, a puppy that showed up unannounced about a month before Christmas?

Lucy is a really good mother. You dont have to do anything. She knows what to do. She really does," says Ray. (Submitted photo)

Well, Ray and Christine decided to name their newest addition "Fluke, because of the way he happened."

Explained Ray: "You buy a dog for a lapdog and shes got a puppy in her and the breeder didnt even realize she was pregnant. What are the chances of that? So Fluke seems like the perfect name."

Naturally, not long after the surprise birth, they called the breeder. "Christine called and said, Hey, that dog was pregnant. They were stupefied," Ray said. "They had no idea, no clue. Lucy had become their personal dog after breeding. She was very well cared for."

And how is the roughly eight-week-old unexpected addition fitting in with his new family? "Hes a holy terror," Ray joked. "He just never stops. Hes strong. He rips up toys and shreds them just like a typical puppy.

"Lucy, the mom, is the queen and Fluke is a four-wheel-drive fluffball. They get along wonderfully. Whenever shes had enough of his horseplay, she gets up on the couch. Its like a tornado with 15-minute breaks."

For her part, Christine is over the moon  shed hoped for one lapdog and ended up with a bonus pup. And Ray is adapting nicely to his first-ever indoor dog.

"I just sit here all day and do retired guy stuff," the senior grumbled with a laugh. "I do a lot of baking for the grandkids, but now Ive gone from zero dogs to two dogs staring up at me while Im baking.

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"Youd have to be pretty sour not to appreciate that. Ive got two dogs in my life now. Theres not much to say. You buy a barren dog and it gives birth."

What with being a soft-hearted, dog-loving newspaper columnist, I couldnt help suggesting to Ray that Fluke, given the timing of his birth and how unexpected it was, bordered on being a true Christmas miracle.

It wasnt a hard sell. "Its a gift! A Christmas gift!" he declared. "Thats what our friends and family are saying. Its Christmas time. Thats why it happened."

Mind you, Christmas Fluke has a nice ring to it, too.

doug.speirs@freepress.mb.ca
GRINNELL, Iowa - When Democrats here went to bed on the night of their first-in-the-nation caucuses four years ago, the bitterly fought contest between Hillary Clinton and the insurgent Sen. Bernie Sanders was too close to call. So an abrupt predawn notice from the state party declaring Clinton the winner sent some into a fury.

Shaky videos of coin tosses deciding delegates in Clinton's favor spread on Twitter. Stories multiplied of confused caucusgoers, untrained volunteers and mathematical inconsistencies, all amid a wave of suspicion that the party was manipulating the process for Clinton's benefit.

"I never got a satisfactory explanation for how they arrived at their number," said J. Pablo Silva, a historian at Grinnell College who wasn't alerted when the state party transferred a delegate from Sanders to Clinton in the precinct in this small college town where he was serving as a caucus secretary.

Now, as Iowa Democrats hurtle once again toward the opening faceoff of a hard-fought presidential primary cycle - with at least four candidates seemingly in contention to win Iowa's Feb. 3 contest - some in the party fear that reforms put in place to prevent the disarray of 2016 may create an entirely new set of problems in 2020.

It has long been the tradition here that voting plays out in school gyms and church basements, with multiple vote tabulations as supporters of candidates who do not reach a threshold on the initial vote scramble to make a second choice among the remaining contenders. This year, for the first time, the state party will release the initial raw vote totals as well as the final delegate allocation.

The change will mean more transparency, but it also will add to the workload of party officials and volunteer leaders - and it raises the possibility that multiple campaigns could claim a victory of sorts, with supporters of one candidate seeing another's triumph as illegitimate.

The changes have yielded a thick new rule book for caucus organizers, who have undergone months of training on matters including new reporting requirements, mathematical formulas for delegate allocation, and combating false rumors that may spread online and cast doubt on the results. Some who have participated in the training sessions say the new system feels even more daunting than the old one.

Adding to the anxiety is the closeness of the race, which once again features an ascendant Sanders, I-Vt., whose backers are on guard for any hint of irregularities, as well as the sense that any controversy over the results could hamper efforts to unify Democrats before the eventual nominee faces President Donald Trump in November.

"We were cognizant about wanting to make it less confusing," said Norm Sterzenbach, a longtime Democratic strategist in Iowa who was involved in planning for the caucuses until he signed on last year with former congressman Beto O'Rourke, D-Texas, and then with Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn. "But making the process more rigorous of course adds new complexity."

In a way, the caucus process is insulated from cybersecurity threats and other concerns looming over more-traditional voting processes. There are no voting machines to hack. Instead, caucusgoers register their preferences in plain view of one another. In theory, any confusion could be ironed out through deliberation.

"In any election, even for school board or dogcatcher, there is rumor and innuendo," said Matt Paul, who ran Clinton's Iowa campaign in 2016. "The difference in Iowa is that it's all in the open. You have to stand up in front of your friends and neighbors and tell them who you're supporting and why."

But the 2016 experience revealed how easily confusion and chaos can take hold.

In the Grinnell precinct where the delegate was transferred, uncertainty had reigned for much of the night. The Sanders supporters were "incredibly disorganized," said Silva, and ended up having to count multiple times because the number they presented was implausible. Meanwhile, Iowans supporting Martin O'Malley, the former Maryland governor, grew frustrated and left. Andy McGuire, the state Democratic Party's chairwoman at the time, said the overnight delegate transfer was necessary to correct an input error.

Across Iowa, however, the videos of coin tosses stoked outrage, even though the practice is routine - being used to allocate leftover delegates depending on the breakdown - and favored Sanders in certain cases, as well. As doubt took hold about the razor-thin margins, calls for a recount intensified. But Iowa Democratic leaders said that was impossible. "People physically aligned in groups," the state party's communications director said at the time. "There are no paper ballots to recount."

Sanders called on the party to report a raw vote count. When the party leadership said it lacked the capacity to do so, Sanders' supporters took to Reddit in a quest to uncover the numbers. On the Republican side, supporters of then-candidate Donald Trump suggested on social media that Microsoft, whose software was used to tally votes, had tilted the contest against their candidate. Trump himself claimed without evidence that Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who narrowly won in Iowa, "illegally stole" the caucuses.

The Des Moines Register called the caucuses a "debacle," singling out the Democrats for blame and finding, "Once again the world is laughing at Iowa."

"The Iowa Democratic Party really learned from 2016," said Steven Drahozal, the Democratic chairman in Dubuque County.

Part of the party's learning involved realizing, from the special counsel's investigation of Russian interference in the presidential campaign, how suspicion of the caucus process became a seed for the Kremlin's influence campaign. In August 2016, Russian operatives using social media sowed doubt about the integrity of Iowa's result, in an apparent effort to undermine Clinton's legitimacy as she prepared to face Trump. An ad promoted by Russian actors on Facebook alleged that "Hillary Clinton has already committed voter fraud during the Democrat Iowa Caucus," according to a federal indictment of multiple Russians filed in 2018.

For party officials here, the revelation underscored the need to arm staffers against not just cyberattacks but also against false narratives that are amplified on social media. Iowa Democrats say they are conscious of how quickly rumors about manipulation and backroom dealings can spread - particularly if amplified by Trump, who has shown keen interest in influencing the outcome of the Democratic primaries.

"Disinformation is something new we saw last election cycle, but people didn't know it was happening at the time," said Troy Price, the chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party. "Here, we know it's going on, and we've had time to prepare for it."

The state party, along with its Republican counterpart, partnered with the Defending Digital Democracy Project at Harvard's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. The project's leaders conducted a simulation with the parties in November. They were joined by security experts as well as developers behind the websites and mobile apps used by the parties to publicize caucus details and report returns.

Details of a mishap would arrive via email, bringing news, for example, of an app malfunction or of specious tweets claiming that the caucuses actually would begin at 8 p.m., an hour later than the official 7 p.m. start time. A space was cordoned off for mock news conferences, where people pretending to be reporters clamored for updates.

Democrats used the simulation to develop possible plans for caucus night - including contingencies such as bringing in the Department of Homeland Security and contacting executives at Twitter.

Some of the more complex changes arising from the breakdown in 2016 involve the handling of results on caucus night.

The voting involves Iowans' assembling in groups to signal their support for one candidate or another. These groups are known in caucus parlance as "alignments." The relative sizes of the alignments are used to calculate delegate allocations. In most precincts, delegates are allocated only to candidates who receive at least 15 percent of the vote.

A candidate wins the caucuses by securing the most projected delegates to the state convention, which translates in turn to delegates to the party's national nominating convention. This year, for the first time, the party will release raw totals from the first as well as the second alignments - as different factions jostle for support and seek to win over undecided caucusgoers. The totals will be recorded by tallying "Presidential Preference Cards," which will also provide a paper trail should a problem arise with the mobile app used to report returns.

In another change from past cycles, only members of alignments that are not large enough to reach the 15 percent threshold will be allowed to shift to other groups, a procedure known as realignment. For groups above the threshold, the count will be locked in, and those caucusgoers will be able to go home. Further, national delegates will be allocated once caucus-night results come in, rather than over the course of county and district conventions.

The delegate selection plan spells out a process for candidates to request a review of caucus results, as well as a timeline for the state party to respond.

And, in yet another change, the state party approved nearly 100 satellite caucus locations, where Democrats who completed preregistration by Jan. 17 will be able to participate. The sites include three places abroad where expatriate Iowans took the initiative to apply to host caucus assemblies - Glasgow, Scotland; Paris; and Tbilisi, the capital of the former Soviet republic of Georgia. A 10-person review committee weighed applications on the basis of each location's accessibility, proximity to other precincts and demonstrated need for the site.

A plan to allow Iowans to participate by phone in a virtual caucus was scrapped last year when national party leaders said there wasn't technology that could be protected from hacking. The decision highlighted the premium placed on security, which won out over the desire for greater accessibility.

Still, the reforms amount to the "most significant changes to the Iowa Caucuses since 1972," the party says on its website.

The changes are also proving to be confusing, even to some old Iowa hands. Lyz Lenz, a columnist for the Cedar Rapids Gazette, recently completed the online training prepared for caucus chairs and came away bewildered, confused especially by the calculation required to apportion delegates. "I can't say exactly, but I know you have to divide something by six," she said.

At town halls, candidates are fielding questions about the rules and "strategy" for securing delegates on caucus night.

Responding to one such query recently, the entrepreneur Andrew Yang said that "we have done the math, and here in Davenport, we believe we'll be well over the 15 percent threshold."

A record turnout, which is expected, could deepen the confusion, said McGuire, the former party chair who is running Klobuchar's Iowa campaign.

County chairs and other Democratic officials are in overdrive trying to prepare the volunteers who preside on caucus night. In a recent email to Democrats in Dubuque County, Drahozal urged caucus leaders to complete the training and take an accompanying test.

Rules and procedure aside, Drahozal said, party leaders can take steps to protect the integrity of the process. He is remaining "adamantly, adamantly neutral" until caucus night.

That sort of forbearance is a sign of the times, said Sterzenbach, whose extensive knowledge of Iowa's singular political tradition has earned him the nickname "Mr. Caucus."

The contest in "2016 was so close, and it showed how much distrust of the system there was," he said. "Much work went into addressing that."
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 06:19:13|Editor: yan

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PRAGUE, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Nine scientists from the Czech Republic second largest university Masaryk University in the city of Brno left for Antarctica on Friday to study the impact of climate change on glaciers on the continent, local media reported.

In cooperation with the Portuguese National Antarctic Program, the researchers will monitor the links between the settlement of glacier areas by various microorganisms and plants and the retreat of glaciers, the Czech News Agency (CTK) quoted Daniel Nyvlt, head of the Czech Antarctic Research Program, as saying.

The expedition was supposed to go to the base of Johann Gregor Mendel on James Ross Island on Sunday, but eventually had to leave five days later because of ship problem.

The expedition to James Ross Island has been organized by the university for almost 15 years. In addition to long-term monitoring of the impacts of climate change on the individual components of the environment, experts are also expected to work on new research this year.

Another group of six researchers will head to the South Shetland islands in Antarctica at the end of January.
No sooner does the newly elected Boris Johnson government get under way than its hit with the sort of dilemma all too familiar to those who have followed Britains economic and industrial woes these past few decades.

A company hits the buffers and turns to Downing Street for help. The prime minister accedes or refuses, and a furious row ensues. If assistance is forthcoming those against intervention do their nut; if it is rejected, ministers are accused of behaving in a heartless fashion. The government cannot win.

So it is with Flybe, the regional airline. Its in trouble. Three Whitehall departments  Business, Transport and Treasury  put their heads together and agree to defer 100m of air passenger duty. Apart from that, the precise details of the deal remain scarce. There appears to be a pledge to review regional connectivity, and the firms owners, Virgin Atlantic, Stobart and the hedge fund Cyrus, seem to be promising additional funding.
//HB BHPian

Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: MUMBAI Posts: 77 Thanked: 128 Times

re: IRDAI raps Maruti Insurance Brokers and Hero Insurance Brokers Quote: wheelguy Originally Posted by The penalty is too minuscule to stop them from doing it again. Good move anyways.

Quote: Both Maruti lnsurance Brokers and Hero lnsurance Brokers are directed by IRDAI to...



a) dismantle panel of insurers and empanel all insurers on platform, have full integration with insurers computer systems, ensure premiums quoted to customers come directly from insurer's systems without any intervention by the broker and report compliance within three months from the date of the order. ln case any insurer does not wish to enter into an agreement with the insurance broker for selling and distributing motor insurance policies through the MISPs sponsored by MIBL/ HlBlL, the chief executive (CEO) of the general insurance company shall confirm the same in writing to the broker.



b) redesign the current system of seeking customer consent for purchasing the motor insurance policy in such a manner that the customer exercises choice of selecting the insurer through an OTP based system at the time of issuance of a new motor insurance policy and its renewal. The broker company shall complete the task in six months and report compliance.



c) submit a quarterly audit report from DISA/ CISA certified auditor that the electronic platform or portal complies with the requirements of the MISP guidelines and in no way interferes or places restrictions in the premium to be charged by insurers or in any way restricts or influences the choice of the customer.

This point caught my attention though, if they say 37% bought the insurance policies from HIBIL, then does it mean the remaining 63% bought their own policies outside of what the dealer was pushing ? I would have thought the dealer-sold policies would be way higher than just 37% of all the vehicles sold by them.

Quote: Out of 3.52 lakh two-wheelers sold, 1.29 lakh customers or 37% bought insurance policies from HIBIL, which IRDAI says is a "very significant number and cannot be ignored" Very true; totally agree to the above view. This below part of the orders though, will probably have a decent impact on how they do business going forwardThis point caught my attention though, if they say 37% bought the insurance policies from HIBIL, then does it mean the remaining 63% bought their own policies outside of what the dealer was pushing ? I would have thought the dealer-sold policies would be way higher than just 37% of all the vehicles sold by them. Last edited by //HB : 9th January 2020 at 14:30 . Reason: afterthought :)
A 31-year-old primary school teacher from Newbridge was announced winner of the Kerrygold Fashions on the Field competition at the Kerrygold Irish Oaks at the Curragh Racecourse on Saturday (July 20). Having never entered a style competition before Eimear Elsted caught the judges eye in a gold headpiece and stunning teal floral dress.

The style judges on the day included legendary broadcaster Marty Morrissey, Editor of EVOKE.ie Sybil Mulcahy and Fashion Stylist Ciara ODoherty.

Eimear walked away with a luxury weekend for two at the exclusive 5 Star Ballyfin Demesne in Co. Laois with 1,000 spending money and a magnum of champagne all courtesy of Kerrygold.

Eimear, who is just back from a year teaching in Abu Dhabi, wore a gold headpiece in the shape of a floral crown from Newbridge store Hats Amore, and an elegant ASOS teal midi-dress with flower pattern detailing. She pulled the look together with a pair of gold heels from Penneys and matching bag from TK Maxx.

Speaking about her win she said, I honestly cant believe I won, just to be picked as a finalist was great! I have been coming to the race meetings at the Curragh since I was a child. Ive never even entered a competition before never mind won but my friend encouraged me to and Im glad she did! Im going to take my mum to Ballyfin as she could do with a nice break as shes so supportive of me and my siblings and does so much for us.

My dad sadly passed away a couple of years ago and it was a very tough time but my mum has been a superwoman. I moved away to Abu Dhabi and my sister moved to Canada so she was picking up the pieces on her own. I prayed to my dad this morning and said just let me have a good day today Dad and this is more that I could have even imagined.

Judge Ciara ODoherty praised Eimears effortlessly elegant style saying, Eimear looked fresh and relaxed and we liked her Irish link, supporting a local milliner. She looked absolutely stunning and was our unanimous winner.

The style was not the only highlight of the day as Frankie Dettori outrode his fellow jockeys once again and stole a Classic from the front aboard Star Catcher in the Kerrygold Irish Oaks, winning this race for the fifth time. Jumping for joy to an excited crowd who gathered at the parade ring, Frankie proved a hugely popular winner on the day.
Virginia Louise Thompson, 75, of Clements, MD passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at the Hospice House of St. Mary's. Louise was born on August 7, 1944 in St. Mary's to Virginia Louise Gatton and the late Elmer Grove. She married the love of her life, Buddy Thompson, on October 14, 1961. Together they celebrated 58 years of marriage and raised three sons, Ricky, Scott and Mark.



Alongside her husband, Louise and Buddy owned and operated two successful businesses, Buddy's Disposal & Sons and T&T Sweeping & Port-O-Let Services. She took great pride in their companies and worked every day in the office up until her illness. Even with being a busy business owner, Louise always made time to spend with her 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. They brought her so much joy! Louise loved family time and enjoyed hosting Christmas dinner at their house. She would welcome anyone to the table with a smile. Louise also enjoyed watching NASCAR and cheering on the Baltimore Ravens. She always took care of herself as she always had her hair and nails done.



In addition to her father, Louise is proceeded in death by her sisters Jean Wood and Trish Lahocki. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband, Buddy, of Clements, her three sons, Ricky (Sissy) of Mechanicsville, Scott (Patti) of Avenue, and Mark (Laura) of Hollywood, her grandchildren, J.R.,Crystal, Ashley, Stacey, Brittany, Bobby, Jenny, Jackie, J.S., Morganne, and her great-grandchildren.



Family will receive friends Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 10 AM at Holy Angels Church in Avenue, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Bushwood, MD. Serving as pallbearers will be J.R. Thompson, Hunter Long, Chris Thompson, Ronnie Thompson, Joey Thompson, and Robert Wood. The Honorary pallbearers will be J.S. Thompson, Morganne Thompson, and Sierra Thompson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Hospice House of St Mary's and the Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad.
PickMes Tharindu Kumarage wins scholarship to Arizona State University View(s):

Tharindu Kumarage, a Consultant Research Engineer at PickMe, recently received a scholarship to pursue his PhD at the Arizona State University (ASU) in the US.

A talented product of Royal College Colombo, Mr. Kumarage was a part of the CSC 13th Batch at the Computer Science Dept., University of Moratuwa, graduating in 2017 with a first class, and joined PickMe in early 2018. He has since been deeply engaged with Collaborative Filtering in Mobility-on-demand systems, and is now pursuing his doctoral studies at ASU, the company said in a media release.

He played a major role in ensuring that users looking to satisfy their mobility-related requirements received a seamless user-friendly experience by maintaining and enhancing an integral part of the platforms infrastructure.

We at PickMe strive to seek and expose budding talent in the tech space of our island nation. Tharindu is an exceptionally talented individual in the research sphere, with much visible enthusiasm to prove his professionalism as well as succeed academically. Empowering the youth to achieve their personal and professional goals is a key driver here at PickMe, and the work that our company requires has much scope for more achievers like as Tharindu. I, along with the PickMe family, wishes all the best to Tharindu in all his endeavours, said PickMe CEO Jiffry Zulfer.

Remarking on the rare opportunity he received, Mr. Kumarage reiterated his passion for spearheading his academic and professional success through the field of research and endorsed PickMe for facilitating his journey.

I had a real passion for research and academia. PickMe provided me the opportunity to work on Collaborative Filtering in Mobility-on-demand systems. Collaborative Filtering makes the system more user-friendly by providing recommendations. For example, by matching the perfect promotions with perfect user-base or user-clusters which sit broadly under the domain of recommender systems, he said.

With my exposure into Recommender Systems, I was looking into the new domain of Social Media Mining. Recommender Systems in Social Media Mining seek to get user interactions with different Social Media platforms and map their preferences with their usage and interactions, then provide recommendations based on those findings. I got that exposure with the work I did with PickMe. To get a scholarship for a PhD in the US  especially in the area of Machine-Learning which I zeroed-in  is quite difficult. I must say that the work I was involved at PickMe really helped me, he added.

Elaborating that graduates who wish to get into research based work find that opportunities in that arena are scarce, he was highly appreciative of the opportunity he received at PickMe, as he was able to achieve his MSc while working for PickMe as a research engineer.

For students who are seeking a suitable employer in the research arena, PickMe is a great place to work, he added.

PickMe is known as one of the popular technology driven 100 per cent Sri Lankan transportation network companies whose platforms can be accessed via its websites and mobile apps.
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Trump exploded and complained during a campaign meeting that Democrats are going to kill him on healthcare in the 2020 election.

The Washington Post reported:

One of those issues was health care, which often polls as the top voter concern, and the data showed the public trusted Democrats more than Republicans.

Trump reacted furiously and said the Democrats would kill us on health care, according to the four people, who requested anonymity to candidly describe the private meeting. The president then picked up the phone, called Azar and put him on speakerphone in the middle of the meeting, the people said.

Youre not getting it done, Trump told Azar, referring to lowering drug prices, according to one of the people in the meeting and another briefed on the discussion. He told Azar he needed to hurry up on lowering drug prices and more quickly allow for the importation of drugs from Canada. Why arent we getting these drugs from Canada?

Trumps mention of Canada was a reference to his harebrained scheme to steal Canadas prescription drug supply and import it into the United States to lower prescription drug prices. The Canadian government is concerned that Trumps would leave them without enough medication for their own people.

Trump is correct about one point. Democrats are going to kill him on healthcare. His administration has tried to take health insurance coverage away from over 20 million people, and they are championing a lawsuit that would gut ACA protections for pre-existing conditions and the individual mandate.

Donald Trump thinks that he can fool voters on healthcare, and schemes to steal prescription drugs arent going to be enough to save him on healthcare.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

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New Delhi: The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team of the Iraqi forces made a huge catch on Thursday when they nabbed an obese Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) cleric, who has been dubbed Jabba the Jihadi across social media, in Mosul.

The nickname takes inspiration from the popular 'Star Wars' character Jabba The Hutt, which is an obese slug-like alien.

Abu Abdul Bari, apprehended by the Iraqi Police for his provocative speeches against the security forces, had to be loaded onto a flatbed pickup truck because he was too big to fit into the police car, weighing in at a whopping 250kg, reported New York Post.

An official statement of the Iraqi forces said Bari was an important leader of the ISIS gangs and he passed fatwas to order the killing of clerics who refused to pledge their loyalty to the terrorist group.

In a Facebook post, London based Anti-Islamic extremism activist Maajid Nawaaz ridiculed Bari and said it is good that Syrians, Iraqis & others witness the debasement of this scum.

Do not underestimate the psychological blow the image of this obese monster being arrested is to ISIS. Gluttony is frowned upon by jihadists. But also, ISIS branded themselves as fighters possessing rare courage & discipline... meanwhile this walrus was their top religious cleric, he added.

Towards the end, Maajid cautioned that his post shouldnt be used to mock obesity, but to mock the hypocrisy & debasement of a man who sanctioned enslavement, rape ethnic cleansing and mass murder.

Taking another jibe at Baris weight, Nawaaz said its befitting they were presided over by a uniquely beastial figure such as this. Almost poetic. Cue: Jabba the Hutt jokes.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raise doubts over the fairness of a National Investigation Agency probe in the conduct of a Jammu and Kashmir police officer who was arrested with two alleged militants in his car.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raise doubts over the fairness of a National Investigation Agency probe in the conduct of a Jammu and Kashmir police officer who was arrested with two alleged militants in his car. Rahul said that the 'best way to silence' the accused, Deputy Superintendent of Police (SP) Davinder Singh, would be to hand over the investigation to "another Modi", who had probed the Gujarat riots.

Rahul was referring to NIA chief YC Modi, who is a 1984 batch officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre and had previously served in the Central Investigation Bureau. He was also part of a Supreme Court-appointed SIT (Special Investigation Team) that probed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's role in the 2002 Gujarat riots. He said, "In YK'S care, the case is as good as dead (sic)."

The best way to silence Terrorist DSP Davinder, is to hand the case to the NIA. The NIA is headed by another Modi - YK, who investigated the Gujarat Riots & Haren Pandyas assassination. In YKs care, the case is as good as dead. #WhoWantsTerroristDavinderSilenced And why??  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 17, 2020

He also used the hashtag "#WhoWantsTerroristDavinderSilenced" along with it.

Rahul's comments come merely a day after he questioned the prime minister's silence on Singh's arrest.

On Thursday, Rahul sought to know Singh's role in the Pulwama attack and how many terrorists he had helped, demanding that the officer be tried by a fast-track court and given the harshest punishment for treason.

"Dy SP Davinder Singh sheltered 3 terrorists with Indian blood on their hands at his home and was caught ferrying them to Delhi, the Congress leader tweeted.

DSP Davinder Singh sheltered 3 terrorists with  blood on their hands at his home & was caught ferrying them to Delhi. He must be tried by a fast track court within 6 months & if guilty, given the harshest possible sentence for treason against .#TerroristDavinderCoverUp pic.twitter.com/gc2BlhBOwM  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 16, 2020

Rahul attached a picture along with his tweet that dubbed Singh a terrorist and raised several questions.

"Government silent on terrorist DSP Davinder Singh. Why are PM, HM and NSA silent on Davinder Singh? What was Davinder Singh's role in Pulwama attack? How many other terrorists has he helped? Who was protecting him and why," Rahul asked in the photo attached to his tweet.

Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh West, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and said it raises disturbing questions critical to India's national security.

"It seems rather odd that he not only evaded detection but was entrusted with extremely sensitive duties like escorting foreign envoys to Jammu and Kashmir under the prevailing circumstances. Whose orders was he working under? A full investigation must be made. Helping terrorists plan attacks on India is treason," Priyanka said on Twitter.

The Congress has already said that there is a larger conspiracy behind the arrest of Davinder Singh and sought to know his links with the Pulwama attack and has demanded an independent probe.

With inputs from PTI
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 17:19:11|Editor: huaxia

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A total of 20 cute newborn panda cubs made an appearance on Friday to pay a happy New Year call in SW China's Sichuan Province. Let's check out how adorable they are!
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 18

By Elchin Mehdiyev  Trend:

Azerbaijani Central Election Commission (CEC) held a seminar on considering complaints related to the violation of electoral rights in connection with the early parliamentary elections, Trend reports referring to"Election 2020" Independent Media Center established by Azerbaijan's CEC on Jan. 18.

CEC Deputy Chairman Rovzat Gasimov, members of the CEC expert group, Secretariat staff, members of the expert group of district election commissions attended the seminar.

Speaking at the seminar, Gasimov stressed that the main task of the expert group operating under CEC is to accurately, promptly and impartially consider the appeals received by the district election commissions and provide them with this information.

The district election commissions will make a final decision on the basis of this information, the deputy chairman said. During the recent municipal elections, a number of steps were taken to consider the received complaints and to achieve prompt, unbiased results and make decisions. As a result, the number of the received complaints decreased twofold compared to the previous years.

Gasimov stressed that the seminars organized in Baku, Ganja, Sumgayit, Nakhchivan, Sheki and Masalli cover 375 members of the expert group on 125 constituencies.

In conclusion, the deputy chairman added that in connection with the upcoming elections, CEC received 27 appeals.

The appeals were considered and appropriate decisions were made, Gasimov said. So, seven candidates were registered.

The parliamentary elections will be held in Azerbaijan on February 9.
Varanasi/UNI: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday launched an attack on the opposition in a public meeting organised in support of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) at Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya ground here.

He said that ongoing protest over CAA was not only a protest against the Bharatiya Janata Party, but it was also a conspiracy against the country. This law was for granting citizenship and not for taking away citizenship. Still, afraid of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the opposition parties are provoking people, the CM said.

"The character of all the opposition parties, including Congress, SP that are supporting anti-India slogans, has been revealed. Under the guise of CAA, chaos is being promoted. Efforts are being made to present this law in a twisted manner," the Chief Minister asserted.

He further said that the government has taken stern action against those provoking protestors and causing chaos. As a result of this, people have come forward with cheques to pay fines in lieu of damage to government property.

Mr Adityanath further asserted that the constitution of the country gives us fundamental rights so we should also understand the fundamental responsibility.

''The responsibility was that if the country was being misled, then we have to come forward and make people aware''.

The CM alleged that the opposition supported those who raised anti-Indian slogans. The opposition has also spread myth among the people.

Mr Adityanath further alleged that when there was a terrorist attack on Mumbai in 2008, the people of the country wanted action against Pakistan, but the government failed to act. Now when the government is giving Pakistan a befitting reply, then a conspiracy is being hatched against the Modi government.

Referring to the Ram temple, he revealed that a grand Ram temple was going to be built in Ayodhya.

Talking about the welfare schemes of the Central Government, the CM praised the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was working for the welfare of farmers, youth through various schemes.

The rally was also addressed by Union Minister Smriti Irani and UP BJP president Swantra Deo Singh.
This is a story about a mentor and his mentee, with a twist harkening back to not long after dinosaurs roamed the Earth.

Lets start with the fall of 2011, when Harry Maisch was a senior at Rutgers University, aiming for a career in paleontology.

He had studied research on fossil sharks and fish by Martin Becker, a professor at William Paterson University, and was impressed.

So he sent an email to Becker, looking for guidance. The professor, to his surprise, responded by inviting him in for a meeting.

Everything went from there," Maisch said.

Becker referred Maisch to the same faculty adviser he had, two decades earlier, in pursuing his doctorate at the City University of New York (CUNY). Maisch ended up enrolling in the same program.

In 2017, when there was a job opening at William Paterson for an adjunct professor in environmental sciences - Beckers department - Maisch got the job.

In a span of six years, he had gone from a stranger sending an email, to a trusted colleague and friend.

While Becker helped launch his career path, his protege found a novel way to say thanks - due to an unexpected find while conducting field work in Arkansas.

The two were scouring gravel and sand along a hillside when Maisch uncovered parts of 100 teeth that, after months of testing and research, he determined belonged to a previously undocumented species of stingray that lived about 60 million years ago.

To put that timeframe in context, thats not long after the dinosaurs became extinct.

Maisch published his findings last month in the Journal of Paleontology, and gave the species a name - Hypolophites beckeri.

Thats right, he named the fossil stingray after his mentor. In paleontology, thats a pretty neat thing.

It seemed fitting, Maisch said during an on-campus interview with Becker, in which the two showed off their matching t-shirts heralding the find.

Martin Becker, on left, with Harry Maisch at William Paterson University in Wayne wearing shirts noting the discovery of a previously undocumented species of stingray, Jan. 15, 2020Rob Jennings / NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

How did stingray teeth end up in dry land in Arkansas?

Becker explained that, 60 million years ago, the region likely was under the Gulf of Mexico, which today is more than 300 miles away.

Becker, 53, is more than two decades older than Maisch, yet the two share the same passion for their work.

Maisch alluded to that aspect of exploration, the thrill of discovery, as a motivator.

Youre finding the remains of an animal thats been dead for thousands or millions of years. Youre the first to touch it and first to uncover it, which is fairly exhilarating, he added.

Becker said that fossils tell the story of the Earth.

Fossils speak to sea level change. They speak to glaciers that came and have gone. They speak to enormous changes in climate, position in land masses in time. Theres just so many things wrapped up into it, he said.

Becker, asked about being a mentor, said he often gets as much out of it as those he inspires.

A lot of things that Ive learned over the years are from a combination of people, like Harry, that also motivate me, he said.

Interested in seeing the fossil stingray teeth?

This spring, they will be added to the vertebrate paleontology collection at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in Philadelphia.

Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@RobJenningsNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Butte CPR holds annual meeting

Butte CPR will hold its annual membership meeting at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21, at the Butte Archives, 17 W. Quartz St. Board members will be selected to serve for the year.

Current board members include Larry Smith, Mitzi Rossillon, Robert Renouard, Douglas Shidler, Jason Silvernale, Nancy Woodruff and Noorjahan Parwana. Members may nominate potential directors at the meeting, and directors will be elected by a majority of the attending members.

Nominees must be members in good standing and are expected to possess an understanding of the significance of CPRs mission, attend monthly and special meetings, and be willing to perform tasks that further the role of historic preservation in the community. People may pay their dues at the annual meeting if they havent done so previously. A list of duties of board members can be found in the Bylaws that are posted on CPRs website: www.buttecpr.org. Details: info@buttecpr.org.

Scholarship recipients listed below

Montana State Fund awarded 15 Montana students with $4,000 scholarships for higher education on Friday. The recipients all have an area of study focused on occupational health and safety or trades and industry.

Four of the 15 are students from Butte and will be attending Montana Technological Institute. David Ingalls is studying construction technology/carpentry; Kelsey Schmidt is working toward a masters degree in industrial hygiene; Abigail Passage and Jacques Boulet are both working toward bachelors degrees in occupational safety and health.

For details on GSM visit https://www.montanastatefund.com/web/about/scholarshipsgrants.jsf

Lecture planned on Alzheimer's, dementia

An overview, lecture and discussion on Alzheimers and dementia will be held at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21, at The Springs, 300 Mount Highland Drive.

Details: Annalee Werkmeister, 406-494-0083 or awerkmeister@thespringsliving.com.

Butte Literacy Program awarded $5K grant

The Gianforte Family Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant to the Butte Literacy Program for the second time in two years. The foundation supports organizations in Montana that work to improve education that will, equip others with the means to improve their lives and create lasting change.

The generosity of the Gianforte Family Foundation has allowed us to grow. We now serve over 80 students, 22 of whom have passed 60 HiSET exams, and eight of whom have graduated. Thanks to the support of this foundation, we have a 97% success rate.

The Butte Literacy Program relies on volunteer tutors who work with adults to help them earn their high school equivalency diplomas by taking the five HiSET exams. Anyone interested in becoming a tutor or a student should call the program office at 406-723-7905.

Avalanche awareness training at Discovery

Avalanche awareness training, hosted by Discovery Ski Area, will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 28, at Discover Ski Area, 180 Discovery Basin Road.

Will Shout of the US Forest Service, Pintler Ranger District, will provide information in a classroom setting at the Discovery Ski Area Lodge on avalanche awareness.

Details: 406-563-2184

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At least 10 charred corpses have been found in a southern Mexican state among the hardest hit by violence linked to organised crime, a state prosecutor said on Saturday.

The Guerrero prosecutor said the bodies were found on Friday in a vehicle in Chilapa municipality, after someone called an emergency line.

Forensic and other investigators were at the scene, the prosecutor said.

Drug gangs violently defend trafficking routes in the state along the Pacific coast.

In October, 14 suspected criminals and a soldier were killed in Guerrero after a group of armed civilians attacked security forces.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador took office more than a year ago promising to attack violent crime at its roots by fighting poverty and inequality with social programs, rather than with the army.

But the country still saw nearly 29,000 murders last year, and has registered around 275,000 killings since the government launched a military offensive against drug cartels in 2006.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Radio personality Robin Bailey is returning to the 97.3FM airwaves three years after she was axed from the breakfast show.

Ms Bailey will reunite with co-host Terry Hansen and anchor Bob Gallagher from Tuesday, January 28.

Radio personality Robin Bailey is returning to 97.3FM.

Ms Bailey was previously "blindsided" when the station did not renew her contract in late 2016 after 10 years on air with the show.

She was quickly snapped up by Triple M and began her first shift on the morning show with Greg "Marto" Martin and Ed Kavalee in 2017.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  A motorist has been charged in the October traffic death of a utility worker on Hall Street over U.S. 131.

The woman was charged Friday with moving violation causing death, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail upon conviction, and a learners permit violation, a 90-day misdemeanor, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said.

An arraignment date in Grand Rapids District Court has not been set.

Ronald Matthew Hughes, 60, of Escanaba, died at the scene of the Oct. 10 crash.

Hughes had placed cones on the overpass when he was struck while returning to his truck. Police said he was thrown 75 feet. Hughes truck had a flashing yellow arrow advising drivers to move over a lane.

A contract lineman, he was working on underground utility lines when he was hit by the eastbound car. The driver stopped and was interviewed by police after the crash.

Read more:

Police justified in April 2019 shooting death of Kalamazoo man, prosecutor rules

Muskegon marijuana dispensary cancels Saturdays recreational grand opening

Man indicted in 3 West Michigan bank robberies
The Summit not only received support from attendees including Zhenghua Jiang, Vice Chairman of the 10 th NPC Standing Committee; Hengshan Fan, former Secretary General of the National Development and Reform Commission; Xinhong Zhang, Chief Information Officer of the National Information Center and Director of Sharing Economy Research Institute; Min Wang, Executive Vice Chair of the China General Chamber of Commerce; and Xiaojun Li, Vice President of China the Association for the Promotion of Industrial Development.

Also attending were heavyweights including Junqing Lu, Executive Chairman of GLASE and Chairman of the Board of Directors of ToJoy; Jun Ge, Secretary General of GLASE and Executive Director and Global CEO of ToJoy; Boris Tadic, Executive Chairman of GLASE and former President of Serbia; Jose Maria Figueres, Executive Chairman of GLASE and former President of Costa Rica; Enrico Letta, Co-Chair of GLASE and former Prime Minister of Italy; Werner Faymann, Chairman of GLASE in West Europe and former Austrian Chancellor; and Yves Leterme, Senior Advisor of GLASE and former Prime Minister of Belgium. Kevin Rudd, Chairman of GLASE and former Prime Minister of Australia addressed the Summit through video.

At the same time, experts and scholars including Zhanbin Zhang, head professor of the Marxist School of the Party School of the Central Committee of C.P.C. (National Academy of Governance); Xiaoqiu Wu, Vice President of Renmin University of China; Dezhi Lu, Chief of the Huamin Foundation; and Yuming Zhang, a professor of the School of Management, Shandong University; as well as guests from all circles, including foreign and domestic enterprise elites and media reporters were also invited to the Summit. The guests conducted discussions around two topics: "The Great Sharing Economy and the Development of Unicorn Enterprises" and "The Great Sharing Era and the Advanced Topics on Sharing Economy Theory".

A Strategic Departure for 2030

According to numerous opinion polls in recent years, China is expected to go beyond the US in terms of GDP around 2030, becoming the world's largest economy. Meanwhile, China's response to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, is that the "principle of wide consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits" advocated in the Belt and Road Initiative would be an effective tool that advances this UN Agenda.

Today, at the start of 2020, the Beijing Summit of The Global Sharing Economy Forum also established another historical waypoint for 2030.

At the Summit, Jun Ge, Secretary General of GLASE and Executive Director and Global CEO of ToJoy, together with many foreign and domestic experts, released an exciting mid- and long-term initiativethe strategic vision of "Dual Reduction". This means the reduction of global new resource consumption and labor time by 50% respectively, expected to be realizable by 2030.

In addition to the huge breakthrough and milestone of the age of the Great Sharing Economy represented by this concept, this initiative was also lauded as one of the driving forces in the ascent of China's economy.

Behind the seemingly simple phrase "Dual Reduction" is a wealth of propositions as the sustainable development, the Belt and Road Initiative, forging a community of shared future for mankind, and the new era of global innovation. The Dual Reduction concept is a result of various policies working together.

The "Dual Reduction" is a strategic vision first proposed on the basis of insights into the trends of human commercial civilization at the First Global Sharing Economy Forum held in Vienna on November 29, 2019. In the model of the Great Sharing Economy, global new resource consumption and labor time will be gradually reduced by up to 50% respectively by means of sharing and efficient utilization of global resources.

Ge expressed his views, saying, "We are confident that the innovation economy driven by platform empowerment will significantly increase the utilization efficiency of global resources, and significantly save laborers' working hours. It can be said that the realization of Dual Reduction will be a goal to achieve over the next decade. This will also be an age for enterprises to release their innovative strength in a concentrated way."

China is transforming from a traditional economy to an innovation-based economy. The national strategy of "China Sci-Tech Innovation 2030" will be a huge boost for accelerated realization of "Dual Reduction".

In his keynote speech, Hengshan Fan, former Secretary General of the National Development and Reform Commission, was also confident in China's innovation potential. He believed that the Great Sharing Economy can accelerate the process of supply-side reform and help China's GDP transform from high rate to high quality. High quality is based on high innovation, which means China's innovation opportunities will come.

In addition to the increasingly mature external environment, some experts and scholars at the Forum noted: "China's economy urgently needs to be aware of the environment, and Dual Reduction reinforces this. This should be an opportunity to boost the harmonious, sustainable development of all fields."

To support the development of the Great Sharing Economy, and allow the whole world to enjoy the dividend of sustainable development brought by it. The "Global Alliance of Sharing Economy Award" ("GLASE Award") was announced on the day of the Summit. GLASE will evaluate candidates for three awards: the Best Theoretical Research Award for Sharing Economics, the Best Business Model Award for Sharing Economics, and the National Ranking Award for Sharing Economics. This is to encourage and support corporate development, project innovation, theoretical research, academic study, and model exploration, etc. in the field of sharing economy. More importantly, ToJoy invested 100 million yuan for sponsorship of the first GLASE Awards.

In the sub-forum "The Great Sharing Economy and The Development of Unicorn Enterprises" directly related to the development of enterprises and new economy, Yong'an Sun, Co-President of ToJoy Aviation Service Consulting Group; Xuliang Hu, founder of 365 Internet of People; Weikai Jin, founder of www.ilvdo.com, and other guests shared their corporate innovation practices for the new economy. They used their own experiences as examples of best practices of "sharing economics" and "unicorn companies". In their opinions, the Great Sharing Economy is a decisive driver for the large-scale and explosive development of unicorn companies. In turn, the success of unicorns is a verification of the effectiveness of the Great Sharing Economy.

Yves Leterme, Senior Advisor of GLASE and former Prime Minister of Belgium, also took part in the discussion, and gave high affirmation to the outcome of the forum. He said, "Those who master the sharing economy will master the essence of creating a unicorn. This is the best of times for every entrepreneur."

Boris Tadic, Executive Chairman of GLASE and former President of Serbia, also agreed, saying, "Noone could have expected that the future of the sharing economy is now in the hands of China and Chinese enterprises. This will be an advantage that cannot be ignored."

From theory to practice, from vision to model, from the past to the future, Beijing Summit of the Global Sharing Economy Forum generated a more detailed and concrete roadmap of the coming age. Undoubtedly, China will be a mainstay for the globalization of the Great Sharing Economy, and the Global Sharing Economy Forum will rely on the fruits and achievements of the Beijing Summit to go deeper around the world, and help all countries access borderless sharing.

As an international metropolis, Beijing will lead the development direction of the Great Sharing Eocnomy, innovating at the top of the Internet, IoT, AI and other fields. China is in a new period of reform and opening up and will further draw on and accept the successful experiences of other countries while conducting open sharing of its own global resources. The Great Sharing Economy , supported by the resource and market from the super economy of China, will realize leapfrog development, and benefit the world soon.

At last, as for the long-run realization of the vision of Dual Reduction, the exchange of needed goods between businesses, markets and continents will also help increase both resource efficiency and innovation effectiveness for humanity in the next decade.

SOURCE ToJoy Shared Holding Group Co.,Ltd.
Mike Bonte-Friedheim is not your typical eco-warrior. The former Goldman Sachs banker spent Christmas in St Lucia with his family (he offset his carbon emissions, he tells us), drives a BMW and has homes in both London and Majorca.

But his solar energy group, NextEnergy Capital, is one of Europe's biggest investors in solar projects, with $2.3billion (1.8billion) invested  and the City is finally starting to fall in line with his lucrative brand of climate change evangelism by switching investments from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

On the day we meet at Bonte-Friedheim's third-floor Mayfair office, which gave him a ringside view of Extinction Rebellion's latest London protests  'I was tempted to join in', he says  the world's biggest asset manager, BlackRock, said it will no longer actively invest in major coal producers.

Ahead of the curve: The sun is shining on Mike Bonte-Friedheim's energy company which is one of Europe's biggest investors in solar projects

BlackRock's co-founder and chief executive Larry Fink said his 5.7trillion giant will instead increase the money it invests in sustainable firms from 68billion to 760billion.

The billionaire's conversion followed Bank of England governor Mark Carney's warning to City chiefs last month that some of their assets would become 'worthless' unless they woke up to the climate change crisis.

'There will be trillions of dollars invested in solar over the next ten, 20 years,' predicts Bonte-Friedheim, who founded NextEnergy 13 years ago. It's a bold claim, but perhaps more believable after last week. The changing mood now sweeping City circles is clearly music to his ears.

He says the interventions were 'hugely significant'  and not just because a four-degree Centigrade rise in global temperatures would put the Caribbean hotel he stayed at over Christmas 'nine metres under water'.

'It is fundamental that high-profile market participants, such as Larry and Mark, put that message out very clearly. Because to rapidly effect change we need to deploy capital for renewable energy and other carbon reducing investment strategies,' Bonte-Friedheim says.

Scandinavian investors, such as Norwegian pension fund KLP, are 'really pushing' to invest in his group's 90 solar assets while funds in the UK, the US and Europe are 'well behind'.

'To make the climate change crisis clear to financial decision-makers, we need society to say, 'You're managing our pension money, do something',' he adds.

Whatever your views on climate change, the 53-year-old has clearly identified a major opportunity ahead of the curve and staked his career on it.

Mike Bonte-Friedheim, 53: Green rocker Family: Wife Odette, who runs health start-up BabyUp, and two children. Education: The American School in Rome and University of San Diego. Music: Heavy metal band AC/DC featuring Angus Young, below. Angus Young of the Australian band AC/DC Car: BMW X5 hybrid. Energy supplier: Ovo. Favourite film: Sci-fi classic Metropolis. Last holiday: A festive break with 21 family members in the Caribbean. Inspiration: His father Christian, 85, was No.2 at the United Nations food and agriculture division. 'I call him the world's second-biggest farmer,' he says. Charity: NextEnergy Foundation donates 5 per cent of the group's profits to green energy projects.

Bonte-Friedheim was born in Kenya before his family moved to Rome for his German father's job. After completing an MBA he worked on the energy advisory desks at Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs. He launched Next-Energy using savings from his investment banking career.

He says he is now a committed environmentalist who partly powers his West London home by solar panels and Tesla battery storage that charges overnight from the National Grid (his favourite band, he confides, is the aptly-named Australian heavy metal group AC/DC).

'I'm living the strategy,' he beams. That strategy has been to invest in solar energy projects across the UK, Italy and, more recently, the US. The investments are held across three funds that are backed by pension funds and wealth managers, including Fink's very own BlackRock.

Investors in the flagship FTSE 250-listed NextEnergy Solar Fund receive dividends from profits made by selling the electricity generated by the solar assets to suppliers including Shell, EDF Energy and Centrica.

Over the six months to September 30 last year, NextEnergy Solar Fund generated enough electricity to power 134,000 homes, equivalent to Bradford and Bournemouth combined, producing a 6.7 per cent shareholder return.

The costs of building solar plants have reduced by 90% since NextEnergy launched in 2007

Its profits are boosted by taxpayer-funded subsidies. NextEnergy Solar Fund received 45.3million of incentives over the year to March 2019 through Feed-In-Tariffs and Renewable Obligation Certificates.

But the costs of building solar plants have reduced by 90 per cent since NextEnergy launched in 2007. Bonte-Friedheim says his firm's solar projects are now 'financially viable' without subsidies.

Last year, the group opened its first two subsidy-free solar plants, Hall Farm II in Leicestershire and Staughton in Bedfordshire, the UK's largest subsidy-free solar plant.

He says increasing numbers of Britons will lead sustainable lives through switching to renewable energy suppliers, driving electric and hybrid cars and installing electric boilers to heat their homes. 'I call it the electrification of GDP.'

Bonte-Friedheim hopes to double his group's assets under management to $4.6billion in three years, and says revenues will double too.

A recent study by Professor Christian Breyer of Finland's Lappeenranta University predicts solar will generate 69 per cent of global electricity supply by 2050  the Government's deadline for the UK achieving zero carbon emissions.

In the meantime, he wants the Government to 'not put sticks in our spokes' by hampering his firm with regulation.

He says: 'The way I often describe my policy requirements is I just need governments not to impede us  just get out of my way. 'Because economically I can make solar work. I don't need your help, I don't need cash from you. I just need you to make our life easy so we can build as much solar as possible.'
U.S. Military Now Says 11 U.S. Troops Injured In January 8 Iran Attack

By RFE/RL January 17, 2020

The U.S. military says 11 U.S. service members were treated for concussion symptoms following the January 8 Iran missile attack on a base in Iraq, despite earlier remarks by President Donald Trump that "no Americans were harmed" in the incident.

"While no U.S. service members were killed in the January 8 Iranian attack on Ain Al-Asad air base, several were treated for concussion symptoms from the blast and are still being assessed," Captain Bill Urban, spokesman for U.S. Central Command, said in a statement late on January 16.

"In the days following the attack, out of an abundance of caution, some service members were transported from Ain Al-Asad air base," he said, adding that the troops had been sent to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and Camp Arifjan in Kuwait for further tests.

Urban said that "when deemed fit for duty, the service members are expected to return to Iraq following screening."

There were some 1,500 U.S. soldiers at the base at the time of the attack. Most had been huddling in bunkers after being alerted about the incoming missiles.

The comments confirmed reports earlier in The New York Times and the Defense One publication.

Following the attack, Trump said that Iran "appears to be standing down" after the country carried out the ballistic-missile attack on air bases housing U.S. forces in Iraq.

In a January 8 address to the nation, Trump said that "no American or Iraqi lives were lost" in the strikes, "no Americans were harmed," and that the bases suffered "only minimal damage."

U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper echoed those remarks, telling a press briefing on January 8 that "most importantly, no casualties, no friendly causalities, whether they are U.S., coalition, contractor, etcetera" occurred during the attack.

Iran said the missile attacks on the Ain Al-Asad air base and the Harir air base were in retaliation for the killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Major General Qasem Soleimani.

With reporting by Reuters, Defense One, and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/30382294.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.

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During the same time period, several leaders of a separate national womens march group faced accusations of anti-Semitism and infighting, in part over ties to Louis Farrakhan, whose Chicago-based Nation of Islam is considered to be an anti-Semitic hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The more controversial leaders have since stepped down, and the national organization recently established a new board that "consists of leaders from a wide variety of communities, disciplines, ethnicities, religious beliefs, gender identities and experiences, the group said in a news release.
Photo: BC Ferries

BC Ferries' two new Island Class hybrid electric vessels are expected to arrive this weekend.

The ferries are being transported by the Sun Rise heavy carrier. It has been slightly delayed because of poor weather.

The ships will spend several days at Ogden Point while preparations are made to unload and deliver them to Point Hope Maritime, says Tessa Humphries, spokesperson for BC Ferries.

For this to happen, the Sun Rise, a semi-submersible transport ship, will partially submerge, she said.

The new ferries will be floated off and manoeuvred by tugs to Point Hope Maritime, Humphries said.

Point Hope is recommissioning the ships, which includes various work before BC Ferries takes ownership of the vessels.

Built by Damen Shipyards Group in Romania, the Sun Rise left that country in late November, passing through the Panama Canal on its way here.

The Island Class ferries will be deployed on the Powell River-Texada Island and Port McNeill-Alert Bay-Sointula routes by mid year.
There were renewed hopes that the long awaited Narrow Water Bridge linking the two sides of Carlingford Lough, might still be built.

This follows the inclusion of the project, which to date has cost Louth County Council 2million, in the 'New Decade, New Approach' agreement which marks the restoration of the power-sharing executive at Stormont.

Sinn Fein TD Gerry Adams welcomed the commitment from the British government to provide additional financial support for infrastructure projects, including Narrow Water Bridge.

'For this project to succeed the Irish government has to invest directly in the construction of the bridge and to work with the Executive in the North, Louth County Council and the British government to ensure that the long held vision of a bridge at Narrow Water is turned into a reality,' he said.

Cllr Ruairi O Murchu said 'Louth County Council has long supported a bridge at Narrow Water which is 'a vital piece of infrastructure for the whole of the Mourne, Gullion and Cooley region'.

'We now need, on the back of this Agreement, the Irish government to work closely with Louth County Council and other stakeholders in advancing the construction of the Narrow Water Bridge.'

Cllr Antoin Watters said that since elected he had 'worked to ensure the Narrow Water Bridge project has been kept on the agenda and remains a shovel ready project. Back in 2018 when the planning permission was scheduled to lapse I had to keep pressure on both Louth County Council and also Newry, Mourne and Down Council to ensure this did not happen and that the necessary works were carried out. Louth County Council had already spent 2 million on the project so I was very sure I wasn't going to let them write that off.'

Cllr Erin McGreehan also welcomed the news saying, 'This bridge could see communities brought closer together and creating many tourism & economic opportunities; making our north east border region an even better place to live.'
Farmers have raised concerns after new figures show a record high in the number of cattle slaughtered in Wales due to bovine TB.

According to recent data, the number of cattle slaughtered in the 12 months to October 2019 was 12,742 - the highest number on record.

Whilst data reveals a 12% fall in new herd incidents, the number of cattle slaughtered over the same period was 24% higher than the previous year.

The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) said while there has been improvement in some areas, slaughter figures remain 'unsustainably high'.

Just 917 cattle were culled in 1996 due to this disease, the union's president, Glyn Roberts explained.

It is a sad and disturbing fact that the Welsh cattle sector has now become somewhat used to cattle slaughterings reaching the many thousands each year.

Mr Roberts added that losing TB-free status is devastating to farming families and their businesses.

The loss of precious stock and the restrictions on a farm business can be incredibly destructive.

It is extremely distressing for our members who have worked hard to gain TB-free status, only to lose it again in the subsequent years, he said.

A TB breakdown is not only financially crippling for the farm, but also impacts more widely as struggling farm businesses are less able to contribute to both the local economy and further afield.

High sensitivity testing, such as gamma testing and the removal of inconclusive reactors at severe interpretation, is blamed for some of this rise.

However, Mr Roberts said this will be of little comfort to Welsh farmers, many of whom have seen a huge number of cattle removed from their farm.

Farmers have frequently stressed the need for a review into the country's current bTB policy amid frustration that little is being done to address the disease reservoir in wildlife.

Despite evidence on the contribution of wildlife control to TB eradication in some places, the Welsh government's current programme focuses almost entirely on cattle controls.

The FUW said it continues to highlight farmers' concerns regarding the implementation of measures such as high sensitivity testing without measures to tackle the disease in wildlife.

The number of cattle herds registered in Wales has declined by 43 per cent since 1996, Mr Roberts added.

Bovine TB is one of the most serious issues facing Welsh cattle farmers and a more holistic approach, which seriously tackles the wildlife reservoir, is required urgently.
A Fiat logo is pictured during the Brussels Motor Show in Brussels, Belgium, on Jan. 9, 2020. (Kenzo Tribouillard / AFP via Getty Images)

Fiat Chrysler in Talks With Foxconn to Develop Electric Cars

Fiat Chrysler is in talks with the Taiwanese company Foxconn to develop and manufacture battery-powered vehicles, the U.S.-Italian automaker said on Jan.17.

Fiat Chrysler is in the process of merging with Frances PSA Peugeot, which is 12 percent owned by Chinese company Dongfeng Motor Co. Both Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot have lagged in developing electric powertrains and also have been struggling to increase sales in China, the worlds biggest auto market.

It was unclear what impact Fiat Chryslers proposed joint venture with Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd., would have on the broader merger, due to be completed in the next year or so.

If a deal with Foxconn is reached, a joint venture will focus first on China, the biggest market for electric cars with 1.2 million vehicles sold last yearhalf the global total.

The proposed cooperation  would enable the parties to bring together the engineering and manufacturing and mobile software technology to focus on the growing battery electric vehicle market, Fiat Chrysler said in a statement.

Talks were aimed at reaching a binding agreement in the next few months, the company said.

Automakers around the world have announced a series of electric vehicle partnerships to share the soaring cost of technology development.

Companies including General Motors Co. and Toyota Motor Co. have electric vehicle joint ventures with Chinese partners to take advantage of their experience at making low-cost vehicles.

The Chinese government has a credit-based system that encourages automakers to sell electric vehicles, leading to a proliferation of brands. But industry analysts expect high development costs to drive many of them to merge.

The trend has led to a complicated mix of ties among competitors.

Daimler AGs Mercedes Benz has electric vehicle joint ventures with both BYD Auto, one of the biggest global makers of battery-powered vehicles, and rival Geely Holding, which is best known abroad as the owner of Swedens Volvo Cars. Geely also has two separate electric brands, Geometry, and Volvos Polestar.

Beyond its stake in PSA Peugeot, Dongfeng also has joint ventures with Nissan Motor Co., Kia Motor Co., and Groupe Renault, all of whose product lineups include electric models.
Oregons busiest courthouse is gearing up for arguably its most-watched case in modern history: the trial of Jeremy Christian, accused of murder for stabbing two strangers on a packed MAX train.

The brutality and circumstances of the attack drew international condemnation. Witnesses said Christian first unleashed a racist, xenophobic diatribe against two teenagers, one a Somali immigrant who was wearing a hijab and the other African American, then attacked passengers who stood up for them.

Christians trial begins Tuesday with a week of jury selection, then an expected five weeks of testimony, argument and deliberations in Multnomah County Circuit Court in downtown Portland.

A crowd of onlookers saw the confrontation unfold. Video footage from cellphones and the TriMet surveillance cameras captured it in grim detail.

No one -- not even Christians defense team -- disputes that he killed Ricky Best, 53, and Taliesin Namkai-Meche, 23, and seriously injured Micah Fletcher, then 21, on May 26, 2017.

But at stake during the trial is whether Christian, 37, should be held responsible, and if so, for what crimes. His charges include first-degree murder, attempted murder and the hate crime of intimidation.

The Oregonian/OregonLive talked to a handful of local lawyers following the case about what to expect. Court records and almost a dozen hearings over the past nearly three years also offer insight into the legal issues at play.

(Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian)

What does Christian have to gain (or lose) by going to trial?

State lawmakers last year passed Senate Bill 1013, which significantly curtailed who can face the death penalty in Oregon. In the past, killing two people at the same time was enough to spur aggravated murder charges, but now that act alone isnt enough.

Critics argue the new law eliminated any incentive Christian had to work out a plea agreement and spare the victims families the ordeal of an emotional trial.

Now that Christian is charged with first-degree murder, and not aggravated murder, the most severe sentence he can receive is life in prison without the possibility of getting out.

By going to trial, Christian could be clinging to the hope that he will be acquitted.

Although the likelihood of jurors finding Christian not guilty is extraordinarily slim, legal experts say, his best chance of prevailing might be claiming self-defense.

On top of that, his lawyers could contend Christian had a diminished mental capacity and was unable to fully assess what was happening because of underdeveloped social skills or because his previous prison time left him on constant guard against threats.

(Multnomah County Sheriff's Office)

What other defenses could Christians lawyers present to the jury?

Defense attorneys Greg Scholl and Dean Smith have notified the judge that they also might argue that Christian is guilty except for insanity.

This would likely be unpopular with Christian because it brands him as someone with a serious mental illness, a blow to his self-image as a public provocateur, and because it also could send him to the state psychiatric hospital for the rest of his life.

Defense lawyers also have reserved the right to argue Christian was suffering from an extreme emotional disturbance -- that he was so overcome by emotion at the time of the stabbings that he couldnt control himself.

But this defense is traditionally reserved for different scenarios, such as a defendant who caught an unfaithful spouse in the act and killed the cheater in a rage.

If jurors found Christian was suffering such a disturbance, he would be convicted of first-degree manslaughter and receive a 10-year sentence.

Prosecutors, though, contend that Oregon law doesnt allow him to use this defense in a first-degree murder case, rather only a second-degree murder case.

Jeremy Christian flashed this 'Don't Tread On Me' sticker or sign during a pre-trial hearing on Nov. 15, 2017. Christian appeared to be directing his attention toward Micah Fletcher, who was seated in the courtroom gallery. (Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian)

If Christians chance of an acquittal appears minuscule, why is he going to trial?

One can only speculate. Christian might want the attention a trial will bring.

He has long sought out an audience -- on Facebook in the months before the stabbings as he expressed his hate for circumcision and for Hillary Clinton and when he attended a march a month before the stabbings and was seen casting Nazi salutes and heard shouting Die Muslims!

In the moments leading up to the stabbings, prosecutors said he shouted at the two teenage girls: Go home, we need American here! and Free speech or die!

Christian also might want a trial to combat the predominant public narrative that has grown out of witness descriptions of his actions: that he holds a pronounced bias against people of different races, religions and national origins, that he was berating the 16- and 17-year-old girls when bystanders stepped in and that he responded with lethal force to the men who tried to intervene.

Is there truth to that? Is the publics understanding of what happened not quite accurate?

That remains to be seen. The public, through media reports, has heard bits and pieces of evidence, but not the complete story.

Surveillance and cellphone videos have never been publicly aired and not all witnesses have been heard from. It remains to be seen exactly what interactions Best, Namkai-Meche and Fletcher had with Christian.

Read a timeline of the attacks here.

Ricky Best's family -- his widow and their four children -- are pictured here at his burial service. (Dave Killen/The Oregonian)

Will Christian testify?

This is unknown. The defense hasnt publicly released its witness lists yet.

Christian might not be able to pass up the chance to convince 12 jurors that hes innocent by giving his firsthand account.

But Christians testimony might only end up hurting him. If his previous courtroom outbursts are any indication, he could come across as angry and aggressive. Christian has screamed Im the victim! and yelled that a witness was a liar and that Fletcher was at fault.

If Christian takes the stand, prosecutors also will be allowed to question him about his 2002 conviction for the armed robbery of a Portland convenience store, ending with a police officer shooting him in the face and a 7 -year prison sentence.

In the end, its Christians right to testify even if his lawyers strenuously advise him against it.

What if Christian starts shouting during trial?

For most pretrial hearings, Christian has appeared calm and remained silent, except to occasionally whisper a few words to his lawyers.

The last time he made a scene was at a hearing last April as the judge listened to comments from Demetria Hester, an African American woman who has said Christian threw a Gatorade bottle at her face the day before he fatally stabbed the men on the train.

Christian repeatedly pointed his finger at Hester and yelled, Liar, liar, liar! Judge Cheryl Albrecht told him to be quiet or hed be removed. Christian kept going, and deputies swept him away in handcuffs. The hearing continued.

Christian has a right to be present at trial and face his accusers. If he becomes disruptive, the judge could warn him and, if the bad behavior continues, order him to watch the trial from another room via a video feed.

(Maxine Bernstein/The Oregonian)

Who else will testify at trial?

There will be the medical examiner, police officers, the teenage girls and many other witnesses from the train, including passengers who offered CPR or comfort to the dying men.

Among them is Rachel Macy, who described to The Oregonian/OregonLive how she held Namkai-Meches hand and told him, The world is so cruel. Youre a beautiful man.

Namkai-Meches aunt, who was talking on the phone with him just before he was fatally wounded, also is expected to take the stand.

Prosecutors will ask Demetria Hester to describe her encounter with Christian from the night before. Hester reported to Portland police that less than 24 hours before the fatal stabbings Christian said he wanted to kill all Muslims, blacks, Jews and injured her eye with the Gatorade bottle at the Rose Quarter MAX station.

Its conceivable that Christians parents also could testify, but an attorney representing their interests didnt respond to a request for information from The Oregonian/OregonLive. Their testimony might support the theory that Christian has struggled throughout his life to properly size up situations.

Theres no doubt psychological experts for the defense and the prosecution will testify, with opposing theories about what motivated Christian.

Defense experts might support the argument that Christian felt threatened and has an altered perception of events because of social deficits. Prosecution experts are likely to support the states theory that Christian was angry, violent and intent on killing someone.

(Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian)

What about Micah Fletcher?

Fletcher, now 24, will be a key witness. Christian stabbed him in the neck. The wound was millimeters away from his jugular and required surgery to repair the damage and remove bone fragments from his throat, his girlfriend said at the time.

Defense attorneys are expected to pick apart and criticize Fletchers every move on the train that day.

In court papers and a November 2017 hearing, they suggested Fletcher was an aggressor -- saying he traveled some distance past other passengers to confront Christian, shook his finger at Christian and took a fighting stance.

The video clearly shows from multiple angles that Mr. Christian was thrown into seats before he started stabbing, the defense team wrote in court papers.

According to the defense team, one witness also reported that Namkai-Meche was recording video of Christian on his cellphone and allegedly told Christian, Youre going to be an internet sensation.

(Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian)

What do prosecutors say Fletcher did?

According to a November 2017 memo filed by the prosecution:

Christian first pushed Fletcher and Namkai-Meche in their chests and Fletcher responded by pulling Christian backward, causing Christian to stumble into some seats.

Christian got up and Fletcher shoved him. Video then shows Christian pulling out a folding knife and exclaiming Go on! Hit me again!

Fletcher then pushed Christian, and Christian stabbed Fletcher and then stabbed Namkai-Meche. Best got up and Christian stabbed him, too.

Eleven stabs in 11 seconds, Portland police Detective Michele Michaels testified at a hearing.

Det. Michele Michaels testified in a Nov. 2017 pre-trial hearing about the evidence against Jeremy Christian. (Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian)

Do Fletchers actions provide Christian an out?

No matter what blame the defense tries to place on Fletcher, prosecutors Jeff Howes and Don Rees likely will argue that Christians reaction to Fletcher was vastly disproportionate and clearly unjustified.

Prosecutors have said that Christian over and over again expressed his intent to hurt others, starting the night before when he said he wanted to kill or stab someone, including the operator of the MAX train he was on at the time.

The next day, moments before the killings, he spoke of decapitating heads, according to one witness.

Police also said after Christian fled the scene and officers caught up to him, he exclaimed, I hope everyone I stabbed died.

Asha Deliverance, mother of Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche, is comforted by friends and family during a celebration of life ceremony for Taliesin at Lithia Park on June 7, 2017, in Ashland. (Jamie Lusch/Mail Tribune)

Whats in the videos?

One of the very unusual and wrenching aspects about this case is that two people were graphically caught on video at the moment of their deaths. There is audio on the cellphone videos, so at least some of what was said between Christian and others can be heard.

The videos will play a central role in both the prosecution and defense arguments. What remains to be seen: Who will see them?

Judge Cheryl Albrecht could be asked to decide whether the sections of the videos where the men lie dying will be played in full view of the entire courtroom or just be shown to jurors, alongside Christian and the lawyers.

What charges does Christian face in the 15-count indictment?

The two counts of first-degree murder are the most serious.

Hes also charged with attempted first-degree murder for the injuries to Fletcher and second-degree intimidation for allegedly targeting the two teens or Hester because of his perceptions of their races, religions or national origins. Intimidation is a hate crime in Oregon.

In addition, hes charged with unlawful use of a weapon, menacing and assault.

If he is found guilty of all counts, the judge could sentence Christian to life in prison with a 30-year minimum.

Or she could sentence him to consecutive terms for both murder counts -- to life in prison with a 60-year minimum, plus more time for the attempted murder and other charges.

That would effectively imprison Christian, who was 35 at the time of the stabbings, for the rest of his life.

The new first-degree murder law also allows the judge to sentence Christian to life in prison with no possibility of release, but some critics of the law question whether such a move would stand up to an appeal based on current case law.

In the days after the stabbings, the public created a memorial of chalk messages at the Hollywood Transit Center in Northeast Portland, the site of the attacks. (Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian)

How is the court preparing for trial?

Earlier this month, 682 prospective jurors showed up on one day to answer a questionnaire about themselves for the case. The line stretched around all sides of the courthouse block.

Court officials say its not uncommon to summon such a large number for a trial of this length. Defense attorneys also have said theyre concerned that many residents already have formed an opinion about Christian and that theyll have trouble selecting an unbiased jury.

The attack stunned the city and state. In the weeks afterward, community leaders mourned the loss of Best and Namkai-Meche and described the violence as a racist rampage unlike anything Portland had seen before.

"What happened  is a crime of hate, and it is unacceptable in our Oregon,'' Gov. Kate Brown said the next day. "I implore Oregonians to come together at this time.''

Under that backdrop, lawyers starting Tuesday will start calling back a select few of the 682 to interview them and then pick 14 for trial. Thats 12 who will sit on the jury and two alternates.

Opening statements are expected to begin the following Tuesday, Jan. 28.

Keep up with key trial events and takeaways by signing up for The Oregonian/OregonLives Jeremy Christian trial newsletter at oregonlive.com/newsletters.

-- Aimee Green

agreen@oregonian.com

o_aimee

Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox.
According to Politico, the bombshells keep falling in the impeachment farce, this time courtesy of the indicted Lev Parnas. Bombshells keep falling on my head/And just like the guy whose feet are too big for his bed/Nothing seems to fit.

How come all the things that Parnas asserts had to happen didnt have to happen before the aid flowed? Oh, well. What we seem to have here, beginning with the foul Russia hoax, is impeachment forever. This episode brings us more of the same, but less. Mollie Hemingway notes the template (below).

If you realize media/Democrats' impeachment campaign is just like their Kavanaugh smear campaign, you see (delayed) deployment of Lev Parnas is like deployment of Chrissy Blasey Ford  except that in using Parnas, they went straight to the Julie Swetnick phase of the operation.  Mollie (@MZHemingway) January 17, 2020

The media are on Parnassus with Parnas, but there seems to be a fly in the ointment.

Democrat Adam Schiff loves to spread virtually any conspiracy theory or hoax about President Trump. There is almost no gutter accusation he won't run with. So it's really quite telling that when he was asked point blank if Lev Parnas is credible, he refused to answer. pic.twitter.com/4lv0zbwaKV  Matt Wolking (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@MattWolking) January 16, 2020

Steve Bannon et al. have been following the story on their War Room: Impeachment series. They draw attention to the interview on CNN International with Ukraine foreign minister Vadym Prystaiko, who effectively cleared President Trump of any wrongdoing and further implicated the Democrats in a sham impeachment process. They add: CNN barely mentioned the interview again after it first aired. Surprise, surprise! You can still watch it below, however, with Mr. Prystaikos choice comments about the Democrats new favorite grifter: Lev Parnas!

Raheem Kassam and Jason Miller discuss the interview in Episode 118 of the War Room series.

Quotable quote (CNN Internationals Christiane Amanpour speaking to Prystaiko): I understand that you have your position, and it definitely differs from a lot of what were hearing from the American side.
HASAN ALIZADEH started as a short-story writer, but since the early 1990s has written mostly poetry. His two volumes, Diary of House Arrest (Ruznama-yi tabid, 2003) and Blue Bicycle (Ducharkha-yi abi, 2015), are distinguished in modern Persian poetry by their lyricism and colloquialism.



LIAM ANDREWS grew up in Northern Labrador and in Northern Ontario. He recently completed a BA in English and Economics at McMaster University, and spends most of his free time reading, playing music, or sitting around with his cat.



DOMINIQUE BECHARD is the author of the poetry collection One Dog Town (2019). Born in Northern Ontario, she is now living and studying in Fredericton, NB.



MELANIE BOYDs home is in southwest Saskatchewan, in the valley of the Frenchman River. She also lives in Calgary, AB, where she works as an academic librarian. Her poems appear in Canadian literary journals. She is owner of Wobibi Press.



NEIL BOYD is a professor in the School of Criminology at Simon Fraser University and the author of five nonfiction books and two textbooks.



JULIA BRUSH is a current PhD student in English at the University of Connecticut studying contemporary transnational poetry, queer theory, and translation. Her poetry appears in 2 Bridges Review, Nightjar Review, and elsewhere, her audio poetry in the first volume of Directed Dreaming.



FRANCO CORTESE is an experimental poet living in Thorold, ON. His work was longlisted for the 2019 CBC Poetry Prize and has appeared in Canadian Literature, The Capilano Review, filling Station, ditch, and in the anthology Concrete & Constraint (2018).



SANDRA DE GROOT is an interdiciplinary artist living in Groningen, where she is currently creating a collection of textile | knots, exploring craft, technique, and strategy in both cultural and architectural ways. Sandra executes her own designs, knotting each sculpture by hand. atelierchaos.com



SHERINE ELBANHAWY is an MFA candidate in Creative Writing at UBC, and founder of Rowayat, a literary magazine showcasing Egyptian writers. She writes nonfiction, and fiction for adults and children.



JOEL ROBERT FERGUSON divides his time between Winnipeg and Montreal, where he is a graduate student at Concordia University. His work has appeared in ARC, CV2, Grain, The Honest Ulsterman, Prairie Fire, and Southword Journal. The Lost Cafeteria, his debut collection of poetry, is forthcoming from Signature Editions.



KYLE FLEMMER is an author and cat-dad from Calgary, AB, the current Managing Editor of filling Station, and founder of The Blasted Tree Publishing Co.



JON GINGERICH is a fiction instructor at the Gotham Writers Workshop in New York. His fiction has been published in Pleiades, Grist, Stand Magazine, Helix Magazine, and Oyez Review.



REBECCA RUTH GOULD is the author of the poetry collection Cityscapes (2019) and the award-winning monograph Writers and Rebels (2016). She has translated many books from Persian and Georgian, including After Tomorrow the Days Disappear: Ghazals and Other Poems of Hasan Sijzi of Delhi (2016) and The Death of Bagrat Zakharych and Other Stories by Vazha-Pshavela (2019).



ROBERT HILLES lives in Nanaimo, BC and has won the Governor Generals Award for Poetry for Cantos from a Small Room. He has published seventeen books of poetry and his latest is Shimmer. His novel Dont Hang Your Soul on That will be published in 2021.



SHERRY JOHNSON is the author of two books of poetry and has published poems in such magazines as The Fiddlehead, Grain, Canadian Literature, Exile, and ARC. She has also published many articles on film.



KATE KENNEDY is a poet, reviewer, and editor. Her work has been published in The Fiddlehead, The Malahat Review, PRISM international, Room, and The Antigonish Review. She lives in Victoria, BC, where she works as the editorial coordinator at TouchWood Editions.



JESSE LEE KERCHEVALs translations include The Invisible Bridge: Selected Poems of Circe Maia, Fable of an Inconsolable Man by Javier Etchevarren, and Reborn in Ink by Laura Cesarco Eglin, co-translated with Catherine Jagoe. She is the Zona Gale Professor of English at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.



CONOR KERR is a Metis writer living in Edmonton. A descendant of generations of storytellers, he is working on an MFA in Creative Writing from UBC and works in NorQuest Colleges Indigenous Student Centre.



JEFF KOCHAN is from Alberta. His work has appeared in Broken Pencil, EVENT, Exile, filling Station, PRISM international, The Antigonish Review, The Windsor Review, and a few other places.



JOSEPH LABINE is a poet and critic. He was awarded the 2018 Marie Tremaine Fellowship from the Bibliographic Society of Canada and holds a SSHRC doctoral fellowship as a PhD candidate at the University of Ottawa. He is the managing editor of Flat Singles Press and lives in Yellowknife, NT.



ANGELIQUE LALONDEs mother is Metis and her father Quebecois. She lives on Gitxsan Territory. Angelique holds a PhD in Anthropology and is the recipient of the 2019 Journey Prize. Her work has been published in PRISM international and the Journey Prize Anthology, and is forthcoming in Prairie Fire and Room.



DAWN LO is a Hong Kong-Canadian writer currently based in Singapore. She holds an MA in Creative Writing from Lasalle College of the Arts. Her work has appeared in Chantwood Magazine, The Merrimack Review, and Queen Mobs Teahouse.



JEANETTE LYNESs most recent novel, The Small Things That End the World, won the Muslims for Peace and Justice Fiction Award at the 2019 Saskatchewan Book Awards. Her most recent book of poetry, Bedlam Cowslip: The John Clare Poems, won the 2015 Saskatchewan Arts Board Poetry Award. Jeanette directs the MFA in Writing at the University of Saskatchewan.



IAN MACLEAN resides in Calgary, AB. His writing has appeared in the Literary Review of Canada. In 2019, he was a finalist for the PEN Canada/RBC New Voices Award.



KURT MARTI (19212017) was one of Switzerlands most beloved poets, celebrated especially for his transposition of Bernese Swiss German, an oral language, into written literary poetry. He has received the Swiss Schiller Foundation Prize (1967, 1986, 2011) and the Kurt Tucholsky Prize for Literary Journalism (1997).



CARA-LYN MORGAN lives and works in the Toronto area. She is the author of two books of poetry: What Became My Grieving Ceremony and Cartograph.



CAROLYN NAKAGAWA is a poet and playwright whose work has appeared in Poetry is Dead, TNQ, and CAROUSEL, as well as The Malahat Review. She is a fourth-generation Japanese Canadian and third-generation Vancouverite.



EMEKA PATRICK NOME is a student at the University of Benin, Nigeria. His works are published or forthcoming in POETRY, Poet Lore, Beloit Poetry Journal, and elsewhere. His manuscript We Need New Moses. Or New Luther King was a finalist for the 2018 Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets.



TATIANA ORONO is an Uruguayan poet and critic and author of nine books, including Libro de horas (2017) and Estuario (2015).



SUPHIL LEE PARK was born and grew up in South Korea. She holds a BA in English from NYU and an MFA in Poetry from the University of Texas at Austin. Her work has appeared or is forthcoming in Colorado Review, jubilat, Notre Dame Review, and Sugar House Review.



BARBARA COLEBROOK PEACE is the author of two poetry books, Kyrie and Duet for Wings and Earth, and the co-editor of P.K. Page: Essays on Her Works. She lives in Victoria, BC.



SEHRISH RANJHA divides her time between Los Angeles and Lahore, Pakistan. She has a BA in Liberal Arts from Sarah Lawrence College. Her fiction has appeared or is forthcoming in West Branch, New Moons: Contemporary Writing by North American Muslims Anthology, and elsewhere.



KULBIR SARAN is from Surrey, BC. His poetry has appeared or is forthcoming in Spillway, Vallum, Abstract Magazine, Rhino Poetry, Eunoia Review, Isthmus Review, Carousel Magazine, and Dime Show Review.



BARDIA SINAEE is a poet living in Toronto. His first collection is forthcoming from Anansi in 2021.



KAYVAN TAHMASEBIAN is a poet, translator, and literary critic. He is the author of the poetry collection Lecture on Fear and Other Poems (2019). With Rebecca Ruth Gould, he is co-translator of High Tide of the Eyes: Poems by Bijan Elahi (2019).



SARAH YI-MEI TSIANGis the author of ten books. Status Update (2013) was nominated for the Pat Lowther Award and Sweet Devilry (2011) won the Gerald Lampert Award. She currently teaches poetry through UBCs optional residency MFA program.



BERNADETTE WHITE is the author of Everybody Changes after High School, Antigonish Review (2015). She lives in Cambridge, ON.



PATRICIA YOUNGs most recent collection, Amateurs at Love, was published with Goose Lane Editions. She lives in Victoria, BC.
Democrats adored the Government Accountability Office press release reporting that Trump broke the law when he failed immediately to disburse the funds Congress had allocated to Ukraine. It didn't matter that the GAO was in such a hurry to get the word out that it didn't have an opinion prepared. What mattered was to smear Trump as quickly as possible. Here, said Democrats in Congress and the media, was more proof that Trump must be impeached.

Fortunately, sensible conservatives have learned to wait before panicking. Within hours, Joel Pollak was able to detail the seven times the GAO tagged President Obama for breaking federal laws without any repercussions:

Nevertheless, if a mere GAO finding is sufficient to justify impeachment, then President Barack Obama ought to have been impeached at least seven times over for each of the following cases in which the GAO found that the Obama administration had violated federal law. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and United States Secret Service (USSS) were found to have violated section 503 of the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, and the Antideficiency Act, in 2009 after the Secret Service reported that it had overspent on candidate protection in 2008 by $5,100,000, and used money from another program to cover the shortfall. DHS failed to notify Congress 15 days in advance of the "reprogramming."

The Department of the Treasury was found to have violated the Antideficiency Act in 2014 when it used the voluntary services of four individuals. "Treasury did not appoint any of the individuals to federal employment, nor did any individual qualify as a student who may, under certain circumstances, perform voluntary service," the GAO found, adding that there was no emergency that might have justified using the individuals to perform several months of work without receiving pay.

The Department of Defense was found to have violated the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2014 and the Antideficiency Act in the infamous Bowe Bergdahl swap, when President Barack Obama traded five high-level Taliban detainees for a U.S. Army deserter. The administration transferred the five Taliban from Guantanamo Bay without notifying relevant congressional committees 30 days in advance, as required by law. Republicans complained; Democrats were silent.

(You can see the other four violations here.)

It's also entirely possible that the GAO's anti-Trump animus led it into making a legal error.

The money for Ukraine was part of Public Law 116-6, which Trump signed in February 2019. The law does not state deadlines for releasing some or all of the funds. It says only that the funds must be disbursed before the end of the fiscal year. Trump released them in September 2019, long before the fiscal year ended.

The Impoundment Control Act of 1974 ("ICA"), which the GAO cites to support its eventual decision, states a procedure if the President will hold onto the funds after the fiscal year ends. However, the ICA's language does not require the president to release the funds at a specific point before the fiscal year ends. Nor is there any language stating that the president must notify Congress if he merely considers taking advantage of the procedure to delay disbursing funds until after the fiscal year ends.

The GAO also errs when it claims that the ICA does not allow temporary holds on funds during the fiscal year for "policy reasons." That's not in the ICA, and 2 USC 683 states the opposite (emphasis added):

Whenever the President determines that all or part of any budget authority will not be required to carry out the full objectives or scope of programs for which it is provided or that such budget authority should be rescinded for fiscal policy or other reasons.

In other words, it appears that the GAO cherry-picked legislative history to add restrictions that are not in the statute's plain text, which is a no-no in statutory interpretation. Moreover, David Rivkin points out that presidents have often used foreign policy decisions (which are part of their constitutional purview) to determine how to disburse foreign aid:

Thomas Jefferson impounded funds appropriated for gunboat purchases, Dwight Eisenhower impounded funds for antiballistic-missile production, John F. Kennedy impounded money for the B-70 bomber, and Richard Nixon impounded billions for highways and urban programs. Congress attempted to curtail this power with the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, but it authorizes the president to defer spending until the expiration of the fiscal year or until budgetary authority lapses, neither of which had occurred in the Ukraine case.

The GAO is apparently so busy policing Donald Trump that it failed to police itself.

UPDATE: Alan Dershowitz agrees that the GAO is wrong. He focuses solely on the constitutional, rather than the statutory, reasons:
Kerala cop under scanner for sharing info of RSS, BJP workers with right wing Muslim groups

Attempt to defame: RSS on circulation of new constitution

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Nagpur, Jan 18: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) stated here that it had nothing to do with the document circulating on social media titled 'new constitution' with a picture of Sangh supremo Mohan Bhagwat on it.

The Sangh has full faith in the Constitution of India and it had not proposed any new constitution, it said.

It was an attempt to defame the organization, said RSS leader Shreedhar Gadge here.

A 15-page PDF document with the title "Naya Bhartiya Sanvidhan" and Bhagwat's photo on the cover was being circulated on social media, he said.

"No such book has been published by the RSS or the RSS chief. That PDF contains condemnable content, the Sangh has nothing to do with it," he said.

Indira Jaising to Nirbhaya's mother: Pardon convicts just like Sonia Gandhi|Oneindia News

JNU attack was planned, RSS-affiliated profs were promoting violence: JNUSU president

"The Sangh has full faith in the Constitution of India and it has not proposed any such new constitution," he added.

The RSS had lodged a complaint about this with the Kotwali police station here, he said.

"This is being done to defame the RSS and RSS chief. We do not know who is behind this, so we have filed a police complaint," he said.
NEW DELHI/SRINAGAR: As part of the government's massive outreach programme, a delegation of Union Ministers will visit Jammu and Kashmir starting from Saturday. Ahead of their J&K visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told them on Friday to spread the message of development among the people not only in the urban areas but also in the villages of the Kashmir Valley.

According to sources, the PM said this during a crucial meeting of his Council of Ministers in the national capital on Friday evening. The PM also reportedly asked them to make the people of J&K aware of various central government schemes which will benefit them at the grass-roots level.

The PM, according to sources, directed the ministers not to restrict themselves to the urban areas but meet people in villages also to inform about the developmental work carried out by the central government in Jammu and Kashmir.

Live TV

A delegation of 36 Union Ministers from the Narendra Modi-led NDA government will visit Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution and the subsequent bifurcation of the erstwhile state into a Union Territory.

Consisting of both Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State (MoS), the team will directly address the people of J&K to get a measure of the current situation.

The delegation of Union Ministers include Smriti Irani (Minister of Women and Child Development), Dr Jitendra Singh (MoS for Development of North Eastern Region), Anurag Singh Thakur (MoS for Finance), Ravi Shankar Prasad (Union Minister of Law and Justice, Communications and Electronics and Information Technology), General VK Singh (MoS for Road Transport and Highways), Kiren Rijiju (MoS for Youth Affairs and Sports), Hardeep Singh Puri (MoS for Civil Aviation), Ramesh Pokhiryal (Union Minister of Human Resource Development) and several others.
A professor of the Osmania University here was arrested on Saturday for suspected links with the Maoists, police said.

Associate Professor of Telugu department, C Kasim was allegedly involved in a case registered under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act among other sections in Mulugu Police station in 2015.

"That case is under investigation and we collected the material evidences also. Recently some inputs have also been received," Siddipet police Commissioner D Joel Davis told PTI.

"We obtained a search warrant and conducted searches at his residence in the early morning.

We seized certain documents and some electronic evidence," the police official said.

He further said the police have the incriminating information that the OU faculty is in continuous touch with Maoists party leaders.

Kasim is allegedly working as an organiser of "united front vertical" of Maoists for Telangana state.

"He is the coordinator for funding and other things," the official said adding Kasim will be produced in a local court in Gajwel on Saturday.

Reacting to the arrest, CPI senior leader Narayana alleged that the government was deliberately harassing intellectuals under the pretext of having Maoist links and foisting false cases.

Last year K Jagan, an assistant professor of the OU and a member of Viplava Rachayitala Sangham (Virasam), was picked up from his residence here by a police team from Jogulamba Gadwal district for his suspected links with the Maoists.

In 2018, Virasam leader and renowned Telugu poet P Varavara Rao was arrested by Maharashtra Police in Bhima Koregaon case.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Former minister of aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode has warned the Miyetti Allah group over its continued pronouncements on the establishment of the Amotekun security outfit in the South West.

The Miyetti Allah group urged the federal government to arrest any Yoruba leader expressing support for the proscribed group.

Also Read: President Buhari Is Calling For War, Fani-Kayode Says

Reacting to the statement from the group, the former minister expressed that Yoruba leaders are not afraid of the consequences that comes with supporting the Amotekun operation.

The former minister expressed that with the way things are going, there will be clash between the Southern Nigeria and the Muslim North except they all go their separate ways.

See his tweets below:
Mr. Tuckwell almost never misses a note, the music critic Winthrop Sargeant wrote in the New Yorker magazine in 1977. His agility might be compared to that of a coloratura soprano. His tone is rich, and variously colored and shaded. His legato exhibits a singing line and a faultless feeling for accent and phrasing. His staccato attacks, made with the help of the tongue, are firm, and where desired remarkably rapid, and his articulation has enormous variety.
New Delhi [India], Jan 18 (ANI): A group of Pakistani refugees on Saturday visited the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters here to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the party's working president JP Nadda for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).



The refugees, who live in Haryana and Delhi, walked from Central Delhi's Jantar Mantar to the BJP headquarters to express gratitude to the leaders for the amendments to the Citizenship Law.

The legislation grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

In December, last year, a group of refugees from Afghanistan had met Nadda at the BJP headquarters.

Nadda had assured them that the Centre would make all possible efforts to speed up the process of granting them citizenship and will also set up help desks near refugee camps in the near future. (ANI)
Theres an incessant pace to running a household. Kids need to get dressed. Garbage has to be on the curb, and bills have to get paid. But the work never stops. Often, complaining ramps up, and downtime and personal space essentially disappear. At a certain point, it can become too much and you decide to create your own space by pulling away. Men are more prone to withdrawing from their partner. But why do men pull away?

Sometimes, the retreat is done in anger for any number of possibilities. You feel like youre constantly being critiqued. You feel as if your opinion isnt valued. You feel like an understudy. Politeness has been replaced by snappy comebacks and bickering. It doesnt make anyone want to engage. I dont know anyone who likes to be browbeaten, says Lesli Doares, licensed marriage and family therapist outside Raleigh, North Carolina and creator of the Hero Husband Project.

But its not all white-level heat. Robin Barry is an associate professor of psychology at University of Wyoming and studies romantic relationships. Shes found that men pull away because of stress, exhaustion, depression, or focusing on any other responsibility besides the relationship. What might have started as hostility is now just resignation. You can teach yourself not to care, she says. Were just not trying anymore.

What Barry found in her research is the mere act of avoidance affects the relationship. Youre not spending the same time with your partner  far from it  and, because of that, you miss out on any positives that might change the dynamic. Its hard to get unstuck. Our responses become habitual, she says. Theres short-term relief, but in the long term, it bites you.

Since nothing changes on its own, the question is, How do you close that distance? What do you do when you start to pull away?

A lot of the solution lies in the pure intention of giving priority back to the relationship. Its as low-tech as saying, Please, Thank you, and, Great job with the kids, more often, Doares says. Its about listening, not to give an answer, but just to let the person talk. On the most basic level, its using words and tone that show that you care about your partners feelings.

Story continues

How we talk to each other matters more than what were saying, says Debra Roberts, a relationship expert, communications specialist, and author of The Relationship Protocol.

Its as slight as a shift in perspective. When youve been hurt or frustrated, before you react, you give your partner the benefit of the doubt. All you have to do is pause and consider what the motivation might have been. You might not figure out the answer, but youve moved from pure emotion into problem-solving. Your partner isnt the enemy anymore, Roberts says. The volume is down, and you can work on, How do we get back on the same team?

One fundamental way is that you make decisions together. No one replaces a living room chair or books a non-refundable trip unilaterally, unless someone has unequivocally stated, I absolutely dont care. Its baseline stuff of consideration and respect. Doares calls it the policy of joint agreement. If you have something in mind that you want to do, the next question has to be, How would your partner feel?, and, if youre unsure, you find out. You dont always have to agree, but you have to be in concert. You need to play together or youll lose, she says. That consideration says that the other person matters not more or less than you, but the same.

You need to have more fun together. Anything thats new helps. It could be a hiking trail, board game or restaurant. Or you could just talk, for at least 15 minutes to get out of the purely informational exchange. Ask questions that tap into memories. Favorite present? Favorite vacation? Favorite holiday celebration? Follow-up with, What was the best part? Youre being curious, like when you were dating. Your partner feels appreciated. Youre learning something about someone you already know well. Its exciting, and the novelty releases dopamine that brings connection, says Doares, who adds to occasionally take on chores that your partner does. Load the dishwasher. Fold clothes. Make the beds. Without any words, youll letting the person know, Someone notices I do these things, she says.

Theres no one magical thing that shrinks the distance, but the upside is that you have many options. You just have to choose something, as the old adage is always in play: You cant control someone else. But you can determine if youre doing your share. If theres a problem, you can bring it up. If theres a compliment to pay, you can open your mouth. Youre only responsible for your actions, Roberts says. If youre not communicating, thats on you. If you dont communicate, the other person doesnt know.

Related Articles:

The post Why Men Pull Away From Their Partners And How They Can Drift Back appeared first on Fatherly.
Her split from her longtime boyfriend Austin Butler was reported earlier this week.

But Vanessa Hudgens seemed upbeat during her publicity tour Friday for her new blockbuster Bad Boys For Life, though a sense of loss was still on her mind.

'I mean, the things that I miss most are the people I love,' the 31-year-old Spring Breakers star said about working overseas during her appearance on Live With Kelly And Ryan.

Lonely days: Vanessa Hudgens, 31, admitted Friday on Live With Kelly And Ryan that the worst part of working abroad after her breakup from Austin Butler was missing 'the people I love'

Vanessa's breakup occurred while she was busy filming her upcoming Netflix film The Princess Switch: Switched Again in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Though being separated from friends and family by an ocean was difficult, the High School Musical star got a special pick-me-up from her sister Stella Hudgens on her birthday, December 14.

'I was literally talking to my producer and I was like, "I think Im going to call my sister and see if she wants to come out because I miss her,"' Vanessa told Ryan Seacrest and his guest co-host Katie Lowes.

Uplifting: Being separated from family by an ocean was hard, but the High School Musical star got a pick-me-up from her sister Stella Hudgens on her birthday, December 14

On the phone: 'I was literally talking to my producer and I was like, "I think Im going to call my sister and see if she wants to come out because I miss her,"' she said; pictured on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Surprise! Her mom filmed her entering her trailer to open a large package that had been delivered, only for her sister to jump out of the box; pictured on The Tonight Show

'I get to my trailer and I open the door, and my mom was filming me. I was like, "What are you doing?" And there was a massive box  my sister pops out of a box.

'I was dead. [I had] no idea whatsoever,' she gushed. 'It was the greatest thing.'

Despite missing Stella 'so much,' Vanessa still had a great time exploring Edinburgh.

'I am so obsessed,' she said. 'Its the place that I never knew I needed to be. It literally seems like Harry Potter come to life. The history is insane.'

It's a hit! She stars opposite Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in Bad Boys For Life, which looks to be one of the most successful entries in the action franchise; pictured January 14

The Rent: Live star also recounted joining '20,000' other people to celebrate the New Year in style.

'You all carry torches and you walk down the royal aisle, down to the palace, and at the end of it theres traditional Scottish music, youre doing the jig, and theres fireworks.

Vanessa busy day of publicity also included stops at Good Morning America in the morning, followed by a trip to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon later in the day.

After a long day of media appearances, Vanessa celebrated at home by dancing to a Miguel song for her Instagram Stories.

She currently stars opposite Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in Bad Boys For Life, which looks to be one of the most critically and commercially successful entries in the action franchise.

After a long day of media appearances, Vanessa celebrated at home by dancing to a Miguel song for her Instagram Stories

The end: It was reported Tuesday that Vanessa split from her actor boyfriend Austin Butler. The two dated since 2011 but didn't spend the holidays together; pictured in August

Us Weekly reported on Tuesday that Vanessa had split from her longtime boyfriend Austin Butler, who was prominently featured in the Oscar-nominated film Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.

The two began dating back in 2011, but they sparked break-up rumors after Vanessa shared her photos from her holiday travel that conspicuously didn't include Austin.

The actor, who's set to star as Elvis Presley in an upcoming biopic, last shared a photo of Vanessa to Instagram in July.

She posted a shot of the two more recently on Halloween, but there was radio silence from then on.

Prior to their relationship, Vanessa famously dated her High School Musical co-star Zac Efron from 20052010.

Old fling: Prior to their relationship, Vanessa famously dated her High School Musical co-star Zac Efron from 20052010; shown in 2010
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Lee DAvanzo, the husband of Staten Island Mob Wives star Drita DAvanzo, was hit with new federal gun-possession charges on Friday, officials said.

The charges stem from Dec. 19, when officers from the New York Police Department and the Narcotics Task Force of the Office of the Monmouth County Prosecutor raided the couples home at 226 Woodvale Ave. in Pleasant Plains and found two loaded firearms, according to a new complaint filed in Brooklyn federal court.

In addition to charges on Staten Island in that case, Lee DAvanzo, 52, is now also charged federally with possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon.

The officers recovered one gun, a loaded .38-caliber revolver, on the top cabinets above the refrigerator in the kitchen, while the other firearm, a loaded 9 mm, was found under the mattress in the master bedroom of the South Shore home, the complaint alleges.

Both guns were manufactured outside of the state of New York, authorities said.

After appearing in Brooklyn federal court, Lee DAvanzos lawyer agreed to detention and is planning on presenting a bail package in the future, according to a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of New York.

During the raid, officials said cops also found hydrocodone, a pain killer, and alprazolam, an anti-anxiety medication, as well as two scales, ziplock bags used for the purpose of unlawfully packaging a narcotic drug, a sum of United States currency and multiple cellular phones in the house, the Advance previously reported.

Shortly after the raid, DAvanzo was arrested with his wife, Drita, the star of Mob Wives."

Both faced charges on Staten Island of criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a firearm and endangering the welfare of a child.

Lee DAvanzo was also arrested a couple of weeks later in connection to "Operation on the Ropes, a year-long investigation that busted a total of 24 people in a ring that allegedly distributed marijuana and infused THC into popular candies in New Jersey, the Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced at the time.

In that case, he was charged with fourth-degree conspiracy to possess marijuana and fourth-degree possession of marijuana in excess of 50 grams, Gramiccioni said in a press release.

It is not clear what role exactly Lee DAvanzo played in the scheme.

The wife was not charged in the New Jersey case.

NOT THE FIRST CONTACT WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT

It wasnt the first time Lee DAvanzo had contact with the criminal justice system.

In 2008, he was arrested in Operation Turkeyshoot," when four suspects were allegedly caught trying to break into the vault of a bank in New Springville. The evidence indicated that Lee and other suspects attempted to gain access by drilling through the walls of a neighboring building, according to Advance archives and documents previously filed in court by federal prosecutors.

Lee was on federal probation at the time for similar crimes and he pleaded guilty. He was sentenced to 36 months to five years in state prison.

In 2003, Lee was sentenced to 62 months in federal prison on a conviction of racketeering for multiple robberies, marijuana distribution, loansharking and money laundering.

In that case, he was identified by prosecutors in court documents as a member of the New Springville Boys, a racketeering enterprise with connections to the Bonanno organized crime family.

ON THE TOP OF THE LIST

DAvanzo and his wife were recently included on a list of the states worst 250 tax delinquents, the Advance learned this week.

The couple ranked 169 overall, allegedly owing a total of $675,738.38, according to the list.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 19:37:23|Editor: ZD

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An actress performs Russian folk dance on the Multicultural Festival in celebration of the Chinese New Year Gala Performance at the National Museum of New Zealand in Wellington, capital of New Zealand, Jan. 18, 2020. This multicultural event, co-hosted by the Multicultural Council of Wellington and the China Cultural Centre in Wellington, supported by the Te Papa National Museum and the Pan Pacific Culture and Arts Development Centre, features a fusion of song and dance acts from many nationalities in New Zealand. (Photo by Zhang Jianyong/Xinhua)

WELLINGTON, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Multicultural Festival in celebration of the Chinese New Year Gala Performance was held in Wellington, capital of New Zealand on Saturday.

"Happy Chinese New Year."

New Zealand Members of Parliament's cordial greetings in Mandarin sparked laughter at the National Museum of New Zealand.

Joyful dance steps, melodious violin sound ... Performers from about 20 different ethnic groups presented traditional music and dances with ethnic characteristics and cultural diversity, making the Maori auditorium of the national museum colorful and lively.

Accompanied by a traditional lion dance and a Karakia from a local Maori leader, Educational Counsellor Dong Zhixue from the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand sent his greetings to the audience.

"The year 2020 is the year of Rat in the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing good luck and harvest. I wish all of you a happy and prosperous New Year! I would also like to thank the overseas Chinese in New Zealand for playing a positive role in promoting the harmony and prosperity of New Zealand's diverse society, and the friendly relations between China and New Zealand," Dong said.

This multicultural event, co-hosted by the Multicultural Council of Wellington and the China Cultural Centre in Wellington, supported by the Te Papa National Museum and the Pan Pacific Culture and Arts Development Centre, features a fusion of song and dance acts from many nationalities in New Zealand.
A US school girl was rescued from the hands of violent kidnappers after she used Snapchat to share her location with friends, police said.

Officers found the 14-year-old in a motel in San Jose, California, after she messaged her friends to tell them shed been abducted but didnt know where she was, the citys police department said in a statement.

Her friends used a setting on the popular photo-sharing app to pinpoint her location before calling emergency services on 911.

Three men have been arrested in connection with the incident which took place on Tuesday.

From right: Albert Thomas Vasquez, Antonio Quirino Salvador and Hediberto Gonzalez Avarenga / San Jose Police Department

The girl was allegedly drugged by 55-year-old Albert Thomas Vasquez after the pair met in the coastal city of Capitola, Santa Cruz.

Vasquez then called two other men - named as Antonio Quirino Salvador, 34, and Hediberto Gonzalez Avarenga, 31 - who drove with him and the incapacitated teen to the motel.

The 55-year-old is accused of sexually assaulting the girl in the car before they set off for San Jose.

When they arrived at the hotel, the three suspects carried the girl to a room on the second floor where Vasquez sexually assaulted her again, detectives said.

Police caught Vasquez as he was leaving the motel room on Wednesday, while the girl remained inside.

He was arrested on charges of kidnapping to commit rape, false imprisonment and additional sexual assault charges, and is being held at a San Jose jail without bail, police said.
Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis will travel to Brussels tomorrow, Sunday, 19 January, to represent Greece at the Ministerial Conference of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).

The IHRA is the largest global organization bringing together government agencies, members of the academic community and experts with the aim of advancing and promoting Holocaust education, remembrance and research. The IHRA currently has 33 member states and eight permanent international partners, including the UN, the European Union and UNESCO.

Greece has been a full member of the IHRA since 2005 and will hold the Alliance presidency in 2021.
January 17, 2020

Transcript

Assistant to the Secretary of Defense Hoffman

Jonathan Rath Hoffman, Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs

ASSISTANT TO THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE JONATHAN RATH HOFFMAN: All right, good morning. Thank you guys for coming in this early today to be here.

I'd like to begin by offering the department's sincere condolences to the family and friends of Staff Sergeant Ian P. McLaughlin and Private First Class Miguel A. Villalon, the two soldiers killed in Kandahar province last week. The soldiers were conducting operations as part of NATO's Resolute Support Mission.

Deputy Secretary Norquist attended the dignified transfer of their remains last -- earlier this week.

The department is also mourning the loss of a soldier who died in a training incident in Arizona, and we send our condolences to their family and friends.

The department continues to make strides in setting up the U.S. Space Force. On Tuesday, Vice President Pence swore in General John Raymond as the first chief of staff of space operations. In doing so, General Raymond became the first official member and leader of the Space Force, marking a historic moment for the department.

Yesterday, Secretary Esper and General Raymond briefed the president on progress in standing up Space Force. We will continue to move out expeditiously on our plans, as it is a strategic imperative for our nation's security.

On Tuesday, Secretary Esper hosted Japanese Minister of Defense Taro Kono at the Pentagon. They reaffirmed the strong U.S.-Japanese alliance and celebrated the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, which marked the beginning of this alliance in the Indo-Pacific.

The U.S. and Japan continue to work together on a number of important security issues, including ensuring maritime security in the Middle East, the complete denuclearization of North Korea, maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, and maintaining a rules-based order in the East and South China Seas.

Finally, on Wednesday and Thursday next week, Secretary Esper will travel to Naval Station -- Air Station Pensacola and the SOUTHCOM headquarters in Miami, Florida.

In Pensacola, the secretary will meet with the base leadership and Navy -- Naval Station Security first responders, who bravely and heroically responded to the Pensacola shooting last month. He will thank them for their leadership and courage on that tragic day.

The secretary will also provide an update to air station leadership on the new vetting and security procedures he is mandating to make our bases more secure. We will announce these new measures shortly, which will include physical security procedures as well.

At SOUTHCOM, the secretary will meet with SOUTHCOM commander Admiral Faller, and be briefed on SOUTHCOM's progress in implementing the National Defense Strategy.

We share strong ties of democracy with our southern neighbors, and we look to strengthen those partnerships as global competitors who do not share similar values insert themselves into the region.

The secretary looks forward to a productive trip, his first of the new year.

So, with that I'll take questions. Lita?

Q: Thanks, Jonathan.

Two sort of quick updates.

The -- can you tell us what indications, if any, the Pentagon has gotten from the Iraqis about whether or not they are backing away from this request to have the troops withdraw?

And then secondly, you -- you mentioned Pensacola. Can you just update us on where the training stands? Is the training being restarted or is it -- has it been restarted already? And have these new vetting procedures -- or has this actually started yet or is it just in process?

MR. HOFFMAN: Okay, so with regard to Iraq, we're still with conversations with our Iraqi host. We continue to want to be a friend and partner to the sovereign and prosperous Iraq. At this time, there are no plans by the U.S. military to -- to withdraw from Iraq.

And I think it's been obvious -- and the secretary's touched on this a good bit -- that the consensus in Iraq seems to be that the United States forces there are a force for good. Having the United States forces in Iraq allows NATO to be present, as well, to help with that counter-ISIS mission as well as the training mission, to support Iraqi Security Forces.

So we've -- we've continued to push forward with that. We've gotten no -- no additional indications I can share with you right now but our -- our hope and our -- our -- our goal right now is for U.S. security forces to remain in the region and remain in Iraq in an effort to help continue to push forward with securing and making Iraq a prosperous country.

So with regard to Pensacola, obviously our number one concern is going to be the safety and security of our personnel, the students, other students in the -- the training program, as well as our base family members and the communities.

The tragedy in Pensacola has led to us to address the vetting. Previously, vetting had been handled by the host -- by the -- the -- the home country of the students as long as -- as well as DHS and State Department. So we've taken an enhanced look at that on how we can use our resources and information we have to do an enhanced vetting and look through that and that's what we've started to conduct. We've also looked at physical security measures.

So I'm not going to get ahead of the announcements which should be coming in the next couple of days with regard to what those measures are but looking at ways to -- to ensure that students -- foreign students who have access to our bases, that we're -- we're taking all appropriate steps. We owe that to our people, we owe that to -- to the families but we also want to ensure that this program continues.

We believe that the international military student training program is incredibly valuable. We have seen over a million students from more than 150 countries over the last 20 years go through this program. And so we see that that is -- adds value in that they -- whether it's learning English skills, improving the capabilities of their military so that when we are called to fight together that they have capacity that can assist us, but also in terms of building relationships between them so that they understand our culture, that they have relationships with our leadership, so that as they progress through their own military we have those -- those friendships that we can call on.

Q: The training?

MR. HOFFMAN: Excuse me?

Q: The training?

MR. HOFFMAN: So with regard to training, as we stated before, the training -- classroom training, it's still continued. The question, I think, of yours is specific to whether the operational training is -- has resumed. That's an announcement we'll -- we will likely have as to when that is in the coming days.

I would just point out that over -- over the holidays, much of the training was -- regardless was -- was in a -- I won't say recess but the -- the -- they're just -- but -- during the holidays, the training schedule was a little bit different.

So we're looking forward to turning that back on in the coming days but we should have an announcement for -- for you soon. So, all right?

Q: Thank you. Last year, the department identified military construction projects that were having their funding diverted for the border wall and then explained that that funding would be backfilled later because some of those projects weren't going to be awarded until this year.

But now the president is reportedly wanting to get more military construction funds than he did last year. What kind of assurances can you give that these projects, which the department said were important, will be funded and not just continuously delayed as more money is taken up by military construction?

MR. HOFFMAN: So I'd take you back to February of last year when the president declared that there was a -- a national emergency on our -- on our southern border. So the department considers national security and border security to be one. We have a long history supporting the Department of Defense1 in our border security efforts and we've been called on by the president to continue to do so.

So last year, as you mentioned, we reprogrammed funds under the 2808 and 284 to assist in construction of additional border wall so that it would help us with our forces that were deployed to the border to make our ability to do our job better.

So what we've seen is some of those programs, they're still fully authorized and we'll continue to try to find funds to pay for them. Congress did not backfill some of those projects and therefore we're going to continue to look for them.

I can't give you any information on -- on any future budgeting decisions. I'm not privy to what those decisions have been at this point but -- but as the secretary said the other day from the podium, we're prepared to support DHS and secure our border in any way we're asked to. So, go ahead.

Q: Thank you. About those operations against Islamic State in Iraq that you just mentioned and the training operations you just mentioned, has the U.S. military resumed training operations in Iraq? Have they resumed training -- counter-Islamic State operations in Iraq?

And then as a follow, an Iranian General said that the -- they are looking into the possibility that a U.S. cyber attack dislodged their radar system, basically blaming the United States military potentially for causing the plane crash. What is the Pentagon's response?

MR. HOFFMAN: So with regard to the -- the first question, I don't have any updates for you on the -- the training in -- in Iraq. I -- I would just note that because of the likelihood of Iranian action, there was a -- a -- a pause that was implemented in Iraq. Operations still continue to take place in -- in Syria.

In Iraq, we still continue to be co-located with them, we still continue to address operations matters, still continue to do planning, but specific field activities and operations do not take place. At this time, we -- we are still looking at when we will fully restore those and we'll have an update for you at that time.

With regard to your -- to your second question and the -- the tragedy that took place in Iran, Iranian government is responsible for that tragedy. They have acknowledged that it is their response -- their -- their fault and that it was a mistake that they made.

I'm not going to get into -- and I -- I would never talk about cyber operations from the podium. That's -- that's not something that I can do and it's going to be a -- any cyber operations would be highly classified and I would not be a -- able to do so.

But to try to pin the blame on -- on something that is, from all appearances, appears to be a tragic mistake by the Iranian military on the United States is -- is -- is dishonest and it's shifting the blame for their own -- their own -- their own fault. So, go over here?

Q: Yeah, I wanted to ask you about base defense in Iraq. When the missiles came into al-Asad, there were really no base defenses there. You had to rely on an early warning system, soldiers had to go into shelters, kit up.

So do you plan on beefing up defenses at these air bases in Iraq and what about Patriots? Would they be coming in as part of this defense?

MR. HOFFMAN: So to talk about that -- and look at the whole region. So with the Iranian ballistic missile program is one threat but you also have threats from -- from their proxies, their UAV programs, from -- as we've seen over the last six months, the continuation of Katyusha rockets to be fired into our bases.

So we have to look at a number of different threats. The ballistic threat that I think you're referring to is just one part of it.

And you have to look at the -- how -- the range of where this goes. So we have forces throughout the region, whether they're in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, that the -- the Iranians may choose to target. And so we look at the different ways to protect them.

And in this case, what we saw is the commander implemented a series of defensive measures, taking into account the fact that we do have an early warning system that -- that proved to be rather effective, the ability to disperse individuals and to harden our sites.

So there's a number of things we can do to protect from the missile attacks. You mentioned Patriot batteries. That is one -- one system we have. We have a limited number, so the commander on the ground makes requests for those, and then he makes a determination on -- on where to put those.

Some things we take into account as -- like we can do with individuals on a base; we can disperse personnel; we can disperse equipment. There might be places where we have infrastructure where you can't move infrastructure and so you need a different type of -- of defensive asset there.

So that's going to be a decision made by the commander on the ground. I have no announcements with regard to any changes to that. But that would be -- that would be something that General McKenzie would make on it.

Q: Can you at least say whether you will beef up defenses at bases in Iraq, that something will happen?

MR. HOFFMAN: I would -- I would say that the -- the commander is constantly looking at the threat and ensuring that he has the force protection measures he believes are appropriate.

With regard to both al-Asad and Erbil, the commander and his team put forth a force protection plan that was executed incredibly well and ensured that there was no injuries and loss of life in that attack. And I -- I can imagine and I believe that General McKenzie will continue with such thorough planning to avoid that in the future.

Q: Jonathan, why were 21 Saudi pilots told to leave the United States and vacate their training?

MR. HOFFMAN: So I -- I would refer you back to -- to the FBI on their statements last week. But generally, what I can just say is that there was seriously concerning behavior that came to light during the FBI's investigation that was passed to us.

We worked with the Saudi government, and the Saudi government made a decision to -- to withdraw those students and return them back to -- to Saudi Arabia.

I'm not going to say anything more than -- than what the attorney general had said on this matter, given that it ties in to their investigation. But our goal is obviously to be able to vet and clear the students to ensure that they're going to be coming here to learn and that they will not be a threat or a risk of harm to other students, American soldiers, the -- the local community and, of course, our families.

Q: 21 pilots -- what percentage of the total of those training inside the United States?

MR. HOFFMAN: I don't have an answer for you on that. It's -- there's -- we have, I think, right now, there's something on the order of more than 5,000 international military students that are training at any one time in the United States. So -- but I don't have the breakdown by country.

Q: Saudi's the largest country to receive training here?

MR. HOFFMAN: I don't know if they're the largest, but they're one of our larger partners. I think, over the year, we've had somewhere in the order of 28,000 Saudi students go through the program. And I'd just -- just remind people that we've been doing international military training for -- for years. And since 2000, we've done over a million students, and we've -- and until the Pensacola shooting, we had never had a serious security-related incident.

Q: Were these pilots good pilots?

MR. HOFFMAN: I'm going to have to go. I'm going to have to continue --

(CROSSTALK)

Q: So the GAO ruled today that the withholding of aid to Ukraine was illegal. What I wanted to ask you is, the department has generally said over the months on this that it was not aware of any political -- it was not aware of any political motivation to withholding the Ukraine aid.

So that said, now that it's ruled illegal and everything that has transpired, my question is what has DOD done, the secretary or the department, to ensure that it's better informed about what the White House is doing, that it is not caught up in this again or it's involved in something that is now ruled illegal that it did not -- it says it didn't know had these political overtones? What have you done over these months now to improve the department's awareness of what the White House is doing in these types of areas?

My other very quick follow up, you also recently lost a U.S. service member in Kenya to an Al-Shabaab attack. In Iraq, you had a contractor killed, which was given by the administration as one reason to strike back. Why have we not seen a U.S. strike back at Al-Shabaab, given that a U.S. service member was killed?

MR. HOFFMAN: So to -- to your first question, I would just take you back to the -- the Ukraine -- I think we've talked about this extensively over the last few months. Our goal with -- with regard to Ukraine aid was and always continued to be to ensure that anti-corruption measures were in place and that the money would be well spent, to ensure that our European allies were additionally helping with it and to ensure that this assistance would be -- would be beneficial militarily.

So we went through that process to make a determination on -- on the aid. We also looked to make sure that the aid was going to get out in the fiscal year, as required by Congress, and -- and for -- other than a very small part, that did happen and that the aid got out with no detriment to our national security.

I've been told all of the aid is -- is now obligated and out. So we -- that was our goal with regard to the aid. I'm -- I'm not going to get into what is obviously a highly politicized issue right now with regard to what others in the administration are doing on it.

Our goal is to work with Congress, to work with the White House and work with our allies and partners to provide aid and to ensure that those -- we do that -- it is an important avenue for which our allies and partners can bring some additional capabilities to the fight.

Q: Is there anything you could point to that maybe you're doing differently, given the fact this turned out to be such a mess for the department?

MR. HOFFMAN: I -- I believe that we were able to get the aid out the door, as we were intended to. So I would not characterize it as a mess, we were able to get the -- as Congress requested and as we were instructed to do, the aid went out the door and went to Ukraine and is being available to the Ukrainian people in their own defensive efforts.

To your second question, with regard to -- to Kenya, there -- there were a number of reasons for -- for the -- for the strike on Soleimani. You mentioned one of them being the -- the death of the U.S. citizen in Iraq. We are continuing to work in Kenya on efforts against -- against Al-Shabaab and helping train them and -- and helping them push back on that.

Another part of the -- the -- the Soleimani strike, though, is to look back at that extensive history and also look at the fleeting intelligence and the intelligence we had at the time that enabled us to -- to act. So I -- I -- I can't speak to future operations against Al-Shabaab but I know that right now in Kenya we are working with our -- our partners in Kenya and we're working with our forces there to -- to degrade that threat that -- that's faced by terrorism in Kenya. So?

Q: Thank you, Jonathan.

I have two questions, one on -- on Iraq and one on Libya. So on Iraq, since the Iranian missile attack on Al-Asad, did you attract a change in the level of threats to U.S. troops and an interest in Iraq by Iran or the militias in Iraq?

I mean, are you assessing there are renewed threats or imminent threats for the -- for that matter?

MR. HOFFMAN: So you're -- you're referring to since the attacks on the -- on the missile attacks?

Q: Yes, that's one, and the second one on -- on Libya. Today, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, and I'm quoting, "we are sending our troops to Libya." Have you tracked any Turkish troop movement into Libya? And is Turkey coordinating with the Pentagon, especially that you have operations related to counterterrorism operations in Libya?

MR. HOFFMAN: So -- so with the -- the -- regard to the first question on force protection or threats emanating after the -- the strike, I think what you've seen after the Iranian strike, you've seen the international community call for de-escalation, you've seen the Iranians come out and say that, with varying degrees, that they're -- that they're looking to -- to deescalate. Our position has been -- continuously been that Iran needs to go through a diplomatic path. And so when they have economic or diplomatic concerns, they need to turn to a diplomatic path to address those and not to the military path.

So we're continuing to -- to push for that to happen. We've seen the E3 make a similar call to do so but we've not -- we've not determined that -- that there is a lower threat and our -- I would defer you to CENTCOM, who's going to continue with our force protection posture, in case of -- of a follow up or additional attack.

We always, of course, are additionally concerned with not just Iranian state action but Iranian proxy action, with Kata'ib Hezbollah in Iraq and their continued -- I think there were 12 attacks since October of last year, rocket attacks -- Katyusha rocket attacks on our forces in Iraq. And so we obviously have a high level of -- of awareness of -- of that happening again and we're taking force protection measures to deal with that.

With regard to -- to Libya, I don't really have any additional information for you on -- on -- on Libya. I have -- that I can share right now, there's just nothing that I have on -- regard to troop movements with -- with that.

Obviously we would like to see the -- the issue in Libya take a -- a -- a peaceful turn with a -- a cease-fire and -- and a better outcome for the Libyan people. So, go --

Q: Thanks very much, Jonathan. To try Iraq again, Adil Abdul-Mahdi said that no -- that he, as caretaker as Prime Minister, wouldn't make a decision about the fate of U.S. troops. He said earlier that you're still in conversations with the Iraqi host.

Just a clarification, does that mean that you're talking to him and the current government, trying to convince them to announce that -- that you can stay or are you content to wait? And then on the anti-ISIS training, I know that you don't have an announcement, but is there any assessment on the impact of the pause at all, whether that had any impact on -- on the mission?

MR. HOFFMAN: So on the first one, just to be clear, we have conversations with the Iraqi partners daily. We're co-located in many places. General Miller2 on the ground is in constant contact with his counterpart. So these are conversations that -- that are routine, are -- are -- are persistent with regard to what our force posture is and is going to continue to be.

And so I don't have any information for you on specific conversations with Abdul-Mahdi in that context but I know that -- that we and the State Department has had some comments, as well, about our desire to -- and a belief that the United States staying in Iraq is a force of good for the Iraqi people and that -- that that is the -- the path we -- we are looking to continue on, not only to help with the -- with supporting the Iraqi people and building their Security Forces but also on the D-ISIS mission.

And the second question was?

Q: Was whether there's been any assessment on the pause, whether there was any impact on the overall mission, given the pause? Even if you don't have an announcement that the pause has been lifted.

MR. HOFFMAN: I -- I don't have a -- whether there's been an assessment, I -- I -- I would say I think we still just need to look at the pause as the -- the result of this -- these Iranian attacks.

And so without those attacks, we wouldn't have been able to continue; without the threat of the Iranian ballistic missile attacks, we wouldn't have been able to continue our -- our D-ISIS operations there.

So I don't have an assessment on what the -- what the impact was. But we can take a look at that. Hopefully, we'll have an announcement soon on resumption.

Phil -- Courtney?

Q: Just a quick one. When you -- not asking about any kind of an announcement on the pause, but was there actually a joint U.S.-Iraq or coalition-Iraqi counter-ISIS op on Wednesday? Is --

MR. HOFFMAN: I have no -- I have no information for you I can share on that.

Phil?

Q: One of the justifications for -- for killing Soleimani was that he was -- you know, he was -- the Quds Force was a terrorist organization and that there was another operation against a -- a Quds Force operative that many people in this room wrote about that was -- took place in Yemen, that didn't succeed.

And what I'm wondering is, are Quds Force leadership now considered legitimate targets by this building?

MR. HOFFMAN: So I'm not going to get into hypotheticals or broad justifications because we look at any operation, such as the operation against Soleimani is looked at on a -- on an individualized basis, based on intelligence we have at the time, based on legal review.

Every decision like that goes through a -- thorough legal review by our attorneys in the building. And in the Soleimani case, based on Article II in the 2002 AUMF, made a determination.

I don't really have any more information for you on a larger legal footprint with regard to just general members of the Quds Force.

Q: Okay. And then one thing that I've seen in reporting in various outlets is that Iran gave warning to another country which passed on that warning to the United States. But was any such warning passed on from Iran to another country that was then sent to the United States?

MR. HOFFMAN: So I think we've seen this reporting going forward and going around for a while. And I think, from our view, we were made aware of Iran's attack through our early warning systems and our early warning intelligence systems.

I have not been made aware of it. I've had conversations with our senior leaders here in the building and those in the region. We're not aware of a third party that had made that.

I will be fair and say that there are places where, if there was some sort of warning given, which we're not aware of, that we do have, you know, junior forces co-located where something may have been passed. I'm not going to dismiss that that could have happened. I'm not aware of that. No one here has been aware of that. And we've asked that question.

So -- yeah, Tara?

Q: Back to Pensacola, with the new requirements that will be put out by Secretary Esper, will that include physical security for other bases?

For example, Naval Air Station Key West has had a number of incursions by Chinese nationals who have gone onto the base, taken pictures of buildings. So how comprehensive will this regulation be?

And then, secondly, on Iraq, under what current agreement are U.S. troops operating in Iraq? Is it a signed agreement? Was it a verbal understanding?

And so what -- you know, what are the steps forward for that presence to continue?

MR. HOFFMAN: So the -- the second one's a little bit of easier question. It's -- it's an exchange of diplomatic notes that has taken place. I don't have the exact timing of when that took place, but there's an exchange of diplomatic notes that sets up the agreement for U.S. forces to -- to remain in Iraq and to -- to be in Iraq, to continue the counter-ISIS and the training mission.

So with the -- regard to Pensacola, the -- the measures that are going to be put in place with regard to both additional screening, vetting and physical, will be nationwide or bases around the world for U.S. forces. So the issue in Key West I think was a little bit different, it dealt with more of just not somebody who was authorized to be on the base going to wrong areas or -- or something like that, it was individuals who had no authority to be there, who attempted to -- to either scale or circumvent our physical security measures and were apprehended.

So I don't want to get ahead of the announcements on what those physical security measures will be but I think that's a little bit of a different situation.

Q: It will take those into account or -- that's what I'm trying to --

MR. HOFFMAN: That's -- that -- those -- those are -- are measures where we've -- we've been looking at those and we have physical security measures in place to deal with situations like that. And in those cases, we -- we did apprehend those people as they came around and -- and were able to turn them over to the proper authorities.

So, Jeff?

Q: Thank you.

Does -- does the Defense Department have any evidence that Iran was behind the cyber-attack on troops and families with the 82nd Airborne Division?

MR. HOFFMAN: I don't have any information for you on that, Jeff. I can -- I can get back to you and try to get in touch with CYBERCOM on it but I'm not -- I don't have anything on that right now.

Q: And the president then the president briefed on Space Force. One of the issues facing Space Force is it needs an anthem. Is there any chance DOD could have a contest in which service members could submit ideas for the new Space Force song?

MR. HOFFMAN: That entire question makes me uncomfortable.

(Laughter.)

But I -- I'm -- I'm -- I will -- I'll check with General Raymond next time I see him on -- on the -- the anthem plans.

Go ahead, ma'am.

Q: Thank you very much, Jonathan. On the negotiations of cost-sharing between U.S. and South Korea, have you reached any agreement? If you not -- you cannot be reaching any agreement, is there any --

MR. HOFFMAN: So I would have to refer you to State Department on that. So the negotiations on burden sharing with all of our allies, State Department has the lead for that, but we've -- we've continued to push on this since President Trump came into office and we've continued to see it, whether it's in the Middle East, whether it's in Europe, whether it's in Asia, that we expect our allies to pick up a little bit more of the burden.

And one thing I point out with -- with South Korea is much of the monies that are part of that cost-sharing actually go back directly into the South Korean economy in terms of -- of goods and services procured there, the hiring of -- of -- of foreign service nationals, who are able to -- to work on the base.

So we've been working with State Department but I'd have to refer you to that for any updates. Go.

Q: Thanks.

Q: Yeah, so two questions. First on the Space Force.

So there have been talks with other foreign governments about cooperation with the Space Force, particularly FYVES, so Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and Canada, but what other -- what other progress have we seen in possibly including some of our other allies in the Space Force, specifically Japan?

I know that Secretary Esper and Minister -- Defense Minister Kono spoke yesterday. Was there any discussion yesterday that possibly could be construed as a interest by the Japanese military to cooperate with Space Force or did Secretary Esper bring that up in any capacity?

MR. HOFFMAN: So I was -- I was in those meetings. Space Force was not a -- a topic of discussion, there were -- there were a number of different issues that came up that were -- a little more pressing at the time. We've got a lot of steps to go through with Space Force. So Space Force -- we -- we just added our first Space Force member yesterday. And so we've got -- we've got some steps to go through.

General Raymond's team has a -- a massive, incredibly well thought out and planned implementation process for whether it -- uniforms, pay, songs that they need to go through to -- to -- to get a -- a Space Force. International participation is part of that. I don't know where it is in the -- the timeline on it but we can probably get you guys an update on some Space Force-related issues in the near future.

Q: And then just a -- sorry, a quick follow up on the 82nd Airborne. So I've just been kind of curious on why the 82nd Airborne was chosen to be deployed.

MR. HOFFMAN: That is very simple. They were the -- the -- they were the immediate response force designated on -- and that is standing orders to prepare on a 96 hour deployment. So the first battalion of the -- was -- it was selected to do that and then the rest of the -- of that -- sorry, the brigade was put on orders quickly after that to follow up.

Q: And the -- I understand, like, where exactly they were deployed is sensitive but can you tell us that if they were deployed to a single location or multiple locations?

MR. HOFFMAN: I don't have that information on me right now. The general intent with the 82nd Airborne was that we had a number of threat streams indicating potential attacks on a variety of different diplomatic and military facilities in the region.

And given what happened with -- with the attack on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, the secretary ordered the -- the movement of the Special Forces Marine contingent to the embassy. And when you -- when you move your -- your response force, you reconstitute it with an additional response force.

And so the 82nd that -- battalion was moved into the region to prepare for that. So -- but I don't have any update on -- on further movement but -- by then. So we'll go back this way.

Q: Thank you. This is (inaudible) with (inaudible) Network.

I have two questions, one on Iraq. You described a number of domestic threats that can be posed to your troops in Iraq, in addition to the ballistic missiles from Iran. Have you considered moving your troops to a safer place in Iraq, such as the Kurdistan region, where you don't appear to have those domestic militia threats?

Secondly, on Syria, Russians appear to be sending more troops to the Hasakah Province where you have some troops stationed. Is that coordinated with the United States? And can you please update us what the mission of the United States is in Syria? Thank you.

MR. HOFFMAN: So with regard to Iraq, I think what you saw -- the commander on the ground make determinations on where he felt he could best protect his forces. And so we did do some movement in the -- the previous weeks to both consolidate and disperse our people. I know that kind of seems counter-intuitive, but to get them into safer areas and so that took place.

We'll defer question on where our forces will be in -- in Iraq to the commander on the ground and where he believes it's necessary to have our forces to be able to conduct both the training and the D-ISIS mission.

With regard to Syria, I have no -- no information for you on -- on Russian troop movements. Our -- our mission in Syria remains the same, is to continue to -- to degrade ISIS ability to conduct operations in the region, as well as to fund further operations.

Q: Thanks very much. Yesterday, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction had some pretty critical comments, talking about the military commanders in Afghanistan having an incentive to lie about progress there.

How concerned is the Pentagon about that criticism? Is anything being done to -- to change the perception at least, that the -- there's that culture of misrepresenting what's going on? And -- and what would you say to the American people about whether that goes beyond just Afghanistan? Is that an -- an -- does that incentive exist in places like Iraq, as well?

And a second question, getting back to Al-Shabaab. Back in November, the State Department had a D-ISIS meeting and it talked about focusing on Africa as the -- the next main target for -- for D-ISIS and anti-jihadist work.

`Given Al-Shabaab's resurgence, has there been any talk yet between you, the State Department, other partners who have been working in Africa, about ramping up that effort, given Al-Shabaab showing how potent it's been?

MR. HOFFMAN: So with regard to the -- the testimony yesterday and, I think, the reference to the Afghanistan papers, I would say you take a look at what those papers actually denoted and what were contained in those reports.

And that was a retrospective by senior leaders on the Afghanistan war, following their -- their term working on that. So this was a retrospective, people looking back, saying "I wish I had known this," or "we were wrong when we thought x."

And I would also note that it was in report intended to be given to the United States Congress. So this idea that -- that there were somehow mis-statements or lies just doesn't -- I don't think that really gels with the idea that it was these individuals giving their own recollection of their own actions to Congress for a public report.

Look, we have -- in the military community, we have people who are -- are working incredibly hard on incredibly difficult projects. And when they're asked to take on a difficult task, they -- they look for ways to make it happen. And so if our people are -- are being too forward-leaning and trying to be optimistic about what we think we can accomplish and to be honest and open with the Congress, we'll continue to do that.

The military has a -- has a great respect in this country, and part of that is because we -- we try to be as open and transparent as possible with -- with members of Congress. Another thing I'd point out on that is you had members of Congress and many of you traveling throughout Afghanistan during this entire time.

So the idea that there was some, as some have implied that there was some effort to hide the truth or the reality on the ground just doesn't hold water to the reality of -- of all of the transparency and the investigative efforts of members of Congress, their staff and, importantly, the media that participated in covering that -- that conflict.

Al-Shabaab in Africa -- we're working with State Department. I think many of you are familiar with the secretary has directed a -- a zero-based review of -- of U.S. forces. We've been going through this for -- for many months now. He's sitting down with each of the combatant commands to walk through what is the right force posture; what are our right goals; what are the right countries we need to be engaging; what are the right challenges; and where can our allies and partners participate more.

So we've been doing that, and we've been working with State Department and we're going to continue to do so. That's a -- a near-constant thing that we do here in the building and -- and NATO, with our allies. And so we will continue to -- to push forward on that and try to find some more partners for the region and try to find a -- more resources to help.

So all the way in the back?

Q: Could you clarify, a little bit, what steps DOD is going to be taking to vet these foreign military students?

MR. HOFFMAN: I -- we've already announced that we've -- we take vetting and enhanced information systems that we have available to us. Previously, we allowed -- sorry, Department of State, DHS and the host countries to do vetting. Our vetting was -- was less rigorous. We've taken a look at additional sources of information that we have available to us and started going through those.

We're going to have a further announcement on the vetting procedures in the coming days. So I'll hold off on that much for now. But we'll be able to get you a lot more information soon.

In the back?

Q: Can you tell us about the status of the Al-Tanf garrison, still -- still there? Is that base considered more vulnerable now, since the situation with Soleimani?

And what is the strategic purpose of that base, given that ISIS has largely been wrapped up from that area?

MR. HOFFMAN: So I don't have an update for you on any change with the base. I would just say that, you know, obviously the commander on the ground with regard to the Soleimani -- with the Iranian response, is we look at our force protection and the commander makes a determination, whether he believes his forces are in a place that we can provide that protection to them.

And their -- their mission is still to maintain and help ensure that ISIS does not resurge, and -- and we're going to continue with that, so.

Q: Great. Just for clarity, does the Pentagon accept or reject the GAO finding that in withholding the funds, it was party to law-breaking?

MR. HOFFMAN: So the GAO finding came out 45 minutes ago, so I clearly have not had a chance to look at it, nor have I had a chance to talk to our lawyers in the building. And once again, I'm not allowed to practice law from the podium.

So what I can tell you, though, is that our view of -- of the funding with regard to Ukraine was that we were intended to try to get that money out by the end of the fiscal year, and to do it in a way that would promote our objectives of empowering the Ukrainians to have better self-defense and to help U.S. national security, and that took place.

Q: Do you think you could follow up with us once the lawyers have taken a look at it, and we could get an official statement on where you are on the GAO findings?

MR. HOFFMAN: I'm sure we'll be looking at it. And I'm sure I can -- I can take that question to -- to the lawyers. Obviously, it's -- given the incredibly political environment on this topic, our comments, I think we've made have been very careful on how we're going to parse our words on this, so we'll continue to do that.

Go ahead, sir.

Q: Paul Handley from AFP.

Along two weeks ago, a U.S. general in Iraq sent a draft letter to the Iraqi government, saying the U.S. was going to pull its forces out. Can you say why that letter was ever drafted? Who ordered it to be drafted? And -- and give a little background about how that came about?

MR. HOFFMAN: So if you look at the letter -- and I think that this was -- was not a draft that was shared as a, here's a final document and here's the position of the U.S. government.

Oftentimes, what you see in diplomatic situations, there's a sharing of drafts so that we can ensure that when things go through translation, that the intent is clearly understood.

I think if you look at that letter, there's some language in there that indicates there'll be troops coming in, there'll be troops going out, there'll be movement. I think General Milley addressed this the day that letter came out, that some of the language in it was -- was clearly a mistake, and that the intention of it was to give the Iraqis notice that we would be conducting significant aerial operations to move troops around Iraq.

That was, with regard as we saw, given the strikes, an effort to put our people in a better force protection posture, preparing for the potential retaliation by Iran, and -- and the language, it was a draft. The language clearly needed to be modified. We came out pretty quickly and said that that was obviously not a final letter, and the position of the U.S. was not that we were withdrawing.

I think that that -- that there's a fair reading of that letter that -- that could be that we were just moving forces around, and that was clearly the intention of it.

Q: Do you have an indication that -- to show that North Korea is preparing another provocation, like shooting a missile?

And second question is about a missile the Iranians fired to American bases and Iraqi people. Do you have any information that Iran, the missile originated from North Korean missile technology?

MR. HOFFMAN: So the first part of that, with regard to a North Korean test, we're continuing to monitor whether a test is going to take place or not, that -- the secretary mentioned this yesterday or the day before, that's completely up to Kim Jong Un and what decision he makes.

We're always monitoring it there, but I don't -- not going to share any intelligence, what we've seen or what we think is going to happen in the coming days.

I don't have any information for you on -- on Iran -- or, sorry, North Korea missile technology in Iran. I mean, Iran has an incredibly robust ballistic missile program. It's one of the -- the three main things that we've -- we've highlighted as a concern with Iran.

And it's their malign behavior in the region of supporting proxies throughout the area. It's their continued development of a nuclear program, and their use and development of ballistic missiles, so.

Q: Thank you.

Secretary Esper says the U.S. will focus more on China, potentially redeploying troops from Middle East to Indo-Pacific region. Does the recent events in Iraq or more serious situation in Middle East make it more hard -- or more difficult for the Pentagon to execute his agenda?

MR. HOFFMAN: Well, if you -- if you read the NDS, clearly, the -- the main priorities are going to be China and Russia, and -- and our priority theater, the secretary has said repeatedly, is the Indo-Pacific.

A part of that, though, is we still see ourselves having to deal with regional issues -- North Korea, China -- I'm sorry, North Korea, Iran and others. And so the secretary, like I said, we've begun the zero-based review to see where our forces can go.

The goal is, is that we need to shift our focus to the Indo-Pacific. We need to shift our resources and our -- our eyes that way, but we've got to do it while still engaging with the current threats and the current crises.

So we're going to be able to walk and chew gum at the same time, but we're going to have to take a look and see, can we move some forces, how do we address some of the missions we have, how do we bring some of our -- our partners and allies in to -- to maybe take on some missions that we've historically had that they have the resources to do. And part of this is our efforts to get our allies and partners to increase their funding so that we can maybe shift over to some different missions.

In the back.

Q: On Libya, in 2016 and also '17, the United States was cooperating with the GNA to clear ISIS in the country and then they did a major operation, obviously, in the country together. And in the last year in April, all of a sudden we see that the United States started to distance itself from the GNA and then move troops out of Libya and then distance itself from the entire conflict in the country.

What is the current strategy of the Pentagon toward Libya? And is there a concern about a resurgence of ISIS in Libya right now?

MR. HOFFMAN: So I don't have any specific intelligence on what we think the resurgence of ISIS in Libya has been. Our goal in Africa in general is going to be to the defeat of ISIS and preventing terrorist organizations from finding a foothold, finding a region where -- where they're able to -- to recruit, train, raise funds and deploy personnel.

What we see anywhere in the world is where there's an ungoverned space or a space where there's a lack of a government that can actually use the police force to -- to restrain terrorist activity, you see that grows. Obviously, Libya's a concern to us. But -- but I don't have an update for you on the intelligence on that.

STAFF: Lara?

Q: Thank you.

Given the -- that the U.S. killed General Soleimani, are you taking precautions in order to better protect the -- some of our four-star generals that go out into the region? Or McKenzie for example? And what do those precautions look like?

MR. HOFFMAN: So we always look at the security of our forces, whether it is a private in the field or a four-star general, and we take that very seriously. And I think General McKenzie and his team have definitely looked at precautions that are needed with regard to military personnel overseas.

Obviously, I'm not going to get into any additional specific efforts that we've taken, but -- but we feel comfortable that our people are well-protected and that if there's any reason that we need to increase that security, we will do so. It's -- our people are obviously our most important asset and we'll take every step necessary to protect them.

Q: Just to follow up, if you could maybe say a few words about why the decision was made to go after General Soleimani under Title 10 instead of covert action that would not have had the U.S. taking the -- taking responsibility for that action and might have allowed Iran a little bit of wiggle room and not led to such an escalation. Can you say what reasons there were for that?

MR. HOFFMAN: No, I -- I wouldn't be privy to the conversations that would've -- that could've taken place at that. I can just say very clearly is obviously Soleimani had a long history of -- of -- of maligned behavior dating back 20 years, including a -- a steady progression of attacks on U.S. forces in the region, destabilizing action against a number of different state -- state-on-state attacks on -- on infrastructure, attacks on U.S. aircraft and they have culminated in the death of an American citizen and an attack on the U.S. embassy.

So there's a long list of reasons there and then the fact that we had reasons to believe that there were going to be future attacks on U.S. interests, including diplomatic and military posts. We felt we believed we had the authority under the president's Title 2 authority to take an action and we did.

I -- I don't know -- I can't speak to why a different route was not taken but we think that the -- the impact of it though and being an overt and being an attributable action is that the Iranians have had to recalibrate the -- the deterrence and that they now understand that there are some -- that -- that we're not going to allow a progression of attacks. You're not allowed to just fire off 31 rockets at U.S. forces and -- and we're just supposed to consider it the cost of doing business.

We take it seriously that we're going to protect our people. All right?

Q: I was wondering if you could shed some light on what happened yesterday at the Space Force meeting, what progress specifically did General Raymond and Secretary Esper cite? And is there anything that they raised, issues or roadblocks with the president, that they need something from the administration or Congress to help get the ball -- ball rolling?

MR. HOFFMAN: Well, I -- I -- I think the -- the key part of the meeting is just to lay out what the steps are. So like I mentioned, General Raymond has a -- a very specific, very thorough plan on things that need to take place -- you know, moving pay systems, assigning individuals to the Space Force, looking at basing and figuring out are we going to be transferring bases to the Space Force.

So these are all laying out for the president what the process looks like, what are the next steps, what are the things that are going to be happening over the coming months to give him an expectation -- this is something he's -- he's been very forward leaning on and -- and is something that he has been interested in. And so we've been trying to keep him informed. He has a -- a great interest in it and -- and -- and has a great interest in -- in -- in what -- what assistance we need and helping make sure that -- helping us make sure that it happens. All right, go right here, we'll get a couple more.

Q: Yeah, the Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week that the U.S. was potentially considering cutting military aid to Iraq if U.S. troops are asked to leave. Is the department considering any cuts to U.S. aid -- or to U.S. military aid to Iraq or any other retaliatory measures if U.S. troops are asked to leave?

MR. HOFFMAN: I think that was a -- a -- a -- in reference to State Department funds. I don't think it was in reference to DOD funds. I'm -- I may be -- I may be wrong on that but I would refer you to the State Department on that.

Q: Would you approve on such a -- do you -- do you -- would you -- does the --

MR. HOFFMAN: Would Jonathan approve?

(Laughter.)

Q: You -- you're here as the spokesperson, right?

MR. HOFFMAN: Look, we have -- we are -- I'm not going to get into what -- what steps we're going to take with the Iraqis. We firmly believe that our relationship with the Iraqis and the Iraqi people is beneficial to Iraq. We think that things are trending in a -- in a productive manner and that we're going to continue with this partnership that we have that has clearly and will continue to lead to increased security and prosperity for the Iraqi people. Go ahead.

Q: If I could follow up on Jack's question?

Even if the money is coming through the State Department, my understanding is the Defense Department acts as the implementer essentially of that aid in Iraq.

And so the -- a follow up question would be would it be possible for the United States to continue to provide the military aid if U.S. forces weren't there in Iraq to either oversee it, to help carry out programs that are funded under the military aid that is under -- is under discussion?

MR. HOFFMAN: So I would just -- seems hypothetical on how that would work, if our forces were not there. Our forces are there, we have no plans at this time to pull our forces out. So I can't really suggest how that would work in a -- in a different environment. All right, right here?

Q: Thank you so much. On U.S. forces staying in Iraq, can you let us know if there's a plan or discussion underway to re-hat U.S. troops under NATO auspices or any other kind of bilateral or multilateral prospect?

MR. HOFFMAN: I -- at this time, I don't believe that's something that we're considering. I -- I don't think it would actually be necessary. We have an agreement with the Iraqi government for U.S. forces to -- to be there and conduct these operations.

The president has noted that he would like to see increased efforts from NATO in the region. I don't know if maybe some -- some different stories are getting conflated into what that looks like but right now our goal is to remain in the force posture we have there. We may adjust it based on what the Commander tells us. If the Commander says "I can do more with -- with less and maybe these forces are needed elsewhere," we might make an adjustment. He might say "we need additional forces." I -- I don't know where that's going to go.

A lot of what we're doing -- and we've said this repeatedly when people have questioned the number of forces that we're putting in the region -- a lot of it is dependent on our adversary and -- and what our adversary does. We've had to put additional forces into the region over the last six months because we had an adversary that was taking shots at -- at -- at our -- our allies and taking shots at our people and we needed additional forces to defend them.

And so that -- that may change but I'm not aware of -- of any plans to -- to, you know, change the color of the patch on their uniform to meet some sort of Iraqi accounting goal. So -- all right?

Q: Afghanistan?

MR. HOFFMAN: Sure.

Q: Absent a cease-fire -- absent a cease-fire or a peace deal with the Taliban, is the plan to -- to pull some U.S. troops out of Afghanistan?

MR. HOFFMAN: I think General Miller has -- has indicated previously that he believes that he could make do with a smaller footprint in Afghanistan. I don't know if -- where we are on implementing that. I think the -- the hope and goal is that the Afghan people will reach some sort of diplomatic solution.

Our -- our position for some time in this administration has been that the only path forward for -- for Afghanistan is a diplomatic solution, a solution that brings all parties to the table and we're hoping to see that happen.

At -- the State Department's deep in negotiations every day and we hope to get there but General Miller has indicated he could probably -- probably handle having fewer personnel there to conduct the mission.

All right, guys, thank you very much.

Q: Thank you.

https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/2060529/

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San Antonio Colleges contentious mascot, Antonio the Ranger, has been parked.

Apparently, that was the word SAC President Robert Vela used in December to suspend or sideline the mascot. He did so even after its latest name was edited to quell criticism, dropping the word Masked in front of Ranger.

Both versions were new and unfortunate spinoffs of SACs original 1920s-era mascot: the Texas Ranger. Several times throughout its history, the mascot has sparked divisiveness.

A century later probably is the right time for the mascot to be put to rest and added to historical accounts about hard-won change.

If SAC needs a mascot, lets hope it will follow the advice of its Mexican American Studies student group, Somos La Gente, which has asked Vela and his administration to select one thats nonhuman, nonviolent and nonracist.

SAC officials might take a cue from local mascots such as the Spurs Coyote, the University of Texas at San Antonios Roadrunner, the University of the Incarnate Word Cardinal and Trinity Universitys Tiger. They no doubt can come up with better options.

Over the past year, SAC student activists have found that many of their peers dont know the history of the Texas Rangers and the terror they waged throughout South Texas in the 1800s through the early 1900s.

Students may not know that the agencys practices led to legislative investigations, state reforms and academic research thats just beginning to surface in books, exhibits and films. Its all shameful.

The agency helped enforce the turnover of massive land holdings. A landmark exhibit at the Bullock Museum in 2016 described land transfers from 1910 to 1920 as ones in which it was cheaper to buy land from a Tejano widow than from a Tejano rancher.

That understanding might not have been in print, Margaret Koch, now the museums director, told me then. But it was the way Mexican Americans were being dealt with.

Vela, who has been unavailable for comment for well over a month, issued a statement Friday afternoon via email about whats planned next to address the mascot issue this semester.

The San Antonio College Rangers mascot has recently created healthy debate amongst the student body, he said in the statement. As part of our commitment to putting students first, San Antonio College will be hosting a student forum in April as part of the 2020 Multicultural Conference.

Speakers will present both the historical context and the current impact of the Texas Rangers, the statement added.

Last semester, SAC hosted a real member of the Texas Rangers, but some students were disappointed that he spoke only of his personal experiences.

When we asked him about the history, he said he couldnt speak about something he doesnt know and wasnt a part of, said Diana Flores, who works as a housekeeper and is a SAC sophomore and member of the MAS group. He was oblivious. It was sad, honestly. It was a disservice.

Velas statement said campus leaders will work with the Office of Student Life and the faculty to organize the forum. Students will make recommendations that the administration will review to determine next steps, the statement said.

For well over a year, MAS students have been studying Ranger history and pressing the mascot issue. Theyve set up tables in highly trafficked areas on campus to get the word out.

They dont feel their concerns have been heard by the administration, which at one point introduced a gnome ranger to try and make the mascot friendlier.

It didnt go over well.

MAS students addressed that issue in a zine, an online magazine. A cute face wont hide a violent past, it said.

The nine-page publication, titled The Violent History of Our Mascot, also republished a photograph of three Texas Rangers sitting on horseback with four dead bodies lying on the ground.

In memory of Jesus Garcia, Mauricio Garcia, Amado Munoz and his brother, the page says, adding, Do these Rangers represent us?

Another page, with the image of a student, played on SACs motto, SAC Proud. I want to be heard, valued, respected, represented, empowered  SAC Proud, the text says. Change the mascot, #changetheranger.

Its a brand new year. SAC has a great opportunity in front of it. Classes resume Tuesday.

Elaine Ayala is a columnist covering San Antonio and Bexar County. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | eayala@express-news.net | Twitter: @ElaineAyala
[music]

michael barbaro

From The New York Times, Im Michael Barbaro. This is The Daily. Today: A secretive company promising the next generation of facial recognition software has compiled a database of images far bigger than anything ever constructed by the U.S. government. The Dailys Annie Brown speaks to reporter Kashmir Hill about whether the technology is a breakthrough for law enforcement or the end of privacy as we know it. Its Monday, February 10.

annie brown

Kashmir, how did this story come to you?

kashmir hill

So I got an email. It was a Wednesday morning. I was checking my phone. And it was from a tipster who had gotten a bunch of documents from police departments. And one of the police departments had sent along this memo about a private company that was offering a radical new tool to solve crimes using facial recognition.

annie brown

And what would make a facial recognition tool radical?

kashmir hill

So law enforcement has for years had access to facial recognition tools. But what this company was offering was unlike any other facial recognition tools that police have been using, because they had scraped the open web of public photos  from Facebook, from Venmo, from Twitter, from education sites, employment sites  and had a massive database of billions of photos. So the pitch is that you can take a picture of a criminal suspect, put their face into this app and identify them in seconds.

annie brown

And when you read this memo, what do you make of what this company is offering?

kashmir hill

So Ive been covering privacy for 10 years, and I know that a technology like this in public hands is the nightmare scenario.

[music]

This has been a tool that was too taboo for Silicon Valley giants who were capable of building it. Google in 2011 said that they could release a tool like this, but it was the one technology they were holding back because it could be used in a very bad way.

annie brown

And why exactly is this kind of technology this line in the sand that no one will cross? What makes it so dangerous?

kashmir hill

So imagine this technology in public hands. It would mean that if you were at a bar and someone saw you and was interested in you, they could take your photo, run your face through the app, and then it pulls up all these photos of you from the internet. It probably takes them back to your Facebook page. So now they know your name, they know who youre friends with, they can Google your name, they can see where you live, where you work, maybe how much money you make. Lets say youre a parent and youre walking down the street with your three-year-old. Somebody can take a photo of you and know where the two of you live. Imagine youre a protester in the U.S. or in a more authoritarian regime. All of a sudden they know everything about you, and you can face repercussions for just trying to exercise your political opinions. If this app were made publicly available, it would be the end of being anonymous in public. You would have to assume anyone can know who you are any time theyre able to take a photo of your face.

annie brown

And so that technology is what this company is pitching these police departments?

kashmir hill

Exactly.

annie brown

And what do you know about this company at this point?

kashmir hill

So at this point, all I really know is that the company is called Clearview AI. And so the first thing I do is Google it. And I find their website, which is clearview.ai. And the website is pretty bare, but theres also an office address listed there, 145 West 41st Street, which happens to be just a couple of blocks from The New York Times office.

annie brown

Right.

kashmir hill

So I decided to walk over there, and there just is no 145 West 41st Street. So that was weird. So now I have this company thats offering this radical new tool 

annie brown

Its got a fake address.

kashmir hill

Its got a fake address, which is a huge red flag.

annie brown

So what you do next?

kashmir hill

I found the company on LinkedIn. It only had one employee listed, a sales manager named John Good, which 

annie brown

John Good.

kashmir hill

John Good. It seemed like it could also be fake. And I sent that person a LinkedIn message and never heard back. So one of the things I find online is a website called PitchBook that lists investments in start-ups. And so it says that this Clearview AI has received $7 million from a venture capital firm and from Peter Thiel  you know, a big name in Silicon Valley, invested in Facebook and Palantir. So I reach out to his spokesperson, and he says Ill get back to you. I never hear from him again. And then one day, I open up Facebook, and I have a message from a friend whose name I dont recognize. And he says, hey, I hear youre looking into Clearview AI. I know them. Theyre a great company. How can I help?

annie brown

And you dont know who this guy is?

kashmir hill

I dont. I mean, its a guy I met once 10 years ago. And somehow he knows that Im looking into this company. But Ill take it. You know, finally 

annie brown

Right!

kashmir hill

 somebody wants to talk to me about Clearview AI. And so I say, hey, can I give you a call? And then he doesnt respond, which Im getting used to.

annie brown

You just cant catch a break.

kashmir hill

I know. Im like, I cannot believe this is another dead end. So phone and email are not working for me. So I just need to figure out another door to knock on to try to talk to a real human being. And one of the investors in the company is this venture capital firm that has an office in Bronxville, New York. So on a cold, rainy Tuesday, I got on the train and headed to Bronxville. I get to the companys address. Its just like in a retail space. And go inside. Theres this long, quiet hallway of office suites, and this venture capital firm is at the very end. And I knock on the door, and theres no one there. So I start trying to talk to their neighbors, and a woman who works next door says, oh yeah, theyre never here. So Im walking down the stairs to go back out of the building, and two guys walk through the door. Theyre both in dark suits with lavender and pink shirts underneath, and they just kind of look like V.C.s to me. So I say, hey, are you with this venture capital firm? And they say, we are. Who are you? And I was like, Im the New York Times reporter whos been trying to get in touch with you. And they said, the company has told us not to talk to you. And I said, well Ive come all the way out to Bronxville. Can we just chat for a little bit? And they say, O.K. If probably helps that Im very pregnant, and they offered me water. And they just start telling me everything.

[music]

annie brown

And what do they tell you?

kashmir hill

They confirm that theyve invested in Clearview AI and that Peter Thiel has also invested. They identified the genius coder behind the company, this guy named Hoan Ton-That. And they say hes Vietnamese royalty but hes from Australia. And they also tell me that Hoan is the one that was using the fake name John Good on LinkedIn.

annie brown

Hes John Good.

kashmir hill

Hes John Good. And they confirm that law enforcement is already using the app. And that law enforcement loves it and that its spreading like wildfire.

annie brown

Wow.

kashmir hill

So Ive learned some stuff from these two investors, but no one from the company is talking to me still. So in the meantime, I am also reaching out to law enforcement, because I want to know if this app really works as well as the company claims. By this point, I had learned that over 600 law enforcement agencies had tried the app, including the Department of Homeland Security and the F.B.I.

annie brown

Wow. Its not just local police departments. This is being used by the federal government already.

kashmir hill

Yeah, I mean, I was just shocked to discover how easily government agencies can just try a new technology without apparently knowing much about the company that provides it. So I talked to a retired police chief from Indiana, who was actually one of the first departments to use the app. And they solved a case within 20 seconds, he said.

annie brown

A case they hadnt been able to solve?

kashmir hill

That they hadnt been able to solve. One of the officers told me that he went back through like 30 dead-end cases that hadnt had any hits on the government database, and he got a bunch of hits using the app. So they were really excited about it.

annie brown

This is way more effective than what they were using before.

kashmir hill

Exactly. With the government databases they were previously using, they had to have a photo that was just a direct full-face photo of a suspect  like mug shots and drivers license photos. But with Clearview, it could be a person wearing glasses, or a hat, or part of their face was covered, or they were in profile, and officers were still getting results on these photos.

annie brown

Wow.

kashmir hill

But the most astounding story I was told was that investigators had this child exploitation video, and there was an adult who was visible in the video just for a few seconds in the background. So they had this persons face. They had run it through their usual databases and not gotten anything back. But then they ran his face through Clearviews app, and he turned up in the background of someone elses gym selfie. You could see his face in the mirror. And so they figured out what gym this photo was taken out. They went to the gym. They asked the employees, do you know who this is? And the employee said, we cant tell you. We have to protect our members privacy. But then later, the detectives got a text from somebody who worked there identifying the person. And that  I mean, thats just something that would not have been possible without Clearviews app. So because officers were telling me the tool works so well, I wanted to see it for myself, on myself. And I asked them if they would run my photo through the app. But every time I did this, things would get weird. The officers would tell me that they ran my photo and there were no results.

annie brown

No pictures of you?

kashmir hill

There were no pictures of me, which was really weird, because I have a lot of photos of myself online. And then officers would just stop responding to me or talking to me. And I had no idea what was going on until one officer was kind enough to explain to me.

[phone ringing] officer Hello, how are you. kashmir hill Hey. Its Kashmir. officer Yes, hi. Mm-hmm.

kashmir hill

Im keeping this officer anonymous because he could get in serious trouble for talking to me so openly about Clearview.

kashmir hill If you could just describe yourself, to the extent that you can describe yourself. officer Im a police officer at a large metropolitan police department.

kashmir hill

So hes a cop who was doing a 30-day free trial of the app. And he was really impressed with it. So I asked him if he wouldnt mind running my photo.

annie brown

And what did he tell you happened when he sent your picture through?

officer Yeah, nothing. I didnt get a response at all. kashmir hill No results? officer No results. And within a couple of minutes of me putting your photo up there  maybe five, less than 10  I got a phone call from the Clearview company. They wanted to know why I was uploading a New York Times reporters photo. kashmir hill That is so wild. I dont know. [LAUGHS] It creeps me out as a reporter. I mean yeah, it just  officer It kind of creeped me out as a user.

kashmir hill

So this implied that Clearview flagged my face in their system such that they got an alert when a police officer ran my face. Which I found 

annie brown

Wow.

kashmir hill

 very alarming, because this is telling me for the first time that this company is able to monitor who law enforcement is looking for, and not just know who theyre looking for, but manipulate the results. And so then that made me go back to the earlier officers who had run my photo. And they all confirmed, yes, I got a call from the company, and they said, were not supposed to be talking to the media.

[music]

kashmir hill So were you able to keep using the app after that? officer My account was deactivated. kashmir hill Did you ever get access back? officer I never did. But I have colleagues that have access. So if I were to need a picture searched, I could just email it to them and they can email me the results. kashmir hill And you think the trade-offs are worth it, in terms of what the company has access to? officer Do I think its worth it? So from a law enforcement perspective, its worth it. We get a lot of cases, and we dont usually have a lot of leads. And so anything that can  honestly, anything that can help us solve a crime is a win for us. From a privacy perspective, its rather frightening the amount of information that they were able to get and provide. As long as theyre doing it for the right reasons, then everything will work out. Lets put it that way.

[music]

kashmir hill

But the problem is we dont know anything about the company at this point. We dont know if theres any kind of oversight. We dont know who the people are that are operating this and what their intentions are with their product. The person in charge of the company wont talk to me. But then, its the end of December when I get a call from the companys spokeswoman. And she says that the founder, Hoan Ton-That, is ready to talk.

michael barbaro

Well be right back.

kashmir hill Do you have a hard stop? hoan ton-that No I dont actually. 12:30. lisa linden 12:00 noon. hoan ton-that Oh, 12:00 noon. kashmir hill I have no hard stop. lisa linden Oh. kashmir hill And I have lots of questions, so Ill take as much time as you can give me.

annie brown

So Kashmir, you finally got an interview with the founder of Clearview, this man named Hoan Ton-That. Where do you meet him?

kashmir hill

So we met in a WeWork in Chelsea. He came down to the lobby.

kashmir hill You like New York, youre going to stay here? hoan ton-that Oh, yeah.

kashmir hill

And his appearance surprised me, because I had Googled him online and there are a lot of photos of him. And hes usually pretty eccentric  like a lot of paisley shirts, hes at Burning Man.

hoan ton-that Lets go to the back room.

kashmir hill

But in person he was very conservative. He was in this dark blue navy suit with a white button-up and leather shoes. So he looked very much like the security start-up entrepreneur.

annie brown

He was looking the part.

kashmir hill

He was looking the part.

kashmir hill When were you born? How old are you? hoan ton-that 88, so Im 31. kashmir hill O.K.

annie brown

And what do you learn about him?

kashmir hill

So he is 31. He grew up in Australia, but you cant hear that in his voice.

hoan ton-that I love computers, obviously. kashmir hill Yeah, so how did you get interested in technology? hoan ton-that We had a computer, of course, when I was four or five years old.

kashmir hill

So his family got a computer when he was three or four, and he was always tinkering with computers growing up.

hoan ton-that We got the internet when I was 10, I think. And then you could discover all these things online. But Linux, I was like I have to get this thing. Its the nerdiest thing ever. I convinced my dad. We installed it, and I would spend the whole summer reinstalling and learning Linux stuff, staying home from high school and learning programming for fun. So thats  I just really liked it.

kashmir hill

He enrolled in college, decided to drop out like many technologists do, and moved to San Francisco when he was 19.

hoan ton-that  2007, before it was a big thing, right? It was kind of getting there, but it wasnt huge.

kashmir hill

This is 2007, and this is kind of a boom time. The iPhone has just come out.

hoan ton-that Thats the Facebook app era. Remember that? kashmir hill Yeah.

kashmir hill

People are becoming millionaires by making Facebook games. And he wants to be the next big app guy.

hoan ton-that Being there is a lot different from reading about it online. You absorb a lot more of how people get things done. And you learn a lot more secrets.

annie brown

What did he built?

kashmir hill

So the Facebook apps were like would you rather apps and kind of like romantic GIFs.

hoan ton-that Did Some of the first iPhone games as well.

kashmir hill

One of his most recent apps was called Trump Hair, and it was an app for adding Trumps hair to your photos.

annie brown

Thats it?

kashmir hill

Thats it. The tagline was, Its gonna be yuge!

annie brown

O.K. [LAUGHS] So how do you move from a Donald Trump hair app to something that seems like it could revolutionize police work?

kashmir hill

Well, he moved to New York. And that seemed to be a big change for him. And he started meeting very different people. And one of the most important people he met was Richard Schwartz.

hoan ton-that I ended up meeting Richard at a party.

kashmir hill

This 61-year-old guy who worked for Mayor Rudy Giuliani in the 1990s. He was just very politically connected.

hoan ton-that I really loved that. He had a lot of stories. And then we talked for an hour about different ideas. Because I was like, this is what I do  technology. I can make anything. And it went from there.

kashmir hill

And the two of them decided, with Hoan Ton-Thats tech know-how and Richards Rolodex, that they want to try to start a facial recognition company together.

annie brown

And why facial recognition? Why did the two of them choose that?

kashmir hill

I think it was because Hoan had started reading a lot of papers about facial recognition and machine learning.

hoan ton-that I had never really studied AI stuff before, but I could pick up a lot of it.

kashmir hill

And I think they realized they could make money doing it.

kashmir hill What would you say, in terms of the range of ideas at first, what were you thinking? hoan ton-that A lot. I could go on, really crazy, but 

kashmir hill

Theres a lot of face recognition algorithms out there, and a lot that work pretty well. What was different about what Hoan Ton-That and Richard Schwartz were doing is they had been willing to scrape all of these photos from the internet. So they just had a huge database of photos.

annie brown

Right, the billions of photos.

kashmir hill

Exactly.

hoan ton-that And then we had this point where we got to 99 percent accuracy. I remember that, it was just in the office. And he was like, wow, it works. Try that one again. Try that one again. And just every time, it would pick the right person out. And thats when we knew, this is crazy. This actually works.

annie brown

Is that legal? Can you just take photographs from anywhere on the internet and use them for this kind of thing?

kashmir hill

There was a ruling in a federal court this fall that said, yeah, this kind of public scraping seems to be legal.

annie brown

And what are they hoping to do with this software at this point?

kashmir hill

I mean, theyre just trying to figure out how they can make money off of the app. And so they eventually end up settling on law enforcement.

hoan ton-that And they start solving cases from grainy A.T.M. photos, cases they wouldve never solved. So this spread to different departments, and then from one agency to other agencies.

annie brown

And do you ask him about that thing that happened with the officer who couldnt find your photos?

kashmir hill

Yeah, so that was one of my questions, and I wasnt entirely satisfied by his answer.

hoan ton-that So  kashmir hill One thing that surprised me  some of the officers I talked to tried to run my photo through it, and they got no hits. And I tons of photos online. hoan ton-that [LAUGHS] It must have been a bug. kashmir hill Did you guys block me from like getting results? hoan ton-that I dont know about that. kashmir hill Because I was like, this doesnt make any sense.

kashmir hill

He said, oh yeah, that was a software bug. But he laughed.

kashmir hill I was like, I have 1,000 photos online. This cant work as well as they say it works. hoan ton-that Yeah, well, it must have been a bug in the software or something. kashmir hill [LAUGHS] Why did you do that? It totally made me think that  hoan ton-that Hey, maybe it doesnt work. You never know, right? This could be the long con. kashmir hill Ah, O.K. hoan ton-that Im kidding, Im kidding. It works.

annie brown

What do you think that was about?

kashmir hill

[LAUGHS] I dont think it was a software bug.

hoan ton-that Its a bug. I dont know. I  kashmir hill You have no idea, huh?

annie brown

Huh.

kashmir hill

Yeah. So he said the software bug is now fixed.

hoan ton-that Oh yes, so Ill show you. This is the iPhone version.

kashmir hill

And he took a photo of me.

hoan ton-that Oh, it does work. kashmir hill Oh, thats so surprising. hoan ton-that I know.

kashmir hill

And there, the results included a bunch of photos of me online.

kashmir hill Oh my god, I totally forgot. hoan ton-that Well, we can take  kashmir hill Thats 10 years ago.

kashmir hill

Including some I had never seen before.

kashmir hill Some of these photos I didnt know were online.

annie brown

So hes just brushing off this weird thing that happened to you. But do you get the sense that hes thinking at all about privacy?

kashmir hill

So I asked him, you know, this is a very powerful app. And I asked him what restrictions is he thinking about for it. And he said, one, that they were only selling it to law enforcement right now, though it does turn out that theyre also selling it to a few private companies for security purposes. But he said they wouldnt sell it to bad actors or bad governments.

hoan ton-that  and our philosophy is basically, if its a U.S. based  or like a democracy or an ally of the U.S.  we will consider it. But like, no China, no Russia or anything that wouldnt be good. So if its a country where its just governed terribly or whatever, I dont know if wed feel comfortable selling to certain countries.

annie brown

So it doesnt sound like he has much of a rubric for deciding who to sell to. And it sounds like theres no one really overseeing how hes making these decisions.

kashmir hill

At this point, its just up to Clearview to decide who they want to sell the app to.

hoan ton-that No pressure, but when we talk to some venture capitalists, theyre like, Why dont you make this consumer? Law enforcement is such a small market. You wont make that much money. And weve considered it, and were just like, whats the use case here? And right now, we catch, help catch pedophiles. What if a pedophile got access to this, goes around the street, runs 

kashmir hill

But when I was talking to one of their investors, he says, we want to dominate the law enforcement market, and then we want to move into other markets like hospitality, like real estate. And he predicted that one day, all consumers will have access to this app.

hoan ton-that Um, and  kashmir hill I can tell you that one of your investors hopes that you guys are going to go into the consumer market. hoan ton-that Well, yeah. He talks too much. But like, were not  were not going to do that. I just dont 

annie brown

Hoan seems to be saying, yeah, theres pressure on us to sell to private consumers, but were not going to do that. And how reasonable is it to think that he has control or the company has control at this point over where this technology goes?

kashmir hill

I mean, one point that I made when I was talking to him is that oftentimes, the tools that law enforcement use end up in the hands of the public.

kashmir hill I just  I personally feel like you guys have opened the door to now this becoming more normalized, just because a lot of tools that law enforcement have eventually make their way into public hands. hoan ton-that Not always. Not everyone has a gun. [LAUGHS] Right? That would be  kashmir hill Anyone who wants one can get one in the U.S. basically, but 

kashmir hill

His response was strange. He said, well, look at guns. Law enforcement has guns, but not everybody has a gun. And I dont know if thats because hes from Australia?

annie brown

Yeah, hes proving your point, in a way.

kashmir hill

[LAUGHS] It did seem like he was proving my point, rather than rebutting it.

[music]

Weve been building the technology to make this possible for years now. Facebook building this huge database of our photos with our names attached to it, advances in image recognition and search technologies, it all led us here. But theres been no accompanying regulation or rules around how the technology should be used. Theres no real law or regulation that makes this illegal. The scraping seems to be O.K. We dont have a big ban on facial recognition. We dont need to give consent for people to process our faces. And so in terms of holding this tool back, were just relying on the moral compasses of the companies that are making this technology and on the thoughtfulness of people like Hoan Tan-That.

kashmir hill But yeah, what do you think about that? Do you think that this is too dangerous a tool for everybody to have? hoan ton-that I have to think about that and really get back to you on an answer, because its a good question. kashmir hill Yeah. hoan ton-that Ive thought about it a little bit. kashmir hill You havent thought about it? You have? hoan ton-that I have, I have. But I need to really come up with a good answer for that. Honestly like, yeah.

[music]

annie brown

Thanks, Kashmir.

kashmir hill

Thank you.

michael barbaro

Since Kashmir began reporting on Clearview AI, several major social media companies including Facebook, Twitter and Venmo have demanded that the company stop using photos scraped from their websites. But its unclear what, if any, power those social media companies have to force Clearview to comply. A few weeks ago, the state of New Jersey barred law enforcement from using Clearviews technology, but police remain free to do so in 49 other states. Well be right back. Heres what else you need to know today. President Trump has begun a campaign of retribution against witnesses in the impeachment inquiry, firing Gordon Sondland, his ambassador to the European Union, who called the presidents actions toward Ukraine a quid pro quo. And Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman, a member of the National Security Council, who expressed alarm over the presidents phone call with the leader of Ukraine. The Times reports that several Republican senators urged Trump not to fire the witnesses, fearing it would send a dangerous message, but that the president ignored their advice. And the global death toll from the coronavirus has reached more than 800, surpassing that of the SARS epidemic, which killed 774 in 2003. The number of confirmed infections from the coronavirus now stands at more than 37,000. Finally, new polling in New Hampshire, which will hold its primary tomorrow, shows Mayor Pete Buttigieg neck-and-neck with Senator Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden slipping into fourth place.

archived recording (george stephanopoulos) Vice President Biden, the first question is for you. In the last few days, youve been saying that Democrats will be taking too big a risk if they nominate Senator Sanders or Mayor Buttigieg, but they came out on top in Iowa. What risks did the Iowa Democrats miss?

michael barbaro

The poll, conducted by The Boston Globe, WBZ and Suffolk University suggest Buttigieg is benefiting from a strong performance in the Iowa caucuses and that Biden may perform poorly for the second time in a row, a prediction Biden confirmed during Friday nights debate on ABC.

archived recording (joe biden) Oh, they didnt miss anything. This is a long race. I took a hit in Iowa, and Ill probably take it here.

michael barbaro
A court on Saturday sentenced two tourist guides to 20 years in jail for raping a minor girl in south Mumbai in 2015.

Judge Priti Kumar (Ghule) found Saibaj Shaikh and Irshad Shaikh guilty under section 376D (gang rape) of IPC and sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

In March, 2015, the two had picked up the 13-year-old girl from Fort area in south Mumbai and taken her in a taxi to Dockyard Road area, a few kilometres away, and gang-raped her in a public toilet.

They had left the teen at Lion Gate, and the girl narrated the ordeal to her mother after which a case was registered in Colaba police station.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A farmer pulls his water buffalo along garbage-strewn trails in a village outside of Yueyang, Henan Province, China on Oct. 30, 2004. More than half of China's peasants are so poor that they are unable to look after themselves. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

China Leverages YouTube Stars Fame to Romanticize Countryside, Conceal Poverty

Internet celebrity Li Ziqi is known for creating food and handicraft using traditional Chinese techniques. She makes her own soy sauce from scratch. She can even build a bench using bamboo she harvested from the forest, and put the parts together without nails or gluea traditional Chinese carpentry technique. She collects rose petals, beeswax and mineral powders to create natural cosmetics. Dressed in traditional Chinese Hanfu clothing, Li performs her craftwork leisurely and gracefullyin perfect harmony with nature.

Lis Chinese blog account is now followed by more than 20 million fans. Her Youtube channel, launched in August 2017, now has 8.3 million fans and many are non-Chinese.

Fans are drawn to the peaceful country living portrayed in her videos and admire her skills to make everything from scratch with natural resources.

Chinese Propaganda Authorities Try to Leverage Lis Influence

Chinese state media took notice of Lis videos last year and ran a series of reports last month praising her for promoting Chinese culture to an international audience.

Li Ziqi is a legend, in that without overplaying it, she achieved international culture influence, China Central TV (CCTV) claimed. In her videos, she did not use a single phrase to praise China, but she truly did a great job of sharing Chinese culture and telling the story of China.

Li was also appointed as the cultural ambassador to promote Chengdu City, the capital of Sichuan Province, her home province.

Many Chinese netizens pointed out that Chinese authorities are trying to leverage Lis influence to bolster their image.

One Li Ziqi is equal to ten Central Propaganda Departments, one netizen said.

Another person made a similar comment, Lis cultural export can be compared with the influence of several Confucius Institutes.

A more outspoken netizen said, With a single persons influence, the crisis of being referred to as a China threat has been resolved.

The Real Story of Chinas Countryside

Some Chinese are concerned that Lis viewers, especially outside of China, may be deluded by the idyllic rustic life portrayed in Lis videos. In reality, most Chinese peasants in the rural areas are still living in poverty and their plights deserve international attention.

Shi Qian, a woman from Lis hometown Mianyang area, told the Chinese-language Epoch Times that the real situation in her hometown is very depressing.

Rural areas all over Mianyang are in shabby condition. Only elderly people are staying in the countryside. It is pathetically dull, Shi said.

Beijing-based artist Ji Feng has many relatives living in the countryside.

Lis video is far from the reality of Chinas countryside, Ji told the Chinese-language Epoch Times. I have been to many places in China, from the north to the south, all rural areas look miserable. Especially in Shanxi Province and Northwestern China, the natural environment is ruined so badly that it is no longer livable. It makes my heart break.

The Chinese communist regime has been facing international condemnation for having seriously damaged Chinas environment. Lis videos can be used by the regime to promote how beautiful Chinas countryside is, and that farmers have the opportunity to start their own businesses, Ji said. However, the truth is, the majority of the countryside is deserted. Very few still work on farm fields.

Ji also pointed out that forced demolition is common in rural areas, which certainly is never going to be shown in Lis videos.

Social conflicts and sufferings are the typical theme throughout Chinas countryside, he said.

Unable to make a living in Chinas rural areas, many young people migrate to big cities to find work as laborers. (Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images)

Chinese current affairs commentator Zhang Qi said he hopes viewers will not be deluded by the beautiful scenery in Lis videos as it does not reflect the current situation in China. But Zhang was not criticizing Li. As a for-profit food and craft blogger, her intention is just to make aesthetically appealing videos.

Under the current economic depression and the various social problems in China, the authorities try to use Lis videos to promote the aspiration for La-la land, a pipe dream, Zhang said.
The officer, 71-year-old Dave Torres, said he had no inkling his friend was a violent criminal at that time. In a phone interview from Nevada Friday, Torres spoke about his friendship with Lindahl, how he believes that friendship set back his law enforcement career, and how he could have spent so much time with a man now suspected in as many as 12 murders and nine rapes and not realized it.
This article was produced in partnership with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.  It was a Friday night five years ago, and in a basement bar below the officers club at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, two men were getting drunk.

One was the commanding officer, Capt. John R. Nettleton, a 49-year-old career Navy helicopter pilot who had risen to run the remote base on the southeast coast of Cuba, best known as the site of the prison and courtroom for detainees in the war on terror.

The other was Christopher M. Tur, a 42-year-old civilian and onetime enlisted Marine who had moved to Guantanamo with his wife and two daughters four years earlier for a job overseeing efforts to prevent shoplifting from the base commissary.

As the evening wore on, Mr. Tur watched with mounting fury from across the bar as his wife, Lara Tur, chatted cozily with Captain Nettleton, who was touching her in a way that struck a witness as inappropriate. At one point, after Mr. Tur remarked that his wife was acting like a whore, the bases public affairs officer, a friend of the couples, told the bartender to stop serving so much to Captain Nettleton and Lara.
Sydney was mostly on its best behaviour on Friday night following the partial lifting of the lockout laws, with police and hospitals reporting few alcohol-related incidents.

But the night was not a success for every reveller celebrating their newfound freedom to drink later at night.

Revellers return to Oxford Street following the scrapping of the lockout laws. Credit:Isabella Porras

Tram passengers were confronted just after midnight by a man, handcuffed and held to the ground by a police officer outside the Establishment Bar.

The 30-year-old was later charged with offences including behaving in an offensive manner, earning himself a date in court next month.
Benellis latest offering for the Indian market, the Imperiale 400 is a retro classic with modern underpinnings. The Chinese owned Italian brand is extremely upbeat with its new entrant that aims to takes on the established likes of the RE Classic 350 and also the recently launched Jawa twins. We head for an extensive ride to conclude if the new Benelli Imperiale 400 has what it takes to go one up on its rivals.

Design  To start with, wed say the Imperiale 400 can be conveniently mistaken for the Classic 350. For a retro-styled motorcyle, the Imperiale ticks all the requisite boxes. The design is simple and minimalistic but not missing on attention to detail.

A plain multi focal reflector headlamp flanked by clear lens turn indicators set the tone just right. A rather slim teardrop fuel tank with mesh textured tank pads, chromed filler cap and Benelli emblem oozes of retro charm. We just could not get enough of the chronograph dial styled twin-pod instrument cluster with digital trip and fuel gauge displays- theres a gear indicator too.

A flat handle bar with neat cabling, brushed aluminium levers and chromed rear view mirrors help in accentuating the clean design. The Imperiale pampers the rider with a spring loaded seat while the pillion has to make do with a small thinly padded rear seat.

The rear fender has a swooping design with a touch extra bracing on either sides. Spoked wheels and a blacked out exhaust with brushed aluminium heat shields reek of premium touch and lend the bike a low and stretched stance. The Imperiale adorns generous dose of chome without being too flashy and seems to have all ingredients in the right proportions.

Engine  The 374cc air cooled single cylinder engine is good for 21 PS @ 5500 rpm and 29 Nm @ 4500 rpm. Despite being 28cc over the RE350`s engine, the output numbers are closely matched. Except the 72mm bore against 70mm on the RE, both bikes share the exact same stroke of 90mm! But that is where the similarities end, gladly.

While the RE350 feels like a 350cc single cylinder long stroke should, the Imperiale`s engine defies the long stroke notions  such is its free revving nature. Yes, the theoretical red line on the tachometer starts at 6000 rpm and the rev limiter only cuts in at 7000rpm! How do we know, well this motor loves to be revved and revved hard.

Sadly, the Imperiale`s 205kg kerb weight somewhat robs you of the fun inducing motor, it nevertheless is a gem of a unit. Benelli has beautifully managed to keep the vibrations and harshness associated to a single cylinder unit to the bare minimum. With 80 kph coming up at 3900 rpm, 90 kph at 4500 and 100 at a breezy 4800 rpm- the Imperiale is a 100-110 kph all day cruiser, yet getting past 120 kph seems an uphill task.

The engine specifications directly mean, that the exhaust note is identical to that of the RE 350 though mild but pleasant to the ears. The Imperiale employs a smooth shifting 5 speed gear box along with a heavier clutch action. The overall state of tune makes it for one happy motor for prolonged riding.

Ride, handling and comfort  The Imperiale employs a twin downtube cradle chassis with 41mm forks up front and a chunky rectangular swing arm suspended by gas charged rear shock absorbers with 5 step pre-load adjustment. 19 wheel at the front and 18 at the rear shod with TVS Remora tyres (100/90 and 130/80 front and rear) complete the setup. Stopping power is extended by 300mm disc at the front and 240mm disc at the rear grabbed by a set of Benelli calipers with twin channel ABS being provided as standard.

While the motor feels peppy and rev-happy, that said, we feel that the RE 350 fares better with absolute low end torque. Once past 2000rpm the motor picks up revs and it just loves to be revved. We were utterly surprised to find the engine smoothest post 5000 rpm all the way till 7000 rpm.

Long distance tourers would be delighted here as 100 kph cruising seems to be an absolute lazy affair for the new Imperiale 400. The gear slot imparts a positive feel with not a single false neutral encountered over the review period. While the overall design of the bike and its riding stance invoke relaxed cruising, it is the motor that turns you into a rev happy rider.

The Imperiale masks its weight well and is a pretty agile motorcycle for its class and proportions. The wide handlebar offers for a comfortable all-day riding position while extending an easy maneuvering ability be it trundling around town or tackling the twisties. The TVS Remora tyres surprised us offering oodles of grip in dry and the kind of pushing we subjected the bike to. With a pliant suspension setup, the Imperiale is a very well rounded package for the rider.

Unfortunately- the same luxurious comfort doesnt expand to the pillion. The small rear seat with soft padding ensures that an average weighted individual would be hitting his bottom onto the base of the seat within minutes. Also the relatively high placed footrests makes for a squatted seating position for the pillion. To add, with the grab rails placed much lower- one could barely manage to get his fingertips and would need to crouch to get a hold around them.

Verdict  While the Jawa twins remain in the mix, the Benellis arch nemesis has to be the RE Classic 350. Price wise, the Imperiale commands a premium selling at 1.69L ex-showroom in Silver shade while the Red-Black combo is sold at 1.79L ex-showroom. It translates to 2.34 L OTR (with 5 year insurance) widening the gap to the offerings from RE stable. But is it worth the premium? Pre-empting the comparison and questions, we can easily sum it with a simple Pros and Cons list.

How is it vs Royal Enfield  During the test ride of Benelli Imperiale 400, we also had the Royal Enfield Classic in our possession. Compared to the RE, the Benelli Imperiale 400 felt a lot smoother, much more responsive, better in acceleration, better in braking, as well as the overall riding dynamics was far ahead than the Royal Enfield. We will do a detailed comparison between the two motorcycles very soon.

Pros:

 Fresh looking design to the relatively dated design of the RE

 Build quality

 Engine refinement

 Handling despite the weight penalty

 Braking, ABS  Standard

 Adjustable front brake lever

 FE is 32kmpl

Cons:

 Brake lever, Gear shifter, foot pegs and rear grab rail feel a bit low rent

 Dealer network is still expanding

 Cost of ownership and after sales service/spares availability is not yet established

 Pillion comfort
I am often asked, Isnt it true that religion is the source of all the problems in the world? I respond with a question of my own, Give me your list of the three people who have helped the world the most in the last century. Their lists are almost always identical: Gandhi, Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King Jr. I then remind them that these three people, who have undeniably helped bring goodness into our world, are not only religious, they are, all three of them, professionally religious.

As we approach Kings memorial holiday, I would like you to pause and remember that he was the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Many children who learn of King in school only learn of Dr. King and are thus deprived of knowing him as a man of faith. Kings faith was the engine of his politics because Kings faith was the engine of his hope. And one other point. Today, many of us are ready to condemn religious folk for urging that the values of their faith inform our political life as a nation. They are often accused of breaking down the wall of separation of church and state. However, when King was urging the passage of civil rights legislation to ban discrimination, he was never accused of violating separation of church and state. The biblical prophets knew that a faith that was limited to rituals was a faith that had turned its back on God.

We see this connection between faith and hope and political change in a sermon King delivered on Feb. 26, 1956. in Montgomery, Ala., during the bus boycott. The Faith in Man sermon is part of Kings papers at Stanford University (Volume 6. The Papers of Martin Luther King, Jr. Volume VI: Advocate of the Social Gospel, September 1948 - March 1963 Clayborne Carson, Susan Carson, Susan Englander, Troy Jackson and Gerald L. Smith, eds. https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/).

One of the things that we are witnessing in our age is a growing pessimism concerning the nature and destiny of man. Man has lost faith in himself. And so many would cry out with the writer who referred to man as a cosmic accident. Others would affirm with the cynical writer that man is the supreme clown of creation. Still others would affirm with Jonathan Swift than man is the most pernicious little race of odious vermin.

... At many points it is quite understandable why it is difficult for us to have faith in man. Man has often made such a poor showing of himself. Within a generation we have fought two world wars. We have seen mans tragic inhumanity to man. We have looked to Mississippi and seen supposedly Christian and civilized men brutally murdering the precious life of a little child. (Here, King is referring to the murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till in Money, Miss.) We have looked to Alabama and seen a ruthless mob take the precious law of the land and crush it with a blow of their tragic whims and caprices. (Here, King is referring to the rioting at the University of Alabama after the admission of a black student, Autherine Lucy.) We have seen England trampling over India with the iron feet of oppression. We have seen the British and the Dutch and the Belgians and the French crushing Africa with the battering rams of exploitation.

Yet, in the midst of this, Christianity insists that there is hope for man. Christianity has always insisted that mans plight is never so low that it cant be better.

This was certainly expressed in the life of Jesus. Throughout his ministry Jesus revealed a deep faith in the possibilities of human nature. He saw within this sea of humanity not a dead sea of impossibilities, but an ocean of infinite possibilities and potentialities.

This is expressed very beautifully in a passage in the first chapter of John. Jesus is presented talking to Peter. Now you remember Peter was undependable, vacillating so fickle in his ever-changing moods. But Jesus says to him in substance, although you are Simon now, you will be Peter. It did not look like it. And it was a long time in coming. But it did come. He was saying to Peter, actually you are like sand, but potentially you are a rock. (John 1:40-42)

Jesus knew that God had given man certain creative powers and had endowed him with high and noble virtues; and that these virtues and powers could be made living realities in the life of man, if he properly responded to the Grace of God.

Conclusion: If men are willing to submit their wills to Gods will and to cooperate with him in his divine purpose, we will be able to turn the world upside down, outside in, and right side up.

Send ALL QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS to The God Squad via email at godsquadquestion@aol.com. Rabbi Gellman is the author of several books, including Religion for Dummies, co-written with Fr. Tom Hartman.
(CNN)  It might just be the most bizarre criticism of a US ambassador in recent memory.

Harry Harris, Washington's envoy to South Korea, has been subjected to heated vitriol on social media and by anonymous netizens for his mustache.

That small piece of facial hair has, as Harris put it, "for some reason become a point of some fascination here in the media."

"If you watch social media it's all out there," Harris, the former head of US Pacific Forces, told a group of foreign reporters Thursday.

On the surface, the critiques border on ridiculousness. It's just a small patch of hair.

But Harris' 'stache has sparked discussions on topics much bigger than the ambassador himself: the still-raw emotions among many Koreans about the legacy of Japanese occupation; the prevalence of racism in such a homogenous society; and cracks appearing in the future of the decades-old alliance between Seoul and Washington as the two sides attempt to reach a deal on how to cover the cost of US troops stationed in South Korea, amid reports that President Donald Trump demanded a 400% pay increase.

The gist of the criticism is that with the mustache, Harris resembles the reviled Japanese leaders who ruled the Korean Peninsula with an iron fist during the Japanese occupation.

Some of Japan's most prominent wartime leaders -- like Hideki Tojo, the Prime Minister who was later executed by a postwar tribunal, and Emperor Hirohito -- had mustaches.

Under Japanese rule, many Koreans were brutalized, murdered and enslaved. It's still living memory for elderly Koreans and remains a highly emotive subject in both North and South Korea.

In recent years, issues relating to the war have become a point of contention between Japan and South Korea. Fierce debates have broken out over the status of "comfort women" -- Korean women forced into providing sexual services for Japanese soldiers -- and whether Japanese corporations should pay individual reparations for Koreans who were forced into labor.

Harris was born in Japan to a Japanese mother and American father, who was a Navy officer, and some online commentators have pointed to Harris' heritage along with the mustache in their criticisms.

But Harris isn't Japanese, he's a US citizen. And calling him out for his Japanese ancestry would almost assuredly be considered racist in the United States.

South Korea is a homogenous society without racial diversity like the United States. The CIA World Factbook doesn't even list other ethnic groups living in South Korea on the country's page, instead just referring to the country as "homogenous." Mixed-race families are rare and xenophobia remains surprisingly common.

Harris, who has dedicated years of his life to the service of his country, said in an interview with the Korea Times in December that the only times his ethnic background has come into play was when he criticized China for its actions in the South China Sea, and recently, in South Korea in connection to his mustache.

"I understand the historical animosity that exists between both of the countries but I'm not the Japanese American ambassador to Korea, I'm the American ambassador to Korea," he said. "And to take that history and put it on me simply because of an accident of birth I think is a mistake."

Harris said he believes the argument that he resembles Japanese wartime leaders "cherry picks" history. He cited two mustachioed Korean independence figures, Ahn Jung-geun and Ahn Chang-ho, as proof.

"I didn't grow a mustache because of my Japanese heritage, because of the independence movement of Korea or even because of my dad. I grew it because I could and I thought I would and I did," he said.

Harris explained that he grew the mustache to mark a new phase in his life, after he retired as commander of the US Pacific Fleet and began working as a diplomat.

"I couldn't grow taller, I couldn't grow hair on top of my head, but I could grow it on front of my head and so I did that. Nothing more nefarious than that, I wanted to have a change," he said.

When asked whether he would shave the mustache to help smooth relations, Harris told the Korea Times that someone would have to convince him it would benefit the US-South Korea bilateral relationship.

"I am who I am. All I can say is that every decision I make is based on the fact that I'm American ambassador to Korea, not the Japanese American ambassador to Korea," he said Thursday.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Racism, history and politics: Why South Koreans are flipping out over a US ambassador's mustache"
Robbins LLP Is Investigating the Officers and Directors of ResMed Inc. (RMD) on Behalf of Shareholders

Shareholder rights law firm Robbins LLP is investigating whether certain officers and directors of ResMed Inc. (NYSE: RMD) breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders. ResMed develops, manufactures, and markets medical equipment for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing.

ResMed Inc. (RMD) Shareholders Have Legal Options

Contact us to learn more:

Leo Kandinov

(800) 350-6003

[email protected]









Robbins LLP is a nationally recognized leader in shareholder rights law. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in shareholder derivative and securities class action lawsuits, and has helped its clients realize more than $1 billion of value for themselves and the companies in which they have invested. Click here to receive free alerts from Stock Watch when companies engage in wrongdoing.

Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200117005496/en/
Photo-Illustration: The Strategist. Photos: Retailers

Much like socks, the best mens underwear should be comfortable, durable, and stylish. But those words mean different things for different people. Most men are quite picky about their underwear and many have strong opinions about which style and brand is best. Here, we do not set out to resolve the great brief-versus-boxer debate. Instead, were featuring some of the best options recommended to us by stylists, fitness professionals, and other discerning and active men across all categories. We also scoured our archives for underwear recommendations from other interesting men, like actor Neil Patrick Harris, Tan France, and Rick Ross.

For ease of navigation, we sorted their selections into five categories: boxer briefs, briefs, trunks, boxers, and performance underwear. Click through if you know exactly what youre looking for, or read on to see all the favorite pairs our cool guys recommended  from reliable everyday choices to giftable luxury brands. Yes, theres a lot of Calvin Klein, but there are plenty of other options too.

Uniqlo Mens Airism Boxer Briefs $15 Photo: retailer For a pair of Uniqlo boxer briefs that feel even more barely there than those above, two guys recommend this style from the brands AIRism line. Nicolas Lazaro, a community specialist at menswear resale platform Grailed, says he used to wear cotton boxer briefs like the pair above but has never looked back since switching to these. Youll forget you even have them on, he says, describing the boxer briefs as ultralightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking, with enough stretch for comfort while still providing the necessary support. Lazaro adds that the underwear dries so quickly he can just handwash and hang dry it overnight if hes ever in a pinch. Publicist Nick Roberts, the founder of Lawrence & Co., is another fan, telling us theyre extremely comfortable, and, at $15 apiece, I can stock up knowing Im getting good quality for the price point. $15 at Uniqlo Buy

Calvin Klein Cotton Stretch Boxer Briefs (3 Pack) From $43 While typically more expensive than Uniqlos boxer briefs, Calvin Kleins are as classic as it gets (and, when bought in a multipack, are actually a pretty good deal). This pair, also featured in our list of the best boxer briefs for men, is exceptional, not too tight, and very low maintenance, according to Phillip Wong, the co-founder and creative director of mens skin-care and grooming line Hawthorne. While they come in a plethora of colors, style editor Ian Taylor says sticking with darker tones is your best bet. Grays and blacks have a bit more of a shelf life, he explains. White looks great when its photographed on a model with a six-pack, but if youve been wearing them for six months, they wont look quite as pristine. From $43 at Amazon Buy $45 at Nordstrom Buy

SAXX Platinum Boxer Brief $35 Photo: retailer Saxx underwear was mentioned by a few of the guys we spoke with, many of whom noted how much they like the companys signature supportive pouch. (Celebrities like Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional and Neil Patrick Harris are also fans of the brand.) Cory Ohlendorf, the editor-in-chief of mens style platform Valet., told us hes swears by these Platinum boxer briefs. Ive tried a lot of underwear over the years, but this is the only brand that ticks all the boxes. Theyre thin, supersoft, and yet extremely durable  I can wear them working out or on a ten-hour flight and be completely comfortable the whole time. Thats because, according to Ohlendorf, the underwear is sewn to mold around your body shape. Hes also a fan of the aforementioned support pouch, which he says without getting too graphic, means that readjusting is a thing of the past. $35 at Saxx Buy

New Balance Premium 6-Inch Boxer Brief $35 now 31% off From $24 Photo: retailer Ralph Lauren creative producer Yale Breslins favorite boxer briefs also come from an athletic brand. While theres no reason you couldnt wear these (or Hunsingers Under Armour pair) for working out, the fact that both men told us these are their everyday underwear led us to include them here and not with the best performance underwear further down on this list. Breslin calls his favorite New Balance pair the perfect boxer brief that makes me feel athletic even when Im doing absolutely nothing. Describing the feel as tight and smooth, he adds that theres also this little pocket that is so unnecessary but makes me feel like a badass at all times. Never know what Im going to hide! From $24 at Amazon Buy

Calvin Klein Steel Micro Boxer Brief $28 now 11% off From $25 Thomas Fortune, the creative director for footwear brand Stubbs & Wootton, is another who favors Calvin Klein boxer briefs, which he has been wearing since hes been old enough to remember. His favorite pair is notably made without cotton, but rather a nylon-and-elastane blend. The microfiber stretch is perfect for preventing the boxer riding up your leg (the worst) and also allows the skin to breathe. Theyre on the more expensive side, but Fortune promises these are worth it. Theyre very much quality over quantity and last for years. From $25 at Amazon Buy

Ralph Lauren Cotton Boxer Briefs (3 Pack) $43 While more than a few people we spoke to agreed that Calvin Klein is the undisputed big name in underwear, we heard about plenty of other classic brands with die-hard fans, too. These all-cotton boxer briefs from Ralph Lauren come recommended by McNeil, who told us that while he likes Uniqlos pair, this one is actually his favorite. In terms of underwear I rock loyally, the G.O.A.T., Ralph Lauren, has always been a daily go-to. He adds that these check all the boxes, from fit to comfort to the signature waistband. $43 at Macy's Buy

Life is Good Mens 2-Pack Classic Boxer Brief - LIG-Beer $38 These affordable boxer briefs come recommended by Sterling Doyle, a senior sales associate at upmarket mens haberdasher Drakes, who told us he has come across far pricier pairs that arent as good. First sent to him by his mother, the boxer briefs, according to Doyle, are kind of like the Crocs of underwear; you love to hate them, but at the same time, everyone should have a pair. Thats because the fit kind of knocks it out of the park, he says, describing how they sit above the hip (and have a waistband that keeps them there), dont cling-wrap anything lower down, and never ride up on his thighs. Theyre made from a soft, breathable cotton, adds Doyle, who concludes: All-around, theyre some of the most solid boxer briefs Ive ever owned. $38 at Sport Buff Buy

Stance Windsor Wholester Underwear $35 $35 If you like boxer briefs with a little more personality, dancer Stephen tWitch Boss recommends Stances drawers. I started with Stance socks six years ago and am still wearing them, so I had to get some of its underwear, he says. At first I was like, Wait a minute  this is a sock company. Will the underwear be any good? Listen: It is like the greatest underwear that Ive ever worn. I sound like a commercial, but I promise you, this is coming from the heart. He particularly likes all the colorful designs to choose from. Its just so cool how Stance takes the time to design it  there are very few others flexing creation on mens underwear. I wear festive pairs every day, but no one knows; like my socks, the underwear is just for me. Its a subconscious thing that makes me happy. $35 at Backcountry Buy

MENAGERIE Intimates Lace Boxer Brief $69 Model and musician Shaun Ross also prefers a prettier pair of underwear. For women, lingerie has always been something meant to make them feel sexy, he says. But as a man, I want that same feeling  like many men, I am getting more in touch with myself and my feminine side. These lacy briefs give him that feeling, and he wears them all the time, even to the beach. The company is Black-owned, and the briefs make me feel sexy. $69 at Menagerie Buy

Hanes Mens 5pk Comfortsoft Waistband Boxer Briefs with Fresh IQ $16 $16 Queer Eye stylist Tan France insisted to us that expensive designer underwear isnt always worth it. Its bull when people say the more you spend, the better the quality, he says. Thats not always the case. Theres a reason why Hanes sells as many boxer briefs as they do. He suggests that these airy and breathable boxer briefs, which he wears daily, will suit those who wear tight pants and want to avoid visible seams. $16 at Target Buy

Supreme Hanes Boxer Brief (4-pack) $69 $69 On the other end of the Hanes spectrum is this Supreme collaboration, favored by Ghetto Gastro co-founder Jon Gray. I like the length of the leg, and I like the elasticity of the band, he explains. But its also just a fashion statement. If Im at Supreme buying something else, I can just pick up more of the underwear. As a grown adult, you have to  have to  have fresh underwear. Always. $69 at Farfetch Buy

Jockey Mens Elance Bikini Cotton Briefs (Pack of 6) From $36 Although hes a fan of Calvin Klein briefs, Garr told us that these Jockey ones are so affordable and comfortable that hes thinking of ditching his longtime favorite for them. I came across these Jockey briefs while recently looking for underwear on Amazon, he says. Theyre 100 percent cotton, and the elastic is just right and hugs nicely without pushing in areas you dont want it to. From $36 at Amazon Buy From $36 at Amazon Buy

Dolce & Gabbana Stretch Cotton Briefs, Two-Pack $60 Photo: retailer Dolce & Gabbanas cotton briefs are the go-to underwear for Brian Kelly, a.k.a. the Points Guy, who calls them superhigh quality and stretchy and great for sleeping on planes (being one of the most frequent fliers we know, were inclined to take his word for it and have to assume that theyre just as comfortable to sleep in anywhere else). If the price gives you sticker shock, we should note that this set of two breaks down to a more reasonable $27.50 per pair  or roughly the same price as the boxer briefs from (far less storied brand) Sleepy Jones mentioned above. $60 at Dolce & Gabbana Buy

Tani Silkcut Brief $40 Cohen also told us about these briefs from Tani, a newer high-end underwear brand that he likes a lot. He says the brand plays with performance fabrics in an interesting way while still maintaining a stylish and fashionable look. These are made with a patented Micro Modal AIR fabric that the company describes as thinner and softer than silk. $40 at Tani Buy

Tom Ford Stretch Cotton Logo Briefs $55 For another luxurious brief, Cohen suggests Tom Fords made-in-Italy pair. Youre paying a bit of a premium for the name and the provenance, but you can trust that theyre made to the brands exacting standards. These are 95 percent cotton with 5 percent elastane for stretch, which Cohen calls an ideal blend for breathability and comfort. And then of course theres the sleek design. Theyre very sexy, almost a throwback to a 1970s playboy, says Cohen, who especially loves all the color options, which includes this shade of deep red. $55 at Bloomingdale's Buy $55 at Tom Ford Buy

Marco Marco Core Brief in Black $28 $28 Musician Todrick Hall says the fabric of these briefs is so comfortable that you forget youre even wearing underwear. Supportive and light, theyre also available in a variety of colors and patterns, including sheer netting. Not to mention their stylishly logoed elastic waistband, which is definitely more of a flex than neutral options from Hanes or Uniqlo. Hall usually sticks to the classic black briefs, but every now and then I feel frisky and wear one of their jockstraps. $28 at Marco Marco Buy

Best trunks Calvin Klein Classic Cotton Trunks (Pack of 3) From $24 Trunks are something of a middle-ground between briefs and boxer briefs; theyre essentially boxer briefs with shorter legs, and are a good option for guys who maybe want something a little less revealing than briefs but still streamlined and flattering. Foos pointed us to Calvin Kleins cotton trunks, which he says have a bit more structure, which means a bit more security, adding that while Im no Bieber, I certainly feel like I am in these Calvins. From $24 at Amazon Buy From $24 at Amazon Buy

Tommy John Second Skin Trunk $34 Photo: retailer Tommy John is another brand that got a lot of love in our roundup of the best boxer briefs for men, with guys praising its underwears design and high-quality fabrics. Barron Cuadro, the founding editor of Effortless Gent, wears the companys Titanium Trunk, which is made from a blend of micro-modal and Spandex for stretch. The modal blend is supersoft, comfortable, and relatively quick drying, he says, adding these just feel great when you have them on. Adding to their comfort is a nice and wide waistband, according to Cuadro. $34 at Tommy John Buy

Best boxers Sunspel Cotton Boxer Shorts $50 The guys we spoke with tend to like cotton boxers for sleeping or loungewear (and they tend to prefer something slimmer and more supportive while out and about every day). Two told us their favorite boxer comes from upmarket British brand Sunspel, which makes other basics that stylish guys swear by. The only time I would venture away from Calvin is for Sunspels cotton boxer shorts, says Fortune. However these would only be for sleeping. Menswear consultant Nick Wooster is also a fan of Sunspels boxers, particularly this Oxford-blue color. As Wooster puts it, Whats better than a periwinkle shirting fabric in a boxer short? Going against the grain, he likes to wear these with pants, specifically with drop-crotch and pleated pants. $50 at Sunspel Buy

J.Crew Cotton Boxers $20 Photo: retailer For a more affordable boxer, Cohen likes this pair from J.Crew. I just wear them for sleep, but some guys still wear them [as underwear], Cohen says of the brands cotton boxers, which come in a variety of fun prints. Theyre really well-priced, he says, adding that the 100 percent cotton fabric has a nice hand. $20 at J.Crew Buy

Versace Greca Border Boxers $125 Photo: retailer Should you be in the market for luxury underwear, rapper Rick Ross recommends these Versace boxers. I wear them when Im really feeling myself or for a special occasion, he says. When I wear [them], I feel sexy  like a fat, sexy model. $125 at Nordstrom Buy

Best performance underwear Lululemon Always in Motion Boxer 5 $38 $38 When it comes to performance underwear, fitness pros Dominic Mangine recommends Lululemon. He wears these 5-inch boxer briefs literally every day, calling them the best purchase of his adult life. While admittedly pricey, Mangine says Lululemons underwear is worth it for active guys who value comfort and freedom of movement. The breathable fabric makes them suitable for training and playing sports. He even wore them to the beach this summer in place of swim trunks: Better tan lines. $38 at Lululemon Buy Mack Weldon AIRKNITx Boxer Brief $32 The last time we consulted personal trainer Ariel Brill about his favorite performance underwear, he was a Lululemon loyalist, too. But he recently switched to this pair from Mack Weldon, which he says performs consistently for both outdoor and gym workouts. The brands unique woven fabric, more traditional than some of the silkier styles listed here, is very comfortable and allows a wide range of flexibility in all movements. And the colorways, from charcoal to turmeric to billiard table-green, are some of the best weve seen. $32 at Mack Weldon Buy

Reebok Performance Boxer Briefs (4 Pack) From $32 Photo: retailer While Brill is a fan of Lululemon, he says these more affordable Reebok boxer briefs are his go-to for workouts. Made from a blend featuring 92 percent polyester (a fabric often found in performance underwear due to its sweat-wicking abilities), and 8 percent elastane for stretch, he says that theyre flexible and supportive for all gym activities. From $32 at Amazon Buy From $32 at Amazon Buy

ExOfficio Give N Go Boxer Brief $30 Another brand known for its underwear made with technical fabrics is ExOfficio, which counts Cuadro as a fan. He told us the material of these is not only super-breathable, but also dries really quickly, making them a great choice for travel or outdoorsy pursuits like camping, when you need to wash and hang dry underwear. Overall, theyre really comfortable, he adds. $30 at Backcountry Buy

Additional reporting by Katherine Gillespie

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Three persons, including two police constables, have been arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 25,000 from a hawker in Dharavi here, police said on Saturday.

The Mumbai police's Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested constables -- Sanjay Talekar and Mukund Shinde -- and Pratik Meher on Friday, an official said.

Another constable, who is wanted in the case, is absconding, he added.

The accused constables had allegedly demanded Rs 32,000 from a hawker for setting up a new food cart at 90 Feet Road in Dharavi, the official said.

After negotiations, the accused brought down the bribe amount to Rs 25,000, he said.

The complainant approached the ACB, following which a trap was laid at Dharavi police station on Friday, when the exchange was scheduled to take place, the official said.

The constables asked the complainant to keep the bribe amount at a cake shop opposite the police station, he said, adding that the money was handed over to Meher who was caught with the money.

While Talkar and Shinde were taken into custody, Rane remains absconding, he said.

The accused were arrested under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988, the official added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The historic decision to step back from royal life means that Harry and Meghan will be free to pursue social and financial independence.

Within minutes of the announcement from Buckingham Palace earlier today, the couple's official website, SussexRoyal.com, also released an updated statement.

But the post continued to refer to the couple as 'Their Royal Highnesses' despite the Queen announcing that they would no longer be using their HRH titles.

Within minutes of the announcement from Buckingham Palace earlier today, the couple's official website, SussexRoyal.com, also released an updated statement

But the post continued to refer to the couple as 'Their Royal Highnesses' despite the Queen announcing that they would no longer be using their HRH titles

The statement made on behalf of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex read: 'In line with the statement by Her Majesty The Queen, information on the roles and work of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be updated on this website in due course.

'We appreciate your patience and invite you to explore the site to see the current works of Their Royal Highnesses.'

It is thought that the full change in titles will come into affect from spring but it is not yet known how Harry and Meghan will balance their trademark brand 'Sussex Royal' with no longer having the title.

The pair launched their own Instagram account, @sussexroyal, in April last year and have since attracted 10.8 million followers.

Additionally, their official website, sussexroyal.com, launched just moments after announcing they were stepping back from royal duties last week.

It is not known what the couple intend to do with either of these platforms given that they are no longer royals.

Prince Harry and Meghan unveiled a slick new website just moments after announcing they were stepping back from royal duties

Their official page was first registered 10 months ago in March last year and has been secretly developed since then.

It is currently unclear exactly how much it would have cost to develop the page and who paid for it.

Social media users have been quick to comment on Harry and Meghan's official statement with one users branding the use of 'Their Royal Highnesses' as being 'gauche and deliberate'.

One user, Shellery Higgins, wrote: 'Not sure [their] team are fully understanding they have lost the HRH title? They are no longer Royal Highnesses are they?'

Another, Kayla Adams, added: 'Yet [Meghan has] still called her and Harry "Their Royal Highnesses" on their new statement today on their website.'

Posts on the website detail the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's 'new working model', explaining how they intend to go forward in a 'progressive new role'.

They list their new media relations policy, the future of their charities and also explained how they will be funded after claiming that they want to be financially independent.

The site also stated that they would be withdrawing from the 'royal rota' system, which allows British newspaper, television and radio organisations to cover their work in recognition of the monarchy being a publicly-funded organisation.

UK media are currently entitled to cover their engagements in an impartial manner without control from royal officials.

The couple say they now intend to offer access to specially-invited media and dispense news via their own official communications and social media channels.

On their new website, the Duke and Duchess said they believe this policy will reflect 'both their forthcoming independence as members of the Royal Family' and their wish to 'reshape and broaden access to their work'.

Some charities feel confident they will still benefit from their links with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, even after they have officially cut their ties as senior royals. Pictured: Harry and Meghan leaving a photo call with baby Archie in May 2019

Some charities feel confident they will still benefit from their links with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, even after they have officially cut their ties as senior royals.

Map Ives, director and founder of Rhino Conservation Botswana, said he has already been told by an official in Harry's office that the duke 'wants to continue' his work with his organisation.

Mr Ives said: 'If anything our relationship should get stronger.

'Yes, he is going to have to go out and earn some money but he has a personal understanding of biodiversity and about the health of the planet which leads him to want to be involved and want to help us with awareness.

'The addition of someone like Harry helps us to get the word out about what we are doing. We need awareness and appreciate support from people like that.

'If he had withdrawn as our patron or supporter I would have felt it personally myself because he is a very nice man but I am glad he is not going anywhere.'

Harry is the patron of WellChild, the national charity for sick children. A spokesman said: 'They have already said they are going to honour their patronages.'

WellChild's chief executive Colin Dyer said the charity is 'privileged' to have Harry on board, adding: 'The amazing support and hard work of the Duke and Duchess is always very much appreciated by everyone at WellChild.'

The couple have also announced plans to set up their own charitable entity.

Having served in the British Army for 10 years, Harry's charity work has included campaigns to raise awareness of the challenges faced by service personnel who have switched to civilian life.

His interests also include sport, mental health awareness and African conservation.

Meghan's patronages reflect an interest in the arts, access to education, support for women and animal welfare.

They include the National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, which were handed to her by the Queen.

She also took on the patronage of animal charity Mayhew and Smart Works, which helps unemployed women and for which she later designed a collection of clothes.

PR expert Mark Borkowski believes the couple will still have immense pulling power in the charity sector but said: 'Whether they will become as interesting for charities going forward, I don't think so, but they will carry a lot of chic and interest with them but sustaining that for 10,20,30 years is going to be difficult.'

He said: 'They can raise a lot of money. They can make a lot of money and they clearly have an ambition and a purpose.

'This is a significant move into another world and we haven't seen that since Edward and Mrs Simpson.

'I think they (Harry and Meghan) are significant personalities in their own right now and wherever they go they will have press attention, the cameras will follow them. It'll be talked about.

'So that's not going to change and if anything, by not being connected to the Royal Family, not having the HRH monikers on it, they are doing something incredibly disruptive but they won't immediately lose their sheen.'

With their combination of Hollywood glamour and royalty, the Duke and Duchess are likely to be inundated with commercial offers from book deals to brand endorsements - but it understood they have not signed any deals yet.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), Peoples Front of India (PFI) and a few other similar organizations may soon be banned, Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai and Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister JC Madhuswamy told the media after the cabinet meeting on Friday. They said the issue was discussed in the cabinet and some stern action is being considered against these extreme outfits.

This statement comes after information that the organisations were seeking to eliminate some known names in the BJP like Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya and Chakravarti Sulibele of Yuva Brigade, a sister outfit of the BJP. Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai said, Many of them are known violators, they have planned and executed murders, unrest and terror activities over a period of time, and much has been documented. Many have been arrested in previous cases and questioned, and the government has a lot of information on their activities which will all be provided to central government and other agencies, Bommai said. There have been murders, terror activities, planning and conspiracy in Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Mysuru and other places, he said.

Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai briefs

the media on the arrest of the six SDPI

activists | Nagaraja Gadekal

This is the third time the government is reiterating that it is seeking to ban these organisations. It may be recalled that the first time was following the attack on Congress MLA Tanveer Sait in Mysuru, when the government had stated that it would consider a ban on the PFI. Cabinet Minister R Ashoka had said they would go ahead with banning the SDPI and Karnataka Forum for Dignity.

The second time the ban was mentioned was after the protests in Mangaluru, when the government again considered the issue of banning SDPI and PFI, where protests saw two deaths due to police firing. Minister Suresh Kumar had said that both organisations instigate violence and disturb peace in society. Both need to be banned.

SDPI state secretary Akram Hassan said, There is no basis for banning any political party. We are a registered political party functioning under the Constitution. We have won more than 20 seats in municipal and other elections across the state. We are a 10-year-old party, and from day one, they have tried to ban our party, questioning our existence.

Earlier in the day, Health Minister B Sriramulu told reporters that a delegation headed by Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa will soon go to Delhi to meet Home Ministry officials, demanding a ban on these organisations. I will also be part of it and meet the officials concerned next month to submit the memorandum, he said.Police said that those who attacked a BJP worker for taking part in a pro-CAA demonstration were planning to target many senior leaders, including Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya. I have more trust on God. There is talk of giving security to people like us, what about people who work on the ground. Our worker Varun was attacked, who will give security to them? People who work for country cannot be seen holding a gun or seen with a gunman. If this is seen, it is nothing but destroying the very purpose of democracy, the MP said.

Industry Minister Jagadish Shettar said the SDPI always denies its involvement in such activities but it has been proved now. The organisation should be banned as the members have always been involved in anti-social activities and the Union government should take very serious note of this, he said.

Asha workers to get one-time settlement

The strike by thousands of ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists) workers seems to have succeeded in garnering the attention of the state government. Although the government has not fulfilled all their demands, it has offered them a one-time settlement of Rs 3,000 each to the 41,000 Asha workers and said it will look into their other demands. Minister J C Madhuswamy, who announced it after the cabinet meeting on Friday, the state government will incur an additional burden of Rs 12.5 crore to meet the one-time settlement. ASHA workers had staged a massive protest soon after the New Year after all the deadlines they had given the government expired at the end of last year. The offer came in about a fortnight after the protest began.
I applaud Stanley Hellers cogent essay opposing the illogical linkage made between being against Israeli state policies  anti-Zionism  and discriminating against Jews  anti-Semitism.

As the nation-state Israel has increasingly acted tribally  a people apart  and defined itself as the nation of all Jews  and only Jews wherever they are  it has encouraged the conflation of Jewish and Israeli. Then, when Israels own self-defeating behavior  gross violation of international law and Palestinian human rights via ongoing ethnic cleansing and dispossession of Palestinians  inevitably brings international condemnation of such state-sponsored terror, these honest criticisms are defined as anti-Semitic.
Around 9pm on January 19, 1990, Sanjay Tickoo sank into his favourite chair in front of the television in his house in Srinagars Habba Kadal area. It was a cold evening and most people in the neighbourhood had retired to their homes early.

He had barely switched on the television to the Doordarshan Metro channel when the loudspeaker in the mosque near his house began to blare. Over the next few hours, the announcements grew shriller, and the Tickoo family more scared.

There were slogans asking Pandits to leave the Valley and for Azadi (freedom). They also asked Muslims to come out on the streets. By 11pm, it had reach fever pitch. And, there was very little communication in those days, said Tickoo, one of the few remaining Pandits in the Valley.

Around two kilometres away in Downtown, a 46-year-old man was frantically dialling his contacts in the state government as the din rose outside the lattice-patterned window of his two-storey house  but to no avail. We were told Ralive-Tsalive-ya Galive (Convert, leave or perish). It felt like we had been cut off, abandoned,  said the man, who refused to be named.

As the night progressed, more people came out on the streets in a city already smarting over the disputed 1987 assembly election and the surprise appointment of controversial bureaucrat Jagmohan as the new governor, hours before. The elected government, led by Farooq Abdullah, was furious and rumours swirled of a breakdown in administration.

And, there was also the fast-rising militancy led by the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) that was fighting for the provinces independence.

It was a scary time and peoples fears were exploited by terrorist elements. I remember none of us could sleep that night. It seemed the message was: tonight, our fate will be decided, said Aasha Khosa.

The morning brought worse news for the Pandits, a prosperous and close-knit community of 350,000-odd caste Hindus with deep roots in the Valley, many of whom held white-collar and government jobs.

A female relative of Khosa in the Downtown area, a densely populated Muslim-majority neighbourhood that holds roughly a third of the citys population, had spent the night locked in a room with their young daughter, scared that intruders will barge into their house any time. Another family was so scared that with first light, they called a reliable truck driver and left for Jammu  not even stopping for food during the eight-hour journey.

Curfew had been clamped by the evening of January 20 and massive cordon-and-search operations were initiated, but by then, the exodus of Pandits had begun. Everyone was leaving clandestinely. Brothers didnt tell each other that they were running away with their families. They would meet in Jammu and discover the entire family had moved away, said Khosa.

It felt like we could be targeted anytime. Kashmir just wasnt home anymore.

A time of terror

The horrors of terrorism came home for the Pandits on September 14, 1989, when senior advocate and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Tika Ram Taploo was gunned down in broad daylight outside his house in Srinagar.

Taploo had travelled to Delhi three days before his death to meet his son Ashutosh, who was in his final year of college, and asked him to take care of his mother. I implored him to not return, but he said it would give our enemies the message that we had capitulated, said Ashutosh.

The family briefly returned to the Valley, when his mother Sarla fought the 1996 assembly elections from their home in Anantnag, polling the highest number of votes by a BJP candidate in the Valley so far. The next day, we left, said Ashutosh.

The first disturbances began in the summer of 1986, said Sunil Shakdher, when a number of Hindu temples in Anantnag district were vandalised. The selective killings and attacks that began thereafter were meant to force us out, he added.

There is some disagreement over how the crisis was precipitated. A large section of Pandits blame the majority Muslim community for fanning the insurgency and the state for failing to safeguard their safety. We were living in a dream that the state, the army and police would protect us. That was our mistake, said Anoop Kaul.

Another strand argues that the responsibility for the exodus lies with the then governor Jagmohan, who allegedly vacillated on an initial response. The strategy of opening relief camps backfired because it cemented the migration and failed to reassure Pandits.

Wajahat Habibullah, who was a senior administrator in Kashmir at the time, argued that the crisis began when an elected government was dismissed in 1984 and Presidents Rule imposed, and it was further fanned by Pakistan.

Because of political instability and rise of separatists, Kashmiri Pandits began to become targets. Since Pandits were in big (positions) in the government, a narrative was created (by separatists and JKLF) that see, they get everything done through Pandits and Muslims are not wanted here, he said.

At any rate, by January 1990, panic was rising within the community as massive street protests, gun march by militants and dissatisfaction with the government threatened to turn sullen anger into violent fury. On January 4, the widely read Urdu daily Aftab carried a message, ostensibly by terrorists, asking Pandits to leave.

There was a total breakdown of law and order in a climate of fear. No one knew what to expect of the future, said Ankur Dutta, an assistant professor at South Asian University.

As Pandits streamed into Jammu and Delhi, the stretched infrastructure of these cities struggled to cope with the influx. In Jammu, Pandits were packed into small tenements with little food or water, and a perennial shortage of supplies. From the cool climes of the Valley, they were in tents in the searing summer where temperatures regularly breached 40 degree Celsius.

In Delhi, Shakdher and others lobbied with the government to build camps and even held a march to the Red Fort in February 1991 to press the administration for more funds. By March, camps were set up in South Extension, Malviya Nagar, Patel Nagar and other parts of the city. Three months later, the government set up a monthly allowance of Rs 125 for each person.

But there was no roadmap for our return. The government didnt even try to stop the sale of our houses and furniture. All these years, we are living without political power, said Shakdher.

Many Pandit families reported massive economic losses, and some even went back to Srinagar to recover property, only to find their houses encroached. The emotional losses were also devastating. These people battled not just a loss of home but also a loss of status. They had to build a life from scratch, said Dutta. On January 21, security forces opened fire at protesters on the Gawa Kadal bridge, killing an estimated 100 people demonstrating against the search-and-raid operations that had began two days before. Kashmir would never be the same.

An exodus

By the end of January, waves of Pandits had fled the Valley; prices of trucks had trebled to Rs 5,000 one way. But some, like Tickoo, stayed back. A family from Janpora hired a truck for Jammu, only to find the driver  who was Muslim  refuse the trip halfway because of a perceived danger to his life in Hindu-majority Jammu.

It was past midnight and the family had to return. They are now the only Pandit family in the village, said Tickoo.

A number of other prominent Pandits were murdered in the next few months  the community organisation Panun Kashmir estimates around 350  but some doggedly decided to stay back.

One of them was the poet Sarwanand Kaul Premi. A resident of Shali village in Anantnag district, Kaul had faith in Kashmirs multicultural core and on April 25, hosted an Eid celebration at his home.

Three days later, there was a knock at the his door at 9pm. His eldest son Virender went down to find three masked men, who pushed the family into a room at gunpoint and raided the house.

After roughly six hours of loot, the men had packed the gold and cash into sacks; but asked Kaul and Virender to accompany them outside for a chat with their commander. Dad had never harmed anyone. He helped many Muslims. The Quran was in his puja room, said his younger son Rajinder.

Three days later, the bodies of father and son were found near a ditch. They had been strangled. Every Pandit left our village that night, never to come back. Someday, our history will be known, said Rajinder

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Linkedin Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Batam  Sat, January 18, 2020 14:31 724 48be62e941b44f04afae568c322aa0ea 1 National Bakamla,Natuna,South-China-Sea,North-Natuna-Sea Free

Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) chief Vice Adm. Achmad Taufiquerrochman will step down from his position in the near future after having officially entered retirement last year.

Achmad said his retirement had nothing to do with a recent skirmish involving Chinese fishers and coast guard vessels in Indonesias exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the North Natuna Sea.

I retired on Nov. 1, 2019, but was requested to stay at my post until the end of the year. Therefore, I think this is according to plan, Achmad told The Jakarta Post on Friday.

Indonesian Military (TNI) Academy chief Vice Adm. Aan Kurnia is set to be the new Bakamla chief following Achmads departure.

Aan confirmed his appointment as Achmads successor but refused to comment on his priorities as the next chief.

Achmad said he had not received a date for the inauguration ceremony but stated he would not take on a strategic position after stepping down.

I did not receive any position proposals. I just want to enjoy my retirement as Ive served my country for 35 years, he said.

Meanwhile, Bakamla secretary Rear Adm. Suprianto Irawan said the agency was currently planning on becoming a proper coast guard.

How the design will shape up is up to the government, he said.

He added that Bakamla needed an overhaul led by a four-star officer because the coast guard would integrate with other agencies including the customs agency, the Transportation Ministrys Indonesian Coast and Sea Guard (KPLP) and other related agencies.

Therefore, everyone will join forces in securing our seas, and not separately, he said.

He also denied that there would be competition between the coast guard and the Indonesian Navy once the coast guard is led by a four-star officer that is equal to the Navys chief of staff.

There wont be any dualism. The Navys function is for defense and security, while the coast guard is only security so its different. Currently, weve been warned and hopefully [a Bakamla overhaul] will take place as quickly as possible, he said. (mpr)
PHILADELPHIA (AP)  A former Philadelphia police officer charged with taking a Porsche SUV from an impound lot and using it for his stepdaughters prom has pleaded guilty, prosecutors announced Friday.

James Coolen Jr., 47, pleaded guilty Thursday to a misdemeanor count of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. He was sentenced to a year of probation. Coolen resigned from the department in October before surrendering to authorities.

Coolen seized the Porsche Cayenne during a drug investigation in April and placed it in the Narcotics Bureau Headquarters secure impound lot, according to prosecutors. They said surveillance footage showed Coolen entering the lot in his personal pickup truck April 25 and leaving in the Porsche. Two days later, the Porsche was returned, and a driver that couldnt be identified because it was dark drove away in Coolens truck.

Prosecutors cited other evidence including GPS data from the Porsche to show Coolen had used it for his stepdaughter's prom.

"It is never easy, but it is always right, to hold a friend or colleague accountable when they do wrong," District Attorney Larry Krasner said in a statement Friday.

The police Internal Affairs Unit opened an investigation two weeks after the car was taken after receiving info from the Narcotics Bureau about a possible theft or use of an unauthorized vehicle, officials said.
'A feed you can't beat." "Poached eggs to die for." "Always amazing brunch." "So great, you'd queue for it."

Those were just a few of the glowing terms readers used to describe the breakfasts they've enjoyed at Liberty Grill, a bistro-style institution on Cork's Washington Street.

It has been named Ireland's Best Breakfast in our Reader Travel Awards 2020.

A "fantastic selection" of "fresh local produce well presented" is what to expect here, you told us. One of the highlights is an all-day brunch menu described as "New England-influenced" - a simple and tasty expression of great local ingredients, many sourced from the English Market nearby.

Think French toast with Caherbeg smoked bacon, or Rosscarbery black pudding served with sourdough, hollandaise and poached eggs, or a 'Union Hall hollandaise' with smoked mackerel and potato cakes topped with poached free-range eggs. There are solid vegan and vegetarian options, too.

Read the full results of our Reader Travel Awards 2020

"The quality, the flavours, the choice," you said. Liberty Grill has "amazing staff and the food is excellent with great choice... great ingredients and presentation". Not only is it serving "quality locally sourced food cooked to perfection", but it offers "quality customer service" to boot.

Expand Close Quinoa and sweet potato fritters topped with guacamole, free-range poached eggs at Liberty Grill. Photo: Clare Keogh / Facebook

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Whatsapp Quinoa and sweet potato fritters topped with guacamole, free-range poached eggs at Liberty Grill. Photo: Clare Keogh

Lots of reader comments in this category called wholeheartedly for traditional options, of course.

"Always have the full Irish," as one of you put it. "Love trying all the different rashers, pudding and sausages, depending on what part of the country you are in." Another protested "it's not a proper start to a holiday" without the full Irish.

Despite the enduring popularity of this morning feast, however, our judges noted readers increasingly calling out generic meats and sliced pans, and praising local, fresh produce where they see it. Sourcing, labelling and local, seasonal ingredients are the way to start the day.

The Irish breakfast is a national treasure, we can all agree... and Liberty Grill is the place to tuck in.

Contact 021 427-1049; libertygrill.ie

FINALISTS: Top 6 Irish breakfasts for 2020

Expand Close Irelands Best Breakfast: Liberty Grill, Cork. Sinead Ryan, Denis OMullane, Laura Bowe, Chairperson, Irelands Blue Book, Marianne Delaney and Pol O Conghaile at the Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards 2020 Photograph: Fran Veale / Facebook

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Whatsapp Irelands Best Breakfast: Liberty Grill, Cork. Sinead Ryan, Denis OMullane, Laura Bowe, Chairperson, Irelands Blue Book, Marianne Delaney and Pol O Conghaile at the Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards 2020 Photograph: Fran Veale





1. Liberty Grill, Cork

'Stunning breakfast. Always leave happy and ready for the day.'

2. MacNean House, Co Cavan

'Beautiful food that would make you get up early!'

3. Adare Manor, Co Limerick

'The choice is just savage! So tasty, with everything cooked to order.'

4. Avoca, Various locations

'Great options, savoury or sweet, in a great atmosphere.'

5. Brother Hubbard, Dublin

'Something for everyone... on the pulse... great atmsophere.'

6. Monart, Co Wexford

'Would go for the breakfast alone. Out of this world!'

Taking the Liberty

Expand Close Sourdough toasted topped with poached free-range eggs, hollandaise and bacon at Liberty Grill. Picture: Clare Keogh / Facebook

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Whatsapp Sourdough toasted topped with poached free-range eggs, hollandaise and bacon at Liberty Grill. Picture: Clare Keogh

Our restaurant critic Katy McGuinness paid a visit to Liberty Grill to sample our readers pick for Irelands Best Breakfast. Heres how she got on...

Its a wet Tuesday morning in Cork, the kind of day when greys of the sky, river and streets merge into one. A bitter wind blows down Washington Street, but Liberty Grill is warm and cosy, buzzing with the hum of contented customers. The early birds have been and gone, replaced by a steady stream of more relaxed folk, many greeted by their first names and settled into preferred tables. This is clearly an establishment with a cohort of loyal regulars.

Im offered a pitch in the corner towards the back, a good vantage point from which to observe comings and goings. On one wall, a board name-checks the restaurants suppliers: Caherbeg pork, Clona dairies, Hassetts bakery, Ballycotton fishmongers, Beechwood Farm eggs, OMahonys butchers, Barrys tea, Waterfall Farms vegetables and McGraths jam  a rollcall of all thats best in the real capital, many names familiar from the English Market nearby.

Even the pickiest of eaters would find something to get excited about on the brunch menu, served every day, not just at weekends. The young woman at the next table tells her friend that one of the specials is always vegan; today its apple & cinnamon French toast with toasted flaked almonds and maple soy yoghurt. But Im more interested in the version of eggs Benedict made with Durcans legendary spiced beef. In the end, though, its the Union Hall hollandaise that snares me: smoked mackerel and potato cakes topped with perfectly poached free-range eggs, accompanied by a little jug of excellent hollandaise.

The service is all smiles, not in my face but more than pleasant, with the offer of a newspaper because I am on my own. The floor staff seem to get on with one another, too; not always a given in a busy restaurant.

A double espresso macchiato is the best Ive had in a long time. Just whats needed before I face back out into rain, umbrella at the ready.

NB: The Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards 2020 are sponsored by Iarnrod Eireann. Read the full list of winners here and share on social using the hashtag #indotravelawards.
Patrick Stewart arrives at the premiere of "Star Trek: Picard" at the ArcLight Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, California, on Jan. 13, 2020. (Image credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

HOLLYWOOD, Calif.  Stars from the world of sci-fi gathered together in Hollywood, California on Monday (Jan. 13) to celebrate the world premiere of the latest spin-off series in the "Star Trek" universe.

"Star Trek: Picard" sees the return of Sir Patrick Stewart starting as Jean-Luc Picard, a character made infamous with "Star Trek" history from the series that began in 1987, "Star Trek: The Next Generation."

Making an appearance in front of the world's press were the cast of "Picard," including "Star Trek" alumni Brent Spiner, Jonathan Del Arco, Jeri Ryan and Marina Sirtis.

Related: Picard's 15 most memorable 'Star Trek: TNG' outfits

The remainder of the cast  Alison Pill, Isa Briones, Evan Evagora, Michelle Hurd, Santiago Cabrera and Harry Treadaway  also attended the event and are all joining the "Star Trek" family for the first time.



Executive producers Alex Kurtzman, Michael Chabon, Akiva Goldsman and Heather Kadin were also there.

(From left to right) Peyton List, Brent Spiner, Isa Briones, Evan Evagora, Michelle Hurd, Jeri Ryan, Marina Sirtis, Sir Patrick Stewart, Gates McFadden, Jonathan Del Arco and Santiago Cabrera arrive for the premiere of "Star Trek: Picard," held at the ArcLight Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, California, on Jan. 13, 2020. (Image credit: Albert L. Ortega/Getty)

"It's amazing," Kurtzman told Space.com. "We've been waiting 18 months for this night, to unleash this on the world and I'm so excited."

"I think [fans] can expect to be surprised, and I think they can expect to see their old captain being Jean-Luc Picard that they remember, but in a very unsurprising way" Kurtzman said. "Patrick did not want to repeat what he had done, yet if you feel the nostalgia for the show, as everyone does, we're going to satisfy that too."

Wilson Cruz, who plays Dr. Hugh Culber in "Star Trek: Discovery" also made an appearance, travelling across the country from Toronto, where Season 3 is being filmed.

Obviously not able to give any details away about the new series, he did say, "It's a whole new world, it's a game changer," and confirmed that a few weeks remained of principal photography.

In addition to media from across the world, a large number of fans had gathered, all of whom were wearing "Star Trek" cosplay, from standard Federation uniforms to the character Q (who was played by John de Lancie) and Guinan (played by Whoopi Goldberg).

Related: 'Star Trek: Discovery' and 'Picard': A close look at the new trailers

The 10-episode "Star Trek: Picard" series will premiere on Jan. 23, 2020 on the paid subscription streaming service CBS All Access in the U.S., and in Canada on Bell Media's Space and OTT service Crave. New episodes will air each week.



CBS and Amazon Studios have announced that the new show will stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in more than 200 countries worldwide within 24 hours of its premiere on CBS All Access and Space in the U.S. and Canada, respectively.



CBS All Access subscription is the home of "Star Trek: Picard," "Star Trek: Discovery" and a host of other original and archival CBS television shows. Subscriptions start at $5.99 a month. You can try CBS All Access for a week free here.

Follow Scott Snowden on Twitter. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook.
We have watched the same industry swoop into Wards 5, 7 and 8 since the legislation was introduced. The industry has set up a fake grass-roots organization (the Alliance for an Affordable DC) and is seeking to pit our community against itself. Who benefits? The same industry that lines its pockets while we suffer from preventable diseases at rates twice as high as the national average.
David Gauke: As a non-Tory at the last election, my worry is that this Government wont be Conservative enough

David Gauke is a former Justice Secretary, and was an independent candidate in South-West Hertfordshire at the recent general election.

The Governments objective for the first 50 days of this Parliament is easily identified  passing the Withdrawal Agreement Bill and leaving the EU. In many senses, the nature of the next Government will only become clear once we move beyond that, but we are getting some indications as to where it is going.

It may not come as a total surprise to you that I have one or two concerns. After all, I had the Conservative whip withdrawn, I resigned my party membership, stood as an Independent and argued that the country should not return a Tory majority. And my concerns? That this Government might not be Conservative enough.

The Prime Minister described himself as a Brexity Hezza. However oxymoronic that phrase may be, it is an interesting insight.

Michael Heseltine is a great man. He served with great distinction in a number of Cabinet roles and his commitment to ensuring that the entire country can prosper is something that the Government is right to try to emulate.

I also owe him a particular debt  he kindly endorsed me in the general election and spoke on my behalf. At the age of 86, he remains one of the best public speakers in the country. When he speaks, people should listen. (I would argue that a few more people listening to him in South West Hertfordshire in December would have been particularly desirable.)

But just as the views and actions of Margaret Thatcher have often been over-simplified and misunderstood, claiming the mantle of Hezza does not justify the abandonment of all Conservative orthodoxy.

Let us take four characteristics that ran through the approaches of the Governments in which Thatcher and Heseltine served. In each case, there is at least a doubt that Johnson Government will observe the same approach.

First, fiscal conservatism. Thatchers Government placed greater emphasis on reducing borrowing than cutting taxes or increasing spending. The tax burden rose in the years after 1979 and public spending was tightly controlled.

The current Governments commitment is, as yet, less clear. Sajid Javid won an important battle to ensure that there were fiscal rules within the manifesto, but there were also plenty of spending and tax commitments. Given the expensive demographic pressures on the public finances that the country faces, plus the significant short term risks for the economy because of Brexit, a fiscally prudent Budget on March 11 would be sensible. It doesnt look inevitable.

Second, as well as ensuring that we only spend what we can afford, we should also spend it wisely. The taxpayer is entitled to expect that a Conservative government, in particular, extracts good value for money. That should mean focusing on outputs not inputs and, where there are areas of significant increases in public spending, these should be matched by significant public sector reforms. During the campaign, we heard more about extra spending or extra people but, in delivering on those pledges, it is essential that additional resources are deployed as effectively and efficiently as possible. We need to hear more about this.

As for changing the rules on infrastructure expenditure so that more is spent in the north of England, there is a good case for it. But those rules shouldnt be replaced by a free-for-all whereby multi-billion projects are determined on the basis of ministerial whim. Rigour and the need for value-for-money must remain at the heart of all these decisions.

Third, be wary of supporting uneconomic businesses. Of course, there was a divergence between the Thatcher and Heseltine approaches to intervening in the economy but let us not forget that it was Heseltine who was prepared to close loss-making pits.

As a former Chief Secretary to the Treasury, I am uneasy about the bail-out of Flybe. Yes, it is not unheard of for a business to be given time-to-pay their tax liabilities and, yes, regional connectivity is a legitimate policy objective. But every time a private business is bailed out by the taxpayer, the pressure grows the next time there is a potential insolvency. There is a case to be made for an interventionist industrial policy, even if that means picking winners but the political imperative is very often on government to pick losers  in other words, preserve loss-making zombie businesses.

This issue may become particularly acute as the year goes on. Even if we get a deal with the EU, the Government clearly wants the ability to diverge from the EU, and there is no more talk of frictionless trade with the EU  merely zero tariffs and zero quotas, which is a very different thing. This will mean that those businesses with complex supply chains face very considerable problems. It would be naive to assume that this wont threaten the viability of many businesses.

And, by the way, the risk of a WTO Brexit at the end of 2020 is, in my view, significantly under-priced. I will return to that issue in greater detail in future.

I mention this not just to antagonise those ConservativeHome readers who continue to question why I am allowed to write on this website. It is to make the point that there could be quite a lot of businesses for whom the adjustment to our glorious post-Brexit future will be painful. Some of them wont be able to make it, not without some taxpayer support. Some of them might be able to make it but quite fancy a piece of the action if the Government is in the habit of providing financial support.

Of course, they will all say it is temporary and as long as the Government is sufficiently far-sighted, there will be no need to lay-off thousands of workers located in newly marginal seats. Nice little Conservative constituency youve got there, Prime Minister, we wouldnt want anything nasty to happen here, would we?

So for the sake of the taxpayer, the Government should tread warily in bailing out businesses. The more you do it, the harder it is to stop. And the pressures in the next year or so may be immense.

There is a fourth attribute common to both Margaret Thatcher and Michael Heseltine  a belief in free trade. As with every major Conservative figure for generations, they recognised that removing trade barriers is of enormous benefit to businesses who are able to export and consumers who can better access imports. The increased competition brought by reducing trade barriers helps economies become more efficient and drives up productivity. We saw this in the 1980s when the consequences of membership of the Common Market played through and inefficient UK companies were driven out of business by European competitors, and efficient UK businesses were able to expand because of access to European markets.

Evidently, this country is about to go in the opposite direction. Departure from the Single Market and the Customs Union will inevitably result in increased trade barriers with the EU. Regulatory divergence will increase those barriers yet further. Pretending that this can be fully compensated for by entering into trade deals with other countries is, sadly, delusional.

Margaret Thatcher once said that the facts of life are conservative. I might no longer be a member of the Conservative Party, but I think this is broadly right. The public finances have to be sustainable. Taxpayers money should be spent wisely. By and large, the market and not government should determine which businesses survive. Free trade is a driver for prosperity.

The Conservative Party has changed. It is a change that has enabled it to win a large majority. But the economic facts of life remain the same. I hope the Government will remember that.
By West Kentucky Star Staff Jan. 17, 2020 | 04:41 PM | MCCRACKEN COUNTY

The McCracken County Sheriff's Office has announced they have located the missing suspects, and thanks the public for their assistance.







_______



Deputies are asking for the public's help locating two McCracken County men accused of fleeing from authorities.





According to the McCracken County Sheriff's Office, on January 17 a vehicle being driven by 27-year-old Zachary Bonn, and 22-year-old Christopher Fontana was observed breaking numerous traffic laws after leaving a home, then fleeing at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was located a short time later unoccupied in a wooded area behind Rutter Street.







Law Enforcement searched the area for Bonn and Fontana, however they were unable to locate them. Anyone with information is asked to contact the McCracken County Sheriff's Office.
There is much that family-led businesses in India can learn from the experience and journey of the over Rs 36,000-crore Murugappa Group that is currently run by the fifth generation of its founding family. Experts who study family businesses and those who are involved with family offices often refer to the group's detailed family constitution, its healthy governance practices and stewardship values. However, recent developments point to areas where it has some distance to cover.

The focus of the recent developments has been Valli Arunachalam, the eldest daughter of former Murugappa group chairman, late MV Murugappan. She has demanded a board position in the holding company, Ambadi Investments Ltd (AIL), if her uncles refuse to buy the stake held by her mother, sister and herself.

Some of the experts Business Today spoke to pointed that in cases such as Murugappa, women's role in the business seems a bit more pronounced because the number of legal heirs is apparently disproportionately male. However, many experts still see a change in the offing for most Indian family-led businesses. For instance, one Mumbai-based expert points to companies like Cipla, Lupin, TVS where both sons and daughters are actively involved in the business. Most seem to believe that there would be more such cases in future with Indian family-led businesses increasingly creating space to leverage the women power within the family.

Part of the problem so far has been that traditionally, family constitutions tend to ensure that businesses get passed down to the male heirs of the family in business. Now, it appears some of the leading Indian business families are revisiting family members' involvement in business and enabling women to participate.

However, there is more to than just trying to find a solution to the gender issue. "The recent episode of Valli Arunachalam, the daughter of late M.V. Murugappan, points towards the importance of timely resolution of family matters, before they turn into disputes. It is also important to review and revise the constitution to account for changing demographics," says Nupur Pavan Bang, Associate Director at the Thomas Schmidheiny Centre for Family Enterprise at the Indian School of Business (ISB). She says, "Continuous improvements while identifying future challenges and possible areas of disputes is as important as putting together the constitution itself. Given the past track record of the group, the matter should be resolved amicably and this is indeed what has been hinted by the group in their communication to the media."

Bang refers to the long journey of the "120 years old Murugappa Group that is being led and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of family members". "The group is known for their stewardship values and good governance. The family also has a constitution that lays down the roles, responsibilities, codes of conduct and guiding principles for acts of succession, entry, exit and retirement among other things," she says.

But seen from the larger canvas of the Indian family-led businesses, there is an important lesson from this development: "The episode also is an awakening signal for those firms that have so far pushed under the carpet the issue of gender equality. Rising awareness, education and resolve of the women need to be given due credit," feels Bang. Many, including Bang, see the regulatory changes in India today that mandate one woman director on the board of listed companies as certainly a step in the right direction. "However, patriarchal societal mindset needs to give way to a more inclusive mindset where capability and not gender matters," she says.

Also read: Murugappa group family feud: Woman heir wants to exit holding firm; to take legal action after family's response

Also read: Eldest daughter of Murugappa family fights for board position in male-dominated group
Iran's top leader says US assassination of Soleimani "cowardice" act

Global Times

Source:Xinhua Published: 2020/1/17 23:01:17

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday said that the US assassination of Iran's Quds commander, Qassem Soleimani, was a "cowardice act" which hurt its superpower prestige.

During his Friday prayers sermon, Khamenei said the Americans could not face Soleimani in the battlefield and hit him "furtively."

In revenge, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)'s missiles shower on the US bases in Iraq was also a military "strike" on the US as the superpower, he said.

Besides, the huge turnout of the Iranians and regional people in Soleimani's funeral ceremony was a "disgrace" for the United States, Khamenei said.

"The Iranians as well as the people of regional countries praised Soleimani and set ablaze the US and Israeli flags," he said.

On the funeral ceremony of Soleimani, millions of Iranians displayed their "allegiance" once again to the Islamic republic, he added.

The Iranian leader noted that "Soleimani was an anti-terror commander, who is acknowledged by the people of many countries."

Earlier this month, US airstrike near Baghdad international airport assassinated Soleimani and in retaliation, the IRGC launched multiple missile attacks on the US bases in Iraq.

Khamenei also slammed the recent move by Britain, France and Germany (E3) to trigger dispute resolution mechanism in the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.

The Iranian authorities should not have trusted these European countries in the nuclear talks as "their negotiations are seasoned with deception," said Khamenei.

Speaking of the recent Ukrainian passenger plane crash, Khamenei called on the Iran's authorities to investigate "the painful crash," adding "it is necessary to seriously prevent the repetition of such disastrous incidents," while condoling the families of the victims.

The Iranian leader also said that the "Iranian enemies" used the passenger plane crash to "tempt and provoke" anti-government sentiments and to undermine the assassination of the Iranian senior commander by the United States.

On Jan. 8, a Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 passenger plane crashed near Tehran, and all of the 176 people on-board were killed. The incident coincided with Iran's missile attack on the US military base in Iraq.

Later, Iran's armed forces confirmed that an "unintentional" launch of a military missile by the country shot down the Ukrainian airliner.

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Police are enforcing a search warrant issued by the court in terms of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, in connection with the suspicion of possession of articles for criminal use as defined in Section 40 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9.23) with regards to the maintenance of law and order, he said.
You are here: China

Twenty giant panda cubs posed for a Chinese New Year greeting Friday morning at a breeding base in the city of Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The 20 panda cubs were all born in the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center in 2019.

In a festively decorated area of the Shenshuping breeding base, the cubs, each held by their own keeper, posed in front of cameras to send to the world their greetings for the Chinese Lunar New Year.

In 2019, a total of 32 panda cubs, 17 male and 15 female, were born and survived in the breeding base, bringing the total number of captive pandas to 312.

According to Li Feng, a panda keeper of the breeding base, the oldest panda cubs were a pair of twins born on May 29, while the youngest was around four months old. The weight of the heaviest born on June 20 is 16 kg.

As the world's largest international scientific research and cooperation platform for giant pandas, the research center has established giant panda cooperation with 16 zoos from 14 countries and regions.

The number of captive giant pandas in the world has reached 600.
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Saturday, performed the foundation laying ceremony of Samuel Maduka University, Agu-Ekwegbe in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of the State.

The university is founded by Samuel Onyishi, the proprietor of Peace Mass Transit company.

Describing the event as a milestone achievement, Mr Ugwuanyi congratulated the founder of the university for his courage and vision in establishing the institution, and reiterated the premium his administration places on education as one of its cardinal policies.

He stressed that this is why in almost five years, education has taken the second position, only after Works and Infrastructure, in the state capital budget portfolio.

Mr Ugwuanyi added that his administration has provided a conducive environment for teaching and learning in both primary and secondary schools across the state and also ensured that our tertiary institutions are functional and stable.

The governor, therefore, expressed optimism that the University when completed, will create employment, especially for the youth as well as provide the much-needed manpower for the industrial and technological growth of the country.

As we are aware, one of the greatest challenges of this country is youth unemployment. An entrepreneurial University will address the issue of youth unemployment by making graduates not only to be self-employed but also employers of labour themselves, said Mr Ugwuanyi.

I, therefore, salute the courage and vision of this consummate entrepreneur, Dr Samuel Maduka Onyishi in proposing this entrepreneurial university. This is where Nigeria should be in a technology-driven 21st century.

READ ALSO:

Earlier in his address, Mr Onyishi said he did not conceive the university as another business, but as a social service which should improve the lives of people of all races, mould for limitless attainments, children of all people of the world, irrespective of creed or class.

The vision is to have a citadel of learning in all ramifications, founded on the best principles and run on the best ethical practices, he added.

Mr Onyishi expressed appreciation to the host community for providing the enabling environment for the project, reiterating his commitment to the take-off of the university.

In their goodwill messages, the senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District, Chukwuka Utazi, and the Transition Committee Chairman of Igbo-Etiti LGA, Ikenna Nwodo, commended Mr Ugwuanyi and the proprietor of the university for their foresight and commitment to education and pledged their support towards the success of the project.
Emmanuel Macron was evacuated from a Parisian theatre as dozens of demonstrators tried to get inside the building to find him.

Critics of the French presidents pension reforms assembled at the Bouffes du Nord theatre on Friday evening where Mr Macron was seeing a play with his wife Brigitte Macron.

Protesters overrode police efforts to block them going into the building and managed to storm inside as they chanted Macron, resign! and We are here, even if Macron does not want us, we are here.

The president and his wife were watching a play called La Mouche, which translates as The Fly in English, when Taha Bouhafs, an activist journalist who was sitting several rows behind, shared pictures on Twitter.

Mr Bouhafs jokingly asked his social media followers if he should hurl his shoes at the president  a reference to the Iraqi journalist who made headlines worldwide for throwing his shoes at former US president George W Bush back in 2008.

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 journalist said: Im kidding ... the security is looking at me weirdly right now.

Mr Bouhafs was arrested and transported to a police station but it is not known if he was taken into custody, reports France24.

Mr Macron reportedly came back to the theatre to see the performance after being whisked away in a car.

The saga took place on on the 44th day of strikes against the French governments controversial plans to change the nations pension system and comes after visitors were blocked from entering the Louvre on Friday after those demonstrating against the overhaul obstructed entry to the museum.

 French strikes lead to travel chaos

Mr Macron has been caught up in an increasingly bitter dispute with the Labour unions since early December last year.

The French leaders plans to centralise the countrys retirement scheme into a points-based structure would benefit some workers but hurt others.

French trade unions have blocked ports, disturbed power production and staged transport strikes.
It is hard to read the history of modern Tigray without due reference to the man who brought the small-sized Ethiopian region into the fore in Ethiopias modern politics, namely late prime minister Meles Zenawi. Zenawi, a Tigrayan, was a visionary leader who built modern Ethiopia and introduced sweeping economic reforms that made the country one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Nothing surely comes without a cost because the late prime minister showed zero tolerance to dissent and silenced almost all political opponents, pushing them either into exile or to jail. The ethno-federal system he introduced, though preventing the disintegration of Ethiopia, has left the nation in a fix.

Under Zenawi, the Tigrayans swept all political, military, intelligence, media and economic structures of the country. It is a well-established fact, though, that the Tigrayan-led government did change once and for all that infamous image connected with Ethiopia that the latter was merely a land of abject poverty and famine.

Economically speaking, in 1995 the Endowment Fund for the Rehabilitation of Tigray (EFFORT) was established to refurbish the economy of the region after the guerrilla warfare that terminated the reign of the Marxist government of Colonel Mengistu Hailemariam. Through the $3 billion fund, the Tigrayans boast economic independence as the fund, run by Zenawis powerful widow, Azeb Mesfin, has swept almost all structures of the Ethiopian economy, ranging from agriculture, banking, heavy industries and transportation into car assembly plants.

Tigray is not only independent economically, but also politically. When the incumbent Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent into oblivion the three-decade-long ruling EPRDF with the Prosperity Party as its heir, the Tigrayans rejected the merger, defending what they love to call the federal system. Since the rise of Ahmed to the office of the prime minister, he has embarked on a purge campaign that saw Tigrayans removed from public posts at the highest level of the political, economic, military, intelligence and media hierarchy. This has appealed to many categories in Ethiopia outraged at the Tigrayan-led EPRDF, but it has turned Mekelle, the capital city of Tigray region, into the most powerful hub for dissidents who brag of their deep understanding of the complexities inherent in the Ethiopian polity versus the fly-by-night approach of the Oromo-led cabinet.

At the end of last year, the TPLF held in Mekelle its first executive assembly since the burial of the EPRDF. The most notable outcome of that meeting, in which more than 2,000 Tigrayans participated, led by TPLF leader Debratsion Gebramichael, is that the people of Tigray fully support their leaders in their adamant refusal of Abiys new Prosperity Party. They also explicitly denounced the dissolution of the EPRDF and spilled vitriol against the federal government under Abiy for continued attempts to destabilise the region. The Tigrayans also said they would cooperate with all federalist forces ready to preserve the constitution.

Against all odds, the meeting sent a resounding message to Tigrays neighbouring Eritrea that the Tigrayans, who share lots in common with Eritreans, including speaking the same language, Tigrinya, are ready to normalise ties with their neighbours and further people-to-people relationships. After Abiy declared he would give back Badme, the town once disputed between Ethiopia and Eritrea after the border war from 1998-2000 and which the United Nations recognised as Eritrean, Tigray was rumoured to block the deal because the people of Tigray believe they sacrificed the most, given geographical proximity, during the war and that Badme was Tigrayan land that could not be ceded. In practise, many Eritreans live in Tigray and the number of Eritreans fleeing the repressive regime of Isaias Afwerki into the small-sized region is on the rise every day.

Right from the beginning, Abiy declined to embrace the once powerhouse of the country. On the contrary, he flew off the handle and called Tigrayan leaders, who rejected his political agenda, day-time hyenas, a term that was broadly circulated as a common curse against average Tigrayans. The Tigrayans have replied with a vehement criticism campaign and their media outlets have fired away at the incumbent prime minister, smearing almost everything he did, including the recent launch of the first Ethiopian satellite, portraying the move as propaganda. They even questioned the young leaders eligibility for winning of the Nobel Peace Prize, as he did, striking a deal with Eritrea to make peace while failing to make peace at home. The war of words between the two sides went beyond control to the extent of airing fake news on a state-run quasi-official news agency (Walta Information Centre) that the powerful leader of Tigray, Debratsion Gebramichael, died! The latter once held senior government positions, including as board chairman of the National Council for the Coordination of Public Participation for the Construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). But after Abiys rise to power, Gebramichael was demoted to just president of the TPLF.

Now, influential Tigrayan leaders and academics, including former cabinet ministers and generals, broadly speak of an independent state of Tigray. Some have also flirted with the idea of the regions merger with neighbouring Eritrea, inflaming the national passions of average Tigrayans and reminding them of the Kingdom of Axum that stretched from Tigray to nowadays Eritrea and formed one of the most powerful trading and naval centres for more than a thousand years. It is widely believed that Article 39, pertaining to the right of each nationality to secession, was enshrined in the 1995 Ethiopian Constitution so that it would be triggered if push comes to shove, particularly for small nationalities like the Tigrayans.

So far, the Tigrayans have not seriously embraced the secessionist calls and perhaps this is due to the fading light they see at the end of the tunnel that federalist forces would win the general elections this May, and the status quo would be maintained. But what if Abiys Prosperity Party gets a convincing win and reforms the government with popular support? What if he amends the constitution and alters Article 39? Above all, what if the federal government interferes to foist off Tigrayans on the new unionist party? Will Ethiopian voters of different ethnic backgrounds follow Abiys lead, or nip in the bud the young leaders dream of being the last emperor?

Ethiopia is on the brink of a major change that would usher in a new political reality with an impact not only on Ethiopians at home, but on the whole Horn of Africa region and the continent at large.

*The writer is a former press and information officer in Ethiopia and an expert on African affairs.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 16 January 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Defending champion Anders Antonsen on Saturday breezed through to the Indonesia Masters final after a crushing defeat of Hong Kong's Lee Cheuk-yiu.

The Dane knocked out Lee with a 21-9 21-14 victory, clearing the way for a Sunday face-off with hometown favourite Anthony Sinisuka Ginting at Istora Senayan stadium in the capital Jakarta.

Ginting earned a berth in the final after a 22-20 21-11 semi-final win over Denmark's Viktor Axelsen.

Antonsen described his Indonesian final rival as a "super fast" player.

"I am expecting a really top challenge," the Dane told reporters.

"Ginting is on home court and he is playing really good so I have to bring my absolute best."



Last year, Antonsen won his first ever title after knocking out world number one Kento Momota, who skipped this year's tournament after being injured in a car accident that killed his driver.

In women's singles, former world champion Carolina Marin of Spain defeated China's He Bingjiao 21-11, 21-19 to reach the finals against Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon, who beat China's Wang Zhiyi Saturday in a 21-12, 23-21 match.

Marin's title hopes were dashed last year after she pulled out of the final due to injury.

"I feel really emotional right now and of course I am looking forward to play tomorrow and to give my best for the final," Marin said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The contenders on the 2020 election trail will be keen to avoid the gaffes and occasional disasters that bedevilled previous campaigns.

The canvassing guides issued to candidates warn about the perils of getting involved in arguments with voters. If only Pat Reynolds, a Cumann na nGaedheal candidate in 1932, had followed this rule, he might have lived to tell the tale.

Instead he got involved in a row with a constituent at his door and accused him of canvassing for an opponent.

Damian Corless's book Party Nation tells how the TD took a swing at the householder. He felt that the man owed him his loyalty, because he had helped sort out a state pension. Brandishing a shotgun, the constituent told Reynolds to get off his property "or I'll shoot you". According to the Corless account, Reynolds unwisely replied: "I dare you to shoot me."

The householder duly obliged, killing the Dail Deputy and his driver.

Happily, election campaigns in this century seem to be a lot more peaceful than some of the hustings of the past.

In that 1932 election, the ruling party led by WT Cosgrave held a rally in College Green, attended by 20,000 people, and when Fianna Fail supporters arrived there were fisticuffs.

According to a press report of the rally, "after many scuffles, the guards made a fierce baton charge on a section of the crowd, which was dispersed".

Cosgrave's son Liam Cosgrave served as Taoiseach from 1973 in a coalition government between Fine Gael and Labour. The parties had the bright idea of redrawing the electoral boundaries in order to guarantee victory in the 1977 general election.

But the bold plan hatched by minister Jim Tully seemed to have the opposite effect, and enabled the opposition Fianna Fail party to win a thumping majority. The coalition's botched manoeuvre became known as the "Tullymander".

Of course, the same issues seem to crop up election after election, decade after decade. Hospital overcrowding was an issue way back in the 1930s.

In 1989, after two years of FF rule, the health service was on the critical list. Health Minister Rory O'Hanlon invited some ridicule when he insisted: "Waiting lists are a very unreliable measure of the availability of hospital services".

At the time, the FF TD Dr John O'Connell could not understand why people were so furious at the notion of being stuck on a trolley. He offered the argument that a trolley was simply "a bed with wheels".

Albert Reynolds, Fianna Fail's leader in the early 90s, became renowned for his verbal gaffes, and the normally affable Taoiseach occasionally lost his cool on the election trail.

In 1992, during the general election campaign, he described a claim that he had never spoken to Progressive Democrats leader Des O'Malley outside the Cabinet as "crap, pure crap" and as "crap, total crap".

His press secretary Sean Duignan later recalled in his book One Spin on the Merry-Go-Round that the comments had cost Reynolds dearly in the election campaign.

'A menopausal Paris Hilton'

During the same campaign, Reynolds lauded his minister Charlie McCreevy for attempting to "dehumanise the social welfare system".

Over the years, the Labour politician Pat Rabbitte occasionally got into election scrapes by making off-colour remarks about women.

During the 2007 general election campaign, the then Labour Party leader did not endear himself to middle-aged women when he described the Justice Minister Michael McDowell as "a menopausal Paris Hilton".

Rabbitte was in trouble again in 2011 and accused of sexism when he claimed that FF leader Micheal Martin's decision to put women at the forefront of a photograph of the new frontbench was a "stunt for photographic purposes".

"You might as well wander down Grafton Street and see if you can meet a couple of good-looking women and say, would you ever mind coming up for the photograph, it's only for four weeks," Rabbitte said.

It is not considered a good idea to disparage voters in your own constituency, but in 2017, Enda Kenny broke that rule with an uncharacteristic broadside.

At a party rally in Mayo, Enda blasted local people who were constantly complaining about the lack of economic activity in the locality as "whingers".

"These people are All-Ireland champions when it comes to whingeing," he complained.
The National Insurance Commission (NIC) has reiterated calls for government entities to prioritize the insurance of key state properties and assets to avoid spending unbudgeted amounts in time of disasters.

The comments follow the recent destruction of some dormitories of Accra Academy Alema and Halm-Addo halls by fire.

Speaking to Citi News on the sidelines of the launch of the Basic Insurance Education in Second Cycle Schools, the Commissioner of Insurance, Justice Yaw Ofori said the insurance of public infrastructure can go a long way to provide some financial cushion to government in times of disasters.

I think it is a lesson and the Minister for Education representative just said that it is so sad that we don't factor insurance into their budgeting. And this is something they are going to look at because right now the government will have to go and look for money from somewhere to actually refurbish the damages. If they had insurance they will have had a backbone to fall on. So, it is a lesson for all institutions and government agencies, he said.

Authorities of Accra Academy SHS appeal for support

Management of the Accra Academy Senior High School had earlier appealed to the general public to help in the rehabilitation of the school's dormitories that were destroyed by fire on Wednesday 15th January, 2020 as students were at prep.

The fire led to the destruction of the personal belongings of students.

The cause of the fire is not known.

Two halls of residence in the school  Alema, and Halm-Addo were destroyed in the fire incident.

citinewsroom
Gerry Thomas, 62, was exonerated Monday after spending nearly 30 years in prison for the attempted murder of a Detroit, Michigan woman in 1987.

Thomas was convicted and sentenced despite no physical evidence linking him to the crime. His identification as a suspect was based solely on the testimony of one witness two years after the crime took place.

Throughout the course of his sentence, Thomas maintained his innocence and hoped to be freed. I am thankful and so happy to finally be going home to my family, he told reporters Monday.

The exoneration was the outcome of an investigation by the Conviction Integrity Unit of the Wayne County Prosecutors Office. The investigation itself was made at the request of the Innocence Project, a group founded in 1992 whose actions have so far led to 189 DNA-based exonerations.

In 1987, a Detroit woman was sitting in her car waiting for her son to come out of a convenience store when a man brandished a knife and forced her to drive away from the store. The assailant then raped the woman before she was able to escape. The assailant then drove away with the victims car after she fled the scene.

Three weeks after the crime took place, police found the stolen vehicle and detained the driver and the passenger, neither of whom were the assailant, according to the victim. The driver said he received the car from his brother. Despite the fact that the brother matched the description of the assailant given by the victim, police did not conduct any further investigation into the drivers brother.

An investigation was resumed two years later when the victim told police she believed that she spotted the assailant emerging from a convenience store not far from the initial crime scene. The person in question was Thomas, whom police found eating at a nearby Burger King. Thomas was arrested and charged in May 1990. The police allegedly did not conduct any further investigation of the incident during the intervening nine months.

Thomas was found guilty of criminal sexual conduct, armed robbery and assault with intent to murder in 1991 and was sentenced in 50 to 75 years in prison. This was despite the fact that Thomas had an alibi and the jury was not told that the victims vehicle registration information had been located at the home of the drivers brother, a man who more closely matched the initial description given by the victim.

As of 2016, more than 2.3 million people were incarcerated in the United States. The country is the third largest in the world by overall population but is the largest by far in terms of the number of people incarcerated. While the present population of the US is 4.25 percent that of the entire world, nearly one in four prisoners internationally currently reside in the US incarceration system.

Research by the Innocence Project indicates that between 2.3 percent and 5 percent of all US prisoners are actually innocent, meaning that up to 115,000 individuals languish in US jails completely innocent of the crimes they were accused of committing. In addition to the prison population, an additional 4.75 million US adults were on probation or on parole as of 2013, meaning that 2.8 percent of the US adult population, or nearly 7 million people, was on probation, parole, in jail or in prison.

One of the individuals cleared by the Innocence Project is Darryl Hunt. A North Carolina resident, Hunt was wrongfully convicted for the rape and murder of a newspaper copy editor and sentenced to life imprisonment. Hunt, a black man, was sentenced for the crimes against Deborah Sykes, a white woman.

After he was convicted in the Sykes case, Hunt was tried in 1987 for the murder of 57-year-old Arthur Wilson of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Both cases were overturned on appeal in 1989, however Hunt was tried again on the Sykes charges in 1991 and was convicted.

DNA testing of the existing physical evidence was conducted in 1994 showing that Hunt could not have been involved in the rape of Sykes at the time. A Forsyth County judge, however, ruled that the DNA evidence was not sufficient to gain an acquittal. Hunt languished in prison until 2004 when he was fully exonerated after spending 19 and a half years behind bars.

Hunt went on to work as a volunteer with the national Innocence Project and created the Darryl Hunt Project for Freedom and Justice, devoted to educating the public about flaws in the criminal justice system and working for reforms to criminal laws in North Carolina. Hunts struggle with the criminal justice system exacted an immense physiological and psychological toll. Hunt became terminally ill and after bouts of depression reported by his friends, he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in 2016.

Individuals fortunate enough to exit prison find it extremely difficult to find employment, procure decent housing, obtain non-usurious loans and otherwise are denied access to a host of other social services.

Most of those cleared of wrongdoing through the efforts of the Innocence Project, which has a yearly budget of less than $20 million to investigate wrongly incarcerated individuals across the entire US judicial system, were facing life imprisonment or even execution.

Moreover, in addition to funding challenges, the project and others like it face significant legal hurdles. In a 2009 case brought before the US Supreme Court, District Attorneys Office for the Third Judicial District v. Osborne, the court decided that the Constitutions due process clause did not require states to turn over DNA evidence to a party seeking a civil suit even if the evidence involved may ultimately be exculpatory.

The majority opinion argued that convicted felons had no constitutional right to obtain post conviction access to the States evidence for DNA testing. At the time, Chief Justice John Roberts essentially argued that unrestricted access to forensic evidence by claimants and their attorneys would pose an unacceptable challenge to the criminal justice system. Post-conviction DNA testing, according to Roberts, risks unnecessarily overthrowing the established system of criminal justice.
A protester speaks in a megaphone during a demonstration in front of the Bouffes du Nord theatre in Paris - AFP

Emmanuel Macrons Friday night theatre outing came to a disagreeable end when police had to rescue the president and his wife from dozens of protesters furious over his pension reforms.

Demonstrators besieged the Theatre des Bouffes du Nord, where the company led by Peter Brook, the British director, is based, after being alerted to the Macrons presence by social media posts.

The protesters tried to force their way into the theatre, where Mr Macron and his wife Brigitte were watching The Fly, but riot police held them back.

Scuffles broke out as the demonstrators chanted slogans against the presidents reforms and called for his resignation.

Security officers and police eventually escorted Frances first couple to safety, but the incident raised questions about presidential security.

A protester speaks in a megaphone during a demonstration in front of the Bouffes du Nord theatre in Paris Credit: AFP

MPs from across the political spectrum condemned what many described as harassment of the Macrons. Marine Le Pen, the far-Right leader, said: These actions must be condemned, but above all they are worrying because they reveal a rise in tension over the past year and a half.

CRS riot police stand as protestors gather in front of the Bouffes du Nord theatre in Paris on where the French President attended a play Credit: LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP

In a separate incident, activists from radical trade unions invaded the headquarters of the relatively moderate CFDT union to protest against its leaders willingness to negotiate with the government over the pension reforms.

Laurent Berger, the CFDT leader, said the activists verbally and physically attacked CFDT staff members. We will not be intimidated.

Mr Berger has welcomed the governments offer to suspend plans to raise the age of eligibility for a full pension from 62 to 64.

French President Emmanuel Macron (C) flanked by Niger's President in a press conference earlier this week Credit: AFP

The hardline CGT and Sud-Rail unions have vowed to pursue the strike until the government ditches its reform plans. The number of workers still striking has fallen, however, and transport services are slowly resuming.

Protesters now appear to be focusing on targeted high-profile operations such as blockading the Louvre museum, forcing it to close on Friday.

Brigitte Macron (C), wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, and her advisors look at products made in France displayed in the courtyard of the Elysee in Paris Credit: AFP

Striking lawyers who oppose Mr Macrons plan to scrap Frances more than 40 different state pension schemes in favour of a universal system, which they believe would be less favourable to them, demonstrated outside courts this week.

Anti-government yellow-vest protesters marched through Paris on Saturday.
Ranjans kiss-and-tell tapes continue to top the hit parade JVP calls for all 121,000 conversations to be aired and the entire CD collection to be preserved for posterity View(s): View(s):

There were no bohemian air, no party jollity, no open house invite to dip into snacks and chats, no time for long showers, dabbed with generous splashes of after shave, no time for selfies and, definitely, no kisses for the arresting cop who handcuffed him.

This time the mood was sullen. The atmosphere cold. Last Saturday the 4th of January, the offence for which he had been taken in had been his failure to license his firearm issued to him by the Government for his protection. It was, to a certain degree, much to do about nothing and the policemen, too, could scarce forebear to join in the melodramatic mood and showed they were game for a laugh. Even the magistrate showed leniency and freed him on bail on Sunday.

But that was before the police had a chance to decipher the contents stored in his CD collection which numbered 121,000 secretly recorded phone conversations spanning a period of four and a half years. It was before a choice sampling of this collection was sneaked and aired to the public. It showed him in a different light.

Thus when the police swooped on his home on January 14, there was no room left for antics. The Attorney General had ordered the Colombo Crime Division to obtain an arrest warrant from the magistrate and bring Ranjan in. The magistrate duly granted the police request and thus duly armed with the arrest warrant, the police arrived at the actor cum politician and MPs door.

This time the show was short-lived. Finding that the media had not been allowed entry to film the inside scenes of his arrest, he hastily switched on his Facebook to give a streaming live cast of that momentous event. Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris was to tell the magistrate the following day when he produced Ranjan before him in court that the suspect MP Ranjan Ramanayake had behaved in a manner that undermined the judicial due process when the Police attempted to execute the court order for his arrest.

His behaviour at his residence when Police were trying to arrest him on an arrest warrant was contemptuous and disrespectful towards the judicial process. He was behaving like he was about to go to a wedding, in front of the camera. This type of practice would undermine the public confidence in the judiciary. The court should take into consideration these kinds of things as well, in order to secure the public confidence in the judiciary, DSG Peiris added.

Ranjan Ramanayake was charged, as per the Attorney Generals instructions, under Article 111C(2) of the Constitution which states that, if a person interferes with the judicial powers without legal authority or the functions of any judge, he/she is liable for an offence punishable by the High Court for a period of one year imprisonment with fine. In addition, he/she will be disqualified for a period not exceeding seven years from the date of such a conviction from being an elector and from voting at a Referendum or at any election.

The crowds and the gallant UNP parliamentarians who had thronged his home in droves at the time of his arrest on January 4 to give him moral support and who had on the following day gathered on the door step of the court when he was released on bail to give full throat in song to For hes a jolly good fellow were conspicuous by their absence both at his residence on the 14th and at his cameo court appearance when he was remanded until the 29th of this month. Suddenly the birds had flown. And the song they had sung lay stilled in their flight. It was the day the music died.

As he was led away to the waiting Black Maria to be taken to the Welikada prison compound where the magistrate had ordered him to be remanded for a fortnight, Ranjan Ramanayake exploited the last few breaths of his freedom to exercise his freedom of speech by holding he was the living embodiment, the self-evident proof, that doubtless showed freedom of speech had been damned out of existence without realising the selfsame Constitution provides safeguards to prevent it from turning into the freedom of the wild ass.

He also protested that he had been arrested for the same offence twice. He did not realise his first arrest was due to his failure to have a valid licence for his gun. The reason for his second arrest was the charge of interfering with the judiciary. His third ground of protest was that no judge has complained. But in criminal law, offences, even though aimed at the individual, are offences against society, which is why the Police do not wait for a murdered man to return from the borne of the dead to file complaint before starting their police investigations. His fourth objection was that he had been arrested and remanded without it even being confirmed that it was his voice on the tapes  tapes that were in his own custody. It is a matter of routine for people to be taken into custody on grounds of suspicion and to be remanded until investigations determine whether the prima facie suspicion is well founded or not.

But away from the Courts and whatever legal judgment may fall on him at the bar of justice, moral degradation that attends him has damned him beyond the pale of redemption. The handful of tapes that have so far surfaced to the public gallery are secretly recorded conversations from many walks of life. The people he talked to are people who implicitly and sometimes explicitly trusted him with their jobs, with their reputations and even with their lives.

Little did they know that while he often conveyed that the trust would be returned and was mutual, he was secretly recording the whole conversation and thereafter proceeding to store it on CDs for any thief armed with a knife to steal it at will or a cop armed with a search warrant to impound it: In short, to store it in permanent form at the risk of it being easily taken and its contents exposed in public for all to hear.

For all intents and purposes after his first arrest and release the following day, Ranjan was a national folk hero. After the discovery of his diabolical tapes and the airing of the sleazy dynamite in it, his controversial whistleblowing has turned him overnight to Lankas number one pariah.

But not all see only the dark cloud brooding overhead bursting at the brim to rain down a flood of filth on a landscape already drenched with a surfeit of seasonal muck the monsoons brought in.

In the dark harbinger the JVP discerns the silver line; and knowing well, and in advance, that when the ominous cloud bursts its seem, it will rain on them too for they are the first to admit that they have talked to Ranjan on the phone and the first to be so bold to say they are not unduly worried.

Holding a special press conference on Wednesday to give notice to the public and prepare them for whatever untoward thing the rains, like the cat, may bring in, the JVP leadership took up the position that the Ranjan tapes comprised the good, the bad and the ugly.

Going down the Marxist road with its sign post writ large with the Lenin maxim, The end justifies the means, JVP MP Bimal Ratnayake told the media at the JVPs Pelawatte office that even though Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayakes recording of phone conversations was immoral and unacceptable, it revealed the true nature of the country.

He said, There are two sides to Ranjans matter. He had adopted unacceptable and immoral methods which cannot be expected from a recognised person. The other side is, it has revealed the deteriorated and corrupt nature of society, including the corrupt nature of top hierarchy of the key sectors.

These key sectors, he said, such as politicians, officials, judiciary, religious organisations and the business sector were corrupt and spoilt, and added that leaked phone recordings revealed the falsehood of these sectors.

He said, Edward Snowden and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange had also done the same thing to reveal undemocratic actions but they adopted proper and acceptable methods to do it whereas Ranjan did the opposite. If Ranjan had done it in an ethical manner after forming a peoples movement, it could have been a public campaign such as of Snowden and Assange.

And, guess what? The JVP wants more. It seems they cant get enough of it. And here is the reason why. Bimal Ratnayake says, There could be records because we as politicians speak to fellow MPs, but one thing for sure is that we have nothing to fear because we know what we spoke of. We never spoke of underhand deals or of getting culprits released from prisons. None of our MPs have talked to anyone to protect thieves. So, we are not afraid while many others are shivering.

Now consider the extent to which the JVP are prepared to make the nation go merely to prove they are above board. According to Bimal Ratnayake, the JVP position is that all the tapes  that is 121,000 conversation clips  should be aired in full. Ratnayake says, it is better to keep all the clips at the Public library or publish them through a recognised institution such as the Government Information Department so that people can know how corrupt the society is. Does the JVP also want Ranjans unwarranted sacrilegious reference to the DNA get up of Prince Siddharthas wife, Yasodhara Devi, which hurt the sensitivities of millions of Buddhists in the country also preserved for posterity to imbibe?

What next? Does the JVP want an unabridged transcript of it added to the next addition of the Mahavamsa? But yet, are the Ranjangate Tapes so damaging, its inherent destructive power so awesome that it threatens to shackle the very foundations of Lankas social edifice? After the first frenzied fits of curiosity and excitement over what the tapes may disclose have subsided, after all the hullabaloo has died a natural death, after returning to the scene of crime and reviewing the scattered clues strewn indiscriminately, after taking in the broad picture in the cold stark light of reality, perhaps its time to press the pause button and ask ourselves the question: Are we making a mountain out of a molehill? Is it much ado about nothing that we did not know of before? That something is rotten in the state of Lanka?

According to government MP Mahinda Aluthgamage, only a handful of conversation clips have still been aired. It is only the tip of the iceberg  an iceberg of 120,000-odd conversation clips. Unless those who shout the tapes will rain ruin and hail damnation on Lanka and destroy every hallowed pillar of democracy have heard the unreleased bulk of the tapes themselves, judgment must be made and has been made by many on the released tapes alone  not on the imagined content of what the unreleased bulk may hold.

Going on the basis of what has been revealed so far, canard has spread and has been echoed by the JVP too that the tapes have shown that the Lankan Judiciary is corrupt. It has done no such thing. True, it has led to the interdiction of one Magistrate and the naming of a sitting High Court judge and a retired High Court judge. It has led to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) interdicting the Baddegama Magistrate Dhammika Hemapala. After receiving his explanation the other sitting High Court Judge Gihan Pilapitiyas explanation has been forwarded to the President under Article 111  2B of the Constitution for necessary action. It is reported that the JSC does not have powers to act regarding retired High Court Judge Padmini Ranawaka.

Even if these judges are found guilty, does it mean that the Lankan Judiciary is tainted with corruption? Can the alleged conversational intercourse they have had with Ramanayake tar the entire Court edifice? Do three swallows make a summer?

Another controversial subject is conversations with senior police officers, namely, DIG Shani Abeysekera and CID Inspector Nishantha Silva. DIG Abeysekera has already been interdicted as a result of the tapes, while Inspector Nishantha is beyond Lankas jurisdiction having already sought asylum in Switzerland long before the existence of the tapes were revealed. But what do those conversations really show? It is worth revisiting them and hearing them and determining for oneself whether there was any real genuine attempt made by Ranjan to force them to put his choice picks behind bars.

The rest of course, and this forms the vast majority of what the tapes contain, are Ranjans sleazy chats with film actresses, prostitutes and women of dubious character who show they are on the same wave length when the conversation turns to their favourite topic. The tapes focus on Ranjans sexual proclivities, his sexual predilections and the sexual acts he has performed with other girls and would like to perform with the girl he is speaking with and what she must dress in when she comes to meet him.

These are the so called explosive stuff, it is claimed, that will rock Lanka and rip the social fabric into shreds. The stuff the JVP would love to see preserved whole in the Public Library for future generations to sneak a peek. But it will not be an insight into the corruption of society at large that they will get but more of a revelation into a decadent lifestyle of a permissive few. Far better, once the last ounce of interest in the existing tapes has been squeezed dry, the tapes and its engineer to be dumped in the loony bin of history. And the lid closed.

Can there be two Popes in one world? Ex Pope Benedict backs down after breaking silence with new book In the recent film The Two Popes dealing with the retirement of Pope Benedict and the ascendency of Bishop Bergoglio to the papacy, Pope Benedict played by Anthony Hopkins confides in Bishop Bergoglio played by Jonathan Pryce of his intention to retire as Pope. The conversation goes like this: Benedict: Im going to resign. Bergoglio: Resign from what? Benedict: The papacy. The Chair of St Peter. The Bishopric of Rome. Im going to renounce all of them. Bergoglio: Popes cant resign. Benedict: Its not without precedent. Celestine the V resigned, 1294. Didnt you know that? Bergoglio: Holy Father, you think that people will not be shocked because this happened once before 700 years ago? Eventually, Pope Benedict has his way and setting a new precedent, resigns. And the new conclave of cardinals elects Benedicts choice, Bishop Bergoglio as the next Pope. But how can there be two Popes in one world, has been the perennial question asked by Catholic theologists and canon lawyers. Others have warned of the potential confusion in having two Popes. For starters, they live side by side in the Vatican. One reigns whilst the other is retired. One is the Pope, the other calls himself Emeritus Pope. Both wear the same uniform: the White cassock of the papacy. To prevent any possible mishaps and confusion in the future, Pope Benedict agreed to remain hidden in the Church. Whilst the Ex-Pope Benedict has duly recognised Pope Francis as the successor of Peter, the Ex-Pope has never forgotten that he has been a successor of Peter. The peace lasted for just over 6 years. While Pope Benedict initially stuck to his promise to live a life of quiet contemplation and pursue his interest in academic research, he has since expressed his opinion on the issues off clerical sex abuse and whether catholic priests could marry. This week Benedicts contribution to a book on celibacy was seen by some as a strategic attempt to undermine Pope Francis. The book, titled From the Depths of Our Hearts and co-authored by Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Robert Sarah, has been seen as a challenge to Pope Francis who has been considering allowing the ordination to the priesthood of married deacons to address a priest shortage in a remote region of the Amazon. But this week Emeritus Pope Benedict backed down. It was announced that Benedict wanted to remove his name from the next edition of the book. But then Pope Francis seems to have been infallible when he predicted that there cant be two Popes. True. There cant be two Popes in the world or two Presidents in one country, or three leaders of one major opposition party. At the pinnacle, there is only room for one.
Presented with attendance data for the three makeup days so far, CTU spokesman Ronnie Reese brought up the reasons teachers went on strike in the first place. The mayor forced educators and school staff to picket lines last October to fight for what should have been basic rights  nurses and social workers in every school," Reese said. "The union advocated for instructional days to be made up, she was only willing to provide five of those days and Chicago Public Schools decided that this was its best attempt to make up the time.
Nay Pyi Taw, Jan 18 : Myanmar and China on Saturday signed dozens of cooperation and infrastructure agreements aimed at strengthening their bilateral ties during Chinese President Xi Jinping's historic visit to the neighbouring country.

Xi met Myanmar's de facto leader, state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi here for the second day of his two-day trip - the first by a Chinese head of State in 19 years - seeking to boost his Belt and Road Initiative, reports Efe news.

Xi and Suu Kyi inked 33 agreements, protocols and memoranda of understanding that underlined China's backing of the Myanmar government.

The deals include plans to accelerate the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, a project which involves billions of dollars in infrastructure spending that would provide Beijing with a direct link to the Indian Ocean through railways.

In addition, the two leaders agreed to set up a special economic zone on their mutual border and to promote urban development in the Southeast Asian country's biggest city, Yangon.

Suu Kyi and Xi also signed a memorandum of understanding for the building of a deep seaport in Rakhine, as well as bolstering cooperation in the security and agri-food sectors.

Xi's trip comes at a time when Suu Kyi's government has been facing diplomatic isolation from the West and the Islamic world due to its handling of the Rohingya crisis over the past few years.

The state Counsellor, who is set to face re-election this year, has rejected accusations of genocide and defended the army's actions in the western state of Rakhine, from which more than 700,000 members of the Rohingya ethnic minority fled to Bangladesh due to the military operations targeting them.

China is one of the few countries that has not condemned the army crackdown against the Muslim-majority group and has supported its neighbour on the international stage as it faced allegations by the UN that its persecution of the Rohingya people was carried out with "genocidal intent".

According to the World Bank, China is the second-biggest investor in Myanmar, behind only Singapore.

It is also, by far, Myanmar's largest trading partner.
Binge-drinking Britons are being forced out of favourite Spanish holiday destinations as authorities ban pub crawls, happy hours, and impose 50,000 fines for tourists jumping from balconies.

The crackdown will also end the sale of alcohol between 9.30pm and 8am, adverts promoting drinking and 2x1 drink offers in affected areas.

Spanish authorities have imposed the ban in Magaluf, on Majorca, the West End area of Ibiza, and in a long stretch of the regional capital Palma after becoming fed up with tourists behaviour.

Crackdown will affect Magaluf, Majorca, the West End area of Ibiza and a long stretch of the regional capital Palma. (Stock image)

Special measure will also ban the sale of alcohol between 9.30pm and 8am, adverts promoting drinking and 2x1 drink offers in affected areas. (Magaluf strip in 2018)

Regional government spokesman said the rule was brought in to tackle a 'specific problem in a specific area'. (Magaluf revellers in 2018)

Regional government tourism chief Iago Negueruela said the decree, implemented last night and set to last five years, will tackle 'a specific problem in a specific area'.

The claimed first law in Europe to restrict the promotion and sale of alcohol in tourist areas also aims to halt the 'cheapening' of the Balearic islands and attract investment that was previously dissuaded due to 'uncivic behaviour'.

The law will also see the withdrawal of 'party boat' licences, with boats already using them banned from embarking or disembarking tourists in the three affected areas.

Hotels will also be forced to expel holidaymakers that leap from balconies, either onto other balconies or into the pool.

Businesses that do not comply with the strict regulations could face a 510,000 fine and forced three-year closure.

The regional government brought in the measure to halt the 'cheapening' of the Balearic islands and attract investment previously dissuaded by 'uncivic behaviour'. (British police with the Spanish civil guard in Magaluf, in 2015)

Hotels will be forced to expel holidaymakers that leap from balconies under the measures, and could face 510,000 fines and three-year closures if they do not comply. (Magaluf in 2015)

Local papers first highlighted the regional government's plans to tackle drunken tourism with the new decree late last year.

Respected Spanish daily El Pais, reporting on the pioneering measures yesterday, said: 'The Balearic Islands bans free bars, 'happy hours' and 2x1 to put a brake on the excesses of drunken tourism.'

A regional government spokesman said yesterday: 'Efforts to promote the destination, to provide it with better quality through both public and private sector investments, and position it in an increasingly competitive and global market, have been affected recently by certain uncivic behaviour.

'Most of this type of behaviour is directly related to alcohol abuse in certain tourist areas of Majorca and Ibiza.'

Council leaders have been mounting a fightback to try to clean up the image of resorts like Magaluf since it was rocked by scandal in 2014 when a British holidaymaker was filmed performing sex acts on 24 men.

The regional governments move is attempting to put the brake on the 'excesses of drunken tourism'. (Revellers in Magaluf in 2015)

In one incident on the strip a British holidaymaker was filmed performing sex acts on 24 men. (A Spanish policeman on the Magaluf strip in 2018)

The incident led Majorca's top politician at the time - Jose Ramon Bauza - to dub Magaluf's notorious party strip Punta Ballena as '500 metres of shame'. In 2018 council chiefs upped the ante against badly-behaving tourists in Magaluf by putting up street signs warning them of heavy fines for street drinking, nakedness and fighting.

The brightly-coloured signs, which carried the banner line 'Have fun with respect' were mounted on lamp-posts and other visible spots in the party resort.

One said: 'Drink on the street. Penalty 500 euros.' Another said: 'Wear no clothes on the street. Penalty 400 euros.' and a third 'Shout, fight, or bother people. Penalty 400 euros.'
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 12:21:42|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a grand welcome ceremony hosted by Myanmar President U Win Myint in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
The Supreme Court on Friday said it will consider whether states may punish or replace "faithless" presidential electors who refuse to support the winner of their state's popular vote, or whether the Constitution forbids dictating how such officials cast their ballots.

Lower courts have split on the question, and both red and blue states urged the justices to settle the matter in advance of the "white hot" glare of the 2020 election. They say they fear a handful of independent-minded members of the electoral college deciding the next president.

"It is possible that a presidential election could turn on just a few disputed electoral votes cast in purported violation of state law," said a petition filed by three electors who faced fines from the state of Washington for not supporting Hillary Clinton, the winner of that state's popular vote in 2016.

"It is not entirely clear how that would play out - but there is a very real risk of substantial unrest, or worse, if that does happen."

The Supreme Court accepted cases from Washington and Colorado in time to hold oral arguments this spring and decide the outcome by June. It also said it will consider the Trump administration's attempt to allow some employers and universities to claim religious or moral exemptions from offering contraceptive care. It will make the third time the court has considered the requirement of the Affordable Care Act.

In the electors case, 10 members of the electoral college attempted to freelance after the 2016 election between Clinton and President Donald Trump. Five of the 58 presidential elections have been decided by smaller margins, most recently in 2000, when President George W. Bush defeated Democrat Al Gore by five electoral votes.

A brief filed on behalf of the states said that 32 states and the District of Columbia require electors to vote for the winner of the statewide vote, and asked the Supreme Court to make clear there is no constitutional prohibition on such laws.

Anything else, the state of Washington told the Supreme Court in its brief, "would mean that only 538 Americans - members of the Electoral College - have a say in who should be president; everything else is simply advisory."

The motive of those challenging the laws, the state said, "is to destroy public faith in the Electoral College so that the people decide to do away with it."

Challengers say the Constitution leaves up to states the appointment of electors, but no more than that. "There is no mechanism for state officials to monitor, control, or dictate electoral votes," said a brief filed by Harvard law professor Lawrence Lessig and his group Equal Citizens. "Instead, the right to vote in the Constitution and federal law is personal to the electors, and it is supervised by the electors themselves."

In the summer of 2016, Peter Bret Chiafalo, Levi Jennet Guerra and Esther Virginia John were nominated as presidential electors for the Washington Democratic Party. They ran pledging to vote for the party's nominee.

But when the electoral college convened after the election, all three voted for former Secretary of State Colin Powell for president, and split their votes for vice president among Sens. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.; Susan Collins, R-Maine; and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.

Congress counted their votes. According to the voting advocacy group FairVote, "Congress has accepted the vote of every vote contrary to a pledge or expectation in the nation's history that has been transmitted to it - a total of more than 150 votes across twenty different elections from 1796 to 2016." As in each of those elections, the 2016 defections did not change the outcome of the race.

But Chiafalo, Guerra and John were in violation of Washington law, which requires electors to support their nominee of their party or be subject to a civil fine of up to $1,000.

The trio challenged the law and lost at the Washington Supreme Court. The majority found "the Constitution explicitly confers broad authority on the states to dictate the manner and mode of appointing presidential electors." Additionally, nothing in the document "suggests that electors have discretion to cast their votes without limitation or restriction by the state legislature."

Justice Steven Gonzalez dissented. The Constitution contemplated that electors "would be free agents," he said, "to exercise an independent and nonpartisan judgment as to who was best qualified for the nation's highest offices."

A few months later, a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit decided the issue along the lines Gonzalez suggested.

It was considering the Colorado secretary of state's attempt to throw out the vote of Micheal Baca, who was pledged to vote for Clinton but cast his vote for Republican John Kasich of Ohio. Baca envisioned a plan where Republicans might ditch Donald Trump in favor of someone else.

The appeals court panel took a deep dive into the Constitution's language, and a majority said the words pointed in one direction: electors are "free to vote as they choose."

"While the Constitution grants the states plenary power to appoint their electors, it does not provide the states the power to interfere once voting begins, to remove an elector, to direct the other electors to disregard the removed elector's vote or to appoint a new elector to cast a replacement vote," wrote Judge Carolyn McHugh.

The Supreme Court in 1952 ruled that states could allow parties to require those running for elector to pledge to support their party's nominees. The Washington Supreme Court extrapolated from that ruling.

But Jason Harrow of Equal Citizen said the court has not said what can happen when electors don't honor that pledge. "With this petition, we are asking the Supreme Court to resolve a critical question that has gone strangely unanswered for two centuries: who are presidential electors, and can state officials force them to vote for certain presidential candidates?"

The cases are Chiafalo v. State of Washington and Colorado Department of State v. Baca.

The contraceptive case concerns a Trump administration rule issued in 2018 that it said was an attempt to resolve long-running litigation. It made it easier for more companies and universities to claim religious exemptions to providing contraceptives through their health plans. It also allowed some employers to claim a moral exemption.

But Pennsylvania and other states objected, and challenged the rule in court. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit ruled that the administration likely lacked authority to issue such broad exemptions. It also said the administration did not comply with requirements to allow adequate public comment on the rules.

The Trump administration, and an order of nuns that has been active in fighting the contraceptive requirement for employees, asked the Supreme Court to intervene.

The combined cases are Trump v. Pennsylvania and Little Sisters of the Poor v. Pennsylvania.
Uber's logo is pictured at its office in Bogota

BOGOTA (Reuters) - Uber Technologies Inc will stop operating in Colombia at the end of this month, following a court order late last year which the ride-hailing company on Friday called "arbitrary" and a violation of its right to due process.

The Andean country ordered Uber to cease operations after a judge said it violated competition rules.

Uber said it will use all legal avenues to defend the rights of 2 million users and 88,000 drivers in the country.

In a statement, Uber also blamed a lack of regulation for ride-hailing apps in Colombia for its exit.

"Uber was the first company to offer the country an innovative and trustworthy mobility alternative. Today, six years later, Colombia is the first country on the continent to close its doors to the technology," the company said.

Entrepreneurs have said Colombia's regulations are out-dated and may threaten its status as the region's second-most popular destination for entrepreneurial investment after much larger Brazil.

Uber sent a letter this week to the government's legal agency to say it was considering suing under the terms of Colombia's free trade agreement with the United States, a source from the agency said.

A spokesperson for Uber told Reuters the contents of the letter were private.

The company has also faced regulatory issues in the United States, including a recent measure in California that makes it harder for companies to qualify their workers as contractors rather than employees. Uber has repeatedly said that its drivers are properly classified as contractors.

(Reporting by Oliver Griffin and Luis Jaime Acosta; Editing by Richard Chang and Nick Macfie)
Head of Vietnams Permanent Mission to the UN, Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy on January 17 met President of the UN General Assemblys 74th session Tijiani Muhammad-Bande.

As President of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for January 2020, Ambassador Quy briefed on Muhammad-Bande about the UNSCs agenda during the month.

He emphasized that the UNSC members had reached a high consensus on important issues such as adopting the Resolution on cross-border humanitarian assistance mechanism for Syria, the Resolution on extending the mandate of the UN mission in Yemen, and successfully holding an open debate on upholding the UN Charter to maintain international peace and security along with a plan to hold a discussion between the UN and ASEAN in the field.

He thanked the UNSC President and UN member states for their support for the UNSCs activities, and assured the UNSCs readiness to fulfill the role of maintaining international peace and security.

Bande, for his side, talked about his priorities during the 74th session and suggested boosting ties between the UNSC and the UN General Assembly during the month Vietnam holds UNSC presidency, as well as during the UN General Assemblys 74th session. VOV
U.S. Senator and Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren called for former U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry to resign from a board seat overseeing the Dallas pipeline company Energy Transfer, calling his move into an industry his agency oversaw unethical

Warren, in a public letter addressed to Perry at Energy Transfers headquarters in Dallas, described the former energy secretarys decision to rejoin the board as unethical and one that discredited his years in public office. Perry served on the companys board from 2015 to 2017, but left when he became energy secretary.

This is exactly the kind of unethical, revolving-door corruption that has made Americans cynical and distrustful of the federal government, Warren wrote.

Midstream Moves: Rick Perry rejoins Energy Transfer board of directors

In a Jan. 3 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Energy Transfer reported that Perry had joined the board of directors for LE GP LLC, a company that owns and oversees the Dallas pipeline operator.

We are pleased to have former Secretary Rick Perry as a board member of our general partner, Energy Transfer officials said in a statement in response to Warrens letter. Beyond that, we do not comment on board members.

Perry could not be reached.

Former San Antonio and Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro issued a statement on Twitter early Saturday afternoon echoing Warren's call for Perry to resign. Castro dropped out of the 2020 presidential race earlier this month and later endorsed Warren.

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Exact compensation figures were not disclosed but under the Energy Transfers board rules, Perry would be eligible to receive an annual retainer of $100,000 as well as annual stock awards worth up to $100,000.

Perry served on the board of directors for Energy Transfer and its pipeline and gas station subsidiary Sunoco shortly after leaving the Texas governors office in 2015. He resigned from the two board seats to join the Trump administration as Secretary of Energy in March 2017. He resigned from serving as energy secretary in December.

The energy secretarys long-planned departure coincided with the Ukraine scandal and the impeachment inquiry examining whether President Donald Trump held up military aid to Ukraine to pressure the government to investigate a political rival, former vice president Joe Biden, and his son, Hunter.

Although he did not testify, Perry was mentioned during the hearing as a player in the White Houses Ukraine strategy. Perry has denied any wrongdoing.

More: Read the latest oil and gas news from HoustonChronicle.com

Founded by the Dallas billionaire Kelcy Warren in 1995, Energy Transfer has nearly 11,800 employees across the United States and Canada. The company posted a $1.7 billion profit on $54.1 billion of revenue in 2018.

Energy Transfer owns and operates more than 86,000 miles of pipelines across the United States. The company built controversial pipelines such as the Dakota Access Pipeline and the Trans-Pecos Pipeline, which both faced criticism from Native American groups, environmentalists and other opponents.

Perry and Kelcy Warren have a long history together. Kelcy Warren donated $20,000 to Perrys 2010 gubernatorial campaign, Texas Ethics Commission records show. The Dallas billionaire donated another $6 million to Perrys unsuccessful presidential run in 2016. He also donated a combined $103,000 to Trumps 2016 presidential campaign

sergio.chapa@chron.com

twitter.com/sergiochapa
A New Jersey State Police trooper recently indicted on two third-degree counts of child porn possession has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Jeffrey Reitz, 48, of Williamstown, appeared in a Gloucester County courtroom Friday morning for his post-indictment arraignment.

Reitz and his attorney told Superior Court Judge Robert Becker they acknowledged the charges in the short proceeding, which lasted about five minutes.

Reitz has been suspended without pay from the state police since his arrest in April on a single charge of possessing child porn.

The allegations against Reitz came to light after investigators learned of an email exchange between the trooper and a woman in 2014 in which she suggested he sexually assault her 5-year-old daughter, according to the state Attorney Generals Office (AG).

Reitz asked for a photo of the girl, saying he wanted to see if it would get him sexually aroused, according to his criminal complaint. After getting the explicit photo, he responded to the woman by saying Nice. He sent the woman photos of his genitals before and after she sent him the girls photo.

His first child porn possession charge was related to that photo.

Defense attorney, Arthur Murray, and his client, Jeffrey Reitz leave the courtroom after the post-indictment arraignment in Gloucester County Superior Court, Friday, Jan. 17, 2020.Al Amrhein | For NJ Advance Media

The pair first connected via Craigslist, where the woman placed an ad titled Incest role play - w4m, according to court documents. Reitz allegedly responded to that post with a message saying, Hi sexy. Im super into the incest thing!! Hit me up. Lets explore.

His alleged involvement was discovered through an investigation into allegations against the mother.

She pleaded guilty in Camden County to a charge of permitting a child to engage in pornography and was sentenced last year to over seven years in prison.

A search of her cellphone by the Camden County Prosecutors Office turned up the email exchange with Reitz, authorities said.

When investigators realized Reitz was a trooper, the case against him was transferred to the AGs office.

The second count of child pornography possession was filed after investigators found incriminating images in an iCloud account allegedly belonging to Reitz.

Reitz recently sought dismissal of the charges, arguing that the state had failed to present the case to a grand jury in a timely manner. He was then indicted Dec. 19.

Deputy Attorney General Rachael Weeks was in court prosecuting the case for the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Cyber Crimes Bureau.

Joe Brandt can be reached at jbrandt@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JBrandt_NJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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The move marks the entry of GWM, one of the largest manufacturers of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-ups, into the Indian market and a complete exit for GM from the country, two years after it stopped selling cars here.

Chinas Great Wall Motors (GWM) has signed an agreement with General Motors (GM) for the purchase of the latters Talegaon manufacturing facility, the companies said in a joint statement issued on Friday.

The companies did not disclose the value of the transaction. However, some unconfirmed reports said GWM paid around $300 million (Rs 2,100 crore) to GM.

GM will provide a separation package and transition support for impacted employees, and an orderly transition for partners. The transaction is expected to be closed in the second half of 2020.

The move marks the entry of GWM, one of the largest manufacturers of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-ups, into the Indian market and a complete exit for GM from the country, two years after it stopped selling cars here.

Liu Xiangshang, vice-president global strategy, GWM, said the transaction would underpin the companys plan to enter and invest in India. The Indian market has great potential, rapid economic growth and a good investment environment. Entering the Indian market is an important step for Great Wall Motors global strategy, said Liu, adding that this was in line with the Indian governments Make In India, Digital India and clean energy focus.

GWM said its investment will create direct and indirect employment opportunities, further enhancing the skill level in the auto industry. It would promote development of local supply chain, research and development and related industries, and contribute more profits and taxes to the exchequer at central and state levels.

The company, which has its headquarters in Baoding, Hebei, will officially debut its Haval brand and GWM EV (electric vehicle) at the Delhi Motor Show and launch its India market plan, the it said.

Since focusing the Talegaon plant on manufacturing for export markets in 2017, GM has been exploring strategic options for the better utilisation of the site, said Julian Blissett, vice-president, international operations, GM. The firms decision to cease production at Talegaon is based on GMs global strategy and optimisation of its manufacturing footprint around the world, he added.

The Detroit-based automaker announced its exit from India, after years of struggle, in 2017. While it sold its Halol, Gujarat, plant to SAIC, it had retained the factory in Talegaon and continues to export cars to Latin America and a few other markets.

In the nine months to December, GM exported 54,863 cars from the Talegaon plant, a year-on-year decline of 3.83 per cent, according to data from Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.

GM will continue to export from India till the end of this calendar year through a contract manufacturing agreement with GWM. Thereafter, it will cease operations in entirety. Chevrolet will continue to honour all warranties and provide after sales support, including ongoing service and parts requirements for existing customers in India, the company said.

Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters.
Todays temperature plummet of more than 30 degrees from morning to evening will be unusual, but its nothing like a freakish sudden change in 1836 that saw at least five people and thousands of animals die when the temperature fell 40 degrees in a matter of minutes.

It might sound outlandish, but numerous accounts verify the phenomenon, which modern meteorological research terms a flash freeze. Weather reporting stations of the era  mostly in military outposts  recorded mind-boggling temperature drops from Minneapolis to New Orleans on Dec. 20 that year.

Central Illinois was hit the hardest and, in a time of rudimentary weather prediction, few were ready for it. Not surprisingly, there are discrepancies on the time  and in some cases, even the date  of the event. But no one questioned its severity.

Tuesday, Dec. 20, 1836, dawned rather mild in the area and an intermittent rain fell throughout the morning, turning lingering snow into slush. However, the weather in extreme western Illinois began to decline precipitously around 10 a.m. as the front rolled through. By noon, the system had reached Jacksonville, and had blown through Springfield by 2 p.m.

Most accounts report that the temperature fell as much as 40 degrees in just a few minutes.

John Moses of Winchester, who later became a judge and pre-eminent historian, wrote in 1889 that the sky, began to grow dark from a heavy, black cloud which was seen in the northwest. Almost instantly the strong wind  swept over the land, and everything was frozen hard.

He estimated the winds at 70 miles an hour and accompanied by a deep, bellowing sound.

Witnesses recalled that the slush turned to ice almost instantly, and puddles in the muddy roads froze solid. Moses noted that the puddles, froze in waves, sharp-edged and pointed as the gale had blown it.

Chickens and geese were frozen in their tracks and cows and pigs were trapped in the freezing slush and mud. Many animals had to be cut away from the ice to save them. Accounts marveled at the number of animals that were lost that day.

In 2008, McLean County historian Bill Kemp described the aftermath as apocalyptic.

Washington Crowder, who lived near Chatham along Sugar Creek, was scheduled to be married the next day and rode into Springfield to obtain his marriage license.

Around 4 miles south of Springfield, he ran into the massive storm. He closed his umbrella and reached for his bridle rein as the cold wave struck him  at that instant water was dripping from everything about him, but when he drew the reins taut, ice rattled from them.

Once in Springfield, he found his overcoat was frozen so stiffly that he was unable to dismount, holding him firmly as though it had been made of sheet iron. Two men tried to help from his mount, but his clothes were frozen to the saddle, which they ungirthed, then carried man and saddle to the fire and thawed them asunder.

Other episodes were more grisly. Andrew Heredith of Springfield was driving some 1,000 to 1,500 hogs to St. Louis and was near Scottville in Macoupin County when the storm hit. Heredith and his men scrambled for shelter, but his entire herd was lost.

More than 500 of the hogs were found dead in a pile the next morning; the rest had scattered  and finally perished. One account claimed that the loss eventually broke Herediths spirit, and he pined away and in a year or two died.

Moses wrote of two young men (who) were frozen to death near Rushville. One of them was found with his back against a tree, with his horses bridle over his arm. In other cases, the bodies of the dead were not found for weeks.

In some cases, wagon wheels froze to the ground, and Moses noted water freezing to ice 6 inches to a foot thick. A Cass County account reported that after six hours, men were hurriedly crossing the Illinois River on ice.

A 1905 history of Greene County reported that travel was almost entirely suspended, and the whole county bore the appearance of a vast field of ice.

Though unusual, the phenomenon is not unprecedented. A recent meteorological study compared the sudden change to similar events in the central U.S. in 1909, 1911 and 2011, as well as the infamous Armistice Day storm of Nov. 11, 1940, in which 157 people died and winds on Lake Michigan were clocked at 126 mph.

The horrific day in 1836 was burned in the collective memory of central Illinoisans for decades.

Forty years after the event, Springfield historian John Carroll Power noted as he collected materials for a history of Sangamon County in 1876 that, I was frequently asked the question, has any person told you about the sudden change?
BERLIN - German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the need to end foreign interference in Libya with Abu Dhabis powerful crown prince Saturday, a day before she hosts an international conference on Libya, Merkels office said.

The meeting at Merkels invitation took place because Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is unable to attend the conference on Sunday, a German government statement said. He asked the United Arab Emirates foreign minister to attend in his place.

The UAE is one of 12 countries with an interest in Libyas long-running civil war that Merkel has invited to Berlin on Sunday. Germanys aim is to curb foreign military meddling, solidify a cease-fire and help relaunch a political process to determine the north African countrys future.

Libya is divided into rival administrations, each with outside supporters: the U.N.-recognized one based in Tripoli and one based in the countrys east, supported by Gen. Khalifa Hifters forces.

Hifters forces have been on the offensive since April. In its campaign against Hifters forces, which are backed by Egypt, Russia and the UAE, the Tripoli government has turned to Turkey for troops and weapons.

Merkel and the crown prince agreed that there is no military solution to Libyas long-running civil war, the German government said.

They called on the two sides in Libya to agree a permanent cease-fire, for Libyas state institutions to be rebuilt fully and for terrorism and extremism to be fought, the statement said.

Ending outside interference in Libyas internal affairs is a necessary precondition from this from the point of view of both leaders, it added.
N. DENDIAS: We had a long and interesting conversation with Field Marshal Haftar. As you would expect, it concerned the situation in Libya, the Berlin process and the day after in Libya and in the region. We encouraged the Field Marshall to participate constructively in the Berlin process and to try to achieve a ceasefire and restoration of security in Libya, the removal of mercenaries, and recognition that the illegal memoranda between Turkey and the Sarraj government are null and void.

And I must say I was very pleased that Field Marshal Haftar agreed with all of these observations we made. You will see this expressed clearly in his statements as well. I also said that Greece is prepared to assist Libya following a peace agreement, whether through participating in the forces needed to support a truce (n. the international mechanism to monitor a ceasefire) or through the participation of Greek forces in a European operation imposing the embargo on arms and transport of mercenaries to Libya. These actions will help create a better reality in Libya and are a contribution to the future of the Libyan people and Libyan society.

We want Libya to be a modern country, a modern democratic country whose residents are allowed to express their will and be part of the overall stability and security architecture in the region. As you know, Greece is not participating in the Berlin Process, a process that began in 2015. Greece has not participated all these years. But we think, we continue to think, that the current conditions would have lead the host country, Germany, to consider our participation as a positive development. In any event, since we won't be there, we expect Germany, the host country, to serve as the repository of the European position on Libya issues. Ladies and gentlemen, Europe has a clear position. It was expressed at the recent European Council meeting. Our common European position recognizes that the memoranda signed by the Sarraj government and Turkey are null and void. So, as Europeans, we expect Germany to impose and express the European position at the Berlin Process meeting. We expect the same of the other EU member states participating in this process. Thank you very much for being here today.

JOURNALIST: Based on your conversation with Mr. Haftar, what do you think are the prospects for success?

N. DENDIAS: There is no point in my making statements and expressing Field Marshal Haftars opinion. These opinions can be expressed by him or [...]

REPORTER: But if what you said about the memoranda, being null and void, is not taken into account, might there be a veto of the European [...]

N. DENDIAS: We want to participate constructively towards the success of the Berlin process. We assist UN processes. I already met, last week in Brussels, with Mr. Salame, the Special Representative. We are doing everything we can to help this process. But at the same time, in this process, we are trying to help not just in our capacity as Greece, but also as a European country. The framework of the participation of all the European countries in this process has been determined by a decision from the European Council. The same European Council decision, our common European position, states that the two Memoranda are null and void. So, every EU country, not just Greece, has the self-evident obligation to support this common position, the position we all adopted unanimously in the Council. So, I dont want to see things negatively in the form of a veto. I see this as an effort based on our common European position. Of course, if the common European position is not respected, then every European country has the self-evident obligation to defend this position, and I think Greece -Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis took a very clear stance on this yesterday- will defend our common European position. Thank you very much!
M ajorca and Ibiza have launched a brave attempt to shake their party island reputation by banning pub crawls and happy hours in three tourist hotspots.

The restrictions, which apply to Playa de Palma and Magaluf in Majorca and Sant Antoni in Ibiza, mark a concerted effort by the regional government to clamp down on binge-drinking.

The law - understood to be the first of its kind in Europe - prohibits the organisation and promotion of pub crawls.

It also bans happy hours and says party boats can no longer advertise in the three zones, nor can they pick up or drop off revellers there.

Special offers for drinks are seen at a bar at Magaluf beach / Getty Images

Free bars, adverts for alcoholic drinks, and alcohol vending machines are also now forbidden, while shops selling alcohol must close from 9.30pm to 8am local time.

The new regulations also ban the practice of jumping from hotel balconies into swimming pools, popularly known as balconing.

The activity has led to many injuries and several deaths. Anyone caught doing it will now be forced to leave their hotel and may face fines.

Tourists walk through Sant Antoni's West End area / Getty Images

The legislation will initially apply for the next five years along a stretch of Majorcas capital Palma and its Magaluf area, and the West End area of Ibiza.

Local authorities say the measures are necessary to improve the quality of tourism on the islands and the wellbeing of both tourists and residents.

Businesses caught violating the new law could face fines of up to 600,000 (510,000) or be shut down for up to three years.

While the government hopes the rules will help "fight excesses" and "force a real change in the tourism model of those destinations", critics have complained the restrictions will hurt the local economy.
Jonathan Mahler in The New York Times:

In the middle of September, shortly before the House of Representatives opened its impeachment inquiry against President Trump, I started texting with his personal lawyer, Rudolph Giuliani, to try to arrange a time to get together. I stressed that I wasnt looking for sound bites; I wanted to talk, in depth, about the whole arc of his career, with the goal of explaining how he wound up at the center of this historic moment. There were several weeks of inconclusive, if at times amusing, exchanges  when I reminded him of the numerous Giuliani profiles this magazine has published over the course of the last four decades, he loved my text  before I decided to call him on his cellphone. It was a Friday evening, a few days after his business associates Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman were arraigned on charges of conspiring to funnel foreign money into American elections. To my surprise, Giuliani answered. I could hear that he was in a crowded bar or restaurant; he sounded as if he was in good spirits. I really want to talk to you, he said. The thing is, Im a little busy right now. Give me another week, and I should have all of this behind me.

Since then, things seem to have gotten a lot worse for Giuliani. The House has impeached the president largely on the basis of Giulianis work, and Giuliani himself has come under investigation for possibly serving as an unregistered agent of a foreign government. And yet he has continued to go on cable television and Twitter, making reckless statements, all the while pressing a bizarre and baseless corruption case against Joe Biden. All of this has left a lot of people puzzled. How did a man who was once  pick your former Rudy: priestly prosecutor, avenging crime-buster, Americas mayor  become this guy, ranting on TV, unapologetically pursuing debunked conspiracy theories, butt-dialing reporters, sharing photos of himself scheming in actual smoke-filled rooms? What happened?

More here.
Barry Tuckwell, considered by many to be the finest horn player of his generation, who displayed his skill in concerts all over the world and on dozens of recordings, died on Friday in Melbourne, Australia. He was 88.

The Maryland Symphony Orchestra, of which Mr. Tuckwell was founding music director and conductor, posted news of his death on its website. The Sydney Morning Herald of Australia said the cause was heart disease.

Mr. Tuckwell, Australian by birth, was a master of the French horn, one of the more difficult instruments in the orchestra to play well, especially as a soloist. People magazine, in a 1979 article about Mr. Tuckwell, called it some 21 feet of coiled brass, valves, crooks, sockets, slides, keys  in short, booby traps.

Mr. Tuckwell offered an analogy. Playing the horn, he told the magazine, is like driving a very fast car on an oily road. You have to anticipate the things that may go wrong.
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- When Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a radical overhaul of Russias governance system this week, he also ended the Medvedev era. Dmitry Medvedev was, at least formally, Putins closest sidekick, the politician with whom the strongman was most willing to share formal power. Whether or not its time for Medvedevs political obit, his stint near the top of Russias so-called power vertical will serve as an example of how the Putin systems inertia can suffocate the best modernizing intentions.

Medvedev abruptly resigned as prime minister on Wednesday, without giving advance notice to members of his government, who also had to tender their resignations. We as the government must give our countrys president the opportunity to make all the necessary decisions, Medvedev said, though it wasnt clear how his continued occupancy of the top cabinet post could get in the way of Putins reform.

Putin expressed rather tepid gratitude for the prime ministers service. Not everything has worked out, but then things never work out completely, he said. Putin has always avoided firing close, trusted associates, but as prime minister since 2012, Medvedev presided over Russias longest run of declining real incomes during Putins 20-year rule. The governments $400 billion national projects spending plan, designed to rectify things, hasnt gotten off to a great start.

The new job Putin has offered Medvedev didnt even exist before  deputy chairman of the Security Council, an advisory body that includes Russia's mighty security chiefs. Its formally headed by Putin but run by its secretary, former secret police chief Nikolai Patrushev. The council has been described, including by Kremlin propaganda outlets, as the closest Russia has to the Soviet Union's ruling Politburo. So the newly created post, with Putin as the direct supervisor, can be enormously influential  but perhaps not when filled by Medvedev, who has never really commanded the respect of the security bosses in the way Putin does, with his KGB record and training.

Story continues

Medvedevs move means he isnt likely to be Putins successor as president when the latter's term ends in 2024. Nor will he return to the prime ministerial post, now handed to a supremely skillful technocrat, former tax chief Mikhail Mishustin. His career has been launched on a downward trajectory  something he probably expected. For years, he has appeared bored and morose at official functions, time and again photographed with his eyes closed and seemingly asleep. Opposition politician and anti-corruption activist Alexey Navalny posted one such photo taken as Putin delivered his Wednesday address, tweeting, Only one thing in Russia is really stable and unshakable  Dmitry Medvedev, asleep during the presidents state of the nation speech.

During a recent award ceremony, Medvedevs New Years greetings included this quotation from Anton Chekhov: The newer the year, the closer you are to death, the wider your bald spot, the twistier your wrinkles, the older your wife, the more kids you have and the less money. Some of the incredulous listeners couldn't help but recall Medvedev's most famous quote, his answer to a woman in Russian-annexed Crimea in 2016 who complained that her pension was too low: There's just no money now. When we find the money, we'll raise pensions. You hang on in there, stay cheerful and healthy.

Medvedev may have been fatigued and depressed lately as his government failed to deliver on Putin's promises of a tangible improvement in living standards, but money isn't something he's lacked himself. During this snowless winter, the vast land plot around his residence in Central Russia is covered with artificial snow. Medvedev has never given a substantive answer to a long video produced by Navalny's team and watched more than 33 million times on YouTube, in which he was accused of accumulating vast wealth while working for the government.

Medvedev's approval rating never recovered from that video's release, languishing below 40% in recent months, while Putin's remains close to 70%. Government spending cuts that began in 2015 and lasted through 2018 didn't help, and the governments decision in June 2018 to raise the retirement age  made by Putin, but often ascribed to Medvedev because of his perceived insensitivity  dealt his popularity an especially crippling blow.

The visibly bored, defeated Medvedev at the end of his prime ministership was a far cry from the hopeful, cheerful modernizer who started a four-year presidency in 2008 and charmed U.S. President Barack Obama and his aides into trying a reset of U.S.-Russia relations. Though many Putin opponents  myself included  never believed Medvedev could pursue an independent policy, so-called system liberals, believers in changing the system from within, vested serious hopes in the younger, more polished leader. They believed he could shake off Putin's conservative influence if he ran for a second term in 2012, and that Russia would then gradually become freer both economically and politically.

Medvedev tried some promising things. He set up a large innovation center at Skolkovo near Moscow, trying to lure investors and entrepreneurs into a Russian version of Silicon Valley. He started reforms in the self-serving, thoroughly rotten law-enforcement agencies, and he modernized Russia's obsolete armed forces, starting an ambitious reorganization and rearmament. He removed some of the most entrenched, hidebound regional leaders, breaking up the corrupt monopolies that had sprung up around them.

But the system liberals hopes were probably dashed in March 2011, when Medvedev ordered the Russian representative in the United Nations Security Council to abstain on a resolution authorizing the U.S. and its allies to use force against the regime of Muammar Qaddafi in Libya. Putin publicly criticized his protege for not ordering a "no" vote, likening the Western intervention in Libya to a medieval crusade." In his book, From Cold War to Hot Peace," Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia and a believer in Medvedev's liberal intentions, wrote that U.S. military intervention in Libya, which helped topple Qaddafi, also inadvertently might have helped remove Medvedev from power in Russia."

In September 2011, Putin and Medvedev announced they intended to switch jobs the following year, a development that bitterly disappointed the system liberals. Protests against a rigged parliamentary election, which broke out less than three months later, only served to convince Putin that the West was trying to undermine him and empower Medvedev instead. But, perhaps out of a sense of loyalty toward his temporary successor who hadn't tried to cling to power, Putin made no attempt to replace Medvedev as prime minister.

The latter never really raised his head again. He avoided making major decisions or advocating big reforms; the cabinet ministers learned they needed Putin's approval for anything remotely controversial. In a way, that helped Russia build a protective economic wall after Putin annexed Crimea and, simultaneously, the oil price crashed in 2014. Amid Western sanctions and a tightening hold of Putin's cronies and enforcers on the economy, Russia's generally competent economic managers could only cut spending to insulate the budget from external shocks  and accumulate international reserves every time the price of oil edged up. Medvedev's tenure ended with these reserves at $554 billion, near the 2008 historic high of $569 billion.

Putin's patience was sorely tested. Busy with geopolitical chess and with finding ways to retain power after 2024, he clearly wanted his hands free from domestic economic management. He wanted to set goals and let someone else get to them. Time after time, he told Medvedev that he wanted "results. They failed to materialize.

Meanwhile, Medvedev's work as the formal leader of the Kremlin's loyalist party, United Russia, also proved insufficient. The party's support melted away, and its legislative majorities and governorships have had to be obtained with increasing rigging efforts and administrative pressure. In December, only 29% of Russians were willing to cast a vote for United Russia in a national election, a threat to its parliamentary majority even in an unfair system. Putin needs a stronger party behind him post-2024, and an effort to build one on the basis of his broad support network, the United People's Front  or to reform United Russia  is to be expected.

Putins legendary personal loyalty stretched far enough not to send Medvedev, who is only 54, into retirement. But then, it was Putin himself who backpedaled in 2011 instead of letting Medvedev pursue his cautiously reformist course. It was Putin who created a system that paralyzed any kind of economic liberalization and who launched Russia on military adventures that limited its ability to develop trade. Putin, who gave Medvedev the exhilarating hope of building a more modern Russia, then quickly took it away, leaving his former successor with little except the luxurious lifestyle enjoyed by the Russian elite.

It was Putin's country to give and to take back.

To contact the author of this story: Leonid Bershidsky at lbershidsky@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Tobin Harshaw at tharshaw@bloomberg.net

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Leonid Bershidsky is Bloomberg Opinion's Europe columnist. He was the founding editor of the Russian business daily Vedomosti and founded the opinion website Slon.ru.

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion

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Washington: A US warship passed through the Taiwan Strait separating China and Taiwan on Thursday, January 16, 2020. The USS Shiloh, a US ship equipped with missiles, passing through this sea area is considered as no less than a warning to China. It is also being called a US demonstration in support of President Sai Ing-wen, who favored the island's independence in the recently concluded election in Taiwan. In Taiwan, the anti-Chinese Sai has won again in the last presidential election held on Saturday.

Army's eye on the warship: According to information received from sources, it is also being said that after passing the American warship from close to the country, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Friday that the Chinese army had an eye on this vessel. . At the same time, let us tell you that the spokesperson said, America should respect the One China policy and avoid interference on the issue related to Taiwan. It would also be good for US relations with China.

Threats to China's military action: It is also being said that it is known that Taiwan, which takes a stand of independence, does not like China with a teary eye. The Chinese government also continues to threaten military action to reunite Taiwan in its mainland.

Also Read:

Trump warns Khamenei to be careful with his words

Imran raises question on Indian government

Anti-terror court orders decree in Pakistan, attacks on property of fundamentalists who spread violence

Five Pakistanis were trying to steal nuclear, arrested
What do Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson have in common?

Well, quite a bit, actually. Mainly that theyre all legends of country music. However, for all of 2020, theres another item on the list: Theyre featured in the C.F. Martin & Companys Guitar Museums brand-new country music exhibit.

The start of the year is always big for the Upper Nazareth Township-based guitar manufacturer, as they release new models of guitars that have been in the works for years, and to go along with those new releases, the companys museum is debuting a year-long exhibit in its museum centered on Martins important history in the country genre.

When walking into the museum portion of Martins sprawling complex, visitors are greeted by a jacket owned by Roy Rogers. Rounding the corner leads you to a glass case full of old photos, records, guitars (of course) and more that track Martins rich connection to country music.

The exhibit was put together over the last few months by Martins Museum Enhancement Team, helmed by museum and archives specialist, Jason Ahner.

Martin has always had a relationship to country music, he said. Some of the earliest recordings that were considered country: Jimmie Rodgers was playing a 00-18, Maybelle Carter was playing a 000-18. That was in the first couple decades of the 1900s. It continued from there, to people like Gene Autry and Ernest Tubb, followed by Cash, Haggard, Nelson and more. Even today, country stars like Dierks Bentley, Kane Brown (playing Allentown on March 1) and Amanda Shires are among the Martin faithful.

Ahner said the inspiration for the exhibit came from Ken Burns expansive documentary series on the country genre, which is available on the PBS website (make sure you have plenty of free time).

In fact, Burns production company, Florentine Films, put together a looped companion video for Martin, which plays next to the exhibits case. One of the coolest (and most modern) pieces featured in the museum is a couple of guitars that Florentine loaned the museum that both feature the signatures of many of the still-living musicians, not all of whom are country artists, featured in the documentary series, including the inimitable country icon Dolly Parton, jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, and guitar maven Jack White.

On Thursday and Friday, one could check out the museum before spending some time in the main atrium for a look at the very near future. Martin had its 2020 releases on display to show off and try out while many company members are out in California with the new models for the annual National Association of Music Merchants convention, doing the same thing.

Just a few of the newest guitar models that Martin is releasing in 2020.

Ahner said the highlight of whats new this year is the SC-13E, which, as far as guitars go, is a pretty revolutionary model. The new acoustic-electric has a new type of body for the company, but whats most unique is the heel of the instrument.

Or rather, the lack thereof.

The SC-13E eliminates the heel, Ahner said, so that players can move their hand down the neck into a position where they can comfortably get to the 20th fret. The other unique feature is that its a 13-fret guitar, meaning the neck and body join at the 13th fret. The standard is 14 (though it was initially 12 until Martin made the first 14-fret guitar in 1929, revolutionizing the way guitars were made back then).

Everything is meant to be a forward-thinking design, Ahner said, like the next step in what an acoustic-electric guitar can be.

And while the SC-13E, which will be released for purchase later in the year, may not be for everyone, there are a plethora of other new models to try, all made with Martin feel and the newest Fishman electronics. For example, the company has continued to improve its X series, which uses alternative, sustainable materials, with a selection of guitars that are part of the X2 series. The X2 series, the 16 series addition, the limited edition guitars and more have all been in the works for some time, with some, like the SC-13E, taking four years to perfect.

So whether you live for music history or are a lover of guitar mechanics, Martins start to 2020 has bridged the gap between both worlds, and you barely have to leave the lobby.

The museum is located at 510 Sycamore St., just outside of Nazareth.

Connor Lagore may be reached at clagore@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ConnorLagore. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
(Bloomberg) -- European Union privacy watchdogs are gearing up to police digital assistants after revelations that Amazon.com Inc. workers listened in on peoples conversations with their Alexa digital assistants.

Bloomberg first reported in April that Amazon had a team of thousands of workers around the world listening to Alexa audio requests with the goal of improving the software.

Similar issues have been raised over Google and Apple Inc.s digital assistants, triggering privacy fears across the world, as intimate conversations in some users homes were laid bare to technicians fine-tuning the technology.

EU regulators are now working on a common approach on how to police the technology, said Tine Larsen, head of the data protection authority in Luxembourg, where the U.S. retail giant has its European base and employs a staff of more than 2,000.

Because its a question of principle, the members of the EDPB should work out a common position in line with the consistency mechanism to apply data protection rules in a harmonized way for this type of treatment, she said, referring to a panel of regulators from across the 28-nation EU.

The revelations of the snooping into peoples homes came after regulators across Europe were handed beefed-up powers with its General Data Protection Regulation in May 2018, including the right to levy fines of as much as 4% of a companys global annual sales for the most serious violations. But the move toward common guidelines for digital assistants means companies should avoid fines -- for now.

Larsens comments echo those of Helen Dixon, head of the Irish watchdog, responsible for overseeing the likes of Apple and Google.

She told Bloomberg in November that the regulator first has to bottom out fully on whether its true when companies say they need to do transcripts of peoples interactions with the assistants. Thats why a focus will be first on coming up with guidelines, instead of investigations or inquiries, she said.

Story continues

Amazon said in a statement that to help improve Alexa, we manually review and annotate a small fraction of 1% of Alexa requests and that access to data annotation tools is only granted to a limited number of employees who require them to improve the service.

EU regulators are working on a common position on the privacy issues surrounding voice assistant systems, said Johannes Caspar, head of the watchdog in Hamburg, Germany. We urgently need common and reliable industry standards on this to better regulate privacy protections, he said in an email.

Caspars office initiated a number of probes into the issue, including one into Facebook over audio transcriptions from its Messenger users, he said. The questions his office has asked of Facebook have been discussed within the EDPB, the EU body of national regulators. The plan is to use the results to have a more coordinated approach by all European regulators affected by the issue, he said.

Europe Mulls New Tougher Rules for Artificial Intelligence

The U.K., which is set to leave the EU at the end of the month, will soon publish the results of a consultation into security features for smart speakers and other connected devices, with proposals for mandatory industry requirements that could lead to potential new regulation, U.K. Digital Secretary Nicky Morgan told Bloomberg Wednesday.

Siri Changes

Apple, whose Siri virtual assistant is embedded in its operating phone and desktop computer operating systems, pointed to an August blog post about the issue.

We know that customers have been concerned by recent reports of people listening to audio Siri recordings as part of our Siri quality evaluation process  which we call grading, it said. We heard their concerns, immediately suspended human grading of Siri requests and began a thorough review of our practices and policies. Weve decided to make some changes to Siri as a result.

Google, which offers similar technology, referred to its September announcement that it would add new security protections to the way its workers listen to audio snippets, meant to help improve the products quality.

In a blog post in September, Google said it would tell users that their audio may be listened to if they opt in to a feature that also improves audio quality. We believe in putting you in control of your data, and we always work to keep it safe. Were committed to being transparent about how our settings work so you can decide what works best for you, the company said.

While Amazon is escaping penalties over Alexa, Luxembourg, which is the companys main privacy watchdog in Europe, is probing the company for other potential breaches.

This follows complaints from activists that the online retailer is illegally tracking and profiling internet users without their permission, as well as not providing full access to users data.

Amazon Cooperating

The company says its cooperating with the authority, which is at an advanced stage of its fact finding, according to an emailed statement. The data commission declined to comment on any probes, citing local rules.

French privacy activists La Quadrature du Net, filed one of the complaints on behalf of more than 10,000 customers. They urge regulators to crack down on behavioral analysis and targeted advertising by Amazon and levy a fine that is as high as possible due to the massive, lasting and manifestly deliberate nature of the alleged violations without the consent of its users.

None of Your Business (Noyb), a group created by Austrian activist Max Schrems, followed up with a separate complaint last January over data access concerns, accusing Amazon of violating EU law by not handing over all personal data requested by a user of its Amazon Prime service.

Arthur Messaud, a lawyer with La Quadrature du Net, and Schrems said theyd had no updates from the Luxembourg regulator, which is bound by strict secrecy provisions under national law, meaning it cant reveal details until after any fines have been levies and all avenues of appeal have been exhausted.

(Updates with Google response from 15th paragraph)

--With assistance from Natalia Drozdiak.

To contact the reporter on this story: Stephanie Bodoni in Luxembourg at sbodoni@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Anthony Aarons at aaarons@bloomberg.net, Peter Chapman, Giles Turner

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.

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New Delhi, Jan 18 : Union Minister Arjun Munda on Saturday beat BVP Rao to the post of president of the Archery Association of India (AAI). Munda, who enjoys the support of former president VK Malhotra, beat his rival Rao by a margin of 34-18.

Munda's entire panel won the much-delayed elections by comfortable margins and were elected to full four-year terms. 26 out of 31 state associations cast their votes with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir being excluded from the electoral college.

Captain Abhimanyu Sindhu was elected senior vice-president while Pramod Chandurkar became the secretary general, beating Maha Singh 31-21. Rajendar Singh Tomar was elected treasurer, beating Samikhya Nanda Das 34-18.

In a statement, Munda said that reversing the AAI's suspension by World Archery will be one of the top priorities of the association. "Lifting ban of the World Archery, restoring the recognition status of the Association with the Ministry of Sports, setting up more more archery academies, streamlining the activities of the Association, generating funds through sponsorships etc are in our priority list," Munda said.

"Securing full quota places in women category for Tokyo Olympics, preparing Indian team for Olympics, international events and providing all necessary facilities are our priorities," he said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 18

By Leman Zeynalova - Trend:

Parliamentary elections will to be another important opportunity in transformation of Azerbaijani society, Assistant of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Head of Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev told Radio France Internationale (RFI), Trend reports.

When President Ilham Aliyev was re-elected, one of his objectives in his new tenure was ensuring transformation and reform initiatives in Azerbaijan. We see new faces, new people with new mindset are brought to different government institutions in Azerbaijan. Therefore, the ruling party in the Azerbaijani parliament called for the dismissal of the parliament and snap elections. We are expecting snap elections on February 9. The elections process is taking place in quite a vibrant and dynamic, open and democratic environment. We see a lot of young people applying as candidates in the elections. More than 2,100 people have applied. We see a lot of ladies, which is also a good thing. Women empowerment is one of the cornerstones along with the secular fabric and nature of Azerbaijani society. We do think that it will be yet another important opportunity in the transformation of Azerbaijani society along the path of democracy, he said.

Hikmet Hajiyev noted that 19 parties, including opposition parties are taking part in the election process.

He went on to add that all fundamental freedoms and rights have been provided in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan in early 1990s was almost a failed state. Azerbaijan was in instability with different political parties without any professionalism, fighting with one another. But where is Azerbaijan now? Azerbaijan is a stable and secular country. It is a multicultural country, where Jews, Christians and Muslims are living side-by-side. All fundamental freedoms and rights have been provided in Azerbaijan. We always say that human rights along with political rights are also about social rights and economic rights as well. In Azerbaijan we have 100 percent literacy. It is also about the human rights as well. But there are also issues that we are looking to solve. That is a vision of my president: fighting effectively against the elements of corruption, raising the efficiency of government services, he said.

Hajiyev noted that Azerbaijan is also open to any criticism.

What is important is to understand the country and also to appreciate the developments in Azerbaijan. Whenever criticism issues are rising, we are ready to sit together and discuss these issues. But this criticism should be fair, just and shouldnt be politicized. We are ready for the constructive engagement, he concluded.
Barry Geraghty riding Defi Du Seuil to win Matchbook Clarence House Chase from Un De Sceaux at Ascot

You could sense the nerves and feel the relief as Defi du Seuil underlined his Cheltenham Festival ambitions in impressive style at Ascot, writes James Toney.

Philip Hobbs has been there and done it in a long and storied training career but the heart must of been thumping as his charge moved alongside the much-loved Un de Sceaux in the final stages of the Matchbook Clarence House Chase.

The heavy conditions were new territory and Un de Sceaux, despite his advancing age, usually shines when the best model of travel is a submarine.

However, Hobbs need not have worried. Last year Defi won by a neck when these two clashed at Sandown, this time the winning margin was a confident two and three-quarter lengths.

Un de Sceaux - a horse who owes connections nothing but still gives them everything - had run from the front but a huge jump at the penultimate fence put this encounter out of reach, jockey Barry Geraghty surging clear in a flurry of flying mud.

It's a win that will rightly earn Defi du Seuil favourite status for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham, edging ahead of Altior, who is seeking a historic third win in the two mile showpiece.

Altior's watching trainer Nicky Henderson was quick to congratulate Hobbs - but surely thoughts of their imminent Prestbury Park showdown wouldn't have been far from his mind.

Perfection! Defi Du Seuil bolts up to win the Grade 1 @TeamMatchbook Clarence House Chase at @Ascot pic.twitter.com/O9FCYWJcsd  At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 18, 2020

"We were very hopeful we might win again but I couldn't imagine he was going to win that easily," admitted Hobbs.

"We were hoping we would beat Un De Sceaux again but by no means was it certain. It was unexpected to beat him like that but when you are travelling very easily, you do appear to go past them very quickly.

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"As for Cheltenham, nothing is definite yet and there's no need for us to decide now.

"He's in the Ryanair Chase as well as the Champion Chase but I suppose with the pace he showed there means the Champion Chase seems more likely. We'll see nearer the time."

Willie Mullins is only missing one big race at Cheltenham from his collection - Un de Sceaux's defeat in the Champion Chase to Sprinter Sacre four years ago still stings.

His best chance, Chacun pour Soi, struggled on the ground at Punchestown at Christmas, but is expected to improve for the run at the Dublin Racing Festival next month, where he'll contest the Dublin Chase.

Un de Sceaux's connections, in their blue pale and orange scarves, applauded their old warrior back into the winners' enclosure, the popular horse arguably getting a better reception than the winner.

By all accounts he's still an enthusiastic trainer and no there is no reason for this to be the final chapter but while defeat isn't the end - his days at top level are now surely over.

"We will get him home and see and have a chat about what to do next," said Mullins.

"I thought the winner has improved and he won very well. We didn't improve from our last run, so I was very disappointed but that is the way it is.

"I thought ground conditions would suit us but Paul Townend said he thought he didn't fire."

Elsewhere, Robbie Power believes the path to the Grand National will go through Cheltenham for classy mare Magic of Light.

Jessica Harrington's nine-year old brilliantly coped with attritional heavy ground at Ascot, staying on strongly to underline her Aintree credentials.

Second to Tiger Roll in last year's Grand National, Power was impressed by her strength as she followed up on a 99 length chase win before Christmas with a flawless trip over hurdles.

While all the talk is of Tiger Roll's tilt at immortality at Aintree, as Gordon Elliott's superstar seeks a third straight win, Harrington might be dreaming of making history too - with Nickel Coin the last of 13 mares to win the race back in 1951.

Magic of Light was a 66-1 shot for last year's National, coming into the race on the back of a seventh place in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.

And this time Power thinks another trip over hurdles would be a better prep - despite the race being one of the hottest at the Festival.

"I was really impressive when I schooled her the other week and there was no problem with the ground, she's got even stronger than last year and is getting better and better," said Power.

"Obviously we'll see what Jessica thinks but I'd say the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham would be perfect before looking to Aintree."
Update: 12.50pm

Police are working to locate those involved in this morning's firearms incident in Ruatoria and are following strong lines of enquiry.

"We would like to reassure members of the public that this was an isolated incident involving parties known to each other," says a Police spokesperson.

Local residents should expect a continued Police presence in the area throughout the weekend.

Anyone with information that may assist this investigation is urged to contact Police on 105 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Earlier, 10.50am

McClutchie Road is now open following a firearms incident in Ruatoria this morning.

Police responded to the scene at 9.20am following reports of shots fired.

The incident is believed to have involved parties known to each other and related to a vehicle collision on Waiomatatini Road.

Police advise that residents should expect a continued Police presence in the area.

Anyone with information that may assist this investigation is urged to contact Police on 105 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Earlier, 10am:

Police are responding to a firearms incident at Ruatoria this morning.

The firearms incident on McClutchie Road, Ruatoria was reported to Police around 9.20am.

McClutchie Road is closed to through traffic and residents in the area are advised to stay indoors.

No injuries have been reported.

Police are working to understand the circumstances of the incident.
Detectives are now searching for a suspect who shot a man to death inside his apartment in west Houston. The incident occurred at Tanglewood Apartments, located at 7510 Burgoyne Road.

Officers say that the victims friends called 911 after they found the man unresponsive inside his apartment late Friday evening.
We all live in a mad world, world where Pedophiles are freed from jail just because they underwent a sex reassignment surgery. Yes, you read that right!

Twitter/Reuters

A man (now woman) named Joseph Matthew Smith was jailed in December 2015 after being convicted of molesting a minor student. He was jailed in December 2015 under her old name, Joseph, after being convicted for paedophilia.

But after spending a few years in jail, the Iowa Attorney Generals Office is letting Smith go, because 'he' now identifies as a woman and is not going to pose a threat to society! (RIP logic, common sense and justice)

Reuters

According to Metro UK, a pre-sentence report prepared in 2015, found that the likelihood of Smith offending pre-transition exceeded 20%.



According to Des Moines Register, Smith has received treatment for gender reassignment over the past two years at Newton Correctional Facility. She first expressed a desire to get started on transgender classification in October 2017 and started using female pronouns.

An Iowa Department of Corrections spokesman said Smith was transferred to the Sioux City Residential Treatment Facility for transitional release.

Forensic psychologist Dr Tracy Rogers told the Des Moines Register that laws require prosecutors to prove a sex offender has a chance of re-offending greater than 51% for the rest of his life. According to reports, the gender change surgery 'lowered Smith's testosterone levels' and diminished the sex drive, and thus dramatically decreased the risk of 're-offending.'

Does this not sound like an oversimplification?
I would not say its good news, says Lembit. But there are small glimmers of light wherever I look. There are insects, too. Lembit says he can hear the shrill call of cicadas ring over the fire ground. He spotted a wombat nuzzling into its burrow. Some of the burnt trees at the bottom of valleys  where their roots are closer to the water table  have already started to re-sprout. There is room for optimism, says Lembit. But only if we act now. Those tiny green areas and then animals they shelter are all we have left of vast chunks of burnt environment.

They represent our best chance to preserve what was there and help it regrow. They are much, much more valuable than they were before the fire, says Professor Don Driscoll, director of Deakin Universitys Centre For Integrative Ecology. We need to protect them. And they are in imminent peril. The trees, many of which have survived years of drought, need water. The animals need food and water and shelter. Tree-dwellers have lost most of the hollows they used to hide in. Grass-dwellers now have nowhere to hide at all. They are exposed and vulnerable. Thousands of kilograms of carrots and sweet potato are being delivered to endangered Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies in NSW.

In response, scientists, wildlife carers and government agencies around Australia are mobilising. They stand ready to go into the burnt-over areas, saving injured wildlife, protecting what remains, and starting the long, long process of regeneration. This is a race against time, says Dr Marissa Parrott, a reproductive biologist at Zoos Victoria. We need to get in as quickly as possible when it is safe. And we need to have everything as ready as possible for supplementary feeding  or for evacuation. But so far, the roadblocks remain down in most areas. Only small teams of wildlife carers have managed to make it in, escorted by the military. They emerge with carloads full of badly burnt animals.

The animals we are seeing are animals that are right on the fringes of the burnt areas, says Zoos Victorias CEO Dr Jenny Gray. Were in the calm before the storm. We can anticipate what is coming, but we dont know yet. Some areas may have got off lightly. Some areas, from the pictures, are absolutely destroyed. *** How well animals survive a fire depends on a few things, including the intensity of the fire, but also the availability of food and water after the blaze. At the moment were in a worst-case scenario, because were in the middle of a drought, says Deakin University ecologist Darcy Watchorn.

Some endangered animals have had their whole ranges burnt out. There would be real concern about how well they have come through this, says Museums Victorias top animal scientist Dr Jane Melville. And were not through the fire season yet either. She and her colleagues spent the last few years studying several different native species in the path of the fire. Are they still there? wonders Dr Melville. The road back is a difficult one. Thanks to the climate crisis, Australias climate is getting hotter, dryer, and more unpredictable. Our fire seasons are getting longer and more intense. We dont anticipate anything getting any easier for these species, says Professor Brendan Wintle, an ecologist at the University of Melbourne. As we see more bushfires in the near future, then absolutely the pressure mounts. They lose their habitat. They lose their capacity to migrate and repopulate burnt areas, as they fall to such small population sizes.

To work out what needed to be done - both urgently and long-term - on Tuesday about 50 scientists and bureaucrats packed into a small office on Lonsdale Street. Despite the tight quarters, the mood was sombre. A top member of state government spoke first. Things are much worse than we thought, the scientists were told. Almost all the Victorian habitat of the eastern ground parrot, a shy green creature that hides among buttongrass stalks and plucks fallen seed from the ground, had been burnt through. Nearly all the habitat for the alpine tree frog, green and golden bell frog are gone. Perhaps one in four of the states greater gliders are dead.

The sooty owl takes its name from feathers that seem perpetually covered in ash. In government pictures, two dark eyes stare out from the owls heart-shape facial disk. Half its habitat is now gone. A quarter of Victorias population is dead. Some 31 per cent of the states rainforest has burnt. A quarter of our wet forests. A third of our lowland forests. A third of the states national parks have been entirely burnt-out. Many of those forests, particularly the rainforest, may never recover. One species of fern, Lastreopsis decomposita, is likely extinct. The bureaucrat stopped. Everyone took a breath. And then the government representatives turned to the assembled scientists, and asked something unexpected. What should we do? When everyone arrived, there was a pretty sombre mood in the room, because everyone realised how much devastation had occurred, says Dr Euan Ritchie, a Deakin University ecologist who was in the room.

But I felt there was a real willingness from everyone to work together to make the best of a bad situation... to try to save what is left. Authorities wanted to know what needed to be done to help injured animals, to protect what was left, and to spur recovery. There wasnt time for mourning, not when there were things that could be done right now. Several scientists in the room told The Age they could remember nothing like it in terms of the speed or urgency of the response from the government. We have never had this kind of response, says Professor Don Driscoll, an ecologist at Deakin University.

And the most pressing issue, several scientists told The Age, was dealing with the ferals. *** Most animals flee from fires. But some are drawn to them. They know the scorched earth makes a perfect hunting environment. Researchers call this pyriccarnivory. Hawks and raptors are strongly attracted to fire grounds. American researchers found their numbers increase seven-fold after a blaze. Feral cats travel tens of kilometres to get to a fire ground, and stay there for weeks. Researchers think they are drawn by the sight, or perhaps the smell of the smoke plumes.

And surveys after bushfires tend to show large numbers of foxes hunting through the burnt remains. After injured animals are triaged, treated, and possibly evacuated  along with any surviving endangered species  from the fireground, the next step must be protecting those green patches. We need to immediately initiate a culling program, focussing on feral cats, foxes, deer and horses, several scientists told The Age. Targeted baiting, trapping, and maybe shooting, says Professor Driscoll. Targeted watering systems need to be set up to keep the trees alive. Food needs to be distributed to starving animals. Then there is shelter. Nestboxes need to be installed for animals who have lost their tree-hollows.

For ground-dwelling animals, one option currently being trialled elsewhere in Australia are cheap, simple shelters made of chicken wire and shade-cloth. Small animals like bush rats, pygmy possums and small birds can enter and exit from them from any point, says Deakin Universitys Watchorn. And they are not accessible by cats and foxes. Mr Watchorn is trialling the shelters for animals hit by planned burns in the Otways. The data is not in yet, but there are positive signs, he says. Fish will also need to be taken from streams, even ones far down-river from the fire ground. Heavy rainfall in burnt areas will wash the ash  full of toxic chemicals  into rivers. Were in the middle of a drought, and fires are still burning, but scientists find themselves in the strange position of praying for it not to rain just yet. But there is only so much that can be done. As Australias climate warms, things get harder and harder for our native species every year.
[January 17, 2020] BAXTER SHAREHOLDER ALERT: CLAIMSFILER REMINDS INVESTORS WITH LOSSES IN EXCESS OF $100,000 of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against Baxter International Inc. - BAX

NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until January 24, 2020 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX), if they purchased the Companys shares between February 21, 2019, and October 23, 2019, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Get Help Baxter investors should visit us at https://www.claimsfiler.comcases/view-baxter-international-inc-securities-litigation-3 or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.



About the Lawsuit Baxter and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On October 24, 2019, the Company disclosed that it did not expect to file its 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019 on time due to an internal investigation into certain intra-Company transactions undertaken for the purpose of generating foreign exchange gains or losses[that] resulted in certain misstatements in the Companys previously reported non-operating income related to net foreign exchange gains and that it anticipated restating its financial statements to correct the misstatements. This news caused the price of Baxters shares to decline, injuring shareholders. The case is Silverman v. Baxter International Inc., et al., 1:19-cv-07786. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com .

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 02:19:04|Editor: yan

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NICOSIA, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Tourist arrivals in Cyprus went up slightly to reach almost 4 million in 2019, marking an increase of just one percent, Deputy Minister of Tourism Savvas Perdios said on Saturday, quoting Statistical Service data.

Perdios said tourism went up for a seventh consecutive year, despite the fact that it was expected right from the beginning that 2019 would be a difficult year for tourism, because of Brexit uncertainties and negative developments in the Russian economy.

Additional negative factors which affected tourist arrivals in 2019 were the closing down of Thomas Cook, affecting mainly the British and German markets and the collapse of a German airliner which flew to Cyprus on a frequent basis.

Despite Brexit worries, the United Kingdom remained the major tourism source for Cyprus, providing 1.33 million arrivals and marking a small increase of 0.2 percent. Arrivals from Russia, the second biggest source of tourists, drop 0.2 percent.

Perdios said tourist arrivals to Cyprus have a potential of increasing to 5 million by 2030. He added that this could be made possible by diversifying tourism strategy so that the tourism season will not end in early November and by promoting mountain tourism and attracting special interest tourists.

"Our target is to place Cyprus in the 30 most favored tourist destinations, from its current position in 45th place," he said.

Most tourists arriving in Cyprus prefer sunshine in seaside areas, though a large number are interested in the rich and diversified historical and archaeological tradition of the island.
France's prestigious Michelin Guide is among the world's most influential references on gourmet dining, its star ratings highly coveted and sometimes controversial.

Amid shock in France after it dropped one of the three stars held by the restaurant of the late world-renowned chef Paul Bocuse for 55 years, here is some background.

- 120 years old -

French tyre manufacturer Michelin brought out a travel guide in 1900, the early days of the automobile, to encourage motorists to take to the road and so boost its business.

The free, red guidebook included maps, a how-to on changing tyres and lists of mechanics and hotels along the route.

The first run of 35,000 copies was such a success that guides for Belgium, Germany, Portugal and Spain followed.

- Star rating -

The guide included restaurant listings from 1920, when it started charging for the publication. It began sending out undercover inspectors, and from the early 1930s introduced its famous star ratings.

Michelin says it issues up to three stars based on the quality of the ingredients used; mastery of flavour and cooking techniques; the personality of the chef in his cuisine; value for money; and consistency between visits.

One star indicates "High quality cooking, worth a stop"; two stars is for "Excellent cooking, worth a detour"; and three rates "Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey".

Of about 20,000 international restaurants listed, only around 130 have attained the highest distinction.

- Michelin goes global -

In 2005 the Michelin Guide branched out of Europe with a New York guide, followed in 2007 by editions for San Francisco then Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

It moved to Asia with a Tokyo version in 2008 when 90,000 copies, in English and Japanese, flew off the shelves in 48 hours.

Michelin published its first Shanghai guide in 2016 and today there are versions for several Asian cities, with Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo also covered.

Story continues

Having long been criticised as biased towards formal dining, the guide in 2016 awarded a star to a Singapore street food outlet known for a braised chicken dish.

A famed Tokyo sushi restaurant, where Barack Obama is said to have enjoyed the best sushi of his life, was meanwhile dropped from the 2020 edition after it stopped accepting reservations from the general public.

- A lot of pressure -

A handful of French restaurateurs have relinquished their Michelin status because of the stress of being judged by its inspectors, including Joel Robuchon (1996), Alain Senderens (2005), Olivier Roellinger (2008) and Sebastien Bras (2017).

The 2003 suicide of three-star chef Bernard Loiseau was linked, among other reasons, to hints that his restaurant was about to lose its three stars.

Star Swiss chef Benoit Violier took his life in 2016, a day ahead of the release of the Michelin Guide, although his restaurant maintains its three-star rating.

The guide was taken to court for the first time in 2019 when celebrity chef Marc Veyrat sued it for stripping one of his restaurants of a third star and suggesting -- wrongly, he insists -- that he had used cheddar cheese in a souffle.

His lawsuit was rejected.
The New Milford Mayors Office has announced the winners of the holiday window decorating contest.

There were two divisions, downtown businesses and Route 7 and 202 businesses.
Addressing a pro-Citizenship Amendment Act rally in Hubli on Saturday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah opined that Congress was solely responsible for the partition of the country on religious lines. He was explaining why the partition was a rationale for introducing the CAA. Referring to the Nehru-Liaquat pact that guaranteed the protection of minorities, Shah contended that only India had stuck to its promise.

Read: Siddaramaiah Targets Home Minister Amit Shah Over Funds For Karnataka Floods And CAA

Thereafter, he noted that the population of minorities in India had not decreased and they did not face discrimination. According to the Union Home Minister, Pakistan though had shown a completely opposite trend. He claimed that the percentage of Hindus in Pakistan had dropped from the pre-independence level of 30% to 3%.

Amit Shah remarked, In Parliament, a law was passed. What is the Citizenship Amendment Bill? The bill had to be brought because the country was partitioned. There is a truth which I talked about in the Parliament and I want to talk about it today as well. Rahul Gandhi, listen to this- If there is one party which divided the country on the basis of religion, it is the Congress party and split this country into pieces.

Read: Anti-CAA Protests: Court Asks Police To Verify If Bhim Army Chief Has An Office In Delhi

'The figure has drastically dropped to 3%'

He added, In 1950, your great-grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru inked an agreement with Pakistan Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan that both the countries would ensure the protection of minorities. But what is the situation after 70 years? India stuck to its promise. Not only did their population not decrease, nor were they subjected to discrimination and atrocities. Before independence in Pakistan, the Hindus constituted 30% of the population. Now, the figure has drastically dropped to 3%.

Read: Goa Student's Anti-CAA Speech Triggers Political War; Congress Jumps To Seize Initiative

What is the 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 has been reduced to five years.

Read: UP CM Yogi Adityanath Faces Mahila Congress Heat Over Kanpur Horror; CAA Link Drawn
KENAI, Alaska - An Alaska man was sentenced to nine years in federal prison for distributing large quantities of heroin throughout the Kenai Peninsula, authorities said.

Matthew Sean Bremond, 32, of Soldotna was sentenced Jan. 15, The Peninsula Clarion reported Thursday.

Bremond pleaded guilty in September to one count of drug distribution, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement.

Bremonds sentence includes the federal prison term followed by five years of supervised release.

Senior U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline expressed concern at the sentencing hearing that large scale drug traffickers like Bremond were destroying communities.

Bremond was arrested after he made two heroin sales of 126 grams (4.4 ounces) and 96 grams (3.4 ounces) from his residence in May 2018, Court records said.

A search of Bremonds house, storage units and vehicle revealed evidence of drug trafficking including large quantities of firearms and cash, bulletproof vests and vehicles, records said.

Authorities seized 700 grams (25 ounces) of heroin and 40 grams (1.4 ounces) of cocaine intended for distribution from his property, records said.

Bremond agreed to forfeit more than $101,000, three vehicles and items including 58 firearms, two bulletproof vests, two bump stocks, and a gun silencer that were drug sale proceeds or used to facilitate his trafficking enterprise, records said.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Alaska State Troopers, and the Kenai Police Department conducted the investigation. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Alaska.
In 2016, New Mexico passed a constitutional amendment to reform its bail system to allow pre-release for low-level offenders awaiting trial. The idea was to give a break to poor defendants who could not afford bail and were automatically being jailed pending trial. Criticism has been thick, with many complaints about judges releasing dangerous and violent offenders back into the community, even after prosecutors specifically argued to keep them in custody.

Perhaps the most controversial release came when a District Court judge in Taos released five adults who were discovered in a ramshackle religious compound along with a dead 3-year-old and 11 other starving children. The children said they had been trained to commit mass shootings. Judge Sarah Backus released the adults pending trial. New Mexico is still struggling with trying to find an equitable solution.

In the meantime, the bail reform movement continues to spread across the country.

January 2020 ushered in a unique new law in New York State that abolished cash bail for defendants arrested for non-violent crimes. Activists in the bail reform movement called it landmark legislation. Critics, many in law enforcement, are calling it a disgrace and say the politicians forgot to consider a most important point: public safety.

Lawmakers nationwide are watching what happens in New York. So far it isnt pretty.

New York judges are not allowed to deviate from automatic release for those accused of a long list of misdemeanors and non-violent crimes. They cannot consider a defendants past record, even if it included multiple violent crimes. Judges may only rule on the latest misdemeanor or non-violent charge that brought the arrestee to the courtroom. Perhaps most worrisome is what the New York Legislature considers to be a non-violent crime. It would be laughable if it werent so deadly serious.

Example: Tiffany Harris started the New Year viciously slapping Jewish women in Brooklyn while yelling horrible anti-Semitic curses. The new revolving-door justice system mandated her release. A day later Harris was arrested for randomly slugging a woman in the face while two children watched in horror. Harris was released again. She eventually wound up in a psych ward.

Example: Gerod Woodbury was arrested in early January for robbing four banks in Manhattan. He passed a note to each teller who, in turn, gave him cash. Because Woodbury did not brandish a weapon his alleged grand larceny was considered a non-violent crime and the judge had to let him loose. Police say Woodbury promptly robbed two more banks.

Example: Eugene Webb is known to police as an aggressive, homeless panhandler. On Jan. 10, police say he slugged a woman so hard she lost a tooth. Hours later he violently attacked another woman. Despite a rap sheet showing four other arrests, the judge had to release him back to the streets.

Washington, D.C., dropped cash bail back in the early 90s, but reformers figured they should keep track of those they released. D.C. now spends $65 million annually on a pre-trial program that supervises 14,000 people. It is not perfect. A suspect accused of assaulting a police officer got a no-bail release and two days later was charged in a fatal stabbing.

Since when is brutally attacking people, robbing a bank or assaulting a police officer a non-violent crime? Tell that to the frightened bank tellers, the Jewish women or the officer.

There isnt enough space here to list each egregious no-bail case I found in places where this experiment is playing out.

There is another unintended consequence of current bail reform. In states with designated drug courts, a defendant is brought in and given the choice of jail or a rehabilitation program. Under a no-bail system, these defendants dont get a chance to choose rehab; they are automatically released. The mentally ill immediately go back to the streets, without treatment, likely as not to reoffend.

Locking up suspects on minor charges just because they cannot afford bail should not be the norm. It is a shame that policy was ever in place because  are you ready for this?  most people currently held in state and local jails have not been convicted of any crime. The Prison Police Initiative reports over 540,000 people are currently imprisoned awaiting trial in local lockups. Fifteen thousand of them are minors, 9,000 are also awaiting psychiatric evaluation or treatment.

Bail has traditionally been thought of as a way to ensure the arrested person doesnt flee and returns for trial. But shouldnt bail also be carefully considered as a way to keep the public safe from habitually dangerous people? Taking away judicial discretion is just foolish. So is ignoring a defendants violent past or pretending an assault or robbery isnt a violent crime.

More than 40 states are currently considering bail reform measures. Its the latest trend in criminal justice circles, and many would agree it is long overdue. Lets just hope no state follows New Yorks lead.

www.DianeDimond.com; e-mail to Diane@DianeDimond.com.
"Alda Communication Training is thrilled to work with Scripps Research to empower scientists with clear and vivid communication," says Alda, who announced the partnership with Peter Schultz, PhD, president and CEO of Scripps Research. "Researchers and industry leaders up and down the West Coast are doing such important work to advance science and medicine, but often they struggle to reach audiences who don't share their knowledge and experience. This partnership will help these brilliant minds make important new connections and spread the wonder of science with the rest of us."

Alda Communication Training works in tandem with the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University, a nonprofit organization Alda helped found in 2009 to teach scientists the "Alda Method," a form of communication training that combines improvisational theater techniques and message-design strategies Alda cultivated over his decades-long acting career. Operating out of its New York headquarters, the program has trained 15,000 scientific leaders. In large part because of this work, Alda in 2016 won the National Academy of Sciences' highest honor, the Public Welfare Medal.

"By giving scientists the tools to better relate with the public and tell compelling stories, Alan Alda is amplifying the impact of the work we do as scientists," says Schultz, a pioneer in the field of chemical biology and drug discovery research. "Scripps Research shares Alan's passion for communicating science and we're pleased to be partnering with him as he brings his transformative training program to the West Coast."

More than 30 of Scripps Research's scientists recently participated in Alda's training program, an immersive and engaging experience that helps participants learn to empathize with an audience and present their work in a way that connects with different stakeholders. The skills and strategies can help participants relate to prospective investors and philanthropists, government officials, members of the media, peers across scientific disciplines and the general public.

"The overarching goal of our program is to teach scientists how to engage in productive, memorable conversations about the work that drives them," says Laura Lindenfeld, PhD, executive director of the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science and interim dean of the Stony Brook University School of Journalism. "But as we all know, that's easier said than done; for many scientists, their immeasurable knowledge actually stands in the way of the relatable human stories that call people to action. We help them overcome this barrier."

The first two-day training session at Scripps Research will be held in Juneopen to biotechnology industry executives, research scientists and others who play a role in the vibrant life sciences markets of the West Coast, including San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. Additional sessions will be held in October and December. Registration is available at aldacommunicationtraining.com/workshops.

Alan Alda, who continues to be widely known for his Emmy-winning role of Hawkeye Pierce on the classic television series M*A*S*H, holds international recognition as an actor, writer and director. But his role as a science communicator is equally distinguished. Before launching Alda Communication Training and the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, he hosted the award-winning series "Scientific American Frontiers" on PBS for 11 years, interviewing leading scientists from around the world. He also hosted the PBS mini-series "The Human Spark" and "Brains on Trial." Alda is author of the science communication book "If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?," and host of the popular podcast "Clear+Vivid," which features cultural luminaries who have a powerful ability to communicate.

In announcing Alda Communication Training's new partnership with Scripps Research, Alda took the stage on Thursday evening at the Scripps Research Auditorium in La Jollaalong with Schultz and Lindenfeldto share stories about how powerful communication has changed the course of scientific careers and shifted public perceptions. At its core, good communication is about relating, he says.

"When you allow yourself to fully relate with another person, you're listening and engaged, riding the waves of uncertainty inherent in any conversation," Alda says. "When you embrace that uncertainty, rather than try to control it, that's when you hit gold. That's when you have the opportunity to make a meaningful connection."

About Scripps Research

Scripps Research, with campuses in La Jolla, California, and Jupiter, Florida, is ranked the most influential institution in the world for its impact on innovation. A nonprofit organization, Scripps Research expands basic knowledge in the biosciences and uses these fundamental advancements to develop profound innovations that improve human health. Scripps Research's scientists lead breakthrough studies that address the world's most pressing medical concerns, accelerating the creation and delivery of medical breakthroughs to enhance health around the globe. Our educational and training programs mold talented and committed students and postdocs into the next generation of leading scientists. Learn more at www.scripps.edu.

About the Alda Communication Training Company

Alda Communication Training (ACT) furthers the good work in communication training pioneered by Alan Alda and the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University in New York. ACT is a mission-driven company offering specialized communication training programs to professionals in STEM and medical disciplines, ACT presents training in collaboration with the Alda Centerempowering scientists, medical professionals, and other researchers to share their work clearly and vividly with a wide variety of audiences. Through in-person workshops and online learning opportunities, researchers learn to communicate their knowledge, discoveries, and professional passion in ways that resonate with other researchers, policymakers, members of the media, students and many others. Learn more at www.aldacommunicationtraining.com.

SOURCE Scripps Research

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KYODO NEWS - Jan 18, 2020 - 21:14 | All, Japan, Feature

Japan's farm ministry will launch an online system in fiscal 2020 to link managing bodies of food banks with food donors to support needy people and families while cutting food waste, officials said Saturday.

Under the envisaged system, food manufacturers and retailers input information such as type, quantity and the delivery time of leftover foods they can provide, while food bank operators and welfare facilities enter the details of foods they need, the officials said.

The system will make it easier for donors and recipients to connect based on the information gathered.

(A staff member at nonprofit organization FoodBank Yamanashi packs foods in a box at Minami-Alps, Yamanashi Prefecture on Sept. 27, 2019.)

"Many companies hesitate to donate food out of concern that they might be diverted into other channels," said a Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries official.

The new system "can help such companies get information such as recipients and the amount of food they need, making them feel secure about donating food," the official said.

Initially, the ministry is considering running the system in each of Japan's 47 prefectures.

The number of groups operating food banks in the country jumped to 105 in 2019 from 12 in fiscal 2008.

[Photo courtesy of FoodBank Yamanashi]

Major companies such as convenience store operator Lawson Inc. and fast-food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken Japan Ltd. have started providing leftover food to those in need through food banks.

But the effect on reducing food waste across the country has been marginal.

The quantity of food utilized by food banks is around 4,000 tons a year. But, according to Environment Ministry data, a total of 6.43 million tons of food -- or 51 kilograms per citizen -- went to waste in Japan in fiscal 2016, roughly the same level of annual rice consumption in the country.

"The reality is that the amount of food being donated is overwhelmingly smaller than what is needed," said an organization dedicated to promoting food banks across Japan.

Related coverage:

Diners in Japan serving up fresh concepts with socially aware approach

Gov't survey shows most convenience store owners in Japan overworked

Japanese startups develop innovative ways to supply water in disasters
Lucknow: Former chief of Hindu Yuva Vahini (HYV) Sunil Singh, who was considered the right hand man of Yogi Adityanath, at least until the latter became the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh three years ago, joined the Samajwadi Party on Saturday.

Singh was inducted into the SP in the presence of party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Some Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leaders also joined the SP at the party headquarters here.

Singh along with some others were expelled from the HYV, formed by Adityanath in 2002, on charges of indiscipline in 2017. He had then created a splinter outfit and declared himself as its national president.

Welcoming Singh and others to the SP fold, Akhilesh Yadav said, "The days of the Adityanath government are numbered and the countdown has already begun."

He said the BJP government has slapped cases against opposition leaders for protesting against its policies.

"The government is doing injustice from day one and false cases are being lodged for protesting," said the former chief minister, adding the BJP only promoting communalism and creating a Hindu-Muslim divide.

Akhilesh said he was happy that HYV workers were with the SP now and hoped that they would unmask the real intentions of the BJP.

On the occasion, Mulayam Singh Yadav termed the youth as the future of the SP and said that farmers, youth and traders have to be strengthened to make India a developed country.

Singh's shift of loyalty assumes significance as the HYV was founded to promote "Hindutva and nationalism" and went on to play a significant role in shaping Adityanath's political rise in Uttar Pradesh.

But signs of early strains were noticed when some ambitious HYV members sought to contest the state Assembly polls, a demand rejected by the BJP, triggering massive resentment within the outfit.

Singh was removed from the HYV in January 2017 ahead of the Assembly elections after he threatened to field HYV candidates against BJP nominees to protest the denial of tickets.

In March, Adityanath became the chief minister after the BJP's spectacular performance in the polls. Within a year, the HYV split as the conflict between the duo intensified and Singh formed the Hindu Yuva Vahini (Bharat) along with several other HYV rebels.

Singh was also slapped with the National Security Act in 2018 and jailed for his alleged involvement in violence at Gorakhpur. It was from this point of time that his proximity to the Samajwadi Party started growing.

Singh wanted to file his nomination for the 2019 Lok Sabha election from the Gorakhpur constituency as a candidate of the Hindustan Nirman Dal launched by Pravin Togadia, the former Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader.

However, the district magistrate and returning officer of Gorakhpur K Vijayendra Pandian ordered the cancellation of his nomination on technical grounds, prompting Singh to allege that it was done at the behest of Adityanath.
A veteran Pennsylvania Democratic lawmaker who faced an allegation of sexual harassment that resulted in a secret settlement worth almost a quarter-million dollars in taxpayer money says he wont seek reelection in November.

State Rep. Thomas R. Caltagirone (D., Berks), a legislator since 1977, wrote in a letter to colleagues Friday that hed been battling health issues and had decided it was time for the next generation of leaders to represent his district.

I championed many legislative proposals during my tenure that made Pennsylvania a better place to live, work, and raise a family, he wrote, citing billions of dollars in state funds he helped bring home to cities and towns like Reading, West Reading, and Kenhorst.

His decision, first reported by Pennsylvania Capital-Star, comes two years after The Inquirer and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the House Democratic Caucus had spent $248,000 in 2015 to resolve a harassment complaint filed by a longtime legislative staffer. The settlement included a nondisclosure agreement, the newspapers reported.

 READ MORE: Pa. House Democrats pay $248K to settle sexual harassment complaint against 40-year lawmaker

The payout, authorized in February 2015, included $165,500 for the woman and $82,500 for her lawyer.

The staffer had threatened to file a lawsuit and a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and had initially asked for $1.5 million, The Inquirer and Post-Gazette reported.

Caltagirone, 77, defied calls for his resignation from Gov. Tom Wolf and others. I have denied all accusations from day one, he said in 2017. I wanted my day in court, but counsel implored the parties to settle because of the high cost of litigating any complaint, legitimate or not.

He was reelected easily in 2018.

Caltagirone had come under scrutiny for potential misconduct in the past. In the 1990s, a contract worker in his office alleged Caltagirone demanded she have sex with him to keep her job. The woman also said the lawmaker once chased her at gunpoint after she walked into a room and found him naked.

State prosecutors declined to bring charges, though a grand jury found there was more than enough evidence to prosecute. Caltagirone denied wrongdoing. The woman later returned to work for him.

Many times, during my career, my political obituary was written but thanks to the people who know me best we survived and thrived together, Caltagirone wrote in his letter Friday.

Among the accomplishments he cited Friday were his efforts to provide property tax relief to seniors and strengthen the states animal cruelty law, in particular a crackdown on abusive practices in dog breeding operations known as puppy mills.
Illusionist David Blaine will do his next live TV stunt on YouTube, so not really on TV.

The internet-video company announced Saturday during the Television Critics Association press tour that Blaine has partnered with YouTube originals for what the company is calling an unprecedented live event this fall. But this time, the twist is that Blaine, known for darker and more mysterious stunts, will do something lighter and brighter for YouTube.

While that sounds nice, YouTube promises it will still be death-defying. Blaine was on hand Saturday in Pasadena to tease this event, which includes some kind of aerial component.

Blaines last TV special, Beyond Magic, aired in 2016 on ABC.

Also Read: 'Brockmire': How a YouTube Skit Became a 4-Season Cable Comedy

Paris Hilton and Liza Koshy also presented their (individual) new YouTube projects this weekend at TCA event.

In YouTube documentary This Is Paris, Hilton speaks publicly for the first time about heartbreaking trauma and pivotal moments in her early life that forged who she is today, according to the projects description. It continues: As she confronts her past, this deeply compelling portrait will reveal the woman behind the icon and shed new light on our view of celebrity, and the insta-fame culture that Paris helped to create. The film is directed by Alexandra Dean and produced by Aaron Saidman and executive produced by Eli Holzman, via Industrial Medias Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC) banner. The documentary is set to premiere this May.

In addition to ordering a third season of Koshys Liza on Demand, YouTube is partnering with her, Prajakta Koli, Thembe Mahlaba, Michelle Obama and the Obama Foundation for Creators for Change with Michelle Obama: Girls Education. Directed by Joanna Forscher, the project will be first installment from upcoming YouTube Originals learning series, Creators for Change. This first episode profiles the experiences of adolescent girls around the world who are overcoming adversity to pursue their education, according to YouTube.

Debuting in March 2020, the special documents a recent visit to a school in Vietnam as part of the Obama Foundations Girls Opportunity Alliance, as well as trips to India and Namibia. Creators for Change with Michelle Obama: Girls Education is being produced by Vox Media Studios.

Read original story David Blaine Sets Death-Defying Live Event at YouTube At TheWrap
President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, yesterday said that His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifas support for the fine arts movement in the Kingdom dates back to 1972, when Bahrain Annual Fine Art Exhibition was first launched, resulting in a rich artistic and cultural movement that reflects all schools and trends showcased in the 46th edition.

In a statement marking the beginning of the 46th Bahrain Annual Fine Art Exhibition, Shaikha Mai said that HRH Premiers interest in enhancing the cultural movement in the Kingdom has contributed to making Bahrain a destination that attracts all forms of cultural creativity. She extended sincere thanks and gratitude to HRH the Prime Minister for his strong belief in culture and constant patronage of all events aimed at boosting cultural and artistic events in Bahrain.

HRH Premier had deputised Deputy Prime Minister, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, to open the 46th Bahrain Annual Fine Art Exhibition last Wednesday. During the opening ceremony, the Deputy Premier expressed pride in opening the event on HRH Premiers behalf.

In this regard, fine artists agreed that HRH Premiers patronage of the annual event affirm his unwavering support for arts and culture, as well as his belief in the role of the artistic message in enhancing communities civilisational progress. They affirmed that HRH Premiers patronage of the exhibition on an annual basis has strengthening Bahrains distinguished standing in the field of fine art in the region.

They extended heartfelt thanks and gratitude to HRH Premier for patronising the event, as well as for encouraging them to carry on their artistic creativity. They affirmed that HRH Premiers vision has enhanced the role of fine art in upgrading the Bahraini society, and contributed to supporting talented Bahraini artists, noting that the Premiers vision has inspired them to enrich their artistic careers with outstanding works that are capable of competing at the international level.

They asserted that the launch of the Bahrain Annual Fine Art Exhibition since 1972 proves Bahrains leading role in developing the fine art movement.
Turkish president says the Syrian regime has not complied with deal brokered by Turkey and Russia, killing 20 people.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused the Syrian government of breaking a ceasefire agreement and killing 20 people in the opposition-held province of Idlib.

The deal came into effect last Sunday but violence has continued, pushing more people from their homes and protesters on to the streets.

Al Jazeeras Charlotte Bellis reports.
Ahead of the clash against Premier League table-toppers Liverpool, Manchester United's Nemanja Matic said it is a game to enjoy.

"Of course, it will be another big game for us and Liverpool as we know we are in a good run. But it's a game to enjoy, and to compare our qualities with the best players and with one of the best teams. I'm looking forward to that and I'm sure we'll be ready," the club's official website quoted Matic as saying.

Liverpool hold the top spot in the Premier League table with 61 points, 14 points ahead of the second-placed Manchester City. On the other hand, Manchester United occupy the fifth spot with 34 points.

Manchester United secured a 1-0 win over Wolves in the FA Cup's third-round replays on Thursday.

Reflecting on the victory, Matic said: "It was a hard game. They are an amazing team. I think they have top players, some of them I know from the Portuguese league, I played against them like Joao Moutinho and they have top-class players."

"We knew that and we knew it wouldn't be easy and we prepared our best way for that game and I'm happy we're through. Juan scored an amazing goal and I'm happy for him. We are moving into the next round and we will see who we'll play next and hopefully, we can do something and win this trophy," he added.

Manchester United will take on Liverpool on January 19.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
(Bloomberg) -- The U.S., Japan and South Korea are keen to invest in Indonesias Natuna Islands as President Joko Widodo steps up efforts to rebuff Chinese claims over the resource-rich waters in the South China Sea.

The countries are interested in building fisheries processing and manufacturing industries in Natuna, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Pandjaitan, told reporters in Jakarta on Friday. Indonesia can manage the sea dispute with China without going into a war, Pandjaitan, a former general, said.

The U.S. investors have expressed their interest, along with investors from Japan, Korea and China, Padjaitan said. For us, it doesnt matter where they come from.

Widodos efforts to lure foreign investment into the Natuna islands may ratchet up tension with Beijing following the intrusion of Chinese fishing vessels into an area claimed by Indonesia as an exclusive economic zone. Indonesia is not a claimant in the broader dispute over the South China Sea, but it does insist on its sovereign rights to waters around the Natunas.

Beijing says while it has no territorial disputes with Jakarta, claims over maritime interests in certain waters in the South China Sea overlap.

War is the last resort in our negotiation process, Pandjaitan said referring to the standoff with China on Natuna. But under no circumstances will we negotiate our sovereignty and territorial rights.

Jokowi, as Widodo is commonly known, visited the Natuna islands last week and asserted Indonesias sovereignty over the waters after authorities deployed fighter jets and warships to push back the Chinese fishing vessels, which were accompanied by coast guard ships. The president also inaugurated a fisheries processing center in the region and days later invited Japan to invest in Natuna to develop the fishing industry.

Indonesia is also seeking investment by Vietnamese marine processing companies. Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met officials of Hai Nam Co., a seafood importer this week in Ho Chi Minh City, and asked it to explore a joint venture with Indonesian companies for a fisheries processing unit in areas including Natuna, according to a foreign ministry statement Thursday.

Story continues

It has identified a location in north Natuna for a fishing port, while southern Natuna will serve as a base for the navy, Pandjaitan said. The country will also soon acquire its first ocean-going vessel, probably from Denmark, to beef up its sea powers, he said.

To contact the reporters on this story: Arys Aditya in Jakarta at aaditya5@bloomberg.net;Harry Suhartono in Jakarta at hsuhartono@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Stephanie Phang at sphang@bloomberg.net, Thomas Kutty Abraham

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

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Few singers reach their sunset years with the same voice they had in younger days. Singing sparrows are no different. Duke University-led research reveals that elderly swamp sparrows don't sound quite like they used to -- nor do they strike the same fear in other males who may be listening in.

Humans are remarkably good at guessing a person's age just by hearing their voice. But this is the first time the phenomenon has been demonstrated in wild animals, said Duke biology professor and study co-author Steve Nowicki.

The findings were published on January 7 in the journal Behavioral Ecology.

During the early spring, a male swamp sparrow stakes out a breeding territory and threatens any male who dares to trespass on his turf. If a potential rival enters another male's territory and starts to sing, the resident male says "Get out!" by singing back with a rapid weet-weet-weet and flying toward the intruder. Eventually, if all else fails, he attacks.

Previous research by this team showed that male swamp sparrows reach their peak as vocalists at age two, and start to decline after that, singing less frequently and less consistently as they get older.

To find out if other males take note of such changes, the team set up a speaker in the territories of 35 male swamp sparrows in a Pennsylvania marsh and played them 5-minute audio clips of stranger males recorded at age two and again at age 10.

The team measured the birds' responses, noting how closely each male approached the speaker. They found that males approached seven feet closer when they heard a potential rival's song recorded at age two than at age 10. This suggests that males are more aggressive towards younger-sounding rivals.

Males in their prime pose an obvious threat: if a resident male isn't assertive, there's a good chance that the other guy could steal his mates, said first author Matthew Zipple, a doctoral student at Duke. But apparently the song of a 10-year-old -- a centenarian in bird years -- doesn't warrant getting as worked up over.

If decreases in song quality in later life reflect the inevitable consequences of physical decline, the researchers believe that such changes could indicate to other males that a once-formidable male is no longer a match.

Whether song changes after mid-life make males more or less attractive to females is still unknown. "One interesting question would be, is the equation a little different from the female's point of view?" Nowicki said.

Males accumulate genetic mutations in their sperm as they age that could make them less desirable mates. On the flip side, Nowicki said, "The mere fact that he's lived this long means he must be doing something right."
The Friend (2018) is Sigrid Nunezs National Book Award-winning novel about a middle-aged writing instructor whose recently deceased friend and mentor has bequeathed her his enormous Great Dane.

Thats it. With densely weighted details and chatty digression, Nunez wrings both emotional depth and incisive social observation from a story about the adoption of a burdensome dog by a grieving woman who doesnt like dogs.

The Friend

The Friend is narrated by the woman who, like all the other characters except Apollo the dog and Hector, the superintendent of her Manhattan apartment building, remains nameless. The novel is told in the first person, addressed to you, the womans friend, who has committed suicide. You, a teacher and only moderately successful writer, was unwilling, the woman surmises, to endure an autumnal existence bereft of the womanizing that appears to have been the chief reward of his career.

The strength of The Friend is Nunezs characteristic narrative restraint. The novel is written in her trademark crisp, unadorned prose, which compels the reader through the pages as if we are being led by Apollo on a brisk walk. More than this, the narrative reveals itself to be a tour de force of understatement as we come to know the complexity of the womans relationship to You, and to Apollo, likely better than she herself.

Early on, in a conversation with Wife Three, who is delivering the news that You wanted the narrator to take his dog, Nunez offers up an impressive display of doubling. The narrators thoughts digress to her deceased friends increasingly pathetic sexual encounters with students and from there to the J.M. Coetzee novel Disgrace, in which the protagonist exhibits the same sad proclivities, at which point Wife Three brings up the dog. The narrator relates,

When you decided you wanted to keep the dog, you and she had a big fight. A beautiful animaland how could she not feel sorry for the poor thing, being abandoned like that. But she didnt like dogs...She told you she refused to share any responsibility for itfor example, when you had to go out of town.

And it is a taste of Nunezs poignant sense of humor when Wife Three complains, You cant explain death to a dog.

Nunez makes reference on several occasions to Milan Kundera, whose novel The Unbearable Lightness of Being also features an adopted dog, and The Friend decidedly shares formal affinities with the Czech novelists work. Such as the references to other writers. In the course of The Friend, Nunez alludes to Flannery OConnor, J.R. Ackerley, Heinrich von Kleist, Ludwig Wittgenstein and Elizabeth Bishop, to name a few. Such allusions occur naturally enough in a novel narrated by a creative writing teacher. (Although she teaches in a college, the woman never refers to herself as a professor.)

As with Kundera, the literary allusions, as well as the many historical and scientific asideswe are told, for instance, of Kleists murder-suicide pact with his terminally ill lover and a wealth of knowledge and lore about caninesbear a certain formality, presented not in dialogue or in narrated events but as discrete digressions addressed at once to You and to the reader.

Also, like Kundera, Nunez conducts with her novel overt intellectual inquiries of which the narrative is both the occasion and a functioning component. In the case of The Friend, these inquiries take up matters of love, contemporary academia and misanthropy.

In keeping with this contemplative, agreeably didactic form, the overall tone of The Friend is a cool detachment, a mulled-over past tense that seldom broaches emotional immediacy. Even a description of her crying over her dead friend and imagining seeing him on the street is prefaced with a factoid:

Its true that if you cry hard enough for long enough you can end up with blurred vision.

Of course, such moments serve purposes in the novel, and in this instance, Nunez continues The Friends interesting consideration of lasting trauma as a cost of love. (She opens the novel with an account of Cambodian women who suffer blindness as a result of seeing loved ones tortured and murdered.) A consequence of this reserved tone is that, when Nunez does bring her narrator to a moment that exceeds contemplation, the effect is arresting.

Sigrid Nunez in August 2019

It is the costs of love, of friendship and marriageand conversely, the ideals of lovethat work quietly within the womans narrative. Has fear of love kept her from taking a partner? Has her love for You prevented her marrying another? Apollo too suffers from the loss of his owner, and the woman wonders intermittently about the grief and famous loyalty of dogs. To the consternation of her friends and colleagues, she too exhibits an overwhelming loyalty to Apollo, risking homelessness rather than live in her pet-free building without him.

Given its academic setting, it is possible to read The Friend as a postmortem of the dead white male (one of the deceased writers colleagues quips in the funeral parlor that he is now a dead white male), an expression of a high anxiety of influence. Nunez writes in and of a historical moment that is post-feminist, postmodern and self-consciously multicultural. In fact, some of the novels most intellectually energetic moments come when the narrator confronts the effects identity and so-called cancel culture have on her students, who are thoroughly indoctrinated, and her colleagues, who are demoralized. (Where, one wonders, are the indoctrinating professors?)

Nunezs treatment of identity politics and other symptoms of educations decline is sensitive and humane, giving time to her (narrators) frustration with the triggered campus and to sympathy for the argument that writing should now be dominated by those whose voices have been underrepresented in print. But The Friend does seem to give the last word to an identity politics of race and culture, which may have played a role in endearing it to those arbiters of contemporary taste, the National Book Award judges. Missing from the novel is any unifying vision of an oppressed class, of a bourgeoisie in crisis, of an upper middle-class scramble for diminishing dollars in the worlds of art and academia.

When a writing student tells the narrator that writing is made to seem difficult because the pie is only so big, we might move beyond the narrators dumbstruck silence to an implied social analysis, but such an analysis is hardly encouraged by the novel. Instead, we are prompted to recoil at the new generations pragmatism (at one point her students complain that they arent reading more successful authors). As a result, Nunez falls short of identifying the deeply reactionary and menacing character of identity politics, which deals in harms that go far beyond the worlds of publishing and teaching.

This shortcoming marks The Friends political limitation. And now that we have the New York Times 1619 Project with its mendacious pseudo-historicism, and the irrational anti-education of ethnomathematics, a novel set in the world of contemporary academia must be weighed, in part, in terms of its position on identity politics. The effects of this lack of a historicizing vision, however, run deeper, and it is ironically its misanthropy that most mars this self-consciously humane novel.

Ultimately, the narrator arrives at, or finally reveals, her conclusion that human relationships are too complicated, unfulfilling and, worst of all, not conducive to a kind of beatific goodness she, and Nunez, seek. At least this is the case with living, healthy humans. Again, citing Kundera, the narrator endorses the idea that true human goodness can come to the fore only when its recipient has no power. The quest for such goodness is at the heart of The Friend, as it is of Nunezs post-apocalyptic novel Salvation City, whose adolescent protagonist achieves maturity and independence upon the occasion of the incapacitation of his own caretakers.

To see oneself as blessed by virtue of the suffering of others is, by one reckoning, humanisms highest calling. As an end in itself, however, such a position betrays a resignation to the causes of suffering. Why has every aspect of the narrators social and academic life (she has even given up reading) becoming so repugnant, characterized by a calculating, misanthropic ethos? The Friend does not delve into this question. Instead, in a novel that does so much to chart the symptoms of contemporary bourgeois demoralization, the salvation we are offered is an individual altruism and a preference for the nonhuman. The lot of the discouraged or even the misanthrope.
Trump Warns Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei to Be 'Careful With His Words'

Sputnik News

01:26 18.01.2020(updated 03:22 18.01.2020)

Earlier in the day, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, while leading Friday prayers in Tehran for the first time since 2012, noted that the assassination of top IRGC General Qasem Soleimani revealed the "terrorist nature" of the US, and also observed that Trump is a "clown".

US President Donald Trump responded in a series of tweets to Khamenei's speech, claiming that the Iranian economy "is crashing, and their people are suffering", while urging the top leader to "be very careful with his words!".

The US president described the Iranian Supreme Leader as "not so Supreme", characterizing the sections of Khamenei's Friday speech that dealt with the US and Europe as "nasty things".

In a possible move to enhance the effect of his own tweet, Trump tweeted again moments later, but this time in Farsi, urging the Iranian leadership to "Make Iran Great Again!".

"The noble people of Iranwho love Americadeserve a government that's more interested in helping them achieve their dreams than killing them for demanding respect. Instead of leading Iran toward ruin, its leaders should abandon terror and Make Iran Great Again!", Trump tweeted.

In his Friday speech, Khamenei described the Trump administration as "clowns", slammed Israel, mourned Soleimani, and extolled the combat and human assets of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, and recalled revenge for the assassination in the form of a missile attack on two Iraqi military bases that host US forces.

The Supreme Leader of Iran took to the social media on Friday, denouncing "the villainous US govt" for hypocrisy - a statement quoted by Trump in his serial tweet tirade.

The first week of January saw a drastic spike in tensions between the US and Iran after Trump gave the presidential okay for the assassination of Iran's elite Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani. Iran retaliated by striking US bases in Iraq.

The US Central Command said that 11 soldiers were injured in Iran's retaliation strike. The statement was in contrast to previous Pentagon assertions that the Iranian missile strikes did not result in casualties.

Following the assassination of Soleimani and several senior members from the Iraqi militia while they were in Baghdad, Iraqi lawmakers voted to expel US-led coalition forces from the country.

American officials have repeatedly ruled out a complete pullback from Iraq, however. White House National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien last week said that the United States would leave on its "own terms".

Moments after Soleimani was assassinated, Iran vowed revenge. Trump responded by threatening to target 52 Iranian sites, including national cultural heritage locations - a threat that, if carried out, would fall under the heading of war crimes in the Geneva Convention.

A Sputnik

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Three children in a family of five live in a three-square-meter house in District 8, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran.

With one apartment per 59 residents, Hanoi and HCMC faces housing dilemma as focus remains on premium market.

The total supply of completed apartments in Hanoi reached 201,707 units in all segments last year, while that of HCMC was 224,179 units, according to data from real estate consultancy Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL).

This means there were 17 apartments per 1,000 people, or one apartment per 59 people.

"This rate is relative low right now; we should focus on the mass housing market as this is the segment with real demand," Stephen Wyatt, country head of JLL Vietnam, said.

Xuan Pham, head of marketing at the company, said Vietnamese cities are seeing a large supply of premium and luxury apartments, and there is an imbalance between supply and actual demand.

HCMC has close to three premium apartments per 1,000 people, higher than Indonesias Jakarta and close to the average in Thailands Bangkok, Malaysias Kuala Lumpur and the Philippiness Manila, she said.

This high rate of premium units have pushed prices up. In Q4 last year, the average apartment price in HCMC reached a record high $2,900 per square meter. In Hanoi, the figure was $1,501, up 3.9 percent year-on-year.

These prices are higher than the affordable rate of below $1,200 per square meter, Xuan said.

She added that Vietnam will continue to see rising demand for affordable housing as migration from the countryside to urban areas drives urban population growth. The World Bank expects Vietnams urban population to grow by 2.4 percent per year until 2025, the highest in Southeast Asia.

There are hundreds of million dollars waiting to be poured in Vietnams real estate market, and many investors from Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and China are interested in affordable housing in Vietnam.

But they face challenges of diminishing land availability, exaggerated real estate price due to population surge, and environmental degradation, Xuan said. "Land fund remains a major hurdle for most investors."

Over the next two decades, demand for affordable housing should continue to rise, as Vietnams population median age will be around 30, and the millennial population will be the main drivers for this segment, she said.

"This demographic is ready to pay a little extra to get mid-end perks, like better connection to the central business districts and live-play-work facilities such as schools, hospitals and parks."

Another report by real estate consultancy CBRE said affordable apartments only accounted for 2 percent of housing supply in HCMC last year while luxury apartments made up 6 percent.

No new affordable projects came to the market between March and December 2019, while the luxury segment had two, down from five in 2018, it added.

The Vietnamese government had earlier set a VND30 trillion ($1.29 billion) fund to develop affordable housing, but the line of credit was closed at the end of 2016, leaving many projects in limbo.
He called on the country's leaders to abandon terror

President Donald Trump was visibly elated on Wednesday as Muellers testimony in back-to-back hearings unfolded on national television/Alex Brandon/AP Photo AP photo

U.S. President Donald Trump appealed to the Iranian government and urged him not to kill the nation that loves America, but to respect it. The leader of the United States wrote this on his Twitter page.

"The noble people of Iran who love America deserve a government that is more interested in helping them realize their dreams than in killing them for demanding respect," Trump wrote.

He called on Irans leaders to abandon terror and make Iran great again.

As we reported earlier, 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.

"This issue will certainly be pursued at the Human Rights Headquarters in cooperation with the foreign ministry and other bodies and we should make the US president account for his deeds as the prime suspect and he should face complaint," Iran's Judiciary Chief Seyed Ebrahim Rayeesi stated.
The Investigation Agency will probe a case in which a senior police officer was arrested while ferrying three out of the valley, an official spokesman said on Saturday.

Davinder Singh, posted as the deputy superintendent of police, was arrested last weekend along with Naveed Babu, self-styled district commander of banned Hizbul Mujahideen, a new recruit Atif and an advocate Irfan Mir.

The four were caught with arms and ammunition while they were travelling in a car near Qazigund on the highway in south Kashmir.

After receiving orders from the Union Home Ministry, the NIA has re-registered this case and started the investigation, the spokesman said.
(diamonds.net) - The UK has secured independent membership of the Kimberley Process (KP), enabling it to continue participating in the international rough-diamond trade after the nation leaves the European Union. Britains decision to withdraw from the EU on January 31 requires the country to join the KP in its own right, as it is currently a member through the European bloc. Under a deal agreed in November, the UK will maintain EU membership for KP purposes until the end of 2020, and become an independent KP member from January 2021.
The value of re-branding Cork Racecourse to its original name of Mallow Racecourse should not be overlooked in terms of increasing the profile of the town at national and international level.

That's the view of local county councillor Liam Madden (FG) who has called for the facility, which was known as Mallow Racecourse up until 1998, to revert back to the original name it was given when it first opened in 1924.

"Every other racecourse in the country is known by the place where it is located and that helps promote those areas. I feel that doing that to the facility would help put the town on the tourism map, particularly in light of the other local tourism related initiatives taking place such as the work taking place in the environs of Mallow Castle," said Cllr Madden.

"We are always talking about trying to get a higher profile for Mallow, this would be a magnificent opportunity to do that. It should also be remembered many local companies support the facility through their sponsorship," he added.

Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) supported the call, pointing out that back in 1998 many locals had lobbied to retain the name of Mallow Racecourse.

"One of the key arguments against this at the time was that another track might open in Cork City and call itself Cork Racecourse," he said.

He said that since that had not transpired, there was no real reason why the racecourse could not revert back to its former name.

"Doing so would help promote the town and highlight just how big an asset the racecourse is to Mallow."

Municipal District Officer Liz Donovan said changing the name would be a matter for owners Horse Racing Ireland.

"The last time the issue was debated in this chamber, Mary Kelly, then marketing manager at the racecourse, outlined that the name change was made to brand and market the facility as the only one in Cork to national and international visitors," said Ms Donovan.

"There are arguments both for and against changing the name, but that would be a decision for its owners. That said, I would have no problem inviting management there to address members to outline their position on it," she added.
Trump Ridicules Khamenei, Urges Tehran To 'Make Iran Great Again'

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda January 17, 2020

U.S. President Donald Trump has taken to Twitter to warn Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to be "very careful with his words" after the Iranian called the U.S. leader a "clown" during a Tehran sermon.

"The so-called 'Supreme Leader' of Iran, who has not been so Supreme lately, had some nasty things to say about the United States and Europe," Trump tweeted on January 17.

"Their economy is crashing, and their people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words!" Trump tweeted.

Trump also wrote that "the noble people of Iranwho love Americadeserve a government that's more interested in helping them achieve their dreams than killing them for demanding respect. Instead of leading Iran toward ruin, its leaders should abandon terror and Make Iran Great Again!"

Trump's comments came hours after Khamenei called for national unity and defended the country's armed forces in the wake of angry protests over the downing of a Ukrainian passenger airliner by Iran's air defenses last week.

In a sermon at Tehran's Mosalla Mosque, Khamenei -- the highest authority in Iran -- said those who took to the streets had been victims of deception by foreign media and would not change the opinion of most Iranians.

https://www.radiofarda.com/a/iran-khamenei-friday-prayers-after-plane-crash-irgc/30382648.html

"The Iranian people love and want resistance to the world powers and no capitulation," the 80-year-old leader said as he addressed Friday Prayers for the first time in eight years.

Khamenei accused Iran's enemies of using the plane crash to question the Islamic republic, the armed forces, including the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which he said "maintained the security" of Iran.

He also called Iran's missile attack on bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq earlier this month "a slap to a world power" and described U.S. President Donald Trump as a "clown" who only pretends to support the Iranian people.

The Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) Boeing 737-800 had just taken off from Tehran en route to Kyiv on January 8 when it crashed, killing all 176 people on board. Most of the victims were Iranian and Canadian nationals, with smaller numbers of Ukrainians, Afghans, Swedes, Britons, and Germans.

Iranian authorities initially denied any responsibility, but three days after the tragedy the IRGC admitted the plane was shot down "unintentionally."

The tragedy occurred hours after Iran fired ballistic missiles at two bases housing U.S. forces in Iraq, in response to the targeted killing of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in a U.S. air strike earlier this month.

Iran's January 11 admission it had downed the Ukrainian plane led to days of protests in Tehran and other Iranian cities, with demonstrators chanting slogans against Iran's clerical leadership.

Referring to Khamenei, mourners shouted "death to the dictator" as they buried victims of the plane disaster in the western Iranian city of Sanandaj on January 16, videos posted online showed.

In his sermon, Khamenei said the downing of the Ukrainian plane was a "bitter accident" that "burned through our heart."

But he added that the tragedy should not overshadow the "great martyrdom and sacrifice" of Soleimani, the head of the IRGC's foreign operations arm.

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on January 17 that he had met his Canadian counterpart, Francois-Philippe Champagne, in Oman to discuss cooperation among nations affected by the disaster -- along with Canada, Iran, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Sweden, Britain, and Germany had passengers aboard the doomed flight.

"Politicization of this tragedy must be rejected. Focus on victims' families," Zarif tweeted

Khamenei, in his sermon, also said Soleimani's assassination had saddened Iran as much as it made its enemies happy.

But the supreme leader told thousands of Iranians who chanted "Death to America" that Western countries are too weak to "bring Iranians to their knees."

Khamenei also blasted Britain, France, and Germany, which launched a dispute mechanism over Iran's violations of the 2015 landmark nuclear agreement, starting a process that could lead to reimposing UN sanctions against Tehran. Trump pulled out of the deal, but the three European nations had been trying to salvage the accord before launching the mechanism.

"These European countries cannot be trusted. Even their negotiations with Iran are full of deceit," Khamenei said

Meanwhile, police were out in force ahead of the prayers, which follow several days of protests over the downing of the Ukrainian plane, AFP reported. It said authorities have called for rallies across the country after the prayers to show support for Iran's armed forces and the IRGC.

Amnesty International has accused Iranian security personnel of using "unlawful force" -- including rubber bullets, tear gas, pepper spray, and air-gun pellets -- against peaceful protesters who had gathered in Tehran and other cities on January on 11-12.

With reporting by the BBC, AFP, Reuters, AP, TASS, and dpa

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-ridicules -khamenei-urges-tehran-make-iran -great-again/30383688.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.

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Nurses play with Wint Nadi Hlaing, who is recovering from the surgery, at Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 3, 2020. Khant Thurain Phyo, who had been diagnosed with serious CHD, arrived in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, with his mother a month ago, for free treatment sponsored by a rescue action plan under the Belt and Road Initiative. The action plan was launched by the China Charity Federation, Yunnan Charity Federation and the FYCH in 2018 and has so far treated 15 Myanmar children with CHD. [Xinhua/Jiang Wenyao]

by Xinhua writers Zeng Wei and Zhao Peiran

KUNMING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua)  In a ward at Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital (FYCH), a nurse comforted 2-year-old Khant Thurain Phyo with a toy car. His mother Zar Yi Myint was jollily making a video call with her husband and daughter back in Myanmar.

Khant Thurain Phyo, who had been diagnosed with serious congenital heart disease (CHD), arrived in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, with his mother a month ago, for free treatment sponsored by a rescue action plan under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The action plan was launched by the China Charity Federation, Yunnan Charity Federation and the FYCH in 2018 and has so far treated 15 Myanmar children with CHD.

Looking at her son who can now jump like a playful deer, the 28-year-old mother was grateful for the Chinese doctors. "They gave my child a second life."

"He was skinny at birth. He frequently suffered from difficulty breathing," the mother said.

When the diagnosis came out, the poor boy could only rely on medicine to stay alive due to inadequate medical conditions for surgery. But the high medical costs almost pushed the family to the brink of collapse.

Upon hearing the news that a hospital in neighboring Yunnan was willing to offer free treatment to children with severe CHD, the struggling family saw a glimmer of hope.

In 2018, a Chinese medical team arrived in Yonjin Children's Hospital in Myanmar's Rangoon. They checked 58 children diagnosed with CHD and took 15 seriously ill patients back to Kunming for treatment.

The team arrived in Myanmar again last year. After examining 25 children with CHD, they took eight back for treatment on Dec. 4. Khant Thurain Phyo was one of them.

His mother spent a sleepless night outside the operating room, staring at the electronic screen while praying. After five grueling hours of waiting, she was told that the operation was successful. She burst into tears of joy.

"We customized treatment and operation plans for each child based on their own conditions," said Ma Linkun, deputy director of the FYCH.

According to Ma, operations on the eight children have been successful. Four have been discharged and returned to Myanmar.

Myint Myint Khine is the director of Yonjin Children's Hospital. After visiting the FYCH, he said that the cooperation on treating children with CHD has deepened bilateral relations and mutual trust.

Hnin Le Phyu, a nurse sent by the Yonjin hospital, has just finished a one-month training at the ICU department of the FYCH.

Medical institutions from Laos, Cambodia, Bangladesh and other countries that visited the FYCH also recognized the successful practice of the action plan, and showed a willingness to cooperate as well.

"I believe that my son will have a bright life after this. And I want to refer more Myanmar children with the disease to the program," the mother said.

A nurse talks with Zar Yi Myint (1st R), Khant Thurain Phyo's mother, via an interpreter at Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 3, 2020. Khant Thurain Phyo has been diagnosed with serious congenital heart disease (CHD). Khant Thurain Phyo, who had been diagnosed with serious CHD, arrived in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, with his mother a month ago, for free treatment sponsored by a rescue action plan under the Belt and Road Initiative. The action plan was launched by the China Charity Federation, Yunnan Charity Federation and the FYCH in 2018 and has so far treated 15 Myanmar children with CHD. [Xinhua/Jiang Wenyao]

A nurse takes care of Khant Thurain Phyo, who had been diagnosed with serious congenital heart disease (CHD), at Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 3, 2020. Khant Thurain Phyo, who had been diagnosed with serious CHD, arrived in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, with his mother a month ago, for free treatment sponsored by a rescue action plan under the Belt and Road Initiative. The action plan was launched by the China Charity Federation, Yunnan Charity Federation and the FYCH in 2018 and has so far treated 15 Myanmar children with CHD. [Xinhua/Jiang Wenyao]

Wint Nadi Hlaing, who had been diagnosed with congenital heart disease (CHD), is cared by his father at Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 3, 2020. Khant Thurain Phyo, who had been diagnosed with serious CHD, arrived in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, with his mother a month ago, for free treatment sponsored by a rescue action plan under the Belt and Road Initiative. The action plan was launched by the China Charity Federation, Yunnan Charity Federation and the FYCH in 2018 and has so far treated 15 Myanmar children with CHD. [Xinhua/Jiang Wenyao]

A nurse plays with Wint Nadi Hlaing, who is recovering from the surgery, at Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 3, 2020. Khant Thurain Phyo, who had been diagnosed with serious CHD, arrived in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, with his mother a month ago, for free treatment sponsored by a rescue action plan under the Belt and Road Initiative. The action plan was launched by the China Charity Federation, Yunnan Charity Federation and the FYCH in 2018 and has so far treated 15 Myanmar children with CHD. [Xinhua/Jiang Wenyao]

A nurse takes care of Khant Thurain Phyo, who had been diagnosed with serious congenital heart disease (CHD), at Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 3, 2020. Khant Thurain Phyo, who had been diagnosed with serious CHD, arrived in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, with his mother a month ago, for free treatment sponsored by a rescue action plan under the Belt and Road Initiative. The action plan was launched by the China Charity Federation, Yunnan Charity Federation and the FYCH in 2018 and has so far treated 15 Myanmar children with CHD. [Xinhua/Jiang Wenyao]

(Source: Xinhua)
A new Lok Sabha central hall big enough to house 900 Members of Parliament (MPs), and flexible enough to house up to 1,350 MPs for a joint Parliament session will be the centrepiece of the Central Vista redevelopment plan that has a deadline of 2024.

The new Parliament complex, which has an earlier deadline, 2022, will be among the first plans to be finalised and tendered out, perhaps in the first half of this year itself. The current design of an evolving plan envisages a triangular complex, with a tricoloured beam lighting up the sky overhead. And at a more mundane level, the MPs will sit comfortably in broad two-seater benches, accessible from either side so that no one will have to squeeze through  and which can, when a joint session is held, accommodate three.

The redevelopment will also see North and South Block, which house ministries, becoming museums; the creation of a central secretariat, and a redesigned Rajpath.

According to presentations made by the Ahmedabad-based HCP Design, the new triangular Parliament building will come up next to the existing complex, the Indira Gandhi National Centre of Arts will be relocated with some of the new government buildings coming up where it is located, and the National Archives will be remodelled. The Prime Ministers residence will be shifted behind the existing South Block complex while the residence of the Vice President will move behind North Block.

First off the blocks will be the new Parliament complex and the government offices at IGNCA. The former will come up on 13 acres within the existing Parliament complex. And it will be much bigger than the current one, where the Lok Sabha hall simply cant fit any more MPs. And there may soon be a need to.

New Complex

Barring a constitutional amendment, India will revisit a decision on the size of the Lok Sabha in 2026. In an article in Hindustan Times in March 2019, political scientists Milan Vaishnav and Jamie Hintson projected that the Lok Sabha may need to have 848 members by 2026 to keep the spirit of proportional representation. Accordingly, the new complex is aimed to house 900 MPs. In December 2019, former President Pranab Mukherjee called for almost doubling the strength of the Lok Sabha to 1,000 lawmakers from the current 545.

According to Bimal Patel, the architect in charge of the redesign of Central Vista, the plan is to also create a separate lounge. Currently, the Central Hall functions as one, although it is not designed for the purpose. There may even be office space for MPs.

The current plan, according to Patel, the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and, an open-to-sky courtyard around which there would be a lounge and in the middle there will be a foyer. The offices will be along the periphery of the building.

Seating Arrangement

Patel and his team studied seating arrangements in Parliaments of several countries including Cuba, Egypt, Singapore, and Germany. MPs have often complained of lack of space, especially during joint sessions.

Theres no space to be had in the current Lok Sabha. There are even seats behind columns, Patel said. A parliamentarian gets around 40cm by 50 cm of space to sit in the house now. This will increase to 60 by 60 under the new arrangement.

More importantly, Patel, pointed out, everyone gets a desk. Currently, the desks are only for the first two rows. You can put your iPads or files on them. And, of course, with two to a bench, you really never have to go in front of anybody to sit down. That really is the most comfortable way to manage it, he added. For joint sessions the desks will accommodate three MPs instead of two.

Symbolism

The shape of the present circular building designed by architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker in 1912-13, was based on the Chausath Yogini temple, one of the oldest heritage sites in India.

Explaining the reason behind choosing a triangular structure for the new complex, Patel said,One reason is functional: its triangular plot. Triangles are also very important in some sense. They are celebrated in all sacred geometries...; Why a spire atop the new Parliament? Think of churches, think of temples etc. In a secular democracy a sacred building is the Parliament and so famously referred to as the temple of democracy by the Prime Minister.

Interestingly, the new design envisages windows of various sizes in Central Hall.

We are making windows that will be of unequal size inside the hall. Why we are doing that? This reflects the diversity of India, everything is different here and hence not a single window should be the same in this room, Patel said.

Technology

Technology-wise we are looking at visual and acoustic factors. Acoustic is really important. Presently the acoustic tiles were put in afterwards. That time the rudimentary concept was to avoid echoing. Actually a sophisticated acoustic design is about the quality of sound you produce. That is best understood by acoustic engineers...we have a very good company which is full of physicists doing this, Patel explained. There will also be in-built translation systems, he added.

Old Parliament

Complex

The big question is the fate of the old Parliament building. Patel said the plan is still evolving. It was earlier planned to be converted in to a museum. The current thinking is to use it on some occasions, he added, pointing out that the building, while iconic, is complex, and had functionality added to it instead of being designed with that functionality in mind. People cherish the way things are done, but we discover that many of them are only responses to a building that was never meant to be Parliament but nonetheless became....

In August 2019, the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Rajya Sabha chairman urged the government to expand and modernise the colonial-era Parliament building.

Both the Chairs pointed out that the Parliament building was 92 years old and needed urgent repairs.
It has become common wisdom that too much time spent on smartphones and social media is responsible for a recent spike in anxiety, depression and other mental health problems, especially among teenagers.

But a growing number of academic researchers have produced studies that suggest the common wisdom is wrong.

The latest research, published Friday by two psychology professors, combs through about 40 studies that have examined the link between social media use and both depression and anxiety among adolescents. That link, according to the professors, is small and inconsistent.

There doesnt seem to be an evidence base that would explain the level of panic and consternation around these issues, said Candice L. Odgers, a professor at the University of California, Irvine, and the lead author of the paper, which was published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.

The debate over the harm we  and especially our children  are doing to ourselves by staring into phones is generally predicated on the assumption that the machines we carry in our pockets pose a significant risk to our mental health.

Worries about smartphones have led Congress to pass legislation to examine the impact of heavy smartphone use and pushed investors to pressure big tech companies to change the way they approach young customers.

The World Health Organization said last year that infants under a year old should not be exposed to electronic screens and that children between the ages of 2 and 4 should not have more than an hour of sedentary screen time each day.

Even in Silicon Valley, technology executives have made a point of keeping the devices and the software they develop away from their own children.

But some researchers question whether those fears are justified. They are not arguing that intensive use of phones does not matter. Children who are on their phones too much can miss out on other valuable activities, like exercise. And research has shown that excessive phone use can exacerbate the problems of certain vulnerable groups, like children with mental health issues.

They are, however, challenging the widespread belief that screens are responsible for broad societal problems like the rising rates of anxiety and sleep deprivation among teenagers. In most cases, they say, the phone is just a mirror that reveals the problems a child would have even without the phone.

The researchers worry that the focus on keeping children away from screens is making it hard to have more productive conversations about topics like how to make phones more useful for low-income people, who tend to use them more, or how to protect the privacy of teenagers who share their lives online.

Many of the people who are terrifying kids about screens, they have hit a vein of attention from society and they are going to ride that. But that is super bad for society, said Andrew Przybylski, director of research at the Oxford Internet Institute, who has published several studies on the topic.

The new article by Odgers and Michaeline R. Jensen, of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, comes just a few weeks after the publication of an analysis by Amy Orben, a researcher at the University of Cambridge, and shortly before the planned publication of similar work from Jeff Hancock, the founder of the Stanford Social Media Lab. Both reached similar conclusions.

The current dominant discourse around phones and well-being is a lot of hype and a lot of fear, Hancock said. But if you compare the effects of your phone to eating properly or sleeping or smoking, its not even close.

Hancocks analysis of about 226 studies on the well-being of phone users concluded that when you look at all these different kinds of well-being, the net effect size is essentially zero.

The debate about screen time and mental health goes back to the early days of the iPhone. In 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics published a widely cited paper that warned doctors about Facebook depression.

But by 2016, as more research came out, the academy revised that statement, deleting any mention of Facebook depression and emphasizing the conflicting evidence and the potential positive benefits of using social media.

Megan Moreno, one of the lead authors of the revised statement, said the original statement had been a problem because it created panic without a strong basis of evidence.

Moreno, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin, said that in her own medical practice, she tends to be struck by the number of children with mental health problems who are helped by social media because of the resources and connections it provides.

Concern about the connection between smartphones and mental health has also been fed by high-profile works like a 2017 article in The Atlantic  and a related book  by psychologist Jean Twenge, who argued that a recent rise in suicide and depression among teenagers was linked to the arrival of smartphones.

In her article, Have Smartphones Ruined a Generation?, Twenge attributed the sudden rise in reports of anxiety, depression and suicide from teens after 2012 to the spread of smartphones and social media.

Twenges critics argue that her work found a correlation between the appearance of smartphones and a real rise in reports of mental health issues, but that it did not establish that phones were the cause.

It could, researchers argue, just as easily be that the rise in depression led teenagers to excessive phone use at a time when there were many other potential explanations for depression and anxiety. Whats more, anxiety and suicide rates appear not to have risen in large parts of Europe, where phones have also become more prevalent.

Why else might American kids be anxious other than telephones? Hancock said. How about climate change? How about income inequality? How about more student debt? There are so many big giant structural issues that have a huge impact on us but are invisible and that we arent looking at.

Twenge remains committed to her position, and she points to several more recent studies by other academics who have found a specific link between social media use and poor mental health. One paper found that when a group of college students gave up social media for three weeks, their sense of loneliness and depression declined.

Odgers, Hancock and Przybylski said they had not taken any funding from the tech industry, and all have been outspoken critics of the industry on issues other than mental health, such as privacy and the companies lack of transparency.

Odgers added that she was not surprised that people had a hard time accepting her findings. Her own mother questioned her research after one of her grandsons stopped talking to her during the long drives she used to enjoy. But children tuning out their elders when they become teenagers is hardly a new trend, she said.

She also reminded her mother that their conversation was taking place during a video chat with Odgers son  the kind of intergenerational connection that was impossible before smartphones.

Odgers acknowledged that she was reluctant to give her two children more time on their iPads. But she recently tried playing the video game Fortnite with her son and found it an unexpectedly positive experience.

Its hard work because its not the environment we were raised in, she said. It can be a little scary at times. I have those moments, too.

Nathaniel Popper c.2020 The New York Times Company
The future on the moon could be funky.

NASA scientists have suggested using mushrooms to grow habitats on the lunar surface and Mars, which could even lead to more sustainable homes on Earth.

The concept focuses on the mycelia parts of a fungus, which consist of branching thread-like structures, which could form 'complex structures with extreme precision'.

The structure consist of a three-layered dome with water ice on the outside, cyanobacteria in the middle and an inner layer of mycelia, which feeds and grows around a framework to create the Mars home.

NASA's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley is working on the design and envisions a future where human explorers can bring a compact habitat built out of a lightweight material with dormant fungi that will last on long journeys to places.

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The concept focuses on the mycelia parts of a fungus, which consist of branching thread-like structures, which could form 'complex structures with extreme precision'

Lynn Rothschild, the principal investigator on the early-stage project, said: 'Right now, traditional habitat designs for Mars are like a turtle  carrying our homes with us on our backs  a reliable plan, but with huge energy costs.'

'Instead, we can harness mycelia to grow these habitats ourselves when we get there.'

The project foresees astronauts hauling compact habitat builds made of lightweight material to distant worlds contain dormant mushrooms.

Once the crew lands at their destination, they can unfold the structure and just add water to it.

NASA explained that even 'if some mycelia somehow escaped, they will be genetically altered to be incapable of surviving outside the habitat'

The project foresees astronauts hauling compact habitat builds made of lightweight material to distant worlds contain dormant mushrooms. Once the crew lands at their destination, they can unfold the structure and just add water to it

The fungi will be able to grow around that framework into a fully functional human habitat  all while being safely contained within the habitat to avoid contaminating the Martian environment.

The cyanobacteria layer can produce water and create oxygen for the astronauts by photosynthesizing the outside light that shines through the icy layers.

NASA explained that even 'if some mycelia somehow escaped, they will be genetically altered to be incapable of surviving outside the habitat.'

The team also believes this process could be used for water filtration and biomining systems that can extract minerals from wastewater as well as bioluminescent lighting, humidity regulation and even self-generating habitats capable of healing themselves.

And it can do the same work here on Earth.

'When we design for space, we're free to experiment with new ideas and materials with much more freedom than we would on Earth,' said Rothschild. 'And after these prototypes are designed for other worlds, we can bring them back to ours.'
A California woman who was on her way to the principal's office at her daughter's high school to report that her daughter was being bullied says she was brutally attacked on campus by two teenage girls.

According to multiple reports, Maria Guadalupe Jimenez was hospitalized for two days with broken bones after the teens beat her up outside James Logan High School in Union City, California.



On Jan. 7, Jimenez, her husband, Eder Rojas, and their teen daughter went to the school to complain to the principal that students were bullying the 16-year-old.

But before they could go through the front door, they said they were confronted and then assaulted by two teenage girls, at least one of whom goes to the school. Rojas said he that when he protected his daughter, the attackers turned on his wife.

"They want to hit my daughter but ... they couldnt get there, so they grabbed my wife," Rojas told KRON-TV.

He said that when he tried to pull the teens off his wife, his daughter was hit.

"The girl was very furious. They grabbed by the hair and dragged me," Maria Jimenez told KGO-TV through a translator.

"I just wanted to talk to the principal. You'd never imagine a kid would hit an adult. I thought we were safe on campus," Jimenez said.

Jimenez was kicked and punched in the face. Her nose was broken.

Union City police responded to the scene and arrested one juvenile, who was charged with battery with serious bodily injury.

The school district told KRON the fight involved two Logan High students, a student's family and a third individual.

"We are investigating and following up on this incident working directly with the Union City Police Department, and taking disciplinary actions," the school wrote in an email to parents. "We believe this incident to be between the two Logan students and does not appear to involve any other Logan students."

A GoFundMe page has been made to raise money for Jimenez's medical expenses.

Related video: Tips for parents to help kids with cyberbullying
Chill with thrill

The Jack Reacher series

Any novel by Lee Child that features his iconic character Jack Reacher makes for a great lazy weekend read. These are fast-paced, simply-written and extremely thrilling. So for me, I would curl up in bed with a Jack Reacher adventure with a cup of coffee and read away if I had a free weekend! Bilal Siddiqi

Irish delight

Normal People

Normal People by Sally Rooney is a short book but extremely poignant coming-of-age novel about two Irish teens. If you enjoyed perks of being a wallflower this is one book youll love!

Gurmehar Kaur

Timeless appeal

Pather Panchali

In a world as crammed with events and the unrelenting noise of social media, it is nice to return to a writer like Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay. In this new edition of Pather Panchali (Song of the Road) in Rimis translation, one lives among trees and children, a world that hasnt almost been touched by the poison of capitalism. I find myself closing my eyes between paragraphs, calmed by Bandopadhyays writing, but also to live in it for as long as I can.

Sumana Roy

Sister act

Celestial Bodies

Jokha Alharthi won the Man Booker International Prize 2019 for her novel Celestial Bodies. Told through the stories of three sisters in the village of al-Awafi in Oman, it tells of change and continuity through the daily process of living, which resonates deeply with life in India. I loved the pace of this book, and the rhythm of its storytelling.

Namita Gokhale

In retrospect

The Body Myth

Id recommend Rheaa Mukherjees The Body Myth. This is because it will make you re-examine things you thought you knew well: illness, extra-marital love, philosophy. And the best time to have your moorings shaken is when you can cut off from the world and just read...

Arunava Sinha

From HT Brunch, January 19, 2020

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U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday, discussing Afghanistan and bilateral ties, according to a statement released by the U.S. State Department.



The two sides talked about a range of issues, including Iran, U.S.-Pakistan cooperation on the Afghan peace process and building bilateral economic ties, the statement said.

Qureshi embarked on a three-day visit to the United States on Wednesday for talks on the tension in the Middle East that poses danger to regional security.

The visit also came as the Taliban and U.S. negotiators were reportedly finalizing a peace deal that could end the over 18-year war.
Kyiv authorities call on Ukrainians to minimize use of private vehicles  KCSA

Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA) has called on Ukrainians to minimize the use of private vehicles with the aim of reducing air pollution.

"The best way to reduce air pollution during such time is the minimization of the use of private vehicles. Public transport should be used instead, especially during rush hours," the press service of the KCSA said in a statement.

On January 16, 2020, the Central Geophysical Observatory named after Boris Sreznevsky registered a very high concentration of air pollutants nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide in the traffic congestion areas in Kyiv (Besarabska Square, Demiyivska Square, Lesi Ukrainky Boulevard).

"According to the forecasts of the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center, the weather conditions facilitate the accumulation of air pollutants. The situation will change after precipitation, strong wind and a temperature fall," reads the statement.

The KCSA also recommended the citizens to avoid walking near roads, to do wet cleaning in the apartments and to drink fresh water.
Kozhikode: Noted historian Ramachandra Guha has said that young India does not want a "fifth-generation dynast" and if Kerala repeats the disaster of re-electing Rahul Gandhi to Parliament in 2024 then they will merely hand over the advantage to "hard-working" and "self-made" Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Why did you (Malayalis) elect Rahul Gandhi to Parliament. I have nothing against Rahul Gandhi personally. He is a decent fellow, very well-mannered. But young India does not want a fifth-generation dynast," Guha said while speaking at Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode.

The historian warned people of Kerala not to re-elect the MP from Wayanad Rahul Gandhi during the 2024 national elections.

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"If you Malayalis make the mistake of re-electing Rahul Gandhi in 2024 too, you are merely handing over an advantage to Narendra Modi because Narendra Modi`s great advantage is that he is not Rahul Gandhi," he said.

In his address, Guha stressed that betrayal of idealism by Congress and hypocrisy of Left has paved the way to religious jingoism in India.

"I have only one complaint against Keralites. You have selected Rahul Gandhi as an MP. He is part of an old family dynasty. Betrayal of idealism by Congress and hypocrisy of Left has paved the way to religious jingoism in India," he said.

Taking a dig at the Waynad MP over his foreign trips, Guha praised PM Modi and said, "Narendra Modi is self-made. He has run a state for 15 years, he has administrative experience, he is incredibly hard-working and he never takes holidays in Europe. I say this with all seriousness," said Guha.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, January 18, 2020 17:02 724 48be62e941b44f04afae568c322ae320 1 National BMKG,rainfall,weather,prediction,bad-weather Free

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) on Friday issued a warning of possible heavy rainfall in several areas in Indonesia.

The BMKG said the active cyclonic circulation around Karimata Strait has increased the growth of clouds over western part of Indonesia. A significant level of air instability also contributed to an increase in the growth of clouds over parts of Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua.

Based on these conditions, the BMKG predicted that from Jan. 17 to 19, there would be a high possibility of heavy rain in West and South Sumatra, Jambi, Bangka Belitung, Lampung, Jakarta, Central and West Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua.

Meanwhile from Jan. 20 to 23, heavy rainfall is predicted for Aceh, West, South and North Sumatra, Riau, Riau islands, Jambi, Bengkulu, Bangka Belitung, South Sumatra, Lampung, Jakarta, Java, Bali, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua.

The BMKG also warned of possible floods and landslides from Jan 17 to 19. Several areas need to be cautious, namely Aceh, North Sumatra, Lampung, Central Java, East Java and South Sulawesi.

"Remain vigilant and careful of the impacts that can occur such as floods, landslides, flash floods, inundation, strong winds, falling trees and slippery roads. Also, people along the coasts must remain careful as there will possible be high waves in the upcoming days, the BMKG said in its official statement.
By PTI

DIMAPUR (Nagaland): Thousands of people led by students from different colleges gathered in the Supermarket area in Dimapur district of Nagaland on Saturday to protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

With banners and placards saying, "We stand united against CAA", "Save Dimapur - Listen to peoples' voice" and "CAA -- Modi Shah vote bank", people from all walks of life joined the protest rally.

Addressing the gathering, the students urged people to unite and fight until the Act is revoked.

They said it is their duty to safeguard the state from the influx of illegal immigrants.

Dimapur District Gaon Burahs (village chieftains) Association president Khehovi V Chophy said outsiders will not be allowed to take away the rights of indigenous people.

He said it's time to identify illegal immigrants and deport them.

Lima Jamir, a member of the North East Indigenous Peoples' Forum, said the CAA is a draconian law.

"We will not be suppressed by forces and will fight till we achieve our goal," he said.
UPDATE: U.S. Marshals say the Montgomery Police Department has apprehended a suspect in a home invasion shooting and kidnapping that took place Saturday in Dothan.

The Dothan Police Department said early Saturday afternoon that it was seeking the publics help in locating a suspect they say kicked in the door of a home, shot one person and abducted another.

Dothan Police say they responded to the 100 block of Woods Drive around 11 a.m. Saturday after reports of a shooting, where they found one victim with a gunshot wound to the chest. Police say their investigation indicates that a male suspect kicked in the door and shot the unnamed victim and abducted a woman described as the shooting victims girlfriend.

Dothan Police Lt. Doug Magill said the shooting victim is in critical condition.

Were trying to locate the kidnapping victim, Magill said around 2 p.m.

Police identified the suspect as Marcus Roberson and the kidnapping victim as Tanesha McLeod. Roberson is believed to have left the scene in a black Kia Rio with Alabama tag number 38HL126.

Police say McLeod was found Saturday evening in Montgomery with a cut to the head and other minor injuries but is otherwise okay.

The U.S. Marshals and the Montgomery Police Department continued the search for Roberson, who was apprehended by Montgomery police around 8:45 p.m. in the area of Vaughn Road and Bell Road in Montgomery.
Libya: 'Dire and untenable' situation for tens of thousands of children in unrelenting conflict

17 January 2020 -- The world should not accept the "dire and untenable" situation facing children in wartorn Libya the head of the UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, said on Friday.

"Children in Libya, including refugee and migrant children, continue to suffer grievously amidst the violence and chaos unleashed by the country's longstanding civil war", Executive Director Henrietta Fore said in a statement.

Since last April, when renewed hostilities broke out on the outskirts of the capital Tripoli, and western Libya, conditions for thousands of children and civilians deteriorated, with indiscriminate attacks in populated areas that have caused hundreds of deaths.

UNICEF has received reports of children being maimed, killed and also recruited to fight, said Ms. Fore.

Since the fall of President Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been in the throes of ongoing instability and economic collapse, despite its large oil reserves.

Thousands have been killed in fighting between factions of the self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) commanded by Khalifa Haftar, based in the east, and the UN-recognized government in Tripoli, located in the west.

The UN Secretary-General will be at a major international summit due to take place in the German capital this coming Sunday, which both the Prime Minister of the UN-recognized Government and commander Haftar are due to attend, in the hope of establishing a permanent ceasefire.

Meanwhile, over the last eight months, more than 150,000 people  90,000 of whom are children  have been forced to flee their homes and are now internally displaced.

Widespread destruction

Ms. Fore also flagged that under attack was the essential "infrastructure on which children depend for their wellbeing and survival".

"Nearly 30 health facilities have been damaged in the fighting, forcing 13 to close", she lamented, adding that attacks against schools and the threat of violence have led to closures and left almost 200,000 children out of the classroom.

Moreover, water systems have been attacked and the waste management system has virtually collapsed, greatly increasing the risk of waterborne diseases including cholera.

"The 60,000 refugee and migrant children currently in urban areas are also terribly vulnerable, especially the 15,000 who are unaccompanied and those being held in detention centres", she continued. "These children already had limited access to protection and essential services, so the intensifying conflict has only amplified the risks that they face".

Providing support

UNICEF and its partners on the ground are supporting the children and families with access to healthcare and nutrition, protection, education, water and sanitation.

"We are also reaching refugee and migrant children with assistance, including those held in detention centres", she elaborated. "Sadly, attacks against the civilian population and infrastructure, as well as against humanitarian and healthcare personnel are seeking to undermine humanitarian efforts".

Ms. Fore called on all parties to the conflict and those who have influence over them to protect children, end the recruitment and use of children, cease attacks against civilian infrastructure, and allow for "safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to children and people in need".

"We also call on Libyan authorities to end the detention of migrant and refugee children and to actively pursue safe and dignified alternatives to detention", said the UNICEF chief.

Ahead of the peace summit in Berlin, this Sunday, Ms. Fore also urged the conflict parties and those with influence over them to "urgently reach a comprehensive and durable peace agreement for the sake of each and every child in Libya."

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Dao xiao special biang noodle. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui In China, if you order the famous "paomo" lamb soup you'd first be given bread to tear up and place in an empty bowl. This would then be sent back to the kitchen for filling with broth and meat. Food safety regulations make that a tricky proposition here: the housemade bread is pre-chopped, but the broth is authentically rich and spicy, made here daily. It's a hearty, warming dish, using characteristic Shaanxi spices including cumin, Szechuan pepper, clove, cinnamon and star anise, part of a complex house blend of 20 spices that's used liberally here. The "dao xiao Shaanxi special biang noodle" is exceptional  I get a thrill thinking about it. It's based on sliced wheat noodles (dao xiao mian) with other elements arranged on top, like a fabulously spicy Chinese wellness bowl. There's pork mince with soy bean paste, a loose egg and tomato scramble, a stir fry of potato, carrot and celery, and a splash of hot oil spiked with garlic and chilli. It's shareable but it also makes a bright, sustaining, cheap meal for one. Spicy chicken with potato and flat noodle. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui Unfortunately, Shaanxi-Style doesn't do biang biang noodles. Luckily, the shorter dao xiao mian are springy and pert, deftly sliced from a block of wheat dough straight into the pot. Hand-cut noodles also star in a generous chicken and potato stir fry, notable for the carb-on-carb joy (a feature of Shaanxi cooking), the prickly heat of Szechuan pepper, and the depth of flavour from soy bean paste. It's colourful, soupy and bountiful.

Cold dishes are great on hot days, including the chopped "evergreen" vegetables, studded with tofu and seasoned with garlic and sesame oil. The restaurant is proud of its pig's ear, marinated, braised, sliced and served chilled with cucumber strips, chilli oil, black vinegar and garlic. Chewy and tasty, ear is an easy entry point to the offal and odd bits dotted through the menu. The Liu family who owns Shaanxi-Style has a connection to most of the Shaanxi restaurants in Melbourne; their first place opened in Box Hill 11 years ago and this restaurant has been here four years. Xi'an Famous in Russell Street  highly recommended for its roujiamo burgers in paper bags with "G'Day Mate" printed on them  has an ex-staffer in the kitchen. Shaanxi-Style's street-foodie one-hander roujiamo are great too. The sliced lamb version is a juicy classic, stir-fried with cumin and loaded into unleavened bread pockets with green chilli. This is a no-nonsense restaurant with close-set tables. Most customers know exactly what they're doing and newbies aren't necessarily steered or gently guided. No matter: dive in, eat bravely and may your Year of the Rat be open-minded and open-mouthed. Also Try SUN KITCHEN

9 Aquatic Drive, Albert Park, (03) 9682 5566. Daily lunch and dinner.

The premium Albert Park Chinese restaurant is running a special 10-course "Abundance of Blessings" menu to celebrate Year of the Rat. The banquet includes the auspicious Salmon Sashimi Yu Sheng, tossed at the beginning of the meal to represent abundance and vigour. CHERRY HILL ORCHARDS

474 Queens Road, Wandin East, (03) 5964 4235. Today 9am-4.30pm For the first time, this pick-your-own cherry farm is running a Lunar New Year festival. Buy tickets at cherryhill.com.au and roll up for Asian food trucks, lion dances, a Chinese drum workshop at more. PANDA HOTPOT

100 Victoria Street, Carlton, (03) 9888 9899. Daily lunch and dinner. Every day is a festival at this lavish new hotpot restaurant but the colour and movement will be dialled up even further for Lunar New Year with nightly shows, ancient music and "secret panda" shows for kids.
As the war of words between Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and the Left government intensified, the CPI(M) mouthpiece Deshabhimani on Saturday slammed him for making "political statements" and alleged he was "threatening" the state in a "tough language".

In a hard-hitting editorial, it said the governor who spoke to the media here and in Delhi without understanding the stature of the position being held by him, was making "political statements".

In a lengthy report titled "Governor's political game", it said the Governor is a person who should act in accordance with the Constitution and above personal preferences.

Enraged over the mass participation of people in the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in kerala, Khan was "threatening" the state in a "tough language", it alleged.

The editorial attacked Khan for coming out in public against the LDF government and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for not informing him before moving the apex court against the CAA and for not signing the ordinance regarding the local self government ward delimitation.

"The attempt is to establish a precedence that the state has no independent power and it should await the Governor's permission even for constitutionally guaranteed rights," it said.

The Constitution does not mandate the state government to inform every decision to the Governor.

This is evident in Article 167 of the Constitution, the editorial pointed out.

The Chief Minister has only the constitutional obligation to inform the decisions of the state cabinet, and not the daily decisions of the government, the daily stated.

Justifying the anti-CAA resolution passed by the Kerala Assembly, the newspaper said it was "legal" and "passed in accordance with the rules and regulations.

There is no need to inform the governor in advance before the resolution is passed," it added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Historian Ramachandra Guha on Friday warned Kerala for repeating their mistake of re-electing Rahul Gandhi and asserted that young India does not want a fifth-generation dynast.

While speaking at Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode, Guha said that a "fifth-generation dynast" Rahul Gandhi has no chance in Indian politics against a "hard-working and self-made" Narendra Modi.

Why did you (Malyalis) elect Rahul Gandhi to Parliament? I have nothing against Rahul Gandhi personally. He is a decent fellow, very well-mannered. But young India does not want a fifth-generation dynast. If you Malyalis make the mistake of re-electing Rahul Gandhi in 2024 too, you are merely handing over an advantage to Narendra Modi because Narendra Modi's great advantage is that he is not Rahul Gandhi. Narendra Modi is a self-made man, said Ramachandra Guha.

Guha said the reduction of the Congress from a "great party" during the freedom movement to a "pathetic family firm" now is one of the reasons for the ascendency of Hindutva and jingoism in India.

"I have nothing against Rahul Gandhi personally. He is a decent fellow, very well-mannered. But young India does not want a fifth-generation dynast. If you Malyalis make the mistake of re-electing Rahul Gandhi in 2024 too, you are merely handing over an advantage to Narendra Modi," said Guha on the second day of the ongoing Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) during his talk, "Patriotism Vs Jingoism".

Addressing the crowd, full of Keralites, he said, "Kerala, you have done many wonderful things for India, but one of the disastrous thing you did was to elect Rahul Gandhi to Parliament."

"Narendra Modi's great advantage is that he is not Rahul Gandhi. He is self-made. He has run a state for 15 years, he has administrative experience, he is incredibly hard-working and he never takes holidays in Europe. Believe me, I am saying all this in all seriousness," he said.
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Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch invites ambitious entrepreneurs to step into the Entrepreneur Elevator, then gives them just 60 seconds to pique the interest of a group of judges. Its a high-pressure, fast-paced environment in which startup founders need to race against the clock while maintaining their composure to make a clear, deliberate pitch that covers at least three essential components:

The investors watch the pitch via a video livestream while the elevator ascends to the boardroom floor. Once the 60 seconds are up, the judges vote on whether to open the doors or send the founder back down and pass on investing.

The fifth season of Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch offers a dynamic change in the show's format. Before, our four judges needed unanimous agreement to make an offer to the pitching entrepreneurs  including three out of four "yes" votes just to open the elevator doors. Now, it only takes one investor to open the doors and one judge to make an offer. The panel of four can then choose whether they want to collaborate or compete against one another.

Episode 9 featured Beth Vasquez, the founder of Recess & Results, who was kind enough to detail her experience on the show below.

Entrepreneur: What is your company's elevator pitch?

Vasquez: Recess & Results is entertaining exercise for kids, and a praiseworthy paycheck for people with passions for faith, family and fitness.

We are the only faith-based kids fitness program and turn-key business opportunity on the market. Our virtual platform houses training modules, lesson plans and program guides, and essential business resources that transform our partners into confident, purpose-driven entrepreneurs and kid and family fitness experts.

Individuals with passions for faith, family and fitness partner with us for a low, one-time investment of just $249 and small recurring monthly partnership fee of $49. They complete the self-paced training online via our platform, and can be ready to launch their own Recess business in their community in as little as one week.

The demand for childrens activities have skyrocketed, making the industry one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy.

46 percent of parents spend more than $1,000 per year on their childs activities,

of parents spend more than $1,000 per year on their childs activities, 81 percent of parents believe that the amount of money they spend on their childs extracurricular activities is in direct correlation with their development, thus parents spend on childrens activities regardless of financial difficulty making it a recession proof business.

Kids are unhealthier and unhappier than ever before. As obesity, anxiety, depression, rise, parents are desperately seeking ways to build healthy habits, confidence and character in kids in a way that is fun for them.

Recess & Results provides a unique, Christ-centered option for increasing your income on your own terms. Whether working part-time, full-time, or sometimes, not only can you earn a wage that matches your worth, you will grow personally and professionally while serving God alongside a family of believers on a mission to save the world, one recess at a time.

Why did you choose to start this business?

Working in both the fitness industry, and on the corporate side of the mid-level marketing (MLM) industry, I noticed an obvious demand for kids fitness programs and side-hustle opportunities and the lack of faith-based options in both areas. As a Christian mom, I intentionally look for opportunities to grow my faith and keep my family healthy and happy. As a career woman I felt the stigma of discussing faith at work and felt the pressure to keep career as the No. 1 priority. My priorities of faith, family and fitness (in that order) didnt fit corporate America and I knew I couldnt be alone. RR was the answer for me and from my work in the MLM industry, I knew I could turn it into an opportunity for others as well. The programs Recess & Results offer sell themselves, making it easy for our partners to be successful.

How was your experience in the elevator during Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch?

The overall experience was life-changing and a turning point for me in business. Lasting relationships were built that day, and my faith in God's plan for my life through this business was strengthened. A mindset shift occurred as a result of this experience and the conversations I was blessed to have that allowed me to 4x my business growth in the month that followed.

Were you more or less nervous than you expected?

"Nervous" I can handle, and I believe a little nervousness is a good thing! However, I was definitely more emotional than expected!

Any surprises?

The timer counting down in my face surprised me. I practiced my pitch for time, but never staring at a countdown. But more than that, the genuineness of everyone on the crew and from the executive at Entrepreneur surprised me in the most amazing way. The authentic desire to help us be successful beyond just the filming of the show (and even after I didnt get off the elevator) was unexpected but immensely appreciated.

If you could do it over again, what would you change?

I have zero regrets! I wouldnt change this experience because I needed everything to happen as it did to teach me the valuable lessons I learned. That said, if I were to come back to the show for a second time, I would restructure my pitch to paint a better picture of the industry landscape and trajectory, and talk more about the proprietary resources we offer our owners to ensure their success with their new Recess & Results business. I would also practice my pitch with distractions all around me to enhance focus.

What did you learn from this experience that you will bring to your next pitch meeting?

Where do I start? I learned mental resilience, business strategy, gained focus and clarity in what a good pitch is made up of, and was also reminded that there is a purpose for every step in the journey. I did not walk away with a deal from the investors, but the personal, professional, and spiritual development was worth far more. God showed up so many times through this process and His presence was undeniable. I can walk into the next pitch meeting knowing that when I come prepared and do my best for God, He is there with me doing the rest, and I trust the outcome is in His hands.

Related:

How to Start a Home Food Pop-up

Here's How I Started the Business That Appeared on 'Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch'



Copyright 2020 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
A Sligo based photographer has spoken about his concern for his son who is amongst hundreds of firefighters tackling bush fires in Australia.

Peter Wilcox, a native of Morecambe but who has lived in Sligo for many years, says his son, Nathan has described conditions, "like walking into an orange hell".

Nathan is currently living in Perth, the capital of Western Australia, but has been sent to New South Wales in an effort to combat the bush fires which ravaging the south-eastern state since last Septmber.

On his first day tackling the bush fires, the 51-year-old father of three worked a 17-hour day, followed by a 16-hour day and a 13-hour day.

"All of this is in like 45 degrees of heat, so it's ferocious." said Peter Wilcock. With smoky conditions surrounding the affected areas, visibility for those fighting the fires is very low making it even more dangerous.

"You never know if you drive around the corner if there's a fire going to be there because they can't see. It's not like in the clear blue skies when you can see that there's a fire over there It's quite scary." said Mr Wilcock.

Recent rain spells have provided some relief for firefighters and volunteers alike.

"Luckily that's given them a chance to do what they call containment. They cut back trees and cut down stuff, so the fire doesn't get a chance to spread," said Mr Wilcock.

"They try and make a bit of a break."

Although Mr Wilcock's son is based in Perth, which is about five hours away from where the bush fires are, he was sent to New South Wales as the firefighters in the region were exhausted from the conditions they were working in.

"His lads were sent across to try and help out." he said. For any parent, having your child working in such dangerous conditions can be difficult.

"It's his job and he's been doing it for a good many years, but I obviously still worry," said Mr Wilcock.

"I mean two firefighters have been killed, it's dangerous work and you see the scenario they are working under, and our natural inclination is to go 'oh my god', but to them it's work, it's a job.

"They know what they're doing, you just hope that they don't get caught out in some unexpected circumstances that change."

For those living in Perth, they escaped the worst of the fires, but for Mr Wilcock, he has been in the area when there have been bad fires in previous years.

"Perth has seemed to escape it, there's been a couple around and about, but nothing on the scale that they've got over on the other side.

"But you always live with it here in Australia, conditions are dry and then the slightest sparks start it off," said Mr Wilcock who is currently in Austrialia on holiday, visiting his son and another daughter and their families.
So who should the Democrats nominate for president? Its complicated.

Part of the problem is that there is a sort of depression among Democrats. Too many people are saying that Donald Trump will win another term. The more they say that, the more likely it is to become a self-fulfilling prophesy. No one in the current crop of Democratic hopefuls seems to be emerging as the Energizer Bunny.

Bernie Sanders, who I have interviewed many, many times, is now looking like the leader. I would suggest thats because if the Democratic voters believe that they are going lose, they may as well lose with someone they love, even if he is a socialist who is a middle-of-the-night dream for Donald Trump. So if Bernie cant win and if the up-to-now leader Joe Biden is fading, how can the Democrats win and kick Trump out of the White House?

There are two candidates who I think could win. Unfortunately, both of them waited too long to get into the race. Both are moderates who could get the purple or independent votes that are needed to win. Mike Bloomberg has the money, the energy and the expertise. As I write this, he has 1 percent in the polls. His problem is that he has switched parties. He was a Republican and is therefore distrusted (at best) by the Democratic voters. He has the money that it would take to win but the Democratic voters arent crazy about the fact that he is a billionaire. It seems obvious to me that he could win the general election and throw Trump out, making him the ideal candidate. He is surrounded by the best experts that money can buy. He is spending multiple millions on excellent ads. I would vote for Bloomberg in a New York minute if he ends up being the nominee, but it just doesnt look like that is going to happen.

So just what would I do if I were Mike? I guess I would throw caution to the wind and do the one thing that politicians have done forever when they are in a tight spot. If the current crop of excellent ads isnt working, he should apologize in new ones. I would say that its time for an ad and maybe a major address that has him apologizing for anything that he has done in the past that has alienated potential voters. Maybe he shouldnt have bought that third term as New York City mayor. His Republican period was a mistake. Maybe his tough criminal justice stance that seemed to be focused on minorities seemed like the right thing at the time, but it isnt now.

The second candidate who misplayed his cards is Deval Patrick, a man who I really admire. He was an excellent and popular governor of Massachusetts. He is extraordinarily well spoken. He is as honest as the day is long. He is also of color and a friend of Barack Obama. His only chance to break out is if Obama was to endorse him and it doesnt look like that is going to happen. One of the reasons why Obama won was partially because the alienated black vote came out and voted for him. If that coalition was recreated, it could bring a lot of non-voters back into the mix, just the way it did with Obama.

I like a lot of politicians, but the truth is that I love Deval Patrick. I love his allegiance to his wife, for whom he has always been there through thick and thin. I love how he ran Massachusetts and hed make a first-rate president. He just waited too long to get in to the race. People dont know him the way I do, and thats too bad.

Sunday Freeman columnist Alan Chartock is a professor emeritus at the State University of New York, publisher of the Legislative Gazette and CEO of the WAMC Northeast Public Radio Network. Readers can email him at alan@wamc.org.
Like many things that are great in theory, gang databases are awful in practice. The criteria for being "nominated" is vague and the people doing the nominating -- police officers -- arent detail-oriented or too worried about tossing innocent people into the virtual clink.

In Chicago, this has led to 15,000 people being (permanently!) listed in the PDs gang database despite there being no gang affiliation named and no reason given for the persons addition to the database. In Boston, wearing certain clothing items (like Nike shoes) or being assaulted by a gang member is enough to get a person added to the PDs gang database.

The databases are so ridiculously inclusive cops have found themselves listed as gang members. One cop became a "gang member" simply because his family car was spotted on the same street as two motorcyclists wearing supposed gang t-shirts.

Given this history of lousy gang databases run by people who display an almost-sociopathic desire to punish innocent people, it comes as no surprise the database the LAPD uses sucks just as hard.

More than a dozen Los Angeles police officers with the elite Metro Division are being investigated on suspicion of falsifying information they gathered during stops and wrongly portraying people as gang members or associates, according to multiple sources. The officers, assigned to special patrols in South Los Angeles, are suspected of falsifying field interview cards during stops and inputting incorrect information about those questioned in an effort to boost stop statistics.

Just a little standard police misconduct with bonus lifetime repercussions for those falsely added to CalGang, the LAPDs gang database.

In these cases, body camera recordings undercut police reports and narratives, resulting in the removal of "some" officers from active duty. This is good news because it means someones looking at recordings for something other than footage that might assist prosecutors.

The bad news is everything else. Cops dont do this sort of thing unless they feel comfortable doing it. The snowball effect of lax oversight and toothless discipline long ago reached terminal velocity. Cops falsifying reports and padding stop stats even though they know their actions are being recorded makes it clear the LAPDs accountability efforts have had almost no deterrent effect.

Then theres the database innocent people are being fed into. There are currently 90,000 people in the LAPDs gang database. The database did not implement removal procedures until 2017, 20 years after its debut. The LAPD, which shares this database with seven other law enforcement agencies, did not remove a single person in 2018.

The LAPD handles its nomination process just as cavalierly as the departments in Chicago and Boston. Cops added Larry Sanders, a gang interventionist, to CalGang after hassling him and few other people in a park, demanding they lift their shirts and show officers their tattoos. (The officers claimed they were answering a call about public drinking, but the people drinking in public were never approached by the officers.) Sanders, who has lived in the area his entire life, has never been arrested or a member of a gang.

Another man, Brian Allen, was added to the database just because he lives in an area where gang activity is prevalent. Allen was told he was added for "associating with gang members," which is vague enough to encompass simply making small talk with anyone in his neighborhood.

This latest news is more of the same: people being added to the gang database because theyre minorities and because cops can nominate anyone they want to without really having to worry about being held responsible for their actions.

Meanwhile, the "removal from active duty" suggests suspension or desk work, rather than termination, which makes this statement by LAPD Chief Michel Moore especially ridiculous:

An officers integrity must be absolute. There is no place in the Department for any individual who would purposely falsify information on a Department report, Moore said in a statement.

Great, but these officers are still "in the Department." Maybe that will change once the investigations have concluded, but termination seems unlikely. There will be a place in the LAPD for these officers once the news cycle ends and their union has applied pressure. And, if the LAPD can actually get rid of them, theyll just end up violating citizens rights at some other law enforcement agency.
Click here to read the full article.

Fancy a private lunch on the Great Wall of China? Or a private picnic in Gagliano del Capo, Italy? How about a childrens birthday surprise with balloons upon check-in at the Hotel de Crillon in Paris? Or last-minute access to a fashion show in London?

These are just a few of the services and one-of-a-kind and off-the-map experiences that Ask Laura offers its member clients. (The company did not disclose the cost of membership.)

More from WWD

Founded in 2018 by Laura Szleper, Ask Laura creates tailor-made experiences for members that are highly personalized and proactive. Here, Szleper shares insights about the business and how it differentiates itself in the market.

WWD: What was the impetus behind launching Ask Laura?

Laura Szleper: The main reason was the fact that I could clearly see a lack of proactivity and personalization in the luxury concierge and travel market. Thats why I have decided to create exactly that as a service. I started building everything backward by first building up a network of people within the luxury travel and hotel industry, the ideas and the experiences. That way, at Ask Laura we already have answers and solutions for questions and problems that do not exist.

We do not consider ourselves as a concierge service, we consider Ask Laura to be a private members club that focuses on unique experiences.

WWD: What do you offer clients?

L.S.: The main idea behind what we offer our clients, is luxury travel, but it is so much more than that. What defines Ask Laura, is a genuine passion for immersive travel experiences. At Ask Laura, we all live to explore and see the world  many of our members have experienced access-all-areas, ultra-luxury lifestyles yet find themselves lacking in truly memorable experiences.

Story continues

We want to show them the most unique local experiences wherever they go. But on the other hand, Ask Lauras services stretch far beyond travel. I get to know every person in a members inner-circle, from their wife or husband to their PA. Many of our members entrust me and the team to deliver in the most precious areas of their lives, such as finding the perfect gift for their child.

Members can also expect to have their boundaries pushed. I really believe it is important for their own personal growth to try new things, so I am not afraid of challenging them.

WWD: How has your own experience informed your business model?

L.S.: I started at Quintessentially [the members-only concierge service] and was part of the sales team. The team was very small and I was able to learn from all the different parts of the business. I grew into a very senior position and traveled all around the world to understand the service.

I also created a role within the company that didnt exist and improved whatever I thought could be improved. It was an amazing position and experience but at the end of the day, I really felt that there was a lack in the market for an actual proactive and personalized service. That is why Ask Lauras business model is focused on exactly that.

WWD: How would you describe your clients? What are they looking for with your services? What are their expectations?

L.S.: Our members are mainly from Western Europe. That is because myself and the team are all from Europe, and in order to get to our level of personalization and proactivity, we must know the culture. The further away you go, the more different the culture is. Additionally, they want to have the opportunity to have access to a lifestyle that is fueled by their desires and passions.

Members have seen everything and get invited to everything. We love to constantly surprise them by finding that little thing they havent thought of.

WWD: Are their generational differences between the demands of clients? Meaning, do Millennials seek out different experiences than other generational cohorts? Why?

L.S.: The average age of our members is 45 to 60. Even though thats the age, the demand is dependent on many other factors. Every member has a unique independent profile being a correlation of education, lifestyle, job, family, location, time of year, etc.

The reason they choose us instead of a classic concierge is the fact that we consider their profiles and explore their wishes and lifestyle needs and thanks to that we can adapt the service perfectly to their lifestyle. We are the ones creating opportunities, and demand based on everything we know about them.

Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 03:12:58|Editor: zyl

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U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (R) shakes hands with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi during their meeting in Washington D.C., the United States, on Jan. 17, 2020. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi here on Friday, discussing Afghanistan and bilateral ties, according to a statement released by the U.S. State Department. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi here on Friday, discussing Afghanistan and bilateral ties, according to a statement released by the U.S. State Department.

The two sides talked about a range of issues, including Iran, U.S.-Pakistan cooperation on the Afghan peace process and building bilateral economic ties, the statement said.

Qureshi embarked on a three-day visit to the United States on Wednesday for talks on the tension in the Middle East that poses danger to regional security.

The visit also came as the Taliban and U.S. negotiators were reportedly finalizing a peace deal that could end the over 18-year war.


Earlier this month, Instagram influencer and model Kaylen Ward  aka "The Naked Philanthropist"  went viral after reportedly raising over $1 million for wildfire relief efforts in Australia. And now, she's doing it again for Puerto Rico.

As you likely heard, Puerto Rico has been in a state of emergency following a recent series of devastating earthquakes that have displaced thousands of people and left many more without power and water.

Related | 10 Social Media Personalities Making the Most Noise

So in response, Ward took to her Twitter to announce a second fundraiser for the island.

Similarly to her highly publicized Australia campaign, anyone who can post proof that they donated $10 or more to a Puerto Rican earthquake aid organization will be sent a nude. Not only that, but Ward said that she will also be donating 30 percent of her OnlyFans profits to a few Puerto Rican charities, per Business Insider.

See her posts about the fundraiser, below.

Im sending nudes to every person who donates atleast $10 to any one of these fundraisers for the earthquakes in Puerto Rico. You must post your donation confirmation in the comments below. Lets help save Puerto Rico. #PuertoRicoEarthquake pic.twitter.com/YdOPI3KBtw  THE NAKED PHILANTHROPIST (@lilearthangelk) January 15, 2020

Its easier for me to keep up with who donated if you post screenshots below! My DMs are closed but I will send the pic to your DM once you donate. Retweet to spread awareness  THE NAKED PHILANTHROPIST (@lilearthangelk) January 15, 2020
New Delhi, Jan 18 : The Ministry of Defence lands in controversy after Congress alleged that Adani Defence and state-owned Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL) joint venture is being favoured through tweaking procurement guidelines to participate in a Rs 45,000 crore submarine project -- referred to as project 75-I.

In another development, the Defence Acquisitions Council meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh slated for Friday had been deferred till January 21, sources said.

The Adani Defence and HSL joint venture matter, and it not qualifying for the contract bib are likely to be taken during the meet.

The Congress has alleged that through making changes in the procurement rules Adani Defence, with zero experience in submarine manufacturing along with Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), is being allowed to participate in the Rs 45,000 crore submarine project.

The bid is for a contract under which an Indian shipyard will be chosen to manufacture six conventional submarines in collaboration with foreign partners.

The Congress has asked the government whether it is trying "to favour the Adani Defence JV" in the Rs 45,000-crore submarine project "in violation of the defence procurement procedures" and "by overruling" the Navy's high-powered committee which "found the firm ineligible" for the deal.

In presser in Delhi, Congress' Randeep Surjewala said (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) Modi government and the PMO (Prime Minister Office) overruled suggestions made by the empowered committee, constituted by the Indian Navy, although the deal had not been finalised yet.

He said that an empowered committee of the Indian Navy headed by Navy's Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition rejected Adani's bid to manufacture submarines because his company was not found to be eligible.

However, by overruling the decision made by the empowered committee, the Modi government allowed Adani Defence JV to take part in the project, he said.

Adani's company sought to manufacture submarines based on a clause wherein its experience of setting up and running a power plant is counted, which is in the complete violation of the procedure, the Congress leader had alleged.

"Empowered Committee of the Indian Navy shortlisted two entities which are government-owned Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and Larsen and Toubro, but PMO directed consideration of Adani JV," he had alleged.

The Navy panel had shortlisted two entities that would qualify to bid for the project both of which have considerable experience in shipbuilding.

The third bid which was made by Adani Defence and HSL jointly was cleared on the grounds that administrative permissions are not in place for the joint venture.

Following this, the Department of Defence Production had asked the Indian navy to consider Adani-HSL. However, the department also stated that the proposal for the formation of a joint venture by HSL with Adani was still under consideration by the ministry.

Also last year in September, the Adani Group's bid for the submarine project was a last minute one. Adani Group currently does not own an active shipyard. HSL, which has experience in submarine repairs and overhauls, has also put in a standalone bid.
Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad has slammed the central government over 36 union minister's visit to Jammu and Kashmir saying that it is an attempt by the government of India to mislead the people of the country.

"It is an attempt made by the Government of India to mislead the people of the country and the world. It is not that the people elsewhere should be satisfied but the people of Jammu and Kashmir should be satisfied," he said.

"So far as Jammu and Kashmir concerned things have remained unchanged and things are going from bad to worst. There is no power, no electricity, no development work going on everything is at standstill. Business is zero and almost 40 per cent of industries are closed," he alleged.

Under the public outreach programme, the Union Ministers are slated to visit different districts to disseminate information about importance of the Centre's policies for the overall development of the Union Territory and its people and the steps taken by the government particularly after abrogation of Article 370.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Operator: Good afternoon, and thank you for standing by, as a reminder, todays conference is being recorded, if you have any objections, you can disconnect at this time. Your lines are in a listen only mode until the question and answer session of todays conference. At that time, you may press star followed by the number one to ask a question. Please unmute your phones and state your name when prompted. It is now my pleasure to turn the conference over to Benjamin Haynes. Thank you, you may go ahead.

Ben Haynes: Thank you, Michelle, and thank you all for joining us for todays telebriefing regarding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus and the proactive action the CDC is taking. Were joined today by Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of CDCs National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, and Dr. Marty Cetron, director of CDCs Division of Global Migration and Quarantine. Drs. Messonnier and Cetron will provide opening remarks before taking your questions. I would now like to turn the call over to Dr. Messonnier.

Nancy Messonnier: Great. Good afternoon and thank you for the opportunity to provide you with an update regarding the outbreak of pneumonia in Wuhan City, China, which has been identified as being caused by a novel coronavirus. This is a serious situation. We have faced this challenge before first with SARS and later with MERS. Both outbreaks were complex and required a comprehensive public health response. Because of that experience, we know its crucial to be proactive and prepared. Frist, outbreaks of new diseases among people are always a public health concern. Second, while the discovery of a new virus can be exciting, we are still learning about it. This means our recommendations will continue to evolve as we learn more about the virus. Since the outbreaks of MERS and SARS, we have made improved in our capacity in the United States and around the world. Were now better poised to respond to this new threat quickly and collaboratively. Based on the information that CDC has today, we believe the current risk from this virus to the general public is low. For a family sitting around the dinner table tonight this is not something that they generally need to worry about.

Now I would like to provide you with the most current information we have. Please know that we are still early in this response and the situation is still evolving hour by hour and day by day. On December 30th, China reported an outbreak of respiratory disease in Wuhan City, its a major transportation hub about 700 miles south of Beijing with the population of more than 11 million people. An investigation led by local officials identified a new coronavirus as the cause of the outbreak. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people, and others that circulate among animal, including camels, cats, and bats. Rarely animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people. This was the case with MERS and SARS. There have been a lot of developments in this outbreak over the last few days, and I want to share what we know based on the latest public health reports. Regarding the source, most of the patients in the outbreak have reportedly had some link to a large seafood and live animal market which does suggest animal to human spread. The market was closed early this month for disinfection and cleaning. In terms of severity, China has reported 45 cases to date. The most recent four cases were just reported within the past hour or two. And there have been two deaths. Those patients who died were older adults. And one of the two patients had known serious underlying medical conditions. Some patients have been described as being seriously ill, while others have recovered and been discharged from the hospital. As relates to the spread of the virus, were still learning more. While most of these infections seem to be happening from animals to people, there is some indication that limited person-to-person spread is happening, including outside of Asia. Just this week, three cases outside of China have been identified, two in Thailand, one in Japan, all in travelers from Wuhan.

Now Id like to talk a little bit about what CDC has been doing. Last week we established an incident management structure to coordinate our response. Were monitoring the international situation with our teams on the ground in China, Thailand, and Japan as well as working closely with colleagues at the World Health Organization. We have been updating the CDC web site daily to include new information and I would direct you there for the latest case counts and updated information in terms of our response. We issued a level one travel notice first, which reminds travelers to practice usual cautions for Wuhan City, China, that was earlier this month and weve continued to update it based on new information. We sent out a health advisory via the Health Alert Network updating health care workers and public health partners on this outbreak and will be sending out additional guidance either later today or tomorrow. Our laboratory is using genetic sequences provided by the Chinese and already has the ability to identify this pathogen were it to occur in the United States. Were working on a specific diagnostic test to detect this virus and well be distributing this test to state health departments. Im going to stop there and hand over the briefing to my colleague, Dr. Marty Cetron, the Director of the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine. Hell talk to you about the precautions were taking at airports to identify possible novel coronavirus cases. Marty.

Marty Cetron: Thank you, Nancy. To further protect the health of the American public during the emergence of this new coronavirus, beginning today CDC will be screening passengers on direct and connecting flights from Wuhan. This will begin tonight at New York, JFK airport, the first of the three main airports and one of the two that receive direct arriving flights from Wuhan.

While a remarkable amount has been learned since the first detection of this virus last month, its still early and much remains unknown as Dr. Messonnier pointed out. The investigation into this novel coronavirus is ongoing and dynamic, and CDC is actively engaged on the many fronts that Dr. Messonnier outlined. We are preparing across the public health and health care system to prevent, detect, and respond to this novel coronavirus. The earlier we detect a case, the better we can protect the public and the more we can understand about this virus, and its risk for spread. CDC will implement public health entry screening at San Francisco airport, New York JFK and LAX airport. These airports receive the vast majority of travelers from Wuhan. As I mentioned, JFK and also San Francisco are the only two airports in the United States with direct flights from Wuhan. LAX was included because of the equivalent large volume of passengers coming from indirect flights.

Entry screening is only one part of a layered approach that includes alerting the nations public health system and health care delivery systems. When used with other public health measures already in place for rapid detection of ill arriving travelers, we can slow and reduce the spread of disease into the United States. It is early in this outbreak. The virus is novel, and while we have experience with SARS and MERS, humility is important. There is much work to be done as the outbreak investigation unfolds and is very dynamic as you heard. As we learn more about this newly emerging virus, CDC will adjust its screening and response procedures appropriately. Thank you.

Ben Haynes: Thank you, doctor and doctor, Michelle, we are ready to open up for questions.

Operator: Thank you, sir. At this time, if you would like to ask a question or if you do have any comments, you may press star one. Please unmute your phones and state your name when prompted. Again, that is star one for any questions. One moment, please. Andrew Joseph from STAT, you may go ahead, sir.

Andrew Joseph: Hi, thanks very much. With three exported cases identified already but only 45 identified in Wuhan, are you working under the assumption that the outbreak is actually bigger than that in Wuhan, that you think there might be more unidentified cases so far?

Nancy Messonnier: Yes, this is Dr. Messonnier, and I would say that this is the stage of the investigation we need to proceed cautiously and be prepared to respond quickly to any eventuality. So of course were generally concerned that there might be more cases, but we need to wait until our colleagues in China complete their investigation. That said, that is one of the reasons were standing up screening in the United States to make sure that we have the means to detect a case early here so that we can detect it early and learn more about it.

Andrew Joseph: Thank you.

Operator: Thank you, our next question comes from Mike Stobbe with the Associated Press, you may go ahead.

Mike Stobbe: Thank you for taking my call. Just a couple. I wanted to make sure to clarify, CDC is trying to develop the diagnostic test to determine the virus, but when you all will be screening people, youll be looking at symptoms. You wont be able to actually test for the virus, is that correct? And I also wanted to ask, just want to make sure I have the most current information. Theres not screening planned at the Wuhan airport or in China or underway right now. Its screening on the receiving end, not before they get on the plane? Thank you.

Nancy Messonnier: I think well trade off on those questions. The diagnostic one is mine. We actually do have laboratory diagnostics here at CDC that are stood up. The first diagnostic that wed be relying on is based on sequence. My compliments to our colleagues in China. They identified this pathogen very quickly and quickly put that sequence up where its publicly available to all the scientists around the world. That is how our colleagues in Japan and Thailand identified cases. They compared the sequences that they found in their patients to the sequence that the Chinese collaborators posted. So we at CDC also have the ability to do that today, but we are working on a more specific diagnostic. We expect to have that imminently, and samples from patients who are appropriately identified with screening both at the airports or elsewhere in the United States, CDC stands ready to actually do laboratory diagnostics tests to identify whether they do have novel coronavirus. Marty.

Marty Cetron: Yeah, so Mike, your question about what, I think you were asking whether were going to be doing any diagnostics at the airport, and the answer to that is no. We will do symptom-based screening in persons that have the epi link to Wuhan, and we will take a temperature, and then we will triage for evaluation those patients of concern where they will be referred to a facility that can do a regular diagnostic work up and collect the specimens that Nancy was referring to in terms of sending to CDC for reference testing for coronavirus. So thats the basic sequence. Regarding exit screening in Wuhan, to the best of our knowledge, it is not ongoing at this time although there have been many people who have pointed out that the efficiency of exit screening obviously on a global perspective is an important step that compliments entry screening activities. So, one is hopeful that that will move but as you can imagine, Wuhan is a dealing with a lot of issues at the present and will continue to, you know, apply the requests through formal channels that exit screening also be added to the compliment of the tool box.

Ben Haynes: Next question, please.

Operator: Thank you, Denise Grady from the New York Times, you may go ahead.

Denise Grady: Hi, thank you very much. I just want to specify a little more, what exactly does screening involve. Is there also any kind of question, are you looking only at temperature, are you looking at coughing, how do you tell apart somebody whos coughing and has got a runny nose to someone who might be of concern, and once you do decide a person is of concern, where exactly are they going to be taken? And what about people traveling with them? What kind of plans are in place to deal with this if somebody is thought to be a possible case?

Marty Cetron: Thanks for that question. Excellent question. We will be capturing the information of the person who comes, in addition we will be asking questions about symptoms, and we will be taking a temperature check. And those that have symptoms that are compatible and a fever will be moved to what we call a tertiary screening by our quarantine medical officers for further investigation regarding exposures and contact and family issues. But all members of the family will go through the same screening. The sick individual will be triaged to evaluation in preidentified designated facilities and we have been working with our public health partners and our clinical partners as well as the transport services and we have been through this type of protocol before in 2014 and 2016, during the Ebola entry screening which lasted many months, over a year. And those individuals will be transported safely, without exposing others, and evaluated under CDC guidance for infection control precautions and recommendations. And thats the basic sequence. The ability to make the  refine the diagnosis and your point is well taken, were in the middle of respiratory virus season. It will be far more likely that these symptoms will be caused by the common circulating winter viruses, including influenza, parainfluenza, RSV, and many others than it will be this novel virus. While we have been in contact with some of our partners that are screening in other countries, it is our understanding that they have screened thousands before they found these one and two individual cases. So, we are expecting that, you know, this is going to be a triage scenario, and there is the capability in these referral centers for doing rapid diagnostics for the other causes of respiratory illness. So, thank you for your question.

Denise Grady: Thank you. Are you able to tell us where the facilities are, where people are going to be taken in these cities, New York, San Francisco, LA?

Marty Cetron: We generally  we generally dont, you know, pre-identify publicly those institutions> But needless to say theres extensive preparedness network that has gone on for a very long time to identify the facilities that have the appropriate precautions and capability to deal with patients like this. And I have been just updated that perhaps as of today or this morning, Wuhan may be beginning exit screening. Well confirm that, but some of the media reports are indicating that.

Ben Haynes: Next question, please.

Operator: Thank you. Leana Sun from the Washington Post, you may go ahead.

Lean Sun: Yes, hi. I have a couple of questions. Thank you. Dr. Messonnier, do we know more about whether people are in the limited human-to-human transmission, if they can only spread when theyre symptomatic, and also Dr. Marty Cetron, could you please give us a sense of the volume of flights coming directly or connecting from Wuhan to these airports? I believe the top 20 airports from Wuhan are all in Asia, but of course, from Bangkok, Hong Kong, Taipei, a ton of them come here. Where do the US arriving flights sort of fit in that volume space?

Nancy Messonnier: Okay. That was only two questions.

Lean Sun: I have a follow up, but Im holding it.

Nancy Messonnier: The answer to the first question is we dont know. MERS and SARS, which are similar to this novel coronavirus, we know from investigation of those two viruses that they are more likely to spread when somebody is more contagious and that asymptomatic people can spread, but at a much lower rate. So, it certainly is reasonable to ask the same question of this coronavirus, but it really would be premature to conclude that because we frankly dont have enough information yet and thats why we are taking this cautious approach.

Lean Sun: Okay. Again, just ask a quick follow up to that related question, you know, the Chinese have been giving out some information but they havent given any kind of time line when people were symptomatic, how long they were sick for, any of that detail. Have you guys pressed them for that, or do you already have that information?

Nancy Messonnier: We dont have all the information at the level of detail that our scientists would prefer. You know CDC scientists and we want to see every tidbit of data ourselves and thats not the situation were in right now. We are in more of a waiting mode, waiting to see what our colleagues from China are releasing. It is a fast-moving situation, again, as identified, you know, again within the past hour, four more cases have been reported. Things are still moving fast and information is still coming on. We generally know that the incubation period is around 2 to 14 days, and theres nothing that weve seen with this outbreak that is not consistent with that, but we really dont have the level of detail that would allow us to be really completely confident that this virus is behaving the way that we expect.

Marty Cetron: About the travel volume, just to give you some feel. So we have data, we look at data from the past year, and then we actively are getting data from each days arrivals confirming not only the capacity of a flight but how many bodies are in seats. And the annual data in general arrivals for the past year from Wuhan with itineraries originating in Wuhan and ending in the United States is over 60,000, probably ranging from 60 to 65,000 per year. Theres some asymmetry in that not all months are equal, the peak seasons in China travel to the U.S. are January and August; January being the largest. About 10% of that total usually arrives in January due to the Chinese Lunar New Year which is up coming. And we also have weekly estimates for these three airports and were expecting that the screening over the next couple of weeks could include as many as 5,000 people across the three airports [editors clarification: there are about 5,000 people per month with direct or indirect flights from Wuhan]. But it will really vary, and this is something each day that we get sort of an updated number. Whats different and unique about this is the two, the two direct flights which happen three times a week, and those are full planeloads of people that will originate. Recall that during 2014-16, there were no direct flights from West Africa to the United States, they were all indirect. So, well be screening episodically these large volume of arrivals three times a week from JFK and San Francisco in particular.

Ben Haynes: Next question, please, Michelle.

Operator: Thank you. Nurith Aizenman from NPR.

Nurith Aizenman: I have a question from each of you and also a follow up. The first question is from the test. Im trying to picture this. Someone comes in, they do have symptoms. Maybe they have something that makes you think they really should be screened. Theyre taken to this location, you know, and then the test is done, how quickly, if theyre testing for the things that are easily known, you can easily identify if its something other than this new coronavirus, how quickly would that occur realistically, are we talking an hour, like all day, overnight, just some sense of like the time line that someone might be detained. The other question is, again, on this issue of the incubation period, are we seeing, I mean, theres been dribs and drabs about when the last symptoms were  onset of symptoms were reported by these cases but it sounds like its limited to kind of early January. Are we  are you seeing, you know, is it normal to expect kind of a gap in cases and then a reemergence of new cases if there is a lot of human-to-human transmission going on? In other words, like, 14 days on basically around now, wed start to see like suddenly a new flourishing of cases?

Marty Cetron: So, let me take the issue just to clarify about where the diagnostic testing is going to go. People that come to the secondary screening and we have surge CDC staff to these ports obviously, and when they answer the questionnaire, if theres no concerns about signs or symptoms and theyre afebrile, theyre going to be given a card that they can carry with them as to what symptoms to be alert for in the ensuing 14 days, and how to safely contact and interact with the health care system for care. Those folks would be moving on, and well expect well be able to process them in moving on quite quickly without significant delays. For the folks that actually have suspicious signs and symptoms and concerns, they will have a more detailed exam and an inquiry about exposures in tertiary at the airport. Many of those folks will likely end up being referred for further evaluation. It is unlikely that they will be able to make an immediate connecting flight if they had one, and so the types of diagnostics, screening diagnostics for common viruses can be done quite quickly but its still sort of an amount of hours of turn around in that process. The specimens can then be collected at the same time if theres indications for the novel coronavirus. Currently they have to be shipped to CDC and tested here in reference labs. And the speed with which that turn around occurs will continue to improve over time as we get these laboratory processes up and running for throughput. But perhaps Dr. Messonnier can talk about what the expected time frame is in the screening process.

Nancy Messonnier: Were sort of on the verge of having a more parsimonious laboratory test, and that will improve things right now. If it was right now today it might be as much as a day but its going to get rapidly faster as we work so rapidly on our diagnostics. The second questions of sort of a, I would take it as a theoretical question about incubation periods and waves as opposed to a specific question because I mean I think what youre asking is, is it possible for there to be one wave and then a lull and then a second wave.

Nurith Aizenman: Exactly. I mean, essentially as were looking at whats happening, right, and were trying to figure out what does this tell us, and is it possible that the fact that we havent seen a whole lot of cases yet out of Wuhan, doesnt necessarily tell us much because maybe you would expect to see the next wave like around now is when you would start to expect to see the next wave if there is indeed significant human-to-human transmission?

Nancy Messonnier: Yeah, I think what I would say about that is, you know, were trying  I mean, of course were hypothesizing and like you, trying to put this story together and see if we can find an easy explanation, but at the same time, even as we speak, more information is flowing in as the Chinese investigators continue their investigations in terms of familial clustering and what exact exposure, what proportion of these cases actually were in the market and what werent. So I think its a little hard to completely feel confident that we have every bit of information and what I would generally say is I think that this is a situation where were going to see additional cases all around the world as folks look for it more. Respiratory illnesses in general have a spectrum of illness, and generally we tend to find people who are more on the severe end of illness, but as we start testing more, and as lots of countries stand up diagnostic testing, I expect that were going to see more cases, and I think its highly plausible that there will be at least a case in the United States, and thats the reason that were moving forward so quickly with this screening that Dr. Cetron is talking about.

Ben Haynes: Next question, please, Michelle we have time for two more. Sorry.

Operator: Thank you. Dan Vergano from Buzzfeed News, go ahead.

Dan Vergano: Thanks for doing this. Why a virus that starts in animals and spreads to people, and shows signs of spreading from people to people, it might be a particular concern in an outbreak like this, you know, like why the concern?

Nancy Messonnier: I think we are concerned anytime there is a new virus or a new pathogen emerging in a population that hasnt seen it before because what it means is that populations dont have existing immunity, and we dont have specific treatments or vaccines. So were always concerned about that. In this particular situation, we are especially concerned about a novel coronavirus because we have the precedent of MERS and SARS, and those were quite complicated, difficult outbreaks with many people getting ill and deaths, and so understanding that this pathogen looks, at least from a genetic perspective, like those pathogens makes us especially worried. It doesnt take much for a virus in general to go from being worrisome to being extremely worrisome because they tend to morph and mutate a lot, and so thats why in this class of viruses, we are especially worried and were taking a very cautious proactive approach.

Dan Vergano: Thank you very much.

Ben Haynes: Last question, please.

Operator: Thank you. Elizabeth Cohen from CNN, you may go ahead.

Elizabeth Cohen: Hi, thank you so much for having this teleconference, I have two nuts and bolts questions for Dr. Cetron, I want to make sure I heard two things correctly, you said over the next few weeks were expecting 5,000 passengers from Wuhan, and two I think you said the JFK screenings start tonight at SFO, and LAX tomorrow, did I get those two things right?

Marty Cetron: Yes, so the first direct flight from Wuhan scheduled arrival is around 10:00 p.m. Tonight at JFK, and that will be the first fully screened flight. The  we will serially roll those out. The next direct flight arrives at San Francisco I believe around 11:00 a.m. tomorrow morning, and some of the indirect flights will be screened in LAX also beginning tomorrow morning. So, we have surged as I indicated, you know, over a hundred CDC staff to these three airports and rough numbers I gave you around travel was across all three. In terms of that, well actually see realistically how many bodies are in the seats, this is projections based on some carrying capacity. And then I believe it was either you or somebody else that asked about where does the U.S. sort of fit in that total scheme. The  there was a report out that modeled that based on, I think it was 2018 data, the top destination countries, Thailand, Japan, and Malaysia. These may have evolved a little bit in 2019, and they may be influenced a little bit on a monthly or seasonal basis as to what those orders are, but in general, the U.S. is, you know, not in that top tier as somebody indicated. Most of these  most of this travel is in southeast Asia, and so the experience of screening that is going on in many southeast Asian countries right now will also be very ill illuminative, both about early detection of cases and the proportion of cases that trigger the screening, you know, as positive screening that actually get confirmed with the novel coronavirus will also help us a lot to find a little bit the scope and the magnitude of exportation.

Nancy Messonnier: Well, thank you for joining us today. In closing, I do want to remind you that were still in the early days of this investigation. Things continue to evolve. Were monitoring the situation closely. Were working to keep you informed every step of the way. I also want to take a moment to thank the many partners with whom we are completely dependent and collaborating on this response. The we here is not CDC in isolation, but clearly our state, local, territorial partners, CBP, FAA, the airlines. Our ability to stand up this kind of response and our ability to intervene this quickly is entirely dependent on those collaborations as well as the many international collaborations in countries in which were working. The risk of these outbreaks depends on the characteristics of the virus, including if and how well it spreads between people, the severity of resulting illness, and the medical or other measures available to control the impact of the virus such as antiviral treatments or vaccines. The situation could indeed change quickly. Therefore, we are taking a cautious approach to this outbreak and were preparing ourselves to respond quickly to any new developments, thank you again.

Ben Haynes: Thank you Dr. Messonnier and Dr. Cetron. And thank you all for joining us for todays briefing. Please visit the 2019 novel coronavirus web page found at the bottom of the press release for continued updates. If you have further questions, please call the CDC media office at 404-639-3286 or e-mail media @CDC.gov.

Operator: Thank you, this concludes todays conference call. You may go ahead and disconnect at this time.
Jetstar have launched a huge weekend fare frenzy slashing hundreds of dollars off flights to top domestic and international holiday destinations.

Savvy travellers can jet off from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam for as little as $471 return, or can opt to enjoy Fiji's Coral Coast with flights to Nadi available for $484 return.

International holidaymakers can also snap up a bargain if they head to Bali from Darwin where tickets are going for just $219 return.

Savvy travellers can jet off from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam for as little as $471 return, or can opt to enjoy Fiji's Coral Coast with flights to Nadi available for $484 return. Pictured: Buu Long Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City

Jetstar have launched a huge weekend fare frenzy slashing hundreds of dollars off flights to top domestic and international holiday destinations

A trip across the Tasman to New Zealand's Christchurch can cost $135 one-way when venturing from Melbourne and $145 one-way when escaping the Gold Coast.

The fare frenzy has also slashed the prices of domestic fares, allowing Australians to enjoy a short getaway at home.

Sydneysiders can spend as little as $29 on a one-way ticket to Melbourne, or $65 on a one-way journey to Adelaide.

There are also discounted flights to Australia's luxurious holiday destinations and tourist sites, including the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island and Uluru.

Melbournians can also visit Byron Bay for as little as $39 one-way and Cairns from $79 one-way.

The bargains take off as soon as February, with some discounted destinations available through to April.

The Weekend Fare Frenzy ends on Monday, 11.59pm AEDT, unless sold out prior.
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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Berlin, Germany  Sat, January 18, 2020 08:08 724 48be62e941b44f04afae568c3229917a 2 Art & Culture Germany,Holocaust,Auschwitz,Museum,nazi Free

A vast website documenting the forgotten "sub-camps" of the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz was launched on Thursday by an association of private researchers in Berlin on Thursday.

The project, entitled "Re-Finding the Sub Camps of Auschwitz" is "like a book of 3,000 pages," said Cameron Munro, the Scottish founder of the "Tiergartenstrasse 4 Association", at a press conference.

The site pulls together more than a decade of research on some 45 sub-camps or "kommandos" located on the periphery of the most notorious site of the Nazi Holocaust.

Based on first-hand accounts and research in the archives of the Auschwitz-Birkenau museum and others, the site contains more than 3,500 photos, documents and maps.

It tells the story of each sub-camp, including lists of the survivors and SS guards and information about their personal stories.

The site also lists the industrial organizations implicated in exploiting prisoners at the camps.

The most infamous of the sub-camps is Monowitz, which was run by notorious chemical conglomerate IG Farben.

Others were dedicated to metallurgy, textiles agriculture and mining.

Mining in particular was considered to be a death sentence due to the brutal working conditions, Munro explained.

Read also: Eyewitness to horror: New York museum opens exhibit of art by Holocaust victims

"By 1943, the Third Reich was desperate for labor for the armaments industry, coal mines, steel works, chemical plants and other businesses to keep the war going," the website reads in its introduction to the project.

The launch of the project coincides with the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps.

More than 1.1 million people -- mostly Jews but also Roma -- were killed at Auschwitz-Birkenau, which became a symbol of the Holocaust.

Yet to date, very little research has been done on the Auschwitz sub-camps.

"The sub-camps, traces of which have more or less entirely disappeared, remain important places for the relatives of those who died there," said Christoph Heubner, vice-president of the International Auschwitz Committee.

He added that the researchers' work had "created something which had not been possible before" by "preserving the traces and honoring the memory of the victims".

The project was launched in Poland in 2003 by Polish journalist Artur Hojan, a specialist in the extermination camp at Chelmno.

After Hojan's death in 2014, the "Tiergartenstrasse 4 Association" moved to Berlin.

The association is named in reference to the address of the Holocaust Memorial in central Berlin.

Topics : Germany Holocaust Auschwitz Museum nazi
STAMFORD, Conn., Jan. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (EGLE) (Eagle Bulk or the Company), one of the worlds largest owner-operators within the Supramax / Ultramax drybulk shipping segment, today announced that it will host a conference call for investors and analysts on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at 8:00 am ET. Members of Eagle Bulks senior management team will discuss market developments that have emerged following the implementation of new Sulphur emissions regulations that came into effect on January 1, 2020 (IMO 2020).



To participate in the teleconference, investors and analysts are invited to call +1 844-282-4411 in the U.S., or +1 512-900-2336 outside of the U.S., and reference participant code 4262357. A simultaneous webcast of the call, including a slide presentation for interested investors and others, may be accessed by visiting http://www.eagleships.com .

A replay will be available following the call from 11:30 AM ET on January 22, 2020 until 11:30 AM ET on February 5, 2020. To access the replay, call +1 855-859-2056 in the U.S., or +1 404-537-3406 outside of the U.S., and reference passcode 4262357.

Eagle Bulk has committed to install exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) on over 80% of its 50-vessel fleet of Supramax/Ultramax vessels, making Eagle the largest owner of scrubber-fitted vessels in this segment globally.

About Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc.

Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Eagle or the Company) is a US-based fully integrated shipowner-operator providing global transportation solutions to a diverse group of customers including miners, producers, traders, and end users. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, with offices in Singapore and Copenhagen, Eagle focuses exclusively on the versatile mid-size drybulk vessel segment and owns one of the largest fleets of Supramax / Ultramax vessels in the world. The Company performs all management services in-house (including: strategic, commercial, operational, technical, and administrative) and employs an active management approach to fleet trading with the objective of optimizing revenue performance and maximizing earnings on a risk-managed basis. For further information, please visit our website: www.eagleships.com.For further information, please visit our website: www.eagleships.com .

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Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this release may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current expectations and observations with respect to future events and financial performance. Where the Company expresses an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. However, the Company's forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, projected, or implied by those forward-looking statements. The Company's actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including changes in the Companys financial resources and operational capabilities and as a result of certain other factors listed from time to time in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that the syndication of the Facility will be successful or that the Facility will be obtained on the terms described above or ultimately entered into. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.Company Contact:

Frank De Costanzo

Chief Financial Officer

Eagle Bulk Shipping, Inc.

Tel. +1 203-276-8100





Media Contact:

Rose & Company

Tel. +1 212-359-2228

Source: Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc.
Four South Koreans and three Nepalis are missing and about 200 people have been rescued after an avalanche hit trekkers on the Annapurna region in the Himalayas, officials said Saturday. South Korea was to send an emergency team to Nepal to help in a desperate search operation. The incident occurred at an altitude of about 3,230 metres (10,600 feet) close to Annapurna base camp following heavy snowfall on Friday. Six of the missing are from one trekking expedition while one Nepali porter is from a different group. "A search operation is underway for the seven out of contact," Mira Acharya of Nepal's tourism department told AFP. About 200 people have been rescued from the avalanche-hit zone as well as other trekking routes after the weather eased to let helicopters fly in. The four were part of an 11-member team from South Korea. Others from the team are safe. Ang Dorjee Sherpa of the Korean Alpine Federation said it had been snowing in the area since the last two days, making their trek risky. "The weather and snow got worse and, feeling it was becoming dangerous and difficult, they decided to turn. As they were heading back they were hit by an avalanche," Sherpa said. Annapurna is an avalanche-prone and technically difficult mountain with a higher death rate than Everest, the world's highest peak. Kim Sung-hwa, a South Korean trekker in Kathmandu after a trek in the Langtang region in eastern Nepal said he had to cut his trip short after abnormally heavy snow. "Winter is a dry season (in Nepal) and you don't (normally) see a lot of snow. But due to abnormal weather conditions... even here, when we went to Langtang, there was a heavy snow and rain," Kim said. "I heard the news this morning and as a trekker and a fellow (South Korean) citizen who like and love Nepal, I feel heart-stricken." Education officials in South Korea said the four South Koreans were part of a team of volunteer teachers working with children in Nepal. South Korea's foreign ministry said an emergency team would be sent to Nepal and that the families of those missing had been informed. The volunteers were from Chungcheong province. Thousands of trekkers visit the Annapurna region every year for its stunning views of the Himalayas. In 2014, a snowstorm killed about 40 people on the popular circuit, in one of the biggest trekking tragedies to hit Nepal. burs-cdl-pm/mtp
Actress Roshni Chopra wrote: "Not well? Sending hugs x" and Rakshanda Khan said, "Oyyyyyyyyye what happened girl??????" after seeing Mouni Roy's latest Instagram post.

The 'Brahmastra' actress shared two pictures from Colombo, Sri Lanka with a caption that said, "Tears, painkillers and hazelnut americano." [sic] Mouni still managed to look beautiful but also left many worried with fans sending her 'Get well soon' messages. She didn't offer any explanation for the painkillers, or the tears.

ALSO READ | Mouni Roy's picture with a dream-catcher in a sunset backdrop is super dreamy

ALSO READ | Mouni Roy is all set to ring in NYE 2020 in Dubai, see her stunning vacation pics

My lifelong dream to do dance-based film: Mouni Roy

Mouni Roy, who was last seen in "Made in China" opposite Rajkummar Rao, hopes she gets to do a dance-based film soon. The actor, known for her dancing skills, wants to star in an "Indian Broadway"-like project. "It has been my lifelong dream to do a dance-based film, especially like an Indian Broadway," she told PTI in an interview here. In Made in China Roy stars as Rukmini, the feisty wife to Rajkummar Rao's aspirational businessman Raghu, who wants to prove himself and finds the idea to sell a magic soup that would improve sex life of the common man.

ALSO READ | Mouni Roy vacation diaries: Check out best travel photos of the 'Made In China' star

Mouni Roy will be next seen in Ayan Mukerji's much-anticipated directorial Brahmastra. The movie stars Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt in the lead roles. It also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Dimple Kapadia, and Nagarjuna Akkineni in pivotal roles. Brahmastra is slated to release in mid-2020.

ALSO READ | Mouni Roy to star in Amitabh Bachchan's 'Chehre'? Here's the truth

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.
Robin Bailey is set to make a triumphant return to 97.3FM, after three years away from the station and months after the devastating death of her late husband.

On Saturday, Australian Radio Network (ARN) announced the host is 'coming home' to present the Brisbane breakfast show, reuniting with her former co-hosts Terry Hansen and Bob Gallagher.

In a statement, Robin, 50, said: 'It's a new year and a new time in my life.'

'It's a new year and a new time in my life': Robin Bailey (pictured) revealed on Saturday that she's returning to radio to host the breakfast show on 97.3FM... months after the devastating death of her husband following his cancer battle

'It's wonderful to be back at 97.3FM, it's where I'm meant to be. I've missed the connection, the conversations and our listeners,' the statement began.

She added: 'It's a new year and a new time in my life and it feels so right to bring the old band back together with Tez and Bob.'

It's been an incredibly difficult time for Robin, who up until September was working at Triple M Brisbane - but resigned to spend as much time as possible with her late husband Sean Pickwell, who was battling liver cancer.

A short time after her resignation, the 56-year-old tragically died in his wife's arms at their home in Brisbane.

She's back! Robin Bailey (centre) is set to make a triumphant return to 97.3FM, after three years away from the station. Pictured with her co-hosts Terry Hansen (left) and Bob Gallagher (right)

Heartbreak: Robin resigned from her breakfast radio post at Triple M Brisbane in September to spend as much time as possible with her late husband, Sean Pickwell (pictured together)

Devastated: A short time after her resignation, the 56-year-old died in his wife's arms at their home in Brisbane

Speaking about her return to Radio Today, Robin emotionally added: 'It's a safe place for me to reconnect with the wonderful 97.3 audiences and to slowly rebuild my life after so much heartache and grief.

'I know Sean would be so excited and proud.'

Robin had very public split with ARN back in 2016, with the host saying it was a 'complete shock' that her contract was not renewed despite consistently impressive ratings.

In a statement at the time, she said: 'The announcement today that I am leaving the 97.3FM breakfast team has come as a complete shock. I have been blindsided by ARN's decision not to renew my contract.'

'Blindsided': Robin had very public split with ARN back in 2016, with the host saying it was a 'complete shock' that her contract was not renewed despite consistently impressive ratings

'After minimal feedback during a protracted negotiation period, at no stage did ARN make me any offer for 2017. I was ambushed this morning and told of the decision to cease my employment.'

But it appears Robin has now buried the hatchet with ARN bosses, and will join her co-hosts to replace current presenters Bianca Dye and Mike Van Acker later this month.

Also returning to 97.3FM breakfast is Executive Producer, Ruth De Glas, who will lead the Robin, Terry and Bob show's producing team in 2020.

The 97.3FM's Breakfast show with Robin, Terry and Bob returns on Tuesday 28th January, following the Australia Day public holiday. The show will air each weekday from 5.30am-9am.
A POCSO court convicted two men on Saturday for raping a five-year-old girl in east Delhi seven years ago, saying the case had shaken the collective conscience of the society.

The gruesome incident at Gandhi Nagar in April 15, 2013, in which the convicts shoved objects in the victim's private parts and abandoned her in Shah's room believing she was dead, had happened four months after the Nirbhaya gang rape-and-murder case in December 2012. The child was rescued 40 hours later on April 17.

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court convicted Manoj Shah and Pradeep Kumar, and fixed January 30 for arguments on the quantum of sentence.

In an over 100-page judgement, Additional Sessions Judge Naresh Kumar Malhotra said: "In our society, minor girls are worshipped as goddess on certain occasions, but in the present case, the victim child, who was aged about five years at time of incident, had experienced exceptional depravity and extreme brutality."



"The crime against the victim was committed in a most grotesque and revolting manner and the collective conscience of the community was shaken," the court said.

It convicted the two under sections 363 (kidnapping), 342 (wrongful confinement), 201 (disappearance of evidence), 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 376 (2) (gang rape), 377 (unnatural offence) and 34 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 6 (aggravated penetrative sexual assault) of the POCSO Act.

The offences entail a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.

The father of the victim expressed satisfaction on finally getting justice for his daughter.

"Though the trial should have been completed in two years, we are happy we got justice after six years," he said, hoping for death penalty for the convicts.

"My wife is at home with my daughter.... She has almost forgotten the incident. We don't want to make her remember the gruesome incident and the trauma that she had to go through. It is best she is not told anything about the case or the judgement," he said.

While the convicts were being taken out from the courtroom, Shah attacked some of the mediapersons, hitting one of the reporters on her face.

The journalist brought the incident to the notice of the judge and also filed a complaint with the police.

It took six years, seven judges and 57 prosecution witnesses to complete the trial in the case. The process of recording statements of the accused went on from December 5, 2018, to September 25 last year, following which the prosecution and the defence counsel completed their final arguments last December.

Shah and Kumar were arrested from Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga in Bihar on April 20 and April 22, 2013, respectively.

The police had said some foreign materials -- three pieces of a candle and one hair oil bottle -- were taken out from the body of the victim, which was also proved by doctors during recording of their statements in the court.

The girl had undergone multiple surgeries at the AIIMS in Delhi.

Anger over the incident had spilled onto Delhi's streets as outraged students and women staged demonstrations at the India Gate, police headquarters and near the residences of then prime minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

Singh had said collective efforts were needed to root out such "depravity" from society.

The trial saw an interesting turn in 2014 when Kumar had moved the court claiming he was a juvenile at the time of his arrest.

The trial court took three years to decide his application of juvenility and transferred the case in April 2017 to the Juvenile Justice Board, which granted him bail in June.

Following this, the mother of the rape survivor moved the Delhi High Court against the trial court's order declaring Pradeep to be a juvenile. The high court had in 2018 declared that Pradeep was not a juvenile and sent him to trial before the sessions court.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Each week we take notice of the noteworthy, poke the pompous and have some fun. Enjoy!

Campaign financeIn a Jan. 14 story by reporter Rose Lundy, we learned that Carolyn Long, a Democrat running against U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, criticized the incumbent Monday for accepting nearly $60,000 in campaign contributions from companies that she says have fed the opioid crisis.

While those contributions to Herrera Beutler go back to 2010, they represent just over 2% of the $2.7 million raised by the congresswoman in the 2018 election cycle.

Herrera Beutler has called the criticisms absurd and hypocritical, pointing out that Longs husband has pension plans from his employment in the pharmaceutical industry.

For Long, who ran a strong campaign in 2018 and was a viable challenger for the 3rd District seat, the accusations came across as petty. It wasnt something we expected to see from a candidate who closed out the 2018 race with nearly 44% of the vote.

We have far more worthy issues that all candidates should be focused on: chiefly infrastructure, car tab fees, homelessness, healthcare and economic development, along with others.

With the 2020 election approaching, those are things voters really care about.

Community Court

Cowlitz Countys new misdemeanor-level Community Court, which is similar to the countys felony-level diversionary courts, recently celebrated its first four graduates.

The goal of the program is to steer criminal offenders out of the criminal justice system by addressing the root causes of their crimes, such as mental illness, drug abuse or poverty.

So far, about 25 individuals have begun participating in the program, which launched last March.

According to Judge Debra Burchett, who oversees the program, those graduating do so with improved self-esteem and without the black mark of a conviction on their record. Burchett also noted the program isnt a walk in the park.

Offender rehabilitation is one of the cornerstones of the criminal justice system. The goal usually isnt just to lock someone away but to find a way to help those individuals become meaningful, productive members of society.

Success with programs like the Community Court may be slow, but its worth the time and effort and benefits society just as it does the offenders. Congratulations to the graduates.

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We have thousands of readers with either Yahoo! or AOL as their email provider that have signed up for Daily News emails; from daily headlines or todays e-edition to obituaries, local news and prep sports.

For those Yahoo! and AOL users, those emails recently disappeared, prompting dozens of calls to The Daily News. The simple answer is: Check your spam folder.

On Jan. 6, Yahoo! and AOL (which are both owned by Verizon) changed something on their end that sends emails from The Daily News, along with other companies, to the spam folder.

While we work with both providers on a solution, readers will need to check their spam folder and mark any emails they want to receive as Not Spam and they should begin receiving them in their inbox again.

If you need assistance, please dont hesitate to contact our online editor, Shari Phiel, at sphiel@tdn.com or call 360-577-2510.

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Samantha Ffrench as Flora, Jenny Kehoe as Marryweather and Jane McWilliams as Fauna

New Ross Pantomime Society's fantastic production of Sleeping Beauty is continuing every night this week at St Michael's Theatre, up to and including Saturday.

The performance has had audiences laughing and gleefully shouting along from the aisles since it opened to packed houses on Saturday.

The story gets an update as Princess Aurora has been kidnapped by the evil Maleficent. Join Prince Philip, Merryweather, Flora, Fauna, King Hubert and Nanny Nintendo as their quest begins to rescue the princess. Can the heroes defeat Maleficent and her goblin army? The show is wickedly good fun with lots of memorable lines delivered with aplomb.

A fabulous cast, featuring larger-than-life characters, lots of surprises and great sense of fun has made this a show not to be missed.

Rumour has it that there are still some tickets available, but very few for the final shows on Friday and Saturday.

Tickets can now be bought in St Michael's Theatre or online at www.stmichaelsnewross.com or at the theatre.
No fewer than 31 persons died in various road accidents across the state during the Christmas and New year period, the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) in Ogun State said.

Babatunde Ajayi, Director, Traffic Planning, Research and Statistics, TRACE, made this known in a statement in Abeokuta on Saturday.

Mr Ajayi noted that the accidents which were recorded between Dec. 15, 2019 and Jan 15, 2020, involved 11 private cars, 10 private buses, 13 commercial buses, 15 commercial vehicles, six motorcycles and one tricycle.

He added that the accidents also involved 12 medium articulated vehicles, 11 heavy trucks and 13 other vehicles.

The director explained that during the period, 291 persons were involved in road traffic accidents, out of which 160 persons (96 males and 64 females) sustained various degrees of injuries.

He stated that 31 persons, consisting of 15 males and 16 females died, while 100 persons were rescued unhurt due to prompt response to 47 emergency calls received by the corps.

According to him, 41.93 per cent of the accidents were caused by excessive speed and 23.78 per cent by dangerous driving.

READ ALSO:

Mr Ajayi said that 10.99 per cent were caused by bad tyres; 3.33 per cent by driving against traffic; and 19.97 per cent by other causes.

The director said that 88 vehicles and 39 motorcycles were apprehended for 163 offences, he said.

He noted that the statistics generated was as witnessed by the corps in areas it covered.

Mr Ajayi said that the corps had resolved to reduce road accidents on all roads in the state and as well prosecute traffic offenders. (NAN)






WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate on Thursday approved a revamp of the 26-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement that includes tougher rules on labor and automotive content but leaves $1.2 trillion in annual U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade flows largely unchanged.

The legislation to implement the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement passed on an 89-10 bipartisan vote, sending the measure to President Donald Trump for him to sign into law.

The Democratic-controlled U.S. House of Representatives passed the legislation on Dec. 19 after hammering out changes to ensure better enforcement of labor rights and tighter environmental rules during months of often contentious negotiations with the Trump administration.

The Senate vote came a day after Trump signed a long-awaited Phase 1 trade deal with China, and shortly before the Senate formally began the impeachment trial of Trump on charges that he abused his power.

The U.S. S&P 500 stock index hit the 3,300 mark on Thursday for the first time, buoyed by the two trade deals, solid retail sales and upbeat Morgan Stanley earnings.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Trump's efforts to rebalance U.S. ties with its major trading partners were bearing fruit, and boosting U.S. economic growth.

"This historic agreement not only modernizes and rebalances our trade relationship with Canada and Mexico, but it promotes economic growth, creates jobs, and provides crucial certainty for farmers, workers and manufacturers," he said in a statement.

On Wednesday, Mnuchin told Fox News that interim trade deal with China and passage of USMCA would boost growth of the U.S. gross domestic product by 50 to 75 basis points.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Thursday called the deal's approval good news for the Mexican economy, and predicted it would jump start new investments.

Canada still needs to approve the deal before it can take effect and replace NAFTA. It was signed by the leaders of the United States, Mexico and Canada in September 2018.

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Trump made renegotiating NAFTA a centrepiece of his 2016 election campaign, calling it "the worst trade deal ever made" and blaming it for the loss of thousands of American factory jobs to low-wage Mexico.

He had threatened to cancel NAFTA outright unless Congress acted to approve the replacement deal, sparking uncertainty among business owners and putting a damper on new investment.

The AFL-CIO union federation, which represents some 12.5 million workers across the United States, estimates that some 851,700 U.S. jobs were lost to Mexico because of NAFTA.

The U.S. goods trade deficit with Mexico was $80.7 billion in 2018, compared with a $1.7 billion surplus in 1993, thanks in part to U.S. companies moving manufacturing operations south of the border.

But NAFTA also quadrupled trade among the United States, Canada and Mexico, sending it to $1.2 trillion a year by 2017, and knitting together supply chains across the continent.

Industry groups hailed the trade agreement and said it would provide sorely needed certainty to revive investment flows.

"This trade agreement will serve as a model for future trade agreements, and help grow the U.S. economy as a whole, especially the auto sector and its manufacturing supply chain," said Matt Blunt, president of the American Automotive Policy Council.

Canada's parliament does not return to session until Jan. 27, so the scheduling of a vote there remains unclear. But USMCA is expected to see little resistance in Canada, as Conservatives have said they would back the deal negotiated earlier by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal-dominated government.

"Today the Senate will send this landmark agreement to the president's desk. A big bipartisan win," Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said on the Senate floor.

Republican Senator Joni Ernst told Fox Business Network that she expected Trump to hold a signing ceremony next week.

The bill was opposed by eight Democrats -- including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer -- Republican Senator Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania and presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders, an Independent. Senator Jim Inhofe, a Republican from Oklahoma, did not vote.
Russia strike kill five civilians in northwest Syria: monitor



Bala, Syria, Jan 18 (AFP) Jan 18, 2020



An air strike Saturday by Syrian regime ally Russia killed five civilians, including four members of the same family, in an opposition bastion in the country's northwest, a monitor said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said three children were among those killed after midnight Friday in the village of Bala in the jihadist-run Idlib region.

"A man, his wife, and their two little girls were among those killed," said the head of the Britain-based monitoring group, Rami Abdel Rahman.

An AFP correspondent at a hospital in the area saw the bodies of two of the children wrapped up in thick winter blankets.

The strike created a massive crater of rubble near a two-storey home flanked by an empty outdoor swimming pool, the correspondent said.

A rescue worker found a stuffed toy cockerel inside the building.

Another first responder retrieved two slain rabbits.

The Observatory, which relies on sources inside Syria for its information, says it determines who carried out air strikes according to flight patterns as well as aircraft and ammunition involved.

The Idlib region has witnessed an uptick in violence this week, as the Syrian government presses a deadly offensive despite a ceasefire arranged by its Russian ally and rebel backer Turkey.

Home to three million people, the jihadist-run bastion is made up of a large part of the Idlib province, as well as slivers of the neighbouring Aleppo and Latakia provinces.

Fighting there since Wednesday has killed 28 civilians including eight children, according to the Observatory.

It also took the lives of 58 pro-regime fighters and 67 fighters most of them jihadists, it added.

Violence in recent weeks has prompted hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee their homes, exposing them to a harsh winter.

On Thursday, Russia denied launching any combat operations in the region since the start of a ceasefire it said started on January 9. According to Turkey, the truce went into effect on Sunday.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said he would discuss the latest attacks in northwestern Syria on Sunday with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Syria's war has killed more than 380,000 people and displaced more than half the country's population since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.
18.01.2020 LISTEN

A Magistrate Court in the Enchi District of the Western region has bonded a 17-year-old motor rider, Francis Dzivenu, for defiling a teenager after proposing love to her.

The accused has been ordered to sign a 2,000 Ghana cedis bond to be of good behavior for 12 months or in default serve 3 years in a correctional home.

Although Francis pleaded not guilty to the charge of defilement when he earlier appeared before the Enchi District Magistrate court, the presiding judge Eric Baah Boateng found him guilty at the end of a trial.

Mr. Boateng ordered the convict to compensate the victim with an amount of 1,000 Ghana cedis.

Narrating the facts of the case to the court, the prosecution, led by Detective Inspector Joseph Kwadwo Agyare said the victim who is a school dropout lived with her mother, a farmer at Bono Kesse near Enchi, while the convict lives at Adjeikrom near Achimfo both in the Aowin Municipality.

He said two years ago, Francis proposed love to the victim and they have since been in a relationship, with the victim usually visiting Francis anytime the complainant asks her to run errands.

The prosecution said the convict took advantage and lured the victim to his friends house at Achimfo and defiled her.

He said these acts continued without the knowledge of the complainant until the month of April 2019, the victim left home for three weeks without informing the complainant.

The Prosecution said the complainant became worried and started conducting her own investigations and later discovered that the victim was with Francis at Achimfo, and with the assistance of some residents the victim was brought home.

Mr Agyare said on that same day at about 2000 hours, the convict paid an unusual visit to the victims house with his motorbike to fetch her to Achimfo, but on seeing the complainant he abandoned his motorbike and bolted.

The Prosecution said the complainant then reported the matter to the Enchi police where a medical report form was issued for the victim to be sent to the hospital for examination.

He said on 28 August 2019, at about 1645 hours Francis was smoked from his hideout where he admitted the offense in his cautioned statement.

---Ghana News Agency
The Supreme court of Pakistan refused to hear an appeal which was moved on the behalf of the former Army Chief and President Pervez Musharraf against his conviction in the high treason case. Musharraf was sentenced to death in absentia for treason over his 2007 imposition of emergency rule in Pakistan.

Also sought right of audience

The court returned the appeal on the grounds that unless the petitioner surrenders himself, the plea cannot be entertained. Meanwhile, Musharrafs counsel is expected to soon file an appeal against the return of petition. The petition which was moved by Musharrafs barrister Salman Safdar had pleaded that the verdict should be set aside since the trial was conducted and completed in the sheer violation of the constitution. Moreover, the appeal also sought the right of the audience before the supreme court in the physical absence of the former President as well as the suspension of the judgement in the interest of justice and fair play.

Read: After Pakistan Army's Criticism, Relief For Musharraf As Lahore HC Quashes Death Sentence

Read: Manjinder Sirsa Slams Pakistan For Its Treatment Of Minorities, Explains Why CAA Is Needed

The Lahore High Court on January 13 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, a 3-judge special court, in a 2-1 majority verdict, found the ailing 76-year-old ex-Pakistan 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. Subsequently, he approached the Lahore High Court (LHC) with three petitions, challenging his conviction. He has challenged not only the conviction but also the formation of the special court that handed him the death penalty for high treason, as well as the complaint filed against him by the government of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif that resulted in the trial.

Read: Formation Of Special Court To Try Pervez Musharraf Unlawful, Legal Expert Tells Court

Read: Lahore HC Returns Musharraf's Application Against His Conviction




Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], Jan 18 (ANI): Telangana Minister for Industries and IT, KT Rama Rao inaugurated the `India-Thailand Business Matching and Networking' here on Saturday in the presence of Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Jurin Laksanawisit.



Laksanawisit is leading a Thai delegation to India comprising executives from the Ministry of Commerce. Several businessmen from over 30 Thai companies from various sectors including furniture, interior design, stationery, food, construction materials, cosmetics, bio-plastics, bio- fertilizers are also accompanying him.

During the event, Laksanawisit also inaugurated a seminar on `New Business Opportunities for rubberwood industry between India and Thailand'.

The two-day visit by Thai Deputy PM is aimed at making "Telangana state as a gateway of Thailand to India" as well as to expand new business opportunities for Thai industries. (ANI)


One-by-one, members of a congressional delegation described the squalid conditions faced by the asylum-seeking families and children they met in Matamoros, Mexico, where the U.S. has returned thousands of migrants, requiring them to wait for their U.S. immigration court hearings on the Mexican side of the border.

Through impassioned remarks in English and Spanish, the Democratic lawmakers crafted a scathing rebuke of the Trump administration's so-called "Remain in Mexico" program, questioning its legality and denouncing the precarious situation the policy has created for tens of thousands of Latin American asylum-seekers in northern Mexico.

"These are conditions that people seeking asylum and refuge in the United States should not have to endure," Texas Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro said during a press conference on Friday in Brownsville, Texas, Matamoros' neighboring city.

Congress members denounce the inhumane conditions that children and families seeking asylum must endure under the Trump administrations Remain in Mexico policy: The cruelty is the point. https://t.co/vIXqRo7ySc pic.twitter.com/DKRLztYfEy

 CBS News (@CBSNews) January 18, 2020

Under the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), as the policy is officially called, the U.S. has required more than 57,000 migrants to wait in northern Mexico for the duration of their U.S. immigration court proceedings. The program, which is being challenged in court, has led to the creation of overcrowded shelters and makeshift encampments in dangerous Mexican cities like Matamoros, located in a region the State Department warns Americans not to visit because of rampant violence and crime.

Asylum Seekers Fill Tent Camps As Part Of U.S. "Remain In Mexico" Policy

Asylum seekers wash clothes on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande at an immigrant camp on December 08, 2019, in the border town of Matamoros, Mexico. Getty Images

The congressional delegation, made up of more than a dozen lawmakers, expressed concerns about lack of medical care, drinkable water and overall security that the asylum-seekers returned to Mexico by the U.S. face in tent camps along the banks of the Rio Grande. They called for the end of the program, saying those seeking refuge at the southern border should generally be allowed to fight their deportations and argue their asylum cases inside the U.S.

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During their visit, some members of the delegation pressured U.S. border officials to allow a young migrant girl with down syndrome and a heart defect to enter the U.S. to receive medical treatment, according to California Congresswoman Nanette Barragan. The girl, the congresswoman said, had been denied entry the day before.

For Castro, the policy represents a moral stain on the nation's reputation.

"For generations, the United States has been a country that has been respected around the world as a beacon of moral clarity and moral rectitude  as a place that takes in those seeking asylum. Or at least gives them a fair chance to make their case," he said. "Unfortunately, President Trump has fundamentally changed that."

Other members of the delegation echoed Castro's remarks. Recalling an encounter with a mother from El Salvador with a sick child, Oregon Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici called what she saw in Mexico "heart-breaking."

Chicago Congressman Chuy Garcia said he and his colleagues witnessed the "horrific" consequences of the MPP program. "We see its inhumanity and vow to redouble every effort we can to end the policy and restore decency to our asylum system," he added, saying he hopes the courts block the policy.

For months, the Trump administration has cast aside strong criticism from Democrats, advocates and even some of the very same asylum officers overseeing the Remain in Mexico program, calling it an "effective tool" in reducing apprehensions along the southern border. After a 13-year monthly high of about 133,000 apprehensions in May, arrests of migrants along the southern border have dropped for seven consecutive months, reaching 33,000 last month.

The Remain in Mexico policy is one of several policies the administration rolled out over the past year to restrict asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. These also include a sweeping rule that renders most non-Mexican migrants ineligible for asylum and controversial agreements with Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador that allow the U.S. to reroute certain asylum-seekers to those countries.

Philadelphia Congressman Brendan Boyle suggested that the squalid conditions faced by the asylum-seekers in the program, as well as their prolonged time in Mexican border cities, are intended to deter those seeking to journey to the U.S.-Mexico border. "Let's not be naive  that's the point. With the Trump administration, the cruelty is the point," he said.

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Harry and Meghan "no longer working members" of the royal family

Saturday Sessions: Son Little performs "Suffer"
COLUMBIA  A Columbia-area call center is looking for 780 people to handle phone lines for several months as part of the 2020 Census.

But other Census recruitment efforts have been running behind, particularly in South Carolina. And with record low unemployment in the state, hiring such a large number of temporary employees could prove difficult.

The call center is in Blythewood and is owned by Virginia-based Maximus, which specializes in government-contracted customer service work. The firm picked up the federal contract for the Census after buying out the call center arm of another company, GDIT.

Across the country, Maximus has been charged with hiring more than 8,000 people to man 10 call centers, answering questions for Census-takers nationwide, spokesman Blake Travis said.

"That's going to be a bear of a process," said Cam Varner, president of the Columbia-based temporary workforce company Recruiting Solutions.

Maximus is offering $15.22 an hour for the jobs in Blythewood, which Varner said is on par with similar jobs in the market. But he says the call center operators success will be dependent on the strategy it takes in recruiting. The Census ends this summer.

With insurance giants such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina and Aflac, there are already 28 companies with call centers operating in the Columbia-area, according to data from the Central S.C. Alliance economic development group.

Maximus has not been clear on when it will need to be fully staffed, but the information on how to fill out the 2020 Census will begin going out in mid-March, ahead of the official Census Day on April 1.

"That is a very aggressive timeline," Varner said, particularly when providing training to those new hires. "There are so many steps in the employment process. Finding employees is only half the battle."

Maximus has mirrored the Census Bureau in recruiting efforts, emphasizing the jobs flexibility.

Additionally, they will have the opportunity to be trained as a world-class expert in customer service and could receive bonuses for referrals, the company said in a statement.

Rather than going after unemployed people looking for work, the Census Bureau targeted people looking to make extra money on evenings and weekends. These workers would go door-to-door to get responses from residents who did not respond to the Census questionnaire online or via phone.

Recruitment still lags behind goals, with the largest gaps being in the Lowcountry and Upstate.

The bureau has only met 38.6 percent of its goal in Spartanburg County and 32.5 percent of its goal in Charleston County. In Richland County, where the call center is located, Census recruitment is at 51.8 percent of its goal.

Census results are important to states as they control congressional districts. Population also counts heavily in distributing billions of dollars in federal aid.

According to the Census website, the purpose of the Census Questionnaire Assistance Operation call centers will be answering questions about specific items on forms, allowing callers to complete an interview over the telephone and verifying information provided by Census respondents.

When it comes to hiring temporary employees, Varner said it's always hard, especially with 2.4 percent unemployment as of November.

"The employer market has been somewhat slow to respond to the labor market," he said.

While companies have been forced to raise wages somewhat, they haven't relaxed standards or raised benefits to what Varner sees as an appropriate level given the current demand for workers.

Companies like Maximus may also be able to play the temporary nature of jobs to their advantage.

"(Workers) are more likely to take a gamble because the labor market is so strong," Varner said, as they can work temporarily without fear of not being able to find a job after the contract ends.
Amanda Stuck: Im trying to show how we can work better together and being the kind of politician that doesnt attack the other party. Im one of the only Democrats that shows up at the conservative coalition town hall in my district, and I think its really important that I still show up and listen.

What would you say to voters who have reservations about voting for a woman?

Pete Buttigieg, asked by NPR about what he would say to voters with reservations voting for someone who is gay:

I think the question that voters are asking is, hows my life going to be different if youre president? And in order to earn votes, my job is to go out there and answer that question. And I think a lot of the other stuff falls away if and only if you have a good answer to that question.

Jasmine Clark: Why? Vote for the person whos going to do the job and do the job correctly. Vote for the platform, not the person and it shouldnt matter if theyre a man or woman.

Jocabed Marquez: People have these reservations about women being too emotional. Ive found that my constituents like me being emotional, me being passionate when Im on the dais. Even my Republican supporters connect with me because of the preservation of neighborhoods, because I fight not to have these developers come into our town.

Nicole Frethem: Youve got two options. You can either say bye, because if youre the sort of person whos going to be like Im not gonna vote for a woman, Im not going to change your mind and I could probably do more good talking to someone else. But theres the other alternative of asking why would you say that, and its that strategy people tell you to use when someone tells an offensive joke and you say why is that funny can you explain that to me? Its harder to have that conversation with someone whos like I have no problem voting for a woman, I just dont like her voice, or she gives me a bad vibe, or whatever it is, when its coded.

Jessica Hembree: I most frequently heard you cant possibly be old enough to run, which I learned only happens when I have my hair in a ponytail. But older women voters in our community would say Im so happy for you, I could have never even dreamed of doing what youre doing when I was younger, and I love hearing that.

Aja Brown: The majority of voters are women, so its really about connecting with one another and challenging perceptions by countering them with facts. Women have historically been effective leaders, and pragmatic. When people second guess the ability of women to lead, I always challenge them because women have such a prevalent position in our family structures.
A teary Anthony Field - aka the Blue Wiggle - has recalled the terrifying moment his bandmate Greg Page collapsed on stage and went into cardiac arrest.

He was gone. He came off stage and collapsed and there was no pulse, there was no breathing, a visibly emotional Anthony told 7News outside Westmead Hospital on Saturday afternoon.

He thanked two of The Wiggles cast and crew - drummer Steve Pace and a woman named Kim - for administering CPR, as well as a nurse from the audience who used a defibrillator.

Yellow Wiggle Greg Page is recovering in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest on stage. Photo: Twitter/thewiggles.

They really brought Greg back, he said, his eyes welling up.

Anthony provided an update on Greg, saying that he is really good following a procedure to insert a stent which is a small tube that keeps blocked passageways such as arteries open.

Hes talking, he wants the show to go on. Hes doing a lot better than I am, the guys amazing, Anthony said.

He added that he, Jeff Fatt and Murray Cook would not have returned to play their final song, Hot Potato, if they had known Gregs condition was so serious.

A teary Anthony Field revealed how his bandmate, Greg Page, almost passed away after collapsing on stage. Photo: 7News.

Earlier that morning, The Wiggles manager and Anthonys brother Paul Field revealed more details about the heroic efforts Gregs castmates went to in order to save his life.

I got to see him about 3 am and I was much relieved because he was in such a serious way last night, Paul told 7News outside Westmead Hospital.

He needed CPR, we had two of our cast and crew working on him. They used a defibrillator on him three times, he was in a bad way, he added.

He stopped breathing a number of times, it was quite traumatic for everyone to witness it.

Paul went on to name those two members of the cast and crew as the bands drummer Steve and Kim, who works in the office.

They saved his life, he simply said.

By the time I got to see him after [3 am] I was so relieved, the blood was back in his face, he was talking quite groggy and he couldnt remember much about it, he added.

The main thing for people to know is that hes in good care and hopefully with the right treatment he will be fine, he said.

Story continues

Paul also said that the Wiggles second show that was scheduled to take place later that evening would only go ahead with Gregs familys consent.

Yellow Wiggle Greg Page (pictured in 2012) has suffered a cardiac arrest during a bushfire relief concert. Photo: Getty Images.

The show must go on

A short while later, an update was posted to The Wiggles official Twitter account announcing that the second show was going ahead as planned, with a few tweaks.

Weve visited Greg this morning & he wanted to thank everyone for their well wishes, the tweet read.

Hes so grateful for the messages of love & support from around the world. Gregs main concern was that the show tonight should go on. Lets do it for Greg whilst raising much needed funds, it said.

Less than 30 minutes after that, an updated set time was tweeted out along with news that new Yellow Wiggle, Emma Watkins, new Red Wiggle Simon Pryce and a few Wiggly friends would be taking the stage in Gregs absence.

Tonights updates set times. The wonderful Emma Wiggle, Simon Wiggle and a few Wiggly friends and musicians will all be jumping in while Greg recovers, to make sure this is a great show, the tweet stated.

Gregs shock collapse

Greg Page suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed on stage during Friday nights bushfire relief concert in Sydney.

He was treated by medics on the scene before being rushed to hospital where he underwent a procedure, according to tweets by the Aussie bands official account.

As has been reported, our friend Greg Page suffered a cardiac arrest at the end of the bushfire relief performance and was taken to hospital, a tweet shared at 3.11 am on Saturday read.

As has been reported, our friend Greg Page suffered a cardiac arrest at the end of the bushfire relief performance and was taken to hospital. He has had a procedure and is now recovering in hospital. We appreciate your kind messages and concern.  The Wiggles (@TheWiggles) January 17, 2020

He has had a procedure and is now recovering in hospital. We appreciate your kind messages and concern.

As reported by Sydney Morning Herald, a NSW Ambulance spokeswoman confirmed a 48-year-old man was taken from Castle Hill RSL to Westmead Hospital in a serious but stable condition on Friday night.

An earlier tweet posted at 11.20 pm informed fans of Gregs shock health issue and promised to provide more information as it comes to hand.

Update: At the end of the show this evening there was a medical incident off stage involving Greg Page. Medics were called immediately and he was taken to hospital where he is receiving treatment. We will provide more information as it comes to hand.

Update: At the end of the show this evening there was a medical incident off stage involving Greg Page. Medics were called immediately and he was taken to hospital where he is receiving treatment. We will provide more information as it comes to hand.  The Wiggles (@TheWiggles) January 17, 2020

Not feeling well

The medical incident occurred at the end of the groups over-18s only fundraiser performance at Castle Hill RSL, with footage showing Greg thanking the 800-strong crowd before collapsing at the side of the stage.

A flurry of people rushes across the stage to Gregs aid as the curtain is hastily drawn.

Amid the confusion, Red Wiggle Murray Cook addresses the audience, saying that the band wont be playing their final song, Hot Potato.

Guys I think we're going to end it there. Greg's not feeling real well. I think he's going to be OK but he's not feeling real well so I don't think we can go on with another song, he says.

After ensuring Greg has received medical attention, the three remaining Wiggles regroup to perform the song.

We're going to sing it for Greg and hope he gets better real quick, Blue Wiggle Anthony Field says.

Fears for Greg

Blue Wiggle Anthony Field took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message after the shocking incident.

Anthony shared a trio of photos featuring Greg and revealed that he and fellow Wiggles Jeff Fatt and Murray Cook are still in shock.

Such a joy being together with my mates tonight. So sorry to see Greg so ill at the end of the show. We are all in shock, please get better mate, Im praying for you, he wrote.

Fans in Australia and around the globe have also taken to social media to share messages of support for Greg.

All my love to Greg and his family. He was truly a champion tonight, powering through for those in need. We're all hoping and praying for his recovery! wrote a concertgoer.

Many prayers from South Carolina, USA. Our family has handed down The Wiggles since 2003. My brothers children saw a Wiggles Concert 3 times. Now my wife 3 children and I have seen the Wiggles twice. We hope for a speedy recovery!! an American fan wished.

One fan who also attended the concert shared a photo of an ambulance and stated that Greg was being treated.

Greg will be okay. The ambos are here and treating him. Wish him well. Love you Greg! they wrote.

Greg will be okay. The ambos are here and treating him. Wish him well. Love you Greg! x #thewiggles pic.twitter.com/Y9Fcac2jD8  e z a (@erindelreyest) January 17, 2020

Gregs health woes

Greg has long been open about his battle with orthostatic intolerance, a circulatory system disorder that affects blood flow and can cause sufferers to faint, become weak or, more seriously, experience heart issues.

The condition saw him retire from the group in 2006 after 15 years, with understudy Sam Moran pulling on the iconic yellow skivvy.

Greg returned in 2012 for a Celebration Tour but stepped back along with Murray and Jeff at the end of that same year.

The 'original Wiggles are reuniting for a one-off fundraising show. Photo: Getty Images.

Wiggles reunion sells out

On January 6, the four original members of the Aussie childrens music group announced they would reunite for a very special, one-off bushfire fundraising concert with all proceeds going to the Australian Red Cross and WIRES.

Tickets to the show sold out within hours of going on sale at 10 am the following day. The band even added a second show to accommodate the demand, but it too sold out.

The reunion performance was the first time the four original Wiggles members - Greg, Anthony Field, Murray Cook and Jeff Fatt - had taken the stage together in eight years.

The Wiggles at one of their last performances together as a foursome in 2005. Photo: Getty Images.

Got a story tip or just want to get in touch? Email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com
 Close Who are the Labour leadership contenders?

Labour leadership hopefuls have gone head-to-head for the chance to succeed Jeremy Corbyn at the party's first hustings.

Sir Keir Starmer has cemented his early lead in the contest with a new YouGov poll of Labour members handing him a clear lead over his nearest rival, left-wing contender Rebecca Long-Bailey.

Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry was struggling to make up ground as she launched her campaign on Friday, with prominent backbenchers Lisa Nandy and Jess Phillips also trailing behind.

The hustings in Liverpool on Saturday also saw a clash between deputy leadership hopefuls, where Angela Rayner, the shadow education secretary, is the clear favourite.
Congress leader Salman Khurshid said here on Saturday that Congress was not a party to the Supreme Court proceedings with respect to Ayodhya case.

His remarks came after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said in Varanasi today that Congress was creating hindrances in delivery of judgement in Ayodhya case.

"Congress was not a party to the supreme court proceedings. I wish that the Chief Minister would give the complete picture," said Khurshid.

"Congress was creating hindrances in delivery of judgement in Ayodhya case. Before 2019 polls, a Congress leader filed a plea in Supreme Court, saying order shouldn't be passed. We are grateful to the court for paving way for construction of the temple," said Adityanath.

Last year on November 9, the apex court had awarded the disputed land to the deity Ram Lalla and asked the Centre and the state government to give the Sunni Waqf Board a five-acre plot in Ayodhya to build a mosque.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Romance fiction is one of Australias biggest cultural exports, and its growing at a rate that outstrips any other genre, but its success is largely invisible to the general public.

Australian romance writers sell mostly to international markets, setting their books anywhere from the Australian Outback to Regency England. They write for a wide range of sub-genres, from medical to lesbian and erotic to paranormal, and many are using self-publishing to reach out directly to their readers and reap huge sales in a genre with dedicated fans worldwide.

Rural romance author Cathryn Hein from Newcastle. Credit:Cameron Laird

Most romance sells in Midwest America, so think of an Australian setting as being a little bit like Alaska  its an exotic setting in that market, said University of Tasmania Professor Lisa Fletcher. For Australian romance writers writing for publishers like Harlequin Mills and Boon, Australia is a bonus market for them.

Professor Fletcher is one of the researchers on the Genre Worlds project looking at literary output by Australians in the romance, fantasy and crime genres. Professor Fletcher said all three genres were far bigger than literary fiction (by number of titles published) and growing rapidly.
Its hard to keep up with President Donald Trumps scandals. One day hes covering up taxpayer-funded travel expenses for his family. The next, hes stealing money for his border wall. The next, hes being implicated by an accomplice in the extortion of Ukraine. But one horror is right out in the open: Trump is a remorseless advocate of crimes against humanity. His latest threats against Iran, Iraq, and Syria are a reminder that hes as ruthless as any foreign dictator. Hes just more constrained.

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Trump admires tyrants and defends their atrocities. He has excused North Korean dictator Kim Jong-uns mass executions (Yeah, but so have a lot of other people) and Russian President Vladimir Putins murders of journalists and dissidents (At least hes a leader). As a presidential candidate, Trump shrugged off the gravity of using chemical weapons. Saddam Hussein throws a little gas, everyone goes crazy, he joked.

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At home, Trump has encouraged religious persecution and political violence. He called for a ban on Muslims entering the United States (he later imposed a modified version of the ban) and for collective punishment of Muslims who live here. As a candidate, Trump urged his supporters to knock the crap out of protesters. In 2018, at a political rally, he praised a Republican congressman for criminally assaulting a reporter. Any guy that can do a body slam, said Trump, hes my guy.

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Trump has long advocated war crimes. He has endorsed torture not just for information, but because our enemies deserve it. As a candidate, he proposed that for the sake of retribution, the United States should take out the families of terrorists. Wives and children were legitimate targets, he argued, because by killing them, we could deter terrorists who care more about their families than they care about themselves. Two months ago, he intervened in legal and military proceedings to thwart punishment of three American servicemen who had been indicted for or convicted of atrocities. Then he deployed the men in his reelection campaign.

Trump agrees with past presidents that we and our terrorist adversaries have played by two [different] sets of rules. But unlike his predecessors, he takes no pride in Americas higher standards. He sees them as a needless impediment, defended by weak and stupid people. In 2016, Trump complained that ISIS was cutting off the heads of Christians and drowning them in cages, and yet we are too politically correct to respond in kind. Torture laws should be relaxed, he argued, so that we can better compete with a vicious group of animals. You have to play the game the way theyre playing the game, he explained.

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Trump takes no pride in Americas higher standards. He sees them as a needless impediment, defended by weak and stupid people.

Some presidents have caused pain through recklessness or indifference. Trump inflicts pain on purpose. To deter migration from Latin America, his administration separated migrant parents from their children. Trump argued that the separation was a disincentive. Too many people, he explained, were coming up because theyre not going to be separated from their children. Later, he used the same sadistic logic to force a migration in Syria. He boasted that by facilitating Turkeys invasion of that country, he had precipitated the pain and suffering necessary to compel Syrian Kurds to leave.

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In Africa and the Middle East, Trump proudly advocates plunder. In October, he said the United States should have taken Iraqs oil to make sure we were paid back for the costs of our occupation of that country. In Syria, he stationed U.S. forces at oil fields, explaining that he viewed those fields as a revenue stream. ($45 million a month? Keep the oil.) He proposed a business arrangement to exploit Syrias oil: What I intend to do, perhaps, is make a deal with an ExxonMobil or one of our great companies to go in there and do it properly. Last Friday, in a Fox News interview, the president repeated that he cared only about the oil. I left troops to take the oil, he told Laura Ingraham. The only troops I have are taking the oil.

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Two weeks ago, the United States killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike.

To deter retaliation, Trump threatened to bomb Irans cultural sitesan explicit war crime. If Iran strikes any Americans, or American assets, he tweeted, we have targeted 52 Iranian sites  some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD. In an exchange with reporters, Trump dismissed legal objections to his threat. Theyre allowed to kill our people. Theyre allowed to torture and maim our people, he fumed. And were not allowed to touch their cultural site? It doesnt work that way.

Iraqs Parliament, furious that Trump had killed Soleimani on its soil and without its consent, voted to expel American troops. But Trump refused to comply unless Iraq paid ransom. We have a very extraordinarily expensive air base thats there, he told reporters. Were not leaving unless they pay us back for it. He threatened to charge them [the Iraqis] sanctions like theyve never seen before. Later, Trump told Ingraham that Iraq would also have to pay us for embassies. When she asked him how he planned to extract the payment, Trump replied, We have $35 billion of their money right now sitting in an account. And I think theyll agree to pay.  Otherwise, well stay there.

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Trump views the military as a mercenary force he can send around the world for hire. A Very Stable Genius, the new book by Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnig of the Washington Post, describes a White House meeting at which Trump said American troop deployments should yield a profit. Trump told Ingraham hes doing exactly that: Were sending more [troops] to Saudi Arabia, and Saudi Arabias paying us for it. He recounted his business pitch to the Saudis: You want more troops? Im going to send them to you, but youve got to pay us. And he proudly reported that the Saudis had accepted the deal. Theyre paying us, he told Ingraham. Theyve already deposited $1 billion in the bank.

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Trumps amoralityhis complete indifference to rules against theft, abuse, exploitation, and killingis a public relations problem for his apologists. They struggle to cover it up. First they softened his Muslim ban to a travel ban on certain majority-Muslim countries. Then they concocted non-sadistic rationales for his family-separation policy. Last week, after Trump threatened Irans cultural sites, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo assured the public that Trump would obey the law. Pompeo also whitewashed Trumps threats against Iraq, insisting that American troops were in that country to protect its sovereignty. Mark Esper, the secretary of defense, claimed that when Trump spoke of Saudi Arabia paying for U.S. troop deployments, What the president is referring to is burden sharing.

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But Trump refuses to be silenced. Hours after Pompeo promised that the president wouldnt target Irans cultural sites, Trump repeated that he would. Later, Trump stiff-armed Ingrahams attempts to clean up his language about stealing Syrian oil. I left troops to take the oil, he told her. She tried to correct him: Were not taking the oil. Theyre protecting the facilities. Trump shrugged off this reformulation. Well, maybe we will, maybe we wont, he said. Maybe we should take it. But we have the oil.

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Having an evil president doesnt make the United States evil. We have a lot to be proud of: a culture of freedom, a strong constitution, vigorous courts, democratic accountability, and laws that protect minorities and human rights. On balance, weve been a force for good in the world. But Trumps election and his persistent approval from more than 40 percent of Americans are a reminder that nothing in our national character protects us from becoming a rapacious, authoritarian country. What protects us are institutions that stop us from doing our worst.

Thanks to Magda Werkmeister and Daijing Xu for research assistance.
Jason Gilbertie, 42, is charged with assault, interfering with an officer, breach of peace and criminal mischief after his rampage

A man from Connecticut was caught on camera going berserk inside a high-end department store.

Jason Gilbertie, 42, calmly strolled into Bloomingdale's in Norwalk in the state before walking around the cosmetics department on the first floor where he began to promptly throw items off counters and overturn glass tables and shelving.

The sound of glass smashing into pieces was all that could be heard as the man appeared to walk from one part of the store to the other looking to cause as much damage as possible.

Gilbertie could be seen walking around the cosmetics department, knocking over items and deliberately smashing up display cases

The 42-year-old could be seen shoving items off cabinets and throwing them onto the tiled floor

Justin Gilbertie, 42, caused more than $100,000 in damage during the rampage

Other customers who were in the store at the time managed to steer clear of his destructive path and were uninjured.

Gilbertie was then charged with assault, interfering with an officer, breach of peace and criminal mischief after his violent rampage

The store estimates the man caused around $100,000 worth of damage.

Glass tables were deliberately overturned and smashed to pieces as Gilbertie moved about

The sound of glass smashing into pieces was all that could be heard as the man appeared to walk from one part of the store to the other looking to cause as much damage as possible

Gilbertie is accused of punching a security guard during the violent rampage, which took place on Monday evening at The SoNo Collection Mall.

A second security guard tried to pepper spray him but it was not enough to subdue him.

Authorities say the incident was an isolated one but the mans motive remains unclear. Gilbertie has been held on $6,500 bond.
The members of Enniscorthy Drama Group are very busy at the moment as they prepare for two upcoming productions.

Rehearsals are in full swing for the staging of a new play titled 'Wild in the Country', by local writer, poet, musician and songwriter, Paul O'Reilly.

The play is being directed by well known local actor, Fintan Kelly, and everyone involved is eagerly looking forward to presenting it in public.

In addition to that play the drama group has also enlisted the services of Sally Stevens to work on another piece - a summer production of John B Keane's, 'The Year of the Hiker'.

Ms Stevens directed Coolgreaney to second place in the recent One Act all-Ireland finals.

Along with directing that play Ms Stevens will also be running two casting workshops in the IFA Centre in Enniscorthy on Sunday, January 19 and 26, at 2 p.m. each day.

People of all levels of experience are welcome to attend the casting sessions.
Back in January 2006, the Billboard Hot 100 was overtaken for one week by a quirky rap track by a group that would never have a major hit again. Laffy Taffy was the handiwork of a troupe calling themselves D4L, an acronym for Down for Life. It might still qualify as the most uncluttered No. 1 song in chart history, with a chorus thats little more than a finger snap, a three-note keyboard hook, and the repeating lyric, Girl, shake that laffy taffy/ That laffy taffy. How exactly did D4Ls skeletal hit dethrone a Mariah Carey song? In a word, technology: Laffy Taffy was not only a hit 99-cent download at the end of 2005the first holiday season where Apples iTunes Music Store counted for the Hot 100it was also a hit ringtone. Laffy Taffy became the ultimate ringtone rap hit, a song actually helped up the charts by its brutal simplicity. While ringtone purchases themselves didnt count for the Hot 100, the presence of Laffy Taffy on scores of phones made the song ubiquitous, compelling 3 million Americans to buy the full D4L song, which did count.

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Fourteen years later, practically to the week, we have a new Hot 100 topper bringing life to the January doldrums. It even defeated a heavily hyped new single by our current ubiquitous R&B-and-pop dominator, Justin Bieber. And this new songs upset over the Biebs is owed to an even tinier sonic feature than D4Ls chirpy chorus: its opening sound effect. Ringtone rap, meet TikTok meme. Welcome to the 2020s, friends.

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This meme-ready smash comes packaged in the charmingly cryptic title The Box, and its by Roddy Ricchborn Rodrick Wayne Moore Jr. 21 years ago in the rap mecca of Compton, California. Long before his left-field chart topper, Ricch was acclaimed as a rising star in late 10s West Coast hip-hop, earning praise from such rap elders as Meek Mill and the late Nipsey Hussle. When Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial, his debut album, topped the Billboard 200 album chart late last year, it was the culmination of years of buzz, mixtapes, and high-profile guest appearancesthe relatively traditional route by which rising rappers have made their name for decades. And while The Box had a prominent spot on the albumTrack 2, just after an opening skitit was supposed to be an amuse-bouche, not a promotional focus. Three official singles were issued from Please Excuse Me last fall, all of them sporting fairly lush melodic hooks and glossy music videos, and none of them was The Box. In fact, The Box was so underestimated, as of this writing, it still has no official video beyond a bare-bones clip featuring a slightly animated still of Ricchs album cover. (You can bet your bottom dollar Atlantic is working on a slick Box video as we speak.)

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In other words, The Box was the digital-era equivalent of a B-side or a deep cut. It might well have languished in obscurity if it hadnt been for a small flourish Ricch added to the start of the track, the sound of him vocally imitating a windshield wipera EEH ERR, EEH ERR sound that, an Atlantic Records A&R executive claimed in a tweet, Ricch added to The Box at the last minute, after the track was essentially complete. The rest is history. Around mid-December, when Ricchs album dropped, meme-makers and especially TikTok users keyed into the opening seconds of The Boxparticularly that squeaky-wheel noise, which, it turns out, is ideal for micro-videos: Is it a pair of hands being squeezed? A mirror being polished? A chair being adjusted by SpongeBob SquarePants? All of that and more.

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we made The Box at 6am in NYC after being up all night, you can only imagine my face when roddy already finished the song and said Wait let me add something & EHH ERRR  EHH ERR was born   KEEFA (@KEEFABLACK) January 6, 2020

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The Box was so underestimated it still has no official video.

To be sure, The Box had a whole lot more going for it than its signature squeak. The song also opens with a portentous orchestral crescendo (one Billboard writer compares it to Mobys Bourne movie perennial Extreme Ways) that ramps up excitement for the track even before it has begun. Then, once The Box starts in earnest and Ricch begins rapping, he proffers a pileup of quotable lines over an irresistible timpani thump. (The booming backing track is the handiwork of Samuel 30Roc Gloade, who has previously piloted hits for Cardi B, T-Wayne, and Travis Scott.) Its not quite the parade of stand-alone genius lines that is Lizzos Truth Hurts, but as with that sleeper smash, any small piece of it can serve as a synecdoche, standing in forand approximating the coolness ofthe whole.

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TikTok video play does not (yet) count for the Hot 100. In fact, coincidentally, while revealing this weeks Hot 100 topper, Billboard also announced it was tightening its policies around what kinds of user-generated videos that feature licensed recordings will count for its Hot song charts. (Short version: If a song is incidental to a YouTube clip and not the primary focus of the video, its views may no longer count for the chart. However, song-centric clips will be weighted more heavily than they were before.) The magazine will no doubt keep tweaking the rules for social song sharing as music fandom migrates to a new generation of apps. But this week, it didnt much matterand heres where the Laffy Taffy analogy comes in: Just as ringtones had a knock-on effect on more traditional digital sales and radio airplay back in 200506, since The Box took off on TikTok a month ago, it has sent Spotify and other streaming-music play into the stratosphere.

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That streaming dominance is what hoisted The Box to the top of the multimetric Hot 100. Billboard reports that Ricchs track racked up a gobsmacking 68.2 million weekly streams, the highest nonseasonal stream total since Lil Nas Xs almighty Old Town Road last summer. (Since then, only Mariah Careys seasonal chestnut tallied slightly higher streams during the week of Christmas.) Even downloads, a now-ancient form of digital consumption, were goosed by the songs viral spreadits buck-a-song sales rose nearly 80 percent last week, lifting the track into the top 10 on Billboards Digital Songs chart, a rarity for a viral rap hit nowadays.

Those who argue that the Music-Industrial Complex turns superstar hits into foregone conclusions havent been following the Hot 100 or the Billboard 200 lately.

Of course, the song that is actually the weeks No. 1 downloadbut only the No. 2 song on the Hot 100is the one I thought Id be writing about for this series this week: Yummy, tattooed boy wonder Justin Biebers heavily hyped comeback single. A catchy but seemingly predigested bit of radio fodder billed as Justins pivot to classic R&B with a bit of pop whipped topping, Yummy was set up to debut atop the Hot 100. Its Biebers first lead-artist single since his 2015 album Purpose, which generated the chart-topping troika What Do You Mean? Sorry, and Love Yourself. Bieber manager Scooter Braun, looking for a win both for his top client as well as himself after the Taylor Swift imbroglio, primed the market with a glossy music video and a radio campaign timed to generate maximum exposure. And by most measures, Yummy did well: an immediate top 10 radio audience, 71,000 in downloads sold in its first week (about six times The Boxs sales), and a second-place ranking on Streaming Songs with 29.3 million streams, fueled in part by that video. But that streaming number was no match for Roddy Ricchs near-tripling of Biebers total, and now that streams make up more than half of the Hot 100s points, that shortfall proved fatal to Yummy. Justin mustve known streaming was his Achilles heel, because in a controversial and ultimately mortifying move, he posted instructions to his rabid fan baseincluding non-U.S. listenerson how to set up virtual private networks to play Yummy on repeat. (Dont mute it! the Biebs commanded, knowing Spotify only tracks audible plays. Let it play while you sleep.) Bieber pulled down the instructions within hours, but not before it was screengrabbed so music news sites could dunk on him all week long.

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stream yummy by justin bieber   Roddy Ricch (@RoddyRicch) January 11, 2020

Perhaps the wittiest dunker was Roddy Ricch himself, whoforeseeing how his unlikely hit was lapping the field and primed to upset Bieberposted a succinct five-word-and-one-emoji tweet late last week: stream yummy by justin bieber  (the flexed bicep was a nice touch). This expertly deployed shade foreshadowed Ricchs win, in a week where The Box was already at No. 3 on the chart and rising fast. The Boxs ultimate victory is perhaps the biggest David-vs.-Goliath chart story since Lil Nas X held off Taylor Swifts ME! last spring. Now that his songagain, a track with no video, that was never meant to be a singleis on top, Ricch has become cocky enough to start pointing and chuckling at other returning pop stars. His latest tweet invites followers to stream rare by selena gomez a callout to the new album by Gomez, whose lead single managed to hit No. 1 last fall, ahead of Hurricane Roddy. If it seems churlish for Ricch to take aim at Gomez, keep in mind that The Box is so strong it returned Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial to No. 1 on the album chart, giving him a hammerlock on both flagship Billboard charts, the first act to pull that off since Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper did it with Shallow and the A Star Is Born soundtrack last winter. Ricch is preternaturally confidentin interviews, he claims hes been expecting superstardomand you cant really blame him, given that another single with his vocals, producer Mustards Ballin, is just outside the Top 10 and about to join The Box in the winners circle.

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One thing I continue to love about chart following is the capacity for surprise. In 2019, both Billboard and your Slate chart columnist reported a pendulum swing back toward centrist popand yet, as 2020 begins, we are reminded that truly quirky hip-hop can still dominate the field. Those who argue that the Music-Industrial Complex turns superstar hits into foregone conclusions havent been following the Hot 100 or the Billboard 200 lately, where several seemingly bulletproof acts like Bieber have underperformed, and the audience has greater sway over hit-making than ever before. Sure, sometimes that means they gravitate toward hits designed to be ringtones or, more recently, 15-second video loops. But when the rapper with the biggest song in America couldnt foresee what song would take him to the top of the charts, its a reminder that nobody in this business ever really knows exactly what might squeak through.
US President Donald Trump on Friday issued a warning to Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, asking him to be "very careful" with his words. The Iranian Supreme leader had earlier led prayers in Tehran for the first time in eight years, "mocked US officials as "American clowns" and criticized France, Germany, and the UK as "lackeys" of the US that can't be trusted".

The so-called Supreme Leader of Iran, who has not been so Supreme lately, had some nasty things to say about the United States and Europe. Their economy is crashing, and their people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 17, 2020

This exchange comes days after Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, was killed in a US drone strike in Iraq two weeks ago. Iran retaliated with strikes on US targets. The Iranian Supreme Leader had also hit out at Germany, France and the UK.

"Following the US exit from the JCPOA, the three governments started to speak nonsense but I said from the beginning that they are not trustworthy, as they will do nothing and will be at the US service," news agency IRNA quoted him as saying.

READ: Trump to attend World Economic Forum in Davos amid impeachment

READ: Donald Trump Impeachment Trial: Four rules Senate has to follow

Tensions between Iran & US

The longstanding tension between Iran and the US surfaced again as Iranian General Qassem Soleimani was slain by the US in an airstrike near Iraq's Baghdad International Airport, ordered by US President Donald Trump.

Post this, Iran had threatened "harsh retaliation" and subsequently, two airstrikes were reported near US Embassy in Baghdads Green Zone on Saturday and Sunday. As per recent reports, a third attack was launched on Thursday as three Katyusha rockets hit the Baghdads Green Zone.

Following the developments, Trump said that the US would strike 52 sites in the Islamic Republic if any Americans were harmed. After this, there has been a continuous war of words between the officials of the two countries.

In no time, the Al-Assad and Ebril airbases in Iraq that house the US and coalition forces were hit by multiple rockets. This incident was first reported by Iranian state TV, who described it as Tehrans revenge operation over the killing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

READ: Donald Trump's latest tweet about impeachment becomes hilarious meme

READ: US Speaker Pelosi accuses Facebook of 'schmoozing' Trump administration
New York: Jeffrey Epstein's estate was sued on Wednesday by the US Virgin Islands, which claimed that the late accused sex offender raped and trafficked in dozens of young women and girls on a private Caribbean island he owned.

The complaint filed by Virgin Islands Attorney General Denise George significantly broadens the scope of the financier's alleged misconduct, saying it spanned from 2001 to 2018 and targeted girls who appeared to be as young as 11 or 12.

It seeks civil penalties plus some assets from Epstein's estimated $577.7 million estate, including the forfeiture of his two private islands, Little St James and Great St James.

Wednesday's lawsuit could reduce the sums available for the more than 20 other Epstein accusers already suing the estate, after his suicide cost them a chance to see him convicted.

Darren Indyke and Richard Kahn, the estate's executors, have set up a fund to compensate victims.

In a statement sent on their behalf, a lawyer rejected George's contention that the fund subjects claimants to "confidentiality requirements", and said it is not intended to shield anyone from liability.

Epstein died last August 10 at age 66 by hanging himself in a Manhattan jail cell, after pleading not guilty to abusing and trafficking in women and girls in Manhattan and Florida from 2002 to 2005. He had pleaded guilty in 2008 to a Florida state prostitution charge, and completed a 13-month jail sentence now widely considered too lenient.

Epstein was also friends with people like Britain's Prince Andrew, who retreated from public life in November after a disastrous TV interview where he appeared unsympathetic to the financier's victims.

According to the complaint, Epstein, with help from accomplices, "trafficked, raped, sexually assaulted and held captive" girls and young women at his properties in the Virgin Islands, where he had registered as a sex offender in 2010.

The complaint said Epstein kept a computerised database to track girls who could be sent to Little St James, which he bought in 1998 as "the perfect hideaway" to traffic them "for sexual servitude, child abuse and sexual assault".

Epstein then allegedly bought nearby Great St James in 2016, using a straw purchaser to conceal his identity, to keep people from monitoring him from there, and keep victims from escaping there.

As recently as July 2018, Epstein refused to let a Virgin Islands investigator and US marshals enter Little St James beyond its dock, which he called its "front door", the complaint said.
Kourtney Kardashian's Instagram account just got overtaken by her 7-year-old daughter. Penelope Disick appeared in a series of throwback snaps from Kourtney's 2019 Italy vacation  one look at the comments section confirms that the "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" star's daughter had absolutely killed it in her Versace swimsuit.

Kourtney took to Instagram on Friday with a photo-heavy update. The 40-year-old's Portofino, Italy travels were getting a reboot via her snaps, with the star and her family seen enjoying the perks of the Mediterranean's scenic waters.

One Kid, One Yacht, And A $200 Versace Swimsuit

Penelope Disick in a Versace swimsuit

Kourtney's opening photo showed Penelope seated cross-legged aboard a yacht. Penelope was smiling with her eyes closed and holding a mug, but fans had to swipe right to see this kid in her designer merch.

Two swipes to the right brought the real stuff. Here, Penelope was striking a model pose with her legs folded. Fans likely made a beeline for the white, black, and gold Versace swimsuit being donned  the bathing suit retails for up to $200.

Penelope then reappeared in the Italian brand further on in the update. Of course, this stylish celeb kid was rocking shades.

'P In Versace, Posing?': Fans Think She Stole The Show

Penelope Disick poses in a Versace swimsuit

Kourtney's update had included photos of herself both in and out of the water (plus sons Mason and Reign), but fans were losing it over Penelope. Countless comments over the 7-year-old's sass and style came in, with a fair few users also noticing the Versace.

"Ps Versace swimsuit," one fan wrote.

"P in @Versace posing? Too cute," another said.

"Penelope is an icon" was another comment.

It even appeared that some fans wanted to trade places with this lucky kid.

"P in a Versace bathing suit, lounging on a yacht. Can I be her?" a user wrote.

Not Always A Success: The $400 Gucci School Shoes That Were Slammed

Kim, Kourtney Kardashian with North West and Penelope in Gucci shoes

The Kardashian-Jenner kids don't always get the thumbs-up from the general public. April 2019 saw Kourtney slammed after sister Kim Kardashian posted a photo of daughter North West with Penelope  the two were getting ready to go back to school.

Story continues

Fans were quick to spot the $400 Gucci shoes on Penelope, with the response proving mixed.

Of course, the designer vibe extends across the KarJenner clan, with Kylie Jenner's daughter Stormi known for her custom-made baby gear. Christmas Eve 2019 saw Kylie and Stormi wear matching, custom-designed Ralph & Russo gowns.

Penelope: Powerful Enough To Inspire Kourtney's Poosh Brand

Kourtney Kardashian and daughter Penelope in the ocean

Kourtney launched her Poosh lifestyle brand in April 2019. Despite the somewhat-bizarre name, the brand has been going strong, particularly with its #pooshtheboundaries.

Poosh was named after Penelope: it's her nickname.

Motherhood is also something that Kourtney mentions on her Poosh website's mission statement.

"People are constantly asking me how I do it all, from being a single mom to working full-time to still maintaining a social life. I get endless questions about food, kids, beauty, and fashion, so I decided to create Poosh, a curated experience and a destination for modern living," Kourtney wrote.

So. A 7-year-old in a $200 Versace bathing suit. Thoughts?
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Expectation for better funds allocation in healthcare is high from the Union Budget on February 1.

From tax exemptions to focus on rare diseases, healthcare personnel and doctors are unanimously of the view that budget allocation has to be increased by at least three-folds, as compared to last year for all-round development in medicine.

Speaking to Express, Dr B Nagender, superintendent, Osmania General Hospital (OGH) said, I feel that a part of the allocation should be put to use in research for treatment of rare diseases such as Haemophilia, auto-immune diseases and cystic fibrosis. Additionally, a part of the budget should be allocated for work on diabetes, that has recently emerged as a disease that affects all classes of people, and is not just limited to the rich.

Adding to this, Dr Prathap Reddy, president, Indian Medical Association (IMA), Telangana, rallied heavily for tax exemptions.

He said, A major chunk of the allocation needs to be spent on fixing and developing rural healthcare. Apart from that, tax exemptions need to be provided on basic equipment purchase for government hospitals, donations made to public medical institutions, and research equipment for medical colleges.

Critical of last years budget, senior doctor and general secretary of IMA, Telangana, Sanjeev Yadav, said, If the allocation remains the same as last year, a majority of it will go on paying salaries to doctors, nurses and stipends to other personnel. This will leave no scope for expenditure of required infrastructure, state-of-art medical equipment, and public campaigns.

He added, For hospitals like Gandhi or OGH, medical equipment that is at par with private hospitals to perform simple procedures such as laparoscopies, is the need of the hour. Additionally, there should be better allocation for sanitation, as most of bouts of influenza and infection in 2019 were due to lack of sanitation and cleanliness.
Service station worker electrocuted View(s):

A youth was electrocuted while attending to a vehicle at a service station in Maligawatte, Colombo on Tuesday, a coroners court inquiry was told.

The victim Maradan Yogaraja (27) was washing a car with an electric high pressure water gun, when the tragedy happened.

Service station mechanic S Somaraja told the coroner that he heard someone shouting near the servicing area. He said he saw a car on a hoist and Yogaraja lying underneath with the high pressure water gun on top of him.

The witness said he immediately switched off the main switch and rushed his friend to the National Hospital. He died at the hospitals Emergency Treatment Unit.

Judicial Medical Officer Dr K Wasuthahewa ruled the death was due to electrocution.

Coroner M Ashrof Rumi ordered the Maradana police to produce a Ceylon Electrical Board electrical engineer in the coroners court tomorrow.
BJP MP Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma on Saturday said government land in the city encroached by religious structures will be freed if the BJP comes to power in Delhi.

The West Delhi MP had earlier this week said mosques constructed on encroached government land here are certain to be demolished.

The Delhi Assembly elections will be held on February 8 and results for the 70 Assembly seats declared on February 11.

"The government land on which religious places are constructed will be vacated after BJP forms government in Delhi. Complaints have come regarding more than 54 mosques and madrassas on government land in Delhi. The list has already been given to the Lt Governor," Verma tweeted in Hindi.

On Monday, he had said if anyone complains to him about encroachment of government land in Delhi by any temple or gurudwara, he will take up the matter with authorities.

"But no temple or gurudwara are found on government land, only mosques are found on government land," he had said at a press conference.

In June last year, Verma had written to Lt Governor Anil Baijal seeking action against mosques and graveyards allegedly constructed on government land.

He had also furnished a list of 50 such encroachments to the LG for action.

Taking note of Verma's claim, the Delhi Minorities Commission formed a fact-finding committee that termed his claim as "false" after probing records of 68 mosques, graveyards, madrassas and imambaras in the city.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In what could again spark tension between Maharashtras ruling allies, Shiv Sena and the Congress, senior Sena leader Sanjay Raut suggested Saturday that those opposing the Bharat Ratna for Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar should spend some time in the Cellular Jail in Andaman and Nicobar.

Rauts statement followed Congress leader Prithviraj Chavans contention that his party will oppose the Bharat Ratna to Savarkar.

Those who oppose Savarkar, whether it is due to ideology or differences, should be made to spend time at the Cellular JailThese people will realise the sacrifice and hardships he faced there, said Raut.

Within hours, the Congress said supporters of Savarkar should visit the jail to understand the sacrifice made by those freedom fighters who never apologised to the British. Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said the BJP can grant the highest civilian honour to Savarkar by virtue of majority at the Centre, if it is willing to ignore Savarkars statements like calling B R Ambedkar a mathefiru (fanatic) and Buddhists as rashtradrohi (pro-sedition).

Meanwhile, Sena scion and state environment minister Aaditya Thackeray sought to distance his party from the statement. It is his (Rauts) personal opinion, Thackeray said.

Insisting that divergent views did not mean a rift within the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi, Thackeray said, The Shiv Sena-Congress alliance is strong and we came together for the development of the state. We may have different views on certain issues but this is what democracy is. Instead of history, we need to talk of current issues.

Savarkar is revered by the Shiv Sena and the party was riled with former Congress president Rahul Gandhi for refusing to apologise for his Rape in India remark as his name was Gandhi and not Rahul Savarkar.

While Thackeray may have called Rauts outburst his personal opinion, former CM and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis said Savarkar was not just a person but a thought which will never lose its relevance.

Not surprisingly, Savarkars family has welcomed Rauts statement. The Hindutva ideologues grandson Ranjit Savarkar said he now expects Shiv Sena to convince Congress leaders not to oppose Savarkar.

I welcome Sanjay Rauts statement. In the past also Shiv Sena aggressively opposed the defamation of Savarkar. I expect that Shiv Sena will now convince Congress leaders not to oppose him, Ranjit Savarkar said.
The cost of serving alcohol in Rochester could increase this year.

For 16 current businesses, that means annual fees could more than double within two years, from $3,200 to $7,500.

Another 72 restaurants could see basic licenses climb from $3,200 to $5,100.

The proposed increases stems from a request by the Rochester City Council a year ago. The request sought to address a need for added downtown police enforcement while also looking at potential for liquor fee adjustments.

"I think there is a consensus that we have some problems downtown, and its costing taxpayers some money," Council member Michael Wojcik said at the time. "It would be best if we could find some ways to address these issues without putting it on the property tax levy, which everyone pays."

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The resulting yearlong study of potential fee increases and other policy changes was supported by the council in a unanimous vote.

City Clerk Anissa Hollingshead said the study included a look at fees in Minnesota cities with more than 100,000 population, as well as smaller communities.

"Across the board, all our fees were significantly below other jurisdictions," she said.

For restaurants with full liquor licenses, Rochester currently charges $3,200 a year, at a rate established in 1982.

A similar license would cost $4,317 in Duluth, $6,520 in Minneapolis and $9,600 in Bloomington, which put Rochesters proposed $5,100 within the range of other cities.

St. Cloud, which sets fees based on restaurant size, charges $3,800 for eateries with less than 3,000 square feet to $5,800 for those with 5,000 square feet or more.

St. Paul also makes adjustments based on size, but sets fees according to the number of seats in a restaurant. Its charges start at $4,795 for less than 100 seats and increase in three steps to reach $5,767 for more than 291 seats.

Rochesters proposal would make one adjustment for restaurant size, setting a $3,000 fee for eateries with fewer than 25 seats. Hollingshead said only one restaurant with a liquor license currently falls into that category, which would see a $200 reduction compared to the current fee.

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Other adjustments are suggested to reflect various types of licenses related to liquor sales, Hollingshead noted.

Proposed increases include increasing restaurant wine licenses from $400 to $900, increasing taproom licenses from $300 to $600, and doubling liquor licenses to $100 a day.

As proposed, the combined change, which include increasing liquor store fees from $400 to $1,500, could provide an estimated $324,000 in increased annual revenue for the city.

Hollingshead said the revenue will cover costs related to enforcement by police, as well as her office as the licensing agent.

In the 2020 city budget, the council approved nearly $254,000 to fund two new police officers to be assigned to downtown beats.

Approximately $200,000 was also included in the budget for costs related to adding a license assistant city clerk to deal with increasing activity in the office, which includes overseeing a variety of city licenses.

"It certainly costs us more to do this work that it did in the early '80s," she said, noting the time when many of the liquor license fees were last adjusted.

Leading up to a public hearing planned for the Rochester City Council meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday in council chambers of the city-county Government Center, Hollingshead said she sought input from local businesses affected by the proposed changes.

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Two letters were sent to license holders, and the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce held a forum in October to discuss the changes.

Hollingshead said it appears many of the business owners understand the need for the increases, even if they object to the new rate. At the same time, she said few specific inquiries have been heard by her office.

"I really was hoping to get as much direct feedback as possible to inform us," she said.

City Council members noted in November that they had heard from business owners. As a result, they asked for the rates to be increased in two parts.

"Some of the feedback Im getting from some of the businesses owners is that it would at least be more palatable if we could phase in fee increases over a two-year period, rather than all in one year," said Council President Randy Staver.

For existing license holders, fee increases will be adjusted by 60% of the planned increase in 2020, with the full fee charged in 2021.

New applicants for licenses will face fees at the full rate next month, if the council approves the adjustments this week.

Meetings during the week of Jan. 20 include:

Rochester

Rochester-Olmsted Council of Governments, noon Wednesday in Conference Room A at 2122 Campus Drive SE.

City Council study session, 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in the council chambers of the city-county Government Center, 151 4th St. SE.

Library Board, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in Meeting Room C of the Rochester Public Library, 101 2nd St. SE.

City Council, 7 p.m. Wednesday in council chambers of the Government Center. The meeting will be followed by a meeting of the citys Economic Development Authority.

Olmsted County
The British government has announced plans for special events on the night of Jan. 31 when the country officially leaves the European Union but the country's treasury chief has admitted that some U.K. business sectors will suffer as a result. Sajid Javid told the Financial Times in an interview Saturday that Britain's regulations will not be aligned with the EU in the future and that those changes may hurt some businesses. Currently the EU is Britain's largest trading partner.

There will not be alignment, we will not be a rule-taker, we will not be in the single market and we will not be in the customs union  and we will do this by the end of the year," he said, referring to a deadline at the end of 2020 for conclusion of what are expected to be contentious trade talks with the then-27 member EU.

Britain will officially leave the EU bloc on the night of Jan. 31, even though it will keep following EU rules for an 11-month transition period. It will be the first nation ever to leave the bloc. The British government plans to mark the occasion with a series of upbeat events.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson plans to make a speech to the nation that night after holding a rare cabinet session in the north of England to emphasize his government's plan to spread opportunity to that economically beleaguered region.

The government also plans to mark Brexit by projecting a clock onto the prime minister's official residence at 10 Downing Street in London that will count down until 11 p.m., when the break takes place.

The entire government neighborhood of Whitehall is to be illuminated for the occasion as part of a light show, with Union flags flown on all the poles in Parliament Square. The government will also create a commemorative coin that will enter circulation that day.

But Johnson's Conservative government is no longer actively pushing a plan to have the familiar chimes of the Big Ben clock tower at Parliament sound at 11 p.m. despite a private fundraising push in support of activating the chimes, which are under repair.

Britain voted in a 2016 referendum to become the first nation to leave the 28-nation EU, but the process has moved more slowly than expected. A stalemate last year kept a withdrawal bill from passing, leading to a rare December election that gave Johnson's pro-Brexit Conservative Party a strong majority in Parliament.

The Brexit divorce bill quickly passed when the new Parliament convened. A transition period will last until the end of 2020 as negotiators try to forge a trade arrangement between Britain and the remaining EU nations.

Johnson, who is also seeking a trade deal with the United States, has ruled out seeking an extension of the deadline for the EU talks.
The Supreme Court will hear on Monday the plea by Communist Party of India (Marxist) and NGO Association for Democratic Reforms and seeking a stay on the electoral bonds scheme of 2018.

The case will be heard by a bench of Chief Justice of India, SA Bobde and justices BR Gavai and Surya Kant.

The Finance Act, 2017 introduced a system of electoral bonds to be issued by any scheduled bank for the purpose of electoral funding.

An electoral bond is an instrument in the nature of a promissory note or bearer bond which can be purchased by any individual, company, firm or association of persons provided the person or body is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India.

The bonds which are in multiple denominations are issued specifically for the purpose of contribution of funds to political parties.

The first step towards introduction of electoral bonds was the enactment of the Finance Act, 2017 which amended various provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, Representation of People Act, Income Tax Act, Companies Act and Foreign Contribution Regulation Act.

The Finance Act was passed as a money bill which meant that it did not require the assent of Rajya Sabha. This, the petitioner submitted, was done in order to bypass the Rajya Sabha where the ruling BJP government does not have majority.

The petitioners also submitted that the consequence of the amendments was that annual contribution reports of political parties to be furnished to the Election Commission of India need not mention names and addresses of those contributing by way of electoral bonds thereby killing transparency in political funding.

The removal of cap on donations by the amendment of the Companies Act, 2013 and the amendments made in Section 236 of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 were also challenged as opening avenues for foreign contribution to Indian political parties.

Subsequently, in January 2018, the central government promulgated the electoral bond scheme thereby giving effect to the electoral bond system contemplated by the finance act and other consequential amendments.

The petitioners had then approached the apex court seeking stay on the scheme.

Central governments top law officer, attorney general KK Venugopal had told the court that the scheme is within the realm of policy of the government and court should not interfere in policy matters. He also said that the scheme protects the privacy of donors which should outweigh the right of voters to know about the source of funding of political parties.

The top court then passed an order on April 12, 2019 stating that the case involves weighty issues which could have a great bearing on the sanctity of the electoral process in the country. Therefore, it had held that the matter requires an in-depth hearing. As an interim arrangement, the court had asked all political parties to submit in a sealed cover to the Election Commission of India details of funding received through electoral bonds.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, January 18, 2020 18:02 724 48be62e941b44f04afae568c322af992 1 City suicide,jakarta,suicidal,bullying,student Free

A student from State Junior High School SMP 147, Cibubur, East Jakarta, who jumped from the fourth floor of the schools building on Tuesday in an apparent suicide attempt, was pronounced dead two days later.

Following the fall, the student was rushed to Kramat Jati Hospital to receive medical treatment. The student was pronounced dead on Thursday at 4 p.m. and was buried at Pondok Ranggon Public Cemetery in East Jakarta on Friday.

The school claims that the deceased was a model student who had a good reputation throughout her time at the school.

Although the school has yet to learn what might have motivated the student to apparently end her life, internet users have speculated that she was bullied at the school.

Nasrun, principal of SMPN 147, however, denied that the victim tried to commit suicide because of bullying. He claimed there was no bullying at his school.

"We're focusing on educating the students so there is no bullying taking place at this school," Nasrun said as quoted by kompas.com on Friday.

"She behaved like other students in our school," he added.

The school has reported the incident to the police. (dpk)

Topics : suicide jakarta suicidal bullying student
On February 8, Delhi will again witness a triangular battle between the Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) when it votes to choose a new legislative assembly elections.

The BJP is struggling to make a comeback to the helm of the Delhi Assembly after 22 years. The Congress, which ruled the city for 15 consecutive years till 2013 but drew a blank in the 2015 polls, is also looking for a turnaround in its fortunes.

With all three parties having declared their list of candidates this week  and having fielded winning candidates and fresh faces along with old heavyweights  several assembly segments are likely to witness keen contests.

The fight gets tougher with several experienced politicians having changed their affiliations in the run up to the polls and having bagged tickets to fight against their old parties.

Chandni Chowk, Dwarka, Gandhi Nagar, Sangam Vihar, Kalkaji, Greater Kailash, Krishna Nagar and Mangolpuri, among others, are some such seats which are likely to witness tough contests.

According to Praveen Rai, political scientist with the Centre for Study of Developing Societies in Delhi, despite the AAPs refusal to divert from the agenda of governance and welfare, there was a high possibility that the Congress will cause deep dents in the ruling partys vote base in constituencies with significant Muslim population in the light of protests against the recently amended citizenship law. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has refused to throw his weight behind the ongoing protests, though he has condemned the violence and spoken against the newly-passed citizenship law.

Rai said, There will be an impact for sure. But the intensity  or quantum of the impact in terms of number  is not yet clear, said Rai. He added, The idea of sticking with good governmance in the campaign is a smart move on part of the AAP but one must remember that there are factors which are capable of pushing such positive campaigns to the backseat. The Congress had adopted a similar strategy in 2013 but they could not ensure a majority for the first time in 15 years.

Constituencies with large Muslim population in Delhi include Seelampur, Okhla, Matia Mahal, Ballimaran and Mustafabad.

Close contests

In Chandni Chowk, Alka Lamba, who rebelled in the AAP and went back to the Congress, will be contesting against the AAPs Prahlad Singh Sawhney, a five-time MLA and the partys new recruit who joined from the Congress around a month ago. The BJPs candidate from the seat is Suman Kumar Gupta, former councillor in the area who has twice unsuccessfully contested from the same seat before.

Sawhney, however, said there was no chance of a close contest. I know my support base and I have done sufficient amount of work in the area over years to build it.

Alka Lamba, on the other hand, agreed that there will be a tough fight ahead, but asserted that she is the strongest face in the fray.

In Dwarka, the AAPs dropped MLA Adarsh Shastri will contest with a Congress ticket against the AAPs Vinay Mishra, who joined the party last week. Mishra is the son of Congress heavyweight Mahabal Mishra. The BJPs candidate from the seat is a relatively lesser-known face, Pradyumn Rajput.

In Kalkaji, the Delhi Congress chief Subhash Chopras daughter Shivani Chopra will be taking on AAPs Atishi. While Atishi had unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha polls in 2019, for Chopra it will be her first election. The BJP is yet to field a candidate from Kalkaji.

In East Delhis Gandhi Nagar, the BJPs Anil Bajpai, who had rebelled in the AAP last year and later got disqualified as an MLA, will be taking on Congress heavyweight Arvinder Singh Lovely. The AAPs candidate in the seat is Naveen Chaudhary, is a new face in the partys list.

In Seelampur, which witnessed vioent protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act last month, the Congress stalwart candidate Mateen Ahmed will take on the AAPs Abdul Rehman. In this Muslim-dominated constituency, the AAP dropped its sitting MLA Mohammad Ishraque. The BJPs face from Seelampur is Kaushal Mishra, who identifies himself as a Purvanchali leader in the area.

A similar tight contest is likely to take place in Okhla too  where the AAP has fielded its old hand Amanatullah Khan, who was an active participant in the anti-CAA protests. He will be contesting against the BJPs Brahm Singh, who had lodged a compaint against him accusing him of instigating riots during the protest. The Congress is yet to announce its candidate for the seat.
In my column article of January 6  a riposte to Isa Funtuas prejudiced utterance on the Igbo  I wrote: Funtuas statement reeks of...





In my column article of January 6  a riposte to Isa Funtuas prejudiced utterance on the Igbo  I wrote: Funtuas statement reeks of corpulent arrogance, bigotry and acute sense of entitlement. It reinforces the stereotype that his section of the country bullies any region that does not kiss the ring of the caliphate.





I was not surprised that Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) reacted hysterically to the piece because the beneficiaries of the disequilibrious status quo will always seek to maintain it.





It is common knowledge that swathes of territories in the north have been overrun by bandits. At the peak of the menace  in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019  these grim reapers killed citizens in hundreds in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Kano. But what did the governors of the region and the federal government do in the face of this challenge? They took a pacifist perspective to it. Instead of facing the problem headlong, they invited murderers to a parley.





Mohammed Adamu, the inspector-general of police (IGP), was in one of such meetings with these bandits. In fact, he said this in one of the peace meetings: We will take measures to dialogue with the bandits to become better citizens.

Also, it was even reported that the bandits were bribed to keep the peace. But this approach did not stop the killings. That fact is, the atrophic security threat assailing the country cannot be tackled by pandering to the whims of the antagonists. When there is no retribution for crime it festers.





And while the government was still dialoguing with the bandits, they were spreading their tentacles into other parts of the country. Not long afterwards, the south-west became a flashpoint of banditry and kidnapping. The highways in the region became the quickest routes to hell. In July, 2019, Funke Olakunrin, daughter of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Afenifere leader, was killed savagely by bandits on Ondo road. Many other citizens had been killed in a similar pattern in the region. And the killings continued unabated.





So, it is natural that the governors of the south-west, who are the chief security officers of the region, will rally to check the scourge. However, instead of appeasing the bandits like the governors of the north-west did, they dispatched Amotekun to secure their area. I think, Amotekun, an ingenious security initiative, is the south-wests response to the governments propitiation of bandits.





Regarding the legality of the security outfit, I know the right to life is the crux of all human rights. You cannot fail to defend me, yet asks that I should not defend myself against certain death. If the government was alive to its responsibility of securing citizens, there will be no Amotekun. Though I admit there may be constitutional limitations to the purview of the outfit, there is no evidence that the recently launched operation has overreached itself in any way.





Also, the south-west governors have made it clear that the security outfit will not perform police functions. So, why the hue and cry?





As a matter of fact, the protest of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore to governors of the south-west region over Amotekun reinforces the stereotype that the north bullies any section of the country which does not bend to its thrall. It also accents an acute sense of entitlement.





Really, it is upsetting that Miyetti Allah is asking the region to decommission Amotekun or risk losing the presidency in 2023.





To share in my despondence please read the statement of Alhassan Saleh, national secretary of Miyetti Allah.





This Amotekun scheme is political and is not the solution to the problem of insecurity. What the South-West governors should have done is to continue to push for state police. Where did they expect to get the funding from at a time some of them are struggling to pay salaries?





It is best they give up on this idea because it may affect the chances of the South-West to produce the President in 2023. The thinking is that if the South-West, a major stakeholder in this government, can be toying with this idea now, they may do worse when they get to power.





We are in agreement with the AGF that Amotekun is illegal. In fact, we are unhappy that it took the AGF this long to react.





But can Amotekun cost the south-west 2023 presidency? To me, it is not for a group or even a section of the country to decide. It is the decision of all Nigerians. In 2011, a president emerged from the south-south, even from an ethnic nationality that is considered a minority in the country, against all odds. President Muhammadu Buhari himself had run for office thrice but failed. If it was possible for him to be president solely by the votes and machination of his section of the country at those times he vied for office, it would have happened.





The point is no one region holds the ace to power in Nigeria. The perception that there is a kingmaker region is only but a myth. All Nigerians are equal stakeholders in this entity.





Fredrick Nwabufo is a writer and journalist.





@FredrickNwabufo




Giovanni Luman, a New Mexico Subway employee made a TikTok video of a stray dog that visited his eatery every day for food and posted it online making her an online sensation. The lovely stray dog showed up every night outside Lumans restaurant and waited to be fed free of charge. In a kind gesture, the employee of the subway had not deterred from feeding her.

However, as the adorable dog showed up one night and waited for her meal, Luman decided to capture the heart-wrenching scenario and share it with his online audience. He shot the dog on the Chinese video app TikTok. This stray dog has been coming to subway every night for the past year, Giovanni Luhman wrote alongside the clip, we always feed her. He then wrote, Her name is Subway Sallie, in a continued remark.

Not to be dramatic but I would die for Subway Sally pic.twitter.com/T7ufMbYEfR   L (@wydsimp) January 6, 2020

Read Not Easy Being Green: North Carolina Dog Births Unique Puppy

Read Wolf Pups Can Play 'Fetch' Like Dogs Without Being Taught The Game

Video shot the dog to fame

The video shot the dog to fame in no time and the internet could not appreciate enough the kind gesture of Luman feeding the stray dog. The clip was reportedly circulated widely and shared numerous times, with views reaching over 10 million. The internet has turned a fan of the playful nickname Subway Sally. The Subway outlet joined the discussion and commented.

Subway Sally just made all of our dreams come true  Subway (@SUBWAY) January 7, 2020

The clip shows the adorable pooch meeting Luman at the entrance of the eatery as she nibbles on the wrapped feast gently stroking against Luman as he served her the meal. The fans have reportedly started visiting the store in order to meet with Subway Sally and feed her in a compassionate gesture.

Luman told the sources that he was fond of the dog, however, he couldnt take the dog in as a pet as he owns a cat. He also explained that dropping her at the nearest rescue center wasnt a great option either as many dogs have been rumoured to have died because of poor care. According to the sources, Luman is now looking to commence a pet food drive initiative for the stray dogs like Subway Sally so they are fed. He reportedly said that his cause might deter the families from abandoning their pet dogs on the streets if they cannot be provided with food.

Read Florida Man Admits Killing Family, Pet Dog In Disney-built Community

Read Video Of Dog Hitting The Gym In Australia Gives Major Fitness Goals
THE figures on the housing waiting list are mind-boggling, Cllr Liam Galvin said, reacting to a detailed report which has been released to councillors for the Newcastle West Municipal District.

The list shows that 374 people are waiting to be housed in Newcastle West, while 138 people are on the list for Abbeyfeale.

But the figures, released to Cllr Tom Ruddle, also indicate the demand for housing in smaller towns and villages. These include 39 on the list for Castlemahon, 38 for Dromcollogher, 40 on the list for Glin, 19 on the list for Tournafulla and 13 for Mountcollins.

These figures, however, may include some duplication, councillors were warned as they are based on peoples first three preferences.

There are 19 people on the list in Tournafulla and we cant build a house there, Cllr Galvin said. The main obstacle is the lack of an adequate sewerage treatment system which is at full capacity, councillors have been told. Are we going to address the issue with Irish Water? Cllr Galvin asked.

He also asked how many of the 374 on the Newcastle West town list were from centres outside the town. Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale are borderline cases where people will end up homeless, he added.

People would have no problem moving out the country if there was a house available, Cllr Ruddle said and he called for leadership on the matter as the lists get longer. Besides, he pointed out, it is more expensive for the council to buy in Newcastle West.

Cllr John Sheahan reiterated the point that the policy on rural housing, as contained in the National Development Plan, is to concentrate people in urban areas. The national policy, he said, needs to change. He also slammed over-demanding building regulations which hugely increase the cost of building your own home. Affordable housing is not there because of the building regulations, he said.

Cllr Jerome Scanlon asked how many of those on the housing list were receiving HAP or other rent allowances.

Meanwhile, Cllr Francis Foley argued that there should not take an exorbitant amount of money to sort out the 12 half-finished houses on the Cois na Feile estate in Abbeyfeale. The houses stand on one side of a privately-built estate on the Clash Road, where 12 other houses were bought for social housing and are now occupied.

Eight or nine of the houses have roofs on them, Cllr Foley pointed out.

All the infrastructure is in there, the roads, the footpaths, he said, arguing that the council should look at acquiring the houses.

You would get value for money, he said, and we should try and get funding and sort out the issues.

The biggest investment we had was to get the services in, Cllr Liam Galvin agreed and he argued that the remaining, unfinished houses were an invitation to anti-social behaviour.

People will get hurt there, he warned.

The houses in question have multiple owners, director of services Gordon Daly reminded councillors. Those available for purchase are being purchased, he said. Those that arent have been placed on the derelict sites register.

Once on the register, unless action is taken, the houses can then be compulsorily acquired.

Councillors met in private to discuss housing in detail following last weeks meeting.
Clashes between police and Lebanese protesters wounded more than 220 people on both sides Saturday in the highest such tally in three months of anti-establishment demonstrations. The sound of ambulance sirens rang out across Beirut as the Red Cross reported 80 wounded had been taken to hospital and 140 more were treated on site. The protest movement rocking Lebanon since October 17 revived this week as a deepening economic crisis increases pressure to form a new government. No progress appears to have been made towards finalising the cabinet, which protesters demand be comprised of independent experts and exclude all established political parties. After several hours of clashes, the violence died down as demonstrators dispersed. Several were arrested, local media said. The violence began after dozens of protesters -- some concealing their faces in scarves -- threw rocks and large plant pots at police guarding the road leading up to parliament. Others charged police lines with traffic signs and metal barriers. Security forces behind the barricades responded with water cannon and tear gas to disperse the crowds. The violence continued after nightfall, with protesters throwing fire crackers at police in streets. The National News Agency said demonstrators also vandalised bank facades in central Beirut, and television showed a fire of an unknown origin tearing through protest tents on the main square. - 'Popular anger' - "A direct and violent confrontation is taking place with anti-riot police at one of the entrances to parliament," the Internal Security Forces said earlier on Twitter. "We ask peaceful protesters to keep away from the site of the rioting for their safety." They published photos of several wounded policemen and a video showing pillars stripped of their tiles, reportedly to be thrown at security forces. An AFP photographer saw young men uproot parking metres at the start of the clashes, then around 10 people faint from tear gas inhalation. A 23-year-old woman named Maya said she was protesting because politicians seemed to be ignoring demands for an overhaul of the old political class. "I'm here because after more than 90 days in the streets, they're still squabbling over their shares in government... It's as if they didn't see our movement," she told AFP. "Popular anger is the solution," she said. - 'Infiltrators' - Forming a cabinet is an often convoluted process in Lebanon, where a complex system seeks to maintain balance between the country's many political parties and religious confessions. But protesters say they want to scrap the old system, and demand a new government of impartial technocrats to address mounting economic woes, including a severe liquidity crisis. President Michel Aoun called on Twitter for the security forces to protect peaceful protesters, but prevent "vandalism". Outgoing Prime Minister Saad Hariri meanwhile condemned what he called a "suspicious and crazy scene", blaming "infiltrators". This week public anger has been directed at banks, with branches in the capital's Hamra district vandalised following widely unpopular limits on withdrawals and transfers. Dozens were detained for several nights after clashes on Tuesday and Wednesday, before being released. Human rights groups condemned the arrests and what they described as unacceptable violence against largely peaceful protesters. Hariri and his government stepped down under pressure from the street on October 29, but they have remained in a caretaker capacity until a new cabinet is formed. Political factions that agreed on December 19 to appoint former education minister and professor Hassan Diab as the new premier are now disagreeing over proposed ministers. The World Bank has warned that the poverty rate in Lebanon could rise from a third to half of the population if the political crisis is not solved soon. Lebanese security forces react to fireworks hurled by anti-government protesters in downtown Beirut Anti-government protesters throw a large plant pot at Lebanese security forces in Beirut Anti-government protesters ram a road sign at Lebanese security forces taking in downtown Beirut
A Chinese delegation from China International Import Expo (CIIE) invited more Moroccan companies to join the third edition of CIIE and seize the opportunity to increase their exports to the Chinese market.

During a presentation conference of the CIIE in Rabat on Wednesday, Wang Bingnan, Chinese vice minister of Commerce and general director of the CIIE bureau, said that holding of the CIIE is a demonstration of China's strong commitment to economic globalization and trade liberalization to the world, demonstrating China's firmness in expanding opening up determination.

Wang said that China is the third largest trading partner of Morocco, and the Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of China-Morocco economic and trade relations.

China welcomes Moroccan enterprises to continuously expand exports to China and is willing to provide necessary support for this, Wang added.

He hopes that Moroccan enterprises could make more Chinese partners through the platform of the CIIE to jointly develop the Chinese market and share the dividends brought by China's economic development.

Hicham Boudraa, director of Morocco's Investment and Trade Agency, stated that Morocco attaches great importance to the development of economic and trade relations with China.

Boudraa added that China's expanding domestic demand and upgrade of resident consumption offer rare opportunities for exporting companies.

Boudraa encouraged more Moroccan companies to seize the opportunity and explore the Chinese market through the platform of the CIIE.

Moroccan winery Red Farm has participated in the last two editions of the CIIE. Its general manager Mamoun Sayah said in an interview with Xinhua that participating in the CIIE is very rewarding.

The winery has signed contracts with two Chinese distributors and "intend to participate in the third Expo," he added.

During the conference, Moroccan cosmetics company IntelCare signed the contract of participation with the CIIE bureau, becoming the first Moroccan company to sign up for the third edition of the exhibition.

According to statistics from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, three Moroccan companies participated in the second edition of the CIIE, realizing a turnover of nearly 20 million U.S. dollars.
The Queen's decision over Megxit has shown Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that there is no halfway house, according to royal commentators.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced last week that they would be stepping down from their duties as senior royals and moving to North America - and negotiations had been ongoing ever since.

But an announcement from Buckingham Palace last night marked the conclusion of talks about the couple's future with royal author Penny Junor saying that the terms of the split were actually 'good news' for the pair.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced last week that they would be stepping down from their duties as senior royals and moving to North America - and negotiations had been ongoing ever since

She said: 'I think it is the best possible outcome and an outcome which will actually avoid catastrophe.

'The country was so divided about this and so angry and so upset, so I think it was all a big mess and it was getting nastier by the day.'

The official announcement today stated that Harry and Meghan will stop using their HRH titles and will repay the 2.4million of taxpayers' money spent on their Berkshire home.

They will, however, continue their private patronages and associations with the Queen's blessing.

Ms Junor added that it would have been 'tragic' if the pair had to give up their patronages particularly if Harry was made to leave the Invictus Games after founding it.

She said: 'They're hanging onto their patronages which I think is absolutely terrific because they both care passionately about making the world a better place.'

She went on to praise the agreement that Harry and Meghan will be stepping back from royal duties and will not receive public funds as a clean break for the pair.

She said: 'There are no blurred lines. They are starting afresh and they are going with the Queen's blessing, I think it is the best of all worlds.

'There is greater prestige to the HRH, it is the title of a working member of the royal family.

Royal commentators Penny Junor (left) and Alistair Bruce (right) have both praised Buckingham Palace's announcement about the terms of the Megxit split

'I think holding onto it is very very good because it means that if something was to happen in the future, and who knows what might happen in the future, circumstances might change and they might want to come back.

'They might want to do royal work again, they might be needed.

'I think not to burn bridges is a good thing.

'It does mean that they won't be able to cash in, one would hope, on their royal status.'

However, the royal expert added it was 'currently ambiguous' whether the pair would be able to use the term Sussex Royal, including on their official website Sussexroyal.com.

Ms Junor praised the agreement as positive for both the couple and the royal family and added: 'The British public have lost out because these are two fantastic people who sprinkle fairy dust wherever they go and we are going to miss that, but clearly it was not making them happy.'

Alistair Bruce, a commentator on the royals, told Sky News: 'I think the queen has dealt with this crisis because she has absolutely drawn the line: you can be private people but you cannot be royal at the same time.

'There's no halfway house.'

'What a piece of work': Piers Morgan says he is only surprised it took Meghan this long to get Harry to ditch his family

Piers Morgan responded to Buckingham Palace's historic announcement last night that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be retiring from royal life by suggesting the Queen had told them to 'sling their part-time royal hook'.

The TV presenter, who has made no secret of his dislike for the Duchess of Sussex's behaviour since she ghosted him, tweeted his thoughts immediately after the Megxit deal was revealed.

He wrote: 'BREAKING: The Queen's told Megan/Harry to sling their part-time royal hook.

'Well done, Your Majesty - right decision. Only surprised it took her so long to get Harry to ditch his family, the Monarchy, the military and his country.

'What a piece of work.'

The enraged Good Morning Britain host continued to vent his outrage by saying: 'Bottom line: Meghan/Harry wanted to have their cake and eat it, but the Queen just took the cake back to the royal kitchens'

The enraged Good Morning Britain host continued to vent his outrage by saying: 'Bottom line: Meghan/Harry wanted to have their cake and eat it, but the Queen just took the cake back to the royal kitchens.'

Morgan then began replying to other Twitter users with his opinion on certain aspects of the couple's new role.

In response to ITV News's Royal Editor Chris Ship, who tweeted a quote from the former Head of the Navy on the topic of Harry stepping down, Morgan wrote: 'Staggering that Harry would turn his back on the military like this.'

Piers Morgan took to Twitter to respond to Buckingham Palace's bombshell announcement last night

Due to Harry giving up his military ranks, he will pass on the position of Captain General to the Royal Marines which he took on from his grandfather, Prince Philip, who had held it from 1953 to 2017.

Piers Morgan said: 'Philip must be devastated.'

However he took some solace in the situation and said: 'On a positive note, this spells the death on arrival of Meghan and Harry's plan for a 'progressive' new Monarchy.

'So they thankfully won't be 'woking' the Windsors after all.'

As a teaser to his next MailOnline column, the TV presenter replied to a tweet from a fan which read: 'Am I the only one waiting for Piers Morgan to publish an article?!'

Morgan responded ominously to say: '36 hours...'
We can't get over injustices easily and love to rally against every wrong we witness. We also hate it when people misuse their power and employ their authority to serve their personal agenda. Then why is it that some individuals continue to feel entitled to a lot more than they deserve, simply because their name is attached to a 'title'?

Just like this Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Rajasthan, who argued with a community health centre doctor over a chair. Here is what happened.

 Twitter

In the quiet city of Hanumangarh in Rajasthan, the Pilibanga SDM Priyanka Talania had gone for a surprise inspection. That's when she asked the doctor on duty, Narendra Bishnoi, to vacate his chair for her because she wanted to check some documents.

Sh*t went down when the doctor politely declined to give up his chair since he was attending to patients at the time. He even requested Talania to make use of any other chair she wanted. That's when Talania lost her cool and began shouting at the doctor.

The video of the verbal altercation soon surfaced online.

She is SDM

Went for sudden inspection of CHC

Asked duty incharge to vacate his seat which he politely and strictly refused . And she went berserk pic.twitter.com/9ssaISTm4p  Dr. Manish Kumar     (@drmanishranchi) January 16, 2020

The blatant misuse of power is evident in the 2-minute video where Talania can be seen wielding her position and authority to bully the doctor and even calls him names. The SDM goes so far as to label the doctor unstable because he refuses to give in to her threats and abuses.

This is one of the real faces of Indian bureaucracy and how it functions in the country. The sense of entitlement that certain officers have is in direct contradiction with their real purpose as public servants. Just like the SDM in this video, who was willing to compromise the waiting patients' well-being to feel important.

People have condemned the woman's behaviour and we think she had this coming.

This is kind of entitlement the bureaucracy has in India.

This video is from Rajasthan.

Zamindari refuses to die out in India.

We are a society hell bent on protecting privileges.  Dr. Manish Kumar     (@drmanishranchi) January 16, 2020

Look at how she is getting back at the doctor.

This is the complete charges on the Doctor.

See how easily bureaucratic dystopia functions!

I would really love to see the work of the SDM evaluated like this! pic.twitter.com/ozfMKASOZ8  Dr. Manish Kumar     (@drmanishranchi) January 16, 2020

Thank God, CCTV doesn't lie.

Wow. What a horrible woman. Someone rightfully said power drunk! How dare she. Who the hell gave her right to insult a perfect gentleman. Shame on her. Poor hubby - if she's got one Unstable? I think we know who is unstable here Somebody. Fire her. Please!  Amy Chawla (@ChawlaAmy) January 16, 2020

Interesting spin by Lady SDM - 'I don't think he is stable' to one of the most self assured professional who seemed quite aware of his role,responsibilities & accountabilities whereas the Lady wanted to educate the Doctor about certain unwritten rules/practices of the playbook...  Anil P Joseph (@Anil4Joseph) January 16, 2020

She must be removed from her post and barred from any GOI job. Private sector will never offer her a job. Her career should be wiped out so others never think of doing anything like this. Discipline is not an option. It is a necessity in a civilized society @drharshvardhan  Anil Bhalla (@anilbhalla88) January 16, 2020

So glad he stood his ground. The seat you occupy is one you have earned. Nobody can make you vacate it.   Natasha (@nuts2406) January 16, 2020

My father who was in charge of a Checkpost in KL/TN border got an unusual visitor oneday,K.R Narayanan, who was then LS MP, father offered his chair, as there was no other furniture available



MP declined the chair "that's your official seat", and he sat on the veranda railing.  Rashmi#Witness#NoToCAB_NRC (@Ra_shmi_Tweets) January 16, 2020

She then even went on to slap charges against the doctor.
Ritwika Mitra By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Centre is planning to launch a national campaign for rehabilitation of people engaged in begging in 10 places across the country. The campaign is likely to be launched in April.

This comes after the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment conducted a meeting with state representatives and NGOs on January 14 in the capital.

Based on the discussions in workshops, the states should prepare a national action plan consisting of initiatives and budget by March, a letter sent from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to states said.

In the first phase, the central government has proposed to launch the campaign in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Patna, Lucknow and Indore.

In each location, a detailed action plan would be prepared which would cover identification, rehabilitation, provision of medical facilities, counselling, education, skill development, and a sustainable settlement of persons engaged in begging. The assessment would be carried out in which category a destitute falls in order to determine the scheme that she/he would fit into.

The Centre has proposed that the project would be funded on a 60:40 basis by the Centre and the state governments.

The proposed programme is a progressive decision of the ministry. What remains to be seen is states response to this. Unfortunately, popular lens to view beggary is still flawed. This scheme is an opportunity to create a humane mechanism to address destitution, said Mohammed Tarique, director, Koshish, a Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) field action project on homelessness and destitution.

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has directed the states to nominate a nodal agency in the respective cities which have been selected for the national project. It has also asked the states to arrange for workshops comprising the stakeholders in the city in the first week of February.

A time has come for preparing a national level action plan for declaring major cities begging-free through coordinated action of various stakeholders such as central and state governments, local bodies, and NGOs working in the field, said the letter.
Its beginning to look a lot like Biden. Photo: Rick Loomis/Getty Images

Joe Biden (almost certainly) had a better week than you did. Over the past seven days, the ramblin septuagenarian has seen his two top rivals for the Democratic nomination focus their fire on each other, his poll numbers in Iowa jump, his final debate before the the Hawkeye States caucus go off without hitch (or, at least, with no more than the normal number of hitches), and his former boss do his campaign a big favor.

The Democratic front-runner was already doing perfectly fine last Friday. But his campaign still faced the looming threat of Tuesday nights oratorical smackdown in Des Moines. At the last two debates, Bidens top rivals had largely held their fire, ostensibly calculating that it was better to avoid going negative on the former vice-president if at all possible; maybe the old man would find a way to beat himself. But now, with Bidens lead in national polls sturdy as ever  and Tuesdays debate, his adversaries last, best chance to bloody him before the first ballots are cast  surely Uncle Joe was going to take some fire.

After all, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren had both previewed new, anti-Biden attack lines in the run-up to the event. The Vermont senator began sewing his many substantive critiques of Biden into a larger narrative challenging the front-runners electability. Warren, meanwhile, released a bankruptcy reform plan that was clearly intended to function as a jumping-off point for a searing indictment of Bidens work on the 2005 bankruptcy reform bill  a piece of legislation that had privileged credit companies over consumers to such an egregious extent, it had radicalized a humble legal academic who had once considered herself a conservative.

And then, Warren learned that the Sanders campaign was (somewhat gently) challenging her electability in a call script. And then CNN reported on a private conversation Sander and Warren had apparently had. And then the rest is (disputed, incredibly stupid) history. On Tuesday night, both Warren and Sanders seem to have become too preoccupied with their feud to properly execute their hits on Biden. Sanders did dig into Uncle Joe for his positions on trade and the Iraq War. But he never tied those together with Bidens past support for Social Security cuts into a resonant warning about the front-runners inviability in a general election. Warren, meanwhile, completely neglected her bankruptcy plan.

Bidens own performance at the debate was among his worst yet. There seemed to be a vacuum behind his mouth that sucked the energy out of the hall every time it opened. Each sentence was a journey, and most did not end at their intended destination. But he made it through without producing any incriminating sound bite, or taking any viral blows. Shortly thereafter, Warrens Twitter mentions became infested with snakes, and CNN broadcast the Massachusetts senator and Sanders calling each other liars on national television.

Meanwhile, a Monmouth University poll found Biden leading the field in Iowa by six points  an advantage large enough to make him the Democratic front-runner in that state, according to RealClearPolitics poll of polls, for the first time in months.

To top it all off, Biden secured the pseudo-endorsement of the most popular man in the Democratic Party. No, Barack Obama has not expressed a public preference for his former wingman to win the primary. But many Iowa voters will soon believe that he has. In a new ad, the Biden campaign intersperses clips from Obamas January 2017 speech presenting his vice-president with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with images of the candidate, in a manner that makes Obamas words sound like an endorsement. According to Politico, Obama was made aware of the ad beforehand and raised no objections.

To be sure, Bidens week wasnt entirely flawless. On Friday, the New York Times published the vice-presidents interview with its editorial board. And in that extended conversation, the Democratic front-runner proved himself every bit as incapable of expressing his thoughts coherently as he has been at the debates, suggesting his difficulty is not rooted merely in nerves about public speaking. His explanation of why he does not support the legalization of marijuana is representative of his broader remarks:

Because I think science matters. I mean one of the reasons Im running against the guy Im running against is science matters, not fiction. Now nobody says, Im not arguing, and Senator Booker acknowledged, I wasnt arguing that we should in fact, it was a gateway drug. What Im arguing is there have been studies showing that it complicates other problems if you already have a problem with certain drugs. So we should just study it and decriminalize it, but study it and find out. Get the medical community to come up with a final definitive answer as to whether or not it does cause it. If it does cause other problems, then make it clear to people. So thats a place you dont not engage in the use of it.

But, by all appearances, the fact that Biden is no longer capable of speaking in proper English sentences will be no impediment to his political success  in the Democratic primary, anyway.
SDPI members were detained immediately after they started protesting near the venue of Amit Shahas rally. (Photo Credit: Screengrab)

New Delhi:

Tight security arrangements have been made for Union Home Minister and BJP chief Amit Shahs pro-CAA rally in Hubli, Karnataka on Saturday. Despite this, black balloons were spotted at the venue. This forced security officials into action who are trying to ascertain from where these balloons came and who all were behind the act. Also, the city police has detained at least 20 Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) for protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act in Hubli. The members of the political outfit were detained immediately after they started protesting near the venue of Shahs rally.

Amit Shah is scheduled to address a huge rally at Hubli as part of the party's nationwide outreach programme over the Citizenship Amendment Act. More than one lakh people are expected to attend Shah's rally in Hubli, BJP state general secretary Mahesh Tenginkai told reporters.

Union ministers Pralhad Joshi and Anurag Singh Thakur will also address rallies

Union ministers Pralhad Joshi and Anurag Singh Thakur will also address a couple of rallies in the state in favour of CAA, the party said.

While Thakur, who is the Union Minister of State for Finance, will address rallies on January 11 at Belagavi and Chikkodi, Joshi, who is Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister, will address rallies at Kalaburagi and Yadgir on January 11 and in Raichur district on January 12.

Tenginkai claimed thousands of party workers have already knocked on the doors of as many as 4.65 lakh houses spread across 253 mandals and 21,000 booths as part of the outreach programme.

"There has been a tremendous response. Remaining 37,000 booths will be covered in the next coming days," he added.

Ravi Kumar, another general secretary, said elected members of the party starting from gram panchayats, to MLAs, MLCs and MPs have been directed to stay put in their respective constituencies and visit 100 houses on January 11 and 12 in a special effort to reach out to all sections and strata of society.

"In order to further intensify our campaign, we have planned bike rallies by Yuva Morcha workers in taluk headquarters, Bharat Mata Poojan by Mahila Morcha workers and intellectuals meet in district headquarters," a BJP statement said, quoting him.

With PTI Inputs

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], Jan 18 (ANI): Four farmers of Tulluru village in Amaravati region on Saturday climbed a cell tower demanding that the government withdraws the three capitals proposal and continue with Amaravati as the sole capital for the state.



Farmers said that they won't climb down until the local MLA comes to them but later relented.

Tulluru circle inspector Srihari Rao reached the spot and assured farmers that the government will take note of their concerns. After that they got down from the cell tower.

Rao said the farmers were not detained. "Tomorrow we will call them and talk to them," he said.

Meanwhile, people in villages of Amaravati region have pasted posters on their houses with captions "Amaravati Our Capital, Save Amaravati Save Andhra Pradesh". (ANI)
The Deep State and crucial sectors of the US ruling class are absolutely terrified that China is already outpacing the indispensable nation economically and that Russia has outpaced it militarily. The Pentagon officially designates the three Eurasian nodes as threats.

Hybrid War techniques  carrying inbuilt 24/7 demonization  will proliferate with the aim of containing Chinas threat, Russian aggression and Irans sponsorship of terrorism. The myth of the free market will continue to drown under the imposition of a barrage of illegal sanctions, euphemistically defined as new trade rules.

Yet that will be hardly enough to derail the Russia-China strategic partnership. To unlock the deeper meaning of this partnership, we need to understand that Beijing defines it as rolling towards a new era. That implies strategic long-term planning  with the key date being 2049, the centennial of New China.

The horizon for the multiple projects of the Belt and Road Initiative  as in the China-driven New Silk Roads  is indeed the 2040s, when Beijing expects to have fully woven a new, multipolar paradigm of sovereign nations/partners across Eurasia and beyond, all connected by an interlocking maze of belts and roads.

The Russian project  Greater Eurasia  somewhat mirrors Belt & Road and will be integrated with it. Belt & Road, the Eurasia Economic Union, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank are all converging towards the same vision.

Realpolitik

So this new era, as defined by the Chinese, relies heavily on close Russia-China coordination, in every sector. Made in China 2025 is encompassing a series of techno/scientific breakthroughs. At the same time, Russia has established itself as an unparalleled technological resource for weapons and systems that the Chinese still cannot match.

At the latest BRICS summit in Brasilia, President Xi Jinping told Vladimir Putin that the current international situation with rising instability and uncertainty urge China and Russia to establish closer strategic coordination. Putins response: Under the current situation, the two sides should continue to maintain close strategic communication.

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Russia is showing China how the West respects realpolitik power in any form, and Beijing is finally starting to use theirs. The result is that after five centuries of Western domination  which, incidentally, led to the decline of the Ancient Silk Roads  the Heartland is back, with a bang, asserting its preeminence.

On a personal note, my travels these past two years, from West Asia to Central Asia, and my conversations these past two months with analysts in Nur-Sultan, Moscow and Italy, have allowed me to get deeper into the intricacies of what sharp minds define as the Double Helix. We are all aware of the immense challenges ahead  while barely managing to track the stunning re-emergence of the Heartland in real-time.

In soft power terms, the sterling role of Russian diplomacy will become even more paramount  backed up by a Ministry of Defense led by Sergei Shoigu, a Tuvan from Siberia, and an intel arm that is capable of constructive dialogue with everybody: India/Pakistan, North/South Korea, Iran/Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan.

This apparatus does smooth (complex) geopolitical issues over in a manner that still eludes Beijing.

In parallel, virtually the whole Asia-Pacific  from the Eastern Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean  now takes into full consideration Russia-China as a counter-force to US naval and financial overreach.

Stakes in Southwest Asia

The targeted assassination of Soleimani, for all its long-term fallout, is just one move in the Southwest Asia chessboard. Whats ultimately at stake is a macro geoeconomic prize: a land bridge from the Persian Gulf to the Eastern Mediterranean.

Last summer, an Iran-Iraq-Syria trilateral established that the goal of negotiations is to activate the Iranian-Iraqi-Syria load and transport corridor as part of a wider plan for reviving the Silk Road.

There could not be a more strategic connectivity corridor, capable of simultaneously interlinking with the International North-South Transportation Corridor; the Iran-Central Asia-China connection all the way to the Pacific; and projecting Latakia towards the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.

Whats on the horizon is, in fact, a sub-sect of Belt & Road in Southwest Asia. Iran is a key node of Belt & Road; China will be heavily involved in the rebuilding of Syria; and Beijing-Baghdad signed multiple deals and set up an Iraqi-Chinese Reconstruction Fund (income from 300,000 barrels of oil a day in exchange for Chinese credit for Chinese companies rebuilding Iraqi infrastructure).

A quick look at the map reveals the secret of the US refusing to pack up and leave Iraq, as demanded by the Iraqi Parliament and Prime Minister: to prevent the emergence of this corridor by any means necessary. Especially when we see that all the roads that China is building across Central Asia  I navigated many of them in November and December  ultimately link China with Iran.

The final objective: to unite Shanghai to the Eastern Mediterranean  overland, across the Heartland.

As much as Gwadar port in the Arabian Sea is an essential node of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and part of Chinas multi-pronged escape from Malacca strategy, India also courted Iran to match Gwadar via the port of Chabahar in the Gulf of Oman.

So as much as Beijing wants to connect the Arabian Sea with Xinjiang, via the economic corridor, India wants to connect with Afghanistan and Central Asia via Iran.

Yet Indias investments in Chabahar may come to nothing, with New Delhi still mulling whether to become an active part of the US Indo-Pacific strategy, which would imply dropping Tehran.

The Russia-China-Iran joint naval exercise in late December, starting exactly from Chabahar, was a timely wake-up for New Delhi. India simply cannot afford to ignore Iran and end up losing its key connectivity node, Chabahar.

The immutable fact: everyone needs and wants Iran connectivity. For obvious reasons, since the Persian empire, this is the privileged hub for all Central Asian trade routes.

On top of it, Iran for China is a matter of national security. China is heavily invested in Irans energy industry. All bilateral trade will be settled in yuan or in a basket of currencies bypassing the US dollar.

US neocons, meanwhile, still dream of what the Cheney regime was aiming at in the past decade: regime change in Iran leading to the US dominating the Caspian Sea as a springboard to Central Asia, only one step away from Xinjiang and weaponization of anti-China sentiment. It could be seen as a New Silk Road in reverse to disrupt the Chinese vision.

Battle of the Ages

A new book, The Impact of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, by Jeremy Garlick of the University of Economics in Prague, carries the merit of admitting that, making sense of Belt & Road is extremely difficult.

This is an extremely serious attempt to theorize Belt & Roads immense complexity  especially considering Chinas flexible, syncretic approach to policymaking, quite bewildering for Westerners. To reach his goal, Garlick gets into Tang Shipings social evolution paradigm, delves into neo-Gramscian hegemony, and dissects the concept of offensive mercantilism  all that as part of an effort in complex eclecticism.

The contrast with the pedestrian Belt & Road demonization narrative emanating from US analysts is glaring. The book tackles in detail the multifaceted nature of Belt & Roads trans-regionalism as an evolving, organic process.

Imperial policymakers wont bother to understand how and why Belt & Road is setting a new global paradigm. The NATO summit in London last month offered a few pointers. NATO uncritically adopted three US priorities: even more aggressive policy towards Russia; containment of China (including military surveillance); and militarization of space  a spin-off from the 2002 Full Spectrum Dominance doctrine.

So NATO will be drawn into the Indo-Pacific strategy  which means containment of China. And as NATO is the EUs weaponized arm, that implies the US interfering on how Europe does business with China  at every level.

Retired US Army Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson, Colin Powells chief of staff from 2001 to 2005, cuts to the chase: America exists today to make war. How else do we interpret 19 straight years of war and no end in sight? Its part of who we are. Its part of what the American Empire is. We are going to lie, cheat and steal, as Pompeo is doing right now, as Trump is doing right now, as Esper is doing right now  and a host of other members of my political party, the Republicans, are doing right now. We are going to lie, cheat and steal to do whatever it is we have to do to continue this war complex. Thats the truth of it. And thats the agony of it.

Moscow, Beijing and Tehran are fully aware of the stakes. Diplomats and analysts are working on the trend, for the trio, to evolve a concerted effort to protect one another from all forms of hybrid war  sanctions included  launched against each of them.

For the US, this is indeed an existential battle  against the whole Eurasia integration process, the New Silk Roads, the Russia-China strategic partnership, those Russian hypersonic weapons mixed with supple diplomacy, the profound disgust and revolt against US policies all across the Global South, the nearly inevitable collapse of the US dollar. Whats certain is that the Empire wont go quietly into the night. We should all be ready for the battle of the ages.

This article was originally published by "Asia Times" -

Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here

==See Also==
The American Cancer Society recently announced the national cancer rate has fallen 29 percent since 1991. The drop is attributable to a precipitous decline in smoking rates and innovative drug therapies. Yet while tobacco consumption is down, vaping as an alternative to smoking grew exponentially after 2015 and is alarming public health experts.

The debate in Washington about how to address vaping intensified last spring when Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb resigned. Gottlieb was known for having an aggressive regulatory posture against vaping, and his resignation was seen as a response to political pressure applied by Republicans in Congress and grassroots conservatives angered by his anti-vaping proposals.

The administration became more hawkish on vaping after the emergence last summer of thousands of cases of lung illnesses, with dozens of deaths, where vaping was a factor. The president announced a proposal to ban vaping products in September, which immediately caused consternation among his political base. Critics of the proposed ban claimed an unnecessary vape hysteria was perpetuated in the media. They argued that outlawing vaping and vape products would have the unintended consequences typical of black markets created by government prohibition. A legislative proposal to strengthen age restrictions did not create the same backlash.

In December, President Donald Trump signed into law a bill setting a national minimum age to purchase tobacco or e-cigarettes at 21. This was perhaps the most significant tobacco control achievement of the decade. This followed statewide legislation signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in June. San Antonio led the way for Texas, as the City Council voted by a wide majority to adopt the first Tobacco 21 ordinance in the state in 2017.

The Trump administration also announced on Jan. 1 a ban on nearly all flavors, except menthol and tobacco flavors, of disposable e-cigarette cartridges generally sold in convenience stores and favored by teenagers. This ban only impacts the disposable e-cigarette liquid cartridges that are sealed at the manufacturer level and are nonrefillable. The sale of all flavors of open system pods  cartridges that can be refilled by users with their choice of e-cigarette liquid  is still permitted. The policy was widely seen as a split-the-difference half-measure, which is an approach consistent with decades of tobacco control policies.

The most alarming vaping trend in recent years has been the rapid acceleration in youth vaping after Juul entered the market in 2015. Juul released its signature product, which resembles a sleek USB drive, with an aggressive social media marketing campaign. The company has been accused of targeting teenagers. Altria, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes, made a $13 billion strategic investment in Juul two years ago. Addiction is clearly a sustainable business model.

The steady decline in youth smoking since the mid-1990s is a public health victory attributable to changing social norms, muscular government policy and aggressive public information campaigns. Self-reported high school tobacco use declined from 15.8 percent to 5.8 percent in the last decade. The large decline in smoking was more than offset by a surge in high school vaping, from 1.5 percent to 27.5 percent, over the same time period. More than five million teenagers reported vaping in 2019. Those who develop a dependence on nicotine as teenagers will find it more difficult to quit as they age, and there is evidence that some young people who never previously smoked have transitioned from vaping to traditional cigarettes.

Public awareness about various forms of chemical dependency has increased. There has been a renewed focus on evidence-based substance abuse prevention education. Sen. John Cornyn recently announced a $1.25 million federal grant focused on youth substance abuse prevention. The state will also play an important role. The Texas Legislature last year considered and rejected HB 4103, a bipartisan bill that proposed an excise tax on e-cigarette products. Similar excise taxes proved successful deterrents in other contexts, and HB 4103 would have eventually raised $20 million annually. The Legislature should consider levying such a tax again next year and dedicate the revenue to prevention efforts.

Smoking rates continue their decades-long decline due in large part to public education and changing social norms. Vaping rates continue to increase dramatically, especially among teens. The Trump administrations vaping policy coupled with a national Tobacco 21 law is a step in the right direction. We need to build upon this momentum.

T.J. Mayes is a San Antonio-based attorney and community volunteer.
PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-17 23:19:09

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HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / January 17, 2020 / Camber Energy, Inc. (NYSE American:CEI) ("Camber" or the "Company") today announced that it had scheduled its 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on March 11, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. local time at 1415 Louisiana, Suite 3500, Houston, Texas 77002.The record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, and any adjournment thereof, is planned to be set on or around the close of business on January 28, 2020 (the "Record Date"). More information regarding the Company's 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be disclosed in the Company's preliminary proxy statement which the Company plans to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission shortly.To be timely, pursuant to the Company's Bylaws, as amended, and Rule 14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, any notice of business or nominations with respect to the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must be received by the Company at its principal executive offices at 1415 Louisiana, Suite 3500, Houston, Texas 77002, Attention: Corporate Secretary by no later than 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on January 27, 2020. Any such stockholder proposal must be submitted and must comply with the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Rule 14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Company's Bylaws, as amended.Additional Information and Where to Find ItAs noted above, in connection with the Annual Meeting, the Company will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") a proxy statement and other relevant documents. It is anticipated that a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials ("Notice") relating to the Annual Meeting will be sent to each stockholder registered in the share register of the Company as of the close of business on the Record Date (provided the Company may alternatively, in its discretion, send each stockholder a form of the proxy and the Company's latest annual report). Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the Internet or request a printed set of proxy materials will be provided in the Notice. The Notice (or proxy, if the proxy is mailed) also will provide instructions on how to submit a proxy over the Internet or via mail.This press release does not constitute a solicitation of any vote or approval. Stockholders are urged to read the proxy statement when it becomes available and any other documents to be filed with the SEC in connection with the Annual Meeting because they will contain important information about the Annual Meeting. The directors, nominees for election as director, executive officers and certain other members of management and employees of the Company may be deemed "participants" in the solicitation of proxies from the Company's stockholders in connection with the matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be considered participants in the solicitation of the Company's stockholders in connection with such matters will be set forth in the definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC. In addition, you can find information about the Company's executive officers and directors in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2019 and the aforementioned proxy statement.Investors will be able to obtain a free copy of documents filed with the SEC at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov . In addition, investors may obtain a free copy of the Company's filings with the SEC through the investor relations section of our website ( http://www.camber.energy) , under "Investors" - "SEC Filings" or by directing a request to: 1415 Louisiana, Suite 3500, Houston, Texas 77002, Attention: Corporate Secretary.About Camber Energy, Inc.Based in Houston, Texas, Camber Energy's (NYSE American:CEI) is a growth-oriented, independent oil and gas company engaged in the development of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids in the Texas Panhandle. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.camber.energy SOURCE: Camber Energy, Inc.
An Army jawan committed suicide by shooting himself with his service rifle in a camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district, police said on Saturday.

Sepoy Prince Kumar (25), a resident of Hoshiarpur in Punjab, was posted in 112 Territorial Army and was on guard duty when he shot himself at Chinar camp in Rehambal area on Friday, a police official said.

The official said that the motive behind the extreme step was not known immediately.

The body of the deceased would be handed over to his unit after the completion of medical and other legal formalities which were underway, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Demonstrators in Berlin called for more environment-friendly agriculture practices at a protest Saturday in Berlin that included farmers with more than 150 tractors.

Thousands of people gathered at the German capital's Brandenburg Gate for the protest under the motto "We've had enough."



The protest, an annual event over the past decade, coincides with a yearly agriculture and food fair in the German capital called International Green Week.

Organisers said this year could "make or break the transition to sustainable, climate-friendly farming" and determine whether billions of euros in European Union subsidies "fund the transition towards sustainable farming or accelerate insect loss and climate change."



Supporters on Saturday included environmental and animal protection groups.

The demonstration came days after two beekeepers staged a sticky protest outside Germany's Agriculture Ministry against the continued use of a controversial herbicide.

Germany, like other European countries, recently has seen protests by farmers complaining that planned new environmental limits are overly restrictive.

In November, about 10,000 farmers with 5,000 tractors snarled traffic in Berlin, and the following month Dutch farmers and construction workers protested against government moves to cut pollution that they say hurt their businesses.

Around 400 tractors drove into the capital on Friday in a similarly themed but much less disruptive protest.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's Cabinet in September decided on a series of environmental proposals, including tighter restrictions on the use of pesticides and herbicides to protect insects and on fertilizers to protect groundwater.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Quadruple murderer Cosmo DiNardo has been moved into one of Pennsylvanias highest security prisons, but state correction officials arent giving a reason for the transfer.

DiNardo, 22, of Bensalem, had been serving his four life sentences at SCI Retreat in Luzerne County since 2018 when he pleaded guilty to the 2017 murders of Mark Sturgis, 22, Dean Finocchiaro, 19, Thomas Meo, 21, and Jimi Patrick, 19, in a deal that spared him the death penalty.

Photos of Cosmo DiNardo, left, and Sean Kratz are inset against the investigation July 13, 2017, into remains found on a farm in Solebury Township, in the search for four missing men. The four, Jimi Taro Patrick, Mark Sturgis, Tom Meo and Dean Finocchiaro, all of Bucks County, were killed and buried in makeshift graves on the property.Courtesy/lehighvalleylive.com file photos

DiNardo was transferred Wednesday out of the medium-security Retreat to SCI Huntingdon in the Allegheny Mountains, described as one of the state's "highest-security facilities," Pennsylvania Department of Corrections spokeswoman Susan McNaughton confirmed Friday.

The DOC cannot divulge the reasons for moving an inmate, McNaughton said.

But it was not related to Gov. Tom Wolfs Friday announcement that Retreat is closing in May, a decision that could save the state $40 million annually. Retreat inmate transfer will be done in the coming months, McNaughton said.

Victim families and the public expressed outrage last year after learning that DiNardo was serving his sentence in a medium security prison despite murdering four people in a crime that captured international attention for its gruesomeness and unexplained motive.

DiNardos cousin and co-defendant, Sean Kratz, 22, of Philadelphia, is an inmate at SCI Forest in western Pennsylvania, another maximum-security prison.

Kratz is serving a life sentence plus 30 years in the deaths of Finocchiaro, Sturgis and Meo.

The Bucks County District Attorney's Office dropped plans to seek the death penalty last November after Kratz was convicted of first- and second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, robbery and abuse of corpses.

Among the factors that determine custody level are inmate criminal history, mental health history, signs of sexually predatory or assaultive behavior, history of escape, work history, and length of sentence, according to agency policy. DOC staff also take into consideration if an inmate has known enemies in a prison.

Inmates who maintain proper behavior, work and actively participate in recommended programs generally are assigned less restrictive housing.

The DOC holds annual re-evaluation reviews for inmates to determine if their custody level has changed. Among the factors considered are misconduct, program behavior and escape attempts.

By Jo Ciavaglia, Bucks County Courier Times, Levittown, Pa. (TNS)
By Hwang Jae-ho





The Han Sang Soo Embroidery Museum. Courtesy of Kim Young-ran

Greeting the New Year, as Korea's biggest holiday approaches, suddenly I was interested in "our own" culture. Visiting the Han Sang Soo Embroidery Museum in Seongbuk-dong was surprising serendipity. I personally did not pay much attention to the embroidery art, except for purchasing gifts for foreign friends. Dr. Kim Young-ran is the eldest daughter of the late Han Sang-soo, a human cultural asset of traditional Korean embroidery. In the first week of January, I interviewed Dr. Kim, who is the director of Han Sang Soo Embroidery Museum.



Q. How would you put the meanings of embroidery?



A. The word embroidery (Jasoo) is derived from a combination of Chinese words  "ja" for piercing and "soo" for being colorful. As we thread a needle and make stitches one by one, a delicate pattern appears and it ends with drawing beautiful colors in fabric. The harmony of color shines each other vividly while containing a meaningful symbol. This is the true aesthetic value of embroidery. Thus, the mastery of embroidery, with one thread to another thread, is a skill () of patience as well as a mark of innumerable repeated strenuousness. In ancient times, Jasoo, together with paintings and calligraphic works, performed a high standard of art as a must-do culture for the training and cultivation of virtues for royal and noble women.



Q. What is the origin of Korean embroidery?



The origin of Korean embroidery tracks back as far as the late Paleolithic Age. Three bone needles were found in caves (45,000 B.C.) in the current Liaodong area, with only 0.05mm-0.3mm of needle ears. During the Goguryo Dynasty, realistic expressions which reflected the inner world of the spirit were emphasized. Accordingly, the "long and short stitch," which embroidered along with the fabric's pattern, has become popular. In the Joseon Dynasty, embroidery gorgeously embellished the desire to be auspicious despite the frugal Confucian society. After the modernization period, Korea's massive Western cultures flew inward, and especially under Japanese colonization, we were influenced by Japanese embroideries. Therefore, the parallel stitch was once in fashion. After Korea's independence from Japan, many folding screens and frames with abstract designs appeared with the couching stitch.



Q. What is the current status of embroidery in China?



A. Jasoo was one of the ancient Chinese handicrafts. It began with the production and development of silk fabrics. Various embroidery crafts were formed according to different regions and peoples. Today, though mechanized production is replacing the traditional handicrafts, the tradition still inherits and develops as the cultural heritage. Jasoo not only appears on costumes and domestic life items, but also vividly presents China's unique artistic images by blending paintings and calligraphy. In addition, through training in embroidery techniques, dyeing processes, innovative products and designing each nation's characters, it is also effective for working at home and escaping from poverty.



Q. Would you introduce Ms. Han Sang-soo, the embroidery master of human cultural assets?



A. The Korean government has enacted the Cultural Properties Protection Act since 1962, continuing the reputation of craft technology with great artistic or academic preservation value. In 1984, master Han Sang-soo (1932-2016) was registered as an artisan in the 80th Important Intangible Cultural Asset.





Master Han Sang-soo and Dr. Kim Young-ran. Courtesy of Kim Young-ran

The master introduced the beauty of traditional Korean embroidery by collecting the embroidery artifacts scattered across the country. It was then held at Jogyesa Temple to recreate about 100 Buddhist artifacts from the Joseon Dynasty, restoring traditional Korean art. As for embroidery, the master once said: "People often simply call embroideries beautiful, but I'm not just embroidering to be patient or to forget about the world's concerns. You can't make stitches one by one if you're either stressed or bearing a grudge. The embroidery can only be completed when you're full with hope and having a passion about it". She always emphasized that the art must come from joy and passion.



Q. What is the museum aiming for?



A. Han Sang Soo Embroidery Museum was established at Bukchon Hanok Village in 2005 to preserve, collect, display and exchange related domestic and foreign materials after Ms. Han was designated as the Embroidery Master, an intangible cultural treasure in 1984. It was once closed in 2012, but reopened in Seongbuk-dong in 2019 to preserve the major works related to the history of Korean embroidery, after master Han's will. We are here to promote the succession of traditional technology and the artistic value of Korean embroidery craft art. We also annually plan special exhibitions by themes.





The origin of Korean embroidery tracks back as far as the late Paleolithic Age. Courtesy of Kim Young-ran
TROY  An ongoing criminal investigation of Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin has examined whether he had given bonuses or pay increases to former staffers in the state Assembly in exchange for them returning some of the funds to him, or using the money to donate to his campaign account, according to multiple people who were interviewed by investigators.

It's unclear whether the investigation has supported those allegations; McLaughlin, 56, has not been accused of wrongdoing. But a person familiar with the investigation said there is expected to be court activity in the case next month.

Before he was elected county executive three years ago, McLaughlin had been a four-term assemblyman serving from 2011 through 2017. In the Assembly, he maintained a small staff that at times included members of his campaign team, including Jennifer R. Polaro, his former longtime campaign treasurer, and Nick Wilock, who served as his Assembly campaign manager and remains employed as a Republican aide in that chamber. Polaro and Wilock both served as McLaughlin's chief of staff at different times.

Polaro declined to comment on Friday. Wilock could not be reached for comment.

Campaign filings indicate that Wilock donated to McLaughlin's Assembly campaign account only in 2012, when he gave $500 that November. Polaro, who also worked for McLaughlin at that time, made two donations that October  10 days apart  of $2,500 and $1,800. A year earlier, her husband, Scott, who runs a construction and gravel business, gave McLaughlin $500, according to Board of Elections records.

The investigation by the FBI and state attorney general's office has also focused on McLaughlin's county operations director and closest political confidant, Richard W. Crist. Attorneys for both men declined to comment this week; neither responded to calls for comment Friday.

Last March, Crist was placed on leave from his $105,000-a-year county job  with McLaughlin's consent  after the Times Union reported that he was a focus of the criminal investigation. Crist returned to work at his county job five months later, and people close to him had claimed the probe found no wrongdoing.

Three people interviewed by investigators within the past eight months said the probe appears to be focused on the campaign and business dealings of both McLaughlin and Crist, who ran McLaughlin's successful inaugural county executive campaign in 2017, but was not involved in his Assembly elections.

Last year, citing interviews with multiple people familiar with the investigation, the Times Union reported that law enforcement officials were gathering records and conducting interviews on a range of matters related to Crist, including his work with various political campaigns.

Crist, 52, a former Troy Record reporter who runs a private political consulting firm, Hudson Valley Strategies, has been paid more than $300,000 over the past eight years by campaign accounts for dozens of candidates, including several who were elected as judges, sheriffs and state legislators, according to state records.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Two people with knowledge of the investigation said people associated with companies that handled printing jobs for political campaigns  and had been hired at Crist's direction  had been subpoenaed last year or interviewed regarding that work. The investigation has focused, in part, on the amount of money those companies were paid in comparison with entries made in Board of Elections filings, the sources said.

The investigation also has examined whether companies were paid campaign funds for work that Crist would take on with the help of volunteers, the sources said.

Chris Valcik, who operated a company called Custom Graphics that had been used by Crist, confirmed last year that he had been interviewed by the FBI about that work.

People interviewed by law enforcement authorities in the probe said investigators have also examined the contracts of businesses that have done work for Rensselaer County.

A spokesperson for the attorney general's office did not respond to a request for comment.
A woman has alleged in a new lawsuit filed against Jeffrey Epstein's estate that she was the convicted pedophile's first victim and he introduced her to Donald Trump when she was 14.

The woman, known as Jane Doe in the suit, alleges that when the now-deceased pedophile made the introduction at Trump's Mar-a-Lago Florida resort in the 1990s, he asked, 'This one's a good one, right?'

Trump, according to the litigation, 'smiled and nodded in agreement.'

An image from footage of Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein at a 1992 party, obtained by the 'Morning Joe' show on MSNBC. A woman has alleged in a new lawsuit filed against Epstein's estate that he introduced her to Trump when she was 14

The woman, known as Jane Doe in the suit, alleges that when the now-deceased convicted pedophile made the introduction at Trump's Mar-a-Lago Florida resort in the 1990s, he asked, 'This one's a good one, right?' (file photo)

The case was filed in Manhattan Federal Court Friday, the Daily News reports.

The woman was too young at the time to understand when Trump and the financier 'chuckled,' and she was left to feel uncomfortable, the suit says, the Daily News reports.

Trump is not accused in the suit of any wrongdoing.

The suit is one of more than two dozen filed by women against the dead financier's estate, alleging they were sexually abused by Epstein, who at age 66 took his life in a Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in August.

The victim, according to the litigation, met Epstein and his alleged madam, Ghislaine Maxwell, when she was 13, and while attending Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan.

The suit says the victim at the time was attending the camp for vocals.

The victim, according to the litigation, met Epstein and his alleged madam, Ghislaine Maxwell, when she was 13, and while attending Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan

The alleged abuse took place at Epstein's Upper East Side mansion in Manhattan (pictured), Palm Beach home and New Mexico ranch, according to the suit

Epstein and Maxwell groomed the young girl for abuse by frequently talking about sex and insisting she indulge their every whim, according to the suit.

She alleges she was first sexually abused by Epstein in late 1994, and claims she traveled with him and Maxwell on his private jet.

The alleged abuse took place at Epstein's Upper East Side mansion in Manhattan, Palm Beach home and New Mexico ranch, according to the suit.

The victim says she was raped by Epstein several times, starting in 1997.

She is seeking financial compensation from the $577 million estate.

Epstein's estate wants the plaintiffs to be compensated from an optional out-of-court claims settlement program.

Prosecutors are still conducting an investigation to identify those who helped Epstein snare his victims. He and Trump, who were pals within the same social circles for many years, had a falling out over a real estate dispute, the Daily News reports.

'I was not a fan of his, that I can tell you,' Trump said after Epstein was arrested last year.
Enas crafts make comeback for Bawa centenary celebrations View(s):

De Silva + Bawa: Craft + Architecture, an exhibition of Ena de Silva-designed batik and craft produced in collaboration with Geoffrey Bawa for his most iconic architectural projects, will be open to the public from January 23 to February 4, in the Urban Island Artspace, 181 Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 7.

The exhibition has been timed to complement the celebrations underway for Bawa 100( Bawas birth centenary) as Ena de Silva was a collaborator, peer and friend of the legendary architect. Exhibition curator Amila de Mel said, We are delighted to celebrate the work of Ena de Silva and her extraordinary artisans. Not everyone realizes the extent to which superb craft, particularly that of Ms de Silva, was integrated into Mr Bawas architectural vision. And this creative collaboration has influenced the next generation of Sri Lankan architects.

More generally, De Silva + Bawa will celebrate the virtuosity and richness of the work produced by Ms de Silva and the artisan cooperatives she founded in Aluwihare.

Ena de Silva (1922  2015) was an outstanding Sri Lankan artist and designer, particularly noted for her leading role in developing Sri Lankas contemporary batik industry. She first worked with Geoffrey Bawa in 1960 after she and her husband approached the architect to design a house for them in Colombo. She subsequently developed a long-term professional relationship with Mr Bawa which included designing batik flags and ceiling and wall panels for his buildings amongst other things. Ms de Silva established the Matale Heritage Centre, a cooperative of highly talented artisans, in 1964. The cooperative (now called the Aluwihare Heritage Centre) continues to operate producing exquisite batik and other handmade items.

General Manager of Urban Island Ishara Wijemanne said, A wide range of Ena de Silva designed items will be on display including ceiling and wall panels, flags, clothing, tableware, sculptures, and wood and metal artifacts produced for major architectural projects. We are grateful to the various organisations that have loaned us pieces for display.

Urban Island is delighted to host this exhibition as it very much fits in with our commitment to promoting the very best of Sri Lankan design and craft, she added.

A consortium of public and private organizations committed to promoting Sri Lankas cultural heritage and nurturing design and craft talent are behind the exhibition. These organizations include ADM Architects Colombo, AOD Design Academy, Cinnamon Hotels, Design for Sustainable Development Foundation (DFSD), the Aluwihare Heritage Centre, the Geoffrey Bawa Trust, Cinnamon Life, John Keells Foundation, Lunuganga Trust, and Urban Island.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-19 02:56:06|Editor: yan

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RABAT, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Morocco expressed on Saturday its deep regret at its exclusion from the Berlin Conference on Libya scheduled for Sunday.

"Morocco understands neither the criteria nor the motivations behind the choice of countries participating in this meeting," said a statement by the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"The host country of the conference, which is far from the region and the complexities of the Libyan crisis, cannot transform it into an instrument for the promotion of its national interests," the statement noted.

The foreign ministry also pointed to the Skhirat agreement as "the only political framework supported by the UN Security Council and accepted by all Libyan parties" for the resolution of the Libyan crisis, saying Morocco "played a decisive role in the conclusion of the Skhirat agreement."
The Madhya Pradesh police on Friday arrested a watchman of a government tribal boys hostel for allegedly murdering a 7-year-old inmate.

According to police, the deceased Suraj Kharpe who was studying in class 1 of a government middle school run by the state government for tribal boys at Piplani in Bhopal was found lying in the hostel bathroom on Wednesday evening.

He was rushed to a hospital where he was declared brought dead.

The post-mortem report received by police on Thursday suggested that the boy was strangulated to death.

Additional superintendent of police, Bhopal Sanjay Sahu said, We have arrested the chowkidar (watchman) Jagdish. He has confessed to have committed the crime.

The additional SP said, The boy went downstairs to a toilet for urination but since there was darkness inside the toilet he started relieving himself outside the toilet. It was when the accused watchman saw him from a distance while he was making a round of the hostel to switch off lights. He threw a stick on the boy which hit him on his neck from behind and the boy fell unconscious. The watchman went near the boy and saw him lying unconscious. He thought when the boy would regain consciousness he (watchman) would catch him for his act. Hence, he strangulated the boy to death to conceal his crime.

The deceased came from a poor family in Sehore district, 37 kilometers west of Bhopal. His brother is studying in the same school and residing in the same hostel. It was he who had spotted his brother in the bathroom when the latter didnt return for more than 15 minutes.

The police officer said, It was a challenge to solve the crime as there is no CCTV camera in the hostel. It was during the investigation and questioning with inmates that police got the lead about the accuseds involvement in the crime. Thus police cracked the case within 48 hours or so.
The investigation into a nursing final exam Brandon University deemed was compromised is still ongoing, a university spokesman said Friday morning.

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The investigation into a nursing final exam Brandon University deemed was "compromised" is still ongoing, a university spokesman said Friday morning.

Spokesman Grant Hamilton told the Sun on Monday more information could be released late in the week, but on Friday he said it likely wont be until next week. He said he could not comment on what the investigation entails until it is finished but said the university is trying to "expedite it as quickly as we can."

Last week, Faculty of Health Sciences dean John Moraros wrote a letter to students saying there is "strong evidence to corroborate the fact that the 71:250 Nursing Foundations II course (Fall term, test II, Final Exam) was compromised by a large number of students."

The exam took place at the end of November, but Moraros met with students on Monday to announce their punishment.

As per Moraross letter, all students in the class are being punished for academic dishonesty by being made to rewrite the exam, with a penalty lowering the maximum attainable mark to 70 per cent. Students were scheduled to retake the exam last Saturday.

The Brandon sun reached out to Brandon University Students Union president Olusola Akintola on Friday afternoon for an update but did not hear back.

The Brandon Sun
The housing authority Respond came under fire at last week's New Ross Municipal District meeting after it revealed they are planning to pump 1.7m into renovating an apartment complex at the old Magdalene Laundry convent, which cost around 5m to build.

Millions in public money was spent on the development at the Good Shepherd's Magdalene Laundry complex in Irishtown by Respond in the 2000s but not one person has lived there following the spend.

Liam Fewer, National Development Manager with Respond, outlined the organisation's latest plans for the apartments at a municipal council meeting in New Ross on Wednesday.

Mr Fewer said there are 19 one-bedroom apartments in the existing convent.

'16 apartments were completed in the early 1990s under very restricted economic circumstances at the time.'

He said to get the apartments up to the required standard in the 2000s Respond built 21 apartments and eight three bed houses on the site.

Mr Fewer said Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) funding was obtained for the project to refurbish the existing convent involving the replacement of the roof on the listed building which was a Magdalene laundry where women were forced to work for decades.

To facilitate the works the apartment residents were decamped on a temporary basis to other accommodations.

Mr Fewer said: 'The people who did move out were looking for assistance that they would be able to move back in. They moved out into new units and didn't want to move back into the convent. We have been working with the council trying to get new people in.'

Mr Fewer said unfortunately only four people have expressed an interest in moving into the apartments.

'Unfortunately the attempts haven't been successful so we have an empty building for a couple of years now.'

The apartments were built for people aged 55 and older but Respond now plan to reduce the number of dwellings to 10: four one-bed, four two-bed and two three-bed units suitable for families for a mixed tenure which it is felt would increase the likelihood of all 10 apartments being occupied. The plan is for all of the apartments apart from the two-beds to be located on upper floors which can be accessed by a lift.

'The advantage of the building is that there is already an existing lift. They are disabled accessibility so that would open up the housing list. There would be two three-beds suitable for family accommodation and not just for older people.'

A requirement of CAS funding was, in the past, that individuals housed within the development must be over 55 but this has changed, Mr Fewer said, adding that the apartments can be used to accommodate homeless people, individuals with disabilities and elderly people. He said it would cost between 1.5m and 1.7m to change them from 19 one-bed apartments to the ten apartments. 'We are meeting with the planning section in Ballina as we will require additional funding (for this). We are working with the council and we have to be very careful. There is an existing building (with unoccupied apartments). We don't want to be in a position where we invest and can't get people to move in. Of course we are not going to have any guarantee but we have to make it as attractive as possible.'

He said the planned apartments would be large (the three-beds 112 sqm, two-beds: between 73 sqm and 94 sqm and the one beds between 40 and 43sqms).

He said the CAS application is a four-stage process, adding that stage one has been completed with the proposal going before Wexford County Council's housing committee whose members have offered their support in principal. The next step is for the county architect to review the plans and for planning permission to be sought which would take six to eight weeks. After this tender documents need to be approved.

'It is a listed building with its own idiosyncrasies like its fenestration but there is no reason why we couldn't have it converted into a modern property.'

Cllr Anthony Connick said Mr Fewer was giving a completely different story to what councillors were told a number of years ago. 'I believe that they have received funding to open these units many years ago. Three people from Respond came here and said they were getting ready to open them and 120,000 in funding had been received from CAS. I believe if you get CAS funding once you don't get it a second time in a separate round of funding.'

Mr Fewer said: 'That is why we are in discussions with the department.'

Cllr Connick said he was always told there were 20 apartments to which Mr Fewer said there are 18 one-bed and one three-bed apartments.

Cllr Connick said: 'I know there are people on the housing list for years. People will take these apartments.'

He asked if all of Respond's Rivergate apartments are occupied and was told only one isn't.

'I think it's a sin to have such a facility left idle now for so long. It's a joke with the housing crisis we have. This shouldn't have happened. I am 11 years a councillor and I've been listening to this for a decade and the apartments are on the books for 30 years. It's just not good enough.'

Cllr Connick said councillors should be able to visit the site and inspect the apartments for themselves. 'They should be offered to the public very fast. It's a building that should not be left idle as vandalism will happen. It's crazy to think this is happening.'

Cllr Michael Whelan said: 'It seems odd that funding was received for these units. Surely we have a need for one-bed units. We have spoken here about how society has changed and marriages have split up and people need a community unit.'

Cllr Whelan enquired about the condition of the apartments and what funding will be required to renovate them for use as 10 units.

'Is there a place we can go to get money and spend it or not?'

Cllr Michael Sheehan said: 'This is going on two decades now. I find this highly immoral. These (apartments) have been left idle for 10 years now. They are located beside McMurrough Court. We were told they were opening. It's my understanding that one of these apartments was done as a showcase apartment using public money from the CAS. That was wasted. Where did the money go? How come money was spent and nothing ever happened to it.'

Cllr Sheehan said accessing CAS funding is difficult, adding that if he was the person responsible for funding he would be seeking a cast iron guarantee about where the money would be spent.

'The building comes with its own history. It's not everyone's cup of tea but we have 3,000 people on our housing list and we spend 300,000 a year on emergency accommodation.'

He said a house on William Street was wrecked by homeless people housed there who caused havoc within the street.

'If you are refused funding from CAS you'll be coming back to the council and that property can be transferred to the local authority where we can develop our own scheme of sheltered, emergency and elderly persons accommodation. These are the types of people who lived in these apartments before it went to ruin.'

He said Respond run Convent Court very well.

'But every time you go up there and see the convent falling apart at the seams I think it's highly immoral. It's a black eye for Respond, making a mockery of the whole housing policy.'

Cllr Pat Barden questioned the need to invest in converting the complex into a ten apartment scheme, saying it would cost massive money. 'It seems like throwing bad money after good money.'

Cllr Bridin Murphy asked what the issue was in getting new tenants into the apartments and cathaoirleach Cllr John Fleming asked if any nominations have been received for the apartments.

Mr Fewer said: 'We have received nominations from people and have been in discussions with them but the majority didn't want it; three or four did but we need to get the building full. We would have to refurbish all of the properties and can't just refurbish three or four.'

Acting head of enterprise Neil Bolton said: 'There would still be considerable investment in these units. The scheme was threadbare to get it up to a basic standard. The electrics and the heating system are not great.'

Mr Bolton said there was a low demand for one bed apartments a decade ago, adding that this is why a mixed scheme was being suggested. 'But obviously if there is a strong need for one bed units (we'll consider that). We haven't been active enough on the scheme.'

Cllr Fleming said it would be more cost effective to upgrade the existing apartments and was told it would cost up to 1.7m to develop the ten unit development.

Cllr Sheehan asked how long that project would take to complete and was informed around two and a half years.

'I think that's off the wall. How much was spent on the model apartment? How much CAS funding was received? People did not go into the building because McMurrough Court was coming on stream and didn't want to go into the convent building which was going to be upgraded. There has been no initiative from Respond to do anything with that building, only when we agitated here in the chamber.'

Cllr Barden said the argument that the electrics and heating need to be upgraded doesn't make any sense.

'Electrics and heating haven't changed.'

Mr Bolton said the central heating system needs to be upgraded as the oil fired central boiler is past its sell by date.

Cllr Barden said: 'It's idle 20 years. The electrics couldn't be bad. It doesn't make any sense. It's ridiculous. If there is a demand for one bedroom apartments bringing them to a liveable standard wouldn't cost 1.5m. If they were fit for purpose at the end of 2009 that isn't too long ago. They should be ready to go now.'

Cllr Connick said: 'That is nearly 100,000 per unit. You could build a house for 100,000.'

Housing officer Martina Donohoe said there is definitely a demand for one bed apartments within the county.

Mr Fewer said the idea was to have people of a similar age and background living in the apartments 'so everyone can live a peaceful existence within the scheme'.

Head of Advocacy and Communications with Respond, Niamh Randall said: 'We feel frustrated. We are really committed to addressing the housing and homeless crisis.

'There is an ongoing issue in relation to this, we accept that. Every time we have looked in terms of allocating an apartment we have not been able to get the full compliance. We have reached out to the Peter McVerry Trust and Focus Ireland. We really want to get the building occupied.'

Cllr Sheehan asked what Respond will do if the CAS funding request is rejected, adding that there are very few people aged over 55 who would need a three bed apartment.

'We could be here two and a half years down the line and not filling the apartments. The funding is restrictive. We will be sat here with top of the line apartments and with people not being able to qualify to go into them.'

Cllr Murphy said Respond do astounding work, adding: 'There is huge pressure on housing.'

Cllr Whelan said people won't want to move into an apartment block that is mostly vacated. 'Can we not look at renovating these one bed apartments?'

Mr Fewer said: 'We would have to run it through it to ensure that all units comply with current standards and see where that figure ends up. We can examine that. An older person wouldn't need a two or three bed apartment, but a homeless family would.'

Mr Bolton said the cost for renovating the existing apartments needs to be calculated to see if it is 'sustainable'.

'We are not proud of this and we want this to be resolved as quickly as possible.'

Cllr Barden said very little work is required for the apartments to be made habitable. 'I was involved in houses taken over by NAMA in 2009. These houses have been taken over by the council and are ready to go with a small amount of work.'

Cllr Connick asked if Respond has a 'rainy day fund' for the renovation of the 19 apartments and was informed that it has. 'It's like what happened with Westgate in Wexford. It's disgraceful.'

Ms Randall said what sets Respond apart from other housing bodies is its longevity.

'We are almost 40 years in existence. We have older housing stock. There has been a shift in rules and regulations and we are trying to keep pace with that and we need to do better. We see this as a high priority. We really need to get this into productive use as quickly as possible.'

'We want to bring this to a conclusion. We have set aside money for the cost of our Asset Management Strategy,' Mr Bolton added.

Cllr Sheehan asked the officials to come back in a few months with the cost for renovating the one bed apartments.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-18 15:04:56|Editor: Xiaoxia

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LOS ANGELES, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Four people were shot dead Friday at a residence in Grantsville, a town of about 10,000 people in the U.S. state of Utah, local police said.

There is no threat to the public since the suspect has been arrested, Grantsville Police Cpl. Rhonda Fields told reporters outside the house where the shooting occurred.

She said that the incident happened at about 7:00 p.m. local time (0200 GMT) on Saturday.

Details on the identities of the victims or suspects have not been released, but Robert Sager from Grantsville Police Department was quoted by local FOX 13 news channel as saying that the department is treating the deaths as homicides.

Governor of Utah Gary Herbert made a statement in response to the shooting on Twitter on Friday night.

"Our hearts are broken by the horrible news coming out Grantsville tonight. We mourn over the loss of innocent lives," he tweeted, adding "Parents and grandparents, secure your firearms! Everyone, hug your loved ones tight. And remember love, not hate, will heal broken individuals and families."
WASHINGTON  House Democrats released another round of information on Friday that raised questions about elements of the impeachment inquiry, including allegations about the surveillance of the United States ambassador in Ukraine and efforts by an aide to a top congressional Republican to pursue investigations sought by President Trump.

The information came from the electronic devices of Lev Parnas, the businessman who worked with the presidents personal lawyer Rudolph W. Giuliani to pursue the pressure campaign on Ukraine at the center of the impeachment trial.

Mr. Parnas, who is facing federal campaign finance charges in Manhattan, has publicly turned on Mr. Trump and his allies. He petitioned the court to allow him to release the information to Congress, and has offered to testify in the impeachment trial and to cooperate with prosecutors in New York investigating Mr. Giuliani. And he undertook a media tour of sorts this week in which he claimed that the president knew exactly everything that was going on that Rudy Giuliani was doing in Ukraine.

House Democrats have been releasing the contents of Mr. Parnass devices over the past week in an effort to bolster their demand that witnesses be permitted to testify in the Senate trial.
Aston Martin shares went back into reverse last night as rumours emerged that Chinese motoring group Geely is cooling on the idea of buying a stake in the James Bond car maker.

Formula 1 billionaire Lawrence Stroll is reported to be the front-runner to help prop up the ailing luxury marque.

The City grapevine believes Canadian racing tycoon Stroll is in talks to invest around 200million into Aston, though Jefferies analysts believe it needs at least 400m to stay afloat.

Rumours: Aston Martin shares went back into reverse last night as rumours emerged that Chinese motoring group Geely is cooling on the idea of buying a stake in the James Bond car maker

The company is keeping tight-lipped, though many are expecting an update as soon as next week. It follows a surprise profit warning earlier this month, which followed a glum December and what chief executive Andy Palmer described as a 'very disappointing year'.

In the update, Aston said it was in talks with several 'potential strategic investors'.

Shares in Aston skidded down 7.2 per cent, or 35p, to close at 452p.

Private hospital group NMC Health was on the up after it appointed a former high-profile FBI director to investigate allegations about its finances made in an attack by US hedge fund Muddy Waters last month.

Louis Freeh, a former FBI boss and federal judge, will examine the company's debt levels, the value of its assets and alleged fraudulent activities. Relieved investors sent NMC Health's stock up 8.1 per cent, or 116p, to 1557.5p.

And Finablr, which was founded by Bavaguthu Raghuram Shetty, the same billionaire who founded NMC, also made gains.

Its shares rose 4.1 per cent, or 5.4p, to 136.4p after the boss of its foreign exchange arm Travelex broke his silence following a cyber attack that brought down the firm's IT systems. The IT network used by Travelex's in-store staff is up and running again, boss Tony D'Souza said, though other systems are still offline.

British Airways-owner IAG leapt 5.1 per cent, or 32.6p, to 671p after it scrapped a restriction on non-EU investors' ability to buy its stock.

London's premier indexes had a cheery end to the week, with the FTSE 100 rising 0.9 per cent, or 64.75 points, to 7674.56 and the FTSE 250 edging up 0.8 per cent, or 164.85 points, to 21886.08.

The Footsie, which is the most exposed to international events, was boosted by data released about China's economy.

Elsewhere, shares in Wagamama and Frankie & Benny's owner The Restaurant Group were knocked by a bruising downgrade from brokers at UBS.

They slapped a 'sell' recommendation on the struggling group's stock, sending its shares down 7.5 per cent, or 11.1p, to 136p.3.

Festive demand for mince pies and Bisto gravy helped drive Premier Foods to higher sales in the third quarter.

The food manufacturer said sales increased 2.6 per cent for the 13 weeks to December 28 on the back of 3.6 per cent growth in its UK sales.

The company said this was particularly buoyed by leading bakery brand Mr Kipling, which saw sales jump 10 per cent.

But shares slid 2.3 per cent, or 1p, to 42p by the close.

Dixons Carphone shed 1.1 per cent, or 1.55p, to 144p ahead of a crucial update on Tuesday.

Investors will be nervously hoping the electronics specialist has outperformed its rivals during a difficult Christmas for retailers.

The update comes amid a testing period for electronics retail, with some of Dixons Carphone-owned Currys PC World's rivals in the sector posting declining sales over the Christmas period.

The Gym Group is hoping to cash in on the traditional New Year fitness boom, as bosses revealed that membership numbers jumped 9.7 per cent in the past year. Shares fell 0.7 per cent, or 2p, to 308p.
British Airways has announced plans to refresh its First and Club lounges at Chicago OHare Airport.

Due to be completed in spring 2020, the refurbished Chicago lounges will have a lighter and more relaxing atmosphere, with new decor, flooring and furnishings. There will be more charging ports built into new marble tables, as well as new, specially crafted chairs. Serving stations are also to be redesigned.

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British Airways is also refreshing its lounge in Edinburgh. As in Chicago, customers will enjoy a fresh, brighter look, with new furniture and carpeting, as well as a more interactive welcome experience. There will be bespoke armchairs, while reconfigured working and dining areas will give customers more room to work or eat.

The Edinburgh lounge serves customers traveling in Club Europe, as well as those connecting on to a Club World or First flight, or those with Silver or higher Executive Club status. Changes to this lounge will also be complete by the end of spring 2020.

Finally, by early spring 2020, customers using British Airways lounge in Berlin will see new furnishings, carpet and decor.

Carolina Martinoli, British Airways director of brand and customer experience, said, Lounges are incredibly important to customers traveling in our Club and First cabins, or to those with Executive Club status, and they are rightly a focus of our 6.5bn [US$8.5bn] customer investment. Weve recently refurbished nine lounges across the network, and were looking forward to refurbishing more in 2020.

As part of its 2020 lounge upgrade activity the airline will also refresh a number of its lounges at Heathrow Terminal 5 as well as redesigning and relaunching the Elemis Spa at New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Photo: Luke Smith for British Airways
The Supreme Court on Monday will hear a plea of Pawan Gupta, one of death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case. In the plea, Gupta has claimed that he was a juvenile at the time of the crime.

A three-judge bench comprising Justice R Banumathi, Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice AS Bopanna will hear Pawan's plea challenging the Delhi High Court's December 19 order, rejecting his plea of being a juvenile at the time of the commission of the offence.

In his plea filed through advocate AP Singh, Pawan has claimed that new evidence of his school certificate has emerged, which states his date of birth as October 8, 1996.

The petition also claims that the High Court passed the order without the presence of his counsel. "This is in violation of the basic principle of natural justice," he said in the plea.

Advocate Singh argued that when the question of age of Pawan was decided by the trial court in 2013, his client was not represented by any counsel. The trial court went on to decide his age based on a police report, said Singh.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
ENTEBBE  President Yoweri Museveni has received and held discussions with the Chairman of the Great Lakes Private Sector Forum, Mr. Richard Ngatia, and his delegation at State House, Entebbe.

Mr. Ngatia who is also the President of Kenya National Chamber of Commerce, was accompanied by the UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda, Ms. Rose Malango, the President of Uganda Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Olive Kigongo and the UN Senior Program Management Officer in the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the Great Lakes Region, Gabor Beszterczey, among others.

Museveni and the delegation discussed matters related to the strengthening of the integration processes for the private sector partnership between the Chamber of Commerce of the respective countries that constitute the Great Lakes Region.

Mr. Museveni commended the work and role played by the private sector through sensitization and working together for economic integration.

I am happy that the forum has realized the need for high production goods and services that require enhanced market integration. The more you produce, the more you sell, he said.

The President stressed that Africa should emulate the examples of the developed countries like how Britain united British colonies to form the Unites States of America whereby America has harnessed development by utilizing her available natural resources.

President Museveni contributed US$100,000 (UGX. 367486900) towards preparations for the Great Lakes Private Forum Investment Conference in March 2020 in Kigali, Rwanda.

The aim of the conference in the Rwandese capital will be to harmonize the private sector and the business communities to work together.

Mr. Ngatia, on his part, revealed that they had come to meet the President to seek his guidance on driving the private sector to higher echelons of development for the benefit of the African continent in general.

Your Excellency, we expect a lot from you because you have always campaigned for Ugandas economic transformation hinged on industrialization, he said. He thanked the President for his ardent championing of the cause of industrialization.

Mr. Ngatia requested President Museveni that Uganda should exhibit the Kiira Motor vehicle brand during the forthcoming Kigali investment conference as a marketing strategy.

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Fairbanks, AK (99707)

Today

Snow showers. High 6F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 60%. Snow accumulations less than one inch..

Tonight

Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this evening. Low 2F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 60%. About one inch of snow expected.
After a few days at the hospital, following a fatal attack on his convoy along Kaduna-Zaria road, the Emir of Potiskum, Umaru Bauya, on Friday, returned to his palace in Yobe State.

The emir addressed many of his subject at his palace amidst strong emotions as he recounted his horrific experience in the attack.

The monarch, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES in his palace, called on his subjects to pray for the souls of his aides he lost in the attack.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how four of the emirs aides were among the 30 people killed in the attack.

About 100 people were also killed in the attack.

The emir said he was specifically pained that he had to trek in the bush for almost two hours, trying to escape from the sporadic gun duel that lasted for about the same time.

He also called on citizens to take the issue of security as their first business.

The Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Baba Wali, led the state government delegation, which included the Acting Head of the State Civil Service, Mohamed Nura, and some members of the State Executive Council, to commiserate with the Emir.

The emir, who likened the attack to a battle field, narrated that the gun shots, which lasted for about two hours, forced him to continue trekking into the bush until he got far from the sounds. It was also where he passed the night.

According to him, the gunshots were unbelievable and he could not understand the motive of the attack. He decided to sleep in the bush so as not to fall prey to the attackers, even when security came to fetch him from the bush around 2.00 a.m.

He disclosed that one of his aides was still missing and his whereabouts was still unknown.

The distraught and visibly worried monarch called on the people not to withhold information, but fish out criminals among them, by reporting them to security agents.

He thanked God for surviving the attack, and prayed for the repose of his deceased aides.

Emirs Words

Thanks, be to almighty Allah for sparing our lives. First, the experience we had was after Jazi. There was a commotion. We stopped and after about twenty minutes, the traffic continued to flow from both ways and we felt the road was cleared.

We moved for about one or two kilometers and discovered that they have mounted some roadblocks and we felt they had left. But, (after) a few movements again, we noticed a slowing down of vehicles and there was a traffic congestion.

At that point, we started feeling some uneasiness, because the situation was becoming dangerous. The traffic was so chaotic that one could not move forward or backward. Then, the sound of gunshots erupted. The gunshots were unbelievable. It was just like a war field. Instantly, I saw my pilot driver swerve and then hit a standing vehicle. I suspected the shooting affected him and the police around him.

As the shooting was going on, we decided to abandon our vehicles and take to safety. God in His infinite mercy led me to escape the danger zone. The gunshots continued for almost two hours. I continued trekking into the bush until when the sound of the guns was a bit far off from me. That is how I found myself. Its God mercy that helped me to escape the danger zone.

I was in the bush all the time the shooting was going on. The shooting started around 11.00 pm and did not stop until around 1.00 am the following day. I decided to remain in the bush up till morning. The security people started to come for me and other groups around 2.00 am but I refused to come out at the time because, I did not know the objective of the attack.

I stayed in the bush because I may fall prey to the attack. I stayed in the bush until morning when the security came back. They took me to the hospital for medical checkup.

I thank the medical doctor who is in charge of that hospital. He checked me and reported that I do not have any injury. He gave me treatment and until my fatigue was down. I told them I want to leave but they reluctantly released me to leave.

I am very grateful to Kaduna State government, the hospital that took care of us and the security operatives. I was well comforted, so I did not develop any trauma. I didnt even know about the death of my people until yesterday morning when the news was brought to me that I lost four of my people in that skirmish. Some of my policemen also sustained gunshots but were treated at the hospital.

The issue of security is not only the responsibility of the federal government alone. It is everybodys responsibility because no one knows when his own time will come.

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The Emir flanked from right with the Waziri of Potiskum, Ali Guza and ssg, Baba malam Wali at Potiskum on friday. photo Joe Hemba.

Both Muslims and Christian need to pray fervently as well as support the security agencies by identifying suspected movements. When we are able to detect these kind of people around us, then we report them to security agencies.

We cannot withhold information from the security agencies and expect them to perform magic. It is only the people in the community that can assist the security agencies, informing all suspected movement around them, then the federal government and all other levels of government will work smoothly, the emir said.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the emirs convoy ran into armed gangs on Tuesday night along Kaduna/Zaria highway. Four of his aides were killed.

The burial of the four aides was held on Wednesday at the Emirs palace, amidst tears.
Malcolm Byrne TD, Barbara Brennan (guest speaker from See Change), Patrick Hipwell, Cllr. Barbara Ann Murphy and Fr. Jim Fegan PP at the mass for mental health in Ballindaggin Church on Saturday night

Ballindaggin church was packed recently for the annual commemoration mass for people who lost loved ones through mental health.

The mass was organised in conjunction with Macra na Feirme and See Change - the national organisation dedicated to reducing stigma attached to mental health related issues.

The mass attracted a capacity congregation to the church where Ballindaggin Choir performed along with Mick Kavanagh and Jim Redmond, who performed the self-penned song, 'Back to Light' at the end of the mass.

During the mass Barbara Brennan, from See Change, highlighted to the congregation the importance of 'community'.

Following the mass she expressed delight at being able to attend and said it was 'an absolute honour' to speak at it.

'The readings were about courage, individual responsibility, and conversation,' commented Ms Brennan.

In her own speech she touched on a number of different topics and highlighted the importance of people 'making a difference'.

She said that difference is needs throughout the world not just in localised society.

Ms Brennan said 'each of us can have an untold impact on another person's life' [and] 'we each have a responsibility for our own wellbeing'.

She also emphasised that nobody has all the answers and commented: 'Listening is a gift we can all give and it's never too late to reach out for help.'

Significantly, Ms Brennan also highlighted that people shouldn't 'wait' to reach out to others.

'Being part of a community is powerful,' she said.

'We're part of something bigger than ourselves [and] there is strength in numbers,' she added.

The mass was spearheaded by local See Change ambassador, Patrick Hipwell, and he told this newspaper that the mass was a great success and very well attended.

Among those in attendance were Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy and Cathal Byrne and newly elected Wexford TD, Deputy Malcolm Byrne.

See Change holds a green ribbon campaign in May each year. The organisation's work is based around guidance from people with real life experience of mental health difficulties as they are best placed to give insight into the stigma surrounding such issues.

Macra na Feirme is also involved in mental health awareness initiatives with the 'Make the Moove - Farmers Matter' workshop campaign beginning last year.

That's aimed at challenging farmers to think about how they approach their work, their well-being and their personal lives.

Mr Hipwell thanked Ms Brennan for attending the mass in Ballindaggin and he also acknowledged Fr Jim Fegan for his support and help.
A heartwarming video has emerged of a firefighter receiving a heros welcome from his two young daughters after 11 days fighting bushfires in Australia.

The footage begins as two girls realise their dad is arriving home, shouting its dad! and running outside to greet him.

As they wait for him to park his car the pair excitedly squeal and wave to him from the top of the driveway.

Dressed in uniform, the firefighter runs to his girls and gives them both a long hug.

The video ends as his excited dog, wagging its tail, also comes to greet him and leans itself against his legs.

Intense thunderstorms on Saturday brought relief to the parts of the country scorched by months of catastrophic fires.

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

More than a months rain fell in 24 hours in some of the worst-affected states, helping to contain blazes that have killed 29 people and more than a billion animals, and left 10 million hectares of scorched earth.

Despite the heavy rain, authorities were still battling nearly 100 fires.
Thousands of people led by students from different colleges gathered in the Supermarket area in Dimapur district of Nagaland on January 18 to protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

With banners and placards saying, "We stand united against CAA", "Save Dimapur - Listen to peoples' voice" and "CAA -- Modi Shah vote bank", people from all walks of life joined the protest rally.

Addressing the gathering, the students urged people to unite and fight until the Act is revoked.

They said it is their duty to safeguard the state from the influx of illegal immigrants.

Dimapur District Gaon Burahs (village chieftains) Association president Khehovi V Chophy said outsiders will not be allowed to take away the rights of indigenous people.

He said it's time to identify illegal immigrants and deport them.

Lima Jamir, a member of the North East Indigenous Peoples' Forum, said the CAA is a draconian law.

"We will not be suppressed by forces and will fight till we achieve our goal," he said.
Washington, Jan 18 : Kenneth Starr, a well-known prosecutor whose work led to the impeachment of former U.S. President Bill Clinton in the 1990s, has joined US President Donald Trump's impeachment legal defence team, media reports said.

Alan Dershowitz, a constitutional lawyer, and Robert Ray, Starr's successor at the Office of Independent Counsel during the Clinton administration, are also joining the team, Xinhua reported, citing the US media reports on Friday.

Dershowitz will present oral arguments at the Senate trial, set to open on January 21, a spokesman for Trump's legal team said.

"He is participating in this impeachment trial to defend the integrity of the Constitution and to prevent the creation of a dangerous constitutional precedent," said the legal team, noting Dershowitz opposed Clinton's impeachment and voted for his wife, Hillary Clinton, in the 2016 presidential election.

Trump's legal team will be headed by White House counsel Pat Cipollone and outside attorney Jay Sekulow, who are still expected to deliver statements on the president's behalf on the Senate floor, according to media reports.

The White House did not mount a formal defence during the House impeachment inquiry as it refused to cooperate with the Democratic-led committees.

Trump allegedly pressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into launching investigations that could politically benefit him, and the White House allegedly tried to cover it up after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi initiated an impeachment inquiry in September.

A whistleblower raised concerns about the White House's interactions with Ukraine in an anonymous complaint last summer. Trump has denied any wrongdoing, repeatedly calling the impeachment "a hoax".

Under the US Constitution, the House shall have the sole power of impeachment, while the Senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments.

Conviction can only happen in the Senate and requires at least two-thirds of its members, or 67 senators, to vote in favour after a trial. At present, the Senate has 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats and two independents.
President Yoweri Museveni has arrived in the Togolese Capital Lome for a two-day France  Africa summit on drug trafficking and counterfeit medicines on the continent, according to State House Press Unit.

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Museveni arrived at the Lome- Tokoin Gnassingbe Eyadema International airport and was received by his host President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe.

Seven African leaders from the Republic of Congo, Gambia, Ghana, Niger, Senegal, Togo and Uganda will sign an agreement for stronger legislation to criminalise the sale of fake drugs at a two-day summit on counterfeit medicines being held under the theme; Fake drugs a real crime.

The summit is an initiative of the Brazzavile Foundation, a charity organization based in the United Kingdom whose patron is HRH Prince Micheal of Kent and is led by Sir David Richmond. The Brazzaville Foundation is expected to lead to a Lome Initiative to end the illegal trafficking and use of fake drugs, and also help to combat a deadly trade that claims hundreds of thousands of lives every year in Africa and funds transnational crime and terrorism.

The foundation is managed by an international advisory board made up of highly distinguished individuals including Ugandas former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi who was at the airport to receive the President on behalf of the foundation. Other leaders to receive the president included ministers and officials from both governments and cultural leaders from Togo.

It is hoped that the leaders will sign an agreement for criminalising trafficking in fake drugs. The aim is to bolster cooperation between governments and encourage other African nations to join the initiative.

The world health organization estimates that every year, some 100,000 people across Africa die from taking falsified or substandard medication. According to reports, globally, the trade in counterfeit pharmaceuticals is worth up to US$200bn annually with Africa among the worst affected regions.

Weak legislation, poor healthcare systems and widespread poverty have encouraged the growth of this parallel  and deadly  market. Since 2013, Africa has made up 42 percent of the fake medicine seized worldwide. According to experts, the two drugs most likely to be out-of-date or poor, ineffective copies are antibiotics and anti-malarials.

The President who is representing the East African region will ba making his presentation today. East Africa is one of the regions facing increased threats from drug trafficking and counterfeit medicines.
Militants and activists loyal to Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar on Saturday blocked oil exports from the country's key ports, despite a temporary truce between Haftar's forces and the rival United Nations-backed government based in Tripoli, Deutsche Welle reports.

Protesters barred an oil tanker from docking at the Hariga port off Tobruk, several news agencies reported.

Tribal groups, meanwhile, seized several large export terminals along the eastern coast as well as southern oil fields over the past two days.
A new alleged victim is accusing recently fired Hialeah Police Department Sgt. Jesus Menocal Jr. of sexual assault, becoming at least the fifth woman to make such a complaint, the Miami Herald has learned.

The woman approached Hialeah police after Menocal was arrested by the FBI on Dec. 13, two sources familiar with the case told the Miami Herald. She said Menocal assaulted her several years ago when she was roughly 18 and is said to have an audio recording of the encounter, according to the sources. Hialeah police passed her information on to the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office and the FBI. Four women have previously accused Menocal of sexual assault, including two minors.

The FBI has asked to take the lead on the new complaint, said Ed Griffith, a spokesman for the state attorneys office. Since they already have an indictment pending that is similar in nature to the new complaint, we agreed to their request. We have offered the FBI our assistance if they request it.

Jesus Jessie Menocal Jr. posted this photo of himself on a social media site with the caption: Character: Its what you do when people arent watching. Its how you act when you are hidden from public view.

When the Herald asked the city of Hialeah for records relating to any new victims, the city clerks office responded that the case is an open/active investigation. ... We cannot release any document until the case is closed.

A spokesman for Hialeah police did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Michael Grieco, Menocals defense attorney, could not be reached for comment. The FBI declined to comment.

Menocal was indicted in federal court last month on charges that he violated the civil rights of two women by detaining them and subjecting them to non-consensual sexual encounters ... while he was acting in his official capacity as a police officer in 2015. He has pleaded not guilty. The U.S. Attorneys Office in Miami, which is handling the case, said in a court filing that it has gathered 29,000 pages of documents and records, as well as cellphone and hard drive data.

Although Hialeah Police Chief Sergio Velazquez fired Menocal after his arrest, the allegations against the patrol sergeant first surfaced in 2015, when four women and girls accused him of sexual assault. State prosecutors declined to charge him, saying there wasnt enough evidence and that the alleged victims lacked credibility. One of the women died months after giving evidence against Menocal when she tumbled out of a moving automobile. The two women cited in the federal indictment were among the four alleged victims who accused him of misconduct in 2015.

Story continues

Additionally, Menocal sometimes brought young women to the police station, where they would accompany him to a private room without cameras, according to surveillance video and other records. The meetings were not documented, a violation of police protocols, a Hialeah police internal affairs investigation found.

A Herald investigation published the month before Menocals arrest raised questions about how Velazquez handled the internal investigation into the accusations. The Herald found that the chief brought Menocal back to active duty even before state prosecutors made their decision to decline to charge him. Velazquez also returned him to the SWAT team and approved him for a merit raise, even as he later sustained an internal affairs complaint, Hialeah police records showed.

Hialeah Police Chief Sergio Velazquez talks about his departments actions in the case of Sgt. Jesus Manuel Menocal Jr., 32, who was arrested after a federal grand jury in Miami, Florida, returned a two-count indictment against him. He is accused of depriving two women of their civil rights. The news conference took place on Friday, Dec. 13, 2019.

The resulting scandal has led to criticism of Velazquez and his boss, Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez.

After the Herald published its initial story, Velazquez defended his department, saying no cover-up took place.

And at a Tuesday city council meeting, Hernandez responded by calling the Herald racist and anti-Cuban.

Aminda Marques Gonzalez, the Heralds executive editor, president and publisher, said the mayors complaint appeared to be an attempt to divert attention from the citys lack of accountability.
Unlike November demonstrations, an important focal point for the new demonstrations were the universities. The newcomers drastically changed on ground elements.

November protests began against a gasoline price hike, while the new wave of protests began with direct demands of the regimes supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, to step down as commander in chief of the armed forces, and the regimes supreme leader. The latter was compared to the Shah, while both monarchy and the Islamic republic were rejected by demonstrators.

At the same time, repressive forces serving the regime were aimed, with IRGC and its paramilitary Bassij forces in the crosshairs. Huge posters of Qassem Soleimani, slain IRGCs Quds force commander was torn or burnt nationwide, and the IRGC was compared to the ISIS.



Protesting university students claimed an end to the old game of hard-liner vs. reformist inside the ruling gang.

The maturity of political slogans chanted by the students surprised even the regimes authorities. One of the leading state newspapers even claimed those slogans came from Albania, a direct reference to the regimes main opposition MEK which is residing, since 2016, in Albania.

But how did the universities affect so profoundly the political aspect of the countrys demonstrations?

Historically, universities have played a vital political role in Iran when it comes to popular demands. Under the Shah, universities were painted by the SAVAK- Shahs dreaded secret police- as focal points of trouble and unrest against the regime.

Back in the 1950s, following the military coup of August 19, 1953, which ended Dr. Mohammad Mossadeqs popular government and brought back the dismissed Shah to the country, Tehran University became a stronghold of resistance against the new tyrannical rule of the Shah. On December 7, 1953, the Shahs army attacked Tehran University, and three students of the Engineering faculty were killed when soldiers opened fire on the students. December 7 became thereafter the unofficial students day in Irans university, to be celebrated with anti-Shah protests every year.

The influential role of the universities was a constant worry of the Shah and his SAVAK. Every important university campus in Iran had a special repressive guard force in constant alert for suppressing political unrest before it would pour over into the society. Troublesome institutes of higher education were moved outside the city centers and in virtually remote areas so any disorders by students would not affect big cities.

With the Shahs downfall, Tehran Universitys Engineering faculty was named Badizadegan Engineering faculty, in memory of MEKs founding member Ali Asghar Badizadegan, once a student of the faculty, and executed by the Shah in 1972. The other important engineering college of the capital, Aryamehr University, was renamed Sharif University in memory of MEK was a slain member, Majid Sharif Vaghefi.

Conscient of the unique role of the universities in mobilizing the people against tyrannical rules, Khomeini did not give higher education systems of the country more than a few months before oppressing them hard. Hardly a year after seizing power, he began attacking university campuses through unofficial armed thugs and then repressive police and military forces. Then he closed universities for three years, purging hundreds of professors as well as thousands of students suspected of sympathizing with the MEK and acting against the regime in power.

In order to make sure the universities would not act against the theocratic rule, quota systems were installed to give priority of access to higher education to members of the IRGCs paramilitary Bassij members and soldiers have served in the armed forces of the regime. Thousands of such students were thus introduced into the countrys universities, where they were charged with forming students associations close to the regimes reactionary systems and acting as an instrument of repression against other students.

During the years, although student uprisings occurred in universities from time to time, universities did never have the role they played against the ruling power under the Shah.

The week of anti-regime popular protests following the downing of the Ukrainian airliner brought the countrys universities and university students back to their influential social role, which would no doubt play an important role in future movements against the regime.

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Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

A yearslong effort to build a specialized facility to stabilize those in behavioral health crises is accelerating.

The University of New Mexico recently committed to matching Bernalillo Countys initial capital investment of $20 million for a crisis triage center and psychiatric hospital, and a new agreement spells out a plan for the two entities to select a site by the end of April.

The County Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved the memorandum of understanding and the countys $20 million allocation, which Behavioral Health Services Director Margarita Chavez-Sanchez hailed as a significant milestone.

I really think this is a huge solidification of the partnership between Bernalillo County and the University of New Mexico to address this massive gap in the (behavioral health services) continuum, she said. This has been what the voters have been asking for for many, many years.

A crisis triage center is meant to help stabilize those who do not meet the criteria for a psychiatric hospitalization but might otherwise end up in jail or an emergency room because of their mental health problems or substance abuse disorders. Experts identified it as a critical need several years ago, but progress toward creating one has been incremental.

The County Commission in 2018 earmarked up to $30 million from a special, voter-approved gross receipts tax for a crisis triage center somewhere on UNMs footprint. Last year, the county established a 16-bed version inside its existing detoxification center in Southeast Albuquerque while still touting the goal of eventually building a purpose-built center at UNM.

Chavez-Sanchez said it was only in the past few months that UNM Hospitals committed to contributing up to $20 million for a crisis triage center and a psychiatric hospital in partnership with the county.

County Manager Julie Morgas Baca called the new agreement a huge step forward.

Theyre committed, she told the County Commission about UNM. Theres a deadline. Were seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

UNM has not revealed any potential sites for the center, but a spokesman confirmed the $20 million set-aside and said in a statement, We remain committed to a partnership to address the mental health needs of Bernalillo County.

Some have criticized the county for how slowly the behavioral health tax revenue has trickled back into the community. The county began collecting it in 2015 and it is now yielding an estimated $22.5 million a year. About $70 million had accumulated as of late 2019, though officials say most of that is encumbered for future one-time expenditures such as the crisis triage center. Leaders have also approved programming that will eventually cost $19 million annually.

County Commission Chairman Lonnie Talbert on Tuesday referred to those complaints but said the agreement with UNM shows why it made sense to move more deliberately.

Youre talking to a guy who doesnt have patience, trust me. However, Im glad weve taken the time (with the crisis triage center) to spend $20 million right, which is going to be matched, which is $40 million, he said. Thats a lot of daggone money.
Facebook has been forced to apologise after translating the name of Chinese president Xi Jinping to Mr Sh*thole for some users.

The error occurred on the official Facebook page of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi, in a post that recounted her meeting with Mr Xi during his state visit to Myanmar.

Originally written in Burmese, Facebooks translation into English referred to Mr Xi as Mr Sh*thole six separate times.

Mr Sh*thole, President of China, arrives at 4pm, the translation stated.

Consultant Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is friendly. And the president of China, Mr Sh*thole, signed a guest record of the house of representatives.

Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Show all 15 1 /15 Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Facebook is born On 4 Feb, 2004, 19-year-old Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg launched a website called 'TheFacebook' from his dorm. Within 24 hours the college social network had more than 1,000 users Wikimedia Commons Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Winklevoss twins sue Zuckerberg Within one week of launching, fellow Harvard students Cameron Winklevoss, Tyler Winklevoss and Divya Narendra accused Zuckerberg of stealing their idea. It would be four years later when the resulting lawsuit was finally settled Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Open for business The social network finally opened it platform to everyone on 26 September, 2006. The move proved the catalyst in supercharging the site's already explosive growth PA Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Billion-dollar bid Yahoo offered $1 billion to buy Facebook in September 2006 but Zuckerberg turned it down. 'I dont know what I could do with the money,' Zuckerberg reportedly said. 'Id just start another social networking site' Reuters Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network In the money In September 2009, almost five years since the site launched, Facebook turned a profit for the first time Getty Images/iStockphoto Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Taking the lead Facebook overtook MySpace in 2010 to become the worlds most popular social network Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Taking on the tech giants In 2011, Google launched its own social network that it hoped would knock Facebook from its perch. Despite its initial success, Google+ ultimately failed and will be shut down completely in 2019 Getty Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Facebook goes public On 18 May, 2012, Facebook went public. The initial public offering raised $16 billion  the third largest in US history Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Gobbling up the competition Facebook acquired Instagram in April 2012 for $1 billion, consolidating its position as the world's leading social network Reuters Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network One billion users On 4 October, 2012, Zuckerberg announced that Facebook had hit 1 billion users. 'If youre reading this: thank you for giving me and my little team the honour of serving you,' he wrote in a blog post Getty Images Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Expanding its empire In February 2014 Facebook acquired the messaging app WhatsApp for $19.3 billion REUTERS/Dado Ruvic Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Two billion users In June 2017, Facebook passed the 2 billion user milestone REUTERS/Dado Ruvic Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Privacy scandal On 17 March 2018, news broke that UK firm Cambridge Analytica had harvested data from around 87 million Facebook users for the purpose of political profiling in the build up to the 2016 US presidential elections Shutterstock Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Record profits Despite the scandals and subsequent #DeleteFacebook campaign, Facebook posted record profits just before its 15th anniversary, the equivalent of $7.37 from each of its 2.32 billions users iStock/Independent Facebook birthday: 15 defining moments for the social network Unhappy users A study found that people are happier when they dont use Facebook, adding to mounting evidence surrounding the impact social media has on mental health Rex Features

We are aware of an issue regarding Burmese to English translations on Facebook, and were doing everything we can to fix this as quickly as possible, a Facebook spokesperson told The Independent when first contacted about the error.

This issue is not a reflection of the way our products should work and we sincerely apologise for the offence this has caused.

The social network relies on human and automated moderators to fix incorrect content, as well as reports from its users. The issue was fixed after several hours and the spokesperson said Facebook is carrying out an investigation into the incident.

"We are working to identify the cause to ensure that it doesnt happen again," they said.

Facebook, which is banned in China, has previously apologised for errors with its automatic-translation service.

 Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez questions Facebook's Zuckerberg over allowing politicians to lie in ads

In one instance in 2017, the feature erroneously translated good morning into attack them on a post written by a Palestinian construction worker.

The man was arrested by Israeli police after they suspected he was planning a vehicle attack using a bulldozer. He was released after the mistake was realised.
You've heard the term "serial dater"someone who goes out with a lot of people but never seems content. Is it possible that Amazon has that with grocery stores? Rumors had spread for years that the online retail giant wanted to get deeper into the grocery game, and in 2017, it appeared the deal was done: Amazon bought Whole Foods, one of the best-known national grocers out there.

And yet, despite this $13.4 billion buy, Amazon continues to mess around with markets on the side. In 2018, Amazon opened its first Amazon Go storea smaller cashierless convenience store. And then last year, news broke that Amazon was planning another chain of more conventional supermarkets. The first one is slated to open in California this year, with reports speculating that other locations could come to Chicago, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia.

An Amazon Go store sign in Seattle, WA. | David Ryder/Getty Images

So what the heck is this? The Washington Business Journal is reporting that "It sure looks like Amazon is bringing a grocery store to 14th Street" in the District of Columbia. The site explains that the city "issued a permit Monday to build out an 8,041-square-foot brick-and-mortar Amazon store at the Liz, the recently delivered mixed-use project at 1701 14th St. NW."

Amazon reportedly declined to comment, but the permit provides some clues: "a variance request filed with the Department of Health  cites 'Amazon Retail LLC' as the establishment name," according to the Business Journal. Meanwhile, the general contractor for the site apparently described the site as a "small grocer."

At this point, the best guess appears to be thatfalse alarmthis store is just an Amazon Go store, which would make sense because Amazon's convenience store chain has been expanding to urban markets like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. "The site plan for the D.C. store shows an indoor shopping cart corral, a 'speed lane' to enter the store via a swipe and no obvious cashier lanes, all hallmarks of Amazon Go's sensor-filled shopping experience," the Business Journal explains. However, the site also points out, "At 8,000 square feet, it is significantly larger than the typical Amazon Go but smaller than the fledgling grocery store concept."

So could it just be some random other thing? Well, yeah, definitely! For those who have trouble keeping up with all of Amazon's grocery concepts (I don't blame you), last March, Amazon also opened something called a "Whole Foods Market Daily Shop" in New York Citybasically a Whole Foods-style convenience store which, it seems, has remained a one-off thing.

So who knows what D.C. is getting? Maybe it's an Amazon Grocery Express? Or an Amazon Go Supreme? Or a Whole Foods Go Daily Shop & Amazon Video Streaming Center?!? Does it even matter? If you're paying for that Prime membership, you know you're going to use it!
The fatal shooting of a student at Bellaire High School on Tuesday is believed to be unintentional, making it quite different from the 2018 shooting rampage at Santa Fe High School that left eight students and two teachers dead.

But an accidental shooting at a school is still a school shooting and a particularly traumatizing event for students, educators and parents, as the community of Bellaire  and their neighbors across Houston  learned this week.

Hundreds of mourners gathered in Evelyns Park Conservancy on Wednesday evening for a candlelight vigil in memory of the victim in this weeks case, 19-year-old Cesar Cortes.

Elliott Newman, a sophomore at Bellaire, came over to pet my dog after the prayers and songs. He thought that might make him feel better, he said. The news of a shooting at his school hadnt fully hit him until that evening, when he came to the gathering with some friends.

I mean, Id imagined it... Newman said, trailing off.

His eyes were rimmed with tears as he reflected on what he had learned about Cortes life in the aftermath of his senseless and untimely death. Cortes was planning to join the Army, Newman told me, and had already taken his oath of enlistment.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Friends: Bellaire teens dream was to join Army

It had been barely 24 hours since Cortes was fatally shot in the schools JROTC supply room as he was getting ready for drill practice.

The 16-year-old suspect was apprehended hours later, about a mile from the school, along with another classmate, who was released after questioning.

Authorities said that the suspect was refusing to cooperate and that the gun was still missing. But there reportedly had been six students in the JROTC supply room, including Cortes and the suspect, at the time of the incident. The four witnesses had been able to give some picture of what happened: The students were getting ready for drill practice when the suspect, also a JROTC member, lifted his shirt to show Cortes and another student a gun he had stashed in his waistband. They said he pulled it out to give them a closer look  with heartbreaking results.

He has been charged with manslaughter.

He did not, based on the evidence, intend to kill his friend  but he did, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said Tuesday. Thats reckless.

Adults at all levels of leadership have also been reckless in response to Americas ongoing epidemic of gun violence, particularly at the nations schools. Education Week reported last month that eight people were killed and 43 were injured in 25 shooting incidents on school campuses or during school-sponsored events in 2019. In 2018, the year of the Santa Fe and Parkland, Fla., school shootings, there were 24 such incidents that killed 35 and injured 79.

Brianna Cambric, a senior at Bellaire, said this wasnt the first time she and her classmates have been alarmed by reports of a gun in their midst. In fact, she said, there were several such incidents at the school this year prior to Tuesdays shooting.

During her first three years at the high school, Cambric said, she couldnt recall anyone bringing a gun to campus. She wasnt sure how to explain the difference. But what concerned her more was the inaction of school officials in the face of this school years events. On one of the previous occasions, she recalled, a gun in a students backpack went off accidentally during a history class.

Why does it take a kid to die for yall to start doing bag checks? Cambric asked.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Grieder: Republican leaders should start taking Moms Demand Action seriously

Thats a fair question, as is one posed by Tanya Rhoades, a volunteer with the Texas chapter of Moms Demand.

How long must we wait for lawmakers to stand up for common-sense gun laws to keep our children safe in school? Rhoades asked in a statement.

Laws wouldnt have made a difference in this case. Minors, such as the suspect, are prohibited from legally carrying a handgun anywhere, much less to school.

And since Bellaire students are scheduled to move into a new school building in 2021, its unlikely that this weeks shooting will lead to the installation of metal detectors at all entrances to the current building or other expensive security upgrades.

But that doesnt mean lawmakers should respond to the news of this fatal shooting with a shrug or by stonewalling the constituents who have been advocating for change to the states gun laws.

Granted, politics might make change difficult: In 2019, the Legislature appropriated $1 million for a public awareness campaign to promote safe gun storage. That elicited objections from gun-rights advocates. And a related initiative from Gov. Greg Abbotts office has also run into controversy. The governors office issued a $1 million grant to flood the state with free gun locks, but  as the Houston Chronicle reported this week  at least one woman who requested some was rejected after the trade association overseeing the grant flagged her association with gun safety groups.

Still.

The shooting at Bellaire High School was the first fatal school shooting of the year in Texas, but the fact that its being described that way should prick at everyones conscience.

On HoustonChronicle.com: When school districts talk about school safety, students deserve a seat at the table [Opinion]

And students at Bellaire  and elsewhere  arent resigned to these events.

School should be our safe haven. Most of us are there at school longer than we are awake at home, said Milan Narayan, a sophomore who volunteers with Bellaires Students Demand Action group. Its basically our second home if its not our first.

The fatal shooting Tuesday was demoralizing, Narayan added, because such incidents are precisely what SDA volunteers work to prevent. But he was confident that student volunteers will channel their grief into their work.

I think we all understand that we have a certain duty and obligation not only to our peers but to our community as well, he said.

Cortes death at age 19 is tragic in part because it does seem to be unintentional; assuming thats the case, it was a terrible mistake that would haunt the suspect, as well as his classmates, for the rest of their lives.

It should also haunt the adults whose casual response to school shootings enabled this accident, the ones that preceded it and the ones that will follow unless we see meaningful change.

erica.grieder@chron.com
Gold and cash were looted not from shops but from individual homes, which shows that the miscreants knew the social background of the families living in the colonies where the communal clashes took place.

Adilabad: In the communally sensitive Bhainsa town, looting of gold ornaments and cash was done for the first time during the communal clashes on January 12 when youngsters pelted stones and wore masks to avoid being identified by the police.

Gold and cash were looted not from shops but from individual homes, which shows that the miscreants knew the social background of the families living in the colonies where the communal clashes took place.

Hindu and Muslim victims of the robberies were shocked at being thus robbed by miscreants entering their homes. A resident of Porvagalli said she was robbed of `50,000 in cash, when she was away from her home and had gone to a relatives house located in the adjacent colony for safety. She said though there had been communal clashes in the past, she had never faced such a bad situation and it was a nightmare for many. The miscreants had entered into houses, when usually they fight in the streets.

Police say that young boys pelted stones and wore masks and this was a new trend as far as communal clashes are concerned.

Where and how they managed to get such a huge quantity of stones overnight was a mystery.

A member of a family at Mullah Galli regretted that miscreants created panic among the community by ransacking their houses, and forcing the family to take shelter in the houses of their relatives in neighbouring colonies.

The miscreants also targeted an autorickshaw and van.

The owner of the van, which was entirely burnt down, said that he had three grandchildren who played with the children of his Hindu neighbours and they were friends.

The victim also said that he doubted that it was his neighbours in the colony who burnt his van and the miscreants must be from another colony.
The tragedy of the bushfires has touched Australians and they have responded by opening up their wallets.

As the Sun-Herald reports today, donations to bushfire charities are already at least $200 million and rising.

The list of donors ranges from billionaires such as James Packer, Twiggy Forrest and Kerry Stokes to thousands of ordinary people who have had to dip into scarce savings or meagre income to find the money to help out.

It is a tribute to the generosity of Australians and confirms Australia deserves to be ranked second on the World Giving Index compiled the Charities Aid Foundation.

Donations for the current bushfires could soon approach the $389 million raised for the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal in 2009 after the Black Saturday fires.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat on Saturday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here and discussed the upcoming maha Kumbh mela in Haridwar in 2021.

The Chief Minister said works worth more than Rs 1,000 crore would be carried out for successful conduct of mela.

He said around 15 crore devotees are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh.

The Chief Minister sought financial support from the Centre to develop facilities and infrastructure. Rawat said that around eight crore people had come for the event in 2010.

During the meeting, Rawat also informed the Prime Minister about works being carried out at Kedarnath. He urged the Prime Minister to launch 'wellness summit' in April 2020.

He said work of 305 wellness centres in the state has been completed and all 462 wellness centres will be completed by March 2020.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 18

By Fakhri Vakilov-Trend:

Uzbekistans Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Jamshid Kuchkarov held a meeting with Vice President of the World Bank Cyril Muller, Trend reports citing Uzbekistans Ministry of Finance.

During the meeting, the results of the past 2019 in the financial and economic life of the country, the adoption of the State budget and the new edition of the tax code were discussed.

Muller emphasized that the adopted Law on the State Budget for 2020 is an effective measure to continue transformations in the economic life of the country.

As part of the meeting, a $100 million loan agreement was signed on the Prospecrous of the Village project, which is aimed at improving the quality of social infrastructure and the standard of living of the population of rural areas of Fergana, Andijan, Namangan, Jizzakh and Syrdarya regions.

The World Bank approved financing projects in Uzbekistan for a total of $956.6 million in 2019.

Last year, the World Bank financed projects in Uzbekistan related to the development of entrepreneurship in the Ferghana Valley ($200 million); institutional capacity building ($33 million); improving the early development of children ($73.8 million); providing budget support ($500 million); strengthening social safety nets ($50 million); and the implementation of the project "Prosperous village" ($100 million).

---

Follow author on Twitter:@vakilovfaxri
China and Myanmar are set to ink mammoth infrastructure deals following a meeting on Saturday between President Xi Jinping and fallen rights icon Aung San Suu Kyi, who pledged to stand with Beijing "till the end of the world".

The Chinese leader's two-day state visit to Myanmar's purpose-built capital comes as Western investors cast a wide berth around the country due to the Rohingya crisis.

A 2017 military crackdown on the mainly Muslim minority, which UN investigators have called genocide, forced some 740,000 Rohingya over the border into Bangladesh. Beijing has stood strong with Myanmar despite the condemnation.

After arriving Friday Xi called the visit a "historical moment" for relations between the two neighbours, according to state-run newspaper the Global New Light of Myanmar.

He also touched on the "unfairness and inequality in international relations" in what could be seen as a slight against the United States, which has sanctioned Myanmar army chief Min Aung Hlaing.

Myanmar leader Suu Kyi -- whose reputation lays in tatters in the West's eyes due to her defence of the army over the Rohingya crackdown -- said the country will always be at China's side.

"It goes without saying that a neighbouring country has no other choice, but to stand together till the end of the world," she said during a celebration late Friday.

The Asian giant is now Myanmar's largest investor, and the headline deals include a deep-sea port, several economic zones and a high-speed rail link criss-crossing the country.

The so-called "China-Myanmar Economic Corridor" will carve a path of infrastructure from China's landlocked south to Myanmar's western Rakhine state -- Beijing's long-awaited gateway to the Indian Ocean.

The multi-billion-dollar agreements will be on the table Saturday, in between sit-down meetings with Suu Kyi and the army chief, who stands accused of masterminding the Rohingya crackdown.

China remains an indispensable ally for its Southeast Asian neighbour, wielding a protective veto vote at the UN Security Council.

But widespread mistrust of Beijing's ambitions persists among those who are sceptical the economic benefits will trickle down to the masses.

In commercial capital Yangon, protesters are expected to rally against any reinstatement of a controversial Chinese-backed mega-dam.

The $3.6 billion 6,000 megawatt Myitsone project was suspended in 2011 in the face of vociferous criticism across the country.

This is believed to have been a personal affront to Xi, who signed the deal with Myanmar's then-military junta as vice president in 2009.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The requested page is currently unavailable on this server.

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She became the first contestant to be dumped from the villa during the dramatic recoupling on Friday night.

And Eva Gale has given her verdict on the new couplings, with the 20-year-old student speaking out against newbie Connagh's decision to 'steal' Sophie from Connor.

Eve, who was torn apart from twin Jess during the latest episode, told of her 'shock' over Connagh's 'bold move' and revealed that it was 'not nice' that Sophie was separated from Connor.

Having her say: Eva Gale has given her verdict on the new couplings, with the 20-year-old student speaking out against newbie Connagh's decision to 'steal' Sophie from Connor

The coffee bean salesman was left fuming during the recoupling as the Welsh hunk chose his partner Sophie, forcing him to recouple with Siannise instead.

Connor seethed that he was 'snaked out' and alluded to the fact that the model was 'dishonest'.

Revealing her thoughts on the showstopping moment, Eve said in her exit interview: 'It was a bold move Its not nice now that she cant be with Connor.'

The blonde beauty then went on to commend Connagh for daring to risk the wrath of Connor, as she continued: 'But hats off to Connagh, bold move, youve got to do what youve got to do but I was shocked.'

Drama: Eve told of her 'shock' over Connagh's 'bold move' and revealed that it was 'not nice' that Sophie was separated from Connor

Speaking of the former pairing, she added: 'I do think Sophie and Connor were a good couple.

'I dont know whats going to happen now as obviously Sophies been picked by Connagh'.

Aside from the drama between Connor, Connagh and Sophie, Eve faced the agonising moment of being separated from her sister Jess, who was chosen by Nas.

When asked about how she thinks Jess would cope without her, Eve responded: 'I think shes going to miss me. But, in a way, it will be a good thing because shell integrate more. Shes got all the support in there by all the other Islanders.

Not impressed: The coffee bean salesman was left fuming during the recoupling as the Welsh hunk chose his partner Sophie, forcing him to recouple with Siannise instead

Fuming: Connor seethed that he was 'snaked out' and alluded to the fact that the model was 'dishonest'

'Sometimes me and Jess would just go off on our own. Siannise and Leanne are our bestest girlfriends there, shell probably become closer with them.'

Ahead of her exit, Eve insisted that her sister should remain in the villa and not to try to leave with her.

Explaining how she would have felt if Jess decided to leave, Eve said: 'I wouldnt have wanted her to. I dont think Id have let her leave. I dont want me to hold her back.

'I do think its a good thing that she can be in there. Its important to have our independence It is quite irrational to think we cant do it alone - she can do it alone.'

Reaction: Revealing her thoughts on the showstopping moment, Eve said in her exit interview: 'It was a bold move Its not nice now that she cant be with Connor'

Decision: 'But hats off to Connagh, bold move, youve got to do what youve got to do but I was shocked'

But it remains to be seen how well she'll cope without her identical twin as she revealed that they've only ever spent 'five days' apart.

She said: 'I do Geography at uni. I went to Spain for a field trip, it was five days. Thats the longest weve been apart.

'We lived separately, but we would see each other every day because our unis are so close. Wed always see each other for lunch or something.'

Meanwhile, the dumped islander revealed what she thought about Jess being coupled up with Nas.

Separated: Aside from the drama between Connor, Connagh and Sophie, Eve faced the agonising moment of being separated from her sister Jess, who was chosen by Nas

Torn apart: Eve was dumped from the villa after not being picked, meaning she had to pack her bags and leave the South African abode for good

'I feel so happy shes in a couple with Nas,' she gushed. 'I really got along with Nas, hes such a positive, uplifting person. Theyve never completely shut off romance. I think he really gets us and we get him. Hes just the loveliest person ever.

'Me and Jess said on our first day out of all the boys, we can talk to Nas the best. If I was to choose to go on a night out, Id be like, "Nas come on!" He was my best boy friend there.

'We both said that he reminds us of the kind of people wed hang out with at home. Im so happy shes in a couple shes happy with.'

Love Island continues Sunday at 9pm on ITV2.

Stay: Explaining how she would have felt if Jess decided to leave, Eve said: 'I wouldnt have wanted her to. I dont think Id have let her leave. I dont want me to hold her back'
New research in pigs finds that sugar intake alters the reward-processing circuitry of the brain in a similar way to addictive drugs.

Share on Pinterest New research helps explain why sugary foods are irresistible.

Whenever we learn something new or experience something pleasurable, our brains reward system becomes activated. With the help of natural brain chemicals, several brain areas communicate with each other to help us learn and repeat behaviors that improve our knowledge and well-being.

Relying heavily on the neurotransmitter dopamine, the reward system helps explain several quintessential human experiences, such as falling in love, sexual pleasure, and enjoying time with friends.

However, certain substances, such as drugs, hijack the brains reward system, artificially activating it. Telling the brain to repeat pleasure-seeking behavior constantly is the mechanism behind addiction.

But is sugar such a substance? And if so, does it help explain sugary food cravings?

A United States scientist named Theron Randolph coined the term food addiction in the 1950s to describe the compulsive consumption of certain foods, such as milk, eggs, and potatoes.

Since then, the studies exploring this concept have yielded mixed results, and some experts argue that speaking of food addiction is a bit of a stretch.

New research helps shed some light on the matter, as Michael Winterdahl, associate professor at the Department of Clinical Medicine at Aarhus University in Denmark, and his colleagues examined the effect of sugar intake on the reward circuitry in the brains of pigs.
All the elements of the regime of both factions are now trying to rid the regime of the responsibility, especially the Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei. However, on January 17, he used the word plane 40 minutes into his Friday prayer sermon. Khamenei praised the air defense forces who are responsible for downing the Ukrainian passenger airliner. He also described the plane crash regrettable, but immediately blamed protesters for raising their voices against the regime rather than calling for the prosecution of the perpetrators.

Irans President Hassan Rouhani said something odd, that a few hours before the official announcement of the planes crash, he had not been notified.

And it is even more ridiculous to disembarrass Khamenei from the responsibility as commander-in-chief of the regimes armed forces. The Fars News Agency claimed that Khamenei had been notified about this catastrophic error after nine hours. (Fars 11 January)

The magnitude of the regimes lies, and delusions is so much that it disrupted the regime and lead to infighting between the factions, in fear of any upcoming protests and uprisings.

The Jomhuri Eslami newspaper warned of the consequences: Do not make events a tool for a political settlement. (Jomhuri Eslami, 14 January)

Abbas Abdi from the so-called reformist faction, by making an irrational and irrelevant possible scenario, tried to blame the US government for the accident: One of them is Trumps delicate and bizarre remark, that he even claimed that the Iranians had done it by a mistake, while also attributing acts not done by the Iranians to the Iranians, who could he see this a mistake? What does it mean? Pompeos position, which very quickly and decisively announced that crash was because of a missile, and both were among the first to make that claim. Failure to respond to Irans attack on US bases could also be a reflection of what is being said in the following. Especially that something like this happened in the invasion of Iraq by the US. Which one? That the United States has disrupted Irans civilian airline communications system through electronic warfare! (Etemad newspaper, 14 January)

But the reality is more obvious than that such a ridiculous hypothesis could cover.

One of the regimes elements in the Janahan-e Sanat newspaper quoted Ali Rabii, spokesman of Irans President Hassan Rouhani, who defended his administration from accusations that was lying and wrote: We were accused of lying and secrecy while this was not real, the government spokesman told in a news conference to the reporters.

Not bad if he and other officials today ask themselves why public opinion accept their lies easier than their honesty. The answer must also be found in their performance in the recent story as well as their record. On other occasions, there have been great lies to the nation, for example, not forgetting that during the assassination of nuclear scientists, some were tried, and their forced confession was broadcasted on television.

A few years later, however, it became clear that the detainees were not involved in the assassinations and were merely just a fake scenario. Such an important subject was revealed, and it was clear that security and non-security officials or people of the state TV were lying to the public  (Jahan Sanat, 14 January)

The Ebtekar newspaper also wrote about lies and secrecy: For a few days the concealment of reality has been distrusting the society. The discontent that is now arisen is due to the expressions of officials who, before the release of the statement by the General Staff of the Armed Forces, all knew with confidence the possibility of a missile attack to be zero. But now all have regretted and complained that they were not fully informed about the incident  (Ebtekar, 14 January)

Deceitful lies and secrecy in the words of Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the regimes commander of Aerospace Force of the IRGC, can also be seen clearly when he said: When I was informed on Wednesday morning, I immediately informed the authorities about this. I was told we hit a target, but the symmetry of this doubted me a little. I was in the west of the country, immediately headed to Tehran but in the middle of my way, I called the officials and told them that it had happened and I give it a high chance that we had hit our own planes. Well, to get to Tehran, I saw the General Staff of the Armed Forces had collected an investigation team for the accident, which is normal, and these people quarantined this team and those involved. That is, we were not allowed to say anything to anyone. We were on alert, but this review needed to be done. (State-TV news network, 11 January)

Without a doubt, one of the institutions that this official had informed was the regimes National Security Council and of course Khameneis office as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. So, the claim of the Fars News Agency that Khamenei and Rouhani were informed about the cause 48 hours after the incident is the most ludicrous lie in this regard.

The consequences of so many lies were for the Iranian regime three days of student protests and a global condemnation and demand to saying the truth as such as possible.

So, the full responsibility for this crime and killing 176 innocent people lies with the regime and it must be held accountable.

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Los Angeles: A disgraced former US congressman and one of US President Donald Trump's most ardent supporters has been sentenced to prison for an illegal stock tip about an Australian Stock Exchange-listed biotech firm.

Former Representative Chris Collins exits federal court. Credit:Bloomberg

Chris Collins, 69, wept in a Manhattan court on Friday as he apologised to his family.

"I stand here today as a disgraced former member of Congress," Collins, sentenced to 26 months in federal prison, said.

"My life has been shattered."
A winter storm meteorologists have been tracking all week will finally bring snow and a wintry mix to central Pennsylvania.

While areas of New England will bear the brunt of the storm, travel conditions could get tricky as snow sticks to the roadways.

The snow is expected to arrive in the region by 8 a.m., according to National Weather Service in State College. The snow is expected to persist until around 2 p.m. when it will transition to a wintry mix.

A winter weather advisory has been issued for central Pennsylvania until 7 p.m. Saturday.

Saturday 1/18 @ 5AM | Snow is now moving into far western PA. As advertised we expect snow north of I-80 & snow to a... Posted by US National Weather Service State College PA on Saturday, January 18, 2020

Heres a look at the forecast for Harrisburg, according to National Weather Service:

Saturday  Snow expected before 2 p.m., followed by a mix with sleet and freezing rain into the evening hours. A total of 1 to 3 inches of snow expected. High: 33

Saturday Night  Rain, snow, freezing rain, and sleet expected before 2 a.m. Less than half an inch of snow and sleet expected. Low: 29

Sunday  Partly sunny skies. High: 32

Sunday Night  Mostly cloudy skies. Low: 19

Monday  Mostly sunny skies. High: 28

Monday Night  Mostly clear skies. Low: 14

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.
The US said it would begin screening flights arriving from Wuhan at San Francisco airport, New Yorks JFK and Los Angeles airport (Representative Image | AFP)

London: The number of people infected by a mystery SARS-like virus that has killed two people in China is likely hundreds more than officially reported, researchers have said.

Authorities in China say two people have died and at least 45 have been infected, with the outbreak centred around a seafood market in the central city of Wuhan, a city of 11 million inhabitants that serves as a major transport hub.

But a paper published Friday by scientists with the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis at Imperial College in London said the number of cases in the city was likely closer to 1,700.

The researchers said their estimate was largely based on the fact that cases had been reported overseas -- two in Thailand and one in Japan.

The virus -- a new strain of coronavirus that humans can contract -- has caused alarm because of its connection to SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), which killed nearly 650 people across mainland China and Hong Kong in 2002-2003.

China has not announced any travel restrictions, but authorities in Hong Kong have already stepped up detection measures, including rigorous temperature checkpoints for inbound travellers from the Chinese mainland.

For Wuhan to have exported three cases to other countries would imply there would have to be many more cases than have been reported, Professor Neil Ferguson, one of the authors of the report, told the BBC.

I am substantially more concerned than I was a week ago, adding, however, that it was too early to be alarmist.

People should be considering the possibility of substantial human-to-human transmission more seriously than they have so far, he added, saying it was unlikely that animal exposure was the main source of infection.

Authorities around the world sought to assure the public that the overall risk of infection remained low.

The US said from Friday it would begin screening flights arriving from Wuhan at San Francisco airport and New Yorks JFKwhich both receive direct flightsas well as Los Angeles, where many flights connect.

And Thailand said it was already screening passengers arriving in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket and would soon introduce similar controls in the beach resort of Krabi.

Two deaths

No human-to-human transmission has been confirmed so far, but Wuhans health commission has said the possibility cannot be excluded.

A World Health Organization doctor said it would not be surprising if there was some limited human-to-human transmission, especially among families who have close contact with one another.

Local authorities in Wuhan said a 69-year-old man died on Wednesday, becoming the second fatal case, with the disease causing pulmonary tuberculosis and damage to multiple organ functions.

After the death was reported, online discussion spread in China over the severity of the Wuhan coronavirusand how much information the government may be hiding from the public.

Several complained about censorship of online posts, while others made comparisons to 2003, when Beijing drew criticism from the WHO for underreporting the number of SARS cases.

Its so strange, wrote a web user on the social media platform Weibo, citing the overseas cases in Japan and Thailand. They all have Wuhan pneumonia cases but (in China) we dont have any infections outside of Wuhanis that scientific?
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is visible through cherry blossom trees along the Tidal Basin, Saturday, March 30, 2019, in Washington. Read more

The legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is often celebrated by conjuring his words spoken at the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. His I Have a Dream speech has come to be remembered as inspired, rousing, and optimistic about race relations in America.

With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood, he said on that August day in Washington.

Increasingly, though, black Americans are calling for new ways to analyze and celebrate his legacy  more accurately.

America has been comfortable with Dr. King the dreamer as opposed to Dr. King who articulates the American nightmare, said the Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, pastor of the historic Mother Bethel AME Church.

The man who was assassinated in Memphis on April 4, 1968, at age 39, denounced racism, materialism, and militarism. He predicted social ills would never be solved without fixing entrenched inequity. And he called out U.S. economic policy.

In fact, many activists who are asking today for reparations to repair the damage black Americans have suffered  a subject that last year rose to the level of presidential candidate debates  borrow rhetoric from Kings combative speeches.

Often cited by the American Descendants of Slavery is a quote from his 1968 speech called Two Nations of Black America," in which King talks about the unfair practices of the federal government.

In the next campaign on Washington, King said, were coming to get our check.

By 1967, King came to confess in an interview with NBC News correspondent Sander Vanocur: That dream I had that day has, at many points, turned into a nightmare.

Yet, said Solomon Jones, a host for Philadelphia radio station WURD and a columnist for The Inquirer, America has come to sanitize Kings ideas to prevent them from growing into a larger movement.

" 'I Have a Dream allows for the status quo to remain, Jones said. It doesnt allow his dream to say, 'We want equal opportunity in jobs, in housing, and in every aspect of society that King spoke out for.

The irony, though, said Anthony Monteiro, a former Temple University professor and panelist at the third annual Radical MLK Symposium, sponsored by Uncle Bobbies Coffee & Books on Friday, is that King had always been radical, long before his speech at the March on Washington.

"King once said that the bombs that were dropped in Vietnam exploded in Watts, Detroit, and Philadelphia, he added. He meant that spending on war took away from the money needed in the United States to address poverty.

Philadelphia lawyer and activist Michael Coard, cofounder of Avenging the Ancestors Coalition, said, Anyone who reduces him to the 1963 I Have a Dream speech knows very little about him."

King, Coard said, was critical of capitalism and called for a better redistribution of wealth.

In that 1967 interview, King said: There must be a revolution of values in our country, and as Jimmy Baldwin said, What advantage is there to be integrated into a burning house? 

Demanding reparations, said Chad Brown, a member of the Los Angeles ADOS movement, reflects a sentiment that shows up in several of Kings speeches, including when he talked about how the U.S. government gave millions of acres of land to ... immigrants from Europe, but gave nothing to the black Americans who came here in chains.

In several speeches between 1967 and 1968, including his Three Evils of Society speech, King talked about how land-grant colleges were built to help white, immigrant farmers improve their soil, how low-interest loans were given, and how eventually, after the farmers became successful, millions in federal subsidies were paid to farmers to not grow crops.

We cry out against welfare or handout to the poor but generously approve an oil depletion allowance to make the rich richer, King said. Six Mississippi plantations receive more than a million dollars a year not to plant cotton, but no provision is made to feed the tenant farmer who is put out of work by the government subsidy.

Tyler, of Mother Bethel, said: The dream is wonderful because the dream is general. Its vague. ... Its a wonderful thing to talk about equality, fairness, and justice."

But to attain true equality and justice, he said, King put his finger on the pulse of a number of things needed to eradicate poverty.

King himself said that integrating lunch counters and public parks was easy because it didnt cost anything. But true equality would require spending money.

We are confronting issues that cant be solved without costing the nation billions of dollars," King said. "We cant get rid of slums and poverty without it costing the nation something.
Six Burkina troops killed in roadside bomb attack



Ouagadougou, Jan 17 (AFP) Jan 17, 2020



Six Burkina Faso soldiers were killed Friday when their vehicle was hit by a roadside explosive in a northern province, security sources said, in the latest attack on the country's armed forces.

No group claimed immediate responsibility for the bomb, but jihadist violence in Burkina Faso has been blamed on militants linked to both Al-Qaeda and Islamic State groups.

"A homemade bomb killed six soldiers and inured another" during a patrol in a wildlife reserve in Soum province, the army said in a statement.

Earlier, the number of dead had been put at five.

A military sweep of the area was begun following the attack, the military added.

"Reinforcements were sent to the zone to clear the area while the wounded were evacuated," a military source said.

A wave of attacks at December killed 35 civilians, mostly women, and dozens of soldiers in an assault on a military base and a town in the north of the country.

Burkina Faso, as well as neighbouring Mali and Niger, has seen frequent jihadist attacks which have left hundreds of people dead since the start of 2015 when Islamist extremist violence began to spread across the Sahel region.

According to the UN, around 4,000 people were killed in jihadist attacks in the three Sahel countries last year.

The Burkina Faso army is ill-equipped and poorly-trained to deal with the threat posed by jihadists in the country.

However, in recent months they have enjoyed a series of successes, claiming to have killed a hundred jihadists in many operations.

There are 4,500 French troops deployed in the Sahel region as well as a 13,000-strong UN peacekeeping force in Mali to fight insurgents, backing up national forces of the G5 -- Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.
The number of beds available for hospital patients on a daily basis across Northern Ireland has fallen by 10% over the past decade.

In Belfast alone the number has dropped by more than 20%, from 2,402 in 2011 to a low of 1,967 in 2019, new figures have revealed.

The figures were obtained by TUV MLA Jim Allister, who has called on the new Health Minister Robin Swann to act urgently to reverse the downward trend.

Read More

"This huge rundown in the number of available hospital beds over the last decade is both the consequence of deliberate Executive policy and has been a major contributor to the current crisis," he said.

"This Stormont made policy has failed. Together with the folly of ending pay parity it has led us, in significant measure, to where we are.

"Are bed reductions set to continue as Executive policy?"

A Department of Health spokesperson said: "There is no policy to reduce overall bed numbers within hospitals. "There is, however, a policy to reduce patients' length of stay in hospital, particularly so in older people.

"We are increasingly able to provide much more appropriate healthcare without the need to admit patients to hospital. Acute Care at Home is an example of this where older patients can be treated in their own home by professional staff without the need for hospital admission. Many surgical procedures previously requiring admission are now carried out on a day case basis.

"There will undoubtedly be challenges in meeting this demand. It is wrong to assume that increasing the number of hospital beds to deal with pressures always represents the best outcome for patients.

"Supporting patients to return to a community or a home setting in a timely way once medically fit to leave hospital ensures they receive the ongoing care they require in the most appropriate place and regain a level of independence quicker.

"Investment is required in many areas. Bed numbers across the Health and Social Care system will be kept under constant review in order to ensure that the system maintains the necessary capacity to meet patients' needs in the most appropriate setting.

Yesterday the Belfast Telegraph reported 22,001 people had died while on health service waiting lists in the last five years.

The most recent official figures show a record 306,180 people were on a waiting list.
The Department of Defence is embroiled in a battle with residents of an apartment building in Potts Point over the construction of a 12-metre high substation at the Garden Island naval base.

The controversy pits Defence against high profile residents such as businesswoman Wendy McCarthy amid a debate about whether the site should be used as a cruise ship terminal and the navy relocated.

Potts Point residents including Wendy McCarthy (right) have been pitted in a David and Goliath battle with the Department of Defence over the construction of a substation at the Garden Island naval base. Credit:Louise Kennerley

Defence contractors have already cut down two towering fig trees and begun building works without council or state government approval because NSW planning laws do not apply on defence land.

Defence is its own law, which is very scary, Ms McCarthy said.
The appointment of Mikhail Mishustin to the post of Prime Minister of Russia will help increase tax collections in Dagestan, the head of the republic, Vladimir Vasiliev, said at a meeting on the message of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Federal Assembly.

He noted that Dagestan increased tax collections by 20% due to cooperation between the tax department of the Russian Federation and the republic. In 2019, growth accounted to 11% compared with the previous year.
In a unique new take on the polemics over the Citizenship Amendment Act, a couple in Madhya Pradesh's Narsinghpur extended their support by printing 'I support CAA' on their wedding card. According to the groom, he wants to spread awareness about CAA. "I want people to understand the facts about the Act," he added.

In another similar situation, a couple in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district displayed their solidarity with the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and CAA by writing 'We support CAA and NRC' in bold letters in Hindi on their wedding card.

The marriage card proclaims on the envelope itself its support for CAA. Inside, the card states even more prominently its support.

Madhya Pradesh: Prabhat, from Narsinghpur district, who is tying the knot on 18 January, has expressed his support for the Citizenship Amendment Act through his wedding card. He says,"I want to spread awareness about CAA. I want people to understand the facts about the Act". pic.twitter.com/tFdE7oEnAJ  ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2020

BJP's CAA awareness rallies

Amid the protests around the CAA and the National Population Register (NPR), BJP undertook an outreach program to clear the "misconceptions" around the same, with the party's top leadership including Home Minister and party president Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman taking part in the campaigns starting January 1 to January 15.

Read: Strengthening anti-CAA movement priority, politics can happen later: Bhim Army chief Aazad

About CAA and NRC

The Citizenship Act was passed in the Lok Sabha on December 9 and then by the Rajya Sabha on December 11. The Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Through this bill, Indian citizenship will be provided to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities, who have come from the three countries to India till December 31, 2014, to put an end to them being treated as illegal immigrants in the country.

Read: 'They are not above Constitution': Union Min on Kerala govt passing resolution against CAA

Protests against CAA across the country

The protests against CAA that first broke out in Assam - where the NRC is being effected - spread across the country. Violent protests have been witnessed in Uttar Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Gujarat, Karnataka, Bihar, Delhi, and Maharashtra. Several universities across the country witnessed clashes between the police and the students after the violence in Jamia Millia - with significant fearmongering being orchestrated around the CAA, NRC and NPR, and the protests also coming to involve other developments, such as campus politics and violence at JNU, as well as over Kashmir.

Read: Had Assam govt been given full responsibility of NRC updation, it would've been error-free: Sonowal

Read: Anti-CAA stir at Shaheen Bagh: Delhi Police appeals people to clear road

(With ANI inputs)
Before the 2010 elections, the records reveal that Hofeller also strategized with Republicans about backing a successful California ballot initiative entrusting an independent commission  instead of the Democratic-led Legislature  with the task of congressional redistricting. A draft of one memo said it could help avoid a GOP disaster" in the 2011 redistricting. More recently, Democrats have been backing successful ballot initiatives for independent commissions or nonpartisan redistricting efforts against the resistance of Republican-led legislatures in states such as Michigan and Missouri.
CIUDAD HIDALGO, Mexico  Border security forces in southern Mexico were preparing Friday for the expected arrival of hundreds of Central Americans traveling through Guatemala and vowed to prevent a repeat of the headline-grabbing caravans of past years when massive flows of migrants and asylum seekers overwhelmed agents.

National Guard and army troops stood watch as rafts plied the Suchiate River between the two countries as dawn painted the sky a vibrant tangerine, though the deployment was in numbers similar to recent days as only small groups of migrants had arrived on the Guatemalan side so far.

We have been tasked with being vigilant, and if we see a large group on the other side, we will deploy a human wall on this side to contain them, a marine and member of the National Guard told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to reporters.

The agent said they were prepared for any situation and that the previous day about 40 soldiers were sent to the river but withdrew because everything was calm.

It was expected that more Central Americans could arrive late Friday or on Saturday. River levels were so low that a backhoe was in the middle of its bed dredging up the muddy soil and men were damming sections so it would be deep enough for rafts to cross.

About a dozen Honduran cane-cutters were bathing in the murky waters on the Guatemalan side and sizing up the situation.

One of them, 37-year-old Osman Duran, was in the first caravan in 2018. He made it to the U.S. border and jumped the fence to turn himself in, only to be deported later. His wife and daughter are in Mississippi awaiting resolution of their asylum petition.

We have to wait for the group and see what decisions are made, Duran said.

Local resident Marvin Garcia, 41, who has made a living poling a raft on the Suchiate for two decades, predicted that migrants would avoid the kind of chaos seen in 2018 when there were clashes with agents at the border gates on the Mexican side, migrants jumping off the bridge into the water and wading across in large numbers.

We are waiting, Garcia said. It is not known what will happen, whether they will throw themselves (into the water), but I dont think what happened last year will be repeated.

He added that far fewer are crossing these days compared with a half-year ago, when Mexico began deploying thousands of federal agents after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened punishing trade tariffs, though it still happens along the length of the porous border.

Francisco Garduno, commissioner of Mexicos National Immigration Institute, was emphatic that migrants who try to enter the country irregularly would go no farther than here.

They cannot enter because it would be in violation of the law, he told AP, declining to talk in specifics about border reinforcements but saying there were sufficient troops to keep things orderly.

Representatives of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees office and medical NGOs were also at the river.

Christy Rivas, a 33-year-old who left her two children with her mother back in the Honduran capital, Tegucigalpa, made her way onto the border bridge with another migrant to ask whether they would be allowed to pass. A Mexican agent halfway across asked if they were part of the caravan and directed her to the immigration outpost. Fearful of being entrapped and deported, they went back to wait for others to arrive: United is better, Rivas said.

Shes aware that Mexico and the United States have made it more difficult to get to and then stay in the U.S., but said its a necessary risk because theres no work back home. Thats a complaint commonly cited by people on the migratory route out of Central Americas Northern Triangle Region of Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala, along with rampant gang violence, grinding poverty and to a lesser extent political persecution.

Rivas planned to hire a coyote, or smuggler, to get her to the Texas border and across illegally because she doesnt have documents to claim asylum  but that depended on getting into Mexico first.

Right now the problem is here, she said, motioning toward the bridge.

The first groups of about 1,460 migrants set out from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, on Wednesday, followed by some 2,083 on Thursday, according to the latest figures from Guatemalas immigration agency. However, most advanced in separate groups rather than as a single cohesive whole and at least 300 were rounded up by Guatemalan police Thursday and bused back to the Honduran border.

Just a day after taking office, President Alejandro Giammattei said this week they would be allowed to pass through his country as long as they carried the proper documentation. A Central American regional border pact allows free movement of citizens of the Northern Triangle nations and Nicaragua.

To the south, hundreds of men, women and children resumed walking around 4 a.m. after sleeping at a migrant shelter in Esquipulas, Guatemala.

Keidy Pineda, 21 years old and breast-feeding her nearly 2-year-old daughter Kendra as they made their way along the highway, carried just a small backpack with a few belongings. She said she fled Tegucigalpa because of poverty and dreams of a better life in the United States.

We have nothing, just my daughter, Pineda said. Her father was killed for getting mixed up with the wrong crowd. They left his body at the doorstep of my house.

Marisna Avila, 47, left behind her small business in hopes of making it to the United States along with six family members.

Back there its impossible. You cant pay the electricity, theres nothing to eat, Avila said. I have photos from when they beat me for extortion. Up there we are going to be well.

Less-organized migrants, tighter controls by Guatemalan and Mexican authorities and the presence of U.S. advisers have reduced the likelihood of a repeat of the huge, cohesive processions that the term caravan came to conjure in 2018.

Guatemala is stricter about checking documents, and Mexico has deployed thousands of National Guard agents in key corridors to do immigration control. Asylum seekers who manage to make it to the U.S. border are, after long waits, generally sent back to Mexico to await the outcome of their cases or, more recently, flown to other countries in the region and told their only option is to apply for refuge there.



Perez D. reported from Esquipulas, Guatemala.
After a thick blanket of fog covered the national capital Saturday morning, the maximum temperature settled two notches below the normal at 17.7 degrees Celsius, officials said.

The department said the minimum temperature was 8.4 degrees Celsius, a notch above the normal, and visibility was reduced to 50 metres in Palam area during the morning hours due to a dense fog.

A railway spokesperson said around 20 north-bound trains were delayed by two-five hours.

Chief of India Meteorological Department regional forecasting centre Kuldeep Srivastava said Delhi may receive light rain on January 21 due to a fresh western disturbance but temperatures are not expected to dip drastically in the next eight to 10 days.

"There's almost nil chance of cold day or cold wave conditions returning to Delhi in the remaining winter season," he said.

The air quality index in Delhi Saturday evening was 250. The AQI in Faridabad was 258; Ghaziabad 252; Greater Noida 264; Gurgaon 155; and Noida 299.

The humidity level oscillated between 100 per cent and 65 per cent.

The Met department forecast mainly clear sky for Sunday with dense fog in the morning. The maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 17 and 7 degrees celsius respectively.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
"It is about this encounter with art  people who don't expect to come across challenges or questions in their daily walk from A to B," Lim says. "I always feel like that's a really important space to be engaging people, because it's setting up a question; it's setting up an encounter." Lim has found that giving the public access to her work, which comprises behavioural studies of everything from Australian-Chinese identity to the human cost of our relationship with technology, has become core to her practice. Eugenia Lim's The Australian Ugliness, which was exhibited as part of The National in 2019. Credit: Tom Ross "With The People's Currency, which is a project included in my show The Ambassador, it was a work which was devised for Federation Square and it was very much devised for a mass audience," Lim says. "It was important to me in that work that it wasn't going to be a rarefied experience, but instead, visually striking and inviting. It was a wonderful experience to be able to do something like that, to be able to take an artwork to tens of thousands of people  it's such a rare opportunity for an artist."

And the opportunity to stage works for an audience who might otherwise be disengaged has proved key to the practices of artists from a range of cultural backgrounds. In the rewriting of Indigenous voices, and the inclusion of First Nations people into Australia's cultural landscape, artist Fiona Foley believes that art shouldn't just be public, but should serve as a voice for Indigenous people, who she thinks have been otherwise voiceless in the creation of architecture and public spaces around Australia. Contemporary artist Fiona Foley's Who Are These Strangers and Where Are They Going?, from 2004. Credit:Fiona Foley "[Public art is] very important, particularly for Aboriginal people who are working in that space," Foley says. "Usually the premise behind my work in terms of public art is that I like to write an Aboriginal person, or aspects of Indigenous history, or an Aboriginal nation, back into the visual landscape because there's nothing there to represent them." Despite emerging as a platform for protest, critical engagement, and art education in recent years, public art remains a point of contention among art world experts and critics around the world. The criticism it attracts has often boiled down to the bureaucratic processes through which it's commissioned, and the way they can at times deter critically-acclaimed artists, leaving work that might read as sanitised, or ornamental. "We have a perception of public art as something that's often mediocre, cliche," Morton says. "It's art by committee, so it's something palatable for people based on what their notions of what art is."

"So the ambition that I and a number of colleagues of mine have had for it, is to try and get good critical artists into public art. But often good artists won't go to public art because the processes are so complex," he says. Callum Morton's Helter Shelter during the Sydney Contemporary Art Fair at Barangaroo in September 2018. Credit:AAP According to Callum Morton, working within rigid and drawn-out commissioning processes often mount tiresome challenges in the face of artists creating public work, despite council and government efforts to improve them. "I think a lot of councils and state governments have implemented better commissioning processes; they've got better people in the room," Morton says. "So it's often surprising that when they [have them], that you still don't get a good outcome, just because of all the processes." "I mean, someone might be in the room at the beginning, an expert, and they'll choose something good, but then the process is still so difficult, that it kills the project."

With the cultural landscape of Australian cities becoming an increasing subject on the agendas of all levels government, Lim sees an opportunity for growth that could lie in the hands of local, emerging artists. Ugo Rondinone, part of Making Art Public: 50 years of Kaldor Public Art Projects at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Credit:Louise Kennerley "I think it would be interesting for city and state governments to think more locally about how they commission works," Lim says. "I've been lucky enough with The Ambassador to be touring around regional locations that I may have never had the opportunity to visit. And I think that's amazing, but I also think there are often talented or emerging artists who live locally, that similar opportunities could be given to [instead]." But for Kaldor, it remains simple: all public art could improve if the primary objective of the work  and those who commission it  is to educate, as all art should. "I think there should be a greater focus on art education," Kaldor says.
The Pentagon will place new restrictions on foreign military students training in the United States after a Saudi aviation student killed three and wounded eight in a shooting at a naval air station in Pensacola, Florida, last month.

Changes include implementing a biometric identification system that will control on-base access for foreign students, and new restrictions on possessing firearms imposed by Defense Secretary Mark Esper, a senior defense official said today.

Officials also said they will add additional visa requirements to help US authorities track down students who go absent from bases, though screening will vary depending on the installation and the military service involved. The Pentagon will provide overall guidance on implementing the new measures.

Everything weve been putting in place is applied to our own service members, a senior defense official said. We will be looking at a compilation of available data on a near real-time basis.

The Pentagon does not plan to kick out any more foreign military students after booting 21 Saudi trainees following the December attack, which the Justice Department determined was an act of terror. Mohammed Alshamrani, whom the Trump administration believes was motivated to attack by jihadi ideology, bought a handgun used to kill three US service members after obtaining a Florida hunting license.

Though the United States determined that the expelled students had derogatory material in their possession, none of the cases were deemed worthy of federal prosecution, but civilian service chiefs and the Defense Security Cooperation Agency deemed that the students failed to meet standards for students participating in US military training programs. Pentagon officials said they have seen no evidence to indicate a larger ring or conspiracy around Alshamrani.

But its not clear whether the new vetting procedures will satisfy Trump allies who criticized the Pentagon after the deadly shooting in December, which led the Defense Department to institute a brief operational pause for Saudi students in the United States.

At some point theres only so much of this that were going to be able to take  where the kingdom tells us theres some quirky part of the royal family thats off doing some different thing, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who represents the district where the shooting took place, told Defense Secretary Esper at a hearing last month. These Saudi students, theyre connected folks when they end up in Pensacola.
US and Canada, citing intelligence, said they believed Iran shot down the aircraft with a surface-to-air missile, a conclusion supported by videos of the incident. (Photo Credit: Reuters)

New Delhi:

Days after demanding official status in Irans investigation of the crash of a Ukraine International Airlines jet in Tehran, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday urged Iran to hand over the damaged black boxes to France. Trudeau said France has one of the few laboratories capable of properly examining them. "Iran does not have the level of technical expertise and mostly the equipment necessary to be able to analyse these damaged black boxes quickly," Trudeau said.

So, he said, "the right place to send those black boxes to get proper information from them and in a rapid way" is France, adding "that is what we're encouraging the Iranian authorities to agree to."

The plane, en route to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, was carrying 167 passengers and nine crew members from several countries, including 82 Iranians, at least 57 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians.

Iran had for several days denied that a missile caused the crash. But then the US and Canada, citing intelligence, said they believed Iran shot down the aircraft with a surface-to-air missile, a conclusion supported by videos of the incident.

It was days after Iranian President Hassan Rouhani revealed that missile caused the crash.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on plane crash

Regretting the crash, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had offered condolences to the families of the victims. 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. Investigations continue to identify & prosecute this great tragedy & unforgivable mistake. #PS752 (sic), Rouhani said on Twitter.

The Islamic Republic of Iran deeply regrets this disastrous mistake. My thoughts and prayers go to all the mourning families. I offer my sincerest condolences, he said in another tweet.

Javad Zarif terms development sad

Irans Foreign Minister Javad Zarif termed the development as sad day. Using a heartbreak emoji, Zarif tweeted, A sad day. Preliminary conclusions of internal investigation by Armed Forces: 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.

On Wednesday, Iran has arrested the person who videographed and posted online the clip of a missile striking the jet. Without proving much details about the arrest, the semi-official Fars news agency reported that the investigation will be presented to the public.

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President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi met on Saturday with the Presidential Advisory Council, made up of Egypt's senior scientists and experts.

According to Presidential Spokesperson Bassam Rady, El-Sisi stressed during the meeting the importance of the role it plays as well as its national mission to put forward ideas and recommendations to solve the problems facing Egypt in various fields.

The council, which includes prominent scientists in various disciplines, was formed by El-Sisi in 2014.

It is charged with studying the files of national projects and development across state sectors.

Following its formation, the president said that "the new council will help correct religious discourse, improve the course of the media, and improve the quality of education and linking it to the needs of the market."

During Saturday's meeting, according to Rady, El-Sisi reviewed the proposals of the council members on advancing vital sectors, such as education, scientific research, health and agriculture.

Rady said that the president welcomed their proposals, pointing to the importance of coordination between the council and various stakeholders to unify efforts and avoid duplication to achieve the desired objectives.

The meeting also witnessed a review of the current state of scientific research in Egypt, and efforts to advance it as a major component in the development process, Rady noted.

El-Sisi and council members tackled the features of the general strategy to develop the healthcare system in Egypt, focusing on training and vocational rehabilitation.

"Current efforts to advance the technical and vocational education sector in Egypt was presented, as well as a proposal to establish new agricultural societies to achieve sustainable development and adapt to climate change," Rady said.

The council includes prominent heart surgeon Magdi Yacoub, geologist and former NASA scientist Farouk El-Baz, and corporate vice president and president of Microsoft Middle East and Africa Ali Faramawy.

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BEIRUT, Lebanon  Riot police used water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets to clear a large protest camp in the heart of the Lebanese capital on Saturday, sparking clashes with demonstrators that wounded scores of people and turned Beiruts commercial center into a battle zone.

The violence, with tents set on fire and protesters targeting the police with stones and fireworks, was the most intense since mass protests against corruption and mismanagement by the countrys political elite erupted three months ago.

Despite continued demonstrations and worsening violence, Lebanons politicians have proven unable to take meaningful steps to assuage the protesters anger or stop the countrys swift slide toward an economic crisis.

Prime Minister Saad Hariri, facing the mass protests, resigned on Oct. 29. His designated successor has failed to form a government while the Lebanese pound, which has been pegged to the American dollar for decades, has been rapidly losing value on the black market, fueling the protesters economic grievances.
STAMFORDTwo civilian clerks in the Stamford Police Departments record room are being congratulated for helping their police boss arrest a Bronx man for driving under the influence after being involved in a head-on collision on Long Ridge Road in November.

Besnik Muriqi, 28, of the Bronx, New York, on Monday came to pick up a report of the three-car accident that occurred on Nov. 30 near the intersection of Hazard Lane at 5:25 p.m., records room Sgt. Chris Weed said.

According to the arrest report, Muriqi was driving a BMW southbound when a witness behind him said he saw the BMW swerve into the northbound lane as if he were trying to pass the car right in front of him. Muriqis BMW then crashed head-on with a white SUV traveling in the opposite direction, police said.The BMW then bounced back into the southbound lane and struck a red Alpha Romeo SUV, the accident report said.

Murqi and the driver of the white SUV were both taken to the hospital and a search of Muriqis car turned up a small bottle showing he may have been driving under the influence at the time of the crash, according to police.

When receiving a request for the report Monday at about 1:45 p.m., the civilian aide began looking but had a little trouble finding it because of a record keeping error and enlisted the help of another aide. That aide was able to help find the report, and while reading it discovered that a search warrant had been obtained to determine if charges against Muriqi should be filed.

The aides then found out that a warrant had recently been issued for Muriqis arrest. Seeing that, they went back and enlisted Weeds help to determine whether Muriqi had already been arrested and released.

Weed said he quickly found out the arrest warrant had not been executed and he went out to talk to Muriqi.

I went out to the lobby and apologized to Mr. Muriqi for it taking so long to find a copy of his accident report, Weed said. I then informed him he was under arrest for driving under the influence.

According to the arrest warrant, obtained by officers John OMeara and Andrew Czubatyj, the investigators found probable cause to suspect that Muriqi was under the influence of a legally prescribed narcotic when the crash occurred.

He is also charged with second-degree assault with a motor vehicle and was released after signing a promise to appear in court.

Muriqi told Weed he did not think there would be any criminal repercussions because he was not arrested on the night of the accident.

Weed said the aides dealt with the incident very professionally and that its a very rare occurrence for an arrest to be made out of the records office.

Had it not been for those employees going above and beyond their normal course of duty and understanding the bigger picture that they are a part of, that man could have obtained his copy and walked right out the door without arrest, Weed said.

jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com
The announcement came over the schools audio system around 2:15 p.m., earlier than usual, Brandon Curbow told a crowded Antioch Missionary Baptist Church on Friday.

The Crespo Elementary School student recalled the students moving to the corner of the room and his teacher placing a cover over the window so an intruder wouldnt be able to see in. The rules and procedures were laid out in the schools lockdown drill.

Thats what Brandon remembered hoping the longest three minutes of my life was: a drill, not something more sinister.

I dont believe Dr. King would have imagined that schoolchildren are taught to huddle in the corner to protect themselves from active shooters, he said. I dont believe that Dr. King would have imagined that this would be our America in 2020, but it is.

Brandons address moved those in the pews of the church, and his words were later met with reward: $1,000 and the first-place prize in the 24th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition.

Now Playing: Fourth grader Brandon Curbow gives his presentation during the finalist round of the 2020 Martin Luther King, Jr., Oratory Competition on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020 at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Houston. Video: Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle

One by one on Friday morning, the dozen finalists  4th- and 5th-graders  took the stage and stirred the crowd with speeches about what they felt Kings vision would be for the United States in 2020. Their delivery and diction would put most college students to shame.

The students summoned Langston Hughes Harlem and Aretha Franklins Respect. Ayomide Lawrence, who preached about an America in need of a heart transplant, came in second. And the third-place finisher, Jenny Teague, pretended she was addressing subscribers to her Jenny Justified YouTube channel.

Sean Gair, another finalist, culminated his speech with a song, belting take me to the king and eliciting a standing ovation from the raucous crowd.

Many, of course, addressed Kings greatest legacy: the fight for civil rights and unity.

I didnt get to choose the color of my skin, my parents, my family or where I come from, said Aniyah Williams, who described herself as a little black girl from Dr. Kings dream.

I only get to choose where Im going, she said.

Gabrielle Marshall took a more literal approach. She wove together a metaphor for the countrys vision as if it were eyesight.

It may be you that has tunnel vision if you think racism is a thing of the past, she said. And it may be you that has astigmatism if you think the courts treat everyone equally under the law.

The contest is sponsored by the Foley & Lardner law firm, which also holds one in Dallas and expanded this year to Chicago. The competitors from Fridays competition taped spots for Good Morning America before the contest, and the show will air their snippets on Mondays episode.

The purpose of it is to remember Martin Luther King, said Claude Treece, a partner at Foley and longtime event chair. To make sure we have an event that recognizes and pays tribute to him, his actions, his words, the changes hes brought about.

Months of training

Fridays finals were the culmination of a monthslong competition, dating back to when administrators in the 24 participating Houston Independent School District schools sent out the first requests for interested students to apply in September.

The announcement at Valley West Elementary School caught Gabrielles eye.

Gabrielle was hardly a public speaking novice. At 6, she asked her mom, Sherise Marshall, to send her to theater camp. Now 11, shes already mapped out a future that includes Carnegie Mellon University and a master of fine arts at the Yale School of Drama. She has lobbied her mom to move to Los Angeles.

Just consider moving to LA with me, Marshall said Gabrielle told her.

This isnt her first speech competition. So when she arrived last fall as a new student at Valley West and administrator Erica Rudolph made the announcement, she knew she wanted to participate.

Gabrielle researched King and tried to connect his words and actions to the events she sees on the news today. She wrote, revised and memorized her speech months ago, performing it hundreds of times for teachers, lawyers and relatives.

The speech, like those for the other 11 finalists, was impressive. The lawyers at Foley selected her as Valley Wests winner, besting 35 classmates to advance to the semifinals.

Last week, Rudolph and Marshall enlisted another helper as Gabrielle prepared for the final rounds.

Olutobi Adeyeri had been there before. Tobi was Valley Wests representative in the competition a few years ago. She had experience and the benefit of hindsight. So for about two weeks, she would take the bus to Gabrielles school to help her practice.

Thats what they did Wednesday afternoon, five days after Gabrielle emerged from the semifinals as one of the dozen finalists. The audience was just her mom, Rudolph and Tobi.

Our country as a whole needs to go to the optometrist, Marshall said from the stage in one part of her speech.

Tobi, standing in the middle of the auditorium, repeated as a whole, adding emphasis and making a gesture with her hands, reminding Gabrielle to do the same.

As a whole, Gabrielle said again, louder this time and with the motion.

It may be you that has tunnel vision, Gabrielle says later. Tobi filmed that take, and afterward, she and Gabrielle reviewed the tape.

Yay! Rudolph called out from the side. That one was better.

On Friday, Gabrielle had her hand motions and diction perfected.

How ironic, they say when people have perfect vision, they have 20/20 vision, she said. Here we are, now beginning the year 2020.

Treece, the law partner who emceed the event, said his least favorite part is the end, when judges must select the top three performances from the talented bunch. Theyre all so good, he said.

While Gabrielle was disappointed to miss the top three, her family assured her she made them proud.

The most important thing is to have fun, Marshall said she told her daughter before the event. As long as you know that you worked hard, youre always a winner in my book.
Manju Shettar By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: Police investigation and interrogation of the six accused, said to be activists of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), revealed a meticulous plan to target Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya and Chakravarthi Sulibele, founder of Yuva Brigade, who were part of the pro-CAA rally on December 22, 2019.An investigating officer told The New Indian Express that on that day, about 5.30am, the gang gathered at Coles Park and held a meeting. They decided to attack the leaders participating in the event. Around 8.30am, they again met at the same venue to plan how to reach Town Hall where the pro-CAA rally was to be held three hours later.

At 11am, they came to Town Hall and threw stones to scatter the crowd, so that they could target Surya and Sulibele, who were addressing the rally. They threw seven stones, of which one stone hit Sulibele on his leg, but he did not take it seriously. The gang grew frustrated as the stone-throwing did not have the desired effect on the crowd.

When Surya finished his speech, RSS member Varun Bhopala (34) left the crowd to meet his father at his shop on JC Road close by. As he was wearing saffron-coloured clothes, the gang decided to target him instead. The gang followed him on two-wheelers and attacked him when he was on Kumbaragundi Road, off JC Road. Varun was brutally attacked with lethal weapons with an intention to kill him, the investigator said.

Varun was immediately rushed to Victoria Hospital by passersby, who later shifted him to a private hospital, where he was treated. The gang fled to Bidadi, near Ramanagara, after the attack, the officer said. On their way to Town Hall earlier, the gang changed multiple shirts to hide their identities, and while escaping, burnt the shirts earlier worn by them. They burnt the clothes they had worn and threw some of the weapons into Anchepalya Lake near NICE Road. After returning to the city, they threw their helmets into a lake near Hennur Road. They also changed their bikes registration plates repeatedly, he said.

The special team analysed footage from 700 CCTV cameras in and around the city to identify the accused, the officer added.

He further said that the gang had done a recce in front of Town Hall before throwing stones, but on seeing a large number of police personnel and their plan failing, they decided to kill at least one  Varun Bhopala. A special team was formed to nab the attackers, with the case being complicated and sensitive with no clues. Based on several CCTV images, police tracked down the movements of the accused and nabbed them in their houses.

The ACCUSED

Irfan alias Mohammed Irfan, a ladies tailor from Shampur Main Road in DJ Halli

Syed Akbar, mechanic from DJ Halli, claims to be SDPI secretary

Syed Siddique Akbar alias Syed Akbar, a civil contractor from Lingarajpuram

Akbar Basha alias Akbar, a delivery boy for an e-commerce portal, from KG Halli

Sana alias Sanaulla Sharif alias Mohammed Sana, an electrician from DJ Halli

Sadique Ul-Ameen alias Sound Sadique, owns sound system shop in Shivajinagar

Bommai will speak to Shah

It is said that some of the BJP leaders including home minister Basavaraj Bommai would speak with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is scheduled to be in the state on Saturday, to address a pro-CAA rally in Hubballi and discuss the issue of banning SDPI following the arrests.
Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen called the contentious amended Citizenship Act of India 'generous' and opined that the new law should also have the inclusion of Muslims who are free thinkers and atheists but persecuted in neighboring countries their free-thinking.

READ | Mumbai: NCP's Sule Leads Anti-CAA Protest In Agripada

"It is good to give citizenship of India to persecuted religious minorities from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. But even people like me deserve citizenship. They have a right to live in India. The CAA is a very good idea and very generous one," said Nasreen on the second day of the Kerala Literature festival during a session titled "In Exile: A writer's Journey".

"Islam should be more democratized and refined. We need more free thinkers. Uniform civil code should be based on equality, not religion," she said.

READ | Anti-CAA Stir At Shaheen Bagh: Delhi Police Appeals People To Clear Road

'India requires more free-thinkers'

Citing the persecution of Muslim free-thinkers in neighboring countries, she said that many of the bloggers were killed for their free-thinking by suspected radical Islamists in Bangladesh a few years ago.

"Many of these bloggers left for Europe and America to save their lives. Why cannot they come to India? Today, India requires more free thinker, secularist, feminist from the Muslim community", said the exiled Bangladeshi writer.

She condemned the fundamentalists from both sides, minority and majority community. "Fundamentalism must be condemned. Both minority and majority community fundamentalists are the same. They both are against the developing society and equality of women," she said.

READ | BJP's Pro-CAA Rally Features 'wrong Map Of India' In Karnataka; Netizens Call Out

Nasreen further narrated her experience of living in India. "People tell me that I am Bangladeshi, a foreigner. However, I always feel like I am at home. I will live in India and only in India as long as I can," she said.

The CAA grants citizenship to refugees from six minority religious communities Hindus, Parsis, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Christians from Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan, provided they have lived in India for six years and entered the country on or before December 31, 2014.

(With ANI inputs)

READ | Strengthening Anti-CAA Movement Priority, Politics Can Happen Later: Bhim Army Chief Aazad
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Bharat Book Bureau Provides the Trending Market Research Report on Global Caffeinated Beverage Market (2019-2025)under Beverages Category. The report offers a collection of superior market research, market analysis, competitive intelligence and Market reports.

The Global Caffeinated Beverage Market is expected to reach $310.5 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% during 2019 -2025. A caffeine beverage is a drink that contains caffeine, which is a stimulant that is legal and popular in most advanced countries. The most popular naturally-caffeinated drinks are coffee and tea, which in one form or another (usually served hot, but sometimes iced) can be found in most world cultures. Many beverages are chemically caffeinated as part of their production process. These include other soft drinks (primarily cola drinks), as well as energy drinks designed to stimulate and to perpetuate activity at times when the person would normally be asleep.

Caffeinated beverage intake is often intended for the physical and mental effects of caffeine in whole or in part. Examples include the ingestion of tea or coffee with breakfast in many Westernized cultures to' wake up' or the deliberate intake of energy drinks by night-time students or revellers trying to maintain a vigilant attitude during social recreation. However, if consumed in excessive amounts, caffeine can cause physical dependence.

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Most information on the health benefits and risks of caffeine arises from observational studies wherein self-reported beverage and food consumption are correlated with health outcomes. These experiments complicate the classification of caffeine itself as the causative agent and the removal of residual confounding. There is insufficient evidence on the basis of available data to encourage or discourage regular consumption of coffee and/or tea. The effects of caffeine on neuropsychiatric, cardiovascular, endocrine, and gastrointestinal systems are numerous.

A higher awareness of caffeine drinks' health benefits, such as improved metabolism and endurance, would fuel demand for the product, thereby increasing the market growth. In addition, increased income levels and better living standards are projected to have a significant impact on market growth in emerging regions like China and India. However, the rapidly expanding e-commerce sector worldwide provides the industry with numerous growth opportunities.

Major companies, such as PepsiCo Inc., Nestle S.A., and Red Bull GmbH, are targeting emerging markets, which will, in effect, boost the overall market growth. Furthermore, increased research and development and the use of natural sweeteners in caffeinated beverages will fuel their demand.

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises all countries to tax sugary drinks in order to reduce the issue of obesity, which is rapidly spreading mainly in North America and Europe. In 2014, Mexico's 10.0% tax introduction on sugar beverages resulted in an average 6.0% reduction in its purchase. This is likely to reduce the intake of carbonated soft drinks over the coming years.

These beverages are meant to provide instant energy as well as mental and physical stimulation. Caffeine is the main ingredient that helps activate the skin. Taurine is another major component that is essential for skeletal muscle development and cardiovascular function.

Growth in the segment is powered by the increasing number of e-commerce websites, like Natures Basket Ltd., Bakery Cart, and Amazon, offering a wide variety of different brands' soft and energy drinks. These sites provide door-to-door delivery services and sell discounted branded products, which will also improve product sales across online channels. In addition, the growth of the segment has been positively affected by online services offered by Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) including McDonald's and Wendy's.

Rapid urbanization and an increase in the disposable income of the consumers have driven the growth of the ready meals market. Changes such as income levels, small family, busy lifestyle, growing number of working women, and most importantly, a shift from the rural to urban areas have driven the demand for easy to cook foods. Additionally, an increase in the purchasing power of consumers in middle and lower-level countries has also contributed to the growing demand for ready to eat meals. A rise in income levels of consumers would significantly contribute to the growth of the ready meals market.

The major strategies followed by the market participants are Product launches and Partnerships & Collaborations. Based on the Analysis presented in the Cardinal matrix, The Coca Cola Company, PepsiCo, Inc., and Nestle S.A. are some of the forerunners in the Caffeinated Beverage Market.

Companies such as Red Bull GmbH, Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc., Monster Beverage Corporation, Rockstar, Inc., and Taisho Pharmaceuticals Holding Co., Ltd. are some of the key innovators in Caffeinated Beverage Market.

Based on Distribution Channel, the market is segmented into Online and Offline. Based on Product, the market is segmented into Carbonated soft drinks, Energy drinks, RTD Tea and coffee and Others. The report also covers geographical segmentation of Caffeinated Beverage market. The geographies included in the report are North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, Middle East & Africa. For the better analysis, the geographies are segmented into countries.

Key companies profiled in the report include Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc. (Dr Pepper Snapple Group), Monster Beverage Corporation, Nestle S.A., PepsiCo, Inc., Red Bull GmbH, Rockstar, Inc., Taisho Pharmaceuticals Holding Co. Ltd., The Coca-Cola Company, AriZona Beverages Company LLC and Innovation Ventures, LLC.

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In the World Economic Forum's program notes, it writes: "There are 193 sovereign nations, a proliferation of regional centers of power, and one increasingly obvious fact of life  we're all in this together We need to move from geopolitics and international competition to a default of consummate global collaboration. Nations are going to have to change."

What world leaders coming to Davos know is that history's course is up for grabs again. Major power competition is heating up, inflamed by a systemic contest between democratic and state capitalism. The world is awash with uncertainty about how new technologies and rising environmental threats could remake our world. The international order of rules and institutions that the U.S. and its partners constructed after World War II is faltering and ill-equipped to navigate these challenges.

As with the end of World War I, the Cold War's end in 1989 spawned premature declarations of democracy's triumph. In his 1992 book The End of History and the Last Man, Francis Fukuyama suggested that with Soviet collapse humanity had reached "the end-point of mankind's ideological evolution and the universalization of Western liberal democracy as the final form of human government."

As world leaders gather in Davos next week at the dawn of the 2020s, they confront a similarly decisive historic moment and a comparable set of dashed hopes. One can hear the haunting echoes from the 1920s: a U.S. isolationist temptation, bitter European disunity, and growing nationalism and populism within democracies amid rising authoritarianism.

A century ago this month, the Treaty of Versailles went into effect, bringing World War I to an end. Yet the dreams that paved its way were already evaporating. Among them was U.S. President Woodrow Wilson's vision of "a world made safe for democracy" and his hope that the League of Nations would emerge to prevent future conflict.

The challenge facing today's leaders in Davos is they must navigate the world to a better place without personal memories of failed settlements or the world spanning catastrophes that resulted, and can again, from lack of common cause.

But what if, far more likely, they don't?

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it," wrote the philosopher George Santayana in 1905. The silver lining of World War II's devastation was that chastened American and European leaders, having witnessed the mistakes of Versailles, did a far better job than their predecessors in shaping the future. For example, Wilson's young assistant secretary of the Navy, Franklin Roosevelt, had become President, and isolationist arguments drowned at Pearl Harbor.

The challenge facing today's leaders in Davos is they must navigate the world to a better place without personal memories of failed settlements or the world spanning catastrophes that resulted, and can again, from lack of common cause.

Mussolini's boast in summer of 1932 that "the liberal state is doomed to perish" has its echoes now in Vladimir Putin's declaration this year, the "so-called liberal idea has outlived its purpose ."

It took a catastrophic war with millions of dead, followed by a half century of ideological competition between liberal democracy and communism, to prove Mussolini wrong. What will it take this time to answer Putin, and his ilk, following the constitutional change he proposed this week to ensure he can stay in power as long as he may want?

One can only hope that democracies regroup, finding a means of peaceful coexistence and competition with China, Russia and others. Can they agree to rules and remake institutions in a manner that doesn't surrender fundamental values? Perhaps the best outcome would be an extended contest over time, decided in degrees and not through geopolitical catastrophe.

For those keeping score at this year's Davos, here are just three questions, among many others, worth asking about this epochal drama.

What is the state of U.S-Chinese relations following this week's trade agreement?

When President Trump speaks in Davos on Tuesday, even as his Senate impeachment trial begins, he's likely to make much of his Phase One trade agreement signed this week.

However, despite this "ceasefire," the two most decisive countries for the global future will continue to grow apart politically, economically and technologically. Though financial markets have been calmed, the more significant story is this decoupling.

A recent Atlantic Council delegation in China found that many Chinese experts and officials welcome the U.S. trade war and technology transfer restrictions as they are spurring China toward greater self-sufficiency.

"Beijing is accelerating its drive for technological 'autonomy,'" Yuan Yang wrote in a sweeping Financial Times analysis yesterday, "to boost its control over its own supply chain in the face of political risks, such as further US embargoes."

Can the U.S. and Europe avoid new trade wars  and find common ground regarding Iran?

The good news is that the United States, the European Union and Japan this week proposed new global trade rules for the World Trade Organization, clearly aimed at China, that would curb state subsidies that are distorting the world economy.

The bad news is that the Trump administration continues to consider escalating its trade conflict with Europe when instead it should be forging a new trade and investment agreement.

The transatlantic relationship has been at the core of one of the longest periods of relative peace and prosperity over the past seven decades. It's time to refocus U.S. and European efforts at recharging those ties.

One good place to start might be Iran. One good outcome from rising U.S.-Iranian tensions could be that Iranians' steps to break out of its nuclear agreement could trigger closer cooperation between Washington and its European partners to constrain those activities and seek new talks.

Could the Australian fires shock the global community into the sort of common cause that Davos promotes?

"Welcome to a world in which climate change's economic impact is no longer distant and imperceptible," writes Greg Ip of the Wall Street Journal. "Climate has muscled to the top of business worries."

And Davos-regular Laurence Fink, the chairman and CEO of the world's largest asset manager BlackRock Inc., said this week that climate issues would be a key driver in how he invests more than $7 trillion of his clients' money.

Yet even as fires burn a patch of Australia the size of Belgium, it's going to be politicians more than business leaders who have the biggest levers for change. For all the increasing climate rhetoric, emissions continue to increase, and heat rises.

A century ago, the failure of global leaders to foresee and head off future risks ended in the flames of WWII and the Holocaust. Once again, the cost of failure will be paid on a global scale.

Frederick Kempe is a best-selling author, prize-winning journalist and president & CEO of the Atlantic Council, one of the United States' most influential think tanks on global affairs. He worked at The Wall Street Journal for more than 25 years as a foreign correspondent, assistant managing editor and as the longest-serving editor of the paper's European edition. His latest book  "Berlin 1961: Kennedy, Khrushchev, and the Most Dangerous Place on Earth"  was a New York Times best-seller and has been published in more than a dozen languages. Follow him on Twitter @FredKempe and subscribe here to Inflection Points, his look each Saturday at the past week's top stories and trends.

For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  A developer wants to build a 24-story, mixed-use building  containing 118 apartments, a five-floor parking garage, and retail and office space  across the street from Van Andel Arena.

The proposed building would be located on what is now a small, city-owned parking lot.

Grand Rapids city officials on Tuesday, Jan. 21, will ask the city commission to approve a one-year option agreement that would create a path for Grand Rapids-based Wheeler Development Group to purchase a parcel at 22 Ottawa Ave. NW and move forward with the project.

Were honored to have been considered for this project, said Jason Wheeler, a spokesperson for the group, formerly known as Orion Real Estate Solutions.

That site itself is really exciting to us mainly because the way it will continue to activate our arena district.

Located across from Van Andel Arena, the city-owned property under consideration is currently home to a small surface parking lot and the citys Ottawa/Fulton parking ramp. The proposed building would be built on the surface lot portion of the property, which is about 17,400 square feet in size.

The building, which would connect to the Ottawa/Fulton parking ramp, is estimated to cost about $55 million to develop, according to a city memo. Construction, at the earliest, could begin this fall, and would take roughly 28 months to complete.

The city began pushing for development at 22 Ottawa in October when it issued requests for proposals for the site.

The city requested that the proposals include up to 200 new parking spaces, a residential component  a portion of which should be affordable  as well as the inclusion of women- and minority-owned contractors.

Jono Klooster, the citys acting economic development director, said the city received four proposals for the site. He declined to name the other firms that submitted proposals but said they all came from Michigan-based entities.

He said the project is extremely important to the city, and that the proposal submitted by Wheeler Development Group meets many of the goals laid out in the citys strategic plan.

This project really checks a lot of boxes, Klooster said. If you go from top-to-bottom weve got for sale housing, weve got apartments both affordable and market rate, office space, expansion of parking and then first floor activation with retail.

Wheeler said the 24-story mixed-used building represents his firms vision for the property. If the city commission approves his firms request for a one-year option to purchase the property, Wheeler said his firm will begin doing further due-diligence on the project. That would include design work as well as a further examination of the demand for downtown housing, office and retail space, he said.

Its a real complex site because of its small footprint, and that will require a lot of extensive planning from our teams, he said.

In addition to the 118 apartments, a city memo indicates the building would include 19 condos on five-floors, 44,000-square-feet of office space on three-floors, 185 parking spaces, and 5,215-square-feet of ground-floor retail space.

Wheeler Development Group has indicated between 10 percent and 20 percent of the apartments can be made affordable to households earning 80 percent or less than the area median income. For a one-person household, for example, 80 percent of Kent Countys area median income translates to an annual income of $42,960.

Wheeler said hes confident theres demand for more downtown housing, and that the site under consideration is attractive because of its proximity to the arena and other downtown amenities.

We feel theres a lot of excitement here for people to continue to live in this area, he said.

If the city commission approves Wheeler Development Groups request for the one-year option, the firm would be required to pay the city $30,000. If Wheeler Development Group were to purchase the property, a formal development agreement would come before the city commission for approval.

Wheeler said his firm is working on the project with Integrated Architecture.

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IndusInd Bank, the private sector lender, registered a 32 percent growth in Q3FY20 profit and 34.3 percent growth in net interest income compared to the same quarter last year.

Asset quality was also stable with gross non-performing assets (NPA) in Q3 falling 1bps to 2.18 percent and net NPA declining 7bps to 1.05 percent QoQ, but the key disappointment was a sharp rise in slippages.

The lender reported slippages for the quarter at Rs 1,945 crore, significantly higher compared to Rs 1,102 crore in the previous quarter as Romesh Sobti, MD & CEO, confirmed to CNBC-TV18 that the bank declared DHFL and Cox & Kings' exposure as frauds.

Hence, provisions jumped sharply to Rs 1,043.4 crore for the quarter ended December 2019, against Rs 737.7 crore in the September quarter and Rs 606.7 crore in December quarter 2018.

Here are key highlights from IndusInd Bank's conference call by Narnolia Financial Advisors:

Management Participants: Ramesh Sobti - MD & CEO

Management said that the operating environment remains tough, however, there is some evidence of stabilisation of economic activity at lower levels.

For All Earnings Related News - Click Here

Management made accelerated provisioning of Rs 252 crore during the quarter totalling to Rs 600 crore in the last two quarters. Accelerated provisioning was mainly provided on the IL&FS group. PCR on this account has increased to 73 percent.

Exposures to HFC and travelling company have been recognized as fraud and have made provisions of around Rs 240 crore on them. Full 100 percent provisions on these accounts have been made of which 25 percent is routed through P&L and rest is debited through reserve and surplus which would be reversed through P&L in next three quarters.

The provisions were made from reserve considering that there could be resolution going forward for the housing finance company and expect LGD of around 50 percent based on present value of the cash flow.

The exposure to the three stressed groups' one each in Media / Diversified / Housing Finance sectors has been reduced to 0.47 percent from 1.9 percent in Q4FY19. Consolidated security cover of 169 percent for the exposures, of which marketable security in the form of listed shares covers 27 percent of the total exposure as on date.

The banks have received prepayments and repayments of around Rs 7,000 crore for period of last three quarters. It had requested for prepayment of loan from HFC real estate group and hence the exposure has declined significantly. This has also contracted the loan growth of the bank.

On growth in the microfinance, Management said that it had slowed down in Assam about two to three months back and slowed down in West Bengal itself but rest of growth has been secular from rest of the country.

On two-wheelers, growth management said the growth has been due to festive season sales. The market share increase has not been very significant.

Barring IL&FS, credit cost guidance is around 60-70 bps going in next fiscal.

SMA trends in the commercial vehicle (CV) business have improved during the quarter, however, there has not been an improvement on YoY basis.
A state appeals court says a woman who was robbed at a BART station in Oakland cant hold the transit agency legally responsible because she was on the platform, not the train.

Kathryn Cissney said she was waiting for a train at the Coliseum Station on an evening in April 2017 when a large group of youths came through the parking lot, jumped over the fare gates and reached the platform, where they beat her and stole her cell phone. She said they then boarded a train and robbed some of its passengers, one of whom has also sued BART.

Cissneys suit in Alameda County Superior Court said BART was well aware of such mob-style attacks at the station, where there had been three similar incidents a month earlier. Cissney alleged that BART did little or nothing to prevent the attacks or apprehend the attackers and was more interested in trying to protect its public image.

The suit argued that BART, as a common carrier offering transportation services, had a legal duty to protect its passengers from harm that it might have prevented. Judge Robert McGuiness disagreed and dismissed the suit last February, and the First District Court of Appeal in San Francisco upheld his decision Wednesday.

Because Cissney had not yet boarded a train, the relationship of carrier and passenger had not yet been established, Justice Alison Tucher said in the 3-0 ruling.

Tucher cited a state Supreme Court ruling from 1893 observing that a passenger is exposed to countless hazards while traveling, and is wholly in (the) charge of the carrier, but faces no similar dangers while waiting in the station.

She said the rule has some exceptions: A transit agency may have a special duty to protect a passenger who is being escorted to the boarding area by an employee or to protect passengers from mobile hazards, like cable cars passing through a boarding area or jet blasts from an airplane. But she rejected the lawsuits contention that BART was obliged to protect a passenger who was on an elevated platform and had no way to flee because the youths were blocking the entrances, stairways and escalators.

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.

Under California case law, Tucher said, standing on a BART platform waiting for a train to arrive does not establish that the carrier, before it has taken affirmative steps to accept a passenger onto a train, has a heightened duty to protect that prospective passenger from risks that are not incident to the journey itself.

Cissney could ask the state Supreme Court to review the case. Her lawyer could not be reached for comment Friday. BART declined to comment on the ruling.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
"One day here is as good as a week's holiday."

So read one of the first reader comments in this category, setting the tone for what followed.

"I have never felt as relaxed as I did in Monart," another happy guest reported, celebrating the icon named Ireland's Favourite Spa in our Reader Travel Awards 2020.

"I left all my troubles at the door and walked into bliss for 24 hours, for uninterrupted sleep in the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in, followed by two treatments, deep relaxation and superb food in the restaurant."

Hidden away near Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, Monart dominated our spa award, scoring multiples of its closest competitors' votes.

FINALISTS: Ireland's Top 10 spas for 2020

Expand Close Ciara Lynch and Pamela Nolan (Monart Spa) at the Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards. 17/01/2020 Photograph: Fran Veale / Facebook

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Whatsapp Ciara Lynch and Pamela Nolan (Monart Spa) at the Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards. 17/01/2020 Photograph: Fran Veale

Monart, Co Wexford Farnham Estate, Co Cavan Galgorm, Co Antrim The Europe, Co Kerry Powerscourt Hotel, Co Wicklow Seafield, Co Wexford Dunboyne Castle, Co Meath Druid's Glen, Co Wicklow Fota Island Resort, Co Cork Carton House, Co Kildare

Readers described "a cocoon" that is "cut off from the outside world", a haven of "absolute luxury" offering "adults-only bliss", "exquisite service" and "super-lovely" staff who are "mostly local to the area". You have enjoyed "unreal facials" and "fabulous treatments", we learned, and consistently mentioned high standards of care, service and products.

Read the full results of our Reader Travel Awards 2020

"From the moment you pull up to the door, relaxation starts," you told us, evoking a woodland oasis where people feel comfortable swanning around in robes, and a "gorgeous aroma of essential oils". The concept of "switching off" was central to your comments.

Like all great hospitality businesses, our judges noted, Monart continues to evolve - recently renovating its lounge and treatment areas, for example. In October, the Griffin Group (which also operates Hotel Kilkenny and Wexford's Ferrycarrig Hotel) added its first UK venture: a luxury day spa at Poundbury, Prince Charles' model village in Dorset, beating off some of the world's leading spa businesses to partner with the Duchy of Cornwall.

A stay doesn't come cheap, of course - though readers did point out good value in midweek deals, and a day spa experience including lunch, access to the thermal suite and an hour-long treatment can be had for 135.

"If you can't unwind in Monart, there's no hope for you!" you said. "They just have done it 100pc right."

Contact 053 923-8999; monart.ie

NB: The Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards 2020 are sponsored by Iarnrod Eireann. Read the full list of winners here and share on social using the hashtag #indotravelawards.
Lankan twins all set for world record tomorrow View(s):

The Sri Lanka Association of twins is calling on twins here to be a part of a new world record for the largest gathering of twins.

Association president Upuli Gamage said they are inviting the twin community to congregate at the Suagathadasa stadium tomorrow by 9.30 a.m.

Ms. Gamage said those who wish to take part need to bring birth certificates endorsed by a divisional secretary or a justice of the peace along with their National Identity Card.

Currently, Taiwan holds the record. November 12, 1999 saw 3,900 pairs of twins converging on the square in front of Taipei City Hall, shattering the previous world record of 2,900 pairs.

Sri Lanka Twins Association founder and secretary Chamali Gamage said that they hope to set a new record by gathering 5,000 pairs of twins.

She said she and her twin sister Upuli formed the association in August 23, 1993 and they now have a membership of 28,000 in spite of all the hurdles they faced.

Ms Gamage said many members face financial hardships, yet the government had done little to look into their matters.

We have no sponsorship or government support. We dont even have enough finances to buy stamps for 8000 letters which need to be sent to some of the association members, she said.
KALAMA  Kalama residents will get a chance to weigh in whether the city should send Gov. Jay Inslee a letter in support of the $2 billion methanol plant after the City Council balked on the matter Thursday night.

The council rebuffed Councilman Steve Kallio, who drafted a supporting letter, and instead voted 3-1 to have the city attorney review the letter and hold a town hall meeting on the controversial proposal.

The town hall tentatively is set for 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 20 in the Community Building.

Mayor Mike Reuter, an outspoken critic of the methanol project, said the council needs to do this the right way and hold a town hall to give everyone a chance to speak. He said Thursday that he has a lot of information on the project he hasnt shared, and it is something I would love to discuss.

Councilwoman Sandra Macias-Hughes said she opposed sending the letter because she believes the City Council should remain neutral. She cast the lone no vote on the motion to hold a town hall.

I dont think the governor is going to care one way or another, she said. I dont think the (Department of Ecology) is going to care. They know there are people in this town that support it and people in this town that oppose it.

Councilman Jon Stanfill abstained from voting. He said the project, which would be built at the Port of Kalama, is outside the citys jurisdiction and he is hesitant to get in the business of being for or against private business.

Councilwoman Wendy Conradi approved moving forward with the town hall because other cities have taken a stance, and Kalama should evaluate whether to take a position or remain neutral.

But Councilman Matthew Merz argued the community has already discussed the project for years and the topic needs no further debate. He favored sending the letter but voted to hold the town hall anyway.

A November port commissioner election gave Kalama-area residents a chance to express a view on the project. And the outcome was a landslide: Incumbent Port Commissioner Alan captured nearly 65% of the vote in a contest with anti-methanol challenger Gary Wallace.

Kallios letter is not the same one the Cowlitz Economic Development Council recently circulated among local public officials urging Inslee to back off opposition to the project. Longview City Manager Kurt Sacha; Longview council members Hillary Strobel, Chet Makinster, Christine Schott and Ruth Kendall; County Commissioner Dennis Weber; Woodland Mayor Will Finn; and Kelso Councilman Mike Karnofski have signed the EDC letter.

Northwest Innovation Works wants to build the methanol plant on leased land at the Port of Kalama. Cowlitz County has twice approved shorelines permits for the project. Ecology now has to either affirm that decision, reject it or approve it with conditions, but Ecology officials last month said they cant make a decision without further analysis of the plants potential effect on global climate change.

The plant would convert natural gas to methanol for shipment to China for use in plastics manufacturing, according to the company.

Ecology in November announced it will conduct its own review of the projects greenhouse gas emissions after deciding the analysis overseen by the Port of Kalama and Cowlitz County was insufficient. The analysis concluded that the project would drastically reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by offsetting coal-based methanol production in China, a finding environmentalists have scoffed at.

Northwest Innovation says the project would create about 200 permanent jobs and about 1,000 construction jobs.

In other business, the council approved an increase in garbage rates passed down by Waste Control Inc., the citys contract waste hauler. The new rates take effect March 1.

City Clerk/Treasurer Coni McMaster said most residences have a 60-gallon cart, which will get a 1.89% rate increase, or $4.80 annually.

The rate for a 32-gallon cart increased 1.69%, for an additional $3.48 annually. The cost for 90-gallon service will rise by $6.96 annually, a 2.29% increase.

Commercial rates also increased by 1.41% to 1.8% for different carts or dumpsters.

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Welcome to Hitting the Books. With less than one in five Americans reading just for fun these days, we've done the hard work for you by scouring the internet for the most interesting, thought provoking books on science and technology we can find and delivering an easily digestible nugget of their stories.

Power to the People: How Open Technological Innovation is Arming Tomorrow's Terrorists

by Audrey Kurth Cronin

Book cover

The internet is all around us -- in our phones, our homes, our cars, and even our toaster ovens for some reason. Problem is, the adoption of this ubiquitous connectivity has far outpaced our efforts to secure those systems against unlawful intrusion, giving bad actors a plethora of new ways to harass, intimidate, harm and terrorize their targets.

In Power to the People, author and noted security expert Audrey Kurth Cronin, delves into the history of technological innovation and its impacts on international terrorism. From gunpowder and dynamite to cyberattacks, autonomous systems, and 3D printing, these advances have markedly improved our society but have also given your run of the mill extremist idealog access to weapons of mass murder.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the interconnection of millions of computing devices via the Internet, equipped with sensors that directly receive and transfer data without human involvement. As the IoT grows to encompass more cars, kitchen appliances, thermostats, door locks, voice-activated assistants, and even hospital infusion pumps and heart monitors, it provides malevolent actors plentiful opportunities for hacking into systems and wreaking havoc.

A great danger is that because private sector companies compete furiously to get their products to market cheaply and quickly, software engineers routinely fail to incorporate security into their designs. Release of new products takes priority over implementing security features, and since competitors' security is just as lax, properly securing these consumer products, which would lead to delays of months, would be a serious competitive disadvantage. What has resulted is a kind of race to the bottom: according to one estimate, 70 percent of all IoT devices have flaws such as unsecured software and unencrypted communication systems. Thus far, companies are usually not held legally responsible for hacks that break through lax security in consumer devices. What's more, the companies themselves have little incentive to secure or encrypt these data sources, because easy access affords them a wealth of information about users. Openness and accessibility are valuable; for those who want to sell to us, having information on what millions of people do is very lucrative. But profiles of our behavior also offer extremely valuable intelligence for those who want to attack us.

Story continues

Consumers have little to no control over what information is gathered through these devices because they do not own the software that runs them, or have control over that software. The Internet of Things is changing the nature of buying and owning items. According to law professor Joshua Fairfield, a fundamental shift in property rights is underway and we're entering an era of digital serfdom, loosely resembling feudalism. Whereas serfs did not own their own land, homes, or even farm tools, we generally own the hardware of our smart devices, but the companies who produce them own the software and the information about us they gather. With some smart products, even the hardware is not owned outright, but rather rented. John Deere, for example, has told farmers that they don't really own the tractors they purchase from the company because they are licensing the software that runs them. Farmers cannot fix the vehicles themselves or take them to independent repair shops.

Because IoT devices are connected to the Internet, they can also be hacked, and intrusions are already widespread. Would you leave your front door wide open? In August 2017, hundreds of Internet-connected locks became inoperable because of a faulty software update by LockState. It left hundreds of owners unable to lock or unlock their homes for a week. Hackers have moved from taking remote control of your PC to taking control of your smart TV or your city's CCTV cameras instead. They have hacked cars (repeated attacks on Jeep Cherokees in 2015 and 2016), power plants (malware took down Ukraine's power plants in 2016), smart bulbs (researchers showed they could hack thousands of Philips Hue smart bulbs in 2017), and voting machines (a Princeton professor hacked into one in seven minutes). Relatively inexpensive IoT hacking tools are widely and cheaply available to non-state actors. Why bother planting an explosive device under a car if you can hack into a vehicle's navigation system and make it accelerate into a wall or off a bridge? No need for assassination if hackers can deliver a fatal dose of insulin through the unencrypted radio communication system of the insulin pump. No need to take physical hostages; just tamper with a hospital's computer-connected infusion pump to overdose a patientthen threaten to do the same to others.

According to American cryptographer and computer security expert Bruce Schneier, IoT devices are more vulnerable than your laptop or your phone, for a number of reasons. The first is that huge corporations like Apple, Samsung, and Microsoft can afford to hire large teams of engineers devoted to security, while the smaller companies that are making smart locks and thermostats, for example, cannot. Second, whereas people replace their smartphones and laptops every few years, that is not the case for smart refrigerators, pacemakers, or cars, which they will keep for five or ten years or more. Nefarious actors have much more time to discover their vulnerabilities and, because the software is rarely updated, those vulnerabilities persist year after year, just waiting to be exploited. To make matters worse, a vulnerability in one Internet-enabled device, like your home router, can be used as a launching pad for attacks against a range of other connected devices you might own. One small flaw and your whole computer-assisted life can be hijacked.

Much attention has been paid to the threat of espionage and cyberattacks by states, and in February 2016, US Director of National Intelligence James Clapper warned that the Internet of Things will further empower state- sponsored espionage, enabling better monitoring, tracking, and targeting of individuals. The threat of attacks by non-state actors is also high. For terrorists, a key question now, as always, is which avenues of attack are most easily available? Enormous collections of data are enticing targets, at scales of magnitude that non-state malicious actors could never dream of amassing themselves. States and corporations are focused on the potential fruits of big data rather than on the criminals and terrorists who can hack into it.

By connecting everything from home defense systems to medical devices to utility companies to hydroelectric dams to the Internet, we have made a new means of attack highly accessible. Absent better security measures, well- established processes of the diffusion of lethal empowerment will kick in. In the mid-twentieth century, airline hijackings evolved from airplane flight diversions to Cuba to the downing of airliners with hundreds of innocent people aboard. Exploiting the Internet of Things to hold people hostage or attack them will spawn increasingly violent copycat attacks. Putting better defensive measures in place is essential.

From Power to the People: How Open Technological Innovation is Arming Tomorrow's Terrorists by Audrey Kurth Cronin. Copyright  2019 by Audrey Kurth Cronin and published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.
These are the immediate questions - and only some of the answers - as Harry and Meghan get their wish to walk away from the royal family.

The couple announced last week that they would be stepping down from their duties as senior royals and moving to North America - and negotiations had been ongoing ever since.

But Buckingham Palace made a statement last night that marked the conclusion of talks about Harry and Meghan's future.

Harry and Meghan announced last week that they would be stepping down from their duties as senior royals and moving to North America - and negotiations had been ongoing ever since

What does it say?

Harry and Meghan are no longer going to be working royals, will not be carrying out royals duties and they will not use their HRH styles.

What does this mean?

The couple have effectively stepped down, not just as senior royals, but as working royals in general.

The dual role they suggested in their bombshell statement - of earning their own money and carrying out royal duties - is not going to happen.

How will they be funded?

Buckingham Palace said they will no longer receive public funds for royal duties, because they will not be carrying any out.

When will the changes take place?

In the spring of 2020.

Will they be financially independent?

Not completely. They will the earn their own money, but the Prince of Wales will also continue to offer private financial support to the couple.

This is expected to come from his 21 million a year Duchy of Cornwall income.

Will they still get round the clock protection officers paid for by the taxpayers?

Buckingham Palace said it does not comment on security matters.

But it added: 'There are well established independent processes to determine the need for publicly funded security.'

And what about Frogmore Cottage?

Harry and Meghan will pay back 2.4million in taxpayers' money spent on renovating their Berkshire home.

Will they still use it as their base when in the UK?

Yes. And they will pay rent at a commercial rate on the property.

Where will they spend most time?

They will spend the majority of their time in North America.

What about their patronages?

They will keep their royal patronages as private patronages and associations.

But Harry will be stepping down from his military appointments.

He will no longer be Captain General of the Royal Marines, Honorary Air Force Commandant of the Royal Air Force Base Honington, and Honorary Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Naval Commands' Small Ships and Diving.

In her statement Her Majesty The Queen praised how Meghan had swiftly become part of the family and thanked the couple for the work they had done

The Sussexes will pay back 2.4million of taxpayers' money spent on renovating Frogmore Cottage (pictured) in Berkshire

What about their Commonwealth roles?

Harry is quitting his role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador.

But he will remain president of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust, and Meghan will still be the Trust's vice-president.

What did the Queen say about the decision?

The Queen also issued a statement, saying: 'Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family.'

She said they had her support and she recognised the 'challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years'.

What did she say about Meghan?

The Queen thanked the couple for their dedicated work, and added she was 'particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family'.

She said: 'It is my whole family's hope that today's agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life.'

Will they still be able to use Sussex Royal as their brand?

It is not known whether this will be possible at this stage. But as they are not effectively royal anymore it is difficult to see how this would work.

Will they do any more official engagements?

Yes, they may carry out some before the change in the spring.

Will the public ever see them at major royal events such as Trooping the Colour again?

They might appear at major royal events at the invitation of the Queen.
Adams Oshiomhole, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has faulted the statement of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) made against the judiciary on its verdict on Imo governorship election.

According to Oshiomhole, the statement by Uche Secondus, PDP national chairman that the removal of Emeka Ihedioha as governor of Imo state by the apex court should be reviewed and reversed was reckless.

The former Edo state governor while speaking with newsmen at the partys national secretariat on Friday, accused the opposition party of carefully planning unrest following the decision of the court.

Read Also: Why Oshiomhole Can No Longer Function As National Chairman: Edo APC

He said, The PDP yesterday used language that even people who are partially mad in a democracy are not expected to use. 

We watched as PDP made reckless statements that are designed not only to intimidate the judiciary but calculated to lay the foundation for carefully planned unrest with a view of undermining the peace and stability of the Nigerian nation.

In a society that is committed to fairness and the rule of law, the returning officer ought not only to be dismissed but he also ought to have reported himself to the security how he arrived at the decision to declare Emeka Ihedioha as governor, he said.

Oshiomhole said also that when the supreme court declared PDP as winners of Zamfara and Rivers states, the ruling APC obeyed even though it was painful.
The grand-niece of Charlie McGee, the RIC Constable who was shot in Castlebellingham during the Easter Rising, has spoken of her disappointment at the recent row surrounding plans to hold a commemoration ceremony for the members of the Royal Irish Constabulary and Dublin Metropolitan police.

The Donegal native, who has written a book about her grand-uncle, watched as the controversy unfolded and the event, which was due to take place on Thursday, was deferred.

'Firstly, I would state that my own personal desire would be for a peaceful United Ireland. My own DNA result has indicated that I am 100 per cent Irish and my first speaking language was an Gaeilge,' says Madge, who grew up in Falcarragh, Co Donegal. 'However, like many families in Ireland, I had a grand-uncle named Charlie Mc Gee who was an RIC Constable who died at the hands of County Louth Volunteers on Easter Monday evening.

'While I can understand the position of young County Louth Volunteers who wished to be rid of a suppressive Imperialist regime, I also am loyal to the memory of my grand-uncle.

She explains that joining the RIC meant that he was able to live in his own country at a time when most young Irish men of farming or fishing backgrounds depended on seasonal migration to Scotland in order to survive for six months of the year at home in County Donegal.

Madge is well known in Dundalk, having taught in the Friary School for several years and she was a member of the local Conradh na Gaeilge.

A historian, she gave voice to her grand-uncle, who was just 23 years old, when he was shot dead after encountering Irish Volunteers in Castlebellingham on Easter Monday 1916.

Following the publication of her book, she gave a number of talks locally as part of the 1916 commemoration ceremonies and recalls that 'reaction was mostly positive and respectful.'

She also attended a ceremony in Dublin Castle in his memory.

'I do not become emotional about what happened a hundred years ago, but neither am I prepared to erase a victim's memory from Irish history.'

She says she was aware that the commemorations for the War of Independence would be different and that feelings would be much more intense.

'However, I will not hide silently without defending those career policemen who did not act in a savage manner. Sense has to prevail in all of this, but I would expect serious politicians to behave responsibly in view of the positive developments in Ireland over last twenty years.'

'I believe that some Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail politicians in the Republic have behaved in an emotional and illogical manner in this matter, taking into account that they signed up to the Good Friday Agreement by which they agreed to respect the views of both traditions on the island of Ireland. There is evidence that we are benefiting in recent times from the co-operation of both police forces on the island in fighting crime. I think that it was not a very smart move for some politicians to take the position which they did on this matter. They played into the hands of any bigots who might live on the island of Ireland.'

Madge points out that most families have relatives who were involved in both sides of Ireland's struggle.

'My distant relation, Eithne Coyle from Donegal took part in the War of Independence, escaping twice from Mountjoy Gaol, and ended up as President of Cumann na mBan. She came to Dundalk for various commemorations of the fight for freedom. However, I respect her participation in the struggle for Independence, but it would not prevent me from recognising my grand-uncle Charlie Mc Gee, who was placed on the opposite side of the conflict as a result of his employment. It is my view that we should rise above personal viewpoints, and place importance on building a peaceful and progressive country, in which all the citizens could enjoy a good and safe crime-free life.'
A week after a violent clash occurred between herders and farmers in Fulata, Taura Local Government Area in Jigawa State, both groups have continued to trade blame.

The Fulanis allege their houses and property were damaged by farmers in the community but the farmers claim they were the ones attacked by armed invading herders last week Friday.

Fulata community shares a border with Ringim local government in Jigawa North-west senatorial district.

The Fulanis, who were displaced from Fulata community are reportedly taking refuge with their relatives in Hadejia, Gumel, and Kirikassama local government areas in the state.

They claim their cows were also rustled during the violence.

The Sarkin Fulani in Taura, Sabo Ali, told reporters that many of his people were injured and have run to Kano for safety.

Mr Ali said, we are yet to ascertain how many people were killed or injured because many are still missing after the attack and over a hundred are taking refuge at my residence.

I received hundreds of Fulanis including women and children at 2 a.m. who fled the crisis. I call on my children and other Fulanis to be calm and avoid the crisis area.

I notified the district head of Taura, the police and council chairman about the happening, the authorities pleaded with me to douse the tension to avoid retaliatory attack, we complied and urged the authorities to do the needful.

Not true

But the village head of Fulata community, Muhammad Sule, whose residents are mostly farmers, alleged they were attacked by some strange herders allegedly invited by the resident herders and these encroached on the farmland of one Hamza which resulted to the violent clash.

He said the residents then seized and impounded some livestock to the palace of the district head, which later compounded the crisis.

The Fulanis in their thousands, armed with dangerous weapons, attempted to invade the farmers community but we overpowered them and chased them away, Mr Sule said.

Read also:

He said before the Friday crisis, there were misunderstandings between the farmers and herders.

We reported the incident five times to divisional police officer (DPO) but the police didnt take any action to prevent the Fulanis from destroying our farms.

The DPO told us he cannot dare Fulani because they are violent in nature. As result of the crises, four residents from Hausa community are severely injured and are currently responding to treatment at the hospital.

Victims recount ordeal

A victim, Hassan Sabo, told reporters that his aged parents are still missing, including nine cows.

I just found my five-year-old daughter, walking naked in another community. I am still searching for my wife and parents.

Another victim, Yakubu Husseini, narrated his experience.

I was at home with my aged parents when the farmers in their hundreds attacked our houses, he said. I came out. Some of the attackers suggested to others to kill me while others are (were) against it. They left me. I manage to escape.

I made several distress calls. However, I met another set of attackers. They hit me with machete and took me to the village head in a pool of blood.

No arrest

Meanwhile, the Jigawa police spokesperson, Abdu Jinjiri, said 10 persons were injured while no arrest has been made.

He said no one died adding that normalcy had been restored in the community following the police commissioners visit to the area.

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He also said the police cannot speak on the damages alleged as the government had constituted a community to assess this.
GILLETTE  Campbell County school trustees will consider a proposal on first reading Jan. 28 that would allow armed educators, carrying concealed weapons, in public schools to supplement safety measures already in place.

Its taken more than a year of hearings, surveys and committee work to reach this point in the Campbell County School District, about three years after the Wyoming Legislature approved a statute setting out requirements for schools to enact the practice.

If ultimately approved  including a six-page armed educator policy and 22-page regulation broken into five sections  Campbell County would be the fourth school district in the state to do so.

As we move forward with this process, the board and administration has really taken into account the comments from our community, and were trying to be as transparent as possible, chairwoman Anne Ochs said.

If you can think of any other way to be more transparent ... well add that into the process. This is a community moving forward trying to address the safety needs of our students.

On Tuesday night, administrators spoke about the process to get to this point and their plans to conduct three public hearings and a citizens survey before the school board considers the proposal on a second and final reading April 14, if the first reading is approved in two weeks.

The final public hearing on the proposal also will take place later that same night, before the school board meeting.

Some final work remains to complete the actual policy and regulations being proposed, including some formatting and legal advice. But administrators said the policy and regulation will be available Jan. 23, when the agenda for the boards Jan. 28 public meeting is released.

Trustees and administrators spoke about their efforts to be transparent during the whole process and how they took the concerns and suggestions of the public  made in comments from previous listening sessions and online surveys  into account in drafting the proposal.

How we got here

Two committees, including an eight-member armed educator group and the districts policy committee, have worked on the proposal since Sept. 12, when trustees gave administrators the go-ahead to draft a policy and regulation for armed educators.

Weve met a total of 10 times, each of those meetings not less than two hours and some of them extended longer than that, Deputy Superintendent Kirby Eisenhauer said.

The committees began with two policies already approved in two other school districts, Fremont County and Park County.

Weve had some good conversations, so were essentially finished, Eisenhauer said.

Trustee Toni Bell served on the committees. Its a very diverse group of people, she said. We take it very serious, to the point where we talked about a word for over an hour: What does that word mean? How is it going to look?

Its incredible, the work that is happening on those committees. Im real proud of the work thats being done and Im looking forward to hearing your feedback, and we will do our best to hear those and respond to them, she said.

The regulations also contain copies of forms school personnel would need to fill out to apply to become an armed educator. That is unusual, he added, but will be included for transparency purposes.

I know weve met or exceeded all of the expectations or requirements of the statute, but I believe weve also captured some of the concerns or some of the ideas that were presented in either some of the listening sessions, the survey, through board public comment, Eisenhauer said. Weve addressed some of those concerns that folks have had as well.

What will happen

If the board approves the proposal in its Jan. 28 meeting, it will be followed by three public hearings, the first two dates of which havent been set.

At that time, the school district also will launch a public survey of Campbell County residents on its website because not everyone can make it to a public meeting.

We believe were going to give a lot of opportunity to the citizens of Campbell County to express their interest, said Larry Reznicek, the districts human resource manager.

He said the process also will meet legal requirements under the Wyoming Administrative Procedures Act for adopting new rules. That includes a 45-day advance notice printed in the News Record, along with a statement of the terms and substance of the proposed rule, a description of the issues involved and where the public can obtain copies of the proposed rule and the time, place and manner where people may present their views on the proposal.

District Superintendent Alex Ayers also pointed out that the district isnt required to have three public hearings. Its normal practice is to have two such hearings before adopting a new policy.

Its a situation where we could have one (hearing), he said. But I think giving that extra opportunity for people to speak will be well received.

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Just like IRCTC which pays compensation for delays in its Tejas trains, railways' freight customers could soon be compensated for late arrival of their goods, indicated Saturday, demanding a commitment of timely delivery.

Speaking at the foundation day of the Dedicated Corporation of India Limited, Goyal said that it should make a commitment to its customers with a timetable for its freight trains.

"Just like the Tejas trains have done in Delhi-Lucknow and Mumbai-Ahmedabad, we should be willing to give a commitment of timely delivery, penalising ourselves if we are delayed and insist on incentives if we do a good job.

"Let's work on an incentive, penalty model even for our customers. I would urge the Railway Board to discuss this even on a more regular basis even with our existing freight traffic. Currently freight is getting a very step motherly treatment," said Goyal.

For the first time in railways, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has devised a plan whereby it pays a compensation of Rs 100 in case its Tejas train during its run, is delayed by more than an hour and Rs 250 in case of a delay of more than two hours to every passenger.
The European Union is considering banning facial recognition technology in public areas for up to five years, to give it time to work out how to prevent abuses, according to proposals seen by Reuters.

The plan by the EU's executive - set out in an 18-page white paper - comes amid a global debate about the systems driven by artificial intelligence and widely used by law enforcement agencies.

The EU Commission said tough new rules may have to be introduced to bolster existing regulations protecting Europeans' privacy and data rights.

"Building on these existing provisions, the future regulatory framework could go further and include a time-limited ban on the use of facial recognition technology in public spaces," the EU document said.

During that ban, of between three and five years, "a sound methodology for assessing the impacts of this technology and possible risk management measures could be identified and developed", it added.

Exceptions to the ban could be made for security projects, as well as research and development schemes, the paper said.

The document also suggested imposing obligations on both developers and users of artificial intelligence, and that EU countries should appoint authorities to monitor the new rules.

The commission will seek feedback on its white paper before making a final decision, officials said.

EU digital and antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager is expected to present her proposals next month.

The US government earlier this month announced new regulatory guidelines on artificial intelligence technology, which are aimed at limiting authorities' over-reach.

It also called on Europe to avoid aggressive approaches.

Reuters
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Staten Island will be hit with cold temperatures, snow and rain all in one day as storm Jacob quickly moves East.

Predictions of snow accumulations remained the same since yesterday with snow starting sometime between 1 and 2 p.m., an AccuWeather meteorologist told the Advance.

There will be one to three inches in accumulation, including snow and sleet, Danielle Knittle, a meteorologist said.

The snow wont last for the whole day, though. Sometime between 4 and 7 p.m. the snow will turn into rain, probably turning the accumulation into slush.

Overall temperatures will remain low throughout the day, hitting a high of 36 degrees and a low of 33 degrees, even though it will really feel like its in the 20s, according to AccuWeather.com.

Friday afternoon, the NWS issued a winter weather advisory from 10 a.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday.

IS THE CITY READY?

The city overall is ready to tackle any consequences the storm could leave behind.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said that the Department of Sanitation has more than 1,500 ready to hit the streets as soon as two inches of snow have accumulated.

If you need to be outside tomorrow, please exercise caution. Bundle up, give yourself extra time to travel and use mass transportation if you can, de Blasio said.

The MTA is also advising drivers to avoid unnecessary travel on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge due to winter weather conditions.

The Mayor also added that a code blue in effect throughout the five boroughs starting at 4 p.m. as temperatures will be bitterly cold.

AccuWeathers predictions for the storm are similar to the National Weather Services (NWS). Friday afternoon, the NWS issued a winter weather advisory from 10 a.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday. During the timeframe, the borough may see two to four inches of accumulation before the storm ends, said the NWS.

The Department of Sanitation has also issued a snow alert for Saturday starting at 7 a.m.

Salt spreaders are ready to go, and plows will be ready in case more than two inches of snow falls, the department wrote in a tweet.
Washington/Islamabad, Jan 18 : US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi here and discussed a range of issues, including Iran and Afghanistan, according to a statement released by the US State Department.

The two sides talked about a range of issues, including Iran, US-Pakistan cooperation on the Afghan peace process and building bilateral economic ties, Xinhua reported, citing the US State Department's statement on Friday.

Qureshi embarked on a three-day visit to the US on Wednesday for talks on the tension in the Middle East that poses danger to regional security.

The visit also came as the Taliban and US negotiators were reportedly finalising a peace deal that could end the over 18-year war.
"A fifth-generation dynast" Rahul Gandhi has no chance in Indian politics against a "hard-working and self-made" Narendra Modi, and Kerala did a disastrous thing by electing the Congress leader to Parliament, historian Ramachandra Guha said on Friday.

Ramchandra Guha said the reduction of the Congress from a "great party" during the freedom movement to a "pathetic family firm" now is one of the reasons for the ascendency of Hindutva and jingoism in India.

"I have nothing against Rahul Gandhi personally. He is a decent fellow, very well-mannered. But young India does not want a fifth-generation dynast. If you Malyalis make the mistake of re-electing Rahul Gandhi in 2024 too, you are merely handing over an advantage to Narendra Modi," said Guha on the second day of the ongoing Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) during his talk, "Patriotism Vs Jingoism".

Addressing the crowd, full of Keralites, he said, "Kerala, you have done many wonderful things for India, but one of the disastrous thing you did was to elect Rahul Gandhi to the parliament."

Rahul Gandhi, who in 2019 general elections lost from his family bastion of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, had won from the Wayanad seat in Kerala.

"Narendra Modi's great advantage is that he is not Rahul Gandhi. He is self-made. He has run a state for 15 years, he has an administrative experience, he is incredibly hard working and he never takes holidays in Europe. Believe me I am saying all this in all seriousness," he said.

But, even if Rahul Gandhi was "much more intelligent, more hard-working, never took a holiday in Europe, as a fifth generation dynast he still will be at a disadvantage against a self-made person", the 61-year-old author said.

Also read: PM Modi stresses on governance, implementation in meeting with economists, industrialists

'If Rahul Gandhi disappears, PM Modi has to talk about his own policies'

He took on Congress president Sonia Gandhi too who, he said, reminded him of the "late Mughal dynasty" and how aloof they were of the state of their kingdom.

"India is becoming more democratic and less feudal, and the Gandhis just don't realise this. You (Sonia) are in Delhi, your kingdom is shrinking more and more but still your chamchas (sycophants) are telling you that you are still the badshah," he said.

Further, he quoted his teacher and noted Indian sociologist Andre Beteille to describe the story of Nehru-Gandhi family as a classic "reversal of the famous Biblical injunction": the sins of the father will be visited upon seven successive generations.

"In the Nehru's case, it is the sins of the seven successive generations have been re-visited upon Nehru... look at the national debate today. Why is Nehru evoked everytime? Why does Modi always say Nehru ne kashmir mein yeh kiya, China mein yeh kiya, Triple Talaq mein yeh kiye ... because Rahul Gandhi is there.

"Now if Rahul Gandhi disappears, Modi has to talk about his own policies and why they failed," he said.

According to Guha, "Hypocrisy of the Indian Left -- the fact that they loved other nations more than India", "rise of aggressive nationalism worldwide" and "the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in neighbouring countries" are some other reasons behind the evident leap of Hindutva in India in the recent times.

Historian William Dalrymple, novelists like Benyamin, Namita Gokhale, Chetan Bhagat and journalists Karan Thapar and Rajdeep Sardesai are among the many other writers who will be attending the four-day festival.

The focus theme of KLF 2020 is environment and climate change.

Also read: Is this the real reason why Modi govt is unhappy with Jeff Bezos and Amazon?

Also read: In two days, Tata group blows hot - and cold
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Jan. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BJ's Restaurants, Inc. (BJRI) announced today that Chief Executive Officer, Greg Trojan and President and Chief Financial Officer, Greg Levin, will be participating in a fireside chat at the Jefferies 9th Annual Winter Restaurant, Foodservice, Gaming, Lodging & Leisure Summit on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. (Mountain). BJs management will also meet with institutional investors at the conference, which will be held at The Ritz Carlton in Avon, Colorado.



About BJ's Restaurants, Inc.

BJs Restaurants, Inc. (BJs) is a national brand with brewhouse roots and a menu where craft matters. BJs broad menu with over 140 offerings has something for everyone: slow-roasted entrees, like prime rib, BJs EnLIGHTened Entrees including Cherry Chipotle Glazed Salmon, signature deep dish pizza and the often imitated, but never replicated world-famous Pizookie dessert. BJs has been a pioneer in the craft brewing world since 1996, and takes pride in serving BJs award-winning proprietary handcrafted beers, brewed at its brewing operations in five states and by independent third-party craft brewers. The BJs experience offers high-quality ingredients, bold flavors, moderate prices, sincere service and a cool, contemporary atmosphere. Founded in 1978, BJs owns and operates 208 casual dining restaurants in 28 states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington. All restaurants offer dine-in, take-out, delivery and large party catering. For more BJs information, visit http://www.bjsrestaurants.com .
NEWTON, Iowa  As a winter storm barreled down on Iowa, Elizabeth Warrens campaign team struggled with whether to scrap a town hall scheduled at the old Maytag headquarters.

There was more than weather at play as the Massachusetts senators campaign monitored the forecast and called expected attendees to gauge their willingness to brave the snow and whipping wind. For the Democratic presidential candidate, the event was probably one of her last chances to make a face-to-face appeal to voters in Iowa before the Feb. 3 caucus. So it went on as planned.

Warren, along with Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, is soon to be marooned in the Senate as a juror in President Donald Trumps impeachment trial. With the trial schedule up in the air, this weekend is likely the final full weekend of campaigning for those candidates before the kick-off caucus.

Thats left their campaigns scrambling to make the most of their time in Iowa and the other early-voting states, and thinking of ways to stay on voters radars during the trial in Washington. Its also given their 2020 rivals outside the Senate an opportunity to take advantage.

Klobuchar trails the top tier of contenders in polling and fundraising and needs a strong showing in Iowa to catapult her campaign into the next round of primaries. She insisted that the demands of the Senate trial wouldnt hurt her candidacy.

Im a mom and I can balance things really well, Klobuchar said during an event Saturday in Coralville.

But privately, the collision of the trial and the caucus has created anxiety among campaign advisers who face the prospect of their bosses being trapped in the Senate as silent jurors just as voters in Iowa are taking a final look at the candidates.

The full schedule for the Senate trial is uncertain, and its possible it wraps up before the caucuses. But campaigns are planning for the prospect of the candidates being in Senate session Tuesday through Saturday next week, as well as five or six days the following week. The fourth Democratic senator still in the race is Michael Bennet of Colorado.

Well-funded candidates such as Warren and Sanders are considering putting private planes on hold in Washington so they can quickly fly to Iowa for late-night events after the trial wraps up. Sanders has already scheduled an 8 p.m. rally in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, taking advantage of the one-hour time difference between Washington and Iowa.

Campaign surrogates are planning to headline events during the week that the candidates can appear at via livestream video. Warrens team has Reps. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Katie Porter of California on standby, as well as Julian Castro, the former Obama housing secretary who dropped out of the presidential race this month. Sanders wife, Jane Sanders, will headline an event in Las Vegas next weekend and will introduce her husband, who will participate by video.

Still, the Senate schedule has increased the pressure on the candidates to make the most of what may be their last free weekend. Warren had three events scheduled Saturday with influential interest groups. Klobuchar was headlining three town halls in eastern Iowa. Sanders was campaigning in New Hampshire, the next state on the primary calendar, before heading back to Iowa on Monday.

I wish I could be back in New Hampshire and Iowa, but I will be in Washington doing my constitutional duty, Sanders told voters during an event Saturday in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

The Senate trial has added a layer of uncertainty to the political climate in Iowa, where the Democratic race remains exceedingly close. Recent polls show Warren, Sanders, former Vice President Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, in a virtual tie, with Klobuchar trailing behind.

Biden and Buttigieg will largely have the state to themselves once the impeachment trial begins. Biden and Buttigieg do not serve in the Senate, and neither currently has any other job.

Biden has events scheduled in Iowa four out of the next five days. Buttigieg plans to be in the state nearly every day until the caucuses, focusing in particular on smaller Iowa cities and towns less often seen by his top rivals.

Last week, Buttigieg traveled across northwest Iowa, where Republicans outnumber Democrats but where the minority party still has active county party organizations. In sub-zero weather, he drew 100 people in Algona, population about 5,400. It was his second visit to the town, one where no other candidate polling above 1 percent has campaigned.

On Thursday, he met about as many in Emmetsburg, where only Biden had visited before, and twice as many in Arnolds Park, a popular summertime lake-area vacation spot, where only Sanders had previously stopped.

While those areas are less populous than Iowas larger cities, they still have delegates up for grabs that could make the difference on caucus night in a close race. The Associated Press will call the winner of the Iowa caucuses based on the number of state delegate equivalents the candidates receive on caucus night.

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Associated Press writers Thomas Beaumont in Emmetsburg, Iowa, Bill Barrow in West Des Moines, Iowa, Alexandra Jaffe in Coralville, Iowa, and Hunter Woodall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, contributed to this report.

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Follow Julie Pace at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC

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Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly Ground Game politics podcast
Our small cats are precious wildlife too By Tera Jayewardene Young researchers Anya Ratnayaka and Ashan Thudugala talk about their conservation work centred around Sri Lankas fishing cat following the second international summit on Small Wild Cat Conservation held in Colombo last month View(s): View(s):

Driving on the Japan Sri Lanka Friendship Road, youd never think that an elusive wild animal may cross these paths. While many of us travel to Yala and other places to see leopards, we are unaware that a rare and elusive species of wild cat may be roaming our backyards. Researchers Anya Ratnayaka and Ashan Thudugala are working tirelessly to get the small wild cat species they are researching  the fishing cat, rusty-spotted cat, and the jungle cat the recognition they deserve, through SCAR (Small Cat Advocacy and Research), the organisation they set up in 2017.

Of the 41 species of wild cats in the world, 33 of them are small wild cats. Small wild cats are alarmingly threatened with extinction by a variety of different factors like habitat destruction, hunting, urbanisation and conflict with humans amongst others. Among the small wild cat species around the world are the African golden cat, Andean mountain cat, Black-footed cat, Fishing cat and the Northern tiger cat.

Last month from the 7th to the 11th, 32 researchers from 15 countries gathered in Colombo for the second Small Wild Cat Conservation Summit (SWCCS). Coming from Uganda, South Africa, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Cambodia, Japan, Mongolia, Iran, UAE, Chile, Peru and the USA they shared experiences at the summit organised by the Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation with SCAR as the local organisers. The first summit was held in Kent, England in 2017.

Each participant spoke about their research and experience in working with small wild cats. Essentially it became a knowledge sharing platform. By doing this, we plan to propose more conservation and communication between the people who are doing actual conservation in the field, share our thoughts and help them in their work, Ashan explains. In The future is not golden: Conflict with local communities and poaching threaten African golden cats in Uganda Badru Mugerwa spoke about the unlikely viewpoint of the poachers, and how addressing them is an important factor that is often overlooked. Badru did his research in  Investigating the effects of anthropogenic disturbance: extirpation of a large carnivore, poaching of wildlife and human presence on the behaviour of tropical forest mammals for his Masters in Biology at the University of Western Ontario.

American conservationist Laurel Serieys took the floor to talk about People, poisons, and properties: Generating conservation outcomes from small cat research. Her eye-opening talk was on bobcats in the Los Angeles area where she addressed how research can be translated into policy change. Laurels PhD research at the University of California, Los Angeles graduate program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology focused on how urbanisation and pesticides drive genetic change and disease susceptibility in urban bobcats. In an optional workshop at the summit titled, Capturing, collaring and collecting biological material from small wild cats, she handled the practical side of collaring small wild cats. She also passed on this information to Anya which, Anya says has aided her greatly in capturing the wild cats.

Ashans involvement started with the Save Fishing Cat Conservation Project (SFCCP) in 2013 and his strong ambition of reducing fishing cat threats through community based conservation. SFCCP works closely with local communities to resolve human  wild cat conflicts. Some of their actions have been erecting road signs and information boards in crucial road kill areas, building enclosures for injured small wild cats, and conducting workshops and awareness programmes for schoolchildren as well as hosting an annual Fishing Cat Youth Camp Training Programme. They also hope to develop rehabilitation centres for these cat species.

In his talk Small wild cat conservation in the Central Hills, Sri Lanka, Ashan spoke about his own experience of working with small wild cats and the building of wildlife enclosures and rehabilitation centres with the Wild Life Department. This initiative initially started in 2006 and was led by Dr Eric Wikramanayake and his team, who wanted to confirm the fishing cat presence in urban areas. They set camera traps and they confirmed it, but they had to stop because of the war, Anya explains.

Anyas passion for small cats was sparked following a chance encounter with a fishing cat when she had returned to Sri Lanka after obtaining a degree in Wildlife and Conservation Management from the University of Queensland in Australia. A Global Wildlife Conservation Associate Conservation Scientist since 2017, Anya in her presentation titled, Conserving fishing cats as a flagship species for urban wetland conservation, spoke about how she set out to find the cats, and how she got footage of a male fishing cat eating fish in a pond in a Colombo residence.Speaking of her Urban Fishing Cat Conservation Project, she had the audience fascinated when she highlighted maps of Colombo and areas where the fishing cats travelled through, roads such as the Japan Sri Lanka Friendship Road.

Its been really amazing to work with Anya  Ive been learning a lot from her about the community here and the role that the fishing cats play in the wetlands and for me its a really unique experience because we dont really have wetlands species in the other places that Ive worked. Im just in awe of the fishing cats and how tolerant they are of urbanization. And how adaptable, Laurel says.

I think that they are able to survive in more urbanized areas than the bobcats and caracals that I have worked with. My hypothesis is that its because they are able to feed on koi fish or rats that are in the city. The presence of prey tends to determine the presence of the predators so I think that they are able to find prey in a way in which bobcats and caracals cant find prey, she says.

Its all about marketing, thats why awareness is so important because you cant protect a species any more on pure research. I think we have come to a point on this planet of ours where we need to start getting people to care, and not just the scientists, Anya states. Laurenl echoes her view, stressing that writing about the issue in a way that people can understand is crucial, so the research has far-reaching effects.

A key message that Anya and Ashan want to carry to the general public is that if people have a pet cat, they need to get it vaccinated as airborne viruses such as Feline Parvo and Feline Leukemia spread from domestic cats to small wild cats. Anya recounts seeing a fishing cat at a rehab centre and then seeing it die a few hours later from Feline Parvo.

Follow Anyas project on: https://instagram.com/urbanfishingcat?igshid=12bp6p5cftfzzand Ashans on: https://instagram.com/savefishingcat?igshid=1iul4gzptouif.

Facts about the Fishing Cat Adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle, the urban fishing cat Prionailurus viverrinus is known in Sinhala as Handun Diviya and in Tamil as Koddi Poonai. The fishing cat has now become the flagship species for urban wetland conservation in Colombo. Weighing between 8 to 16kg, with a beautiful olive grey and brown tinged coat patterned with rows of parallel solid black spots along its flank, the cats live among us even though rarely seen. While many think that the fishing cat can harm people, biting is actually their last resort. Fishing cats are shy which is why we dont see them very often.

Small Cat Advocacy and Research (SCAR) Anya and Ashan started Small Cat Advocacy and Research (SCAR) in 2017 with the countrys three small cat speciesfishing cat, rusty-spotted cat, and the jungle cat in mind. We want to promote young biologists to start working on our own wildlife because we have so much to offer in this country. There are so many species that are so poorly understood and studied that its time we started protecting and learning about them. Rather than going and working on big international lion or leopard projects, we started SCAR so that local biologists have a home base to study our own wildlife, Anya says. People can use an affiliation with SCAR to apply for grants. SCAR vets the proposal and does not invoice any administration costs for this process. Visit https://save.cat/to report small cat sightings and help Anya and Ashan with their research on the distribution of small wild cats as well as the hot spot areas of human-small wild cat conflict. Anyone interested in becoming a SCAR conservationist, visit https://scar.lk/work-with-us/.
Traffic on Cong Hoa Street in Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon of January 17, 2020, one week ahead of Tet. Photo by VnExpress/Huu Khoa.

With a week to go before the Lunar New Year, almost all routes in Ho Chi Minh City are jam-packed with commuters and their vehicles.

They are full of people returning home, going shopping, and transporting goods in preparation for the upcoming Tet festival, the biggest holiday of Vietnamese people that will peak next Saturday.

Traffic on both directions of Cong Hoa Street in Tan Binh District, a route to Tan Son Nhat International Airport, was frozen with a tailback of almost three kilometers Friday afternoon. With the mercury rising to more than 30 degrees Celsius, exhausted faces were to be seen everywhere.

Hoang Hoa, 32, said she had not been able to move her motorbike for half an hour to get away from a gridlock at the junction of Cong Hoa and Hoang Van Thu streets.

Hoa was returning home from Tan Son Nhat, which is two kilometers from the intersection.

"I saw a family member, who returned home for Tet, off at the airport and left at 4 p.m. Normally it takes me just 15 minutes to get home from the airport."

Not very far from where Hoa and thousands of others were standing still, Truong Chinh Street in Tan Binh District was also packed with people, most of whom were carrying flowers and gift baskets.

At least six traffic police officers were assigned to regulate traffic along the street.

Le Duy, 65, a security guard at a kindergarten on Truong Chinh, said normally traffic congestion only took place in the morning and evening, but these days, that became the normal state throughout the day.

Over the past few days, the afternoon gridlock has lasted for almost two hours.

"It feels like everybody is on the street these days," he said.

Senior lieutenant Nguyen Trung Nguyen with the traffic police at the Tan Son Nhat said the airport has become the axis of traffic gridlocks ahead of Tet due to the increasing demand for travel and transporting goods.

He said they have been working alongside with airport security guards and local authorities to ease traffic pressure and tackle gridlocks around the airport.

"We have to take turns to be on duty around the clock to keep traffic in order," he said.

In Binh Thanh District, all routes leading to the Mien Dong Bus Station, which has buses going to destinations all over northern and central Vietnam as well as the city's eastern neighbors such as Dong Nai, Binh Duong and Binh Phuoc, have experienced gridlocks for a few days now.

On Dinh Bo Linh, National Highway 13 and Nguyen Xi streets, thousands of people could be seen sitting on motorbikes with luggage, backpacks and gift bags joggling to find space to get into the station.

The downtown area, meanwhile, has been choked with people flocking to shopping centers. Many taxi drivers and delivery staff had no choice but to stop in the middle of the streets to pick up and drop off passengers and goods.

A traffic police officer in the middle of a sea of motorcyclists in Ho Chi Minh City's downtown, January 17, 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Huu Khoa.

Traffic jams are most serious at the crossroads of Le Loi and Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Streets in District 1, from where people can walk a few steps to reach Saigon Square, which is more of a market than a mall and is quite famous among foreign tourists; and Saigon Center and Takashimaya, which are two malls in one.

Tran Thi Thu, 62, who has sold clothes in Saigon Square for over 10 years, said a construction site on Le Loi Street to build the first metro line for the city has narrowed the street and worsened the traffic jam.

Vo Khanh Hung, deputy director of the municipal Department of Transport, said the department has requested the postponement of all works on roads to make as much space for traffic as possible between January 17 and February 1.

The transport department will also keep a close eye on the traffic via a camera system to notify the "quick response team" of any problem.

It estimates that the number of passengers leaving the city from cross-province bus stations during this occasion can reach nearly 130,000, double that of normal days.

The Tan Son Nhat Airport is expected to get peak crowds between January 9 and February 8 as people travel for Tet, the main occasion for family reunions. Thousands of overseas Vietnamese also return home for the festival.
Ukraine's PM Oleksiy Honcharuk Open source

Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk promised President Volodymyr Zelensky to prepare an interim report on the activities of the Cabinet of Ministers by February 4 and submit it to parliament. Honcharuk said this at a meeting with Zelensky in the Office of the President, where the Prime Ministers resignation was also discussed.

Peoples deputies will be presented with the concept of a strengthened government, as well as its partial organizational reformatting.

"You said that the report will be on the 14th. I think we should do all this at the next session and before February 4. So you will have a report? If you can do this before February 4 ..." - Zelensky said.

Honcharuk replied that this could be done.

As we reported before, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky called on Prime Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Honcharuk to propose a new concept of salaries in ministries, departments and state-owned companies. Zelensky said this during a meeting with Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk.

Zelensky emphasized that these salaries should be normal for the current situation in Ukraine so that they can live on, but taking into account the situation in the country.

In addition, Zelensky did not accept resignation of Honcharuk as Prime Minister
A Pennsylvania court reportedly slashed an $8 billion ruling to $6.8 million against US pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson as the company failed to warn that a psychiatric drug could cause breast growth in men. According to international media reports, back in October 2019, the jury had ordered the company and its subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals to pay damages after plaintiff Nicholas Murray told the court that the drug Risperdal had made him grow breasts and J&J failed to properly warn of the risk.

The company had reportedly asked for the amount to be reduced and argued that they were excessive and disproportionate to the $680,000 in compensatory damages awarded to Murray. While speaking to an international media outlet, a spokesperson form J&J said that although the court appropriately reduced the excessive punitive damages award, the company is still going to pursue with an appeal of the verdict. The pharmaceutical company also said that it had appropriately outlined the benefits and risks of the antipsychotic drug.

READ: Trump Warns Iran's Supreme Leader To Be 'careful With His Words'

Murray, a Maryland resident, earlier reportedly claimed that he had been prescribed the drug back 2003, when he was 9, to treat symptoms related to autism. His lawyer, Thomas Kline in an email also reportedly said that the ruling was wrong as it wipes out a valid award of a jury and fails to punish corporate misconduct. He further also believes that when the merits are reviewed the $8 billion will be reinstated.

READ: Navy To Name Aircraft Carrier For Pearl Harbor Hero Miller

J&J denies claims

According to reports, the company is facing a series of complaints in state courts for failing to properly warn of Risperdal's side effects, including in Pennsylvania, California and Missouri. The $8 billion verdicts had also been the biggest to date among lawsuits by about 13,000 plaintiffs alleging that Risperdal caused a condition called gynecomastia in boys. The lawsuits reportedly also state that the company was aware of the risk of the side effect, but it still understated the risk to doctors. J&J had denied all the claims and said that it was precluded from presenting a meaningful defence due to the court's exclusion of key evidence.

(With inputs from agencies)

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